Bellingham City Council

Action Taken at August 5, 2013 Meeting

Shall the council:

159. Approve the Police Department’s application for a federal grant of $22,281? (Public hearing held.) The Police Department has applied for the grant to fund the purchase of new software and equipment. The applicate states that $10,800 will go for software to be used to tracking use of force, vehicle pursuits, accidents and complaints and $11,491 will be spent on two thermal night vision monoculars. The grant application is part of a joint application with the county sheriff dept. The county will be applying for an additional $12,878 to purchase a cargo trailer and equipment to use as a mobile officer training station. The city will act as financial agent for the grant. (AB20065) Approved 7-0

160. Direct staff to proceed with contract negotiations for Emergency Medical Services? On 6/4/2012 meeting, vote #116, the city passed a resolution to join with Whatcom County and adopt a business plan for county-wide EMS services. The resolution calls for the mayor and the county executor to “collaborate, negotiate and execute initial contracts for EMS administration and ALS system providers”. The contract provisions are to be fully implemented by 1/1/2014. (AB20067) Approved 7-0

161. Approve the mayor’s appointment of Brian Henshaw as the Interim Finance Director? Mr. Henshaw will take over the position left open by the resignation of John Carter on 8/10/2013 and will serve as interim director until further notice. (AB20072) Approved 7-0

162. Authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with the state of Washington to fund the storm and surface water utility source control program? Under the terms of this agreement the Washington State Department of Ecology will reimburse the city (not to exceed $170,858) for paying the salary of two half-time “local source control” to provide technical assistance and education outreach to small businesses for prevention of urban water pollution. The specialists will visit and inspect local businesses including local government branches, restaurants, veterinary/medical clinics, gas stations, equipment rental services, and schools, to provide education and training about stormwater runoff and waste collection/disposal. This agreement runs from 7/1/2013 to 6/31/2015. (AB20076) Approved 7-0

163. Authorize the mayor to accept a $38,540 federal education grant to improve water quality? The city applied for the grant to reduce fecal coliform occurrences in city creeks, streams and lakes. The money will fund the Whatcom ECO Net Social Marketing program, a campaign to educate Bellingham homeowners within the Squalicum Creek watershed concerning water quality improvement. If successful, the program will be applied in other areas of the city as well. An additional $8,000 will come from the city for a total cost of establishing this program to be $46,540. The contract will end on 5/31/2015. (AB20077) Approved 7-0

164. Appropriate $7,236,315 for goods and services checks issued from July 5 through July 25, 2013? (AB20078/20079/20080) Approved 7-0

165. Appropriate $2,738,301 for payroll checks issued from July 11 through July 25, 2013? (AB20081) Approved 7-0

166. Recognize John Carter for his service to the city of Bellingham? Mr. Carter is leaving the position as city finance director on 8/9/2013. At the 11/7/2006, general election city voters changed the finance director position from elected to appointed by the mayor. Mr. Carter became the city’s first appointed finance director on 1/1/2008. He has helped to update the city accounting systems, streamline department operations and enhance customer service. His investments have shown superior returns and his innovative financial techniques have saved hundreds of thousands for the city. He has worked closely with the community on economic development activities such as the Waterfront District and the EMS task force. AB20064 (Resolution 2013-11) Approved 7-0

167. Correct an oversight in the 2013 budget? The Home Investment Partnership Fund balance was not brought forward from the 2012 budget. This account is where the city keeps the grant money that is received annually from HUD or low income housing. The fund has a current balance of $990,352. This ordinance will make $750,000 available in 2013, reserving $240,000 for use in 2014. AB20046 (Ordinance 2013-08-058) Approved 7-0

168. Issue up to $17,000,000 in water and sewer revenue bonds to raise funds for water/sewage system improvements? Improvements are needed at the water treatment plant, the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Roeder lift station and to the sewer and water mains. The finance director will be in charge of selling the bonds. Seattle Northwest Securities will serve as financial advisor, and Pacifica Law Group will provide legal counsel. The bonds will be backed up by water and sewer utilities revenue. AB20052 (Ordinance 2013-08-059) Approved with changes 6-1, Jack Weiss opposed.

169. Increase the salary for a position in the Public Works Department? The operations data assistant works with the city’s geographic information system and computerized maintenance management system. Increased city usage of these systems has resulted in increased responsibilities for the data assistant. The salary of the position will be increased to equal the additional work load. The increase will be placed in effect retroactively to 1/1/2013. This change is not expected to have a significant impact on the 2013 budget. AB20058 (Ordinance 2013-08-060) Approved 7-0

Action Taken at August 12, 2013 Meeting

Shall the council:

170. Reject the only bid for asphalt pavement crack sealing? This is an annual program to install sealant to prevent water from undermining pavement and to help prevent potholes. The only bid by Huizenga Enterprises of Bellingham was $141.50 per pound installed. The sole bid was rejected because it exceeds the city engineer’s estimate cost of $5.50 per pound installed. Thirty-nine bids were solicitated and one bid was received. (AB20082) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.

171. Extend the interim period for the Commercial Street Theatre lease for six months? At the 10/8/2012 meeting, vote #191, the council direct staff to negotiate a lease space in the Parkade building with the local non-profit, Kuntz Community Dance to build and operate a 216 seat performing arts center. The council approved the lease at the 5/20/2013 meeting, vote #97. Rent payments do not start until 9/1/2013. There was an interim rent period from 6/1/2013 through 9/1/2013 so $478,000 could be raise to remodel the space. The company did not raise 50 percent of the money to finance improvements and is seeking a six-month extension. (AB19985) Failed 3-3, Terry Bornemann, Cathy Lehman and Michael Lilliquist opposed, Jack Weiss excused.

173. Grant a noise variance to Minergy, Inc. to upgrade the wash bay facilities at the Lake Padden Golf Course? The wash bay project will upgrade the facilities for containing and treating runoff wastewater and oil from cleaning and maintaining equipment at the golf course. At the 7/1/2013 meeting, vote #138, the council awarded the low bid to Minergy, Inc. of Ferndale. The work is to begin in September which is also the busiest month at the golf course, and some of the construction will need to be done when the course is not being used. The requested noise variance will permit the work to be done after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m. from 9/10 to 9/30/2013. (AB20086) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.

174. Appropriate $6,722,039 for goods and services checks issued from July 19 through August 1, 2013? (AB20090/20091) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.

175. Re-authorize city investment in the Local Government Investment Pool as administered by the new city finance director? Following John Carter’s resignation, Brian Henshaw was appointed as the new finance director and will act as the city’s representative in the state’s Local Government Investment Pool. The state treasurer requires the city to pass a resolution to transfer this authority to Mr. Henshaw. All deposits of funds in the pool are first approved by City Council. AB20088 (Resolution 2013-12) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.

176. Adopt an emergency interim zoning ordinance for facilities producing, processing and retailing recreational marijuana? (Public hearing held) At the 7/1/2013 meeting, vote #142, the council voted to pass an Emergency Ordinance 2013-07-047 to impose a moratorium on the establishment of facilities producing, processing and retailing recreational marijuana. This vote for emergency interim zoning will replace Emergency Ordinance 2013-07-047. City law requires a hearing within 60 days after the approval of an emergency ordinance, and then the council may reconsider or change the ordinance. The interim zoning allows production and processing facilities in specified industrial areas and restricts retail outlets to industrial or commercial areas. The state already specifies a 1,000 feet distance between all marijuana related businesses and schools, playgrounds daycares, recreation and game centers, libraries, parks and transit stations. The interim ordinance will be in effect for one year while City staff studies the issues involved. The State Liquor Control Board plans to accept license applications for recreational marijuana facilities for 30 days beginning 9/16/2013. AB20087 (Emergency Ordinance 2013-08-061) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.

177. Accept and spend a $15,000 grant from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission? This grant will reimburse the city for installing four school zone flashing beacons. Two beacons will be installed on Lakeway Drive near Kulshan Middle School and two will be installed on F Street near Whatcom Middle School. AB20069 (Ordinance 2013-08-062) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.

178. Reclassify a position in the Police Department? The department is requesting that a vacant deputy chief position be reclassified as a police lieutenant position. The last time the position was vacant it was reclassified from lieutenant to deputy chief in order to relocate a deputy chief for the Office of Emergency Management. The change back will not affect city finances. AB20074 (Ordinance 2013-08-063) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.

179. Reclassify a position in the Public Works Department? The operations data assistant position II will be changed to an office data assistant III position. The change will entail more responsibilities as well as an increase in salary. The increase is not expected to affect the 2013 budget. AB20075 (Ordinance 2013-08-064) Approved 6-0, Jack Weiss excused.