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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial County Council August 14 1990WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING August 14, 1990 The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Chairman Don Hansey. Also Present: Absent: Dennis Vander Yacht None. Emily Jackson Robert Imhof Dan Warner Marge Laidlaw Mary Vanderpol Haney explained the meeting may only include the four items on the agenda, and no "Open Session" section is included. 1. EXECUTIVE'S PRESENTATION OF REPORT FROM KMD ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS REGARDING THE PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW COURTHOUSE ADDITION (AB90 -290) and 2. RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 89 -59 AUTHORIZING CONSTRUCTION OF JUVENILE FACILITIES AND COURTHOUSE ADDITION (AB90 -291) Van Zanten said originally the Council agreed to the construction of a four -story building in the parking lot south of the existing Courthouse. The top story would be used as a juvenile detention center. The existing Courthouse would then be converted to a law and justice building. After KMD Architects and Planners were hired, the firm suggested a better approach -- building an addition on the east side, facing Grand Avenue. She distributed paperwork (see agenda bill file) on this new proposal, labeled as "Concept B." She said it is important to keep in mind some of the arguments regarding this concept. For example: The food service path between the jail and the juvenile detention center would be shorter; Central Avenue and the parking lot would be available for parking; the facade of the Courthouse would be changed; the structure would be more energy efficient and more efficient to use. Some problems exist, however. The new proposal included four stories, with a temporary juvenile detention center on the fourth floor, because two floors would later be added. Van Zanten proposed a six floor addition, with juvenile detention on the top floor. She said a drawing of the facade is not yet available. However, she distributed a drawing of the building as viewed from the top. The entrance would be on the north- Minutes, 8/14/90, Page 1 eastern comer of the building, with the appearance of a turret. This new proposal has some merit, she said, because it would diminish some of the 'boxy bulkiness" of the building as it was formerly proposed and would also work better with any future landscaping in the civic center. On display were drawings and floor plans of the proposed addition, showing how it is incorporated into the existing Courthouse. She distributed paperwork showing square footage additions. Van Zanten reviewed the preliminary footprints for each floor. On each floor vacant office space is projected, totalling 14,820 square feet. She said she would like direction from the Council as to how much space should remain for future use. Council members asked questions about the building. Mary Chisholm, John Tyler and Paul Rushing of Public Works and Barney Goltz, design consultant, all were present. Costs of constructing the addition (and for the associated Courthouse remodeling) were discussed. Total estimated cost: $14,215,394, a reduction of about $500,000 from earlier estimates. This is just the project cost, and does not include furniture, Van Zanten cautioned. She proceeded to discuss financing details. Van Zanten said she would appreciate direction from the Council on the following matters: -Does the six-floor plan look good? -If so, how much of that space should remain vacant? -If the six-floor plan is favored, the architectural contract will need to be renegotiated. - Financing options. Vanderpol asked Goltz if there is a "rule of thumb" that determines how much space should remain vacant. Goltz said he did not know of one, but he felt the proposal at hand is much more flexible than the previous one. Vanderpol said he feels the County would be building for immediate and future needs and the proposal is very positive. Laidlaw asked Van Zanten about the County's bonding and pay -back capability. Van Zanten said borrowing capability is no problem, estimated at about $100 million with a vote of the public. Without a vote of the public it is about $26 million. Pay -back capability is much more difficult. The County has been saving some money; however, a lot depends on how healthy revenues are in the next few years and what the County's operating expenses will be from year to year. She said the County needs the building, and probably could not solve its space problems any other way. If in the future revenues are not as healthy, the County may need to cut back spending in some areas in order to pay its debt. Sales tax may be artificially high in the next few years due to construction taking place at Cherry Point; revenues from sales tax could, for a time, be used to offset operating costs during that time and all other revenues could be used to take care of the debt. Another option is seeking voter approval to lift the levy lid, in order to raise more revenues in that manner. Minutes, 8/14/90, Page 2 Warner said many citizens probably are not aware of how horribly crowded conditions are for most County employees. He described some of the situations confronting employees on a daily basis, in terms of space. He agreed with Vanderpol that the County should not try to economize at this point when it would only end up costing citizens more money a few years down the line. He asked about costs for temporarily relocating departments during construction. Van Zanten said those costs have not yet been compiled, but she said one or two departments may be moved out of the Courthouse next year in order to accommodate some shifts as construction takes place. She estimated construction would take place over the next two years, with the project going to bid at the first of next year. Imhof also agreed with Vanderpol, but said space should be provided for child care for County employees. Most progressive companies in the United States are doing something about in -house child care for employees, and he suggested a cooperative effort with the City, possibly leasing it to a child care provider or some other option. Jackson complimented Van Zanten on the concept presented. She noted that Van Zanten already is working on child care issues, according to the employee newsletter, and urged her to incorporate that idea into the new building. She spoke of the advantages of maintaining vacant space. Jackson suggested seeking a three -year levy lift in an attempt to reduce some of the interest costs. Vander Yacht said he supports the concept "whole - heartedly." He asked that the Executive would keep the Council abreast of changes in the floor plan, costs being accrued, and any aspects of the new building that would make it more "user friendly" to the public than the existing facility is. Vanderpol said essentially if the County could reduce its principal through a levy lift, the interest savings would be very beneficial. He said the County should be careful regarding such issues as child care for employees, because some members of the public might be concerned the County is "empire - building." WARNER MOVED THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION; HE READ THE TITLE INTO THE RECORD. IMHOF MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION, TO LOOK AT INCLUDING IN-HOUSE CHII.D -CARE FACILITIES FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES, WITH POSSIBLE COOPERATION WITH THE CITY. Vander Yacht said he could sympathize with what Imhof is saying, but did not think it was appropriate to talk about it at this time. Under consideration is the concept of creating a building, and child care or any space usage is too detailed a concept to take on at this time. Discussion ensued between Imhof and Vander Yacht. Hansey restated the motion to amend the resolution so that consideration will be given to providing child care facilities within the structure. Minutes, 8/14/90, Page 3 Jackson said perhaps the Council would do better to ask for such consideration in a separate motion, because Van Zanten already has done some work on this issue. The Council might be interfering with an Administrative function if the concept were included in the resolution. Haney agreed with Jackson and Vander Yacht. Imhof withdrew his motion. Original motion carried unanimously. Warner asked if Van Zanten wanted specific direction in regards to vacant space. She responded that Goltz would soon be meeting with administrative offices to adjust the space needs of each. WARNER MOVED TO HAVE THE COUNCIL INDICATE ABOUT 14,000 TO 15,000 SQUARE FEET OF UNRESERVED, VACANT SPACE SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE FLOOR PLANS FOR THE NEW BUILDING. Jackson suggested using a percentage rather than an actual square footage figure. Discussion ensued. Haney suggested giving direction to keeping the space requested by each department to the levels originally requested. Van Zanten and Goltz commented. Warner restated his motion. Van Zanten said if some major unexpected thing occurs, the Administration could come back to the Council for reconsideration. Motion carried unanimously. Imhof spoke against Vanderpol's comments regarding child care. He said government is a foot - dragger when it comes to making changes, and he said it is time for County government to be a leader and make a change. IMHOF MOVED TO HAVE THE COUNCIL SUPPORT FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF IN-HOUSE CHILD CARE, AND TO ASK THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE CONSULTANT TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF PROVIDING IN-HOUSE CHILD CARE. Warner noted that at times the government is a leader in some areas, such as civil rights. He cautioned that the County uses public money, and that a perception exists that such programs "feather the nests" of employees. Jackson said efficiency of employees could be a factor, particularly with the level of pay for beginning employees. She noted that County government would not necessarily be providing the day care, but would provide a space for such a service. Minutes, 8/14/90, Page 4 Vanderpol said he would vote in favor of Imhofs motion, but urged the Council to be prudent and to study the matter. Vander Yacht also spoke in favor of Imhofs motion. Motion carried unanimously. Warner asked if financing needs to be discussed. Van Zanten said the Administration would continue to bring forward proposals for funding this project, but in the interim the Administration would proceed with the project. Van Zanten cautioned that the project is nearly double what it was originally projected for, and she did not want to proceed much further without making certain the Council was committed to the project. Laidlaw asked if the resolution was clear in stipulating a six story rather than a four story building. WARNER MOVED TO CLARIFY IT IS THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNCIL THAT THIS BUILDING WILL COST SOMEWHERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $14 MILLION. He said Van Zanten was correct in asking that this be clarified. Vander Yacht noted that $14 million is very different from $18 million; he urged any significant changes in the cost estimates should be reported to the Council. Van Zanten said she thought that would be fair. Jackson said she supported the project but urged that a statement regarding investigation of the levy lift be included in the motion. Warner said he would like to leave his motion intact, and that he understood the Executive would be investigating all financing options. Motion carried unanimously. 3. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY COMMISSION (AB90 -288) Laidlaw said that after sitting through Capital Project Committee meetings, and hearing some concerns raised about impacts on the civic center area, she approached City Council members, the Executive and the Mayor about creating such a Commission. She discussed the concept further. Laidlaw said the Capital Projects Committee recommended approval of the resolution with herself and Hansey to be appointed as the County Council's representatives. LAIDLAW SO MOVED. Jackson spoke about the transfer of Lottie Street from the City to the County. Minutes, 8/14/90, Page 5 She said the things to be considered by the new Commission would perhaps better be handled by the two Administrations. She suggested the staff members of the City and the County work together, then bring a proposal forward to the two Councils. Warner said he agreed, in part, with Jackson, but some policy direction is needed in the process as well. He discussed the matter further. Motion carried unanimously. 4. REQUEST FROM RICHARD LANGABERR FOR EXTENSION OF "THE POINTE ON SEMAHMOO" PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL (AB90 -289) Hansey noted that the applicant had complied with the requirements for an extension under Title 21, according to Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Randy Watts and Deputy Public Works Director John Tyler. HANSEY MOVED TO GRANT THE EXTENSION. Laidlaw asked about an agreement with the Birch Bay Water District. Tyler responded. Warner said he objected to the spelling of Point with an "e" on the end. Some discussion ensued. Imhof noted he has seen the location of the project, and work has been taking place. Motion carried unanimously. Hansey asked staff to notify the applicant. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Hansey noted this would be the last meeting in the Council Chambers, 2nd floor, Courthouse; the Council Offices would be moving to 1000 N. Forest Street for the duration of construction on the Courthouse. ATTEST: Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Minutes, 8/14/90, Page 6