HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works November 22 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Safety Committee
November 22, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (1:32:33 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Tony Larson.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Carl Weimer, Sam Crawford and Kathy Kershner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
I. PRESENTATION BY FRANK ABART REGARDING THE WHATCOM CHIEF FERRY
(AB2011 -368)
Frank Abart, Public Works Department Director, submitted and read from a
presentation (on file). The road fund 45 percent contribution is calculated on the total
operating cost, not the adjusted operating cost.
Larson asked and there was discussion of:
• The source of the original ferry fund balance.
• The source of the ferry deficit reimbursement from the State.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of why the road fund 45 percent
contribution is calculated on total operating cost, not the adjusted operating cost.
Abart continued the presentation on and described the historical fund balances.
Larson asked and there was discussion of whether the accounting changes in 2010 is
the cause of the 2010 decrease in the ferry fund balance.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the initial contribution came
from a Lummi Island resident fund that the County took over when it took over the ferry.
Crawford stated he disagrees that the County should include the $2 million
improvements required by the lease agreement in the road fund expenditures that are ferry
related. He asked and there was discussion of the difference between road fund revenues
paid by Islanders and the amount of ferry expenses.
(2:02 :29 PM)
Abart submitted and read from the recommendations of the Whatcom County Citizen
Task Force for the Lummi Island Ferry (on file). Item one will likely go down. He and
County legal counsel do not support the recommendation to include item three. Regarding
Public Works and Safety Committee, 11/22/2011, Page 1
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item four, the ferry fund serves as the cash reserve. He does not support eliminating
security at the parking lot due to potential County liability.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of what liability the County may have to
provide security at a parking area.
Abart stated he supports recommendation items seven through 11 in some form. He
does not support item 12, due to crew safety.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the Coast Guard regulates how
many crew must be present during boat preparation and engine start -up.
Abart stated he supports recommendation items 13, 14, and 16. They can possibly
move dry dock to later in September, but not to April. The issuance of crew punch cards is
a union negotiation issue. Item 52, the recommended allowance for changes, is likely to be
different from the recommended amount.
He read submitted and referenced his responses to the Task Force recommendations
(on file).
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• The correlation between the Task Force recommendations and the ferry
operations report.
• The possibility of eliminating the $3 fare surcharge.
Larson asked and there was discussion of the Council approving those
recommendations that Mr. Abart agrees with.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the effective date of the surcharge and the
effect of the surcharge on ridership.
(2:36:32 PM)
The following people spoke:
• Elizabeth Kilinowski asked for information about the lease agreement
requirement for the County to address queuing.
• Diane Harper stated add $86,000 to the Task Force recommendation to
replenish the ferry fund reserve. She clarified the 55/45 split in the Task
Force recommendation. It's important to allow teenagers to ride for free.
Electronic fare collection and the need for a long -term strategic plan for the
ferry are also important recommendations.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the fare for vehicle passengers or walk -
on passengers under the age of 18.
The following people spoke:
• Wynne Lee stated don't shift dry dock from September to April. Create an
ongoing ferry advisory committee. Disregard the notion that Islanders are
reactionary, divisive, and unrealistic. Before making service cuts or rate
changes, consider a gradual change and long -term strategic plan.
Redistribute the surcharge so it's not regressive. It's important to replenish
the ferry fund. Don't shift road funds to law enforcement.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 11/22/2011, Page 2
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• Rayma Blake stated drop the teenager tickets. She asked if the Tribe
acquired the matching funds to the $2 million in the lease and how to get
guidance on promoting a taxing district.
Brenner stated Islanders can continue to contact the Council via telephone or email
about their opinions on the recommendations.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the process for taking action on the
recommendation regarding fares for teenagers.
(2:57:43 PM)
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the process for putting together a draft
ordinance on the Task Force recommendations that Mr. Abart agrees with.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the ferry fees are part of the
County's annual fee ordinance.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:59 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@�omhatcomma.us
Public Works and Safety Committee, 11/22/2011, Page 3