HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance March 13 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
March 13, 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 (11:10:18 AM)
Present: Ken Mann, Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Kathy Kershner, Pete Kremen and Bill Knutzen.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. UPDATE ON THE NORTHWEST INNOVATION RESOURCE CENTER (AB2012-
106) (11 :10 :26 AM)
Diane Kamionka, Northwest Innovation Resource Center Interim Executive Director,
submitted and read from a presentation (on file). In the past year, they've talked to
approximately 175 entrepreneurs. The Resource Center is now working with 30 of those
entrepreneurs.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether anyone devotes resources to existing businesses.
• Getting economic development funds into the hands of entrepreneurs.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• When the Board meets.
• Whether existing local businesses that want to expand can contact the
Northwest Innovation Resource Center.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the Resource Center plans to
become self- sustaining in the future.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of whether the Small Business Development
Center (SBDC), Port of Bellingham, Economic Development Council (EDC), and Center for
Economic Vitality can help existing businesses and industry expand.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY STAFF REGARDING THE GATEWAY
PACIFIC TERMINAL PROJECT (AB2012 -068A) (11 :31 :09 AM)
Mann stated the committee will not take public testimony. This is an opportunity for
the Council to get questions answered from staff.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 1
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The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office
• Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the Council
• Sam Ryan, Planning and Development Services Department Director
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether the agenda bill can indicate who
is proposing the item so folks know who to contact with questions.
Mann asked and there was discussion of:
• Getting more clarity about what the councilmembers are allowed to read, discuss,
or attend.
• How they are supposed to judge what they should talk about.
• The scope of topics that are off limits.
Kremen stated councilmembers are unclear of what they can and cannot do. They
are like seven judges, and they have to wait until the legal process is complete before
everything comes before the Council. Only after the process is complete can the Council
deliberate and make a decision on the case.
Frakes stated that if councilmembers are unsure of a particular piece of information
or an event, they can ask her if it's okay. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Dana Brown -Davis Council Clerk asked and there was discussion of what information
the Council staff should distribute to the Councilmembers. Frakes stated that as a general
rule, things should be put in a file and distributed to the Council when they get to the point
when the Council makes the decision.
Knutzen stated the councilmembers must not appear partial.
Frakes stated the councilmembers must be especially careful with things they receive
from one side or the other.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether he should attend all the
Northwest Clean Air Agency meetings, as this year's Chair, when each meeting discusses
coal dust monitoring at the Georgia Pacific (GP) site.
Kremen stated avoid materials and events from an opponent or proponent. The
Councilmembers must preserve their ability to represent the people of this community when
they make a decision on this issue.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether a proposed railroad route
expansion in the South Fork Valley pertains directly to a bulk cargo facility permit that
might be made some time in the future.
Brenner stated she confirmed with the State Attorney General how the Council will
act as judges for certain issues.
Mann asked and there was discussion about the costs of reviewing this potential bulk
cargo facility that haven't been paid for yet.
(I1 :53:19 AM)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 2
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of contracting with permit requestors for
County staff time.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of amending the County fee schedule to
allow the County to recoup costs.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the staff time already spent on this issue.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether companies are reimbursed when
their applications are denied.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether the County added or retained
staff to work on this project.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ANCHOR QEA, LLC TO
PROVIDE CONSULTING SERVICES TO COMPLETE PHASE 2 OF A RIPARIAN
CONDITION AND FUNCTION ASSESSMENT OF COASTAL DRAINAGE STREAMS
AND MARINE SHORELINES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 (AB2012 -096)
(12:01 :25 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors
Crawford stated this was postponed due to the perception of a conflict.
Roland Middleton, Public Works Department, stated there is no conflict. The
company submitted a proposal to be the environmental impact statement (EIS) consultant
for Gateway Pacific, but they have not been chosen for the project.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DAN
HILSINGER FOR 677 NORTH LAKE SAMISH ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $895
PER MONTH (AB2012 -110) (12 :03 :00 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 3
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2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ZERVAS GROUP ARCHITECTS
TO PROVIDE REVIEW, ACCESS, CONDITION, AND METHODOLOGY FOR
REPAIR TO THE BUILDING ENVELOPE OF THE CIVIC CENTER ANNEX, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $109,400 (AB2012 -111) (12:03:26 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked and there
was discussion of why they are doing this again.
The following people answered questions:
• Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department
• Mike Russell, Administrative Services Department
Brenner stated she is against the request.
Kershner stated she has the same concerns as Councilmember Brenner and asked to
receive a timeline for these type of requests.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of $1.4 million that was allocated earlier
and the original purchase of the building.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
SUB - RECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF THE COMMUNITY
ENERGY CHALLENGE TO FACILITATE THE CREATION OF RESIDENTIAL
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $198,085 (AB2012-
112) (12:14:13 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #12 -05
TO THE SOLE BIDDER, WILSON MOTORS, FOR THE SUPPLY OF A
REPLACEMENT HIGH ROOF CREW VAN FOR USE BY THE PUBLIC WORKS
SURVEY CREW, IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,319.62 (AB2012 -113) (12:15:13 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people answered questions:
• Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department
• Rick Wilson, Wilson Motors
• Jack Louws, County Executive
Mann asked and there was discussion of unit 691 and vehicles being replaced.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 4
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Kremen asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether other motor companies besides Mercedes make what they need.
• Being able to choose a local bidder.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE
PURCHASE OF TWO REPLACEMENT TRACTORS USING THE WASHINGTON
STATE CONTRACT THROUGH VENDOR WASHINGTON TRACTOR, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $150,694.38 (AB2012 -114) (12:23:26 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person answered questions:
• Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• The last time the County replaced two tractors with long -arm mowers.
• Whether these funds are part of the $1.5 million budgeted for the vegetation
plan.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of contracting with the private sector to
provide this service.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #12 -11
TO THE LOW BIDDERS, MCASPHALT INDUSTRIES AND PARAMOUNT
PETROLEUM FOR DELIVERY AND SUPPLY OF ASPHALTIC EMULSIONS, IN AN
ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $840,000 (AB2012 -115) (12 :27 :47 PM)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
SECOND THREE -YEAR MICROSOFT ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT TO PAY
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ON SOFTWARE USING DISCOUNTED PRICING
THROUGH THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE
SERVICES CONTRACT (AB2012 -122) (12 :28 :25 PM)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person answered questions:
• Jack Louws, County Executive
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 5
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to
Kershner asked and there was discussion of getting the County off the Novel -based
email software and on to Microsoft -based email software.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:29 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, 3/13/2012, Page 6