HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance February 22 20001
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
February 22, 2000
The meeting was called to order at 12:13 p.m. by Committee Chair L. Ward
Nelson in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present: Absent:
Sam Crawford None
Robert Imhof
DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION WITH MIKE BRENNEN, BELLINGHAM / WHATCOM
COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, REGARDING BUSINESS TAXES
(AB2000 -096)
Mike Brennen, Bell ingham / Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce
President, reported that Russ Van Buren recently joined them as their director of
their Business Service Center. They wanted to report on the center's activity. In
July 1999, they contracted with the City of Bellingham to create a business service
center to coordinate the activities of the Chamber of Commerce and the Small
Business Development Council at Western Washington University. They fit
underneath the Economic Development Council (EDC). Businesses that do not fit
the EDC's mission come to the business center. Businesses that qualify for the EDC
that come to the business center are redirected to the EDC. The Business Service
Center is there for small businesses in terms of advocacy. They have a temporary
office space for business that come into the area. They coordinate with every bank
and financial institution in the County to help them put together packages for small
business development. They are going to start an educational program in March of
this year. It will be supportive of small businesses so they get the information they
need to succeed. They are an associate office of the U.S. Department of Commerce
for import and export issues. By the end of this week, they have a package of
information going to the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic
Development ( DCTED). The DCTED wants them to work on cross - border trade and
business development. He distributed the second quarter report that went to the
City of Bellingham. It gives a status report and shows a listing of the businesses
that have come through their door, as of the end of 1999.
Russ Van Buren, Director of Business Service center stated most of the
people they saw during first quarter were existing Canadian business that wanted
to relocate to Whatcom County. That percentage changed in the second quarter to
32 percent. Small business start -up work or the second quarter was at 32 percent.
Existing business retention was 18 percent, and relocation services to non - Canadian
businesses was also 18 percent. There is approximately an 80/20 split between
incorporated areas and unincorporated areas. The Canadian businesses are
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 1
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existing businesses with a track record, so if they relocate to Whatcom County,
they are predisposed to succeeding. Most business start -ups have an 80 percent
failure rate.
Brennen stated their purpose is to host existing or new businesses and to get
them the support that would be most effective for their continued success. The
effort with the city is not to locate everyone in Bellingham. Additionally in the
paperwork he distributed is information on Section 110 regarding immigration. It
will have a dramatic effect on Whatcom County as a border community. He
included a copy of the Senate Joint Memorial 8025. It has been passed by the
Senate and is now out of House. There is a letter from President Clinton that talks
about Section 110, which came as a result of some efforts with the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce. They also have a letter from Governor Locke, who is in support of
getting rid of Section 110. They made an unsuccessful grant request to DCTED
that brought together all the local agencies, including federal and state agencies,
and put them together into a consortium. That would enable the Chamber to
connect the new employers with those in the community who are on the state and
federal welfare -to -work program. That would have also given the employers dollars
in support of training those people into those jobs. They are continuing to do that
program without any funding support. They were surprised DCTED did not support
that request. The County is getting ready to discuss cottage industries. What the
Chamber is doing may have some value to the County in support of educating the
businesses. How they form that relationship and project is something they are still
working out.
Nelson asked how this differs from the EDC. Brennen stated the EDC works
with larger businesses and manufacturers. The dividing line is the employee wage.
The business center handles lower wage rate businesses. The EDC works on the
family wage job - producing businesses.
Nelson asked what support the Chamber is looking for from the County.
Brennen stated they'd like to work with the County to see if there is a contract
capacity for them to expand their operation. There are other methods to get
support from the County. Now there is one person responsible for the center. The
other five employees also work for the center at various times. They need
additional bodies to handle the workload.
Nelson asked what they are doing to close the sale. Brennen stated they
want to present a proposal to outline the specifics of what they can do with the
County. They are going to get information from the Planning Department about
what is being requested for cottage industry and small business development, then
come back with a proposal.
Nelson stated it is a good idea. It would be a great resource for people
setting up a business. New business owners need to have an ability to have that
coordination, since the EDC does not focus on cottage industries.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 2
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"CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE NOOKSACK SALMON ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATION TO
MANAGE THREE CHINOOK ACCLIMATION PONDS, WITH THE
FEDERALLY FUNDED AMOUNT OF $29,000 (AB2000 -098)
Crawford moved to recommend to the full Council.
Steve Seymour, Fish Biologist, stated this is a contract to operate three
acclimation ponds on the north fork of the Nooksack River. About a year ago, they
received Governor salmon recovery money funding to do this. About a month ago,
they advertised the opportunity, and had one applicant from the Nooksack Salmon
Enhancement Association (NSEA). They have negotiated a contract.
Nelson stated he looked at the acclimation ponds. Water level is crucial to
fry development. Many times, there are predators that cause disruption. These
people are voluntary and operate on a limited basis. Seymour stated NSEA has
operated this program for the last five years. It has been an ongoing program by
the Department of Fish and Wildlife to supplement the listed species through a
hatchery supplementation program. Young fish are brought to the ponds and are
imprinted on the ponds for a period of three to five weeks. They are released from
the pond, so as adults they come back to that part of the river rather than back to
the hatchery. It is an integral part of the restoration and recovery of the salmon.
NSEA manages the volunteer workforce.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND WALKER & ASSOCIATES, TO PROVIDE FOR
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING OF THE LOWER
NOOKSACK RIVER, IN THE AMENDMENT AMOUNT OF $42,218 FOR A
TOTAL AGREEMENT AMOUNT OF $80,918 (AB2000 -099)
Imhof moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND NORTHWEST EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
DISTRICT 189, TO PROVIDE FOR SCHOOL NURSING SERVICES IN THE
NOOKSACK AND MERIDIAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS, IN THE STATE
FUNDED AMOUNT OF $15,600 (AB2000 -100)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 3
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Nelson stated this is a new item. He moved to recommend approval to the
full Council.
Chuck Benjamin, Health and Human Services Director, stated they used to
provide nursing to school districts. School districts tried to take it on themselves,
but they've had difficulty in getting the nurses certified. This is an opportunity to
get public health nursing into Meridian and Nooksack school districts. It is also a
new source of revenue. They will renegotiate this agreement in the future. Now,
they are tied into the program because of the state money provided to the schools
for the service. It wasn't enough money. This is just he beginning.
Dawson asked if it required new staff. Benjamin stated it doesn't.
Dawson asked why these two schools were selected. Benjamin stated these
schools requested the assistance.
Nelson stated the schools couldn't afford to staff nurses. The districts are
asking the County for help, and the County is supplementing that help. The
question is whether the County wants to get into this arena. Once they take this
on, all the schools will want to get into this. It should go into the advisory board
process. Benjamin stated the discussion needs to occur, but they will get a higher
rate of reimbursement as they renegotiate.
Imhof stated they need to make a policy that they will not supplement the
program, but will help these two districts for the rest of the year. Possibly, the
state can fully reimburse them.
Kay Guirl, Personal Health Services Manager, stated this is two years of
funding approved by state legislature. It is only guaranteed for two school years.
The intent was to ensure someone who could address health care needs of children
and would be located in each district. It is the smaller school districts who have not
had school nursing. Part of the intent is to educate the districts on the importance
of school nursing so that even if the funding goes away, the schools would make it
a priority.
Nelson asked if they had any programs in place prior to this year. Guirl
stated these two districts did not.
Nelson stated it is a good point about whether or not the County should take
on this role. He was concerned about getting wrapped up in this program that has
limited funding, and then becoming responsible for and obligated to the program.
Benjamin stated they would only have the obligation as long as they have the
contract with the districts.
Imhof stated they should run with this for a year at a time and see what the
outcome is. In the meantime, they can go to the school districts and explain the
cost differences. They can educate the school districts on the need for this. It isn't
the duty of the County to do this. It is a school district function to pay for it.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 4
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Guirl stated they need to get the experience of the first year to see exactly
what the cost is. Also, the days the nurse spends at the schools are not full eight -
hour days.
Nelson stated they are already working with limited staff. He questioned
where the staffing comes from. Guirl stated these are nurses that are being
redirected from other services, such as services to support families after giving
birth to children, where there is no reimbursement. The nurses are being directed
away from programs that don't generate any revenue.
Nelson moved to recommend that the Public Health Advisory Board look at
this issue. Benjamin stated they are not looking at a policy decision, but a
monetary decision. They received direction from the budget process to look for
other revenues. This is another revenue source the department can take advantage
of.
Nelson stated that was fine, however it may be an issue they want to look at
from a policy perspective. It may be a better benefit to the community as a whole
if the County becomes involved with the school nursing programs. Before next
year, the advisory board should review this and see how it is functioning, and
provide a report to the Board of Health.
Imhof stated this request is in response to policy. The advisory board should
review how it works out for the first year.
Nelson moved to give staff direction to go the advisory board, then report to
the Board of Health with recommendations.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion to recommend approval for the contract carried unanimously
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE VAN ZANDT
COMMUNITY CLUB TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
BASKETBALL COURT, HANDBALL COURT, CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA,
PARKING, AND SIGNAGE ON THE VAN ZANDT COMMUNITY HALL
PROPERTY, REQUIRING NO DEVELOPMENT, NOR MAINTENANCE AND
OPERATIONAL FUNDS (AB2000 -101)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Roger DeSpain, Parks and Recreation Director, stated the request is for
improvements. They also need permission from the Mt. Baker School District. They
need to bring the facilities up to standards, and are working on that now. The
question is about the future maintenance and operations costs. This group is trying
to make it work without that. The idea of liability may come forward in the future.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 5
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Right now, there hasn't been any problem. The question would be whether the
County is willing to take the liability, as the landlords. Also they are asking to allow
the agreement to go for up to 20 years with an option for another 20 years.
Nelson stated they should not go the full 20 years on the maintenance issue.
He would want a shorter review period. The volunteer effort is great. The community
will maintain the facilities.
Imhof stated the agreement needs to be improved to standard. These are
the projects the County tries to encourage.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
USE OF WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT PRICING FOR THE ANNUAL
PURCHASE, ON AN AS- NEEDED BASIS, OF ROAD STRIPING PAINT IN
THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $300,000; GLASS BEADS IN THE
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $50,000; HERBICIDES IN THE
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $66,000; AND TIRES IN THE
APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2000 -102)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Hoag questioned why the cost of the herbicides is so large.
Dick Prieve, Maintenance and Operations /Administration Assistant Director of
Operations, stated it is the same amount they used last year. It is the plan that
was approved in July for the year 2000. Nothing has changed. Those chemicals
are very expensive. They are not reducing or increasing the amounts.
Crawford stated that Whatcom Tire was just sold, and asked if this will carry
over to the new owner. Prieve stated it is a state contract, so the new owner has to
comply.
Crawford asked if there would be a small business or minority business
consideration. Prieve stated they are tagging along the state contract.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
MODIFICATION TO THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM, FOR THE CITY TO
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE ALCOHOL PROTECTIVE CUSTODY
PROGRAM AND FOR SUBSIDIZING SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
COSTS, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $53,600 (AB2000 -103)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 6
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Motion carried unanimously.
7. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON SALE
OF COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY, REQUEST NO. 00 -1 (AB2000 -104)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Hoag questioned whether the County gives up its right to the railroad right -
of -way.
Imhof stated this resolution only sets the hearing. The time to ask that
question is during the hearing.
Hoag stated that if they don't approve of the sale of the property then they
don't set the hearings. She wanted to know where this leaves the County.
Nelson stated there was a request to take this off the tax role. When that
request comes through, it is up to the Council to set the date for the public hearing.
Debbie Adelstein, stated they can check into the County's position.
Hoag stated she just wanted to know if the County was giving up railroad
right -of -way.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CASCADE VOCATIONAL TO FUND
SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM
COUNTY, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $37,448, WITH THE
AMENDMENT AMOUNT OF $11,744 (AB2000 -105)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY CASE MANAGEMENT, A JAIL OUTREACH
PROGRAM, CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES, AND ALCOHOL
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY IN THE CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $120,443
(AB2000 -106)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 7
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Nelson asked if these are all Title 19.
Imhof stated this is budgeted from the general fund. It is a continuation of
the previous contract.
Nelson asked how much is going into the jail outreach program.
John Hooper, Human Services Manager, stated the amount going to jail
outreach is $20,000. It is an annual contract. It is the same amount as last year.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WHATCOM COUNSELING &
PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC TO PROVIDE A VARIETY OF MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES INCLUDING JAIL CASE MANAGEMENT, ELDER SERVICES,
SUPPORT LIVING, GATEKEEPER COORDINATION, AND CONSUMER
PEER SUPPORT AND EDUCATION, IN THE CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
$231,000 (AB2000 -107)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS,
SOLID WASTE DIVISION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, TO
PROVIDE THE ADOPT -A -ROAD AND JUVENILE OFFENDER LITTER
CLEANUP PROGRAMS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,500 (AB2000 -108)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Nelson stated he believed they did this last year.
Crawford stated he liked the format of the cover letter used by Health and
Human Services. He asked that Public Works Department do a similar cover letter
that would be that clear. The cover letter sums up the entire request in one page.
Hoag asked about the $57,000 community investment amount.
Dick Prieve, Maintenance and Operations /Administration Assistant Director of
Operations, stated that is the money that the County put into litter pick -up. He
would look into that. He didn't think it was a part of the grant.
Hoag stated it is a grant agreement, and the $57,000 is part of the
agreement.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 8
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Nelson stated the approval is for the Executive to enter into the agreement in
the amount of $67,500.
Hoag stated there is more to it than that.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
L. Ward Nelson, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 2/22/2000, Page 9