HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance July 10 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
July 10, 2012
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
(11:02:13 AM)
Present: Ken Mann and Sam Crawford.
Absent: Carl Weimer.
Also Present: Pete Kremen, Bill Knutzen, and Barbara Brenner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM — EDI BOARD
RECOMMENDATION TO MODIFY GUIDELINES TO ADD SINGLE AND MULTI-
FAMILY RENTAL HOME CONSTRUCTIONS AS AN ALLOWABLE USE (AB2012-
228)
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report and stated he proposes to allow
multi - family rental home constructions, allowing the County to fund The Catholic
Community Services project and the Bellingham Housing Authority project.
Greg Young, City of Ferndale, answered questions and discussed the requirement to
repay in 15 years.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the vote of the Economic Development
Investment (EDI) Board.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of repayment language that is confusing.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• What has changed, since they approved a similar project last year and what
this would fund.
• The Catholic Community Services project, which the County already agreed to
fund.
• The project in the City of Ferndale
Mann stated he doesn't support this item. It is removed from the original intent of
the EDI program and he is not in favor of the Catholic Community Services project.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of what happens if an affordable housing
complex is sold or the owner declares bankruptcy.
Crawford stated he agrees with Councilmember Mann. EDI program money is for
economic development. There is a limited result in providing affordable housing.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 1
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Encourage home ownership. Focus on projects that provide jobs and wean people from
financially relying on government.
Louws asked for Council direction on whether the administration should continue with
the dedicated $1.2 million for this function. If it's not continued, the County could release
about $1 million and use it for another economic development programs. The County
Council committed $1.2 million to this program in February 2011.
Crawford stated he would like a recommendation from the EDI Board if the $1.2
million is not the right amount. He understood it was the right amount, determined after
quite a bit of negotiation.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether there have been requests for the
money for single family homes.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of how the need for affordable rental
housing is more acute now than ever. Leave their options open.
Young described how affordable housing encourages living wage jobs.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: None (0)
Nays: Mann and Crawford (2)
Absent: Weimer (1)
2. RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -077 (2009 — 2010
UNREPRESENTED RESOLUTION) TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 22, 2012 (AB2012-
229)
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report and discussed supplemental pay
for certain employees.
Karen Goens, Administrative Services Department, described the supplemental pay
for the vehicle allowance.
Mann moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the matrix provided in the Council
packet and the mileage reported during the first three months.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the $250 supplement is because of
agreements the County made when it hired these employees.
Dave McEachran, Prosecutor's Office, stated he supports the resolution because
people were hired based on the assumption that the supplemental compensation was
included in their hiring package.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• How many positions are included.
• How the matrix is structured.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of what the monthly $250 is supposed to
cover, other than an employment agreement and public transparency.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 2
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Mann asked and there was discussion of giving these employees a raise of $250 per
month rather than calling it supplemental compensation and Council's annual approval of
salaries for unrepresented employees.
Kremen described and there was discussion of the history of the supplemental
compensation. It was never intended to be extra income. It was intended to save the
County money and reduce the fleet.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
3. RESOLUTION APPROVING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR COUNTY COUNCIL -
APPOINTED CITIZEN BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND TASK
FORCES (AB2012 -225)
(Clerk's Note: This item was withdrawn from the agenda.)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. MEMORANDUM FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE REQUESTING APPROVAL TO
DEMOLISH A PARKING SHED AT THE NORTHWEST ANNEX, PURSUANT TO
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 1.10.395 (AB2012 -230) (11 :49 :55 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of which building is being demolished.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND GEOTEST SERVICES, INC. TO
PROVIDE MATERIAL TESTING, INSPECTION AND GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN
SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000 (AB2012 -231)
(11 :51 :41 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Jim Karcher, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of how the charges are structured.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 3
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3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, CASE MANAGEMENT
SUPPORT FOR A CONTINUUM OF HOUSING SERVICES, HYGIENE PRODUCT
DISTRIBUTION, AND LIMITED TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE FOR DSHS
MEDICAL CARE RECIPIENTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,773, FOR A TOTAL
AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $280,549 (AB2012 -232)
(11: 55:17 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
SKAGIT COUNTY FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO SKAGIT COUNTY FOR ADULT
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES PROVIDED TO ELIGIBLE WHATCOM
COUNTY RESIDENTS BY SKAGIT COUNTY PROVIDERS, AND REVENUE FOR
WHATCOM COUNTY WHEN WHATCOM COUNTY PROVIDERS SERVE ELIGIBLE
SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $26,000 (AB2012 -233) (11:55:54 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGRICULTURAL LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
JIM SNYDAR TO ACCESS AND HARVEST THE HAY CROP ON APPROXIMATELY
105 ACRES OF PARK AND AGRICULTURAL LAND AT HOVANDER HOMESTEAD
PARK /TENNANT LAKE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,255 (AB2012 -234) (11:56 :25
AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONSULTANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND GRAY &
OSBORNE, INC. FOR GOOSEBERRY POINT PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS -
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,698 (AB2012 -235)
(11: 56:50 AM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked and there
was discussion of meetings with the public to keep them informed.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 4
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Kremen asked and there was discussion of federal money involved in the project.
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Crawford asked how it works legally when the private sector wants to work on
County roads and how the project integrates with the queuing project.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• County staff work being included in the County match funds.
• How the sidewalk was brought into the settlement equation.
• What the Council agreed to do in the settlement and the cost of these plans.
Kremen stated the County expected to be able to accomplish the engineering in-
house, but it's not doable. He asked and there was discussion of the proposed roundabout
at Smokehouse Road.
Mann asked for more detail of how the million dollars is being spent, so he can
compare it to the lease. He recalled the cost above the $2 million would be $200,000, not
one million dollars.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO SUPPORT POSITIONS IN THE
DRUG TASK FORCE, CRIME ANALYSIS, AND VEHICLE LEASES, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $207,200 (AB2012 -236) (12:11 :26 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen asked for information about whether activity reporting is required to receive
the money.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
S. RESOLUTION AMENDING CRP NO. 998001 AND APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY
EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
LOW BIDDER, TIGER CONSTRUCTION, LTD. FOR YEW STREET ROAD PHASE
II — PEDESTRIAN ACTUATED CROSSWALK SIGNAL, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$111,859.41 (AB2012 -237) (12 :13 :09 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 5
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9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE
PURCHASE OF TWO LONG ARM ROTARY BOOM MOWERS USING THE
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT THROUGH VENDOR WASHINGTON
TRACTOR, IN THE AMOUNT OF $148,240.52 (AB2012 -238) (12 :14:07 PM)
Mann moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether the County recently purchased
long -arm mowers.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, answered questions and described the
history of equipment purchases of tractors and mowers.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of how fragile the mowers are.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of contracting out the service.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
10. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE
PURCHASE OF FIVE RADAR ACTUATED SPEED SIGNS FROM THE SOLE
SOURCE VENDOR, INFORMATION DISPLAY COMPANY, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$41,955 (AB2012 -239) (12 :19 :25 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID
#12 -54 TO THE LOW BIDDER, PLAYCREATION, FOR PLAYGROUND
EQUIPMENT FOR HOVANDER PARK, IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,789.44
(AB2012 -240) (12 :19 :48 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Rob Lamb, Parks and Recreation Department, answered questions and submitted a
handout (on file).
Brenner asked what type of playground equipment will be purchased.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the benefit of using equipment made of
simulated wood instead of real wood.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of why they are moving the playground
farther from the river.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 6
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID
#12 -44 TO THE LOW BIDDER, ANDGAR CORPORATION, FOR THE
REPLACEMENT OF TWO WATER HEATERS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,294.93
(AB2012 -241) (12 :25 :19 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
13. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF CHECKS MORE THAN TWO
YEARS OLD FROM THE WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL INMATE TRUST FUND
(AB2012 -242) (12 :25 :49 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann and Crawford (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:26 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
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 7