HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance June 19 20071 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Finance and Administrative Services Committee
3
4 June 19, 2007
5
6 Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. in the
7 Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
8
9 Present: Absent:
10 Dan McShane L. Ward Nelson
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12 Also Present:
13 Carl Weimer
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15
16 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
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18 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2007 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, SIXTH
19 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,841,651 (AB2007 -254)
20
21 Crawford asked for information on the request for laptops from the Sheriff's Office.
22 There was a question of whether there is a program to which officers are assigned.
23
24 Carey James, Undersheriff, stated the question was whether there was a boating
25 program to meet the laws and regulations in the State of Washington for which they qualify
26 to use those funds. The question is whether time must be spent on a boating program for
27 an officer to be classified as a boating officer. The Whatcom County program is a qualified
28 boating program under the State statutes.
29
30 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated they want to use the boating program
31 funds appropriately.
32
33 James stated that the laptops are used not only on the boats. They wouldn't receive
34 the funds from the State if the program wasn't qualified. These officers use the laptops to
35 do boating education and safety presentations.
36
37 Crawford asked if the cost includes software. James stated the high cost is for the
38 tougher laptops that can stand up to the abuse they are subject to. It is what they've
39 purchased in the past.
40
41 McShane stated he is skeptical about this. There are three qualifications in the
42 Washington Administrative Code (WAC), including increased education. James stated the
43 boat program is qualified, so they are authorized to buy equipment to supplement the
44 program.
45
46 McShane stated there is no doubt there is a qualified program. He asked what the
47 computers will specifically be used for. He'd like to see any education program before
48 approving this. He has no idea what the program does. James stated the computers won't
49 be used exclusively for education. They will also be used for enforcement.
50
51 McShane asked how many boats they have, or if the computer goes with the deputy.
52 James stated each deputy has a computer in the vehicles. This is an extension of that
53 program, to allow boating officers a laptop in the boat because they do boating
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/19/2007, Page 1
1 enforcement. Officers in cars use laptops strictly for enforcement. These computers will be
2 used for that, and. also for education. It's a savings for taxpayers and the County to use
3 these funds from the State rather than County funds.
4
5 Desler stated the money for the boating program goes into the general fund. The
6 boating program has a number of costs. The County uses the boating fund to pay for a
7 portion of the total cost of the boating program.
8
9 Crawford asked if they would get $25,000 anyway, or if that money is specifically for
10 the laptops. Desler stated they would get the revenue anyway. The Sheriff decides how to
11 spend the revenue.
12
13 McShane stated he'd like to see the program. He's not familiar with it. He's
14 concerned that the boat will need engine replacement in the next few years due to new
15 regulations. There has never been an enforcement or penalty mechanism for the use of
16 two - stroke engines. He has concerns that this will work and whether it's really in keeping
17 with the intent of the fund. He's not clear whether or not this approach is appropriate. The
18 Council does have discretion on how the funds are used.
19
20 Crawford asked if they've bought a new boat yet. James stated they haven't. They
21 recently bought a boat from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAH).
22 None of the boating equipment is from the equipment revolve and rental (ER &R) fund, so
23 the fund is maintained at a level to keep equipment operational and in compliance with
24 current State and local law.
25
26 Crawford asked if they have the funds for the new boat. James stated the new boat
27 they planned to buy was used as a demo, and could have been purchased at a savings.
28 Due to the lengthy County approval process, the demo boat was sold to someone else. The
29 demo boat was fully equipped and cost $79,000. That would have been a considerable
30 savings. Now, they have to come up with enough money for or another deal on a boat.
31
32 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council and moved to amend
33 the ordinance to remove item four of the supplemental. He would like to see an overview of
34 the boating program, particularly regarding what the program entails in terms of increased
35 education, enforcement efforts, and how it's working to stimulate greater boater safety.
36 This WAC was set up for those purposes. He wants to make sure that's where they're
37 heading. Don't take advantage of this fund to fund other things. James stated each officer
38 that takes part in the boating program goes through extensive annual training to be a
39 boating officer. They spend a lot of money on training on these officers. The computers
40 aren't going to just any deputy. They are going to specific boating officers.
41
42 McShane stated that information wasn't clear in the paperwork, and it wasn't clear to
43 the Deputy Civil Prosecutor. Those concerns weren't sufficiently addressed in the Council
44 packet. He doesn't know what the boating program is. He doesn't know what goes into
45 certification. There is a lot he doesn't know. He is hesitant on this. James stated he was
46 able to answer the attorney's questions sufficiently about the boating program. They
47 wouldn't get the money for the program if they didn't meet the requirements under the
48 State law.
49
50 Crawford asked what it means to have an officially adopted program. James stated
51 they wouldn't get funding from the State if the program wasn't official.
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/19/2007, Page 2
1 Desler stated he doesn't know if the program needs formal adoption. The
2 conversation between the Sheriff's Office and Prosecutor's Office was appropriate. When
3 the Executive's Office approved the request, the prosecutor was confident that the purchase
4 meets the intent of the law. They will have more discussions with the Council on this issue.
5
6 Crawford stated he will vote against the amendment. The Executive has approved
7 the request. It's part of the supplemental budget request proposal. He does have concerns
8 about the need for a new boat. That is the much bigger issue. He questions whether this
9 $25,000 can apply to that boat purchase, but will leave the decision to the Sheriff. If the
10 laptops are the best thing to purchase with this particular money, then he respects that
11 decision. James stated it is a serious consideration. They want to make sure the boat is up
12 to standards.
13
14 McShane stated he wants to see a presentation on the boat program. They are
15 asking him to authorize a budgetary authority, and he wants to make sure that is an
16 appropriate approach. He has no idea what they're doing on the boat program. It sounds
17 like he will probably agree on this expenditure after he has that information. Now, they are
18 asking him to approve something on which he knows nothing about the program, how it
19 meets the WAC, how much money comes in to the program, and where that money is
20 spent. James stated they would be glad to give a presentation on the program. Everyone
21 would be better educated on.their efforts to enforce the laws, comply with the WAC, and
22 comply with the environmental requirements of putting equipment out there while doing the
23 job.
24
25 Crawford stated he is getting ready to put forward an ordinance to remove motorized
26 boats from Toad Lake. He asked how the Sheriff's Office would handle calls there.
27
28 Chad Heinrich, Sheriff's Office, stated they will respond to those calls and can cite
29 those folks. Most often, they try to educate people first.
30
31 Crawford asked if the County signs those lakes. Heinrich stated they do have signs
32 that talk about rules of lakes on almost every lake in the county.
33
34 Desler stated that as a resident of Cain Lake, he watched the decline in the amount
35 of oil sheen on Cain Lake when they changed from motorized to non - motorized boats. The
36 residents help enforce non - motorized boats by talking to people.
37
38 Motion to amend failed 1 -1 with Crawford opposed,
39
40 Crawford asked about the bills for the llamas. Desler stated there were so many
41 people on the scene from the county that they had a difficult time deciding who authorized
42 what. They went through the bills to determine which expenses were reasonable.
43
44 Weimer asked about money being spent on two parcels of land out of the Flood
45 Fund.
46
47 Paula Cooper, Public Works Department, stated she spoke with the councilmembers
48 during executive session about this purchase. The locations are downstream of the Guide
49 Meridian and in the Deming area.
50
51 Weimer asked how buying land from the State Department of Natural Resources
52 (DNR) is important for flood control. Cooper stated one parcel is in the location of a
53 designated overflow and the other parcel is a reach where there are river constraints.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/1912007, Page 3
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2
Motion carried unanimously.
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4
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COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
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7
1.
REQUEST FOR THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO ENTER INTO A THREE -YEAR
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CONTRACT WITH SOLE SOURCE AWARD PROVISION BY THOMSEN WEST
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FOR ON LINE LEGAL RESEARCH SERVICES, TOTAL COST IS $25,068
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(AB2007 -260)
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12
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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14
Motion carried unanimously.
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2.
REQUEST FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -29 TO LOW BIDDER,
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NORTHEND TRUCK EQUIPMENT, FOR A REPLACEMENT ROLL -OFF HOIST IN
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THE AMOUNT OF $36,670.93 (AB2007 -261)
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Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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22
Motion carried unanimously.
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3.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -41 TO
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LOW BIDDER, SOUND FORD, FOR TWO REPLACEMENT 3/4 TON TRUCKS IN
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THE AMOUNT OF $59,765.16 (AB2007 -262)
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McShane moved to recommend approval of this item and Consent Agenda item
29
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to the full Council.
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31
Motion carried unanimously.
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33
4.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -43 TO
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LOW BIDDER, SOUND FORD, FOR REPLACEMENT OF TWO 1 -TON TRUCKS IN
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THE AMOUNT OF $64,742.50 (AB2007 -263)
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37
See Consent Agenda item three.
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39
S.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -57 TO
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LOW BIDDER, FOSS SHIPYARD, FOR ANNUAL DRYDOCK REPAIRS AND
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MAINTENANCE OF THE WHATCOM CHIEF FERRY IN THE AMOUNT OF
42
$218,310 (AB2007 -264)
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44
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council,
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46
Motion carried unanimously.
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48
6.
RESOLUTION REGARDING AN INCREASE IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
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NON - RECOURSE REVENUE BONDS OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORP
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OF THE PORT OF BELLINGHAM WITH PROCEEDS TO BE USED FOR
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INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES WITHIN THE COUNTY BY BP WEST
52
COAST PRODUCTS LLC (AB2007 -265)
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/19/2007, Page 4
1 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this is an expansion of an existing
2 project. A Port representative is not here. Legal counsel says Whatcom County, by law,
3 can review and approve this item. It doesn't create a liability for the County.
4
5 Weimer stated nothing in the packet describes specifically what the expansion is.
6 Desler stated the committee can hold this item in committee to talk to Port and BP
7 representatives.
8
9 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
10
11 Weimer stated he would like to hold in committee, or get more information before
12 this evening's meeting.
13
14 McShane stated he recalls that this is for general expansion. Debate on these things
15 should take place in the halls of. Congress. It's a subsidy. It's to their benefit locally.
16
17 Motion carried unanimously.
18
19 7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
20 CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE MILITARY DEPARTMENT TO
21 SUPPLEMENT THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT'S 2007
22 OPERATING BUDGET IN AN EFFORT TO ENHANCE THEIR EMERGENCY
23 MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,783 (AB2007 -266)
24
25 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28
29 S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
30 INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH SNOHOMISH COUNTY TO PROVIDE
31 EQUIPMENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN WHATCOM COUNTY FOR
32 ENHANCED CAPABILITIES TO COMBAT TERRORISM, IN THE AMOUNT OF
33 $178,155 (AB2007 -267)
34
35 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
36
37 Motion carried unanimously.
38
39 9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
40 CONTRACT WITH ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
41 TO PROVIDE OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES TO LOW - INCOME
42 PEOPLE IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2007 -268)
43
44 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
45
46 Motion carried unanimously.
47
48 Weimer stated Councilmember Brenner had asked how much money is budgeted for
49 this.
50
51 Jackie Mitchell, Health Department, stated they are distributing about $1.1 million.
52 They don't have a final contract yet with a final amount. They have just a two -month
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/19/2007, Page 5
1 bridge contract to carry them into the next biennium so there is no gap in services. Once
2 they know the final amount, they will make awards to the agencies.
3
4 10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
5 CONTRACT WITH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES OF NORTHWEST
6 WASHINGTON TO PROVIDE OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES TO
7 LOW- INCOME PEOPLE IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2007 -269)
8
9 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
10
11 Motion carried unanimously.
12
13 11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
14 CONTRACT WITH WEST COAST COUNSELING AND TREATMENT SERVICES TO
15 PROVIDE OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES TO LOW- INCOME
16 PEOPLE IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2007 -270)
17
18 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
19
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21
22 12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
23 CONTRACT WITH SEAMAR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER TO PROVIDE
24 OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES TO LOW - INCOME PEOPLE IN
25 WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2007 -271)
26
27 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
28
29 Motion carried unanimously.
30
31 13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
32 AGREEMENT WITH THE BELLINGHAM WHATCOM COUNTY HOUSING
33 AUTHORITY TO USE 2060 CAPITAL FUNDS FOR 45 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
34 UNITS (AB2007 -272)
35
36 John Harmon, Bellingham Whatcom County Housing Authority Executive
37 Director /CEO, stated they have an opportunity to do two projects. One is to get the last
38 piece of funding to do a historic rehabilitation of the Laube Hotel on State Street, which is
39 fully permitted. One benefit is that they are ready to use this funding now. They are ready
40 to go. This money won't sit around. The other property is Meadow Wood II Town Homes,
41 on Aldrich Road, near Northwest and Bakerview roads. They just received the last piece of
42 funding for this project, so they can begin sooner than anticipated. Both properties offer
43 very affordable housing for some low- income residents.
44
45 Crawford asked if Mr. Harmon participates in the Low Income Housing Task Force.
46 Harmon stated he does.
47
48 There was discussion on using the 2060 fund. The recommendation from the
49 committee was unanimous.
50
51 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/19/2007, Page 6
1 McShane stated the two projects are quite different from one another, which is a
2 good thing.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
7 CONTRACT WITH NAMI OF WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,648
8 (AB2007 -273)
9
10 McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
11
12 Motion carried unanimously.
13
14
15 OTHER BUSINESS
16
17 There was no other business.
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19
20 ADJOURN
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22 The meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
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24
25 _
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27 Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
28
29
30 ATTEST:
33 � �`
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35 �•�
36` Dana Boo r Dav;�, u4cil Cj rk
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f STATE OF Z •%
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATjCOM COUNTY, WASHIV
am Crawford, Cor�jnittee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/19/2007, Page 7