Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance April 26 20051 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 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 Finance and Administrative Services Committee April 26, 2005 Committee Chair L. Ward Nelson called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington. Present: Sam Crawford Sharon Roy Also Present: Dan McShane Seth Fleetwood Absent: None COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING 2005 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, REQUEST NO. 4 (AB2005 -182) Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is about $3 million in the Conservation Futures Fund and they collect about $838,000 per year for the fund. There was an appraisal of the property. It's being sold at a price less than the appraised price. Motion carried unanimously. 2. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A $50.00 PETTY CASH REVOLVING FUND FOR JUVENILE COURT ADMINISTRATION (AB2005 -184) Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Motion carried unanimously. 3. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A $200.00 PETTY CASH REVOLVING FUND FOR THE COUNTY CLERK (AB2005 -185) Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Motion carried unanimously. Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 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. COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SHEARER DESIGN, LLC FOR DESIGN OF PREFABRICATED BRIDGE SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,506 (AB2005 -192) Nelson asked if the contractor is helping with the design, not building it. Chris Brueske, Engineering Manager, stated the contractor is doing the entire design. The existing bridge is not suitable for modern truckloads. The County could use existing Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) designs, but no design can be installed without tailoring it to the particular needs. There are also issues about the equipment needs, what can be installed with existing or rented equipment, and the lifecycle of the bridge system relative to the cost. There will also be a cost - benefit analysis of the design. Nelson asked if the contractor will hold indemnity of the structure if it becomes flawed. Brueske stated the contract is a standard contract reviewed by legal counsel. Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Motion carried unanimously. 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ART ANDERSON ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT IN BUILDING THE PROGRAM TO SUSTAIN AND IMPROVE THE LUMMI ISLAND FERRY SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $115,000 (AB2005 -193) Jeff Monsen, Public Works Department Director, stated he would speak on this and the next item. The agreement is for both engineering and administrative support as the County goes through the replacement process and a variety of dock issues. He doesn't anticipate using the entire dollar amount allowed in this contract. He hoped to use any remaining amount for additional support in looking at the Gooseberry Point dock relocation. The funds are from the road fund. Nelson asked what it means to have a master plan for the ferry system, including a schedule reflecting tasks, interdependencies, and parametric cost estimates. Monsen stated it means they will amend the 14 -year ferry plan. As they look at dock relocation and the detail of the boat design, the next version of the 14 -year plan, coming forward in one year, will have more detail for several years. This work is something that will have to be done, no matter what. There will be value in having this information. Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 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 moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Motion carried unanimously. 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ELLIOTT BAY DESIGN GROUP FOR ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION OF A NEW PASSENGER VEHICLE FERRY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $222,940, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $237,940 (AB2005 -194) (Clerk's Note: See the above item for discussion.) Jeff Monsen, Public Works Department Director, stated the contract is to design the boat and provide support services relative to docks. Elliott Bay was the company most qualified for designing the boat. The Art Anderson firm was chosen for support to make sure they get the greatest value. Elliot Bay was the design company for both Pierce County boats, is working with Skagit County to re- engine its boat, and the parent company of Elliott Bay designed the Whatcom Chief. Because of this firm's recent work with Pierce County, Whatcom County will derive benefit from that design work. Nelson asked if the contract is to decide on the boat design. Monsen stated they know the concept and have a decent estimate. The design will engage the community somewhat, but there is not a lot of cost to go through a public process. The majority of the cost is the below -deck engineering. The visual nature of the boat is cheap. Part of the reason Elliott Bay was selected is they have recent experience with hull design to minimize draft and wake. Roy asked if Mr. Monsen is confident that over 50 percent of the Lummi Island community is happy with the size of the replacement ferry. She has received comments from people who suddenly realized the bigger ferry would make fewer runs. She has an inkling that this may surface as an issue. Monsen stated a year ago, staff discussed these issues. They recognize that a boat of this size won't highly increase through -put. The Art Anderson firm would plan out those other through -put issues. He strongly recommends that the boat be replaced. A 35 -car boat is the biggest they can put into the system and get a value in return. A smaller boat will not be able to take advantage of other system improvements in the future. This option provides the greatest value in the short -term and the greatest number of options in the long -term. Roy stated make sure the community understands that a bigger boat means fewer trips per day. Cycle time will go from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 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 the criteria used to determine size and infrastructure support. Monsen stated they need to replace the boat, given its current capacity. They looked at how big the boat could be until they saw bigger cost increases for operation, manufacture cost, and long -term alternatives. Don't go bigger than a 35 -car boat. Some people will say it's not big enough. The goal is not to maximize through -put, but balance through -put with what the community wants. McShane stated the staff has worked this through carefully. Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Motion carried unanimously. 4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID NO. 05 -29 TO THE LOW BIDDER, WHATCOM BUILDERS, INC., FOR ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS OVERLAY AND PRELEVEL PROJECTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $439,234.20 (AB2005 -195) Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Motion carried unanimously. (Clerk's Note: The Committee took a break from 11:50 a.m, to 12:05 p.m.) SPECIAL PRESENTATION (12:15 P.M.) 1. ANNUAL REPORT BY THE COMMISSION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (AB2005 -189) Kathy Washatka, Commission Chair, stated she thanks the County Council for its financial support for the past six years. It allows the commission to operate and complete smaller projects. Last year's strategic plan outlined several projects it plans to complete over the next three years. Those larger projects require more funding. The annual report lists the projects they've completed this past year. Last year, they completed the first safety audit of the Bellingham Police Department, Sheriff's Office, 911 dispatch, and the jail. They have been working on the 66 recommendations from those audits. They were recognized and invited to Washington D.C. to participate in a think tank and share what they've learned from the safety audit. Their goal this past year was to complete the second audit phase of the Probation Department and Prosecution offices. They were not able to raise all the projects needed. That project is on hold. They are awaiting word on a large grant. Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 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. Bill Elfo, County Sheriff, stated the audit examined the law enforcement response to domestic violence. The audit identified several areas in which improvements could be and are being made. These recommendations have resulted in several tangible changes to the policies and practices of the Sheriff's Office. One of the audit recommendations was the risk assessment tool. Deputies investigating domestic violence cases now collect additional information that identifies risk factors. This is helpful to the prosecutors, courts, child welfare, and service providers to triage cases and in handing these cases. With funding received, they were able to train all deputies in the use of this risk assessment tool, which is being institutionalized in the department. Another recommendation regarded getting information in the field on the history of domestic violence. The current system is archaic. Because of councilmembers' trips to Washington D.C. and work on the data integration project, they should see improvements. The Sheriff's Office has prioritized its data entry to work on domestic violence cases first. Other recommendations regarded dispatch and form changes. They are implementing those recommendations to the extent they can. There were also recommendations for the jail. A concern is the abuser getting out of jail and the victim not being timely notified. They have improved the system for collecting information and improved notification to victims. Another jail problem were inmates harassing victims over the telephone. They installed phone blocks to prevent that from happening as much as possible. The blocks have a 95 to 98 percent success rate. The corrections officers are training in domestic violence dynamics this year and next year. There were many intangible benefits from the audit. Service providers are coordinating and cooperating. It's a good system. He supports the audit process throughout the criminal justice system. He looks forward to audits for the Probation Department. The recommendations can benefit in other areas outside of domestic violence. Sue Parrott, Domestic Violence Commission Director, stated they worked with the Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) to start an elder and vulnerable adult abuse coalition. People aren't working well together on that issue. Not a lot of this type of abuse is reported. They want to increase awareness. Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 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. They are working with the Family Care Network to institute a routine domestic violence screening as part of a computerized format that physicians will use. Physicians will do routine domestic violence screening. Victims are more likely to disclose if they're asked. The first Domestic Violence Commission achievement award went to Dorothy Place. They plan that process annually as part of Domestic Violence Awareness month. Much of the work done is in collaboration with others. She sits on many tasks forces and committees. Make sure the commission is a resource for the community. Success is based on that collaboration. The benchmarking report is an example of that collaboration. It collated data from the community to get a snapshot of the resources. The report included a statistical analysis on the data to adjust for population changes to accurately indicate increases and decreases. They added new data on the disposition of misdemeanor and felony cases and the time to disposition. They added a section on outcomes of perpetrator treatment. In the next report, they hope to add data on recidivism. Nelson thanked Ms. Parrott for the report. He was impressed with the statistics. They have gone a long way in demonstrating how this effort benefits the community. He'd like to see work on the misdemeanor element. The conviction rate seems low compared to felonies. He asked why that would be. Parrott stated the felony data is complied by case. Misdemeanor data is compiled by charge. In a felony case, there could be three charges, and only conviction of one charge. Misdemeanors show all the charges. The Domestic Violence Commission is using data tracking systems that others have in place. That data is complied from all the courts that have a system. There isn't any court that lumps misdemeanor cases by charge. Roy asked if the arresting deputy or prosecutor decides an incident is a felony or misdemeanor. Elfo stated the deputy makes the assessment as to the charge at the time the accused is booked into jail. Some cases charged as felonies are referred back to District Court or Municipal Court as a misdemeanor. Some misdemeanors are charged as felonies. Nelson stated there is a triage system in place for felony cases. They don't have a triage system for misdemeanor cases. About 50 percent are dismissed. He asked if there is a mechanism that can be put in place. Elfo stated it's a tracking system. It's common for the prosecutors to plea bargain a case. Charges might drop to malicious mischief or something else. Parrott stated there is going to be significant injury or evidence in felonies. With misdemeanors, there is less evidence that could lead to differences in how misdemeanors and felonies are processed. Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 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 phase II of the audit depends on a grant. He asked the cost. Parrott stated the cost includes both a consultant and staff time. The lowest grant amount submitted is about $50,000. The original grant request was for more, to include the City of Blaine, the County Prosecutor's Office, the City of Bellingham, and District Court Probation. She is positive that the commission will receive the grant. It adds enhancements to the Sheriff's Office to buy equipment. The grant also allows a service provider to expand its on -call advocates to all law enforcement agencies in the county and train corrections staff and small city law enforcement agencies. It's a two -year grant. McShane asked if counseling is part of the restraining order, especially with misdemeanor cases. Parrott stated that if someone is convicted, the court orders the person to get an evaluation from a service provider, which will assess whether the person is a domestic violence offender. Couples counseling is not recommended if there is a history of domestic violence. McShane stated one if his questions is how to support people who need counseling. (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.) Roy stated support for the person really depends on the quality of the judge and assessment professional. There is a wide range of ability to help people take the next step. Fleetwood stated it's wonderful this commission exists and is dealing with this issue. If they don't address root socio- economic structural cause, which is a social effect that exists in the country, people will punch each other occasionally, and there will be domestic violence. They are only going to nip at the edge of the problem this way. The federal government must address the root cause. Parrott stated the ultimate goal is to raise a generation of people who don't believe in domestic violence. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 12:43 p.m. Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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. ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk L. Ward Nelson, Committee Chair Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 4/26/2005, Page 8