ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  -  MINUTES OF MEETING

REGULAR SESSION  -  SEPTEMBER 25, 2000    

 

Note:  The Board met in Special Session at 9:00 a.m. to conduct a budget workshop with the following departments:    Planning & Planning Grants;             Maintenance; Auditor/ Election Reserve/Voter Registration/Auditors O&M; Assessor; and Treasurer/ Treasurer’s O&M.  Minutes from the budget workshop are on file in the Office of the Commissioners and Budget Director.

 

The  Regular Meeting of the Board of Island County Commissioners was held on September 25, 2000  at 11:30 a.m. with  the monthly  Roundtable with Elected Officials,  followed by other  meeting items as listed on the Agenda beginning at 1:30 p.m., including Diking Improvement District #4.     The meeting  was held in the  Island County Courthouse Annex, Hearing Room, Coupeville, Wa., with  Wm. L. McDowell,  Chairman;   William F.  Thorn, Member; and  Mike Shelton, Member, present.

 

Roundtable Meeting with Island County Elected Officials

 

Attendance

Elected Officials:  Tom Baenen, Greg Banks, Mike Hawley, Maxine Sauter, Suzanne Sinclair; Peter Strow

Others:  Margaret Rosenkranz; Dick Toft

 

I           Tuition Reimbursement Policy

 

Sheriff  Hawley brought up for discussion what he believed to be an  inconsistency with County policy with regard to  tuition reimbursement in that it is up to  each department head to administer and based on funding within that  department’s budget [149 Miscellaneous].  Because of the way it is set up, concern is perception of unfairness and inequity, discriminating   against employees in departments  who do not have that line-item funding  in their budgets.  A  major concern is potential liability  on the County’s part if a department is able to fund tuition reimbursement one year but not the next year:  “is  there potential for grievance”?.  Suggest looking into the possibility of some kind of fund managed separately perhaps Human Resources and based on scholarship for example.

 

Follow-up:  Dick Toft tasked to find out, County-wide, to what degree  tuition reimbursement is taking place now; and to check with County’s attorney with respect to the potential liability question.

 

II  Permits Required for all Outdoor  Burning in Unincorporated Areas Based on Population

 

Northwest Air Pollution Authority advises  that outdoor burning in  Island County  is no longer legal without a permit.  The  WAC has been changed to such that  any outdoor burning requires a permit in the unincorporated areas because the County’s unincorporated population exceeds 50,000.  While the exact number is not known, the Sheriff thought requests for this type permit could be as high as 700-800 a year, and seems to be another example of an unfunded mandate in that permits must be issued by the County.

 

Chairman  advised that a Northwest Air Pollution Authority representative will make a presentation to the Board and Sheriff during Staff Session on October 18 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss how this change can be phased in, and which department  will be responsible for permitting.  For those  land clearing burn permits under DNR’s jurisdiction,  apparently as of June, 2001, DNR will no longer handle, so this is a major issue to the County.   It is his personal opinion and something he is pursuing,  that  NWAPA  needs to handle the permitting for the three counties.

 

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

The following vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board:           Voucher (War.) #82879-83071. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $709,656.50.

 

Veterans Assistance Fund: [emergency financial assistance to certain eligible  veterans; the names and specific circumstances are maintained confidential].    The Board accepted the recommendation of approval from the Veterans Assistance Review Committee, on appeal,  and by unanimous motion approved V2K-14 in the amount of $577.50 based on revised landlord  statement with new information indicating that eviction process would be started on the 28th.

 

 

Staff Session Schedule for October, 2000

 

The Board approved for distribution, the October 2000  Staff Session schedule for October 4 and 18, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  One change of note:  at 11:30 a.m. the Board will convene in Special Board Session for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on two Ordinances:  #C-90-00   (PLG-030-00) Amending Ch. 17.02 ICC  -  relating to Critical Areas Exemption for Existing and On-going AG; and (2)  #C-92-00 (PLG-031-00) Relating to Rural Densities in the Rural Zone.  [see end of minutes for clarification]

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT-English Boom 

Waterfront Trail

 

Lee McFarland, Assistant Director, General Services Administration/Parks & Recreation Division, presented for approval and signature Agreement for Professional Services with The Dykeman Architects, Everett, for English Boom Waterfront Trail.  The agreement is for the purpose of design improvements to County-owned property located on Camano Island at the northerly end of Moore Road known as   English Boom, contract not to exceed  $7,300.00. 

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved the Agreement for Professional Services with Dykeman Architects.

 

RESOLUTION EC-93-00 - Proclamation:  Children’s Day

 

During the September 18th Board of Health, Kathleen M. McLaughlin, Children’s Day Committee Member, asked that during an up-coming  Board of Commissioners meeting, that a  proclamation be issued with regard to Washington State Children’s Day, established through legislation and signed by the Governor in April, 1993 to be celebrated on the second Sunday in every October.  Island County’s celebration this year, its  3rd annual, is on Saturday, October 7th at South Whidbey Park-n-Recreation,  Langley, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Resolution #C-93-00 Proclaiming Children’s Day.

 

PROCLAMATION:  RESOLUTION  NO. C-93-00

BEFORE THE BOARD OF ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

            WHEREAS, Washington State Children’s Day was established through legislation and signed by the Governor in April, 1993, to be celebrated on the

second Sunday of every October; and,

 

            WHEREAS, the purpose of Children’s Day is to increase recognition  of children’s issues and communicate to our  children that they are valued and special, and to honor their  contributions to our  community; and

 

            WHEREAS, this is an opportunity  for schools, parents, grandparents, child welfare workers, preschools, and churches to use this day  to listen to the voices of children, address their concerns, and  acknowledge their contributions; and

 

            WHEREAS, this is a special time to celebrate our children:   make time to be with your children; plan a special meal or outing; read a story together;  go for a walk   together; immunize your child on schedule; work on a special project or craft together;  use child passenger safety restraints; tell each of your children he/she is special and why; and tell  your children  you love them.

 

            NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED by the Board of Island County Commissioners that October 8, 2000 is Children’s Day in Washington State, with Children’s Day celebrated in Island County on: 

 

                         Saturday, October 7, 2000  from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

                    South Whidbey  Park-n-Recreation, 5495 Maxwelton Road, Langley

 

All citizens are urged  to join in the fun and  celebration.

 

            PROCLAIMED and ADOPTED this 25th  day of September, 2000.

 

                                               

                                                BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

                                                Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

ATTEST:                                            William F. Thorn, Member

Margaret Rosenkranz                           Mike Shelton, Member

Clerk of the Board         BICC 00-558

 

HEALTH CONTRACTS APPROVED

 

The Board, by unanimous motion, approved the following Health Department  contracts:

 

·        Contract #HD-17-00, HIV/AIDS Peer Education - South Whidbey Youth Center, in the amount of $3,300            (approved by Board of Health  9/18/00) 

 

·        Contract Amendment #HS-09-99(2), Developmental Disabilities, the amendment in the amount of $45,000 [new contract total $867,602.00] empowerment grant to continue project from the Robert Wood Johnson funding

 

·        Contract #HD-16-00, HIV/AIDS Peer Ed-Partnership with Youth , providing funds for peer education effort in the amount of $1,700 (approved by Board of Health  9/18/00).

 

·        Contract #HD-11-00 - Opportunity Council-Childcare Consultation,  $15,600 (approved by

       Board of Health 8/21/00. 

 

·        HD-15-00 - School Nurse Services Contract – An Interlocal Agreement under RCW 39.34, Northwest Educational Services  District – for the services to be provided to the Coupeville  School District by Island County Health Department, $11,090.00    (approved by the Board of Health 9/18/00)

 

Hiring Requests & Personnel Actions

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved the following personnel  action authorizations, after presentation/explanation provided by Dick Toft, Human Resources Director:

 

PAA. #                        Description/Position #            Action                                     Eff. Date

112/00             Civ. Eng/Sur.Water Mgr. #2207.01      New Position/restructure           9/25/00

111/00             Mechanic I  O.H.  #2237.03                Replacement                             10/19/00

107/00             Paralegal/Leg. Asst. 1  #1811  5 mos.Replacement                               9/28/00

110/00             Plans Ex/Bldg. Insp. Temp  #417.01     Replacement                             9/25/00           

113/00             Deputized Officer #4014.34                 New Position                            1-1-01

 

MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATIVE GRANT

 

The Board, by unanimous motion,  approved Contract G0100050 between the State of Washington Department of Ecology and Island  County, a Marine Resources Committee Administrative  Grant with the Northwest Straits Commission,  retroactive to April 1st allowing recovery of considerable administrative  costs this spring and summer. 

 

Supplemental Agreement #3  to Consultant Agreement #PW 962049 -  Fakkema & Kingma, Inc. -  Freeland Drainage Outfall

 

On presentation and recommendation of approval by Larry Kwarsick, Public Works Director,  the Board by unanimous motion, approved Supplemental Agreement No. 3 to Consultant  Agreement #PW 962049 with Fakkema & Kingma, Inc. for the Freeland Drainage Outfall project, under Work Order #130, changing the  Scope of Services, Time of  Performance, and contract amount increased by about $10,000.

 

Abutter’s Agreement & Covenants – Pearl G. Moore, Joan E. Moore, and Duncan T. Moore -  Lots 44 – 46, Plat of Baby Island Heights, East Saratoga Road/East Harbor Road Drainage

 

Abutter’s Agreement and Covenants with  Pearl  G. Moore, Joan E. Moore, and Duncan T. Moore was approved by unanimous motion of the Board, related to  Lots 44 – 46, Plat of Baby Island Heights, involving drainage.  This matter was discussed in detail by the Public Works Director at the last Staff Session and Mr. Kwarsick confirmed the agreement was consistent with adopted policy on working with individual property owners to pursue resolution of drainage problems.

 

Drainage Agreement & Covenants – Karen R. Hamalainen & Vernon R. and Donna D. Kingma,  West Camano Dr. Drainage

 

The Board by unanimous motion, approved Drainage Agreement and Covenants with  Karen R.

Hamalainen  and Vernon R. and Donna D. Kingma,  Plat of Camano, Parcels S6240-00-00B03

and S6240-00-00A0, associated with the  West Camano Drive Drainage project, consistent with  adopted policy on working with individual property owners to pursue resolution of drainage problems.

 

CLARIFICATION:   ACTION TAKEN ON 9-18-00 SETTING PUBLIC HEARING AT SPECIAL SESSION 10-4-00 TO EXTEND GROWTH MANAGEMENT ORDINANCES

 

The  following clarification statement was read into the record:

 

“On September 18th, on request of the Planning Director, the Board scheduled a public hearing at a Special Session of the Board on  October 4, 2000 at 11:30 a.m.  to  renew three  Growth Management Interim Ordinances adopted by the Board, expiring on October 5, 2000:

 

(1)        Ordinance #C-90-00  (PLG-030-00) Amending Chapter  17.02 ICC, to Comply with the Order of the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board Relating to the Critical Areas Exemption for Existing and On-going AG [extending Ordinance C-28-00] 

 

(2)        Ordinance # C-91-00 (PLG-029-00)Amending Chapter 17.03 ICC, to Comply with the Order of the Western Washington Growth  Management Hearings Board Relating to Residential Uses in the Rural Zone [extending Ordinance #C-30-00]

 

(3)        Ordinance #C-92-00 (PLG-031-00) Amending Chapter 17.03 ICC to Comply with the Order of the Western Washington  Growth Management  Hearings Board Relating to Residential Uses in the Rural Zone  [extending Ordinance #C-29-00]

 

When Deputy Prosecuting Attorney reviewed the actual  ordinances on 9/19, he determined that Ordinance #C-91-00 PLG-029-00) was not necessary  because  Ordinance #C-30 00 is a permanent ordinance awaiting the Growth Board's approval.   Therefore, during the September 20th Staff Session the Board clarified the matter and confirmed, by unanimous motion,  that the public hearing October 4, 2000 at 11:30 a.m. Special Session, stands but only to conduct a public hearing on two ordinances:  (1)  Ord. C-90-00   (PLG-030-00) Amending Ch. 17.02 ICC  -  relating to Critical Areas Exemption for Existing and On-going AG [continuing Ordinance C-28-00]; and (2)  Ord. C-92-00 (PLG-031-00) Relating to Rural Densities in the Rural Zone   [continuing Ordinance C-29-00].”      [GMA doc. #5971]:

 

GMA doc. #5969 -   Ord. C-90-00   (PLG-030-00) Amending Ch. 17.02 ICC  -  relating to Critical Areas Exemption for Existing and On-going AG [continuing Ordinance C-28-00]

 

GMA doc. #5970 -  Ord. C-92-00 (PLG-031-00) Relating to Rural Densities in the Rural Zone   [continuing Ordinance C-29-00]. 

 

Contract #01-62900-024 0 Intergovernmental Agreement with Wa. State DepT.  of Community, Trade and Economic Development

 for Clinton and Freeland NON-MUNICIPAL UGA’S

 

Contract # 01-62900-024 0,  Intergovernmental Agreement with Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development for Clinton and Freeland Non-Municipal Urban Growth Areas, in the amount of $20,000 was approved by unanimous motion of the Board.    Phil Bakke, Planning Director, had explained that the  effective date of contract is July 1, 2000, through  June 30  2001 [FY 2001 Growth Management Act Compliance  Grant]  related to designation of Clinton an Freeland as non-municipal urban growth areas.   [GMA doc. #5974]

 

HEARINGS SCHEDULED- PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT;

5 YEAR REVIEW PROCEDURES

 

Mr.  Bakke  presented for scheduling, two proposed ordinances resulting from the 2000 Planning Commission annual review cycle:  PLG-018-00,  Amending Chapters 17.03.260 & 17.02 ICC  Penalties and Enforcement, and PLG-019-00, Amending Chapter 16.26.090 ICC regarding 5-Year Review Procedures.  Suggested hearing date is November 27th, allowing time required for state agency review.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board scheduled a public hearing on November 27, 2000 at 2:45 p.m.,

on Ordinance #C-94 -00 (PLG-018-00) Amending Chapters 17.03.260 & 17.02 ICC  Penalties and Enforcement  [GMA doc. #5972], and Ordinance #C-95-00 (PLG-019-00) Amending Chapter 16.26.090 ICC regarding 5-Year Review Procedures [GMA doc. #5973], for hearing to be held on November 27, 2000 at 2:45 p.m.

 

Resolution #C-96-00  (PLG-026-00) Approving Application

OPS 712/00, Au Sable Institute

 

Jeff Tate, Planning Manager, presented for Board action, proposed Resolution PLG-026-00 adopting the  recommendation of the Planing Commission approving Open Space Application 712/00 by Au Sable Institute   to designate 126.80 acres as Open Space through the Public Benefit Rating System, subject to the conditions  spelled out in the recommendation of the Planning Commission in a letter to the Board dated August 8, 2000.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board adopted Resolution #C-96-00  (PLG-026-00) Approving application OPS 712/00, Au Sable Institute, to designate 126.80 acres as Open Space through the Public Benefit Rating System. [GMA doc. #5975]

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF APPROVING APPLICATION OPS 712/00, AN APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY AU SABLE INSTITUTE TO DESIGNATE 126.80 ACRES AS OPEN SPACE THROUGH THE PUBLIC BENEFIT RATING SYSTEM.

)

)         RESOLUTION C-96-00

)             PLG-026-00

)

)

WHEREAS, on December 31, 1999, Au Sable Institute submitted application OPS 712/00, an application to designate approximately 126.80 acres as open space on parcels R13101-493-1600 & R13101-391-3010 under the provision set forth in the Public Benefit Rating System, Chapter 3.40 ICC; and

WHEREAS, on May 30, 2000, the Island County Planning Department presented a staff report to the Planning Commission that evaluated the proposal based on criteria established in Chapter 3.40 ICC and recommended granting Au Sable the maximum 90% tax reduction; and

WHEREAS, on May 23, 2000, the Island County Planning Commission visited the site with staff and the applicant’s agent; and

WHEREAS, on May 30, 2000 and August 8, 2000, the Island County Planning Commission held public hearings on application OPS 712/00; and

WHEREAS, on August 8, 2000, the Island County Planning Commission transmitted a recommendation for approval and findings to the Board of Island County Commissioners, NOW, THEREFORE,

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Island County Commissioners has reviewed the Planning Commission recommendation to approve the granting of open space land classification under the provisions set forth in the Public Benefit Rating System, and believes that the request submitted by Au Sable Institute qualifies for a 90% tax reduction. 

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of September, 2000.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

William F. Thorn, Member

Mike Shelton, Member

ATTEST: Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board   BICC 00-577

Resolution #C-97-00   (PLG-028-00) Amending the existing service area for        the Sunset Water Distribution Association into the Coordinated Water System Plan

 

Proposed Resolution PLG-028-00,  Amending the existing service area for       the Sunset Water Distribution Association into the Coordinated Water System Plan, was introduced by Mr. Tate, who reviewed with the Board three exhibits:

 

·        Exhibit A:  shows which parcels are being taken out an which are being added

[* = parcels taken out; hatched areas show those parcels added].

·        Exhibit B:  finalized  map if the resolution is approved

·        Exhibit C:  All parcels now served by the  Sunset Water Distribution Association.

 

By unanimous motion, the Board approved Resolution #C-97-00 (PLG-028-00) Amending the existing service area for the Sunset Water Distribution Association into the Coordinated Water System Plan.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING THE EXISTING SERVICE AREA FOR THE SUNSET WATER DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATION INTO THE COORDINATED WATER SYSTEM PLAN

 

)

)         RESOLUTION C-97-00

)             PLG-028-00

)

WHEREAS, the Sunset Water Distribution Association has prepared and submitted a water system plan per the Island County Coordinated Water System Plan, RCW 70.116, and WAC 248-56; and

WHEREAS, the water system plan and amended service area of the Sunset Water Distribution Association has been reviewed for consistency with the Island County Comprehensive Plan, the Island County Coordinated Water System Plan, and other applicable State and local codes and regulations; and

WHEREAS, this amendment will result in specific parcels being removed from the existing service area, identified on Exhibit A, and one parcel being added to the existing service area, also identified on Exhibit A; and

WHEREAS, an amendment to revise the service area boundary is being requested in order to recognize existing infrastructure and conditions; and

WHEREAS, the Island County Engineering Department does not object to approval of the amended Sunset Water Distribution Association Service Area; and

WHEREAS, the Island County Building Department does not object to approval of the amended Sunset Water Distribution Association Service Area; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board of Island County Commissioners that the water system plan and amended service area of the Sunset Water Distribution Association, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and parcels that are included within the amended service area, attached hereto as Exhibit C, be incorporated into the Island County Coordinated Water System Plan.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of September, 2000.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

William F. Thorn, Member

Mike Shelton, Member

ATTEST:  Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board  BICC 00-578        [Note:  exhibits placed on file with the Clerk of the Board]

 

DISCUSSION – NEW LAW & JUSTICE FACILITY

 

A discussion was held  at the request of the Superior Court Judges beginning at 4:00 p.m. regarding the  new Law & Justice Facility, specifically three issues:   location of Juvenile Court Services;  purchase of  security equipment for new Law & Justice facility; and  construction of the juvenile detention facility.   In addition to the Commissioners, those  attending for all or a portion of the discussion, included:  Greg Banks; Marilee Black; Vickie Churchill; Delilah George; Larry Kwarsick; Alan Hancock; Mike Merringer; Jan Smith; Dick Toft, Paul Messner. 

I           Purchase – Security Equipment

Mr. Kwarsick  had  not yet  spoken to potential vendors, but in   working  on the overall project budget,  a dollar amount was included for some equipment.  Requests  beyond just equipment he cannot address.   The facility is designed for completion in March.  From  a  September 25th letter  from  Bryan G. Young, P.C., Architects & Planners, Mr. Kwarsick shared information about  the general security features  of the new Law & Justice  Facility  and security relative to the County Clerk’s office.  As far as  x-ray and magnetometer    those would be extra and are not part of the contract,  although Bryan Young is aware of those items and has provided for placement of them.   If the Board directs staff to go ahead and acquire those items, he will put a  place holder in the budget  for that equipment.

 

As far as cost to operate the x-ray and magnetometer, the Chairman acknowledged was a question to be determined; however, the  architect  designed for the equipment and the question about ordering is something Mr. Kwarsick has agreed to find out.   Unlike  the magnetometer, video cameras don’t require guards standing by, therefore, Commissioner Thorn thought that could  be  purchased from the place-holder  budget because it is transferable  to the other  facility.  These items are not included in any individual department budget and has to be a budget consideration.  This has been noted by the  Budget Director for budget workshop discussion.

 

Judges Churchill and Hancock discussed  technology in the new facility which they have been told will be state of the art but need to know what is planned [i.e. where the   amplifier system is; whether or not there is a place for the Judge to cut sound off to  certain people;  whether or not the technology  includes having  side bars such that a court reporter can hear but the jurors cannot].     They  provided to Mr. Kwarsick a  video tape received  from   San Juan County  with regard to the  court room of the future – what it looked like and some of the technology that would be involved.  After Mr. Kwarsick’s review  they were interested in his  feed back to say what is planned for the Island County facility, what they can expect in the way of state of the art technology to know if their  state of the art definition is the same as the architect’s.  Other  things they thought useful to check into was the  ability to move portions of the walls and get at the power boxes and other technological devices that enable upgrades in various lines and currents needed for various upgrades in technology.

 

Commissioner Thorn asked that the Judges e-mail  Mr. Kwarsick a list of their concerns so he can  address those with the architect.  Mr. Kwarsick agreed to  sit down with Bryan Young and  view the video tape and  give the Judges a  report on what kind of state of the art is planned.

II         Location -  Juvenile Court Services; Construction of Juvenile Detention Facility

The last time this matter was discussed with the architect the plan was  on a temporary basis to locate  Juvenile Court Services into the existing Sheriff’s space; as the Juvenile Detention Facility is  completed, integrate them into that new facility.

 

One of the concerns brought up  on behalf of Juvenile Court Services was the problem of security and their understanding JCS would not be able to use the connecting sky bridge between the buildings  because the sky bridge would be a secure area and probation officers not allowed to go back and forth for transport.   Jan Smith    was not aware that  would be a problem and could not imagine   probation officers  precluded  from using the sky bridge.  Mr. Kwarsick confirmed he had not been  advised that that access would be denied, though he is aware it would be  controlled. 

 

The Judges  were interested to hear   more about the reason behind siting WSU Extension in the corner space in the  Law and Justice facility; why that plan could not be altered and JCS moved there until such time as the Juvenile Detention Facility is built and JCS moves in that building.  Greg Banks believed  the idea of having a law and justice center was to have a place where they would all be able to function better, in addition to having enough space.  Mike Merringer expressed disappointment and frustration with  JCS needs being  compared to WSU’s need to have a place to back up a truck.

 

The Commissioners went through and explained two or three different reasons, including square footage, access needed, and prohibitive cost for trying to move an alternative group in that site.    After all things considered, it  seemed that to  design a space for use by JCS  on a short term basis, to then move again after that  area had been specifically designed for JCS use, was perhaps not the best  use of county money  -   trying to accomplish fitting   everyone’s needs into the best space.  The architect has indicated that the designated area for  WSU will be completely separate from the criminal justice functions.  As far as  getting started on the  Juvenile Detention Center, an important  issue was resolved last week when Mr. Kwarsick received news that the State agreed to  fund this funding cycle the Town of Coupeville’s  sewage plant update.  The Town to date has been  willing to entertain the simultaneous construction of the facility as long as they were in line in terms of their permits, contracts, etc. and knew that the detention facility demand for  sewage treatment would not increase the town’s ability to supply that fundamental service, and the Town’s thinking was  they would have that underway in 2002.  Juvenile Court Services would have an  interim space, a   dramatic improvement over their  present location in the  Kaul Building.  No one questioned  the inadequacy of  JCS current space in the Kaul Building.  Based upon on-going conversations Bryan Young the space was looked at when vacated by the Sheriff and  it seemed that would probably represent a compromise that would provide JCS with appropriate space and an in-house connection with the courts until  permanent space was designed and built.

 

Mr. Merringer had some problems with that space and his pressing  need to get in to the law and justice facility as he outlined in a recent e-mail.  Part of the frustration relates to the Friday juvenile calendar – having to  meet with clients and families in the hall.  He did not see that  JCS would be able to take parents and kids and bring them back to JCS offices coming through a locked system.  The L&J facility is a law and justice facility; therefore, he was not quite sure  why a law and justice agency had to make a  compromise.

 

The Board heard the disappointment but stressed this was an interim placement – two years until the juvenile detention center is built.  They asked that Mr. Merringer meet with Bryan Young and Larry Kwarsick to go through what can be done with the Sheriff’s space.

 

Mr. Kwarsick noted that the new law and justice facility will have conference rooms associated with the court rooms which does not currently exist, available for the type of things Mr. Merringer mentioned  but he was aware too there would be competition for those conference rooms.

 

The Judges hoped that the  Law and justice Facility would be  for law and justice needs such as Juvenile Court Services, at the top of the list over  non-law & justice departments.  They inquired about the Board’s willingness to change the decision about putting  WSU in the one corner of the Law & Justice facility – if Mr. Merringer can sit down with Bryan Young and Larry Kwarsick the Board was the Board willing to think about other possibilities.

 

Commissioner Thorn stated that if the Board could  find appropriate solutions for both organizations he would be open to doing so; there is no vested interest  in seeing WSU there.  He was  convinced the architect had done an  outstanding job juggling everything he had to juggle with all the different departments, needs and priorities.   Commissioner Shelton reiterated that the site had been chosen for WSU because it seemed  the most functional space.

 

When Mr. Kwarsick asked the Judges had any fundamental objection,  if it would be  acceptable if some way could be figured out for JCS to go in the Law & Justice facility  awaiting  construction of the juvenile detention center and the  offices that are part and parcel to that, that at the end of that time then WSU would be moved into that space. 

 

Judge Hancock could not at this point  give a blanket approval particularly knowing some of the Prosecuting Attorney’s  space needs, and with that answered “maybe”,  having  some difficulty thinking there would not be some other law and justice need for that space.

 

            There being no further business to come before the        Board at this time,  the Chairman           adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.,  to meet in  Special Session September 27, 2000    [Council of Governments Noon-1:30 p.m.; Budget Workshop 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.].

                                                          

                                                         BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                            ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

                                               ______________________________

                                               Wm. L. McDowell, Chairman

 

                                              _______________________________

                                              William F. Thorn, Member

 

                                              _____________________________

                                              Mike Shelton,   Member

 

ATTEST:    ____________­­­­­___________

Margaret Rosenkranz,  Clerk of the Board