HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance February 14 20061 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Finance and Administrative Services Committee
3
4 February 14, 2006
5
6 Committee Member Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:10 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 Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
15 Seth Fleetwood
16
17
18 (Clerk's Note: There is no audiotape of this meeting, due to tape malfunction. The
19 minutes are taken from the Clerk's notes.)
20
21 SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
22
23 1. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR (AB2006 -022)
24
25 Nelson moved to nominate Crawford.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28
29
30 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
31
32 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2006 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, THIRD
33 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,214,521 (AB2006 -083)
34
35 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
36
37 Crawford stated he would like to cut funding for the built -green project this year.
38 The Building Industry Association (BIA) can fully fund it. He would like to see the BIA and
39 Sustainable Connections do the project without County funding. He moved to remove
40 funding for the project. He asked if the BIA can cover that $30,000.
41
42 Crawford amended his motion to withdraw that one item of $5,000. If the BIA
43 does not fund that portion, the Council can revisit it in two weeks.
44
45 Nelson stated he likes the agricultural element of this. These conferences and the
46 proposals do a good job of educating the public. He would like to see the BIA move in the
47 direction of funding this itself. He asked if the BIA participated last year.
48
49 Nelson stated the amount of money isn't large enough to go through the process.
50 Encourage the BIA to look at this like a partnership.
51
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 1
1 Caskey- Schreiber stated she supports the request. There is benefit from
2 Sustainable Connections approaching this as an equal partner. It's a good event for the
3 County to sponsor. It leads to healthier lifestyles.
4
5 Weimer asked if the conference has multiple sponsors. He would be in favor of the
6 County throwing in the money as a sponsor.
7
8 Crawford withdrew his motion to amend.
9
10 Nelson asked about the Readiness to Learn contract.
11
12 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, responded.
13
14 Mary Jo Durborow, Readiness to Learn Coordinator, stated the City of Bellingham
15 also gives $10,000 per year. The State connects families and children to services through
16 schools.
17
18 Caskey - Schreiber asked if the administration is taking out $1 million from the real
19 estate excise tax (REST) 1 because jail construction is running over or if always planned for
20 it. Desler stated always planned it. They are using multiple sources for funding. It is a
21 better way of paying for a building that serves both the jail and triage center.
22
23 Caskey- Schreiber asked if they will funnel that money back to the cities and if the
24 cities will have conditions that they pay their share to house prisoners. Desler stated that
25 is correct. The County would give the cities a credit for their use of the jail.
26
27 Weimer stated there are a number of items that look good. He would like there to
28 be a way for the Council to review all the ideas that the public puts forward and then
29 decide which are funded.
30
31 Nelson stated several items are due to medical cost increases and the number of
32 inmates. He thought they were beyond capacity already. He asked the reason for the
33 increase.
34
35 Wendy Jones, Chief of Corrections, stated she is triple bunking inmates in the jail.
36 The population this morning was 269 in the main jail, with more going to Snohomish
37 County. The nursing staff is dealing with a large increase in acuity of illnesses.
38
39 Nelson asked if they will see a reduction in jail inmates in the future. Jones stated
40 she does not think they will.
41
42 Nelson asked if it still will be in the same budget in September, when new jail
43 opens. Jones stated the population will continue in the main jail. Officers are going on
44 overtime in the jail to handle the population.
45
46 Nelson stated this has gone up every year. The Council needs to work on
47 remedying the situation. He is very concerned about officer safety. Jones stated she
48 hopes this increase will cover medical cost increase in the main jail for the year.
49
50 Motion carried unanimously.
51
52 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 82 -109 RECONSTITUTING THE
53 EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND AMBULANCE ADVISORY BOARD (AB2006 -081)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 2
1
2 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He likes this mix of
3 participation. He has wanted the fire districts to have control, influence, and direction on
4 where this whole system goes. Now, the districts have five votes in this group. He
5 thanked the County for coming up with this proposal with the cities and districts.
6
7 Nelson referenced Council packet page 198. He asked why it doesn't just say the
8 board elects its own chairperson.
9
10 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this ordinance is to amend an existing
11 ordinance. The language has always been there. The administration doesn't propose a
12 change.
13
14 Nelson asked if it has ever been a problem. Desler stated it has not.
15
16 Crawford stated he once served on this board. ' There was no problem with
17 Executive Kremen or his representative chairing a meeting.
18
19 Nelson stated this board was primarily driven by the County in the past. He
20 questions whether it makes sense.
21
22 Desler stated the language in this ordinance is also consistent with the language in
23 the City of Bellingham ordinance. There is a joint arrangement with the City to operate this
24 board. This same change in language is also going to the City Council for approval.
25
26 Caskey- Schreiber stated she agrees with Councilmember Nelson. The board should
27 elect its chair. She suggested "Council chair or designee"
28
29 Crawford moved to amend, "(e) The Chair of the Whatcom County Council or
30 his /her designee."
31
32 Motion carried unanimously.
33
34 Nelson stated he needs more information. He wants to make sure this reflects what
35 the community voted for. He asked how the process in item (c), duties of the board,
36 occurs. Desler explained the process.
37
38 Motion to recommend approval as amended carried unanimously.
39
40 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
41 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM WHATCOM
42 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY FOR ADVERTISING AND
43 PROMOTION OF THE ANNUAL SKI TO SEA FESTIVAL, IN THE AMOUNT OF
44 $29,000 (AB2006 -038A)
45
46 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
47
48 Weimer stated he had concerns about the contract and whether the Chamber met
49 the letter of the contract. He met with all parties to get a better understanding. The intent
50 was to meet the contract, but the specifics were a gray area. His concerns have been
51 addressed.
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 3
Caskey- Schreiber stated she is against this funding. The Bellingham Herald editorial
amplified her point. They can't get away from questioning the Chamber and being labeled
anti - Ski -to -Sea. They are forcing the taxpayers to subsidize the Chamber's political
agenda. The Council should not do that. If the Chamber really cares about this event and
wants to make it not political, turn it over to a neutral agency. The Chamber clearly
crossed the line politically. If another agency with opposite views did the same things, she
would still be against providing funding. Using taxpayer dollars on this group is not a good
mix.
Fleetwood stated he supported funding of this when it came up and when it was put
in the budget, so he will support it again. However, he understands Councilmember
Caskey- Schreiber's reasoning. The Chamber runs a good show.
Crawford stated the Chamber will have to come up with a different program next
year. He hopes the director of the Chamber or anyone else doesn't express surprise next
year if there isn't a different operational protocol.
Nelson stated the Chamber has a problem. It represents businesses in the
community. On the other hand, it's taken on a project that provides millions of dollars of
revenue for the community. The festival has been a community highlight for years.
However, he agrees with the other councilmembers. The Council has to look at the big
picture. Set up a different process with the Chamber for Ski -to -Sea, which is a community -
wide effort. He asked what the Chamber is going to do.
Crawford stated the Chamber's other option is to not ask for the money.
Pat Rowe, Chamber of Commerce Development Director, stated the Chamber's job
is to convince the Council and community of where it stands on issues. Any political action
committee is small compared to anything else the Chamber does. The Chamber is very
active in the business community. The political part is less than five percent. It's up to the
Chamber to let the Council and community know what it does in total. The Board will work
on the issues and questions for next year.
Weimer asked whether the Chamber needs the money. He's told the Chamber
makes a lot of money from the festival. Rowe stated the festival grosses a certain amount
of money. There are overhead expenses that must be paid. This money goes strictly to
promote this area and to bring people in from outside the County to spend money. Ski -to-
Sea would go on without the marketing money, but they must market aggressively. The
festival competes with other communities.
Caskey - Schreiber stated she supports the Ski -to -Sea Festival. However, the
Chamber profits from the festival and also engages in local political races. She asked if the
Chamber can turn over operation to another entity. Rowe stated they can look at it for
next year.
Crawford stated the Council looks forward to the Chamber proactively coming to the
Council about the status of its activities.
(Clerk's Note; End of tape one, side A.)
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 4
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -12 TO
LOW BIDDER, FRONTIER FORD, FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO FULL -SIZE
SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,037 (AB2006 -091)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -14 TO
SOLE BIDDER, BILL PIERRE AUTO CENTER, FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO
FULL -SIZE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $40,020.78 (AB2006 -092)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked if a pursuit vehicle is different from the regular vehicles.
Eric Schlehuber, Equipment Services Manager, stated it is a special pursuit package
for law enforcement. About 70 to 80 percent of vehicles are pursuit vehicles. About 90
percent of patrol vehicles are pursuit vehicles. The only ones that aren't are the Ford
Expeditions in the Sheriff's Office.
Nelson asked if there would be a contract before the Council looking at policies and
procedures for deciding on appropriate vehicles. Schelehuber stated he only buys the
vehicles. The Council would have to discuss that with the Sheriffs Office.
Crawford stated the term 'pursuit' applies to the package that goes on the cars.
Schlehuber stated that is correct.
Crawford asked if some equipment is recycled. Schlehuber stated it is.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the bid process should consider local bidders. Schlehuber
stated the bid process does consider local vendors. In this instance, the sales tax benefits
weren't enough. There is only a certain amount the County can legally factor in to give a
local vendor preference.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -15 TO
LOW BIDDER, FRONTIER FORD, FOR THE PURCHASE OF FOUR SMALL 4X4
UTILITY VEHICLES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,779 (AB2006 -093)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -16 TO
LOW BIDDER, BILL PIERRE AUTO CENTER, FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIVE
FULL -SIZE POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $133,431.39
(AB2006 -094)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 5
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND STUDIO CASCADE, INC., TO
PREPARE AN UPDATE TO THE FOOTHILLS SUB -AREA PLAN, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $40,000 (AB2006 -095)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she agrees with taking out the Comprehensive Plan
amendment.
Weimer asked how this study connects with the community center.
Caskey - Schreiber stated the Council will discuss it this afternoon in executive
session.
Crawford stated the subarea plan will probably address it.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND RH2 ENGINEERING, INC.,
FOR THE LAKE WHATCOM TRAFFIC REDUCTION STUDY, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$49,450 (AB2006 -096)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked to include a traffic count when the road becomes Lake Whatcom
Boulevard, near Geneva. The property owner of both sides of the street is interested in
whether the County is interested in using his property for stormwater control if it closes
that road there. One question would be the neighborhood's reaction and the number of
people who use that small road.
Kirk Christensen, Stormwater Manager, said it's not in the intersection count, but
they can still look at it. There is some flexibility.
Crawford stated the County will have to acquire space to deal with stormwater.
That could be an appropriate spot for treatment facilities. The first thing they need to know
is the number of cars that use that road.
Nelson stated there isn't anything about how it is a traffic reduction study. It's more
of an analysis of traffic conditions. He asked what it would include. Christensen stated the
purpose is to reduce traffic and figure out if there would be a traffic reduction by sending
the main flow of traffic up Lake Louise Boulevard
Nelson stated another option to get traffic away from Lake Whatcom Boulevard is
the Whatcom Connector. Everything they've done so far on Lake Louise Road has not
taken traffic off Lake Whatcom Boulevard. He asked if the scope is broad enough to
include the connector. Christensen stated it is not.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 6
Crawford stated people take Lake Whatcom Boulevard because of the location of
their mailboxes. Christensen stated that issue is included in the study.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICES RECOVERY CENTER TO PROVIDE SERVICES UNDER THE
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVE, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $30,000 (AB2006 -097)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
AMENDMENT #1 TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
PUGET SOUND RESTORATION FUND, TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL WATER
QUALITY MONITORING IN THE DRAYTON HARBOR AND BIRCH BAY
WATERSHEDS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY OUTREACH
PROGRAM IN DRAYTON HARBOR, IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,494, FOR AN
AMENDED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $43,398.60 (AB2006 -098)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH PURCHASE PROVISION BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND PEEPLES ENTERPRISES, INC., FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 215
NORTH COMMERCIAL STREET, IN THE AMOUNT OF $435,600 OVER THREE
YEARS (AB2006 -099)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this includes an option to purchase the
property or extend the lease for another three years.
Motion carried unanimously.
Crawford asked how the administration feels about the integrity of this building.
Desler stated it is being reviewed. This building is being inspected. Everything looks to be
good so far. The County will have three years to live in the building before deciding on a
purchase.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO RENEW THE PROPERTY,
BOILER AND MACHINERY INSURANCE FOR POLICY YEAR 2/20/06
THROUGH 10/01/06, IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,595 (WHICH INCLUDES
SURPLUS LINES TAXES AND FEES) (AB2006 -100)
Nelson moved to recommend approva( to the full Council.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 7
I Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator,
2 Washington County Risk Pool as the broker.
3 the Unity Group. There was much better
4 October 1.
5
6 Motion carried unanimously.
7
8
9 OTHER BUSINESS
10
11 There was no other business.
12
13
14 AD30URN
15
16 The meeting adjourned at 12:19 a.m.
17_
18
19
20 ]ill Nixon, Minutes Transcr ption
21
22 ```ti���t«uu�irrrrrri
23 T'j � N ��'c�,,
r
24 NT Coe,
25 •�
26
27
28 _
29 :Darn n-eau v`Couticil Clerk
rrr1uiitti
stated the administration proposes to use the
This proposal came in 12 percent lower than
coverage. This particular rate is good until
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
C•C
m Crawford, Corn r4tee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/14/2006, Page 8