February 2012
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by the League of Woman Voters
Action Taken at December 6, 2011 Meeting
Shall the council:
199. Authorize the executive to sign a $70,000 agreement with the Lummi Nation for the Saxon Reach in-stream restoration project? (Council acting as flood control district board of supervisors) The funds will be used for the construction a log complex to provide bank protection along the South Fork of the Nooksack River. The Lummi Nation is responsible for design and construction and will grant county access to the project during construction and submit payment request when the project is completed. (AB 2011-394) Approved 7-0
200. Authorize the executive to sign a $15,600 contract (amendment #1) with Brown and Caldwell of Seattle for further work on the Deming levee upstream improvement project? (Council acting as flood control district board of supervisors) This project reduces risks of flooding of Mount Baker School District facilities, including the sewage lagoon, bus barn and maintance facilities, the Nooksack Casino drain field, and structures in Deming. This includes levee extension tying into railways and realigning Marshall Hill drainage to the river. The contract expires on 12/31/2012 and the amendment results in total contract of $75,600. (AB 2011-395) Approved 7-0
201. Authorize the executive to sign a $25,330 contract (amendment #3) with Pacific Surveying and Engineering of Bellingham for ongoing data collection and technical support for Swift Creek interim mitigation? (Council acting as flood control district board of supervisors) The purpose of the project is to seek a long-term solution to flooding by asbestos-containing sediment threatening human health and the environment. This amendment brings the total contract to $336,855. (AB 2011-396) Approved 7-0
202. Authorize the executive to sign a $19,500 contract (amendment #1) with Element Solutions of Bellingham for additional work on the Nooksack River sediment management pilot project? (Council acting as flood control district board of supervisors) This funding is for phase 1B. It includes a feasibility analysis, final site selection, design of sedimental removal project, and updating the stakeholders group. This amendment brings the total contract to $28,000. (AB 2011-397) Approved 6-1 Carl Weimer opposed.
203. Authorize the executive to sign a contract not to exceed $403,178 with the Whatcom Humane Society for animal control and shelter services? The service agreement includes administering regulations, enforcement and penalties regarding county ordinances, statutes, and local code. Additional costs for vehicles, fuel, maintence and building maintenance be reimbursed less collected fee revenue and the annual sum paid in monthly installments. The contracts runs from 1/1/2012 through 12/31/2012. (AB 2011-403) Approved 7-0
204. Authorize the executive to sign a lease with the Whatcom Humane Society for 1661 Baker Creek Place? The county-owned facility will be rented to the Whatcom Humane Society for $10. The contract runs from 1/1/2012 through 12/31/2012. (AB 2011-404) Approved 7-0
205. Authorize the executive to sign a three-year $400,000 contract with Mt. Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce for a multi-media promotional campaign? The tourism promotion campaign by the Maple Falls chamber will target the Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. areas with television commercials, radio, print media, online presence, and social media campaigns. Funding for the first year will be $153,000. The money comes from taxes tourism businesses levied on themselves and they recommended this use. The contract runs from 1/2/2012 through 12/31/2014. (AB 2011-407) Approved 7-0
206. Authorize the executive to sign a $600,000 three-year contract with Bellingham-Whatcom County Tourism? The contract covers the staffing and operating information centers, referrals to local agencies and businesses, plus publication of community information to promote tourism. The contract requires monthly reports, an annual report and in person program reports. There will be three annual payments of $200.000. The contract runs from 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2014. (AB 2011-408) Approved 7-0
207. Authorize the executive to sign three contracts totaling $141,321 for tourism promotion? One contract is with the Mount Baker Chamber of Commerce for $78,505, the second is with Whatcom Events for $30,000 to promote the Ski to Sea Race, and the third is the Heritage Flight Museum for $32,816. (AB 2011-406/409/410) Approved 7-0
208. Authorize the executive to accept a $428,328 state grant for the continued operation of a moderate risk waste facility? The disposal of toxics facility is located near the airport. The county will provide matching funds of $142,776. Whatcom Public Works provides for disposal of hazardous waste from households and approved businesses and pickup service for oil and antifreeze. Public education outreach to increase awareness and reduce use and to teach proper disposal is included. The grant runs from 1/1/2012 through 6/30/2013. (AB 2011-414) Approved 7-0
209. Authorize the executive to sign a $55,397 contract with KPFF Consulting Engineers, Seattle for design and engineering services for the Lighthouse Marine Park boat renovation project? The creosote-treated dock at Point Roberts has been demolished. The new dock will have steel piles, a boarding float and accommodations for wheelchair accessibility. The county is receiving a $240,000 state grant for 75 percent of the project cost. (AB 2011-415) Approved 7-0
210. Authorize the executive to sign a $35,761 contract (amendment #1) with CosComm International of Snoqualmie to provide additional services and installation of land based radio communications? The original contract and this amendment will be covered by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The amendment involves connections to the City of Bellingham and equipment at the Sumas Mountain tower. This amendment brings the total contract to $223,964. (AB 2011-417) Approved 7-0
211. Authorize the executive to sign a $246,776 contract with the Opportunity Council of Bellingham to provide operating costs for housing program and transportation assistance for medical care recipients? A state grant funds these programs. The contract runs from 1/1/2012 through 12/31/2012. (AB 2011-421) Approved 7-0
212. Authorize the executive to sign a $303,255 contract with Pioneer Human Services of Seattle to provide housing for offenders re-entering the community and chronically homeless veterans? Pioneer will provide permanent housing, housing case management, and behavioral health services. The contract runs from 1/1/2012 through 12/31/2012. (AB 201-422) Approved 7-0
213. Authorize the executive to accept a $104,164 state grant for solid waste enforcement? The county health department is responsible for the enforcement of local, state, and federal solid waste rules and for the investigation of illegal dumping and littering. The grant runs from 1/1/2012 through 6/30/2013 and requires 25 percent in local matching funds for a total of $138,885. (AB 2011-423) Approved 7-0
214. Authorize the executive to sign a contract for $227,852 with Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada to protect the county’s financial assets in the self-insured medical plan? The county is required by law to protect its financial assets using reserves and excess insurance coverage to support the self-insured medical plan. This coverage is triggered if an individual’s medical costs are in excess of $250,000 in a plan year or if the plan’s aggregated costs exceed $11,372,754. The rates for 2011 increased 29 percent and for 2012 they are increasing 32 percent. (AB 2011-424) Approved 7-0
215. Authorize the executive to approve the sheriff’s office request to spend $176,221 to purchase multi-band portable radios and related equipment? The vendor is the Harris Corporation and the funds are from a U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Operation Stonegarden grant approved at the 9/27/2011 meeting, vote #161. (AB 2011-426) Approved 7-0
216. Approve the recommendation by the the Economic Development Investment Board for a grant to the Bellingham Technical College? The board voted 9-0 to approve a $400,000 grant for the fisheries and aquaculture sciences building at Maritime Heritage Park. The Washington State Legislature allocated two million dollars to replace a sixty-four year old building. The college is required to raise matching funds and has raised $1.3 million plus the EDI grant. (AB 2011-429) Amended and approved 7-0.
217. Approve the recommendation by the Economic Development Investment Board for a loan/grant to the city of Lynden? The board voted 7-0 to approve a $4 million dollar loan and a $2 million grant to build a new water treatment plant. The total public project will cost $26,840,000 with the additional funds from the state of Washington and city funds. (AB 2011-429) Approved 5-2, Ken Mann and Carl Weimer opposed.
218. Approve the recommendation by the Economic Development Investment Board for a loan/grant to the city of Bellingham? The board voted to approve a $300,000 grant and a $350,000 loan for the $3.1 million project to improve the I-5 overpass at the W. Bakerview exit. The city, port, county, Fred Meyer, and state project is expected to decrease delays, improve safety, and provide economic benefit to the area by supporting additional commerce. The city is being awarded a $1.5 million transportation Improvement grant. (AB 2011-430) Approved 7-0
219. Provide a consistent approach in countywide recognition of individuals or groups for extraordinary public service? This vote establishes guidelines for formal recognition of service resulting in wide public benefit. Awards will be presented at council meetings. Name of person or group will be placed on back of council chamber seat. Political causes or messages will not be considered. AB 2011-391 (Resolution 2011-40) Approved 7-0
220. Appoint a director and alternate director to the board of directors of the Washington counties risk pool? The risk pool provides member counties with programs of self-insurance, claims handling, risk management, and administrative services. The current members are reappointed to the board; they are the chief civil deputy prosecutor and the human resources manager. AB 2011-392 (Resolution 2011-41) Approved 7-0
221. Amend two resolutions relating to salaries and policies for unrepresented county employees? The resolutions were passed at the 11/12/2008 meeting, vote #220 and the 12/7/2010 meeting, vote #233. Wages are frozen in 2011 and 2012 budget at 2010 levels to be effective 1/l/2012. Certain designated department heads working long hours and responding to emergencies will receive supplemental compensation. This will not continue into 2013 AB 2011-393 (Resolution 2011-42) Substitute approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner1 opposed.
222. Appoint Chief Deputy Auditor Debbie Adelstein to serve as interim Whatcom County auditor from 12/31/2011 to 1/9/2012? Debbie Adelstein is the auditor-elect and will fill the position vacated by the retiring auditor. She takes the oath of office on 1/9/2012. AB 2011-434 (Resolution 2011-43) Approved 7-0
223. Amend the official Whatcom County zoning map and approve a development agreement for approximately 552 acres south of Smith Road and west of Guide Meridian? (Public hearing held) Caitac USA applied for a zone change from one dwelling unit per ten acres to one dwelling unit per five acres. The Planning Commission recommended approval at the 9/22/2011 meeting, concluding that the one dwelling unit per five acres and the proposal to cluster residential development is consistent with the Growth Management Act and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan objectives for preserving rural character. AB 2011-345 (Ordinance 2011-51) Adopted 5-2, Ken Mann and Carl Weimer opposed.
224. Amend the official Whatcom County zoning map and approve a development agreement for approximately nine acres in the Smith Road/Guide Meridian area? (Public hearing held) Caitac USA applied for a zone change from R10A to Tourist Commercial and amending the Comprehensive Plan land use designation from Rural to Rural Tourism. The zone change will allow construction of a hotel near the golf course owned by Caitac USA. AB 2011-346 (Ordinance 2011-52) Adopted 5-2, Barbara Brenner2 and Carl Weimer opposed.
225. Establish a no-shooting zone in the Glenhaven Lakes area of Whatcom County? (Public hearing held) Residents requested the restriction to promote public safety and protection. Twenty- two other “no shooting zones” have been established throughout unincorporated Whatcom County. AB 2011-275A (Ordinance 2011-53) Adopted 6-1, Tony Larson opposed.
226. Amend 2011 budget (request #11) in the amount of $194,803? This amendment closes 32 funds that are longer needed. The $194,803 is transferred from fifteen of the funds to the general fund, road fund and the 2010 Ltd Tax GO and Refunding Fund. The other 17 funds don't have any money. (Ordinance 2011-54) Adopted 7-0
227. Amend 2011 budget (request #12) in the amount of $2,026,569? Appropriate: $10,000 to the sheriff’s office for assessment centers testing to establish promotional registers and $16,569 to reimburse the Bellingham Police department for participation in gang-drug task force programs; transfer $2 million from the road fund to Lummi Nation ferry lease fund to construct pedestrian and other facilities at Gooseberry Point. AB 2011-386 (Ordinance 2011-55) Adopted 6-1, Barbara Brenner3 opposed.
228. Amend 2012 budget (request #3) in the amount of $131,894? Appropriate: $73,394 to fund a staff position to assist veterans; $58,500 for design and cost estimated for renovations to prepare a Superior Court chamber for a fourth judge. AB 2011-387 (Ordinance 2011-56) Adopted 7-0
229. Approve 2012 project budget (request #1) in the amount of $240,000? Appropriate: $240,000 in state grant funds (see 10/11/2011 meeting, vote #165) to replace the dock at the Point Roberts Lighthouse Marine Park. The grant will cover 75 percent of the project; a local match of $80,000 brings the total project to $320,000. The dock is used for recreational fishing and serves as a public boat launch. AB 2011-388 (Ordinance 2011-57) Adopted 7-0
230. Amend the Whatcom County Council district boundaries? At the 1/25/2011 meeting, vote #10, the council appointed four members of the districting committee. The committee then appointed another member. The five-member committee adopted a new plan at the 7/13/2011 meeting, it became effective on 9/29/2011. Since the 2000 census District 1 has gained 4,430 people, Distrct 2 lost 269 and District 3 lost 4,146. AB 2011-035A (Ordinance 2011-58) Adopted 6-1, Barbara Brenner4 opposed.
1From Barbara Brenner: I opposed amending the two resolutionsbecause there was no evidence that there should be additional compensation to salaried employees. These particular employees are some of the highest paid. We never received any proof regarding how long they worked and how many emergencies to which they responded. They already make very good salaries plus excellent benefits.
2From Barbara Brenner: I opposed amending the zoning map because the zone change to tourist commercial is called a LAMIRD (local area of more intensive rural development) and new areas that don’t already have more intensive rural development are not supposed to be close to cities.
3From Barbara Brenner: I opposed transferring $2 million from the road fund to a ferry fund because the county has a legal right-of-way from Lummi Island to Gooseberry Point so we don’t need a lease with the Lummi Nation for that small area. If we don’t need a lease, we don’t need a special fund and we don’t need to transfer money into the special fund. It is a lot of money and will also cost the county money to maintain the ferry fund. Also, our road fund is declining so we need to ensure we only spend where absolutely necessary. This is definitely not a time to transfer $2 million out of road fund.
4From Barbara Brenner: I opposed the districting committee plan because the boundaries are supposed to be as regular as possible. The new line changes the straight line down the Guide Meridian to a very irregular appendage at Lynden so all city property is included. The appendage also creates less equal voter-ship between district 3 and district 2. Regularity of the line is a higher priority than whether all city property is included (Parts of Bellingham are in all districts). There should not be more irregular boundaries and less equal voter-ship without a really good reason.
