HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works August 10 19991
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
August 10, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by Committee Chair Barbara
Brenner in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present: Absent:
Ward Nelson Tom Brown
DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING 1000 FT. OF VAN WYCK ROAD NOT
SCHEDULED FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SIX YEAR ROAD PROGRAM
(AB99 -316)
Dick Prieve, Public Works Maintenance and Operations Manager, stated the
Council passed a resolution regarding Van Wyck. In that resolution, two options
were chosen by the Council. The first 1,000 feet was an existing gravel road and
was to remain as such. Since that time, a contract with Callen Construction has
been entered into and the work is almost done. Because of the work in the
contract, they got within 200 feet of the Guide Meridian. Because of that and there
is such a small portion of the gravel road, the administration's recommendation is
to chip seal the first 1,000 feet along with the rest of it.
Nelson moved to recommend to Council at the evening meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
Cindy Anderson, 347 Van Wyck Road, questioned whether she had to come
back to be in the County road system.
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, explained this was now a County
responsibility.
Brenner thanked the administration for their cooperation.
OTHER BUSINESS
DISCUSSION REGARDING TELEVISING OF COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETINGS (AB99 -318)
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 8/10/99, Page 1
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Wareing explained the process of having a real -time live broadcast of the
County Council meetings. This is an important public process in the community and
it is in the community's best interest that they be able to see what is going on and
how the business is transacted. The administration looked at the available
technology. The County could also allow other meetings of community interest in
the Council Chambers. With that, the administration requested a meeting with TCI
Cablevision to look at the County's facility and evaluate the costs to purchase the
equipment. They have come back with the specifications. Administration
recommends the specifications for Council consideration, through the Public Works
Committee. If the Council approves, then the administration will develop a
supplemental budget request for Council approval.
Brenner questioned whether the $19,000 was for equipment only. Wareing
stated it was for equipment only from TCI's side. They would bring the equipment
in and install it for the County.
Brenner questioned whether they would still need someone to operate the
equipment. Wareing stated that was correct.
Brenner stated Lynn Barton does a wonderful job videotaping the meetings
currently. Wareing stated this was discussed with the Council's Clerk. They would
convert the Chambers' storage area to become a sound booth, and provide
alternate storage for the Council's files.
Brenner questioned whether the County would have to go out for a Request
for Proposals or if they could just retain Lynn Barton. Wareing stated she could
continue with the current method.
Nelson questioned whether she would just use the County's equipment.
Wareing stated the County would need an operator. She could come in for each
meeting and set it up. The County could potentially have County- trained staff for
other meetings. He was unsure whether this system included voice - activated
microphones, which would reposition the camera, depending on who was speaking.
Brenner asked if Lynn Barton had been contacted and is aware of televising.
Wareing explained she had been notified and appreciated the upgrade.
George Reid, Information Services Manager, explained the broadcast would
be on the public education and government access channel 10. Information
Services is involved with the Cable Television Advisory Board. There is a request
coming forward from that Board to give a presentation on the joint efforts of the
City of Bellingham and Whatcom County to provide the resources to put forth the
public education and government access channel on a joint venture.
Brenner questioned the other public access channel. Reid stated it is channel
26. Channel 10 will stay the public access channel. There will be discussion on
that at one of the September meetings. Per the TCI franchise, someone had to
step forward and take the public access channel. The City of Bellingham and
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 8/10/99, Page 2
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Whatcom County have done that. They will be working with the school districts and
others.
Brenner questioned whether the County will be relegated to odd times or be
scheduled on prime time. Reid stated they will get some prime time.
Wareing stated they would set the meeting dates aside for the County
Council.
Reid stated there is a station manager with the City of Bellingham. They will
be doing the City Council meetings live. The proposal is to televise the County
Council meetings live, as well.
Brenner questioned the other local channel. Reid stated he did not know, but
could find out. Channel 10 is not currently broadcasting as a public access channel.
Brenner asked about the federal law forcing the County to compete with out -
of -the area producers. They are not relevant to the County. Reid stated they will
have to be allowed a certain amount of time. There are policies and procedures in
draft form in front of the Advisory Board right now. The next meeting is in a week
or ten days. The Advisory Board would like to make the following recommendation
as the Council considers this. They, at this time, would prefer to see a one -time
funding for this equipment rather than a pass- through to the TCI customers. There
needs to be a change in wording to the franchise agreement, which will be
forthcoming to the City Council as well as the County Council, jointly. Until the
franchise agreement is finalized with the correct wording, the Board doesn't feel
comfortable with passing it through to the public. There are a number of issues
that the Board members have. He didn't have an answer on the specifics of their
concerns, as was sure it would be discussed in detail during the presentation
coming forward.
Wareing stated the administration will make sure TCI is also present.
Reid stated they may put the supplemental before the Council after the
presentation.
Brenner asked when this could happen. Wareing explained it would probably
take 90 - 120 days to establish the set -up. They also need to get the funding. The
Council could address it during the evening meeting and a supplemental package
could be done later.
Brenner will bring this up to the Council at the evening's meeting.
Reid stated there are other issues. They need to put the studio together at
the old Calvary Temple. Before they can do actual live broadcasts, all that needs to
be in place, as well.
Wareing stated in the interim, there would be a higher quality videotape.
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 8/10/99, Page 3
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Nelson stated the County needs to do a better job getting the information out
to the public. The County needs to have its own media equipment, and possibly
eventually its own media person that can handle press releases and other such
issues.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Committee Chair
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 8/10/99, Page 4