HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance May 18 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
May 18, 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:
Sharon Roy Dan McShane
Also Present:
Seth Fleetwood
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Barbara Brenner
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION BY THE DEPOT MARKET COMMITTEE REGARDING
THE PROPOSED DEPOT MARKET (AB2004 -017)
Brian Griffin, Depot Market Committee, stated this is a countywide effort of
countywide importance. They are asking for endorsement from several
organizations. This is a public /private partnership among the City of Bellingham
and other private agencies to build a building on Railroad Avenue where the
farmer's market has been meeting. They want to make the location a permanent
home for the farmer's market and a venue for many other activities. The building
will be usable all year long and rented out by the City for public uses of economic
value. The location will continue as a parking lot during the work week. All the
walls are actually overhead doors. This is a historic site. Bellingham's first railroad
station was on this line. In 1895, the Bellingham Bay and British Columbia railroad
built a depot at this location. It's the reason for Railroad Avenue's name.
The development is of countywide interest. The farmer's market is an
important part of the small farm economy of the agricultural community. The
farmer's market expects to see good growth as a result of this permanent location.
Last year, the market had gross sales of over $603,000. Of equal importance, the
people who came to the market spent $1.2 million downtown. It provides
important economic strength for the county. Because of the interest in the market,
it has more than doubled gross sales in each week that it has been open this year.
It is a harbinger of great growth.
The market is a wonderful economic incubator. Many local businesses have
started at the market. The main structure of the building is on the Maple Street
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
side. The three extensions are overhead roofs that emulate railroad platforms.
The building is designed to emulate the old depot. There will be a historic display.
The City of Bellingham budgeted for a street improvement with market sheds on
that street. The public promised to raise over half a million dollars to build
something that would become a landmark in the community. He submitted a
brochure (on file).
Fleetwood asked the consideration given to the proposed size of the site and
project, in terms of how it relates to future growth. He asked if it will be big
enough. Griffin stated the City owns the entire lot. There is room on the lot and in
the courtyard of the current design to grow. Growth is limited by the City's land
ownership. If they outgrow the lot, they can also close off the street.
Mike Finger, Depot Market Committee and Farmer's Market Association
founder, stated there is provision in the design courtyard for popup stalls. They are
planning for 70 to 90 stalls. If demand warrants it, the vendors' vehicles will have
to be parked elsewhere. It's hard to predict their growth pattern, but they can
accommodate growth.
Crawford asked about the center courtyard area that isn't covered. He asked
if they can cover the entire block for events such as concerts. Griffin stated not at
this time. They are constricted by finances. However, the extensions are simply
roofs on steel posts. They can easily be taken down and a building extension could
be built. Some advocates see this as the town square one day. There are 300
residential units being built to the north side of the property. As soon as the Morse
Hardware property is built and rented out, one developer will start another
residential project, which will change the entire area of Railroad avenue.
Roy asked if the design includes places for visitors to sit down. Griffin stated
the seating will have to be portable, because the area will be a parking lot during
the week.
Roy stated she urged the organization to include adequate seating for
visitors.
Crawford asked if there is any concern from the local grocers about publicly
subsidized service. He asked if the local grocers could participate. Finger stated
the mission of the farmer's market is to support and promote local agriculture,
meaning growers. They are firmly dedicated to local food production. It is the civic
duty of the local governments to ensure local food production. The grocery stores
serve a completely different function. The market is only open 30 days per year for
five hours per day. It is a different comparison. The membership does not
accommodate the needs of local grocers, only local food producers. Agriculture in
the county is challenged. Although the market has appealed to small vendors, it is
also an opportunity for larger growers to develop new products. If vendors grow
beyond the market, they aren't expected to stay.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
Griffin stated he talked to the Brown & Cole and Haggen families, who
endorse the market. The Bellingham Food Coop also endorses the market.
Crawford thanked the presenters, and stated the economic development
funds are available through the Economic Development Council.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she really supports this effort. The local farmers
appreciate having direct access to city customers.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2004 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
FIFTH REQUEST (AB2004 -197)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated on the County is on the verge of
doing major capital projects that require the skills of someone who can monitor
that work.
The administration has been working closely with the Auditor, who is trying
to reset all election management affairs. Administration recommends these items.
Roy stated she supports the ordinance as proposed. Each of the items is
something that is needed. She questioned the need of the project manager, and if
the cost could come out of the current money for the facilities plan, but was told
this is something separate. There are enough projects outside the plan to make
this position appropriate.
Crawford asked for more information on the special projects planner
requested by the Planning and Development Services Department.
Roy stated that position will be paid for by fees.
Desler stated the administration projects that the workload for that position
will continue to grow. How to deal with this demand for additional capacity can be
addressed by carving off some specialized efforts for this special projects manager.
Staff, who are experienced at handling land use issues, can focus on those issues.
There is a second tier of requests related to this issue that are being proposed in
the next supplemental budget request.
Crawford asked if this will help with the time it takes to get a permit.
Hal Hart, Planning and Development Services Director, stated they currently
have the seasonal employment they've just hired for this year. This position will
pull together all the skill sets required for complex projects that Whatcom County
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
hasn't been involved in. There are urbanizing areas around the city of Bellingham.
There is a set of projects that the County will be involved it, and the department
needs to call on other departments. The person requires a broad set of skills to
coordinate the permit process and save the County time and money. Before
construction, there is a pre - planning and permitting stage, which can take up to a
year. Right now, the key individuals doing this permitting would be called in from
the field to focus on these other issues. This position will take pressure off line
staff and allow them to stay in the field and do their inspections. There isn't a
capacity on his staff now to deal with the larger requests.
Crawford asked the permitting time right now. Hart stated they are
scheduling single - family home permits for August 17.
delay.
Desler stated the next supplemental request will address the permitting
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BIENNIAL BUDGET PROCESS BEGINNING
WITH FISCAL YEARS 2005 AND 2006 (AB2004 -199)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this has been discussed over the
last few months. The Charter allows a biennial budget process. In 1998 or 1999,
the previous County Council authorized a biennial budget process, but the County
administration did not execute it. This is an update of that ordinance. Now, the
administration is serious about moving forward.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING DATE TO DECLARE PROPERTY
SURPLUS (AB2004 -201)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY CONSERVATION CORPS,
COORDINATED BY THE NOOKSACK SALMON ENHANCEMENT
ASSOCIATION, FOR SALMON RECOVERY ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT
THE COUNTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,703 (AB2004 -202)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DFM
ASSOCIATES FOR PURCHASE OF A VOTER REGISTRATION AND
ELECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $99,074
(AB2004 -203)
Shirley Forslof, Auditor, stated she received responses from four vendors to
the request for proposals (RFP) process. Her user staff evaluated all four proposals
and chose DFM and Associates. The system is integrated with the statewide voter
registration system that is required under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The
State is enthusiastic about it. The State agrees the County will comply with HAVA
when this is done. This contract meets the requirement. There is some funding.
The Secretary of State is getting HAVA funds to pay for the statewide voter
registration system. She would apply for those funds. This system would be part
of the voter registration.
Crawford asked the amount. Forslof stated the County approved $80,000 in
the budget for the system and the supplemental to purchase the system. This is
the contract to purchase the system for which the funds were already approved.
Roy asked if this system has a verifiable paper trail. Forslof stated this
system is for voter registration, not ballot counting. It's an interactive system with
the State.
Crawford stated it should prevent someone from being registered in more
than one location.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
NORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE FOR AMBIENT WATER QUALITY
MONITORING UNDER THE CENTENNIAL GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$66,799 (AB2004 -204)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. The Northwest
Indian College may have a pre- conceived notion about ambient water quality. She
asked if staff feels there will be objectivity.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
Sue Blake, Resources Planner, stated staff proposes having the Northwest
Indian College simply collect the data that the County would have been collecting
exactly the same way.
Roy stated there was a question that came up in a discussion recently. If
they get into interpretation of the data, there might be certain mindsets. Blake
stated that won't apply in this case.
Brenner stated the agreement specifies the task of monitoring, not just
collection. The Northwest Indian College does a great job, but it is a vested
interest. She's uncomfortable having a vested interest do the monitoring. She's
okay with collection. Blake stated page four lists the sites they will go to, which are
the same sites they talked about earlier. All the information in this comes directly
from the approved quality assurance project plan. They identify where the
Northwest Indian College goes, the sampling frequency and parameters they will
analyze for, using the specific protocols listed. Her responsibility will be to make
sure they do all those things and make sure the reports are done the same way the
County would do it. The Northwest Indian College has to use accredited labs
certified by the State Department of Ecology to do this. They would field test for
five parameters.
Caskey- Schreiber stated there is a difference between analyzing the data to
come to a conclusion and monitoring that will be done. Blake stated that's correct.
The County will oversee the Northwest Indian College to make sure it will follow the
procedures. The samples will be taken to a certified lab.
Brenner asked if there will be no interpretation of data. Blake stated the
Northwest Indian College is supposed to give the County the raw data.
Brenner stated someone expressed a concern that people with the same
education from the same schools and same teachers can come up with completely
different conclusions, depending on who they work for. Whenever it comes to
interpretation, make sure the County does it and not a vested interest. Blake
stated part of the reason for the grant and the monitoring program was to get a
consistent way for collecting information, analyzing the results, and reporting the
results.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE WHATCOM
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND PIONEER HUMAN SERVICES FOR
CONDUCTING SUB -ACUTE DETOXIFICATION AND ALCOHOL
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $767,500 (AB2004 -205)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Andy Byrne, Human Services Manager, stated this is simply the first leg of
the Whatcom County crisis triage center.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE A
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY TO IMPLEMENT A NUTRIENT
MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PROJECT TO DEVELOP,
PRODUCE AND CONDUCT RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS
THAT FURTHER DEVELOP THE ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
NECESSARY FOR THE ACCEPTANCE AND ADOPTION OF IMPROVED
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $47,000 (AB2004 -206)
Crawford stated they would discuss this item and the next item together.
Craig MacConnell, Cooperative Extension, stated the purpose of this project
is to protect water resources by finding practical ways to keep excess nutrients out
of groundwater. The biggest issue is agriculture and excess nutrients from dairies.
The County funded this project the last few years. They have attempted to find
viable economic products for these nutrients. Rather than a regulatory incentive,
they can add a business - driven incentive to look for ways to get rid of these excess
nutrients. They've run research blocks with vegetables, and found up to six -fold
increases in production with leafy vegetables. Many of the local farmers are now
interested in seeing whether dairy -based compost will help the farmers. They've
moved the research into local crops.
He applauds the County and the Council for their support of anaerobic
digestion. It was one of the significant steps that allowed Washington State
University to receive the Paul Allen grant to look at global climate change,
specifically anaerobic digestion. The foundation required a significant match. They
are close to being able to say they can pre - process or reprocess the fiber coming
out of the digester so it will perform equally to peat moss in the greenhouse and
nursery industry.
Regarding Consent Agenda item seven, the purpose is to protect the water
resources of Whatcom County. They're interested in finding ways to reduce the
impact of pesticides on surface water and on ground water. This project is
research - based. They are still working on the raspberry traps for beetles that
they've brought in from Switzerland. They will complete that project at the end of
this year.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
There are a number of other research projects done in Whatcom County.
They also do education. They will continue some of the education they've done in
the past. They are starting to put together a partnership of various service
providers to have a series of best management practice training. Cooperative
Extension will promote their businesses if they engage in this project. It's a new
project for 2004. There are a number of other integrated pest management (IPM)
projects.
Through the media, Cooperative Extension points the public to the
Cooperative Extension website. The projects in the IPM section of the website are
the most visited pages on the website. They can see how the attempt to use the
media to expand education reach really comes back.
Farmer's are changing their pesticide practices as a result of the Swiss
technology regarding the raspberry beetle.
Brenner asked if they are changing practice because the beetle is not as big
a problem as they thought. MacConnell stated that is correct.
Roy moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda items six and seven
to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE A
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY TO IMPLEMENT AN INTEGRATED
PEST MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PROJECT TO
DEVELOP, PRODUCE AND CONDUCT RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL
EFFORTS THAT FURTHER DEVELOP THE ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE
AND SKILLS NECESSARY FOR THE ACCEPTANCE AND ADOPTION OF
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN WHATCOM COUNTY
IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,000 (AB2004 -207)
See Consent Agenda item six for discussion and approval of this item.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #04-
47 TO THE LOWEST BIDDER, KENWORTH NORTHWEST, FOR A
REPLACEMENT DUMP TRUCK, IN THE AMOUNT OF $123,918.94
(AB2004 -208)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner stated she's very impressed that the old dump truck had that many
miles on it.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the administration is
coordinating the purchase of property on Division Street from the City of
Bellingham. The administration has posed to the City the possibility of trading
land. The City declined. Now, they're talking about a combination of cash and
small parcels. He asked the County Council to introduce a supplemental budget
request tonight for a public hearing in two weeks. The introduction item will
appropriate funds to purchase the property for the jail project. The City Council
has a series of questions for the County. The administration will meet with the City
Council to talk about the project. They have questions about what the County is
doing to expand capacity of the justice system to serve the needs of all the
communities in the county.
Brenner asked about using real estate excise tax (REET) funds or rural sales
tax funds instead. Desler stated there may be a modification to the proposed
supplemental budget request to use the REET funds, which has about $2.2 million
in the fund now.
Crawford asked if this property will still be of value if the County doesn't use
it and if they are able to move forward with this and with the master facilities
planning process on a permanent location. Desler stated everyone needs to stop
saying this will be a temporary facility. It is an alternative corrections facility that
includes work release, electronic home monitoring, work crews, and non - dangerous
misdemeanants. The administration also proposes a triage center to assess and
deal with people having a mental health and substance abuse crisis. This will also
include a warehouse and election center. He anticipates this facility will be used for
25 to 30 years. In order to respect the desires of people who say they want to be
able to convert the land back to industrial use, the administration will put in the
electrical and transport structures for the facility that can be converted to industrial
use. He doesn't plan to convert the facility back to an industrial use, but wants
that flexibility. This is the most cost - effective, limited timeframe solution they have
for some vexing problems. It doesn't solve the overall problem with the jail and
corrections. The County will have to replace the jail over the next five to ten years.
This interim jail would give the County some breathing room.
Crawford asked if the County can resell the property if they go ahead with
the purchase of this and, in the very near term, other opportunities come up for
acquisition for long term structural improvement and the County never breaks
ground on Division Street. Desler stated it can. The administration proposes to get
staff on board to work this project. The administration will bring forward a contract
with an architectural firm to start some things. The architect will take weeks or
months before any ground is broken. There will be continuing discussion with the
County Council as that happens.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/18/2004, 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.
Desler stated they are still working on an emergency medical services (EMS)
agreement. The administration will make a proposal to the Council when it's more
formal.
Don Keenan, City of Bellingham, stated they need to continue to move
forward on this because of the June 30 deadline. The City Council is interested in
hearing from the County Council about what it proposes to do with the property.
Time is of the essence.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:15 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, 5/18/2004, Page 10