HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance June 6 2006WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
June 6, 2006
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m, in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
L. Ward Nelson None
Carl Weimer
Also Present:
Dan McShane
Barbara Brenner
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT SUSZONE (AB2006-
254)
Crawford stated the Finance Committee is not acting as the Board of Supervisors,
the full Council will do that tonight.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Department Director, stated work needs to be done to
provide surface water management. Consider expanding the work they do regarding
stormwater management. The resolution is to schedule the public hearing. At some point,
they will define the assessment structure and long -term purpose of the district. The short-
term goal is simply to replace the funds that have run out to deal with the lake
management level. It continues what they've been doing.
Crawford stated he hopes they get the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) to establish a base flood elevation.
Nelson moved to approve the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -06
AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH LOW BIDDER, LIGHT DOCTOR, LLC,
FOR THE LIGHTING RETROFIT AT THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTRAL SHOP, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $38,374.53 (AB2006-243)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/612006, Page 1
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2.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -68
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AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH LOW BIDDER, SAHLBERG EQUIPMENT,
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FOR THE PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT ROADSIDE TRACTOR MOWER, IN
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THE AMOUNT OF $63,582.35 (AB2006 -244)
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Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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Motion carried unanimously.
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3.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM
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THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO PREPARE A
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DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR WRIA 1 WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
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PLAN, IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 (AB2006 -245)
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Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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Motion carried unanimously.
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4.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ISLAND COMMUTER SERVICE
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FOR A TEMPORARY PASSENGER FERRY BETWEEN GOOSEBERRY POINT AND
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LUMMI ISLAND, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2006 -246)
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Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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Motion carried unanimously.
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S.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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STANDARD CONSULTANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
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SHEARER DESIGN LLC FOR THE DESIGN OF THE MOSQUITO LAKE ROAD
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MIDDLE FORK BRIDGE NO. 140 REHABILITATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF
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$492,053.10 (AB2006 -247)
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Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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Nelson asked if this is the single lane bridge.
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Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated it is the single lane bridge. They are
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going
to rehabilitate the pins and deck. The substructure and one -lane will not change.
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There
is not enough traffic to support a new bridge.
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Motion carried unanimously.
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6.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
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SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT #3 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND KPFF
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CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT
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SERVICES TO REPLACE HIGH BRIDGE NO. 115 ON LAKE WHATCOM
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BOULEVARD, IN THE AMOUNT OF $84,682.04 (LOCAL MATCH OF
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$16,936.41), FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $528,755.34 (LOCAL
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MATCH OF $105,751.07) (AB2006 -248)
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Crawford asked about the concrete on one of the supports.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/6/2006, Page 2
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated this is mainly related to rock work.
There may be a review of some testing. The engineering consulting contract says that they
are below the percentage that is the industry standard for engineering consulting on bridge
projects.
Crawford asked the cost share. Rutan stated it depends on where it is on the bridge.
Design is dealt with differently. The local share is listed.
Nelson asked if the scheduled completion time is this fall. Rutan stated it is
Crawford asked if there is a problem with a concrete pillar.
Jim Karcher, Public Works Design and Construction Division, stated one of the
columns has voids and honeycombing. They are proceeding with repairs, which includes a
collar sheath on the lower section of the concerned area. It has cost a little time, but they
are predicting to be open by September.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT
AMENDMENT #2 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES OFFICE OF
JUVENILE JUSTICE EXTENDING THE CURRENT CONTRACT TO JUNE 30TH,
2007 AND PROVIDES FOR AN ADDITIONAL INCREASE OF FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $28,375, FOR A TOTAL OF $114,850 (AB2006 -249)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
INTERLOCAL AMENDMENT #5 REGARDING ANNEXATION AND
DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THE FERNDALE URBAN GROWTH
AREA (BLOMQUIST ANNEXATION) (AB2006 -250)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked if they are giving up parts of Thornton Road.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated someone will respond later today
regarding this issue.
Nelson asked if a recent cost has been spent on Thornton Road.
Brenner stated it hasn't been on the six -year road plan.
Crawford stated he believes the City is taking over this portion of Thornton Road.
Nelson stated he would like to know about ingress and egress for properties if the
City takes over the road. He would like clarification.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 616/2006, Page 3
1 Brenner stated she doesn't recall any work that has been done an the road.
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3 Motion carried unanimously.
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5 9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT
6 AMENDMENT #1 CONTINUING THE PROVISION OF ANIMAL CONTROL
7 SERVICES IN WHATCOM COUNTY THROUGH .TUNE 30, 2009 AND
8 INCREASING TOTAL COMPENSATION (AB2006 -251)
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10 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the contract will increase by three
11 years, there will be more veterinarian services, and they are adding one more full time
12 animal control officer. The County will own the building. The administration recommends
13 approval of agreement.
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15 Nelson asked if this went through a bid process. Desler stated it was a request for
16 proposals (RFP) process. There was a proposal only from the Humane Society. That
17 proposal was inadequate and unresponsive. The administration entered into a series of
18 discussions in good faith with the Humane Society. He was concerned that the Humane
19 Society would not be ready to start providing service by July 1. The cost was more
20 extensive than they wanted. The cost was $500,000 or more, and some things were left
21 undecided.
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23 The contract with Security Specialists Plus (SSP) is enhanced. They are increasing
24 animal care support duties in the shelter, the veterinarian service, and a full -time officer.
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26 Nelson asked if any work needs to be done on the facility. Desler stated the facility
27 is in good operating condition.
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29 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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31 Motion carried unanimously.
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33 10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
34 AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BIRCH BAY LIONS CLUB,
35 KATHY BERG, PRESIDENT, TO LEASE THE 2 -STORY BUILDING ON 7467
36 GEMINI STREET, BLAINE, WASHINGTON, LOCATED WITHIN BAY HORIZON
37 PARK FOR THE OPERATION OF A HOSTEL FACILITY (AB2006 -252)
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39 Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated this is an ongoing
40 lease agreement that is very successful. The Lions do the maintenance and upkeep, and
41 provide security until the County develops the facility.
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43 Crawford stated the County owns it.
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45 Nelson stated the Lions run a summer camp out there. McFarland stated that is
46 correct. At some time in the future, he will look at the entire facility and do a park plan.
47 The Northwest Park District is interested in using some of the facility for athletic fields.
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49 Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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51 Motion carried unanimously.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/6/2006, Page 4
1 11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ACCEPT THE DONATION
2 OF PROPERTY FROM MARBLE FALLS, LLC TO BE USED AS THE LOCATION FOR
3 A REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER (AB2006 -253)
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5 Desler stated (inaudible).
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7 Weimer asked about the clause regarding having an occupancy permit within eight
8 years. Desler stated the County can meet the timeline.
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10 Crawford asked about potential funding sources through the Opportunity Council.
11 Desler stated (inaudible).
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13 Crawford stated folks have a development proposal in mind that which would provide
14 access from their road. He asked if the County can move forward with a flexible design that
15 allows access from the highway. Desler stated (inaudible).
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17 Crawford stated that the people who are granting the money would like to see things
18 expedited as quickly as possible. He asked if the County can have a flexible site design.
19 They may see the financing before the people know what they are going to do in terms of
20 access.
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22 Brenner stated access can be done with or without the project. Access does not
23 depend upon the project.
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25 Crawford asked if there will be highway access, no matter what. Desler stated
26 (inaudible).
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28 Nelson stated he understands that Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) is
29 providing transportation there as well. Desler stated (inaudible).
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31 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
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33 Rob Staveland, Marble Falls LLC, stated the studies presented to the State
34 Department of Transportation (DOT) included the resource center. If the project is limited
35 just to the resource center, the requirements would be the same or less than what they've
36 been given approval for, which is just a 150 -foot turn collector. The DOT hasn't asked for
37 anything exorbitant. He's also had conversations with DOT about putting in a tunnel under
38 the road. The property has 300 feet of frontage on Kendall Highway.
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40 Crawford asked if that flexibility is already there. Staveland stated it is.
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42 Brenner asked if there was any discussion with the DOT regarding a traffic light.
43 Staveland stated they had discussion with the DOT.
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45 McShane stated the committee should not get into detail. This is a decision that
46 could be appealed to the County Council.
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48 Crawford asked about a traffic light for the resource center. Staveland stated the
49 DOT was not in favor of a traffic light. The DOT preferred a tunnel as one option. Their
50 studies show that an uncontrolled crossing is better than a controlled crossing, because
51 people don't operate well under the illusion of safety. He would like to see a tunnel under
52 the road.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/6/2006, Page 5
Brenner stated the only people crossing back and forth are those going to the
resource center.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Desler stated there were comments in the newspaper regarding emergency
management. There have been extensive conversations with the Fire Chief and Sheriff
about this matter. Sit down with the City and everyone else in the community who is
involved in emergency management to talk about the core functions they currently have for
coordinating services. If the City would like to provide different things, then ask everyone
how those issues stack up in the list of priorities. Keep everyone working together
collaboratively.
Crawford stated the collaborative process after the pipeline disaster was positive. He
was caught off -guard about the City's prevailing opinion, expressed in the letter.
Brenner stated she was at the meetings. Chief Boyd kept saying it's just a
placeholder. Two weeks ago County EMS specialist Don Boyd gave a presentation to the
City administration. No one said a thing to him about any concerns. The City said they've
been having ongoing conversations with the Sheriff's Office. However, the Sheriff's Office
has asked the City repeatedly to give them something specific in writing. The County got
used by the City administration, not the City Council. There was just an EMS levy. The
County presented a plan for an integrated approach. The City of Bellingham would not have
gotten the vote if it had not been for the County doing it this way.
Crawford stated the EMS levy, which is for the emergency medical services, is
different from the Emergency Management Division. Desler stated it is a separate issue,
but the concepts are linked. Splitting up to create duplicate emergency management
operations is not in the best interest of the people in the community.
Crawford asked what the City wants. Desler stated they have threatened to develop
a separate emergency operations center (EOC) if they don't get the things they want.
Brenner stated the City hasn't said what those things are.
Desler stated he's heard that the City wants regular briefings at their various
departmental meetings on the status of emergency management.
Brenner stated the City gets that already.
Desler stated the City wants more intense discussions with neighborhood groups.
He's urged the City to provide additional resources to cover the things it wants. The County
is making efforts currently to coordinate with the City, and has been for decades. This
organization has an Emergency Management Council with representatives from lots of
organizations in the community. The Executive is the chair. That is the forum for
discussing priorities and future directions. The County is the management arm, through an
assignment to the Sheriff's Office that occurred in the late 1980's.
Brenner stated the Bellingham Mayor and Fire Chief are both on that committee. Not
once have they brought forward any requests. The Mayor's letter implies that he doesn't
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/6/2006, Page 6
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like the status quo, which is what the City demanded in the first place. All those
jurisdictions voted to go with increased staffing and services in option one. The Mayor
didn't agree, so the committee went with option two, which was the status quo. Now, the
Mayor is saying they need to get away from the status quo.
Crawford asked if the County Executive is preparing a response. Desler stated have
a meeting of the Emergency Management Council right away to discuss directions,
priorities, and core functions. That's the forum, not the news media, where these
discussions should take place. This issue could have been brought up eight months ago, so
they could have been working through this.
Brenner stated the County set up a pandemic task force. City employees are on the
task force. The City is talking about the same thing the task force is doing. The final report
is due this August. She doesn't understand why the Fire Chief and Mayor would do this.
They wanted to blindside everyone.
Desler stated he would like to put together a tour for the councilmembers to review
the progress on the new jail.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/6/2006, Page 7