HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance Jul 9 2024Whatcom 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, July 9, 2024
10 AM
Hybrid Meeting
HYBRID MEETING ADJOURNS BY 11:15 AM - MAY BEGIN EARLY
(PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN INSTRUCTIONS AT
www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL 360.778.5010)
COUNCILMEMBERS
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Kaylee Galloway
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final July 9, 2024
Services Committee
Call Tr Qrder
Roll Call
Committee Chair Todd Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m. in
a hybrid meeting.
Present: 3 - Tyler Byrd, Kaylee Galloway, and Todd Donovan
Also Present: Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler
Announcements
Council "Consent Agenda" Items
Galloway moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda items one
through 22.
Councilmembers asked questions.
Consent Agenda Item #12 AB2024-439)
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, answered whether they have
considered bringing the work of this contract in house and making it County
employment as opposed to a contract. She stated the Sheriff, Facilities, and
Executive's offices talk about it often but no decisions have been made.
There is a possible role that has been discussed for the Sheriff's Office
around courthouse security. The cost is a big factor for why they might
contract the work out as opposed to bringing it in house.
Scanlon stated he would be interested in having more discussion about that.
Consent Agenda Item #17 (AB2024-4451
Schott-Bresler answered what the syringe services program looks like in
Whatcom County, what the data is to show that it is helping, and how they
measure success. She briefed the Councilmembers on the program.
Donovan stated that the Council previously voted to expand the number of
hours that the program is runnings and Councilmembers and staff answered
where the program takes place.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated another way to look at success would
be that the lack of such a program would mean finding syringes anywhere
and everywhere.
Erika Lautenbach, Health and Community Services Director, stated they
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have a mobile site right now and will be located in the Way Station once that
is finished. She spoke about the program.
Shamika Brooks, Health and Community Services, and Lela Riherd, Health
and Community Services, answered whether they count how many referrals
they give out and how many of those are actually used or engaged. Riherd
stated she does not have specific numbers at this time but it is something
they do try to build into the program.
Consent Agenda Item#2AB2024-417)
Amanda Burnett, Health and Community Services, answered questions about
the funding and stated it is existing funding from the Behavioral Health
Fund. She answered whether the services are just for homeschool students,
and stated it is for all students across all seven districts, regardless of how
they attend. She answered how it is different from counselors who are
onsite at the schools, and stated there are not mental health professionals
available for many students in the county. She answered how parents are
engaged or notified, and stated the services are K-12, so all students from
age five to twelve would be able to access services with their parents.
Washington State law states that students over thirteen do not need to have
their parents' permission, but they are going to encourage that parents still
be involved.
Donovan stated he does not understand why the County is funding school
districts.
Burnett answered whether the conversation has occurred with school
districts about whether they could potentially fund these programs
themselves.
Elenbaas stated if they want to see change, a no vote would encourage
change.
Byrd requested that Consent Agenda item #2 (AB2024-417) be considered
separately.
Schott-Bresler stated this contract was the result of the execution of a plan
for prevention spending that was already approved by Council.
Health Department staff spoke about the responsibility they feel to address
priority issues and they answered questions about parental involvement.
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Donovan stated the motion then is to recommend approval for Consent
Agenda item numbers 1 and 3-22.
Councilmembers discussed getting a summary presentation on the youth
components of the All Hands Whatcom summit, the opinion that it is not
the County's job to fill in for where the legislature dropped the ball, and the
belief that parents should be involved and that they need to support families.
More questions on Consent Agenda Item #17SAB2024-445)
Ann Beck, Health and Community Services, answered what emergency
childcare vouchers are, and whether all families can access those vouchers.
Scanlon asked why the Department of Health charges local jurisdictions to
use their videos.
Councilmembers voted on the Consent items 1 and 3-22 (see votes on
individual items below).
1. AB2024-406. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Snohomish County to utilize State Homeland Security Grant
Program (SHSP) funding to sustain and enhance Division of Emergency Management
programs, in the amount of $41,307
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
2. AB2024- i 1 /. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Uwill, Inc. to provide school based teletherapy services, in the
amount of $150,000
This item was considered separately below.
3. AB2024-421.. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom Country and Pace CDL Consulting and CDL Training to provide
Commercial Driver's License Training and test preparation to Maintenance and
Operations employees, in the amount of $75,000
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
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Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
4. A137024-423. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Skagit County for the purpose of providing each
other with labor, equipment, or materials on a reimbursable basis for road
maintenance activities through May 21, 2027
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
5. Af32024-4 j4. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Social
and Health Services to ensure a coordinated system of local developmental disability
services in the amount of $6,476,900, for a total amended agreement amount of
$12,546,270
Galloway moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
6. AB2024-4,26 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Ferndale Community Services to perform rural homeless
outreach services, in the amount of $55,377
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
7. A .20 4A31_ Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to
provide federal Ferry Boat Program (FBP) funds for the Lummi Island Ferry
operatings costs, in the amount of $1,099,507.00
Galloway moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
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AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
8. AB2024,-4333 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and the State of Washington Department of Ecology to receive
funding for Water Resource Inventory Area 1 (WRIA 1) collaborative water supply
planning, in the amount of $485,600.00
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
9. AB2024-435 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and the Executive Office of the President Office of National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP) to implement the strategy of the Northwest High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in the amount of $170,590.00
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
10. B2101 24-4'3 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and RH2 to update the Whatcom County Coordinated
Water System Plan in the amount of $50,000, for a total amended contract amount of
$200,000
Galloway moved that theContract be i.1<+'COP�^,tMENDED F OR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
11. A 320Z1--438 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and the City of Everson for participation in the
Floodplain Integrated Planning (FLIP) process in the amount of $25,000 for a total
amended agreement amount of $73,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County
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Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Galloway moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
12. A 2024-439 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Pacific Security for patrol services, in the amount of
$64,260.00
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
13. AB2024-440 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Greg Dibble to extend the lease at 600
Dupont Street, Suite 100, in the amount of $257,21.7.36, for a total amended amount
of $500,843.00
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
14. A 202 ; 442 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Tolin Law Firm to provide legal representation for the
preparation and completion of the resentencing hearing in the matter of State v. Ryan
Eugene Alexander in the amount of $10,001.00 for a total amended amount of
$50,000.00
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
15. li 132024-443 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
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amendment between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to provide funding
for the Alternative Response Team (ART) Program in the amount of $60,000, for a
total amended agreement amount of $630,096
Galloway moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
16. A B2024 444 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to support childcare stabilization
in Whatcom County in the amount of $119,305, for a total amended contract amount
of $618,038
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
17. AB2024 -445.. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health to provide
funding for various public health services in the amount of $1,948,136, for a total
amended agreement amount of $16,258,233
Galloway moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Q. __._.Q2024447i-,cqucSL approval l'lur uic vunty EXciiididc w award Bid #24-64 forthe purchase of
16 pair of night vision goggles with helmet mounts from Steele Industries, Inc., located
in Bradenton, Florida, in an amount not to exceed $190,979.27
Galloway moved that the Bid Award be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
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19. AB2024 448 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a commercial lease
agreement between Whatcom County and Cornwall Center Inc. for use of parking
spaces at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center over five years with cost sharing from
the City of Bellingham and Whatcom Council on Aging, in the amount of $133,464
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
20. AB2024-449 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Military Department for
pass -through funding to support the What -Comm Communication Center in the
amount of $52,900
Galloway moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
21. A132024A457 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Criminal Justice Training
Commission for reimbursement of expenses, in the amount of $84,000
Galloway moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
22. AB2024-4 8 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and TBL Investigations and Consulting, LLC for background
investigations, in the estimated amount of $40,000 per year
Galloway moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
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Council "Consent Agenda" Items Considered Separately
2. AB2024- 1 1. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Uwill, Inc. to provide school based teletherapy services, in the
amount of $150,000
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 2 - Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Abstain: I - Byrd
Special Presentation
1. AB20244116 Presentation from Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism President and CEO Dylan
Deane -Boyle
Because of unexpected circumstances the presenter was not available to
present.
Galloway moved that the Presentation be HELD IN COMMITTEE. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council
A'32 ;24 32 County Executive requests approval of the Economic Development Investment (EDI)
Board's recommendation for funding to support the City of Bellingham's Bear Creek
Corridor Construction Project, the City of Lynden's Wastewater Treatment Plant
Capacity and Nutrient Improvement Project, the City of Ferndale Water Treatment
Plant Upgrades and Douglas Deep Well Projects, and the Housing Affordability
through the Workforce Program
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, answered questions about
differences in the applications, why the Lynden application does not show
that there have been audit findings or show the amounts awarded for past
projects, and why the Council is not getting presentations that would break
down each of the projects. She stated they would be happy to have the
applicants come and do formal presentations if that is Council's desire.
Donovan spoke about issues with the EDI process itself.
Schott-Bresler answered what the Housing Affordable through the Work
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Force request (on file as "HATWF Funding Request") is and stated it is
filling out the budget in case additional applications come in for the
affordable housing impact fee program. She stated, because there were no
presentations today, Council could hold this item and consider this
concurrently with contracts coming forward or with a budget supplemental,
or could approve this with the understanding that they would want the cities
here for presentations concurrent with the contract adoption. She stated the
most time -sensitive one would be the HATWF which is not dependent on
the cities.
Galloway stated she would be inclined to hold this today and just move
forward with the Housing Affordability through the Workforce funding
request. She would like the Council to think about whether this is how they
would like to be spending this fund balance, and would like to make sure
every city is accessing these funds proportionately.
Schott-Bresler stated they could bring the cities for presentations and could
put together some policy memos that answer some of the questions about
historic funding per jurisdiction as well as some of their thoughts that they
are planning on discussing with the EDI board in August as they think about
program reform. She stated separating out the housing affordability is not
necessary.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated he concurs with Councilmember
Donovan that our EDI program does need a bit of an overhaul. He stated
they would prefer for applicants to get more loans and fewer grants, and
spoke about reformation needed in the application process.
Donovan spoke about a resolution approved by Council regarding
restructuring of the board and asked about the status of scheduling a
discussion of that at an EDI meeting.
Jori Burnett, City of Ferndale, stated he spoke to Lynden this morning and
answered the earlier question about whether they have been audited. He
stated they had to go through the annual State audit and that there have been
no audit findings, just management letters.
Councilmembers spoke about thoughts for how EDI funds should be used
and hearing from cities how funds would be tied to the cities growing in a
denser way within their city limits, looking at whether there are other
sources of funding in cities that are not bearing the burden because of EDI
money covering for them, and getting an update on the reason the EDI fund
was implemented.
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Galloway moved that the Special Executive Only Item be RECOMMENDED
TO HOLD IN COMMITTEE until the Executive's Office can schedule the
presentations: The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Items Added by Revision
Other Business
Adjournment
There were no agenda items added by revision.
There was no other business.
The meeti � °d 949:42 a.m.
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Cathy Hatkii,: Council Clerk
Kristi Felbinger, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Todd Donovan -via email 7/22/2024
Todd Donovan, Committee Chair
{f'hatcom County page II