HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance December 10 20021
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
December 10, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Committee Chair Sam
Crawford in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Dan McShane None
Sharon Roy
Also Present:
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
L. Ward Nelson
Seth Fleetwood
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH BELLINGHAM MARINE, WHO RESPONDED TO
RFP #02 -82 FOR TWO SALT WATER FLOATS TO BE USED DURING
ANNUAL DRY DOCK OF THE LUMMI ISLAND WHATCOM CHIEF FERRY,
IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000 (AB2002 -428)
Mary Green, ER &R Manager, stated this item was approved for the 2002
budget. They are very dilapidated and need to be replaced. They are used during
the passenger ferry service when the Whatcom Chief is in dry dock, and also during
emergencies.
Dave Grant, Senior Civil Deputy Prosecutor, stated this contract did not
receive sign off by the Prosecutor's Office, which is the norm. He and Dan Gibson
had some concerns about the lack of specificity regarding the potential costs
involved in the contract. There is a minimum amount specified, and they've capped
the maximum consideration. In section two of Exhibit B, there are a number of
potential work items that are not included. They may need to pin down those costs
a little better. Another concern is on page 48, the second full paragraph. If they
run into problems, the cap would kick in part way through the contract and the
project would only be partially completed. They would have to come back to the
Council with a contract revision.
Green stated she went out for a request for proposals (RFP). They have not
done the engineering. She has asked for dollar amounts for this contract. In the
meantime, she put in a "not to exceed" amount. She suggested that she bring the
contract forward later. However, she wanted to bring this forward in 2002 to use
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
2002 money. She would like to bring the final contract forward later. This was
thrown together to get an approximate dollar amount to use 2002 dollars.
Crawford asked if 2002 dollars automatically lapse if they aren't spent.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated that if necessary, they could do
a supplemental appropriation.
Green stated they had two proposals, and chose this contractor based on the
dollar amount and what the contractor could provide. Desler stated the
administration prefers to bring the contract back to the Council with a supplemental
request in January. Let the money lapse in 2002.
Green stated that would be just fine.
Crawford asked the construction time for this. Green stated it is about ten
weeks.
Nelson asked if the money comes from the Road fund. Green stated it does.
Nelson stated the Council requested the administration to include information
on where the money for contracts comes from. Green stated that would come
forward in the full contract.
Desler stated that information is listed on Council packet page 43.
Crawford stated this would come forward again in January.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2002 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, 12TH
REQUEST (AB2002 -416)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is a request for $137,000
for Superior Court to pay for conflict counsel. There are multiple defendants in the
same crime. There is also a small grant for the Victim Witness Fund. There are
additional revenues and expenses for worker's compensation costs. They are
experiencing some increases to worker's compensation, but not as much as at the
State level. Lastly, $135,000 is to fund out of the administrative services fund
balance various courthouse facilities projects.
Roy moved to recommend approval.
Crawford asked if the County also has situations where budget funds lapse.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated they are generally looking for
more money. Three areas are very flexible, one of which is conflict counseling.
Also, he has no control over the guardian ad litem services. There may be a lapse
in jury expenses, but not this year. Because of unexpected caseloads, they
frequently spend more than the budgeted amount.
Crawford asked if the County received reimbursements from the State for the
Kinney case last year. Desler stated the County did receive reimbursements from
the State.
McShane asked how much is budgeted for conflict cases. Jackson stated
over $200,000 is budgeted for conflict cases. That has been a traditional part of
the court's budget.
McShane asked if they could create a firewall in the public defender's office.
Jackson stated there has been discussion of a separate, stand -alone "public
defender II" office. They would handle each other's conflict cases. The public
defender can defend less expensively than on -call attorneys. It's not cheap, but it
is more cost effective.
McShane asked how private attorneys handle their own conflicts. Jackson
stated they bid at a flat rate per case, which is a gamble. They should pay a fair
rate for fair work performed. The attorneys who take the conflict cases do so at a
substantially reduced rate. Attorneys can only take so many cases at the reduced
rate. On the other hand, they've got a solid client, the government entity. A
defense attorney doesn't get paid often, well, or reliably. The "public defender II"
office is the way to go. They continue to lobby in Olympia for State paid indigent
defense services. The chances are better now than a year ago. It's a huge burden.
The County doesn't pay for all the appellate work. Whatcom County does not pay
for the defense side of the appeals. The State pays for it.
McShane stated they should have an interest in avoiding appeals by
providing high quality public defense. Jackson stated the business of the court is to
have a good, appeal -proof record.
Roy asked if the County is going to see an analysis of a second public
defender to work on the conflict cases. Jackson stated the notion is to split the
current public defender office into two separate offices, for instance; one to handle
all the juvenile and misdemeanor cases and one to handle all the felonies. If
there's a conflict of interest on a felony, it would be referred to the juvenile office,
and vice versa. They may be $37 per hour instead of $50 to $75 per hour, which is
what the County is currently doing. There would still be the need to go to private
on -call counsel. They could handle in -house about 80 percent of the conflict cases.
Roy asked if there is legal precedence for this. Jackson stated firm
safeguards would have to be put in, but it's doable.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
Crawford stated there is currently a firewall between the Public Defender and
the Prosecutor's Office.
Jackson stated this idea might be something the Law and Justice Advisory
Committee could work on.
Desler stated administration is not working on this now. It is a good idea. It
is something they could work on together.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A NEW FUND, THE WHATCOM COUNTY
LOW INCOME HOUSING FUND (AB2002 -417)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated a new State law calls for a $10
surcharge on all recorded documents in the county courthouse. The money is split
in a variety of ways. There are other requirements in the law, which went into
affect in June 2002. This ordinance would establish that fund. They need to do
things in the future, such as develop interlocal agreements with cities on how to
support this fund. There is a series of options for the County Council to decide on
programs and services that result from this fund. The law started this summer with
community members in the low- income housing community. The administration
will come forward with recommendations on interlocal agreements and programs.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if this could be used for anything other than rent assistance.
Desler stated the permissible uses are broad. He read a list of permissible uses.
Crawford asked how much money would be generated. Desler stated the
estimated amount generated is $250,000 per year.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
AWARD OF BID #02 -106, FOR VARIOUS COURTHOUSE REMODEL
PROJECTS, TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, HB HANSEN
CONSTRUCTION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $532,019.40 (AB2002 -425)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this is a series of projects put
together on one bid after they had trouble getting bids individually.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
AWARD OF BID #02 -109 FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF RIP -RAP ROCK
TO THE APPROPRIATE VENDOR AS DICTATED BY THE SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTICULAR JOB, IN AN ANTICIPATED
AMOUNT OF MORE THAN $35,000 (AB2002 -426)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
AWARD OF BID #02 -110 FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF MINERAL
AGGREGATES TO BE USED AS NEEDED IN VARIOUS COUNTY ROAD
MAINTENANCE PROJECTS TO THE APPROPRIATE VENDOR AS
DICTATED BY THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTICULAR
JOB, IN AN ANTICIPATED AMOUNT OF MORE THAN $35,000
(AB2002 -427)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND KERR
WOOD LEIDAL ASSOCIATES TO INCLUDE THE SECOND PHASE OF THE
CANYON CREEK ANALYSIS, IN THE AMENDED AMOUNT OF $39,830
FOR A TOTAL AMENDED AMOUNT OF $53,800 (AB2002 -429)
McShane asked why they are doing this, and to what detail.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated this was always part
of the plan to study. This study was to get a handle on a frequency analysis of
future risk to the community. The contractor spent a lot of time in the field to get
at the frequency of the event. What they do here could be transferred to another
creek. This is the first approach she's seen where someone's come up with a
methodology for determining flood frequency.
Roy asked about the defined buyout program. Cooper stated they developed
the project. The risk analysis will answer whether this project will alleviate all the
risk out there.
Roy asked if they want to go back and see if they've defined the buyout area
correctly. Cooper stated the contractor would find out if the remaining properties
will be out of risk adequately, and whether the County should regulate land use
differently so they don't let people build in places that could still be hazardous. This
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
risk analysis will develop a map for the entire alluvial fan. The rest of the
community has asked what the County intends to do about them. It may change
the way the County regulates land use.
McShane stated the scope of work is good. He has a hard time with
frequency level. Cooper stated she could provide him some of her information on
that. She is encouraged. The contractor has done this kind of thing for numerous
alluvial fans in British Columbia.
McShane stated the idea is to come up with a map, which may support
expanding or contracting the buyout area. It will also help determine how they go
about allowing building to occur in that area. Cooper stated it will also look at the
scenarios with and without the dike in place, and what happens if that dike should
spring a leak. They are going to look at these alternatives so the County can figure
out what to do with the dike that is there.
McShane stated he would have liked to do this study years ago to save the
County money. They will have to do something similar for Jones Creek.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND TEAMSTERS HEALTH
CLERICAL FOR RATIFICATION OF THIS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENT (AB2002 -430)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked what this approval means.
Karen Goens, Human Resources Division Manager, stated the members have
voted on and agree to the agreement. It includes retroactive pay to the start of the
contract. The County did not budget for the retroactive pay. This is a small group
in the Health Department.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this is money paid in 2003. The
administration will have to do a budget transfer or supplemental budget request at
that time.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO THE ON -CALL SURVEYING AGREEMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND PACIFIC SURVEYING AND ENGINEERING
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
SERVICES, INC. (PSE) IN THE AMENDED AMOUNT OF $75,000 FOR A
TOTAL AMENDED AMOUNT OF $225,000 (AB2002 -431)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford asked if this is in the budget.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated they developed two
on -call contracts two years ago because there was a lot of need for surveying
services. The County set these up to be efficient and not have to come back to the
County Council every time. This is to extend both for another year.
Crawford asked if using the County is spending the full amount budgeted.
Cooper stated they almost are.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Crawford asked if the rates stay the same. Cooper stated they have to
increase the fee at the auction. PS &E has raised the fee each year.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AMENDMENT TO THE ON -CALL SURVEYING AGREEMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST SURVEYING & GPS (NWS) IN
THE AMENDMENT AMOUNT OF $75,000 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT
AMENDED AMOUNT OF $225,000 (AB2002 -432)
McShane moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
ANNUAL JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND USGS FOR THE ONGOING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
THE COUNTY'S SIX STREAM GAGES WITHIN THE EARLY FLOOD
WARNING SYSTEM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,515, WITH WHATCOM
COUNTY'S SHARE OF $32,815 (AB2002 -433)
Crawford asked if this is ongoing.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated this is the annual
maintenance agreement. This item was budgeted.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT FOR SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF EARTH
AND SPACE SCIENCES, TO MAP HISTORIC CHANNELS AND ANALYZE
HISTORIC CHANNEL MIGRATION PATTERNS, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$76,602 (AB2002 -434)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated they were looking for
a river like the Nooksack River after the Ritter Road issue. This is the first step.
The Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee hasn't seen this yet, but she
will talk to them this week.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND FRAMATOME ANP TO
INVENTORY FISH BARRIER DRAINAGE STRUCTURES IN THE WRIA 1
AND 3 BASINS IN WESTERN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF
$642,840 WITH THE WHATCOM COUNTY SHARE FROM COUNTY ROAD
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $111,547 (AB2002 -435)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS SOLID
WASTE DIVISION AND THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM TO OPERATE THE
DISPOSAL OF TOXIC FACILITY, SATELLITE STATIONS AND THE
LAKEWAY YARD WASTE COLLECTION FACILITY IN THE AMOUNT OF
$363,000 (AB2002 -436)
Crawford stated this is ongoing out of the solid waste fund.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT AMONG WHATCOM COUNTY, THE CITY OF
BELLINGHAM AND WATER DISTRICT 10 FOR WATER QUALITY
SAMPLE ANALYSIS AT THE MANCHESTER LABORATORY IN A
COORDINATED EFFORT BETWEEN WRIA 1 AND THE LAKE WHATCOM
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, WITH WHATCOM COUNTY'S SHARE NOT TO
EXCEED $19,037 (AB2002 -437)
Sue Blake, Resources Planner, submitted information (on file), which is an
amendment to exhibit B. The amendment does not change the dollar amount.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council, with the amended
Exhibit B.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
FOUR -MONTH EXTENSION OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND MEDICAL EXAMINER DR. GARY GOLDFOGEL IN THE
AMOUNT OF $87,822 (AB2002 -438)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the County has three
agreements with Dr. Goldfogel, who is a very competent medical examiner. The
County also leases the morgue and rents space for Health Department staff in Dr.
Goldfogel's building. All three agreements are coming to completion by this spring.
He hopes to continue to retain separate agreements for these three services. The
County and Dr. Goldfogel are in negotiations right now.
Crawford asked what the County's other options are if they don't come to an
agreement. It is an ongoing need. Desler stated the option is to continue to
contract out with Dr. Goldfogel or someone like him, or put someone on staff.
Crawford asked if the County could use Dr. Goldfogel's morgue if it contracts
with another medical examiner. Desler stated it could as long as there is an
agreement.
Crawford asked how long this has been in place, and what the previous
arrangements were. Desler stated the County contracted with another doctor and
used the hospital morgue. The hospital at that time indicated they did not want to
have the County morgue in their facility.
Crawford stated he was concerned about the overall cost of the medical
examiner services. He would like to keep the dialogue going with the Executive's
Office regarding the negotiations. The County may be better off having a medical
examiner employee.
This item was withdrawn.
15. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTH
SOUND REGIONAL SUPPORT NETWORK FOR "'CONSUMER ORIENTED"
MENTAL HEALTH PROJECTS, IN THE UNANTICIPATED AMENDED
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
REVENUE AMOUNT OF $36,068 FOR A TOTAL REVENUE AMENDED
AMOUNT OF $311,271 (AB2002 -439)
Crawford asked if these are pass through monies.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated they are.
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
16. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT RENEWAL BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND REGENCE
BLUE SHIELD FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES IN PROCESSING
CLAIMS FOR THE SELF - INSURED EMPLOYEE MEDICAL BENEFIT
PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $18.24 PER MEMBER PER MONTH
(AB2002 -440)
Crawford asked if this is the fee they charge to administer, and if this is an
increase.
Karen Goens, Human Resources Division Manager, stated there is a change
in methodology and an increase.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the plan is becoming
increasingly more expensive. The previous contract was that they receive eight
percent of all the costs that the County paid out. The County wanted to lock into a
particular amount per year, so they don't have to deal with increasing costs. They
negotiated for a per member /per month charge that would control the cost of the
service.
Goens stated the amount negotiated is an increase for next year. The
County will go out for a request for proposals (RFP) in the future to make sure they
are getting a competitive price.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
17. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ACCEPT THE
JAIBG BLOCK GRANT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL STAFFING TO
SUPPLEMENT THE FULL TIME JUVENILE COURT OFFENDER CASELOAD
IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,020 (AB2002 -441)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Roy asked if this is a continuation of a grant.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, 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.
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated it is for eight years.
Motion carried unanimously.
18. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND WARREN PAGE, ET AL. FOR DEFENDANTS
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER; SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2002-
442)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council of Consent Agenda
items 18 through 21.
Motion carried unanimously.
19. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND MCGREEVY, ET AL. FOR DEFENDANTS
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER; SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2002-
443)
See Consent Agenda item 18.
20. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND ZANOTELLI, ET AL. FOR DEFENDANTS
WHERE THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER; SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2002-
444)
See Consent Agenda item 18.
21. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND ANDREW SUBIN FOR DEFENDANTS WHERE
THERE EXISTS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE PUBLIC
DEFENDER; SUPERIOR, JUVENILE AND DISTRICT COURTS (AB2002-
445)
See Consent Agenda item 18.
22. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MARILYN MCLEAN, ET
AL., FOR REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENT PARENTS IN DEPENDENCY
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, Page 11
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
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CASES IN WHICH A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS WITH THE
PUBLIC DEFENDER (AB2002 -446)
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
23. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT FOR GUARDIAN AD LITEM SERVICES IN TITLE 13
(JUVENILE DEPENDENCY) CASES BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
ROGER, SHAFFER & CARLSON (AB2002 -447)
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated the contractors have provided
these services at a similar rate for about 12 years.
Roy asked how these firms are selected. Jackson stated he puts out a
request for proposals (RFP). During the year, he gets requests from people who
want to bid on the contract when it is renewed. He sends out the RFP to anyone
who is interested and also publishes it in the newspaper.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
24. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WHATCOM
DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES
AND MANDATORY FAMILY LAW MEDIATION ADMINISTRATION
(AB2002 -448)
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the County has now a fiber optic
cable from the Civic Center area to the Bakerview and Northwest Avenue. It was
done in conjunction with the City of Bellingham. The County has been working on
ways to get the remaining line put in to the Northwest Road and Smith Road
location. The administration has been working with the Public Utility District (PUD) .
The administration will propose to move forward with PUD and use the resources
and agreements to do a joint project. The County will initially finance the project.
After that, the PUD would purchase back half of the capacity of the line. The PUD
would use it for other purposes associated with their project. It is consistent with
the law to use rural sales tax money. When the County sells the cable back to the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, Page 12
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PUD, half the funding would be returned to the rural sales tax fund. The County
would save $19,000 to $20,000 per year in the cost of voice and data
communications that service that complex at the Smith and Northwest Road
location. The PUD would put in the cable. The County would pay for the cable.
Within one year, the PUD would purchase half the capacity of the cable. The total
project is about $60,000. The savings is because the County can leave its
agreements with existing phone companies to pay for T1 lines, which are very high
capacity voice and data lines. The cost of that is about $19,000 to $20,000 per
year. Within one and a half years, the savings will pay back the capital costs.
Crawford asked if InfiNET is in debt. Desler stated there is a capital and
operating debt of about $1.5 million. The PUD is currently negotiating and working
on ideas to continue to accomplish the original objectives of the InfiNET project, as
well as accommodate their debt. They've also got assets.
Brian Walters, PUD 1 Operations Manager, stated they are going through a
process of revising their business plan and possibly having a private entity take
over management of their downtown fiber loop. The intent is still to move forward,
and build fiber into the county. They are willing and able to assist the County and
build out to the County shops. Contracts are on board that could accomplish that
build. They have the equipment ready. The issue isn't whether or not they are
capable to do the work. The issue is of funding. If the intent is to build in the near
term, he would be willing to build for the County on a reimbursement bases.
Crawford asked if the County is obligated to fund this, as was inferred in
Councilmember Brenner's letter. Walters stated he won't dispute what is in the
letter, but he doesn't believe there is an obligation. The County has paid $162,000
to date to assist in the project. The rural sales tax is an appropriate way to fund
this fiber. At this point, there is no issue between the PUD and the County at this
point.
McShane stated an alternate route is going toward the airport area, which is
slated for industrial development area. There may be a desire for fiber in that area.
Walters stated they've discussed that area. The proposed route is the shortest to
get to the County's shops. They could splice off fibers to serve other customers.
Dick Prieve, Assistant Director of Administration, stated the agreement two
years ago was with the City of Bellingham and Port of Bellingham. They are
already wired.
Desler stated another item is that the administration has been working on
the possibility of building a public restroom in the Glacier area. They have obtained
a $50,000 grant to do this. The community wants to have water to the project,
flush toilets, sinks, lighting, and pavement. The administration is going to propose
to the County Council, as early as January, the possibility of using rural sales tax
money to supplement that grant and pay for a public restroom. The community
may pay for ongoing maintenance. It would be part of the Bay to Baker Trail.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, Page 13
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
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are not the final approved minutes.
Crawford stated that for that amount of money, it would fund a supplement
to the forest service to keep their restrooms open. Also, the County just sold to the
Grahams the park space behind their place for a drain field. He asked how a drain
field would interact with a restroom. A public restroom would really cost more than
$50,000. He is concerned about the added benefit to the Graham's. He's confused
about the direction the County is moving out there.
Desler stated the Executive is interested in a solution around a basic public
service, like a public restroom, in that area. They are coordinating with the Parks
Department, the Council of Governments (COG), and the Foothills community. His
concern is that there is not an ongoing drain of public funds.
A third issue is the Gooseberry Point Community Water Association regarding
problems with water and a need to coordinate with the Lummi Nation. The water
association requested assistance from and a meeting with the County Council and
County Executive. The County Executive is willing to meet.
Roy asked if this is a result from the settlement of litigation. Desler stated
the U.S. government sued various associations over their water rights on the
reservation, on behalf of the tribes. They don't want to engage in this, but they do
want to retain water to their properties, so they've settled. The tribe has said it will
take over the association's system, which will get the tribe's water right and water
distribution system. However, the association has to give up claim to wells that
have saltwater intrusion in them now.
Roy stated the tone of the letter sounded very positive. However, they want
money from the County. Desler stated the idea is that they need to upgrade the
system. There are State loan programs and other resources for these kinds of
capital costs. The water association did propose to pay the money back.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, Page 14
DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
1 Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Sam Crawford, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 12/10/2002, Page 15