HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance August 9 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
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
August 9, 2005
Committee Chair L. Ward Nelson called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Sam Crawford None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Seth Fleetwood
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. REPORT FROM THE BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM PUBLIC FACILITIES
DISTRICT (AB2005 -288)
David Warren, Public Facilities District Board Member, stated the written
report in the Council packet serves as their quarterly report. The report is in the
Council packet. The document brings the Council up -to -date.
The district has been working on its architectural program and space
allocation. There was a successful nationwide competition on the design and
structure of the process. They've replaced the former agreements with the City of
Bellingham and Mt. Baker Theater with an agreement between the district and Mt.
Baker Theater. They clarified the financial and legal relationships and the
responsibilities for theater operation and maintenance.
They are working on the design and fundraising for the new museum. The
district's requirement for funding the museum is $3 million by March 1. The new
museum will be a fantastic focal point in the downtown area. They are putting up a
billboard showing the new museum on a building on Flora Street.
Crawford stated he is concerned about expanding the library and eliminating
the green space behind the library. Keep the options open about expanding the
library in another space in the civic center, to keep the green space. Warren stated
the Library Board is discussing the options. Many things are changing. The district
continues to think adaptively on all the options.
Crawford asked about parking. The County is stalled on the issue about jail
redevelopment. The County desired to address the public and employee parking
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, 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.
through its involvement in the district. One option is multi -level parking in the
current parking lot, which can be used by other evening cultural activities.
Patricia Decker, Public Facilities District Manager, stated the Council packet
includes information on operating statements for 2004 and 2005. The sales tax
revenue rebate for the district is up. They are still assuming that the revenue from
the sales tax rebate over the life of the district will be about $17 million. There will
be a gap of needed funding of $7 million to $10 million that they will need to raise
from fundraising and grants.
Crawford asked if the $524,000 debt for 2005 will be eliminated at some
point. Decker stated all debt would be paid off periodically with proceeds from the
bond issue. The district has about $3.6 million in bond proceeds that it will use
during the architectural design and permitting. The district will need to go forward
with another bond issue to pay for the museum facility. They also have the next
phase of the Mt. Baker Theater to do.
Nelson asked if the budget anticipated being under - funded. Decker stated
they are under - budget right now. They are at about 52 percent revenues at the
end of June, which is good. The figures in the packet were as of the end of March.
Nelson stated the community needs to support the museum. Get the word
out in the community about the museum. He asked if there have been surveys on
what people want in the museum. Decker stated the museum does advertising.
The recent motorcycle exhibit had thousands of people come through. The
museum includes a range of exhibits to appeal to many people. There is a
combination of regional and local draw.
Roy asked if the museum staff thinks attendance is an issue. Decker stated
the staff feels attendance is growing significantly, and the new facility will help
attendance.
The City is working on an overall parking management program, including
developing a better revenue stream that includes increased parking fines and fees.
The revenue will go into a capital fund to build new parking. They hope the cultural
district will provide funding for parking, also. The district monies are limited in
terms of what it can support.
Crawford stated the district is a cool thing happening in the community that
isn't making headlines. Many great things are happening in Bellingham. There is
great synergy.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2005 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
EIGHTH REQUEST (AB2005 -314)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, 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.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR MOBILE HOME REPAIR AND
REHABILITATION PER COUNTY 2060 ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,482 (AB2005 -319)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION
AND WHATCOM LAND TRUST FOR THE FARM AND RANCH LANDS
PROTECTION PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $405,013 (AB2005 -320)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked if the farm on Sand Road is a dairy farm.
Kraig Olason, Senior Planner, stated it is a berry farm.
Crawford asked if the City of Ferndale is concerned about the proximity to a
potential future urban growth area (UGA). Olason stated it is not.
Caskey- Schreiber thanked Mr. Olason for working on this process. She asked
if he works half time on this program. Olason stated he spends one -third to one -
quarter of his time on this project.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she's heard that the Purchase of Development
Rights (PDR) Advisory Committee is becoming disillusioned with the program.
Olason stated that from the time they initiated this program, the price of land has
escalated in value. Many people are letting the appreciation occur without doing
anything. People are reluctant to sign on with the program. Most recently, two
applicants withdrew because of house sites on the property. They lost 100 acres
just through those little rule decisions.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the County could elect to fund the project solely
through conservation futures funds. Olason stated it could. Last year, the Council
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, 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.
talked about prioritizing the projects that have a match. If federal rules become
too stringent, it's an option. Also, it's a new program that people are still checking
out. Last, with this kind of growth, some people don't want to be involved.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she would rather try to accommodate worthwhile
applications that don't meet the federal requirements. The program is not getting a
lot of applications. Work with the applicants. Olason stated that the County did
that with one application. A complication making the larger parcel purchases
difficult is the six -pack well rule. If one has more than 30 acres, the parcel loses
development rights. Also, many people think they have five acre zoning, but don't
realize the true number development rights on the property. The County has to
apply the laws and pay for the true number of development rights. That is causing
some consternation.
Caskey- Schreiber stated make sure the money isn't the limiting factor in why
these properties aren't being acquired. Olason stated it isn't. The real successful
programs have a state component, making it more standardized.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they need a State PDR program.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT EXTENSION BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BOSMAN,
INC. FOR TRUCK AND TANKER VEHICLE PETROLEUM FUEL SERVICE,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $545,007, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $1,134,161.10 (AB2005 -321)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ALLOW MUTUAL USE
OF EACH PARTY'S PROPERTY DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN LANE ON A REPLACEMENT BRIDGE OVER
BOULDER CREEK ON SR542 (AB2005 -322)
Nelson asked if the reason is because it will be beside the bridge.
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated the
County originally sold property to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for
stormwater management. A trail was to be routed around it. Now, the DOT says it
will build a separated bike /pedestrian path on the bridge on one side. It's of
mutual benefit for traffic safety and saves the County the cost of building an
additional bridge at that location.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, Page 4
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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 the trail is for the Ski to Sea race. McFarlane stated it is not
now, but it will be.
Crawford asked where DOT is on funding this project. McFarlane stated it is
scheduled in three or four years.
Crawford stated there is about $50 million for Whatcom County from the tax.
If the initiative passes, it will negate that tax increase. He asked if this project
wouldn't occur if that happens. McFarlane stated he's not sure where the funding is
coming from. The final design is ready to begin. This project is further along than
some of the other projects.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE IN THE AREA OF JUVENILE DETENTION ALTERNATIVES
THROUGH THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$46,475, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$86,475 (AB2005 -323)
Nelson stated the County has been looking at getting juvenile detention
straightened out. He asked the progress.
David Reynolds, Juvenile Court Administrator, stated this is the second year
of the grant. They have made good progress. They have looked at other
successful programs in other jurisdictions.
Nelson stated there are many dollars for site visits. He asked what they've
learned. Reynolds stated they have learned how players in the community are
included to speed up that process. In Santa Cruz, California, they looked at a
model site where all the players work together to speed cases through the court
system and address the needs of the kids in the system.
Nelson stated he is impressed with the modular planning process to
accommodate future growth from National Institute of Corrections. He asked if
there is anything different in terms of approaches. Reynolds stated the approach is
community collaboration to deter kids from coming into detention or dealing with
them immediately when they get there. Santa Cruz is a similar size to Whatcom
County. They have collaboration, extended hours of operation for juvenile court,
and youth monitoring that can be applied in this community. He will provide to the
Council his quarterly progress reports to foundation.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, Page 5
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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 moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, TRADE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR PAYMENT OF WAGES FOR ONE
WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF'S DETECTIVE AND ONE BELLINGHAM
POLICE DEPARTMENT DETECTIVE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $94,445
(AB2005 -324)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND RE
SOURCES TO PROVIDE CLASSROOM EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO
PROMOTE WASTE REDUCTION, RECYCLING AND PROPER HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000
(AB2005 -325)
Nelson asked if this contract amount is the same as in previous years.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated he believes it is.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Crawford asked if the 45 percent is from the solid waste fund.
Nelson stated it is.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
ARCHDIOSESAN HOUSING FOR 2060 REPAIR AND RETENTION
FUNDING FOR REPAIRS AT MT. BAKER APARTMENT BUILDING, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $48,505 (AB2005 -326)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if it is recommended by the 2060 committee.
Nelson stated it is.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, Page 6
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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.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM INTERLOCAL
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
SUMAS FOR FUNDING A PORTION OF THE HAUL ROAD EXTENSION
PROJECT IN THE CITY OF SUMAS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $225,000
(AB2005 -327)
Nelson asked if the City of Sumas would maintain the road.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the City of Sumas will own and
maintain the road.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05-
57 FOR A CHIP SPREADER TO WESTERN POWER EQUIPMENT, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $198,787.93 (AB2005 -328)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
MICHAEL HILTI TO LEASE THE HOUSE LOCATED AT 2723 BROADWAY,
BELLINGHAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $895.00 PER MONTH (AB2005-
329)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
12. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH THE LUMMI ISLAND
COMMUNITY LAND TRUST TO PURCHASE PARCEL #370104 539091
0000 FOR FERRY PARKING, IN THE AMOUNT OF $110,000 PLUS
COSTS (AB2005 -330)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked the details of this deal.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, Page 7
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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.
Ken Richardson, Accounting Supervisor, stated the County acquires the
Carlisle property next to the house. The long term plan is to put forward a request
for proposals (RFP) to use the house in a public domain. The person with the
proposal would take care of bringing the house up to standard and maintaining.
The County can then design a parking lot around the house and let the use of the
house be decided later. It does not preclude the problem of house disposal if there
is no proposal to use the house.
Crawford stated that if the County had surplused the house to begin with, the
current parcel has enough space for anticipated parking needs. He asked if the
reason is acquiring more space is because the house is being set aside for use.
Richardson stated the Carlisle property purchase is for the County to meet its
parking needs. If the County had not kept the house, it could have met the parking
needs on that property. However, the deal also gives the County three contiguous
pieces of beachfront property so there is public access from the ferry dock to the
north.
Crawford asked if the Land Trust is brokering the deal, but does not own the
lot. Richardson stated the Land Trust has an option to buy from Carlisle. It will
purchase the property for $110,000 and offer it to the County for $110,000 plus the
cost of the transaction.
Crawford asked the Executive's recommendation.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the Executive recommends that
the Council proceed with acquisition of the Carlisle property. The Executive will
offer up an RFP to allow the home to be used for a public purpose with no cost to
the County.
Crawford stated the County is spending too much money on something that
didn't need to happen in the first place. The Land Trust had time to present a
proposal, but it didn't. He is opposed to keeping the house and spending more
money now.
Nelson stated he was convinced by Mr. Monsen's argument that the County
will need this land in the long run for future parking needs. Richardson stated there
would be a need for additional parking in the future, whether or not the house is
there.
Nelson stated an additional incentive is the beachfront property, which was
demanded by the public for public use. It ties in well with the overall plan.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Crawford opposed.
ADDENDA:
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, Page 8
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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.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ANVIL
CORPORATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE HVAC SYSTEM IN
SUPERIOR COURT #2 AND COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM #3, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $24,000 (AB2005 -338)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Motion carried unanimously.
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND EBENAL
GENERAL FOR WORK ON THE NORTHWEST ANNEX BUILDING, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $31,671.84, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED AMOUNT OF
$257,809.84 (AB2005 -339)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford stated the one -stop permit center is not yet working fully. Some
people still have to go to the Health Department.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated a draft interlocal agreement has
gone to all cities for comment before the County Council considers the resolution
authorizing approval by the Whatcom County Council to provide for
submission to the qualified voters of the County a proposition authorizing a
local sales and use tax of one -tenth of one percent as allowed under RCW
82.14.450, with two - thirds of the proceeds to be used for funding
countywide emergency medical services and one -third of the proceeds to
be used for criminal justice purposes(AB2005 -336), which is being introduced
tonight.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, Page 9
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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.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk L. Ward Nelson, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 8/9/2005, Page 10