HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance October 24 2006WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
October 24, 2006
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 9:00 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
Seth Fleetwood
Laurie Caskey-Schreiber
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED 2007 -2008 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET
(AB2006 -263B)
Health Department
Regina Delahunt, Health Department Director, stated they went over the last activity
reports, additional services requests, and work plan at the last Board of'Health meeting.
McShane asked for an update on the two new programs, the low income housing
fund and the homeless housing fund. Delahunt stated those programs are going well.
There are two funding streams. A low income housing advisory committee meets regularly
and includes a variety of stakeholders in the homeless and housing community. They've
worked through many of the issues. They've put out request for proposals (RFP's) for each
fund and are putting the money into the community. A contractor is writing a homeless
plan and helping to collect State dollars. There is one committee for both programs. There
are different categories on which the money can be spent. They have to be careful about
how the proposals are funded.
Weimer asked if it will generate more money from other funding sources.
Terry Hinz, Health Department, stated they submitted a grant to the State for
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (ESSHB) 2163 funding for a comprehensive
program for finding housing for the homeless.
Delahunt stated they submitted the grant for $2.5 million for three years. It looks
promising that they will be able to get that money and leverage local dollars.
Crawford stated House Bill (HB) 2060 is funded from a $10 recording fee. He asked
where the ESSHB 2163 funds come from. Delahunt stated it is another $10 recording fee.
They have to have a homeless housing plan in ten years. The ESSHB 2163 has additional
reporting and tracking requirements. The legislation is complex. In their additional
services request (ASR), they asked for a position to assist with contracting and reporting
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 1
requirements for the two legislations. The housing area has grown beyond what they
anticipated.
Crawford stated that in non - departmental category is funding for Lydia Place and
other social service programs. A representative from the Opportunity Council, Sherry
Emerson, asked if the County's advisory board could be expanded to talk about all the social
services in a more cohesive way.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated hundreds of millions of dollars are spent
in this community annually on social services for staff, hospital, Medicaid, Medicare, Health
Department services, and other services. The County's job isn't to take on the
responsibility of all this, However, the County can be aware of all the activities and address
gaps in the community. Over time, there have been requests made to the County, and the
County has tried to respond to those requests. Requests come often. Many requests are
funneled through the Health Department. Others are handled by a contract for services
through the Executive's Office.
Crawford stated they have these funds in place. He asked if the HB 2060 advisory
board could take on some of the non- department requests. He asked if the County should
work within the good working model the community already has to handle these legislative
funds. A question is who decides which of all the community programs has priority. Desler
stated they could host a meeting with representatives from the programs. They can make
suggestions. The County met with representatives from the Opportunity Council, the Youth
Services Organization, the Food Bank, and one other agency. They asked the County to do
comprehensive analysis and planning of all the things going on in the community, and
allocate them money to do more. At the time, the request was late in the budget process.
The cash for them is at the State legislative level. The non- departmental section of the
County budget pales in comparison to the amount from the private sector, State grants,
and federal grants.
Delahunt stated that if any of the non - departmental funds relate to housing or
homelessness, it would be useful for the committee to have that information when going
through the requests for proposals. Don't expand the housing committee beyond the
housing realm. They must be very careful about what the dollars are spent on. HB 2160 is
a pot of money for capital projects. They haven't distributed that capital money yet. They
are working with the City, which does this sort of thing, to make sure the County
understands how to distribute capital funds correctly.
Crawford stated funding for Lydia Place has gone up a lot. Delahunt stated the
Board of Health talked about putting together a Comprehensive Health Plan, similar to the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Put together goals and objectives for different areas. Then
the Board could compare requests from the community with the plan. The Public Health
Advisory Board (PHAB) is starting work on that plan.
Weimer stated services look to the Health Department because it provides so much
help and is the local entity closest to the Health and Human Services Department. There
are many questions about the non- departmental budget request process. There are
questions about who decides the prioritization of funding one investment over another.
Delahunt stated there may be a way for the Council to prioritize the social services.
Crawford stated these agencies aren't bad investments. Delahunt stated they are
valuable investments. The question is how many investments the County can make.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10 /24/2006, Page 2
1 Nelson asked about onsite septic (OSS) systems. There are three proposed full -time
2 equivalent (FTE) employees to work on OSS. Delahunt stated they are not included in the
3 budget because they are additional services requests (ASR's).
4
5 Nelson asked if they plan to do 3,000 additional inspections or total inspections next
6 year. Delahunt stated that is total inspections. Few inspections are going on at this time,
7 so they are all essentially new inspections. The environmental health specialists will not do
8 operations and maintenance (O &M) inspections. They are managing the system, making
9 sure that failures are repaired, and working on inventory.
10
11 Nelson asked the anticipated revenues. Delahunt stated the handout (on file) is a
12 summary of predicted revenue and expenses over the next four years.
13
14 Weimer asked if the direct billing rate is salary and wages or a billing rate. Hinz
15 stated it is wages and benefits.
16
17 Nelson stated there is a revenue surplus coming in the last two years. He asked if
18 that is all the FTE's they need for the program. Hinz stated year one is three FTE's. Year
19 two is a third FTE, for a total of four FTE's.
20
21 Delahunt stated the ASR is for one additional clerical program coordinator and two
22 environmental health specialists by the end of 2008.
23
24 Nelson asked when all the sites will be identified. Delahunt stated they must have
25 the inventory in place by the end of 2008. The revenue is based on a $35 filing fee for each
26 report that comes in from each O &M specialist. She read the list of revenue sources.
27
28 Nelson asked if most go to the City for disposal. Delahunt stated most do, but there
29 are other options for septic disposal.
30
31 Nelson asked if they expect impacts to facilities, if they are going to increase the
32 amount of dumping. Delahunt stated she doesn't anticipate any. There are more options
33 now for septic disposal.
34
35 Brenner asked if they are assuming a net revenue of $94,070 by 2010. Delahunt
36 stated they are. They want to pay for all the costs associated with the program.
37
38 Hinz stated they may reduce or increase the fee next budget cycle, depending on
39 how this goes.
40
41 Brenner stated they are talking about additional repair permits from inspections.
42 She asked what happens when people are not able to afford the fees. Delahunt stated the
43 committee suggested that they look to some of the nonprofits to set up a fund for people
44 who can't afford repairs.
45
46 Brenner stated most of the nonprofits are stretched to the maximum now. Out of
47 everyone who needs to do repairs, a significant number won't do them because they don't
48 have the money. Delahunt stated they find a number of failing systems throughout the
49 year. The department always fines them, and the homeowners always find a way to fix the
50 system.
51
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 3
I Crawford stated most will find a way, but not everyone. Delahunt stated there is an
2 enforcement mechanism before a judge. Of the few cases that have gone to a judge, most
3 find a way eventually to fix the system rather than vacate the house.
4
5 Crawford stated they've never gotten to the point where the Sheriff shows up to
6 make the people vacate the house. It seems unlikely the County would do that. Delahunt
7 stated that if it is an imminent hazard, the County can do the repair and put a lien on the
8 property. She wouldn't recommend that in most cases, but that may be considered if it's
9 the only alternative to putting the people on the street.
10
11 Nelson asked if they looked further into a loan payment program to address these
12 concerns. Delahunt stated the County had a loan program in the past. In order for
13 someone to qualify for the loan, they had to be in a good financial situation. They couldn't
14 loan money to people who didn't have good credit. The people who were borrowing money
15 at a lower rate could have qualified to borrow money from the bank. It didn't serve much
16 of a function for people with bad credit or low income. It was also a huge administrative
17 burden. Some people were so slow in payment that the staff had to contact them every
18 month. It isn't a viable option.
19
20 Hinz stated the administrative cost to run a loan program is steep. The staff doesn't
21 have that expertise.
22
23 Nelson stated they would have some surplus hopefully. They could have a grant
24 application program. Countywide fees could go to the grant program.
25
26 Desler stated they would have to consider policy issues. This is real property they
27 are talking about investing in. They would attach some sort of lien to the property so the
28 grant is paid back when the property is sold.
29
30 Nelson asked what the City does to help with problems with hooking up into the
31 sewer system. Desler stated the City has an aggressive lien program. Ultimately, the
32 property owner is responsible to pay the bills.
33
34 Caskey- Schreiber stated charge a nominal fee when there is an inspection, which
35 would go to a loan or grant program. These are things they will figure out as they go along.
36 Delahunt stated wait and see what the need is.
37
38 Brenner stated she's not comfortable waiting. These situations will happen. Be
39 prepared. If they are going to put liens on properties, make sure the County lien is first in
40 line for payback. She's thinking more of absentee owners rather than people who live
41 there. Designate a time specific lien. After the time, the County could go to court if it has
42 to. The renter wouldn't have to move if the owner doesn't take care of this. Once the
43 banks find out this can happen, they will push to get it done. She doesn't want to put
44 people out on the street. Delahunt stated that if the County repairs these systems, it would
45 have to designate a source of funding.
46
47 Crawford stated there is some shifting of positions with the remodel. A thought was
48 to physically move Joe Fuller at State Street and keep Jackie Mitchell here. However, the
49 Substance Abuse Advisory Board was concerned about them being separated. He asked
50 what's happening. Delahunt stated they don't have one building for everyone to fit in
51 together.
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 4
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Now, they are putting together a Health Promotion and Prevention Team. They will
be at State Street. The positions and funding streams for Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Fuller are
related, but it will work better if they have all the prevention and promotion projects
together. Mr. Fuller works more with the tobacco program. Ms. Mitchel[ and Mr. Fuller can
certainly still communicate. There won't be any issues with that. It will be inconvenient,
but it would be inconvenient in any way. Ms. Mitchell does more contract and
administration work. She will work with administration. Mr. Fuller works with clients.
Related to this prevention work, staff has been working with the State legislature on
the Joint Select Committee for Public Health Financing to get funding that the public health
community needs from the State to do the job they need to do. The committee has finally
made recommendations to the legislature to get the public health community an additional
$100 million per year in this next biennium. That's about an extra $1 million for Whatcom
County. Much of that money would go toward communicable disease and health promotion
and prevention activities. That's another reason to put this team together now.
Nelson asked if this is in response to the Blue Ribbon Commission. Delahunt stated
this is separate, but some of the members are the same.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A)
Delahunt stated she will present more information on this at the Board of Health
meeting.
Prosecuting Attorney And Law Librarx
Dave McEachran, Prosecuting Attorney, stated he is asking for a deputy prosecutor,
which was approved by the Executive. He explained the structure of his department. The
felony caseload has stabilized after a time of large increases. There is a 31 percent increase
in the caseload in District Court. A number of departments have increased their numbers of
officers, which is reflected in the District Court. Also, the courts invalidated the charge of
driving while license suspended third a few years ago, but recently reinstated it. That has
driven up the caseload.
He proposes to add one District Court prosecutor. Some of the benefits from the
laser fiche will make it unnecessary to add more clerical support staff. The caseload is
expected to be 1,000 cases. If granted, there will be four attorneys in District Court to do
appellate work. To handle this load, the District Court judges are having another calendar
day.
They have seen a decrease in Juvenile cases. In Superior Court, they can proceed
as they have. They don't need personnel for that. They received money from the victim
witness section from the State. It should be expended for an employee in the victim
witness area. He described the victim witness section. He proposes consolidating all the
victim witness programs in one office in the Prosecutor's Office. Now, there is one staff in
the Juvenile Department. Take the $18,000 grant, add $47,067 to add an FTE and
centralize the service in his office. He hopes the $18,000 from the State is ongoing. If
counties don't use it for personnel, it may not continue from the State. This FTE was not
approved by the Executive.
When Superior Court made it's presentation, there was an issue related to
calendaring. He does the calendaring for Superior Court, and has for 20 years. He
described the history of calendaring and how his office prepares the calendar. The Superior
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 5
1 Court has complained recently about how the calendar is prepared. It wouldn't work to take
2 his staff and assign it to the courts to continue working on the court calendar. He would be
3 glad to have the court take back that function.
4
5 Nelson asked if they are not spending any FTE's on the task, and how much time is
6 spent on it. McEachran stated not one person is assigned to the work. Calendaring is an
7 ongoing task done by many staff. The Superior Court should be able to prepare their
8 calendar using the free software program from the state.
9
10 Brenner asked if every level of staff in the Prosecutor's Office sets the calendar.
11 McEachran stated attorney support staff input the information into their database.
12
13 Brenner asked if the cumulative time spent on that task is more than one FrE.
14 McEachran stated he would have to gather that information. That data should be in the
15 software system, which the Court has access to.
16
17 Brenner stated she would like to know if the Superior Court judges could have one
18 support person for all of them, instead of one support person for each judge.
19
20 Crawford asked the reason for the number of juvenile cases going down. McEachran
21 stated the department does a very good job and their probation officers do a very good job.
22 They used to file about 1,300 juvenile filings. Now they are filing about 650, with an
23 increasing population. The Juvenile program in this county is very effective. Demographics
24 is another reason for a lower number.
25
26 Crawford asked his opinion of drug court. McEachran stated it is a very good
27 program. The addictive quality of some of these drugs is huge. They want to have strong
28 enforcement and strong treatment. Drug Court gives people hope by getting them into
29 treatment. A problem is that the long -range effectiveness hasn't been that good. They
30 want drug court to have a long -range effect. Recidivism has been good within two years,
31 They haven't tracked recidivism well longer than that. The success rate is good initially.
32 Drug court is a very good program. They need it when looking at this entire approach.
33
34 Brenner stated that even a 50 percent recidivism rate is a good result. That's 50
35 percent of the people who don't come back to court. There needs to be ongoing therapy or
36 something to help people. Addiction is a lifetime thing.
37
38 McShane stated addiction to methamphetamine does permanent damage. People
39 don't get over it. He thanked Mr. McEachran for his effort to write two letters to the City.
40 He learned a lot from reading those letters. It was helpful for the Council to read that
41 letter. The Council has to be reminded of the services the County has to provide.
42
43 The Whatcom County drug fund seems to fluctuate. He asked why that is.
44 McEachran stated they rely on drug fund fines and forfeitures. He explained how the drug
45 fund operates. Collections aren't high. Collection agencies skimmed their fee off what they
46 collect. The County got almost nothing. Therefore, he set up a collections program for
47 offenders to pay their fines, or else they will go back to jail. If collections are down, the
48 fund level goes down. Forfeitures are also brought into the fund. If they seize a valuable
49 piece of property, the fund will go up. From the fund, they pay for a number of officers and
50 an attorney. This is a mechanism to provide money to the system so the County doesn't
51 have to pay for it. They share assets with the federal government, also. The fund will
52 increase when federal asset snares are received. He explained the process of an
53 undercover drug purchase and undercover property seizures.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 6
Crawford asked how much money the County loses each year from drug purchases.
McEachran stated it's not a huge amount. He guesses it's about $20,000 to $30,000.
Fleetwood asked if the staff is at full capacity. McEachran stated it is.
Nelson asked if they have evaluated the impact of additional sheriff deputies to
District Court. McEachran stated that when officers are hired, they aren't impacted for at
least six months, because of the training period. His office is impacted by every agency
change, including the State Patrol and the federal government. He doesn't know how much
of an impact it will be. The County needs more officers.
McShane asked if there is much training that the Prosecutor has to do with the new
deputies. McEachran stated they do training case -by -case. He conducts annual training
with all law enforcement in the county on new legislation and search and seizure. He will do
the training three times to pick up all the shifts.
McShane asked if the Public Defender's Office participates in that training.
McEachran stated it does not.
Brenner asked if they are getting any more federal dollars to deal with border issues.
McEachran stated Executive Kremen has gotten quite a bit of money the past few years.
The caseload from the border diminished. -The number of drug cases has lowered. They
have pushed smuggler's into the mountains and to Okanogan County, where there are no
border officers.
Public Defender
Jon Komorowski, Public Defender, stated he supports the Executive's
recommendations for his office. They are experiencing some notable increased efficiencies
in the criminal justice system. They have redoubled efforts to work cooperatively with Mr.
McEachran's Office. The implementation of felony case management Fast Track system has
enabled them to reach the point for the first time in Whatcom County where they are
actually processing more cases in the felony courts than he is filing. That means they are
getting caught up on the backlog. They are driving down the caseloads.
Regarding the internal operations of the Public Defender's Office, he has tried to
increase efficiencies. Conflict cases are a headache for the County. He explained the
reason for conflict cases. The number of conflict cases, misdemeanors, and other areas are
going down. That gives them time to look at the conflict cases and see if there are actual
conflicts. If they can keep cases in the Public Defender's Office, he can keep down the cost
of representation. They are considering a County conflicts office as an alternative. He is
asking for a new attorney, funded by the State Office of Public Defense. The State Supreme
Court and Governor support increased funding for public defense to counties throughout the
state. They are in the process of adopting standards for public defender offices and
prosecuting attorney offices, in terms of caseloads and support staff. The standards are
guidelines, not requirements.
Crawford asked if the administration recommends a Deputy II, which is funded by
the Office of Public Defense. They've also asked for a Deputy I, locally funded, which was
not funded. Komorowski stated that is correct. He's not asking the County Council to
divert from the Executive's recommendation.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 7
1 Crawford asked if they anticipate that is a steady funding stream for the Deputy II,
2 beyond 2008. Komorowski stated the momentum is in that direction. There is bipartisan
3 support, support from the Governor, and support from the State Supreme Court. The
4 attorney he's asking for will have no impact on the Prosecutor's Office. It will have an
5 impact on the State. They moved an attorney into District Court, so Mr. McEachran is
6 asking for four attorneys, and he has four in there also. He supports Mr. McEachran's
7 request.
8
9 Those attorneys also handle at -risk youth. He explained the at -risk youth cases.
10 They need that attorney. It will not come out of general revenue.
11
12 Another important position is an additional half -time investigator. Through the Fast
13 Track system, they got funding for a half -time investigator, which isn't satisfactory. They
14 get exponentially more work from a full -time inspector. They are already paying benefits
15 for the inspector. He's trying to get the office on a more businesslike footing in terms of
16 efficiencies. Now, there are so many guilty pleas that the judges are unable to get them on
17 the calendars. This helps with the backlog. It is very rare to get a case dismissed because
18 of the violation of a speedy trial rule.
19
20 Crawford asked how long the grant will continue for the half -time inspector.
21 Komorowski stated he expects it to continue. It is part of the Border Rapid Prosecution
22 Initiative.
23
24 Brenner asked if they are legally able to prioritize cases so they don't clog the
25 system with truancy cases. Komorowski stated that if someone files the charge or finds the
26 child in contempt, then the child has a right to counsel.
27
28 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
29
30 Komorowski stated they will try to bring the same efficiencies found in felony
31 management into Juvenile Court and District Court.
32
33 Brenner stated she doesn't like what got stuck into the Becca Bill at the last minute.
34 Komorowski stated they don't have control, other than to talk to the prosecuting attorney.
35
36 Fleetwood asked about sound issues in his office. Komorowski stated they've
37 become acclimated. The cubicles are working well. The Executive is recommending
38 portable headsets to deal with noise. The office layout is such that certain rooms are
39 available to have discussions with clients. It's not a big problem at this point.
40
41 Brenner asked for a definition of at -risk youth. Komorowski stated it is a civil
42 category, Parents bring action against a child that is considered out of control. The parent
43 can ask the court to intercede. These are handled by the Attorney General, not the County
44 Prosecutor. Brenner asked if the Attorney General has discretion on what goes forward and
45 what doesn't. Komorowski stated the prosecutorial function always allows some discretion,
46 but there is also statutory obligation.
47
48 Crawford stated two years ago, Mr. Ostlund asked for something to do with family
49 case management. It wasn't approved. He asked if they are going forward with that
50 program. Komorowski stated they are trying to keep abreast of more targeted training.
51 They aren't asking for it at this point. They are continuing to look at how they handle cases
52 internally, to see if they can do that in a more cost efficient way without sacrificing their
53 advocacy. They started with nine employees in 1983. They now have 35 employees. For a
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/23/2006, Page 8
I long time, things were very informal. He is putting together an operations manual specific
2 to his department. He wants the Public Defender's Office to operate more efficiently.
3
4 Nelson asked the percentage of cases that the Public Defender's Office takes on,
5 after those cases that retain private counsel. Komorowski stated a rough estimate is about
6 ten percent.
7
8 Nelson stated the Public Defender's Office projects higher than what is actual. He
9 asked if that is due to better management of conflict cases. He asked how the percentage
10 increase in the caseload for a public defender is calculated. Komorowski stated they get
11 statistics from the Office of Assigned Counsel. Those numbers in the past haven't jived with
12 Mr. McEachran's numbers because they count open probation violations and warrants as
13 new cases. One of his goals is to make the statistics as transparent as possible. His
14 numbers are from N.F. Jackson. He'd have to harmonize the numbers with Mr. McEachran's
15 numbers.
16
17 Nelson asked if there is information anywhere on the number of cases prosecuted,
18 cases publicly defended, and cases gone to court. Komorowski stated they do about 73.1
19 percent of felony caseload filings. Conflicts are not included.
20
21 Nelson stated he would like statistics on cases other than caseload per attorney.
22 McEachran stated he would provide that information.
23
24 McShane asked the role that the Public Defender's Office plays with probation and
25 drug court, as a way to reduce recidivism. He asked what support the Public Defender's
26 Office needs to keep people from relapse and to link people to social services. Komorowski
27 stated it depends on whether the person is on probation on a drug - related offense. The
28 County Council funds a social worker for his office. They try to work cooperatively with the
29 Prosecutor and to come up with alternatives to incarceration and treatment programs. The
30 social worker position frees up attorney time and is useful to help put people into programs.
31
32 McShane stated this is an avenue of success. Balance where they put their
33 resources. Komorowski stated he advocates for drug court. The services provided by the
34 social worker complement the drug court.
35
36 Nelson stated that system must work into the triage system. Whatcom County has
37 done a very good job on assessment and getting people into treatment instead of jail.
38
39 McShane asked if that affects the Prosecutor's charges. Komorowski stated that
40 ideally there would be other ways to help these people, such as a mental health court.
41 However, it comes down to public safety. Criminal justice is supposed to be about the
42 administration of criminal justice. Mental health filings are going up.
43
44 Parks
45
46 Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated this is a good
47 Parks budget this year. It allows them to catch up on a backlog of capital maintenance
48 projects. A number of one -time expenditures were switched to ongoing. He explained the
49 planned capital and technology expenses.
50
51 Caskey- Schreiber asked about the requests for the real estate excise tax (REET) II
52 funds. Desler stated some issues need more work before coming before the Council. It is a
53 major project. They want more time to go over the proposal before moving forward via a
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 9
1 supplemental. They have to have more discussion with the Council and Public Works
2 Department about the use of the REET II fund, which is designed for use on both parks and
3 roads.
4
5 Caskey - Schreiber stated she advocates for using it on improving parks. Protecting
6 amenities is one of the best things they can do for the citizens. The parks need
7 maintenance. If they are going to beef up the reservation system, there will be more wear
8 and tear on the facilities. Don't neglect the facilities. Maintain a clean, safe atmosphere in
9 the parks. REET II should be used exactly for this. McFarlane stated funding for Silver
10 Lake has been approved.
11
12 Desler stated the project not recommended for funding was split into a number of
13 separate ASR's.
14
15 McFarlane stated they did individual ASR's because they want to use REET II funds
16 for most of the projects. They did not approve the South Fork Park. They are trying to
17 anticipate grant funding that may be available from the Interagency Commission for
18 Outdoor Recreation (IAC) and the planning process. It was better to leave that as is, and
19 come back at a later date. Silver Lake is funded.
20
21 Desler stated capital upgrades to Silver Lake Park are shown under Other Funds,
22 because it doesn't come out of the general fund. It comes out of the REST II funds.
23
24 Nelson asked why the project is shown in the non - approved ASR's summary. Desler
25 stated the one ASR was not approved, and instead was broken up into individual, approved
26 ASR's.
27
28 Nelson stated the administration proposes $330,000 to look at watershed purchases
29 in Lake Whatcom. He asked if the Parks Department is involved. McFarlane stated they
30 could ask for reconveyance of Forest Board lands for park purposes. There is a process
31 they need to go through. The administration is going through the background work now
32 before putting forward- a proposal.
33
34 Nelson asked for more detail on what this money will be used for, what the planning
35 process is, and what are the intentions and goals.
36
37 McShane stated they are County lands managed by the State Department of Natural
38 Resources (DNR).
39
40 McFarlane stated the County makes the request to the DNR to reconvey for park
41 purposes. Lands in the watershed have real benefit for park purposes. The actual cost of
42 reconveyance is only $5,000. The properties have to be surveyed. The watershed is a
43 patchwork of trust lands and Forest Board lands. They would like to block together the
44 Forest Board lands to make it more efficient for park purposes. That requires appraisals
45 and State approval. There would conceivably be land swaps, up to 5,000 acres or more.
46 They may or may not buy the land or exchange for land outside this part of the county. He
47 explained the reconveyance process.
48
49 Desler stated he has been working with a Lake Whatcom Advisory Committee to look
50 at target parcels for acquisition. That effort will be folded into this funding effort. The
51 Executive would like to discuss this process with the Council soon. Things are still in
52 development.
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 10
1 Nelson asked if this money is coming from the current expense fund. Des[er stated
2 the money for the survey, fees, and other costs are coming from the non - departmental
3 budget of the general fund.
4
5 (Clerk's (Vote: End of tape two, side A.)
6
7 Nelson asked if they can only do this for park purposes. McFarlane stated the
8 reconveyance is for that. This is wrapped into a bigger watershed protection project. Some
9 of these properties have dual purposes of recreation and watershed protection.
10
11 Nelson stated he can't approve this without more information on the purpose and
12 plans for these lands. McFarlane stated they are trying to scope this project. Once they
13 start the project, they may not get what they ask for. They are trying to get answers to
14 these questions. This project is broad and far - reaching. There may not be answers to all
15 questions right now, but hope to pull the information together in the next month.
16
17 Brenner stated she would rather see the funds come through a supplemental budget
18 request once they've gotten the information they need. She is nervous about putting this in
19 the budget without knowing all they need to know. She needs to be able to explain this to
20 people. She asked why there is a rush to put it into the budget now, without details.
21 Desler stated the Executive decided to put it into the budget. Because there are land
22 acquisition issues, they can have a discussion in executive session.
23
24 Caskey- Schreiber asked if they can turn it over to the Land Trust to manage.
25 McFarlane stated the land has to have a recreational park use. The biggest cost will be
26 developing the parcels that the County already owns with restrooms and picnic areas.
27
28 Crawford asked why this would be an executive session item. It's public lands.
29 Desler stated there are other properties involved. Acquisition may be from Conservation
30 Futures money and possibly bonds. They are still working on this extensive effort.
31
32 Nelson asked if there is a county -owned park that is 5,000 acres in the state of
33 Washington. McFarlane stated he would have to check.
34
35 Nelson stated he has concerns about trails, road access, fire protection and
36 prevention, and maintenance of forestlands. He asked if any of those items have been
37 discussed. McFarlane stated they've started to list those issues and determine their costs.
38 The $300;000 does not include maintenance and operation. It is for the process of looking
39 at the lands there. There are private parties who are also interested. It would be
40 appropriate for an executive session. Some of it starts to make sense when they look at
41 the land ownership pattern and location of existing facilities.
42
43 McShane stated there is a desire from a forest owner's perspective to block areas.
44 Private lands become involved in swapping [and. They've all received information on the
45 statewide land exchange program that the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
46 which involves parcels in Whatcom County. Some of those exchanges include private forest
47 owners. The trusts are fragmented. All the values have to be equal before an exchange
48 can go forward.
49
50 McFarlane stated the request for a design and projects manager is crucial for moving
51 ahead with a number of larger capital improvement projects. This person functions as a
52 landscape architect and engineer on major projects. The person will take many projects
53 from the conceptual stage, allow them to do the work in- house, or prepare the project for
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 11
1 matching grant funds, which is something they've been lacking. They are substantial in size
2 and scope. They are in important areas. It's a cost - effective measure as opposed to
3 contracting for those services, which they still may have to do for some services.
4
5 Administrative Services
6
7 Desler stated there is a series of one -time expenses for energy conservation
8 measures, major maintenance of the buildings, and enhancements to the Information
9 Technology (IT) Division.
10
11 Nelson asked about master planning. Desler stated it is for the building at the Smith
12 Road and Northwest Road intersection.
13
14 Most ASR's are trying to sustain and support the existing buildings. A priority of this
15 administration is to make sure the buildings get the maintenance they deserve.
16
17 There are many requests from the IT Division. There is a new, up -to -date style of
18 operating government. Many things that go on with government involve the collection,
19 processing, and distribution of information. That series of work applies to all departments.
20 Many requests affect the entire organization.
21
22 Brenner stated she is comfortable with the requests for buildings, but not the
23 equipment. The requests should come through the Finance or Public Works Committees
24 separately. Desler stated they have added a number of new buildings to County ownership.
25 The work it will take to address and adjust those buildings requires specialty equipment.
26 They contract out some maintenance work, but a large part of it is done by staff.
27
28 Brenner stated the purchase of equipment should be contracted out. The purchase
29 of big, expensive equipment should be discussed.
30
31 Nelson stated approval of funding still goes through the committee at the time of
32 purchase.
33
34 Brenner stated that in the past, she's been told she can't discuss something that has
35 already been budgeted.
36
37 Nelson stated it doesn't need to be sent to another committee. That's why they are
38 discussing things now.
39
40 Desler explained the large equipment requested. Funding for maintenance and
41 replacement costs is budgeted each year and goes into the equipment revolve and rental
42 (ER &R) fund. At the end of its useful life, equipment is replaced through the ER &R fund.
43
44 Crawford asked about ASR2007 -373.
45
46 Mike Russell, Administrative Services Department, stated it is a one -ton service van
47 to service remote buildings. Stock a van with parts needed for various repairs. The cost
48 includes the van, ladder racks, and other things. This is the price that ER &R quoted him.
49
50 Desler stated this van is for long -term use, for 12 or 14 years. It has a diesel
51 engine.
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 12
Weimer asked how the Administrative Services Department decides on its ASR's.
Desler stated his managers submit ASR's and he has to approve them. It's a different
process because there are significant requests that affect the entire organization, related
mostly to IT and the Facilities Division. He explained the decision - making process he goes
through with Administrative Services Department ASR's.
Caskey - Schreiber asked where the work release program will go. Desler stated it
will go to the new center.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they are going to get an update on master planning for
capital facilities. Desler stated they are. The items discussed last December are going
forward. The administration will have another update this coming December.
Nelson asked if technology is to the point where documents can be submitted in a
standard format. Desler stated that within three or four years, this organization will be
paperless. Collection, processing, and distribution of information will be in a digital format.
It's an entire laser fiche system. The advantage will be the reduction for the need of certain
kinds of staff in the organization. Other organizations with similar applications have seen
significant reductions in the requirements for people who process paperwork. In the next
two years budget cycle, the Council Office documents and materials will be converted to a
laser fiche process.
Brenner asked about the IT position requested by the Treasurer. She is sympathetic
to this request, and doesn't understand why it's not recommended. These elected
departments work with a lot of money. The departments are important. It's not a lot to
ask to have a position to solely maintain the three departments. She asked why the ASR
was changed. Desler stated there were $57 million in ASR's originally. The administration
recommends about $21 million, organization -wide. Over the next two years, the
administration recommends budgeting and expending more than it will take in. They can't
do everything that everyone asks for.
In this case, the need is compelling. Therefore, they will acquire an additional staff
person who will work with the Assessor, Treasurer, and Auditor to support the
Treasurer /Assessor system, which handles important, core financial transactions. At the
same time, they believe they will have to replace that system. The new staff person will
support the existing system and also work on transforming into an entirely new
Treasurer /Assessor system. The idea is to integrate Treasurer /Assessor system with the
financial system that supports all the administrative financial systems. It is a core project
for administration over the next four years. They will lay out a plan and budget for it over
four years. It will be a massive, expensive program. It's a legacy project. It will be the
system this organization will use for the next 20 years.
Brenner asked the last time these systems were upgraded. If it's going to cost many
millions of dollars, they need a person devoted to this system. Desler stated they've been
maintaining the system since 1983. He described the history of the request for a new
system. Overall, the administration recommends 32 new staff.
Crawford asked if the Treasurer's concern is that this person won't have enough time
to do the stuff needed.
Barbara Cory, Treasurer, stated that's correct. She's never seen the original ASR,
which was developed by Perry Rice and the Assessor. She understood that the request was
for one full -time equivalent (FTE) employee to support the Auditor /Assessor/Treasurer data
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 13
system. The recommendation was for a halftime position. Half of the halftime position
would be spent on this maintenance software. That ends up as one -sixth of a position for
her department.
They've had this software for 25 years. No one still works with software that old.
It's very difficult. They made changes the past couple of years to update the software for
the next few years. Going through that update process has been horrendous. The system
still isn't working. The original vendor who designed the program is having problems
updating the system. For an employee to spend one -sixth of their time to understand the
systems, as well as work to recommend a new system, isn't realistic. This system is
already integrated with the administrative financial system.
Crawford asked about the math for this position. Desler stated the same person
would work on the maintenance management software.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape two, side B.)
Desler continued to state that they do double duty with people all the time,
especially in the IT area. They have to support many different software programs in the
organization. It's justified to pay for some work going on for maintenance management
through the Public Works Department and the Auditor's operations and maintenance (O &M)
fund.
Crawford asked the outcome. Desler stated another approach is to add a lot of staff
to the IT Division, but he must make recommendations that affect the entire organization.
They can't do everything they might like to do. They are going to take small steps in the
direction that the Treasurer, Auditor, and Assessor recommend, but they won't get there as
quickly as they'd like.
Cory stated they have to also operate the system that they have. They do not have
anyone in IT that directly supports her data system. She has to use Compu -Tech to
maintain her system. No one onsite assists with maintenance. They have to maintain the
system for the next five years, when Mr. Desler estimates they will decide what to purchase
next. Every other department has an IT person to support those systems. The Auditor,
Assessor, and Treasurer do not have that assistance.
Desler stated not every other department has their own assistance. IT staff aren't
assigned by department or individual software applications.
This system is a core piece of software. The administration is going to work on it.
The Council can make sure the administration works on it. If the administration needs more
resources to conduct this responsibly, they will ask for it.
Cory stated she and her deputy spend a lot of their time managing this aging
system. It would be helpful to have someone on staff, which may also save the County
some money. Nine of ten county Treasurers that use the Compu -Tech system have similar
problems. The tenth county has its own staff for its Assessor and Treasurer's offices that
has programming experience, knowledge, and background.
Brenner stated make sure the Assessor, Treasurer, and Auditor have the software
resources they need to function.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 14
1 Nelson stated it's typical for companies to contract this service. Anything done in-
2 house can affect or alter a program, which will cause more problems later on. He is
3 reluctant to hire someone to do maintenance and programming alterations. He's not
4 against replacing the IDEdwards system eventually.
5
6 Cooperative Extension
7
8 Craig MacConnell, Cooperative Extension Executive Director, submitted and read
9 from information (on file).
10
11 Brenner asked if 4H ever partners with Future Farmers of America (FFA).
12 MacConnell stated many youth transition from 4H to FFA during high school.
13
14
15 COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
16
17 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -96 TO
18 LOW BIDDER, MODERN MACHINERY, FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN
19 ARTICULATED WHEEL LOADER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $211,483.26 (AB2006-
20 396)
21
22 Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, stated this is a replacement unit. He
23 explained how the unit works. They put about 9,000 hours on the previous unit. It was a
24 1987 Cat loader.
25
26 Brenner asked how much per hour it is.
27
28 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it works out to about $22 per hour.
29
30 Nelson stated there is a cost for hauling.
31
32 Brenner stated there has to be a cost for maintenance. Schlehuber stated the cost
33 of maintenance and fuel for the previous unit was $130,000 total, since 1987.
34
35 Desler stated that brings the per hour cost to $35.
36
37 Crawford asked how it's used. Schlehuber stated it's used in gravel pits, to load
38 material into dump trucks, and during emergencies. It's hauled and used around the
39 county. That's why there is sufficient rental revenue to replace it at this time. When In an
40 emergency situation, they can't always get things off the rental list.
41
42 (Clerk's Note: The vote on this item was taken later in the agenda.)
43
44 10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
45 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CH2M HILL, INC. FOR THE
46 PURPOSE OF PREPARING A COMPREHENSIVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
47 PLAN FOR THE UNINCORPORATED PORTIONS OF THE LAKE WHATCOM
48 WATERSHED, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $188,905 (AB2006 -403)
49
50 Kirk Christensen, Public Works Department, gave a staff report. It follows the
51 Council's resolution. They will look at potential projects for the watershed, and find a
52 funding mechanism to pay for those projects.
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 15
I Nelson stated this will be to hire a consultant, collect existing data, create an
2 assessment based on that data, and make recommendations for filling information gaps.
3 Make sure the public is comfortable with the information they're gathering.
4
5 Brenner asked how this is different from what Mr. Christensen and Dr. Roll do.
6 Christensen stated they don't have the time or the staff to move forward with all aspects of
7 this, given all the other work that's going on.
8
9 Bruce Roll, Public Works Department, stated the major driver is the timeline, which
10 can't be met with existing staff. There is no shortage of groups who want to implement
11 plans.
12
13 Weimer stated this is the same consultant who developed the Birch Bay Stormwater
14 Plan. That was very good. He asked if the consultant would come forward with clear
15 funding options for a stormwater district. Roll stated they would provide funding options for
16 different levels of effort. The amount and type of public engagement is different.
17
18 Caskey- Schreiber stated it seems like the County will receive a lot for what it will
19 spend. She asked if this is premature, with the total maximum daily load (TMDL) study
20 pending. Roll stated he is tired of waiting on the State and other agencies to act
21 responsibly. There is no shortage of information to prevent them from acting now. The
22 TMDL_ will come, but not with piles of cash. This plan is geared to reduce pollutant loads.
23 Those will happen regardless of the TMDL. At the end of the day, the County will not have
24 huge amounts of new obligations.
25
26 Caskey - Schreiber stated they need to go forward. She is worried that the contractor
27 won't have a[[ the information that is available. She asked how the TMDL results will affect
28 this exercise. Roll stated they will have to see.
29
30 (Clerk's Note: The vote on this item was taken later in the agenda.)
31
32
33 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
34
35 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2006 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
36 FOURTEENTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $766,036 (AB2006 -383)
37
38 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, explained the supplemental requests.
39
40 Nelson moved to recommend adoption to the full Council. He asked if the Title III
41 funding project is for forestry items. Desler stated the Council diverted $500,000 to Title
42 III. It can only be used for certain things. The balance now is down to about $180,000.
43 They mostly use money for an alternative corrections crew to work in the National Forest.
44
45 Crawford asked if it is okay to fund a capital improvement in another county. Desler
46 stated it is, as long as it is listed in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
47 (CEDS) or the economic section of the Comprehensive Plan. There are amendments to that
48 strategy before the Council today, including the Washington State University project.
49
50 Fleetwood asked the balance in the Public Utilities Improvement Fund. Desler stated
51 the balance is about $3.3 million. The County receives about $2.4 million a year.
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 16
1 Fleetwood asked if that fund is tied to the Economic Development Investment (EDT)
2 program. Desler stated it is not.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6
7 COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
8
9 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
10 INTERLOCAL GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
11 WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
12 INVESTMENT PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000
13 (AB2006 -378A)
14
15 Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
16
17 Motion carried unanimously.
18
19 2. RESOLUTION UPDATING THE 2004 AMENDED APPENDIX OF THE 2002
20 WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
21 (CEDS) (AB2006 -378B)
22
23 Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
24
25 Weimer asked if they are just updating the list or prioritizing the list.
26
27 Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated they are not prioritizing the list. He
28 described the purpose of the list.
29
30 (Clerk's Note: End of tape three, side A.)
31
32 Desler continued to describe the purpose of the list.
33
34 Crawford stated there are some items on the list that have gone by the wayside. He
35 asked when they are going to revise this list. Desler stated they recently updated the list.
36 He asked all organizations to give them an update of their projects that are on the list.
37 Some jurisdictions didn't respond, so there weren't changes to the list.
38
39 Caskey- Schreliber stated the Economic Development Council (EDC) is listed. She
40 asked if that commits the County to continue using the EDC for handling the EDI fund
41 management. Desler stated he's heard from Councilmember McShane and Executive
42 Kremen that they're hopeful about the future direction of the EDC.
43
44 Motion carried unanimously.
45
46 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #06 -96 TO
47 LOW BIDDER, MODERN MACHINERY, FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN
48 ARTICULATED WHEEL LOADER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $211,483.26 (AB2006-
49 396)
50
51 (Clerk's Note: Discussion continued from above.)
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 17
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF AN ANNUAL SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENT LUBRICANTS FROM
VENDOR CONOCO PHILIPS (DISTRIBUTOR REISNER DISTRIBUTOR, INC.),
ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,000
(AB2006 -397)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, stated the request for approval is
for an amount in excess of $35,000. There is a scrivener's error in the title, but the
paperwork in the Council packet is correct.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF AN ANNUAL SUPPLY OF AUTO PARTS USING THE
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT, ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS, IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $35,000 (AB2006 -398)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council, with the scrivener's
error corrected to approve an amount in excess of $35,000.
Weimer asked why they would ask for an amount in excess of $35,000.
Eric Schlehuber, Public Works Department, stated the purchasing policy stipulates
that the County Executive has approval authority up to $35,000. Any amount in excess of
$35,000 must be approved by the County Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE LEASING A
NEW MAIL MACHINE, AND ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH PITNEY
BOWES FOR SAID LEASE, FOR A 60 MONTH PERIOD WITH A TOTAL COST OF
$52,380 (AB2006 -399)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
LYNDEN TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY /COUNTY ]AIL INVESTMENT PROGRAM
(AB2006 -400)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 18
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE INSTITUTE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING MICROBIAL
SOURCE TRACKING LABORATORY ANALYSIS FOR APPROXIMATELY 120
SURFACE WATER SAMPLES FROM THE DRAYTON HARBOR WATERSHED, IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,000 (AB2006 -401)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND TRANTECH ENGINEERING,
LLC, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LOAD RATING SERVICES FOR 25
BRIDGES IN WHATCOM COUNTY PER THE CURRENT WSDOT BRIDGE DESIGN
MANUAL, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $94,933 (AB2006 -402)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked if the County
did this a few years back.
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated it did. The County works on half the
bridges every year. They are required to report on bridges every two years as part of the
State bridge reporting program. Several of the 151 bridges in the county do not have
appropriate load ratings.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CH2M HILL, INC. FOR THE
PURPOSE OF PREPARING A COMPREHENSIVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
PLAN FOR THE UNINCORPORATED PORTIONS OF THE LAKE WHATCOM
WATERSHED, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $188,905 (AB2006 -403)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PATRON SYSTEMS TO
PROVIDE WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF`S OFFICE WITH A PAPERLESS
REPORT WRITING SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,000 (AB2006 -404)
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked what they are getting for this.
Kevin Moyes, Sheriff's Office, stated this is an updated report writing system. Now,
they manually handwrite reports. Ultimately, the deputy will be able to write reports
electronically, in the field, and transmit it to a supervisor, who will send it electronically to
the Prosecutor's Office. It will be imported into the i520 system. They can create new
forms. The federal and State have new requirements for crime reporting. It's not just a
matter of time savings for just the deputies. It will help the Jail, Prosecutor's Office, and
courts.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 19
1
2 Crawford asked if it's possible that this will be more time - consuming in the field.
3 Moyes stated it won't be. The entry will be done through drop -down boxes and automatic
4 fill -in of certain fields. Case numbers won't have to be handwritten on each page.
5
6 Nelson asked if the laptops will
7 everyone in the field has a laptop yet.
8
9 Motion carried unanimously.
10
be able to do this. Moyes stated they will. Not
11 12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT
12 AMENDMENT NO. 1 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST
13 SURVEYING & GPS PROVIDING FOR THE RECOVERY OF 19 ADDITIONAL
14 PLSS CORNER MONUMENTS IN TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH RANGE 03 EAST, IN
15 THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT
16 AMOUNT OF $85,000 (AB2006 -405)
17
18 Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
19
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21
22
23 OTHER BUSINESS
24
25 There was no other business.
26
27
28 ADJOURN
29
30 The ting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
31
33-
34 Jill Nixon, MiayWh ,anscription
35 `��t� "1.
37 ATT�6� .• HATCp , `
38 ,
39
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41
42 •
43 Dank. Broom 1 ouncil Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/24/2006, Page 20