HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance March 30 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
March 30, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Kathy Kershner, Ken Mann and Carl Weimer.
Absent: None.
All Present: Barbara Brenner, L. Ward Nelson, Sam Crawford, and Bill Knutzen.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (WSAC) UPDATE
PRESENTED BY WSAC PRESIDENT MERRILL OTT, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN
KOSTER, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ERIC JOHNSON (AB2010 -118)
Crawford stated Whatcom County is concerned about the impact of a proposed tax
on refineries in Whatcom County. WSAC made a decision to support the tax and give
testimony to the legislature. The County wasn't sure if it wanted to continue to participate
in WSAC. They would like to know what Whatcom County gets for participating in WSAC.
Merrill Ott, WSAC President and Stevens County Commissioner, described his
background and experience as a Stevens County Commissioner, and stated he appreciates
the opportunity to talk to Whatcom County. Things work better when they all know each
other.
John Koster, WSAC Vice - President and Snohomish County Council Member, stated he
is also against the tax. The legislative steering committee vote wasn't unanimous to
support the tax. WSAC needs to make a better effort to listen to the counties. They will get
a lot further with the legislature with a unified voice.
Eric Johnson, WSAC Executive Director, submitted information (on file) and described
his background and the background of WSAC and the State. He described the documents in
the handout. Most bills introduced at the legislature will have some effect on
councilmembers as employers or policymakers. The biggest challenge is to have flexibility
with existing revenue, not finding new revenue. There is also an effort to pause or suspend
mandates during the time when they don't have the resources to meet mandates. WSAC
deals mainly with advocacy and legislation, business services for the County, and training
and education.
The following person answered questions:
Karen Goens, Administrative Services Department
Discussion included the difficulty of part -time councilmembers devoting the time they
should to WSAC; how WSAC doesn't want legislators to pass legislation that included
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/30/2010, Page 1
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unfunded mandates; the effect of the difficult economy on the upcoming budget process;
what WSAC brings to the citizens of Whatcom County; how WSAC members agree on most
issues; how WSAC should have contacted Whatcom County about the refinery taxes; the
legislature's raiding of dedicated funds that are intended to clean up Puget Sound; clarifying
everyone's roles; WSAC's position on the one -tenth of one percent sales tax for mental
health; whether Whatcom County participates in the retro -pool or any other WSAC
programs; the voting process of the WSAC legislative steering committee (LSC); whether
any funding for WSAC is mandated to come from counties; how WSAC is funded, and;
County participation in the LSC.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2010 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, EIGHTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $462,943 (AB2010 -142)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, gave a staff report.
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Discussion included a transfer of funds for the Civic Center; the purpose of the
Transpo Group contract; the point when the County stops funding a consultant that keeps
continuing; revisiting ongoing consulting contracts, given the changing economic situation;
how much longer they will have to continue funding the civic center building changes, and;
upgrades to the Civic Center building;
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ALLOCATION RECEIVED FROM THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON OF RECOVERY ZONE FACILITY BOND TO THE PORT OF
BELLINGHAM (AB2010 -148)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, gave a staff report.
The following person answered questions:
• Dodd Snodgrass, Port of Bellingham Economic Development Specialist
Discussion included whether Whatcom County has any projects that would qualify;
the County's role in designating an agency to manage the bonds, and; whether the Port
has any interest in East Whatcom County.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO EXECUTE A
QUITCLAIM DEED WITH THE STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR THE SALE OF APPROXIMATELY 10,424 SQUARE FEET
OF PROPERTY AT THE INTERSECTION OF MOUNT BAKER HIGHWAY AND
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/30/2010, Page 2
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SMITH ROAD FOR THE COMPLETION OF A ROUNDABOUT, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $12,600 (AB2010 -149)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people answered questions:
• Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department Director
• Joe Rutan, Public Works Department
Discussion included the location of the project and concerns from the residents.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A RECOVERY ZONE FOR PURPOSES OF
SECTIONS 14000 -1 AND 14000 -2 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED, AND THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND
REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 (AB2010 -167)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, gave a staff report.
The following person spoke:
• Steve Oliver, County Treasurer
Discussion included using funds for the County jail; approving the resolution to have
access to these bond allocations, and; whether the declaration would make it difficult for the
County to do business with another agency or organization.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SIEMENS
INDUSTRY, INC. FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE HVAC CONTROLS FOR
THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, JAIL, JAIL WORK CENTER AND NW ANNEX, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $21,771 (AB2010 -150)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/30/2010, Page 3
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DISTRICT NO. 21 FOR THE COST OF RENT AND UTILITIES AT THE LAUREL
FIRE STATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,222.75 (AB2010 -151)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people answered questions:
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
• Jeff Parks, Sheriff's Office
Discussion included the different planned uses of the Olympic Coordination Center at
the airport, this facility, and at Cascade Business Park; sending a letter of support to
representatives, and; the Sheriff's current use of the Laurel facility.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD THE BID AND
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH SINGLE SOURCE BIDDER, THE BELLINGHAM
HERALD, FOR OFFICIAL PRINTING SERVICES (AB2010 -152)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH SOLE SOURCE VENDOR, THOMSON WEST, FOR ON LINE
AND HARD BOUND RESEARCH TOOLS FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY LAW
LIBRARY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,291 (AB2010 -153)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #10 -06
TO LOW BIDDER, MCASPHALT INDUSTRIES, FOR DELIVERY AND SUPPLY OF
ASPHALTIC EMULSIONS, IN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $840,000
(AB2010 -154)
Kershner moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes:Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE
PURCHASE OF THE ANNUAL 2010 SUPPLY OF WATERBORNE TRAFFIC LINE
PAINT BY PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS USING AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH PIERCE COUNTY, THROUGH VENDOR PERVO
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/30/2010, Page 4
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PAINT PRODUCTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY $450,000
(AB2010 -155)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people answered questions:
• Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator
• Joe Rutan, Public Works Department
• Frank Abart, Public Works Department Director
Discussion included why they have to go through an interlocal agreement rather than
just a purchase; the reasons for the cost; the durability and application of the paint, and;
the County providing this service also to the Cities of Bellingham and Ferndale.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LOCAL
AGENCY STANDARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CH2M
HILL, INC. FOR GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION, ANALYSIS, AND DESIGN
SERVICES FOR THE SOUTH PASS ROAD STRUCTURAL SLOPE REPAIR
PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,990.03 (AB2010 -156)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following people answered questions:
• Joe Rutan, Public Works Department
Discussion included the reason for spending money on something they won't get
around to building for a few years.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN LUMMI NATION AND WHATCOM
COUNTY RELATED TO THEIR AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT
FUNDED PROJECT TO RAISE A SEGMENT OF MARINE DRIVE BETWEEN
LUMMI SHORE ROAD AND COUNTY BRIDGE #5 (AB2010 -157)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The following person answered questions:
• Frank Abart Public Works Department Director
Discussion included whether the County's money invested will be accounted during
the ferry negotiations and a cost estimate.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/30/2010, Page 5
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9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY FOR
THE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 146 ACRES FOR PARK PURPOSES AT
LILY POINT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,316,915 (AB2010 -158)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Mann and Weimer (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:46 p.m.
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council(g-.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk
Ken Mann, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/30/2010, Page 6