HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance September 13 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
September 13, 2005
Committee Chair L. Ward Nelson called the meeting to order at 11:07 a.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Sam Crawford None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Dan McShane
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Barbara Brenner
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL BY THE WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNCIL TO PROVIDE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS
OF THE COUNTY A PROPOSITION AUTHORIZING A LOCAL SALES AND
USE TAX OF ONE -TENTH OF ONE PERCENT AS ALLOWED UNDER RCW
82.14.450, WITH TWO- THIRDS OF THE PROCEEDS TO BE USED FOR
FUNDING COUNTYWIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND ONE -
THIRD OF THE PROCEEDS TO BE USED FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE
PURPOSES (AB2005 -336)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Gary Russell, Fire District #7 Chief, stated he would like to support this ballot
measure. This is very important to the citizens of the community and visitors to
the community. It has been a long, hard - fought issue over the years to maintain
emergency medical services (EMS) in Whatcom County. There is a greater
partnership between the fire districts, County, and City of Bellingham. There is
capacity in the future to grow. They are diversifying to maximize their capacity and
resources. If one system fails, another can take over. They've worked under the
County Council, County Executive, and Deputy Administrator to come up with a
unified system. Unification of systems saves those funds because of economy of
scale. There are now interlocal agreements between all agencies to provide
response across borders. Let the voters decide. If the voters decide not to support
this measure, they will try to find the best alternate method of providing that
service. Put this measure on the ballot.
Nelson asked if all the fire districts have passed the resolution of support.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated to capture the appropriate
revenue generated by the sales tax, he recommends that interlocal agreements and
resolutions of support come from all the cities. He asked all the fire districts and
cities to provide a resolution of support. When met with the fire district
commissioners on two different occasions, they unanimously supported this item.
Each of the 17 districts are now processing a resolution of support through their
regular monthly meetings. All city governments have approved a resolution of
support and interlocal agreements.
Nelson stated one group of fire commissioners expressed a concern of more
burden placed on fire department volunteers to provide more basic life support
(BLS) service. He asked if they have addressed the potential impacts to volunteers.
Russell stated his district has addressed that issue. There are districts that aren't
capable of providing BLS transports. Other districts are helping out those
jurisdictions. There are larger key districts that have taken up the BLS service to
take the load off the advanced life support (ALS) service. All the districts
understand their limits and capabilities. It will take time, through the program, to
grow the departments so they have the capacity to do BLS. In the future, the fire
districts will have to grow and evolve. The districts will have to have greater
responsibility in the system. It takes time. Fire commissioners and fire chiefs
approve this program 100 percent.
Brenner stated the cities voted for support, but city council members from
three different cities were concerned. She asked if the County administration is
providing more information to the voters. If some city council members aren't
aware of what's going on, the voters may not be aware, either.
Desler stated the EMS work group plan is on the County website and other
websites. The EMS work group plan explains all those things. The plan came out
the middle of July. A significant effort is getting word out to the folks. He's gotten
very positive feedback from the cities and fire districts, which want to get the word
out to the communities.
They are conforming with the Public Disclosure Act. They are making sure
they don't breach the requirements of how a public entity campaigns on the issue.
Private organizations are distributing the information to the public. The County is
going to take a group of people to promote the campaign. The County is not going
to use public resources to promote the campaign.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ACCEPT GRANT
FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE PURCHASE OF THE TERRELL CREEK HERON
COLONY PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,000 (AB2005 -342)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the amount for the purchase is $149,000.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the request is to accept the
grant from the State Department of Ecology.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF WHATCOM COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE
OF DEFINING THE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS RECEIVED FROM A ONE -
TENTH OF ONE PERCENT SALES TAX INITIATIVE FOR COUNTYWIDE
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (AB2005 -343)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
CONTRACT AMENDMENT #2 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
EBENAL GENERAL FOR CENTRAL SHOP ALTERATIONS FOR
INSTALLATION OF FIRE WALL SEPARATION, PAVING, PROX CARD
READER INSTALLATIONS, LOCKSETS REPLACEMENT, MODIFICATION
OF LEVER HANDLE GUARD, AND EXTENSION OF ORIGINAL
CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE AND COSTS AND TIME IMPACTS IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $41,484.59 PLUS TAX, FOR A TOTAL
AMENDED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $280,214.59 PLUS TAX (AB2005-
344)
Nelson asked if the original contract wasn't working.
Dewey Desler, Deputy administrator, stated the County requested permits in
October. The Council approved the contract in December. The County didn't get
permits until June 2005, which caused a delay. There were increasing costs
associated with the construction.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION FOR THE TERM
OF JANUARY 1, 2005 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2007, WHICH
REPLACES CONTRACT #200212018 (AB2005 -345)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF 15 LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND RELATED ACCESSORIES
FOR USE IN SHERIFF VEHICLES, FROM VENDOR DAYTECH, INC., IN
THE AMOUNT OF $81,258.67 (AB2005 -346)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. She is very
enthusiastic about getting this done.
Nelson stated failed communication was a problem after Hurricane Katrina.
He asked if this would maintain communication in a disaster.
Don Boyd, Program Specialist, stated it depends on the disaster. This is a
stand -alone system not dependent on cell phone towers. There would be hot spots
throughout the county, which would be positioned by the contractor. The system
would be vulnerable, as cell towers are. They are not on the same system as cell
towers and are not subject to overloading.
Roy stated one issue after Hurricane Katrina was that the different agencies
couldn't talk to each other. She asked if Whatcom County has taken care of that
problem. Boyd stated they are taking care of the problem now. They are working
on backup generators at different sites. They have a robust system and backdoor
systems.
Roy asked if there is direct communication between the Sheriff's Office and
the Border Patrol. Boyd stated there is.
Roy asked if one of the problems was that different agencies were using
different frequencies and communication systems. Boyd stated there is a
technology issue. As the Border Patrol transfers into a secure mode, they would
have to switch out of that mode into a clear text mode to talk with a Sheriff deputy
on low band. They do have cross band repeaters to tie in. Within minutes,
agencies can switch their capabilities and talk to one another.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05-
71 TO THE SOLE RESPONSIVE BIDDER, SMITH'S DETECTION, FOR A
PORTABLE HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL IDENTIFIER, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$44,703.38 (AB2005 -347)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked why
there is a sole source provider.
Don Boyd, Program Specialist, stated this was a sole response to the request
for proposals (RFP). This company was able to win the bid because it is the only
company able to provide refurbished equipment, which costs much less.
Nelson asked if the equipment meets specifications required by Whatcom
County and the Department of Homeland Security. Boyd stated it does.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05-
73 TO THE SOLE RESPONSIVE BIDDER, SAHLBERG EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, FOR A SINGLE AXLE TRUCK WITH AN ASPHALT POTHOLE
PATCH UNIT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $140,939.47 (AB2005 -348)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05-
74 TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, VALLEY FREIGHTLINER,
FOR A 5 -YARD DUMP TRUCK WITH A SANDING UNIT, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $120,667.86 (AB2005 -349)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AND
REUSE WORKS TO FACILITATE A REDUCTION IN THE VOLUME OF
WHITE GOODS IN THE WASTE STREAM AND SUBSEQUENT
REFURBISHMENT OF THOSE ITEMS FOR REUSE, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$25,000 (AB2005 -350)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner stated this item is about used appliances. She asked why they call it
white goods.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, Page 5
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Nelson asked where this project came from.
Bruce Roll, Assistant Director, stated there was a request by Solid Waste
Advisory Committee and Executive Committee last year for programs with new
approaches to deal with solid waste, using solid waste funds. Begin a new program
to deal with a priority in the solid waste program. Money for this purpose is in the
budget. Staff sent out a request for proposals (RFP). This contract is an outcome
of that selection process.
Brenner stated she supports this item.
Crawford stated the major appliance stores say that the used appliance
market is a competitive market, and it's beyond comprehension that the
government would subsidize it. Also, Bellingham Technical College (vo -tech) offers
an excellent training program for appliance repair. Both appliance stores get their
employees through the vo -tech program. They feel it is better to get employees
from the program than from on- the -job training because they are better prepared.
In addition, the appliances that are not of a quality to refurbish go to a local
industry recycling system. Parberry's or other recycling industries take the old
appliances.
The needs are being met for used appliance sales. The appliance sales
community questions why government would change the waste stream here. The
gentleman that has applied this is on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which
approved these funds. Many folks on the committee are in the industry. He
questions the need for this. He's not opposed to the expenditure of solid waste
funds for certain projects, but questions the need for this project. Roll stated white
goods recycling and distribution is a priority of the advisory committee. This is one
of the areas they would like to see additional businesses and programs to deal with
the issue. This has also been identified in the Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan as a
waste stream they want to deal with.
Brenner stated this waste stream has been identified for years, before this
fellow got on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Most places only take the best
appliances for refurbishment. These fellows take everything, including appliances
that the retailers can't easily recycle. There are a lot of usable appliances that can
be salvaged.
Nelson stated he agrees that the government shouldn't do what the private
sector is doing. He needs more information. He asked if there is a rush on this
contract.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is no rush. When the
County starts the service depends on the Council's action.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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 the term 'white good" is confusing.
Crawford stated those in the appliance industry knew immediately what the
term meant.
Rob Flaherty, Lehmann's Appliance, stated he went through the proposal.
The numbers involved in the proposal for sustaining a business are flawed. Also,
the appliance industry is now going to make changes. One factor is the Energy
Star program. A lot of the old appliances are being phased out because they don't
meet current or proposed guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). For instance, in the next two years, agitator washing machines will not be
manufactured anymore. They are trying to recycle items, but they are also trying
to cut down on their cost to run appliances, which creates a conflict. The question
is whether they want to keep appliances that are outdated and don't work well.
The availability of parts is also a factor. There are a lot of factors. The issue can
be better addressed on a better scale at the Public Works Committee meeting.
Brenner asked what washing machines are going to have instead of an
agitator. Flaherty stated one technology is a front - loading washer. Another issue
is that the people in the county are on septic systems and wells. It appears to be a
wonderful idea, but he is not sure how it will work economically. The old
refrigerators over ten years old uses a refrigerant that is banned. Most of the stuff
coming into this program are the old, environmentally hazardous appliances.
Crawford asked what is happening to these old appliances. The merit of this
program is to reduce the waste stream. He asked how the waste stream works.
Flaherty stated Lehmann's Appliance used to have an appliance yard ten years ago.
Now, they put old appliances in a dumpster and they're hauled to Parberry's.
Parberry's probably sells the scrap steel. Parberry's recycles the dismantled
product.
Roy amended her motion and moved to refer to the Public Works
Committee for further discussion.
Brenner stated there are people who aren't able to get those high -end,
environmentally - friendly appliances. Keeping the appliances out of the waste
stream as much as possible is still a good idea.
McShane asked if Lehmann's Appliance uses interns from the technical
college. Flaherty stated the last three employees were hired from the technical
college.
McShane asked if the three employees were interns when working there.
Flaherty stated they don't have an intern program. The company's owner is on the
advisory council for the school's appliance repair department. If they are in need of
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
a service technician, they will ask the instructor for names of qualified students who
are getting close to the end of their training. They'll select one of those names to
work part -time in the company to see what their skills are.
The problem they run into is that technology is evolving so fast that the
Technical College training must be supplemented sometimes with the factory
training that is needed. Their technicians must have factory- authorized training to
be a certified technician.
McShane asked if they use employees from Workforce Development Council,
Opportunity Council, or a work experience program. Flaherty stated they've never
been approached by those agencies.
Caskey- Schreiber stated Duane Jager is working with ReUse on this project.
They want to incorporate repair training via this process. It's an educational tool as
well, and does not just address the waste stream.
Roy stated she would like to move this into committee to weigh the economic
and environmental factors.
Nelson stated the councilmembers want to address environmental
consequences and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee recommendation at the
next meeting.
Roll stated the Solid Waste Advisory Committee didn't select this contractor.
The contract went through the RFP process. The advisory committee developed the
proposals, which the Executive Committee approved. He would bring forward that
information.
Brenner asked if anyone else put in a proposal. Roll stated they received
three proposals that met the criteria, including two proposals were from ReSources.
A lot more people asked questions and showed an interest in the program. The
goal was to create opportunities for businesses to foster the goals of the Solid
Waste Recycling Program.
Brenner stated the Council will schedule this item for the Public Works
Committee in four weeks.
The committee concurred.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR OUTREACH LINKAGE, VACCINES FOR
CHILDREN, INTERPRETER SERVICES, MEDICAID CLIENT OUTREACH
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
AND ABCD DENTAL PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $550,000
(AB2005 -351)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WESTERN
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND
ECONOMICS, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO DEVELOP
A 5 -YEAR COMMUNITY PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT PLAN WITH
WHATCOM ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH CARE ACCESS, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$35,000, WITH $40,000 BEING DONATED BY ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL,
FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $75,000 (AB2005 -352)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. This is a good
example of cooperation in the health care industry. There is a problem with getting
access to patients. This will help recruitment and retention in Whatcom County.
Many physicians come into the community and are not ready to or capable of
setting up small businesses. He appreciates the University's effort to step forward
and the administration for putting the funding together.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Caskey- Schreiber stated this would be really good for the County. It will be
a model for other communities that have state universities.
Motion carried unanimously.
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE LATIMORE
COMPANY, LLC TO CONDUCT AN ANALYSIS THAT WILL FIND WAYS
TO IMPROVE THE PREDICTABILITY, EFFICIENCY AND
COLLABORATION OF THE COUNTY'S PERMIT PROCESS, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $25,000 (AB2005 -353)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if this firm can look at the fee structure to see if it is
appropriate or should be modified to reflect the true work demand.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated a review of the fee structure is
not a part of the program, but the administration will explore that issue with the
contractor. The County mostly charges 90 percent of the cost of a program
through fees.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND OLYMPIC SECURITY
SERVICES, INC. FOR SECURITY SCREENING SERVICES IN THE
WHATCOM COUNTY COURTHOUSE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $128,500
(AB2005 -354)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER A PURCHASE
AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND J. LOCH
TRIMINGHAM TO PURCHASE PARCELS 380430 523021 0000, 380430
540021 0000, AND 380430 560021 0000, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$500,000 PLUS EXPENSES (AB2005 -355)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
15. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
NEGOTIATION TO WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS, REQ. #01 -05
(AB2005 -356)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked if the County must bid like anyone else on foreclosed property
going up for auction.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated there are exceptions for properties
with a small value and /or are unbuildable. Those properties can be disposed of
through negotiation. This property is unbuildable.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Crawford asked about an audit finding on the child support enforcement
program.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the finding was due to a mistake
applied by a manager in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The manager applied
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/13/2005, 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.
the wrong percentage to the reimbursement forms. The County received about
$11,000 too much from the federal government. It required a finding under federal
rules for auditing entities. They don't have the ability to negotiate it.
Crawford stated that when the bonding agencies look at ratings, they look at
whether or not there are findings. They have successfully discussed the impacts of
certain potential findings in the past that have been reduced in the management
letter. Desler stated they resolved the issue with the State Auditor. In this case,
there was no negotiation. There was a problem the County admitted. The Auditor
found that it wasn't fundamental to a successful organization.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:59 a.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, 9/13/2005, Page 11