HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance October 22 20131
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
October 22, 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
(11:01:37 AM)
Present: Ken Mann, Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Bill Knutzen, Kathy Kershner, Barbara Brenner and Pete Kremen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. EXECUTIVE TO PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF THE MID - BIENNIUM BUDGET
REVIEW (AB2013 -333)
Jack Louws, County Executive, submitted and read from his staff report (on file).
Crawford asked and there was discussion about the schedule of these items coming
before the Council for review.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the request for Whatcom County to
contribute $10,000 for lobbying in Washington D.C. regarding rural schools by the
Evergreen Forest County Group.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the budget adjustment for Lean initiatives
and whether councilmembers will get feedback from staff and the public about whether the
Lean training is working.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of why they are waiting to have budget
adjustment discussions and adoption until November.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, TWELFTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,488,730 (AB2013 -326) (11:16 :18 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the request for medical care costs and
whether it qualifies for the risk pool.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2013, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
Brenner stated and there was discussion of holding the appropriation to fund an
Economic Development Investment (EDI) Program grant for the West Bakerview Overpass
Project until they receive more information from the City of Bellingham.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of the fund balance of the EDI fund.
Mann asked and there was discussion of getting a presentation from the City of
Bellingham about their plans for the Bakerview area.
Knutzen asked if the EDI fund can finance a portion of the jail development.
Cleo Callen stated the Council should not have approved funding to help the City
build infrastructure to retain Costco and increase the traffic burden in that area.
Brenner referenced and there was discussion of the Bakerview overpass project.
Mann asked about and there was discussion of the request for $400,000 for road oil.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of chip sealing Slater Road.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of working with the Port and other
jurisdictions to pool resources and get a discount.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of the benefits of chip sealing a road.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2013 WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL
ZONE DISTRICT BUDGET, FOURTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,000
(AB2013 -327) (11:43 :25 AM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors.
Greg Brown asked why this is funded from the flood fund.
Chris Brueske, Public Works Department, stated $14,000 of this is coming from the
Joint Board fund. This is the balance of the contract.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion about concerns with the facilitators.
Kershner asked and there was discussion about the source and use of the Joint
Board fund.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of why this amount is not coming from the
Joint Board fund.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the history of the Joint Board.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2013, Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
Crawford asked and there was discussion of funding the Joint Board fund and
requesting this money from the Joint Board instead of the County.
Mann moved to hold in committee for further information.
The motion to hold in committee carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. RESOLUTION APPROVING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND POLICIES FOR
UNREPRESENTED WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1,
2014 (AB2013 -334) (12 :04 :12 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the health care options.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of approval for the elected officials.
Wendy Wefer - Clinton, Administrative Services Department, answered questions.
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
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT
AND PUGET SOUND PARTNERSHIP TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM -WIDE
IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK (SWIF) TO ADDRESS DEFICIENCIES
IDENTIFIED FOR THE NOOKSACK RIVER LEVEES BY THE US ARMY CORPS OF
ENGINEERS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000 (AB2013 -335) (12 :05 :52 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether the $44,000 paid to Kulshan for
consulting work will be reimbursed to the flood fund and the status of the contract.
Paula Cooper, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of why they are doing this with the Puget
Sound Partnership.
Greg Brown stated they should not get this money and a seat at the table. The
money is still tax money.
used.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the outcome of this work.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether modeling done already will be
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2013, Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INVESTMENT PROGRAM — EDI BOARD RECOMMENDATION TO MODIFY
GUIDELINES TO ADD SINGLE AND MULTI - FAMILY HOME CONSTRUCTION AS
AN ALLOWABLE USE (AB2013 -332) (12:14:26 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked and there was
discussion about the income rates on which this is based and whether it really helps
affordable housing.
Paul Schissler submitted information (on file) and answered questions.
Mann asked and there was discussion of modifying the interlocal agreement.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
Mann stated he is against allowing rental in this program. There is no nexus with
economic development. However, it may benefit the County. Get whatever leverage they
can to get construction projects.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of whether specific projects come before
the Council for approval. She won't approve it if the Council doesn't have approval of
specific projects.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of EDI fund uses encouraging home
ownership, this request for more affordable housing, and whether this provides economic
development.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of changing the interlocal agreement to
allow Council review of specific projects.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the permanence of the program.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of extending the program another 20 years.
Kremen stated affordable housing availability will only get worse in the future, and
the homeless population is more severe than they think. Include an option to extend the
program for someone for 20 years.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of landlord requirements for maintaining
rental units and utilities.
Weimer moved to amend his motion and moved to recommend approval to the
full Council with the understanding that, when the interlocal agreement comes forward,
there be an option for another 20 years of affordability.
Mann stated he will vote for this item. There isn't a clear connection, but there is an
opportunity to leverage money. Just because they need a service, it doesn't mean the EDI
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2013, Page 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
fund is the right funding source, but this will not increase the budget and bring in much
more money.
The motion offered carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Weimer (2)
Nays: Crawford (1)
Louws stated the administration will bring forward a recommendation that has the
20 -year renewal language, but consider that requirement carefully. If the money doesn't
come back to the fund, there will be no new construction. The amount of money the County
is investing is small compared to other funds that go along with it. Consider it may be
counterproductive to keep the money with the project through an extension.
Mann stated he would like to see options about that and options for the Council to
have input about the types of projects that are developed. The Council is interested in
having more policy discussion about implementation.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF WARRANTS MORE THAN A
YEAR OLD (AB2013 -336) (12:47 :07 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. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
MORE THAN A YEAR OLD (AB2013 -337) (12 :47 :20 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 AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
BELLINGHAM FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO SUN COMMUNITY SERVICES
HOUSE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 (AB2013 -338) (12 :47 :34 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)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO PROVIDE
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2013, Page 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION ASSISTANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $160,207
(AB2013 -339) (12:48:00 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)
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SUN COMMUNITY
SERVICES FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 515 E. CHESTNUT STREET,
BELLINGHAM, WA (AB2013 -340) (12 :48 :23 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 AWARD BID 13 -74
FOR THE SUPPLY OF FIVE 2014 FORD UTILITY INTERCEPTOR AWD PURSUIT
VEHICLES TO THE SOLE RESPONSIVE BIDDER, DIEHL FORD, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $187,353.74 (AB2013 -341) (12 :49 :45 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 APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO PURCHASE SIX 2013
CHEVROLET TAHOE ER &R REPLACEMENT VEHICLES FOR THE SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $194,853.36 (AB2013 -342) (12 :50 :22
PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked and there
was discussion of Fords versus Chevrolets.
Jeff Parks, Sheriff's Office, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Crawford and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
Bill Moeller, Whatcom Council on Aging, stated Glen Hallman is in hospice and asked
councilmembers to come up with a commendation.
The Councilmembers concurred.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2013, Page 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated he received and read from an email from a
citizen regarding his positive experience at the Planning Department.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ken Mann, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2013, Page 7