ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  -  MINUTES OF MEETING 

REGULAR SESSION  -  APRIL 23, 2001 

 

The  Regular Meeting of the Board of Island County Commissioners was held on April 23, 2001,  beginning at 11:30 a.m.  for a  Roundtable  with Elected Officials,  followed by other  topics at 1:30 p.m. as  outlined on the agenda,  including Diking Improvement District #4.     The meeting  was held in the  Island County Courthouse Annex, Hearing Room, Coupeville, Wa., with  William F. Thorn, Chairman, and Mike Shelton, Member, and   Wm. L. McDowell,  Member, present.

 

Roundtable Meeting with Island County Elected Officials

 

Attendance

Elected Officials:    Tom Baenen; Greg Banks;  Robert Bishop;  Maxine Sauter;  Suzanne Sinclair;  Others:                   Margaret Rosenkranz; Dick Toft.

 

Elected Officials Salary Proposal.

 

Chairman Thorn provided feedback regarding Elected Officials’ salary proposal submitted March 26th.    He saw no  dispute as far as it being an  issue to review, but at this point in time had some difficulty due to budgetary uncertainties such as:  indications are that the County will not receive I-695 backfill to the  full extent, or potentially none [State’s budget is being considered in special session starting Wednesday]; sales are relatively flat and does not look real  optimistic, and  interest rates are down.  Taken  together, could be a potential hit of ½ million dollars to the County’s general fund. 

 

Commissioner Shelton believed that Island County Elected Officials were underpaid and need to be raised, realizing  Island County  Elected Officials work just as hard as elected officials in other counties.

 

Since Commissioner McDowell was absent from the last Roundtable he was interested to hear individually  from Elected Officials with regard to the proposal. He did point out that from a budget standpoint, Elected Officials and Appointed Department  heads  have  budget workshop sessions with the Board.  The Board was able to set aside for the entire year $100,000 in Commissioner  contingencies, and the $30,000 request from Elected Officials would represent 1/3 of that. As far comments about  raises provided to other non-elected officials, those were  budgeted during this year’s budget process.  He noted that it is much easier to budget during budget sessions for the year, than dealing with a mid-year request.

 

Mr. Baenen made the point that the request amounted to about $30,000 annually, a drop in the bucket compared to ½ million dollars.   County  Elected Officials form a nucleus as far as how the county functions and there is a need to look at remunerating those officials.  Island County Elected Officials are  10-12% under  counties customarily used for salary  comparisons.  The potential is there for having a far-reaching effect  should there continue to be a large  spread in salary between elected officials  and appointed officials and department heads, which could result in  less and less candidates for office with the necessary abilities and qualifications desired in representing  Island County.  He recalled that the Board had found funds for comparable salary issues related to non-elected officials.

 

Ms. Sinclair brought out the concern  others may have raising a family on the salary schedule for Elected Officials in Island County and thought there was some merit to the idea Mr. Baenen brought out about the potential for fewer and fewer qualified candidates being attracted to run for office.

 

Mr. Bishop  added to earlier comments to note the possibility of only having interest from those with second incomes or retired instead of enthusiastic and active  elected officials.    Mr. Bishop and Ms. Sauter addressed the raises that were provided to some of the non-elected officials.

 

Mr. Banks was not  part of the Elected Officials petitioning  for a raise, but supported  everything the officials put forth.

 

            Roundtable adjourned at Noon.  Inasmuch as the next  Roundtable falls on a Holiday, May 28,       2001, the session will either be rescheduled or canceled [to be announced].

 

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

The following vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board:   

 

                Warrants #510741-#150258…………………………………………… $ 273,627.80.

 

MINUTES APPROVED

 

Minutes from the previous meeting, April 16, 2001,  were, by unanimous motion approved and signed.

 

Staff Session Schedule – May, 2001

 

 

The Board by unanimous motion, approved for distribution, the May, 2001 Staff Session Schedule, May 2nd and May 16th, both regular staff sessions the first and third Wednesday of the month.

 

Liquor License #083207-3E, Smilin’ Dog Coffee House & Café, Langley

 

Having received recommendations of approval from the Sheriff’s Office, Health Department and Planning  & Community Development Department, the Board by unanimous motion approved new application for Liquor License #083207-3E, d/b/a Smilin’ Dog Coffee House & Café by One Little Turnip LLC, located at 5603 Bayview Road, Langley [BICC 01-268].

 

HEARING SCHEDULED:   Resolution #C-55-01  Supplemental Appropriation to the following 2001 Island County Fund Budgets

 

By unanimous motion, as presented by Budget Director Margaret Rosenkranz, the Board scheduled a public hearing on May 14, 2001 at 9:55 a.m. for the purpose of considering  Resolution #C-55-01  Supplemental Appropriation to the following 2001 Island County Fund Budgets:  Current Expanse Fund, Alcohol & Substance Abuse Fund, Public Health  Pooling Fund and Public Works Fund.  The proposed supplemental appropriation recognizes  previously unrecognized additional funding from State or Federal sources in the amount of $20,121 for the Current Expense Fund; $32,408 for Alcohol & Substance Abuse Fund; $51,675 for Public Health Pooling Fund; and $29,410 for Public Works Fund.

 

HEARING SCHEDULED:   Resolution #C-56-01  Emergency

Appropriation in 2001 Fund Budgets

 

By  unanimous motion, as presented by Ms.  Rosenkranz, the Board scheduled a public hearing on May 14, 2001 at 9:55 a.m. for the purpose of considering  Resolution #C-56-01  an emergency appropriation to the following 2001 Island County Fund Budgets: Current Expense Fund, Mental Health  Fund,  Capital Facilities (REET 2) Fund and Conservation Futures Fund.  The proposed appropriation would recognize $122,912 for Current Expense Fund; $6,000 for Mental Health Fund; $49,528 for Capital Facilities (REET 2); and $244,921 Conservation Futures Fund. 

 

Resolution #C-57 -01  Continuing Wellness Incentive Program Plan

 

The Board, on unanimous motion, adopted Resolution #C-57-01 continuing the  Wellness Incentive Program Plan  for Island County Employees  for 2001 for Plan 1a and Plan 2a, with analysis of potential cost reviewed prior to April 1, 2002.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF CONTINUING THE WELLNESS

 

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INCENTIVE PROGRAM/PLAN FOR ISLAND COUNTY

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   RESOLUTION  C-57-01

EMPLOYEES

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            WHEREAS,  the Board of Island County Commissioners adopted Resolution #C-52-00 on June 5, 2000 which continued the Wellness Incentive Program; and

 

            WHEREAS,  the above Resolution requires an analysis of potential costs to be reviewed no later than April 1, 2001, after which the program may be renewed based on the previous year's accrued sick leave for program year 2001; and

 

            WHEREAS,  by participation in the program, the Island County employees demonstrated that a percentage of employees favored incentives for maintaining healthy life styles and incentives for unused sick leave; and

 

            WHEREAS,  absenteeism is expensive to the County, both in paid time off and lost productivity to the organization; NOW THEREFORE

 

            BE IT RESOLVED, that after review it has been determined that the Wellness Incentive Plan for 2001 is renewed and will contain only Plan 1a and Plan 2a as described on Attachment A; and   

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an analysis of potential cost will be reviewed prior to April 1, 2002 at which time the program may be renewed for program year 2002.

 

            ADOPTED this 23rd day of April 2001.

                                                                       

            Board of County Commissioners

            Island County, Washington

            William F. Thorn, Chairman

            Mike Shelton, Member

            Wm. L. McDowell, Member

ATTEST:   Margaret Rosenkranz, Clerk of the Board

BICC 01-261    [Exhibit on file with the Clerk of the Board]

 

Resolution #C-58 -01 Transferring Funds within the 2001 Island County Current Expense Fund Budgets; Capital Improvement (REET 1) Fund Budget; and Conservation Futures Fund Budget

 

As presented by the Budget Director, reviewed previously at staff session, the Board by unanimous motion approved Resolution #C-58-01 transferring funds between budget categories within the 2001 Island County  Current Expense Fund Budgets; Capital Improvement (REET 1) Fund Budget; and      Conservation Futures Fund Budget.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

In the Matter of Transferring Within the 2001     )

Island County Current Expense Fund Budgets,    )

Capital  Improvement (REET 1) Fund Budget     )

 

Resolution # C-58-01

and Conservation Futures Fund Budget                )

 

 

 

            WHEREAS,  all funds and department budgets are adopted and fixed by the Board of County Commissioners for each fiscal year, with expenditures listed in three general categories; Salary, Wages & Benefits, Maintenance & Operation and Capital Outlay, and

 

            WHEREAS,  it is permissible to transfer between these categories only by resolution of the Board, and

 

            WHEREAS,  various departments have requested transfers of funds between portions of their budgets, and

 

            WHEREAS,  it is necessary to transfer between these categories in order to cover for unexpected or heretofore unknown expenditures in one category from other budget category excesses, or from budgeted reserves,  NOW THEREFORE

 

            BE IT RESOLVED, that funds will be transferred in the 2001 Fund Budgets per the attached Exhibit A.

 

            ADOPTED this 23rd day of April, 2001.

                                                                                    Board of County Commissioners

                                                                                    Island County, Washington

                                                                                    William F. Thorn, Chairman

                                                                                    Mike Shelton, Member

ATTEST:  Margaret Rosenkranz                                   Wm. L. McDowell, Member

Clerk of the Board

BICC 01-264               [Exhibit A on file with the Clerk of the Board]

 

Hiring Requests & Personnel Actions

 

As presented and summarized by Dick Toft, Director, Human Resources, the Board by unanimous motion, approved the following Personnel  Authorization Actions:

 

Department     PAA #  Description                   Position No.                     Action                Eff. Date

Public Works  038/01  S.W. Atten II  .5 fte            #2248.01                           Replacement         4/30/01

Health             039/01  Asses/Comm. Dev. Supv.   #2426.00                          Replacement       4/23/01 

Health             040/01  Pub Health Nurse III           #2404.02                           Replacement         4/23/01

 

Resolution #C-59-01 DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS COUNTY PROPERTY

 

Resolution #C-59-01, prepared and submitted by Lee McFarland, Assistant Director, GSA/Property Management Division,  was approved by unanimous  motion  of the Board, a follow-on to Resolution #C-48-01 adopted on April 9, 2001, with regard to disposal of surplus county property  in conjunction with the Courthouse expansion project.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF THE DISPOSAL )                                        Resolution No.  C-59-01

OF SURPLUS COUNTY PROPERTY    )                 

 

            WHEREAS, Resolution C-48-01 declaring certain County property surplus, as shown on Exhibit “A”, was signed by the Board of Island County Commissioners on April 9, 2001; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Board of Island County Commissioners have determined the value of the property to be less than $2,500.00; and              

 

            WHEREAS, negotiations for sale of the property have shown that the value of the surplus property is insufficient to pay for removal of the property; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners have determined that time is of the essence in removing the surplus items from the Courthouse to allow the renovations to begin as scheduled; and

 

            WHEREAS, a contract in the amount of $4,000.00 has been negotiated for removal of the items, after taking into consideration the value of the surplus items; and

 

            WHEREAS the Board of County Commissioners has determined that it is in the best interest of the County and the citizens thereof that said items listed in Exhibit “A” be sold/disposed of; NOW THEREFORE,

 

            BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the items listed on Exhibit “A” shall be sold or disposed of by paying Island Recycling $4000.00 to remove and dispose of said property  in accordance with Island County Code Chapter 2.31.100.(B).

           

            ADOPTED this 23rd  day of April 2001.

 

                                                                        BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                        ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

                                                                        WILLIAM F. THORN, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:                                                        MIKE SHELTON, MEMBER

MARGARET ROSENKRANZ,                                    WM. L. MCDOWELL, MEMBER

CLERK OF THE BOARD

BICC 01-265         [Exhibit A on file with the Clerk of the Board]

 

RESOLUTION #C-60-01  -  Leasing OF Surplus County Property

 

Resolution #C-60-01, prepared and submitted by Mr.  McFarland, Assistant Director,   was approved by unanimous  motion  of the Board, authorizing structure on the property to be utilized for a caretaker residence and authorizing the Property Manager to enter into  negotiations  for the lease  of subject property [identified on Exhibit A – Natoli Property].

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF LEASING   )

SURPLUS COUNTY PROPERTY  )                               RESOLUTION NO. C-60-1

 

            WHEREAS, Island County Code Chapter 2.31, Sale Or Lease Of Surplus County Property, was adopted on April 11, 1994; and

 

            WHEREAS, Island County owns property as identified on Exhibit “A”; and

 

            WHEREAS, property as shown on Exhibit “A” is surplus to County needs for the next eight months; and

 

            WHEREAS, Island County Code Chapter 2.31.150 authorizes the County to lease surplus property; and

 

            WHEREAS, subject property includes a residence; and

 

            WHEREAS, Island County Code Chapter 2.31.160 authorizes the County to enter into private negotiations to lease real property that has been designated to be utilized for a specific service to the County; and

 

            WHEREAS, the County desires that the residence on the property as shown on Exhibit “A” be utilized for a caretaker’s residence for subject property for a period of eight months; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Island County Washington feel it is in the best interest of the Citizens of Island County that this residence be used as a caretakers residence; NOW THEREFORE,

 

            BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Island County, Washington that the aforementioned structure be utilized for a caretakers residence and the County Property Manager be directed to enter into negotiations for the lease of subject property.

           

                        Adopted this 23rd  day of April, 2001

 

                                                                        BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                        ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

                                                                        WILLIAM F. THORN, CHAIRMAN

                                                                        MIKE SHELTON, MEMBER

                                                                        WM. L. McDOWELL, MEMBER

ATTEST:     MARGARET ROSENKRANZ,                          

CLERK OF THE BOARD                                          

BICC 01-269        [Exhibit A on file with the clerk of the Board ]

 

Lease Agreement, Natoli Property

 

 Following action above, the Board by unanimous motion approved Residential Lease Agreement between Island County and Royce L. Natoli and Rhea  Natoli, 585 S. Lewis Lane, Camano Island,  ending  10/17/01.

HEALTH CONTRACTS APPROVED

 

The following health contracts were approved by unanimous motion of the Board, the first three having been approved by the Board of Health, and the Human Services contract reviewed at recent staff session with the Board:

 

Contract HD-02-01, Island County and Whidbey General Hospital, $14,560.

Contract Amendment  G9900038(1), Watershed Planning, $166,700

Interlocal Agreement Amendment  HD-06-00(1), $3,800 San Juan County

Contract HS-02-01(1) Substance Abuse Treatment – Catholic Community Services $33,202.70.

 

Olympic Security Service Contract  for Law & Justice Building

 

As presented by Betty Kemp, Director, GSA, and having been processed through  the County’s Contract Review Process, the Board by unanimous motion approved Contract #RM-GSA-01-0035 with  Olympic Security Services, Inc., to provide security officer services for the purpose of screening the public entering the secured Island County Law & Justice Building  located  at 101 NE 6th Street, Coupeville, for a total of 56 hours per week, commencing April 30, 2001 and ending December 31, 2001.  

Public Input

 

Jim Cavanaugh, 1703 Parker Road, Coupeville, approached the Board with about the proposed application for NEXTEL Corporation to locate a 120’ high tower at 1803 Parker Road, providing two submittals for consideration:

 

(1) Memorandum  regarding proposed  NEXTEL Corporation application  to locate a 120’ high tower at 1803 Parker Road, requesting:

 

a)      Planning & Community Development Department be tasked to determine the tree height/tower height ratio if the tower site was changed to the County Coupeville  Dump site

 

b)      County consider if the tower height growth potential is applicable for a cell tower site application for a lower height, i.e. should the developer pick a site that would allow a 150’ tall tower when requesting approval for a 120’ tower?

 

c)      That the NEXTEL tower site be moved to the County Coupeville Dump site; and

 

d)      The County try to not  co-mingle housing and cell towers.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Cavanaugh reminded that  County  development regulations specify that the community meeting is to be taped and a transcript made available, and he wanted to make sure that in this case Planning staff would listen to the transcription from the community meeting with NEXTEL.

 

(2)    Recommended Change to Island County Planning and Development Regulations:

 

(a)    It is thought the regulation could be improved by adding a statement to read: 

                   “Cell tower location should not be located less than 500 feet from residentially

                    zoned areas if other sites are available.”.

(b)    To positively motivate developers to not co-locate cell towers with residential

                   areas, add the following statement:  “Waiver requests of the landscape/tower

                   ratio will be considered for proposed sites more than 1000 feet from residentially             

                   zoned areas.”.

 

Some of the things the  Commissioners pointed out included:

 

-         If  the applicant could live with a shorter tower at another site the County would not have a problem with applicant wanting to relocate,

-         Unless provisions for waiver are built into the code, the Board had no authority to waive a condition or standard.

-         Federal Telecommunications Act bars the County from considering anything  relative to radiation.

-         Request for change in code is a matter that could be considered  during the normal annual review [this year’s cycle is already committed].

 

Resolution #C-61–01 (R-20-01)  Approving Plans,  Specifications  &  CALl for Bids-Asphalt Concrete Pavement Overlays-Camano IS.

 

As presented and recommended by County Engineer Lew Legat, the Board by unanimous motion, approved Resolution #C-61-01 (R-20-01) in the matter of approving  Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Call for Bids for Asphalt Concrete Pavement (ACP) Overlays on Camano Island, under  CRP 01-01, Work Order  357.

 

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF APPROVING PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING CALL FOR BIDS FOR 2001 ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT OVERLAYS CAMANO ISLAND, CRP 01-01, WORK ORDER NO. 357

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RESOLUTION NO.  C-61-01

                                      R-20-01

            WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the Island County Road Fund for 2001 Misc. Asphalt Concrete Pavement Overlays, Camano Island;  NOW THEREFORE,

 

            BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Plans and Specifications are approved and that the County Engineer is authorized and directed to call for bids for furnishing said construction.  Bid Opening is to be the 30th day of May 2001, at 11:00 A.M. in Meeting Room 3, Courthouse Annex, Coupeville.

 

            ADOPTED this 23rd day of April, 2001.

 

 

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

William F. Thorn, Chairman

Mike Shelton, Member

Wm. L. McDowell, Member

ATTEST:  Margaret Rosenkranz

Clerk of the Board         BICC-01-277

 

 

Resolution #C-62 -01(R-21-01) –  Approving Plans & Specifications &  Authorizing Call for Bids for Asphalt Concrete Pavement  Overlays – Whidbey Island

 

As presented and recommended by Mr. Legat, the Board by unanimous motion, approved Resolution #C-62-01 (R-21-01)  approving  Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Call for Bids for Asphalt Concrete Pavement (ACP) Overlays on Whidbey Island  under CRP 01-02, Work Order No. 358.

                                        BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

IN THE MATTER OF APPROVING PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING CALL FOR BIDS FOR 2001 ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT OVERLAYS WHIDBEY ISLAND, CRP 01-02, WORK ORDER NO.  358

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RESOLUTION NO.  C-62 -01

                                      R-21-01

 

     WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the Island County Road Fund for 2001 Misc. Asphalt Concrete Pavement Overlays, Whidbey Island;  NOW THEREFORE,

 

            BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Plans and Specifications are approved and that the County Engineer is authorized and directed to call for bids for furnishing said construction.  Bid Opening is to be the 30th day of May 2001, at 1:00 P.M. in Meeting Room 3, Courthouse Annex, Coupeville.

 

     ADOPTED this 23rd  day of April, 2001.

 

                                                            BOARD OF ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS