HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole February 22 20051
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Committee Of The Whole
February 22, 2005
Council Chair Laurie Caskey- Schreiber called the meeting to order at 6:40
p.m. in the Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present:
Barbara Brenner
Dan McShane
Sam Crawford
Sharon Roy
L. Ward Nelson
Absent:
Seth Fleetwood
1. DISCUSSION AND NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE ON OPEN COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AGREEMENTS (AB2005 -062)
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
2. DISCUSSION WITH CHIEF CIVIL DEPUTY PROSECUTOR RANDALL
WATTS REGARDING AN INSURANCE SETTLEMENT (AB2005 -018)
Randall Watts, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, stated damage was done to the
dock during rough weather. The bill came to $172,000. There was some
insurance, but they're not totally covered. Wood pilings had to be replaced with
concrete pilings, which were more expensive. The insurance was for replacement
value. Insurance came up with an estimate of $88,042.19 for the number of
wooden pilings, and then depreciated it by 33 percent. The total amount the
insurance is willing to pay is $58,988.27. The Engineering Division agreed that
figure is accurate in relationship to the wooden pilings. He wanted to bring it to the
Council's attention that the County will only receive partial coverage from the
insurance company. The County hasn't yet accepted the settlement. The
Engineering Division worked with the insurance company to come up with that
figure. There isn't any basis to say it's an incorrect figure. This update is for the
Council's information only. The cost of repairs will come from the road fund.
Nelson asked the damage to the ferry. Watts stated there was not much
damage to the ferry. Several of the pilings on one side were hit, and the useful life
of the pilings were 33 percent gone.
Committee of the Whole, 2/22/2005, Page 1
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Nelson asked if there were problems on the deck. Watts stated there
weren't.
Caskey- Schreiber stated there has been talk about moving the dock. She
asked if the County is committed to staying there. Watts stated the repairs are
done. Hopefully the new pilings will last for awhile. This happened to the dock at
Lummi Island.
McShane asked if this happened once before. Watts stated it has happened
before.
OTHER BUSINESS
Caskey- Schreiber stated a Flood Control Zone District Advisory Member
asked her about getting reimbursement for mileage. They are coming into town
twice weekly. They expect a full year of work determining the meander channels.
Dr. Roll said that if the Council approves the reimbursement, then it will open up
the possibility of reimbursement for other advisory committees. She suggested
coming up with something for members who are expected to meet at least four
times per month.
Roy stated there aren't too many advisory committees that meet that often.
That may be a good way to do it.
Nelson stated they have to be careful about opening a can of worms.
Caskey- Schreiber stated that's why she's bringing it to the Committee of the
Whole.
Brenner asked if it is legal.
Randall Watts, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, stated it is legal to put
restrictions on it. If someone else meets the threshold, they would qualify as well.
If too many are meeting the threshold, it can be changed.
Nelson asked if there is a way they can meet in other parts of the county.
McShane stated it's a subcommittee of the advisory committee that is
working on establishing the meander limits for the Nooksack River. It is a process
that can be very controversial. Ultimately, the Council will approve it. This will
have people screaming. It will be the ugliest land use issue the Council will ever
get.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the Council wants to establish some sort of
threshold.
Committee of the Whole, 2/22/2005, Page 2
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
McShane stated he would approve of a threshold. The Council is asking the
committee members to devote a lot of their time.
Roy stated establish a threshold of three or four meetings per month. One
advisory committee complains constantly because the person in charge at one time
was a paid person. They have never gotten over it.
Nelson asked if the Planning Commission gets mileage. Watts stated that if it
does, it is by State statute.
Caskey- Schreiber stated one option would be a per diem rate.
Crawford stated the Planning Commission meets twice per month and doesn't
get paid anything. The administration should be in on the conversation. They will
have strong feelings about it.
Nelson asked if this request is for a temporary period of time.
McShane stated it is.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they are only meeting this year for more than once
per month.
Nelson suggested they apply for a short -term payment. Watts stated they
can set any parameter on it they want.
Crawford stated he would vote against reimbursement. There are too many
County commissions and advisory boards. There are 40 or so boards and
commissions. If someone is not able to serve because of mileage issues, it's
regrettable.
Brenner suggested a threshold of at least four meetings per month.
Roy stated she prefers to set the threshold at three meetings per month.
Caskey- Schreiber moved to reimburse mileage expenses for those advisory
groups that meet at least three times per month.
Motion failed 2 -4 with Roy and Caskey- Schreiber in favor.
McShane stated they should make it specific to this issue, this time, and this
advisory committee.
Nelson suggested they get more information first.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the Council needs to find out:
1. Can the County apply it to this one group only,
Committee of the Whole, 2/22/2005, Page 3
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
2. Can the County stipulate that the group has to meet at least three
times per month, and
3. Can the County allow the reimbursement for one year only.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
The Council approved these minutes on March 15 , 2005.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Laurie Caskey- Schreiber, Council Chair
Committee of the Whole, 2/22/2005, Page 4