HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance July 26 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
July 26, 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: Absent:
Sharon Roy None
Sam Crawford
Also Present:
Seth Fleetwood
Dan McShane
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION REGARDING HOMELAND
SECURITY AND TSUNAMI - RELATED ISSUES (A62005 -290)
Neil Clement, Emergency Management Division Manager, gave a presentation
and stated the Adjutant General is the director of the military department and leads
the State domestic security infrastructure. He read the presentation on the State
Domestic Security Infrastructure (on file). The purpose of the Emergency
Management Council's Committee on Homeland Security is to coordinate the money
for homeland security purposes. A strategy point is interoperability among
jurisdictions.
Whatcom County is in region one, which includes four other counties in the
state. He read the presentation on Region 1 of the Homeland Security Council and
funding. Money came through for equipment in 1999. By 2003, there was a big
jump in the amount of funding they received, from the State Homeland Security
Grant Program (SHSGP). Whatcom County received about $500,000. In 2004,
they added the Law Enforcement Terror Prevention Program (LETPP), strictly for
law enforcement. It's up to the region and local law enforcement to distribute
those funds. They received around $650,000 in 2004. In 2005, they received half
that amount from the federal government. It takes a very long time to get
congressional funding to the first responder. Keeping track of all the contracts and
amendments is complex and difficult. Before homeland security came in, there was
no fiduciary system for the region. They use the dollars as wisely as they can and
meet as many hazards as they can with that same dollar.
He read the presentation on the uses of grant funds. They are assessing
critical infrastructure and updating it. The use of training dollars is very restricted.
Training courses available are only those approved by the Office of Domestic
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
Preparedness (ODP). Another issue was how to train volunteer fire personnel. The
best courses are the ones they've been able to bring in. There is also opportunity
to send people to Alabama for live -agent training, New Mexico for explosives
training, and Nevada for radiological training. They have done nerve gas exercises
locally.
The bomb robot is used for certain day -to -day purposes. He continued to
read the presentation on the use of grant funds. They will be able to use
technologies for more than one scenario. Interoperability communications among
the different law enforcement agencies is necessary and very expensive. Future
distribution of funding will be based on risk instead of population or base formulas.
That works, as long as Whatcom County is allowed to include the border in its risk
factor. There may be additional homeland security dollars available in preparation
for the 2010 Olympics.
Fleetwood asked the other risk factors in Whatcom County, beyond borders.
Clement stated risk factors include critical infrastructures.
Nelson asked about interoperability of systems on contracts. He asked what
they are doing within the state. Some systems don't work within the state.
Clement stated a government executive committee inventoried all interoperability
systems. One area the committee missed was the federal government, which is a
big partner with Whatcom County. Nationally, they have looked into going to 700
megahertz for communication, but that may be a problem with their proximity to
Canada.
Nelson asked the role the National Guard plays in the state. Clement stated
the Adjutant General heads up the entire State effort. A key element is the civil
support team. It is an exclusive team designed to provide analysis on an incident
involving weapons of mass destruction. They are highly trained and equipped.
They have worked with local responders to understand the capabilities of the team.
Nelson stated the training at Ft. Lewis is similar to local training for terrorist
events. Related problems include traffic control and getting team members to
respond. He asked if they have been addressing that issue. Clement stated they
have, as much as they can.
Nelson asked if they have done mop suit training in hot weather. Clement
stated they do the hazardous materials (haz -mat) training four times per year.
He's sure they've done hot weather training. They have worked at Bellingham Cold
Storage for extreme cold training.
McShane asked if there is a practice injector on the nerve agents. Clement
stated they have.
Tsunami Planning
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
Clement read his presentation on the threat of tsunamis. A new model was
done. According to model, a tsunami will reach this area at a level of nine to 15
feet. They will have about a two -hour warning from a very big earthquake that
lasts three to five minutes.
Nelson asked if there has ever been that big an earthquake that they know
of. Clement stated there has been, in the 1700's. One happens every 300 to 500
years. It's been 300 years since the last one.
Fleetwood asked why the findings were surprising. Clement stated they
didn't think the tsunami could get this far inland. They will have two hours notice.
The best tool they have is public education. At the height of the event in the worst
area, the speed would be about 15 to 30 knots. The depth would be nine to 15 feet
at the Nooksack River. In Bellingham, there would be inundation to the railroad
tracks, since there is already a 10 -foot seawall. Once people evacuate, they have
to keep people out of the area for two high -tide cycles.
He read the presentation on the planning process.
Roy asked if this scenario is for a 9.1 earthquake. She asked if there are
threats from earthquakes they couldn't feel. Clement stated there are not. This
tsunami would be triggered only by a 9.1 subduction zone earthquake, or an
earthquake right under them locally, or by large landslides in deep water.
He read the presentation about potential warning systems. The National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Division would trigger the
All Hazard Alert Broadcasting (AHAB) radio system. They are looking into funding
one at Sandy Point. The station costs $43,000. They've done mapping for
Bellingham Bay, Sandy Point, Lummi Peninsula, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo, and Point
Roberts.
Nelson stated quite a few contracts have come through the Council lately.
He wanted to see what is happening on this issue. He hopes to see more of these
presentations, particularly on health care.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A HOMELESS HOUSING FUND (AB2005-
284)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey
Desler,
Deputy
Administrator, stated
House Bill (HB) 2160 created
low income
housing
funding
in this community.
The Council established a
committee to
work on this.
About $350,000 will
be available per year. The
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
committee is preparing a plan to respond to legislation. When the plan is complete
in December, it will come to the Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TRIAL COURT IMPROVEMENT FUND
(AB2005 -285)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2005 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
SEVENTH REQUEST (AB2005 -286)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. COUNCIL REVIEW OF RECOMMENDED EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES PLAN AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION
RELATED TO IMPLEMENTATION (AB2005 -1558)
Nelson moved to recommend approval of the substitute resolution to the
full Council.
Roy asked about the interlocal agreement with the cities. She supports the
concept. There is a broad base of support. She asked if there needs to be 100
percent participation for success, and if there is a plan if the plan is not successful.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the working group felt
September 2006 was the time necessary to gather substantial support from the
community. They want to get the support of all 17 fire districts and all seven city
councils. That is time consuming. The fire commissioners and mayors asked that it
be put on the ballot this November. They would like to see some kind of indication
from the County Council if it supports putting the tax on the ballot in November.
That's the reason for the resolution.
If the Council approves the resolution, the resolution and a draft interlocal
agreement will allow all cities to transfer their portions available for emergency
medical services (EMS) to the County. If all those cities approve by September, the
Council can consider whether it's appropriate to move forward.
Caskey- Schreiber thanked Mr. Desler for working on this issue. The
incoming population is seniors, but Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement levels are
going down. This is a frugal proposal that covers the basic risk level. The plan will
benefit the citizens of the county. She supports it. Make sure the one -third part
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
for law and justice will go back to the cities. Desler stated the law calls for one -
third of the funds to be used for criminal justice purposes. Two - thirds of the money
will be transferred to County for EMS. The County portion of the one -third is
$500,000, to target the money in three areas. They plan to expand law
enforcement in the urban growth areas, address more issues with
methamphetamine in the community such as prevention and response, and address
court processing backlogs that are occurring. He hopes to have it to the Council in
about a month.
Crawford asked if the law limits them to one -tenth of one percent, instead of
more. Desler stated the working group addressed the issue of how much tax to
collect. They were really trying to be frugal. This is a request of the public that is
two - thirds less than previous request in 2003 for 2004.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Desler continued to state that the one -tenth of one percent sales tax will
barely meet the minimum need to meet basic life support (BLS) in the community.
The law allows them to collect up to three - tenths of one percent. The working
group recommends collecting one -tenth of one percent of the sales tax. Two -
tenths is more than necessary for emergency medical services. If the community
feels something larger needs to be done, it's a different discussion.
Nelson asked if the rural fire departments will have a coordinated system for
advanced life support (ALS) after 2007 in the rural areas as the funds are used in
the future.
Dave Ralston, Fire District 2 and Fire Chief's Association President, stated the
advanced life support system is what the funding mechanism is going to fund. The
basic life support will be funded by the districts. Now, Fire District 7 is planning to
upgrade to paramedic services in 2009. The next unit will be a County unit.
Nelson asked if that service will be available countywide. Ralston stated it is
planned now for Fire District 7. Other districts could step up and do the same if
they have the funding capability. It's about having the manpower and structure in
the district to make it happen. The funding projection for District 7 may enable
them to do that.
Desler stated he anticipates that District 7 will be able to respond
countywide. There are four units now that can operate anywhere in the county.
The fifth medic unit, when it is created, would also be operated throughout the
county.
Ralston stated that as they progress down the road to November, the
differences from what they proposed last time is that the County is still putting
funds into the system, and the fire districts have stepped up to provide the basic
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
level of service (BLS). Also, the City of Bellingham has proposed having a BLS unit.
Those are important changes.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the original plan from the work group talked about
spending down reserves in 2006. She asked if the sales tax, if passed, goes in at
2006 and if they will still plan to spend down the fund. Desler stated that if the
public approves the tax in November 2005, it will create $1.9 million in funding for
EMS in 2006. The fund balance would be about $500,000 to $600,000 during the
life of the program. That is a reasonable amount. The deficit from this year and
next year, if the tax is not considered, would be made up by the reserves in the
Medic One fund jointly owned by the County and City of Bellingham.
Crawford asked the differences between the draft in the packet and the
supplemental information. Desler stated legal counsel made a few minor word
changes.
Crawford stated he is not sure this is the right solution, but they've got a
plan that can be supported. To get it passed, work cooperatively and with a single
voice to the voters. His goal as a councilmember was to get them out of the
situation of using general fund dollars to fund the program. He doesn't suggest
that taxpayers should not take on some level of responsibility for emergency
medical services. However, it's difficult for the County to continue to use general
fund dollars over the long -term, and then go back to the well in years where they
need to make up significant increases in cost. Having worked in the process for
several years, he knows that many have compromised to make this work. He will
support it at this point. Continue to refine what this is. This year, there must be a
huge effort to promote this plan to the community.
Motion carried unanimously.
Bob Busch, Whatcom County Fire Commissioners President, thanked the
councilmembers.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND
TECHNICAL ENGINEERS, LOCAL 17 (AB2005 -291)
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 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF
NORTHWEST WASHINGTON TO CONDUCT THE " "SCHOOL BUDDIES
PROGRAM" FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $22,500 (AB2005 -292)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF WHATCOM COUNTY TO PROVIDE
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICES FOR ADOLESCENTS, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $17,500 (AB2005 -293)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WHATCOM COUNSELING & PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC FOR 2060 REPAIR
AND RETENTION FUNDING FOR REPAIRS TO 9 -UNIT APARTMENT
FACILITY AT 1604 I STREET, IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,902 (AB2005-
294)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked if
this has gone through the advisory committee and is their recommendation.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT RENEWAL BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH
DEPARTMENT AND WASHINGTON STATE DEPT. OF SOCIAL AND
HEALTH SERVICES/ DIVISION OF ALCOHOL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TO
PROVIDE SUBSTANCE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $3,480,258 (AB2005 -295)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. She asked the
reason the cost has gone up $1 million and the difference in service.
Terry Hinz, Assistant Director, stated the increase is about $600,000 in
treatment expansion. The increase is for the level of services so more people will
be served.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
Roy asked if some people will get more intensive services. Hinz stated he
didn't know about that.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH
DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH
SERVICES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES TO PROVIDE HOME VISITS
TO FAMILIES WITH BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN REFERRED BY
CPS THAT ARE AT RISK FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $23,434 (AB2005 -296)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford stated the amount provided is probably not enough to fill the need.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they can shift some drug money toward this
service.
Roy stated a lot of the people who are at risk have mothers who are drug
users. It's a topic worthy of discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH
DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH
SERVICES TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES TO DEVELOP A
HEALTH "PASSPORT" FOR CHILDREN RESIDING IN OUT -OF -HOME
CARE AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING ONGOING HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
AND APPROPRIATE FOLLOW -UP AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR THE
CHILD, IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,398 (AB2005 -297)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MILLER'S
PAINTING FOR MISCELLANEOUS PAINTING AT WHATCOM COUNTY
FACILITIES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 (AB2005 -298)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if this is the same contract the Council talked about a few
weeks ago.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is the same contract the
Council accepted the bid for a few weeks ago.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND NORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE FOR AMBIENT WATER
QUALITY MONITORING UNDER CENTENNIAL CLEAN WATER FUND
GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,435, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $124,234 (AB2005 -299)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY FOR THE
NORTHWEST STRAITS: MRC YEAR 6 ADMINISTRATION AND ACTION
PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $157,800 (AB2005 -300)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR LEVEE REHABILITATION WORK ON
THE VANDERPOL LEVEE LOCATED ON THE LEFT BANK OF THE
NOOKSACK RIVER NEAR LYNDEN, IN THE AMOUNT OF $252,000,
WITH THE COUNTY'S COST SHARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,400
(AB2005 -301)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if this is Hampton Road.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated this is not Hampton
Road. This is Vanderpol. It's downstream of Guide Meridian on the south bank,
east of River Road. It is the upstream end of Diking District 3.
Motion carried unanimously.
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, 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.
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR LEVEE REHABILITATION WORK ON
THE TWIN VIEW LEVEE LOCATED ON THE LEFT BANK OF THE
NOOKSACK RIVER NEAR EVERSON, IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,000,
WITH THE COUNTY'S COST SHARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,000
(AB2005 -302)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE IBI
GROUP FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR OFF -BOAT TICKET SALES FOR
THE LUMMI ISLAND FERRY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,280 (AB2005-
303)
Nelson asked what this is about.
Ken Richardson, Accounting Supervisor, stated an objective is to take cash
handling off the boat and find other means to sell tickets. This study will give them
information to make decisions on that issue. Also, the study is timely as it fits in
with the ferry rate structuring issues they talked about earlier.
Crawford asked what they envision to collect fares. Richardson stated they
hope to develop several alternatives.
McShane asked if people pay to park at Gooseberry Point. Richardson stated
they do not.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND RH2 ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. FOR LUMMI NATION
RESERVATION -WIDE TRAFFIC STUDY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000
(AB2005 -304)
Nelson asked if this is just on County roads.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated the focus is the primary County
road system, including the Slater Road intersection, improvements to Haxton Road,
and dock relocation at Gooseberry Point. The issue is how they address a lot of the
matters. It's very significant that Haxton Road has the highest fatality rate in
Whatcom County.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/26/2005, Page 10
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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.
15. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND CH2M HILL, INC. FOR CABLE STREET STORMWATER OUTFALL
POLLUTANT REDUCTION OPPORTUNITIES, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$75,000 (AB2005 -305)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the money is just to design it.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated it is not. This only selects options
for what and how to treat stormwater.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the City of Bellingham has upgraded some
stormwater systems already. The changeable filters cost about $75,000 to
$200,000 each. Monsen stated that is an option this study will explore. This study
will compare those options and their long -term and short -term costs and results.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the cost seems expensive just to get information.
Monsen stated the information is out there on what the technologies can do, but
not where to put them and how to deal with construction and maintenance, and
what pollutants they want to remove.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she assumes the City of Bellingham has already
gone through this exercise. Monsen stated the City will assist the County, because
of its experience in this effort. The City has declined to do the study. This is not a
matter of taking a particular application and putting it out on the street. They're
trying to do more than treat the end of one pipe. They're trying to deal with the
collection and treatment of stormwater from the entire neighborhood.
Nelson asked what is going on with the City, and if it's not interested in
protecting the lake from stormwater. He asked if this is recalcitrant behavior from
a group of people who are trying to make themselves look better. Monsen stated
he can't speak for the City. The City is interested in looking at alternatives with the
County. The City declined to be hired as the consultant. They don't have the
capacity to do that effort at a high level.
Motion carried unanimously.
16. RESOLUTION AND REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR THE
EXECUTIVE TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE
INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR THE
PLANTATION RANGE TARGET CARRIER UPGRADE IN THE AMOUNT OF
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$85,000, WITH THE COUNTY'S SHARE OF THE PROJECT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $42,500 (AB2005 -306)
Nelson stated the range received an upgrade about ten years ago. He asked
if this is part of it.
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated this is not
part of that upgrade. This upgrade is for the track system.
Nelson moved to recommend approval of the substitute resolution to the
full Council.
Roy thanked Mr. McFarlane for getting a grant for this work.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the grant requires a three
percent match, for which they have not budgeted. It will require a supplemental
budget request approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
17. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 900902
FOR THE LAKE WHATCOM BLVD. HIGH BRIDGE #115 REPLACEMENT,
AND REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD
CONTRACT TO MOWAT CONSTRUCTION CO. AS LOW BIDDER IN THE
AMOUNT OF $4,525,465 (AB2005 -307)
Nelson asked if the citizen who has expressed concerns on this project has
been addressed.
Joe Rutan, County Road Engineer, stated he worked with the citizen, who
told him that she was satisfied.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated there were some questions about
the road closure. Through the design process, staff always looks for ways to keep
the cost down. In this case, staff also looked for ways to minimize the amount of
time the road is closed. When reducing the time that the road is closed, costs climb
quickly. There is no place to work on the new bridge without consuming the entire
old bridge and its approaches. The alternative is to build a space between the
bridges. In this case, that would double or triple the length of the bridge. To
eliminate the closure time, the cost would be substantial. The original design work
looked at a closure of more than a year. This bid cost already includes the County
pressure to reduce closure time.
Crawford stated this will close the road from South Bay to Sudden Valley,
and now someone has to go down through Alger. He asked how long the road will
be closed. Monsen stated the closure is for at least ten months or a year. In the
mid- 1980's, the road was closed for a number of months due to a failure. If there
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were a good alternate route, the bridge would already be closed. They are
monitoring cracks in the abutment to see how big they're getting over time. Work
will start as soon as the contract is approved.
Nelson asked if there is a limitation also because of fish and wildlife. Monsen
stated environmental issues are not the driving concern. The rock stability is the
core of this project.
Crawford asked if the south bay community is aware of the project. He
asked what the Council can do to assist folks in preparing for the closure. Monsen
stated the residents are aware. They have direct experience with this problem.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is a substantial amount of
road signage that describes the closure.
Caskey- Schreiber asked why the federal government is willing to come up
with $4 million for this project and not a project that has a higher volume of traffic.
Monsen stated the bridge replacement program uses federal money. The program
is for structurally deficient bridges, not how well the bridge functions. This bridge is
substantially structurally deficient and at risk of catastrophic failure.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they don't consider the Alaskan Way viaduct a
bridge. It is ready to crumble. Monsen stated the bridge replacement program
receives very good support from Congress and has expanded because of the variety
of bridges that need work. He's not sure the Alaskan Way viaduct would be
considered a critical bridge from a transportation system. It doesn't cross a river or
gorge. Also, this program is not designed to rebuild a $5 billion structure. A cost
of $5 million is cheap. A series of $5 million bridges is cheap. A $5 billion bridge
destroys the program for anyone else for a long time.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
18. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05-
51 FOR SECURITY SERVICES AT GOOSEBERRY POINT PARKING AREA
TO THE LOW BIDDER, GREG RUSTAND INC. DBA SSP, IN THE
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $55,000 (AB2005 -308)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
19. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05-
58 FOR ANNUAL DRYDOCK REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE TO THE
WHATCOM CHIEF FERRY TO THE LOW BIDDER, FOSS SHIPYARD, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $155,697 (AB2005 -309)
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Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
20. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY
SURPLUS PROPERTY AND THE SETTING OF A DATE FOR PUBLIC
HEARING (AB2005 -310)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
21. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
SUB - RECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE WHATCOM COUNTY
SHERIFF'S OFFICE , DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, AND
THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM (AB2005 -311)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
22. RESOLUTION TO ELECT EXPENDITURE OF NATIONAL FOREST
RELATED SAFETY -NET PAYMENTS UNDER PL106 -93 (AB2005 -312)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if the Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) has made a
recommendation.
McShane stated the RAC doesn't make that recommendation. He submitted
information (on file) showing what projects the RAC has recommended they spend
the funds on. Projects six on down the list will not have enough funding or any
funding. He briefly explained each program. Fifteen percent of the money has to
go to road projects or watershed recovery. There is a plan to rehabilitate logging
roads with culverts that cause problems to fish - bearing streams. He didn't rank the
education and volunteer resource programs high because they take up a lot of
money, even though they are great programs.
Nelson asked about the grizzley bear outreach program.
McShane stated that program is somewhat controversial, as are the
educational programs. The committee members rank the grizzly program either
quite high or quite low, so the result is that it comes out somewhere in the middle.
It's a really good program. He likes to fund smaller projects that would otherwise
never get funding. He regrets that the back country ranger program didn't get
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funding. There is nowhere else they could get funding. It seems that a lot of the
projects funded are in Whatcom County.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Crawford stated there is a newspaper article on the court staffing levels.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the Superior Court judges wrote
a letter that indicated a crisis and asked for more staff, higher pay for staff, and
more technical assistance. The administration responded by offering to have a
discussion. A discussion will occur in the middle of August. The courts have made
unilateral decisions that deserve further review on the part of the Council. The
judges assume authority to move staff around in the Clerk's office.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
Desler continued to state that if the Court Clerk's office does this, it would
impact other parts of the court system. He met with the judges and Court Clerk.
For a short time, they will sustain assigned counsel, which is to the determination
of indigence for people who are criminally charged. The court wanted that staff to
be transferred to do some clerk work. That means everyone who is charged with a
criminal matter would be referred to the Public Defender's Office. The County
doesn't need to serve everyone who is criminally charged. They talked about giving
the court the executive authority to hire 1.5 fulltime equivalent (FTE) employees for
August through October to continue that service. The administration needs to
come up with a plan to respond to the courts that it will present to the County
Council. It's appropriate to ask the courts the same questions they ask everyone
when an additional service is proposed.
Crawford stated an attorney read the article in the paper and was concerned
about the courts giving that impression. This attorney felt there were significant
ongoing inefficiencies they observed on a regular basis that were costly and
nonproductive. The folks who are closest to the court system are those who use
the system most frequently. He asked if the Bar Association could assist with the
situation and suggest ways to make things more efficient. Desler stated other
communities have successfully examined where those efficiencies are. He is
looking at where that has happened and the savings that came out of that analysis.
He will update the Council soon.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:37 p.m.
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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, 7/26/2005, Page 16