HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 9 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
November 9, 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:
Dan McShane None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE ON VARIOUS BRIDGE LOAD RESTRICTIONS (AB2004 -335A)
Joe Rutan, County Road Engineer, stated this update is on recent information
on bridge loading. Information about load restrictions will go to trucking
companies, school districts, and industries. He submitted a memo and map (on
file) and explained the map of bridges in the County.
Roy asked if the list of six high priority bridges that were ranked in order of
importance for repair or replacement is related to the weight restrictions. Rutan
stated it is. This is a preliminary ranking. They have to put together financial plans
for further direction. They looked at effects of load restrictions on certain routes.
Smith Road is a highly traveled route. The bridge is a narrow point on Smith Road.
The abutments are not in great conditions. They can put in new girders, but the
bridge would still be narrow. Abutments have shorter life span than girders. It
would limit their ability to get federal funding. When they do construction, the road
will be closed for a number of months. At that point, the Kelly Road bridge
becomes an issue. They have difficult decisions to make based on haul routes,
transportation, ability to do this, and financial obligations. They have counters
getting information on types of trucks and volume. They will have to repair some
bridges to replace girders. They are putting together a contract for girders.
Crawford asked how outreach will occur. Rutan stated he has a list. Staff
will work with people on the list to plan other routes or reconfigure vehicles.
Information will also be on the website. Staff is developing a means to get an
interactive map on the website.
Crawford asked if there are any hay farmers who operate their own trucks.
Rutan stated there are. Staff will do their best to reach out to all the people who
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/9/2004, 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.
may be impacted. He hopes people in the industry will get the word out and that
people will call when they see the sign.
Roy stated they are gathering data on the bridge use now. It sounds
complicated. Rutan stated he had concerns about the girders, so they did the load
ratings on half the bridges in the county. They will do load ratings on the other half
in the future. He hopes they identified all the troublesome bridges in the first half.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND HEALTH
PROMOTION NETWORK FOR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(EAP) SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3.95 PER EMPLOYEE PER
MONTH FOR EAP SERVICES, AND $200 PER HOUR FOR TRAINING
(AB2004 -380)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this is a very valuable service.
The administration and Human Resources Division recommend continuation of the
program.
Crawford stated this is a small line item, but the cost seems to inflate a lot.
Desler stated the cost inflates because many employees use the service. The
service has solved some complicated and difficult personal problems.
Roy asked if the contract reduces employee visits from one to six to one to
three.
Karen Goens, Human Resources Division Manager, stated the first bid was
$4.25 per employee, per month. That bid is a lot higher. Most employees are not
going in for six visits. They propose to try allowing one to three visits per issue for
a year rather than go with an untried company. The County got a very
advantageous deal.
Roy stated these programs save the County money in the long term. She
asked if employees could pool resources. Goens stated they cannot, but if an issue
is a long -term issue, the employee is referred to a mental health counselor. Also,
the contract allows one to three visits per issue. An employee can have an
unlimited number of issues per year. In addition, the medical plan provides for
mental health services.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried 2 -0 with McShane out of the room.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/9/2004, 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.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL FOR OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE
SERVICES, IN A VARIABLE AMOUNT DEPENDING UPON COUNTY PRE -
AUTHORIZATIONS (AB2004 -381)
Terry Hinz, Assistant Director, stated this item is the result of the request for
proposals for treatment services. The contract is unchanged from last year.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR STREAM FLOW GAGE
NETWORK MAINTENANCE FOR EARLY FLOOD WARNING PROGRAM,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,160 FOR THE COUNTY SHARE, FOR A TOTAL
PROJECT COST OF $59,480 (AB2004 -382)
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated this is the annual
funding agreement with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to do gauge maintenance.
There is a significant cost increase to the County. The Army Corps of Engineers
decided not to participate this year. The County has the capacity for the increased
cost in the budget.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WALKER AND
ASSOCIATES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING OF
THE NORTH FORK, SOUTH FORK, MIDDLE FORK, AND MAINSTREAM
OF THE NOOKSACK RIVER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,987, FOR A
TOTAL AMENDED AMOUNT OF $126,212 (AB2004 -383)
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division, stated the amendment amount is
$104,225, not $21,987. The total amended amount shown for the contract is
correct. This agreement will develop topographical mapping. They use this
topographical mapping for many things.
Crawford asked if there is public access to this information. Cooper stated
there is. It's not on the website yet, but staff burns CD's often.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/9/2004, 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.
McShane asked the resolution on the maps. Cooper stated the resolution is
one inch equals 200, two -foot contour interval.
McShane asked how accurate the data is. Cooper stated that with two -foot
contour interval, the variance is plus or minus a half -foot. The specs are in the
documents in the Council packet. It is the standard they've done for the last
decade.
Roy moved to recommend approval with the correct amount to the full
Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #04-
72 TO THE ONLY BIDDER, EQUIPMENT SALES CO., INC. FOR A
SURFACE MOUNTED TRUCK HOIST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,844.09
(AB2004 -384)
Eric Schlehuber, Senior Accountant, stated the purpose of a surface mounted
truck hoist is so they don't have to use portable rolling jack stands to lift the dump
trucks. This is for in the shop during maintenance. The primary purpose for the
purchase is safety and efficiency in the shop area. They will put it in one of the
bays. It is a drive - through unit, so it will not take up the entire bay. This was
budgeted as an additional services request (ASR) in the 2004 budget.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY (PARKS &
RECREATION) AND DEBORAH HIGHLEY FOR THE OPERATION OF A
PUBLIC EQUESTRIAN FACILITY AT SUNSET FARM, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $800 PER MONTH (AB2004 -385)
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated this
contract is for a contractor to operate the facility. In addition, the contractor has
its own operation at the facility. This is a cost effective way to get supervision and
oversight without hiring an employee. The facility is in a transition and growth
stage. The contract is for renting the house and allowing the contractor to use the
barn to board horses. In addition, the contractor supervises the site and
coordinates programs.
Crawford asked about this facility. McFarlane stated the facility has a small
riding ring. They are developing a larger ring. People bring their horses to the
facility. There is the potential of boarding horses privately through the contractor.
The County wouldn't board horses because of the cost and labor involved.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/9/2004, 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.
Crawford asked how long this facility has existed and how many citizens use
it. McFarlane stated the facility is used regularly by some certain riding groups.
Different riding groups use different areas. A volunteer corps put up the riding
ring. This will be the third contractor on this site.
Roy asked if the contractor pays the County $800 per month. McFarlane
stated the contractor does, for renting the house for $800.
Roy stated it seems like a good deal. McFarlane stated it is.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
NEGOTIATION, REQ. #08 -04 (AB2004 -386)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, submitted information on the
ordinance adopting the Whatcom County 2005 -2006 Budget (AB2004-
027B) technical corrections. The actual figures in the Council packet include the
adjustments proposed as technical corrections.
Crawford asked about the Charter Review facilitation expenses. Desler
stated the Council said to increase funding for that item by $10,000, to a total of
$16,000. It looks like Mick Moynihan will be the initial chair of the commission. He
wants to do this for the least possible cost. The amount spent may end up being
less than the budgeted amount.
Crawford asked about the land use floater position. Desler stated the
administration proposes to take the plans examiner position for 2006 and begin it
in 2005 instead.
The Council approved the Depot Market Square grant and the Delta Line
grant, so administration added that money to the budget.
There is a memo from the Public Defender's Office that said he will ask for
more staff. The memo said that adding staffing to the Prosecutor's Office means
they must add staff to the Public Defender's Office. They find that if they do
something for one office, the other office wants the same and more. They won't
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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.
ever achieve a balance. The number of filings and cases will always grow. There is
no easy way to contain the growth. The courts are staff - dependant. If they are
going to add capacity in the justice system, they have to reduce capacity
elsewhere.
Roy stated that if the County is in jeopardy of losing State support because
of the caseloads. Desler stated the Public Defender says to the judge that he
cannot ethically represent his clients. The County will have to find another way to
represent these people or dismiss the case. So far, the system uses conflict
counsel. He's working on getting a larger appropriation to counties for public
defender services. Washington State is the only state that doesn't provide funding
for public defender services and is the lowest for funding courts of general
jurisdiction. It is a high priority for the State legislature. Many people are coming
together to address this problem. Whatcom County has one of the better public
defender systems in the state. Other counties are starting to look to Whatcom
County to set the standard. This budget does add staff to the Public Defender's
Office. The two directors of the Public Defender's Office and the Prosecutor's Office
are top notch.
Crawford stated he talked to Judge Ross, who expressed the more pressing
need to have more prosecutors rather than public defenders. Judge Ross felt
strongly that the lack of prosecutors prevents the County from processing a lot of
cases. That is an anecdote of one person's view.
Desler stated there was an issue of lobbying in Olympia. The Executive feels
that the County could devote more resources from the existing Executive and
Council budget to talk with legislators rather than have a high visibility paid staff
person.
Roy stated the issue isn't money, it's time.
Crawford asked how Executive Kremen suggests the councilmembers be
more involved. They can't even find time to get to Washington State Association of
Counties (WSAC) meetings.
Desler stated they're still grappling with emergency medical service (EMS)
issues.
Crawford asked if the administration can fund Ski to Sea with a receipt -based
accounting method. Desler stated it can. The County can require that it see that
documentation before paying bills.
Crawford stated his vote to approve that item is contingent upon that
procedure.
Roy stated she doesn't agree with the procedure and funding the Chamber.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/9/2004, 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.
Crawford stated he is in favor of funding Ski to Sea, not the Chamber.
McShane stated the Council could earmark money to potentially spend on
lobbying in Olympia. Whatcom County has had no participation in WSAC setting its
legislative priorities.
Roy asked if the idea is for the Council to hire someone to represent it in
Olympia.
McShane stated that is his idea. He hasn't discussed it with anyone yet.
He's interested to hear what people have to say about that idea.
Desler stated there are people who do lobbying on a part -time basis. It can
be successful to pick one or two days to have the Council and Executive spend a
day with legislators in the heat of the legislative session. If the Council wants to
add this expenditure, it should reduce an expenditure elsewhere.
The Executive is working on EMS issues. The County budgeted $1.322
million. It is also doing analysis of startup costs, which are expensive. He'll be
talking with the Council on EMS issues in the coming weeks. He's working with a
group that includes mayors, fire commissioners, and fire chiefs.
Roy stated she received an email from someone who said the County is
planning to go with volunteers as opposed to trained emergency medical
technicians (EMI's). That isn't true. That isn't an option. Desler stated the
community is provided basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS).
There are two paramedics to every single aid call. It could be that BLS response
would be from volunteer EMT's.
Crawford stated the first responders in the rural county are generally
volunteers. However, due to a standard of care defined by the operator of the
current system, which is the Bellingham Fire Department, the ability of those folks
is limited. Those volunteers are able to do a certain amount of things. At that
point, the full - fledged EMT /paramedic would arrive for ALS and transport.
Volunteers want to participate in the training to do more ALS, but were shut out of
that system.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Crawford stated he had a problem with that shut out. He wants to empower
the fire districts and volunteers. Allow folks to get training and certification. That
will provide a broader spectrum of people in the community to be available. He has
not yet heard a convincing argument to prevent those folks from getting training.
Roy stated she heard a complaint that a volunteer who is also a nurse wasn't
allowed to provide any level of care, even though that nurse had the training.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/9/2004, 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.
Desler stated the administration is committed to creating a high - quality EMS
system. There is a lot of work to do.
Crawford stated Executive Kremen assured him that the What -Comm budget,
which the Board of Directors unanimously approved, is in the current proposed
budget from the Executive. Medic One's participation was increased by a certain
amount, but he noted to the board that the County budgeted the same amount for
Medic One as last year. Therefore, if there is an increase, Whatcom County had not
anticipated it. The amount that was recommended was the amount in the
proposed budget. The amount Medic One was going to pay was more, but the
County wasn't paying more for Medic One. Desler stated the proposed budget
allows that special staffing arrangement to go forward. The City of Bellingham will
establish a separate Medic One system for Bellingham. In addition, the City will
participate in Whatcom Medic One. The fire department is making adjustments to
the What -Comm budget, staff, and equipment as if it were going to implement a
separate Bellingham Medic One.
McShane asked if they have budgeted for a certain expenditure, but it may
not be that much. Desler stated the County budgeted the same amount as last
year, which is $1.322 million, for the next two years. However, the County's cost
may not be as high because the City is setting up a separate system for
Bellingham. The County planned on recommending adjustments, but they don't
know yet what those will be.
Roy asked if the Medic One response would be the same in the county for the
next two years as it has been in the past. Desler stated that is correct.
Roy asked if a plan is to split the two, and have Bellingham medic units and
County medic units. Desler stated that is the plan in two years.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:58 a.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, 11/9/2004, Page 8