HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance March 21 20001
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
March 21, 2000
The meeting was called to order at 12:15 p.m. by Committee Chair L. Ward
Nelson in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present:
Sam Crawford
Robert Imhof
Absent:
None
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS RELATIVE TO THE CANYON CREEK
ALLUVIAL FAN AREA, REGARDING A REQUEST FROM THE FLOOD
CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ENACT A
MORATORIUM ON NEW DEVELOPMENT AND TARGET THE AREA FOR A
VOLUNTARY BUYOUT PROGRAM (AB2000 -114)
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, asked to put this conversation off for two
weeks. They need more time to put together some information. The consulting firm
stated it would be impossible to put together any valid risk assessment about the
alluvial fan. In that light, he asked for clarification about any questions the
councilmembers may have. They are not now prepared to take this discussion much
further than they did last time.
Brenner stated she received information from The Logs resort owners who
said a large area has never been flooded. She suggested they answer some of the
concerns raised by their letter.
McShane stated an issue is that there are people up there who are making
decisions to build homes in areas that are not protected, but the person thinks they
are protected. It is important to act now.
Nelson stated that if an owner applied for a permit in this area, Planning and
Development Services staff will warn the applicant that it is an alluvial fan area. It
is a legitimate issue to move forward, but the Council must make sure it has all the
information available to make a decision.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 1
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Brenner stated she is not opposed to a temporary moratorium. She was
concerned about a voluntary buyout if it is not necessary. She questioned what
people are being told when they are buying property or requesting a permit for the
area.
Roland Middleton, Land Use Division Manager, stated they are told it is a high
hazard alluvial fan area and must meet requirements. There are other areas in the
older section of the alluvial fan that are not in the buyout. He is concerned about
places they see on a daily basis.
Nelson stated the recommendation is to hold it in committee for two weeks.
Wendy Cosgrove, The Logs, stated she is one of the owners of The Logs
resort.
Frakes stated these people are involved in a Hearing Examiner item that may
come to the Council for an appeal.
Middleton stated an appeal has come forward to the County Council about an
issue of a building permit denial for The Logs resort. It was remanded back to the
Hearing Examiner.
Nelson asked Cosgrove to restrict her comments to alluvial fan area.
Hoag questioned what the appeal is about.
Middleton stated the appeal is about construction in the alluvial fan.
Hoag asked the status of the appeal. Middleton stated it has gone to the
Hearing Examiner on appeal. The next step is to go to the Council.
Hoag stated whatever happens at the Council is on the public record. She
questioned whether the testimony given to the Council would be available to the
Hearing Examiner and a part of his record. Frakes stated the Hearing Examiner is
restricted to only what he hears in his court. Testimony can be given if Cosgrove
isn't presenting information related to what is on appeal.
Imhof stated she should give the information to Monsen so he can integrate it
into his recommendation in two weeks.
"CONSENTS AGENDA" ITEM
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO PURCHASE
TIMBER RIGHTS FROM THE GOODYEAR NELSON TIMBER COMPANY
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 2
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USING CONSERVATION FUTURES FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$750,000 (AB2000 -133)
Roger DeSpain, Parks and Recreation Director, stated this is phase 3B of the
acquisition along the south fork of the Nooksack River. The first is phase was the
donation from David Syre. The second phase was the acquisition of the Nesset
Farm. The third phase was the transfer of the Goodyear Nelson Timber land from
the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Phase 3B is retention of the
timber rights. They have tried to negotiate the costs down. They thought in the
beginning it was worth $2.4 million. They contracted with a private timber crew who
figured it was valued at $1.7 million for just the timber. They then tried to break it
down to areas that could be logged and others that could not. The timber
companies determined a partial cut would not be in their best interest because the
valuable logs are near the river. They looked at all combinations to try to protect
the south fork of the Nooksack River. Goodyear Nelson agreed to come down to
$1.25 million. Rand Jack and Gordon Scott were able to a donation in the amount of
$500,000. If the County purchased the land as well as the timber, the value would
be $2.4 million. If the County spends only $750,000, it would save $1.6 million.
This stand is beautiful piece of property.
Imhof asked if there are logging restrictions on the $500,000 donation.
DeSpain stated there are.
Rand Jack, Whatcom Land Trust, stated the donor specifically said the grant
was conditioned on the County matching the purchase price and that there was no
logging done to raise the money. The donor didn't want a commercial timber cut.
Imhof suggested a sustainable forest program developed by the Land Trust so
they can generate some revenue from it, allow alternative forest practices in the
County, and use it as an educational program for the logging industry and for those
who enjoy the parks. Jack stated that could not happen. The Land Trust wants to
obtain a large block of land and manage it with the new sustainable forestry
approach. This donation restricted the property from being commercially logged,
and there are severe access problems. There isn't a road that would service this
area.
Hoag stated that when the councilmembers toured the area, there was
discussion about retaining the timber rights and that they were hoping to leave the
trail areas intact while the remainder would be logged. She is not hearing that. It
seemed that the road access was from the back side. She wondered if there was a
way to discuss the issue with the donor to allow the County to purchase the areas
where the trails are and allow the remainder to be logged as was originally intended.
That way, no taxpayer dollars would be involved, and they could still protect a nice
area for trails along the river. She wants sustainable forestry practices followed.
She doesn't have any problem with logging it. The DNR land transfer is how the
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 3
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County ended up receiving the land. On the next page of the memo, it says the cost
for purchase of the land and timber would have been $2 million.
DeSpain stated that would have been the cost if the County paid for
everything without doing the transfer. The County made some savings by doing the
transfer.
Hoag stated the County owns the land. She wanted to preserve the area
along the river and trails if they can. It a not wise use of Conservation Futures
funds to take the whole parcel out of logging. Jack stated a problem is that the cost
of infrastructure for logging meant they could not stay away from the trail and the
river. The timber company would do all logging or nothing. Breaking it up meant
that they would come down into the trail area because that is where many of the big
trees are located. Much of the value is tied up into the trees along the river and trail
corridor.
Nelson stated the County is putting in $750,000 and the donor is putting in
$500,000. The donor is leveraging the entire purchase and restricting the ability to
do any type of logging. The Council is asking to do some limited programs in that
area that would not be involved in the streams, buffers, and wetlands. A small scale
operation could be done that would be used for lessons or to help sustain park
activities.
Imhof stated they need to ask the donor to see if there is room to move. Jack
stated the donor gave the money with two conditions. This private party has come
forward in this and in other areas of the community. He was not willing to
renegotiate with the donor.
Imhof stated the County has an ability to use this as an educational tool and
to show the logging heritage in the neighborhood. He wanted that ability on this
piece of property. Seventy percent of the County is already parks. Tying this up
with no use is not something he wanted to do. DeSpain stated they will do just that
with the Nesset Farm. They were going to have workshops to show how a forest
works. This property is away from the Nesset farm. The prime trees are close to
the river.
Hoag stated the timber company has said they log all or nothing, and the
donor has said log nothing or there will be no donation. She wanted some
compromise. If they can't work it out, then that is fine. But they need to explore
the issue. Jack stated it has taken them six months to get to this point. Goodyear
Nelson stated they would put in logging roads at the end of this month. He just
realized a week ago that the donation was available. The donor does not favor
using the area as commercial timber.
Brenner stated she wanted to go back to the initial understanding. This is so
different from what they agreed to that it is difficult for her to approve. The timber
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 4
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company agreed to selective logging at the time. It isn't right to go back on verbal
agreements. She wanted to have the representative for Goodyear Nelson present.
Imhof moved to hold in committee.
Crawford asked how much the County has in the Conservation Futures fund.
DeSpain stated there will be $2.1 million at the end of April.
Crawford moved to recommend authorization for the Executive to purchase
the timber rights for $750,000. It is a good deal. Goodyear Nelson has shown good
faith by coming down considerably in their price. He was in favor of the issues of
demonstration logging. He looked forward to the Black Mountain Forestry Center
serving that purpose in the County. Mr. DeSpain has been working to get that
going. There isn't much need to do that in other areas.
Imhof withdrew his motion.
Brenner stated it wasn't a question of whether this already exists. She
understood this would be a source of revenue to keep the park operating. If people
are comfortable with the County not being able to offset its purchases, then they
can do it. This will require a lot of money in the future. She supported it because
the money would be generated to offset it.
Nelson asked if they are able to maintain trails and maintenance of the park.
DeSpain stated they could once it is developed. Part of that is from the trust fund
for the Nesset Farm.
Nelson asked if there will be resources available to maintain this as a park.
DeSpain stated there will be for the Goodyear Nelson timber area. The northern end
will be the more active area that will generate the revenue.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
AND THE NOOKSACK SALMON ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATION,
AUTHORIZING NSEA TO PROVIDE PLANNING, TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE, AND OVERSIGHT OF PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE
WORK SUPPORTING RIPARIAN RESTORATION WORK ON DRAINAGE
DISTRICTS, COUNTY FLOOD AND NSEA PROJECTS, FUNDED BY THE
DOE CENTENNIAL CLEAN WATER GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000
(AB2000 -134)
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated this was a discussion item last fall.
This is before the Council now because they are close to having the grant contract in
place.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 5
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Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
FLOOD CONTROL WORKS AGREEMENT WITH WHATCOM COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKS, WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT
(FCZD), AND DIKING DISTRICT NO. 3, FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SET-
BACK LEVEE NEAR THE ERODING BANK AT RITTER ROAD, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $11,526.88, WITH THE COUNTY SHARE OF $9,221.50
(AB2000 -135)
Paula Cooper, Special Projects Engineer, stated the Executive typically
approves the agreements after approval by the Flood Control Zone District Advisory
Committee ( FCZDAC). This is different because it took a different course. This was
initially a district project. They were going to build a setback levy on their own dime
because they've had difficulty getting permits for the bank stabilization project,
which is threatening their existing levy. After the fact, the district came to the
FCZDAC and requested funding, which the committee approved. The district
purchased this work without using the County purchasing procedures.
Imhof stated the need to make it clear that the district must use the County
policies next time.
Nelson stated that reminder should go out to all the districts. He asked if the
County has to do the 80/20 split. Cooper stated the split was recommended by the
FCZDAC.
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, FUNDING THE ONGOING
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE COUNTY'S FIVE STREAM
GAUGES WITHIN THE EARLY FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $ 33,990, WITH THE COUNTY SHARE OF $24,190
(AB2000 -136)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Imhof questioned how many years these have been in place.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 6
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Paula Cooper, Special Projects Engineer, stated it has been approximately
since 1992.
Motion carried unanimously.
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC
WORKS DIVISION OF ENGINEERING — RIVER SECTION AND
REICHHARDT & EBE ENGINEERING, INC. TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS IN SUPPORT OF PERMITTING OF THE RITTER
ROAD RIVERBANK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$16,920, WITH AN AMENDMENT AMOUNT OF $5,000 (AB2000 -137)
Imhof moved to recommend approval.
Hoag questioned whether they received all the approval they needed.
Paula Cooper, Special Projects Engineer, stated that is what this will do.
McShane questioned the cost if they get all the permits. Cooper stated it will
cost about $250,000. The wood is still the issue.
McShane questioned the value of what they are protecting. Cooper stated it
depends on how they look at it.
Hoag stated a lot of farmland is being protected.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
BELLINGHAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING SUPPORT FOR THE COMMISSION
AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WITH THE CITY FUNDING AMOUNT
OF $30,000 (AB2000 -138)
Nelson asked if this was in the budget.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated was. This receives the funds
from the City of Bellingham.
Crawford moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 7
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Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated they are involved setting up a
pilot project with the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) to provide
easy access to citizens to existing government services. The system involves paying
property taxes and fines online, and adding other systems in the future. It will add
productivity with a limited cost, and will make government more accessible.
Chris Reed, Ezgov.Com, stated they are doing a pilot project with National
Association of Counties (NACo) to provide internet services. Part of this includes
property tax payments, utility bill payments, and fine payments. As part of the
program, they would install the applications for the County for free. The level three
applications are a $25,000 per module installation charge. If the County would do
all three, it would be a $75,000 saving. The annual maintenance is from $7,500 to
$10,000 per module. They cover all the bandwidth, hardware, and software security
maintenance and ongoing charges, which is waived the first year.
Nelson stated the idea is to improve access for the public to pay their bills
online. The property tax payments would be done through a check /debit system
because credit cards have fees. The County would receive finances back within 48
hours. He questioned whether this could be tied into County websites and other
departments. Reed stated it could.
Nelson questioned whether the other departments have reviewed this. Desler
stated the department heads and elected officials are very excited about it.
Nelson asked if they are prepared for direction from the Council. Desler
stated they are.
Imhof stated this is the opportunity they get when they spend a little money
at NACo and different places the vendors go to show off their wares. It was money
well spent.
Nelson stated the property tax issue is a monumental task to get the money
collected. This would allow access to public records. Reed stated it would. A
marketing plan is included with their services.
Desler stated there is setup work that the County has to do. Once it is done,
it will be an easy process to transfer information to Ezgov.com and receive the data.
The County needs to decide on the convenience fee for each transaction. Some
counties have chosen to pay the fee for the first $1,000 people who sign on. Other
counties have paid the fee for the citizens for a certain period of time. His
recommendation would be to look into paying the fee for a period of time. The
County could pay the fee until there is acceptance of what this is about. There is
some value to the County when the people make payments via the internet.
Ultimately, the County wants to measure that value.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 3/21/2000, Page 8
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Imhof asked about the transaction fee now with people who process the
property taxes. Reed stated they've studied that. They are undertaking a detailed
study to evaluate the cost savings associated with this. If Whatcom County is
interested in this, Whatcom County can take part in the study. The average
processing cost is $5 to $6 per transaction in staffing and other costs.
Nelson moved that the committee recommend that the administration
continue bringing this forward with the departments and bring it back to the Finance
Committee and to the County Council in two weeks.
Motion carried unanimously.
Desler stated this is in keeping with the County's strategic planning.
Nelson asked about the retirement issue.
Desler stated he submitted a memo on this issue.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:02 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, 3/21/2000, Page 9