HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance April 6 19991
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
April 6, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Committee Chair L. Ward Nelson in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present: Absent:
Tom Brown None
Robert Imhof
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, PROVIDING FOR LOW INTEREST
LOANS TO RESIDENTS TO BE USED FOR REPAIR OF FAILING ON -SITE
SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $315,000 (AB99 -130)
Brown questioned whether the grants are available throughout the County or only in the
designated Drayton Harbor /Portage Bay areas.
Chris Chesson, Health and Human Services Environmental Services Division, stated that
they would be available throughout the County, however priority will be given to sensitive areas
such Portage Bay, Drayton Harbor, and the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
Nelson questioned whether there is a rating system with priorities given to various needs,
and whether there will be a needs assessment based on capability to pay. Chesson stated that the
need will be established with the lending institution. They will come up with qualifying criteria
for their ability to repay.
Nelson questioned whether it is a payback loan. Chesson stated the payments begin in
2004.
Nelson questioned how the County can make sure it can be paid back. Chesson stated
that the loans will be secured with a promissory note and deed of trust with a `due on sale'
clause.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 1
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Nelson questioned whether there was a similar loan program in the past. Chesson stated
that the loan program was discussed previously. It was denied at that time.
Imhof stated that the County went for grant funding to go into a revolving fund. The
County never got the grant.
Chesson stated the County has received grants for repair of failures in Drayton Harbor
and Chuckanut Bay.
Nelson questioned whether those were payback loans. Chesson stated that those were
grants.
Nelson stated there are no administrative costs. There is a $15,000, or 5 %, allotted to the
bank. Chesson stated that amount was their projection of administrative costs to provide loan
servicing. Permit fees will cover the County's work.
Nelson asked if the County will need additional funding. Chesson stated they will not.
Imhof moved to recommend approval of all six consent agenda items.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER, ACCEPT AND
SIGN A DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT AWARD, TO PROVIDE A TASK
FORCE TO FOCUS ON ALL ACTIVITY RELATING TO THE IMPORTATION AND
EXPORTATION OF DRUGS, AND OTHER DRUG RELATED ACTIVITY, IN THE
FUNDED PASS THROUGH AMOUNT OF $125,000 (AB99 -131)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT
OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE REVENUE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING
SERVICES, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND LOCAL CAPACITY
DEVELOPMENT DOLLARS IN THE AMOUNT OF $554,940 (AB99 -132)
Nelson questioned the Council members' opinion of this item.
Brown stated that there was a lot of information.
Nelson stated that, in the future, they don't need so much information in the packet.
4. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING TO
DECLARE PROPERTY SURPLUS (AB99 -133)
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 2
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5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO GRANT PERMISSION
FOR PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT RENTAL & REPAIR TO PURCHASE FROM
GEORGIA - PACIFIC THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF LIGNOSITE FOR USE ON
COUNTY ROADS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,000 (AB99 -134)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
1NTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH &
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE BELLINGHAM HOUSING
AUTHORITY, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A PART -TIME WELLNESS
OUTREACH WORKER AND FUNDING FOR TREATMENT, CHILDCARE, AND
TRANSPORTATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,860 (AB99 -135)
Hoag asked for clarification on the term of the agreement and the correct agreement
amount.
John Hooper, Health and Human Services Manager, stated that the correct dollar amount
was on packet page 162, in the amount of $62,860. The amount specified in the supplemental
budget request is a different amount.
Imhof stated that a different program is listed in the supplemental budget request
ordinance.
Nelson stated that the amount in the ordinance is the combination of two program
funding.
Hooper stated that on Council packet page 164, item #4 is an appropriation to the Health
Department from the Bellingham Housing Authority and the dollar amount is not correct. It
should be $62,680, the same amount as in the interlocal agreement. The $62,860 includes the
childcare and other items.
Nelson asked how it went into the supplemental budget. Hooper stated that it is a pass -
through and should be $62,860.
Nelson asked if it is one -time funding. Hooper stated it is a one -time grant.
Nelson asked how they will handle the full -time equivalent (FTE) employee when the
grant goes away. Hooper stated it is a professional services contract through SeaMar
Counseling. The dates of the contract performance are the allowable start dates. They cannot
start until the contract is put into place. The Housing Authority gave a grace to get the contract
approved.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET, REQUEST #2 (AB99 -123)
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 3
I Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, referred to Council packet page 167 for the
2 clearest summary of requested items. He stated the first is a grant that has been received by the
3 Sheriff's office, through the Jail. It comes from the Department of Justice. It is an alien
4 assistance grant to fund improvements to the alternative corrections program. It is a grant the
5 Sheriff has received for two years. They are going to create an additional work crew in the
6 alternative corrections program.
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8 Nelson asked if they can fully fund the crew with the grant. Wareing stated the grant
9 would fund the crew. There will be no additional County costs incurred.
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11 Wareing stated that the next item is the High Intensity Drug Traffic Act (HIDTA) grant.
12 It is a County partnership with the federal and State governments to deal with drugs that come
13 and go across the border. It is a continuation of a current grant.
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15 Nelson asked about car maintenance. Wareing stated cars are undercover and all are not
16 new. They sometimes use seized vehicles.
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18 Wareing stated the third item is to the Health Department in the amount of $47,270.
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20 Nelson stated the budget was understated by $4,000 for the Superior Court, which is item
21 #6. They are reinstating those funds. Wareing stated that surcharges are supposed to fund that
22 program. Actually, there was more revenue coming so the money was in the Current Expense
23 Fund. This action takes the money from Current Expense and enabling it to be used by the
24 dispute resolution program. Dispute resolution shortens the number of cases going before the
25 court. Any time they try to resolve issues out of court is money well spent.
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27 Wareing stated that there is an amendment to the amount for the Health Department to
28 correct the amount received from the Housing Authority. The correct amount should be
29 $62,860. They will make that correction.
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31 The next item was for the Health Department in the amount of $60,000. They are only
32 accessing this amount. There is actually $300,000 available. They can access the rest if needed.
33 It is going to be set up so the County doesn't get into the loan business. It will be through a third
34 part of a loan facilitator.
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36 Nelson questioned whether it will go out through a contract or bid process. Wareing
37 stated that would go out through a request for proposals (RFP).
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39 The next item is for Superior Court in the amount of $23,853 for a drug court.
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41 Nelson questioned whether it is in the planning stages. Wareing stated that it is. The
42 drug court is not costly once it is going.
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44 Nelson questioned the increase from .6 to full time of one of the commissioners.
45 Wareing stated that was correct, but it is another program.
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Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 4
I The next item is for Superior Court in the amount of $39,000 for juvenile rehabilitation
2 case management. This is the program that would increase the commissioner. This money
3 would normally have been available to the juvenile department. They gave the money to the
4 Criminal Justice Working Group. They determined it should go to enhancing this commissioner
5 position. The money came from a State grant from the Department of Social and Health
6 Services (DSHS).
7
8 Wareing stated that the next item is for County appeals of the Growth Management
9 Hearings Board.
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11 Hoag stated it is part of the already approved $25,000.
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13 Wareing stated that the next item is for Administrative Services from the Council of
14 Governments (COG) to hire an intern who will work with Gail Kelley on Commute Trip
15 Reduction. It is money the County receives to hire a person to facilitate the provision of
16 information throughout the County organization.
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18 Nelson asked if they intend on using a carpool system. Wareing stated they are trying to
19 create carpools and other means. Wareing stated the position is a limited duration and doesn't
20 deal with ferry concerns.
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22 Wareing stated that the remaining items are for the Water Resource Plan in the amount of
23 $1,169,840, Endangered Species Act (ESA) response in the amount of $564,840, and watershed
24 planning in the amount of $855,000.
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26 Nelson stated that a lot of money is being distributed and blended. He questioned how
27 they are to separate the money out. Wareing stated they will have to track the funds separately
28 for federal and State funding.
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30 Imhof asked if this is the total amount of ESA funding for 1999.
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32 Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated that this will be close to the total amount. If
33 there are any other appropriations, it will be later in the year.
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35 Imhof asked if this was budgeted already. Monsen stated that it was.
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37 Imhof asked if it has left the 50% flood fund intact. Wareing referred to Council packet
38 page 200. There is still over $400,000 that is undesignated from the flood fee increase.
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40 Brown stated that there is $250,000 unused from the 1998 Flood Control Zone District
41 authority. He questioned why they are including that amount in the total. Monsen stated that, in
42 1998, there was $300,000 from the flood fund budgeted for Lake Whatcom. Approximately
43 $50,000 of that was expended at the end of the calendar year. If the Council does not want to
44 dedicate that $250,000 from last year, it would come out of that balance of $400,000.
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46 Imhof stated that they could transfer it back if they left it in the flood fund.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 5
2 Nelson asked about the remaining balance in the flood fund if the $250,000 was taken
3 out. Monsen stated it is around $6 million.
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5 Nelson questioned whether that would be expended in 1999. Monsen stated that they
6 plan to only expend an amount equal to the revenue generated for 1999. Therefore, the balance
7 would remain the same.
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9 Nelson questioned whether the State funding is for sure. Monsen stated that it is in the
10 bank.
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12 Nelson questioned whether additional funds from the State were included. Monsen stated
13 that the any more grant revenue would be in addition to this.
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15 Nelson stated that, if the County already began using a program utilizing local funding,
16 any additional State funding would be an additional supplement to those programs. Monsen
17 stated that was correct, and that they would require local matches. He will be back to talk about
18 local prioritization of local funds.
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20 Brown stated that no initiating governments are contributing, other than the County
21 through the flood fund. Monsen stated that they contribute in -kind. Each will be performing
22 activities and tasks. However, they will not bring any cash to the table.
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24 Imhof asked if the County will see an audit of their contributions to the program.
25 Monsen stated that wouldn't be difficult.
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27 Hoag asked what the $564,840 is for. Monsen referred to packet page 197. It is for
28 $250,000 of federal grant money. It is still an estimate, but is attached to federal money for
29 salmon recovery. It is relative to infrastructure and assessments and is estimated between
30 $200,000 and $300,000. He just averaged the amount. It is available and directly to be
31 expended by the County. The balance is an additional $250,000 in flood funds for local
32 priorities relative to salmon recovery project activity, which is the second half of the project list.
33 The difference, $64,840, is the ESA coordinator and office supplies.
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35 Hoag questioned where the $314,840 comes from. Monsen stated that it comes from
36 local funds to be dedicated towards yet -to -be selected activities, and would be part of the work
37 session next week with the County Council. Those funds would be applied to the bottom half of
38 the project list. It is putting $250,000 towards the rest of the list.
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40 Brenner asked how Monsen came up with that money. Monsen stated that at first, the
41 County was expected to match funds. When that requirement was removed, the federal funding
42 was used for the top half of the list. They now have to figure out how to locally fund the
43 remainder of the list.
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45 Imhof stated that they would deal with that at the work session.
46
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 6
I Brown asked if the Council is authorizing the expenditure of the funds at this time, or
2 only setting up the account. Monsen stated that some of the expenditures fall within the
3 administrative authority to expend.
4
5 Nelson asked about the activities on Council packet page 201. Monsen stated that those
6 activities can be expended within the administrative authority. The $850,000 request are for
7 those activities that can easily begin now and that the planning unit will need to have. They are
8 elements of the draft scope.
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10 Imhof asked if this could be delayed until the work session next week. Monsen stated
11 that watershed projects under Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 2514 need to move
12 ahead.
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14 Nelson stated that the Council intended to spend this amount of money.
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16 Monsen stated that, of the $564,000 for ESA recovery, the money for the coordinator
17 would not come before the Council. Of the remaining, a small amount would also not come
18 back for approval or review.
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20 Hoag stated that on page 201, the item regarding the Lake Whatcom topography and
21 bathymetric assessment refers to `BOR." She questioned who BOR is. Monsen responded it is
22 the Bureau of Reclamation.
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24 Hoag asked if Bellingham is contributing.
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26 Wareing stated that all the people in the County are paying, and the County is collecting
27 the money. It is being allocated through the County Council and the Initiating Governments.
28 Everyone in the County is paying.
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30 Brown stated that the Lummi trust land and federal forestlands do not pay taxes.
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32 Hoag asked whether the $115,000 referenced on page 201 is a part of the $300,000 that
33 was dedicated to Lake Whatcom out of last year's budget. Monsen stated this is additional work.
34 It is in addition to $300,000. Bellingham is not contributing to this specific activity. They are
35 contributing $175,000 directly related to Lake Whatcom and are also performing habitat
36 conservation, and ESA response projects relative to the middle fork diversion.
37
38 Hoag asked if the Public Information and Education (PIE) coordinator in the water plan
39 was prior approved. Monsen stated that it was not. In order to facilitate the planning unit and
40 the caucuses, they budgeted $10,000 to $15,000 in interim activity through a consultant contract
41 to get that process started. They will then come back to the Council and discuss the hiring of an
42 on -going staff position. They have not determined if it would be a staff person or a consultant.
43 It may not be a staff position.
44
45 Nelson asked if the education portion is required by ESHB 2514. Monsen stated that it is
46 not. There is nothing in this supplemental budget request that is requesting an FTE.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 7
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Hoag asked about the purpose for Geographic Information System (GIS) services of
$50,000. Monsen stated it is to ensure that the information is mapped in the GIS system.
Brenner asked if any of the grants or interlocal agreements require that anyone hired is
hired as an employee rather than as a contract. Monsen stated that there is an ESA coordinator
relative to salmon. Everything else is contracted. The PIE coordinator and GIS services
positions have yet to be determined.
Brenner asked what is time critical for approval of this information. She wanted to wait
until after the salmon workshop and the watershed management workshop before any monies are
committed.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Monsen stated the May 5 conference is on forming the planning unit functional caucuses,
not on prioritizing funds. The time critical funds include contracts with USGS, BOR, and the
interim PIE Coordinator needed to run the conference. There is a firm they have in mind to be
the interim PIE coordinator. They will help with the conference and the first public forum. On
Packet page 202, they would be items 1.6, 1.12, and the PIE Coordinator.
Imhof stated that to add an FTE, they have to come back for Council approval.
Brenner stated that she wants to wait on the PIE coordinator until the watershed
management workshop is done.
Monsen stated that the entire $850,000 is for items that need to be done yesterday. He
suggested they reduce the amount from $50,000 to $15,000 for the interim.
Wareing stated that the administrative request was to approve the supplemental budget as
presented, and they will commit to reporting to the Council members about their concerns in a
timely fashion.
Brenner stated that her concern was about whether the money should be spent in the first
place. She questioned why Barry Hill can't facilitate the meeting.
Brown asked about the water quality analysis on Council packet page 201 and whether all
was dealing not with Lake Whatcom. Monsen stated it will happen throughout the County.
Brown asked if the water quality analysis is a Watershed Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) issue. Monsen stated that it is about the entire County.
Brown was concerned that the instream flow analysis fund of $200,000 is too much to
only select a method to do the analysis. Monsen agreed. However, if the analysis is going to
stand the test of time and legal challenge, then it needs to be established by experts in the field,
who don't come cheaply.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 8
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Brown asked who selects the professionals. Monsen stated it would be consensus by
unanimous position of all five Initiating Governments.
Brown asked about the $100,000 for miscellaneous and questioned whether it is needed
now. Monsen stated that there is no shortage of activities above $100,000 that are ready. The
miscellaneous amount is there because they don't have confidence within the Initiating
Governments that they won't think of an item that would be extremely beneficial to begin
immediately. It is there for things that will come up in the future.
Brown moved to reduce the $100,000 to $50,000.
Brenner suggested removing it altogether until they have time to discuss it.
Wareing stated that, as they are getting ready to site this Water Resource Division on
Forest Street, they have to install cabling, computers, phone systems, etc. They have to modify
the space and take down walls. These are the things included in the miscellaneous activities.
Nelson stated that a concern of his is that there is not enough information to work on.
This is a timely issue. They need to recognize the legislative authority is to a designate the
funds, and the administrative authority is to spend the money wisely. The Council needs to put
trust in the administration.
Brown commented that he didn't believe they are going to expend $50,000 in
miscellaneous items in the next two weeks, and it therefore could be held.
Hoag stated that there is already $25,000 for miscellaneous expenses for which the
Executive already has discretionary authority. The proper procedure is for the Executive to
come to the Council for approval.
Brenner stated that they should forget the charter. This is a budget and the Council
authorizes the budget.
Hoag asked about the unanimous request to approve the $100,000 by the Initiating
Governments and whether they are asking the same from their agencies.
Nelson stated that the money is coming through the County as the lead agency.
Brown called for the question.
Motion failed 1 -2 with Brown in favor.
Sutter asked if the $850,000 includes the $250,000 from the State for planning under
ESHB 2514. Monsen stated that they will utilize the State's $250,000 first.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 9
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Sutter asked if the $855,000 would be expended whether or not they spend the $250,000
from the State. Monsen stated that they would, in order to perform these activities.
Sutter asked where the $250,000 is going to be expended. Monsen stated that the only
element it is going to right now is the watershed program analyst. It is going into the same pot as
the $850,000. Some of the $250,000 has been used, but it is combined with the $850,000 for a
total of $1.1 million.
Nelson asked whether this expenditure of $850,000 is expected to be completed before
the State legislature looks at additional funding. Monsen stated that it won't be expended before
the end of this legislative session.
Imhof moved to recommend approval of the ordinance as amended.
Brown stated that he has concerns but will support the ordinance.
Nelson asked if they are including the addition of the authorized positions. Wareing
stated that the authorized positions are on another issue. On Council packet page 170, it shows
an externally funded position ESA position. That includes some of the money they will vote on.
There is also an increase of 1 FTE for a crew supervisor for the alternative corrections program.
That is grant funded and an external source of funding. There is an increase of .38 FTE for a
court commissioner that is also externally funded.
Motion to recommend approval carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY CHARTER, TO BE
SUBMITTED TO THE PEOPLE, REGARDING THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH OF
GOVERNMENT (AB99 -090)
Brown suggested that there is not enough support to put this on the ballot and suggested
not addressing this issue.
Imhof stated that they need a transition.
Sutter submitted information.
Imhof stated an alternative is to increase the salary for Council members to compensate
for the time spent.
Nelson stated that there is a lot of time spent by the Council members. He is opposed to
going to full -time. It should go to the public. The public has spoken that it should remain part-
time.
Hoag suggested moving to postpone for one year because Council elections are coming
up. It should be on next year's ballot when there are no Council elections.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 10
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Brenner recommended it be postponed indefinitely. If the public wants a change of
government, they will bring it forward. No matter what they Council does, it will be self -
serving.
Nelson asked if there is any reason that a charter review commission can be initiated.
Sutter stated that there would be a cost to that.
Nelson suggested that the Council put together an advisory committee to look at the
issue. There are many different avenues and alternatives.
Brown stated that it is time to move options forward to the public. He couldn't see
putting work into trying to move it forward if there are not enough votes by the Council to put it
on the ballot. Anything that is done should be phased in.
Brown moved to table indefinitely.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Imhof opposed.
Sutter stated that she is opposed to the statement that it is self - serving.
3. RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 97 -062 AND RE- PRIORITIZING
WHATCOM COUNTY PROJECTS FOR THE WASHINGTON COMMUNITY
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION TEAM (WA -CERT) (AB99 -095)
Imhof moved to recommend approval with the substitute attachment A.
Brown asked if funding would continue for those items already funded.
Nelson stated that there were also projects that the State said would not fund.
Nelson moved to amend by deleting the Rooney Family Partnership.
Motion carried unanimously.
Nelson moved to remove the Bellingham/Whatcom Long Term Tourism Development
because they have already received the funding.
Motion carried unanimously.
Hoag stated that the City of Blaine Industrial Park had been fully funded by WA -CERT.
That is why she asked that it be removed from the list.
Committee members concurred that they would check with WA -CERT in Olympia and,
if it has been funded, they can remove it at the evening Council meeting.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 11
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Hoag stated that she would like to move the Sustainable Options project up to #2. This is
going to be the last time that WA -CERT money will be available. It is supposed to impact where
the logging and fisheries jobs have been lost and help to diversify the economy.
Motion to recommend the substitute Attachment A, as amended, approved unanimously.
4. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN THE PLANNING DIVISION
PETTY CASH FUND AND ITS TRANSFER TO ADMINISTRATION FOR THE
ENTIRE DEPARTMENT (AB99 -120)
Brown moved to recommend approval of items #4 and #5.
Brenner asked why they are different amounts.
Wareing stated that there are different needs and different offices.
Motion to recommend approval of the Petty Cash fund for Planning and Development
carried unanimously.
Motion to recommend approval of the Building Services Division revolving fund carried
unanimously.
5. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN THE BUILDING SERVICES
DIVISION REVOLVING FUND (AB99 -121)
See the above item.
6. ORDINANCE INCREASING EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY TO SIGN CONTRACTS
FOR THE 2514 PROCESS (WATERSHED PLANNING) FROM $15,000 TO $50,000
(AB99 -125)
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that the administration request is to enable a
timely moving forward of the processes that are involved.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Brown opposed.
(Clerk's Note: Committee moved to Other Business Item #1)
7. REQUEST COUNCIL PERMISSION FOR DESTRUCTION AND REMOVAL OF
GITTS BARN (AB99 -142)
This item was not discussed.
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 12
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OTHER BUSINESS
DISCUSSION REGARDING RELOCATION OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S
OFFICE SPACE (AB99 -127)
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that he spoke with the Hearing Examiner's
office. The new Water Resources Division will move to that building. There are three options:
1. The 5th floor space can be converted at a cost of $10,000 - $12,000 to create offices, then they
would have to demolish it for a courtroom in the future. 2. Get an office in the Bellingham
Towers for about $850 per month. The space is adequate. Displacement would be for 18
months. 3. Move to District Court. They have talked to Judge Rhea and Linda Gill, District
Court Administrator, who will allow them to come in at no cost. There is adequate room. The
Council Chambers would have to be used for large hearings and the Committee Room for small
hearings. This is the most acceptable option and the option that the administration
recommended.
Imhof moved to recommend the Hearing Examiner's office moves into the District Court.
Brown questioned when the Olympic Building was going to be available. Wareing stated
it would be available May 2000.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF VESTIBULE AT THE
COURTHOUSE SOUTH ENTRANCE (AB99 -128)
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that there are three options. One option
would create a vestibule. It would be turned to the east so the wind can't come in the building
and go down the corridor. The current doors would stay in the same place, and provide an
airlock. There is a vacuum effect that occurs in the building, because of the structure of the
building.
Brown questioned the cost. Wareing stated that it would be approximately $50,000.
There are other options, but those provide for holding areas for the public and/or weapons'
screening in the future. At this point, they recommend option #1.
Brown suggested that they go with option #1 and they construct it so they can easily add
weapons' screening in the future.
Wareing stated that the administration's recommendation is option #1. Harry Skinner,
Facilities Management Manager, recommended option #3.
Nelson stated that they have the information and will continue discussion at the evening
meeting. The other two items would also be addressed at the evening meeting.
The committee adjourned.
3. DISCUSSION OF THE OLD JAIL BUILDING DEMOLITION AT NORTHWEST
ANNEX (AB99 -143)
Finance and Administrative Services, 4/6/99, Page 13
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This item was not discussed.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:35
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, 4/6/99, Page 14