HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works June 19 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee
June 19, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(3:36:02 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Pete Kremen.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Carl Weimer and Sam Crawford.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM
COUNTY CODE 10.34, FERRY RATES (AB2012 -197)
Frank Abart, Public Works Department, gave a staff report and described the reason
for the proposed ordinance. The purposes are to make it simpler, to clarify State funding,
and to fix the 45/55 split so the calculations are based on the same number.
The following people spoke:
• Diane Harper submitted and read from a handout (on file) regarding the Ferry
Task Force recommendations. For accounting purposes, record all fares,
whether or not collected, and note the amount of the discount and fare
forgiveness. Adopt an electronic ticketing system soon.
• Jim Dickinson stated there's nothing wrong with the computation method
right now.
Brenner asked and there was discussion that the reason for this is because
something wasn't adding up with the 45/55 percent calculation.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of whether they are making the ferry
riders pay less, not more.
Mann stated the ferry operation is a negative cash flow operation. The County
subsidizes much of the cost. The Lummi Island residents are getting a good deal.
(3:46:52 PM)
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the original purpose of the motor vehicle
fuel tax.
Brenner moved to forward the proposed ordinance to the Lummi Island Ferry
Advisory Committee for review.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 6/19/2012, Page 1
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c
Crawford asked and there was discussion of a proposed service reduction and how
the $3 surcharge is affecting revenue.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of the County recovering about 45 percent
for a long time and how much longer the County can use the Whatcom Chief before the
maintenance costs become inefficient.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of adding the cost of the docks to the ferry
fare rate calculation.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of the County's ability to reduce service
during low use periods, and if the administration is having that discussion with the
bargaining unit.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the administration is working with Labor.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann and Kremen (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:02 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, 6/19/2012, Page 2