Whatcom County Council

Action Taken at November 12, 2013 Meeting

Shall the council:

187. Authorize the executive to sign a $50,000 contract with LandC, etc., LLC of Woodinville for hydraulic modeling assistance on the lower Nooksack River? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors) This on call company will provide hydraulic modeling services and assistance to county staff in revising and running the model developed to evaluate alternative flood hazard management projects. The services will be used to support the system-wide improvement framework being developed for the Nooksack River levee system and evaluate projects identified in the Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan. A grant rom the Puget Sound Partnership will reimburse the county.The contract expires on 5/31/2015. (AB2013-358) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

188. Authorize the executive to sign a $50,000 contract with Watershed Science and Engineering of Seattle for hydraulic modeling assistance on the lower Nooksack River? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) See previous vote for details on the contract. (AB2013-359) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

189. Authorize the executive to sign a joint funding agreement with the federal government for the annual operation and maintenance of stream flow gauges? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The agreement funds six stream gauges within the Nooksack River early flood warning system, a stream gauge in the Nooksack River Everson overflow and on Jones Creek in Acme for early flood warning and response. The federal government funds $14,472; flood control district funds $65,028; the Acme/Van Zandt Subzone funds $2,340 and a reimbursement of $3,780 by the City of Abbotsford brings the total budget to $85,620. The contract period runs from 10/1/2013 through 9/30/2014. (AB2013-360) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

190. Authorize the executive to sign a $116,772 contract (amendment #4) with the Opportunity Council for the Whatcom Homeless Service Center? A recent state grant provides additional funding for the rent and utility assistance program. This amendment ends on 12/31/2013 and brings the total contract to $2,221,801. (AB2013-361) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

191. Authorize the executive to sign a $50,000 contract with Foster Pepper of Seattle to develop an agricultural strategy for the Purchase of Development Rights program? The contractor will aid the county in focusing on core acquisition for the development rights program The strategy will focus on purchasing development rights from small exempt lots in the agricultural zone correcting an error made in 1990 that allowed approximately 200 five acre lots be divided from parcels of 20 acres or larger. Some of the exempt lots were developed into single family residences, but many have not been developed. The project focuses on the remaining undeveloped lots. (AB2013-363) Approved 4-2, Barbara Brenner1 and Bill Knutzen opposed, Pete Kremen absent.

 

192. Authorize the executive to accept a $68,259 state grant for the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee? The grant will fund the administrative and technical support for the committee and the collection biological information before and after the Boulevard Park shoreline improvement project. Matching funds are not required. (AB2013-365) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

193. Adopt the 2013 annual road construction program? (Public hearing held) The road construction program is identical to the first year of the six-year transportation plan which was approved at the 9/24/2013 meeting, vote #164. Expenditures of county funds are estimated at $7,555,000 and the grand total is estimated at $18,102,000 for 30 projects. AB2013-344 (Resolution 2013-039) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

194. Cancel $14,713 in uncollectible accounts more than a year old? The write offs go back to 1997, the reasons are: uncollectible facility use ($6,427), uncollectible landfill lease ($2,333), damages to county road signs and vehicles ($5,301), uncollected excise taxes, permit fees and other misc. fees. AB2013-366 (Resolution 2013-040) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

195. Correct the equipment rental and revolving fund accounting records? Two properties (a 20 acre site on Smith Road for the road maintenance and operations shop and a former motor pool facility at 230 Prospect Avenue) were added to the equipment rental and revolving fund in error. The properties will be removed from the fund’s list of assets. AB2013-367 (Resolution 2013-041) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

196. Authorize the transfer of the Civic Center building from general government ownership to the Whatcom County road fund? Since the property is the primary office for the Public Works Department including county road administration and road construction planning and renovation of the Civic Center for their purposes is planned, the building and property is considered surplus to the general government needs. Law requires that the property be transferred between funds at the full appraised value of $3,700,000. AB2013-369 (Resolution 2013-042) Substitute approved 5-1, Barbara Brenner2 opposed, Pete Kremen absent.

 

197. Authorize the transfer of the 316 Lottie Street building from the equipment rental and revolving fund to the administrative services fund? The property will be used for Administrative Services Facilities Division operations. The law requires that the property be transferred between funds at the full appraised value of $575,000. AB2013-370 (Resolution 2013-043) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

198. Authorize the transfer of land located at 901 West Smith Road from the general government ownership to the Whatcom County road fund? Since road related activities will be the primary use of the 99.83 acre property, the law requires that the parcel be transferred between funds at the full appraised value of $550,000. AB 2013-371 (Resolution 2013-044) Substitute approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

199. Add the building and property located at 1500 State Street to the 2010 Whatcom Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy? The development strategy sets goals and specific projects for business expansion in Whatcom County and requires approval from the federal government before the projects are eligible for federal grants. The county intends to purchase the State Street property and renovate to maximize the square footage for long term county operations. AB2013-372 (Resolution 2013-045) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

200. Approve the 2014 and 2015 salaries and benefits for executive branch elected officials? The Whatcom County Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials established salaries for executive, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, assessor, auditor and treasurer effective 1/1/2014 and 1/1/2015. AB2013-357 (Resolution 2013-046) Substitute approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

201. Support the Washington State Association of Counties fiscal sustainability initiative? The initiative proposes to educate lawmakers about the services counties provide, advance new revenue generation and cost containment options to improve the fiscal health of county governments and to advance legislation in support of those options. AB2013-352 (Resolution 2013-047) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

202. Approve the update to the Samish Water District Comprehensive Sewer Plan? The water district was formed to replace septic systems with a public sewer system. The first plan was conditionally approved at the 2/22/2005 meeting, vote #49. The district submitted an update which met the requirements of the Growth Management Act and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and was approved by the Whatcom County Health Department and the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Public Works Engineering Division submitted a letter of approval with notations to the council. AB2013-354 (Resolution 2013-048) Approved 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

203. Amend the 2013 budget (request #13) in the amount of $18,974,579? Appropriate: $4,902,375 to fund the State Street building purchase and partially fund the jail site purchase; $6,750,000 purchase and renocation of Civic Center building; $550,000 to purchase central shop land; $2,700,000 to fund transfer for new jail fund; $1,250,000 to fund State Street building renovation; $2,277,204 to fund transfers to refund equity to the road fund and general fund; $575,000 to fund purchase of 316 Lottie Street; $20,000 to fund emergency repairs to Sun House for ADA access from grant proceeds. AB2013-346 (Ordinance 2013-058) Adopted 5-1, Barbara Brenner3 opposed, Pete Kremen absent.

204. Increase the 2013-2014 new jail project fund (amendment #2) by $6,093,491? The fund was established at the the 1/29/2013 meeting, vote #22. That vote transferred $1 million into the fund and approved the expenditure of $444,902 for planning and pre-design. At the 7/23/2013 meeting, vote #140, the fund was increased by $100,000 for a traffic study and environmental assessment. This vote brings the total amended amount to $6,638,393. AB2013-347 (Ordinance 2013-059) Adopted 6-0, Pete Kremen absent.

205. Establish the State Street building acquisition and improvement fund and related capital budget appropriation in the amount of $5,058,884? The county currently leases over 80 percent of the building for the county health department, medical examiner offices and morgue space. The money will fund the purchase and renovate the second and fourth floors in the building to consolidation Public Works operations. 2013-348 (Ordinance 2013-060) Adopted 5-1, Barbara Brenner4 opposed, Pete Kremen absent.

 

206. Establish a capital budget appropriations for the renovation of the Civic Center building? This vote approves the transfer of $2,500,000 from the road fund to the Civic Center building fund for second and forth floor renovations. AB2013-349 (Ordinance 2013-061) Adopted 4-2, Barbara Brenner and Bill Knutzen opposed, Pete Kremen absent.

 

Action Taken at November 26, 2013 Meeting

Shall the council:

207. Authorize the executive to sign a $78,349 contract (amendment #4) with the Opportunity Council to assist mentally ill homeless persons? The services assist people to find housing, understand the leasing process, and increase housing stability. This amendment brings the total contract to $212,291 The contract expires on 12/31/2014.(AB2013-390) Approved 7-0

208. Authorize the executive to accept a $170,000 state grant for NPDES Phase II expenses? This grant is for stormwater development, design, and implementation. $120,000 of this grant is for design work on the Academy Road stormwater improvement project. (AB2013-392) Approved 7-0

209. Authorize the executive to spend $237,952 to purchase a street sweeper from Enviro-Clean Equipment of Kent? The vendor was selected from the Washington State bid procurement list. The new sweeper replaces a 2004 sweeper with 6,469 hours. (AB2013-393) Approved 7-0

210. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $776,456 to Kenworth Northwest of Bellingham for four 10-yard dump trucks? The initial purchase will be two 2014 T800 dump trucks and later two 2015 T800 dump trucks. They replace four trucks with mileage between 301,125 and 338,899. The trucks were advertised and three bids were received. (AB2013-394) Approved 7-0

211. Authorize the executive to sign a $144,050 contract with Catholic Community Services to reduce homelessness in Whatcom County? The 2013 annual count showed 561 homeless persons in Whatcom County. Support services are provided for rental subsidies to assist in reducing homelessness in the county. The contract expires on 12/31/2014. (AB2013-395) Approved 7-0

212. Adopt the 2014 budget for flood control district and subzones? (Public hearing held. Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The subzones are: Acme/Van Zandt, Lynden/Everson, Sumas/Nooksack/Everson, Birch Bay watershed, and Samish watershed. The proposed revenues for the flood zone are: $5,278,840 and expenditures: $6,492,141.The six subzones have a proposed loss of $1,817,785. AB2013-377 (Resolution 2013-049) Approved 6-1, Carl Weimer opposed.

213. Adopt the 2014 flood control district tax levy? (Public hearing held. Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) There is no increase from last year, additional taxes will come from new construction, property improvements, and increase in the value of assessed property. AB2013-378 (Resolution 2013-050) Approved 7-0

214. Approve the expenditure of $6,093,491 to purchase property to construct a new county jail and sheriff’s headquarters? The approximately 40 acres are located at LaBounty and Sunset roads. The money comes from the following sources: $2.3 million from real estate excise tax, $2.7 from the jail fund and $1,093,491 from the general fund. AB2013-388 (Resolution 2013-051) Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner5 opposed.

215. Approve the 2014 and 2015 salaries and benefits for county council members? The Whatcom County Charter — initially approved in 1978 — gave the County Council the power to set salaries.6 At the 11/8/2011 general election, 60 percent of the voters approved a Charter amendment approving a salary commission. The salary commission consists of ten members serving two-year terms; six members are selected by lot and four by the executive. The salary commission set councilmembers’ salaries for 2014 at $24,150 per member the 2015 salary at $24,705. AB2013-400 (Resolution 2013-052) Approved 7-0

216. Install stop signs at two intersections in the county? (Public hearing held.) The signs will stop southbound Hovel Road traffic at North Telegraph Road and northbound North Telegraph Road traffic at Morgan Road. Both roads are near Sumas. AB2013-376 (Ordinance 2013-062) Adopted 7-0

217. Authorize levy of property taxes for county road purposes? (Public hearing held.) It has been determined there will be no increase in the road fund tax levy for 2014 . The council authorizes diverting $806,530 from the levy to the general fund to be used for traffic law enforcement. AB2013-379 (Ordinance 2013-063) Adopted 7-0

218. Limit the 2014 general fund property tax levy? (Public hearing held.) Establish a new maximum allowable tax levy, which is not changed from 2013, except for new construction and improvements AB2013-380 (Ordinance 2013-064) Adopted 7-0

219. Authorize levy of taxes for county and state purposes for 2014? (Public hearing held.) To fund essential county services there will be no raise in taxes from 2013. AB2013-381 (Ordinance 2013-065) Adopted 7-0

220. Adopt the Conservation Futures Fund tax levy for 2014? (Public hearing held.) The levy will be the same as last year, 6.25 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation on real property. The funds can only be used to acquire land or development rights for conservation purposes, with a small percentage being used for maintenance. AB2013-382 (Ordinance 2013-066) Adopted 7-0

221. Amend the Whatcom County Code on the impounding, redemption, and disposition of animals to match state law? This is a housekeeping matter that changes RCW numbers. AB2013-375 (Ordinance 2013-067) Adopted 7-0

222. Amend 2013 budget (request #14) in amount of $2,720,866? Appropriate: $10,000 for outside legal counsel to represent the county in a Growth Hearings Board case; $5,000 to sheriff for drug enforcement task force overtime: $3,600 to sheriff to fund law enforcement policy manual subscription; $136,876 for emergency shelter and rental assistance; $21,540 for North Sound Mental Health administration; $5,250 for litter work crew. $78,100 for Eldridge Farm purchase of development rights; $160,500 for Holz Farm purchase development rights; $2,300,000 to partially fund property acquisition for the new jail site. AB2013-383 (Ordinance 2013-068) Adopted 6-1, Carl Weimer opposed.

223. Amend 2014 budget (request #2) in amount of $8,321,140? There are 42 items in this amendment. Seven appropriations and one re-appropriation above $100,000 are listed below. Appropriate: $153,480 for health insurance increase; $400,000 for dependency guardian ad item program; $109,000 for emergency medical services; $178,207 for Civic Center bond payment; $432,722 health insurance and homeless housing activities; $5,703,606 emergency medical services; $180,250 hazardous waste management; $700,000 for health insurance increase and road material. Re-appropriation: $400,000 to complete assessor/treasurer system. AB2013-385 (Ordinance 2013-069) Adopted 5-2, Ken Mann and Carl Weimer opposed.