HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works February 9 20161
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee
February 9, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Rud Browne, and Ken Mann
Absent: None
Also Present: Carl Weimer, Barry Buchanan, Satpal Sidhu, and Todd Donovan
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT (AB2016 -087)
David Wallin, Western Washington University, described his background. He
submitted and read from a presentation (on file).
Browne stated Google Earth imagery is detailed enough to look inside the windows of
his home. Personalized quad - copters are being developed to transport a person, similar to
a motorcycle. As a pilot, he's sensitive to the safety issues.
Donovan asked if unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots are required to have liability
insurance. Wallin stated it's not required for recreational users.
Mann stated the State and federal governments will define the flight requirements.
Wallin stated local jurisdictions will also be involved.
2. PRESENTATION BY PUBLIC WORKS TO GO OVER THE ALTERNATIVES
ANALYSIS RECENTLY COMPLETED FOR THE SLATER ROAD /JORDAN CREEK
FISH PASSAGE PROJECT (AB2016 -077)
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, introduced James Lee and the topic.
James Lee, Public Works Department, submitted and read from a presentation (on
file).
Browne asked for the lifetime cost of the overall maintenance requirements. Lee
stated maintenance costs of the bridge will be less than the culvert over the lifetime.
Sidhu asked the difference between a bridge and a three -sided culvert. Lee
described the differences, which include the length of the span, the amount of excavation
required for culverts versus driving the support pilings for a bridge, and the 80 -foot right -of-
way.
Mann stated the report was well done, clear, and understandable.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 2/9/2016, Page 1
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Jon Hutchings, Public Works Department Director, stated the difference in cost
between alternatives 1 and 2 will be defined further when they have a full design. The
lifetime cost of the asset will be less if it's a bridge. There are a lot of Fish and Wildlife
Department permitting requirements for a three -sided culvert, adding to the cost of that
alternative.
Lee stated a bridge design provides more options for a fully functional fish passage.
Hutchings stated a bridge allows them to search for third -party funding.
Lee stated he will provide the information Councilmember Browne requested. The
bridge lifetime is about 75 years.
Linda Twitchell, Building Industry Association, asked if this is in a lahar zone.
Rutan stated it is not. It's potentially in a tsunami zone.
Jeff Calendar, Phillips 66, stated the proposed detour may have safety issues for
trucks. Lee stated they would create a separate truck detour.
Mann moved to recommend to the full Council that the Council Public Works
Department move forward with the preparation of plans, specifications, and cost estimates
for a full bridge replacement project using full road closure during construction.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, and Mann (3)
Nays: None (0)
3. PRESENTATION OF WHATCOM COUNTY COURTHOUSE EXTERIOR ENVELOPE
ASSESSMENT COMPLETED BY HKP ARCHITECTS AND PRESENTED BY HKP
ARCHITECTS (AB2016 -078)
Mike Russell, Administrative Services Department, introduced Brian Poppe from HKP
Architects.
Brian Poppe, HKP Architects, submitted and read from a presentation (on file).
Brenner asked if there was an indication of whether any of the problems were
intentional or neglectful. Poppe stated there was. The actual construction varied from the
as -built drawing and the design.
Mann asked why the weep holes in the original design would not have gotten
plugged. Poppe stated they might have, over time. As built, the weep holes were plugged
because water carried efflorescence material to a condensed number of weep holes, which
plugged up almost immediately and were nonfunctional.
Mann asked if keeping the weep holes unplugged is a maintenance consideration.
Poppe stated that if designed and installed properly, and they are managing the water as it
gets into the brick, it wouldn't be necessary. The maintenance would be to drill and clear
each hole.
Poppe continued and completed the presentation on the proposed solutions.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 2/9/2016, Page 2
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The Committee discussed the total square footage of the courthouse.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the administration is introducing the project
today. He thanked the contractors for their work on this project. He doesn't expect a
decision from the Council today.
Russell stated councilmembers can send their questions to him or the County's
project coordinator.
Donovan stated the contractor did not construct according to the contract. He asked
if it could be considered fraud. Russell stated that is a question for legal counsel. There
was a negotiated settlement in which the County gave away its rights.
Browne asked if they can draw the water out from a dehydration system. Russell
stated they have to stop the leaking first.
Browne asked if they can extend the daily construction schedule if they relocate the
juvenile offenders from the sixth floor. Russell stated it's possible.
Brenner stated she would like to see a copy of the negotiated settlement.
Louws stated option 1 did 'not include soft costs, and the total will be $28 million.
4. DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE ON THE PRELIMINARY JAIL
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (AB2016 -079)
Jack Louws, County Executive, submitted a handout (on file) and gave a staff report
on the potential for capital improvements to the jail and work center. Reports indicate there
are life safety issues with the main jail. The jail is severely unstable and there is potential
for loss of life. Also, it is wearing out. He and the Sheriff would like an operational and
structural analysis of the facility from an outside party. The analysis would include a variety
of mechanical systems and structural deficiencies and would determine how they can
enhance medical services. It will be at least five years before they can get into a new
facility. They will have to do something with the jail in the meantime.
They also want an analysis of various aspects of the work center, including the
kitchen, laundry, plumbing, heating /ventilation /air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and
upgrades to the walls and ceilings.
He referenced the packet materials and described the cost to keep the two facilities
running over the next several years, for a total of $10 million for both buildings. For now,
he plans to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) to find someone to do these analyses.
This is an update. He does not need a decision from the Council at this time.
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, stated they are doing what they can to minimize risk to the jail
population. He described problems they are having with the jail facility.
Mann stated he supports the RFQ. He asked how long these repairs would last
before they have to spend money on more repairs. He would like to know the longevity of
these repairs and options for long -term solutions. Elfo stated the RFQ respondents would
have to provide that information.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 2/9/2016, Page 3
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Weimer asked how much they would have to spend before a new facility can be built.
Lowes listed the repairs that are necessary soon.
Weimer asked how long they can wait before making these repairs. Louws stated
they must spend money on some of the repairs. He recommends that the Council work on
the jail issue as soon as possible.
Browne stated an analysis must include whether they can defer some of the costs by
moving some of the inmate population to other locations.
Sidhu stated the wise use of money in the long -term is to build a new facility as soon
as possible.
Brenner stated it sounds like the councilmembers are interested in going forward
with an RFQ.
S. DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE ON THE PRELIMINARY CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN (AB2016 -080)
Jack Louws, County Executive, continued to read from a presentation (on file)
submitted for the previous agenda item and described the existing condition of many
County buildings. It's time to invest in maintaining existing infrastructure.
Mann stated the $500 per square foot cost is excessive. Louws stated he agrees.
Browne asked if it would be less expensive to purchase other buildings and relocate.
Louws stated they would need $3 million to $5 million per year to pay for all this. A long-
term lease in another facility should be considered. They need to look at all options. He
concluded the presentation.
6. BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS,
UTILITIES (AB2016 -047E)
Cliff Strong, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read
from a presentation (on file).
Brenner stated any exceptions to limited urban levels of water service outside urban
growth areas (UGAs) must include a public benefit.
Sidhu stated the north part of the county in unincorporated areas have high nitrate
levels, and they don't have water. There was a proposal for the City of Lynden to provide
water. He asked the process by which the County gets involved in that problem.
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, stated the
coordinated water system plan (CWSP) update will address the problems. Other State
agencies are involved in the situation.
Strong continued the presentation.
Browne asked if alternative energy sources are in the Utility Chapter. Strong stated
they are. He concluded the presentation on the summary of changes. They will integrate
the findings of the CWSP. They sent this Chapter to all utilities for their review, and
received no responses.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 2/9/2016, Page 4
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Weimer stated the pipeline section doesn't match with current code, so he will
suggest changes.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
ATTESxT
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Dana rowr>! �l,J. %V ` uncil Clerk
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Committee Chair
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 2/9/2016, Page 5