HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 12 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
November 12, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(11:00:46 AM)
Present: Ken Mann, Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Kathy Kershner, Bill Knutzen and Pete Kremen.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. CITY OF BELLINGHAM MAYOR KELLI LINVILLE AND STAFF TO PRESENT A
SUMMARY OF THE PLANNED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE
BAKERVIEW /I -5/ NORTHWEST CORRIDOR (AB2013 -353)
Kelli Linville, Bellingham Mayor, stated the Economic Development Investment (EDI)
project met all five criteria. The project implements the growth management plan. They
continue to want to invest in a regional infrastructure plan with all jurisdictions.
Ted Carlson, City of Bellingham Public Works Department, gave a report on current
and future investments in infrastructure.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the plans for the area include just
commercial development.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the cost estimate for widening the
Bakerview overpass versus the cost of the overpass project at Sunset.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the size of the stormwater facility,
whether the City will waive impact fees for some developers, and how much property the
City owns in the area.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether any of the property is zoned
single family residential.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of the cumulative effect of all the recent
development and its effect on traffic congestion in the general area and the significant
expansion of the overpass an essential component of making all this growth work.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 1
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Crawford stated he needs a better understanding of the anticipated traffic flow,
including the number of vehicles crossing the bridge and on Pacific Highway today compared
to the number of vehicles anticipated a full build out of all these projects.
Brenner stated she needs additional information and clarification on the additional 70
percent capacity estimate.
Weimer stated helping commercial and industrial development go forward can be
done by local governments providing infrastructure. He stated and there was discussion of
making sure they are looking at the development regionally and that the traffic estimates
are realistic.
Knutzen stated and there was discussion of how Fred Meyer representatives feel
about what's going on now and why there is no private participation in this last proposal.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of the size of the shopping center associated
with the new Costco compared to the size of Bellis Fair.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the Council of Governments is working on
transportation projects in that area. He described their efforts. Everyone knows that it's in
everyone's benefit to have a regional transportation system. He recommends the Council
continue to participate in this stormwater project and continue to work on traffic issues in
that area.
Mann stated the councilmembers are saying that they want to make sure they
understand the project. Procedurally, the Council passed a resolution to approve this
project, but it hasn't authorized any money.
(12:00:27 PM)
Discussion of whether the Council should reconsider the Economic Development
Investment Program — EDI Board recommendations (AB2013 -319).
Crawford stated he isn't opposed to the stormwater project. He suggests the
Executive continue to develop the contract, but he is reluctant to approve that contract until
the Council has more information on traffic estimates. Keep in mind there are economic
development opportunities elsewhere in the county for these same retailers.
Linville stated Bellingham is a part of Whatcom County. In implementing growth
management, they must start with zoning and deciding where to build certain things. This
area is zoned appropriately and approved. They are partnering with the County, other
cities, and the tribes. The bigger issue is approval of the EDI project, which has regional
significance. Consider what will happen if the Council decides not to fund the stormwater
project and the area is still zoned for development.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF 2014 SHARED LEGISLATIVE OBJECTIVES (AB2013 -258A)
(12:06:13 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. None of the items on
the list are in priority order. He asked and there was discussion of the last item regarding
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 2
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revision and review of the Growth Management Act and whether it would be better to delay
approval of these items until the new councilmembers are seated. He would specifically like
the lobbyists have the legislature take on the structure of the Growth Management Act
hearings boards.
Jack Louws, County Executive, described the objective regarding the review of the
Growth Management Act.
Kremen stated there are problems with the list, including the focus on using the
Growth Management Act to help the City of Bellingham generate more revenue from
concentrating commercial development in the city. The City is asking to use rural sales tax
funds to help the City grow and generate more revenue, which exacerbates the County's
ability to generate revenue. Some of the objectives on the list are specific to the City or the
Port. The County should not include growth management issues on the list of objectives for
the lobbyist because they are at odds with the City.
Brenner stated don't have the lobbyists at all. Use the Washington State Association
of Counties lobbyists instead.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether the Council already approved a
budget for this service for 2014 and whether the lobbyists were successful with the County's
2013 legislative agenda.
Mann stated he will support the motion because the County receives a benefit from
the effort. They are more effective in Olympia when they work together.
Brenner stated don't pay for half a lobbyist to receive less than half of the lobbyist's
efforts.
Kremen stated the Association of Cities and the Association of Counties are already
working on things that they agree on.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2013 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
THIRTEENTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,974,579 (AB2013 -346)
(12:37:46 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend adoption to the full Council. He asked if this is the
Council's final vote on whether or not the County will purchase the property.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated it is not. He gave a staff report on the purpose
of this series of internal fund transfers and referenced and read from his memo to the
Council dated November 4, 2013 (on file). The Council must decide on the La Bounty Road
property no later than its meeting on December 10, 2013. The purchase and sale
agreement expires on December 13, 2013. He invited councilmembers to tour the State
Street building. He intends to move the Planning Department, the permit portion of the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 3
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Public Works Department, and some Health Department staff to the State Street location.
Decide what to do with the Northwest Annex at a later time.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of supporting buying the property around
the shop and of reimbursing for cleanup of an old tank that was removed. She will never
support demolishing the Northwest Annex, which should have been historically preserved,
or putting more money into the Civic Center.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of upgrades to the Civic Center building.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the road fund balance and the Central
Shop property being transferred.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether all of this has had legal review,
getting a presentation of the plans for State Street, and parking for staff and citizens in the
area. He's ready to move forward with the jail property, and make it clear they aren't
approving a $110 million project. He asked and there was discussion of whether or not they
plan to use only the upper, eastern section of the property.
Knutzen asked for information on the impact of these shifts on each of the funds.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2013 -003 (SECOND AMENDMENT)
ESTABLISHING A PROJECT FUND FOR THE NEW JAIL PROJECT (AB2013-
347) (1 :00:18 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend adoption to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE STATE STREET BUILDING ACQUISITION
AND IMPROVEMENT FUND AND RELATED CAPITAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION
(AB2013 -348) (1 :00 :34 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend adoption to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CAPITAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR
RENOVATION OF THE CIVIC CENTER BUILDING (AB2013 -349) (1 :00 :54 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend adoption to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 4
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5. RESOLUTION IDENTIFYING 2014 AND 2015 SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR
EXECUTIVE BRANCH ELECTED OFFICIALS (AB2013 -357) (1 :02:08 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval of the substitute to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND LANDC, ETC., LLC FOR ON
CALL HYDRAULIC MODELING ASSISTANCE FOR THE LOWER NOOKSACK
RIVER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2013 -358) (1 :03 :28 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control
Zone District Board of Supervisors.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of why these are on -call projects.
Paula Cooper, Public Works Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WATERSHED SCIENCE &
ENGINEERING FOR ON CALL HYDRAULIC MODELING ASSISTANCE FOR THE
LOWER NOOKSACK RIVER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2013 -359)
(1:04:28 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control
Zone District Board of Supervisors.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A JOINT
FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE UNITED
STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE ONGOING OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF THE COUNTY'S STREAM GAUGES, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$85,620 (AB2013 -360)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control
Zone District Board of Supervisors.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 5
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COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR THE OPERATION OF THE HOUSING AND
ESSENTIAL NEEDS PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,772, FOR A TOTAL
AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,221,801 (AB2013 -361)
(1:05:57 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
ADMINISTRATORS, INC. FOR ADMINISTRATION AND CLAIMS PROCESSING
FOR THE SELF - INSURED MEDICAL PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $24.30
PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH FOR 2014, $25.05 PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH
FOR 2015, AND $25.80 PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH FOR 2016 (AB2013 -362)
(1:06:25 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether any counties are getting better
deals than Whatcom County is getting.
Karen Goens, Administrative Services Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND FOSTER PEPPER PLLC FOR
THE WHATCOM COUNTY PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS CORE
AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2013-
363) (1:09:38 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Linda Twitchell, Building Industry Association of Whatcom County, stated Perry
Eskridge from the Realtor's Association asked her to let the committee know there may be a
scrivener's error that may create 200 exempt lots and ask why the County legal staff can't
do this instead of hiring a consultant.
Brenner referenced the scope of work and stated the Council did not allow an error
to stand. She stated and there was discussion that the Council had a different
interpretation at the time and basing appraisals on annual assessments.
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, answered
questions.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 6
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether this is totally voluntary or
landowners will be forced to do anything different, who will determine whether the 200 lots
are legal lots of record.
Mann stated and there was discussion of outsourcing work versus adding more work
for existing staff.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the County's staff resources that are
available to determine all the legal lots of record.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Weimer stated they can change the language on Council packet page 158, "A
scrivener's erre decision in the early 1980's...."
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON STATE
MILITARY DEPARTMENT TO SUPPORT AND ENHANCE EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,791 (AB2013 -364)
(1:22:56 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO FUND ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACTION
PROJECTS FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,259 (AB2013 -365) (1 :23:32 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
MORE THAN A YEAR OLD (AB2013 -366) (1 :23 :55 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 7
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7. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CORRECTION OF EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND
REVOLVING FUND ACCOUNTING RECORDS (AB2013 -367) (1:24:10 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
8. RESOLUTION REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
1500 N. STATE STREET BUILDING AND PROPERTY (AB2013 -368) (1:24:24
PM)
Jack Louws, County Executive, asked that this item be held in committee to
December 10, 2013
Weimer moved to hold in committee to December 10.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
9. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF THE CIVIC CENTER
BUILDING FROM GENERAL GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP TO THE WHATCOM
COUNTY ROAD FUND (AB2013 -369)
Crawford moved to recommend approval of the substitute to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
10. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF THE 316 LOTTIE STREET
BUILDING FROM THE EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND REVOLVING FUND TO THE
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FUND (AB2013 -370)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
11. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF THE LAND LOCATED AT 901
WEST SMITH ROAD, SITE OF THE ROAD MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
SHOP, FROM GENERAL GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP TO THE WHATCOM
COUNTY ROAD FUND (AB2013 -371)
Weimer moved to recommend approval of the substitute to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 8
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12. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE ADDITION OF A CAPITAL PROJECT INTO THE
2010 WHATCOM COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
(CEDS) (AB2013 -372)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
Knutzen asked and there was discussion about giving $20,000 to Sun Community for
their Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and other items at the last meeting.
(1:27:30 PM)
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the $20,000 is a pass- through with the City of
Bellingham. It's a two -step process.
Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, gave a staff report and explained
the project.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:29 p.m.
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
, Council Clerk Ken Mann, Committee Chair
-, Minutes Transcription
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 9