Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at January 11, 2022 Special Meeting
1. Fill a vacancy in the Senate seat for the 42nd Legislative District? Senator Doug Ericksen died on Friday, December 17, 2021. He was initially elected in 1998 to fill the position 1 seat in the state House of Representative, he was reelected in 2002 and 2006. He was elected to the state Senate seat in 2010, reelected in 2014 and 2018. The County Council must fill the vacancy from the same political party as Senator Erickson. The Whatcom County Republican Party nominated: Ben Elenbaas, Tawsha Dykstra Thompson and Simon Sefzik. AB2022-033 (Resolution 2022-001) Simon Sefzik was appointed to fill the position until the 2022 general election is certified. Simon Sefzik received four votes (Todd Donovan, Carol Frazey, Kaylee Galloway and Barry Buchanan), Ben Elenbaas received two votes (Kathy Kershner and Tyler Byrd) and there was one recusal (Ben Elenbaas).
Action Taken at January 11, 2022 Meeting
Shall the council:
2. Authorize the executive to sign a $100,000 contract with Sustainable Connections of Bellingham? The contract will provide coordination and management services to the Whatcom Housing Alliance, which works to create opportunities to develop affordable housing. Services include administration, affordable housing research; public outreach, and web development. The county will pay 66 percent of the program budget. The contract expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-712) Approved 7-0
3. Authorize the executive to sign a $240,071 contract (amendment #24) with Washington State University in Pullman to continue the jointly shared costs for faculty positions and program support for WSU Extension? The original contract was signed 9/22/1999. Faculty and programs funded include: County director and human development programs; 4H program; agricultural systems agent; water resources coordinator and program; strengthening families program; and the community horticulture program. The total amended contract is $2,731,429; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-741) Approved 7-0
4. Authorize the executive to sign a $125,000 contract (amendment #1) with Aristo Healthcare Services of Seattle to provide staffing at the Covid-19 isolation and quarantine facility? The original contract ran from 9/21/2021 to 12/31/2021; the purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract. The total amended contract is $325,000; it expires on on 3/31/2022. (AB2021-751) Approved 7-0
5. Authorize the executive to sign $159,274 contract (amendment #1) with Road2Home of Bellingham to operate the Covid-19 isolation and quarantine facility? Road2Home was incorporated on 11/5/2019 as a nonprofit corporation. The county opened a Covid-19 facility in March 2020 in response to the need for unsheltered individuals to have access to a safe place to isolate and quarantine. Road2Home assumed administrative oversight of daily operations on 9/21/2021; it ran from 6/1/2021 to 9/30/2021; this amendment extends the contract for two months. The total amended contract is $176,009; it expires on 3/31/2022. (AB2021-752) Approved 7-0
6. Authorize the executive to sign a $52,521 contract (amendment #2) with Parker Corporate Services dba Pacific Security of Bellingham to provide security services at the Covid-19 temporary housing facility and community vaccine clinics? The original contract and amendment #1 ran from 6/1/2021 to 12/31/2021; this amendment extends the contract for three months. The total amended contract is $176,009; it expires on 3/31/2022. (AB2021-753) Approved 6-0-1, Ben Elenbaas abstained.
7. Fill one vacancy on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for a public health, safety, and justice (jail) facility? At the 12/3/2019 meeting, vote #288, the County Council established a Stakeholder Advisory Committee for a public health, safety, and justice (jail) facility in Whatcom County. The committee consisted of 23 voting members. At the 2/11/2020 meeting, vote #33, the council increased the committee from 23 to 36 members. The first meeting was scheduled for 3/16/2020 — it was cancelled. The initially meeting was held on 1/20/2022. The only applicant was Jacob “Jack” Hovenier. He was a member of the Substance Abuse Advisory Board and the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force. (AB2022-011) Approved 7-0
8. Authorize the executive to sign a $37,800 contract (amendment #1) with Parker Corporate Services dba Pacific Security of Bellingham for security patrol services? The original contract was signed April of 2021 to provide three patrol visits, seven days per week at each of nine county buildings. The buildings include: the Courthouse/jail bloc, the Central Plaza building, the central shop, the Champion Street parking lot, the Civic Center Department, the Health Department building, the Forest Street Annex, the Northwest Annex and the State Street Annex. This amendment will extend the length of the contract. The total amended contract is $66,150; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2022-014) Approved 7-0
9. Amend the 2021-2022 collective bargaining agreement with the Washington State Nurses Association? The amendment includes a 3 percent wage increase, a $1,000 lump sum payment and the addition of Juneteenth (June 19) to the schedule of paid holidays. The expiration date is 12/31/2022. (AB2022-016) Approved 7-0
10. Authorize the executive to sign a collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police? The agreement is with the Matt Herzog Memorial Lodge #24 representing the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Management Group. It is effective from 1/1/ 2022 to 12/31/2024, covers three chief deputy and three lieutenant positions, and includes: annual 3 percent wage increases, a $2,000 lump sum, longevity premiums from 2 percent for six years to 7 percent for 27 years and the addition of Juneteenth (June 19) to the schedule of paid holidays. (AB2022-017) Approved 7-0
11. Authorize the executive to sign a $435,000 contract (amendment #1) with Aristo Healthcare Services of Seattle to provide Covid-19 vaccine administration services at community vaccine clinics? The original contract ran from 12/15/2021 to 1/11/2022; this amendment extends the contract for two months. The total amended contract is $543,732; it expires on 3/31/2022. (AB2022-018) Approved 7-0
12. Fill one vacancy on the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee? The committee advises the County Council on water quality issues in the Drayton Harbor watershed. Richard Beauregard (incumbent) was the only applicant. He was initially appointed to the committee at the 1/30/2018 meeting, vote #6. His term expires on 1/31/2026. (AB2022-023) Approved 7-0
13. Fill three vacancies on the Whatcom County Planning Commission? The commission has nine council-appointed members and provides the council with citizen review and recommendations on planning-related issues. There were six applicants: Rachel Vasak, Kelvin Barton, Rhayma Blake, Charles Bailey, Alvin Scott Van Dalen and Julie Jefferson. Alvin Scott Van Dalen (has lived his entire life in Whatcom County) was appointed to Council District 4 position. Julie Jefferson (employed as a community planner for the Lummi Housing Authority) and Kelvin Barton (incumbent, initially appointed at the 6/9/2015 meeting, vote #95) were appointed to the Council District 5 positions. All three terms expire on 1/31/2026. (AB2022-028)
14. Fill three vacancies on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee? The committee meets four times a year and has 11 members from public interest groups, business, the waste management and recycling industries and local elected public officials (or their designees). It provides for coordination and information exchange between groups about solid waste issues, as well as providing ongoing public input and advice to Whatcom County on solid waste management issues. Appointed: Lisa Friend (incumbent, was initially appointed at the 1/30/2018 meeting, vote #6). Kenneth Domorod is employed as the director of safety for IMCO General Construction based in Ferndale. Friend and Domorod were appointed to the general citizen position. Michael McQuarie is a sales representative for Waste Management Northwest; he was appointed to the business/industry position. All three terms expire on 1/31/2025. (AB2022-029) Approved 7-0
15. Grant the Zayo Group of Boulder, Colorado, a franchise for telecommunications services? (Public hearing held.) The Zayo Group will be allowed access to county-owned rights-of-way for the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of telecommunications facilities. The franchise is for 10 years. AB2021-715 (Ordinance 2022-001) Adopted 7-0
Action Taken at January 25, 2022 Meeting
Shall the council:
16. Authorize the executive to sign a two-year contract with Kittitas County? This is a fee for service. Expenditures will vary depending on jail population. The Kittitas County Corrections Center is located in Ellensburg. The original contract was approved at the 12/3/2019, vote #280. This contract will provide for temporary housing of inmates at the individual rate of $69.83 per day in 2022 and $73.32 in 2023. The contract expires on 12/31/2023. (AB2019-619) Approved 7-0 (AB2022-034) Approved 7-0
17. Fill four vacancies on the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force? There were eight applications: Jason McGill, Jason Smith, Jenn Lockwood, Gregory Todd Lagestee, Heather Flaherty, Deborah Hawley, McKale Jones and Debra David. Appointed: Social Services Provider vacancies: Jason McGill (5 votes) and Jenn Lockwood (4 votes); Consumer/family member vacancy: Deborah Hawley (incumbent, 6 votes); Concerned Citizen vacancy: Heather Flaherty (incumbent, 7 votes). Mr. McGill is the current executive director of Northwest Youth Services. Ms. Lockwood is the current associate executive director of the Brigid Collins Family Support Center. Ms. Hawley currently serves as a state certified counselor and education consultant. Ms. Flaherty is the current executive director of the Chuckanut Health Foundation. (AB2022-026)
18. Authorize the executive to accept a $209,111 state grant to improve public defense services for low-income defendants? The county has been receiving state grants yearly since 2006. The grant expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2022-043) Approved 7-0
19. Authorize the executive to award the only bid of $277,842 to Ideal Options of Pasco for physician services? The contract will provide direct and referral medical services to inmates at the Whatcom County jail and work center. Dr. Stuart Andrews retired at the end of 2021; he had been the jail physician since 2007. This contract is a increase of $156,342 over the previous contract. The contract expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2022-044) Approved 7-0
20. Authorize the executive director to sign a memorandum of understanding with PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, the Opportunity Council and Unity Care NW to initiate a capital campaign for the construction of “The Way Station.” The county- owned building at 1500 N. State Street will provide services for people that are homeless. The services will include laboratory testing for illness, vaccine administration, hygiene services (shower, bathroom and laundry services), case management services and health care services. The PeaceHealth will contribute $400,000 to the design and construction of The Way Station. The Opportunity Council will explore provision of staffing for respite services. Unity Care NW will provide and fund walk-in medical and behavioral health services. Whatcom County will contribute up to $2,400,000 towards capital costs of the project. The total anticipated cost is $9,415,000 and it is expected to open in early 2023. (2022-049) Approved 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
21. Authorize the executive to sign a $48,201 contract (amendments #2 and 3) with Pacific Security of Bellingham to provide security services at Covid-19 isolation and quarantine facilities and community vaccine clinics? The original contract (with Parker Corporate Services dba Pacific Security) ran from 6/1/2021 to 9/30/2021. The amendments will add security services to the isolation and quarantine overflow facility and add the contractor patrol car as an operational center under the contract. The total amended contract is $224,210; it expires on 3/31/2022. (AB2022-050) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
22. Authorize the executive to sign a $604,882 contract (amendment #1) with Lifeline Connections of Vancouver, Wash. to provide jail behavioral health and re-entry services? The original contract for $64,440 ran from 11/1/2021 to 12/31/2021. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract and expand the services to include comprehensive behavioral health services. The total amended contract is $669,322; it runs from 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2022. (AB2022-052) Approved 7-0
23. Authorize the executive to accept a $971,250 state grant to fund improvements to the water quality of Lake Whatcom through the retrofitting of the Geneva bioretention facility? The county has to contributed $323,750 for a total cost of $1,295,000. The project will provide treatment for suspended solids, dissolved copper and zinc, and total phosphorous levels; construction is scheduled for the summer of 2023. The grant expires on 6/30/2026. (AB2022-053) Approved 7-0
24. Authorize the executive to sign an agreement with the city of Bellingham to provide joint usage of the Vactor Waste Transfer Facility? The facility, located at 2140 Division St., handles street wastes from roadway and storm drainage systems in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. The city of Bellingham maintains the facility. The rate increases from $147.56 per ton in the 2018 contract to 169.96 per ton in this contract. The increases are for hauling and landfill rates, solid waste excise tax and facility operating costs. This agreement runs from 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2022 with five annual renewals. (AB2022-056) Approved 7-0
25. Authorize the executive to sign a contract not to exceed $150,000 with GeoTest Services of Bellingham to provide for on-call testing and inspection of construction materials? The contract will cover on-site construction field inspection, material sample collection, lab testing of concrete, hot mix asphalt and other construction material for public works projects. The contract expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2022-057) Approved 7-0
26. Authorize the executive to sign a $107,000 contract (amendment #5) with Lydia Place to provide emergency housing for families experiencing unsheltered homelessness? The original contact ran from 10/1/2020 to 12/30/2021. The purpose of the amendment is to add funding to increase the number of households served from 45 to 70. The total amended amount is $954,996; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2022-058) Approved 7-0
27. Authorize the executive to sign a collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police? The contract is with the Matt Herzog Memorial Lodge #24 representing the Whatcom County sheriff’s office senior management group. It is effective from 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2024, covers full-time corrections employees with the rank of chief or lieutenant and includes: a 3 percent salary increase each year, a $2,000 lump-sum payment, the addition of June 19 (Juneteenth) as a holiday, an increase in the uniform allowance, and modification of the salary schedule. (AB2022-059) Approved 7-0
28. Authorize the executive to sign a collective bargaining agreement with PROTEC17 (Professional and Technical Employees Local 17)? The agreement runs from 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2023 and includes professional and technical employees at the Health Department. The agreement includes: a 3 percent wage increase in 2022 and 2 percent in 2023; a $1,000 lump sum payment; increase the county’s contribution to medical insurance (1.7 percent in 2022 and 5 percent in 2023), overtime pay parity for part-time employees working weekends or holidays; and the addition of June 19 (“Juneteenth”) to the holiday schedule. (AB2022-060) Approved 7-0
29. Confirm of the executive’s appointments and reappointments to various county boards, committees and commissions? Vacancies in the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Conservation Easement Program Oversight Committee, Food System Committee and Marine Resources Committee were filled. (AB2022-061) Approved 7-0
30. Send a letter to Commissioner of Public Lands and the Washington State Board of Natural Resources regarding the proposed Bessie Sorts Timber Sale? The letter is asking the commission to reconsider, or possibly postpone, the sale by the state of over 100 acres of timberland located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed. Substitute approved 4-2-1, Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner opposed, Tyler Byrd abstaining.
31. Cancel uncollectible personal property taxes totaling $37,763? State law requires that the county treasurer present to the council a list of taxes certified as uncollectible. Included are 47 businesses totaling $37,359. The largest business on the list is Power Technologies at $5,782, next is Northwest Organic Nursery at $3,547, Hilltop Highgrade at $3,425 and Perch & Pay at $2,088. Six businesses are between $2,000 and $1,000 and 37 businesses are below $1,000. There are two mobile home parcels totaling $404. AB2022-030 (Resolution 2022-002) Approved 7-0
32. Accept the Whatcom County treasurer’s list of petitions for 2020 property tax refunds? The refunds total $1,125,666 and reflect: senior/disabled exemptions ($89,1979); Board of Equalization order change/corrective evaluation ($123,244); measurement and calculation corrections ($7,564); taxes paid in error; change in tax status; destroyed property ($13,107); clerical/double assess/corrections ($20,710); court orders; and miscellaneous exemptions ($39,636). The 2019 refunds totaled $1,091,648. AB2022-045 (Resolution 2022-003) Approved 7-0
33. Approve three applications for open space? The Open Space Taxation Act was passed by the state Legislature in 1970 to prevent development inconsistent with commercial agriculture and forestry, and the preservation of other natural environments of historic and recreational importance. The county Planning and Development Services administers the open space and farm conservation land classification programs and received six applications for open space. It recommended three applications: Penny Friedman of Custer (Open Space Farm and Agricultural Conservation – 25.33 acres); Donald and Barbara Taylor of Bellingham (Open Space Land – 12.83 acres); Whatcom Land Trust of Blaine (Open Space Farm and Agricultural Land – 22.5 acres). AB2021-744 (Resolution 2022-004) Approved 7-0
34. Recognize the need for affordable childcare in Whatcom County? This resolution officially acknowledges the recommendations of the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force and commits to identifying and pursuing additional funding for permanent affordable childcare solutions for Whatcom County residents. AB2021-209 (Resolution 2022-005) Substitute approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas abstained.
35. Establish a speed limit on a portion of Alderson Road? (Public hearing held.) At the 5/22/2018 meeting, vote #79, the council created the “Birch Bay Golf Cart Zone” which included Birch Bay Drive and all Whatcom County roads that lead to, or are contiguous with, Birch Bay Drive. As per state law, all roads within the zone are required to be posted at 25 mph. The zone was reauthorized in perpetuity at the 10/22/2019 meeting, vote #236, Alderson Road to Gemini Street was added to the “Golf Cart Zone” at the 10/26/2021 meeting, vote #254. A 25 mph speed limit will apply to the portion of Alderson Road from Gemini Street to East Loft Lane because it leads to Birch Bay Drive. AB2021-664 (Ordinance 2022-002) Adopted 7-0
36. Establish the Geneva bioretention pilot project fund and project-based budget in the anticipated cost of $1,489,250? The project is listed as item no. 3 on the six-year water resources improvement program. See vote #23 for a $971,250 state grant for the project. AB2022-012 (Ordinance 2022-003) Adopted 7-0
37. Amend the 2022 budget (request #4) in the amount of $1,619,951? Appropriated: $612,000 in federal grants to fund Covid-19 mass vaccination sites; $317,539 to fund covid-19 vaccination programs, including a program specialist position at the Whatcom Health Department; $172,412 to fund a response system manager position for the GRACE and LEAD programs; $518,000 to fund the Geneva bioretention pilot project. AB2022-013 (Ordinance 2022-004) Adopted 4-2-1. Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed, Kathy Kershner abstained.
