HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works April 23 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee
April 23, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(1:33:26 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner and Ken Mann.
Absent: Pete Kremen.
Also Present: None.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING ORDINANCE 2013 -016, AMENDMENTS TO
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 3.37.070, CHEMICAL
DEPENDENCY /MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM FUND OVERSIGHT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (AB2013 -130A)
Anne Deacon, Health Department, submitted a handout (on file) and gave a staff
report on the history of the Behavioral Health Advisory Board and the Behavioral Health
Revenue Advisory Committee.
Brenner asked if the State requires an oversight committee for the behavioral health
fund. Deacon stated the State does not require it, but the Council added it to the Code.
Brenner stated the Revenue Advisory Committee seems too weighted toward staff
over citizens. The revenue committee should be a subcommittee of the Behavioral Health
Advisory Board. Deacon stated the new Behavioral Health Advisory Board meets every
other month. The revenue committee meets quarterly and approved its own charter to
operate with a narrow focus. They ensure the program priorities are addressed with funding
and programs. There must be a program evaluation for programs that are over $20,000.
She submitted a copy of the charter (on file).
Brenner stated the pot of money is directly related to the Behavioral Health Advisory
Board. Having a separate revenue advisory committee is disrespectful to the Behavioral
Health Advisory Board.
Mann stated the board is more about policy and the committee is more about how to
spend the money.
Brenner stated the board is also about funding. The board talks about funding.
Deacon stated the policy board is to make recommendations to the revenue committee.
Mann stated it should be the other way around.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 4/23/2013, Page 1
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Brenner stated she agrees. Deacon stated they did that because the advisory board
ensured policies and priorities. It's a broader look that includes substance abuse dollars and
millage dollars.
Brenner stated they deal with all those different funds. The revenue committee is
just one of those funds that has an entirely separate committee. Most of the members work
for government.
Mann asked if the advisory board role could include the role of the revenue
committee. The Council could specify that the advisory board takes on the role of the
revenue committee in making revenue recommendations for the one -tenth of one percent
tax. He asked if that's a good solution. They can't isolate the committee that makes
revenue decisions separate from the policy board.
Brenner stated the policy board also makes funding recommendations. Deacon
stated there is merit to discuss it. Look at the historic role of the advisory board. The
revenue committee didn't want to make recommendations about separate programs, but
only program priorities.
Mann asked if the advisory board has ten members. Deacon stated both have ten
members.
Brenner stated the board should have 11 members. It shouldn't be an even amount.
Deacon stated that the State statute has requirements about the membership of the
advisory board if it gives advice about substance abuse.
Regina Delahunt, Health Department, stated it's important for County departments
to participate in the revenue committee. They are important stakeholders that are
impacted by what is happening in the community or are funded with dollars from the fund.
It's been really helpful to have participation from the Sheriff, the jail, and the courts.
However, the Sheriff wouldn't necessarily be on the advisory board. The mission of that
board is much broader than the revenue committee.
Brenner stated the Sheriff or his designee can be on the advisory board, which
should have 11 members. The revenue committee should be folded into the advisory
board.
Mann asked if Health Department staff attend both of these meetings. Delahunt
stated they do attend. They will have to be very thoughtful about how to combine them
and how the other departments still have some voice in the oversight of the fund.
Brenner stated include them in the advisory board. It's too confusing the way it is.
Deacon stated the advisory board has its first meeting in May and can discuss this.
Brenner stated the Council is charged with streamlining County government.
They've already eliminated advisory committees. The advisory board may be fine with
having more, but the Council still has to consider streamlining. The big discussion is why
they have a separate committee for a function that is part of the regular advisory board
function. Delahunt stated the advisory board will have good suggestions about how to
combine the advisory board and revenue committee.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 4/23/2013, Page 2
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Brenner asked about State requirements for membership. Deacon stated a certain
percentage of the advisory board that addresses substance abuse has to represent people
who are in recovery.
Brenner moved to recommend that the full Council ask staff to prepare an
ordinance to combine the two committees in a configuration that works. The staff and
advisory board would figure out the membership details.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Kremen (1)
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE FERNDALE SENIORS
JET OLDSTERS ASSOCIATION'S NUTRITION PROGRAM AT THE FERNDALE
SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER (AB2013 -165) (1 :55:17 PM)
Brenner gave a staff report and stated she would like a breakdown of what this is all
about, what the options are, and what the County may be able to do.
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated the County
doesn't get involved with the meals program. The arrangement for each center is different.
They rely heavily on the seniors for paying for services, programs, and activities at the
centers because the County doesn't have the resources. The smallest center is the
Welcome Center, which has a potluck run by the senior members. The largest center is in
Bellingham and has a wide variety of activities, programs, and services provided by the
Council on Aging. The County has a large investment in senior services and still plays a
large role. Four years ago, they shifted to a contracted model to operate and run the larger
centers. The County staffs the smaller facilities and contracts with the municipalities for
different services and programs.
Brenner asked for written detail on each center, including how much the County
funds the centers, the number of seniors using the centers, and the different ways the
centers function.
Mann asked the committee's mission today.
Brenner stated there is a sudden increase in the cost of the meals for Ferndale.
Mann asked if today's committee is because of the price increase from the Council on
Aging to the Jet Oldsters, and if Councilmember Brenner is trying to understand the
situation and find the solution.
Brenner stated that's correct.
Bill Moeller, Council on Aging President, stated nutrition is one of their programs.
They have furnished meals for seniors for over 50 years. For many people who have a meal
at the senior center, it's their only meal of the day, so it must be nutritional and filling. Due
to sequestration, funding for the meal program is reduced. They are looking for other
sources of income and grants to supplement the program.
Julie Meyers, Council on Aging Senior Nutrition Director, stated they serve really
good quality meals. They serve 12 sites in Whatcom and San Juan counties. The menus
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meet one -third of the daily nutritional requirements for a senior. The Council on Aging also
provides home - delivered meals. In 2012, they served 94,985 meals to seniors, 7,959 of
those were served in Ferndale. They served 57,690 home - delivered means in Whatcom and
San Juan County in 2012, 3,100 of those were served to Ferndale residents. The cost of the
meals includes more than food. The food cost is $2.60 per meal in 2012. The cost includes
cooks, couriers, planning, record keeping, maintaining the federal contract, staff,
volunteers, and other work. Whatcom County contributes $10,000 towards meals -on-
wheels for residents outside the City of Bellingham. The County also provides the
Bellingham Senior Center building and maintenance, and charges just under $10,000 for
utilities. Federal funding provides for 38 percent of the overall cost. Participant donations
cover another 27 percent. One -third of the total budget must be collected from fundraising
and grants. They must also find grants for equipment repairs and upgrades. Reserves are
dwindling. Sequestration will cause $35,000 in cuts. They are looking for ways to make up
that money. They are not receiving the grants and donations they need. They are looking
for the senior center partners help to provide the service at current levels. Other centers
around the state have put seniors on waiting lists for meals. They don't want to do that.
Brenner asked if the cost of managing volunteers is included as an in -kind
contribution for federal grants. Meyers stated it is not.
Shelly Zylstra, Northwest Regional Council Planning Director, submitted and read
from a handout (on file) and stated they've worked with the nutritional program to make
the grant requirements leaner. The cost per meal is calculated by dividing the total budget
for senior meals by the total number of meals served. The Whatcom /San Juan project cost
has been the lowest in the state.
Brenner asked if the benefit from grants received outweighs the onerous grant
requirements. Zylstra stated it does. The onerous requirements are also smart, such as
having a registered dietician. The savings from not having to meet grant requirements
would be about $70,000, but they would lose $350,000. She continued to read the
presentation to describe the different revenue sources for Whatcom /San Juan, Skagit, and
Island counties.
Brenner asked about the latest increase in cost. Zylstra stated there hasn't been an
increase in the cost of meals, but the revenues have been going down. In 2014, there will
be a definite loss of resources due to sequestration.
Brenner asked the cost of the loss due to sequestration around Whatcom County.
Zylstra stated it would be around $35,000 per year. There are also pressures from added
fuel costs. The total of those is about eight percent of the total cost of foods. The Whatcom
County food cost is about $400,000 per year. About $85,000 would be a nice, break -even
amount.
Mary Carlson, Council on Aging Executive Director, continued the presentation and
described the specific programs at the Whatcom County senior centers. They propose that
Ferndale continue and increase the use of their volunteers, so they would be the same as
the other senior center sites and give them their budget reduction.
Brenner asked if the proposal is to not provide a staff person for four hours. Carlson
stated that is correct. Council on Aging staff would spend an hour delivering the meals, but
the Ferndale Senior Center staff or volunteers would be available during the meal. The
proposal creates savings from reducing the shift to one hour instead of four hours. Another
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option is to continue to provide the full service for $10,500. It costs a $1.32 per meal for
the extra hours.
Mann asked about the timing of the notice. Carlson stated they are looking at the
length of time to implement changes, including giving notice to an employee. It takes quite
a while before implementing budget reductions.
Glen Hallman, Council on Aging Board Vice - President, stated he suggests the County
cut back on management and contract with the centers to pick up what they can.
Competition for funding is tough. It's been difficult for Ferndale to recruit and maintain
volunteers. Whatcom County contributes only one percent. At some point in the future,
they will ask that the County increase its contribution. They have been subsidizing the
program in Whatcom County from reserves for a number of years. They are forced to
economize. He appreciates being here. He wishes they didn't have to do this, but they
need the seniors to step up to the program.
Louise Bjornson, Council on Aging volunteer, submitted information (on file) and
spoke about population increases.
Brenner thanked the Council on Aging representatives for their presentation.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated that in the short term, the Council on Aging
contract will have to be negotiated with the Jet Oldsters. In the medium- and long -term,
the County needs to take a look at it and consider if it's living up to its responsibilities.
They will have an opportunity later this year to have a look at moving forward.
Brenner stated Councilmember Kremen is out of town, but expressed his support for
senior needs.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE LUMMI
NATION FOR CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF
HAXTON WAY ROUNDABOUT AND ASSOCIATED PUBLIC APPURTENANCES
(AB2013 -157)
Mann asked if it will cost the County more or less to maintain the roundabout after
construction.
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated it costs more to maintain a roundabout
than an intersection, but the intersection will be much safer and more efficient.
Roundabouts reduce fatalities by 70 percent over a stop - controlled intersection.
Brenner stated she would like to know the number of casualties at the intersection.
Rutan stated this is a Lummi project, not a County project. He will provide the traffic
information.
Mann asked if the Tribe will make up the difference in cost for the additional
maintenance expenses. Rutan stated that is not in the interlocal.
Brenner asked if this money is part of the lease. Rutan stated it is not.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 4/23/2013, Page 5
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Brenner stated she would like information on the difference in the ongoing cost of
maintenance and the accident reports. Rutan stated the maintenance costs are estimates.
He will provide that information.
Mann asked if the Lummi Nation would be willing to pay the increased maintenance
and operation costs for this intersection.
Robert Pell, Lummi Planning and Public Works Project Manager, stated he can't
answer that for the tribal council.
Rutan stated the additional annual cost for maintenance and operation will be about
$2,000, due to a more robust drainage system, catch basins, and more landscaping. This
intersection improvement is no cost to the County. It's a good deal for the County. It will
be a much safer intersection. The overall additional costs are minor compared to the overall
cost to maintain Haxton Way. The County staff have managed this project as if the Lummis
were a developer. That is a common procedure. Upon completion of the improvement, the
County takes over maintenance if the improvement is built to the County's standard. They
are improving the County road to a proper standard. He is pleased to see a roundabout
constructed out there. This is how they manage development projects.
Mann asked if the money the County spends on this can be attributed toward the
lease obligation. Rutan stated the Council and Lummi Nation would have to work out the
answer to that question.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated this is a standard road project. It protects
pedestrians by slowing traffic. The Nation has substantially developed Kwina Road in the
past ten years. Haxton is a high- speed, dark road. It is federal funds, which are also tax
dollars. They must be spent as wisely as anything else. Ongoing operation and
maintenance is something the road department will absorb into its existing system with
existing equipment. There are other, more appropriate cost - sharing items to work on with
the Lummi Nation. This provides a benefit to all citizens. He recommends approval without
having the County manage a very small contract for many years. It isn't worth it for $2,000
per year.
Mann stated they could credit $50,000 toward the $6 million the County is obligated
to pledge for road projects. He asked what happens if there is a hazardous spill at the
roundabout that goes into the system. Pell stated the project includes stormwater filters.
Rutan stated that right now, the oil would end up in the bay because there is no
stormwater treatment system. The installation of the roundabout includes water quality
treatment facilities.
Mann asked who is responsible in case infrastructure is damaged by a car, for
example. Rutan stated the County is responsible, but works with the person who does the
damage through their insurance. Often things get damaged, and they don't know who did
it, and the County just fixes it.
Pell stated there's not much to damage. There are hardscapes, no live vegetation.
Brenner stated she likes the idea of the project. It will slow traffic.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 4/23/2013, Page 6
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Mann moved to recommend approval, contingent on a $50,000 credit to the
County's ferry lease obligation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner and Mann (2)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 4/23/2013, Page 7