HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2025-017Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2025-213
File ID: AB2025-213 Version: 1 Status: Adopted
File Created: 02/28/2025 Entered by: MMiterko@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Finance Division File Type: Ordinance
Assigned to: Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee Final Action: 03/25/2025
Agenda Date: 03/25/2025 Enactment #: ORD 2025-017
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: atan0uco.\vhatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA
Ordinance establishing a project -based budget for the Silver Lake Boat Launch at Silver Lake Park
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Establishing the Silver Lake Boat Launch at Silver Lake Park to facilitate initial costs for the renovation
of the boat launch including design and engineering solutions, and bid development. The Silver Lake
Boat Launch at Silver Lake Park seeks an initial budget of $97,750 as described in Exhibit A. Please
see attached.
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
Sent To:
03/11/2025 Council INTRODUCED Council Finance and
Administrative Services
Committee
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
03/25/2025 Council Finance and Administrative RECOMMENDED FOR
Services Committee ADOPTION
Aye: 3 Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
03/25/2025 Council ADOPTED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Whatcorn County Page 1 Printed on 312612025
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2025-213)
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance, Notice of Action Proposed on 3.11.2025
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 3/26/2025
PROPOSED BY: Executive
INTRODUCTION DATE: 03/11/25
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-017
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR THE RENOVATION OF
THE SILVER LAKE BOAT LAUNCH AT SILVER LAKE PARK
WHEREAS, the County has identified a need for the renovation of the boat launch at
Silver Lake Park, given that the ramp is in such condition that it must be repaired or closed,
WHEREAS, park closure would negatively impact the recreation of approximately
320,000 annual visitors; and,
WHEREAS, initial costs would include the design and engineering of solutions to address
ramp effective length and boarding float deficiencies and bid document development; and,
and,
WHEREAS, additional funding is anticipated for the construction phase of the project;
WHEREAS, costs may be initially funded by a transfer from the REET II fund; and,
WHEREAS, Section 6.80 of the Whatcom County Home Rule Charter allows for project -
based capital budget appropriation ordinances that lapse when the project has been completed
or abandoned or when no expenditure or encumbrance has been made for three (3) years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that a new fund
is hereby established effective immediately, titled Silver Lake Boat Launch Renovation Fund.
This fund shall be used to account for the revenues and expenditures of the improvements
described above.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that the Silver Lake Boat
Launch Renovation Fund is approved with an initial project budget of $97,750 as described in
Exhibit A.
-
March , 2025.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ka lee CAloway, Chair of the Council
Exhibit A
Supplemental Budget Request Stat►is: Pending
Parks & Recreation
Supp7 io 4so4 Fund Cost Center Originator: Rod Lamb
Expenditure Type: One -Time Year 1 2025 Add'I FTE ❑ Add'I Space ❑ Priority 1
Name of Request: Silver Lake Boat Launch Renovation - Comp to 4909
Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date
Costs:
Object
Object Description
Amount Requested
6190
Direct billing rate
$12,500
6630
Professional services
$85,250
8397,C.32402401
Transfers in
($97,750)
Request Total
$0
la. Description of request:
This request seeks funding to make needed capital repairs to the boat launch at Silver Lake Park.
Approximately 320,000 visitors annually recreate at Silver Lake Park, many of which make use of the
popular small boat launching facility_ This is especially true during opening weekend in April of each year.
It has been decades since the last major improvement was made to the facility, and it now exhibiting
serious deficiencies that must be repaired. Repairs include replacement of the concrete launch ramp and
boarding float, as well as mandated ADA accessibility accommodations.
1b. Primary customers:
Residents and visitors to Whatcom County are the primary customers of this project.
2. Problem to be solved:
The condition of the boat launch at Silver Lake Park is poor. The concrete ramp that accommodates the
launching of boats from a trailer is constructed of precast concrete planks that are tied to each other with
a steel hook and loop mechanism_ Several of the most waterward planks have delaminated, causing the
panels to separate from ramp assembly. This significantly shortens the effective length of the ramp and
reduces the service level of the launch especially for mid to larger sized vessel.
The lake level has also changed over the last two decades which causes a section of the boarding float to
become submerged and therefore inaccessible to boaters. This project will identify a target float elevation
that will remain accessible during annual fluctuations of the lake level.
3a. Options / Advantages:
The department has pushed this project due to other competing interests, but the facility is now at a state
that the ramp must be repaired, or the facility needs to be closed to public use. Closing this facility would
negatively impact the recreating public. The park launch is one of only two public ramps available on Silver
Lake. The second is operated by WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and is located at the northernmost point of
Silver Lake two -miles from Silver Lake Park. Although, this would provide boating access for visitors to
Silver Lake Park, there would be added inconvenience to park customers because of the travel distance
and they would be required to display a Discovery Pass to lawfully use the facility.
3b. Cost savings:
Addressing the needed repairs now rather than in the future will likely reduce future repair costs because
the nature of the ramp failure is likely to get worse. Repair costs are expected to increase over time due to
escalating construction costs.
4a. Outcomes:
The outcome of this effort will be final engineering and bid documents that describe the needed repairs to
Friday, Fehruary 28, 2025 Rpr: Rpt Suppl Regular
Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending
Parks & Recreation
supw !o # asoa Fund Cost Center Originator: Rod Lamb
the launch that will be used for public bidding purposes. Due to the lengthy timeline expected for permit
approval, this request provides funding for design, engineering, and bid document development. A
separate budget will be requested to fund construction at a later date.
4b. Measures:
The project will have been designed, procured permit authority, and bid documents including and
engineer's estimate have been developed for the proposed repairs_
5a. Other Departments/Agencies:
Yes, WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and Whatcom County Planning & Development Services will be engaged
to obtain permit approval.
5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for:
Rod Lamb, Design & Development Manager will be responsible for project and contract administration for
the boat launch renovation project at Silver Lake Park_
6. Funding Source:
REET II
Friday, February 28, 2025 Rpr: Rpi Supp! Regulor