HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 23 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 23, 2004
Committee Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Dan McShane None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Barbara Brenner
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. QUARTERLY REPORT FROM THE BELLINGHAM- WHATCOM PUBLIC
FACILITIES DISTRICT (AB2004 -120)
Crawford suggested that the report be made every six months instead of
quarterly. The report might be a part of the interlocal agreement. Check to see if
this is possible, or if quarterly reports are mandated as part of the agreement.
David Warren, Public Facilities District (PFD) Coordinator, presented a report
on the PFD's progress. The PFD opened phase I of a three -phase process on the
Mt. Baker theater buildings.
The Children's Museum project is moving ahead. They've purchased the old
Employment Security building on Grand Avenue. A museum design competition
has been going on. They've picked three finalists who's designs will be up for
public review at the Whatcom Museum in December.
The PFD completed a bond sale for regional projects. The net proceeds are
$9.4 million. The PFD will use about $6.5 million of the proceeds to reimburse itself
for capital expenses to date, leaving about $3 million for future capital projects.
They must be spent within three years.
The PFD is moving into the streetscape design process to bring attention to
the downtown core area, including the Civic Center /Theater area. A developer put
forward a grant to hire an urban designer from Portland, Oregon. This is an
opportunity to look at the waterfront's potential, also. The urban designer will
make a final presentation to the PFD in December. The PFD Board can only do the
streetscape design in the cultural center area, not to the waterfront. However,
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
there are now opportunities for the private sector to finance some of that cost,
which he believes they will. Business owners are very excited about the potential.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there was a Bellingham
operation with a dangerous offender. There was a multi - jurisdictional effort to
capture this person, who escaped into Skagit County. The person fired at officers
surrounding his location. Officers fired back. The person was shot twice, which
resulted in a life- threatening situation. The person was treated at Harborview
Medical Center's trauma center. Whatcom County hired King County corrections
officers to provide 24 -hour per day custody. The resulting costs of all that is
around $125,000, which will come forward in the ordinance amending the 2004
Whatcom County budget, fifteenth request (AB2004 -411). He questions who
will ultimately be responsible for those bills.
Crawford stated several law enforcement jurisdictions were involved. He
asked if the County is prosecuting the offender. Desler stated he is planning a
discussion on all jail's costs. The administration wants to be clear on who has
responsibility. This item will come before the County Council at the next meeting.
It will be introduced at the evening meeting.
Brad Bennett, Finance Division Manager, stated they are holding off on
paying some of these bills until they figure out who is responsible for some of these
costs. Councilmember Crawford's question was why Whatcom County is bearing
the brunt of the cost. He's being told that Whatcom County is paying because
Whatcom County is charging the suspect with a crime, even though the suspect
committed crimes in other jurisdictions. The suspect needed to be delivered to
Whatcom County and, therefore, Whatcom County should pay. Payment for
medical costs prior to booking into the jail is another issue. Once booked, medical
costs are clearly Whatcom County's responsibility. Having talked to legal counsel,
there isn't a lot of law on who is responsible before booking. He will talk further
with legal counsel to see if the State should pick up the tab if the suspect qualifies
for medical coverage through the State Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS), since the suspect hadn't been booked.
Crawford stated there should be some precedence for how that is handled in
the larger urban areas. Bennett stated the medical issues is becoming a bigger and
bigger problem. In this instance, there wasn't a clear trail and the attorneys will
have to become involved.
Desler stated that within the next 45 days, the administration is going to try
to determine who is responsible for paying which health care costs. The County will
have to change its statutes to accurately reflect State law. Whatcom County has
been asked to pay for some things that he is questioning.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
Brenner stated she will not support this at all. It will send out the wrong
message to law enforcement. The suspect should bear the costs. Desler stated the
County is constitutionally required to provide this kind of care for these people.
The County would be forced to pay for that care. If the County refuses to pay, the
providers of the medical service will have to pay for it, rather than the public.
Brenner stated they should say that the suspect should pay for the bill. If
the suspect can't pay for it, put him on social services and make the State
responsible. Desler stated no one wants to pay for their health care and medical
costs.
Crawford asks if hospital care for transients, for instance, is paid for by the
hospital. Desler stated it is. The hospital gets the money from insurance rates and
the cost of delivering services to employees and others in the community.
McShane stated the bill will have to be paid in some way. Whether or not
they agree with it, the County has a bill to pay. This isn't about whether or not the
councilmembers agree with the law. The County has to budget for this, whether or
not it likes it.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2004 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
FOURTEENTH REQUEST (AB2004 -397)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Caskey- Schreiber asked how they derived the funding split between flood
funds and the Conservation Futures fund.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated they initially planned to spend
Conservation Futures funds. The three acres and the house are covered by the
Conservation Futures fund.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE RFP FOR
HEARING EXAMINER SERVICES (AB2004 -398)
McShane moved to recommend to the full Council accepting Michael
Bobbink's proposal for hearing examiner services.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
Roy stated she's concerned that there isn't anything in the packet that
mentions the contractor. The public has a right to be able to look at something like
this.
Crawford stated the difference is that the Council is talking about hiring an
employee. All they're doing is notifying the public that the Council is hiring a
hearing examiner. That will give the Council Clerk direction to prepare a contract.
McShane stated all those proposals were a part of the packet at the last
meeting and are a part of the record.
Brenner stated the Council should have something to vote on, rather than an
oral statement. Something from the executive session should have been put in the
packet.
Crawford stated the Clerk of the Council will prepare a contract based on the
request for proposals (RFP). The Council will approve the contract at a later date.
All they are doing today is hiring Michael Bobbink as the hearing examiner.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
INTERFLUVE, INC. FOR MONITORING OF THE SAXON BANK
STABILIZATION AND SAAR CREEK SEDIMENT TRAP PROJECTS, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $180,635 (AB2004 -401)
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated they putting two
monitoring projects together into one monitoring contract.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
McShane asked if the sub -zones will pay a portion of monitoring. Cooper
stated they won't.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
AUTOMATIC FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICES TO PROVIDE LOCKBOX
PAYMENT PROCESSING FOR PROPERTY TAX AND SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT PAYMENTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 (AB2004 -402)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF LYNDEN REGARDING THE ANNEXATION WITHIN THE URBAN
GROWTH AREA, AMENDMENT #4 - +/- 8 Y2 ACRES SOUTH OF KOK
ROAD (AB2004 -403)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if the County already agreed to this annexation.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if this changes the zoning. They are asking to annex
agricultural land in the flood plain. It seems strange that this item is before the
Finance Committee.
Brenner asked why this is in the Finance Committee instead of the Planning
Committee.
McShane stated this is an interlocal agreement.
Crawford asked for more information from staff.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there are occasionally finance
issues that go along with annexation. This item can go before the Planning
Committee.
Crawford asked if the County doesn't have a lot of say if a property owner
and a city agree that a property be annexed.
Dan Gibson, Senior Civil Deputy Prosecutor, stated this is an interlocal
agreement as a function of the understanding between the County and cities
pertaining to annexation of urban growth areas, which impacts public works and /or
taxes. The Planning and Development Services probably originated this item.
Roy stated there is no mention in the paperwork of money.
Crawford stated he would like to hold this over for two weeks to get
information on the financial and legal implications. Desler stated that is fine.
Caskey- Schreiber stated citizens are opposed because it is expansion of the
flood plain. She would like to find out from the Planning staff if that's true.
McShane withdrew his motion and moved to hold in committee for two
weeks for more information on financing and planning.
Motion carried 2 -1 with McShane opposed.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, TRADE &
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO EXTEND THE BIRCH BAY WATER &
SEWER DISTRICT'S SANITARY WATER SYSTEM FOR THE BENEFIT OF
THE BIRCH BAY VIEW COMMUNITY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $850,000 -
IN ADDITION, REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO
ENTER INTO A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH THE BIRCH BAY
WATER & SEWER DISTRICT AS THE SUBRECIPIENT OF THIS GRANT
FUNDING (AB2004 -404)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the County submitted an
application for funding of sewer system connections to the Birch Bay Water and
Sewer District for the Birch Bay View Community. He's pleased they've received
financing from external sources for the work. The next phase is signing an
agreement with the State of Washington to receive the money and another
agreement with the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District to take on the responsibility
for construction and implementation of the project. The County is the
intermediary, although it is responsible to see that the project be done properly.
There are small technical changes to the agreement. The key thing is to approve
the agreement so they can begin receiving the money and begin the project.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. This project is on
the priority list for the Washington Community Economic Revitalization team (WA-
CERT). In addition, 75 percent of these households are low or low- moderate
income. This is assistance to people who can't do this themselves. There is a large
amount of community support, particularly from the development community.
McShane thanked the Executive and Mr. Desler for taking on this project.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
AWARD OF BID #04 -80, THE ANNUAL LIST OF INDIVIDUALS AND
COMPANIES INTERESTED IN RENTING THEIR EQUIPMENT TO THE
COUNTY, IN AN AMOUNT THAT MAY EXCEED $35,000 WITH A SINGLE
VENDOR (AB2004 -405)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF A MODULAR BUILDING FROM WILLIAM SCOTSMAN,
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
INC. USING THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $104,118.69 (AB2004 -406)
Mike Russell, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, stated this is a pre- approved
State contract from which the County is purchasing the modular. They don't get
paid until delivery.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE HOUSING FOR LOW INCOME ADVISORY
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING OPERATIONS RFP
04 -79, IN THE AMOUNT OF $211,759 (AB2004 -407)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated these are the 20/60 funds. This
is the first implementation of those funds. The Housing for Low Income Advisory
Committee made recommendations on using the first part of the funding in January
2005.
Gary Williams, Human Services Supervisor, stated the selection committee
realized one of the applications serves the highest -need population, including those
who have significant challenges to accessing housing support. This is a focus area
they want to add additional dollars to, for housing vouchers. This would help
people living on the street and are at most risk for harm. The amount is for the
requested amount of $22,518 plus an additional $5,691.
Roy stated the information on Council packet pages 170 and 171 is
confusing. She asked about vouchers. Williams stated those pages are a summary
of the applications. They include the questions asked the applicants during the oral
presentations.
Crawford asked the total amount requested. Williams stated the total sum is
$211,759 which is what the Advisory Committee approved for operations. They
increased beyond the applicant's request rather than changing the amount on
paper.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Roy stated she would like to know the number of clients this service will help.
She asked to know if they are getting the most benefit for the dollars spent.
Williams stated the operations funds will be used to augment existing programs.
Information from the homeless coalition talks about the number of homeless
individuals in Whatcom County and the special populations they come from.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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 this is the first of three sets of funding. It's a new process for
the administration. They're still working it out. Next, there will be specific
contracts with each organizations that will come before the Council for approval.
Crawford stated the summary on pages 170 and 171 can be used for more
information, and include outcomes.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. RESOLUTION ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND POLICIES FOR
UNREPRESENTED WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR
2005 (AB2004 -387)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated he distributed an amendment
related to the Sheriff's Office (on file). When the administration reached an
agreement with the Sheriff deputy guild, the deputies will receive a ten percent
increase over three years. The sergeants will receive a seven percent increase.
The unrepresented resolution traditionally asked the undersheriff, chiefs, and
lieutenants to build it around the guild agreement and the seven percent increase.
Those in the leadership wants it built around a ten percent increase. The
administration proposes a 1.5 percent increase as a new, top step. Not everyone
would be eligible yet. It would add a step H and a 1.5 step increase.
Roy stated she thought this was going to be more in line with a merit pay to
acknowledge people who perform above the minimum standards. Desler stated
that was discussed in regard to the adjustments proposed for the Prosecuting
Attorney's Office.
Roy asked if that is a low standard. Desler stated it is what has been
traditionally applied. The administration hasn't discussed that standard with the
Council. Bring the people who oversee those deputies in line with the represented
deputies.
McShane stated they don't want staff turning down promotions because they
would be less money.
Brenner asked how much extra money they are talking about. Desler stated
that amount is about $2,000 to $2,500 overall in 2005.
Roy moved to recommend approval, including the submitted change, to the
full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF WARRANTS MORE
THAN A YEAR OLD (AB2004 -408)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, asked the councilmembers to consider
introducing at the evening meeting an ordinance adopting a one -tenth of one -
percent sales and use tax for the purpose of funding jails (AB2004 -412).
This item will be before the Finance Committee and Council on December 7.
He asked the councilmembers if there are any questions on the ordinance
amending the 2004 Whatcom County budget, fifteenth request (AB2004-
411). It will be introduced at this evening's meeting and before the Finance
Committee on December 7.
Crawford asked for information on the Superior Court item. Desler stated
the court budget expenditures must follow the court orders. The State of
Washington is changing the way it assigns issues before the court, which results in
increased expenditures. The Court Clerk will address the councilmembers in two
weeks.
Crawford stated a big cost is for the guardians ad litem. Desler stated the
County doesn't have a lot of control over what the court orders. The County has to
find the money either in the court budget or elsewhere.
Superior Court has been cooperative in implementing laser fiche. They are
moving ahead with that project for the court. He's asking for an additional
supplemental out of the operations and maintenance (O &M) fund for software and
equipment purchases for that effort.
At the next meeting, there will be a contract agreement between
Whatcom County and Compu -Tech for development and implementation of
the data integration project (AB2004 -424). It is a multi - jurisdictional project.
They received a grant of nearly $1 million from the federal government to
implement a consolidation of information systems around criminal justice. The first
phase is targeted around many of the local government agencies and internal
courthouse operations. The second phase will bring in other federal law
enforcement operations and sharing information on a consistent platform. In the
future, they will see major contracts for this project. The County has been granted
a second federal award for the implementation of phase II. It may be about
$500,000. A committee of people are working on the effort.
The third quarter financial report (AB2004 -005) is in (on file). Revenue
is good. Expenditures are relatively on target, with the exception of the Sheriff,
Jail, and Superior Court budgets.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
Crawford asked about a report he heard about the federal government
providing money for the prosecution of people who are arrested crossing the border
with Canada. Desler stated that is another issue they've been working on. He's
heard only verbally about an appropriation of about $1.2 million for either Whatcom
County or all the northern border counties in the Washington state, for the entire
justice system in the county.
Crawford asked if the County can replace general fund dollars with these
grant monies. Desler stated he doesn't think so.
Crawford asked if the grant is additive and if they have to add $1.2 million in
services. He's not in favor of doing that. Desler stated they haven't reached that
level of detail yet. The County would have to provide a scope of work and write a
work program. The County would have to have a contract with the federal
government. The County will have to prove deliverables. The County is not
interested in developing recurring expenditures. This is only a one -year
appropriation.
Crawford stated the message in Washington D.C. from the County was not to
help the federal government do more. The message was to get compensation for
the undue burden of border county responsibilities. They all know they are over-
capacity the way it is. The courts and jail are not interested in processing more
people.
Roy stated this is something that the Whatcom County delegation to
Washington D.C. discusses before the trip in March.
He submitted a packet of information (on file) on the new jail work center
and triage center relating to the update on the master facility plan jail
(AB2003 -288). As much as possible, this will be a Leadership in Energy &
Environmental Design- (LEED) certified building. They will use some of the excess
steel originally from the Skagit River bridge and not used by the Depot Market
project.
Brenner asked if there has been discussion about incorporating a green roof,
since this will have a flat roof. Desler stated they haven't discussed it yet. The
budget for the project is included in the update. The current schedule is also in the
update. This spring, they would apply for permits and start construction in April.
They hope to be in the building by February or March 2006.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:27 p.m.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, 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.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
I11-00i71
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/23/2004, Page 11