HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance Jan 14 2025Whatcom 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, January 14, 2025
10:45 AM
Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers
HYBRID MEETING (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN
INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL
360.778.5010)
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
Call To Order
Roll Call
Committee member Todd Donovan called the meeting to order at I 1 a.m. in
a hybrid meeting.
Present: 3 - Tyler Byrd, Todd Donovan, and Barry Buchanan
Also Present: Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler
Announcements
Special Order of Business
AB2025-006 Nomination and appointment of Committee Chair
Buchanan moved that Donovan be nominated to chair the committee.
Byrd moved to nominate himself.
Donovan was appointed by the following vote:
Donovan: 2 - Buchanan and Donovan
Byrd: 1 - Byrd
Donovan was APPOINTED.
Appointed Donovan as Chair
Council "Consent Agenda" Items
Buchanan moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda items one
through twenty.
Councilmembers asked questions about the following Consent Agenda
items:
Consent Agenda Item # 14 (AB2025-035)
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, answered how this study compares
to what has been done in the past for these particular items. He spoke about
the funding, that these were the two water storage projects that the
Watershed Management Board could agree on for further study, the
estimates for how much the projects would cost, and whether any of these
properties would require property acquisitions if they are talking about
building reservoirs. He stated they could possibly require acquisition or
maybe just easements.
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
Consent Agenda Item # 18 (AB2025-046)
Steve Harris, Undersheriff, answered questions about the gun buyback
program, what its goal is, and what the boundaries are for how the funds
from the Attorney General's Office can be used. He stated they received
more money than what they originally asked for and would have to go back
to the Attorney General's Office to find out if it can be used for other
things such as community safety programs or firearm safety classes.
Councilmembers and Harris discussed the program and ideas about other
uses for the money if there is funding left.
Councilmembers voted on the Consent items (see votes on individual items
below).
1. AB2024-844 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement
between Whatcom County and Swinomish Health Services dba Didgwdlic Wellness
Center to lease space at 2028 Division Street, Bellingham WA, in the amount of $360
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
2. AB2025-016 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham Fire Department for the
purchase of personal protective clothing described as being free of Perfluoroalkyl and
Polyfluoroalky substances (known as PFAS), in the amount of $83,781.64
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote: '
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
3. AB2025-017 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health to define the
joint and cooperative relationship of the parties for the delivery of various public
health services, in the amount of $0
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
4. AB2025-018 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and NAMI of Whatcom County to provide mental health education
and support programs, in the amount of $38,000
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
5. AB2025-020 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Julota to track and monitor services and care
provided to individuals frequently seen by Health and Community Services' Response
Systems Division Programs in the amount of $155,022 for a total amended contract
amount of $433,448
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
6. AB2025-024 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center to
provide Mental Health Court case coordination services in the amount of $12,000,
for a total amended contract amount of $22,000
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
7. AB2025-025 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Common Goodness Project to support LGBTQ+ youth and
promote substance use prevention through training and technical assistance, in the
amout of $40,000
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
8. AB2025-026 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for joint administration of a
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program funded by the Department of
Commerce with Climate Commitment Act funds, in the amount of $0
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
9. AB2025-027 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Military Department to utilize
the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funding in the amount of
$65,647 to assist in preparing for all hazards through sustainment and enhancement
Division of Emergency Management programs
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
10. AB2025-028 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District for assistance with
implementation of Whatcom County's stormwater outreach program, with a particular
emphasis on the Lake Whatcom watershed, in the amount of $87,940.98
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
11. AB2025-029 Request authorization for the County Executive to inter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District for outreach,
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
education, and technical assistance with Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources
Management (BBWARM) stormwater programs, in the amount of $113,492.07
(Council acting as the Wltatcum County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors)
Buchanan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
12. AB2025-031 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District for the planning,
oversight, maintenance, and monitoring of existing and new FCZD and Special
District mitigation and/or revegetation projects that utilize the Alternative Corrections
Crew as well as provide technical assistance to the FCZD and Special Districts, in the
amount of $50,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors)
Buchanan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
13. AB2025-033 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a cost sharing agreement
between Whatcom County and Birch Bay Leisure Park Association (BBLPA) to
facilitate a joint project to replace a failing culvert, in the amount of $0
Buchanan moved that the Agreement be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
14. AB2025-035 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Anchor QEA to conduct a study to analyze the Musto Marsh
and Springsteen Lake sites to obtain information that is important to evaluate their
feasibility as water storage projects, in the amount of $80,000 (Council acting as the
Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Buchanan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
15. AB2025-036 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Unity Care NW to provide Mental Health Court case
coordination services in the amount of $8,000, for a total amended contract amount
of $18,000
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
16. AB2025-037 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into a 2 year agreement between
Whatcom County and the Northwest Regional Council for the purposes of
administering the Meals on Wheels program in the amount of $120,000
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
17. AB2025-038 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter a Collective Bargaining
Agreement between Whatcom County and the Sheriffs Office Corrections Senior
Management Group for the period January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Buchanan moved that the SUBSTITUTE Contract be RECOMMENDED
FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
18. AB2025-046 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Attorney General of Washington for cy pres
funding, in the amount of $125,000
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
19. AB2025-047 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Military to revise the
budget categories for Stonegarden FY21
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
20. AB2025-049 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
for a cooperative framework for boating safety, in the amount of $0
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council
AB2025-021 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and PFM Financial Services, LLC to increase the
compensation by $60,000 for a total amount of $99,000
Donovan briefed the Councilmembers. He asked why they are extending
this now, why Council has not received the presentation that was said to be
part of the work contract that they approved in 2023, and what they get by
extending it.
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, briefed the Councilmembers on
the contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC and stated that discussion
with the Council on the scope and revenue outlook for paying back bonds
for these capital facilities is forthcoming. They think they are a couple
months away from being able to put some information and decisions before
the Council as it relates to the jail, the Sheriff, and the Northwest Annex
project. Their plans for the ferry project will be significantly informed by
what happens this legislative session. She spoke about how they have spent
money related to the contract so far and that the work product related to the
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
Services Committee
jail was provided on May 7 of 2024.
Councilmembers discussed getting more timely updates on this sort of
information and talking more about the expectations of Council for being
involved in the project financing discussions.
Donovan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
2. AB2025-023 Resolution amending Resolution 2024-058 and re -certifying Whatcom County's
property tax levies for collection in 2025 to the county assessor
Buchanan moved that the Resolution be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL.
Randy Rydel, Administrative Services Department Finance, stated they are
fixing an error and he explained how the error occurred. The $10.5 million
of Healthy Children's Fund was excluded from levy rates, which did not
appear to be the intent of Council. This resolution is the correction of the
error.
Aly Pennucci, Executive's Office, stated the resolution that Council
certified in December did not include this calculation, but the ordinance
they passed as part of the budget process, that set the amount of property
tax revenue they would collect, is correct. So, there is a mismatch between
the ordinance that was passed and what was certified. She stated this will not
impact anything for the first 15 days of the year regarding revenue.
Rydel showed the corrected version on his screen.
Buchanan's motion that the Resolution be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
Items Added by Revision
Other Business
There were no agenda items added by revision.
There was no other business.
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final
Services Committee
Adiournment
'lie meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
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January 14, 2025
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Todd Donovan -via email 1/28/2025
Todd Donovan, Committee Chair
Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger
Whafcom County page 9