February 2007
Watching Government
Whatcom County Council
Compiled by League of Women Voters Council Watchers
Action Taken at December 5, 2006 Meeting
Shall the council:
242. Enter into a $80,970 one-year contract with Michael Bobbink for the position of Whatcom County Hearing Examiner? The contract contains a $12,000 raise and runs from 1/1/07 through 12/31/07. (AB 2006-446) Approved 7-0
243. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $412,136 to Sound Ford of Renton for 15 Crown Victoria police pursuit vehicles? They replace 11 vehicles with 106,721 to 120,339 miles; the council packet doesnt list mileage for four vehicles. The bid was advertised and three bids were received. (AB 2006-449) Approved 7-0
244. Authorize the executive to enter into a $98,000 contract with the Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism Bureau to promote tourism? The year-round program is designed to attract more visitors, tour groups, meetings and get them to remain in the area longer. Funding for the contract comes from the 2 percent lodging tax passed at the 11/21/06 meeting, vote number 241. The contract runs from 1/1/07 to 12/31/07. (AB 2006-452) Approved 6-1, Carl Weimer opposed.
245. Authorize the executive to enter into a $127,793 one-year contract with the Opportunity Council to assist low-income families with housing? Repair and renovation will extend the life of nine mobile homes for 10 years for families 30 percent below the countys median income. This will make the homes eligible for the federal weatherization/energy efficiency program. The contract runs from 9/1/06 to 8/31/07. (AB 2006-456) Approved 7-0
246. Authorize the executive to enter into a $2,252,480 five-year contract with Pioneer Human Services of Seattle to operate the new behavioral health triage facility? Located at 2030 Division Street, the facility will provide a central location to deal with crisis services relating to mental health and substance abuse problems. The contract runs from 10/1/06 to 9/30/11. (AB 2006-458) Approved 7-0
247. Authorize the executive to enter into an agreement with the city of Bellingham to provide countywide emergency medical services? The county will contribute $1,349,569 and the city $1,005,892 for a total of $2,355,344 and both will increase future contributions by 1 percent per year. This agreement is automatically extended for one-year periods until one party provides a written notice of termination. The countys portion will be funded by a sales tax increase passed by voters in 2005. (AB 2006-460) Approved 7-0
248. Authorize the executive to enter into a two-year $127,100 amended contract with Washington State University for integrated pest management research and education? The Washington State University project develops knowledge and skills for integrated pest management in the county and on-site research. The amended contract amount totals $284,100 and runs from 1/1/07 through 12/31/08. (AB 2006-461) Approved 7-0
249. Impose an interim ordinance establishing a review procedure to ensure that transportation facilities are provided with development in accordance with the Growth Management Act? This vote addresses road and traffic effects resulting from development and guides how developers will pay for roads and upgrades. Interim ordinances must be renewed every six months. AB 2006-443 (Ordinance 2006-59) Adopted 6-1, Sam Crawford opposed.
250. Amend the 2006 budget (request #15) in the amount of $813,557? Appropriations include: $396,400 to Superior Court for cost overruns; $21,154 to parks and recreation for temporary help and supplies; $25,216 to fund juvenile retention alternative to prevent overcrowding at detention facility; $18,051 to sheriffs office for ammunition; $107,906 for increased election costs; $154,971 to fund WRIA 1 groundwater model and $79,859 for watershed planning; $10,000 for increased fuel costs for Lummi ferry. AB 2006-438 (Ordinance 2006-60) Adopted 7-0
251. Amend the zoning code to clarify language? The amendment cleans up minor problems such as: duplications, lack of clarity and scriveners errors. Policy and regulations will not change. AB 2006- 441 (Ordinance 2006-61) Amended and adopted 7-0.
252. Adopt an emergency ordinance extending the 2006 unified fee schedule? Council questions regarding proposed fee increases werent answered at a committee meeting; staff will respond at a future meeting. The current fee schedule expires at the end of the year requiring an emergency ordinance. The 2006 schedule will remain in effect for 60 days or until the council adopts the 2007 schedule, whichever comes first. AB 2006-440A (Ordinance 2006-62) Adopted 7-0
