HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance December 4 2007WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
December 4, 2007
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
L. Ward Nelson None
Dan McShane
Also Present:
Seth Fleetwood
Carl Weimer
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Barbara Brenner
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION ON AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE UNIFIED FEE SCHEDULE
RELATED TO FERRY RATES /FARES (AB2007 -521)
Frank Abart, Public Works Department Director, submitted a handout (on file) and
stated this is not a decision item for today, but to introduce the topic for future discussion.
This is required by County Code 10.34. In 2006, the County recovered about 34 percent of
the ferry operating costs. The shortfall was approximately $407,000. In 2007, he projects
a recovery rate of 44 percent, with a shortfall of about $205,000. They are still looking at
$612,000 in deficit mode starting 2008.
With operating costs increasing, they still need to recover $612,000 in deficit plus
additional operating expenses for the future. The County has an obligation to make some
effort to come into compliance with the County Code so there aren't issues from the State
Auditor's Office. He's presented three possibilities for a plan to recover the deficit and come
into compliance. He hopes to have a decision by March. The Council may present yet other
options.
Weimer stated he was surprised they are adding the $400,000 from 2006. There
was no discussion last year of the County trying to recoup that money. He asked if that is
optional. Abart stated that if they run a deficit, they must have a plan for coming into
compliance with the Code requirements.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the County Code says they have to
come up with the deficit and keep rates within 55 percent. The administration recommends
keeping those rates within the 55 percent level.
Weimer stated some of the assumptions may be off because many islanders bought
the old rate cards and used them this year. There isn't a way to factor that. The
assumptions may put them over. Abart stated that would only amount to a $20,000 or
$30,000 deficit. If that happens again, they will have a worse time in 2008.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 1
1 Brenner stated the Council changed the formula for estimating the 55 percent. The
2 docks- should be part of the road fund, not ferry operations. Bridges are funded from the
3 road fund. This is a bridge, with a ferry in the middle.
4
5 Caskey- Schreiber asked if they are going to try to fold the cost of the new ferry into
6 this in the future. Abart stated he would have to include the new ferry operating costs, not
7 capital costs, at some point.
8
9 Crawford stated they would address this in more detail in January.
10
11 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
12
13 1. ORDINANCE ADOPTING 2008 BUDGET SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST #2 IN THE
14 AMOUNT OF $16,478,522 (AB2007 -465)
15
16 Crawford read the list of items in the request approved in the 2008 budget. He
17 asked about the pictometry project.
18
19 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated a number of departments and agencies
20 are contributing to the cost. The plan is to do this project every few years, and make it
21 available to everyone.
22
23 Crawford stated this information should be made available to the public on the
24 internet, especially since the taxpayers are paying for this. Desler stated there are
25 contractual requirements with the people who provide this product. The administration
26 wants also to maximize the availability to the public. Much of it is available on Local Live.
27
28 McShane stated Local Live is usually better than what one can get from any County
29 over the internet.
30
31 Crawford stated they are oblique, not high resolution. He wants high resolution
32 overhead.
33
34 McShane stated that's always the preference. They won't always get that. That's
35 limited even within counties. Skagit County has scanned all their old aerial photos, back to
36 1937, which are informative for resource analysis. There have been major changes in
37 drainage patterns north of Lynden, for example. You can see that in those aerial photos.
38 That is a very informative tool for water resource planning, zoning, and other uses. A lot of
39 the originals are missing from the Assessor's Office. Make sure those are digitized and not
40 lost over time.
41
42 Brenner stated she agrees that the public should access the information for free.
43 She asked if the Council can hold this item until they check with the City of Bellingham.
44
45 Crawford stated the technical aspect is different from the City of Bellingham. Don't
46 hold the item.
47
48 Brenner asked about the full -time equivalent (FTE) employee requests for engineers.
49 She asked if those positions are filled. Abart stated they are ready to fill those positions.
50
51 Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated these are engineering technicians, not
52 engineers. One position is an engineer manager. All the people doing review are engineer
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 2
1 technicians. Only Mike Donahue is a licensed engineer. They are currently interviewing and
2 hiring those positions. They have not been able to fill the engineering positions.
3
4 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
5
6 Brenner stated she would like to revisit the Conservation Corps crew sponsorship,
7 item 12. There is a lot of benefit for the money. She is not comfortable making the
8 Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) pay a portion of this. Many times, the
9 County pays the total amount for these things. The $25,000 is not a great amount
10 compared to the overall budget, but it can make or break NSEA. The County funding
11 requires a match from NSEA.
12
13 Nelson moved to amend the ordinance to remove the match requirement for NSEA
14 for item 12.
15
16 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated NSEA requested additional funding for
17 the Conservation Corps crew this spring. Some councilmembers supported it. The
18 administration was able to put together funds for this request, totaling $70,000. NSEA said
19 it could come up with the other $25,000. The County administration and Council agreed to
20 the contract adjustment.
21
22 Brenner stated NSEA came forward in the Spring because it operates on the State's
23 budget cycle. Don't shut the door on a lot of good projects if they aren't submitted during
24 the budget cycle. This is a very good idea. The County is very lucky to have the
25 Conservation Corps crew.
26
27 Crawford asked where the $25,000 will come from.
28
29 She asked if NSEA has paid any of it's $25,000. Desler stated the County has a
30 contract with and pays the State Department of Ecology. Then the Department of Ecology
31 has a contract with NSEA. The County doesn't see what NSEA has put in.
32
33 Brenner stated the County should pay the entire amount for 2008.
34
35 Nelson restated his motion to add an additional amount up to $25,000 to support
36 NSEA's cost.
37
38 Caskey- Schreiber asked if the State requires that NSEA come up with matching
39 funds.
40
41 Brenner stated it does not.
42
43 Weimer stated he supports Councilmember Brenner. NSEA does a lot of fund
44 raising, and sells itself as being able to fund these projects on their own, so it's not too
45 much to expect them to use some of that fundraising to match a $70,000 contribution from
46 the County.
47
48 Brenner stated NSEA has to pay for the grants they find and all the work they do to
49 put this stuff together. NSEA started and administers this program. The program is an
50 incredible benefit to the county.
51
52 Nelson stated that when a nonprofit comes before the County, the Council decides
53 how much to fund. This decision has been made. Non - profits have a responsibility to find
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 3
1 ways to support their cause. The taxpayers shouldn't have to fund everything in the
2 community. The reason for non - profits is to help the community.
3
4 McShane stated this goes back to prioritization. It is the kind of issue that gets
5 clouded with personalities, and they should consider priorities. The priorities of NSEA will
6 not always be the same as those of the County government.
7
8 Brenner stated this program works with the County. She is impressed with all they
9 do.
10
11 Motion to amend failed unanimously.
12
13 McShane moved to delete the $300,000 from the road fund for various ferry
14 parking and staging, item 11.
15
16 Brenner stated this goes in the opposite direction. They aren't giving the people on
17 Lummi Island with the same amount of resources regarding road issues than other parts in
18 the County.
19
20 Caskey- Schreiber stated Lummi Island gets more.
21
22 Brenner stated the ferry is a bridge. The rest of it is no different from a road. Also,
23 this is a good way to get people out of their cars.
24
25 Caskey- Schreiber asked if this amount is part of the 55 percent recovery that they
26 need to recoup.
27
28 Frank Abart, Public Works Director, stated it is not.
29
30 Weimer stated he would support this motion. If they don't create fares that
31 maximize the load on the ferry, then address parking on both sides. Fund this through
32 parking fees.
33
34 Brenner asked if they want to add more cars to the ferry.
35
36 McShane stated this won't reduce car use. People have two cars, one on each side
37 of the ferry. It's a very big, ongoing subsidy.
38
39 Brenner stated that if they don't do this, they will punish those who use less ferry
40 space and carpool.
41
42 Nelson stated the issue of using government monies to change peoples' habits has a
43 long tradition. Councilmember McShane is suggesting a gesture that many would identify
44 with. However, they won't solve a problem that will occur with a growing population and
45 issues with ingress, egress, and fire protection.
46
47 McShane stated it is a very expensive project. He doesn't think they can change
48 behaviors that way. People are very willing to sit in line. The State ferry system has
49 changed dramatically in how it no longer contributes giant subsidies. The number of people
50 who ride the State ferry system has gone up. The $300,000 is not the entire amount. He's
51 objected to it from the beginning.
52
53 Fleetwood asked if this project is ongoing or stand -alone funding.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 4
1
2 Rutan stated this is for improvements to the existing parking facility. This project
3 was on the annual construction program.
4
5 Caskey- Schreiber stated they have budgeted money to look at dock relocation at
6 Gooseberry Point. She asked why they would do improvements. Rutan stated some of the
7 work is on the Lummi Island staging area. The relocation cost is just for a feasibility study.
8 The actual project would be years away.
9
10 Brenner stated there is no good connections with the Whatcom Transportation
11 Authority (WTA). Lummi Island residents have complained for a long time about that. They
12 have to give people choices.
13
14 Fleetwood stated the WTA connection is not terrible. That is Councilmember
15 Brenner's opinion.
16
17 Brenner stated that's what people say.
18
19 Fleetwood stated some people like the connection.
20
21 Motion to amend carried 1 -4 with McShane in favor.
22
23 Motion to recommend approval to the full Council as presented carried
24 unanimously.
25
26 2. ORDINANCE ADOPTING 2007 BUDGET SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST #14 IN THE
27 AMOUNT OF $65,946 (AB2007 -466)
28
29 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
30
31 Motion carried unanimously.
32
33 3. ORDINANCE REQUESTING PROJECT BASED FUNDING FOR PERMITTING AND
34 RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE SLATER ROAD - NOOKSACK RIVER BRIDGE
35 PROJECT AND APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS
36 ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT (AB2007 -452)
37
38 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council,
39
40 Caskey- Schreiber stated she wonders if they should put the brakes on this project so
41 the County can go back to the Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC) and get a more equal
42 funding, like they originally agreed. The cost is getting ridiculous.
43
44 Kurt Christensen, Public Works Department, stated the final engineer estimate is
45 $2.6 million more than planned. Now the plan is to keep the project going and continue
46 with permitting and right -of -way acquisition while they search for funding. They are
47 working with the Lummi Nation, looking at trust fund grants, and working with the County
48 Road Administration Board (CRAB) to secure additional funding. The Lummi Nation is
49 working hard to help the County find that money.
50
51 Caskey- Schreiber asked if they are going to proceed cautiously with no firm
52 commitments and hope for the match. If they stop, the costs will continue to escalate.
53 Make it clear that they shouldn't proceed unless there is a 50 percent match.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 5
1
2 Frank Abart, Public Works Director, stated this request is to finish the design plans
3 and acquire right -of -way. The funding for completing the project would have to come to the
4 Council again. There is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for $3
5 million. One of the refineries is contributing funding. They are several- million dollars short.
6
7 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
8
9 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated that if they don't do the project, they
10 will have to pay back the grant money.
11
12 Abart stated that payback requirement has to do with the FEMA grant. By next
13 summer, the County will have invested about $800,000 of the FEMA grant.
14
15 Christensen stated the County received a one -year extension on the grant, which
16 now expires in 2010.
17
18 McShane asked if the FEMA grant requires that the road be built for 100 -year flood
19 proof. He asked what the County must do to fully qualify for that grant.
20
21 Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated the County said that the project. would
22 result in the road staying open during 100 -year events. The County has closed the road an
23 average of flve days per year. Councilmembers should consider whether they would have
24 approved the project originally if they knew it would be a $9 million project instead of a $4
25 million project.
26
27 McShane stated there is broad public benefit to changes to the road regarding water
28 passage near the approach to the bridge. It would probably reduce the frequency of when
29 the road closes. The water would pass through the flood plain area with additional, big
30 culverts. That has some appeal. When this first came forward, he thought it would become
31 more expensive than planned.
32
33 Brenner asked if the refineries are willing to contribute more as the costs escalate.
34
35 Desler stated the County is seeking more money from the refineries. That won't
36 solve the problem.
37
38 Crawford stated he's not sure the cost should be 50/50 with the Tribe. There are a
39 lot of other beneficiaries of this project, including residents of Sandy Point, the refineries,
40 and the City of Ferndale.
41
42 Caskey- Schreiber stated the Council originally agreed to pay 25 percent of the
43 project, and the Tribe would pay 75 percent. The Tribe has the most benefit from this
44 project.
45
46 Motion carried 2 -1 with McShane opposed.
47
48 4. RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE OF WHATCOM COUNTY TREASURER BARBARA
49 CORY'S LETTER OF RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY
50 WITH TREASURER -ELECT STEVE OLIVER (AB2007 -468)
51
52 Barbara Cory, County Treasurer, stated this gives Steve Oliver an opportunity to get
53 organized for a busy January and get a head start on being County Treasurer.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 6
1
2 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
7
8 Nelson stated the consistent, attorney- approved, standard contract language doesn't
9 need to be included in every Council packet. He asked for basic information only from now
10 on.
11
12 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the administration recommends the first
13 two pages, the scope of work, and the compensation page. That material can be in the
14 Council packet. The rest of the general conditions can be referenced. It can be on file in
15 the Council Office, where all contracts reside. The administration' will work with Council
16 staff to adjust this.
17
18 Brenner stated the contract items are just the contract and have very little
19 description. The contract cover sheet doesn't always have a lot of information. Desler
20 stated the administration expects a letter of transmittal that summarizes that material.
21
22 Brenner stated the letters are included, but they don't have much information.
23 Desler stated he will talk with staff.
24
25 Crawford stated the County is on a two -year budget cycle, so things piled up for this
26 meeting. He reads his packet online. He likes having the contact information.
27
28 McShane stated he agrees with Councilmember Nelson, even with the online version.
29 He is interested in the scope of work. He doubts the Council can make any changes to the
30 attorney language, anyway.
31
32 1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
33 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORSTAN COMMUNICATIONS, INC. DBA
34 BLACK BOX NETWORK SERVICES FOR A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PLAN
35 FOR MAINTENANCE OF TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT AND VOICEMAIL SYSTEM IN
36 THE AMOUNT OF $77,571 (AB2007 -470)
37
38 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
39
40 Brenner asked if this will improve the voicemail and telephone services at the
41 County. Often, the phones will ring without the voicemail picking up, or a recorded voice
42 will ask the caller to wait. Something has changed since the upgrade.
43
44 George Reid, Administrative Services Department, stated part of the issue was with
45 the incoming trunks from the Qwest central office. That issue resulting in nothing
46 happening when someone called. There is a bit of a time delay on the voicemail system, or
47 else the caller won't get the full voicemail message. They are working on these issues. The
48 voicemail system didn't change. One reason for the delay is so it can ring down to the
49 circuit a person wants to get to.
50
51 Brenner stated the recorded voice asking the caller to wait didn't happen in the past.
52 Reid stated he doesn't recall anything changing. It has to do with the way people set up
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 7
1 their system to answer the phone. Some people set up the phone system so voicemail
2 answers.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A FIVE -YEAR
7 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DR. GARY GOLDFOGEL FOR
8 MEDICAL EXAMINER SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $345,000 FOR 2008;
9 $355,350 FOR 2009; $366,010.50 FOR 2010; $376,990.82 FOR 2011; AND
10 $388,300.54 FOR 2012 (AB2007 -471)
11
12 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
13
14 Weimer stated he had asked Dr. Goldfogel his questions, and was satisfied with his
15 answers.
16
17 Caskey- Schreiber asked about the space rental.
18
19 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is a morgue lease. The County
20 also rents most of the rest of the building at State Street for the Health Department. Dr.
21 Goldfogel owns the entire building, and the County rents most of it from him. It is a
22 separate lease agreement.
23
24 Caskey- Schreiber stated they should consider whether that is the best use of County
25 money when they develop the new jail.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28
29 3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
30 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES
31 RECOVERY CENTER FOR YOUTH DRUG AND ALCOHOL EVALUATION AND
32 SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000 (AB2007 -472)
33
34 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
35
36 Motion carried unanimously.
37
38 4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
39 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE AND VENDOR IBM
40 FOR COMPONENTS FOR SERVER MODERNIZATION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT
41 OF $120,478 (AB2007 -473)
42
43 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
44
45 Brenner asked what this modernization will do.
46
47 Perry Rice, Administrative Services Department, stated some servers are older and
48 out of warranty. The request is for two new database servers for the website. One licensed
49 server will help with software that needs license management. Most of this request is to
50 replace file servers, which is where the County employees store their documents. There is
51 also a storage system.
52
53 Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 8
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD RFP #07 -107 TO SOLE
RESPONDENT, MICHAEL BOBBINK, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH MICHAEL BOBBINK LAND USE SERVICE, INC. FOR 2008
HEARING EXAMINER SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,589.40 (AB2007-
474)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE ARC OF WHATCOM COUNTY TO
DEVELOP AND ADMINISTER A SELF - ADVOCACY GROUP FOR YOUNG ADULTS
WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$10,000 (AB2007 -475)
Crawford moved to recommend approval of this item and Consent Agenda item
seven to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE ARC OF WHATCOM COUNTY TO
PROVIDE A SAFETY AND SEXUALITY AWARENESS GROUP FOR INDIVIDUALS
WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$12,420 (AB2007 -476)
See Consent Agenda item six.
S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM CENTER FOR EARLY
LEARNING TO PROVIDE PARENT -TO- PARENT SUPPORT AND RESOURCE
COORDINATION FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES AND DELAYS IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $29,159
(AB2007 -477)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE ARC OF WHATCOM COUNTY FOR
PARENT COALITION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,262
(AB2007 -478)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL
ILLNESS OF WHATCOM COUNTY TO FUND A COMMUNITY EDUCATION,
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 9
1 SUICIDE PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION THAT WILL PROVIDE
2 MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND
3. COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO
4 EXCEED $30,648 (AB2007 -479)
5
6 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked if there will be
7 medication review procedures. A difficulty in mental health is the use of medication. He
8 asked if they can incorporate medication review by a trained professional, such as a mental
9 health pharmacist, working in conjunction with psychiatry.
10
11 Gary Williams, Health Department, stated this is more for facilitation, coordination,
12 and advocacy to work with families and get them care. The actual licensed providers would
13 have access to medical service and prescriptive authority. This person assists with
14 identifying a provider who can provide medications based on funding source.
15
16 Nelson stated they are providing medication or getting into the medication provision
17 element. He doesn't know about the connection with the education on the use of the
18 medications. Some of that may contribute to incidents of suicide in the community. It
19 must include parent and teen education. Williams stated the National Alliance on Mental
20 Illness (NAMI) of Whatcom County does medication training for families. It's about
21 education and coordination.
22
23 Nelson stated he will discuss it with Mr. Williams at a later time.
24
25 Motion carried unanimously.
26
27 11. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
28 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE HOME PORT LEARNING CENTER FOR
29 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR YOUTH UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE
30 WHATCOM COUNTY JUVENILE COURT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
31 $72,000 (AB2007 -480)
32
33 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
34
35 Nelson asked if this amount is the same as before, or if there must be additional
36 money due to the truancy law.
37
38 Dave Reynolds, Juvenile Court Administrator, stated the language was added to
39 assure that those things take place. It's a clarification in the contract, not a change.
40
41 Motion carried 2 -0 with Crawford absent.
42
43 12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
44 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WESTERN WASHINGTON
45 UNIVERSITY'S COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS SMALL BUSINESS
46 DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR COUNTY BUSINESS
47 RETENTION AND EXPANSION ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT WHATCOM
48 COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 (AB2007 -481)
49
50 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
51
52 Motion carried 2 -0 with Crawford absent.
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 10
1 13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
2 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MT. BAKER FOOTHILLS
3 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PROVIDE SERVICES PROMOTING TOURISM IN
4 WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2007 -482)
5
6 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
7
8 Weimer asked to receive information in future Council packets on the hourly rate.
9
10 Motion carried unanimously,
11
12 14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
13 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST REGIONAL
14 COUNCIL — LONELINESS AND ISOLATION PROGRAM PROVIDED THROUGH
15 THE INTERFAITH COALITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 (AB2007 -483)
16
17 Crawford asked if this is funded from the general fund.
18
19 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is.
20
21 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
22
23 Brenner stated there was no explanation of the service. Desler stated he will provide
24 a report he just received.
25
26 McShane stated the Council received the report.
27
28 Desler described the program.
29
30 Nelson stated this was originally a State - funded program through the Northwest
31 Regional Council. The program was very effective, but the State cancelled funding. He
32 asked the administration to continue funding the program. The support to the community is
33 the benefit that the isolated seniors receive.
34
35 Brenner stated they should change the title to "Loneliness and Isolation Reduction
36 Program." Desler stated they will do that.
37
38 Crawford stated he will vote against this. He supports senior services, but don't
39 spend money to fund people going out to be friends to other people. There are other
40 pressing issues. He usually supports anything that relates to human services. However, he
41 doesn't see the need for this. He appreciates that there are good results, but seniors can go
42 get services at well- staffed senior centers.
43
44 Brenner asked if this is about someone being a senior's service access person.
45 Desler stated it is designed to link people up with services and provide another person in
46 their life who can help in some ways.
47
48 McShane stated it comes down to the community's priority. This is appropriate. It is
49 a modest amount of money. The program probably saves the community money. Many
50 isolated people inappropriately use emergency services as a way to reach out.
51
52 Caskey- Schreiber stated she agrees with Councilmember McShane. Other counties
53 have a high senior suicide rate. Spend $20,000 to get isolated people in the community in
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 11
1 touch with others. This is a meager amount when they consider the good it will do to
2 connect people with resources.
3
4
Brenner stated this is a small amount for a part-time volunteer coordinator.
5
6
Motion carried 2 -1 with Crawford opposed.
7
8
15.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
9
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM VOLUNTEER
10
CENTER TO PROVIDE VOLUNTEER SERVICES TO MULTIPLE COUNTY OFFICES
11
AND SERVICE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF
12
$38,000 (AB2007 -484)
13
14
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
15
16
Motion carried unanimously.
17
18
16.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
19
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM
20
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
21
PROGRAMMING FOR WHATCOM COUNTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
22
TO WHATCOM COUNTY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM,
23
IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 (AB2007 -485)
24
25
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
26
27
Motion carried 2 -1 with McShane opposed.
28
29
17.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
30
AGREEMENT FOR 257 SHADY GLEN AVENUE, POINT ROBERTS, FOR HOUSING
31
FOR THE POINT ROBERTS RESIDENT DEPUTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,820
32
(AB2007 -486)
33
34
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
35
36
Motion carried unanimously.
37
38
18.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
39
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WOMENCARE SHELTER
40
PROVIDING FUNDING TO SUPPORT THEIR SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF
41
$15,000 (AB2007 -487)
42
43
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
44
45
Motion carried unanimously.
46
47
19.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
48
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE &
49
SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE WHATCOM COUNTY
50
COMMISSION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000
51
(AB2007 -488)
52
53
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 12
Motion carried unanimously.
20. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND U.S. IMAGING, INC. FOR
MICROFILM CONVERSION TO DIGITAL IMAGES FOR THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE
IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,600 (AB2007 -489)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
21. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND HDR ENGINEERING, INC. TO
PERFORM A SITE SELECTION PROCESS FOR WHATCOM COUNTY ADULT
CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND SHERIFF'S HEADQUARTERS PROJECT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $695,701 (AB2007 -490)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. They covered every item
that must be considered in site selection. Building structures can take on a whole new cost
depending on the material on which they are built.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administer, stated the team working on this includes geo-
technical experts. That data will be available to the architects.
IVelson stated a brief reconnaissance from public rights -of -way won't give much
information.
McShane stated that information will come into play at the point of purchase and
sale. If the site has major problems, the sale will collapse, and they move on to site
number two. They will get a good idea of any issues from the area of the site. Issues
should be addressed in the purchase and sale agreement.
Motion carried unanimously.
22. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -90 TO
SUCCESSFUL BIDDER FLEX -PLAN SERVICES, INC. FOR ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES OF THE DIRECT REIMBURSEMENT DENTAL PLAN FOR
UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES FOR A THREE -YEAR PERIOD 2008 -2010 IN
THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $27,939 ($3.25 PER MEMBER PER MONTH
PLUS $600 ANNUAL PLAN FEE) (AB2007 -491)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Caskey- Schreiber stated this plan discourages people from declaring that they have
another insurance vendor that covers them. She declared that she has dental coverage at
her job at Western Washington University. Instead of paying a percentage of the bill, they
pay only a percentage of the balance left over, that the primary carrier didn't pay. It
discourages people from telling the truth about whether they have another primary
provider, because they don't honor the percentage of the entire bill, which is how the dental
coverage used to be before this company took over. Everyone is mad about it. It
discourages people from telling the truth. She's tried to talk to the Human Resources about
it. She had to pay for a portion of her cleaning, and the company wouldn't pay for it.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 13
1
2 Karen Goens, Administrative Services Department, stated she is happy to talk to the
3 plan administrator about how the plan is administered. This is news to her.
4
5 Caskey- Schreiber stated she stopped by the Human Resources office six months ago
6 about this issue.
7
8 Goens stated most employees don't have other coverage. Multiple coverage is great
9 because people end up not paying any out -of- pocket expenses, which is how it should be.
10
11 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
12
13 Goens stated the majority of folks don't have multiple coverage.
14
15 Caskey- Schreiber stated other employees have an option to get insurance through
16 their spouses. They may decline to do so because of the way this company handles things.
17 It didn't used to be like that. Goens stated they may be administering the plan differently.
18 She can talk to them.
19
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21
22 23. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -91 TO
23 SUCCESSFUL BIDDER APS HEALTHCARE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OF
24 THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $2.41 PER
25 EMPLOYEE PER MONTH FOR 2008; $2.46 PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH FOR
26 2009; AND $2.51 PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH FOR 2010 (AB2007 -492)
27
28 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
29
30 Motion carried unanimously.
31
32 24. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
33 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
34 EVERSON FOR WHATCOM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT PROBATION TO
35 PROVIDE PROBATION SERVICES (AB2007 -493)
36
37 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council of Consent Agenda
38 items 24 through 28.
39
40 Motion carried unanimously.
41
42 25. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
43 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
44 LYNDEN FOR WHATCOM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT PROBATION TO PROVIDE
45 PROBATION SERVICES (AB2007 -525)
46
47 See Consent Agenda item 24.
48
49 26. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
50 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
51 BLAINE FOR WHATCOM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT PROBATION TO PROVIDE
52 PROBATION SERVICES (AB2007 -526)
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 14
1 See Consent Agenda item 24.
2
3 27. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
4 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
5 BELLINGHAM FOR WHATCOM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT PROBATION TO
6 PROVIDE PROBATION SERVICES (AB2007 -527)
7
8 See Consent Agenda item 24.
9
10 28. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION. FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
11 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
12 SUMAS FOR WHATCOM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT PROBATION TO PROVIDE
13 PROBATION SERVICES (AB2007 -528)
14
15 See Consent Agenda item 24.
16
17 29. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE REQUEST
18 FROM GENERAL TEAMSTERS LOCAL UNION #231 TO HAVE THE COUNTY PAY
19 HEALTH AND WELFARE PLAN PREMIUMS TEMPORARILY UNTIL THE
20 SUCCESSOR AGREEMENT TO THE MASTER PLAN IS RATIFIED (AB2007 -494)
21
22 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
23
24 Motion carried unanimously.
25
26 30. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
27 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WHATCOM COUNTY
28 LEGACY PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000 FOR 2007 AND $35,000 FOR
29 2008 (AB2007 -495)
30
31 This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
32
33 31. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
34 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WHATCOM FARM
35 FRIENDS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 (AB2007 -496)
36
37 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
38
39 Caskey- Schreiber asked if this is in lieu of having a Planning staff member coordinate
40 the purchase of development rights (PDR) program.
41
42 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is not.
43
44 Weimer stated the additional services request (ASR) for this item during the budget
45 process was specifically targeted to make sure the transfer of development rights (TDR)
46 program was up and working. However, this program from Farm Friends seems more like a
47 public outreach and public relations thing for those ordinances and policies. This doesn't
48 follow the direction of the Council for this money.
49
50 Kraig Olason, Public Works Department, stated staff responded to public concern
51 about proposals to change zoning. As a result, they ended up with over 100 short-plat
52 applications, due to the public's fear that something would happen rapidly. When
53 considering how to move forward, the staff wanted to make sure the public is apprised and
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 15
1 engages in discussion from the beginning. The contract isn't a change in focus. It gets a
2 group to take the lead in the community and spearhead the community effort, work with the
3 committee, initiate the TDR process, and to work with staff to define the issues on which
4 they want additional studies. Only the Agriculture Protection Committee (APC) captured the
5 focus they wanted and has a local connection to the community.
6
7 Weimer stated he asked to look at the request for qualifications (RFQ), but hasn't
8 received it. There is no budget in the contract. The contract gives Whatcom Farm Friends
9 $5,000 to tell the County what it is going to do. That should have been part of the RFQ
10 process. The Council specifically wanted to move forward on policies and ordinances. Once
11 they had a clear idea of that, then they would go forward with public involvement. It seems
12 like they are doing public involvement first. The Council hasn't heard about the agricultural
13 program for months.
14
15 David Stalheim, Planning and Development Services Department Director, stated he
16 sent the RFQ to Councilmember Weimer in an email. The only item that has a budget
17 amount attached is the public involvement plan preparation. His implementation
18 requirement of the public involvement plan, which is step two, is to come back with billable
19 rates and include all the things they see in several other contracts. He wanted to make
20 sure the contract defines how much and what type of work they are getting.
21
22 Staff has done the internal posting for the agricultural program positions. They are
23 in the hiring process. The TDR, PDR, and agricultural program are important. They can't
24 separate those programs from what they are doing in Lake Whatcom. They must be done
25 as a whole.
26
27 Brenner stated the Council was asked for more staff for the Agricultural Advisory
28 Committee (AAC). Now that Farm Friends combined with the APC, they do cover a lot of
29 the diversity in the agricultural community, more than the AAC. They seem to be
30 duplicating efforts. She asked if the County needs the AAC, when it has this resource.
31 Olason stated the difference between the two is that the AAC is called out in the
32 Comprehensive Plan. It is appointed to advise the County Council. The AAC is appointed by
33 the Executive and confirmed by the Council. The Council can control the mix of people on
34 the committee. The APC, which is a good group, has its own agenda, which may not be the
35 Council's agenda. Farm Friends was originally established as a community outreach
36 program. The APC was focused more on water rights and agricultural protection.
37 Combined, they have a broader purpose. It doesn't necessary eclipse the purpose of the
38 AAC.
39
40 Brenner stated the AAC wants staff. There may be a better benefit to use Farm
41 Friends instead. Stalheim stated his department will have staff, so they will be ready to
42 respond shortly.
43
44 Caskey- Schreiber stated the AAC should have staff, as the Marine Resources
45 Committee has. The AAC takes on broader issues. She has gained a lot from their
46 perspective, which is broader than that of the APC. They have more freedom to say what
47 they feel because it isn't a paid position.
48
49 Brenner stated everyone on the AAC is part of Farm Friends. Ask if Farm Friends is
50 willing to do this task, too.
51
52 McShane stated he doesn't have a problem with the contract. He is mostly
53 concerned about the County's end. He hasn't seen a lot of progress in how the County
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 16
protects agricultural resource lands. The problem comes from the administration. The
Comprehensive Plan item is still on the docket. It's taken a long time for this to come
forward. It will take a concerted effort of long -term planning. The County should recognize
that they need to make significant changes in how they approach the county's agricultural
land base. It's a global issue.
Caskey- Schreiber stated Snohomish County has three planners who work exclusively
on their PDR program. After two years, only 30 acres have been put into their program,
because they cannot compete with the price of land anymore. It's a $300 million industry.
Dedicate staff to protect the industry. It's one of the few things that can sustain them into
the future. Pierce County just created a farm ombudsman position to advocate for farm
policies. She supports directing staff to deal with this problem.
Weimer stated he is not against this contract or Farm Friends. This is a good thing.
He's just wondering if it's too soon. He thought it would be a Council /staff decision on
where they would go. Now, it looks like they're creating a process to talk with everyone
about creating a consensus approach. That may take years.
McShane stated there are two proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments. He's
concerned that the public involvement be partially driven by what the Council is interested
in pursuing. There is political will to make changes, but they're not sure what those
changes would be. The Council is interested in hearing the public's view. Stalheim stated
the first step is for Farm Friends to do a public involvement plan. When that is developed,
staff will come back and discuss it. Define how it dovetails with staff issues and Council
interest.
McShane stated that's a good idea. Political interests and political will change over
time. The Council is not adverse to take on a little controversy. Make sure that controversy
turns into a positive for protecting farmland.
Motion carried unanimously.
32. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND RICK ACKERMAN FOR
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR YOUTH IN THE SSODA
PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 (AB2007 -497)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council of Consent Agenda items
32 through 35.
Motion carried unanimously.
33. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND JOHN DAVIS FOR
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR YOUTH IN THE SSODA
PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 (AB2007 -522)
See Consent Agenda item 32.
34. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PAT HENDERSON FOR
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR YOUTH IN THE SSODA
PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 (AB2007 -523)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 17
1
2 See Consent Agenda item 32.
3
4 35. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
5 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SHARON WILLIAMS FOR
6 ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR YOUTH IN THE SSODA
7 PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 (AB2007 -524)
8
9 See Consent Agenda item 32.
10
11 36. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
12 RENEWAL OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND VISITING
13 NURSE PERSONAL SERVICES FOR JAIL MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE
14 AMENDED AMOUNT OF $70,424 FOR A TOTAL OF $643,571 (AB2007 -498)
15
16 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
17
18 Motion carried unanimously.
19
20 37. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
21 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
22 BLAINE FOR THE STORMWATER RETROFIT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF
23 $90,000 (AB2007 -499)
24
25 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
26
27 Frank Abart, Public Works Director, stated this is to pre -treat stormwater before it
28 reaches Drayton Harbor.
29
30 Motion carried unanimously.
31
32 38. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
33 CONTRACT WITH ELLIOTT BAY DESIGN GROUP FOR DESIGN AND BIDDING
34 SUPPORT SERVICES RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WHATCOM
35 CHIEF IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,720 (AB2007 -500)
36
37 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
38
39 IVelson stated the design has been done.
40
41 Frank Abart, Public Works Director, stated this item is to upgrade the design. The
42 professional seals on the design expired. There were also safety requirement changes from
43 Homeland Security and the Coast Guard.
44
45 Motion carried unanimously.
46
47 39. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
48 AGREEMENT WITH WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 11 FOR
49 MOVEMENT OF FIRE EQUIPMENT VIA FERRY AS NECESSARY IN EXCHANGE
50 FOR FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES OF DOCK AND FERRY ON THE ISLAND
51 (AB2007 -501)
52
53 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 18
1
2
Motion carried unanimously.
3
4
40.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
5
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH SARGENT ENGINEERS, INC. FOR
6
THE 2007 BRIDGE LOADING RATING OF BRIDGES IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN
7
THE AMOUNT OF $38,505 (AB2007 -502)
8
9
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
10
11
Motion carried unanimously.
12
13
41.
RESOLUTION AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY VANTAGECARE RETIREMENT
14
HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS) PLAN AND AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO
15
CONTRACT (AB2007 -503)
16
17
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
18
19
Motion carried unanimously.
20
21
(Clerk's Note: The vote on this item was rescinded later in the meeting.)
22
23
42.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
24
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH DAVID EVANS AND
25
ASSOCIATES INC. FOR ON -CALL SURVEYING SERVICES FOR THE RIVER AND
26
FLOOD DIVISION PROJECTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000 (AB2007 -504)
27
28
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
29
30
Motion carried unanimously.
31
32
43.
APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 07 -116 TO LOW
33
BIDDER AMERICA WEST ENVIRONMENTAL INC. FOR SUPPLYING ROAD SALT
34
IN THE AMOUNT OF $123.92 PER TON (AB2007 -505)
35
36
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
37
38
Motion carried unanimously.
39
40
44.
APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 07 -117 TO LOW'
41
BIDDER SOUND FORD FOR 19 FULL SIZE POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES IN THE
42
AMOUNT OF $522,517.63 (AB2007 -506)
43
44
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
45
46
Motion carried unanimously.
47
48
45.
APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 07 -122 TO SOLE
49
BIDDER SKYLINE STEEL FOR SUPPLYING STEEL PIPE PILES FOR BRIDGE
50
MAINTENANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,327.48 (AB2007 -507)
51
52
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 19
1
Motion carried unanimously.
2
3
46.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
4
PURCHASE OF AUTOBODY REPAIR SERVICES WITH CEI GROUP THROUGH
5
GITT'S AUTOBODY OF FERNDALE, UTILIZING WASHINGTON STATE
6
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000 (AB2007 -508)
7
8
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
9
10
Motion carried unanimously.
11
12
47.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
13
PURCHASE LUBRICANTS FROM CONOCO PHILLIPS 76, UTILIZING
14
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY
15
$35,000 (AB2007 -509)
16
17
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
18
19
Motion carried unanimously.
20
21
48.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
22
PURCHASE OF THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF LIGNOSITE FOR DUST CONTROL OF
23
COUNTY ROADS FROM SOLE SUPPLIER, MEENDERINCK, LLC, IN THE
24
AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY $50,000 (AB2007 -510)
25
26
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
27
28
Motion carried unanimously.
29
30
49.
REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
31
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES
32
NORTHWEST FOR CASE MANAGEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN
33
THE AMOUNT OF $30,900 (AB2007 -511)
34
35
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
36
37
Motion carried unanimously.
38
39
50.
REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
40
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR WHATCOM
41
COUNTY HOMELESS SERVICE CENTER ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES IN .THE
42
AMOUNT OF $411,830 (AB2007 -512)
43
44
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
45
46
Motion carried unanimously.
47
48
51.
REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
49
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SASCO DATA SYSTEMS USING
50
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT #T05- MST -014 FOR INSTALLATION OF
51
COMPOSITE FIBER CABLE BETWEEN NORTHWEST ANNEX AND THE CENTRAL
52
SHOP IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,952.44 (AB2007 -513)
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 20
1 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
2
3 Motion carried unanimously.
4
5 52. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
6 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM COUNTY
7 TOURISM TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN THE AMOUNT OF $152,500 (AB2007-
8 514)
9
10 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
11
12 Motion carried unanimously.
13
14 53. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -114 TO
15 ANDGAR CORPORATION TO REPLACE DIELECTRIC UNIONS AT THE
16 COURTHOUSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,897.39 (AB2007 -515)
17
18 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
19
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21
22 54. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A TWO -YEAR
23 RENEWAL OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND FIBER CLOUD,
24 INC. FOR THE PROVISION OF BANDWIDTH AND A SECURE FACILITY FOR
25 THE WHATCOM COUNTY INTERNET CONNECTION IN THE AMOUNT OF
26 $20,580 PER YEAR (AB2007 -516)
27
28 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
29
30 Motion carried unanimously.
31
32 55. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF
33 A MODULAR OFFICE FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTRAL SHOP FROM
34 WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $187,442.65 (AB2007 -517)
35
36 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
37
38 Nelson asked if the unit comes equipped.
39
40 Mike Russell, Administrative Services Department, stated it is a used modular of
41 3,000 square feet, which is five mobile units together. It comes with everything except the
42 electrical and plumbing that has to be added.
43
44 Nelson stated the cost seems expensive.
45
46 Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, stated it is 3,600 square feet.
47
48 Nelson asked if this is the administration's recommendation.
49
50 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is a temporary fix. The administration
51 is working on a longer -term solution for housing staff. This is designed to last until the
52 other building becomes useful. Then the building will be used by Central Shop for years as
53 an operation center. This is the least expensive approach in the medium -term.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 21
1
2 Nelson stated this is an example of how they should work on funding future capital
3 facilities planning. He understands the need. They are somehow failing on these future
4 problems. Work on how they are going to house staff in the future.
5
6 Motion carried unanimously.
7
8 56. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR
9 SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH COMPU -TECH INC. TO DEVELOP THE DESIGN
10 AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS FOR PHASE 1 THROUGH 3 OF THE WHATCOM
11 COUNTY JAIL RMS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $110,000 (AB2007 -518)
12
13 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
14
15 Motion carried unanimously.
16
17 57. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY VANTAGECARE
18 RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS) PLAN (AB2007 -529)
19
20 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this was intended to replace Consent
21 Agenda item 41.
22
23 McShane moved to rescind the vote on item 41.
24
25 The committee concurred.
26
27 Crawford asked the change.
28
29 Desler stated there is an amendment to the retirement health savings (RHS) plan
30 that has to do with technical requirements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The
31 County is no longer able to allow individual employees to make their own selection on what
32 they would choose to do.
33
34 Karen Goens, Administrative Services Department, stated there are new IRS
35 guidelines. They must amend the policy document that sets pay and benefits for
36 employees. In this case, there must be a RHS amendment to how employees contribute.
37 There is also a new unrepresented resolution to put that in place for those employees. They
38 are going to have to bargain any features into each and every collective bargaining
39 agreement.
40
41 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council of Consent Agenda items
42 57 and 58.
43
44 Goens stated the administration is in the midst of negotiating bargaining
45 agreements, so they will wait to bring forward major changes of the unrepresented
46 resolution until next year.
47
48 Motion carried unanimously.
49
50 58. RESOLUTION APPROVING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND POLICIES FOR
51 UNREPRESENTED WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 2008
52 (AB2007 -530)
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 22
1 See Consent Agenda item 57.
2
3
4 OTHER BUSINESS
5
6 There was no other business.
7
8
9 ADJOURN
10
11 The meetin adjourned at 12:22 p.m.
12
13
14
15 Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
16
17
18 ATTEST:``C�Ofiti
21 If .
22 '
23 —
24 Darn BrQ: 1 �ft c:l Clek
'•,� •' qSM ING .' ��•
Ile
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sarrf Crawford, Committ$e Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/4/2007, Page 23