HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance May 6 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
May 6, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 11:10 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
Seth Fleetwood
Dan McShane
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF LIMITED TAX
GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS (AB2003 -156)
Crawford stated the Prosecuting Attorney's Office has engaged the services
of attorney Cynthia Weed, who specializes in bond issuances. She has reviewed
the ordinance and signed off as to legal form of the ordinance.
Barbara Cory, Treasurer, stated the County has a unique opportunity to
refund a bond issue that has been on the books since 1993. She is refinancing this
issue because rates are so low. It will save the taxpayers over $460,000 over the
life of the bond. Whatcom County has received an Al rating. Many municipalities'
ratings have been downgraded. The County administration worked hard to put this
together.
When she refunds bonds, she looks for three to five percent savings to
justify the cost. Because of the historic low interest rates, the refund is a savings
of almost 12 percent.
Crawford stated they are investing $45,000 to save $460,000. Cory stated
that is correct.
Nelson asked if they are going to call the old bond with an interest rate of
3.9 percent. Cory stated $700,000 that had not been spent is left over from
another bond. They decided to use the money to help refund this bond issue.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
Nelson asked if they need to use County reserves to pay it off. He asked to
know the differences between the bonds and what they can and can't do with the
new bond.
Karen Thomas, Treasurer's Office, stated they are refinancing the original
bond.
Cory stated that if they don't spend the $700,000 on the old bond, they will
lose this deal.
Nelson asked who made this decision. Cory stated the Administrative
Financing Committee made the decision. In the past, she has not run bond issues
past that committee, but decided to do so this time. The administration
participated in those discussions also.
Nelson moved to recommend adopting the ordinance to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimous /y.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF BELLINGHAM FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AS
APPROVED BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL ON 4/22/03 WITH
RECOMMENDED CHANGES BY THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM (AB2003-
165A)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the City of Bellingham is
proposing changes that the County administration agrees with. Changes regard
sharing decision - making on certain issues.
Nelson moved to recommend approval of the substitute agreement, with
changes proposed by the City of Bellingham.
Caskey- Schreiber read the letter from Mayor Asmundson regarding the
agreement. The City Council prefers to hold the election in September.
Brenner stated she doesn't want to leave fire districts #16 and #18
stranded, but there is an alternative. They can put their levy on the primary
election, at a cost of just a few thousand dollars. If the County puts it on the
primary election, and that is the only issue, the County will spend $60,000 of
taxpayer money, which isn't fair. There is not enough time to hold the election in
September and make sure the public is aware of the issue. General elections are
better to get a feel for what a majority of the people want. They have to get 40
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
percent of the people who voted in the last election. It will be easier to do that in
the general election. She won't support a primary election.
Roy stated her concern is to give this the best chance possible to pass. She
wants the voters to see the attitude from the government that it will pass. She
asked if there must be 40 percent turnout from the previous election. Desler stated
this issue needs 40 percent of those who voted in the last general election to vote.
Of that 40 percent who vote, 60 percent plus one person must approve the levy.
Roy stated she is concerned about the requirement for 40 percent voter
turnout if there is no other reason for a primary. It's likely that this will be the only
item on the ballot.
Crawford stated he didn't think they would get the 40 percent turnout.
During the last general election, the turnout was about 90,000. That would require
a turnout of 36,000 people. They'll get that in the general election this year, but
not the primary election.
Desler stated he has updated information from the Auditor. The cost would
be $140,000 to $150,000 for a primary election for emergency medical services
(EMS) only, that does not involve another countywide race. If that were the chosen
date, the City and County would split the cost equally. A November election would
be far less costly.
Roy asked if the City Council asked for the September date instead of the
November date. Desler stated he heard there was a request from the City Council
for the County Council to reconsider the date and hold the election in September.
Roy stated the fire districts sent a letter requesting a September election
date.
Brenner stated she would like to consider using a small portion of the EMS
levy for the ballot measures for fire districts #16 and #18. Then they can put it on
the primary ballot, and can campaign for it. If the general levy passes, the formula
will be redone to make sure they don't lose any money.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Crawford opposed.
Nelson stated Councilmember Brenner's issue is separate from that issue.
Desler stated the administration would bring forward a resolution amending
the existing resolution that was sent to the Auditor regarding the levy date.
Roy stated she would like to consider Councilmember Brenner's suggestion.
She really wants this to pass. Consider the repercussions to these two fire districts.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
Desler stated a district vote -by -mail election, which the Auditor
recommends, would cost approximately $4,000. It would not be necessary if the
countywide levy passes. The district has the same voting requirements to meet.
The County or City could not pay the election cost of the district. It is a district
responsibility because it does not have a countywide impact.
Brenner withdrew her request, but stated it is a small amount of money for
the fire districts. It would be a wise move to hold their election during the primary.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #03 -
32 TO THE LOWEST BIDDER, WHATCOM BUILDERS, FOR THE
ASPHALT CONCRETE OVERLAY AND PRELEVEL AT MISCELLANEOUS
COUNTY LOCATIONS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $822,095 (AB2003 -182)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #03 -
30 FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF ASPHALTIC MIXES FOR COUNTY
ROAD PROJECTS TO THE APPROPRIATE LOW BIDDER, BASED ON JOB
LOCATION AND DISTANCE FROM PLANT, AND PRODUCT
AVAILABILITY, FOR A TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF APPROXIMATELY
$400,000 (AB2003 -183)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNSELING & PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND WHATCOM COUNTY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT, TO ENGAGE HOMELESS PEOPLE WITH CO-
OCCURRING DISORDERS IN MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE
ABUSE TREATMENT, AND TO ASSIST THEM IN OVERCOMING
BARRIERS FOR HOUSING, IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,122 (AB2003-
184)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked how this helps the lighthouse mission reduce stress.
Andy Byrne, Human Services Division Manager, stated it's not aimed to help
the Lighthouse Mission, but to help homeless people with co- occurring disorders.
That might have an indirect effect on the Lighthouse Mission. Emergent housing
exists in various places in the county, including the Lighthouse Mission.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
Nelson asked if there is adequate housing to meet the needs of the client at
this level. Byrne stated there is not, countywide. There are programs for interim
hotel vouchers. Once someone is in treatment, the case managers can help those
folks get housing.
Nelson asked if the beds that are closed down through the State budget
process would fall under Section 8. Byrne stated he's told that Section 8 housing
has not been capped. Wherever those people come to, they will apply.
Roy asked the amount of direct service. Byrne stated 150 to 180 hours per
month are for outreach workers that go into the community. They are hoping to
have a revolving caseload of 20 to 25 people, with no one being in the program
longer than six months.
Roy asked if they could have repeat clients. Byrne stated they can reengage
someone who has backed far out of treatment, so the existing service unit has to
close them out as a client.
Roy asked why the contractor must assure that no more than two persons
perform the outreach and case management services. Byrne stated they didn't
want a contract that would divvy the money up to existing staff of a contractor.
They want a fulltime person or two part -time people doing outreach and case
managment.
Brenner asked the process that will let them know if this program has any
effect. She asked if there would be program monitoring. Byrne stated he is
holding the contractor responsible for providing monthly reports. He convenes all
outreach coordinators for many programs monthly.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF
ECOLOGY — REHAB THE LAB PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE
REIMBURSEMENT TO PROPERLY REMOVE HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
FROM WHATCOM COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE LABS, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $35,550 (AB2003 -185)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND COASTAL GEOLOGIC
SERVICES, INC. (CGS), TO PROVIDE FOR THE FIFTH (2003) AND
SIXTH (2004) YEARS OF MONITORING OF THE LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
BEACH RESTORATION PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,340
(AB2003 -186)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Roy asked when they would see the results of the monitoring.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated they've monitored
for four years. They are learning some things. They've installed measures that
have saved the erosion of the park. Fish habitat is coming back.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
FARMLAND LEASE BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PARKS AND
RECREATION AND ARON HOVANDER, TO FARM APPROXIMATELY 80
ACRES OF LAND AT HOVANDER HOMESTEAD PARK IN FERNDALE, FOR
A TERM OF THREE YEARS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000 PER YEAR
(AB2003 -187)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Roy stated the farming techniques are changing to organic.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
LAND LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PARKS
AND RECREATION AND GARY VAN DYK, TO CUT HAY AND SILAGE AT
DEMING HOMESTEAD EAGLE PARK IN DEMING (AB2003 -188)
Nelson moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND URS CORPORATION, FOR
ASSISTANCE DURING BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES ON THE
SAAR CREEK SEDIMENT TRAP PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,982
FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,556
(AB2003 -189)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked why they are doubling the cost.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated they needed a
contract to get the drawings they needed for the bid process. They developed a set
of plans through the first contract. Modifications were required due to changes as
they went through the specification process. They needed to get going early, so
they did a contract within the administration's authority, to get the modifications,
so the plans could go out for bid.
Nelson stated the original contract was for $14,000. The last increase was to
$28,000, which was double. Cooper stated that gave them enough money to get
through the stuff they needed to get through before putting it out for bid.
Nelson stated it was not for implementation. Cooper stated that is correct.
It was not for assistance during the actual construction and the bid process. This
gives them the consultant's assistance during implementation.
Motion carried unanimously.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
10. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 901002
AND THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE
BIDDER, SOTO AND SONS CONSTRUCTION LLC, FOR THE WEST
SMITH ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, FERNDALE CITY LIMITS TO
NORTHWEST DRIVE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,298,846.28 (AB2003-
190)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Nelson asked if they have to have the whole amount, or if it can be
amended.
Joe Rutan, Assistant Director /County Road Engineer, stated they've had to
go out for bid again.
Nelson stated he's reluctant about putting in cement sidewalks. He can't
support the item. It sets a precedent of putting in sidewalks and other urban
fixtures in the urban growth areas (UGA's). The County has a responsibility to rural
communities for roads and adequate shoulders, but there is a limited amount in the
road fund for all their needs. As the fish projects get underway, and other water
resource inventory area (WRIA) projects, they are going to begin dipping into the
reserves. He asked how the sidewalks got into it. Rutan stated the sidewalk was
to be on one side to match the cross sections on both sides of the project. There is
a sidewalk on the west end of the project on the north side of the road. At the east
end of the project there is a sidewalk on the south side of the road.
At that point, the administration went to the public with the plan. There was
a large outcry for improved sidewalks on both sides. Staff looked at school
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
patterns and determined that sidewalks on the south side were warranted. He
agrees that this is a very unusual rural area. On weekends, it is probably the most
densely populated area in the county. There are a lot of kids going from Ferndale
to the soccer fields. There are two schools, the soccer fields, cross sections to
meet, and other services. It is an unusual situation.
Crawford asked if there is a mechanism for the City of Ferndale to
compensate the County.
Brenner stated there is not. This is not in the UGA.
Brenner stated there is a small amount of sidewalk in front of the Northwest
Annex. Don't continue the anomaly by adding more sidewalks. She talked to a
bunch of people from that area, and none of them knew about the public meeting.
She lives in the area, and was not notified about the public meeting. People are
concerned about changing the look of the area. The cost will be borne by the
county taxpayers to do something that will look strange. Northwest Road has a
wide shoulder. Kids can walk safely. There is no need to put sidewalks on both
sides. Just widen shoulders. Rutan stated that was proposed, but would require an
ordinance to allow people to walk on the shoulder and prohibit parking. People
park on that road now. The houses are close to the road and people have short
driveways. The County is exacerbating the problem. People walking on an
enhanced shoulder will have to walk around the cars, into the lane of travel. They
need to account for parking and pedestrians.
Jim Karcher, Engineering Manager - Design /Construction, stated this project
went to an open house in 2002. The public at the open house wanted sidewalks on
two sides, because of the North Bellingham Elementary School. Staff looked into
some of the reasons and some of the things the County has done in the past.
Marine Drive, Bennett Road, Austin Street, and Yew Street Road have the same
sections. They are similar situations, so they accommodated that.
Nelson stated those roads are in the urban growth areas.
Crawford stated Austin Street is not in the UGA.
Karcher stated this is a heavy utility corridor. Most utilities are under
sidewalks, not roadways. The general recommendation from the public was for
sidewalks on both sides. Density is one acre lots or less. School and soccer fields
are the reasons for the primary uses of the sidewalk. There is a lot of movement.
A 40 -foot section allows for increased options for modification in the future. Given
today's permitting issues and requirements, it's easier to modify a section rather
than rebuild a section. The 40 -foot section without sidewalks match the West Smith
Road to the east. They looked at a one -mile radius around the school. The
sidewalks are in keeping with current Whatcom County standards. Notification is
given to all adjacent property owners. In addition, they notified a number of
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
residents on roadways to the north. They would send out a flyer to the public.
They use the Assessor's database for address information.
Crawford asked if the kids in those neighborhoods are bussed to school.
Brenner stated a lot of the kids in the area are bussed. Some walk. There
has never been a problem on Northwest Road. People have parked on Northwest
Road. Lots of kids have come to school on that road. Rutan stated the pedestrian
volume in this area is much greater than on Northwest Road.
McShane stated half of the area is zoned urban residential, three units per
acre (UR -3) on both sides of the road, on the west end. The east half is zoned
rural residential, one unit per acre (RR1), although there is a school, library, store,
and cluster lots that are denser than the current underlying zoning. Even though it
is not in an urban growth area, it is close to an urban level of development. He
asked if they've looked at the growth expectation of the area, under current zoning.
Rutan stated the Traffic and Development section of the department has looked at
it.
Caskey- Schreiber stated there are kids everywhere at that intersection on a
Saturday. With this kind of pedestrian use, it behooves the County to have
sidewalks. People aren't looking for pedestrians at these intersections. The County
has spent just as much on projects that benefit fewer people. She is in favor of it.
Roy stated she is concerned about precedence. There are places all over the
County that can use sidewalks. They need something to measure these things
against. Rutan stated there is a Washington Administrative Code (WAC), such as
the safe school walking zone. It's the school's responsibility to develop the plan.
The County is working with the schools to make sure their plans exist or are up -to-
date. The County will begin to incorporate those needs into its annual plan. They
are going forward with developing policies.
Nelson stated he would defer to Councilmember Brenner, as the
representative of the area. They would all like sidewalks, but the Council has a
fiduciary responsibility to the entire County. They need a policy before they go
down the path of spending money that they won't have for future projects.
Brenner stated this area has been the last barrier between the cities of
Ferndale and Bellingham. Historically, the area has been known as North
Bellingham. It is not part of Ferndale. It is not an urban neighborhood. It has
rural characteristics. There are a lot of kids on the weekend, because the parking
lots are filling up. There are not many kids playing in the road. Widen the
shoulders. If the shoulders are wide enough, going around the car won't be a
problem.
Roy asked if there is anyway to amend this. Rutan stated they could re -bid
the project.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, Page 9
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
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are not the final approved minutes.
Karcher stated they would have to do more public outreach also.
Motion failed 1 -2 with Crawford in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS
Presentation regarding concerns of Public Facilities District.
Tony Larson, 4929 Lewis Avenue, Bellingham, spoke on the interlocal
agreement for the Public Facilities District. He represents Support Our Community
Kids (SOCKS). His group went through the interlocal agreement. The
responsibility of the County in the agreement is to sign the money over to the City
of Bellingham. The City responsibility to the County is that there is an intention
that the project, if feasible, be consistent with Whatcom County Civic Center Master
Plan, which may include a parking facility. That is not very strong language.
It is not generally understood that this is a Whatcom County district, not just
for Bellingham. The question is the benefit that the County residents would
receive. His group would not be concerned with the responsibilities of the County
and the City if the process the City is taking is appropriate. He listed examples of
things that are going on. Mayor Asmundson did not follow through on a promised
public hearing. They asked the City to provide the community with a specific plan
for the funds and projects. Those plans have not been granted.
In two days, there will be an open house. Public input will not be allowed,
but the City will try to sell its project to the public. There is a $60 million project,
but only $13 million will come into the district. It is reasonable to ask where the
rest of the money will come from. All he's asking for is an opportunity to be heard.
He made the same request to the City Council. Rather than getting a response
from the City, the Mayor put together an interlocal agreement between the Pubic
Facility District and the City Council.
The interlocal agreement concerned him. Without the public comment, that
interlocal agreement would have determined the project concept. It would have
provided power to the City to exercise its power of eminent domain, which would
displace downtown businesses. The intent was to get a parking facility near the
courthouse. He requested that the Council write a letter to Public Facilities District
and /or City Council and /or Mayor requesting a specific plan, the cost, and how they
are going to fund it. Also, he asked that his organization be given a chance to be
heard. It has a plan.
Nelson asked if it is appropriate for the County to have the public hearing.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the decision rests with the
people appointed to the Public Facility District. They have an obligation to hear the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, Page 10
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information and develop a plan. They do have a responsibility to hold a public
hearing. The decisions on these matters aren't just with City Council or County
Council.
Larson stated there was a public process leading up to the project the Public
Facilities District is proposing, but it was focused on downtown. The Public Facilities
District didn't look at alternatives. In October, the Mayor told the Public Facilities
District to do this project. No other alternative projects were allowed in the debate.
Roy stated she asked about representation from the County when this
committee had the presentation.
Crawford stated the County's interest is to approve the members of the
board, jointly with the City Council.
Larson stated there are two county representatives on the board, and five
city representatives.
McShane stated the members of the Public Facilities District were jointly
appointed.
Crawford stated he would draft a letter to present to the Council tonight.
Roy stated she wants to make sure they are not behaving inappropriately or
jumping the gun.
Larson stated they've gotten feedback from the City about why they haven't
been allowed to be involved. His group has a proposal that originated many years
ago. If the intent is to do what is best for the community, there is a way to do both
projects. His group hasn't been able to present its proposal.
McShane suggested the Council revisit the purpose of the Public Facilities
District. The question is the power the County may or may not have over the
Public Facilities District. He recalled that the County could pull out if it doesn't like
what the Public Facilities District is doing. He doesn't know if that can actually
happen. The Public Facilities District Board members are volunteers trying to do a
public service. There are two groups in the community pulling in different ways.
The City has been very engaged in the process. His question is whether the
agreement is being satisfied, and if the County is still happy with the agreement.
Beyond that, look at the issue before they do anything too quickly.
Larson stated the start date for the project must be by January 2004.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she is hesitant about getting into the fray. The
County was clear about its parking needs. Mr. Larson's issues are with the Public
Facilities District. It's possible that the Public Facilities District is not ready for a
public hearing yet. Let the Public Facilities District do its work.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 5/6/2003, 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.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
Brenner stated she would like to learn more about the process.
Brenner stated she would request tonight to table Consent Agenda item ten.
Desler stated that on May 13, 2003, they would have a discussion on the
Economic Development Investment Program. In addition, the administration hopes
to have a contract for animal control to the Council in about two weeks. It received
only one proposal, from Security Specialists Plus (SSP). He is still negotiating lease
arrangements with the Medical Examiner. He will discuss with the chairs of the
Council and Finance Committee the preparations for the budget retreat in June.
Roy asked if they are still working on the information about advisory
committee funding. Desler stated he thought it wasn't a high priority.
Roy stated she would like something before the budget process. It is a
question on which she and other councilmembers would like information.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she met with the Animal Control Advisory
Committee. She asked the administration to let the advisory committee review the
negotiated animal control contract for a recommendation.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:45 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, 5/6/2003, Page 12