HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance June 3 20031
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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
June 3, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 11:00 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:
Dan McShane
Seth Fleetwood
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Barbara Brenner
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, 11:00 A.M. — 12:00 P.M.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BY VARIOUS WA -CERT PROJECT
APPLICANTS (AB2003 -223A)
Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and Cultural Memorial
Gary Tomsic, Blaine City Manager, stated the treatment plant project has
been number one on the list for the last two years. It is the most important and
pressing issue in Blaine. The new plant replaces the existing wastewater treatment
facility. They have been trying to identify a site and plan for treatment. If they
are not successful in the next couple of years, they will have problems
accommodating future growth. They have been doing a wastewater treatment
plan update. By the end of this summer, the options will be clearer and they will
make decisions on where to go. He asked the Council to continue ranking the
project high.
Crawford asked if the $3 million they've received is from WA -CERT, or if any
has come from WA -CERT. Tomsic stated the WA -CERT program gives them a
technical advisory team from federal and state agencies that grant and loan
monies. Those people work with Blaine to make the project happen. The group
has been meeting regularly for 1 -Y2 years. There is no money in the bank. When
they identify program costs, the group will be there to assist in putting a package
of money together.
Roy asked about the Heritage Center. Tomsic stated the intent is to move
away from the existing wastewater treatment plant site, upon which the Lummi
Nation will construct a memorial and a replica of a fishing village that used to be at
that location. Also, they will construct a park that has story poles and a heritage
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
center that allows for arts and crafts exhibits that celebrates the Coast Salish
heritage of the Northwest U.S. and Canada.
Nelson asked when implementation begins. Tomsic stated the only source
of money is from Rural Development, which has a grant and loan package that
they've committed. However, the package was stopped in August 1999. Those
funds are still committed when they move forward. They will still have to raise a
lot of money to get the project done in the future. He is not sure what the project
costs will be. Depending on the option they choose, the cost could range from $37
million to something much less than that, about $16 million. Those are decisions
they will make before this October.
City of Lynden West Main Street Improvements and West Front
Street /Tromp Road Improvements
Bill Verwolf, Lynden City Administrator, stated they are trying to get some
infrastructure improvements into that area. The zoning is either commercial or
industrial. There is also a West Front -Tromp Road project. Both projects are in
the same area and are to accomplish the same thing. They will make Lynden
competitive in offering an area for businesses to locate and grow.
Storm Water Program, City of Nooksack
No one spoke
Kendall Community Resource Center
Georgina Head, Kendall Community Resource Center Association Member,
stated the goal is to build a multi- agency facility to serve the communities of
Glacier, Maple Falls, and Kendall. They hope to provide job training and education,
family services, and youth services to the community. They have received two
planning grants that will allow them to determine the size and budget for the
facility.
Nelson asked why not the application says the project is not Growth
Management Act (GMA) compliant. Head stated Paul Schissler filled out the
application. She did not know the reason.
Crawford stated there was discussion of co- location of County services at
that location. Head stated they are working with the County Executive's office
about that option. They are talking about a satellite for County services.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated they have received a couple of
grants for this project. The administration will start a process with the community
and County about determining the appropriate programs that would be a part of
that facility. During that process, they will make recommendations on what goes
in that location and when.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
Point Roberts Wellness Clinic
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this project has been approved.
Port of Bellingham Wood Stone Business expansion
Dodd Snodgrass, Port of Bellingham, stated the Wood Stone Corporation is a
very successful, homegrown manufacturing company that is also a tenant of the
Port of Bellingham. The company produces stone hearth cooking equipment. The
project will provide infrastructure for the company to expand into a 45,000 square
foot facility that the Port of Bellingham will build. There are two phases of the
project. The infrastructure for and construction of the new facility is the project.
This request is to help fund the infrastructure. The Port and Community Economic
Revitalization Board will fund the facility.
Wood Stone is an incredible corporation that pays above average wages in
the county. It employs about 45 employees, and will double that number. The
project is important now because of the Intalco situation and to create and
maintain family wage jobs.
Crawford asked if the Port builds a bigger building for a tenant. Snodgrass
stated there are build -to -suit facilities, and the Port just leases the land. In this
instance, the Port will own the building.
Crawford asked how the Port benefits. It is spending public money for a
private enterprise. Snodgrass stated the tenants pay a lease to pay for the
building costs. There are loan costs. The overall benefits to the public are job
creation in the County. The tenants will pay a rental rate that will pay the cost of
the facility.
Crawford asked how WA -CERT fits into this picture. Snodgrass stated this is
a classic economic development project to generate employment. The public role
is to provide the infrastructure. There may be other incidences in the county
where the public pays for infrastructure.
Nelson stated the grants were originally to help economically deprived
counties from lagging forestry practices. They are trying to find jobs for out -of-
work people in the community. That is what this project would accomplish.
Brenner asked what the wages are. Snodgrass stated the current average
annual wage of the payroll jobs in the county is $27,000. The average wage for
the new positions that will be created is $38,000.
Roy stated she understood that there is no specific amount of money tied to
these projects. It is simply a prioritizing of programs to provide access to many
different funds.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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 the project is excellent, but she was hesitant about
directing something in Bellingham.
Roy stated the WA -CERT process was originally set up as a response to the
loss of jobs in the forest and fisheries industries. Snodgrass stated the definition
of a rural county is less than 100 persons per square mile.
Nelson stated Bellingham is still part of the county.
Whatcom Open Network PUD #1
No one spoke.
Industrial Land Development and Water Facilities Manganese Treatment
Rick Holt, City of Everson Public Works Supervisor, stated the Industrial
Land Development project is high on the City's list of projects. It involves an
industrial area on the east side of Everson. They can't currently serve the area
with water and sewer. In past years, they have had an inquiry about that piece of
land from a plastics industry that would have provided 900 jobs. This property is
partially in the flood plain. Rural sales tax would be well spent on this project. It
is in the rural area. Five hundred to nine hundred jobs would be a real boost for
the east side of Whatcom County. There are several potential funding sources.
He would like to add another project to the list regarding the water
treatment. The City of Everson doesn't have a quantity problem. It has a quality
problem. The deep well is loaded with manganese. They are looking for funding to
treat it. Manganese is a secondary contaminant, so it is an aesthetic problem. If
the City can use that water, it will take pressure off other wells. With the nitrate
problems in the county, that aquifer is a more protected aquifer than the shallow
wells.
Crawford asked if there are other resources for the well project. Holt said
there are other sources. They are initiating a pilot test this week to quantify the
concentration. It is money that already has been set aside. From that point, they
should have an idea about how much manganese is in the water and what it would
take to treat it.
Crawford asked if the plastics business is no longer interested in the Everson
property. Holt said they have not heard from that company in 2 Y2 years. The
electricity was at the location. There was good rail and road access.
Nelson asked if this is just north of the crossroads at Highway 9 and South
Pass Road. Holt stated it is. It is zoned light industrial.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 asked if the Council wants to encourage industrial
development in the flood zone. That is a factor they have to consider.
Crawford stated that would have to be mitigated.
Roy stated many of these factors have influence on her decision.
McShane asked if the City of Everson has a comprehensive flood
management plan that is coordinated with Whatcom County. Holt stated the City
doesn't have a plan separate from Whatcom County's plan.
McShane asked if the two shallow wells have manganese. Holt stated they
do, but the amounts are below the maximum contaminant level (MCL). There is
plenty of water in the deep well, as long as they can treat it. They didn't have any
manganese in the two shallow wells when they punched the deep well. The
manganese seems to be migrating.
Brenner asked if there is a different standard for water for industrial use.
McShane stated it depends on the industry. If heating the water, the
manganese will really cause problems.
Holt stated the wastewater treatment plant can wait longer than the water
treatment project. He would like the Council to prioritize it higher.
Downtown Boardwalk Construction
Terry Galvin, City of Blaine Community Development Director, stated this
project has been on the WA -CERT list for a few years. They've been using it as the
base for the economic development plan for the downtown area. The boardwalk is
one block long, on the west side of Peace Portal Way. Taking advantage of the
water is an advantage to the community. The boardwalk will encourage and
stimulate tourist and commercial activity. There is stakeholder commitment. The
City has committed $100,000. The City committed $500,000 from hotel /motel tax
for construction. Anvil was hired to do pre- construction work. They've done
preliminary work on grants to supplement needed funds. This project has already
stimulated economic development. There are a lot of sales and interest in that
area.
Nooksack Parks and Trails System
No one spoke.
Water Transmission Main Installation
No one spoke.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
Water System Improvements Georgia Manor
Linnea Smith, Georgia Manor Water Association Secretary /Treasurer, asked
to stay on the list. Since they are in the middle of lawsuit with the federal
government, Lummi Tribe, and State Department of Ecology, WA -CERT won't
consider the application until the lawsuit is over. She doesn't want to be removed
from the list, but they can't do a lot until the lawsuit is over.
Point Roberts Wastewater Treatment Project
David Niles, Point Roberts Planning and Economic Development Committee,
stated this project is co- sponsored with the Port of Bellingham and Point Roberts
Chamber of Commerce. The County Planning Department participates at their
meetings. The community needs proper community infrastructure to have growth
and development. This will lead to expanding the local economy. A clean source
of water was their first major hurdle, which was achieved. A wastewater treatment
system is the second step. Two years ago, the committee applied for the WA-
CERT list so it could apply for US Forest Service grant money, which it received.
The result is the update of the Point Roberts Sewer Comprehensive Plan. They are
in the final phases of that plan. They are ready to move forward on phase two. It
will determine individual property assessments so the property owners can make a
decision. If necessary, there could be an update and revision of the environmental
land impact study. The comprehensive sewer plan provides a general idea of what
sewers could look like in the future. They need the technical assistance now to
customize a system for the community. The first phase did not cost the taxpayers
anything. He would like that to continue for phase two.
Crawford stated this amount is for the treatment plant, not the sewer lines.
Niles stated they don't know yet. There is a new pressurized system similar to
what they think will be useful in Point Roberts. The estimated cost for that system
is the estimate for the plant and the pipes. The new pressurized systems offer
great potential for rural communities. A similar system is even used by the City of
Baltimore. It cuts down on construction costs.
Roy asked if this work has to be passed by the voters to actually install the
system. Niles stated it has to be approved by property owners.
Roy asked if there is a scenario that the property owners will not approve.
Niles stated it is a possibility, but the project will sell itself once accurate costs are
known. The committee first considered forming a utility local improvement district
(ULID) that would cover half of the Point. However, if new projects coming into
the community are going to put money into individual systems anyway, the
community could time it so that this new system could be developed for the entire
community.
Small Business Roundtable Proaram
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
Tom Dorr, Small Business Development Center, stated this project started in
2002. Round table discussions focus on industry sectors. They bring non -
competing businesses together once per month with a professional facilitator.
There are two purposes for the meetings. First, it increases the participants'
technical skills and knowledge about running a business. Second, it creates a
peer -to -peer support system. Initial funding came from a grant from the Small
Business Administration. Western Washington University has matched the money
from the initial cost for the start of the program.
They are looking to continue and expand the program. Currently, there are
five round tables in four sectors, including manufacturing, business -to- business
services, business -to- consumer services, construction, and the downtown retailers.
He has requests for three new round tables, but he is not able to fund them right
now. One request is for a round table in the foothills area.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Dorr continued to state that they want to put one together for agricultural
producers and one at the Lummi Reservation. The funding for the project is
$40,000. He is requesting $20,000. He has $5,000 committed from a local bank,
and also from the Bellingham Business Journal. Western Washington University
will provide the rest.
Nelson stated this is a big bang for the County's buck. It is a good idea.
Evergreen Water and Sewer District 19 Water System Project Report
No one spoke.
Economic Development Name Branding and Marketing Campaign and
Corporate Jet Park.
Steve Jilk, Port of Bellingham Economic Development Director, spoke
regarding the Economic Development Name Branding and Marketing Campaign. It
came out of Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process. It was
one of the top 25 recommended projects and initiatives.
There are two phases of the project. The first phase is to look at the county
in terms of all facets of marketing of the county to those outside of the county.
Phase two is for the Convention and Visitors Bureau to look at the tourism
element.
The reason behind the recommendation from CEDS to complete this project
was, after visiting with other areas in the state, the advisory committee saw a gap
in terms of how this county markets itself to the outside world. There seemed to
be a fragmented approach at how they did that. They looked at how different local
industries market themselves. The Port of Bellingham sponsors this project
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
because the recommendation came from the CEDS Committee to the Partnership
for Sustainable Economy, which is not a legal entity. The Port took it on.
Nelson asked how Economic Development Council (EDC) would play a role.
Jilk stated that at this point, the EDC needs to play a key role in terms of the
economic development element. The issue they are trying to resolve is how to
create a multi- faceted marketing program that includes economic development,
tourism, transportation, land use, and other elements. This is a team approach
that includes the EDC, Port of Bellingham, CVB, and other agencies.
Roy asked if the marketing portion of the program was included at the
beginning of this project. ]ilk stated it was always in two parts. The first is to
determine a theme, or brand. The second part is to develop an implementation
strategy that is ongoing.
Regarding the Corporate Jet Park, this is an important project. There are
issues regarding land acquisition. This is a lower priority for Port right now.
Monument Transportation Connector
Unidentified Speaker, stated this is the most important project for Point
Roberts. It will connect Point Roberts to the Coast Millennium Trail and Canadian
trails. It will connect to the Point Roberts business district and Monument Park.
Trail development has been cited as the number one economic development
priority in the Port of Bellingham study. It is environmentally beneficial economic
development. It will preserve and enhance the character of Point Roberts. It will
enhance pubic safety for bicyclers, pedestrians, and others that will move off the
road and onto the trails. It is included in the County bicycle and pedestrian plan.
There has been a one -cent per gallon of gas tax in Point Roberts for 30 years that
is to go toward projects like this. Additionally, the Tyee Drive widening project was
cancelled at their request, and the money put forward to this project. They could
say the residents of Point Roberts have already paid for this project.
They will seek wetland enhancement funds. Overall, it would be a reduced
cost for capital improvements to the County. The project will provide rights of way
for future utilities, such as sewers. They would look to the rural sales tax for
money. The project is compliant with the Growth Management Act (GMA).
Business and Workforce Center Feasibility
No one spoke.
Brenner stated some of the projects are asking only for a small amount.
She asked if more projects would be funded because they are asking for smaller
amounts. Desler stated the top priority projects that have a likelihood of being
funded are assigned someone to scope the project, which will help facilitate the
financing of a project.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Crawford stated this would have a public hearing in two weeks.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE INCREASING THE PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT'S PETTY CASH REVOLVING FUND (AB2003 -212)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID
#03 -40 TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, SAHLBERG
EQUIPMENT, FOR A REPLACEMENT VIBRATORY ROLLER FOR USE BY
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,758.56
(AB2003 -214)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Brenner asked how old the current machine is.
Mike Roberts, Assistant County Road Engineer, stated the current roller is a
1973 model. He is not sure if it has the original hour meter on it. The controls
don't work anymore. It is worn out.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND WHATCOM COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF'S GUILD FOR THE
PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2000, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2002
(AB2003 -215)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated Guild members unanimously
approved this. It brings their efforts to conclusion.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Roy asked when the agreement terminates. Desler stated it brings finality
to a series of negotiations and arbitration with the Guild. Now, they can finish the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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.
next agreement that covers January 1, 2003 to whenever they decide. If the
Council approves this agreement, the administration will use it to operate during
2003.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
FLOOD WORKS AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
DIKING DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR LEVEE BACK SLOPING WORK ON THE
NOOKSACK RIVER NORTH OF SLATER ROAD, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$42,143.90 (AB2003 -216)
Nelson moved to recommend approval. He asked what they are doing to
prevent this situation from happening again. The work was done before the
request came in.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated she sent a letter to
the commissioners stating this is not the way the process is to work. There is an
administrative policy that the County does not approve funding for a completed
project. She will make the committee aware of the County's policy.
McShane asked what the diking district would do if there weren't countywide
flood funds.
Wayne Barney, Diking District 1 Commissioner, stated the district needed to
get this work done. A contractor brought too much fill onto someone's property.
He's still learning the process. When they get a contractor with extra material,
they back slope the dikes at a 6 -to -1 slope. It helps maintain the integrity of the
dikes. There was a contractor who was bringing in too much material, and they
had to have it cleaned up from a property owner's property.
McShane stated fill was stored on a property, and they had to move it off
that property because that property owner wasn't happy with it sitting there.
Cooper stated the contractor brought out too much fill. They were supposed to
back slope it, but the contractor went overboard and ended up widening it.
McShane asked if the dike was encroaching on the person's property.
Cooper stated that is correct.
McShane stated the property owner told the diking district to fix it. That is
what they are paying for. The diking district was responsible. Barney stated the
diking district was responsible. He got another contractor to avoid legal problems
with the property owner.
Roy stated work was performed beyond the authorization of the permits.
The project was shut down. Now, the Council is being asked to pay for something
after it has been completed. It is a terrible precedent to set.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 it is helpful to vote for it if it is important to happen, and
have Ms. Cooper follow up with the parties involved.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Roy opposed.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE WHATCOM
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE FRONT STREET
PARTNERSHIP TO DEVELOP A LOCAL " "COALITION AGAINST
TOBACCO USE" (CATU) FOR A TERM OF JUNE 1, 2003, THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2003, IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,000 (AB2003 -217)
Andy Byrne, Human Services Division Manager, stated this project is funding
from the Department of Health. There is a contract requirement from the State
Department of Health to mobilize local coalitions against tobacco. This is timely in
Whatcom County. The amount of money the County receives has gradually
increased over the years. The County ends up doing a lot of tobacco prevention.
The Health Department and a small group of committed individuals have
historically done this work. This contract is to provide organization and
development to the individuals, called COMMIT. It will create a strategic plan for
Whatcom County for addressing the impacts of smoke and secondhand smoke.
Dr. Chris Covert - Bowlds, COMMIT President, stated this contract will build
infrastructure to lobby others for money. The organization will step up its tobacco
control efforts.
Roy asked if there are direct services to addicted people that would be
provided. Byrne stated the County does the direct services for prevention.
Physicians do cessation services. This contract is to increase local capacity so
there are more providers out there. The local groups will band together and create
a strategic plan. It will provide more results.
Covert - Bowlds stated he originally wanted this money to be for direct
services, but that's not what this pot of money is for. It is to build the
infrastructure.
Brenner stated she hasn't heard much from COMMIT in the last year or two.
She would like a presentation from the organization at some point.
Nelson stated people have done a lot of work on this issue in this part of
country. Peer pressure got people into smoking. Peer pressure will get people off
of smoking. The more they do that, the more people will want to quit.
Caskey- Schreiber asked what happened with the State ordinance to ban
smoking in indoor public places. She asked if they could do that locally. Covert -
Bowlds stated that one of the biggest projects is reducing acceptability by reducing
smoking in public places. It works better legally at the city level.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 would support a County ordinance.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR TEMPORARY PASSENGER FERRY
SERVICE TO LUMMI ISLAND FROM AUGUST 1, 2003, THROUGH JULY
31, 2004, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $60,000 (AB2003 -218)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated this is a continuation of a
contract. It only relates to dry dock, but it allows access to a passenger vessel in
the case the ferry goes down at other times of the year.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT NO. 200209003 BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND HDR ENGINEERING, INC. TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF
WORK TO PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT FOR FEASIBILITY OF REUSING
AN EXISTING BUILDING AS A TEMPORARY MINIMUM - SECURITY
FACILITY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $127,357 (AB2003 -219)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the fiscal requirements of a jail
are something they don't think about in their daily lives. They are complicated,
difficult facilities. Using an existing building requires a fair amount of care. It has
to match with the zoning, facility, and building requirements. The administration
has talked with the Sheriff's Office staff about the possibility of developing a new
minimum - security facility. It's important to examine many issues that are related
to fiscal and operational infrastructures before they know whether this will be
successful for Whatcom County.
The current provider is working on a master facilities plan. The
administration asked the provider to focus on a side project that would examine an
existing facility. The contractor has experience with people who have taken
existing facilities and converted them to a minimum - security jail. They will bring a
team in to work with County jail staff and look at key sites. The contractor will
come back with a series of recommendations and cost estimates.
Crawford stated the County has engaged in a total of over $300,000 for this
facilities planning process. Now they want to expand it. He asked how this fits
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
into the overall planning process and whether this was always a part of the project.
Desler stated it was not originally part of the project. The detailed work associated
with that is not associated with any plan. It is a new proposal.
Crawford stated the numbers were worked out by the Sheriff's Office and
taken to administration for review. He asked how $25,000 in planning entered the
scene.
Lt. Wendy Jones, Chief of Corrections, stated this may be a good interim
solution to a chronic crisis situation at the jail. This was not part of the original
master planning process because no one thought of it until a program sergeant
brought it forward recently as a way to alleviate stress on the jail. When they
brought forward a proposal, the Executive decided to get a more conclusive
estimate. They want to bring in some folks who have done this before to make
sure they don't violate codes, come in at budget, and not increase the liability to
the County. This is a lot of money, especially if they decide it is not a feasible
solution. However, it makes sense to get an accurate estimate.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
Jones continued to state it makes sense to spend the money up front to do
the pre - planning instead of finding out later on that will cost the County too much
as is not feasible.
Crawford asked if the contractor has provided at timeframe. Desler stated it
would take four or five weeks.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she would like to approach the consultants with an
attitude of doing what they can to make this work. She supports the project. She
doesn't want to approach it negatively.
Jones stated the preliminary conversations with the consultant have been
very positive. The consultant wants to try and make this work. There haven't
been any red flags so far. However, it makes sense to get an accurate estimate
before asking the Council and community for more money.
Brenner stated she wanted to go out for bid for this work. It shouldn't take
$25,000 to figure out if it is feasible. Use local contractors to figure this out. She
doesn't support doing this. Just go ahead with the project and make it work.
Desler stated the County is able use professional services like architects
through an RFP once a year. They've gone through that process and are entirely
legal. The technical team is a combination of HDR, who teamed up with Stewart
and David King, who have expertise in criminal justice.
Nelson asked how they would meet security and manpower needs. Jones
stated they would have to hire 11 additional officers. They shouldn't have much
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
difficulty in hiring the staff. The new officers would go to the existing facility. The
staff for the new facility will be comprised of senior officers and officers who have
been on staff for a while. She's already workout out the staffing schedules. This is
a temporary solution.
Roy stated she has reservations, but she doesn't want to delay this. If the
$25,000 is an issue, she will be willing to look at places to reduce something else
in the budget.
Fleetwood asked if this level of analysis is necessary. Jones stated it is, in
terms of meeting codes. She is comfortable with the remodeling ideas for the
interior. HDR has some additional ideas that might save remodeling costs.
They've come up with some different methods of accomplishing the same thing.
The County needs to make sure that it complies with all codes. This study will help
guarantee that happens. An issue with the old jail is that there were no code
requirements. That's the reason the County has the problem it does right now.
this study will also reduce the County's exposure to liability.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT NO. 200301025 BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND THE BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF WORK TO
PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE COUNTY'S ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$58,000, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$73,000 (AB2003 -220)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the request is consistent with
information from the Economic Development Investment (EDI) program. The
Council appropriated the funding for this at the previous Council meeting in the
supplemental budget request. The scope of work and reimbursement schedule
would be a part of the EDI program. The administration would retain $15,000
annually for Economic Development Council (EDC) funding and $43,000 over 19
months from EDI funds to support implementation of the program.
Nelson stated the scope of work is great. It's what they've been trying to
get for years. He asked if the City of Bellingham is participating. Desler stated the
City contributes to the EDC independently. He hasn't seen the City's scope of
work, but he's heard that it's similar. The City is not partnering with the County on
this particular scope of work.
Caskey- Schreiber asked what happens to smaller projects that come
forward and request funds. Desler stated the EDI program might not be
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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.
appropriate for smaller projects. This fund has to be focused on public facilities.
Grant monies are available. The County could amend the EDI program guidelines
if it is appropriate and wants to fund smaller projects.
Brenner stated she wanted to emphasize nourishing local businesses before
bringing in outside businesses. Desler stated the Executive agrees, but they need
both. Any successful effort will involve a combination of both. There are
references to that in the scope of work.
Brenner stated she's opposed to non -local businesses that displace local
businesses. Desler stated one item addresses that concern. A representative on
the EDC board, Councilmember Crawford, can represent that opinion.
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. RESOLUTION AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY VANTAGECARE
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS) PLAN TO PROVIDE TO
BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES WHEN SPECIFIED IN WHATCOM
COUNTY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS, AND REVISE
EXISTING NON - HEALTH DISTRIBUTION FEATURES OF THE RHS PLAN
IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDANCE ICMA -RC HAS RECEIVED FROM
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (AB2003 -210)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated Whatcom County is the first
county to take advantage of this type of program. This applies to all un-
represented employees and the master bargaining unit. It's an employee paid
benefit.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Crawford stated councilmembers has received feedback from contractors
that they can't get permits in a timely way. They've allocated money for extra
help.
Sam Ryan, Building and Codes Division Manager, stated they do need more
help. Two weeks to wait for an appointment is acceptable, but three weeks is not.
They are now at seven weeks to get an appointment. It's taking four to five weeks
once someone gets the appointment.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 15
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Crawford stated one contractor is doing over 30 homes. He asked if that
contractor's appointment could be expedited. It was suggested that the problem
might be better if they did a little overtime on Saturdays. Ryan stated there are
280 applications for residential use only.
Crawford asked if they could take one applicant with multiple applications
and pull it out of the mix. Ryan stated she pulled mobile homes out of the mix
right now, and set them up with a different appointment schedule. Carey Brothers
and other developers have master plans. Any one of those homes that have public
water and sewer can be done in 40 minutes to an hour for each building permit.
They have put together some ideas. County staff is willing to work some overtime.
A combination of additional clerical help and overtime is what she is asking for. To
make the backlog work in the long run, they need a temporary natural resource
person and a temporary zoning person to help review the applications.
Crawford asked if they could take the major developers out and handle them
in a way so that the individual builders don't have to wait for seven weeks. Ryan
stated there is a timeline on construction loans. Most people plan on being able to
get into an appointment right away.
Crawford asked what they can do right now. Ryan stated extra help and
overtime could be approved.
Desler stated the administration has put forward an amended request for
$72,000 for short -term capacity for the Building Services Division, funded by
permit revenues. In the meantime, the administration authorizes the department
to do whatever is necessary within the existing budget to help out.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she thought the increase in fees was supposed to
pay for the services that the Planning Department provides. She asked why they
have to have this additional money. Ryan stated the volume was exceeded last
year and the year before. It was more than they anticipated.
Desler stated there has been a 20 percent increase in permits each of the
last two years. This year alone, the increase will be even more. The
administration projected certain volumes for 2003. They are going to far exceed
that. The administration is going to budget the additional revenue from permit
revenue through a supplemental budget.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they have identified an ideal window for permit
turn - around. Ryan stated the contractors have lived with the four -week
turnaround once they made an application. They have never had to wait more
than two weeks to get an appointment and make an application.
Roy stated she is concerned about what they can do before the
supplemental request goes through. Ryan stated she is ready now to hire another
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 6/3/2003, Page 16
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
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.
plans examiner and the clerical staff they need to make the appointments, if there
is support.
Crawford stated the Council supports the administration's implementation by
all direct means to get this going as soon as possible.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:09 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, 6/3/2003, Page 17