HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance January 28 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
January 28, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 12:06 p.m. by Committee Chair Sam
Crawford in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present:
L. Ward Nelson
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Barbara Brenner
Dan McShane
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Seth Fleetwood
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
Absent:
None
1. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR (AB2003 -023)
Nelson nominated Councilmember Crawford.
Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY 2003 ANNUAL
ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM TO INCLUDE THE JACKSON ROAD
BRIDGE REPLACEMENT (AB2003 -045)
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Department Director, stated it is unusual to amend
the annual road program. He proposes to amend the program to proceed with
required construction. He only wanted to make sure the Council is aware of the
item. Because they are lengthening the bridge, it is considered replacement and
not maintenance.
Roy stated they should enhance the sidewalk to allow more room. Houses
are going in above the bridge. Monsen stated he would address that at the time of
the public hearing.
Brenner stated this item belongs in the Public Works Committee, even if
there are dollars attached to it. The issues they want to discuss are Public Works
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
issues. Schedule on the Public Works Committee before or in addition to the
Finance Committee.
Crawford stated there would be a public hearing in two weeks.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING DATE TO DECLARE PROPERTY
SURPLUS (AB2003 -046)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO EXTEND
CURRENT CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DR. GARY
GOLDFOGEL FOR MEDICAL EXAMINER SERVICES FOR AN
ADDITIONAL THREE MONTHS (AB2003 -048)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the administration is
negotiating three different arrangements. He provided background on the leases.
He is not prepared to bring all three new leases before the Council yet. The
existing medical contracted ended December 31, 2003. This is only for the medical
examiner portion. Dr. Goldfogel wants to link all three agreements, but the County
doesn't want to do that. Until they get the arrangements worked out with Dr.
Goldfogel, Dr. Goldfogel is unwilling to extend any of the contracts for a long
period of time.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
BELLINGHAM WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY FOR
SUPPORT OF THE ANNUAL SKI TO SEA FESTIVAL IN THE AMOUNT OF
$29,000 (AB2003 -049)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the County has been doing this
for a number of years. Funding comes from the hotel /motel tax.
Brenner asked how much the County contributed last year. Desler stated
the County provided $25,000 last year. The Chamber wanted more this year, and
the County and Chamber negotiated to $29,000.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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 has a problem with increasing it by $4,000 in a year
where they are in one of the worst money crunches they've been in. Desler stated
this is not general fund money. It is money from the Convention Center fund. The
County has been collecting $30,000 to $35,000 more per year than what is spent
from the fund. This is not the Public Facilities District fund.
Roy asked if the County supports other kinds of community festival activities
around the county. Desler stated the Executive today met with people in the
tourism and promotion industry locally. The Executive will appoint a tourism
advisory committee for the hotel /motel tax. They are working with Birch Bay and
the Foothills community on tourism efforts.
Roy stated they need to focus more on the county and less on Bellingham
activities.
Brenner asked how much is left in the fund to support other activities.
There are other county annual events. She asked if those events are funded out of
this fund. Desler stated he didn't think they are.
Nelson stated he has not seen a request come in from an organization or
agency that the County did not contribute to. He would like to see requests come
in.
Roy stated she would like to reach out and work with communities in the
county. She's happy the County is not waiting for the communities to come to the
County with a request.
Crawford asked how they arrived at the $4,000 increase. Desler stated they
responded to a proposal by the Chamber of Commerce. The new tourism advisory
committee will make recommendations on more programs in the future, including
the Ski to Sea program.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WHATCOM COUNTY VOLUNTEER CENTER TO PROVIDE VOLUNTEER
SERVICES TO A NUMBER OF COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS
COMMUNITY NON - PROFITS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT
AND HEALTHCARE - RELATED WORKSITES IN THE AMOUNT OF
$35,000 (AB2003 -050)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH WOMENCARE SHELTER TO PAY ONE YEAR'S RENT
FOR WOMENCARE'S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SPACE AND FOR
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING THE FACILITY ITSELF IN THE
AMOUNT OF $21,000 (AB2003 -051)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this is an increase. It comes
from the Alcoa grant funding. The County negotiated with Alcoa about funding this
program. It is budgeted for 2003.
Brenner asked if the total rent and maintenance costs are more than
$21,000. Desler stated they are.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH THE BELLINGHAM WHATCOM COUNTY
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU TO PROVIDE VISITOR
INFORMATION SERVICES AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $75,000 (AB2003 -052)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked the administration to consider groups such as the
Foothills /East County Chamber of Commerce for participation on the new tourism
advisory committee.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the administration just started
discussion on the formation of the advisory group. They are trying to balance
representation from west side /Birch Bay, Kendall /Glacier area, and other areas.
Nelson asked if this committee would end December 31, 2003. Desler
stated it would be ongoing.
Nelson stated he is reluctant to begin another committee. Desler stated
State law now requires this advisory committee. The administration will not assign
County staff to this committee.
McShane stated this is funding they send to the Convention and Visitor's
Bureau, which will coordinate the efforts. The County has some interest in how
they spend that money.
Crawford stated there is some concern that the Convention and Visitor's
Bureau has focused on Bellingham, and people have been left out of the benefits.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
Having the Executive's Office facilitate a committee would bring those people into
the issue.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS IN SUPPORT OF A COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION
ADVISORY GROUP TO PROVIDE AN ORGANIZED FORUM REFLECTING
THE INTERESTS OF A BROAD SPECTRUM OF WHATCOM COUNTY
INTERESTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,000 (AB2003 -053)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated that in 2001, there was an all -
day forum on the future of transportation in Whatcom County. Out of that, a
group of people worked together for a number of months to develop the next steps
on how they approach transportation in the community. The resulting proposal
included asking the Council of Governments (COG) to focus on some long range,
broad view issues around transportation and to get a number of citizens involved in
that effort. Alcoa and the County agreed to use Alcoa funding for only two years
for a joint effort including COG, the County, the City of Bellingham, and the Port of
Bellingham. If the project goes longer than two years, COG would be the sole
sponsor of this effort. This money was included in the budget. The City of
Bellingham, Port of Bellingham, and COG are also providing funding.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Desler stated $41,000 is for a two -year contract.
Brenner stated they should not set a precedent of staffing the group with a
staff person. She asked if the Council was told during budget time that staff time
would be involved. Desler stated the staffing would come from COG. He doesn't
remember all the discussions held during the budget discussions.
Brenner stated the Council just denied funding a staff person for the Law
and Justice Council. The transportation effort is not more important than that.
Roy stated she has the same concern. Language implies that they will
consider funding for the years following the first two years. She asked if there is
an end product or date. Desler stated the end date is December 31, 2004. If the
County wants to continue, they have that option, but there has been no discussion
of extending beyond that date.
Roy asked that a future Finance Committee meeting look at all the County
advisory committees as a whole and how much money is going into the advisory
committees. Have a discussion about the County's obligations.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
Crawford asked if the administration is clear and willing to do what is asked.
Desler stated it is. He preferred to do a summary of the things that are in the
County Code and the resolutions passed by the County over the past ten years.
They can also provide ways in which they support those various bodies.
Nelson stated there is not a coordinated effort to meet the transportation
needs of the county in the future.
Brenner stated this is a top -heavy government committee. She's not
comfortable also funding a staff person.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Roy opposed.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE AN
ADDENDUM TO THE CURRENT LEASE BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND LAKE WHATCOM RESIDENTIAL AND TREATMENT CENTER
(AB2003 -054)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, described the history of the lease. The
Board of Directors has asked the County to modify the lease to eliminate the
option for the County to purchase the property in exchange for a conservation
easement of the entire 75 acres to protect the land for the future.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford stated this is a win -win situation for everyone.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON
DENTAL SERVICE FOUNDATION TO ASSURE MEDICAID - ELIGIBLE
CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE AND ORAL HYGIENE
EDUCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 (AB2003 -055)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council. The County has
done this in the past, and it is very valuable in taking care of child dental health
before issues arise.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE DELIVERY OF PUBLIC HEALTH
SERVICES IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,202,441
(AB2003 -056)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Roy stated the contract is less than it has been. She asked if there is a
contingency plan, or if they are confident the money will come in.
Terry Hinz, Deputy Director, stated this contract is amended quite frequently
to add additional money.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE
WHATCOM COUNTY COMMISSION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN
THE AMOUNT OF $44,500 (AB2003 -057)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if the amount is the same as last year.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the amount is an increase. The
City and County have an agreement for funding staff support. This year, the City
is increasing its support to $44,500. The County's support remains the same. This
is an agreement to collect the $44,500, which goes into the Health Department.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Brenner asked if the position requires a qualified background to resolve
domestic violence issues. Desler stated the Commission does not provide clinical
services. Whatcom Crisis Services is the corporate entity with which the County
will contract.
Brenner stated she is not interested in providing clerical staff support to
commissions and boards.
Crawford asked the administration to schedule an update on the Commission
before the Finance Committee.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Nelson out of the room.
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE ARC OF
WHATCOM COUNTY — PARENT COALITION EXTENDING THE
DURATION AND TERMS FOR AN ADDITIONAL 12 MONTHS, AND
ADDING $1,000 TO THE TOTAL COMPENSATION FOR THIS NEXT 12
MONTHS (AB2003 -058)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Terry Hinz, Deputy Director, stated the contract for 2002 was for $24,000.
The contract for 2003 is for $25,000.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DSHS
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REVENUE
OF $23,433 AND EXTEND THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT FOR AN
ADDITIONAL SIX MONTHS - AMENDED CONTRACT AMOUNT IS
$192,928 AND THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT IS JULY 1, 1999
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2003 (AB2003 -059)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND DSHS
PASSPORT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF $25,397 AND
EXTEND THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL SIX
MONTHS - AMENDED CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $199,248 AND THE
TERM OF THE AGREEMENT IS JULY 1, 1999 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2003
(AB2003 -060)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
15. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND CHAMBERS AND
WELLS COUNSELING, INC. TO PROVIDE EVALUATION AND DRUG
AND ALCOHOL SERVICES TO YOUTH REFERRED AND SENTENCED
UNDER THE CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVE
(CDDC) IN THE JUVENILE COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000
(AB2003 -061)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner stated she recalled that they decided they weren't going to use
private providers to do evaluations when it comes to alcohol problems.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
Steve Paus, Juvenile Court Administrator, stated that was for District Court.
The State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) funds this. The
money comes to Whatcom County. A qualified provider must do the assessments.
Donna Wells, James and Wells Counseling Executive Director, stated they
are talking about two different populations. The history with driving under the
influence (DUI) alcohol assessments is that people would shop the treatment
providers, going from one provider to the next to get the least amount of
treatment. That's not the case with juveniles.
Brenner stated it is not about shopping for providers. It was about there not
being any private providers that were doing accurate evaluations and getting
evaluations in on time. There were even allegations of criminal problems.
Motion carried unanimously.
16. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF A VARIETY OF ROAD MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS
USING THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT FOR ROAD STRIPING
PAINT AND BEADS IN THE AMOUNT OF $375,000; HERBICIDES IN
THE AMOUNT OF $90,000; TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000;
GUARDRAILS AND MATERIALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000; AND
RUBBERIZED ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000 (AB2003 -062)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Roy asked why the County is still buying herbicides.
Caskey- Schreiber asked how a property owner would request non -
application of herbicides for their area.
Mike Roberts, Assistant County Road Engineer, stated the herbicide program
is an annual program. It's a renewal from last year. He expects leadership from
the Council on whether or not the County will use herbicides.
Roy stated her inclination is to agree to stay away from the herbicides.
There may be a rationale for using the herbicides that she would like to hear.
Roberts stated he would be happy to schedule a hearing at a later date.
Brenner stated a presentation in Public Works Committee would work.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated they could withdraw the herbicide
element until the discussion.
Crawford moved to amend to remove the funding for the herbicides in the
amount of $90,000 pending a presentation in the Public Works Committee.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
Motion to amend carried 2 -0 with Nelson absent from the room.
Motion to approve the motion as amended carried unanimously.
17. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF LIGNOSITE FROM SOLE SOURCE MEENDERINCK LLC
FOR DUST CONTROL ON COUNTY ROADS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$80,000 (AB2003 -063)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if there is a limit to how much lignosite Meenderinck got
from Georgia Pacific.
Mary Green, Equipment Rental Division Manager, stated that is correct.
Meenderinck gets it from another location in Oregon when the Georgia Pacific
supply runs out.
Roy asked why the County is battling dust. Green stated people who live on
the gravel roads really like this service to control the dust.
Mike Roberts, Assistant County Road Engineer, stated dust is a nuisance. It
gets on cars. People breath it. This is a service the County has been offering.
Motion carried unanimously.
18. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE
CONTRACT REVISIONS TO SYMPRO SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT
DELETING REFERENCE TO XRT -CERG AS CASH MANAGEMENT
PROVIDER AND RECOGNIZING THE SYMPRO CASH MANAGEMENT
LICENSE FEE, AND TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION FEES
INCURRED IN 2002 IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,500 (AB2003 -064)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Karen Thomas, Cash Management Administrator, stated XRT -CERG is a
group that provides cash management software, enabling the County to invest as
soon as possible. XRT -CERG will no longer support its software. To remain with
XRT -CERG and upgrade would have cost about $25,000. The investment software
provider offers cash management services, so they added their cash management
module instead of going with XRT -CERG. In reviewing the contract, staff realized
they need to do this. The Council approved this in its 2002 budget.
Motion carried unanimously.
19. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, 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.
CITY OF BLAINE TO PROVIDE CONTINUING SMALL CITIES CAUCUS
SUPPORT IN THE WRIA 1 WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT FOR
THE YEAR 2003 IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 (AB2003 -065)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson stated there was a concern about small cities having their own
funding support for their caucus. He asked what is going on with that.
Bruce Roll, Water Resources Division Manager, stated there is a
representative for all the cities. This contract is being administered through the
City of Blaine on behalf of all the small cities. It was funded in the same amount
last year. It is included in the Water Resources budget for this year.
Motion carried unanimously.
20. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE
AMENDMENT #2 TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND KERR WOOD LEIDAL ASSOCIATES FOR THE JONES CREEK
ALLUVIAL FAN RISK ANALYSIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,200
(AB2003 -066)
Roy stated this was discussed during the Natural Resources Committee
meeting. This amount will evaluate a critical area on an alluvial fan in terms of
property and life loss. The study will analyze a 500 -year flood event and give the
County some options for managing the risk. Roy moved to recommend approval
to the full Council.
Crawford asked if the Flood Control Zone District Advisory recommended
this item.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated the advisory
committee has and has made this recommendation.
Motion carried unanimously.
21. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM MARINE
INDUSTRIES TO DESIGN, BUILD AND DELIVER SIX WOOD PLATFORM
SALT WATER FLOATS TO BE USED DURING THE ANNUAL DRY DOCK
IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,907 (AB2003 -067)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Crawford asked why they need six floats.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, Page 11
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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.
Mary Green, Equipment Rental Division Manager, stated they had two on
each side that were bigger, harder, and heavier to place. Based on weight, they
put together three. When there are different passenger ferries that bid, they will
all be able to work on those floats.
Caskey- Schreiber asked how long they would last. Green stated the only
things that will break down in 20 to 25 years are the tubs. Now they use tires with
foam that have lasted 50 years.
Motion carried unanimously.
22. 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 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $63,000 (AB2003 -068)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Craig MacConnell, Cooperative Extension, stated this is an ongoing effort
funded through the flood fee, and is designed to protect water resources rather
than clean them up. It has to do with excess nitrates and other nutrients in water.
He provided a summary of past and future activities (on file). One big issue is
phosphorus. Continue to work on biogas.
Caskey- Schreiber complimented Mr. MacConnell on the recent farm forum
presentation.
Roy agreed with Councilmember Caskey- Schreiber.
McShane asked if they have looked at ammonia at all. MacConnell stated
they know ammonia is being released. It hasn't approached a regulatory
significant issue.
McShane asked the balance of ammonia that would be released from
manure lagoons and applications anyway. He understands that ammonia is an air
quality concern over British Columbia. He would be interested in hearing more on
that issue. MacConnell stated that is correct.
Motion carried unanimously.
23. 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 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $75,000 (AB2003 -069)
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Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked if they are working with the starling program.
Craig MacConnell, Cooperative Extension, stated it is separate. They are not
coordinating with that program.
He submitted a summary of what they have done and will do (on file). They
are working with the Health Department to have a public forum on the West Nile
virus. There is concern about excessive use of pesticide due to the West Nile virus.
He recently received two grants to look at prophylactic pesticides produced by the
Swiss governments. Two - thirds of the raspberry fields are sprayed regardless of
whether or not they have pests. Now, they are on the verge of identifying whether
those fields need to be sprayed at all.
Crawford stated this West Nile virus is going to be a big issue locally as the
season hits. He is concerned about the timing of the presentation. MacConnell
stated his agency and the Health Department have identified a number of high
priority audiences for this workshop. People who aren't in some kind of affected
area are lower down the priority list. The Public Works Department is a high
priority for the audience.
Brenner stated the Master Gardner program and other programs offer good
workshops on integrated pest management (IPM).
Motion carried unanimously.
24. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF BELLINGHAM TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
THROUGH THE E.M.S. LEVY (AB2003 -047)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is an ordinance for setting
a levy. Policy questions include the levy rate and date of election. State law
requires that any levy needs to be concurred with by any city with a population
over 50,000. The City of Bellingham asked for a number of things. An agreement
that discusses the way the City and County will work together to operate the levy
is before the Council for its consideration.
Crawford asked if the City and County being equally responsible for claims
against the program is an issue. Desler stated it is a significant issue. They tried
to develop an agreement that limited or eliminated any County exposure.
Crawford stated the City has total operational control of the program, and
wants the County to share liability 50 -50. Desler stated that is correct. That
doesn't mean the City will get that shared liability. It has been negotiated that the
City will acquire insurance to cover any kind of exposure in addition to their self-
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, Page 13
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contained insurance funds. Anything that surpasses that, the County would agree
to jointly share. There have been no such claims in the past 27 or 28 years,
although they should always assume some exposure. After review, the exposure is
limited by this language to an acceptable level. This was an issue the City was
adamant about.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
Desler stated that if this passes, it would be a countywide County
government service. As such, the County must account for the money. It has to
be appropriated by the County Council and accounted for in its financial reports.
The City didn't think the County has that kind of responsibility. This is the system
they jointly set up. A joint board, including the County Executive and Bellingham
Mayor, would build the budget, which would be presented to both County and City
councils for review and approval.
Crawford asked if the City has given any indication that it agrees to this
agreement. Desler stated there was an agreement, but the Mayor decided he
wanted to add more things. It is a matter now that has to be discussed at the
level of the councils.
Crawford stated they are talking about an agreement when they haven't
reached an agreement on the levy. On the other hand, reaching an agreement on
the levy to make it functional would require an operational contract such as this.
He asked if the City is coming from the perspective where they would like this
operational agreement approved before they know the details of the levy. Desler
stated the City wanted the County to agree on virtually every major decision that
would occur over a six -year period, as of today. The County is not prepared to
commit the administration for the next six years. The City was clear that it does
not trust the County. The administration is going to do what it believes is in the
interest of the people of the county. The County currently pays $1.35 million for
Medic One per year. That cost is scheduled to rise over time. This tax, if set at
$.39, would generate about $4.2 million in total. The County is not prepared to
commit to the additional cost for Medic One for the years 2004 through 2006. The
County prefers to annually review the program, because it has been concerned
about accountability. There has been some resistance to that. If the Council has
questions, it deserves to have answers.
The City originally wanted to have an election in March, but the County
didn't agree. The next option for an election was in April. The City would like to
know the outcome in the summer, although the Mayor is amenable to an election
in September.
Brenner asked what the Executive recommends for a levy amount and
election date. Desler stated the Executive recommends September for an election
date. The issue is the cost of the election. The disadvantage of November is that
it would happen so late into the budget process, and the administration would have
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to build a budget based on the assumption that the levy fails. The levy amount is
something the Council decides, depending on the level of service and what they
receive for the money. To continue the current service, the City needs a levy rate
of $.25 to $.26 per $1,000 of assessed value. As they add other services, such as
additional dispatch support and equipment and the fifth medic unit, the cost of the
levy goes up to $.33 or $.34. The cost of Point Roberts and support for the district
is about another $.02. Assistance to the fire districts is from $.01 to $.04. The
Executive would recommend a rate in the neighborhood of $38. This would allow
the County to support medic one, including the additional services.
Crawford stated one option would be for the administration to present two
budgets, one with the levy and one without, if the vote on this item is held in
November.
Nelson stated he wouldn't support this until it is clear that the levy rate will
generate an amount that is above what the cost is now. Desler stated this
agreement provides the vehicle with which the County Council would deal annually
with the City. It sets some priorities. The County Council sets a given budget.
They would then determine the necessary rate to support that budget for the given
year. The first priority of this agreement is Medic One. The second priority is Point
Roberts. The third priority is the levy replacement of the fire districts. The fourth
priority is the additional basic life support costs. That is all included in the
agreement.
Roy moved to continue discussion of this agreement to the next Finance
Committee meeting in two weeks unless the Council takes action tonight.
Nelson moved to recommend to the full Council that the Council set the
election date for November and set the levy rate at $37.
Motion to hold this item in committee carried unanimously.
Nelson withdrew his motion.
OTHER ITEMS
Crawford stated the County currently compensates its employees a per diem
amount of $36 per day when traveling. The State and federal government adjust
its reimbursement rate for inflation and location. The rate, in most cases, exceeds
that daily per diem amount. He asked for a cost analysis if the County went from
its current rate to the current State and federal rate.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 1/28/2003, Page 16