HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance February 8 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
February 8, 2005
Committee Chair L. Ward Nelson called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present:
Sam Crawford
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Dan McShane
Absent:
None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW WHATCOM COUNTY'S
PROPERTY INSURANCE POLICY (AB2005 -092)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the County received a couple of
proposals, of which this is the least costly and most appropriate. It presents a
reduction in the premium cost for this insurance because of the softening prices for
this insurance. The County retains good coverage for property. The earthquake
and flood coverage is much better than in the past. Terrorism insurance is
included.
Nelson asked the highlights of the policy.
Barry Hanson, Unity Group, stated in reviewing the County's coverage, he
presents a policy that provides a total loss limit of $50 million. There is a sub -limit
for earthquake and flood for $35 million. The coverage for boiler and machinery
provides protection against an explosion or mechanical breakdown. There are
actually three separate policies. The $50 million loss limit is provided by
Commonwealth, with the $25 million loss limit for earthquake. The second policy is
provided by Great American for $10 million of additional earthquake coverage. The
third policy is provided by Chubb Insurance for the boiler and machine coverage.
All three carriers offered competitive renewal rates to retain the County's accounts.
He doesn't recommend changing carriers.
Crawford asked how insurance companies guarantee they can pay in the
event of a major catastrophe. He asked if the companies really have resources to
pay for all that. Hanson stated the question is the financial capacity of each carrier.
He relies on the financial ratings. All carriers he presented are rated A- or better,
which is considered excellent. Each of the carriers are admitted to do business in
the State of Washington. The State provides a Washington guarantee fund, which
all carriers put money into in the event of insolvency.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked about the evaluation replacement cost. He asked how they
compare to previous versions. Desler stated they increased the values they are
insuring as a result of that. They updated all the property inventory so its
accurate. There is a 2.9 percent increase in the values insured.
Nelson asked if the flood coverage is continued. Hanson stated it is. Flood
zones A and B, which are on the coastline and at Hovander, are the properties that
this policy doesn't cover. The courthouse is covered through this policy. They've
purchased a separate flood policy through the National Flood Association.
Nelson asked if the loss limit includes the cost of debris removal. Hanson
stated it is.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Roy out of the room,
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND WILSON ENGINEERING, L.L.C. TO PROVIDE PERMITTING,
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR
A PROPOSED PUBLIC PARKING LOT AT THE FERRY TERMINAL ON
LUMMI ISLAND, IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,645 (AB2005 -076)
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, submitted a memo (on file) and stated
the Council should either approve or reject both AB2005 -076 and 2005 -081A, or
the two different decisions will be counterproductive. If the administration is to
aggressively move forward with constructing the parking lot this year, they need to
move ahead with designating the house surplus and relocating it. From the last
meeting, there was a desire to consider public use of the house. If the Council
wants to consider using the house in its current location for a public use, the
Council should reject both agenda items.
Crawford asked if that decision will delay parking lot construction. Monsen
stated it will, until at least next year.
Crawford asked the legal and procedural questions that have been left
unanswered. Monsen stated the transaction to exchange properties with the Land
Trust would be done through a lot line adjustment procedure. To do that, they
would have to work through the financial transaction and construction. Whether
water is available to the house for its intended use is still a question. There are
other issues they need to work through. Once the issues are resolved, they would
need to determine the basic design concept for the parking lot. They can't do
design of the parking lot until these substantive issues are worked through.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
Crawford stated one issue is of financing the purchase. He understands the
Land Trust proposed it be involved in financing. The funding source for the parking
lot is the road fund. He asked if the County can mingle the road funds with the
purchase of the house. Monsen stated the house will be held for the possibility of a
Parks application. Any park interest that is not directly related to the construction
of the parking lot or for the ferry will have to be financed other than from the road
fund, including reimbursement to the road fund for any portion that doesn't meet
that requirement.
Crawford stated he's trying to understand the County's role for providing a
community center. He asked if they need to separate the purchase of a property
for a community center from the parking lot. Monsen stated that the house is
located adjacent to a parking lot is not a material issue. The material issue is how
to conduct the transaction to trade, purchase, or sell assets. It's not a location
issue. It's a legal issue.
Nelson asked if they can keep the house and move ahead with parking this
year. Monsen stated that to continue the parking project this year, they would
have to move the house in a timely way to not interfere with the parking lot
construction. There is no reason to approve the design contract if they don't know
what they are going to do with the house.
Colleen Berg, Lummi Island Community Land Trust Executive Director, stated
the Land Trust doesn't intend to delay the parking project. It is researching
alternatives for temporary parking. If the County is interested in doing the land
swap the Land Trust proposed, they can use the land the Land Trust is purchasing
for temporary parking, if they can get the necessary permits. They can get about
50 parking spaces in that lot. There are other alternatives for temporary parking.
The community is concerned about providing input on how this site will be designed
and used. There is a lot of concerned about the tree snag on the property. The
community wants a nice - looking landscaped lot when people get off the ferry. The
community is willing to do whatever it can to expedite the parking project. The
concern about access to water is the community's concern, not the County's. The
Land Trust approached the Hilltop Water Association to get information on changing
from a residential to commercial use. The Land Trust also checked with the State
Department of Health, which doesn't object to a change from residential to
commercial use, which might result in less water use. The location of this house is
ideal for a community use. They haven't dealt with things like crosswalks and
wheelchair access to the house yet.
Nelson asked the objection to moving the house to the adjacent parcel the
Land Trust already has. Berg stated the objection is the cost. The lot the Land
Trust is considering purchasing is not a buildable site. There is a well on the
Embrey property that services the site. The adjacent property doesn't have access
to use that well. In addition, that well has arsenic, which is common. Another
benefit is that the beachfront would remain with the County. The County would
have about 400 feet of beachfront.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
Wanda Cucinotta, 2305 Tuttle Lane, Lummi Island, submitted and read from
information (on file). One concern is with how this project will be done. There are
advantages to using this lot. It would be a safer entrance to the parking lot. The
crosswalk to the ferry would be safer. The wooded lot to the north could be used
for stormwater management. Public beach access would be close to the ferry dock.
The remaining house and landscape would provide wind shelter to the parking lot,
landscape, enhance public resources, enhance views and historical landmarks. She
suggested amendments to the scope of work. There can be a partial gravel parking
lot on the site with minimal clearing. That wouldn't stall the County and would
provide parking during dry dock. There are many benefits to the County owning
the property adjacent to the Embrey property.
Polly Hanson, 2781 West Shore Drive, Lummi Island, stated she was
surprised to hear that the delay is due to whether or not the County designates the
house surplus. She heard dry dock parking would be difficult to get things done in
time anyway. Private parties have adjusted lot lines in very little time. There is
something else going on. Clarify the problems so they all understand what they
are. If all else fails, have temporary parking, even if it's not perfect. It will be
better than not having any temporary parking. Do the swap so the County ends up
with 50 parking spaces and contiguous property along the waterfront. People
complain that the shoreline isn't accessible. There should be some public access at
a location near the ferry that is very public. Someday, have the entire cove north
of the ferry dock available to the public. Go forward with the land swap. Allow the
Land Trust to buy the adjoining lot. Provide temporary parking. Proceed as fast as
possible. In the long run, it will be good for the entire community.
Nelson stated the Land Trust proposes that the adjoining parcel be used as a
temporary parking lot during dry dock. There are questions of waterfront use. Mr.
Monsen stated it will take another year to get the Parks Department involved to
refine a plan. The plan Mr. Monsen brought forward originally was to deal with the
parking situation, which is in great demand by the community. There isn't anything
hidden here. The County is forced into additional consideration by the Land Trust
proposal.
Monsen stated that to deliver a parking lot this year, he needs to have a
permit application submitted by March 1. February would be used to have a
discussion with the community about issues such as landscaping. He can't get into
a design without knowing if the house is or isn't going to be there. If the house is
going to be there, a question is how close the project can get to the house. He was
asked to deliver a parking lot this year. If the Council determines this alternative is
appropriate, he would like to be excused from the expectation of delivering the
parking lot this year.
Nelson stated that is clear. The public understands that. He asked how
difficult it would be to develop a temporary parking lot. Monsen stated it can't be
excused from shoreline and conditional use permit applications. The same issue of
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
what they can do in the short -term and long -term is still there. Because of water
quality issues associated with parking lots, they need to have both pervious and
impervious surfaces to capture and treat the runoff. A temporary gravel parking lot
won't be likely, given current regulations.
Nelson asked if the land swap is ready to go at this time. Berg stated the
Land Trust has a purchase option with the landowner right now. (Inaudible.)
Monson stated the most significant matter in the transaction is the exchange
of same value. It's not simply a matter of trading land.
Nelson stated that doing anything other than the current project of putting in
a parking lot would take an additional year. Monsen stated it would take additional
time that would take them out of the construction season and before dry dock. He
won't predict the issues that will come up in this proposed transaction. If the
Council is going to develop beachfront, then wait until the Parks plan is done so it
can be taken into account.
Roy asked if there is no way the County can finish the parking lot and
continue to work on the Land Trust proposal. Monsen stated that if the Council
wants to deal with the house in the future and also have a parking lot, then he
proposes to convert the back portion of the property to a parking lot as if it is going
to be the only project completed.
Roy asked if that would reduce the number of available parking spots.
Monsen stated it would be half the number of lots proposed or less. Procedurally,
the parking lot will cost more.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He referenced
the items on Ms. Cucinotta information. The stormwater regulations have to be
followed. He asked if that would require consultation with the State Department of
Ecology (DOE). Monsen stated Ms. Cucinotta seems to suggest that the County
seek the DOE's guidance for design, which is unusual. It presumes that the DOE
staff are qualified to do design, and others are not.
Crawford stated others are qualified to design. Monsen stated the County is
not going to ram through a permit application in secret. The staff knows the
issues. Design elements will include preferences, not just what is required by law.
Crawford asked if, in the normal course of the project, the contractor will
abide by all critical area and shoreline regulations. The County will not violate its
own regulations. Monsen stated that is correct.
Crawford asked if Wilson Engineering is tasked with using existing
landscaping for buffers, stormwater treatment, and to enhance visual aesthetics.
Monsen stated it is. It must also deliver each parking stall at a reasonable cost.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
Crawford asked if input from the community would be done through the
Council or directly with the consultant. Monsen stated they would make the design
concepts available to the community. By definition, this conditional use permit
process is open to accomplish public review and input. He intended the permit
process to collect public input instead of having public input before submitting the
permit, which would further delay construction.
Berg stated they are talking about two weeks when the ferry is in dry dock.
She doesn't know if a two -week temporary gravel parking lot will need to follow
shoreline and other regulations.
Roy stated the temporary parking lot would have to meet those regulations.
Crawford stated a gravel area is impervious and has the same consideration
as a paved area.
Pa rk.
Berg asked about parking on grass, such as the parking field at Hovander
Nelson stated that would be up to the Public Works Department.
Berg stated the parking project might be held up anyway because of the
conditional use process. The Lummi Island residents will come out for a public
hearing.
Nelson asked if the parking project can be done if the Council approves the
agenda items today. Monsen stated the timeline includes a reasonable public
debate through the conditional use permit process. He won't say there is no
possibility of certain matters delaying project completion until after dry dock.
Berg stated the expected bid for selling the house through surplus is about
$10,000. Doing a swap would change the financing formula. The community
wants to have a say in the decision.
(Clerk's note: End of tape one, side A.)
Berg stated that if the community loses this opportunity now, it will be back
during the conditional use process.
Crawford stated he likes the idea. However, there are too many unanswered
questions. He is concerned about the viability of using the house as a community
center and keeping the tree snag. He weighs that against the community benefit of
getting a community parking lot, as planned. He is willing to work with the Lummi
Island community to develop a community resource center like the facility in the
Kendall area. It takes a lot of effort to do such a project. It would be good for the
Lummi Island community to go through a similar process to develop a center that
serves the community well into the future and that works for everyone.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
Nelson stated he recognizes the desire of the community to create a gateway
to the community. However, the community wants this parking lot this year. He
hopes the community can come together. Community centers are necessary in
outlying areas.
Roy stated the appeal of the proposal is the beach access. Community
centers are important, but this house might not be the appropriate location for a
center. The center will require maintenance and staffing. She's not sure this
proposal has been thought through the way it needs to be. On the other hand, this
is an opportunity to get this contiguous beach property for public use. Don't ignore
this opportunity. If the Council defeats this proposal, the Council would hear from
the Lummi Island residents on the other side of the issue. The community seems
equally divided.
Nelson stated they can still talk about shoreline acquisition. That's part of
the Park's Department function.
Roy stated this seems like a golden opportunity. Encourage the community
who is willing to work with the County to get something it wants.
Monsen stated there may be a way to do both. However, if the Council
wants to do both, it needs to be more deliberate about this process and don't
promise a parking lot this year in time for dry dock. He expects it to take about 11
months to go through a deliberative process for the proposal and come forward
with a consultant agreement with a design.
Roy stated that once the County signs the contract and moves the house,
this option is gone.
Crawford stated the option of keeping the house where it is at may be gone,
but the piece of land in between is still there. Folks who expressed concern two
weeks ago weren't necessarily opposed to a community center. If the Land Trust
wants to take this up as an issue, he supports them and encourages them to
continue this idea.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Roy opposed.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
STEWART +KING PARTNERSHIP FOR ARCHITECTURAL/
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ALTERATIONS TO 509 GIRARD,
WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$48,205 (AB2005 -093)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP, INC. FOR OUTREACH SERVICES TO
PROMOTE WASTE REDUCTION, RECYCLING AND HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000
(AB2005 -094)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. Education and
outreach for useful household items is a good idea. Create a way to recycle useful
resources.
Roy stated many of the charity organizations are becoming overwhelmed
because people are using them for garbage dumps. Continue the community
education. People want to do the right thing.
Nelson stated certain materials such as prescription vials may have a
recyclable use but end up in the waste stream. He asked if there is a method to
evaluate potential recyclable use.
Penni Lemperes, Solid Waste Specialist, stated this is a new company. She
hopes the contractor will come up with answers to some of those questions. Money
is available in the solid waste fund to have a collection event for electronics and
other such things.
Crawford stated the CRT computer monitors are another item that they will
have to figure out what to do with. Lemperes stated Office Depot had a big
collection event to take up to four items for free, exclusive of video cassette
recorders (VCR's). The County may end up partnering with someone like that in
the future. More and more of the big companies like that are implementing take -
back programs.
Nelson stated those events could be a result of this contract. Lemperes
stated that is correct.
Crawford asked about the State's website. Lemperes stated the website is
called www.2good2toss.com. It was going to cost $1,100 to get into it, and then
cost $600 per year for upkeep. It was not in the budget. However, the Solid
Waste Division is starting to get phone calls because it has been a very successful
operation. Whatcom County can partner with Skagit County to have one website
and split the cost.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
Roy suggested there be some kind of public acknowledgement program for
these businesses. Lemperes stated the Solid Solutions newsletter will include a
thank -you to those businesses.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND HANDEL
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR MAINTENANCE OF
JUVENILE OFFENDER CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $23,250 (AB2005 -095)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked if this
contract is for an update of the program, not a new program.
Crawford stated it is within the capacity of the budget to absorb the extra
$3,250.
Brad Bennett, Finance Division Manager, stated the County will get the ability
to call the contractor with any problems and software upgrades.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND IMAC
INC. TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL A TILTING STEAM JACKETED KETTLE
IN THE JAIL KITCHEN, IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,952.98 (AB2005 -096)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked
what this item is.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is an item that allows them to
cook large quantities of food.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF A VARIETY OF ROAD MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS USING
THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT FOR ROAD STRIPING PAINT
AND BEADS IN THE AMOUNT OF $375,000; HERBICIDES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $90,000; TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000;
GUARDRAILS AND MATERIALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000; AND
RUBBERIZED ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 (AB2005 -097)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, 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.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
GENERAL TEAMSTERS UNION, LOCAL 231 REGARDING THE HEALTH
CLERICAL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, EXTENDING THE
CURRENT AGREEMENT WITH MODIFICATIONS FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2005 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2007 (AB2005 -098)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford stated this is to raise the health insurance cap from $550 to $605.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated that is correct. Not everyone
was under the cap plan. Some people were under the co -pay plan.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. RESOLUTION CANCELING UNCOLLECTIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
TAXES (AB2005 -099)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
L. Ward Nelson, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/8/2005, Page 10