HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance February 24 20041
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.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
February 24, 2004
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
L. Ward Nelson None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Barbara Brenner
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION REGARDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INDICATORS AND
CRIMINAL JUSTICE DATA (AB2004 -119)
Dr. Shannon Meyer, Law and Justice subcommittee, stated the Domestic
Violence Commission members want to speak today about a specific project they're
working on. The report they produced answers the most basic questions about
domestic violence in this county, including how much, the kinds, and where it's
happening. They had a difficult time collating and coordinating the data collection
effort. Different municipalities use different coding systems. This is the beginning
of an ongoing annual report. They have many things they'd like to look at in the
future. She would like also input from the councilmembers about indices or factors
to consider in future reports.
Sue Parrott, Domestic Violence Commission Director, stated
she would go over the compilation of Whatcom County domestic violence data
report dated January 2004. The data tells them quite a bit, but it also leaves many
questions. They collected data for a five -year period, through 2002. In terms of
total offenses reported, there has not been much of a change in that five -year
period. They're staying at about 1,480 offenses over that five year period. They
looked at the total offenses reported by law enforcement agencies, the percent that
are domestic violence - related is 14 percent in the county. That's about the same
as the statewide rate. Domestic violence cases include people who have lived
together, married, or are parent - related. There is a more complete definition in the
report.
Law enforcement is called to many domestics that don't result in arrests.
They are verbal domestics. Law enforcement spends a considerable amount of
time on calls that don't result in arrests, as a prevention measure.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, 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.
The County jail prioritized domestic bookings as misdemeanor offenses. The
percent of bookings in 2002 is 25 percent. The sheriff indicated that because of the
jail space problems, they often have to release domestic offenders.
There has been an eight percent decline over the five -year period in
misdemeanor domestic violence charges that were filed in all courts in the county.
This statistic should parallel the overall law enforcement offenses. The reasons this
statistic is lower are unclear. Felony domestic violence cases are increasing.
Whatcom County District Court Probation provides probation services for all
Whatcom County courts except Blaine, Ferndale, and Lummi. Over the five year
period, the change in new domestic violence cases that are referred to district court
probation increased 59 percent. There is a significant increase in probation as a
condition of a sentence, related to domestic violence offenses. They don't know
why that is.
Roy asked if the increase in probation is due to the lack of jail space.
Peggy Miller, Probation Supervisor, stated it is. It is also an education of the
court system to provide probation and treatment. The lack of jail space is an issue.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the Council added two probation
officers in 2001 to specifically address domestic violence issues, as part of the
implementation of the law and justice plan. It's possible they're seeing the result
of that new capacity. Judges feel more confident about referring offenders to
probation.
Miller stated the judges all know of the domestic violence unit, which has
promoted sentences that refer to probation.
Parrott stated they weren't able to collect data this time on disposition and
resolution of cases. They will have that information in a year. They need to work
with jurisdictions on consistency of the disposition information. Recidivism rates
are also something they'd like to include in the next annual report.
Roy asked if they've done studies about domestic violence within certain
family units, specifically about abused children becoming abusive adults. Parrott
stated that would be a very different kind of study.
Crawford stated he is interested in the connection between alcohol or
substance abuse and domestic violence. Parrott stated she didn't know if they can
pull that information out of the database or if they'd have to go through each case
file. The jail does have that data.
Crawford asked if there are any roadblocks to getting the information from
the other jurisdictions. Parrott stated there isn't. There are good working
relationships among the jurisdictions.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, 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.
Nelson stated he would like to see the information address each year's
statistics in relation to population changes. Also, present a plan of action that can
help the councilmembers understand treatment versus jailing. He's not convinced
that jailing people is always the best solution. They first have to evaluate if there is
effective treatment in the community to deal with domestic violence abusers.
Measure the effect on the recidivism rate. Parrott stated that is a sophisticated
piece of research because the question being asked is what is successful. It's a
very important question.
Crawford asked the support network for victims. Parrott stated the report
includes information about the eight percent population increase in the five years
the statistics were reported. The service providers say their numbers are slowly
increasing. Service capacity is good.
Crawford thanked Ms. Parrott for her work on this issue.
2. QUARTERLY REPORT BY THE PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT (AB2004-
120)
Don Keenan, District Staffing Team Leader, stated there has been
construction going on since December. They are making good progress. In July
2002, the Council and City jointly formed the Public Facilities District (PFD). It's
been charged with developing a regional center.
Dunham Gooding, Public Facilities District Board of Directors President,
stated construction is underway. They were required to begin construction on the
facility by the first of 2004, which they did. In addition, they're planning for the
next phases and helping private forces pull together to develop a fundraising effort.
In November and December, they restated the concept of the regional
center. He provided a handout (on file) on the PFD. He read the handout. Phase I
of the Mt. Baker Theater is underway. They bought three privately held
condominium spaces adjacent to the theater to create more adequate backstage
areas. The theater was originally constructed for film and vaudeville. The theater
has been inadequate for some of the shows it's presented. Some shows won't
come to the theater because of the inadequate backstage facilities. Phase II, which
they aren't doing yet, will redo the electrical and heating /ventilation /air conditioning
(HVAC) systems in the theater. There is no air conditioning now. The electrical
system is original and poses dangers by modern standards. Phase III is expansion
of the stage house. He read from the handout about significant activities since July
2002. In the next three years, if things are done very well, there is a potential to
raise $10 million to $15 million from the community. In seven or eight years, a
second fundraising effort could be made to potentially raise up to $20 million. Now,
a private group of potential funders is beginning to coalesce. They need to proceed
regardless. It's okay to have a regional center with multiple components as long as
they're geographically thematically - related. They can't have big gaps in activity, or
it will look like multiple regional centers. They are under some pressure to
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, 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.
maintain a continuum. They also purchased the parking lot next to the theater.
Right now it's used as a construction staging area, but will allow for a loading dock
to the theater and public parking.
Nelson asked if there has been any discussion about the PFD and potential
construction in this core area by the County. Gooding stated they haven't received
the report that outlines the County's development options. People involved in the
PFD are concerned about option two, specifically the potential size of the buildings
that could be developed in the downtown area. There isn't an official position by
the PFD on the County's options.
Nelson stated he would like an official position from the PFD. The Council
wants to work collaboratively with the community. Gooding stated the PFD regional
developments will be about three stories high, with incorporated open space and
ties to the outdoor environment.
Nelson moved to recommend that the Council request the PFD to provide
the Council a letter of comment on the proposed options for the Master Facilities
Plan, regarding the issue of the downtown core.
Gooding stated that with the money the PFD has, they cannot do all the
things in their plan in the next two or three years. It will have to be done in phases
over the long -term. There is a benefit of this type of district to the community and
it's typical to have a contribution from the jurisdictions. It's the PFD'S intent to
assign about $3 million each for the museum and theater to create an endowment
for future operating costs.
Motion carried unanimously.
Nelson stated he's seen preliminary planning from the PFD. He asked if all
the lands allocated are scheduled for future development, including the library.
Gooding stated several properties would be useful to the PFD, but the library is not
eligible for a PFD process. He can't speak to the future of the library. He's heard
that the Library Board has presented three options for the future of the location of
the library.
Crawford stated the vision of the Centennial Project is an exciting opportunity
for the community. He hoped the PFD could continue to facilitate in that direction.
He would like the PFD to always consider future plans in this area in view of the
need for parking and the existing lack of parking spaces. The County is a one -third
partner in this venture. It should benefit from a community center, but also in a
practical sense, it should benefit from additional parking.
Therese Holm, City Finance Director, stated under the terms of the interlocal
agreements, the City established a separate fund to account for revenues and
expenses of the PFD, provide interim financing to the district before a bond issue,
provide a 33 percent match to revenues, and issue bonds that will be repaid by the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, 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
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.
sales tax rebate. She submitted a preliminary year -end report for 2003 (on file).
The sales tax rebate on all retail sales in the county and city of Bellingham in 2003
totaled approximately $846,000.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Holm continued to state that is more than they expected for the year. It is
largely contributed to construction activity occurring in the city and county. Total
revenues for the year totaled about $1.9 million.
The largest expense was for the capital expenses related to the Mt. Baker
Theater. The PFD invested $1.2 million for land and construction related to phase I
of the Mt. Baker Theater renovation. Total 2003 expenditures was about $1.7
million, leaving about $230,000 to start 2004. She read the second page of the
handout regarding assets and liabilities of the PFD.
Nelson asked if the City or the PFD is responsible for the lands and property
in the future. Holm stated the PFD is responsible for the PFD property for 25 years,
then the it reverts to the City.
Keenan thanked the committee for its support and presented an opportunity
to tour the theater construction.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2004 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
SECOND REQUEST (AB2004 -105)
Crawford stated a substitute version was submitted earlier (on file).
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the substitute version includes a
transfer of $20,000 out of veterans relief fund balance to provide additional
assistance to indigent veterans. The program has been spending at a rate that is
one - twelfth of the annual budget. There are a number of applications. One of the
veterans group interested in improving the assistance to these veterans requested
a transfer of $20,000. The administration recommends the transfer through the
supplemental budget request process.
In addition, the supplemental budget requests includes a grant application
for equipment to support methamphetamine lab investigation and crime scene
investigation training. There is another grant from the Citizen Corps. The
administration supports the request.
Michael Mulligan, service officer for American Legion Post 83 in Deming and
former service officer of the Soldier's and Sailor's Relief Fund for the Veterans of
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, 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.
Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1585, stated he'd like to hear for the justification for the
$20,000 reallocation.
Crawford stated the Council respond to requests. There was a letter
requesting this from the administration.
Mulligan stated he presented information to the Council in the past. This law
that created the Soldier's and Sailor's Relief Fund was created in 1888. It was
intended as a stop -gap measure for soldier's of the Civil War for the Union. In
1888, the State of Washington was still a territory. It didn't have all the social
benefits it does today. At that time, there was a void that this law was created to
fill. Today, there is a plethora of assistance programs. There are lots of problems
in the State. There are attempts to make changes to this law that he is opposed
to. There are some organizations that advocate easing up the constraints on this
program, which he will address.
The facts are that there is mismanagement, abuse, and a lack of adherence
to specific guidelines in dealing out the funds. They've created a situation where
they need to bail out the fund by transferring funds. Previously, only once has this
situation occurred before. He included information (on file) on a 2004 budget for
the County fund and a 2004 disbursement of funds to date. The 2004
disbursement is from aid that the Finance Department of the County provided. The
information has been an invaluable tool put together from staff in the Finance
Department.
He reviewed the County's excel charts for each year beginning in 2000,
which show that the first person on the list for 2004 is receiving a mortgage
payment. These funds are supposed to be for indigent veterans. That recipient is
also a repeat recipient from 2003. Another recipient appears to be getting a rent
subsidy for 2003 and 2004. The County needs to issue some sort of guideline. In
addition, another recipient named Ms. Benner received funds many times. He
counseled Ms. Benner when she came to the VFW. She owns her own three
bedroom home. He provided counseling to her to try and get her off of these
funds. While counseling her, he learned that Ms. Benner was spending her social
security money on discretionary activities such as cable television, and coming to
the veterans relief fund to pay for her essential costs. He suggested that she rent
out a room of her house and to borrow the neighbor's lawnmower instead of buying
one. They're talking about people who are making life choices, and then who
expect the County to pick up the bill for their essential costs. They're spending
taxpayer money freely, and not looking at how they spend it.
He provided a copy of suggested guidelines (on file). If the Council approves
the $20,000 transfer, also approve a set of guidelines. They are at a point where
the current organization is not saying no to applicants when it should. The
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) should put up a bond, as allowed by law.
The guidelines should require that information be provided on the application not
only on income, but also on assets. One individual turned down by the VFW for
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, 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
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.
fraud is receiving funds while living with a girlfriend who is charging him rent in
Bel ling ham - Whatcom County housing. That is fraud. People are abusing the
system, and no one is doing anything about it.
Crawford asked Mr. Mulligan's role in this fund. Mulligan stated he is a
volunteer in compliance with the original law that called for congressionally
chartered service organizations to do this willingly and freely. He initially was with
the VFW. He is currently with the American Legion Post. This is all voluntary.
These individuals aren't being counseled. However, once they begin receiving
counseling, the rate in the budget dropped. When the VFW began its investigation,
a lot of these people all of a sudden decided they didn't need the funds. He has
proof of abuse and fraud going on in this fund.
Ina Little, registered nurse, stated she has volunteered many hours and
much money to take veterans back and forth to Seattle for medical treatment. She
is a taxpayer. There are benefits available to veterans. Any veteran is entitled to
go to Veterans Administration (VA) hospital for their needs. They don't have to be
disabled, except to receive dental work. However, there are local dental services in
the community that will take reduced fees for services. If a veteran is 60 percent
disabled and unable to work, the veteran is qualified as 100 percent disabled. She
provided information (on file) on the services a disabled veteran pays for and
receives. She asked the Council to make sure the people who use these funds are
investigated better.
George Wilcox, service officer, stated the County Executive's Office is aware
of the veteran laws. One councilmember requested information from the Executive
on the veterans laws, but Executive Kremen didn't provide that information. A lot
of the responsible lies with the County Executive, Deputy Administrator, and
Finance Director who know the laws and ignored it.
Some of the veterans have a fee basis card for medical treatment. Some
can be treated outside the hospital, but take the DVA van to the hospital in Seattle
five days a week. The funds are being used for things it shouldn't, like mortgages,
medical, and fuel. The system is being abused. This County turned down the
opportunity for a volunteer investigator for these abuses. He investigated some of
this stuff himself. There are a lot of ways to catch these people violating the law.
For awhile, he tried to get these people jobs, but they wouldn't show up, so
he quit doing it. This is not the responsibility of the Council, but the Executive. He
is a large property owner in this county and pays a tremendous amount in taxes.
He doesn't want the use of his taxes to be abused. Hire an investigator for the
County. Make people live within their means and not break their promises.
Roy stated she underestimated the length of this meeting and must leave.
However, she's heard compelling testimony, but is reluctant to take a position
against a budget request without hearing the other side of the story. They need to
work cooperatively with the administration. Look into the issue more.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 7
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.
(Clerk's Note: Councilmember Roy left at 12:20 p.m.)
Jim Pace, former veterans service officer for Whatcom and San Juan County,
stated he currently volunteers at the veterans center and is the chapter president
of the organization that oversees its part of the Veterans Relief Fund. They have
staff at the Whatcom County Forest Street annex up to four days per week.
In 1992, Whatcom County received $10 million from the VA for disability
compensation. In 2002, the County received $20 million. Currently, 1,120
veterans from Whatcom County are receiving treatment at the VA. The VA spent
$5 million on treatment for Whatcom County residents. Pierce County is giving out
about $1,200 per month for veteran families. King County is giving out about
$,1,200 for families and $500 for veterans. Snohomish and Skagit County don't
have a policy. They look at their applications and determine the need. Whatcom
County averages $958 per veteran. The County is comparable with other counties.
He proposes limiting veterans to $500 per year and veterans families to
$1,200 per year. In the meantime, the laws allow all 16,000 of the veterans in
Whatcom County to access the funds. Before, only war -era veterans were allowed.
There is a new generation of veterans coming through the door, and they want to
be able to help those veterans get back into society. Mr. Mulligan suggested that
Ms. Benner, at age 84, get a job. He didn't like that comment. They try to take
care of the widows as best they can. It doesn't do any good if this money goes
back into a reserve fund for years when there are veterans in need out there.
Some of the grants have been surprisingly large, but they're taking care of that and
setting limits. They are already making changes. At the end of the year, they will
hopefully see money returned.
Crawford stated there's a limited pot of money each year and a number of
people who would like to access that money. He asked if there is an opportunity
for the various interests to sit down and work on Mr. Mulligan's suggested
guidelines. Pace stated Executive Kremen is putting together a veterans advisory
committee that will address these issues. He hoped they would work together to
put guidelines together that they can all agree to.
Crawford stated it sounds like it's time to develop guidelines so there's
predictability and consistency in disbursing funds. The question is also of the
process to access those funds. They're using County property in a County facility
to be counseled according to their own criteria. It seems that this can be worked
through. Get the consistency that will address everyone's concerns. Pace stated
they'll see that in the coming months.
Nelson stated Mr. Wilcox referred to the administration not providing
information. He never had a problem with getting information from the
administration. He has the laws regarding the Veterans Relief Fund from the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 8
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.
administration through Brad Bennett's office. Wilcox stated he wasn't referring to
Councilmember Nelson.
Ken Richardson, 2481 Autumnwood Court, Bellingham, stated the issue of
policies, procedures and guidelines is what County Executive is trying to set up with
the creation of the veterans advisory board. The fund they're talking about runs
about $145,000 per year, is derived from property taxes, and is mandated by the
State of Washington. It's not something they can choose to not do. It's good to
educate people in the County that they're paying about $1.10 per $100,000 for this
purpose.
The issue of how much money or how often someone gets money is based
on need and not specified in the law. They have a wide range of concept in terms
of what is need and what alternatives are available. He's concerned that when they
argue about whether or not to take money from the reserve for this purpose, that
money is not spent for the purpose it was intended in prior years. Use the money
to fulfill current needs. If it doesn't get spent, it will go back into reserve. On two
other cases, the Council has done the same type of thing, usually at the end of the
yea r.
They would all agree there are issues where people who may or may not
have been deserving have received funds. The citizen advisory board will put
together guidelines. He would hesitate to put individual and family limits as a
guideline because he doesn't know what the need factors will look like. There are
16,000 or so veterans in this county. Less than ten percent are disabled veterans.
A lot of those folks receive a little here and a little there, wisely administered by the
this fund and used for the purpose of the funds. He thanked Councilmember
Nelson, who is about to fulfill his obligation as a soldier and a veteran- to -be.
Desler stated a lot of good comments have been made. A lot of veteran
groups have been involved in the past 115 years. Whatcom County has had an
active role in designing and maintaining what they have today. The Executive's
Office has worked actively with these people in the last two or three years. These
people have helped the Executive's Office understand the law more clearly, so the
Executive's Office has made changes to the service in the past. They are one of the
few or only county that administers according to the actual letter of the law. How
other counties operate their programs has evolved from the law.
A little over a year ago, the administration started using a five -page
application that the veterans have to fill out with one of the three veterans groups
authorized to assist the veterans.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
Desler continued to state they start with the premise that the veterans will
be honest on their applications. There is an indigence requirement that is at or
below 125 percent of the poverty level. The applicant signs the declaration under
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 9
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.
penalty of perjury, which is clearly stated. The application must be processed by
the relevant veteran's organization. It's turned over to the County Finance Division
for the purpose of consistency and to check indigence level. The County kicks back
a lot of questions to the veterans organizations, which will review and amend the
applications and turn them back into the Finance Division. At that point, the
County's role is to issue the check.
Crawford stated there was talk that people were being counseled. Desler
stated Mr. Wilcox requested a space from the County where the veterans groups
can meet with the applicants. The County provided space in the basement of the
Forest Street annex. The County provided all the veterans organizations the ability
to check out a key to use those rooms to work with the veterans. If the
organizations choose to talk about other services and activities available to
veterans, they can do that on their dime.
Crawford stated it sounds like someone applies for the money and is being
counseled on their total financial situation. He asked about the five -page
application and the veterans organization that helps them to fill out. Desler stated
he doesn't know what happens during those conversations. The County isn't there.
That is between the veteran and the veterans organization service officer. The
Council is seeing a difference of opinion between the veterans associations about
how people should be declared needy. The desire to limit the funding per year is a
good one. It's up to the veterans organization to make a decision on what kind of
assistance they would apply for. The County's role is different. The veterans
organization, not the County, is doing the work to decide to provide funds.
Crawford asked if there is someone in the County who reviews the
applications. Pace stated the application is submitted, the applicant has to have
documents that shows the state of their finances and their need. That information
is presented to the County. The County approves the applications.
Wilcox stated they need an investigator so people don't abuse the system.
Desler stated the Executive is asking for volunteers from the veterans
organizations to review potential guidelines, which will probably be voluntary
guidelines. The County's role is to confirm indigence. This is not a welfare
program, which spends a huge amount of money on verifying income and assets.
The County is asking for an honest declaration of situation, for the veterans
organizations to provide their best judgment of the application, and to file this
information based on the threat of perjury. If fraud and abuse is going on, he
urged that it be turned over to the prosecuting attorney.
Nelson moved to approve the substitute supplemental budget request, and
request the administration will hopefully work with the veterans groups to create an
advisory board to put together standards and a review process that the County
administration can use. There needs to be additional changes to the system. He
hoped these people can work it out. The veterans are responsible for the funds,
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 10
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.
and hopes it stays that way rather than having the government responsible for the
funds. Make sure funds are allocated for anyone who needs it. They need to be
responsible for the money and make sure the funds are being used appropriately
for those in need. Have a mechanism to review the expenditures and prevent
fraud. Make sure that veterans know that abuse of these funds hurt the process for
everyone.
Crawford stated he is in favor of the motion. It would be nice to put
everything on hold until that's done, but it's not how needs work. There are
veterans' needs that can't wait for bureaucracy. The Executive will probably have
no shortage of volunteers on the advisory committee. He thanked everyone
attending the meeting.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Roy absent.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES RECOVERY CENTER TO PROVIDE
SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATION AND SERVICES TO YOUTH
REFERRED UNDER AND SENTENCED UNDER THE CHEMICAL
DEPENDENCY DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVE IN THE JUVENILE COURT,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 (AB2004 -109)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Roy absent.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT FOR SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM CONSERVATION
DISTRICT (WCD) TO PROVIDE PLANNING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE,
AND OVERSIGHT OF PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE WORK
SUPPORTING RIPARIAN RESTORATION WORK ON DRAINAGE
DISTRICT AND COUNTY FLOOD PROJECTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$190,000 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$200,000 (AB2004 -110)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked why
they are doing this if it is already fully implemented.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated the grant is
implemented already. This is the request to spend the money received from the
grant.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 11
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 2 -0 with Roy absent.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND KERR WOOD LEIDAL ASSOCIATES FOR
CANYON CREEK AND JONES CREEK ALLUVIAL FAN RISK ANALYSES
AND SWIFT CREEK ALLUVIAL FAN MANAGEMENT PLAN, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $76,240 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $183,240 (AB2004 -111)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Roy absent.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WALKER
& ASSOCIATES FOR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SUBSEQUENT
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING FOR RIVER AND FLOOD DIVISION
PROJECTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,987 (AB2004 -112)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. He asked if
copies are available to the public.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated they are.
Crawford asked if the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee voted
on it. Cooper stated not directly, but they're the reason this is happening.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Roy absent.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND THE PORT OF BELLINGHAM TO IMPLEMENT PHASE II
OF THE MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE BLAINE MARINA PILOT
PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,000 (AB2004 -113)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Roy absent.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated he wanted to summarize the
year -end financial report. Revenues were higher than projected. There was
increased revenue from sales tax and property tax revenues. There was more new
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 12
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 construction. More fees were collected in the Planning Department and Recording
2 Division. There was more revenue collected from fines, fees, and forfeitures in the
3 courts. Some things are down, including jail revenue because there are more
4 County than City prisoners. Interest income is also lower than expected. They
5 projected a three percent lapse in expenditures, and the actual lapse was about
6 five and a half percent. There are continuing appropriations. In summary, the
7 revenues received equaled expenditures budgeted. Because of the lapse, there is
8 more money in the general fund.
9
10 Crawford asked what's happening with emergency medical service (EMS).
11 Desler stated there was a meeting with stakeholders last month. The County
12 urged the stakeholders to come back to the County with a proposal. The fire
13 districts think they can do the program if it leaves the Medic One program in place
14 as it is today, with the same structure that exists today, and the additional demand
15 would be picked up by a new level of service by all the fire districts, which would
16 start doing transports for basic level of service (BLS) care. The administration told
17 the stakeholders that the County probably won't contribute more than $1.3 million
18 per year. A delegation of fire district commissioners and fire chiefs talked with the
19 administration and Councilmember McShane. They will come back to the County in
20 the middle of March to say whether or not they can deliver on that. In the
21 meantime, the medical director must modify his standard related to medical
22 transport. The medical director is really up for it because he understands there is
23 no more money.
24
25 Crawford asked if that happened concurrently with the triage of the incoming
26 calls. They're still rolling advanced level of service (ALS) care for everything.
27 Desler stated that is correct. The medical officer will help sell this concept to the
28 fire crews, unions, mayor, and fire districts.
29
30 Crawford asked if the Mayor's three -year program withdrawal notification still
31 stands. Desler stated it does. Not acquiring additional ALS units and trying out a
32 new transport standard of care would be on trial for two or three years. If it
33 doesn't work, then they will go through another process. The City must also allow
34 this to play out, which he thinks it will. The City wants to maintain a certain level
35 of service to the community. The City must also maintain a commitment to their
36 employees. This is the time to make a transition. The City will be adding capacity
37 in the fire halls. They can take the laid -off Medic One workers and transfer them to
38 the new station. There may be a way to transfer those trained people into other
39 positions in other organizations.
40
41
42 ADJOURN
43
44 The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
45
46
47
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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
Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/24/2004, Page 14