HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance September 11 20011
2 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
3 Finance and Administrative Services Committee
4
5 September 11, 2001
6
7 The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Committee Member Sam
8 Crawford in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
9
10 Also Present: Absent:
it Marlene Dawson Robert Imhof
12
13
14 DISCUSSION ONLY
15
16 1. ANNUAL UPDATE — FRED SEXTON, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
17 COUNCIL (AB2001 -311)
18
19 Fred Sexton, Economic Development Council (EDC), stated that the EDC
20 functions are categorized as attraction, expansion, formation, and retention of
21 businesses. Due to recent difficulties in Whatcom County, they have focused on
22 retention. The EDC goal is to improve income through promotion and
23 encouragement of diversified business investments. The EDC objectives are
24 business attraction, expansion, and formation. The types of business served are
25 non - agricultural standard industrial classifications except retail and personal
26 services. Targeted business sectors are technology -based businesses, front and
27 back office, business services, and light manufacturing. The statistics are based on
28 state statistics. The economic changes from the years 1995 through 2000 are
29 7,200 net new jobs. The majority of the new jobs are in the EDC focus categories.
30 The mixture of job distribution is shifting toward the state and national averages.
31 The 1999 overall average wage was $25,600. The 1999 average wage in the EDC
32 focus industries was $31,740.
33
34 To improve the economic situation, the EDC focuses on marketing. The
35 strategy is to create awareness of Bellingham and Whatcom County, pursue target
36 business sectors, and produce messages from business executives and community
37 leaders. The program includes email messages and announcements and promotion
38 of website visitation. A brochure was distributed three months ago. The EDC
39 distributed 4,000 brochures to the Seattle and Vancouver, Washington areas. The
40 EDC encourages publication of articles by contacting the media and promoting news
41 stories and articles. Forbes listed Bellingham as the metropolitan statistical area,
42 which includes the entire county, that is the 14th best small business area in the
43 U.S. That is an improvement from its 19th rank last year. The improvement is due
44 to the investment in technology and the workforce group.
45
46 The EDC participated in events such as a broadband conference and other
47 functions. The objective was to make contact and network with businesses that
48 attend those conferences. The EDC hosted the Tele -Tech conference in April, which
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
included speakers around the nation. Attendance was not as large as the previous
year. The "Think Bellingham" event will take place on October 4 at the Westin
Hotel in Seattle. It is a networking session. There will be statements by
community leaders including the Western Washington University president,
Bellingham mayor, County Executive, a top executive from VoiceStream Wireless,
and a representative from the Barklay District. Seattle area and Vancouver area
business people are invited. The following day is the Grand Canadian Gala, which
will draw thousands of business individuals who will be invited to the Bellingham
event. He expects to get at least 30 or 40 or more individuals to come to the
reception and hear about the advantages of investing in this area.
Many companies are new or expanding in the area. The EDC has spent a lot
of time with Georgia Pacific and Intalco working on retention efforts. The EDC also
worked with other companies that were having some problems.
The EDC has immediate needs. Next year, he would like to have a broader
marketing campaign that would require substantial funding. Most of the funding
has come from private sector sponsors. They also need to be aware of business
support services, including the need for more business financing sources. They
need more high -risk programs, such as venture capitalists, here in the county. He's
made an effort to bring in companies who look at high -risk lending. Several
companies have attended board meetings and shown interest. Telecommunications
have dramatically improved over the last two to three years. The improved
infrastructure has helped business move and expand here. Another example of
support services includes the permit process, which involves government. There
are ways to expedite permit processes and make the requirements friendly enough
for businesses to get through the processes.
Dawson questioned whether the EDC meets with the Planning Department to
address those concerns. Sexton stated they communicate with the planning
director.
Dawson stated the councilmembers don't ever hear what is needed to help
because permitting is an administrative issue.
Sexton stated the community needs building and industrial parks in the
county. There are few available buildings suitable for the types of prospects they
work with. Industrial parks are almost nonexistent. There are only three industrial
parks in the county. Companies look for industrial parks that are already permitted
and located away from residential areas.
The last need is for sewer, water, and road infrastructure. An inventory that
was done three or four years ago showed that less than four hundred acres, out of
thousands of acres of industrial land in the county, are served with sewer. Roads
need to be improved to all- weather roads. That is a public sector issue. He
recommended that the County take a look at that issue.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
Dawson stated she heard that they need to work on developing the
waterfront area. Sexton stated the waterfront is a problem if the type of industry is
manufacturing because of environmental concerns. Other problems include rail and
trucking access in this congested area. The majority of manufacturing plants look
at areas away from the population but close enough for employees to get to work.
Nelson stated there has been a long -time effort on the Custer industrial area.
He questioned whether the EDC is interested in that area. Sexton stated the EDC is
interested in the area, but only from the standpoint that the land is there. There is
no sewer.
Nelson asked if the EDC advocates installing sewer in that area. Sexton
stated it does. The Custer area is close to Interstate 5. Areas closer to Bellingham
are also available. Start in areas closer to Bellingham, which would be more
attractive to businesses.
Dawson stated there would be a lot of container delivery from Vancouver,
which would put pressure on infrastructure. She questioned whether rail would
address that need. Sexton stated that rail has not been addressed, but there will
be more pressure for spurs and main lines. The Council of Governments and the
Port of Bellingham are involved with transportation. Rail line spurs are generally a
private arrangement with the railroad companies and private companies.
Crawford stated the promotional brochures advertise Bellingham and not
Whatcom County. The County has a stake in the EDC. He is concerned that the
EDC is allowing people to think about Bellingham. It is disappointing to see so
much emphasis put on Bellingham. A primary concern of this Council is looking at
economic development in the county. Sexton stated the purpose for promoting
Bellingham is a marketing strategy. People know where the Bellingham
metropolitan statistical area is, as reported by the Federal Government. It includes
the entire Whatcom County. Once companies come here, they start looking for
potential sites, buildings, and offices, and it doesn't make a difference if they are
located within the city limits.
Crawford stated it remains a point of concern. Whatcom County is an active
participant in the EDC, and he would like to see some name promotion. The Port is
developing a north -south road on the west side of the airport and will be developing
a light industrial area. He asked if that will be good for this area in attracting
business. Sexton stated there was discussion of developing that area five years
ago. It still is not done. There is a great deal of interest in that area.
Dawson questioned whether the Essential Public Facilities Advisory
Committee is to address the infrastructure issues.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the purpose of the Essential
Public Facilities Advisory Committee is to address public facilities such as jails and
publicly -owned buildings, and not development infrastructure.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
47
48
Dawson suggested that those concerns be addressed by the committee who
will discuss the rural monies coming from the state. Desler agreed.
Crawford stated the Public Utility District (PUD) 1 proposed being the vehicle
by which broadband would circuit the county. He asked how attractive that
proposal is. It takes a portion of the sales tax rebate to fund the beginning of that
development process. Sexton stated that was done through the Rural Tax
Committee, of which he is a member. From an economic development standpoint,
Whatcom County is well serviced now with telecommunications. The PUD 1
presentation is directed at serving the public. That does not do a great deal to
attract business. The private companies that provide the telecommunication
services provide those services where they are needed. It is a question of whether
the public monies should go to areas where there is not a great demand.
Crawford stated the amount of money collected from the tax is specifically
for rural economic development. He asked the amount collected. Desler stated the
amount is approximately $100,000 per month.
Crawford asked what type of project that money should go to. Sexton stated
it should go to extending sewer services and also water, which is easier to get.
Desler stated the projects have to be a part of the economic development
plan or the Comprehensive Plan. The administration is bringing forward a plan to
build a plan for future projects to be funded through the Rural Economic
Development program. There will be a recommendation from the committee to
initiate with the Port and other groups an overall economic development plan. The
plan will come forward at the next meeting.
Crawford stated he appreciated Mr. Sexton opposing the expansion of the
broadband services.
Dawson stated a number of people work out of their homes. She asked how
it could not be an asset to rural economic development. Sexton stated he was
addressing public development.
Crawford asked what the most substantive things are that Whatcom County
can do at this point. Sexton stated the County could play an immediate and direct
role in developing infrastructure.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION TO RECEIVE THE FULL PAYMENT AMOUNT UNDER PL
106 -393, AUTHORIZED BY HR 2389 (AB2001 -286)
Dawson stated this deals with money coming on an annual basis in lieu of
money received from timber harvest. This resolution appropriates the funds into a
Title I category.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
McShane stated they voted earlier on a recommendation for how the state
would figure out the formula for funding. Now, the County has to decide whether
to take that revenue, or keep receiving 25 percent of the revenue from timber
harvests. The money has been propped up in the past from spotted owl funds, and
that money is drying up.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the administration also
submitted an option for a resolution. This issue has to do with the federal law that
was passed a year ago. The County has to make a final declaration, and submit it
to the governor tomorrow. He proposes that the County choose to take the full
funding option, which is a little over $2 million for each of the next five years.
Second, he recommends that the County designate, of that amount, 20 percent for
local projects and 80 percent to be split equally between roads and schools. Of the
local project money, decide the portion of the money that should go to Title II,
which are projects operated through a Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), or to
the County government for use on narrowly prescribed projects. Those projects are
outlined in his memo on Council packet page 122. Those projects would be funded
with the 20 percent.
Crawford questioned whether there is a potential for the Black Mountain
Forestry Center to be funded. Desler stated it could be funded because it has an
educational component.
McShane stated the resolutions are identical in choosing to accept the full
payment amount and the 80 -20 split. The difference is the amount that would go
to Title II and Title III projects. He recommended going with the full funding,
putting it all into Title III projects this year. One concern is that the Resource
Advisory Committee was supposed to be created in April. It is still not in existence
yet. They have not seen what types of projects would be allowed under Title II.
One issue with the Resource Advisory Committee is that the 15- member committee
is comprised of three caucuses. Any one of the caucuses can veto a program. For
example, a 12 -3 vote of approval for a project could keep a project from
happening.
Dawson questioned whether 50 percent of the funds that have to go to the
top two items on the list is taken off the top. Desler stated that if the County
establishes money to go to Title II, than 50 percent of the Title II monies have to
go to the top two items.
Dawson stated those top two items on the list are very important. She
advocated the 80/20 percent split.
McShane stated those top two items are only for lands owned by the Federal
Forest Service.
Nelson stated 80 percent of the entire funding amount received goes to
County schools and roads. The Council approves expending the remaining 20
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
percent funds annually. The administration proposes that 70 percent of the
remaining funds go to Title II programs and 30 percent of the remaining funds go
to Title II programs. They are working with the 20 percent funding sources. Of the
entire funding amount, 80 percent goes to roads and schools.
McShane stated the 20 percent is proposed by the administration to be
further split 70/30.
Crawford questioned why they are putting a high priority on road, trail, and
infrastructure maintenance and watershed restoration maintenance. Desler stated
the administration approaches this conservatively during the first year. The County
can change the percentages every year. The administration thought the County
could use only so much of the funding the first year, because it takes time to get
projects going. Money can be held over from year to year. He was concerned
about money for Title III projects being used for Title II projects.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Desler continued to state that the County can use support in areas of Medic
One costs, Search and Rescue costs, and inmate work crews to work in coordination
with the Forest Service to assist in some of the projects that they need to do.
During the fiscal year, those costs are about $121,000. That left a bit of money to
support a modest after school program at the Black Mountain Forestry Center. The
County could be more aggressive later about how to apply that money.
Crawford questioned why the County needs to help the Forest Service
maintain roads. Desler stated this is federal money that is going to local
governments for the purpose of working with the federal government to develop
healthy ecosystems and forests. The federal government could otherwise assign
the money directly to the Forest Service. The administration sees this as an
opportunity for the County government to work with the federal government on
roads that cover 60 to 70 percent of the county. It will strengthen the county in
the long run by targeting improvements in watershed health and in the economic
conditions of many families in the county. The administration wants to approach
this effort with that in mind. This is an experiment for five years. Congress will
watch closely how the counties work with their agency. If successful, Congress will
continue this law into the next five -year period.
McShane stated he proposed to put the entire amount of the remaining funds
into Title II projects this year, and also create a committee to advise the County on
what those Title III projects should be, and hopefully advise the County on Title II
projects in the future.
Crawford moved to recommend the resolution.
Motion failed 1 -1 with Dawson opposed.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2001 BUDGET, REQUEST NO. 8 (AB2001-
281)
Andy Byrne, Human Services Manager, stated this is for $13,181.50 of
unanticipated additional revenue from the North Sound Regional Support Network.
They had been funding a co- occurring disorders treatment program that ended June
30. They amended the contract with the County, which went through the end of
December. Of that amendment for additional revenue, this amount was
unanticipated and additional. This amendment allows the County to continue
funding the co- occurring treatment disorders programs.
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
Nelson questioned whether the motion included the SeaMar project. Byrne
stated no.
Nelson stated he recently attended the opening of SeaMar last week. They
are working on co- occurring disorders for young women who are capable of
creating a home life. It was very moving. The building was an old retirement
center, and it was converted to a treatment center. He would like to see more of
these types of programs.
Crawford stated the Bellingham Herald was critical of the Health and Human
Services Department for not taking stronger action on the recent heroin deaths.
The Human Services Division is doing a great job with its limited amount of funding
available. They just made the substance abuse specialist a full -time position. He
commended Mr. Byrne for the job he is doing.
Desler stated the administration recommended additions late last week to
amend the supplement budget request. There have been problems with furnaces
at the Forest Street building. The furnaces have failed. The administration just
received a recommendation from engineers. The administration recommends
getting this project going. Currently, they are heating the top half of the building
with expensive small space heaters. The administration wants to get heating in
place before cold weather hits.
Crawford stated this building could be divested from the County building
supply. However, to sell the building, the County will need to keep the building
maintained. Desler stated other long -term decisions are being held off until the
master planning is done.
Crawford moved to recommend the second request in the substitute
supplemental budget request.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #01-
83 FOR A REPLACEMENT BRUSH CHIPPER FOR MAINTENANCE &
OPERATIONS TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, WESSPUR LLC,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,810.49 (AB2001 -288)
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF SIX POLICE SEDANS BY ER &R OFF OF THE
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT, IN THE CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
$128,609.70 (AB2001 -290)
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #01-
92 FOR FIVE REPLACEMENT ONE -HALF TON PICKUP TRUCKS FOR
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE
BIDDER, DIEHL FORD, IN THE AMOUNT OF $114,654.54 (AB2001-
289)
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTION TO RECEIVE
NATIONAL FOREST RELATED SAFETY -NET PAYMENTS UNDER P. L.
106 -393 (AB2001 -291)
Crawford stated it is appropriate to hold this until the evening meeting.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this is the administration's
version of Dan McShane's resolution.
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion failed 1 -1 with Crawford opposed.
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO THE
"WHATCOM CHIEF" FERRY INSURANCE RENEWAL FOR POLICY
PERIOD 9/30/01- 9/30/02 (AB2001 -292)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL COUNTY ROAD
CONSTRUCTION FUND AUTHORIZATION FOR COUNTY ROAD PROJECT
NO. 998026 ALDERWOOD /AIRPORT /W. BAKERVIEW ROAD
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $181,728 (AB2001 -293)
Crawford questioned whether this comes out of the Road fund.
Bruce Mills, Assistant Director of Engineering, stated it does.
Dawson asked if this property is to be annexed soon. Mills stated there are
no definite plans.
Dawson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE A BID
AWARD FOR THE LUMMI ISLAND SEAWALL ROAD MAINTENANCE
PROJECT CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, FRIBERG
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., IN THE AMOUNT $329,544
(AB2001 -294)
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES AND LINSLEY, KRAEGER ASSOCIATES, LTD. (LKA),
FOR ADDITIONAL MODEL REFINEMENTS AND INCORPORATION OF
FIELD SURVEY DATA IN THE AMENDED AMOUNT OF $258,600 FOR A
TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $523,760 (AB2001 -295)
Paula Cooper, Engineering Manager - River /Flood, stated a recent grant ran
out. The grant was for development of the unsteady flow FEQ model. The
consultant's report summarizes the model. A working model of the lower Nooksack
River has been attached to the existing model of the overflow corridor. Together, it
sends flow to Canada. The executive summary is brief, and shows some of the
highlights of what they've found so far from the preliminary model runs of the 1990
flood event. The effort to develop the model was more complicated than
anticipated. It is about five times larger than any model ever developed with this
software package. Everyone is pleased with the work done to -date. The timing of
previous modeling efforts was six to eight hours off. This model is one -half hour
off. There is a lot left to do. They need to incorporate recent survey data, and to
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
47
48
do more extensive calibration. They are going in the right direction. The State
Department of Ecology (DOE) has provided another $193,000 grant to continue this
work.
Dawson stated the County will have to pay $64,650 from the Flood funds.
Crawford questioned whether the Flood Advisory Committee looked at this.
Cooper stated the Flood Advisory Committee has not looked at the actual scope of
work. They have been aware as this goes on. A meeting is scheduled with the
advisory committee and the consultant in a few weeks. The advisory committee is
supportive of the modeling effort.
Crawford asked if this ties in with the Utah State University (USU) water
resource inventory area (WRIA) work. Cooper stated not at this point, but the
potential is there. Given the climactic set of variables, USU looking at the weekly
time steps during a storm event. This is to look at hourly time steps or less during
a storm event. At this point, this is a stand -alone effort.
Crawford asked what the result of this expenditure is. Cooper stated they
now have a tool to look at alternative flood control management strategies or
developments on the lower Nooksack River. They will continually have to refine
that tool in the system that will be relevant to a particular application. At the end
of this contract, they will have the options for the Everson overflow.
Crawford asked if this is a computer program in addition to information.
Cooper stated it is. They will use it to look at survey data and options.
Dawson asked what the alternative flood strategies are. Cooper stated
designated overflow areas are an option. Storage is important in the overflow
corridor. Without the model, they are shooting from the hip to make decisions to
make sure they aren't transferring the problem elsewhere.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated this work deals with modeling for
the Everson overflow and its relationship to Canada. To take this step, they had to
deal with the flood plain in Whatcom County first. Now, they can finish it to a level
of detail that supports the work already been done on Sumas and the Canadian
side. There will be a direct connection between the two areas.
Cooper stated that once they know the amount of the flow, they can continue
to use the model for levee setbacks, levee overflows, and other things.
Crawford asked if this was anticipated in the budget. Cooper stated it is in
the budget for this year and next year, also.
does.
Crawford asked if the funding comes from the Flood fee. Cooper stated it
Dawson moved to recommend approval.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
SOLID WASTE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO PROVIDE
FUNDS TO THE COUNTY FOR THE EDUCATIONAL, ADOPT -A-
ROAD /TRAIL, AND JUVENILE OFFENDER LITTER CLEANUP
PROGRAMS, IN THE GRANT AMOUNT OF UP TO $81,725 (AB2001-
296)
Crawford asked if this comes from the grant.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated this is anticipated work. However,
the van is not an anticipated item. Because this is a 100 percent grant, he is
asking for Council concurrence to move ahead. The Council will see a supplemental
budge request to deal with the van and the Y Road matters.
Dawson stated they can get vans for practically no cost from the Whatcom
Transit Authority. That is what the Sheriff's Department has used. Monsen stated
they are looking at a 15- passenger van, but he can look at that source. They need
to move ahead with a vehicle that is grant funded.
Dawson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES AND STRATEGIC LEARNING RESOURCES TO CONDUCT
RESEARCH AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT POTENTIAL
MODIFICATIONS IN THE LOCAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRIAGE
SYSTEM, IN THE CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $30,000 (AB2001 -297)
Andy Byrne, Human Services Manager, stated the Law and Justice Council
recommended funding for this project, and four other organizations joined as
partners. The intent is to look at how people with mental illness, developmental
disabilities, and substance abuse get into crisis. This project will look at how the
County diverts the people to services and unnecessary jail incarceration. Now,
Whatcom County has a wide range of triage emergency response services. Often,
officers come into contact with people in crises and who can't get to services.
Those people end up in the jail overnight. This study will look at the frequency of
that situation and how the system can be modified to get people to services
quicker.
Dawson asked if triage includes educating the officers about people with
these types of disabilities. Byrne stated the enforcement officers will be included in
the study. The Whatcom County officers do a fine job of understanding what they
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
48
are looking at, and can decide whether a person is safe to be on the street at that
time. Training is a good idea. Part of this project is to identify what training needs
are in addition to determining what system improvements are needed. This project
will do a comprehensive study of the entire system.
Dawson asked if Western State Hospital is the only mental health hospital in
the area. Byrne stated St. Joseph's Hospital has a mental health center.
Crawford moved to recommend approval. The Substance Abuse Advisory
Committee is looking forward to this component of the system, and to get people
getting directed to the right places. This is a recommendation of the Law and
Justice Task Force. They are going down the right road in funneling this issue to
them for review.
Desler stated $6,000 of General fund money is being contributed to this
effort. Other organizations are also contributing a total of 75 percent of this cost.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, TRADE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF THE NORTHWEST
REGIONAL DRUG TASK FORCE IN THE CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
$119,760 (AB2001 -298)
Crawford stated these are Department of Justice funds, and he moved to
recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE GOVERNOR'S
JUVENILE JUSTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (GJJAC) FOR THE
WHATCOM COUNTY TEEN COURT PROGRAM, IN THE CONTRACT
AMOUNT OF $77,600 (AB2001 -299)
Crawford stated this is a continuation of last year's program. He moved to
recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND NORTHWEST CARE ADVOCATES FOR COORDINATION OF
MENTAL HEALTH AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES, IN THE
CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $33,754 (AB2001 -300)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, 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
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF EXPENDITURES FROM CONSERVATION
FUTURES FUND TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY INTERESTS IN
AGRICULTURAL LAND FOR STRATEGIC CONSERVATION PURPOSES
(AB2001 -301)
Crawford recommended postponing discussion to the full Council.
Dawson concurred.
15. REVIEW OF STATE AUDITOR'S REPORT ON WHATCOM COUNTY FOR
FY2000 (AB2001 -302)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated this was a comprehensive and
expensive audit. The State Examiner says Whatcom County is doing a very good
job. This is the first time Whatcom County did not have audit findings that indicate
a problem.
Dawson stated it demonstrates attention to detail and follow- through.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was none.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the Council
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Marlene Dawson, Committee Member
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 9/11/2001, Page 13