Compiled by Barry MacHale

Action Taken at May 3, 2016 Meeting

Shall the council:

73. Authorize the executive to sign a $99,367 contract with Wilson Engineering of Bellingham to reduce phosphorus loading in the Lake Whatcom Watershed? The Cedar Hills-Euclid stormwater improvements are part of the Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Plan. The contract will provide stormwater runoff treatment and stabilization of the erosion-affected stream channel through the installation of bioretention swales, stormfilter vaults, and native vegetation. The contract expires on 7/31/2017. (AB2016-146A) Approved 7-0

74. Authorize the executive to accept a $130,000 federal grant for the Ten-Mile Creek bridge replacement project? The grant will provide design and permitting fees for the bridge replacement on the Hannegan Road. With average daily traffic in excess of 10,000 vehicles per day, the bridge is one of Whatcom County’s highest volume roadways. The total project cost is estimated to be $1,280,000; Whatcom County has been awarded $950,000 in federal funds for the project. (AB2016-161) Approved 7-0

75. Authorize the executive to sign a $48,666 contract (amendment 2) with Environmental Science Associates of Portland, OR for additional archaeological field investigation for the Birch Bay Drive/Pedestrian facility? Federal funds require right-of-way plan modifications due to property ownership changes and related project management. The project will include a berm/trail to encourage walking and bicycling, improve non-motorized transportation, and mitigate beach erosion and roadway storm damage. The total estimated project cost is $11,450,000 with $9,667,871 in local funding. This amendment brings the total contract to $1,775,796, it expires on 12/31/2017. (AB2016-162) Approved 7-0

76. Authorize the executive to establish prices and identify firms for rental of maintenance and construction equipment? A preference will be given to low bidders and will be based on equipment availability and suitability. The bid award for each vendor will not to exceed $100,000. The list of eligible vendors includes: IMCO Construction, Godwin Pumps, Western Refinery Svcs., Hertz, Darling Sons Int’f, Star Rentals, NC Machinery, United Rentals, Ram Construction, Van’s Equipment, and NW Heavy Equipment. (AB2016-163) Approved 7-0

77. Vacate a portion of an unnamed alley in Birch Bay West End Estates? (Public hearing held) A home at 8352 Birch Bay Drive was built very close to the right-of-way. A petition was filed by Lisa Kiens and Brian Southwick (owners of the home) requesting the county vacate a portion of the unnamed alley in exchange for an alignment of equal value. A report by the county engineer recommends the vacation. An easement will be maintained over the former alley for maintenance of the sanitary sewer. AB2015-304A (Resolution 2016-016) Approved 7-0

78. Amend the Whatcom County Code to include honorary road naming? (Public hearing held) The amendment establishes a system of criteria and definitions for the honorary naming of county roads after individuals, organizations, or local entities. The County Council will appoint a five member “citizen appeals committee” to address numbering, road naming, and sign policy. Under the amended guidelines, the honorary appellation will not replace the legal name of the road, but will exist as a secondary name. AB2016-157A (Ordinance 2016-017) Adopted 6-0, Todd Donovan was out of the room.

Action Taken at May 17, 2016 Meeting

Shall the council:

79. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $1,039,477 to Stremler Gravel of Lynden for the Cedar Hills-Euclid stormwater improvements project? The bid includes design, multi-phase construction, permitting, water line relocation, and testing. The project is listed as a priority capital project in the 2016-21 six-year water resources improvement program. At the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #234, the council passed the establishment of a project-based budget to fund the project, it was amended at the 4/19/2016 meeting, vote #70, to add a $665,586 state grant. The work was advertised and and six bids were received. (AB2016-146B) Approved 7-0

80. Authorize the executive to sign a $85,322 (amendment #3) with the Northwest Regional Council to provide nursing services for inmates at the downtown jail and work center? At the 12/8/2015 meeting, vote #237, the council amended the contract to add nursing services for juvenile detention. This amendment reflects an hourly wage increase from $45/hour to $50/hour. It brings the total contract to $1,214,902 and it expires on 12/31/2016. (AB2016-171) Approved 7-0

81. Authorize the executive to accept a $580,000 federal grant (amendment #1) for emergency repairs on South Pass Road? Repairs required include excavating the existing roadway, installing geogrid wraps for stabilizing the roadway, as well as improving drainage and guardrail coverage. This amendment brings total grants to $715,200; the grant expires upon the completion of the work. (AB2016-172) Approved 7-0

82. Authorize the executive to sign a $35,000 contract with Sustainable Connections to implement a commercial waste reduction and recycling education program? The goal of the program is to achieve a 50 percent waste reduction and recycling rate as recommended by the Whatcom County Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan and the Commercial Waste Reduction Education and Technical Assistance Program. Sustainable Connections will recruit 40 businesses to participate in the Toward Zero Waste program. At least 10 businesses from the construction industry, 20 food service businesses, and 5 to 10 from hospitality/events sector. The contract expires on 12/31/2016. (AB2016-173) Approved 7-0

83. Authorize the administrator of the Purchase of Development Rights Program to apply for state grant funding? In the past, the county has received federal funding that provided 50 percent of the easement cost. If state fund is approved, the purchase of conservation easements on the Cougar Creek Ranch, Grubbs, Matheson, and Williams farm properties will not require county funds. The Washington State Recreation Conservation Service would match local funding at 50 percent. The Purchase of Development Rights Program is used to preserve farmland for habitat conservation and outdoor recreation purposes. AB2016-165 (Resolution 2016-017) Approved 7-0

84. Authorize the executive to apply for a $209,000 state grant to develop trails at South Fork Park? The application is with the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. The substitute reflects a change in granting agency from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. AB2016-168 (Resolution 2016-018) Substitute approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner1 opposed.

85. Authorize the executive to apply for a $615,884 state grant for reimbursement of property acquired at Birch Bay Community Park? The application is with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board through the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account. The grant would reimburse the county for a 2014 property acquisition. AB2016-169 (Resolution 2016-019) Approved 7-0

86. Authorize the executive to apply for a $615,884 state grant for Birch Bay Community Park property? The application is with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. The grant would reimburse the county for a 2014 property acquisition. AB2016-170 (Resolution 2016-020) Approved 7-0

87. Amend the 2016 budget (request #9) in the amount of $162,263? Appropriate: $4,370 to fund the strengthening families program, an intervention program addressing youth substance abuse; $71,000 to fund the marijuana prevention and education program, which also targets youth substance abuse; $80,518 to fund contractual wage increases for nursing services at county detention facilities; $6,375 to fund a reconfiguration of the trial court clerks’ front counter to improve efficiency and address safety concerns. AB2016-164 (Ordinance 2016-018) Adopted 7-0

Action Taken at May 31, 2016 Meeting

Shall the council:

88. Authorize the executive to enter into a $71,000 contract (amendment #1) with the Communities in Schools program? At the 3/8/2016 meeting, the council approved the original $35,750 contract to provide support services to students facing various challenges to attending and completing their basic education. This amendment extends the contract from 7/1/2016 through 6/30/2017. The total amended contract is $106,750. (AB2016-108A) Approved 7-0

89. Confirm council’s approval of Resolution 2016-018? That resolution was approved at the 4/17/2016 meeting, vote #84. It authorized the executive to apply for a $209,000 state grant to provide trail development at South Fork Park and enter into an agreement if approved. The application is with the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. Modifications to the language of the original authorization reflect a change in the funding source at the state level. (AB2016-168) Approved 6-1, Barbara Brenner2 opposed.

90. Authorize the executive to grant a utility easement to Puget Sound Energy? The easement will provide a five-foot extension on either side of the existing and/or future facilities for the purpose of providing lighting for the athletic fields at the Phillips 66 Soccer Park. (AB2016-183) Approved 7-0

91. Authorize the executive to sign a $50,000 contract with Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect of Lacey for improvement at Birch Bay Community Park? The contract is for master planning, site design, programming and initial cost estimates. The contract commences on 5/18/2016 and expires on 12/31/2016. (AB2016-185) Approved 7-0

92. Authorize the executive to sign a $252,078 contract with Reichhardt and Ebe Engineering of Lynden for West Badger Road/Bertrand Creek Bridge design and preparation services? The bridge project is item 35 on the 2016 annual construction program. The contract expires on 12/31/2019. (AB2016-186) Approved 7-0

93. Submit to Whatcom County voters a property tax levy to fund emergency medical services? The proposition will be on the 11/8/2016 general election ballot. Collection of the six-year levy would begin in 2017, at a rate of $.295 or less per $1,000 of assessed valuation, and expire in 2023. The EMS system provides medical and other services to all rural and urban areas in Whatcom County. Current levels of funding for the EMS are insufficient, and the county’s EMS Funding Work Group has recommended a levy as an appropriate funding mechanism. AB2016-167 (Ordinance 2016-019) Adopted 7-0