HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance March 29 20051
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
March 29, 2005
Committee Member Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.
in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present:
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Dan McShane
Barbara Brenner
Absent:
L. Ward Nelson
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING 2005 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, REQUEST
NO. 3 (AB2005 -147)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the material in the packet
summarizes the requests.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if the boating reserve fund is designating funds for
replacement.
Brad Bennett, Finance Division Manager, stated funds come through the
State Parks Department as part of a licensing fee that has to be used for the
boating program and to support law enforcement.
Crawford asked about the development of a green building policy. Desler
stated the memo on Council packet page 23 addresses this item. The Executive
has been working with people who promote environmentally friendly building
processes. This is a modest work plan on that issue.
Crawford asked if this is opposed to environmentally unfriendly buildings.
Desler stated there are ways in which one can use new techniques to address
buildings rather than more traditional style architecture.
Brenner stated it's not just low impact development, but other comparable
ideas. The City of Seattle and King County have already adopted legislation that
requires builders to use green building materials.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/29/2005, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Roy stated environmentally friendly development includes energy
conservation.
Brenner stated there have been workshops by Sustainable Connections on
the methods. The Building Industry Association (BIA) knows about it. It's a good
building idea that ends up costing less money in the end.
Roy asked about the green building conference in the county, and who would
sponsor it. Desler stated Sustainable Connections is the primary sponsor. It's
asked the County to help put the conference together. BIA may be a major
sponsor as well.
Brenner asked if it costs the County $360 to transfer funds from one
department to another. Bennett stated that amount is a differential in the rental
rate for the vehicle. There is no charge for transferring funds. The vehicle portion
of the Equipment Rental and Revolving (ER &R) is wholly funded by rental rates
charged to departments.
Brenner asked if the Sheriff's Office is renting from ER &R. Bennett stated it
is.
Desler stated the County has received a grant to address criminal justice
issues in Whatcom County. The administration has chosen to focus it on a rapid
border prosecution initiative. Half of the money would be used to engage
prosecutors, public defenders, additional judicial and jail staff, and other attached
costs to ramp up a more rapid response to different kinds of offenses.
At the same time, the administration will make investments in technology
systems to help the entire criminal justice systems work more effectively. They are
working on another grant to continue this program into the future.
A budget modification request has been adjusted to reflect that they're
adding staff. The County received notice from the federal government about the
grant at the beginning of the year. This is the appropriation for 2005. In 2006, the
administration will come back with another supplemental appropriation.
Brenner asked the total amount. Desler stated the total amount is $992,000
to cover more than this year. The administration will begin to hire personnel and
hopes to have this grant cover the staffing costs through the end of 2006.
Roy stated it's problematic to hire personnel with grant money. She asked if
these personnel will become permanent staff or if the positions go away when the
grant goes away. Desler stated that County policy is to make the positions go
away, which is indicated in the hire letter to the staff. The administration will try
very hard to generate other grants and funds because border security needs
continue to grow. Today, there are more border patrol agents than the total
number of all other local and state law enforcement officers combined. The Coast
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/29/2005, Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Guard is expanding also. It will capture more people running drugs and
contraband.
Crawford stated he will support the supplemental budget item reluctantly,
due to $15,000 on green building policy work. He's in favor of this with the
understanding that this is being recommended by the administration because the
County has the financial resources to expend on these kinds of programs. If green
building is financially viable, the private sector can do this kind of work. A couple
thousand of this request is to research grants, so he hopes some of this cost will
come back to the County in the area of grant funding. Desler stated the Executive
supports the one -time appropriation. It's an investment to prime the pump on
activities the Executive strongly supports.
Crawford stated there are other needs in the community, such as the STAR
program that is running out of money. There are many things the administration
should look at to directly help people. After contemplating the situation with the
federal government community development block grants and other community
economic development programs, he is thinking about proposing that the County
look at a five- or ten -year weaning process to get the community away from federal
dependence on many of these programs. He is also contemplating the role of City
and County government to provide direct assistance to those in the community who
are truly in need. Every year, the federal government proposes cuts in its
programs. It would be nice if, in a decade, the community weren't affected if the
federal government makes cuts.
Brenner stated she's on the STAR Task Force and Methamphetamine Action
Team, which will come forward with a request for money. The County needs to do
the opposite. Demand permanent funding from the federal government. Problems
at the border will grow, not go away. If the federal government wants the County
doing the federal government's job, then it should pay the County for it.
Regarding green building, she's very excited that the County is taking on a
role for it's own County buildings.
Crawford stated none of this is for County facilities.
Brenner stated that if the County demands these standards from others, the
County must follow the standards as well.
Desler stated the County's intent is to conserve energy and develop buildings
that use recycled materials and engage in other energy saving methods.
Crawford stated the Washington State energy codes for new construction are
the toughest in the United States, and the County already has to build to that level.
Desler stated the administration supports cooperating with Councilmember
Crawford in building a better response to the problems of drug abuse and meth.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/29/2005, Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, WSU EXTENSION FOR PILOT
WATER QUALITY TELEMETRY TO SUPPORT STEWARDSHIP FOR
CENTENNIAL GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 (AB2005 -135)
Bruce Roll, Assistant Director, stated the administration withdraws this item.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE ARC
OF WHATCOM COUNTY TO FUND PARENT COALITION ACTIVITIES,
INCLUSION ADVOCACY, AND TRAINING AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,200 (AB2005 -157)
Roy 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 REGION 3
AIDS SERVICE NETWORK TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR
INTERVENTION, COUNSELING AND TESTING, AND SYRINGE
EXCHANGE FOR HIGH -RISK INDIVIDUALS FOR HIV /AIDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $129,203 (AB2005 -158)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. There is a
relationship between the increase in AIDS due to the increase in methamphetamine
use. These things aren't happening in isolation.
Crawford stated the Substance Abuse Advisory Board has looked at the next
step of allowing a methadone treatment program in the future. It's not appropriate
today, given the population. When ready, it would be a private sector proposal.
Many are opposed to that kind of a program. He sees it having a positive effect in
some communities. The Health Department could show that this is an effective
program.
Brenner stated she supports the program. Methamphetamine users are so
out of it and it's a different kind of drug from heroine, they won't do needle
exchange.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/29/2005, Page 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND VP
CONSULTING, INC. FOR LASERFICHE DOCUMENT IMAGING
SOFTWARE AND SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,050 FOR A
TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $360,050 (AB2005-
159)
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND KERR
WOOD LEIDAL ASSOCIATES LIMITED FOR COMPLETION OF THE
FIRST PHASE OF THE NOOKSACK RIVER SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT
PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $143,820 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $183,685 (AB2005 -160)
Crawford moved to recommend approval of this item and the next item to
the full Council.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated this item is the
continuation of a project started last year. The project was planned in phases. The
first contract for phase one entailed reviewing old reports and historic information
to develop a work plan for the next phase, which is the technical studies to find out
if the river is egrading and coming up. Over half of the amendment amount today
is to conduct fish habitat data collection. If gravel is causing a problem and gravel
is removed, they would propose the project in a very fish - friendly and habitat -
forming way. The next item is to implement the plan they've developed. In
upcoming months, the Council will see more information on an overall plan. Swift
Creek has filled up. The river will run all over if the County doesn't fix it. Staff is at
capacity, so this request is to contract out the service.
Brenner asked if they can clean out the gravel from the river without
permission from the Army Corps of Engineers. Cooper stated there is a permit
application in now. The County has a permit to clean out the traps. Ideally, the
County will get the other permit to do the whole thing.
Art Anderson, Countywide Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee
Member and Sediment Removal Sub - Committee Chair, stated the river has lost its
capacity to carry water. There are seven- to 12 -year events, and the river is out of
its banks. The contractor submitted a proposal, which the advisory committee
accepted. The contract has done some of the detailed, preliminary work. The
advisory committee members can't talk the language. Staff is really burdened.
The County need this professional contractor. This is an opportunity to go forward.
The County needs all the agencies on its side to communicate with the contractor.
If the County is going to move any gravel out of the river, it will happen with this
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/29/2005, Page 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
contractor's help. The advisory committee recommends approval of the project.
Moving this forward is a good value of taxpayer dollars. If there is a flood, the
County Council will get phone calls asking why material wasn't removed from the
river.
McShane stated it's a policy issue. There are many tools in the toolbox. If
the County has this tool available, it must have these studies. The County might
be able to save money down the road by getting the river off a structure it might
otherwise have to repair. He can live with the project.
Brenner stated she already gets calls from people complaining about the
County not dredging the river. Dredging is in the Comprehensive Flood Hazard
Management Plan. The only way to do this is to use a firm that can provide
technical aspects for backup for the Corps of Engineers.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND KERR
WOOD LEIDAL ASSOCIATES FOR SWIFT CREEK MANAGEMENT PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,100 (AB2005 -161)
See Consent Agenda Item four.
6. RESOLUTION TO ORDER THE CANCELLATION OF WARRANTS MORE
THAN A YEAR OLD FOR WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL INMATE TRUST
FUND OUTSTANDING CHECKS (AB2005 -162)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REVIEW OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATION (AB2005-
172)
Crawford stated the purpose of this item is to simply give the Council's
blessing to the application, as part of the requirement of the application. He
moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated sources are diminishing and
being consolidated into the entire homeland security area. Some residual money
grants require only one application from Whatcom County. The administration is
still trying to find adequate resources to fund drug court, and has opted to go after
this money for the drug court.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/29/2005, Page 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the Washington Community
Economic Revitalization Team (WA -CERT) application priority resolution is coming
up. The administration has been working with the Kendall Community Center, the
number one project for the last two years. The administration is talking with
Economic Development Investment (EDI) Board about some funding of about $1
million. Also, there is a State appropriation of $2 million for the Kendall project.
The administration is working on other federal applications for funding. The
administration is gradually trying to build a funding base for the project from
multiple sources. The County needs to think more comprehensively about
development in the Kendall area. The resource center is more like a budding civic
center for the area. Having adequate water, sewer, and fire response capacity is
another issue on which the administration is working.
Crawford stated it's still important to continue that project and to continue to
rank that project highly.
Desler stated another issue is with using EDI funds to match city real estate
excise tax (BEET) funds for a City /County jail investment program. He's been
meeting with various city councils about this program. This morning, the EDI Board
voted to accept the use of that money for the program. This summer, the
administration will bring forward more information. He's discussed this with the
Council before. In the past, the councilmembers wanted to get a reaction from the
EDI Board. There is a question of whether or not the County should use the EDI
funds for a different purpose. The business perspective and cities believe there
won't be economic development in a community if there aren't the fundamental
structures necessary to sustain safety.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:39 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sam Crawford, Committee Member
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/29/2005, Page 7