HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance December 5 2006I WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Finance and Administrative Services Committee
3
4 December 5, 2006
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6 Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the
7 Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
8
9 Present: Absent:
10 L. Ward Nelson None
11 Carl Weimer
12
13 Also Present:
14 Dan McShane
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17 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
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19 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2006 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIFTEENTH
20 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $813,557 (AB2006 -438)
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22 N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated the original request was for $415,000.
23 The main portion of the request is $205,000 for conflict attorneys. The primary reason is
24 the need for attorneys for both parents in State -filed juvenile dependency cases, which have
25 doubled. That rate will continue as the State Department of Social and Health Service
26 (DSHS) has equalized case management across the state. This region has historically been
27 underserved. The number of filings is up. The $205,000 is for mandated attorneys for
28 indigent parents in dependency cases. The balance of the supplemental request is for
29 uncontrollable indigent defense. In addition, $117,000 is for guardian ad litem services.
30 This is also due to the increased number of dependency cases. Other amounts in the
31 supplemental request are related to vacancies in the office. This is the projected shortfall
32 for 2006.
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34 Nelson asked if they are appropriately funded for next year. Jackson stated that he
35 believes he is. He based his budget request on the new dependency caseloads.
36
37 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated costs and caseloads keep going up. The
38 County doesn't have a lot of choice in the matter due to State requirements. For 2007,
39 they are talking about creating a second Public Defender Office to handle conflict
40 counseling. That may be a more cost - effective approach.
41
42 Nelson moved to recommend adoption of the ordinance.
43
44 Crawford asked about the shifting of funds around between flood control and water
45 resources.
46
47 Bruce Roll, Public Works Department, stated this an administrative error. The
48 contracts were charged to the flood control zone district instead of the water resource fund.
49 There is no net increase.
50
51 Crawford asked about the $10,000 for the ferry.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1215/2006, Page 1
1 Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, stated the increase was for diesel fuel for
2 the ferry.
3
4 Nelson asked if they have a contract for those fuel costs for each years. Schlehuber
5 stated the contract is for fuel delivery, but not the fuel price. The new ferry fund is charged
6 the actual cost of the diesel for the boat.
7
8 Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, stated the fuel agreement fixes
9 the markup, but it is market rates for diesel fuel.
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11 Motion carried unanimously.
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14 COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
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16 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -121
17 TO, AND ENTER A CONTRACT WITH THE LOW BIDDER, WALKER'S CARPET
18 ONE, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF
19 FLOORING AT THE BELLINGHAM SENIOR CENTER, IN THE AMOUNT OF
20 $42,328.04 (AB2006 -447)
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22 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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24 Motion carried unanimously.
25
26 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -126 TO
27 LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, JERRY CHAMBERS CHEVROLET, FOR THE
28 SUPPLY OF A DIESEL CUBE VAN WITH A FORWARD TILT CAB, IN THE
29 AMOUNT OF $40,319.92 (AB2006 -448)
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31 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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33 Motion carried unanimously.
34
35 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -127 TO
36 LOW BIDDER, SOUND FORD, FOR THE SUPPLY OF FIFTEEN POLICE PURSUIT
37 VEHICLES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $412,136.16 (AB2006 -449)
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39 Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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41 Motion carried unanimously.
42
43 4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
44 AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND TELUS COMMUNICATIONS,
45 INC., ALLOWING WHATCOM COUNTY TO DEMOLISH AN OLD
46 TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUILDING OWNED BY TELUS COMMUNICATIONS
47 LOCATED WITHIN LIGHTHOUSE MARINE PARK, AND TRANSFERRING ITS
48 INTEREST IN THE PREMISES AND BUILDING TO WHATCOM COUNTY, AS
49 WELL AS PROVIDING $6,000 TOWARD DEMOLITION COSTS (AB2006 -450)
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51 Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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53 Motion carried unanimously.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/5/2006, Page 2
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY PROVIDING FUNDING FOR
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION OF THE ANNUAL SKI TO SEA FESTIVAL, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $29,000 (AB2006 -451)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Weimer stated he would like to see evidence that the County's funding of these kinds
of items actually brings in to the county.
Weimer asked to what specifically this money would be used.
Crawford stated it is used for off - season marketing and promotion of the event.
Motion carried 2 -I Weimer opposed.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM
COUNTY TOURISM TO PROVIDE SERVICES PROMOTING TOURISM IN
WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $98,000 (AB2006 -452)
Crawford asked if this all comes out of the lodging tax.
Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, stated it does.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Weimer stated the information is vague on what the money is actually spent on. It
looks like this will be spent on a tourism center, which makes good sense. He asked if the
County has a copy of their 2007 business and marketing plan. He would like to see it.
Motion carried 2 -1 Weimer opposed.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM VOLUNTEER
CENTER TO PROVIDE VOLUNTEER SERVICES TO MULTIPLE COUNTY OFFICES
AND SERVICE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$38,000 (AB2006 -453)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WOMENCARE SHELTER
PROVIDING FUNDING TO SUPPORT THEIR SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$15,000 (AB2006 -454)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/5/2006, Page 3
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE BELLINGHAM /WHATCOM
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMMING FOR WHATCOM COUNTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
TO WHATCOM COUNTY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 (AB2006 -455)
Crawford asked if this is the contract for 2006.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this is for the 2007 contract. The
Council agreed to fund for one year. (inaudible.)
Weimer asked if the County has ever tried to come up with standard billing rates for
contracts. Desler stated it has not. For this contract, they tried to tie certain work
elements to the Economic Development Investment (EDI) program funding and certain
elements to the $20,000. With the new billing process, the invoices will say which work is
provided, when it's provided, and by whom.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL
TO PROVIDE MOBILE HOME REPAIR AND RENOVATION FOR FAMILIES AT OR
BELOW 30% OF THE MEDIAN INCOME IN WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $127,793 (AB2006 -456)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked about the
funding source.
Gary Williams, Health Department, stated this is funded from the repair and
retention portion of the House Bill (HB) 2060 funds held by the County.
Nelson asked if this use has to be done. Williams stated this is an ongoing request
for proposals (RFP) process. They request community agencies who provide low income
housing to make requests for repairs from retention dollars, to protect existing housing
stock. In Whatcom County, the proportion of low income housing being mobile homes is
very high. Mobile homes tend to deteriorate rapidly. If they lose these existing mobile
homes, these people become homeless because they can't afford other market rate
housing. This contract allows for refurbishing of basic systems like the furnace, roof,
windows, plumbing, and electrical system to keep the units in use.
Nelson stated they could start losing access for many of these people, who have no
income. He asked if they can help facilitate or get better access to land for people to feel
safe and secure. Williams stated the property under the existing mobile home parks
become more valuable. If the operator were to close the park, most of the mobile homes
can't be moved. They are looking at models to encourage operators to keep their sites
open or develop other mobile home sites.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WESTERN WASHINGTON
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/5/2006, Page 4
UNIVERSITY'S COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS SMALL BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR COUNTY BUSINESS
RETENTION AND EXPANSION ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT WHATCOM
COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 (AB2006 -457)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PIONEER HUMAN SERVICES
TO PROVIDE TRIAGE OPERATIONS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
DETOXIFICATION SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,252,480 (AB2006 -458)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked if there are individual rooms for those who will disturb others.
Jackie Mitchell, Helath Department, stated there are.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PIONEER HUMAN SERVICES TO LEASE
PROPERTY AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL
WORK CENTER AND TRIAGE CENTER LOCATED AT 2030 DIVISION STREET
IN BELLINGHAM FOR THE OPERATION OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRIAGE CENTER (AB2006 -459)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
BELLINGHAM FOR THE PROVISION OF COUNTYWIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,349,562 FOR 2007, WITH A 10/a INCREASE
PER YEAR THROUGH 2009 (AB2006 -460)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
15. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT
AMENDMENT #2 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE
UNIVERSITY, EXTENDING THE AGREEMENT THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008
TO ALLOW FOR CONTINUED RESEARCH AND EDUCATION EFFORTS TO
IMPLEMENT THE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT EDUCATION & RESEARCH
PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,000 FOR 2007 AND $65,100 FOR 2008,
FOR AN AMENDED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $284,100 (AB2006 -461)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/5/2006, Page 5
16. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM FESTIVAL OF
MUSIC TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO PROMOTE TOURISM AND OVERNIGHT
STAYS IN WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 (AB2006 -462)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
17. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE &
SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE WHATCOM COUNTY
COMMISSION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000
(AB2006 -463)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Weimer asked the total budget of the Commission. The City provides $50,000 in
funding also.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the City and County each contribute
$50,000. The commission also receives grants. It may get support from the United Way.
Motion carried unanimously.
18. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MT. BAKER FOOTHILLS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PROVIDE SERVICES PROMOTING TOURISM IN
WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2006 -464)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
19. CONTRACT WITH MICHAEL BOBBINK FOR HEARING EXAMINER SERVICES
FOR 2007 (AB2006 -446)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, submitted information on the 2007 Unified Fee
Schedule. Have a discussion on the rates in the fee schedule. Because there are significant
changes to the schedule in the Planning and Development services (PDS) Department
section, don't adopt the PDS section tonight. Discuss that section further. He submitted a
substitute version of the ordinance (on file)for approval at the evening meeting.
Nelson asked about rate changes. They were very confusing. Desler stated that
changes aren't defined as being due to changes in rate, County code, Revised Code of
Washington (RCW), or some other reason.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/5/2006, Page 6
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Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, stated they are working to
improve the rate change process.
Crawford stated he agrees with changes happening to the rates for the Planning
Department.
Desler stated he always looks for Council guidance on how to pay for these services.
This year, staff was asked to estimate the time it takes to process a certain task that has an
associated fee, to determine the cost of delivering that task. Next, staff was asked to
compare that time and rate structure with other counties.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Crawford stated he is concerned that they compare like tasks. Every jurisdiction
does things differently. Desler explained how Whatcom County establishes a particular fee.
Crawford stated there may be merit to discussing eliminating the Hearing Examiner
appeal fees. The policy of charging people for an interpretation of a Council decision is
questionable. They don't charge people to appeal to the Board of Equalization.
Nelson stated his concern is more with the small landowner. They may lose
compliance issues because property owners don't want to pay fees. Strike a balance in
interpreting fees. He has a problem if paying for services is not equal. Desler stated the
administration will provide more detail to the Council at upcoming meetings.
McShane stated he has a concern with very small permits. It's not about recovering
the cost. Have a discussion about whether it's worth the money. When permits are
required for minor things, it's easy to develop an attitude of not getting a permit for
anything. That is an issue in some jurisdictions, and is worth discussing. Larger items need
to be scrutinized.
McShane stated he received a letter from the Law and Justice Committee Chair
regarding the Emergency Management Division. Have conversations about what sort of
things they should fund. Get a better handle on what this activity revolves around.
Comparisons to Hurricane Katrina bother him. Any problem here will be very different from
Hurricane Katrina. It's important to have a conversation about the letter from the Law and
Justice Council regarding an emergency in case of an earthquake or other disaster.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at approximately 12;00 p.m.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/5/2006, Page 7