HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance September 13 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
September 13, 2011
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 (11:03:53 AM)
Present: Kathy Kershner, Ken Mann and Tony Larson.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR WORK RELATED TO THE AGRICULTURAL
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION (AB2011 -279)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, gave a staff report.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the total cost.
Kershner moved to recommend that the administration go forward with issuing a
request for proposals.
Crawford referenced Council packet page 48, section 2B, and asked the
administration to add an item iv, "Review of property rights and property value issues
related to parcel reconfiguration."
The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Samya Lutz, Planning and Development Services Department, stated she can
make Councilmember Crawford's suggested change. It's already been
advertised. The final scope of work that comes forward to the Council can
reflect the suggestion.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of adding language that is a specific
percentage, such as 50 percent, of conservation futures money designated to agricultural
uses.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the top two priorities.
The Committee concurred with the motion.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL AND THE
WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 1
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1. ORDINANCE REVOKING ORDINANCE 96 -032 WHICH ESTABLISHED THE
WHATCOM COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE REVOLVING
FUND (AB2011 -259)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council. She asked and there
was discussion of whether there are other funds in the same situation.
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2011 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, EIGHTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $113,984 (AB2011 -269) (11:16:07 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Mann asked and there was discussion of:
• Placeholder funding for the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center.
• Contracting with Lesa Starkenburg - Krontje
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner and Larson (2)
Nays: Mann (1)
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2012 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIRST
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $229,415 (AB2011 -270) (11:19:44 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. RESOLUTION TO ELECT EXPENDITURES OF NATIONAL FOREST RELATED
SAFETY -NET PAYMENTS UNDER PL 110 -343 (AB2011 -280) (11:20:21 AM)
Mann moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of how this affects payment in lieu of taxes
(PILT) funding.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of funding to the school districts.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of what Title III funds are used for.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 2
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL
ZONE DISTRICT AND ROSARIO ARCHAEOLOGY, LLC FOR ADDITIONAL
SERVICES NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE CHAREL TERRACE DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,004.29 FOR A TOTAL
AMENDED AMOUNT OF $74,526.02 (AB2011 -288) (11:26:23 AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the Flood Control Zone District Board
of Supervisors.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT
BOARD'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EDI FUNDING (AB2011 -281) (11:27:07
AM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Jon Hutchings, Public Works Department
• Roger Brown, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District General Manager,
referenced a letter he sent. The lower Nooksack strategy violates the terms
of the adopted watershed management plan. The process for approving the
lower Nooksack strategy has happened in secret. There are questions of
whether the coordinated water system plan is well suited to address questions
and whether the PUD is appropriate. Explore the questions in more depth
during a water resource work session. He is concerned about their place in
the project and the secrecy.
• Steve Jilk, Whatcom Public Utility District (PUD), stated their request is a key
component of the watershed management plan adopted several years ago.
Meetings weren't held behind closed doors. Approve the economic
development investment (EDI) allocation, but not approve the PUD until they
have a discussion on how the project should be led. PUD is taking this on as
a member of the Joint Board. The Joint Board approved the strategy, budget,
and work plan last year. Part of this is using the coordinated water system
plan as a basis for the water supply plan. The County is responsible for the
coordinated water system plan. The PUD has shown it's willing to take this on
to create a broader level of credibility about what is needed to support the
local economy.
• Rob Fix, Port of Bellingham Chief Financial Officer
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether the Water Supply Planning
Project would quantify agricultural use of water.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 3
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Mann asked and there was discussion of why the County wouldn't manage the Water
Supply Planning Project.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of conflicts from different entities competing
for the water.
(I1: 52 :40 AM)
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether Mr. ]ilk is amenable to reconvening the Planning Unit.
• The formation and purposes of the Planning Unit and Joint Board.
• Why the Joint Board would not drive this Water Supply Planning Project.
• Whether the Water Supply Planning Project process has been secret, as Mr.
Brown stated.
• Whether the Planning Unit can convene and provide input. Convene the
Planning Unit at the start of the process, and they can meet again at the end
of the process to provide input.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the Joint Board was unanimous
in recommending that the PUD take the lead.
Hutchings referenced letters (on file) from the small cities and City of Bellingham,
which are in the Council packet.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of:
• How the Water Supply Planning Project would benefit the economy, since
they're using EDI funds.
• What this expense would pay for
Brenner stated she was concerned that the County wasn't involved.
Mann suggested a friendly amendment to withdraw the Water Supply Planning
Project and schedule a discussion of it in a water resources work session.
(Clerk's Note: Councilmember Kershner did not comment on the friendly
amendment.)
Desler stated allocate the funds to allow the administration to build a draft contract
for Council review, and the Council can schedule a work session during that time. A draft
contract can come forward after the Council work session.
Larson asked and there was discussion of the Port of Bellingham request regarding
Index Industries, including:
• The total project cost.
• Construction to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
gold standard.
• The cost if not constructed to LEED gold standards.
• Not using public funds to develop a project that requires LEED status.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the length of the lease.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 4
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Ayes: Mann and Larson (2)
Nays: Kershner (1)
2. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
MORE THAN A YEAR OLD (AB2011 -282) (12:28 :17 PM)
Mann moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF WARRANTS MORE THAN A
YEAR OLD (AB2011 -283) (12 :28 :37 PM)
Mann moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICE
DISTRICT 105 FOR THE ANNUAL HIDTA GRANT AWARD FOR PARTIAL
FUNDING OF THE DRUG COURT COORDINATOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000
(AB2011 -284) (12 :28 :50 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH AND RECOVERY TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND OUTREACH SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF
$3,390,024 (AB2011 -285) (12 :29 :19 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Sandy Hughes - McMillan, Health Department
Larson asked and there was discussion of whether the costs of the services increased
or if they are added services.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the funding is pass- through.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 5
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6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON STATE
MILITARY DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION TO ENHANCE
LAW ENFORCEMENT PREPAREDNESS AND OPERATIONAL READINESS ALONG
THE INTERNATIONAL BORDERS OF THE UNITED STATES, THROUGH THE US
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FFY2010 OPERATION
STONEGARDEN PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $793,815 (AB2011 -286)
(12:31 :28 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Jeff Parks, Sheriff's Office
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of how much longer Stonegarden funding is
available.
ends.
Mann asked and there was discussion of what the County will do when the funding
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BERGERABAM, INC. FOR
DESIGN OF THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF THE PORTAL WAY DAKOTA CREEK
BRIDGE NO. 500, IN THE AMOUNT OF $163,838 (AB2011 -287) (12 :37 :31
PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Chris Brueske, Public Works Department
Mann asked and there was discussion of the average daily traffic on the bridge.
Larson stated it's not necessary to seismically retrofit the bridge for reasons beyond
liability, despite the federal funds that the County would receive. He asked and there was
discussion of the difference between wear and tear and seismic problems.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of:
• Options, including closing and condemning the bridge and building a new
bridge.
• The priority of the project on the transportation plan.
• The benefit of the project, despite the economy.
Knutzen stated the Council recently designated the area as a limited area of more
intense rural development (LAMIRD), which includes commercial traffic.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 6
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The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner (1)
Nays: Mann and Larson (2)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A GRANT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON STATE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR GRANT FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE
NORTHWEST REGIONAL DRUG TASK FORCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $171,797
(AB2011 -289) (12:54:10 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF FIVE PURSUIT VEHICLES FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE USING
THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT FOR VENDOR, COLUMBIA FORD, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $131,086.75 (AB2011 -290) (12:54:33 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Jeff Parks, Sheriff's Office
• Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department
Mann asked and there was discussion of:
• The mileage
• How much the Sheriff's Office spends on gas each year.
• Whether they can use smaller, more efficient vehicles.
• How often they engage in high speed pursuits.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether local vendors are in the pricing list.
Kershner asked how many vehicles they replace per year.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
10. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #11 -66
AND ENTER INTO A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH LOW BIDDER, HB
HANSEN CONSTRUCTION, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LILY POINT
TRAILHEAD AND PARKING LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $198,072.24 (AB2011-
291) (1:03:05 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 7
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Brenner referenced an email (on file) and stated an attorney advised that the Council
not proceed with this. She asked and there was discussion of a letter the Council received
from Mr. Bricklin, who worked on the original purchase.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO RENEW
INSURANCE FOR THE WHATCOM CHIEF FERRY FOR POLICY YEAR
09/30/2011 THROUGH 09/30/2012 IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,136 (AB2011-
292)
(Clerk's Note: This item was withdrawn from the agenda.)
12. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND HENEFIN
CONSTRUCTION LLC FOR PAINTING THE ROEDER HOME, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$16,799. 54, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $44,966.24
(AB2011 -298) (1 :06 :01 PM)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Mann stated he is opposed, due to a high change order from Henifin Construction.
Knutzen stated he is opposed because there is no value to having the Roeder Home.
He asked and there was discussion of possible alternative uses for the Roeder Home.
The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
• Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: None (0)
Nays: Kershner, Mann and Larson (3)
OTHER BUSINESS (1 :14 :05 PM)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, introduced a member of the Jail Planning Task
Force.
Peter Dworkin, Jail Planning Task Force Co- Chair, stated the Task Force is planning a
more formal report to the Council in the future. He described the status of the Task Force
so far. They would like to hire a consultant to address preliminary issues.
Dave Christensen, Jail Planning Task Force, described the qualifications of the
consultant they would like to hire and the necessity of hiring a jail consultant. He asked the
Council and Executive to authorize up to $7,000 to hire the consultant from October 10 to
October 13.
Larson asked and there was discussion of whether the consultant would be involved
in the building design.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 8
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether they can integrate past work
into this process.
Desler stated the administration wants to support the Jail Planning Task Force. The
money is identified in the current jail budget. The Executive will agree to sign an
agreement. The new jail is a $70 million five -year project. They must do their due
diligence and properly plan and manage the project the most cost - effective way possible.
Other communities have hired engineers, planners, and consultants for their project. The
Task Force will provide directions on how to approach the project. It will cost some money
to do that. Today, the administration is informing the Council of its plan. They don't need
any action from the Council.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:35 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(g-.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2011, Page 9