HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works October 9 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee
October 9, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:53 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(1:53:02 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Pete Kremen.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Carl Weimer and Bill Knutzen
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PUBLIC SAFETY NOW VIDEO PRESENTATION RELATED TO PLANNING FOR A
NEW WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL (AB2012 -315)
Constantine Papadakis, Public Safety Now, described his organization and introduced
and played three videos.
(2:15:39 PM)
Papadakis stated there is information on the Public Safety Now website. He
introduced Bruce Ayers.
Bruce Ayers, Public Safety Now Committee Chair, introduced his fellow committee
members and advisors. The current jail doesn't function properly. The issue of a new jail
isn't about getting a bigger jail, but about replacing this failing jail. Every year they delay,
it will cost more money. Construction costs are beginning to rise. They must move forward
on a new jail.
Mann asked what is the hold up. Everyone agrees they need a new jail. Ayers
stated the hold up comes from a delay in hiring a jail planner, deciding on where and how
much jail they need, and putting together the necessary money. Now they must have an
advocate leader on the issue. Use available funding resources, including bonds, to construct
a new jail. The Council controls the budget and priorities. A new jail must be the priority.
Every time the project has stopped, it was due to budgetary reasons.
Brenner asked and there was discussion about when and where the presentation in
the first video was made.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 10/9/2012, Page 1
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Bill Elfo, County Sheriff, stated the Jail Planning Task Force completed its work
earlier this year. He and the County Executive got general approval from the Council to
consider sites outside the downtown core and to begin the process to hire a jail planner.
The County submitted a request for proposals (RFP) to people who own property that meets
the criteria. They also sent out a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a jail planner. They
are meeting with property owners and potential jail planners soon. He hopes to come back
to the Council soon to tie up property, do environmental work, and hire a planner to keep
the momentum going.
Brenner asked if there is consensus that a jail will not be downtown, and how the
City of Bellingham is handling that decision. Elfo stated the new mayor recognizes the need
for a new facility. He doesn't hear any opposition from the Mayor. There was some concern
about moving the courts from downtown, but the jail doesn't attract people downtown.
Most of the court preliminary court appearances will be done electronically. Having the
facility close to Interstate 5 is more convenient for law enforcement and the public.
Kremen stated a horizontal facility can't be built downtown.
Elfo stated that's correct. Many people have the misconception that too many people
are being thrown into jail. Public Safety Now's purpose is to educate people on the scope,
efficiency, and humane factors.
Kremen stated an impediment that derailed the effort previously was the consultant
that Whatcom County hired suggested a need for 2,400 beds. That galvanized the
community to take action. It created an impediment for the County to move forward.
They're past that impediment now because of the work the County has done. They need an
appropriate jail that is safe and will meet the needs of the community. Elfo stated the Jail
Planning Task Force reached consensus that the size must be between 500 and 700 beds.
The previous planner's large projection was for 50 years in the future. It's difficult to
project long -germ jail needs because of demographics and also because the legislature
continually changes sentencing schemes that move offenders from State facilities to County
jails. That is what has driven the jail's increasing population.
Brenner stated the previous consultant also made statements that were untrue.
Elfo stated they don't know where they will be in 50 years. Have an ability to
incrementally add onto the jail when necessary. He appreciates the Council's support for
moving forward and also Executive Louws' support.
Brenner asked if there has been work done on the appropriate number of acres
necessary for a horizontal jail. Elfo stated the acreage necessary is between 20 and 40
acres. It's difficult to find property that size that is usable. Three sites have surfaced to the
top. The Executive plans for due diligence to make sure the sites meet the necessary
criteria to move forward.
Kremen stated all three sites have a lot of potential and are in locations that are
optimum for the County's needs today and into the future in terms of size and logistics.
Mann stated he supports alternative sentencing, as people have suggested. People
all agree the jail is falling down. The support for a new jail is there.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 10/9/2012, Page 2
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Elfo stated some people think the County should put every offender in a tent, which
doesn't work here. Others say they incarcerate more people than any other industrialized
nation. He supports the work that Public Safety Now is doing.
Ray Baribeau, Public Safety Now Committee Member, stated many myths in the
community are about jail alternatives. They are doing everything they can to use jail
alternatives.
Brenner stated Whatcom County is a border county, which also changes the
dynamics.
Mann stated the group of citizens making those claims is small. The vast majority of
people in the county are ready for a new jail.
Baribeau stated another myth is that 70 percent of the County budget is spent on
law and justice. The true amount is 46.6 percent. The Sheriff's Office gets just over 17
percent of that amount. The rest goes to other aspects of the law and justice system, such
as courts and judges.
Knutzen stated he would like this presentation to be made at a regular evening
Council meeting so more of the population will be able to see these things.
Kremen stated he appreciates this presentation. It would have been optimum to
have this presentation at a regular Council meeting. It would have gotten on television.
Brenner stated she had asked to see it in committee first.
Louws stated he will come forward with recommendations after the budget cycle,
and he can present another package to the Council and community at an evening meeting.
There is a lot of positive energy for moving forward. Roll that in with a recommendation for
hiring a jail planner. He will give the community a more comprehensive update on the
property search. He thanked the committee for its work and the Council for its direction.
Brenner stated she would like more information on dispelling myths surrounding a
new jail. She doesn't want to hear more about liability issues. She wants to hear
something positive. Focus on that so people don't have misinformation. Maybe those
things can be done in the next video.
Knutzen asked the reason for the poor video quality of the first video. Make sure the
quality is better before it's shown to the public. Papadakis stated it had something to do
with the video player on the laptop.
Elfo stated there are other segments of public education. He described other efforts
at public education regarding a new jail, including playing the videos on BTV10. This is not
a political action committee. It is just a public education effort.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 10/9/2012, Page 3
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:44 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, 10/9/2012, Page 4