HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance July 28 19981
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance And Administrative Services Committee
Tuesday, July 28, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Connie Hoag
Absent:
L. Ward Nelson
Staff Also Present:
Chuck Benjamin, Health and Human Services Director
Nasser Monsour, Public Works Administration Assistant Director
Dan Gibson, Senior Civil Deputy Prosecutor
Dick Prieve, Public Works Maintenance and Operations Assistant Director
Mary Ewing, Public Works Equipment Rental Division Manager
Sue Blake, Planning and Development Services Water Resource Planner
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1998 BUDGET, REQUEST #7 (AB98 -277)
Chuck Benjamin, Health and Human Services Director, stated that there are two items on
this budget request. The first item deals with money assigned to clients if they move from one
County to another County. Whatcom County has two new clients that have funds already
assigned to them. Therefore, $4,820.00 is brought to Whatcom County so that those clients will
receive the same services. The other item is a waiting list reduction fund allocated by the state
legislature during the 1998 legislative session for $3,606.00. It is all state money and nothing
comes from current expense.
Hoag moved approval of the first item on the budget.
Motion carried unanimously.
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that page seven of the Council packet has
the correct title for the second item. All references to Lake Whatcom Management on the
agenda bill, ordinance, and budget request summary should be changed to Watershed (WRIA 1)
Planning Grant.
Dawson questioned who would control and manage the grant. Sue Blake, Planning and
Development Services Water Resource Planner, stated the funding goes to the County as lead
agency under House Bill Legislation 2514 for planning as specified under that bill. The focus
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 1
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will be different than the Lake Whatcom Management Plan and would be on quantity, quality
and fish habitat. From the perspective of fish habitat, the County recognized that there are many
issues under the Endangered Species Act and already existing efforts. The objective is not to
duplicate efforts, but to be aware of, enhance, and coordinate efforts with the Lake Whatcom
Management Plan where possible.
Dawson stated that the changes are scrivener's errors and do not need a motion.
Wareing stated that the memo from Blake, page seven of the Council packet,
encapsulates exactly what the grant is all about. There are very serious water issues that the
County is handling right now. This is the beginning of the issues and there will be more in the
future.
Hoag questioned whether addendum item # 18 authorizes the Executive to enter into the
contract for which this funding provides. Wareing responded that this is the contract between
the County and the State. Once the County is in receipt of the grant money, the contract process
can begin.
Hoag moved approval of the second item on the budget request.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
Dawson stated that items one through eleven could be approved by acclamation.
Chuck Benjamin, Health and Human Services Director, stated that page nine of the
Council packet is a summary of all the requests. Funding comes from state and federal agencies.
The contracts fall in line with the state biennium budget.
Hoag moved approval of consent items one through eleven.
Motion carried unanimously.
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT AND CASCADE VOCATIONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE GROUP
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,840 (AB98 -284)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT AND CASCADE VOCATIONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 2
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DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE
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AMOUNT OF $79,620 (AB98 -285)
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3.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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DEPARTMENT AND CURRENT
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INDUSTRIES TO PROVIDE PRE- VOCATIONAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR
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DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE
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AMOUNT OF $169,320 (AB98 -286)
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4.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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DEPARTMENT AND KULSHAN SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT TO PROVIDE
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GROUP SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY
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DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,400
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(AB98 -287)
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5.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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DEPARTMENT AND KULSHAN SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT TO PROVIDE
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INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR
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DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE
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AMOUNT OF $92,400 (AB98 -288)
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6.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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DEPARTMENT AND LOCAL FOCUS TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY ACCESS
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SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM
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COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,892 (AB98 -289)
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7.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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DEPARTMENT AND NORTHWEST INDUSTRIES TO PROVIDE PRE -
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VOCATIONAL SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CLIENTS IN
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WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $207,480 (AB98 -290)
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8.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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DEPARTMENT AND VANGUARD NORTHWEST INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYMENT
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SERVICES TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR
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DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE
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AMOUNT OF $37,584 (AB98 -291)
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9.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
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CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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DEPARTMENT AND VANGUARD NORTHWEST PRE- VOCATIONAL SERVICES
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 3
I TO PROVIDE PRE- VOCATIONAL SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY
2 DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $233,040
3 (AB98 -292)
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5 10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
6 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
7 DEPARTMENT AND WHATCOM CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING TO
8 PROVIDE CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY
9 DISABLED CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,968
10 (AB98 -293)
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12 11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
13 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
14 DEPARTMENT AND WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING TO PROVIDE
15 COMMUNITY ACCESS SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
16 CLIENTS IN WHATCOM COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,416 (AB98 -294)
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18 12. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY AND
19 THE SETTING OF A DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING THEREON PURSUANT TO
20 WCC 1.10 (AB98 -295)
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22 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that these items would normally sell during
23 the year. They have outlived their usefulness and are not functional. This is the normal process
24 for declaring items surplus.
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26 Hoag questioned whether some of the items are still useful, particularly the desks, filing
27 cabinets, and stacking chairs. Wareing stated the equipment is mostly the old military style
28 furniture, are vintage 1950's, and are worn out.
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30 Brad Bennett, Finance Manager, stated that some of the items are more like the
31 pressboard, which is substandard. There are a few pieces in the military style. Most of the items
32 are not functional. The chairs are burnt orange, small, and plastic. The County inherited them
33 from the old Health District. They were stored in the work release building. No one has had a
34 use for them. Prior to being sold, every department has an opportunity to get the equipment if
35 they need them. A list will be distributed to all departments listing the equipment. Wareing
36 stated that the TVs came out of the jail. Some are not functional. The sheriff removed some of
37 the TVs from the jail.
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39 Hoag questioned whether the sheriff would be replacing the TVs at some future time.
40 Wareing responded he doesn't anticipate replacing the TVs. He suggested Council Member
41 Hoag look at all of the surplus equipment if she has questions as to their functionality. Hoag
42 responded that she is not interested in looking at the equipment.
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44 Hoag stated that if the equipment is not worn out, she would prefer storing the items in
45 case they can be used in the future. Wareing replied that he will determine if the TVs are
46 functional and notify the Sheriff of her concerns. Listing the equipment as surplus also gives
47 County departments the ability to see if there is something they need.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 4
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Wareing stated that the administration looks to those items to set up work spaces if the
equipment is useable. However, most of the items are not usable.
Dawson stated that she doesn't want items to be stored because it may create liability.
Bennett stated that if there is an item that is in good condition and is used regularly, it
would not be surplus. He has a letter from the auctioneer which states the items can no longer be
used. It is in the taxpayer's best interest to surplus the items.
Barbara Cory, Treasurer, stated that her office tried to get one of the TVs for their use.
However, the Sheriff told her that they are not in good enough shape for use. The prisoners in
the County jail do quite a bit of damage to the TVs.
Wareing stated that the County has been nursing the TVs along for years. Anytime a
resource has any value it is used. These items have no value.
Hoag also questioned the functionality of the refrigerators and freezers. Wareing stated
that the items either don't work or have been replaced by more energy efficient models.
Dawson stated that sometimes it is very costly to replace parts and do repairs.
Hoag asked that more information be provided about the functionality of the TVs.
Hoag moved approval.
The motion carried unanimously.
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE TO PROVIDE FOR
THE ASSIGNMENT OF A FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST TO WHATCOM
COUNTY TO ASSIST IN PREPARING AN ESA RESPONSE PLAN, PROJECT
IDENTIFICATION AND PERMITTING, AND OTHER WORK ACTIVITIES AS
ASSIGNED, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $55,000 (AB98 -296)
Hoag stated she is in support of having a biologist on staff because of the flooding and
permitting issues. She questioned the pros and cons of directly hiring a staff person versus going
through the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wareing stated that this is a short-term
interlocal agreement for a fixed duration for one year. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has
had problems financially and are reducing employees. This is an opportunity for the County to
employ these people for a year to develop plans internally. These biologists have been through
the process and would know the issues, law, and regulations. This employee would be
considered a temporary County employee for a specific, limited term.
Dan Gibson, Senior Civil Deputy Prosecutor, stated that it would be more expeditious to
go through the Department of Fish and Wildlife if there is someone there that is compatible with
the County's needs. It takes longer to hire an employee through Human Resources.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 5
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Hoag questioned the employment status of the proposed staff person.
Gibson stated that the staff person would remain employed with the Department of Fish
and Wildlife, who would receive revenue from the County in trade for the staff person services.
Wareing stated that the agreement would keep a position in the Department of Fish and
Wildlife's current workforce. They would be able to keep experienced people accessible if their
funding returns. The staff person's seniority would remain. The County would contract with the
Department of Fish and Wildlife for providing this person.
Gibson stated that an issue is control of the staff person. It is addressed in the Interlocal
Agreement that the person be under the direction of the County.
Hoag moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 997014 AND THE
AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR REPLACEMENT OF WICKERSHAM ROAD
BRIDGE NO. 125 OVER THE SAMISH RIVER TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE
BIDDER ONE WAY CONSTRUCTION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $259,150 (AB98 -297)
Hoag moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
15. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID # 98 -83 TO
THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, COASTLINE TRACTOR, TO PURCHASE A
ROADSIDE MOWING TRACTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,939.42 (AB98 -298)
Hoag questioned whether it was a good time to bring up farmers' concerns that ditches
are not being cleaned.
Dawson stated that ditches are maintained on a rotating schedule.
Hoag stated that the ditches are clogging the farmlands. Water gets into the farmlands.
Some people have not been able to get their crops out. A staff person from Public Works stated
that they clean ditches once every five years. Farmers have told her that it is more like every
seven years that they are cleaned. Clean up used to be yearly. The Public Works newsletter
stated that they received 316 calls regarding drainage problems, which was the largest number of
calls received on any issue.
Dick Prieve stated that several things are happening. There used to be a full time
ditching crew, but he disbanded that crew three years ago. Selective ditching still takes place.
The crew tries to cover the County every two years by long - arming and mowing shoulders. The
crews sometimes fall behind in mowing. When that happens, services are contracted out. Some
citizens do not want their property touched. However, mowing preserves the roadway. Instead
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 6
I of ditching the department tries to mow instead.
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3 Hoag stated that the concerns she heard don't match with Prieve's comments. People
4 want the ditches drained not to avoid creating wetlands, but because ditches have always been
5 drained and when they are not, the fields become too wet to harvest crops.
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7 Dick Prieve, Public Works Maintenance and Operations Assistant Director, stated that
8 she is talking about property off the County right -of -way. There may have been an old drainage
9 district from the 1950s. He can't legally do that kind of work. He will attempt to work with
10 farmers and districts. If the County is obligated and responsible for an easement, they will
11 maintain that easement off the roadway. If a district is having trouble, they need a plan from
12 Fisheries.
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14 Hoag stated that the complaints she has received are from people with ditches that are
15 backed up along County roads. Prieve responded that if someone spots a backed up ditch in the
16 County right -of -way, he should be called so he can deal with it. Hoag requested Prieve look into
17 the issues raised by the farmers.
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19 Hoag questioned why the department disbanded the ditching crew. Prieve responded that
20 there was a reduction in staff. He is doing more work with fewer staff. Also, it is not necessary
21 to have a year -round ditching crew.
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23 Dawson stated that this is a policy issue and should not be dealt with at that time.
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25 Wareing stated that administration would work with Hoag on this item.
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27 Hoag stated that the issue doesn't only affect farmland, but also the roadways. She
28 would like someone to focus on the issue.
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30 Hoag moved approval.
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32 Motion carried unanimously.
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34 16. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
35 AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND RE SOURCES TO PROVIDE
36 A RECYCLING HOTLINE TO PROMOTE WASTE REDUCTION, RECYCLING
37 AND PROPER HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE
38 AMOUNT OF $25,175 (AB98 -250A)
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40 Hoag asked if the amount was the same as discussed the last time. Nasser Monsour,
41 Public Works Administration Assistant Director, stated that the amount is the same. They have
42 to provide a quarterly report.
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44 Dawson stated that $20 per hour to answer the telephone is a lot of money
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46 Monsour stated that ReSources responded to 951 calls in the first quarter.
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48 Wareing questioned whether the money is reimbursed to the County. Monsour
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 7
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responded that 40% of the amount is reimbursed to the County.
Hoag moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
17. RESOLUTION TO CANCEL FLOOD CONTROL FEES AGAINST DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES TIDELANDS (AB98 -299)
Dawson stated that this item needs a public hearing before it could be approved.
Barbara Cory, Treasurer, stated that, since the flood control fees were adopted, her
department has had difficulty settling fees with the State Department of Natural Resources
(DNR). Some of the fees are as old as 1993. The state has been paying on what they thought the
flood control fee should be. She has been holding payments in a suspense fund while she has
been negotiating with DNR. Last year, the Council passed a resolution that adjusted the fees for
DNR on their timberlands, but not tidelands. In order to assess tidelands, approval from the
County Council is required. This request is to cancel all of the outstanding fees against those
properties. The Council still has the option of trying to assess those lands, but a letter would
have to be sent to the Commissioner of Public Lands asking permission to assess the lands.
Dawson stated she would like to send the letter. A hearing will still be held.
Cory stated that DNR is paying on their forestlands. All of the revenue lands, tidelands,
are specific to what the referenced RCW addresses.
Dawson questioned whether the Council could address the issue through consensus that
the Treasurer brings forward an ordinance to establish collection of future assessment.
Cory suggested addressing that item to the flood control staff. They are the ones that
should bring that item forward to the Council. The Treasurer is only responsible for adjustments
to the tax role after adoption.
Wareing stated that the Executive could work with Cory and the Public Works
Department to draft a letter to the Commissioner of Public Lands. Had the administration known
of the requirement, they would have drafted this letter long ago. It would be their responsibility
to draft a letter to recover and gain funds in the future.
Hoag moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
18. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ASSESSING THE STATUS OF WATER RESOURCES IN THE COUNTY. IN THE
AMOUNT OF $250,000 (AB98 -306)
Hoag moved approval.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 8
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Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Transcriptionist
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 7/28/98, Page 9