HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance December 9 20031
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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
December 9, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 11:08 a.m. by Committee Chair Sam
Crawford in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
L. Ward Nelson None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Barbara Brenner
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SUDDEN VALLEY
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, CITY OF BELLINGHAM, AND WATER
DISTRICT NO. 10 TO PURCHASE A RESTRICTIVE COVENANT ON 83
SUDDEN VALLEY TAX TITLE LOTS, IN AN AMOUNT OF
APPROXIMATELY $18,210 (AB2003 -378)
Crawford read a letter into the record. There were 22 lots in question. Of
those, one has an adjacent property owner interested in purchasing the adjacent
lot. The Sudden Valley Community Association prefers that three of these lots have
restrictive covenants. This leaves 18 lots with considerable value, more than
$300,000.
A property owner with holdings in the Lake Whatcom watershed has been
contacted about using this amount of money to purchase a restrictive covenant that
would not allow any future development on 80 acres currently zoned rural, one unit
per five acres (R5A). That party is interested in pursuing this negotiation. That
proposal would eliminate 16 potential home sites as a tradeoff for these 18, but
those 16 home sites would require infrastructure such as roads, septic, and tree
clearing in undeveloped areas around the lake. On the other hand, the proposed
18 lots are already serviced with this infrastructure.
Approve the tax title redemption in cooperation with the City of Bellingham
and Water District #10 without these 18 lots, for a total of 65 lots. The transfer
and restrictive covenants on the 65 lots can proceed. Should they not be able to
trade the 18 lots in the future, they can revert back to conveying them to the
Sudden Valley Community Association. This will give them a chance to pursue the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
best benefit for the money invested in watershed protection, while not stalling the
process of transferring the 65 lots they know they want to transfer.
Nelson moved to approve the sale of 65 of the 83 lots. He liked the
proposal. Hold the 18 lots if this is something they can work out. They can always
convey the other 18 back to Sudden Valley. Also, Sudden Valley may like to collect
the dues from those 18 lots. He also liked the opportunity to remove the 80 acres
from development potential in the watershed. He'd like to know the location and
impact of the 80 acres.
Steve Greiser, Sudden Valley Community Association General Manager,
stated this sounds like an option worth looking at, but the information is
misleading. He never identified three lots that he wanted held out. The lots on the
list are ranked in terms of the ability to be built upon. All the lots on the list were
rated the worst for building on. They are all steep lots that meet the County's land
acquisition criteria. That's why they were all put together in a package.
It sounds like they're talking about transfers of development rights (TDR)
within the watershed. The idea was always to transfer the rights out of the
watershed, not within the watershed. They have to look at the fact that Sudden
Valley was exempted from the TDR program originally because of its density
reduction program. Sudden Valley won't bid against someone for lots. If someone
wants to bid for a higher amount for these lots, they can. These are not desirable
chucks of land that can be built on. They're steep lots.
Crawford asked Mr. Greiser to characterize a recent meeting with a property
owner. Greiser stated he met with Brandon Jordan. Mr. Jordan wrote a list of
properties just by looking at the entire list. It didn't seem that Mr. Jordan put in a
lot of forethought.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she agreed with Mr. Greiser. The arrangement
among the City of Bellingham, Water District #10, the Sudden Valley Community
Association, and Whatcom County took a lot of time to develop. It equates to
everyone paying $220 to remove a development right from a very dense area. The
slopes are the risk to the watershed. All these areas are sloped. There are still
over 900 Sudden Valley lots to be developed. Don't undermine this partnership.
This won't be the only density reduction plan they will see. She hoped there is
another plan in the works. There will be a significant tax burden to the County if
900 more homes are developed in Sudden Valley. The County still has to provide
services to that area. She read recently that it costs $10,000 to $15,000 to provide
services to areas outside of an urban area, versus $3,000 to provide services to
areas in a city. This is an excellent example of everyone working together.
Nelson stated the County worked with Sudden Valley on density reduction for
many years without the support of the City of Bellingham. He asked if the Sudden
Valley Community Association Board of Directors were concerned about not
reducing the dues collected from a density reduction program to the point where
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, Page 2
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 they can't support their infrastructure. Greiser stated the original target was 1,400
2 lots. The new group of lots will put them close to that target. The board recently
3 talked about whether they should establish a new goal. The decision was that they
4 have to put a series of policies in place to continue the density reduction program.
5 The program will continue until the board changes those policies.
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7 Nelson stated he doesn't understand the problem with transferring
8 development rights. The lots are already there and platted. They aren't
9 transferring additional density to Sudden Valley. Greiser stated the program is
10 about reducing the ability to build, not about transferring density.
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12 Nelson stated the density will be either in Sudden Valley, where they already
13 have infrastructure, or on the 80 acres that doesn't have the infrastructure. The
14 density is in the watershed. It's not a transfer of development rights. They will
15 either reduce the density in Sudden Valley or at the 80 acres. He asked if the
16 Sudden Valley board has identified these or other lots. Greiser stated it doesn't
17 matter. Sudden Valley takes the lots and puts them in a pool of lots. Some of the
18 lots they sell because they are less critical for watershed protection. Other lots
19 they restrict. On any of these tax lots, Sudden Valley acquires the lots and agrees
20 to put a restrictive covenant on the same number of lots. They may not be the
21 same lots that are purchased in the sale, but they are the same number of lots.
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23 Brenner stated the Sudden Valley Community Association is concerned about
24 water quality. She asked what the community association would think about a deal
25 like this if the trade was a wash. Greiser stated it sounds like a proposal like this
26 could reduce the amount of impervious surfaces. Theoretically, it increases density
27 in Sudden Valley. Eventually, they will probably have 18 other lots they'll get
28 through donations or the next tax sale. His biggest concern is that these lots have
29 been floating for a long time. The County is not collecting tax revenue. The
30 community association is not collecting dues. Everyone is working hard to clean up
31 these loose ends. Everyone worked for over a year to put this agreement together.
32 If there are 18 lots that the County thinks it can sell, then do so. Put a time limit
33 on how long this will last. He may have different board members or not enough
34 money to buy these lots in the future if the County can't sell them. It took a long
35 time to get this agreement together between these four entities. They may all be
36 on a different page in six months.
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38 Roy stated she won't support the motion for that reason. It seems they are
39 leaping to satisfy someone's speculative nature. Mr. Greiser's analysis of the value
40 of the lots seems to be quite different from the individual making the proposal. The
41 amount of work that went into developing the agreement with everyone,
42 categorizing the lots, and doing other work should not be upset because of this one
43 request. Any individual has a right to go to the auction.
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45 Brenner stated she thought they weren't going to put these in the auction.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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 they're not. Other properties will be in the auction. There are
other opportunities out there.
Erika Stroebel, Resources Planner, stated these lots would go to a public
auction, but with a restrictive covenant. If there are lots they are considering
outside of Sudden Valley, those densities could be applied to the TDR program.
Those densities could be transferred outside the watershed. There are other
options that wouldn't require a transfer within the watershed.
Crawford stated he agrees with everything Councilmembers Caskey-
Schreiber and Roy said. There is a sense of urgency that is greater than what he
thought there would be. His concern is not to satisfy one speculative developer.
His concern is to make certain they are pursuing the best benefit for the money
invested. Don't make assumptions about how much work people have put into
things as opposed to doing what's right for environmental protection and on behalf
of the taxpayers. He was also unaware of Sudden Valley's rating system, and that
these lots were categorized as the worst for development. Greiser stated the rank
is based mostly on slope. It's not done by experts, but it's a quick view of the lots.
Nelson withdrew his motion.
Nelson moved to recommend approval. He'd still like to see specifics from
the proponents.
Stroebel stated the old version of the agreement is included in the Council
packet. There is a new version she distributed two weeks ago at the previous
committee meeting. There was further information in Exhibit A describing the
minimum bid prices and clarifications in the text of the agreement.
Nelson amended his motion to recommend approval of the substitute
version of the agreement submitted two weeks ago.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
THIRTEENTH REQUEST (AB2003 -385)
Brad Bennett, Finance Division Manager, stated this appropriates
expenditures related to grants.
Crawford asked if any aren't grant- funded and are funded from the general
fund. Bennett stated the Public Defender has a $10,000 appropriation.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Jon Ostlund, Public Defender, stated the supplemental budget request was
made to cover certain items through the remainder of the year. One item is
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
professional services court evaluations, in the total amount for the year of $63,500.
Another item is for interpreters, in the total amount for the year of $12,995. He is
overextended for those two items by $11,000. He will use money from other line
items, even if this is approved. The interpreter service is self - explanatory. The
County must provide interpreters for interviews and court appearances. The other
item is also tied to the types and number of cases they get. Because of the
dramatic increase in felony cases, he went over budget.
Nelson asked the number of less lethal force weapons that are being
purchased and the cost for each.
Marvette Gwinner, Accountant, stated the weapons cost about $850 each.
They are trying to outfit every deputy with a weapon. They purchased ten. They
will purchase more with this grant.
Nelson asked if the officers purchase their own weapons. Gwinner stated the
Sheriff's Office purchases the weapons.
Nelson asked how the officers carry the weapon. They typically sit in the
trunk. He is concerned about this purchase. It's appropriate that these weapons
be available to the officers. He'd like to know how often they're used. He'd also
like to see the policy for using the items and how officers are trained. Gwinner
stated officers have already been trained.
Crawford stated he doesn't question the purchase as long as he understands
the funding. Gwinner stated this is money the Sheriff's Office got from Lummi Law
and Order from the casino.
Crawford stated the money is discretionary. This is the need that was
identified by the Sheriff. He doesn't have any problem with it.
Roy stated she takes exception to Councilmember Nelson's characterization
of these. They need to show respect for the professionalism of all the department
heads. Assume there is a professional reason for making this request. Make
assumptions in terms of the fact that the weapons won't sit in the trunk. The
Sheriff and his officers know that if they are buying expensive equipment, it will be
used appropriately.
Nelson asked if Councilmember Roy would make that assumption on all
requests from staff.
Roy stated she would assume that when department heads come to her,
they have policies and procedures for equipment they want to buy, and she would
make that assumption.
Nelson stated he doesn't make that assumption.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she agrees with Councilmember Roy. This purchase
is something the Sheriff has deemed quite important if he is willing to stock every
deputy with the weapon. It could save the County in the long run in their arrest
procedures. These weapons are very effective in getting someone under control.
Brenner stated she discussed this issue with the Sheriff's Office. She is
comfortable with the request.
Nelson stated he approves of the use of the weapon. His concern is in how
they are going to be used and if there are other things they can use this funding
for. He wants to see how they are going to be used. There are legal ramifications
for using these weapons.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT ADDENDUM BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DR.
GRANT DEGER, M.D. TO RENEW THE CURRENT JAIL PHYSICIAN
SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ONE YEAR AND ADDRESS A COST OF
LIVING INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $850 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,850 (AB2003 -392)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT ADDENDUM BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND VISITING
NURSE PERSONAL SERVICES TO INCREASE THE 2003 MAXIMUM
CONTRACTUAL AMOUNT BY $30,000 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $409,469 (AB2003 -393)
three.
Roy moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda items two and
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT ADDENDUM BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND VISITING
NURSE PERSONAL SERVICES FOR RENEWAL OF CURRENT CONTRACT
AND PROVIDE FOR NURSE'S HOURS TO BE INCREASED TO
ACCOMMODATE FOR MEDICATION PASS TO INMATES, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $67,376.50 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $446,846 (AB2003 -394)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
See Consent Agenda item two.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT ADDENDUM BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM
COUNSELING AND PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC FOR RENEWAL OF CURRENT
CONTRACT AND THE ADDITION OF 4.5 EXTRA HOURS OF CLINIC PER
MONTH, RESULTING IN A MAXIMUM COMPENSATION OF $26,400
(AB2003 -395)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
LEAD ENTITY OPERATIONAL GRANT CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
TO SUPPORT CORE SALMON RECOVERY FUNCTIONS IN WRIA 1 FOR
THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2003 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2004, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $65,000 (AB2003 -396)
Crawford asked if this is a continuation of what they're already doing.
John Thompson, Resources Planner /Endangered Species Act, stated this is a
continuation of lead entity program from previous years. The primary function is to
shepherd the Salmon Recovery Funding Board grants through the process.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF BELLINGHAM FOR RENEWAL OF OPERATION OF THE
LAKEWAY YARDWASTE COLLECTION FACILITY, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$120,000 (AB2003 -397)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated he's not certain this will be
enough to complete the work. If an adjustment is needed next year, it will probably
fall within the administrative capacity.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
BURLINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL, INC., A SUBSIDIARY OF PHILIP
SERVICES CORPORATION, TO OPERATE THE MODERATE RISK WASTE
FACILITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $287,996 ANNUALLY, OR $863,988
FOR THE THREE YEAR TERM (AB2003 -398)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO CONDUCT NEW AND ONGOING
ASSESSMENTS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL SITES AND
POTENTIAL SITES IN WHATCOM COUNTY; THE GRANT ALSO
PROVIDES FUNDS FOR THE RESPONSE, ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL
OF NEWLY DISCOVERED CLANDESTINE METHAMPHETAMINE DRUG
LABS, FOR A TERM OF JULY 1, 2003 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $144,760 (AB2003 -399)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if this is in anticipation of labs being discovered, or if
there are already labs they have discovered.
Don Vesper, Environmental Health Services Supervisor, stated it is for the
contaminated sites. Those sites are reported to the Health Department.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Vesper continued to state that this is a scope of work they negotiated with
the Department of Ecology, based on historical patterns.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BENNETT
ENGINEERING, LLC FOR PHASE IV, Y ROAD LANDFILL ASSESSMENTS,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,511.39 (AB2003 -400)
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated this agreement is a continuation
and to bring closure of the Y Road landfill. They will begin to design solutions that
will prevent any problems in the future. The scope of work is reduced from the
original scope suggested in phases I and II, because of the limited contamination
and limited movement of those contaminants.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they've already done studies of this area and didn't
find a big connection. She asked why they will minimize with the money. Monsen
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
stated a significant portion of the cost is to collect samples and do ongoing
monitoring. The County will have to continue to monitor the site. There is a limited
amount of money that is for potential reduction.
Crawford asked the source of the funds. Monsen stated the funds come
through the solid waste fund primarily from the excise tax charged against
collection services. The State obligates the County to have a reserve, which is in
the solid waste fund.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously,
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND DAVID EVANS AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR RIGHT -OF -WAY
ACQUISITION FOR SUNRISE ROAD PROJECT FROM BIRCH BAY -
LYNDEN ROAD TO WEST BADGER ROAD, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$111,616 (AB2003 -401)
Nelson moved to recommend approval. He thanked Joe Rutan for the fine
presentation of information.
Motion carried unanimously,
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND LINSLEY,
KRAEGER ASSOCIATES, LTD. INCREASING THE SCOPE OF SERVICES
AND CONTRACT AMOUNT TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL TASKS AND
COSTS TO CONTINUE UNSTEADY FLOW MODELING OF THE LOWER
NOOKSACK RIVER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADOPTED
COMPREHENSIVE FLOOD HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $149,200, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $672,960 (AB2003 -402)
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Nelson asked if the modeling was done on the upper Nooksack River.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated the modeling was
developed for the lower Nooksack River. They have not done a model for the upper
Nooksack River. They're modeling from Deming to Bellingham Bay. They put the
gauge record in at Deming. Unfortunately, the gauge record at Deming is flawed.
That's been the challenge over the last three years. One way to get the model on
the lower Nooksack is to develop a hydrologic model of the upper watershed.
However, because there is a gauge at Deming, they've used that.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
Nelson asked if they are going to get an accurate model without the
information from the upper Nooksack. Cooper stated they've been able to use the
Ferndale gauge on the overflows to back out a hydrograph for Deming. They've
been able to model three flood events with this model. They want to run the latest
floods through the model.
Motion carried unanimously,
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CLEAN WATER SECTION 319 NONPOINT SOURCE FUND GRANT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY FOR RIPARIAN REVEGETATION
PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $166,667 (AB2003 -403)
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, asked to withdraw this
item. The State was not able to complete review. She hopes to start spending this
grant on January 5. She requested prior authorization from the State to do that.
They would have to enter into a small contract with the Conservation District
through the Executive's Office. She will come back with the grant agreement and
amendment with the Conservation District until January.
Roy asked the latitude staff has in terms of projects for which they request
funding. She asked if they all have to be riparian projects. Cooper stated this is a
Clean Water Act grant so it has to be applied to riparian areas.
Roy asked if this requires follow up on the plantings. Cooper stated they
maintain the plantings.
Roy stated the follow up is very important.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT RENEWAL BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BOSMAN,
INC. FOR CARD LOCK FUELING SYSTEM, EXTENDING THE TERM FROM
NOVEMBER 1, 2003 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2005 (AB2003 -404)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously,
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #03-
83 TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, B & B PAINTING
COMPANY, FOR THE EXTERIOR REPAIRS TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY
BUILDING, IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,811.80 AND REQUEST FURTHER
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH B & B PAINTING NOT TO EXCEED $130,000
INCLUDING WASHINGTON STATE SALES TAX (AB2003 -405)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/9/2003, 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.
Nelson moved to recommend approval of the repairs.
Mike Russell, Facilities Division Supervisor, stated the repairs are to the
outside of the building. Water is getting behind the exterior, and sections are falling
off. They are cleaning it off, finding out what's loose, making repairs to the loose
material, and sealing and painting the building.
Nelson asked if this work is for the wall itself, or includes the roof. Russell
stated the roof has been repaired.
Crawford asked if there has been any discussion or thought about the other
bids being within the same range, and this bidder being so much lower. Russell
stated it is a reasonable price for this material. They have no idea how much
material will need to be replaced. This is the same process they used for replacing
the roof insulation.
Motion carried unanimously.
15. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #03-
84 TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, PUGET SOUND PAINTING,
FOR PAINTING WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE COURTHOUSE, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000 (AB2003 -406)
Mike Russell, Facilities Division Supervisor, stated they are going to repaint
two and a half floors of the courthouse. It has been several years since the interior
was done. They are going to start on the sixth floor and work their way down. The
County will pick the paint and the times they paint. The bidder will supply the paint
to the County's specification.
Brenner stated she doesn't see where the courthouse interior needs
repainting. Russell stated he would show her areas that need repainting.
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
16. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #03-
85 TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, PIONEER MASONRY
RESTORATION CO., FOR NEW DECK COATING IN THE SALLY PORT OF
THE ]AIL, IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,182 (AB2003 -407)
Nelson moved to recommend approval. He asked when this was done last.
Mike Russell, Facilities Division Supervisor, stated the Council approved this
item once before, but the company backed out of the contract. It didn't get done.
A deck coating was put on ten years ago, but it didn't go.
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Motion carried unanimously.
17. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
BLACK ROCK CABLE FOR 24- STRAND FIBER OPTIC CABLE
CONNECTING THE COURTHOUSE TO THE NORTHWEST ANNEX
FACILITY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,000, AS WELL AS A JOINT
OPERATING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BLACK
ROCK CABLE FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE FIBER OPTIC SYSTEM
(AB2003 -408)
Crawford stated he thought the Public Utility District (PUD) was going to do
this work.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated there was a supplemental budget
request in April to purchase fiber from the PUD. The PUD's ability to provide the
material to the County depended on an agreement between the PUD and Black Rock
Cable. The PUD recommended the County go directly to Black Rock Cable rather
than use the PUD as an intermediary. The current rate to lease these lines would
be in excess of $200,000 for ten years. The County is able to buy the material for
$58,000.
Brenner stated she heard comments from people that there was some kind
of bad investment and the whole thing blew up in the PUD's face. Monsen stated he
doesn't know anything other than that the PUD went full force into the fiber
business, and has had second thoughts.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
18. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND GREG RUSTAND, INC.
FOR THE OFFSITE WORK RELEASE FACILITY, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$529,250 FOR 2004 AND $538,375 FOR 2005 (AB2003 -409)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Roy asked about the per bed cost of $29 for 2004, increasing to $29.50 for
2005. She asked how the per bed rate fits into the going rate for this kind of thing.
Wendy Jones, Chief of Corrections, stated there is no other facility quite like
this arrangement. Because it's a private /public partnership, the County does part of
the work and the contractor provides housing. It's less than the per diem rate if the
County shipped the inmates to Yakima. That would cost the County $50 to $60 per
bed. The rate for this arrangement isn't very high. Mr. Rustand has worked well
with her over the years to keep the costs down.
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Crawford stated the County provides the meals. Jones stated the meals
come from the jail, but Mr. Rustand pays for them. The cost of labor is a lot less
when they're talking about minimum security.
Motion carried unanimously.
19. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MASTERS, MATES AND PILOTS,
PACIFIC MARITIME REGION, AND INLANDBOATMEN'S UNION OF THE
PACIFIC EXTENDING EXPIRED 2000 -2002 AGREEMENT THROUGH
2003; AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MASTERS, MATES AND
PILOTS, PACIFIC MARITIME REGION, AND INLANDBOATMEN'S
UNION OF THE PACIFIC FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2004
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2006 (AB2003 -410)
Karen Goens, Human Resources Division Manager, stated part of this
collective bargaining agreement has an excess compensation impact because there
is a Public Employment Retirement System (PERS) I employee who is retiring. She
recommends bringing the PERS I policy in line with the other collective bargaining
agreements. People hired before a certain date get to cash out at 50 percent. This
is the last remaining agreement that didn't have that provision. There will be an
added cost to the County of about $6,000. They need to have an official
announcements. She only needs to announce for the record that this is part of the
agreement.
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Nelson stated it is more appropriate to not make a recommendation until
they have full discussion of these items in executive session.
Roy withdrew her motion.
Crawford stated he would withdraw this item from the Consent Agenda at
the evening meeting, and deal with it as a separate item.
20. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
RIGHT OF WAY EASEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PARKS AND
RECREATION AND CASCADE NATURAL GAS IN THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF BAY HORIZON PARK ON ALDERSON ROAD (AB2003 -411)
Roy moved to recommend approval. She asked if the regulator would have
a noise impact.
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Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Director, stated he didn't think it
would be noisy, but he hasn't asked that question. There is an existing regulator at
that location. They are upsizing the current regulator.
Roy stated noise is a huge issue with that community. She asked if they can
ask that question. McFarlane stated he would find out.
Crawford asked if delay until January would harm anything. McFarlane
stated they would like to move forward on this. They've been working on this since
September. They had to get an okay from the National Parks Service. There is
already an existing station they would like to take down. This is related to a
proposed development that would be adjacent to the park. They need to upgrade
the gas line to service new development in the area. There is a permitting process.
Roy stated there is a hostel at that location, also, with overnight guests.
They need to address the noise issue.
Roy withdrew her motion.
21. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #09 -03 (AB2003 -412)
Nelson moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda items 21
through 31.
Motion carried unanimously.
22. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #10 -03 (AB2003 -413)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
23. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #11 -03 (AB2003 -414)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
24. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #12 -03 (AB2003 -415)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
25. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #13 -03 (AB2003 -416)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
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26. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #14 -03 (AB2003 -417)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
27. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #15 -03 (AB2003 -418)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
28. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #16 -03 (AB2003 -419)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
29. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #17 -03 (AB2003 -420)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
30. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #18 -03 (AB2003 -421)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
31. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY
PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #19 -03 (AB2003 -422)
See Consent Agenda item 21.
OTHER BUSINESS
Roy stated they are looking at the ordinance adopting the 2004
Whatcom County Unified Fee Schedule (AB2003 -350) at the evening
meeting. She asked if there will be a public hearing.
Nelson stated there will be.
Bennett stated there was a problem with the proposed parking rates in the
Unified Fee Schedule. He submitted changes (on file). Parking rates will remain
the same, with the exception of violation fines.
days.
Crawford asked if there are seven parking spaces for councilmembers.
Brenner stated there are not. The administration makes spaces on Council
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Mike Russell, Facilities Division Supervisor, stated his staff cones four
additional spaces in the parking lot.
Crawford asked what the councilmembers are supposed to do if there aren't
any parking spaces, and if they are supposed to contact the Facilities Management
Division if someone's in a councilmember parking space. Russell stated they are to
contact his staff.
Crawford stated that if councilmember spaces are full, he will try and park in
a white space. Russell stated this problem happens every day. Councilmembers
can park on Lottie Street, and the administration will work it out.
Roy stated she was told that the administration quit putting up the cones
because the councilmembers kept running over them. Russell stated the problem
will cure itself when they start writing citations. Once they start writing citations,
people will stop parking in everyone's parking spots.
Nelson stated the Hearing Examiner always parks in the councilmembers'
parking spots. They've allowed him to do that on days other than Tuesdays.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 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, 12/9/2003, Page 16