HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance November 24 20151
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Finance and Administrative Services Committee
November 24, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Rud Browne called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan, and Satpal Sidhu
Absent: None
Also Present: Pete Kremen, Carl Weimer, Ken Mann and Barbara Brenner
COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
Jack Louws, County Executive, reported on the following items:
• Recent storm and flood events
• Veterans Day ceremonies
• The 50th anniversary of the Opportunity Council
• Light the Night Hospice Gala and Peacebuilders Awards
• Status of the jail consultant contract and future plans for the County jail
The councilmembers discussed whether there are next steps for a new jail; life safety
problems at the Division Street facility; the topics of discussion during a recent meeting with
the Sheriff and Prosecutor regarding the future of the jail; whether the status of the jail
facility requires changes now; continuing to develop options for a new jail; recent meetings
among the County, City and Tribal council members to develop options for a new jail; the
purpose of a County Council resolution to reconsider the appropriate size of a new jail, and;
whether the County can continue to use the Irongate facility.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. QUARTERLY FINANCE REPORT AND PROJECT BUDGET UPDATE (AB2015-
280A)
Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, submitted the quarterly report
and gave a staff report on the status of the revenue and expenditures. They expect to have
$3.5 million more in the ending fund balance than initially budgeted. He reported on the
budget status of several County projects.
The councilmembers discussed the explanation for the tax revenue projections,
bonds related to the jail improvement fund and jail project fund, economic development
investment (EDI) money being used for jail facilities, and when bonds related to the jail
funds will be paid.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 1
1 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
2
3 1. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SOUTH PASS ROAD /SAAR CREEK BRIDGE
4 NO.212 FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR SOUTH
5 PASS ROAD /SAAR CREEK BRIDGE NO.212 REPLACEMENT PROJECT (AB2015-
6 333)
7
8 Buchanan moved to recommend adoption to the full Council.
9
10 The motion carried by the following vote:
11 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
12 Nays: None (0)
13
14 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2015 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, TWELFTH
15 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,472,111 (AB2015 -334)
16
17 Sidhu moved to recommend adoption to the full Council.
18
19 The councilmembers discussed the status of the conservation futures fund balance.
20
21 Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered questions.
22
23 The motion carried by the following vote:
24 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
25 Nays: None (0)
26
27 3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2016 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIRST
28 REQUEST, IN THE NET AMOUNT OF $7,389,037 (AB2015 -326A)
29
30 Buchanan moved to recommend adoption to the full Council.
31
32 The councilmembers discussed funding assistance for the Wildlife Advisory
33 Committee and Planning Unit.
34
35 Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered questions.
36
37 The motion carried by the following vote:
38 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
39 Nays: None (0)
40
41 (Clerk's Note: Discussion continued later in the meeting.)
42
43 4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
44 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM
45 COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ESTABLISHING DEDICATED
46 FUNDING FOR THE STORMWATER FUND 123, IN THE AMOUNT OF
47 $1,167,956 (AB2015 -343)
48
49 Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
50 District Board of Supervisors.
51
52 The councilmembers discussed whether the dedicated funding for the stormwater
53 fund is retroactive or if they are just creating the fund.
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 2
1
2 Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered questions.
3
4 The motion carried by the following vote:
5 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
6 Nays: None (0)
7
8 3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2016 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIRST
9 REQUEST, IN THE NET AMOUNT OF $7,389,037 (AB2015 -326A)
10
11 (Clerk's Note: Discussion continued from earlier in the meeting.)
12
13 The councilmembers discussed the option of including $200,000 for a criminal justice
14 planner to help the legislative authorities move forward in developing options for a new jail,
15
16 Buchanan moved to amend to include $200,000 for a criminal justice planner
17 contract that is administered by the Council Office.
18
19 The councilmembers discussed whether the Council Office or County administration
20 should administer a jail planner contract, the Council engaging in County administrative
21 functions, setting aside funds in the 2016 budget to give the Council options, gathering
22 public input on what the citizens want for a new jail facility, whether or not the Council
23 wants to continue working with the current jail contractor, and whether the Council could
24 just use the $200,000 from the existing $300,000 in the current jail project fund.
25
26 Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
27
28 Buchanan stated they could establish the funds, and decide later who would
29 administer the contract. He amended his motion and moved to amend to designate
30 $200,000 from the existing jail fund in the 2016 budget for a criminal justice /jail planner to
31 assist the Council in moving forward with jail planning efforts.
32
33 The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
34 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
35 Nays: None (0)
36
37 Brenner stated she would like to add $40,000 for the Planning Unit for specific staff
38 assistance to the Planning Unit and caucuses to get information out to the public and the
39 caucuses, including all the private well- owners.
40
41 The councilmembers discussed whether the caucuses or County staff should get
42 information out to the citizens.
43
44 Sidhu moved to delay funding the $40,000 request from the Planning Unit until the
45 Council gets clarification from the Planning Unit what the Planning Unit intends to use the
46 money for.
47
48 Kremen stated the Council would have to make changes tonight.
49
50 Sidhu withdrew his motion.
51
52
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 3
1 COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
2
3 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
4 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON STATE
5 MILITARY DEPARTMENT TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE THE WHATCOM
6 COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
7 PROGRAM, WITH FUNDING FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
8 SECURITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT (EMPG)
9 PROGRAM, CFDA #97.042, IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,048 (AB2015 -344)
10
11 Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
12
13 The motion carried by the following vote:
14 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
15 Nays: None (0)
16
17 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
18
19 3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2016 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIRST
20 REQUEST, IN THE NET AMOUNT OF $7,389,037 (AB2015 -326A)
21
22 (Clerk's Note: Discussion continued from earlier in the meeting.)
23
24 Louws stated all department heads are available to answer questions.
25
26
27 COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEMS
28
29 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
30 GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
31 STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO FUND SOLID WASTE COMPLIANCE
32 MANAGEMENT AND LITTERING AND ILLEGAL DUMPING ENFORCEMENT
33 SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $132,163 (AB2015 -345)
34
35 Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
36
37 The councilmembers discussed a citizen complaint about the Herald throwing
38 unsolicited advertisements onto people's lawns.
39
40 Jeff Hegedus, Health Department, stated it is a legal activity. People can opt out of
41 receiving the advertisements.
42
43 The motion carried by the following vote:
44 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
45 Nays: None (0)
46
47 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
48 GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
49 STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO FUND OPERATION OF A FIXED TOXICS
50 FACILITY USED FOR PROPER DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING OF MODERATE
51 RISK WASTES AND THREE RURAL WASTE OIL AND ANTIFREEZE COLLECTION
52 STATIONS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $341,320 (AB2015 -346)
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 4
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
Nays: None (0)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY FOR ACADEMY ROAD STORMWATER
IMPROVEMENTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $424,310.03 (AB2015 -347)
Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
Nays: None (0)
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO FUND ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACTION
PROJECTS FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,000 (AB2015 -348)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
Nays: None (0)
6. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF IDENTIFYING 2016 AND 2017 SALARIES
AND BENEFITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS (AB2015 -349)
Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
Nays: None (0)
7. RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -067 IN THE MATTER OF
ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND POLICIES FOR UNREPRESENTED
WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2015, THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2016 (AB2015 -350)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
Nays: None (0)
(Clerk's Note: Discussion continued later in the meeting.)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 5
1 8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AMEND THE
2 STIMPSON FAMILY NATURE RESERVE TRAIL EASEMENT TO INCLUDE
3 ADDITIONAL PARCELS (AB2015 -351)
4
5 Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
6
7 The motion carried by the following vote:
8 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
9 Nays: None (0)
10
11 7. RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -067 IN THE MATTER OF
12 ADOPTING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND POLICIES FOR UNREPRESENTED
13 WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2015, THROUGH
14 DECEMBER 31, 2016 (AB2015 -350)
15
16 (Clerk's Note: Discussion continued from earlier in the meeting.)
17
18 The councilmembers discussed a substitute page of the resolution that adds a salary
19 range for the Deputy Executive, whether the position needs to be a department head, the
20 transition from the Deputy Administrator to the Deputy Executive, whether the position can
21 be replaced if a new Executive is elected in the future, the net difference in cost from this
22 year and next year, the total number of department heads in the county, and whether the
23 position needs Council confirmation.
24
25 Mann stated he would like a list of the department heads.
26
27 Buchanan stated he would like to know what salary range each department head is
28 assigned to.
29
30 The following staff answered questions:
31 • Nan Kallunki, Administrative Services Department
32 • Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office
33 • Jack Louws, County Executive
34
35 Buchanan moved to recommend approval of the resolution with the substitute
36 page.
37
38 The motion carried by the following vote:
39 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
40 Nays: None (0)
41
42 9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
43 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND EBERLE VIVIAN FOR
44 ADMINISTRATION AND CLAIMS PROCESSING FOR THE SELF - INSURED
45 WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,000
46 (AB2015 -352)
47
48 Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
49
50 The motion carried by the following vote:
51 Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
52 Nays: None (0)
53
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 6
1
10.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
2
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PITNEY BOWES, USING
3
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT #02713, FOR NEW MAIL SERVICES
4
EQUIPMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,007.80 (AB2015 -353)
5
6
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
7
8
The motion carried by the following vote:
9
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
10
Nays: None (0)
11
12
11.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ACCEPT SUN
13
LIFE STOP -LOSS POLICY FOR INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR THE SELF -
14
INSURED MEDICAL PROGRAM FOR 2016 (AB2015 -354)
15
16
Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
17
18
The motion carried by the following vote:
19
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
20
Nays: None (0)
21
22
12.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2016 RECOMMENDED CONVENTION CENTER
23
ALLOCATIONS FOR TOURISM - RELATED FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES AS
24
DEFINED THROUGH RCW 67.28.1816 (AB2015 -355)
25
26
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
27
28
The motion carried by the following vote:
29
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
30
Nays: None (0)
31
32
33
13.
REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE THE
34
PURCHASE OF TWO UNMARKED PATROL 2016 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR
35
PUVS FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, USING THE WASHINGTON STATE
36
CONTRACT #03713, FROM VENDOR COLUMBIA FORD, IN THE AMOUNT OF
37
$68,237.66 (AB2015 -356)
38
39
Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
40
41
The councilmembers discussed the possibility of using Tesla electric cars.
42
43
Jeff Parks, Sheriff's Office, answered questions.
44
45
The motion carried by the following vote:
46
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
47
Nays: None (0)
48
49
14.
REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE
50
PURCHASE OF TWELVE MARKED PATROL 2016 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR
51
PUVS FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, USING THE WASHINGTON STATE
52
CONTRACT #03713, FROM VENDOR COLUMBIA FORD, IN THE AMOUNT OF
53
$408,945.13 (AB2015 -357)
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 7
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Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
Nays: None (0)
15. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
MORE THAN A YEAR OLD (AB2015 -358)
Buchanan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The councilmembers discussed writing off accounts receivables for people who have
the assets to pay.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Buchanan and Sidhu (2)
Nays: Browne (1)
16. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF WARRANTS MORE THAN A
YEAR OLD (AB2015 -359)
Sidhu moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The councilmembers discussed not using the term "warrants," a warrant against
PeaceHealth Medical Group, and where the unclaimed funds go.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, and Sidhu (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The megtingradjourned at 12:56 p.m.
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHAT OM CO NTY COUNCIL
WH4 M/C NTY, WASHINGTON
Rud Browne, Committee Chair
Finance and Administrative Services Committee, 11/24/2015, Page 8