HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance October 22 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
October 22, 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:
Barbara Brenner
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AND NORTHWEST HYDRAULIC
CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR PHASE II WORK ON THE NOOKSACK RIVER
BANK STABILIZATION PROJECT NEAR RITTER ROAD, IN THE
AMENDED AMOUNT OF $93,785.70 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $134,303.65 (AB2002 -357)
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated the amendment is
for the ongoing design and permitting of the wing dam. She submitted aerial
photographs showing a historical perspective (on file).
Buzz Strickland, 7105 Ritter Road, Diking District 3 Chairman, showed the
committee photographs of the area. The pilings work if they are maintained. They
are fish friendly. Woody debris would not have to be removed. He explained the
photographs.
John Apple, 6605 Northwest Road, Dairy Farmer, stated that if they don't fix
the area so the water doesn't break through, he couldn't farm there. He's
concerned about the water breaking through.
McShane asked if they could get on the fields after the previous flood.
Apple stated they have to deal with moving the material out of the way or plow it
under. A large volume of water can get into that area. If the dikes are working
properly, some water in the winter is not a problem. If the dike blows out, there
would be a huge problem. Wing dams will angle the water away from the spot
that is eroding.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2002, 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.
Strickland stated the diking district is trying hard to help the situation.
They've done several projects without the County's help.
McShane asked if the diking district should pay for the entire cost of the
construction. Strickland stated it should not.
Cooper stated the cost share is for construction, not design.
Crawford moved to recommend to the full Council full funding of phase II.
McShane stated he doesn't want to see this funded. There are other
options, such as the setback levy. They need to establish meander limits before
doing a setback levy. Going forward with construction of this will be more
expensive. He hasn't seen a significant change in erosion from 1999. He
preferred to ask the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee (FCZDAC) to
continue monitoring the river.
Roy stated there are different opinions on where the wing dams should be.
Given the amount of money this option costs, she would like more assurance that
they are in the right spot.
Brenner stated this issue predates almost everyone on the Council. It is an
item that should have been taken care of a long time ago, when it would have
been less expensive. Putting it off will make it worse. Move ahead with this, and
don't take on these kinds of projects in the future.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the $134,000 is for the design and the amount of
construction. Cooper stated $90,000 is for ongoing design. The alternatives
analysis cost $40,000. The planning level construction cost for the wing dams was
about $400,000. The wing dam proposal that went through the FCZDAC was
estimated at $400,000.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about buying out the different parcels of land.
Cooper stated the 20 -acre parcel, with the setback levee, was about $300,000. To
set it back along the entire point would cost about $850,000.
Crawford stated past construction of wing dams has been successful and
permanent. He asked how past construction of wing dams was accomplished
financially. Cooper stated she doesn't have a lot of historical information, other
than anecdotal. She heard that they used to be built into the bank rather than
into the river. Now, the engineers know more than they did in the past. Engineers
will make sure that the design works.
Roy asked if there are other options that can be effective and less
expensive. Cooper stated the high bank and other site conditions make other
options difficult. The pile supported logjams were another option, but at the same
cost. She is concerned about that option.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2002, 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.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she would like to know how much it would cost to
build a secondary levee. Cooper stated the $300,000 included bolstering the
setback levee.
Motion failed 1 -2 with Crawford in favor.
Crawford stated this would move to full Council with no recommendation.
Strickland stated they can't buy only 20 acres for a setback levee. The
diking district already tried that. It is not cheap ground. There was a resolution
by the County Council in 1998 calling this an emergency, and nothing has been
done.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF FLOOD -PRONE PROPERTY ON SOUTH FORK
NOOKSACK RIVER USING FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT FUNDS
IN THE AMOUNT OF $301,000 (AB2002 -364)
Paula Cooper, River and Flood Division Manager, stated this is a problematic
site. Previous riprap jobs have tried to stabilize the bank. There are not many
options for this property. There is a total of 8.6 acres. It is a repetitive loss
property. Purchase would reduce public expenditures in the future.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the appraised value seems high. Cooper stated the
County hired a certified appraiser, which looked at the land, structure, and value of
the business.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the County has to pay the appraised amount.
Cooper stated the County adopted a program where an appraisal is the basis for
the County's offer.
Brenner stated there are a lot of people who use that site in the summer.
This is an important piece of property for the County. Consider using partial road
fund money. The County will be able to protect Highway 9 and Mosquito Lake
Road.
Cooper stated the County would be enabled to get a certificate of request for
retroactivity, which is funding for outdoor recreation projects. If the County
purchases this with County money, it can be used in the future as a match of any
future grant from this funding organization. This process requires another
appraisal. If the Council is uncomfortable with the appraisal, the County could pay
to review this appraisal.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2002, 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.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated he doesn't know, without looking
into it, whether the use of road funds would be allowed.
Brenner stated she would like the County to be able to use the property for
recreational use.
McShane stated that if any work were done in the future on Mosquito Lake
Road, the County would be precluded from using the riprap in this area.
Crawford asked the amount in the flood fund. Monsen stated the fund
balance at the end of the year would be close to $8 million. He projected bringing
the balance down to $5 million to do this and other projects.
Roy asked about the retroactive grant match. Cooper stated this certificate
of retroactivity means that the County will spend grant match money before
receiving a grant. To get that program, the County must fill out the form before
closing on the property and get a review appraisal. She highly recommends that
the County do this.
Crawford asked what happens to the structures. Cooper stated they would
be demolished.
Brenner stated the property owner is concerned about the property
insurance coming due soon. Cooper stated a person typically gets refunded for
insurance that is cancelled before the term ends.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Monsen stated that if the Council approved the acquisition with the
understanding that they would go forward with the review appraisal, and be
subject to an acceptable review appraisal, then the Council should approve
amended language, "...no more than $301,000."
McShane moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Crawford moved to amend the item so purchase is subject to appraisal
review and the language be changed, "...not to exceed $301,000."
McShane accepted the motion as a friendly amendment.
Motion to approve with the amendment carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND R &G MEDIA, RESULTING FROM RFP #02 -68, TO DEVELOP A
MEDIA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE
EMPLOYABILITY OF PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2002, 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.
WITHIN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE COMMUNITY AT
LARGE, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,975 (AB2002 -365)
Andy Byrne, Human Services Manager, stated that a concern is finding jobs
for people with developmental disabilities. This media campaign is aimed at
increasing public awareness about the benefits and values of hiring people with
developmental disabilities. The money for the project comes from property tax
dollars that must be spent on developmental disability programs. It is budgeted.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council. She is on the
Developmental Disability Advisory Board. There is much enthusiasm for this
project.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND HOME
PORT LEARNING CENTER TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION TO
YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,000 (AB2002-
366)
Steve Paus, Juvenile Court Administrator, stated this is a contract that is
supported by the school districts. Whatcom County pays 45 percent of the cost of
the operation, and the school districts pick up the rest.
Roy moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE DEPARTMENT
OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION OF ALCOHOL AND
SUBSTANCE ABUSE (DASA) BYRNE DRUG COURT GRANT
AMENDMENT OF $110,000 (AB2002 -367)
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated this is one of three grants that
funds the drug court. It is an annual renewal.
McShane moved to recommend approval.
Roy asked about reimbursement timeline. Jackson stated they only spent
$53,000. There are no unclaimed invoices against this grant.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2002, 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.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION REGARDING PROGRESS ON THE
EVALUATION OF NEW LAW AND JUSTICE PROGRAMS (AB2002 -028)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the evaluation subcommittee of
the Law and Justice Council would make a presentation.
Foster Rose, Law and Justice Council Chair, introduced other Law and Justice
Council members present. He praised all the members on the Law and Justice
Council. Citizen participation is key for the Law and Justice Council.
This outcome evaluation is a major component of government and the
nonprofit sectors, but it's difficult to make changes that are necessary. There was a
rush to get the report to the County Council. He hoped it would be a good tool to
use to make policy decisions.
Crawford asked about the four recommendations on page 34. He asked if
those four items are priorities.
Kate Westphalen, Law and Justice Council, stated the data - gathering
component is difficult to do when there is a lot of diversity within the programs.
Having the management information system (MIS) will be very valuable as an
evaluation component. It will also enhance law enforcement in Whatcom County.
What takes place within the courthouse is very diverse. There is a high level of
cooperation and education among the departments. Most grants now require a
collaborative and an evaluation component. The evaluation component is a way to
do individual monitoring of projects, it is an example of how well departments
collaborate, and it is a good way of educating the general public. Communication is
very important to get the County Council what it needs to make educated decisions
on the law and justice system needs.
Crawford asked where the administration is at on funding this issue. He also
asked whether there are specific recommendations on other means of
communications besides the Law and Justice Council.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated Information Services Division
and city and county criminal justice agencies have actively supported the MIS
project this year. There is a plan for MIS in the future. It is an expensive process.
Staff and development of software are key components. Whatcom County has
approached the federal government for funding help. Senators Cantwell and
Murray and Representative Larson requested support on their behalf. There is
about $500,000 per year for two years to fund this kind of activity, with the
provision that Congress approves it in the budget. That may not happen until
March. They have to present a business plan to the relevant federal agency. In the
meantime, the County Council budget has about $30,000 to continue to support
development of the MIS. If a match is required for the federal funding, the
administration will come back to the Council to figure that out.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2002, 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.
Linda Storck, Law and Justice Council, stated the City of Bellingham is
committed to funding the Law and Justice Council. Not a lot of the results benefit
the City directly, but the City is committing funding because they face mutual
problems in the area of criminal justice, especially with the jail. The City is making
an investment in the future to solve the problems.
Rose stated there are a number of things the Law and Justice Council is
doing. They are standardizing things that create challenges for victims of domestic
violence in the court system. There is no standard means for reporting. It is easy
for perpetrators to manipulate the system. They are here today mainly to talk
about the MIS tool. He would like to be invited back to talk about all the other
things the Law and Justice Council is doing. Funding for the Law and Justice
Council is small compared to all the other budget considerations.
Roy stated she would like to see more statistics. Rose stated this is an
ongoing process. They are trying to provide as much information to the County
Council in the timeframe it would like. That data is forthcoming.
Wendy Rowe, Cambie Group International, Inc., stated her mandate was to
do a number of different evaluation activities. One activity was to look at the
projects implemented in 2001 and track their progress. Another activity was to
help departments develop evaluation capability and tools. A third activity was to
collect a baseline of statistical indicators of the justice system. He presented that
data to the Law and Justice Council, which uncovered questions about the data.
It's not something they can put into a written report like this and distribute to the
public for the danger that it is misunderstood. It is information that needs to be
part of an ongoing dialogue. They have to make sure they are comparing apples to
apples, and not apples to oranges. When the facts are parallel, the information will
come forward.
Crawford asked that Councilmember Roy receive a copy of the raw data.
Rowe stated she would provide that information.
Roy stated this could be useful information in making budget decisions.
McShane asked if the courtroom digital equipment project went forward.
N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk, stated the equipment has been up and
running for six months. It works very well.
McShane asked if the purpose is to record everything that goes on in the
courtroom. Jackson stated it is. They used to use cassette recorders. The labor to
make duplicates of cassette tapes is incredible. It is much easier with this system.
The clarity for transcription purposes is unequaled.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 10/22/2002, 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.
Roy asked if the data collection system would improve problems with law
enforcement information getting into the system. Rowe stated that part of an
integrated data information system is that it starts with law enforcement, including
computers in the police cars and real time communication exchange when incidents
are reported. The system would impact crime analysis capability and would help
provide law enforcement with up -to -date information.
McShane stated he would like to have information on who is in the jail today
and why they are in there. Rowe stated Wendy Jones has that information.
Crawford stated he would like to have a flow chart that shows all the people
who are coming into the system, what processes they went through, who they
talked to, and where they ended up. That would be very hard to do, but it would
be extremely useful to get a mental picture of the law and justice system. He gets
to see most of the pieces of the law and justice system, but he hasn't been able to
comprehend how the pieces would fit together.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
Jackson stated that is what the MIS is all about. That's the kind of question
that they need to hear.
McShane stated the Council has to base its decisions on a program like that
to decide where to dedicate the County's limited resources. None of the
councilmembers are interested in running the criminal justice system.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:35 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, 10/22/2002, Page 8