HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance January 13 20041
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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
January 13, 2004
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
L. Ward Nelson None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Seth Fleetwood
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Barbara Brenner
Dan McShane
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONSOLIDATED CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(DSHS) FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER
CONSOLIDATED JUVENILE SERVICES, SPECIAL SEX OFFENDER
DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVE, COMMUNITY JUVENILE
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, AND THE CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $642,448
(AB2004 -030)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM COUNSELING & PSYCHIATRIC
CLINIC TO ENGAGE HOMELESS PEOPLE WITH CO- OCCURRING
DISORDERS IN MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
TREATMENT, AND TO ASSIST THEM IN OVERCOMING BARRIERS FOR
HOUSING, IN THE AMOUNT $60,000 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT
AMENDED AMOUNT OF $102,122 (AB2004 -031)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Roy asked about the number of people served.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
Andy Byrne, Human Services Manager, stated that from May to December,
136 homeless people were screened. Thirty -six people opted out. One hundred
people are in the caseload. One objective was to get 66 percent into active
treatment. They got all but two into treatment.
Roy asked if they compare results year to year. Byrne stated they would.
This was the first year.
Fleetwood asked how they define a co- occurring disorder. Byrne stated a
co- occurring disorder is a diagnosis of both a mental disorder and a substance
abuse problem.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE ARC OF WHATCOM COUNTY — PARENT
COALITION TO SUPPORT A BROAD -BASED COMMUNITY COALITION
OF PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND THEIR
PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND CAREGIVERS, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$25,000 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMENDED AMOUNT OF $74,000
(AB2004 -032)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTH
SOUND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE ONGOING
REVENUE FOR MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, PLANNING,
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SPECIFIC CONTRACTUAL SERVICE IN
WHATCOM COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,203 (AB2004 -033)
Nelson moved to recommend approval. He asked if the changes are with
the quality review and emergency services.
Andy Byrne, Human Services Manager, stated that is a contract with the
providers. This contract is with the County. There are minor changes to clarify
expectations of work.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES TO
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
SUPPORT THE COMMISSION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE
AMOUNT OF $44,500 (AB2004 -034)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WHATCOM VOLUNTEER CENTER TO PROVIDE VOLUNTEER SERVICES
TO A NUMBER OF COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS COMMUNITY
NON - PROFITS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AND
HEALTHCARE RELATED WORKSITES IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000
(AB2004 -035)
Nelson moved to recommend approval. He asked if this is a new contract.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is not a new contract.
Nelson stated there is a statement in the paperwork that says it's a new
contract. Desler stated they have a year -to -year contract. The 2003 contract
expired, so this could be construed as a new contract.
Nelson asked for a statement in the future that says whether or not the
contract is brand new, or a renewal from a previous year. There was a statement
on Exhibit A that the national volunteer value per hour is over $16. That is high
for the local area. Include information that is more appropriate to Whatcom
County.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND LAKE
WHATCOM RESIDENTIAL & TREATMENT CENTER TO PROVIDE FOR
THE RENT SUBSIDY PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,856
(AB2004 -036)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Nelson asked if this is also a renewed contract.
Andy Byrne, Human Service Manager, stated that technically the last
contract ended and this is a new contract.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
BELLINGHAM WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY TO
PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE MARKETING AND PROMOTION OF THE
ANNUAL SKI TO SEA FESTIVAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,000
(AB2004 -037)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Crawford asked if this amount is more, less, or the same as last year.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is the same as last year.
Motion carried unanimous /y.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS
BUREAU TO PROVIDE VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES AND
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY AREA IN THE
AMOUNT OF $75,000 (AB2004 -038)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Nelson asked if this is from the hotel /motel tax.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated it is.
Roy asked about the involvement of other chambers of commerce and
tourism interests in the county. She asked if they are involved. Desler stated they
are involved.
Roy asked if there is an active push to include people and areas outside of
Bellingham. Desler stated the administration has had meetings with all interested
groups in the last year and a half. Those meetings have resulted in better
communication. The administration will form a county tourism group that involves
all those parties in a more deliberate manner. That hasn't happened yet.
Roy stated that's important. Communities are struggling to establish a
tourism base.
Nelson stated he supported the concern. One problem is with the Kendall
and Foothills areas. They need emphasis placed on support in getting an
organization in place and maintained.
Crawford stated that the Foothills area would be happy with the branding
that has taken place.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she agrees with all the comments. She's been
contacted by the Mt. Baker Visitor's Center about it closing because they don't
have the funds for it. She asked how the County could support that agency.
There's a small group of people working to promote tourism. They haven't been
able to tap into any grant funds.
Desler stated the County Council approved a series of small grants to assist
outlying communities last year. They can anticipate something like that happening
again. They'd hoped the organizations would become more self- sufficient through
their own fundraising efforts. The administration is hoping to approach annual
appropriation through a committee they hope to form this year. It would include
membership throughout the county that is interested in tourism. If there is a need
for some funds related to tourism promotion, people should contact the Executive's
Office, which would facilitate help that would come before the Council for approval.
Roy asked if it is appropriate for the Convention and Visitor's Bureau to work
with communities on getting grants. It's really tough for these small communities.
Create a link between the two.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MAWSON, ET AL., FOR
REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENT PARENTS IN DEPENDENCY CASES
IN WHICH A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER (AB2004 -039)
Crawford stated the committee would discuss items ten through 17
concurrently.
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated these are annual contracts at the
same rate as the past five years. In 2003, they spent $278,000 on these services.
He has budgeted $250,000 for 2004. There are 17 criminal defense attorneys and
four attorneys for the dependency contract.
Crawford stated the public defender asked for more attorneys in his office.
He asked if there is a trade -off between that and the $278,000 that is spent, or if
they would have to spend this money regardless. Jackson stated the 2003 figures
reflect unavoidable conflicts of interest. The case overload cases from the Public
Defender's Office included contracting out some civil contempt cases. If Mr.
Ostlund's office gets another attorney, he would not see much reduction in these
services. Establishing a separate Public Defender's Office for these conflict items
would mitigate these costs, but that option has costs of its own.
He proposes recouping indigent defense costs from individuals who uses
conflict of interest attorneys through the Public Defender's Office. They have ten
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
years to collect the defense cost from these people. They are sending those costs
to collections.
Nelson moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda items ten
through 17.
Motion carried unanimously,
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND SCOTT M. CHOATE, FOR DEFENDANTS
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER; SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2004-
040)
See Consent Agenda item ten.
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND BRIAN ZANOTELLI, FOR DEFENDANTS
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER; SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2004-
041)
See Consent Agenda item ten.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND ANDREW L. SUBIN, FOR DEFENDANTS
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER; SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2004-
042)
See Consent Agenda item ten.
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND CARL S. PAGAC, FOR DEFENDANTS WHERE
THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER, SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2004-
043)
See Consent Agenda item ten.
15. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND PAULA MCCANDLIS, FOR DEFENDANTS
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER, SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2004-
044)
See Consent Agenda item ten.
16. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND MCGREEVY, ET AL., FOR DEFENDANTS
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER, SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2004-
045)
See Consent Agenda item ten.
17. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND PAGE, ET AL., FOR DEFENDANTS WHERE
THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER, SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2004-
046)
See Consent Agenda item ten.
19. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE
DELIVERY OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES IN WHATCOM COUNTY, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $250,392 (AB2004 -048)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the Pierce County smoking ban was promoted by
their health department. She asked if the Whatcom County health department
would propose to do the same.
Terry Hinz, Assistant Director, said the staff is talking about it. It would
have to go to the Public Health Advisory Board for discussion. A tobacco coalition
is forming now. It might be one of the recommendations from that coalition that
would go to the Public Health Advisory Board.
Roy asked if the amounts are the same. Hinz stated they are amending the
2004 amounts similar to the money they received in the past.
Motion carried unanimous /y.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
18. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF BELLINGHAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR SUBSTANCE
ABUSE SERVICES, INCLUDING CRISIS SERVICES - ALCOHOL
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY CONTRACT WITH ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $57,529 (AB2004 -047)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
20. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT CONTRACT ACCEPTING $75,000 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNITY, TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO HELP
COMPLETE THE REVIEW OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT AND AMEND AS
NEEDED THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
PLAN PROGRAM, ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS, AND
THE CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE (AB2004 -049)
Sylvia Goodwin, Planning Division Manager, stated this is a State grant to
fund 100 percent of consultant services needed to update the County critical areas
ordinance, which has to be done by the end of 2004. They will set up a public
involvement process and hold public hearings in the fall. The original ordinance
was adopted in 1997, and there were several court challenges.
Crawford asked why they have to make changes. Goodwin stated there are
changes to the State law. The County's site - specific approach is not consistent
with the State regulations.
Roy asked if they also have 100 percent funding to update the shoreline
management plan. Goodwin stated she doesn't know yet. They received a
$600,000 grant from the State Department of Ecology, but she doesn't know yet if
it will fund 100 percent of the costs. A lot of existing staff will have to put time
into it. The grant will fund all the consultants and two temporary staff persons to
coordinate that program. The two efforts are related, but separate.
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
21. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT CONTRACT ACCEPTING $600,000 FROM THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO COMPLETE AN UPDATE
OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM (AB2004-
050)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Nelson asked if this would be done by 2004.
Sylvia Goodwin, Planning Division Manager, stated this has to be done by
2005, which is a very ambitious schedule.
Nelson stated it seems most of the work is done by staff people from various
jurisdictions first, before it goes to the public.
Jeff Chalfant, Senior Planner, stated there are early public involvement
strategies, including workshops and open houses. There will be a series of six
monthly workshops in the beginning of the process.
Motion carried unanimously.
22. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
AWARD OF BID #03 -91 FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF RIP -RAP ROCK
TO THE APPROPRIATE VENDOR AS DICTATED BY THE SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTICULAR JOB, IN AN ANTICIPATED
AMOUNT OF MORE THAN $35,000 (AB2004 -051)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
23. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
AWARD OF BID #03 -92 FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF MINERAL
AGGREGATES TO THE APPROPRIATE VENDOR AS DICTATED BY THE
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTICULAR JOB, IN AN
ANTICIPATED AMOUNT OF MORE THAN $35,000 (AB2004 -052)
Nelson moved to recommend approval. He asked if the annual supply
process is reflective of what they would need in the future. He asked if there is a
trend analysis.
Mary Green, ER &R Manager, stated there is no trend analysis. So far the
price has been consistent from year to year.
Roy stated the Council goes through quite a few hoops to figure out if they
have enough aggregate supply for many years. However, the County is
contracting with people who aren't in Whatcom County. That doesn't make sense.
She asked if they are restricted by the lowest bidder requirement. That isn't
consistent with the State's requirement to plan for mineral resources. Green
stated she typically encourages people in British Columbia to bid because of Point
Roberts. It makes economic sense to get the material from Canada when doing
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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.
work in Point Roberts. That's the only time the County has gotten aggregate from
Canada.
Motion carried unanimously.
24. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF A VARIETY OF ROAD MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS
USING THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT FOR ROAD STRIPING
PAINT AND BEADS IN THE AMOUNT OF $375,000; HERBICIDES IN
THE AMOUNT OF $90,000; TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000;
GUARDRAILS AND MATERIALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000; AND
RUBBERIZED ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 (AB2004 -053)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Roy stated San Juan County has a no- herbicide policy. Whatcom County
should work toward that policy.
Caskey- Schreiber stated this is a lot of money for chemicals. She asked if
that's what the County typically goes through.
Mike Roberts, Assistant County Road Engineer, stated that last March, the
Public Works Committee had a presentation on herbicides to cover the 2003 and
2004 budgets. In June and July, they will make another presentation for the 2005
budget.
Motion carried unanimously.
25. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO SIGN
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING EXTENDING THE EXPIRED
2000 -2002 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BY AND
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 231,
SHERIFF'S SUPPORT STAFF BARGAINING UNIT THROUGH 2003
(AB2004 -054)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
26. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO SIGN
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING EXTENDING THE EXPIRED
2000 -2002 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BY AND
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 231,
CORRECTIONS OFFICERS BARGAINING UNIT THROUGH 2003
(AB2004 -055)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, 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.
Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING WHATCOM COUNTY'S MASTER FACILITIES
PLAN (AB2003 -288)
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Harris Faulkin, HDR President, stated they used a process to look at the data
and quality of existing buildings. He would make recommendations.
The courthouse is the key building for consideration. It is an amenity and
asset to the County in the long -term. The use may change. There are seismic and
life- safety issues. Key portions of the structure need work where they are housing
the emergency operations center and management information systems center.
He strongly recommends removing those key functions out of the basement, which
is vulnerable. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements should be
brought up to date. The loading dock should not access the street. Emergency
power issues should be studied. It is one of the few courthouses in the state that
doesn't make sure its occupants are protected. These are doable things that can
be improved. The investment in improvements makes a lot of sense. Repair of
exterior insulation systems should be done. They may want to reconfigure the
upper floor for office space.
The public safety building is unsatisfactory. Get out of that building sooner
rather than later. It is seismically vulnerable. Adding a floor is a bad idea. He is
very concerned about life safety. One individual controls all the doors opening and
closing. That person sits over a floor that is not very well done. If that person is
lost by fire or smoke, the inmates and corrections officers are at risk. This building
probably has to be operational another six or eight years. That's all the life that is
left in it.
David King, Stewart + King Architects, stated the Civic Center building plays
a prominent role in the civic center complex. Because of its proximity to Whatcom
Creek, there are Endangered Species Act (ESA) and shoreline regulations. Most
building systems, electrical and mechanical, need replacement. Structural
assessment indicates it is insufficient for continued County use because of seismic
upgrades that would be required. It just barely meets the load requirements for its
intended use. ADA improvements are site related. Proximity to the transportation
center is good. Only in its comparison to other County buildings is it appropriate
for an office layout.
The alternative corrections building represents the worst condition of any
County building. It's use is testament to the County's need. It is a very small
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building. Most of the building systems have failed to the point it is not recoverable.
Demolition is recommended. The site is strategic in the civic center area. The
asset of the location is its proximity to the courthouse. It has the same issues
regarding proximity to Whatcom Creek and ESA and shoreline issues. There is a
long history of the site being on fill material. It would require a significant cleanup
operation.
Faulkin compared the current and future space needs. They used the
medium population growth projections for this forecast. The current occupied
space is 345,000 square feet. They should be in 481,000 square feet right now.
About 100,000 is needed for law and justice systems. The future need for 2012 is
575,000 and for 2022 is 628,000 square feet.
The current space issues are with insufficient internal circulation, ADA
compliance, small sized offices and workstations, and other issues. The jail and
courtroom space is an issue. The percentage of staff growth ranges from 23
percent to 89 percent, depending on the service area. The average growth for
County personal is 58 percent.
Parking is another issue. There are about 500 parking stalls in the civic
center area. There needs to be about 1,600 parking stalls. The need will grow to
2,400 stalls by 2022, which is driven heavily by law and justice needs. In 2022, 80
percent of the parking need will be due to the law and justice systems.
Don Hogan, HDR project architect, stated one area they focused on for
facilities is the downtown area. The public safety building site, south parking lot
site, and jail alternatives and facilities building sites are potential sites for
constructing new facilities.
Using the current footprint around the courthouse complex for all
government functions isn't recommended. The buildings would have to be very tall
to meet the needs until 2022. They would require a parking facility on the south
parking lot that would be ten stories high.
One option includes building a large building on either the south site or the
north site for all law and justice services only. Another option is a hybrid.
Faulkin stated there is a tight footprint in the civic center area. They tried
different scenarios to figure out how massive the buildings would have to be to
locate all services in the civic center area. The law and justice system would
require massive structures.
The economic issues are to minimize long -term capital development costs
and operational costs. If the existing jail is vertically expanded, they would have a
$1 million operating cost per year. Because of seismic code changes, they can't
keep adding floors onto the building.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, Page 12
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Option one is that the courthouse complex becomes an administrative
center for office uses. Find a remote location for the law and justice component.
That would take the parking load issues away from the courthouse complex. When
they build structured parking in the form of a garage for the size the County needs,
the cost would be $17,000 per stall. If the parking stalls are on paved surfaces,
the cost is $6,000 per stall. Option one includes a new County justice center.
Hogan stated a new law and justice center would allow the County flexibility
and expansion in the future. They would not have to add on vertically. He showed
a plan for a hypothetical law and justice center on a 50 -acre site. The plan
includes buildings for the sheriff, jail support, adult detention, juvenile detention,
and a new courthouse. The plan includes room for future expansion after 2022.
Almost ten acres in front of the courthouse would be only for parking.
Faulkin stated the expansion would be horizontal. If the County grows at
the rate they expect, it can expand without affecting operations. With a horizontal
jail space, the inmates can move from their cell to the infirmary or court on their
own. With a vertical jail space, those inmates would have to be escorted.
King stated that if the law and justice facilities move to another site, non -
law and justice functions would have an opportunity to use the facilities the County
currently has. About 180,000 square feet of space and 800 parking stalls would be
needed in 2022. The County Executive, Treasurer, and Assessor would remain in
the building. The Health Department, Planning Department, and Public Works
Department would also be on this site.
A second option is to divvy up those departments into three different
buildings in about 190,000 square feet. The existing jail facility is a detriment.
The first option is to accommodate all the needs in the courthouse structure.
Parking at the south lot would concur with other development downtown.
One issue is that this scheme is dependent on the new law and justice
facility being constructed, which will take six to eight years. The non -law and
justice systems would have to wait that long, but there are immediate needs for
changes. The projected costs don't currently include the miscellaneous properties
that are in the County inventory now, but aren't needed.
Faulkin stated option two is to create a law and justice facility within the
courthouse and existing facilities, and non -law and justice facilities would relocate
to a remote facility. The existing jail would be used through 2012, when it is
replaced with new construction.
Hogan stated option two includes a new structure on the north lot. The
courthouse would be expanded for superior court, and the west side would be built
for detention. Part of the problem is that they want to minimize the height to
minimize costs. Empty the existing jail to free up that footprint, and put all the
offenders into the new detention area for an interim period of a year or two, at
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, Page 13
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which point they can fill up the actual needs for the year 2022 where the existing
jail is now. It allows for an expansion space at the south end of the site. A
parking garage would be built on the south lot.
King stated Option 2a includes a remote County administrative center and a
remote health department. Another possibility for option two is to demolish the
northwest annex, build a new structure, and move general operations to that site.
One requirement is that some of these uses must be within the city limits. The city
line would have to be redrawn.
Hogan stated yet another alternative is to take over the entire block to the
south of the existing courthouse.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
Hogan continued to state that expansion on the north side would be to
accommodate parking.
King stated option 2b would use the property at the Civic Center building for
all non -law and justice center operations. This site has access to the senior center
property on the other side of the creek, which is currently under -used. The
shoreline and ESA regulators have indicated that option wouldn't be out of the
question.
When the law and justice location is found, the non -law and justice facilities
can be determined to a higher degree.
Faulkin stated that once the Council provides a general direction, he will
provide a schematic on the annual development progress and accompanying cash
flow demand through the life of the master plan. He read from his presentation
(on file) regarding the conceptual cost estimate summation of total options costs.
Option 1 includes a justice facility with 600 adult beds; 64 beds for
juveniles; all new courts, including 14 superior and district courts; several courts
for juveniles; a new sheriff's facility; property surface parking. The option 1 non -
justice facility includes retrofitting, improving, and expanding the courthouse to
accommodate all non - justice facilities.
Option 2 includes a law and justice facility developed north of the existing
courthouse; a remote location facility for non - justice operations, and; a structured
parking garage.
Option 2a includes a law and justice facility south of the courthouse,
developed horizontally; a new tower adjacent to the Civic Center to brace the
existing building; improvements to the Civic Center, and; developed parking.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/13/2004, Page 14
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 There are decision - making factors the Council must consider. Adult
2 detention needs drive many of the decisions regarding location. A question is the
3 necessity for the jail and justice system to be in close proximity. There is a cost
4 factor related to a vertical or horizontal jail. There is an impact of 12 -story
5 buildings in the civic center area. The compelling question is whether the
6 dominant downtown structures should be justice related. Because of the small
7 physical footprint downtown, they are stuck expanding vertically. There are
8 consequences to moving all justice and detention operations to a 30- to 50 -acre
9 site. There are parking issues in the Civic Center area.
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11 Brenner stated she is disappointed that all this expensive work has been
12 done and there is no example given of the scenario of having all new criminal
13 justice functions downtown, and moving all other functions to the Smith and
14 Northwest location. Desler stated these two options were ones that the Council
15 choose to ask for further analysis. It's a fairly easy thing to move all
16 administrative functions to Smith and Northwest. If the Council would like to see
17 more detail on that, it can.
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19 Brenner stated she's not talking about more detail. It wasn't even covered.
20 The Council decided to allow it to be done through this, not go back to the drawing
21 board and do it over. Desler stated he's never heard the Council ask for it.
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25 Fleetwood stated he liked the idea of having law and justice and
26 administrative facilities downtown in the business core. Expanding vertically is
27 efficient in terms of land use. There may be administrative cost savings from
28 going out rather than up. He asked the extent they've considered the competing
29 benefits from going up, such as commuter trip reductions if everyone is located
30 downtown. Faulkin stated they tried to use the properties the County has adjacent
31 to this building. They also tried to recognize what the City of Bellingham and
32 Centennial Group thought appropriate for civic center development. The amount of
33 traffic and traffic access to get into this location downtown also has impacts.
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35 Nelson stated they all carry biases. To make good decisions, they need
36 criteria from the Council and the administration. Cost analysis has been done on
37 these options. There may be questions of geological hazard problems with these
38 locations. He asked about timeframes for the options. There are also
39 transportation impacts. There may be other criteria for the councilmembers to
40 consider. The Council may need to rank those criteria to make a decision. He
41 asked how they formalize those decisions. Desler stated the presentation is a
42 summation of key options. They want more deliberate discussion on February 3rd
43 they are not getting into geologic issues now because it's not appropriate at this
44 stage.
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Faulkin stated he used square footage costs. There are development issues
downtown. The geologic issues are important. He has the data they used to
substantiate their cost estimates.
Crawford stated this community is concerned about growth and sprawl. It
would be an interesting statement for the County Council to say it will preserve
rural areas, and then expand on a 50 -acre facility. The County may decide it's
worth the cost to expand vertically. It's a statement to the community. There's an
element of this that goes beyond costs and goes into community character.
Roy stated part of that character is whether they want the jail to be the
major building in the downtown core. There is also an issue if operating costs cost
$1 million more per year. Operating costs are a huge priority. That's what the
County has to deal with every year. She asked the number of prisoners per floor
on the ten -story building. Faulken stated there would be 64 inmates per unit and
per corrections officer.
Roy asked if they need more corrections officers on site with a ten -story
facility than with a two -story spread out facility. The more important issue is how
much it will cost the County to run the facility each year.
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, stated he's been told from another consultant that the costs
are far higher with a vertical jail than a horizontal jail. He would provide cost and
personnel estimates on the difference.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she is hesitant to sprawl out onto a 50 -acre area.
She asked if there is a way to separate a potential jail facility into short -term pre -
sentenced clientele and sentenced clientele. That would keep the courts here. A
significant number of attorneys have located in the downtown area. If the courts
moved to another location, the attorneys would relocate also. Desler stated they
would note the question and discuss it further in February.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they also need to discuss parking and commute trip
reduction efforts.
McShane stated his biggest concern is that there are serious process issues.
The councilmembers are all over the place on this topic. Desler stated they want
to get all the information and feedback. They will respond to all comments. This is
all necessary to make significant investment decisions. There is a substantial
demand for space, even today.
The Council will have a discussion on February 3rd in a work session. If they
need to have a follow up meeting after that, they will.
OTHER BUSINESS
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There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:06 p.m.
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, 1/13/2004, Page 17