HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance Dec 5 2023Whatcom County
Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Committee Minutes - Final
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
9:45 AM
Hybrid Meeting
HYBRID MEETING - ADJOURNS BY NOON (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE
REMOTE JOIN INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR
CALL 360.778.5010), AGENDA REVISED 12.5.2023
COUNCILMEMBERS
Todd Donovan
Carol Frazey
Kathy Kershner
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final December 5, 2023
Services Committee
Call To Order
Roll Call
Committee Chair Kathy Kershner called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m.
in a hybrid meeting.
Present: 3 - Todd Donovan, Carol Frazey, and Kathy Kershner
Also Present: Tyler Byrd, Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, and Kaylee Galloway
Announcements
Council "Consent Aizenda" Items
Donovan moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through 39.
Galloway asked questions about the following Consent Agenda items:
3 - AB2023-720
The following people answered questions:
• Tyler Schroeder, Director of Administrative Services
• Doug Chadwick, Undersheriff
They answered what the funds to the County were spent on and if they were
directly related to salmon recovery or some other direct mitigation
measures. They stated the impact payments are used to compensate the
County for public safety services.
4 - AB2023-768
Chris D'Onofrio, Health and Community Services, answered a question
about the timeline for when the Millworks project would be occupied and
stated it is expected to open in the spring.
26 - AB2023-803
Rob Ney, Administrative Services Department Facilities, answered
questions about what the profit will be for the city vehicle chargers and
whether there is a way to keep them economically accessible. He stated
they will be located on County property and will be available at no charge
for both the County and City of Bellingham fleets as well as for metered
citizen use if no one else is using them.
Councilmembers voted on the Consent items (see votes on individual items
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below).
1. AB2023-596 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Washington State University to continue the jointly
shared costs for faculty positions and program support for WSU Whatcom County
Extension in the amount of $274,037 for a total amended contract amount of
$3,260,536.90
Donovan moved that the Memorandum of Agreement be RECOMMENDED
FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
2. AB2023-700 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham to lease the
Whatcom Unified Emergency Coordination Center in the annual amount of
$88,055.20
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
3. AB2023-720 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Seattle (Seattle City Light) for the purpose
of recovering impact payments relative to their power plants and dams located in
Whatcom County
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
4. AB2023-768 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Mercy Housing Northwest to support operations at
permanent supportive housing facilities in the amount of $51,000 for a total amended
contract amount of $260,250
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
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vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
5. AB2023-770 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
(DVSAS) to operate emergency shelters in the amount of $65,307 for a total
amended contract amount of $116,870
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
6. AB2023-777 Resolution ordering the cancellation of unredeemed checks (warrants) more than one
year old
Donovan moved that the Resolution be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
7. AB2023-780 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Administrative Office of the Courts for
reimbursement for costs related to the Water Rights Adjudication in the amount of
$881,300
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
8. AB2023-781 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal amendment
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to extend the term of the Jail
Use Agreement until December 31, 2024
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
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Nay: 0
9. A132023-782 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal amendment
between Whatcom County and the City of Sumas to extend the term of the Jail Use
Agreement until December 31, 2024
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
10. A132023-783 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and RH2 to update the Whatcom County Coordinated Water
System Plan, in the amount of $150,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
11. AB2023-786 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a 2-year contract
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Law Group / Rajeev Majumdar for hearing
examiner services for $220,320
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
12. AB2023-787 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Stephen Jackson Law, PLLC in order to have Stephen
Jackson handle the RALJ Appeal matters for the Whatcom County Public Defender's
Office for increased service costs in the amount of $10,000.00
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
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13. AB2023-789 Request Authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and the Washington State Office of Public Defense for the purpose
of improving the quality of public defense services in Washington State counties in the
amount of $213,905.00
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
14. AB2023-790 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and U.S. Department of Justice for the FY23 Community
Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program grant, in the
amount of $500,000.00
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
15. AB2023-792 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and YWCA Bellingham to operate a severe weather shelter for
homeless women, in the amount of $385,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
16. AB2023-793 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Foundation Restoration LLC to install new FasTop SL45
Flooring at Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics, in the amount of $53,877.98
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
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17. AB2023-794 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Whatcom Conservation District for Pollution
Identification and Correction (PIC) Program technical assistance and cost share, in
the amount of $71,000.00 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control
Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Donovan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
18. AB2023-795 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Whatcom Conservation District to implement the
Domestic -Municipal Water Use Efficiency Project, in the amount of $33,000.00
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors)
Donovan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
19. AB2023-796 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce for Visitor Center
operations in the amount of $136,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
20. AB2023-797 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Mount Baker Foothills for Visitor Center operations in the
amount of $146,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
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Nay: 0
21. AB2023-798 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism for costs related to
tourism efforts in the amount of $200,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
22. AB2023-799 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and Northwest Tune Up, LLC in support of tourism activities in the
amount of $50,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
23. AB2023-800 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham in support of an art installation project
to promote tourism in the amount of $75,000
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
24. AB2023-801 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Sustainable Connections for their Agritourism program to
promote tourism in the amount of $40,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
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25. AB2023-802 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into Grant Amendment No. 1
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology, to
provide for continued implementation of the Swift Creek Management Action Plan in
the amount of $1,040,989.97
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
26. AB2023-803 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the installation of City
owned and operated electric vehicle chargers
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
27. AB2023-804 Request approval for the County Executive to award bid # 23-73 to successful
bidder Faber Construction Corp and enter into a contract for the installation of a new
modular office building at the Point Roberts Transfer Station, in the amount of
$228,060.00
Donovan moved that the Bid Award be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
28. AB2023-805 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Everson for implementation of the Hazard
Mitigation Grant Agreement to purchase twelve flood -damaged properties, four of
which are in the City of Everson (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood
Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Donovan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
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Nay: 0
29. AB2023-806 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center to
provide Leasing Specialist services in the amount of $49,467 for a total amended
contract amount of $78,620
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
30. AB2023-807 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a three-year agreement,
using the State of Washington contract, between Whatcom County and Insight Public
Sector for Neogov Onboard, Perform and Single Sign -On software, in the amount of
$150,695.09
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
31. AB2023-810 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and YWCA Bellingham to operate shelter and transitional
housing facilities in the amount of $223,954 for a total amended contract amount of
$422,438
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
32. AB2023-812 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Sound Earth Strategies LLC to provide remedial
investigation/feasibility study and construction and permitting support services for the
removal of existing underground storage tanks and sight remediation at the Whatcom
County Central Shop facility, in the amount of $138,737.00
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
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vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
33. AB2023-818 Request authorization for the County Executive to authorize binding of coverage with
Midwest Employer Casualty renewal for insurance protection for the self -insured
workers compensation program in the amount of $120,358 for calendar year 2024
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
34. AB2023-821 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Sean Humphrey House to operate permanent
supportive housing facilities for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the amount of
$59,000 for a total amended contract amount of $111,600
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
35. AB2023-823 Request approval for the County Executive to award renewal of the Microsoft
Enterprise Agreement for Annual Software Maintenance and enter into a three-year
contract with CDW-G using the approved KCDA Cooperative Contract #AEPA
022-G, in the amount of $849,567.27
Donovan moved that the Bid Award be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
36. A132023-826 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Summit Law Group to provide legal services for matters
related to collective bargaining, in the amount not to exceed $89,076 annually through
December 31, 2026
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
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December 5, 2023
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
37. AB2023-829 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant contract between
Whatcom County and the Department of Commerce for the purpose of providing
stabilization support to new refugees in the amount of $300,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
38. AB2023-830 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract agreement
between World Relief Western Washington and Whatcom County for the provision
of direct services assisting in the stabilization of newly arriving refugees in the amount
of $300,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
39. AB2023-834 Resolution certifying Whatcom County's property tax levies for collection in 2024 to
the County Assessor
Donovan moved that the Resolution be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council
1. AB2023-746 Ordinance closing Sudden Valley Stormwater Improvement Fund 371
Frazey moved that the Ordinance be RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
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Nay: 0
2. AB2023-752 Ordinance closing the Marine Drive, Locust Avenue to Alderwood Avenue Fund 380
Donovan moved that the Ordinance be RECOMMENDED FOR
ADOPTION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
3. AB2023-754 Ordinance amending the 2023 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 16, in the
amount of 9,531,078
Frazey moved that the Ordinance be RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION.
Tyler Schroeder, Director of Administrative Services, answered whether we
already put money into the Community Priorities Fund, how much is
currently in there, and whether it can be used beyond the American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA) deadline. He stated there is $9.4 million in the fund and it
is using ARPA money for revenue loss which then allows us to utilize it in
this fund beyond the ARPA deadline.
Frazey's motion that the Ordinance be RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
4. AB2023-763 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to operate the Positive
Adolescent Development Program in the amount of $140,000 for a total amended
contract amount of $259,600
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
5. AB2023-766 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom County Fire Protection District #7 for the
provision of Advanced Life Support services, in the amount of $3,189,754.00
Frazey moved that the SUBSTITUTE Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION.
Mike Hilley, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Manager, answered what
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the edits in the substitute are accomplishing, and whether the scope of work
issues with the EMS Captain position have been resolved. He stated these
were the language changes that were sent to him from the District 7 and
Bellingham Fire Department fire chiefs.
Frazey stated there was a lot of time since February to talk about this and
she does not know what happened in the last three weeks. District 7 has a
little more than a fourth of the EMS calls so it looks like the position is
needed. She thinks it went through all the right channels and does not see
the reason this would not be supported.
The following people spoke about the outcomes of the meeting that took
place last week and where each entity stands:
Michael Gustafson, Whatcom Seven Firefighters Guild, stated as far
as their labor group is concerned, they are happy with where this sits
right now and would like the Council to pass this and the next
contract.
Scott Farrell, International Association of Firefighters Local 106,
stated IAFF Local 106 supports the passing of the District 7 contract
with an amendment of removing the proposed EMS Captain position
and he feels there is more work to do to appropriately respect both
labor groups' aspects and position. He answered Councilmembers'
questions.
• Larry Hoffman, Fire Chief at District 7, spoke about the meeting and
stated they are asking that the Council pass the contract in its form
and that they get the administrative support. He answered
Councilmembers' questions and stated they are looking for the same
level that the Bellingham paramedics get.
Donovan moved to amend the interlocal to remove the EMS Captain and
approve the contract with the understanding that the groups need more time
to talk.
Hoffman and Hilley answered questions and Councilmembers discussed the
motion to amend.
The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
Aye: 1 - Donovan
Nay: 2 - Frazey and Kershner
Frazey's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Interlocal be RECOMMENDED
FOR AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
6. AB2023-767 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the provision of Advanced
Life Support services, in the amount of $12,830,990.00
Frazey moved that the SUBSTITUTE Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
7. AB2023-771 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to operate the permanent
supportive housing facility, 22 North, in the amount of $648,568 for a total amended
contract amount of $1,486,670
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION.
Kershner requested that after she leaves her office, that Councilmembers
continue to follow and track this to make sure that the people living at 22
North continue to receive the support that is necessary to keep the place a
safe place to live.
Chris D'Onofrio, Health and Community Services, answered whether these
recommendations came from the Opportunity Council or from the Health
and Community Services Department and stated Health and Community
Services has been in communication with the Opportunity Council over the
last year and these are some of the things we talked about and thought were
going to help with ongoing stability.
Donovan's motion that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
8. AB2023-784 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to operate the Ground Floor
Day -Use Center, in the amount of $170,000
Frazey moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION.
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Chris D'Onofrio, Health and Community Services, answered whether this is
a new facility or whether it is what they have been calling The Pad, and he
stated it is something different and is a day -use shelter located in the
basement of the First Congregational Church in Bellingham.
Frazey's motion that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
9. AB2023-809 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Pioneer Human Services to operate a permanent
supportive housing facility known as City Gate, in the amount of $568,733 for a total
amended contract amount of $2,078,683
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION.
Chris D'Onofrio, Health and Community Services, spoke about the funding
source and stated it is funded with the Behavioral Health Fund as well as
local document recording fees.
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Strategic Initiatives Special Programs Manager,
answered how the fund balance of the Behavioral Health Fund is doing and
stated the balance can support this.
Erika Lautenbach, Health and Community Services Director, spoke about
the term and amount for contracts passed in August for the budgets for
schools and how those affected the fund balance.
Donovan stated it would be great to get an update next year about the
long-term trajectory of that fund.
Donovan's motion that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
10. AB2023-819 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to provide housing case
management services in the amount of $1,231,981 for a total amended contract
amount of $3,160,183
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Frazey moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
11. AB2023-820 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center to provide
behavioral health support services at the downtown Bellingham Public Library, in the
amount of $185,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION.
Malora Christensen, Health and Community Services, answered whether
this is the contract that will be let after the decision to put a mental health
therapist in the library was made a month or so ago, and stated that is
correct. She answered whether the City is kicking in for part of this and
stated it is a partnership between the City of Bellingham and Health and
Community Services.
Donovan's motion that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Items Added by Revision
1. AB2023-838 Request authorization for the County Executive, acting on behalf of the Flood Control
Zone District, to take out loans from the Whatcom County Investment Pool
Frazey moved that the Request for Motion be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL.
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, briefed the Councilmembers and
stated they have been doing a lot of repair work over the last couple years
(particularly on Truck Road) for which they are waiting for FEMA
reimbursement and in the meantime, the work has created a cash flow
problem at the same time they are trying to implement the FEMA buyout
program. These loans would give them the ability to move forward with
purchases of properties without delaying anymore.
Steve Oliver, County Treasurer, answered whether we would be borrowing
from the County's portion and whether it requires approval beyond the
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final December 5, 2023
Services Committee
Other Business
Adjournment
Council. He stated this is authority that has been in place for quite some
time and the County has made these types of cash flow loans to districts. It
is usually the same case as in this situation in which they have to perform
work to get reimbursed from an agency but they do not have the cash to
actually perform the work in order to get the reimbursement. He answered
whether there would be interest on the promissory note from the flood
control zone district and stated there would be.
Stoyka answered whether they would also be asking FEMA for the interest
reimbursement and he stated they are looking into that.
Oliver stated Council may want to look at amending the usage of the
County's rainy -day reserve fund in the next biennium to make that available
to the flood control zone district. He answered whether FEMA
reimbursement will go directly to the loan payoff, whether it is market rate
or whether we get a deal, and whether this requires the approval of the
Administrative Finance Committee that oversees the investment fund.
Tyler Schroeder, Director of Administrative Services, stated they have been
reaching out to the Federal delegation about the FEMA repayments of Truck
Road and Marine Drive and they have been helping move FEMA forward to
get the process done to get the reimbursement.
Frazey's motion that the Request for Motion be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
There was no other business.
The meeting adjourned at 11 a.m.
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final
Services Committee
ATETU•®�•'•®®� .
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Dana Brow*ftj aV1Se0uncil Clerk
A: tL r
Kristi Felbinger, Minutes Transcription
December 5, 2023
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Kathy Kershner-via email 12/11/2023
Kathy Kershner, Committee Chair
Whatcone County Page /8