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Note: Some of the information on this archival Web page may no longer be current.

Resources for Local Government
December 1998

Click here to view the Municipal Research Newsletter Archive. An index of feature articles from past Municipal Research Newsletters is also available. Please click here to obtain a list of MRSC staff E-mail addresses .

Articles

Coping with the Holidays
Building Code Appendices
Heads Up - Emerging Information for Local Government
Initiative 200 Passes
State Holidays for 1999
MRSC on CD is here!
Ask MRSC
Web News
Resource Sharing - Information Partnership Program
New Acquisitions
Sammamish - Washington's Newest City
New Commissioner Handbook

Coping with the Holidays

The holidays bring a multitude of feelings - joy, good cheer, high hopes, disappointment, frustration, sadness, loneliness - to name just a few. Sometimes this array of feelings is difficult to handle and cancause people to experience holiday "blues."

The increased demands of shopping, parties, and family reunions can cause holiday stress before and during the holidays. And post-holiday letdown can lead to excessive stress and anxiety after the holidays have passed.

There are some simple, positive steps we can take to help make the holidays more balanced and less stressful. Here are a few suggestions gathered from various sources:

Keep expectations for the holiday season reasonable and manageable. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
Enjoy your holiday even if it's "different than it used to be." Life brings changes. Celebrate those changes.
Accept the fact that the holidays won't make problems go away and won't be an answer to all that ails you.
Try to maintain a positive outlook. Look for good things to do and people that make you feel good.
Focus on the things that are really important to you. Enjoy those things and participate in "the moment" without being preoccupied with those things of lesser importance.
Minimize your alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol can make you feel more depressed.
Play. Find time for yourself. Nurture yourself. Look for ways to relax and have a good time.
Do something for someone else. Be more forgiving and tolerant. Your compassion and kindness may be just what someone else needs.

The MRSC staff wishes all of you a joyous, healthy, and stress-free holiday season!

Building Code Appendices
Municipal Research News
December 1998

Although the Uniform Building Code (UBC) is automatically in effect in all cities and counties in the state, MRSC is often asked whether a local jurisdiction must adopt individual appendix chapters of the UBC. Our conclusion is that a city or county must formally adopt specific appendix chapters if the jurisdiction wants to apply and enforce those standards. This issue is confusing because it is often assumed that the appendices, which are extensive and contain many detailed standards, are included aspart of the basic text in the three-volume 1997 edition of the UBC. At least two references within the UBC lead to a different conclusion.

UBC §101.3 reads as follows:

Wherever in the code reference is made to the appendix, the provisions in the appendix shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

The wording of this provision is identical in both the 1994 and 1997 editions.
A sample ordinance for adoption of the UBC is included on page 1-xix of Volume 1 of the 1997 edition of the UBC. The ordinance provides spaces for the local government to fill in the specific appendix chapters to be adopted.

RCW 19.27.031, the basic statute providing for uniform building codes throughout the state, provides as follows:

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, there shall be in effect in all counties and cities the state building code which shall consist of the following codes which are hereby adopted by reference:

Uniform Building Code and Uniform Building Code Standards. . .;
Uniform Mechanical Code. . . ;
The Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Fire Code Standards. . .;
Except as provided in RCW 19.27.170, the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards . . .

The codes enumerated in this section shall be adopted by the [building code] council as provided in RCW 19.27.074.

Formal adoption of the individual codes is done by the state building code council through the adoption of rules that are published and become part of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Chapter 51-40 WAC, published on January 21, 1998, in the Washington Register at WSR 98-02-054, contains the state building code council's rules formally adopting the 1997 edition of the UBC. See specifically WAC 51-40-003. The rules adopting the 1997 edition of the UBC went into effect on July 1, 1998. The full text of these provisions will be available in the bound volumes of the WAC when that set is republished in 1999.

The state building code council adopted the 1997 edition of the UBC with extensive "additions, deletions, and exceptions." Because the WAC provisions automatically apply in all cities and counties of the state, local governments should have their building inspectors and planners review both the UBC appendices and the WAC provisions to make sure all the required standards are adopted. The local legislative body will then need to make the final decision concerning which of the various appendices to include.

The UBC provisions concerning grading and filling are an excellent example of why the adoption of appendices may be crucial, particularly in smaller jurisdictions that have not adopted detailed grading regulations. The general provisions in the basic text of the UBC concerning grading and filling are found in Chapter 33: SITE WORK, DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION. That chapter is two pages in length [see pages 1-297 and 1-298, Vol. 1] and contains no requirements for permits, regardless of the scope of work. Appendix Chapter 33: EXCAVATION AND GRADING, however, contains detailed provisions and imposes a requirement for a grading permit in many situations [see pages 1-407 through 1-412, Vol. 1].

The above comments deal with adopting the appendices of the UBC. A similar issue exists with the Uniform Fire Code, although the State Building Code Council has specifically adopted two of the appendices of that code. For the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code, review the individual codes and the WAC chapters adopting them.

A great resource is the State Building Code Council in Olympia. The Council may be reached by phone at (360) 586-0486. Technical questions from building inspectors can be answered by staff researchers at that office. They have established a Web site with a growing wealth of information and links at http://www.ga.wa.gov/sbcc/.

The Washington State Association of Building Officials (WABO) has available for purchase copies of all the building codes and the statewide amendments to the codes. WABO may be contacted by phone at (360) 586-6725, or orders may be placed from their Web site at http://www.halcyon.com/wabo. You can purchase individual copies of all the uniform codes mentioned above, and also the other related building codes: Washington Energy Code, Ch. 51-11 WAC; Washington Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, Ch. 51-13 WAC; Building Code Guidelines, Ch. 51-16 WAC; and the Historical Building Code, Ch. 51-19 WAC.

The rules adopting new editions of the various codes are officially published and printed in the Washington State Register and will not be available in the bound volumes of the WAC until the new printing of that set in 1999. Building officials, building inspectors, and planners needing accurate copies of the codes as adopted in Washington will have to consult the general publications of each code and also carefully review the rules passed by the State Building Code Council.

by Jim Doherty
MRSC Legal Consultant

Heads Up
Emerging Issues for Local Government

This issue of our "Heads Up" column focuses on some innovative and cooperative activities occurring among cities and counties in the Puget Sound region.

Wheelchair-Activated Pedestrian Signal
Municipal Research News
December 1998

In October, King County dedicated the region's first wheelchair-activated pedestrian crossing signal in the city of Shoreline. The system uses magnetic loops installed under specially marked sections of sidewalks. When wheelchairs pass over the section of sidewalk, the pedestrian signal is automatically activated, giving people with severe disabilities the extra time needed to cross the street safely. The total cost was $7,672. For the past year traffic engineers and disabled residents have been testing the crosswalk and making technical adjustments. The intersection work is now complete and will serve as a pilot for making other intersections more wheelchair friendly.

Based on the success of the pilot project, the city of Shoreline plans to add an additional loop detection system later this fall at the intersection of Northeast 175th Street and Meridian. King County is investigating whether the use of electronic eyes at high traffic intersections might one day hold promise as a safety tool. King County will also begin a $327,000 project this fall to construct 79 wheelchair ramps at various intersections built before passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. [King County News Release, October 5, 1998]

SmartTrek - Where's the Bus?
Municipal Research News
December 1998

Bus travel took on a new dimension in the Seattle area when monitors displaying route information were activated at two transit centers. As part of a SmartTrek project, riders can view a numerical list of bus routes with information about the status of the bus, similar to what is seen on monitors or readerboards at an airport. TransitWatch will tell transit riders waiting at major transit centers when their bus will arrive. Updated arrival times for buses on routes serving each designated transit center will display on the readerboard. Predicted arrival times will be based on information provided by King County Metro Transit's Automatic Vehicle Location System. Each of Metro's busses is equipped with a multi-purpose automatic-vehicle-locator transmitter (AVL) which tracks buses.

SmartTrek, the Puget Sound area's $13.7 million Model Deployment Initiative (MDI) demonstration project, is poised to increase the performance and efficiency of the area's roadways and transportation systems to meet growth demands. Under the MDI Project, led by the Washington State Department of Transportation, 25 Northwest public agencies and private companies are directing 27 projects designed to build upon the region's significant investment in intelligent transportation system (ITS) infrastructure. For more information about SmartTrek view http://www.smarttrek.org/index.html.

Taking Winter by Storm
Municipal Research News
December 1998

Recently an e-mail about impending severe winter weather made the rounds. It turned out the e-mail was bogus, but it did bring attention to the need for emergency preparations should La Niña bring cooler weather. Seattle, King County, and the state Department of Transportation have begun a cooperative campaign called "Taking Winter by Storm" that highlights how these agencies will respond to fall and winter storms. In addition, the agencies have teamed up to offer "GOVLINK," a Seattle-King County Internet Web site that will provide winter weather links to information on agencyresponse operations and personal preparedness. The site contains links to road conditions, transit service, flooding, landslides, coping with power disruptions, and preparing for emergencies. Seattle has joined with King County in an educational campaign that includes winter preparedness messages. A brochure with preparedness tips and a map of priority snow routes is being sent home with students at Seattle Public Schools and will be available at public libraries. GOVLINK's Web address is http://www.kingcounty.gov/govlink/.

Named HIV Reporting
Municipal Research News
December 1998

The Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health recently voted to enact most of an HIV reporting plan that proponents say will protect vulnerable sexual partners and track the evolving disease. Although more than 30 states require such notification, Pierce County is apparently the only county to do so without a statewide system in place. Wendell Brown, the only board member to vote against the plan, says the county will "be an island" since it is not backed up by a statewide system. But Dr. Federico Cruz-Uribe, the county health director, says "disease control takes place on a local level" and argues that the county should protect its residents from disease.

The State Board of Health, meeting in Leavenworth on October 14, voted to begin the process toward the possible requiring of named HIV reporting. This means that doctors, who are already required to report the names of persons with a variety of other communicable diseases (for example, tuberculosis), would now also have to report the names of persons who test positive for the HIV virus. Previously, named reporting was only required for those who developed full-blown AIDS. But with the development of life-prolonging drugs such as protease inhibitors, many persons with HIV are living much longer and in many cases are nearly symptom-free. This has generated the feeling among many public health officials that named reporting should be done as soon as a person tests positive with the virus in order for both treatment and contact tracing to get started. [NACO County News, 9-28-98 and Courthouse Journal, 10-16-98]

Initiative 200 Passes
Public Hiring and Procurement Affected

Initiative 200, now in effect in all counties, cities, and towns, prohibits "preferential treatment" based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting. The Washington State Attorney General's Office has prepared an issue paper discussing the potential impacts of I-200 on public employment and public contracting. A media advisory and summary of the issue paper are also available. Copies of these papers can also be obtained from MRSC.

MRSC suggests that counties, cities, and towns review their hiring policies, including civil service, and their procurement policies in light of I-200. MRSC is serving as a clearinghouse for information on the effects of I-200 on local governments. Please share information from your jurisdiction with us. Stay tuned to MRSC for updates on this topic.

State Holidays for 1999

The following are Washington's legal holidays for 1999. Cities, towns, and counties do not have to follow this holiday schedule. The MRSC office will be closed these days.

New Year’s Day - January 1 Friday
Martin Luther King’s Birthday - January 18 Monday
Presidents’ Day - February 15 Monday
Memorial Day - May 31 Monday
Independence Day - July 5 Monday
Labor Day - September 6 Monday
Veterans’ Day - November 11 Thursday
Thanksgiving Day - November 25 Thursday
Day after Thanksgiving Day November 26 Friday
Christmas Day - December 24 Friday
Floating Holiday - Optional (MRSC office open)

MRSC on CD is here!

We are extremely pleased to announce that MRSC on CD , containing a searchable database of our current legal opinions, policy research and publications, is now available for purchase. The CD-ROM (Windows® compatible) contains:

The text of selected MRSC legal opinions from 1996 to the present;
The text of selected MRSC policy research responses from 1996 to the present; and
Nine of our most popular publications: Annexation Handbook, The Appearance of Fairness Doctrine in Washington State, Code City Handbook, Handbook for Councilmembers, Knowing the Territory: Basic Legal Guidelines for Municipal Officials, The New Bidding Book, The Open Public Meetings Act: How it Applies to Washington Cities, Towns and Counties, Public Records Disclosure, and Utility Billing & Collection Issues.

The CD allows users to search these MRSC databases (using Folio VIEWS® software) and find answers to common local government questions. The publications are also available in Adobe Acrobat® format for those who want to print their own paper copy. Anyone with a CD-ROM drive in their computer will be able to use this valuable research tool at their desktop. MRSC on CD can also be installed on your local area network. If you are interested in ordering a copy of MRSC on CD , please click here to view the order form.

Ask MRSC

This column contains summaries of recent inquiries answered by MRSC consultants.

Asbestos - Are local governments required by state or federal law to do an asbestos survey of all their buildings?

Prior to construction, renovation, maintenance, repair, or demolition projects, local governments are required to perform a survey to determine the presence of asbestos that might be disturbed during the project. See WAC 296-62-07707(1). See also The Environmental Handbook for Washington Construction Contractors: Regulatory Guidance, ch. 3.1, 12/96, published by the Department of Ecology and found at their Web site http://www.wa.gov: 80/ecology/sea/pac/96-503/cover.htm#ch3.

Christmas Cards - May a city or county spend municipal funds on Christmas cards?

The legal staff in this office has generally taken the position that it is probably not an appropriate use of public funds, and that such an expenditure might be questioned by the State Auditor. Spending public funds for this purpose would probably be a violation of article I, section 11 of the Washington State Constitution, which provides that public money shall not be appropriated or applied for any religious worship or the support of any religious establishment. Sending Christmas cards is not a proper municipal function and does not accomplish an appropriate municipal purpose.

Employee Bonus - May the city grant a year-end bonus to an employee if it has not been provided for in a specific policy?

Bonuses to city employees, based on performance, may legally be given if the proper procedure is followed. It is a violation of the Washington State Constitution for a city to merely declare at the end of the year that a particular employee or class of employees will receive a year-end bonus if there has been no prior policy adopted by the city council establishing this as a compensation option.

However, if the city establishes in a policy or a clear written statement that a bonus for performance is a potential part of the compensation package, then a year-end bonus may be awarded if in fact the employee is evaluated as having performed at the agreed upon level. This policy does not have to be established at the beginning of the calendar year, but may be established later in the year.

Jail "Law Library" - Is there a legal requirement that persons in detention or corrections facilities have access to legal materials?

The state administrative rules in WAC 289-22-200(4) address the need for "legal assistance" and provide that:

When adequate professional legal assistance is not available to prisoners for purposes of preparing and filing legal papers, a jail shall provide access to necessary law books and reference materials. Facility rules shall not prohibit one prisoner from assisting another in the preparation of legal papers.

This rule applies to 30-day holding facilities, but not to 72-hour and 6-hour holding facilities.

Learning Disabilities - Are learning disabilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Yes. The regulations adopted under the ADA define "disability" to include "A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities." 29 CFR §160.2; 28 CFR §35.104. A "physical or mental impairment" is defined in these regulations to include "Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities."

Salary Increase for Elected Officials - May a councilmember or commissioner choose not to receive a salary increase voted for the council?

Yes. Elective officials may decline to accept the salary, or a salary increase, for their position without running afoul of the state constitutional prohibition on decreasing the salary of an elected official during his or her term. Because the salary for the council or commissioner position remains the same, the councilmember or commissioner may refuse to receive that salary. Note, however, that an elected official has no authority to direct or allocate what should instead be done with the money. If the official wants to have their salary used for a specific purpose, such as a charity, then he or she could accept the salary and donate it for that purpose. This would, however, have different individual tax consequences for the official.

Snow and Ice Removal - Who is responsible for snow and ice removal from city sidewalks?

Generally, the natural and ordinary accumulation of snow and ice on sidewalks creates no municipal liability for injuries, unless the municipality was somehow negligent by disregarding its obligation to exercise ordinary care to keep its sidewalks in fit condition for usual travel. So normally a city should not be liable for an accident due to a slip on the ice on a sidewalk. Some cities have ordinances that specify it is the duty of the abutting property owner to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice. However, this is not statutorilyrequired and probably does not increase or decrease potential city liability. The MRSC library has a compilation of ordinances regarding snow and ice removal available for loan. A number of the ordinances contained in the compilation are available in electronic format on the MRSC Web site at http://www.mrsc.org/library/compil/cpsnow.htm.

Timber in Unopened Right-of-Way - Does timber in an unopened right-of-way belong to the abutting property owner or to the city or county?

Timber located in a right-of-way, whether unopened or opened, belongs to the "abutting" property owner, except in the rare case where the fee title to the right-of-way belongs to the city or county.

Travel Time - Is travel time to required training compensable if the employee travels from home to the training at the beginning of the workday?

Travel time in this instance is not considered compensable under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), although the city may nevertheless decide to compensate the employee. If the training occurred such that the employee would have to drive to the training during the workday (say at 11 a.m. during an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday), then the time would be compensable.

Unemployment Compensation - Is an elected city or county official eligible to receive unemployment compensation after being defeated in a reelection bid and leaving office?

No. RCW 50.44.040(13)(a) excludes from the term "employment" for unemployment compensation purposes the services performed by an individual "as an elected official" of a political subdivision of the state. Both cities and counties are considered to be political subdivisions of the state.

Vote on Minutes - May councilmembers or commissioners who did not attend a prior meeting vote to approve the minutes for that meeting?

There is no state law that prohibits councilmembers or commissioners from voting to approve minutes for a meeting they did not attend. Of course, if a councilmember or commissioner does not feel comfortable voting to approve minutes for a meeting he or she did not attend, then that person may abstain from voting, unless abstentions are prohibited.

Web News (www.mrsc.org)

We have now resolved the problem with the "Server busy" message that users of the RCW, WAC, and municipal codes on the MRSC Web site have frequently encountered since April. The problem was due to a change that Folio made to the architecture of its Web search software. In November, Folio corrected the problem with the most recent release of its software. We thank you for your patience while we resolved this problem, and we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience this may have caused you over the past few months. MRSC now has over 25 Washington State city and county codes either on its Web server or linked from our site. See www.mrsc.org/codes.htm.

By January, we plan to have in place on the MRSC Web site a Year 2000 database with information about embedded chip systems researched by Washington cities, towns, and counties. Very briefly, "embedded chips" refer to microprocessor chips embedded in equipment used in water, sewer, fire, police, emergency services, traffic systems, etc. A number of cities and counties that have either contacted equipment manufacturers or tested equipment themselves for Year 2000 compliance will contribute to the database. Please be aware that by including information about a particular piece of equipment in the database, neither MRSC nor the participating cities and counties are certifying that your equipment will not fail.

Economic development is the newest topic on our Web site [http://www.mrsc.org/Econ/ed-main.htm]. This Web page contains lists of statutes, agencies, and organizations involved in Economic development, information on Economic development planning, methods being used to stimulate development, job training programs, and sources of technical assistance. We would appreciate hearing about any Economic development project you are undertaking in your city or county.

Please help us to further develop the site by letting us know what types of information you would like us to make available to you.

Resource Sharing
Information Partnership Program

Collect, organize, and distribute. Collect, organize, and distribute. An MRSC Technical Services Librarian's work is never done. Neither is the work of a government employee. However, MRSC can make that workload less daunting. If you have a project that needs some help, give us a call! We'll be glad to share our resources and experience.

The Information Partnership Program seeks current materials from the local governments of Washington. The materials received provide answers and support to the challenges faced by cities and counties every day. You may order the materials below by contacting the MRSC library at 1-800-933-6772 or (206) 625-1300, fax (206) 625-1220, or e-mail us at mrsc@mrsc.org. Due to space limitations, the list below may not be complete. A comprehensive list of Information Partnership materials received may be requested from the library or viewed on our Web site at http://www.mrsc.org/library/rshare.htm.

We encourage you to make this list available to those departments who would benefit from its contents.

Brownfield Rehabilitation Policies (Planning)

Vancouver Esther Short subarea and redevelopment plan [1 vol.], 1/5/98, (PL 6.2100 V35 E88 1998)

Planning Fee Schedules (Buildings)

Anacortes Ordinance No. 2337 revising fee schedule [2 p.], 1994, (PL 2.1300); Bellingham Fee schedule adopted by city council resolution [2 p.], 3/16/98 (PL 2.1300); Camas Development review fees [1 p.], n.d., (PL 2.1300); Colville Land use fees [1 p.], 1998, (PL 2.1300); Dayton Resolution 1017 establishing schedule of fees [1 p.], 6/98, (PL 2.1300); Des Moines Community development and public works fee schedule [1 p.], 7/96, (PL 2.1300); Ellensburg Fees & charges [1 p.], (PL 2.1300); Gig Harbor Department of Planning and Building Services fee schedule [7 p.], 1998, (PL 2.1300); Kennewick Fee schedule [1 p.], (PL 2.1300); Monroe Resolution 98/13 establishing city fees [9 p.], 1998 (F 5.5100); Omak Resolution 02-96 setting land use fees [1 p.], 1996, (PL 2.1300); Port Angeles Municipal Code section 3.70.070 - Planning Dept. Fees [1 p.], 1998, (PL 2.1300); Poulsbo Resolution No. 97-12 amending fee schedule adopted by Ordinance No. 96-20 (attached) [11 p.], 1997, (PL 2.1300); Spokane Ordinance No. C-32053 making cost of living adjustment to planning fees [9 p.], 12/97 (PL 2.1300); Vancouver Fee schedule [2 p.], 11/97 (PL 2.1300); Winthrop Resolution No. 96-15, Town of Winthrop fee schedule [1 p.], 1996, (PL 2.1300); Tumwater Resolution No. R97-021 establishing fees for zoning, platting, environmental, shoreline master program, inspections, business and specialty business licenses, police related fees, fire permits & inspections, and fees for costs associated with public records [9 p.], 1997 (F 5.5100); Yakima Fee schedule for land development applications [2 p.], 1998, (PL 2.1300).

Public Works Department Standards & Development Guidelines (Public Works)

Anacortes Design & construction standards [1 vol.], 1998, (PW 2.1000 A5 D47 1998); Bellingham Development guidelines and improvement standards [1 vol.], 1990-98 (PW 2.1000 B45 D49); Camas Public Works standard drawings [1 vol.], 1994, (PW 2.1000 C3 S83 1994); Des Moines Public works & parks department manual [1 vol.], (mostly personnel policies) 1998?, (PW 1.0000 D44 P83 1998) ; Kennewick Specifications and details [1 vol.], 1998, (PW 2.1000K43 S83 1998); Monroe Public Works design and construction standards [1 vol.], (PW 2.1000 M61 D48); Poulsbo Ordinance No. 98-08 directing city engineer to adopt nationally recognized construction and design standards for new construction [4 p.], 1996 (PW 2.1000); Spokane Construction Services Department design standards [1 vol.], 1996, (PW 2.1000 S73 D48 1996).

Purchasing Procedure Manuals (Finance)

Anacortes Purchasing, asset, disposal policies [36 p.], 6/98, (F 8.1000 A5 P87 1998); Bellevue Purchasing "cookbook": policies and procedures [1 vol.], 1997, (F 8.1000 B41 P87 1997); Bellingham Purchasing policies [10 p.], 6/98 (F 8.1000); Camas Purchasing manual [17 p.], 1990, (F 8.1000 C3 P87 1990); Coulee Dam Resolution 96-388 authorizing a procedure for securing telephone and/or written quotation from vendors [3 p.], 1996 (F 8.1010); Des Moines Memo re: procedures to be followed in the purchase of supplies, material, equipment, or services not used in connection with a public work (4 p.), 2/17/94, (F 8.1000); Kennewick Purchasing policy [7 p.], n.d. (F 8.1000); Monroe Purchasing policy 98-015 [15 p.], 1998, (F 8.1000); Olympia Accounts payable/purchasing policy [12 p.], 1989, (F 8.1000); Omak Bidding and Contracting Requirements, city administrative manual establishing policy and procedures relating to bidding requirements and contract execution for the purchase of goods, services,capital projects. Approved by Resolution #7-94. [7 p.], published 1994. (F 8.1000); Port Angeles Municipal Code section 3.05 - Purchase order procedures [2 p.], 1998,; Resolution No. 28-95 delegating authority to enter into contracts not exceeding $15,000 [1 p.]; Resolution No. 4-91 establishing a policy of making purchases under $5,000 from local venders [1 p.], (F 8.1100); Poulsbo Central purchasing manual [27 p.], 1994, (F 8.1000 P58 C45 1994**); Vancouver Procedures handbook for purchasing and contract administration [17 + p.], 1/6/97, (F 8.1000); Winthrop Resolution No. 88-6 establishing procedures as to purchase of materials, supplies, and equipment without competitive bidding between $7500 & $15,000 [1 p.], 1988, (F 8.1100); Yakima Purchasing procedure manual (draft) [27 p.], 1998, (F 8.1000 Y33 P87 1998).

Traffic or Transportation Surveys or Studies (Planning)

Anacortes Q Avenue roadway, pedestrian/bicycle pathway and linear park design report [56 p.], 1997, (T 4.1000 A4 Q1 1997); Camas Transportation impact study guidelines [12 p.], 1995, (T 4.1000); Skyview subdivision traffic impact study [1 vol.], 1993, (T 4.1000 C3 S59 1993); Des Moines Woodmont Library traffic impact analysis [1 vol.], 1998, (T 4.1000); Kennewick 1997 traffic volume chart [7 p.], (T 4.1100); Arterial and collector street access guidelines [16 p.], 1998, (T 3.4000); Traffic signal preemption for transit [7 p.], (T 3.4500); Omak Central Okanogan Valley transportation study [59 p.], 1994 (T 4.5000 O361 C45 1994); Northwest Omak transportation study [33 p.], 1996, (T 4.5000 O47 N66 1996); Port Angeles Transportation services and facilities plan [1 vol.], 1996, (T 4.5000 P54 T73 1996); Poulsbo Ordinance No. 97-09 updating the traffic data employed in determining traffic impact fees [3 p.], 1997, (T 2.2000); Poulsbo Traffic Study Typical Fee Schedule recalculated[2 p.], 1997, (T 2.2000).q

New Acquisitions

This list contains new publications, ordinances, and other materials recently received by the MRSC library. We also prepare a more comprehensive list of new acquisitions each month which is posted on our Web site at http://www.mrsc.org/library/newacq.htm. If you would like to borrow one or more of these publications, please contact Julie Hersum in our library at (206) 625-1300.

Buildings & Construction

Complete Contracting: A-Z Guide To Controlling Projects, Andrew M. Civitello, Jr., New York, McGraw-Hill, 1997, 370 p. [PW 2.0500 C655 1997]

Underground Storage Tank Management: A Practical Guide, Joyce A. Rizzo, Rockville, Md., Government Institutes, 1998, ix, 391 p., ill. [C 5.1500 U53 1998]

Economic Development

Getting Started: How To Succeed In Heritage Tourism, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington, D.C., 1993, 44 p., ill. [ED 5.4000 G48 1993**]

World Boom Ahead: Why Business And Consumers Will Prosper, Knight Kiplinger, Washington, D.C., Kiplinger Books, 1998, xi, 404 p. Examines the world Economic trends into the 21st century. [G 1.5000 W67 1998]

Environment

Civil Works Environmental Desk Reference, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C., United States, 1996, 113 p. [EN 2.0000 C59 1996]

Upstream: Salmon And Society In The Pacific Northwest, Committee on Protection and Management of Pacific Northwest Anadromous Salmonids, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Commission on Life Sciences, Washington, D.C., National Academy Press, 1996, xvii, 452 p. [EN 4.2000 U77 1996]

Finance

Budgeting For Cities And Towns In Washington State: A Handbook For Policy Makers, Chief Appointed Officials And Others Involved In The Budget Making Process, developed by Everett Finance Director Michael Bailey and Tumwater Finance Director Gayla Gjertsen for the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and the Washington Finance Officers Association (WFOA), August 1997, Olympia, WA, 36 p. [F 3.0000 B85 1997]

Debt Policy Handbook, Municipal Treasurers' Association of the United States and Canada, 2nd edition, Washington, D.C., 1998, 1 v. (loose-leaf; various pagings). [F 7.1000 D455 1998]

Deciding For Investment: Getting Returns On Tax Dollars, Jack Brizius and the Design Team, Washington, D.C., National Academy of Public Administration, 1994, 58 p. A workbook focusing on investment budgeting, investment decision making, visions and benchmarks, and results measurement. [F 3.6000 D43 1994]

Model Cash Handling Training Manual, Municipal Treasurers' Association of the United States and Canada, Washington, D.C., MTA US&C, 1998, 35 p. + appendices. [F 1.1100 M63 1998]

State & Local Taxation, Richard D. Pomp and Oliver Oldman, 3rd edition, Hartford, CT, 1998, 3 vols. (various pagings). [F 5.1000 S83 1998]

Government Administration

Arts And Culture: More Than Just Entertainment [In Issues And Options], National League of Cities, Washington, D.C.,1998, 24 p. Examines the importance of arts and culture on communities, local arts agencies, innovative and local funding for the arts, and how hotel-motel taxes can support the arts. [PL 10.1100 I8 v.6:4**]

Finding Order In The Chaos: Variation In The Policy/Administration Interface Amongst City And County Managers And Administrators, Michael D. O'Leary, Boise, ID, 1998, 50 p. [G 2.4400 F55 1998]

The Good Citizen: A History Of American Civic Life, Michael Schudson, New York, Free Press, 1998, 390 p. Discusses the evolution of American democracy and popular sovereignty from the "politics of assent" through the "the politics of parties" to the "politics of information" and the informed voter. [G 1.6000 G663 1998]

Housing

Design And Development: Infill Housing Compatible With Historic Neighborhoods, Ellen Beasley, Washington, D.C., National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1998, 24 p., ill. [HO 7.0000 D47 1998**]

Manufactured Housing: Regulation, Design Innovations, And Development Options, Welford Sanders, July 1998, Chicago, American Planning Association, 1998, 115 p. [PL 8.3750 PAS478 1998]

Human Services

Social Programs That Work, edited by Jonathan Crane, New York, Russell Sage Foundation, 1998, xi, 324 p. Examines some of the nation's best social programs and considers their potential for national expansion. Programs include improving reading skills, curbing juvenile delinquency and substance abuse, moving people off welfare and into jobs. [H 6.1000 S63 1998]

Welfare Reform: What It Means To Your Community, National League of Cities, Washington, D.C., 1998, 30 p. [H 4.5000 L63 1996**]

Information Systems

Y2K And You Tool Kit, Public Technology Inc, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, and the International City/County Management Association, Washington, D.C., TI, 1998, 1 booklet 32 p. ; looseleaf pages.1 videocassette (VHS) (10 min), sd., col. : 1/2 in. Discusses the problem and solutions to the "Millennium Bug" that may affect governments and business when the year 2000 arrives. [IS 2.3100 Y2 1998 KIT]

Land Use Planning

Measuring Progress: Profiles Of City And County Indicator Programs, Joint Center for Sustainable Communities, Washington, D.C., NACo, 1998?, 39 p. [PL 14.1000 M43 1998**]

Saved By Development: Preserving Environmental Areas, Farmland And Historic Landmarks With Transfer Of Development Rights, Rick Pruetz, Burbank, CA, 1997, xv, 434 p., ill. [PL 2.1410 S38 1997]

Legal

Freemen: Armageddon's Prophets Of Hate And Terror, Pamela B. Loginsky & Jeffrey J. Jahns of the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Port Orchard, WA, Kitsap County, 1998, 177 p. A history and explanation of the "Freeman" movement with advice on handling freeman arrests, prosecutions, and incarcerations. [G 1.7000 F74 1998]

Liability In The Public Sector: Defending And Challenging Government Action, Clifford M. Greene, Minnetonka, MN, Professional Education Group, Inc., 1998, 160 p. + 25 p. [G 8.0000 L53 1998

Personnel

Redefining Sexual Harassment: The Supreme Court Speaks, Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, WA, 1998, iv, 27 p. + 6 p. [PE 2.1600 R43 1998]

PPE Made Easy: A Practical Checklist Approach To Selecting And Using Personal Protective Equipment, Jeffrey O. Stull, Rockville, MD, Government Institutes, 1998, xxxvi, 614 p. [PE 1.6350 P74 1998]

Profiling The Lethal Employee: Case Studies Of Violence In The Workplace, Michael D. Kelleher, Westport, CT, Praeger, 1997, xiii, 155 p. [PE 4.6310 P76 1997]

Public Safety

Creating A Blueprint For Community Safety: A Guide For Local Action, National Crime Prevention Council, Washington, D.C., NCPC, 1998, 161 p., ill. [PS 6.3000 C74 1998]

Investigating Domestic Violence Cases: A Quick Reference Guide, King County Law Enforcement Training Project, Seattle, WA, King County, 1998, 1 vol.1 computer disk. sd, col., 3-1/2 in. [PS 7.4220 I58 1998]

Public Works

Guide To Watershed Planning And Management: A Manual To Assist Washington's Local Governments And Tribes With Watershed Planning And Management Under The Watershed Management Act (RCW 90.82/ESHB 2514), prepared by Economic and Engineering Services, Inc., Olympia, WA, AWC, 1998, 1 vol. (various pagings). [UW 7.2000 G85 1998]

Telecommunications

Telecommunications, Marion Cole, Upper Saddle River, NJ, Prentice-Hall, 1999, xix, 571 p., ill. A textbook on telecommunications history and technology. [IS 10.0000 T45 1999]

Telecommunications Strategies For Local Governments, Miles Fidelman, International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Management Information Service, August 1998, Washington, D.C., 1998, 17 p. [FR 14.0000 MIS 30:8**]

Transportation

The Basics Of Snow And Ice Control, American Public Works Association, Kansas City, MO, 1998, 43 p. [S 2.2300 B37 1998]

Downtown Parking Made Easy: 6 Strategies For Improving The Quality And Quantity Of Downtown Parking, by Mary Barr, New York, Downtown Research & Development Center, 1997, iii, 48 p. [T 7.1300 D68 1997]

Traffic Operations, National Association of County Engineers, Washington, D.C., 1995, 1 vol. (various pagings), ill. A guide to the concepts of traffic engineering, the tools and methods of traffic control. [T 3.0000 T73 1995]

Transportation Financing: A Guide For Public Works Agencies, American Public Works Association, Kansas City, MO, 1998, 55 p. [T 2.0000 T734 1998]

Sammamish - Washington's Newest City

On November 3, voters approved the incorporation of the new city of Sammamish in King County. The new city has about 38,372 residents and covers 21.5 square miles on the Lake Sammamish plateau between Redmond and Issaquah. Council elections will be held in February (primary) and April. The likely incorporation date is August 31, 1999. Sammamish will be Washington's 279th city.

New Commissioner Handbook

MRSC's latest publication, New Commissioner Handbook, is now available. This handbook was developed for newly-elected county commissioners in the state of Washington. It is available on our Web site in Adobe Acrobat format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 installed on your computer to view or download it. The Reader is free, and may be downloaded from the Adobe Web site. You may also obtain a hard copy of the handbook by contacting MRSC at (206) 625-1300.

Municipal Research & Services Center of Washington
2601 Fourth Ave, Ste 800
Seattle, WA 98121-1280
Tel (206) 625-1300 - Fax (206) 625-1220
E-Mail mrsc@mrsc.org - Web http://www.mrsc.org