Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at May 10, 2022 Meeting
Shall the council:
130. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Franklin Boteler to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission? The commission advises the Parks and Recreation Director on parks, recreation, and senior services. Mr. Boteler is retired but previously served in the roles of deputy director of both Washington and Idaho State Parks. (AB2022-264) Confirmed 7-0
131. Authorize the executive to accept a $1,250,000 federal grant (amendment #2) to provide resources to individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance? The funding from federal coronavirus relief legislation will be used to provide additional administration, outreach, shelter case management and operations, and rapid-rehousing services. The total amended grant is $4,294,770; it expires on 9/30/2022. (AB2022-253) Approved 7-0
132. Authorize the executive to accept a $6,320,000 state grant for flood hazard reduction? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The grant supports the Nooksack Indian Tribe for the Fish Camp integrated flood reduction project. It will also acquire key floodplain land and support agricultural, tribal and small cities in participating in the Floodplain Integrated Planning (FLIP) process. This grant requires a county match of $1,580,000 for a total project cost of $7,900,000. The grant expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2022-265) Approved 7-0
133. Declare property at 1000 and 1010 North Forest Street surplus? (Public hearing held at 5/24/2022 meeting.) State law permits the sale of property to be surplus; the Property Management Committee has determined it is in the best interest of the county to sell the property. Located at the corner of Laurel and North Forest streets in Bellingham, the property will be developed into a 60 unit apartment complex to provide long-term affordable rental housing as well as a childcare center. AB2022-236 (Resolution 2022-022) Approved 7-0
134. Authorize the transfer of surplus property at 1000 and 1010 North Forest Street? (Public hearing held at 5/24/2022 meeting.) State law permits the transfer of property declared to be surplus and the county executive has determined it is in the best interest of the county to transfer the property to the Opportunity Council. Located at the corner of Laurel and North Forest streets in Bellingham, the property will be developed into a 60 unit apartment complex to provide long-term affordable rental housing as well as a childcare center. AB2022-237 (Resolution 2022-023) Approved 7-0
135. Authorize the executive to apply for a $3,700,000 state grant for salmon habitat restoration? The funding will provide reimbursement for the purchase of two properties associated with the Stewart Mountain Community Forest and Acme floodplain projects, as part of a larger South Fork Nooksack River integrated floodplain management project. The grant would require a local match of $655,000 for a total of $4,355,000. AB2022-272 (Resolution 2022-024) Substitute approved 7-0
136. Support the Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, San Juan and Skagit (SWISS) regional partnership with the Washington State Association of Counties? The vote commits the county to financially support partnership activities related to meeting management and coordination, and partnership management and coalition building. AB2022-259 (Resolution 2022-025) Approved 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
Action Taken at May 24, 2022 Meeting
Shall the council:
137. Authorize the executive to accept a $149,839 state grant to expand a program providing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in the main jail? The funding will support the addition of one nursing position, an increase in pharmaceutical supplies, deputy overtime costs, and the inclusion of a methadone treatment option. The grant expires on 6/30/2022, with an option to extend it until 7/31/2028. (AB2022-252) Approved 7-0
138. Authorize the executive to apply for three state grants to support local projects that will benefit low-to-moderate income families in Whatcom County? (Public hearing held.) The applications are for community development block grants. The Opportunity Council grants are for $131,000 and $500,000 to support services at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center and the Sean Humphrey House grant is $280,000 to expand support services for low-income individuals living with HIV. (AB2022-266) Approved 7-0
139. Fill two vacancies on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Justice Project? The 38-member committee guides a community needs assessment for the development of a new jail facility. Appointed: Teresa Bosteter and Eve Smason-Marcus. Teresa Bosteter is a peer in recovery with past experience being incarcerated and has served on behavioral health and substance use advisory boards. Eve Smason-Marcus is employed in case management services for youth experiencing homelessness and has experienced recent incarceration. (AB2022-276) Approved 7-0
140. Authorize the executive to sign a collective bargaining agreement with the Local 114-PD of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees Council 2, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees? The agreement covers 21 deputy public defenders and includes: a 5 percent wage increase over 2021 levels; a monthly contribution of $1,313 to medical coverage; and a one-time $1,000 lump sum payment. The agreement runs from 5/24/2022 to 12/31/2022. (AB2022-289) Approved 7-0
141. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Jim Boyle to the Marine Resources Committee? The committee provides recommendations to local authorities regarding local marine issues. Jim Boyle holds an master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University and serves as a consult for local and international environmental organizations. (AB2022-296) Confirmed 7-0
142. Authorize the executive to sign a $165,000 contract (amendment #3) with Northwest Youth Services to support operations of an overnight shelter for young adults experiencing homelessness? The original contract ran from 1/1/2022 to 3/15/2022. The purpose of the amendment is to extend shelter services for young adults between the ages of 18 – 24 years of age through the end of 2022 and update reporting requirements. The total amended contract is $250,018; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2022-298) Approved 7-0
143. Vacate a portion of Wynn Road? (Public hearing held.) On 4/6/2021, Jody and Alan Kennedy submitted a petition to vacate 39,660 feet of Wynn Road. At the 8/10/2021 meeting, vote #194, the council directed the county engineer to investigate the petition and issue a report. The county engineer’s report favored the vacation of the unimproved and unmaintained portion of the road. The petitioners will pay a fair market value of $11,500, accompanied by a penal sum of $790. AB2022-239 (Resolution 2022-026) Approved 7-0
144. Amend the 2020 county shoreline management program? (Public hearing held.) At the 12/7/2021 meeting, vote #323, the council voted to submit the county shoreline management program to the state Department of Ecology for review and approval. These amendments will correct errors contained in vote #323 submission. AB2022-261 (Resolution 2022-027) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas recused.
145. Declare property at 1000 and 1010 North Forest Street surplus? (Public hearing held.) State law permits the sale of surplus property; following the public hearing the council determined it is in the best interest of the county to sell the property to the Opportunity Council. Located at the corner of Laurel and North Forest streets in Bellingham, the property will be developed into a 60 unit apartment complex to provide long-term affordable rental housing as well as a childcare center. AB2022-282 (Resolution 2022-028) Approved 7-0
146. Support every person’s right to inclusive reproductive healthcare? This vote commits the council to: continuing to partner with Planned Parenthood to support access to reproductive healthcare services such as contraceptives, mammograms, and pap smears; expanding the Nurse-Family Partnership program to support new parents; supporting local reproductive healthcare providers, including those who provide abortions; defending the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that currently provides a legal right to access abortion services; and engage in advocacy at all levels of government to protect an individual’s right to choose when or whether to become a parent. AB2022-302 (Resolution 2022-029) Substitute approved 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Kathy Kershner abstained.
147. Appropriate $360,000 for the Sudden Valley Stormwater Improvements Fund (request #1)? At the 11/22/2016 meeting, vote #214, the council established the $780,000 fund and project-based budget. The project will design and construct stormwater control and treatment facilities to reduce phosphorous pollution in Lake Whatcom. This amendment will address a failing channel by replacing deteriorating metal conveyance pipes with new lines to a stormwater treatment facility for a total amended expenditure authority of $1,140,000. AB2022-260 (Ordinance 2022-042) Adopted 7-0
148. Appropriate $250,000 for the project-based budget (request #5) of the 2010 Jail Improvements Fund? At the 7/26/2011 meeting, vote # 121, the council created the $3,117,700 fund to replace fire alarms and control systems within the main jail and juvenile detention. The budget was amended at the 1/30/2018 meeting, vote #17, the 2/27/2018 meeting, vote #17, 10/9/2018 meeting, vote #157, and the 4/23/2019 meeting, vote #94. This amendment will replace the elevators that have operated in the building since it was built in 1981. The total amended project budget is $9,544,700. AB2022-274 (Ordinance 2022-043) Adopted 7-0
149. Amend the 2022 budget (request #8) in the amount of $11,498,022? Appropriated: $250,000 to fund elevator replacement at the main jail; $601,750 to fund repairs at the Lummi Island ferry terminal; $228,831 to fund an expansion of medication assisted opioid use disorder treatment at the jail; $122,650 to fund housing facility improvements at the Sun House; $556,000 to fund housing support services; $1,060,729 to fund eight additional positions within the LEAD program; $5,000,000 to fund basic life support services at all county fire departments and districts; $1,400,000 to fund the purchase of powered gurney lift systems; $328,400 to fund an increase in moderate-risk waste management programs; $1,500,000 to fund the purchase of a conservation easement for the Stewart Mountain Community Forest; and $360,000 to fund the Sudden Valley Marigold stormwater project. AB2022-275 (Ordinance 2022-044) Amended and adopted 7-0
