April 2006
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at January 31, 2006 Meeting
Shall the council:
20. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $115,757 to Zumar Industries of Tacoma for traffic control signs? The contract runs from 1/1/06 through 12/31/06 and allows for three one-year extensions. Expenditures will be based on needs. (AB 2006-63) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent
21. Authorize the executive to award contracts for $620,000 to purchase road maintenance products? $400,000 to Alpine Products of Auburn for road striping paint and beads; $80,000 to UAP (United Agri Products) Northwest of Burlington for herbicides; $50,000 to Goodyear/Les Schwab of Bellingham for tires; $50,000 to Coral Sales of Milwaukee, Oregon, for guardrail and installation materials; and $40,000 to nine vendors for rubberized asphalt. (AB 2006-67) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
22. Authorize the executive to accept a state grant of $50,000 and appropriate $50,000 in county matching funds to upgrade the Plantation indoor target range? The total estimated cost is $100,000 and a construction completion date of 9/30/06. Twenty-six law enforcements agencies as well as the general public use the range for target practice. (AB 2005-68) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
23. Authorize the executive to award a $17,300 contract with Vid-Smith of Bellingham, to provide a video that demonstrates water-friendly gardening practices? The 30- to 60- minute video will be aired on local television stations, circulated through city and county libraries and mailed to residents on request. See 6/21/05 meeting, vote number 119, for details on the $130,000 state grant for gardening education in the Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish watersheds. (AB 2006-69) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
24. Authorize the executive to enter into a contract with Whatcom Land Trust for their continued assistance in the agricultural purchase of development rights program? The land trust will do the appraisals, negotiate conservation easements, close the deals and assume responsibility for the monitoring and enforcement of easements. The minimum fee will be $3,000 per easement or 6 percent on the first $150,000 of each easement (whichever is greater) and a 4 percent fee on each easement over $150,000. (AB 2006-71) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
25. Authorize the executive to award a $135,422 contract to North Sound Mental Health Administration to continue the jail diversion project? This is a pilot project funded by the federal and state government to test changes to the chemical dependency involuntary treatment law. The contract runs from 9/1/05 through 8/31/06. (AB 2006-74) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
26. Authorize the executive to enter into a $267,052 lease with Copper Building Associates for space in the Copper Building at the corner of Young and Commercial? The three-year lease (2/1/06 through 1/31/09) is for 6,000 square feet used by the public works department. (AB 2006-75) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
27. Authorize the executive to enter into a two-year contract with Rustand, Inc. of Bellingham, to operate a minimum security work-release facility? The costs shall not exceed $562,500 in 2006 and $638,750 in 2007. The county will pay a per diem rate of $35 for a maximum of 47 beds. The contract will run from 1/1/06 through 12/31/07. (AB 2006-76) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
28. Sell by negotiation a tax-title property to Whatcom County? Request 2006-01, 20 feet of a Marietta lot on Commercial Street will be sold to the public works river and flood division for public purposes for not less than the principal taxes, title search and foreclosure costs of $929.19. AB 2006-49A (Resolution 2006-06) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
29. Sell by negotiation a 20-acre parcel on South Pass Road to an adjoining land owner? Request 2006-02 will be sold for not less than the principal, taxes, interest, penalties, title search and foreclosure costs of $433.24. AB 2006-50A (Resolution 2006-07) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
30. Sell two surplus properties at 1969 Van Dyk Road to the Skookum Chuck Water Association? Request PW 2006-01, $85,000 plus costs for 10 acres (Oltman Pit) and a $5,000 purchase opition for five acres (Roeder Pit). The water association can purchase Roeder Pit within the next three years for $80,000. The association provides well water to area residents and agriculture. AB 2005-52A (Resolution 2006-08) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
31. Cancel uncollectible personal property taxes totaling $8,433? A number of individuals, several mobile home residents and some companies that went out of business could not be located. AB 2006-77 (Resolution 2006-09) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
32. Initiate a comprehensive program to manage and shape growth in Whatcom County? The three-part analysis for future growth will assess a broad spectrum of services that include transportation, parks and staff support for these services. AB 2005-60 (Resolution 2006-10) Approved 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
33. Amend the aquaculture regulations to prohibit commercial salmon net-pen facilities in Whatcom County waters? At the 2/8/05 meeting, vote number 45, the council voted (6-1, Ward Nelson opposed) to prohibit commercial salmon farming in Whatcom County waters. AB 2006-58 (Ordinance 2006-03) Adopted 5-1, Sam Crawford opposed, Ward Nelson absent.
34. Approve 2006 budget request #2 In the amount of $18,933,277? The request includes: $244,000 for the general fund, $16,605,985 for the road fund, $1,790,998 for the ferry fund, $261,500 for equipment and rental replacement, $8,000 for the jail fund and $22,794 for the flood-stormwater fund. AB 2006-55 (Ordinance 2006-04) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
35. Amend property rezoning definitions in the Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance? These changes enhance and clarify procedures and criteria for different types of rezoning. AB 2006-56 (Ordinance 2006-05) Adopted 6-0, Ward Nelson absent.
Action Taken at February 14, 2006 Meeting
Shall the council:
36. Authorize the executive to award low bids of $125,816 to Frontier Ford of Anacortes for six vehicles? The low bid for two sport utility vehicles were Ford Expeditions at $27,019 each. They replace vehicles with 101,302 and 130,141 miles. (AB 2006-91) The low bid for four 4X4 utility vehicles were Ford Escapes at $17,945 each. They are not replacement vehicles. (AB 2006-93) Approved 7-0
37. Authorize the executive to award sole/low bids of $168,549 to Bill Pierre Auto Center of Seattle for seven sheriffs department vehicles? The sole bid for two front wheel drive pursuit vehicles were Chevrolet Impalas at $20,011 each. They replace vehicles with 113,135 and 115,500 miles. (AB 2006-92) The low bid for five pursuit vehicles were Ford Crown Victorias at $25,056 each. They replace vehicles with 95,622 to 122,275 miles. (AB 2006-94) Approved 7-0
38. Authorize the executive to sign a $40,000 contract with Studio Cascade Company of Spokane to prepare an update of the Foothills subarea plan? The contractor will work with the 11-member citizens advisory group in the planning process and soliciting public input. See the 10/25/05 meeting, vote number 213 and 11/9/05 meeting, vote number 221. This contract is for phase 1; it runs from 2/15/06 through 8/30/06. (AB 2006-95) Approved 7-0
39. Authorize the executive to sign a $49,450 contract with RH2 Engineering of Bothell for a Lake Whatcom Boulevard traffic reduction study? Most of the traffic between Bellingham and Sudden Valley uses Lake Whatcom Boulevard, resulting in heavy travel on the lakeshore. The study will evaluate traffic flow patterns and identify ways to shift traffic to Lake Louise Road. The contractor will present the study findings at public forums. The contract runs from 2/15/06 through 6/15/07. (AB 2006-96) Approved 7-0
40. Authorize the executive to sign an amended contract for $39,494 with Puget Sound Restoration Fund of Bainbridge Island to develop and implement a volunteer water quality monitoring project? Volunteers will monitor freshwater streams feeding into Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor for fecal coliform. Subcontractors are Hirsch Consulting Services of Lummi Island and Cascadia Consulting Services of Bellingham. The amended contract runs from 2/1/06 through 7/30/07. (AB 2006-98) Approved 7-0
41. Authorize the executive to enter into a $435,600 lease with Peeples Enterprises of Bellingham for space in the building at 215 N. Commercial Street? The three-year lease (5/1/06 through 4/30/09) with an option to purchase is for 10,307 feet of space on two floors. (AB 2006-99) Approved 7-0
42. Authorize the executive to enter into a $29,000 contract with Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote the Ski to Sea Festival? The contract runs from 1/1/06 through 12/31/06. This proposal failed at the 1/17/06 meeting, vote number 8. (AB 2006-038A) Approved 5-2, Laurie Caskey-Schreiber and Dan McShane opposed.
43. Authorize the executive to purchase a conservation easement on the Awtar/Jagtar Alamwala farm for $1,110,700? The easement will protect the 91-acre farm on the northwest corner of Dahlberg and Grandview Road from conversion to non-agricultural uses under the Purchase of Development Rights program. The purchase is contingent on receiving 50 percent ($532,500) in federal matching funds. So far, the county has received $150,000 in federal funds; see the 8/9/05 meeting, vote 155. AB 2006-107 (Resolution 2006-11) Approved 7-0
44. Amend 2006 budget request #3 in the amount of $12,214,521? The request includes: $2,590,164 for the general fund; $2,539,674 for the county jail; $1,110,700 for the conservation futures fund (see vote 43); $4,729,044 for jail construction; $1,104,630 for administrative services and $151,109 in miscellanous expenses. AB 2006-83 (Ordinance 2006-06) Adopted 7-0
45. Amend Ordinance 82-109 to reconstitute the Emergency Medical and Ambulance Advisory Board? City and county government positions will be reduced and fire commissioner positions added to make the board more knowledgeable in reviewing emergency medical services. Total membership will be reduced from 10 members and one advisory position to nine members and two advisory positions. At least two public meetings will be held each year to review the previous year and the budget. AB 2006-81 (Ordinance 2006-07) Adopted 7-0
Action Taken at February 28, 2006 Meeting
Shall the council:
46. Adopt the Whatcom County Hearings Examiners recommendation to approve the plat of Belmont? The 23-lot single family residential subdivision in a UR4 zone will be developed by Greenbriar Construction on 4.77 acres at 2520 Yew Street Road. (AB 2006-108). Approved 7-0
47. Authorize the executive to award bids up to $200,000 for the supply and delivery of various asphaltic mixes for county road projects? The bids were awarded to Whatcom Builders of Bellingham, Wilder Construction of Everson and Rinker Materials of Burlington. Price, location of work and type of mix available will determine which company is used. (AB 2006-113) Approved 7-0
48. Authorize the executive to spend up to $100,000 for office furniture? The bid for public works modular furniture will be advertised at a future date. (AB 2006-114) Approved 7-0
49. Authorize the executive to accept a state grant of $80,750 to restore salmon habitat on the North Fork of the Nooksack River? The county will provide funds of $14,250. The project will prepare project designs, cost estimates and examine alternatives to restore salmon habitat on the lower 0.9 miles of Canyon Creek. It will also evaluate existing flood hazards and public outreach to the affected community. (AB 2006-116) Approved 7-0
50. Authorize the executive to accept a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant of $16,476 to continue knotweed control on the Nooksack River? The county will provide funds of $8,418. The project began in 2003 to inventory, monitor and eradicate noxious knotweed infestations. The contract runs from 1/1/06 to 12/31/06. (AB 2006-117) Approved 7-0
51. Authorize the executive to accept a federal grant of $30,134 to continue forestry service projects? Jail inmates will perform brush clearing, trail and campground maintenance, litter removal, tree planting and site restoration. The work provides inmates opportunities and training to aid their re-entry into society. (AB 2006-118) Approved 7-0
52. Approve the transfer of fifteen Panasonic laptop computers from emergency management to the sheriffs department? The division of emergency management declared the computers surplus. AB 2006-121 (Resolution 2006-12) Approved 7-0
53. Set March 14 as the public hearing date to sell tax-title property by public auction for no less than taxes and closing costs? (1) Request TR 200603, a l.65 acre triangular parcel just north of railroad right of way near Johnson Creek and Sumas for no less than $423.92. AB 2006-122 (Resolution 2006-13); (2) Request TR 2006-05, Cabana Club condominium unit #l09 (Birch Bay) undivided 1/48 interest in time share unit E-41 for no less than $980.89 AB 2006-124 (Resolution 2006-15); (3) Request TR 2006-06, Cabana Club condominium unit #109 (Birch Bay) undivided 1/48 interest in time share unit F-42 for no less than $1,214.99 AB 2006-125 (Resolution 2006-16); (4) Request TR 2006-07, a five acre parcel on the southwest border of government lot #2 on Nevans Street in Blaine for no less than $351.55 AB 2006-126 (Resolution 2006-17) All approved 7-0
54. Set March 14 as the public hearing date to sell tax-title property by negotiation for no less than taxes and closing costs? (1) Request TR 2006-04, a two-acre parcel in a portion of government lot #13, lying southwest of Smugglers Slough, north of Marine Drive for no less than $3,140.53 AB 2006-123 (Resolution 2006-14); (2) Request TR 2006-08, three inches in width by 100 feet in length on the southern edge of lot four in the block bounded by Utter, Walnut, Monroe and Washington Streets in Bellingham for no less than $1.37 AB 2006-127 (Resolution 2006-18) Both approved 7-0
55. Adopt 12 open space* applications? The county planning commission recommended the adoption of 12 applications and the denial of one open space/open space application. Eleven applications were for open space/timber, which requires an acceptable timber management plan. One application was for open space/farm and agricultural conservation. If the property is sold and removed from open space designation, seven years in back taxes must be paid. AB 2006-130 (Resolution 2006-19) Amended and approved 7-0
56. Approve 2006 budget request #4 in the amount of $2,819,357? Expenditures include $90,700 for Courthouse security; $265,530 for drug court services; $4,945 for domestic violence programs; $1,113,881 for various health services such as substance abuse treatment and developmental disability services; $100,000 for plantation rifle range improvements; $350,000 for the new homeless housing program and $28,878 for the operation and maintenance of low income housing; $185,472 to the auditors fund and $679,951 for emergency management projects. AB 2006-105 (Ordinance 2006-08) Adopted 7-0
57. Approve 2006 budget amendment #1 in the amount of $1,310,000? The Economic Development Investment Board* recommended a grant of $436,667 and a 20-year loan of $873,333 to the city of Blaine for construction of a pedestrian boardwalk along the marina bluff. The money was originally approved at the 6/29/04 meeting, vote number 121, but the project was delayed. AB 2006-106 (Ordinance 2006-09) Adopted 7-0
58. Impose a moratorium on the acceptance of new short plats applications within current suburban enclaves** and transportation corridors? The moratorium is necessary to meet the goals regarding resource land protection and rural character. The suburban enclaves of Lake Samish and Chuckanut area which have been reviewed previously, are exempt. AB 2006-110 (Ordinance 2006-10) Adopted 4-2, Barbara Brenner*** and Ward Nelson opposed, Sam Crawford absent.
59. Enact an emergency amendment to the Comprehensive Plan map and associated text provisions to rescind the Urban Growth designation for Sudden Valley? AB 2006-132 (Ordinance 2006-11) Adopted 5-1, Ward Nelson opposed, Sam Crawford absent.
*A board created by the council to make recommendations to the council on economic development investments.
**Areas included in the Comprehensive Plan map and zoned rural residential one, two or three units per acre.
***Brenner voted no because the moratorium had nothing to do with meeting goals regarding protecting resource lands and rural character. Furthermore those goals will be more adequately protected by adopting regulations that directly and fairly deal with the problems. Please see additional comments beginning at the top of the next column.
