Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at November 9, 2022 Meeting
Shall the council:
264. Fill the small forest landowner vacancy on the Forestry Advisory Committee? The committee provides review and recommendations to the County Council on issues that affect the forestry industry. There were two applicants: Thomas Smith and Holly Koons. Appointed: Holly Koon. She is a biology and chemistry teacher at Mount Baker High School, a former wildland firefighter and a small forest landowner since 1993. (AB2022-592) Appointed 7-0
265. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Jackie Dexter to the Marine Resources Committee? The committee provides recommendations to local authorities regarding local marine issues. Ms. Dexter is currently starting a seaweed/kelp farm in northern Whatcom County. (AB2022-602) Confirmed 7-0
266. Authorize the executive to accept a $375,000 federal grant for the local integrating organization? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The Environmental Protection Agency grant is funneled through the state Puget Sound Partnership and will fund the administration, facilitation, and organization services that support water resources programs in the Whatcom County region from 10/1/2022 to 9/30/2025. (AB2022-603) Approved 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
267. Authorize the executive to sign a $247,587 contract with Geneva Consulting Services of Bellingham? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The contract will provide coordinating service for the Whatcom local integrating organization, including: support, administration, and implementation of the 2026-2030 action agenda; performance management; and adaptive management of the LIO ecosystem recovery plan. The contract expires on 9/30/2025. (AB2022-605) Approved 7-0
268. Authorize the executive to sign a $5,951,263 contract (amendment #1) with county agencies providing basic life support and emergency medical services? At the 5/24/2022 meeting, vote #149, the council allocated a total of $6.4 million for basic life support services and a gurney lift systems. The purpose of this amendment is to reimburse Whatcom County Fire Protection Districts, the Bellingham and Lynden Fire Departments for emergency medical services incurred between 5/24/2022 to 12/1/2022. (AB2022-628) Approved 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
269. Approve special standing County Council meetings for 2023? The council will meet as the health board at 10 a.m. on 1/31, 5/2, 8/1, and 10/3 and as water work sessions at 10:30 a.m. on 1/17, 2/14, 3/14, 4/18, 5/16, 6/13, 7/18, 9/19, 10/17, and 11/14. (AB2022-639) Substitute approved 7-0
270. Adopt a salary schedule and policies for unrepresented Whatcom County employees? The schedule and policies cover Whatcom County employees not represented by a union. It does not include County Council members and includes: a 5.9 percent average wage increase between 20 ranges and 11 annual steps. The schedule runs from 1/1/2023 through 12/31/2023. AB2022-631 (Resolution 2022-046) Approved 7-0
271. Amend the Whatcom County Code relating to personal wireless service facilities? (Public hearing held.) The amendments will incorporate federal regulatory requirements addressing wireless communication facilities, public utilities, nonconforming uses and parcels, definitions and project permit procedures. AB2022-571 (Ordinance 2022-069) Adopted 7-0
Action Taken at November 22, 2022 Meeting
Shall the council:
272. Authorize the executive to sign a $475,000 contract with Freedom 2000 d/b/a Cando Recycling & Disposal of Bellingham? The contract will provide single-family residential curbside collection services in Point Roberts. An estimated 1,938 units will pay $16.52 plus tax, per month, to be collected on the annual property tax bills. The contract expires on 12/31/2023. (AB2022-644) Approved 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
273. Authorize the executive to sign two contracts – totaling $94,600 – with the Opportunity Council for administration of rental ($49,600) and obtaining identification ($45,000) assistance programs? The contracts will provide identification assistance for residents with low-incomes and up to one year of rental assistance for people with co-occurring mental illness and substance-use disorders who are in the criminal justice system. The contracts expire on 12/31/2023 (AB2022-646/663) Approved 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
274. Authorize the executive to accept a $2,050,000 state grant for flood-related emergency housing relief? The grant will provide individuals with low incomes and disabilities affected by the November 2021 flood event in north Whatcom County with home repair/household appliances ($1,500,000) and housing assistance ($550,00). The grant expires on 6/30/2023. (AB2022-648) Approved 7-0
275. Authorize the executive to accept a $8,997,310 federal grant for the North Lake Samish Drive bridge replacement project? Funneled through the state Department of Transportation, the grant will help fund the replacement of the structurally deficient wood bridge with a prestressed concrete girder bridge. The total estimated cost is $12,084,600. The grant expires on 7/31/2027. (AB2022-655) Approved 7-0
276. Authorize executive to sign a $99,192 contract with Associated Earth Sciences of Kirkland? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The contract will support the preparation of a study plan and the installation of monitoring equipment at three study locations to collect data on the timing and magnitude of groundwater pumping on streamflow depletion? The contract expires on 6/30/2023. (AB2022-656) Approved 7-0
277. Authorize the executive to sign a $454,470 contract with the Opportunity Council to provide leasing specialist and intensive case management services? The contract will provide housing application support for an estimated 80 clients and case management services for an estimated 42 individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The contract expires on 12/31/2023. (AB2022-670) Approved 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
278. Authorize the executive to accept a $414,363 state grant (amendment #2) to provide funding for the Nurse Family Partnership Program? The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families program will provide home visit services for first-time, at-risk mothers, including support during pregnancy and education on child development, safety, and health. The purpose of the amendment is extend the agreement and update the statement of work and reporting requirements. The total amended contract is $806,056; it expires on 7/31/2023. (AB2022-671) Approved 7-0
279. Authorize the executive to sign a $150,000 contract with the City of Bellingham? The contract will fund city staff working to remove solid and hazardous waste related to homeless encampments and illegal dump sites. The contract expires on 6/30/2023. (AB2022-672) Approved 7-0
280. Authorization the executive to sign a $157,772 five-year contract with John von Krusenstiern? The county will lease 3,438 square feet of warehouse space to store information technology/county records. The contract expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2022-674) Approved 7-0
281. Adopt the 2023-2024 budget for the Point Roberts transportation benefit district? (Public hearing held, Council acting as the governing body of the Point Roberts Transportation Benefit District) A biennium budget of $20,000 per year will fund roadside maintenance projects. AB2022-611 (Resolution 2022-047) Approved 7-0
282. Adopt the 2023 budget for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District and Subzones? (Public hearing held, council acting as flood control district board of supervisors.) The funds will be used for flood control and storm water construction and improvements in the subzones, which include: Acme/Van Zandt; Lynden/Everson; Sumas/Nooksack/Everson; Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District; and Samish Watershed. The district budget for 2023 is $4,161,071 and the subzones budget is $117,018. AB2022-620 (Resolution 2022-048) Approved 7-0
283. Authorize the levy of taxes for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District for 2023? (Public hearing held, council acting as flood control district board of supervisors.) The levy for the 2023 tax year shall be increased by $1,200,000, a 23.42 percent increase from the previous year. The increase is exclusive from new construction and improvements to property and any increase in the value of state assessed property. AB2022-622 (Resolution 2022-049) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
284. Adopt the Whatcom County 2023-2024 biennium budget? (Public hearing held.) The total appropriation for 2023 is $183,385,722 and for 2024 is $157,140,786. The appropriation for 2021 was $219,792,067 and for 2022 was $218,021,374. AB2022-618 (Ordinance 2022-070) Adopted 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
285. Authorize the 2023 levy of taxes for the Conservation Futures Fund? (Public hearing held.) The levy will not change from the 2022 level except for new construction and improvements. The levy is 8.6 percent per $1,000 of assessed valuation on property. At the 12/7/2021 meeting, vote #327, the levy was increased from 6.25 to 8.6 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The funds can only be used to acquire land or development rights for conservation purposes, with a small percentage used for maintenance AB2022-606 (Ordinance 2022-071) Adopted 7-0
286. Authorize the levy of taxes in 2023 for county road purposes? (Public hearing held.) The levy will not change from the 2022 level except for new construction and improvements. For the 2023 budget year, $1,156,530 will be diverted from county road taxes and used for traffic enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. AB2022-607 (Ordinance 2022-072) Subsitute adopted 7-0
287. Authorize the levy of taxes for county and state purposes for 2023? (Public hearing held.) The property tax levy will be increased in 2023 by 1 percent or $321,752. AB2022-608 (Ordinance 2022-073) Adopted 6-1, Tyler Byrd opposed.
288. Adopt amendments to the six-year (2023-2028) capital improvement program for Whatcom County facilities? (Public hearing held.) The program must be updated every two years; it was last updated at the 11/24/2020 meeting, vote #237, amended at the 5/21/2021, vote #120, and 10/12/2021 meeting, vote #246. The program addresses county parks, trails, activity centers, maintenance and operations, general government buildings and sites, sheriff’s office facilities, emergency management, adult corrections projects, juvenile detention facilities, transportation, and stormwater projects. The projects are estimated to cost $398,097,517 for the six-year planning period. AB2022-610 (Ordinance 2022-074) Adopted 7-0
289. Authorizing the levy of taxes for countywide emergency medical purposes for 2023? (Public hearing held.) The council has determined that it is necessary to levy taxes in the amount of $13,235,000. AB2022-632 (Ordinance 2022-075) Adopted 6-1, Tyler Byrd opposed.
290. Amend by $100,000 (request #2) the Courthouse Improvement Fund project-based budget? A $260,00 fund to replace the courthouse fire alarm system and roof over juvenile detention was established at the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #224. At the 4/18/2017 meeting, vote #75, the fund was increased by $811,907; additional funding was necessary to replace the fire alarm system. The purpose of this amendment is to add expenditure authority to add office space in the basement area of the Courthouse. The total amended project-based budget is $1,171,907. AB2022-601 (Ordinance 2022-076) Adopted 7-0
291. Amend the budget (request #15) in the amount of $153,395? Appropriated: $7,713 to fund the purchase of sound suppressors for the sheriff’s department; $10,000 to fund overtime for deputies working on drug enforcement activities; $35,682 to fund portable radios for the sheriff’s department; $100,000 to fund basement renovations at the Courthouse. AB2022-604 (Ordinance 2022-077) Adopted 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Carol Frazey opposed.
292. Amend by $7,315,100 (request #5) the project-based budget for the Courthouse Building Envelope Fund? At the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #226, the council voted to establish the fund to protect the Courthouse from water damage with an initial budget of $250,000 and later added $7,427,809 for additional construction phases. Request #5 adds $4,077,100 in 2023 and $3,238,000 in 2024, replacing the remaining roof, roof-top mechanical equipment and failed glazing. The total amended project budget at the end of 2024 will be $14,992,909. AB2022-609 (Ordinance 2022-078) Adopted 7-0
293. Amend by $450,000 (request #3) the Courthouse Improvement Fund project-based budget? At the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote # 224, the council established a $260,000 fund to replace the fire alarm system and the roof over juvenile detention, request #2 was approved at this meeting, vote 290. The purpose of this amendment is to fund the replacement of copper supply and cast-iron wastewater lines and the installation of LED lighting. The total amended project budget is $1,621,907. AB2022-612 (Ordinance 2022-079) Adopted 7-0
294. Amend by $30,000 (request #1) the project-based budget for the Criminal Justice Integrated Case Management Systems Fund? At the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #235, the council established the $600,000 fund to replace the case management systems in District Court probation, juvenile court, and the prosecutor’s office. This amendment will complete all the projects for a total amended budget of $630,000. AB2022-613 (Ordinance 2022-080) Adopted 7-0
295. Amend by $1,604,000 (request #1) the project-based budget for the Finance System Software Fund? At the 10/9/2018 meeting, vote #155, the council established the $1,750,000 fund to replace the financial system used by all branches and departments of county government. The purpose of this amendment is to add additional perform-core upgrades, for a total amended project budget of $3,354,000. AB2022-614 (Ordinance 2022-081) Adopted 7-0
296. Amend by $2,050,000 (request #4) the project-based budget for the Silver Lake Park Improvement Fund? At the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #228, the council established the $880,000 fund to improve the Maple Creek and Cedar campgrounds. At the 12/8/2020 meeting, vote #269, (request #2) the council added $1,656,000 and at the 7/13/2021 meeting, vote #165, (request #3) the council added $249,800. The purpose of this amendment is to add a shower/restroom building at the Red Creek and Cedar Creek Campground for a total amended project budget of $8,438,100. AB2022-615 (Ordinance 2022-082) Adopted 7-0
297. Establish an $866,000 fund and project-based budget for the Bellingham Senior Center HVAC replacement project? The project will install a new cooling system and air quality protections for seniors. AB2022-616 (Ordinance 2022-083) Adopted 7-0
298. Establish a $655,000 fund and project-based budget for the Plantation Rifle Range Lead Reclamation and Capital Improvements project? The project will make modifications necessary to contain lead shot and address contaminated stormwater runoff. AB2022-617 (Ordinance 2022-084) Adopted 7-0
299. Close the Covid-19 Emergency Response (CARES Act) Fund 134? The council established the fund at the 4/7/2020 meeting, vote #61. The fund will be closed and the remaining balance of $6.4 million will be transferred to a new Capital Facilities Reserve Fund for capital facility construction and improvements. AB2022-637 (Ordinance 2022-085) Adopted 7-0
300. Establish a $6,400,000 Capital Facilities Reserve Fund? Whatcom County requires the construction and improvements of various capital facilities. This fund will be established with a transfer of remaining money from the closure of the CARES Act Fund 134. AB2022-638 (Ordinance 2022-086) Adopted 7-0
