HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance June 21 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
June 21, 2005
Committee Chair L. Ward Nelson called the meeting to order at 11:12 a.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Sam Crawford None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Dan McShane
Barbara Brenner
Seth Fleetwood
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING 2005 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, SIXTH
REQUEST (AB2005 -248)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked for information on jail funding and how the rural sales tax
funds and capital projects funds fit in the plan with the sales tax increase the
people passed last year.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the original proposal was to use
the corrections sales tax and some general fund or real estate excise tax (BEET)
funds to cover the cost of the new minimum security jail. Since, the administration
has talked to the cities about the cities investing in the jail. In return, the County
would provide credit for a portion of their jail services costs over time. The
administration is still negotiating that arrangement with the cities. It will hinge on
more recent growth and cost projections. The administration will use the following
sources of funds for the jail: some corrections tax, some REET money, some grant
funds, city REET funds, and some general fund money.
Crawford asked the total cost estimate and how much the sales tax is
generating. Desler stated the rest of the funding would come from the cities as
they decide to invest in the jail. The total cost for construction is $7 million.
Crawford stated about $5 million is requested today, which leaves $2 million.
He asked where that $2 million comes from. Desler stated the $2 million will come
from the small cities REET, County BEET, and County general fund. This project will
be ongoing for the next nine or ten months. The administration is setting up the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/21/2005, 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.
budget authority to pay for contractors and construction work. The administration
will also recommend budget amendments based on work with the cities. If the
cities participate, there will be up to $2.26 million in city REET funds. If cities don't
participate, the County will use the corrections sales tax, which can be used for
construction and operation.
Crawford stated the sales tax is not paying for the construction. There is $5
million requested here from other sources. Desler stated they have talked about
using REET funds from the beginning. The Economic Development Investment
(EDI) Advisory Board approved and recommended using the REET funds. The
Council, a month ago, approved the same concept.
Nelson stated this is the minimum security facility. The minimum security
jail addresses immediate problems in the current jail. The sales tax is still going to
be projected to the final construction costs and planning for the final jail.
Desler stated the County will pay for construction of the minimum security
jail, operating cost of the minimum security jail, and funding for the new main jail
in eight or nine years. He will provide more detailed numbers. The involvement of
the cities makes the funding mechanisms more complicated, which is okay. It will
require a new interlocal agreement, which they are working on right now.
Nelson stated he would like that detailed funding information soon.
Crawford asked if they are sticking with the original funding plan. He asked
how much money the sales tax generates. Desler stated the sales tax generates
about $2.6 million this year, and it grows about five percent each year.
Crawford stated most people voted to pay for a new jail. Desler stated that
is still going on.
Nelson asked about weapons replacement from the jail.
Carey James, Undersheriff, stated they have nine handguns and some
shotguns. Due to the age and use of the guns, the range officers determined the
guns are no longer safe and must be replaced.
Nelson asked how many rounds were shot from the guns. James stated he
doesn't know the number of rounds. The guns have been used for training of
corrections officers for several years.
Nelson asked if the guns are used for training or are carried by the officers
during duty. James stated the guns are used for both purposes. When the
weapons aren't being used, they are stored.
Nelson stated they have training weapons in addition to regular duty
weapons in the military. James stated they don't have training -only weapons.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/21/2005, 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.
Nelson asked the type of gun and how the guns will be disposed. James
stated the guns are .40 caliber Glock 22 guns. When disposed of, they will be
taken to the east side and melted down. They can't be used for anything else. The
guns will be replaced due to the number of rounds expended and the condition of
the weapons. He will provide information on age and number of rounds.
Nelson asked about $9,000 from the State Patrol for traffic enforcement
equipment, which must be spent by June 30. James stated the money can only be
used for traffic safety. They will use the money to upgrade radar equipment.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE REPLACING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 1.14 (IN ITS
ENTIRETY), DESIGNATING ELECTION PRECINCT NAMES AND THEIR
LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS (AB2005 -252)
Debbie Adelstein, Chief Deputy Auditor, stated the proposal is to use precinct
numbers rather than precinct names. The computer system is based on a number
sequence. Now that they won't have poll sites, it seemed a logical time to make
the transition. People who receive the information on a database have to match
the precinct name with a number already. Instead, they will be able to take the
raw information and use it to analyze the data without the manual conversions.
The ordinance documents list the transitions from the name to the number for each
precinct.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He will miss the
old names, but it will make the Auditor's job easier. He asked if new precincts will
be added to the end of the numbered list. Adelstein stated the new area will be
added to the list, and the numbers will shift.
Nelson asked if there is a way for the numbers to stay consistent in each
precinct. Adelstein stated there is not.
Crawford stated that if the number changes, the precinct changes, and there
is a new dataset of people.
Adelstein stated it leaves the risk of having gap numbers. They are trying to
assign numbers starting in the northwest corner of the county and working across
and down.
Nelson stated it would be better for the public to keep continuity, if possible.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/21/2005, 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.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05-
47 TO THE ONLY BIDDER, MILLER'S PAINTING, FOR MISCELLANEOUS
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING OF COUNTY BUILDINGS, IN THE
AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $60,000 (AB2005 -255)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE STATE
OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, TO EXPAND EXISTING
AND SUCCESSFUL LAKE - FRIENDLY GARDENING EDUCATION
PROGRAM TO RESIDENTS OF THE LAKE WHATCOM AND LAKE SAMISH
WATERSHEDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,404 (AB2005 -256)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked
where the $43,000 comes from.
Bruce Roll, Assistant Director, stated the money comes from the flood fund.
Motion carried unanimously.
Nelson asked for a follow up on this item in the future.
Brenner asked why Miller's Painting was the only bidder.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the contract is to provide
supplies as well as the labor.
Brad Bennett, Finance Division Manager, stated the County went through the
normal advertising process. Only Miller's Painting responded. The County has
contracted with other contractors, but they have been shuffled off for not doing
good- enough work.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
COLUMBIA VALUATION GROUP, INC. FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR
FIVE FARMS APPLYING FOR THE PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT
RIGHTS PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,500 (AB2005 -257)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/21/2005, 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.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION, TO CONTINUE THE
FUNDING OF OUR TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATOR, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $65,750 (AB2005 -258)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Crawford asked if the County gets to do anything with schools on traffic
safety.
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, stated there are two programs for high schools, a survivors
panel who tells their stories and a mock drunk driving scene. Other organizations
put on presentations as well. He is looking at a grant from the Traffic Safety
Commission on limited drivers licenses.
Nelson stated he appreciates the education efforts. It's difficult. This
country has been flexible about letting people under 21 drive. They will have to
deal with that at the state level. They are getting the message to a lot of kids. He
sees different behavioral patterns. The County can't hire enough deputies to catch
all of them.
Carey James, Undersheriff, stated traffic deputies and local people put
together a video showing accidents around the county. The kids relate to the local
areas shown in the video. The video is in the school system. The video was well
done and drives the message home. It was done in good taste with respect to the
families in the video.
Crawford stated he would like to show the video in the Public Works and
Safety Committee.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PUGET
SOUND ENERGY, TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE ON
HOLIDAY WEEKENDS AT PUGET SOUND ENERGY'S UPPER BAKER
LAKE SITE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $52.00 AN HOUR (AB2005 -259)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked about the working arrangement with the Parks Department.
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, stated the arrangement is to cover the campsite by Baker
Lake during busy holiday weekends. The arrangement is to help the Forest Service
patrol the area. This is to provide the additional people the Forest Service thinks it
needs, rather than using the main patrol.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/21/2005, 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 the County deputies have good backup up there. Elfo
stated they don't. The County has a good relationship with the State Patrol and
Skagit County Sheriff's Office.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BLACK ROCK
CABLE, FOR FIBER OPTIC CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN THE
COURTHOUSE AND THE CASCADE BUSINESS PARK SHERIFF'S OFFICE
FOR INTERNET SERVICE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $275 MONTHLY PLUS
APPLICABLE FEES AND TAXES (AB2005 -260)
Crawford asked if the cable infrastructure is already there.
Carey James, Undersheriff, stated cable is commercial service. The County
has to pay the commercial service to use the fiberoptic system. The infrastructure
is already in.
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 SHERIFF
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SUPPORT SOLUTIONS, TO PROVIDE A SERIES OF PLANS, PLAN
ENHANCEMENTS, EXERCISES AND RISK ASSESSMENTS, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $95,000 (AB2005 -261)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked if this is from a grant.
Neil Clement, Emergency Management Division Manager, stated this is part
of a 2004 grant. It began at the beginning of this year. The work is expected to go
through April of next year. They couldn't have done this work without the grant.
Motion carried unanimously.
Nelson stated he would like an update on County activity on homeland
security and emergency management issues.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF'S
OFFICE AND USDA MT. BAKER - SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, FOR
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/21/2005, 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.
THE PROVISION OF PATROL SERVICES ON NATIONAL FOREST LAND
WITHIN WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 (AB2005-
262)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked if
this is the same amount as last year.
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, stated the cost of providing the service is more than what
they are paid for. The money for this has dried up. However, the County still has a
responsibility to provide law enforcement in that area. Some money is better than
none. The contract will be modified to not have to use that deputy exclusively in
the Forest Service area. They may move the deputy to another area to help with
other problems in the East County area.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND FRIESEN ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL, INC., FOR ELECTION
WAREHOUSE SPACE EXTENDING THE CURRENT LEASE THROUGH
AUGUST 2, 2006, IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,700, FOR A TOTAL
AMENDED LEASE AMOUNT OF $46,800 (AB2005 -263)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is a modification to the
lease that was provided to the Council. The modification is to do a month -to -month
agreement. The current owners of the building are looking to use the space for
other reasons. Given the upcoming changes to election systems, the County will
modify space at the Forest Street Annex for storage and elections activities. The
County will not need to rent space in the future. That effort to modify the Forest
Street Annex will come before the Council as a separate approval item.
Nelson moved to accept the substitute version.
Motion to recommend substitute carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/21/2005, 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.
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, 6/21/2005, Page 8