Chapter 2.85
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DEPARTMENT
Sections:
2.85.010 Department established.
2.85.020 Coordinator appointment.
2.85.040 Developmental disabilities advisory board.
2.85.060 Cooperation with other entities.
2.85.070 Open Public Meetings Act.
2.85.010 Department established.
Developmental disabilities shall be referred to as a part of the county health department known as Whatcom County health and community services. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 96-061 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.020 Coordinator appointment.
The director of health and community services shall appoint the developmental disabilities coordinator, in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 71A.12 and 71A.14 RCW. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 96-061 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.030 Department staff.
Repealed by Ord. 96-061. (Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.040 Developmental disabilities advisory board.
A. The Whatcom County developmental disabilities advisory board, hereinafter referred to as the “developmental disabilities board,” is created and shall serve in an advisory capacity to health and community services on all issues related to the county developmental disabilities program and in accordance with Chapters 71A.12 and 71A.14 RCW.
B. The developmental disabilities board shall consist of nine members who are residents of Whatcom County. Members shall be appointed by the county executive subject to confirmation by the majority of the county council and shall include but not be limited to representatives of public, private, or voluntary agencies, representatives of local governmental units, and citizens knowledgeable about developmental disabilities or interested in services to persons with developmental disabilities in the community. One member shall be appointed by the county council. The term of office for the members appointed by the executive shall be for three years. The term of office for the member appointed by the county council shall be for one year, from the time of the council’s reorganization meeting to the next such meeting the following year. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.050 Services.
The department, with the advice of the board, shall prepare, solicit and evaluate proposals from potential service providers to provide developmental disabilities services within the county. Following the evaluation of such proposals, the department shall file a recommendation with the county executive for action in accordance with state and county regulations. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.060 Cooperation with other entities.
Subject to the administrative and legislative control of the county executive and the county council, the department may cooperate and enter into contracts with, and receive moneys from, public and private entities to carry out services set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.070 Open Public Meetings Act.
The developmental disabilities board meetings shall be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 42.30 RCW et seq. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.080 Contracts.
All contracts, agreements, rights, claims and obligations, either in favor of or against the Whatcom County department of developmental disabilities at the time the ordinance codified in this chapter takes effect, shall continue in full force and effect, and responsibility therefor shall be transferred to the Whatcom County department of developmental disabilities. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.090 Fund establishment.
The developmental disabilities fund is hereby established as a special revenue fund. The fund shall be used exclusively for the financing of developmental disabilities services provided for herein. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).
2.85.100 Severability.
It is understood and agreed to by the parties hereto that if any part of this agreement is illegal, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed as if the agreement did not contain the particular illegal part. If it should appear that any provision hereof is in conflict with any statutory provision of the state of Washington, said provision shall be deemed inoperative and null and void insofar as they may be in conflict therewith, and shall be modified to conform to such statutory provision. (Ord. 2024-031 Exh. A; Ord. 90-61 (part)).