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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Council for November 25 1985WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 25, 1985 The Whatcom County Special Council meeting was called to order at 1:53 p.m. by Chairman Roehl with all members present except Johnson, who arrived at 5:15 p.m. FINAL CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS_ AND ORDINANCES BECKER MOVED TO BRING BEFORE THE COUNCIL THE ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE 1986 BUDGET, WITH THE FINANCE COMMIT- TEE RECOMMENDATIONS, AS WELL AS CERTAIN SUBSTITUTE DRAFTS. Chairman Roehl restated the motion and explained that the Finance Committee recommendations and substitute drafts were included in the Councilmembers' packets for this meeting. The motion carried. BUILPINQS AND FRCILITIES BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF SUBSTITUTE DRAFT 3 OF THE RESOLUTION ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS RELATED TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES FOR WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON. Becker explained the Finance Committee's recommendations contained in the resolution. Chairman Roehl questioned the language on page 1, line 27.5 regarding the "outside contractor ". COLE MOVED TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY DELETING THE PHRASE "BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTOR" ON PAGE 1, LINE.27.5 OF THE RESOLUTION. Becker spoke to the motion. The motion to amend the resolution carried. The resolution, as amended, carried. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE WHATCOMCOUNTY 1986 ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE WHATCOM COUNTY 1986 ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM. Cole reported that the Public Services Committee recommended pproval of the 1986 Road Construction Program. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 2 There was discussion of the letter from Ed Henken, County Engineer, regarding work in the 2000 block of Lake Whatcom Boulevard. The motion adopting the resolution regarding the 1986 Road Construction Program carried. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE FOR THE UNREPRESENTED WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 1986 BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE FOR THE UNREPRESENTED WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 1986. There was discussion on the resolution. A typographical error on page 1, line 26, was identified and will be corrected by the clerk. The motion adopting the resolution carried. Mom BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTING THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR UNREPRESENTED EMPLOY- EES OF NOR -BELL NURSING HOME FOR THE YEAR 1986. Becker gave the Finance Committee's report and recommenda- tion on the resolution. There was discussion on the resolution. The motion adopting 'the resolution carried. RESOLUTION FINDING THAT CONTINUATION OF THE TAX LEVIED UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 82 -68 AS AMENDED, IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE QPERATION OF NECESSARY COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES IN 1986 BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION FINDINGG THAT CONTINUATION OF THE TAX LEVIED UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 82- 68 AS AMENDED, IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE OPERATION OF NECESSARY COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES IN 1986. Becker explained the resolution. There was discussion on the resolution. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 3 The motion adopting the resolution finding that continuation of the tax levied under Ordinance No. 82 -68 as amended, is essential for the operation of necessary county governmental services in 1986 carried. QRDINANCE ESTABLISHING WHATCOM COUNTY FERRY RATES FOR 1986 Becker reported that the Finance Committee was forwarding this ordinance to the full Council with no specific recommenda- tion. BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISH- ING WHATCOM COUNTY FERRY RATES FOR 1986. HANSEY MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING: Insert the following language at the end of the ordinance: "The effective date of this ordinance shall be July 1, 1986, and the rates in effect on January 1, 1986, shall be the rates in effect until July 1, 1986." Chairman Roehl restated Hansey's amendment and explained that the intent of the motion was to have the 1985 rates stay in effect until July 1, 1986, when the new rates would then go into effect. There was discussion on the wording of the amendment. Hansey spoke to the motion and spoke in support of leaving the present 1985 rates in effect until after a ferry rate study can be completed and the results are reported back to the Council. Chairman Roehl spoke in support of the amendment and the proviso language in the 1986 budget ordinance which would provide for the study on the ferry rates. Hawley spoke against the amendment, and asked to include a friendly amendment to the Hansey amendment which would include a 50/50 ratio, rather than a 75/25 ratio. Chairman Roehl explained the Hansey amendment. Chairman Roehl restated Hawley's proposed friendly amend- ment. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 4 Hansey spoke against the proposed friendly amendment and spoke in support of his amendment which would freeze the 1985 rates until July 1, 1986. Chairman Roehl stated that Hansey's amendment would be voted on first. Hansey restated his amendment. Hawley spoke against the summer surcharge language in the ordinance. } Chairman Roehl stated that Hansey's amendment would be voted on first. The motion made by Hansey to amend the ordinance carried. Hawley requested a roll call vote on Hansey's amendment, and the motion carried (5 -1, Hawley). Chairman Roehl stated that Hawley's amendment, to change the percentage figure on page 1, line 8, from 75% to 50 %, would now be voted on. Hawley spoke in support of his amendment. Muenscher spoke against the Hawley amendment. Cole spoke against the Hawley amendment. Chairman Roehl spoke against the Hawley amendment figure of 50% and spoke in support of deleting the language referring to the percentage figure. Chairman Roehl restated the proposed Hawley amendment as follows: Page 1, line 8, delete the following language: "approxi- mately 75% of the total annual cost of" Chairman Roehl restated the proposed amendment. There was discussion on the proposed amendment. The motion to delete the language on page 1, line 8, carried. HAWLEY MOVED TO DELETE THE LANGUAGE IN THE ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE SUMMER SURCHARGE. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 5 Muenscher spoke against the motion and spoke in support of waiting for the results of the ferry rate study. There was discussion on the motion to delete the summer surcharge language in the ordinance. Cole spoke against the motion. Hawley spoke in support of the motion. Hawley requested a roll call vote, and the motion to delete the summer surcharge language failed (2 -4, Muenscher, Hansey, Becker, Cole). Becker explained why she voted against the Hawley amendment. The ordinance establishing Whatcom County ferry rates for 1986, as amended, carried (5 -1, Hawley). The meeting was recessed at 2:45 p.m. The meeting recon- vened at 2:55 p.m. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A JUVENILE FACILITY RESERVE FUND HANSEY MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISH- ING A JUVENILE FACILITY RESERVE FUND. Hansey explained the background on the ordinance. There was discussion on the wording of the ordinance. Tom Sutberry, Budget Director, explained a language change that should be made in the ordinance. COLE MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING: Page 1, line 16, delete the words "an appropriation" and insert in their place the words "a transfer ". There was discussion on when the transfer would be made. Muenscher spoke in support of inserting a date when the transfer would be completed. Becker spoke in support of inserting a date of December 1, 1986. Becker explained why the date of December 1, 1986 should be inserted. f/, Whatcom County Special Council Meeting ionday, November 25, 1985 Page 6 There was discussion on the proposed amendment. Chairman Roehl restated the motion as follows: Page 1, Line 16, would read as follows: There -is -made hereby -en- appropriation A transfer of $200,000 shall be made no later than December 1. 1986 from the Current Expense Fund to the Juvenile Detention Facility Reserve Fund. The motion to amend carried. There was further discussion on the ordinance. The motion to adopt the ordinance, as amended, carried. (,ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE PHYSICAL PLANT AND FACILITIES CAPITAL FUND BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF DRAFT 3 OF THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE PHYSICAL PLANT AND FACILITIES CAPITAL FUND. BECKER MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE AS FOLLOWS: Page 2, line 8, "...service center repairs and W7998 $25,000 for a facilities..." There was discussion on the motion to amend. Muenscher expressed concern about the $25,000 figure. Hansey spoke in support of including language that would say "not to exceed $25,000 ". Becker restated her motion to include the language "not to exceed $25,000 ". Chairman Roehl restated the motion. Chairman Roehl spoke against Becker's motion to amend. Becker spoke to the motion. There was further discussion on the motion to amend. The motion to amend the ordinance carried. Tom Sutberry, Budget Director, noted a typographical error in page 1, line 15.5, and stated that "1985" should be "1986. The typographical error will be corrected by the clerk. pr Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page T The motion to adopt the ordinance establishing the Physical Plant and Facilities Capital Fund, as amended, carried. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FINANCING OF RIVER IMPROVEMENTS AS ESTABLISHED IN ORDINANCE NQ. 84 -59 COLE MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FINANCING OF RIVER IMPROVEMENTS AS ESTABLISHED IN ORDINANCE NO. 84 -59. Cole explained the background on the ordinance. There was discussion on the ordinance and various charges incurred when work is performed by the Corps of Engineers. Cole spoke to the motion. Muenscher spoke in support of the motion. The motion to adopt the ordinance amending the financing of river improvements as established in Ordinance No. 84 -59, carried. BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 84 -6 TO ESTABLISH A FUND FOR SELF INSURANCE AND SELF ADMINISTRATION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Becker explained the background on the ordinance and spoke in support of its adoption. There was discussion on the ordinance. The motion to adopt the ordinance carried (5 -0, Muenscher out of the room). ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE SECTION 8.12 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVISING THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR SQDID WASTE DISPOSAL AT WHATCOM COUNTY SOLID WASTE SITES BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE SECTION 8.12 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVISING THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AT WHATCOM COUNTY SOLID WASTE SITES. There was discussion on the ordinance. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 8 Cole spoke in support of the ordinance amending What,com County Code Section 8.12 for the purpose of revising the fee schedule for solid waste disposal at Whatcom County solid waste sites. The motion to adopt the ordinance carried (5 -0, Muenscher out of the room). Becker reported that the Finance Committee recommended "do not pass" on this ordinance and explained that unless other Councilmembers wished to consider this ordinance, it would die at this point. Hansey spoke in support of considering varying the Court- house office hours, but not at this point in time. HANSEY MOVED TO RECESS THE MEETING UNTIL 5:15 P.M. Hansey spoke to the motion. The motion to recess the meeting until 5:15 p.m. carried, and the meeting was recessed. The meeting reconvened at 5:25 p.m., with Councilmember Johnson in attendance. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SERVICE FEES AND AUTHORISING AND AGREEING TO THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM 1986 ADOPTED FEE SCHEDULE AS PER CITY ORDINANCE 49496 RELATING TO AMBULANCE SERVICE CHARGES BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISH- ING SERVICE FEES AND AUTHORIZING AND AGREEING TO THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM 1986 ADOPTED FEE SCHEDULE AS PER CITY ORDINANCE 09496 RELATING TO AMBULANCE SERVICE CHARGES. Becker explained the background on the ordinance. There was discussion on having Becker, as Chairperson of the Finance Committee, write a letter to the Joint City /County Finance Committee, regarding the review of ambulance charges when the aid cars are called out on a call and no medical attention is given. The motion to adopt the ordinance carried. 0 Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 9 ORDINANCE IN THE MATTER OF_ THE ADOPTION OF THE FINAL BUDGET OF WHATCOM COUNTY FOR THE YEAR 1986 AND RESTRICTING THE E=XPENDITURE OF CERTAIN FUNDS THEREIN BECKER MOVED THAT THE AMENDMENTS CONTAINED IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE'S SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL DATED 11/25/85 BE INCORPORATED WITH THE ORIGINAL FINANCE COMMIT- TEE REPORT TO THE COUNCIL. Becker spoke to the motion. Chairman Roehl restated the motion. There was discussion on the motion. Becker withdrew her motion. BECKER MOVED THAT THE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT AND THE AMENDMENTS CONTAINED IN IT BE ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT. The motion carried, and the supplemental report was added to the Finance Committee's original report to the Council. Hawley explained his proposed amendments. HAWLEY MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE BY RETAINING THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: Auditor's office, Clerk II position, 514.23.11.2300 Treasurer's office, Clerk I, Posting Machine Operator, 514.22.11.1600 Assessor's office, Clerk II, 514.24.11.1400 Hawley spoke to the motion. Chairman Roehl restated Hawley's. motion to .amend. There was discussion on the motion and where the monies for these positions would come from. Chairman Roehl restated the motion, and stated that the monies would come from ending fund balance. The amendments proposed by Hawley were voted on individually. The motion to retain the Clerk II position in the Auditor's office failed. e:� Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 10 The motion to retain the Clerk I, Posting Machine Operator in the Treasurer's office failed. The motion to retain the Clerk II in the Assessor's office failed. Cole spoke about taking financial responsibility into consideration. HAWLEY MOVED TO RETAIN THE CLERK II POSITION IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE AND THE PROBATION OFFICER'S POSITION IN THE DISTRICT COURT PROBATION OFFICE. Hawley spoke to the motion. The motion to retain the Clerk II position in the Clerk's office failed. Chairman Roehl restated the motion. There was discussion on the motion. The motion to retain the Probation Officer's position in the District Court Probation office failed. HAWLEY MOVED TO RETAIN THE LINE ITEM FOR THE CHIEF CIVIL DEPUTY POSITION IN THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THREE MONTHS (515.20.11.0300). Hawley spoke to the motion. Cole spoke against the motion. Becker spoke on a similar proviso amendment (AA) that will be proposed. MUENSCHER MOVED TO AMEND HAWLEY'S MOTION FROM THREE MONTHS TO THE ENTIRE YEAR. There was discussion on the proposed amendments. Muenscher's motion to amend failed. BECKER MOVED TO SUBSTITUTE THE PROPOSED PROVISO (AA) FOR HAWLEY'S MOTION. Muenscher spoke against the motion to substitute. The motion to substitute the proposed proviso (AA) carried. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 11 JOHNSON MOVED TO AMEND PROVISO (AA) BY CHANGING THE DATE FROM MARCH 30, 1986 TO JUNE 30, 1986. (AA) . (AA) . Hansey spoke against Johnson's motion to amend Proviso Johnson spoke to the motion. Becker spoke against Johnson's motion to amend Proviso Chairman Roehl restated Johnson's amendment. The motion to amend Proviso (AA) by changing the date from March 30, 1986 to June 30, 1986, failed. MUENSCHER MOVED TO AMEND PROVISO (AA) BY CHANGING THE WORDS "CONTRACT OUT" TO "CONSIDER CONTRACTING OUT ". There was discussion on the motion. Muenscher asked for a 5 minute recess. The meeting was recessed at 6 :55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:05 p.m. Chairman Roehl restated Muenscher's motion to amend Proviso (AA) by changing the words "contract out" to "consider contract- ing out ". Muenscher withdrew his motion. There was discussion on Proviso (AA). Chairman Roehl stated that the motion before the Council is for adoption of the motion to amend the budget ordinance by adding Proviso (AA). MUENSCHER MOVED TO SUBSTITUTE PROVISO (AA) WITH THE FOLLOW- ING LANGUAGE: "During the first three months of 1986, the Civil side of the Prosecuting Attorney's office will be funded as proposed in the County Executive's proposed budget." Chairman Roehl restated Muenscher's motion. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 12 Becker called for a point of order and questioned the procedure. Chairman Roehl stated that the correct procedure would be to reconsider the vote on substituting Proviso (AA) for Hawley's amendment. MUENSCHER MOVED TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE ON SUBSTITUTING PROVISO (AA) FOR HAWLEY'S AMENDMENT. The motion to reconsider carried, and Hawley's amendment was placed on the floor before the Council. MUENSCHER MOVED TO AMEND HAWLEY'S AMENDMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: "During the first three months of 1986, the Civil side of the Prosecuting Attorney's office will be funded as proposed in the County Executive's proposed budget." Chairman Roehl restated Muenscher's motion to amend. COLE MOVED TO AMEND MUENSCHER'S MOTION TO INCLUDE REINSTAT- ING TWO DEPUTIES IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. Cole spoke to his motion to amend. Cole's motion to amend failed. Chairman Roehl restated Muenscher's motion to amend. Cole spoke against Muenscher's motion to amend. Chairman Roehl spoke in support of Muenscher's motion to amend. JOHNSON MOVED TO AMEND MUENSCHER'S MOTION TO CHANGE THE DATE FROM THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1986 TO JUNE 30, 1986. Johnson's motion to amend failed. Chairman Roehl restated Muenscher's motion to amend. COLE MOVED TO AMEND MUENSCHER'S MOTION TO REINSTATE THE CUTS THAT HAD BEEN MADE TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY'S BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,000.00, AND THAT THE MONIES TO REINSTATE THE CUTS BE TAKEN FROM ENDING FUND BALANCE. Cole's motion to amend Muenscher's motion failed. Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 13 Muenscher's motion to reinstate the Chief Civil Deputy's line item in the Prosecuting Attorney's budget for the first three months of 1986 carried. HANSEY MOVED TO AMEND THE BUDGET ORDINANCE BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING PROVISO LANGUAGE: Proviso (AA) - The County Executive in consultation with the County Council shall jointly prepare and submit the ordinances and documents necessary to establish an alternative method of managing the tort claims fund and /or other civil functions of the prosecutor's office pursuant to RCW 36.32.200 and present recom- mendations and necessary documents prior to March 1, 1986. Chairman Roehl re -read Hansey's proposed proviso language. The motion to adopt the proviso language carried. Hawley announced that he wished to make a public statement that his wife worked in the Treasurer's office, but that he was going to vote on the final budget ordinance in its entirety, pursuant to RCW 42.23.040. The motion to adopt the final budget ordinance, as amended, carried unanimously. COLE MOVED THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE BE EMPOWERED TO PERFECT AND APPROVE THE FINAL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO REFLECT AND IMPLEMENT THE COUNCIL'S ACTIONS OF THIS MEETING, AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE BE FURTHER EMPOWERED TO CORRECT ERRORS. The motion carried. BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR COUNTY AND STATE PURPOSES IN WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON, FOR THE YEAR 1986 PURSUANT TO HOME RULE CHARTER SECTION 6.10. Becker gave the Finance Committee report. The motion to adopt the ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for county and state purposes in Whatcom County, Washing- ton, for the year 1986 pursuant to Home Rule Charter Section 6.10. carried. 9 f. y Whatcom County Special Council Meeting Monday, November 25, 1985 Page 14 The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON ATTEST. Carol Ebergson f Clerk of the Council A:SPECMIN1.125 ., W�.�4am P. Roehl Cb4irman