HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Committee of the Whole 1030 am November 9 20161
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Special Committee of the Whole
November 9, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Satpal Sidhu, Carl Weimer, Rud Browne
and Barry Buchanan
Absent: Todd Donovan
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD (AB2016 -322)
Sidhu moved to approve the resolution.
Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, answered questions about
amounts that have been turned over to a collections agency, which was not able to collect
the amounts owed.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (out of the room) and Donovan (2)
2. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF CHECKS (WARRANTS)
MORE THAN ONE YEAR OLD (AB2016 -323)
Weimer moved to approve the resolution.
The motion was seconded.
Brad Bennett, Administrative Services Department, answered questions about
uncashed checks issued from the fire districts to individuals and check recipients who can
still collect their money.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 1
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WHATCOM
CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR THE LAKE WHATCOM HOMEOWNER
INCENTIVE PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2016 -324)
Brenner moved to approve the request.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes:
Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
Nays:
None (0)
Abstains:
Browne (1)
Absent:
Donovan (1)
4. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO MAKE
APPLICATION AND ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE
WASHINGTON STATE RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE FOR
FUNDING THROUGH THE NONHIGHWAY AND OFF -ROAD VEHICLE
ACTIVITIES PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF NON - MOTORIZED RECREATIONAL TRAILS AT LOOKOUT
MOUNTAIN FOREST PRESERVE AND LAKE WHATCOM PARK, AND $200,000
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON - MOTORIZED RECREATIONAL TRAILS AT
SOUTH FORK PARK (AB2016 -091C)
Mann moved to approve the request.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
Nays: Brenner (1)
Absent: Donovan (1)
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION AND FORMULATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A
PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2017 -2018 WHATCOM COUNTY
BUDGET (AB2016 -198C)
Forrest Longman, County Council Office, submitted a handout of proposed Council
changes (on file) and gave a staff report.
Councilmembers referenced the handout for the following motions.
Buchanan moved to increase funding for the Domestic Violence Commission by
$15,000. The motion was seconded.
Jack Louws, County Executive, gave a staff report on the larger request by the
Commission of the County in the amount of $30,000. He is concerned with the potential
challenges from integrating the faith community. Also, there are many organizations in
need in the community.
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 2
1
2 Browne moved to hold the motion to get more information from the Commission on
3 their connection with the faith community.
4
5 Councilmembers discussed the benefit of the Commission in working with the faith
6 community and funding the Commission in developing a program of outreach to those
7 community.
8
9 The motion failed by the following vote:
10 Ayes: Browne (1)
11 Nays: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
12 Absent: Donovan (1)
13
14 The motion to increase funding carried by the following vote:
15 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
16 Nays: None (0)
17 Absent: Donovan (1)
18
19 Brenner moved to eliminate the Parks and Recreation Department and described
20 the services overlap with other departments, as shown in the handout.
21
22 The motion was seconded.
23
24 Councilmembers discussed what the actual savings and cost would be, feedback
25 from the departments about the impact of eliminating the Parks Department and moving
26 programs into other departments, and keeping parks services consolidated for the benefit of
27 the public.
28
29 The motion failed by the following vote:
30 Ayes: Brenner (1)
31 Nays: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
32 Absent: Donovan (1)
33
34 Brenner moved to add funding to the senior centers in the amount of $80,000 per
35 year and described the intent and impact to eight centers operated by Whatcom County to
36 increase programming.
37
38 The motion was seconded.
39
40 The following staff commented and answered questions:
41 • Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, gave a staff
42 report on other municipalities and donors to the senior centers and specifying
43 which programs toward which additional funding would go. Staff is planning a
44 roundtable discussion with the senior centers in December or January.
45 • Jack Louws, County Executive
46
47 Councilmembers discussed inviting the senior centers to the Council to discuss their
48 needs, the increasing senior population, and not having a specific request from the centers.
49
50 Sidhu moved to amend to allocate $40,000 as a placeholder for senior center
51 programs and services, and allow the senior centers to present their needs to the Parks
52 Department. The Council and Parks Department will then be able to allocate that money
53 appropriately.
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 3
1
2 The motion was seconded.
3
4 Councilmembers and Executive Louws discussed encouraging the senior centers to
5 make specific proposals and requests to the County, how the Executive receives requests
6 from nonprofit agencies, how to fund an increase for the senior centers and other
7 nonprofits, having presentations from nonprofits to the Council throughout the year, and
8 creating an annual process to allow people to submit requests for funding.
9
10 The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
11 Ayes: Brenner and Sidhu (2)
12 Nays: Weimer, Mann, Browne, and Buchanan (4)
13 Absent: Donovan (1)
14
15 The motion to add funding failed by the following vote:
16 Ayes: Brenner (1)
17 Nays: Sidhu, Weimer, Mann, Browne, and Buchanan (5)
18 Absent: Donovan (1)
19
20 Brenner moved to not approve full -time equivalent (FTE) positions for a proposed
21 facilities project and operations manager and an assistant, as shown in the Executive's
22 proposed budget for 2017 and 2018. The positions are new and very expensive.
23
24 Councilmembers discussed the pending capital facilities projects and ensuring the
25 County receives competitive bids.
26
27 The motion failed by the following vote:
28 Ayes: Brenner (1)
29 Nays: Sidhu, Weimer, Mann, Browne, and Buchanan (5)
30 Absent: Donovan (1)
31
32 Browne moved to transfer funds from the public utilities improvement fund, known
33 as the rural sales tax or economic development investment (EDI) fund, to a dedicated
34 economic development fund to be used for economic development activities, pending
35 consultation with rural sales tax stakeholders, per RCW 82.14.370.
36
37 The motion was seconded.
38
39 Louws stated the County must engage and consult with the Cities and tax
40 contributors. He invited councilmembers to attend an EDI Board meeting.
41
42 Councilmembers discussed the funding amount per population, whether the public
43 utilities improvement fund can be used for this purpose, having a discussion with the EDI
44 Board to review the allocation process, consulting with the business community that
45 contributes most to the economic development funds, creating a sunset date, the efforts of
46 Team Whatcom, taking a business approach to encourage businesses to open up in the
47 community and create higher wage jobs.
48
49 Browne withdrew his motion pending the outcome of the next motion.
50
51 Louws suggested the Council send a letter to the EDI Board to have a discussion with
52 the Cities and EDI Board about developing a new method for allocating funds and look at
53 ways to augment economic development in Whatcom County.
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 4
1
2 Weimer moved to proviso the public utilities improvement fund, known as the rural
3 sales tax or economic development investment (EDI) fund, until a new approach to
4 allocating these funds can be identified.
5
6 The motion was seconded.
7
8 Councilmembers discussed undergoing a process to fix the EDI process and sending
9 a letter per the Executive's suggestion.
10
11 The motion carried by the following vote:
12 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
13 Nays: None (0)
14 Absent: Donovan (1)
15
16 Mann moved to allow a sliding scale for electronic home monitoring.
17
18 Bill Elfo, Sheriff, gave a staff report on waiving the application fee and /or the per day
19 charge for electronic home detention for indigent inmates. He answered questions on
20 developing a sliding scale, providing funding for renting equipment, changing the
21 appropriation versus providing funding, creating the program as a pilot for the first year,
22 and the amount charged for inmate phone calls.
23
24 Louws stated the Council needs to amend the unified fee schedule to allow for a
25 sliding scale.
26
27 Mann restated the motion to create a sliding fee scale for inmates, not cities, and
28 amend the unified fee schedule.
29
30 The motion carried by the following vote:
31 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
32 Nays: None (0)
33 Absent: Donovan (1)
34
35 (The Committee took a lunch break from 12 :15 to 1:20 p.m.)
36
37 Weimer moved to add funding for water management revenue planning in the
38 amount of $40,000 in 2017. He submitted a resolution requesting that the Executive
39 prepare alternative financing options for selected water resources services (on file).
40
41 The motion was seconded.
42
43 Jon Hutchings, Public Works Department Director, stated the amount is appropriate
44 to get outside analysis of different revenue streams. He answered questions about the type
45 of analysis needed, the possibility of using road funds, programs funded from the flood
46 fund, the declining flood fund, the amount of the flood fund paying for the national pollution
47 discharge elimination system (NPDES).
48
49 Brenner stated amend the description of action for the motion to allow for a new or
50 changed revenue system.
51
52
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 5
1 The motion carried by the following vote:
2 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
3 Nays: None (0)
4 Absent: Donovan (1)
5
6 Sidhu moved to create and fund a facilitator for an Economic Development Summit
7 in the amount of $5,000 for the year 2017.
8
9 The motion was seconded.
10
11 Louws stated the $5,000 can be added to the Council's budget.
12
13 Councilmembers discussed including Team Whatcom and other stakeholders.
14
15 The motion carried by the following vote:
16 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
17 Nays: None (0)
18 Absent: Donovan (1)
19
20 Mann moved to raise general fund revenue by one percent each year for the years
21 2017 and 2018.
22
23 The motion was seconded.
24
25 Councilmembers discussed competing increases for emergency medical services
26 (EMS) and funding for the jail and whether sales taxes or property taxes are better for
27 residents.
28
29 The motion carried by the following vote:
30 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Buchanan, and Weimer (4)
31 Nays: Brenner and Browne (2)
32 Absent: Donovan (1)
33
34 Mann moved to create a reserve to fund Incarceration Prevention and Reduction
35 Task Force recommendations in the amount of $250,000 of ongoing funding beginning in
36 the year 2018.
37
38 The motion was seconded.
39
40 Councilmembers discussed whether the Task Force recommendations will save the
41 County money and whether this placeholder money will come from general fund reserves or
42 a different source.
43
44 Louws stated he will make a political commitment to support the Task Force, but it is
45 unnecessary to set aside funds at this time.
46
47 Mann withdrew the motion and stated Executive Louws, Mr. Schroeder, and the
48 administration have been very good at supporting the Task Force's efforts.
49
50 Mann moved to expand the Nurse - Family Partnership in the amount of $251,045
51 per year for the years 2017 and 2018.
52
53 The motion was seconded.
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 6
1
2 Regina Delahunt, Health Department Director, answered questions about how quickly
3 they can expand the program and gave a staff report on the source of funding;
4 sustainability of the program if they use general fund dollars; and the timing of State
5 legislative funding foundational services, such as communicable disease prevention, which
6 generally receives minimal funding. Wait to see if they receive State funds from the
7 legislature for the foundational services, and consider using grant funds to expand the
8 Nurse - Family Partnership.
9
10 Councilmembers discussed increasing the program incrementally.
11
12 Louws stated he suggests that the Council adds $80,000 in 2017 to hire one FTE late
13 in 2017, and add $125,000 in 2018 for one FTE. In 2017, the FTE would be hired after the
14 legislature has made its budget decisions for the biennium, and the County will know the
15 impact to the Health Department. If the County can get additional funding for more, the
16 administration will request an additional FTE request. Don't hire these people, and then run
17 into a supplanting issue with the State.
18
19 Mann amended his motion and moved to hold this item to allow staff to develop
20 options to expand the program. The amended motion was seconded.
21
22 The motion to hold carried by the following vote:
23 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
24 Nays: None (0)
25 Absent: Donovan (1)
26
27 Mann moved to increase the budget for County Council staff in the amount of
28 $100,000 per year for the years 2017 and 2018.
29
30 The motion was seconded.
31
32 Councilmembers discussed ensuring the wage changes happen, whether the
33 administration has a process and procedure for funding reclassifications in other
34 departments, and impacts to the rest of the organization.
35
36 Mann withdrew his motion.
37
38 Buchanan moved to provide funding for the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center in
39 the amount of $25,000 per year for the years 2017 and 2018.
40
41 The motion was seconded.
42
43 Louws gave a staff report and answered questions on identifying a service the
44 County will receive in return for additional funding.
45
46 Forrest Longman, Council Office, stated he will look further into options for revenue
47 sources and whether they can justify public funding through diverting conflict from the court
48 system.
49
50 Councilmembers and staff discussed the current funding structure for the Dispute
51 Resolution Center.
52
53 Buchanan moved to hold until more information is available.
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 7
1
2 The motion to hold was seconded.
3
4 The motion to hold carried by the following vote:
5 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
6 Nays: None (0)
7 Absent: Donovan (1)
8
9 Sidhu described Councilmember Donovan's proposal to create a ferry replacement
10 fund.
11
12 Jon Hutchings, Public Works Department Director, gave a staff report on having a
13 discussion about saving money for a future replacement ferry and discussions with the
14 Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee. He recommends continuing the discussion rather
15 than creating a fund at this time.
16
17 Sidhu moved to create a ferry replacement fund.
18
19 Councilmembers discussed not depending on user fares to pay for a replacement
20 ferry.
21
22 Brenner moved to refer this item to the Public Works, Health, and Safety
23 Committee.
24
25 The motion was seconded.
26
27 The motion to refer to committee carried by the following vote:
28 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (5)
29 Nays: None (0)
30 Absent: Sidhu (out of the room) and Donovan (2)
31
32 Weimer moved to fund an assessment of current critical areas in 2017 in an
33 amount to be determined.
34
35 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, answered
36 questions and stated this item and Adjustment No. 18 regarding a forest resource lands
37 assessment and tracking program are in the work program currently.
38
39 Weimer amended his motion and moved to withdraw this item and Adjustment
40 No. 18 from Council consideration.
41
42 The motion carried by the following vote:
43 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
44 Nays: None (0)
45 Absent: Donovan (1)
46
47 Weimer moved to fund legal review of the County Council's authority and options
48 for limiting fossil fuel exports in the amount of $150,000 for the year 2017.
49
50 The motion was seconded.
51
52 Councilmembers discussed the appropriate funding amount, determining how much
53 authority the County has for regulating exports in the context of protecting public safety,
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 8
1 regulating safety and environmental impacts in the transshipment of hazardous materials,
2 requiring applicants for transportation- intensive projects to fully mitigate the impacts on the
3 existing business and transportation infrastructure, and requiring applicants to fully fund all
4 rail overpasses required to mitigate such impacts.
5
6 Browne suggested a friendly amendment to approve legal review of the Council's
7 authority to enact or enforce language of the moratoria the Council adopted.
8
9 Weimer suggested, "liFniting fossil fuel export safety."
10
11 Councilmembers continued to discuss how to make all types of transport safe versus
12 limiting what materials can be transported, conferring with Deputy Prosecutor Karen Frakes,
13 whether or not a legal review of the Council's authority should be done openly in the context
14 of the Comprehensive Plan or through litigation.
15
16 Weimer amended his motion and moved to hold to allow time to make the
17 language match the Comprehensive Plan and work with the Prosecutor's Office to come up
18 with the right expenditure amount.
19
20 The motion to hold in committee was seconded.
21
22 The motion to hold carried by the following vote:
23 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
24 Nays: None (0)
25 Absent: Donovan (1)
26
27 Weimer moved to fund a review of land use and development rules regarding
28 enforcement in the amount of $200,000 in the year 2017.
29
30 The motion was seconded.
31
32 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, gave a staff report
33 on Planning Department enforcement efforts.
34
35 Councilmembers discussed getting input from the existing enforcement officers about
36 the challenges of enforcement and if the staff are looking at how other counties do
37 enforcement.
38
39 Weimer withdrew his motion.
40
41 Brenner moved to fund Council Chamber improvements in the amount of $40,000
42 for the year 2017.
43
44 The motion was seconded.
45
46 Councilmembers discussed whether the cost to install two monitors is accurate and
47 whether the monitors can wirelessly project from a computer.
48
49 Longman submitted a handout on the estimate for a new audio and control system in
50 the Council Chambers (on file).
51
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 9
Louws stated he encourages the Council to put $40,000 in the budget. The
administration will follow purchasing, labor, installation and all other policies to do the
installation.
Perry Rice, Administrative Services Department, answered questions about the
display costs for commercial grade displays, creating a wired solution, and having multiple
locations to plug into the screens.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Donovan (1)
Councilmembers and staff discussed revising the unified fee schedule before it's
adopted.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
The Council_al�provpd these minutes on February 7, 2017.
C WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTEST- C' *. f ?/V*- r<r
.tOl,L`! * WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
k
Dana gown -bai is7,' Council Cl'er-k uc lanan, Council Chair
l,���/f1iII1N14�1111�4`'
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
Special Committee of the Whole (10:30 a.m.), 11/9/2016, Page 10