HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 26 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
November 26, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(1:03:30 PM)
Present: Ken Mann, Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Pete Kremen, Kathy Kershner, Barbara Brenner and Bill Knutzen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. PRESENTATION BY EXECUTIVE LOUWS ON PLANS FOR THE STATE STREET
BUILDING (AB2013 -368A)
Jack Louws, County Executive, submitted and read from a presentation (on file).
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether the County will pay $2.5 million
to buy the building and spend the same amount to remodel the building, whether they could
get a new building with just as much money, and the scarcity of available parking lots in the
downtown area. He also asked and there was discussion of the reason for the difference
between the appraisal price and the sale price and whether they've considered including a
multipurpose space for Planning Commission and other meetings. Create a space that is
multifunctional.
Mann stated he hopes the remodel estimate is high and the actual remodel costs will
be less.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of what is included in the remodel estimates.
Kremen stated this is a good bargain. The cost of building a morgue would be
extremely expensive. The purchase price is 40 percent less than the appraisal price. The
value of the parking spaces is over $1 million. He supports the plan.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether they will receive rent from Dr.
Goldfogal for his business, remodeling the morgue, and whether the current medical
examiner is planning to retire.
Brenner stated she likes the State Street building and will support the purchase.
Repairs should be planned differently. The building at Smith Road and Northwest Road is
more appropriate for the citizens who need the permit center, and is an historic building.
Use the money to do a good renovation to that building. Get rid of the Civic Center
building.
Louws stated the ordinance authorizing him to make the purchase will come forward
on December 10. He will also get the results of the environmental study.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/26/2013, Page 1
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COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 6.04.150 IMPOUND,
REDEMPTION AND DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS (AB2013 -375)
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)
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2013 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
FOURTEENTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,720,866 (AB2013 -383)
(1 :27:24 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the two purchase of development rights
(PDR) requests regarding zoning and available development lots.
Karin Wessman, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted a
handout (on file) and answered questions.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the lots are vested.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the location of the development rights
on the subdivision.
Knutzen asked if there was potential for landowners who were downzoned recently to
get some compensation.
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, answered
questions.
Brenner stated consider using conservation futures fund money to help people
restore property value.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the potential development rights that
are vested and whether this went through the purchase of development rights program.
The Council downzoned many property owners with no compensation, and is now paying
some property owners for their development rights. That is hypocrisy.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of whether these properties have water
rights and why the County would spend money on properties that can't be developed
without water rights.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the Council talked about
reducing the amount the County pays the Land Trust for these services.
Weimer stated he supports this item because the Agricultural Advisory Committee
supports the purchase, and this is the only tool they have for agriculture.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/26/2013, Page 2
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Kremen stated the State Department of Ecology has been making it more difficult or
impossible to obtain an exempt well.
Weimer moved to amend to remove item one for $10,000 for outside legal counsel.
Crawford stated he is opposed to the motion to amend. He stated and there was
discussion of the County defending its role to allow development using exempt wells.
Weimer stated the County has not asked the people who are challenging this
whether they are interested in getting rid of exempt wells. They should have that
discussion.
Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, stated the first brief will be due in early February.
There is not enough money left in the contract to allow counsel to prepare the brief due to
appeals and motions from the other side.
Mann stated he'll support the motion. He's never supported hiring outside counsel
before attempting mediation.
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Weimer (2)
Nays: Crawford (1)
Brenner stated discuss this with the appellants, but don't withdraw from the case.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Weimer (2)
Nays: Crawford (1)
3. ORDINANCE TO REPLACE THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND AMBULANCE
ADVISORY BOARD ESTABLISHED THROUGH WHATCOM COUNTY ORDINANCE
NO. 82 -109 AND AMENDED THROUGH ORDINANCE 2006 -007 (CODIFIED IN
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE AS CHAPTER 5.04.080) WITH THE EMS
OVERSIGHT BOARD AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD DEFINING THE
COMPOSITION AND DUTIES OF THESE NEWLY ESTABLISHED BOARDS
(AB2013 -384)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
(1:56:10 PM)
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the EMS Oversight Board is
advisory.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
Mann moved to amend the section 5.04.080(A), "There is created a joint,
cooperative advisory emergency medical and ambulance advisory services oversight
board...."
Crawford accepted the friendly amendment.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/26/2013, Page 3
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Louws stated the Council recommended service option two in July, which instructed
him to establish these two boards.
Mann asked and there was discussion of how many votes are required to vote in the
affirmative. Amend Council packet page 30, section (B)(3), so it's clear that five members
must vote in the affirmative to pass anything.
The committee concurred.
Louws stated the administration will include correct language.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the City's involvement.
Mann stated he appreciates all the work that went into this ordinance with the other
jurisdictions. He will not support this ordinance because he's not happy about having
different service providers and not having an integrated system.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford and Weimer (2)
Nays: Mann (1)
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, SECOND
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,301,374 (AB2013 -385) (2 :12:39 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following staff answered questions:
• Dave Reynolds, Superior Court Administrator
• Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department
• Dewey Desler, Administrative Services Department
• Frank Abart, Public Works Director
• Joe Rutan, Public Works Department
• Bill Elfo, County Sheriff
• Chris Brueske, Public Works Department
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the guardian ad litem (GAL) program.
(2:17:35 PM)
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of item seven for the mid - biennium review
of the Health Department and item 12 regarding the Meals -on- Wheels program.
Brenner asked for a report from the Council on Aging on the amount other counties
spend on senior meal programs.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of item 18 regarding increased
administration costs for the Bellingham and Ferndale senior centers and whether other
senior centers in the county have to come to the County to ask for help to get this funding.
Brenner stated she doesn't support item 17 regarding the civic center.
Knutzen referenced item 21 regarding road funds for traffic enforcement. He asked
and there was discussion of whether they can pay the Acme deputy from the road fund. He
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/26/2013, Page 4
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referenced and there was discussion of item 32 regarding the national pollutant discharge
and elimination system (NPDES) engineer. He asked and there was discussion of whether
staff can do this work and whether they are getting any grants for this item.
Brenner referenced and there was discussion of item four regarding the GAL program
and the court appointed special advocate (CASA) program.
David Hunter referenced the letter he sent (on file) and stated the current system is
untenable for the children. The administrator did not attempt to negotiate a lower rate with
the contractors who submitted requests for proposals (RFPs). It is not possible to have 200
children switch to different GALs. The most important problem for children is constant
change. The current contractor is a very capable enterprise. Don't replace it with County
work. Don't try to save money on the backs of these children.
Jack Hovenier stated he is a CASA professional and advocate. There are many
studies and best practices regarding CASA. Volunteers spend more time with the child than
paid GALs. Juvenile court judges rate CASAs higher than attorneys in nine key areas. The
CASA program is proven. He supports Superior Court Administrator Dave Reynolds and the
CASA Coordinator. In the long run, this is best for children. It has more flexibility. Allow a
child's CASA or GAL to spend the time needed with a child so the child doesn't become a
burden on society in the future.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford and Weimer (2)
Nays: Mann (1)
S. RESOLUTION REQUESTING COUNCIL APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE
LABOUNTY ROAD PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A NEW
WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL AND SHERIFF'S HEADQUARTERS (AB2013 -388)
(3:12:49 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner stated there needs to be more than four test pits. Add a clause that says
the seller is responsible for the cost if pollution is found during initial construction.
Mann asked and there was discussion of environmental testing on that site. He
asked the Executive to contact the seller before the evening meeting to find out if they
would accept the change to the purchase and sale agreement.
The following staff answered questions:
• Tyler Schroeder, Planning and Development Services Department
• Jack Louws, County Executive
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/26/2013, Page 5
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FOR HOUSING CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $363,876
(AB2013 -389) (3:26:15 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)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE SHELTER PLUS CARE LEASING
SPECIALIST SERVICES FOR LONG TERM RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS
PERSONS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ISSUES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,349,
FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $212,921 (AB2013-
390) (3:26:35 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)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ANDREW AND
NASTASHA MCDONNELL FOR THE SUNSET FARM RENTAL HOUSE LOCATED
AT 7981 BLAINE ROAD, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,075 PER MONTH (AB2013-
391) (3:27:07 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the location and size of this property.
Eric Axelson, Parks and Recreation Department, answered questions.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the renter's use of the property.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF NPDES PHASE
II EXPENSES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $170,000 (AB2013 -392) (3 :29:08 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, 11/26/2013, Page 6
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5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO PURCHASE A
REPLACEMENT REGENERATIVE SWEEPER THROUGH THE WASHINGTON
STATE CONTRACT, FROM THE VENDOR, ENVIRO -CLEAN EQUIPMENT, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $237,951.91 (AB2013 -393) (3:29:37 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. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO PURCHASE FOUR
REPLACEMENT 10 -YARD DUMP TRUCKS FROM THE LOW BIDDER, KENWORTH
NW, IN THE AMOUNT OF $776,456.38 (AB2013 -394) (3:30:05 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)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICES FOR HOUSING CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $144,050 (AB2013 -395) (3:30 :38 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)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:31 p.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ken Mann, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/26/2013, Page 7