HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 10 19985 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
6 Finance and Administrative Services Committee
8 November 10, 1998
10 The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in the
11 Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
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13 Also Present: Absent
14 Ward Nelson None
15 Connie Hoag
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19 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
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22 1. COMMITTEE TO DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS/PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
23 THE PROPOSED 1999 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET (AB98 -381)
24
25 Dawson stated that the purpose of the meeting was to look at items to add, remove, or
26 reduce from the Executive's recommended budget. She distributed the cost of a 1% and a 3%
27 increase in the tax rate. She then suggested items for removal, reduction, and addition. It is
28 aimed at providing strictly for government services to increase those services. Items she
29 suggested removing from the budget would be the Festival of Music, Mt. Baker Theater,
30 Whatcom Symphony, the compensation survey, and the courthouse weapons screening. This
31 totals $150,000. Items she suggested reducing were the Domestic Violence Commission with a
32 reduction of $21,000 for a total of $18,000. She directed an additional portion towards a class.
33 There is not a direct program or a comparison of a program from another county. It is better to
34 go in stages at this time and to monitor success. A program should be directed toward education.
35 She would be willing to appropriate $6,000, in addition to the $18,000, a class that is geared
36 toward marriage enrichment and violence awareness. She may consider additional funding for
37 materials from the class. The funds that were designated for the three arts programs are put into
38 a work program for the juvenile probation system. They've requested money for three years.
39 The Parks program could utilize the work from the probation system. The funding that was
40 removed from the weapons screening was put into service areas, including the jail. (A one year
41 project to evaluate whether the records' specialist and jail case manager positions could pay for
42 themselves.) Other additions include $5,000 for the emergency gas supply shut -off, $1,000 to
43 the Horticulture Pest and Disease Board for their costs, the extra -help for Elections, the Public
44 Defender's twelfth attorney, $47, 359 for the unfunded mandate for domestic violence data entry.
45 $49,000 for the juvenile probation work program, $6,000 for the Domestic Violence
46 Commission, the two positions in the jail mentioned previously, $5,000 for the starling program,
47 and various adjustment items.
48
49 Hoag questioned whether the courthouse screening was included in the budget or a
50 pending item. Dawson responded that it was included in the budget.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 1
2 Hoag questioned whether Dawson suggested the entire funding for the weapons
3 screening is removed. Dawson responded that the entire amount was removed.
4
5 Nelson questioned whether the administration looked at whether or not they wanted to
6 continue putting the Domestic Violence Commission coordinator into the County Health
7 Department, or allow that to be a contracted service.
8
9 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that administration was willing to go either
10 way. It would function in the Health Department and the Director could ensure that it is
11 appropriately used. They don't have any preference as to where the resource is, as long as it is
12 provided for.
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14 Nelson said that he would approve reducing their budget to $30,000, not to $18,000. The
15 position should be contracted out. Staff should not be added to the County.
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17 Dawson stated that she preferred to see the position increase in stages, beginning with a
18 half -time person. She was concerned that there was no program.
19
20 Wareing stated that they find that sometimes funding has to be provided prior to having
21 the program elements specified.
22
23 Dawson stated that there should be a comparable from another county.
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25 Nelson stated that there are many valuable programs related to the community's health.
26 One of his concerns was that the County added a staff person for each issue, there would be too
27 many positions that would become permanently instilled. It is more appropriate to provide funds
28 to service groups that are involved in the issue and will remain involved and committed to the
29 issue. They can allocate the funds, but hold them until a contract or agreement is proposed with
30 a particular group. At that time, they can make the decision.
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32 Wareing stated that the administration fully supports the concept as presented. They need
33 to recognize that domestic violence is violence. The predominant number of homicides that law
34 enforcement investigates are initiated as domestic violence cases. They need to determine what
35 they are trying to deal with and how much money is actually spent in the community that relate
36 to domestic violence. The money put forward is the least that they could do. Having been in law
37 enforcement for over 20 years, and seeing the damage caused by domestic violence, they can't
38 underestimate the value of giving the full $40,000 to the program. It may literally save
39 someone's life in the future.
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41 Hoag stated that she would like to see them start with staffing and see what develops.
42 She would support the half time clerk person and other costs, at a total of $20,000.
43
44 Sutter stated that the Commission intends to develop a plan with the funds provided.
45 They have to have the money to make the plan.
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47 Dawson stated that education would be easy to put into place.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 2
1 Sutter questioned what Dawson proposed to delete from attachment A, as submitted by
2 the Commission. Dawson responded that she recommended deleting a full time position. A half
3 time staff person would take on the duties.
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5 Sutter stated that a half time person could not do it.
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7 Dawson stated that $6,000 would be directed towards an education program. They are
8 proposing four meetings per year to coordinate the various agencies and an oversight of an
9 instructor.
10
11 Wareing stated that the four meetings per year were misleading. When commissions are
12 established, they have to set a minimum threshold of meetings that would occur. They could
13 meet more often. The full time and half time positions would be tasked with facilitating
14 programs and response from law enforcement and other entities that deal with domestic violence
15 issues.
16
17 Foster Rose, 2663 North Park Drive, stated that a contract is a good idea, but they are
18 beyond that. The Domestic Violence Task Force has been meeting for several years. This is all
19 a result of the homework and preparatory work of the Task Force that led to the summit held last
20 spring. There is a model available in Pierce County. As president of the board of Whatcom
21 Crisis Services, they are not interested in a contract of this nature. They are interested in
22 government help to coordinate response so it is standard and consistent throughout law
23 enforcement, criminal justice, the service providers, and the education system. It is a very
24 complex problem.
25
26 Brenner questioned whether one of the functions of the proposed coordinator was to
27 coordinate services for people in crisis. Rose responded that there are services being provided,
28 and the Domestic Violence Task Force is trying to coordinate them.
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30 Brenner questioned whether he viewed the coordinator as someone who coordinates the
31 providors. Rose stated that was incorrect. He viewed the position as coordinating the response
32 of the entire community.
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34 Brenner questioned whether the person would have any contact with people who need the
35 services. Rose responded that it would have more contact with service providers and
36 government, specifically the criminal justice system and law enforcement branch.
37
38 Nelson agreed that it needed to be a fully coordinated effort. If the County instilled a
39 position within the Health Department, the position could be diluted or utilized in other areas.
40 He would rather see the commitment put into the agencies that are doing the work and the
41 service. There is already a volunteer effort and staff. Government needs to facilitate. That
42 facilitation comes in helping the agencies and groups that can provide that effort, rather than
43 having the County add additional personnel.
44
45 Rose stated that the problem is that the Task Force has been working a long time on the
46 issue. They have no authority. They can come up with a lot of good ideas while meeting on
47 their lunch hours. They are more of an ad hoc group rather than a formed group with authority.
48 They can do little more than talk to contemporary service providing agencies and try to get a
49 consistent response. The problem is that it gets complicated when it gets into court orders,
50 restraining orders, and no contact orders. On the law enforcement side, there is the issue of
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 3
I whether they are working only to apprehend criminals or to prevent things. Many times, law
2 enforcement is called out to a domestic violence dispute and they leave because they are able to
3 quell the intensity of the situation. However, it happens again and again, escalating in intensity.
4
5 Nelson read the description for the full time specialist. The description does not address
6 Rose's concerns. The County, City, and agencies can work together to put together a plan that
7 addresses his concerns. The person is a staff person and would have no special authority.
8
9 Sutter questioned whether there is an agency or group in the community that has the
10 authority to be a receiver of the funds and could hire a person with those funds to administrate
11 the Commission in the private sector.
12
13 Manca Valum, WomenCare Shelter, stated that there are two or three agencies that have
14 the technical ability to do that. She agreed with the direction that Nelson was moving in.
15 Agencies who have the authority or technical ability are unsure that is the best way to go. There
16 needs to be a person or entity to coordinate the Commission and its efforts. What the Council
17 has presented to them is an option. What is critical is that they make a commitment to funding at
18 a level that is realistic and can allow for some good strides forward to be made. Dawson's
19 proposed level of funding is not enough. They will need to evaluate progress in a year. If they
20 can get a commitment from both the Bellingham City Council and the County Council, then they
21 could take more time to determine how to fill the position. Regarding the contract and from the
22 perspective of the WomenCare Shelter, they would not be serving the interest of the cause to add
23 another staff person at WomenCare. Their hesitation is similar to the County's. They need to
24 look at a way to get the best person in the County, give them the tools to do the work, and come
25 up with a structure for monitoring the staff person's performance and accountability to the
26 County and the City. They should not slam the door on the level of funding because the program
27 is not worked out. They are interested in exploring creative solutions and suggested
28 representatives from the Councils sit down and look at how to do it.
29
30 Brenner stated that she would rather the County begin with a half time person to help get
31 the Commission coordinated to the point of having a better understanding of the specifics of the
32 coordinator's responsibilities. She supported the program and giving them what they need to
33 make it work. The County should not hire a full time person at this point.
34
35 Valum stated that the Council's idea of the coordinator's responsibilities only scratches
36 the surface. There is a huge component in the criminal justice sector. They are hoping the
37 Commission would be able to do much more than just have criminal justice efforts coordinated
38 better within the different phases and the relationship between criminal justice and service
39 providers. That is already happening. There are many untouched pieces, such as the overall
40 level of coordination and response from school personnel, churches, and businesses. The
41 purpose of the Commission is to have individuals with specific connections in those areas.
42 Coordination should be very broad, beyond just WomenCare and Crisis Services talking with the
43 police departments. It is bigger than that.
44
45 Sutter agreed and added that they need to go is to get to the point where criminal justice
46 isn't overburdened with these kinds of cases. They need to be preventing them in the community
47 so they are not happening. They can't get there without providing sufficient money to find a
48 solution that reduces the burden on the community, through criminal justice.
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Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 4
1 Dawson stated that she believed that the City of Bellingham would be funding their half
2 of the entire requested amount. If that were to happen, they would receive a total of 3/4 of their
3 requested budget. That is a good start.
4
5 Valum stated that the County needed to take equal responsibility. If they do, and they get
6 the right tools through the Commission, they may find they have the tools to bring more revenue
7 to the County to work with. They are not going to get that for the County unless they receive the
8 foundation to work from.
10 Hoag stated that there is a difference in philosophy. Valum seemed to want a full time
11 person hired to lead the effort. That is the purpose of the Commission. The purpose of staffing
12 is only to handle the paperwork. The Commission needs to set the direction and make the
13 decisions. Staff person would enable the Commission, but not be a director to lead them.
14
15 Rose stated that the two positions are not all that different. It is important to remember
16 that, in order for the Commission to be effective, they have to speak with one voice, not 27.
17 They have to have a personal representative. A half time person would be able to do little more
18 than keep track of the agenda and the minutes, and shuffle paperwork. If there is a full time
19 executive director for the Commission, they can implement some of the wishes of the
20 Commission.
21
22 Hoag stated that the Chair of the Commission would be the voice for the commission.
23 They don't need to hire someone separately for that responsibility.
24
25 Rose stated that the Commission members are volunteers. It is difficult to get people to
26 volunteer effectively.
27
28 Brown stated that he concurred with Dawson's suggestion and also Nelson's, that it
29 should be contracted out. It should not be a County position. It reduces funding by' /4. It is more
30 than generous to start a new program. The population distribution in the County falls within the
31 cities' jurisdictions.
32
33 Nelson stated that the County has as many domestic violence cases as the City of
34 Bellingham. The City has a higher incident rate because they have different response criteria.
35 The other cities are utilizing the County's resources. The County responsibility is to resolve the
36 issue of domestic violence. Coordinating 27 volunteers and many agencies and also finding
37 grants will be difficult. It will take a load off of County staff and funding.
38
39 Dawson stated that a full -time position might not be needed.
40
41 Brenner stated that Rose shouldn't expect so little of a half -time position. She questioned
42 why he believed a half -time person would do so little. She expected more of a half -time person
43 than paperwork.
44
45 Sue Sharpe, facilitated the group that put together the documents for the Domestic
46 Violence Commission.
47
48 (Clerk's Note: End of tape 1, side A.)
49
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 5
1 Sharpe continued that this is a community problem, not a jurisdictional problem. The
2 Domestic Violence summit recognized that everyone has a role. They investigated the Pierce
3 County model. Whatcom's proposal is less than what they have. There has been a lot of debate
4 as to how the position should be handled, whether County or contracted. The key issue is the
5 funding, then they could sit down with the City and determine whether it would be contracted.
6
7 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, commented that this has been approved in the
8 Executive's budget as a one -time expense. This would give them the opportunity to show that
9 they can do the job. If not, the County Executive won't renew next year. All the reductions thus
10 far are in the category of one -time expenditures. Funding that is being added they anticipate
11 being on -going funding. Also, this is one -time money that is available and could be used for any
12 purpose. They have the ability to limit a County position to one year. Then the Council would
13 have the option to make it a regular position.
14
15 Dawson stated that the jail positions would be for one year.
16
17 Rose urged to the Committee to delegate a Council member to help develop something
18 that would reflect their concerns.
19
20 Hoag questioned Chuck Benjamin, Health and Human Services Director, about a
21 $250,000 grant for Drayton Harbor septic systems and whether it has expired. Benjamin stated
22 that the contract ends December 31, 1998. At the end of the year, Council would receive an
23 update. They have almost expended the money. They've been able to cover systems for which
24 people applied for the grant. There are other failures, but people did not apply for the grant. He
25 will see if the County can apply for the grant again.
26
27 Nelson asked about reserve funding and in- patient savings dollars. Regarding the jail
28 case manager, he questioned whether there is an opportunity to utilize a program with North
29 Sound Regional Support Network ( NSRSN). Benjamin stated that the NSRSN is in negotiations
30 with a managed care contractor. They have been using the Whatcom County model for the
31 region. If they get to that point, and if the RSN funds other counties in the region, then they
32 should also fund Whatcom County. If negotiations are successful and it becomes a regional
33 service, then it would be a saving to Whatcom County.
34
35 Nelson questioned why Whatcom County doesn't give them the opportunity to try out the
36 program and utilize some of the coordinated County funds. Benjamin stated they are trying to do
37 that, and there is also money contributed by the Sheriff for a total of $60,000 - $80,000. There is
38 also money from mental health funds. It may be done through the RSN in the year 2000.
39
40 Hoag asked Wareing where she would find the funding for the Bellingham/Whatcom
41 County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. A majority of the items they do benefit only
42 Bellingham. She questioned whether they can use this money for the theater, symphony, and/or
43 the Festival of Music.
44
45 Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Finance Manager, stated that it is in the
46 Convention Center fund, which is in the Executive's portion of the budget, not the general fund.
47 It has to be used to promote something that promotes tourism.
48
49 Wareing stated that money comes from the hotel /motel tax. Hotels have been annexed
50 and revenue has diminished.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 6
2 Hoag questioned the amount budgeted to the Bureau by the County and also the City of
3 Bellingham. Wareing responded that approximately $75,000 is the County contribution, which
4 is the revenue from that fund.
6 Hoag stated that she would like to take five thousand each for the theater, symphony, and
7 Festival of Music, taken from the Bureau's fund.
8
9 Wareing stated he would look into it. The State Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
10 would give guidance.
11
12 Dawson stated that a lot of the funds go to the Ski to Sea. Also, there has been a 9%
13 reduction in the County hotel /motel revenue.
14
15 Brown stated that the City revenue is going up and the County revenue is going down.
16 The County is not being promoted. Wareing stated the Balloon Lift brings people into the
17 County.
18
19 Nelson stated that soccer also brings in people.
20
21 Brenner questioned the amount that the City has paid in the past. Wareing stated he
22 would find out. It is quite a bit more.
23
24 Brown commented that the budget documents are confusing. Dawson stated that the
25 pending items are not included in the budget. Nothing has happened to include them.
26 Administration would like to have the pending items as a next priority.
27
28 Brenner asked for Bellingham's revenue from hotel /motel.
29
30 Wareing stated that Dave Hammers was present for information on Medic One.
31
32 Hammers stated that he was available for questions.
33
34 Brown stated that last year there was an overpayment in service. He questioned the
35 status. Wareing responded that the assumption was that they were billed twice, for dispatching
36 for Medic One and 911. Billed twice for dispatch services. Bennett stated that it was paid
37 through What -Comm.
38
39 Wareing stated that the question is an increase in ambulance service from 1997 to 1998.
40 They were doing expansion and staff turnover, and redoing capital equipment. Three things
41 increased the budget: labor contract increase, equipment increases, and training cost increases
42 because of new EMT/Paramedics. They are one -time issues for two years. After that, they
43 expect it would go back down.
44
45 Hammers stated that they couldn't do much about contract settlements. They know the
46 costs through 1999, and then they are open for labor management again for the year 2000.
47 Regarding the fleet, those costs are more ongoing. They put in excess of 100,000 miles per year
48 on the fleet every year. They buy or re- chassis an ambulance annually. In the 1999 budget, they
49 may re- chassis two or purchase one ambulance.
50
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 7
1 Wareing stated that the budget was scrutinized last year with the city of Bellingham.
2 Costs are appropriate. There will be some relief next year.
3
4 Hoag questioned whether one more ambulance would be stationed in the County.
5 Hammer responded that there isn't staffing in the 1999 budget. Three medic units are fully
6 staffed. They will need to staff another medic unit. They will try to phase it into the budget
7 process over the next 2 -3 years. They back up the three medic units with the paramedic engine
8 companies. They are able to send 2 -3 engine companies as staff medic units, and are looking at
9 planning for a fourth medic unit. The location would be based on an analysis of response times
10 to various areas in the County. Probably it would be located in the north to northeast portion of
11 the County. There is one FTE in the budget. It takes 7 -8 to staff an ambulance.
12
13 Hoag stated that in 1995, the budget increased dramatically, more than population.
14 Hammers stated that the total call demand is going up. It is difficult to determine why the impact
15 goes up. The type of population, affected by managed care, other factors are the reason. They
16 are seeing more acute patients out of the hospital. Other social issues in the community are a
17 factor.
18
19 Brown questioned the position on allowing local fire districts to transport calls. This may
20 be a route that needs to be looked at. Hammers stated that they are not opposed to that. Fire
21 districts are made up of volunteers. There is discussion amongst the chiefs about the future of
22 fire service in the County. They need to consolidate to allow them full -time paid staff. Also,
23 they don't train to the paramedic level. Their call volume is small enough that it doesn't justify
24 paid staff and higher training level. They want Medic One to transport. There is discussion on
25 transporting the less injured patients. When they initiate a transport, they have to decide how
26 they recoup costs, either from the tax base, new funding, or billing the user. Medical billing is
27 complicated.
28
29 Dawson stated that they have discussed future cost savings. In the Auditor's budget, they
30 discussed reducing the number of polling places. Also, in the courts, the parents of teen
31 offenders were not picking up their court costs.
32
33 (Clerk's Note: a break was taken at 9:50 a. m)
34
35 COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
36
37 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PAY COUNCIL MEMBER TRAVEL AND /OR
38 EXPENSES (AB98 -143J)
39
40 Nelson moved to recommend approval.
41
42 Dawson stated that Sutter's expenses in the amount of $171.88 for the Governor's
43 luncheon with the Chamber of Commerce and expenses for a Government Council on Natural
44 Resources in Olympia was added.
45
46 Nelson moved to recommend as amended.
47
48 Motion carried unanimously.
49
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 8
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2. RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 97 -051 TO ADJUST DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES DESIGNATED FORESTLANDS ROLL FOR
ASSESSMENT UNDER WCFCZD FUNDING MECHANISM (AB98 -389)
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD A CONTRACT
FOR CEDARVILLE LANDFILL LEACHATE HAULING SERVICES TO THE
LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, SUMAS TRANSPORT, INC., IN THE
ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB98 -390)
Dawson questioned the amount of leachate being removed and how it was captured.
Nasser Monsour, Public Works Assistant Director of Administration, stated that it goes into a
tank container, then is pumped out to a tank to transfer. It feeds by gravity to a reservoir.
Nelson asked how much the tank held. Monsour stated that they are allowed to take
12,000 gallons per day.
Nelson questioned whether Sumas Transport has enough trucks to handle the demand.
Monsour stated that they do.
Dawson asked what is done with the leachate. Monsour stated that there is a lagoon in
Ferndale where it is treated at a sewage treatment plant.
Hoag questioned what happens after it is dumped into the lagoon. Monsour stated that it
gets treated at a sewage treatment plant.
Monsour stated that the lagoon was cleaned and rebuilt a year ago. Sumas Transport
submitted the lowest bid. They used to deal with another company.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE W14ATCOM COUNTY
JAIL AND VISITING NURSE PERSONAL SERVICES, TO PROVIDE FOR INMATE
HEALTH SERVICES IN THE WHATCOM COUNTY JAIL IN THE AMOUNT OF
$268,506.95 (AB98 -391)
Dawson stated that the County is responsible for all costs for an inmate in the jail. Dave
Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that is the reason for the proposed jail case manager, to
look into other funding. It enables the Sheriff to provide medical service in the jail instead of
transporting inmates to the emergency room. They would not be entered into the contract until
the budget is approved.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 9
1 Sutter asked if inmates are required to pay for their own medical services. Wareing
2 stated that they are billed a small fee of five or ten dollars. That fee, when implemented, cut
3 down on the number of medical calls.
5 Dean Sandell, Undersheriff, stated that they bill back when they possibly can. They try
6 to release the people from jail so that they can get medical services.
7
8 Nelson questioned whether there is any way to pay for an insurance policy to cover
9 inmates in the jail. Sandell stated that he was not aware of any. He talked to providers that
10 provide services to the jail. The numbers that they have seen are more than what they are
11 currently paying. It is managed care from an outside source.
12
13 Nelson asked Sandell to look into an insurance company at a low premium and a low
14 deductible.
15
16 Hoag clarified that Medicare or Medicaid would not cover an inmate while in jail.
17 Sandell clarified that the welfare medical coupons would not apply while in jail. If funding is
18 applicable, they are accessing it.
19
20 Hoag questioned whether there could be a program to pay the County back money for
21 their medical care while in jail. Wareing stated that, in a general sense, it all comes from the
22 same pot. It all depends on how it is apportioned.
23
24 Hoag stated that an inmate should carry a bigger portion of their medical costs. A lot is
25 referred back to the providers.
26
27 Wareing noted that anyone with any financial resources gets out of jail quickly, unless it
28 is for a serious crime. Most of the people are dysfunctional with no financial resources. The jail
29 takes care of the minimum health care. This jail has an American Medical Association (AMA)
30 certification for providing minimum acceptable level of care, which prevents the County from
31 being sued. The few lawsuits based on medical care have been found in the County's favor.
32
33 Nelson moved to recommend approval.
34
35 Motion carried unanimously.
36
37 5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL COUNTY ROAD CONSTRUCTION
38 FUND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE STRUCTURAL OVERLAY OF LAKE
39 WHATCOM BOULEVARD, CRP 997002, IN THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF
40 $40,000 FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT
41 OF $251,900 AND RAISE THE TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET TO $311,900 (AB98-
42 392)
43
44 (Clerk's Note: End of tape 1, side B)
45
46 Nasser Monsour, Public Works Assistant Director of Administration, stated that it is a
47 short project and there is quite a bit of unsuitable soils. The County has to fix it. They are
48 allowed up to 10% extra cost. This would be 20 %.
49
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 10
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Hoag stated that they spent a lot on pre - construction engineering. They should, at that
point, have found the soil problems. Monsour stated that it is an overlay, not reconstruction.
When doing an overlay, they have to clear the shoulder and pave. It is an overlay project to
make an all - weather road. They don't do soil tests on an overlay project. The money spent on
engineering was for another project next door to this one.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO BID
AWARD 98 -110, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING ANNUAL EQUIPMENT
RENTAL RATES FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF ROAD EQUIPMENT, BASED ON
NEED, WITH THE INDIVIDUAL AWARD GOING TO THE LOWEST
RESPONSIVE BIDDER, BASED ON EQUIPMENT AVAILABILITY AND
SUITABILITY, WITH AMOUNTS TO ANY ONE VENDER THAT COULD BE IN
EXCESS OF $35,000 (AB98 -393)
Hoag asked for an explanation.
Mary Ewing, Public Works Equipment Rental Division Manager, stated that they do this
every year. The agreement with the Council is to use outside contractors for anything above and
beyond general maintenance. A lot of the equipment is used for river projects. They use
contractors for various types of work. They go out for bid and send the bid to all contractors in
the County.
Hoag asked for clarification on what they are approving.
Nelson stated that the Council would approve the rental rates. They are possibly renting
up to $35,000 for extra work or equipment that is needed. Companies have turned in the
amounts they would charge Public Works to utilize the equipment. This is so the Council knows
what the County is being charged.
Hoag asked for clarification that the County would often pay more than $35,000.
Ewing stated was correct, and that the Council approves projects and the dollar amount.
They go down the list to the lowest bidder. The dollar amount for project comes before the
Council ahead of time.
Hoag questioned what is being asked of the Council.
Wareing stated they are to approve the rates. It sets the rate structure.
Ewing stated that the Council should approve the annual rental rates.
Nelson moved to recommend approval
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 11
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OTHER BUSINESS
Dawson stated that they need to make motions to recommend to the full Council.
Hoag stated that she would like a workshop before the next Council meeting.
Dawson stated that there would be a work session on November 17th
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, asked for Committee members recommended
changes before the work session. Also, he noted that one of the reasons that Medic One went up
is because of the re- drafting of the agreement between 911 of the formula for assessing the costs
of fire and ambulances costs. There was an increase in the assessment for the 911 services. The
first year, there was an increase of over $100,000 to Medic One and a similar drop in the
Sheriff's office. They tried to assess the cost of fire dispatch fairly. Also, the fourth fire station
is planned in the future, but has not yet been realized.
Hoag asked why the County subsidizes when they charge a hefty fee to a user.
Wareing stated that the County funds '/4 of ambulance service costs. The City also pays
1/4 of the costs. Consumer pays half of the cost. There has been discussion that the fire districts
may meet Medic One halfway.
Hoag questioned whether the County is committed to 1/4 funding, even if the County
doesn't approve of their budget. Wareing stated that they have audit ability to the extent that
costs are reasonable. The County has an obligation, a contractual agreement, with the City.
Hoag asked about Search and Rescue and whether Search and Rescue, or at least a
portion of, could be funded out of the hotel /motel tax, since it is mostly tourists that have to get
rescued.
Sutter questioned what those funds are typically allocated to.
Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Finance Manager, stated that the Convention
Bureau Fund is limited to promotion. Wareing stated that Search and Rescue efforts are
voluntary, in part by the military and private groups. The rest is funded through the Sheriff as
rescue coordinators.
Hoag questioned whether jail mattresses could be replaced every five years instead of
four, to divert funds to pay for a camera. Wareing stated that they are fairly threadbare. He
suggested providing for a camera from one -time funding. Money is available and wouldn't need
to be balanced.
Deane Sandell, Undersheriff, stated that he would look into it. They buy the heavy -duty
mattresses, but they get treated pretty roughly.
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Wareing stated that was discussed in the past. They have to be replaced so inmates can't
break stitching and hide items inside.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/10/98, Page 13