HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance July 14 19981
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
July 14, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Council Member Marlene Dawson in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present: Absent:
Ward Nelson None
Connie Hoag
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON THE
SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF TAX TITLE PROPERTY, REQUEST #98 -1 (AB98-
261)
Barbara Cory, Treasurer, stated that items one through six could be dealt with at once. The
resolutions are only setting the public hearing. There are several Sudden Valley lots for which
applications were received, and were put on hold to discuss with Water District #10 and the Sudden
Valley Community Association the potential purchase of Sudden Valley lots. They agreed that the
applications received were okay to sell to those individuals. Their application addresses the remaining
Sudden Valley lots.
Nelson questioned the item regarding the State Department of Transportation (DOT). Cory
stated that was for information only. The Council already approved that it be transferred to DOT. It
was declared surplus. They have not been able to get DOT to accept the property. It was not included
in these resolutions.
Hoag requested discussion of item #5. On the Property Management Committee report,
they expressed concern that the offered amount doesn't cover costs. She requested the totals of
the taxes and foreclosure costs to compare with the lists of the different costs. Some foreclosure
costs are high. Cory stated that the offer is to purchase to property for the amount of the taxes
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 1
I only.
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3 Hoag stated that some taxes were higher than the foreclosure cost. Cory will provide
4 totals. The actual foreclosure costs are approximately $55,000. She didn't have information on
5 interest and penalties, which would be a loss to the County current expense fund. Ordinarily,
6 they ask for taxes, interest, penalties, and foreclosure costs.
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8 Dawson questioned whether the City of Bellingham could pick up some of the costs.
9 Cory stated that Water District #10 and possibly the Sudden Valley Community Association
10 have had discussion.
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12 Brian Hanson, Water District #10, stated that they asked the City before the joint
13 proposal was created. At that time, they were not interested.
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15 Hoag stated that she liked the idea of the purchase and the covenant. She would like to
16 see totals. She questioned why foreclosure costs were so high on some and whether they could
17 be sold separately. Cory stated that they estimate how many properties are going to be in the
18 foreclosure sale, and costs are based on actual properties in foreclosure sale. Typically, some
19 Sudden Valley lots are in the sale initially, but when the sale comes around, the number can been
20 reduced. Costs are more when there are fewer lots that actually go to sale. It depends on how
21 many properties go to foreclosure and how many go to sale. The cost goes up when there are
22 fewer lots to cover the sale.
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24 Nelson stated that parcels have been vacant a long time. Cory stated that the County
25 owned 360 Sudden Valley lots a long time ago, then sold them to one purchaser who divided
26 them up and sold to them to groups. Those groups are now coming back to the County through
27 foreclosure. Lots have been for sale now twice through the County. Back taxes go back three
28 years.
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30 Nelson questioned whether these are parcels that no one wants. Cory stated that they are
31 parcels that no one has been interested purchasing at the foreclosure sale.
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33 Nelson suggested to Hoag that there would not be any benefit to separating them out
34 because no one has expressed an interest. However, there would be a benefit to the community
35 with the covenant that is being formed between Water District #10 and Whatcom County. It
36 would reduce density in the Lake Whatcom watershed and help Sudden Valley in meeting their
37 goals in reducing their impacts on the watershed. Water District #10 would lose potential benefit
38 of sewer connections. Sudden Valley loses the ability to gain fees, which is how they fund their
39 roads and services to Sudden Valley. While all entities, Whatcom County, Sudden Valley, and
40 Water District #10, are losing something, the community gains. He asked Hoag to look at this in
41 a package. This has been worked on for a long time and should be put to rest.
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43 Hoag stated her support of the package. She only wanted to make sure Whatcom County
44 was getting the best that they could. She questioned how the lots are sold at the foreclosure sale.
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 2
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Cory responded they have an annual auction in December. They begin to foreclose after they are
delinquent for three years.
Hoag questioned how well the properties sell at the sale. Cory stated that it depends on
how well the sale is advertised and other factors. Public auction is not the best way to sell public
property.
Dawson stated many Sudden Valley lots were sold as membership lots to gain access to
Sudden Valley amenities. Cory stated that was the case initially.
Nelson moved by consent to recommend for approval of items 1 through 6.
Motion carried unanimously
2. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON
THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF TAX TITLE PROPERTY, REQUEST
#98 -2 (AB98 -262)
3. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING TO
SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #98 -5
(AB98 -263)
4. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING TO
SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION, REQUEST #98 -6 (AB98 -
264)
5. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING TO
SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION, REQUEST #98 -7 (AB98 -
265)
6. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING TO
DECLARE PROPERTY SURPLUS, REQUEST #98 -8 (AB98 -266)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 98-
76 FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF CONCRETE
CULVERT TO ALL THREE RESPONSIVE BIDDERS, CHOOSING THE
APPROPRIATE SUPPLIER ON A PER JOB BASIS, BASED ON LOCATION,
COST OF FREIGHT, AND AVAILABILITY, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT OF
APPROXIMATELY $200,000 (AB98 -267)
Dawson stated that this item was approved in the 1998 budget.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 3
I Hoag stated that the information they received recommended to award to all three
2 bidders, then chose the supplier on a per job basis based on different items. The memo from
3 Mary Scrimsher, Equipment Rental & Revolve (ER &R) Manager, and Brad Bennett, Finance
4 Manager, recommended that they award to the lowest responsive bidder, but reserve the right to
5 use all bidders. She questioned the difference.
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7 Brad Bennett, Finance Manager, stated that if they award to the low bidder, but they want
8 the right to purchase from all, is the same as awarding the bid to all. It's the same idea, with
9 different wording. There are various issues to determine which bidder to use. It would go to the
10 lowest bidder first, and if they didn't have it, then the County would go down the list.
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12 Motion carried unanimously.
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14 8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
15 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE NORTHWEST
16 REGIONAL COUNCIL IN ORDER TO INITIATE A LAW AND JUSTICE
17 SYSTEM STUDY (AB98 -268)
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19 Dale Brandland, Sheriff, stated that this is after months of review by the Law and Justice
20 Council, made up of the criminal justice system and the small cities, and the County Executive's
21 office. The Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) has been involved in their planning process
22 since 1996. This is a comprehensive planning process to look at the entire criminal justice
23 system. They are proposing that the NWRC be the facilitator of the planning process. The
24 criminal justice community does not have the time. Also, they can take advantage of the
25 knowledge and expertise of Dewey Dessler, who has background as a criminal justice planner
26 and other qualifications.
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28 Dewey Dessler, NWRC, stated that it may take through 1999 to complete the study, and
29 it consists of two phases. Brandland stated that they would like to have it ready by September
30 1999 to be ready for year 2000 budget process. They wll try to speed up the process.
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32 Nelson stated that he hoped it would come back to the Council in the phases. One
33 concern was in connection with alternatives and looking at funding and unnecessary services.
34 He questioned how extensive the proposals will be as they come forward and whether they will
35 be a superficial look of grants and aid, an increase in taxes, or will be looked at
36 comprehensively. He questioned whether it would be a final recommendation or a series of
37 proposals for the Council and administration to look at to fund criminal justice.
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39 Dessler stated that there are a series of options. The Council members will be involved
40 extensively on various reports and how they are developed. There will be many options. This is
41 designed to provide the Council with good information. There are resources available that are
42 not being taken advantage of for funding and new practices.
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44 Nelson questioned whether task 9 would be one plan or several options. Brandland
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 4
I stated that they would be presented with options and Council members can make decisions on
2 the entire process.
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4 Wareing stated that the first task is to determine the current system, then look at
5 workloads and outcomes. They are going to tell the Council the state of system, the workload,
6 and the outcome of workload. Then, they would detail the gaps. They would then make a report
7 on the current state of affairs for Council member review. Then, they would look at how
8 resources are allocated and how they could be allocated differently. They would draft the plan
9 on where to go in the future to get on track to where they should be, then provide funding
10 options.
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12 Nelson stated that those steps are clear, but task 9 was not. He questioned whether the
13 plan would be developed after all input is gathered. Wareing stated that it would. The Law and
14 Justice Council will address issues of all the jurisdictions.
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16 Nelson stated that they just went through a planning phase and a funding rejection from
17 the public. If this comes back with one recommendation, then it provides for little leeway.
18 Dessler stated that there would be a number of places for information and choices by the
19 legislative body of the County. On task four, at the end of first phase, those items are
20 recommended to the Council to make a decision and suggestions, then it would go into phase II.
21 Plans are presented in priority order with options. Then the final plan would be presented.
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23 Nelson stated that, by the time they get to the plan, it will have had public and Council
24 review.
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26 Wareing stated that a problem with last process was that the public didn't believe that
27 everything had been done to evaluate what was needed and the current state of affairs. This is
28 designed to take an objective look at know it's been done objectively and thoroughly.
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30 Dawson stated that the end of phase would be in May or June of 1999. Wareing stated
31 that they hope to conclude this at the first of September at the latest. Funding is available.
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33 Nelson moved to recommend approval.
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35 Motion carried unanimously.
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37 9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
38 CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
39 F.A.C.E.S. NORTHWEST IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,400 (AB98 -269)
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41 Hoag questioned the definition of County millage.
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43 Chuck Benjamin, Health and Human Services Director, stated that it is the County taxes
44 that were collected for dedicated funding for mental health and developmental disabilities
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 5
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Bennett stated that millage is a per $1,000 dollar amount. The State requires that a
percentage of property tax has to be used for developmentally disabled and mental health. There
is also a dedicated portion for veterans relief.
Barbara Cory, Treasurer, stated all that it all comes out of the County current expense
levy rate. The levy rate and the millage rate are same thing. Taxes go into the County current
expense, and are then dedicated.
Benjamin stated that this contract is a new service using County millage. The
Developmentally Disabled Advisory Board evaluated possible gaps in services. A summer
program for autistic children was a gap.
Nelson questioned what service was reduced for funding.
John Hooper, Human Services Manager, stated that this is flexible funding for mini -
grants in the community.
Benjamin stated that not all monies were used in previous years.
Hoag questioned the number of autistic children in the County. Benjamin stated that this
program would serve 4 - 8 children.
Hoag moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT FOR CONSOLIDATED JUVENILE SERVICES WITH
DSHS /JUVENILE REHABILITATION ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE
SERVICES FOR YOUTH AT RISK IN THE AMOUNT OF $165,511 (AB98-
270)
Steve Pans, Juvenile Court Probation Community Corrections Coordinator, stated that
this contract comes up every biennium. The State legislature divided the biennium into two
years. They just finished the first year of the biennium. There are changes in the second year of
the biennium. First, last year's budget was $210,689 in at -risk. The total this year is $165,511.
They changed funding for the sex offender disposition alternative (SODA). Now, they are going
to reimburse services at $22.90 per day per person for the services. They eliminated option B,
the allowed a youth to stay in the community, but not in an institution. Currently, two youths are
on option B, which they will reimburse the County at $19.85 per day. The County has taken a
big hit. Also, diversion services come out of that $165,000.
Hoag stated that the paperwork was confusing. She questioned whether the monetary
information on Council packet page 119 was connected to the monetary information given on
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 6
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Council packet page 113. Paus stated that all the exhibits were separate portions of the one
contract. Exhibit D -1 was generated by legislature. The State Department of Social and Health
Services (DSHS) decided to add onto a consolidated contract. All five exhibits are part of the
contract. There is no determination on how the $77,732 will be expended. It was awarded to
every county on a per capita basis. There is no supplemental to sign the contract. Traditionally,
Consolidated Juvenile Services (CJS) was just the three programs, at -risk, SODA, and option B.
They took the money awarded to the counties and added it to CJS.
Gary Wood, Juvenile Court Administrator, stated that the legislature needed a pass -
through agency to get the county the funding. DSHS choose to award it to the Juvenile
Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) and add it to the statement of work. They can bill monthly
at 1/12 of the $77,000. They will come forward with supplemental request. This is part of the
contract.
Hoag stated for clarification that the $165,000 is separate from the $77,000. Wood stated
that the strategy to spend the $77,000 must be decided upon. The law changed the mathematical
grid, which was used to sentence youth. That has been abandoned. Now, the judge will need to
have essential data about the youth, to sentence him or her appropriately. The legislature
mandated a risk assessment before each sentencing, which takes approximately three hours per
case. They need more manpower. These are impact dollars for increased caseloads and risk -
assessment.
Hoag questioned whether the $77,000 was tied to the Becca Bill. Wood stated that is
separate and also would be coming forwarded. Approximately $222,000 was paid to the County
for work already done. The new contract for $322,000 began July 1. A supplemental budget
request will come forward to use the $322,000 dollars.
Hoag stated that neither of those monies cover SODA or at -risk. Wood stated that was
correct, it stands alone. The State abandoned option B.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER
EXPENSES AND /OR TRAVEL (AB98 -143E) (AB98 -143E)
Hoag moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION OF THE REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR THE
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 7
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EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN RE SOURCES AND
WHATCOM COUNTY FOR RECYCLING HOTLINE OPERATIONS AND THE
1998 -1999 CLASSROOM PRESENTATION PROGRAM (AB98 -250)
Dawson stated that this was previously on the consent agenda and received a split vote
during the regular Council meeting. She questioned whether the waste prevention and recycling
unit was taught by the classroom instructor or the ReSources instructor.
Carl Weimer, ReSources, stated that it is taught through the ReSources instructor. They
have been asked for more intensive education.
Dawson stated that the quality of instruction is good. They may need to do some kind of
a video. A concern was that the taxpayers pay double for instruction in the classroom. All they
have to do to get instruction into the classroom is to go to the curriculum director with materials,
instead of having two instructors.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Hoag stated that teachers appreciate having someone come in to make a presentation
rather than try to become an expert in a new field. ReSources demonstrates knowledge and the
ability to pass knowledge on. She questioned whether this item could go forward to the Council
for a vote.
Hoag moved that this contract for ReSources be brought to full Council for a vote.
Dawson stated that most speakers in classrooms were volunteers.
Weimer stated that the State Department of Ecology (DOE) developed an in -class
curriculum. DOE was training teachers to do the curriculum. Teachers responded that they
don't have any time to do comprehensive education on the issue. Most school districts require
this type of education, but curriculum directors agree that teachers don't have time and
appreciate the County supplying this program.
Hoag stated her support of recycling program and its benefits to the community.
Spending money to educate the youth and their parents saves taxpayer's money.
Dawson stated that the hotline could be handled by the courthouse front desk and an after
hours recording.
Hoag stated that the County lines are always busy. This is a good service for
information. She didn't want to hire more staff to put at the reception desk.
Nelson stated that the hotline service is a valuable resource to the community. The
education portion causes a concern. For many years, they have been teaching on recycling, air
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 8
I quality, and other issues. Kids may not have a background on the issues. He questioned whether
2 the County is expanding programs to children that don't have the background to comprehend the
3 discussion. He questioned how to evaluate the effectiveness and whether there has been an
4 evaluation of recycling and the County is getting a bang for its buck. He questioned whether
5 there has been improved recycling over the past several years.
6
7 Weimer stated that evaluation has not been a part of the contract, other than teachers who
8 say it's important that kids get it and then it's reinforced over the years. Western Washington
9 University has done a preliminary study based on a similar school in Skagit County with schools
10 that don't educate. Whatcom County students are far more educated than students in schools in
11 Skagit County are. Also, people are hearing it more in Whatcom County.
12
13 Nelson stated that $60,000 is inclusive for both education and hotline. Weimer
14 responded that the hotline is $24,000 and education is $36,000. The County is also supposed to
15 be doing a recycling assessment, which looks at all of the recycling comprehensively throughout
16 the County to see whether the education programs mesh.
17
18 Nelson questioned whether there have been evaluations in the past.
19
20 Ravyn Whitewolf, Public Works Engineering, stated that there has been recycling
21 assessment. The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan requires evaluation every four years.
22 They are in the process of compiling data. The data is not consistent due to the existence of flow
23 control for a time being. The impact of that and how it relates to the effectiveness of the
24 program will be challenging.
25
26 Nelson questioned whether she still had the amount of tonnage that is being taken out of
27 the County. Whitewolf stated that she did.
28
29 Nelson questioned how that compared with the amounts prior to the "Recomp wars."
30 Whitewolf stated that the tonnage is similar. The recycling rate has dropped 10 %. That is
31 attributed to the fact that the flow control ability no longer existences.
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33 Nelson questioned how Whatcom County is compared to other counties. Whitewolf
34 stated that they are probably below average. Before flow control, they were one of the highest in
35 the state.
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37 Nelson stated that it doesn't matter what the education level is, there is a certain level that
38 all the counties achieve. The flow control is what put Whatcom County ahead of other counties.
39 Without the education, the drop in recycling would have been substantially more. Whitewolf
40 stated that required assessment may show the effects of the education. One of the items in the
41 contract is reporting. They are required by the State to report on various levels.
42
43 Nelson questioned whether the reporting will be the same type of reporting as in the past,
44 or if there will be a more extensive review of the recycling programs, as well as the quantifying
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 9
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numbers. Whitewolf stated that the report has changed to have a better emphasis on
jurisdictional activity.
Dawson stated that the education has been on- going.
Whitewolf stated that because there is no longer flow control, on -going education is more
important. She didn't know how many counties have education.
Hoag stated that there are many reasons for people to recycle. If garbage costs and
recycling is free, more people will recycle. People will take the easy way out, which is why on-
going education is required. The easy thing to do is to toss something in the garbage can instead
of recycling.
Whitewolf stated that the recycling industry is constantly changing. This is why
teachers, volunteers, and the reception can't do it. It requires background and knowledge.
Nelson stated that one of the reasons they decided to have recycling is the community
decided it was important. They need to make sure each school district is uniformly taught. He
still questioned the effectiveness of the education. He may suggest increasing subsidies to
encourage homeowners to recycle.
Whitewolf suggested that this has come up repeatedly. The most important thing to
recognize is the continuity of the kids. She suggested a committee could be formed to discuss
these concerns of effectiveness over the next year of the contract.
Dawson stated a concern with the on -going presence in the classroom. Teachers could be
educated in the areas. KVOS could do free videos to replace the teachers.
Motion to recommend to Council carried 2 -1 with Dawson against.
Dawson proposed separating the hotline from education services.
Whitewolf showed a video of the classroom education program.
(Clerk's Note: the tape was put on pause. Meeting adjourned during the video tape)
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:57 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Recording Secretary
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 10
2 ATTEST:
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8 Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
9
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Finance and Administrative Services, 7/14/98, Page 11