February 2005
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at December 7, 2004 Meeting
Shall the council:
205. Authorize the executive to enter into a $69,946 interlocal agreeement with the Bertrand Watershed Improvement District? The funds are for developing a prioritized list and cost estimates for the improvement of fish passage, habitat/riparian areas and information gathering concerning current and future agricultural water usage effecting instream flows in the Bertrand watershed. (AB 2004-420) Approved 7-0
206. Authorize the executive to enter into a $226,655 interlocal agreement with the Public Utilities District for implementation of WRIA 1 watershed planning activities? The funds are for services needed to implement activities related to community outreach (public forums, dissemination of educational materials), development of technical information related to instream flow work within the Bertrand Watershed and water use analysis for the Ten Mile Creek watershed. (AB 2004-421) Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner opposed.*
207. Authorize the executive to enter into a $279,200 contract with Compu-Tech of Wenatchee? The company will assist in the development and implementation of a computer systems to share and exchange information between law enforcement and justice agencies. (AB 2004-424) Approved 7-0
208. Authorize the executive to enter into a $192,150 contract with Compu Work Pacific of Vancouver, B.C.? This company will also provide services needed for the development and implementation a computer systems to share and exchange information between law enforcement and justice agencies. (AB 2004-425) Appoved 7-0
209. Authorize the executive to enter into a $189,778 renewal agreement with Hoagland Pharmacy of Bellingham, to provide medication for the jail from 1/1 to 12/31/05? (AB 2004-428) Approved 7-0
210. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $258,306 Ebenal General of Bellingham for additions to the public works central shop? The work will include new vehicle storage, an addition to the sign shop and upgrades to the automatic gate. (AB 2004-432) Approved 7-0
211. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $164,800 to Farmers Equipment of Lynden for a multipurpose ditching machine? The earth digger is replacing a 1991 model. (AB 2004-433) Approved 7-0
212. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $140,005 to Pacific Concrete of Bellingham for precast concrete girders? They will be used to replace girders in four Whatcom County bridge decks. (AB 2004-434) Approved 7-0
213. Authorize the executive to purchase 10 sheriff’s department vehicles for $235,000? The 2005 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles will be purchased from Columbia Ford of Longview for $23,500 each. They are replacing vehicles with over 100,00 miles. (AB 2004-436) Approved 7-0
214. Authorize the executive to purchase four sheriff’s department vehicles for $112,600? The 2005 Ford Expeditions will be purchased from Columbia Ford of Longview for $28,150 each. Three are replacement vehicles and one is for the new child abuse detective. (AB 2004-437) Approved 7-0
215. Authorize a vote-by-mail election for the formation of a Point Roberts Public Hospital District? For additional information, see the November 23, 2004 meeting, vote 196. (Resolution 2004-69) Approved 7-0
216. Adopt the 2005 unified fee schedule? This is a schedule of fees charged by the county for the cost of providing products and services (i.e. parking, computer time, photocopies, council packets, filing and license fees, vaccinations, etc.). Fee increases this year include some food services permits, building inspections and park facility rentals. (Ordinance 2004-67) Adopted 7-0
217. Adopt a one-tenth of 1 percent sales and use tax to fund improved jail facilities? Whatcom County voters at the November 2, 2004 election approved the tax. This tax can only be used for acquisition, construction, operation, maintenance and improvement of a permanent regional justice center and temporary jail. This new Whatcom County Jail Fund shall be administered by the county executive and takes effect January l, 2005. (Ordinance 2004-68) Adopted 7-0
218. Approve 2004 budget request #15 in the amount of $836,548? The request includes: $414,155 for the sheriff’s department to fund extra patrols, a grant writing workshop, purchase of tasers and pepper ball system for crowd control and contract settlements; $125,000 for medical expenses at the jail; $30,200 for medical and dental expenses for law enforcement officers and the fire fighters retirement system: $18,135 for park department expenditures: $200,600 for Superior Court to fund mandated contract costs and unexpected costs for extra help and $38,729 for Superior Court software. (Ordinance 2004-69) Adopted 7-0
219. Pass an emergency amendment to the Shoreline Management Program? Starting on December 7, 2004, commercial salmon net-pens are prohibited from locating in Whatcom County waters for 60 days. A public hearing will be held at the January 11 meeting. A majority of the council is concerned that farmed salmon are a severe threat to wild salmon stocks. (Ordinance 2004-70) Adopted 6-1, Ward Nelson opposed.
