Your browser does not support modern web standards implemented on our site
Therefore the page you accessed might not appear as it should.
See www.webstandards.org/upgrade for more information.

Whatcom Watch Bird Logo


Past Issues


Whatcom Watch Online
Whatcom County Council


July 2014

Watching Government

Whatcom County Council

by League of Woman Voters

Action Taken at May 6, 2014 Meeting

Shall the council:

92. Authorize the executive director to sign a $330,000 contract with GeoTest Services of Bellingham to provide material testing, inspection, and geotechnical design services for the annual contraction program? All test procedures shall be in accordance with the state specifiations for road, bridge, and municipal contracting, the state construction manual, and the Whatcom County road standards. The contract runs from 5/8/2014 through 12/30/2015. (AB2014-173) Approved 7-0

93. Authorize the executive director to sign a $507,857 contract with HKP Architects of Mount Vernon for a building survey of the Whatcom County Courthouse? Phase 1 is a survey of the building exterior. When 60 percent of the survey is completed, the county will decide whether to proceed with the rest of the survey. Approximately $107,000 will be deducted from the contract if the county does not proceed with the remaining 40 percent. (AB2014-174) Approved 7-0

94. Authorize the executive director to sign two contracts (amendment #2) — totaling $229,000 — with county school districts for behavioral health services? The conracts are with: the Nooksack School District for $114,000 and the Mt Baker School District for $115,000. The services are for students with mental health and drug abuse problems. The original contract was approved at the 7/7/2012 meeting, vote #138. This amendment brings the two contracts to a total of $487,000 and it runs from 9/1/2014 through 8/31/2015. (AB2014-175/176) Approved 7-0

Action Taken at May 20, 2014 Meeting

Shall the council:

95. Authorize the executive to sign a $60,000 contract with 2020 Engineering of Bellingham to develop a stormwater management program for Birch Point? The goal of the study is to eliminate periodic flooding that has caused hazardous roadway conditions on Semiahmoo Drive and contributed to significant erosion of the bluff along Semiahmoo Bay. It will also identify funding options for the landowners, construction plans, and a cost estimate. The contract ends on 3/31/2015. (AB2014-186) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

96. Authorize the executive to accept a $15,450 state grant to develop an integrated aquatic vegetation management plan for Wiser Lake? The objective of the plan is to improve the condition and health of Wiser Lake. The plan will target fragrant waterlily and curly-leaf pondweed, both listed by the state as noxious weeds. Whatcom County will add $5,150 for a total project cost of $20,600. (AB2014-187) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

97. Authorize the executive to sign a $20,000 contract (amendment #2) with Eldred & Associates of Everett to perform facilitation support services for the Water Resources Inventory Area (WRIA)? The original contract was for four planning unit meetings in 2013 and to develop a 2014 work plan and budget. The contractor was able to schedule a fifth meeting in 2014 but was not able to complete the work plan and budget. This amendment will allow for six additional meetings and the completion of the work plan and budget. The total amended contact is $42,000 and it expires on 12/31/2014. (AB2014-188) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

98. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $1,083,838 to Whatcom Builders for hot mix asphalt prelevel at various locations? This is part of annual maintenance and repair on county road projects. The proposed work is for 14,787 tons of asphalt hot mix on parts of 18 county roads and one alternate road, signing and other traffic control, pavement repair, and seeded lawn installation. The engineer’s estimate was $1,290,037. A request for bid was advertised and three bids were received. (AB2014-189) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

99. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $221,433 to Vigor Marine of Tacoma for drydock repairs and maintenance of the Whatcom ferry? The work will take two weeks from September 3 to September 17. The engineer’s estimate was $312,794. The work was advertised and four bids were received. (AB2014-190) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

100. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Amber Pouley to the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee? The committee focuses on the creation of a system of designated bikeways and their connections with off-street trails and priorities for implementing new bikeway and walkway facilities. Also, the committee  reviews standards for the construction and delineating of such bikeways and walkways and the development of information programs to promote safe usage of such facilities. The committee meets monthly. Amber Pouley is about to complete a Master of Public Health degree. (AB2014-194) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

101. Authorize the executive to sign a $108,054 contract with Northwest Youth Services of Bellingham for housing management services? The contract will serve homeless youth (up to age 25) with rent subsidies to improve housing stability and reduce homelessness. The contract ends on 12/31/2015. (AB2014-199) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

102. Authorize the executive to sign a $216,675 contract with Lydia Place of Bellingham for case management and support services to individuals receiving subsidies through the Whatcom Homeless Service Center? A 2013 count showed that 561 persons were homeless in Whatcom County. Lydia Place provided support for 85 households. This contract is for 19 months ending on 12/31/2015). (AB2014-200) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

103. Amend the 2014 flood control district budget (request #4) in the amount $4,725? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The amendment is for an increase in health benefits. The increase is $525 per employee. 2014-179 (Resolution 2014-023) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

104. Recognize Whatcom Medic One for 40 years of proving advanced life support services? This is a joint resolution with the city of Bellingham. Whatcom Medic One was formed by the Bellingham Fire Department in July 1974. The week of May 18 through May 24 has been designated National EMS Week to honor the men and women associated with the advanced life support system across the nation. AB2014-195 (Resolution 2014-024) Approved 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

105. Approve two additional fees for providing ambulance services in Whatcom County? (Public hearing held) At the 3/28/2014 meeting, vote #68, the County Council voted to establish charges/fees. These new fees were recommended by the EMS Oversight Board. One fee is for service provided but patient not transported to a medical facility and the other fee is for unsuscessful resuscitation and the patient is prononunced deceased on scene. AB2014-121A (Ordinance 2014-031) Adopted 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.

106. Amend the 2014 budget (request #10) in the amount of $1,911,591? Appropriate: $226,542 for increased health benefits; $447,391 to the sheriff’s department to fund FFY 2013 Operation Stonegarden; $55,880 to the sheriff’s department for negotiation team training, boating safety patrols and Baker Lake patrols; $850,000 for Gooseberry Point dolophin replacement project; $298,464 for the courthouse building survey; $33,314 for the Central Plaza building. AB2014-178 (Ordinance 2014-032) Adopted 6-0, Carl Weimer absent.


Back to Top of Story