BOARD OF ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OF MEETING  OCTOBER 11, 2004

 

The Board of Island County Commissioners (including Diking Improvement District #4) met in Regular Session on  October 11,  2004, at 9:30 a.m. in the   Island County Courthouse Annex Hearing Room, located at 1 N. E. 6th Street, Coupeville, Wa.    William J. Byrd,  Chairman, Mike Shelton, Member, and Wm. L. McDowell,  Member,  were present.    The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.  By unanimous motion, the Board approved the minutes from the September 27, 2004 Special Session. 

 

VOUCHERS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

The following vouchers/warrants were approved for payment by unanimous motion of the Board:    Voucher (War.) #198841-199108…………………………. $580,292.20. 

 

Hiring Requests & Personnel Actions

 

As presented by Dick Toft, Human Resources Director, the Board by unanimous motion,  approved the following personnel action authorizations:   

 

Dept.               PAA #       Description          Position  #          Action                      Eff. Date

Maint.              093/04      Office Mgr.            904.00                 Reclassification     10/11/04

Assessor          094/04      Appraiser 3            106.04                 Appraiser 3            10/11/04

 

EMPLOYEE AWARDS

 

EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

 

Department        Employee        No. of Years

Public Works   Joe Araucto          10

Public Works    Pete Seybert          5

Solid Waste       Todd Davis          10

 

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

Michelle Cook was employed at Island County Superior Court in the position of Courthouse Facilitator for approximately two years and has recently resigned from the position.  Michelle assisted un-represented litigants accessing the Superior Court in domestic relations cases, and instrumental in successfully developing the court facilitator program.  She was presented today with a Certificate of Appreciation for the generous dedication and commitment displayed in the position of Court Facilitator to the Island County Superior Court on behalf of Judge Alan R. Hancock and Judge Vickie I. Churchill. 

 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH  -  AUGUST, 2004

Sally Waters, Island County Health Department,  was selected as  Employee of the Month for August  2004.  Sally has established a reputation for thoroughness and professionalism  while exhibiting a cheerful and friendly demeanor that is welcomed and appreciated by food servers and commercial establishments throughout the County. 

 

EMPLOYEE  OF THE MONTH  -  SEPTEMBER, 2004

Josh Choate,  Prosecutor's Office,  selected as  Employee of the Month for September 2004, has  established a reputation for thoroughness,  teamwork and willingness to help other staff members.  He has demonstrated that he can handle a wide variety of  legal issues both on the criminal side as well as civil matters. 

 

Liquor License Application #091765 – Washington State University Foundation for special occasion at Greenbank Farm

 

By unanimous motion the Board approved Liquor License Application #091765 by Washington State University Foundation for special occasion to be held October 23, 2004 at Greenbank Farm, subject to the condition requested by GSA/Risk  Management that Island County receive an insurance certificate from WSU before the event.

 

Contract Amendment #12 - Department of Health Consolidated Contract

 

Contract Amendment  #12  in the amount of $21,732 to Department of Health Consolidated Contract for additional funding for Vaccines For Children Special Projects, Healthy Child Care WA, and Bioterrorism Focus ‘E’ (Stationary Satellite Phone) under Contract #C08679, for a new total  of  $1,017,980 was approved by unanimous motion of the Board   (RM-HLTH-02-0094).

 

CONTRACT AND CONTRACT BOND - FOUR SPRINGS RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS

 

The Board by unanimous motion approved and signed Contract and Contract Bond between Island County and Van Rossen Construction, Inc. Everett, (RM-GSA-04-099]  in the amount of $345,260.89 for  Four Springs Renovations and Additions project per award of bid August 23, 2004.

 

BAYVIEW ROAD PROJECT CRP-98-17 QUIT CLAIM DEEDS AND CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT

 

As presented and recommended  for approval by Bill Oakes, Public Works Director,  the Board by unanimous motion approved the following quit claim deeds and construction easement associated with  Bayview Road Project CRP-98-17:

 

§         Quit Claim Deed  William & Patricia Wolfram, Penny Burghardt & Vivian Hoppe in the amount of $8,735.00 ($7,409.00 for land, $750.00 for trees, $576.00 for fencing)  -   Parcel 144-5920, Sec. 7, Twp 29N, R 3E.

 

§         Construction Easement – PW-0420-25 -  William & Patricia Wolfram, Penny

                    Burghardt & Vivian Hoppe -  Parcel 144-5920, Sec. 7, Twp. 29N, R 3E.

 

§         Quit Claim Deed  Thomas P. & Janice C. Clark in the amount of  $6,910.00             ($6,160.00 for land, $750.00 for trees).

 

Adopt-A-Road Litter Control Program – Renewal Agreement: Fasotragrupac Det Whidbey, AZI (AW)   Robert G. Swans

 

Adopt-A-Road Litter Control Program  Renewal Agreement with  Fasotragrupac Det Whidbey, AZI (AW)   Robert G. Swans on, Ault Field Road from Goldie Road to Heller Road, Oak Harbor, was approved by unanimous  motion of the Board.

 

STORMWATER AGREEMENT & COVENANTS – PLAT OF HOLMES HARBOR GOLF & YACHT CLUB

 

 

The Board, by unanimous motion, approved the following  Stormwater Agreements and Covenants 

related to the Plat of Holmes Harbor golf & Yacht Club, as presented by the Public Works Director:

 

Stormwater Agreement & Covenants – PW-0420-114; Island County & Charles A. Cook; Lot 11, Block 3, Division No. 6, Plat of Holmes Harbor Golf & Yacht Club.

 

Stormwater Agreement & Covenants – PW-0420-115; Island County & Charles A. Cook; Lot 12, Block 6, Division No. 7, Plat of Holmes Harbor Golf & Yacht Club.

 

Stormwater Agreement & Covenants – PW-0420-119; Island County & Charles A. Cook; Lot 13, Block 5, Division No. 8, Plat of Holmes Harbor Golf & Yacht Club.

 

Stormwater Agreement & Covenants – PW-0420-139; Island County & Charles A. Cook; Lot 1, Block 4, Division No. 9, Plat of Holmes Harbor Golf & Yacht Club.

 

Supplemental Agreement  2 – PW-01209 (B) -  Island County & Atelier, P.S.

 

As presented the Board by unanimous motion approved Supplemental Agreement  2 – #PW-01209 (B) between  Island County and Atelier, P.S., Trail Design Services to change completion date to December 31, 2005 and increase the  maximum amount payable by $19,247.59  for additional  project management, preliminary trail grading plan and right-of-way plans for Maxwelton  Trail.

 

APPLICATION FOR Rogue Creosote Log Removal Project – Department of Ecology  -   Double Bluff Beach Coastal Protection

 

The Board approved by unanimous motion Mr. Oakes’ request for approval/authorization to submit on behalf of Island County an  Application to the Department of Ecology for Rogue Creosote Log Removal Project for  Double Bluff Beach Coastal Protection, the removal of creosote logs for reduction of contaminants and protection of habitat, in the amount of  $34,500.

 

BID  Award/Contract –  Washington Land Recycling, L.L.C., Grinding & Removal of Brush and  Wood Waste

 

Bid Summary and Recommendation for Bid Award and two-year Contract RM-SW-05-04 was presented by Mr. Oakes, between  Island County and Washington Land Recycling, L.L.C.,  the low bidder, for Grinding and Removal of Brush and  Wood Waste.   The Board by unanimous motion approved bid award and contract RM-SW-05-04 between Island County  and Washington  Land Recycling L.L.C. as presented.

 

Budget Workshop

 

The Board met in budget workshop    on the preliminary 2005 budget.  Proposed budget and supplemental requests are taken under advisement by the Board; no  final decisions  expected as a result of budget workshops.   Handouts are on file with the Clerk of the Board.  

 

General Budget Hand-outs: 

            2005 Workshop Budget – Supplemental Budget Requests Summary

      2005 Workshop Budget – Summary  of Current Expense

 

 

  Public Health Pooling

  Alcoholism/Drug Abuse

  Developmental Disabilities 

  Mental Health

  Water Quality Assistance Fund

  

Presentation by:     Tim McDonald

                               Dr. Roger Case

Staff:                       Kerry Clarke McDonald 

                               Linda Telles 

                                           Keith Higman

                                           Jackie Henderson

                                              Carrie McLachlan

 

            Hand-Outs:  Public Health Pooling  Budget Proposal Submittal for Revenue and Expenditures  

                                   Budget notebook page 329 – 389; Budget Narrative page 382

 

Budget based on assumptions:  Current Expense contribution to Public Health Pooling $506,533 (including $96,736 Healthy Families Program and $121,885 Hydrogeologist program] and $13,271 Alcoholism/Substance Abuse fund; Risk Pool liability insurance $40,000; COLA of 2%, retirement contribution increase  of 1.6% and medical insurance plan increase  7%. .  Assumption is that grants will be received   as currently predicted,  and  fee revenue  follow historical trends.    [note – double-check that figure, could be between $42,000 - $44,000].   There is a slight increase in service charge.   Required by State Auditor to charge grants for a “composite” rate which includes salary, benefits and liability for vacation and sick leave.   In 2004 approximately  83% of PHPF funded from sources outside Current Expense (43% fees and  40% grants), with  Current Expense at  17% .   Look at administrative overhead  every year according  to federal   regulations.     Financial requirements in order to  continue  current programs at current levels for  2005  [based on actual final numbers could be slightly  less]:

-

            Public Health Nursing:       additional $30,100

            Environmental Health:       additional $45,646

             Hydrogeologist Program:   additional $ 9,516

             Alcohol/Sub. Abuse:          additional $ 6,659

 

Other requests/considerations:   

 

§         Unreserved fund balance forward from 2003 is $605,000 [not including $188,314 sinking reserve fund for automobile replacement].  A   liability not currently accounted for are dollars  required  to compensate employees  upon termination  for unused annual leave and sick leave  and request for 2005 that  liability of $280,000 be dedicated out of the unreserved fund balance.    It is a management tool, an  accounting technique to track  liability for buyouts.

§         Propose a dedicated computer and equipment replacement sinking fund at $10,000 per year.

§         Environmental health -  consider perhaps 5.5% fee increase

§         Re-evaluation of one position

 

 

 

TB Program.  Whereas there normally would be perhaps one TB case a year, this year there have been five cases. TB is slowly  increasing  throughout   Western Washington.     World-wide one out of three

people contract TB.   State’s were required in 1976 to dedicate millage to counties to be used for  TB prevention and hospitalization, etc., and the   last year for that dedication was 1979.  In  1993 it was reaffirmed that  county legislative authorities were responsible for  funding any unfunded TB intervention, medicine or hospitalization or other services required.   Two increases are proposed for 2005 funded from Public Health Pooling surplus dollars: 

 

1.       $10,000 dedicated to potential communicable disease overtime

2.       $10,000 to communicable disease professional services line.

 

 Planning & Community Development

 

Presentation by:     Phil Bakke

             Staff:                      Jeff Tate

                                              Edie Elerick

 

            Hand-Outs:  Planning & Community Development   Budget Proposal Submittal for Revenue     

             and Expenditures   Budget notebook page   176-201;  Budget Narrative page 187

 

Power-point presentation  given on the Island County  Planning & Community Development 2004 Workplan  [copy in Budget Notebook pages 189-201].   The presentation provided figures to show the  build-up from the 1998 Comprehensive Plan and Development regulations through 2004 Comp Plan review. The Comp Plan is  continuously being updated and reworked to reflect problems and desires of members of the public.   Top of the list for 2005 is completion of the 7-year review and update of the Comp Plan and Development Regulations.  Working diligently to complete as many aspects as possible this year,  with the exception of critical  area regulations. 

 

With assistance from  the Prosecutor’s Office the Department  performed a  comprehensive review of GMA to see if any changes occurred since   the time the County’s Comp Plan was adopted, and  whether or not there  are any sections of the Plan  that no longer comply.  That review resulted in very minor updates, basically all house-keeping in nature.

 

Currently in  the midst of reviewing and overhauling the building permit process to compliment the updated building codes looking at how to reduce the number of hands that work with a  building permit and come up with ways to build in more natural accountability for the time line of a permit.   Mr. Bakke reviewed some  ideas to level things out as far as the time it takes for a building permit, believing that adding another plans examiner would help.     Commissioner Shelton stressed the importance of getting it worked out, eleven weeks for a building permit issuance unacceptable.

 

Aside from regular budgeting for 2005, specific requests include: 

 

§         Critical areas update - unknown cost; will be  expensive and necessitate hiring an outside consulting group to look at best available science as it applies to Island County.

§         Upgrade Permit Tech II, Camano Island 

§         Add  full-time Plans Examiner/Building inspector trainee

§         Four vehicle replacements

 

 

 

Budget Director confirmed that the four vehicles requested are included in the 2005 vehicle replacement schedule.

 

  WSU/Extension/Grants/Weed Control

 

                  Presentation by:    Don Meehan

                   Staff:                      Janet Hall

                                                  Judy Feldman

 

Proposal on Page 77 of the Budget Notebook; Budget Memo on Page 95

Handouts:   Version B 2005 Extension Services Budget dated 9/3/04

                    Supplemental Request – Noxious Weed Control Board

 

Mr. Meehan read the budget memo.     Stressed the struggle  to   fund 4-H adequately, and was not sure there was enough funding to meet current needs.  For over 25 years the Master Gardener  program has been a main stay program in Island  County.   If required to “hold the line” for 2005, only approximately $12,000 would be available for the office coordinator position, an important position providing major  support  for 4-H and technical support for all of the programs.    To continue the position at the level it is now requires $22,000.  Master  program  has never been  separated out as a budget; difficult to run the volunteer program [some 90 volunteers] and request another $10,000 to support that.  4-H challenge program, includes some 1,000+ kids who have gone  through the program, several hundred  adults.     If not for a donation from  Island Thrift the program would have had to have been   dropped.  Need  someone on board who knows what they are doing, understands safety issues and  has the ability to facilitate that.  Looking to raise about  $22,000 this year but that still falls short by about $15,000.  The corporate program has been a bit of a challenge but is getting up  and running. Request  bringing position held by Jim Clark up to full tine, $32,000 needed.

Camano has a  very dedicated group of volunteers (about 45-50) and have been able to use the stewardship program but there is not much  money to coordinate them. Anticipated getting some infrastructure funding from Public Works and the watershed program but they really are not getting that.  Like to see that  strengthened by adding $10,000 to the $5,000 for next year.   Asking $51,000 in all to carry  through in 2005.

 

Constantly trying to find new funds.  Added two new sources of revenue:  October 23rd Harvest Festival celebration where they hope to raise funds in support of basic infrastructure;  part of that is a fund raiser for 4-H  that could bring in approximately $4,000 for 2005 in support of extension programs.     Keep in mind not only is the County getting its money back in programs,  there is some 30,000+ hours volunteers invest in the community.

 

Ms. Feldman  and Ms. Hall commented about the important of the programs, and noted what happened  when the front office position was taken away, a huge blow to  4-H.   Taking care of those duties takes Ms. Feldman  away from 4-H, and does not see  how she can get the some 300 kids  to the Fair if this continues.  Overhead on grants is charged where appropriate, but many grants for these programs do not allow  charging overhead or administrative fees.

 

For Commissioner McDowell,  the first priority for WSU Extension department would be 4-H kids.

 

Mr. Meehan  agreed that developing  kids to be good quality citizens is probably the most important  thing   they do.  If that were his marching orders, he  would have to cut  programs for which he has no

 

financial support for, i.e. the Master  program.  It  takes a lot of resources out of the office to do the Master Gardeners program.

 

Weed Control   [Budget Notebook   Pages 97-102].  Weed  Control has been included as a line item within   WSU Extension operations for the last number of years instead of  a separate budget.   Dave Jamieson has pointed out in an e-mail  to Mr. Meehan that  contrary to current practice the County Commissioners are not authorized by state law to employ the Noxious Weed Coordinator to be supervised by Mr. Meehan, and that the hiring and firing needs to be by the Island County Noxious  Weed Control Board, and cited    RCW 17.10.060.  The budget memo was  written by Susan Horton, Program Coordinator.  If the budget is hold the line at 2004,  using the figure of $19,225,  dedicating the salary portion leaves only $581 for maintenance and operation.  Supplemental request:   

           

Program Coordinator   1.0 FTE  $44,000

            Staff                              0.5 FTE    18,645

            M&O                                               4,490                           

                Total:                                    $67,135.00

 

Elaine Marlow explained that the workshop budget proposal included the weed control position at its current level increased for COLA the same as everyone else, and funded M&O at the 2004 level.  [refer to Page 93-94].  Will check revenue figures for publication sales. With regard to the position, over the years the difference in dollar amount is  the difference in seniority raises; the position is funded still at a 0.5 FTE but the dollars have decreased because of longevity raises.

 

  Central Services/Telecommunications

 

            Presentation by:  Cathy Caryl

            Staff:                    Diana Vaughan

 

            Budget Notebook page 25; budget narrative  page 29.

 

Only real change is a request under Operating Rentals and Leases to replace the mail machine.  Proposal for new mail machine will be less than what is being paid now, especially this year because there will be a one year warranty.  The new machine is significantly quieter,  faster,  more computerized and billing process easier.  Must be digital compliant by the end of 2005. Purchased the virus protection county license this year so that amount will be dropped out of the budget.  Everything else pretty much remains static.  Requesting that any monies available go towards  upgrading of the accounting system.   

 

Ms. Marlow   indicated that  the revenue and expenditure worksheet takes into account all the cost savings Ms.  Caryl went through, so to fund her supplemental request to upgrade the accounting  system would require  about $54,000 additional.     Office Equipment (Current Expense) is budgeted at $50,000 and one  of the things that needs to be discussed is that in past years a good portion of that budget has gone to replace computers, software and hardware and at some point the County needs to plan for replacing some other office equipment. The  $50,000 is not adequate to fund all the items that are needed and eventually approved during the year.

 

Chairman Byrd  acknowledged a need for a separate  budget line  large items such as copiers, etc.  

 

Follow-up.  (1)  discuss Office Equipment budget; (2) talk about  the phone system.

 

 

   Human Resources

 

      Presentation by:  Dick Toft

      Budget Notebook page 120.  Budget Narrative page 124.

 

The only thing that needs to be done at this point is some fine-tweaking and allocation of funds within the budget, needing $300-/+ to hold the line.  Supplemental request includes:   EAP services

$1200;  $600 for training;  and request for new copier for the volume needed for  H.R. and Budget Director.

 

     LEOFF Budget

 

Presentation by:  Mike Shelton

Staff:                   Jan Ford

 

Budget Notebook Page 143

 

The only  thing that might change is that one of the  LEOFF members will be turning 65 in September and the  insurance premiums will be substantially lower for three months since that individual will be  eligible for Medicare.    Do not know what the availability for Zenith for regular-covered LEOFF members,  but it is the only one that will cover the two LEOFF members who live out of state.     Premium increase for 2005:  3% for 11 individuals  and  9% for 2 individuals. 

 

Should the one LEOFF member who will turn 65 request  reimbursement of part B Medicare, the cost will be $78.20/mo.     

 

Zenith is $851 per mo.  for those members  under 65; for Group Health $708 per month under 65 and $297 over 65.  LEOFF I retirees have a different rate under Zenith than regular retirees [that may have changed and the  Budget Director  will review those figures].   

 

Commissioners

 

      Staff:              Ellen Meyer

                             Joyce Kasperson

                             Jan Ford

 

Budget Notebook page 42 – 50;  Budget narrative Coupeville Office – page 49; Camano Annex Page 50.

 

Camano Annex.  Basic hold the line budget with COLAs built in per the Budget Director figures.  Reviewed request for additional funds.  Line item 135 – small tools & minor equipment – spent this year  $1743 to upgrade computer/software to accommodate the Treasurer’s new property tax receipt  system.  Based on use, there are concerns about  whether or not the current   printer and fax will have to be replaced in 2005.   Depending on what happens with the proposal from Bank & Office may need office and furniture upgrade.

 

Follow-up.  Received invoice from ER&R Fund for office space rent at the Camano Annex

 

 

from 1999-2003 and 2004.  Budget Director will meet with Public Works to work out an agreement hopefully before the end of the year.

 

Coupeville Office.      Hold the line budget with COLAs per Budget Director figures.  No particular additional needs or concerns within the general budget  categories of  Office & Operating Supplies or Small Tools, Repairs & Maintenance - can  maintain the same dollar

amount for 2005 as budgeted for 2004 in those two categories.  Need to review travel line  based on expenditures at the 8th month level and determine if that needs some adjustment.

 

Supplemental/Equipment – concerns:    

 

Small Recorder/Transcriber.  Purchased in 1996; used a lot for WRAC meetings.  With no back up in the BOCC office, consider asking that the  Health Department purchase  their own for use by WRAC. 

 

Copier.   Older copier,  limping along, with many repair visits required; parts getting harder to come by;  need to  think about a replacement 2005 – 2006.

 

Printers    Main Office Printer.  Hopefully will not have to replace until 2006 or later.  High

volume, reliable printer.  Small printer-replacement  parts required; future replacement determination needed by Central Services.

 

 

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this  time, the meeting adjourned at   3:47 p.m.  The Board will meet in  special session October 15, 2004 beginning at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a budget workshop, and the next regular meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2004 beginning at  9:30 a.m.

 

                                             BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                             ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON

 

 

                                                 ______________________________

                                                 William J. Byrd,     Chairman

                                               

                                                                                                                                                _____________________________

                                                Mike Shelton,  Member

 

 

                                                _____________________________

                                                Wm. L. McDowell,   Member

 

ATTEST:    ____________­­­­­___________

Elaine Marlow, Clerk of the Board