Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at January 13, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
1. Authorize the executive to sign a $224,823 a contract (amendment #1) for reimbursement to the City of Bellingham for three lateral paramedic positions? At the 11/5/2025 meeting, vote #269, the council approved the original $1,008,442 contract. The city will not train three lateral paramedic positions in 2026 so it will be reimbursed $224,823. The total amended amount will decrease the contract to $783,619; it expires on 3/31/2027. (AB2025-854) Substitute authorized 7-0
2. Authorize the executive to accept a Medicaid-related state grant to provide outreach and referral activities to Whatcom County residents? The state Health Care Authority grant provides a 50 percent reimbursement for costs associated with the outreach and referral activities and does not require a county match. The grant expires on 12/31/2029. (AB2026-001) Authorized 7-0
3. Authorize the executive to sign a $50,000 contract (amendment #2) with Cascadia Law Group PLLC of Seattle to provide legal consultation and representation services regarding State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) procedures? The services relate to permit applications and SEPA appeals submitted by Petrogas. At the 9/10/2024 meeting, vote #236, the council approved the original $100,000 contract. Petrogas is proposing to expand the transshipment of liquefied petroleum gas from the former Intalco aluminum pier. The purpose of the amendment is to add funding to extend the contract. The total amended contract is $150,000; it expires on 7/31/2026. (AB2026-009) Authorized 7-0
4. Authorize the executive to sign the 2026-2028 collective bargaining agreement with the General Teamsters Local Union 231? The union is representing employees working in multiple county departments. The agreement includes: a 2.75 percent wage increase in 2026 and a 2.5 percent increase for 2027 and 2028; yearly increases in medical coverage contributions over the contract period; a 2 percent wage increase for bilingual status; and a boot allowance for positions that require construction footwear. The agreement runs from 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2028. (AB2026-012) Authorized 7-0
5. Authorize the executive to sign a $109,140 contract with Ferndale Youth Sports for capital improvements to Northwest Fields? The fields are a county-owned baseball complex located at 5238 Northwest Drive in Bellingham and is currently leased in 2025 for 25 years by Ferndale Youth Sports which will rehabilitate and maintain the complex for community and public recreational use. The contract funding is from the lodging tax and will be used for capital improvements at the Northwest Fields. (AB2026-013) Authorized 7-0
6. Establish full-term lengths for Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee members? The committee oversees and reports annually to the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force and the council on the financial performance of the Public Health, Safety, and Justice Tax Fund and associated programs. This subcommittee of the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force was created in 2023. Eight members were appointed at the 3/5/2024 meeting, vote #70, and five members at the 4/9/2024 meeting, vote #85, to staggered two- or three-year terms. The two-year appointments expire on 1/31/2026. The council voted to have committee members appointed to staggered four-year terms. (2026-015) Approved 7-0
7. Authorize the executive to sign a $236,734 contract (amendment #2) with Axon Enterprises of Scottsdale, Arizona, to add 36 months of Axon’s proprietary cloud-based storage, software, and professional services? There will also be 90 cameras and 12 docking stations replaced. At the 12/8/2020 meeting, vote #258, the council approved the original $381,438 contract, and it was amended at the 4/12/2022 meeting, vote #97. The total amended contract is $720,634; it expires on 1/15/2029. (AB2026-018) Authorized 7-0
8. Authorize the executive to sign the 2026-2028 collective bargaining agreement with the Deputy Sheriff’s Guild? The guild represents — full-time and regular part-time peace officers at the sheriff ’s office through the rank of sergeant. The agreement includes: a 2.75 percent wage increase in 2026 and 2.5 percent for 2027 and 2028; $58 per day on-call compensation rate; a 2 percent wage increase for bilingual status; an increase in annual uniform allowance from $1,200 to $1,400; and an employer-provided pre-tax savings account for healthcare expenses. The agreement runs from 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2028. (AB2026-020) Authorized 7-0
9. Authorize the executive to sign a $127,605 contract (amendment #4) with Stryker Corporation of Portage, Michigan, for Life-Pak 35 monitor/defibrillator, LUCAS devices, and related accessories? This amendment adds $25,521 per year for five years to the contract. The new EMS equipment is assigned to the EMS captain at Whatcom County Fire District 7. At the 12/8/2020 meeting, vote #262, the council approved the original 10-year $4,683,164, contract with annual payments of $468,316. The four amendments have increased annual payments to $668,595 for the final five years. The contract expires on 12/31/2030. (AB2026-022) Authorized 7-0
10. Authorize the executive to sign a $200,000 contract with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission? This contract will reimburse Whatcom County for the salary and related benefit costs for a Whatcom County deputy assigned in 2026 and 2027 as an instructor at the Arlington Regional Law Enforcement Academy. The contract expires on 12/31/2028. (AB2026-024) Authorized 7-0
11. Fill six vacancies on the Climate Impact Advisory Committee? The committee’s purpose is to provide review and recommendations to the County Council and the executive on issues related to preventing and mitigating climate change. There were seven applicants and four were incumbents. Appointed were: Charles Brown (7 votes), Derek Gremban incumbent (7 votes), Stevan Harell incumbent (7 votes), Jonathan King (7 votes), Theodor Scott incumbent (6 votes), Joshua Williams incumbent (6 votes). (AB2026-029)
12. Fill two vacancies on the Forest Advisory Committee? The committee’s purpose is to provide review and recommendations to the County Council on issues that affect the forestry industry and to serve as a forum for all sectors of the forestry community in the county. There were two applicants and both were appointed with seven votes; David New incumbent, a small forest landowner and Malloree Weinheimer, a consulting forester. (AB2026-031) Appointed 7-0
13. Fill three vacancies on the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force? The committee’s purpose is to conduct an ongoing review of Whatcom County’s criminal legal and behavioral health programs and make recommendations to reduce the incarceration of individuals with mental illness and chemical dependency and/or those who can safely be released pre-trial. All three applicants were appointed. Heather Flaherty (incumbent, concerned citizen) is employed as the executive director of the Whatcom Community Health Foundation. Alexis Hahs (incumbent, social service provider) is currently employed as a program director at Lifeline Connections. Robert Sullivan (social service provider) is currently employed as regional director for Pioneer Human Services. (AB2026-032) Approved 7-0
14. Fill three vacancies on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee? The committee’s purpose is to monitor task force and county progress toward Justice Project Implementation Plan goals, ensure robust public engagement and communications, contribute to the task force’s annual report to the County Council, and recommend periodic updates to the implementation plan. There were three applicants and all were incumbents. Tawsha Thompson (criminal legal system user) is employed as a detective with the Lynden Police Department. Pamela Kahn (supportive housing subject matter expert), and Cori Reece (young adult aged 18-24) is a current student at Whatcom Community College. (AB2026-033) Approved 7-0
15. Fill three vacancies on the Planning Commission? The commission’s purpose is to assist the Planning and Development Services department in carrying out its duties. There was one applicant; Alvin Scott Van Dalen is an incumbent member of the Planning Commission and the owner of Eagle Contracting. (AB2026-035) Appointed 7-0
16. Fill four vacancies on the Solid Waste Committee? The Solid Waste Advisory Committee provides public input and advice to Whatcom County on solid waste management issues. Council appointed. There were two applicants and both are incumbents, Ted Carlson and Pinky Vargas. (2026-036) Appointed 7-0
17. Authorize the sale of surplus personal property? (Public hearing held.) State law permits the sale of property deemed to be surplus and the county purchasing agent has determined it is in the best interest of the county to sell the following property: 9 trucks; 16 automobiles; two vans/buses; three tractors; two excavators; 17 servers; and other miscellaneous equipment. AB2026-814 (Resolution 2026-001) Approved 7-0
18. Affirm the dignity and civil and human rights of all Whatcom County residents, regardless of immigration or citizenship status? Among other items, this resolution prevents all local law enforcement from: asking about an individual’s immigration status; detaining an individual solely to determine their immigration status; detaining an individual solely because of immigration status; and entering an agreement under 8 USC 1357 related to immigration enforcement. That federal law enforcement activities do not interfere with local law enforcement and emergency response and that local governments can uphold their fiduciary responsibility to manage local public resources in the best interest of the local community. AB2026-049 (Resolution 2026-002 ) Amended and approved 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
19. Adopt amendments to Whatcom County code related to zoning, land use, and development? (Public hearing held.) The 11 amendments will clarify the code, fix inconsistencies and grammar, and modify or add minor policies. AB2026-810 (Ordinance 2026-001) Substitute adopted 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
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Action Taken at January 27, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
20. Vacate Richard Gleason’s position on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee? At the 4/9/2024 meeting, vote #85, Richard Gleason was initially appointed to a position for a consumer or family member of a consumer of behavioral health services. Council staff was directed to advertise the vacancy. (AB2025-806) Approved 7-0
21. Approve a new behavioral care center? A pre-programming document assumes a 32-bed inpatient behavior health unit at 31,688 square-feet and a 23-hour crisis center at 6,896 square-feet. The three proposed locations are La Bounty Road (Ferndale), 2000 Division Street and the existing Work Release Center. The proposed budget for repurposing the work center site is $19,820,692, a new Division site is $26,441,846 and a La Bounty site is $28,446,372. The council voted for the center to be an out-of-custody model and a new building at the Division Street location. (AB2026-038) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
22. Authorize the executive to sign a $70,000 contract (amendment #1) with Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center for family mediation services? At the 2/11/2025 meeting, the council approved the original $65,000 contract to provide administrative and operational services for the family law mediation program. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract. The total amended contract is $135,000; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2026-044) Authorized 7-0
23. Authorize the executive to accept a $147,000 state grant for Whatcom Marine Resources Committee operations and projects? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The purpose of state Department of Ecology grant is the improvement of the health of the local marine and nearshore ecosystem in Whatcom County. The grant expires on 12/31/2027. AB2026-056) Authorized 7-0
24. Authorize the executive to sign a $99,960 contract (amendment #4) with Pacific Security of Bellingham to continue evening exterior patrols of 14 county buildings? At the 7/9/2024 meeting, the council approved the original $64,260 contract. The contract requires three visits per night, seven days a week. The purpose of this amendment is to extend the contract. The total amended contract is $226,100; it expires on 12/31/2026. AB2026-059) Authorized 7-0
25. Authorize the executive to sign a $555,300 contract with the Maple Falls Water Cooperative for a water storage tank? A 30,000-gallon failing storage tank build in 1967 will be replaced with a new concrete 47,000-gallon tank. The project includes demolition of the existing tank, site grading, utility work, construction and testing of the new tank. The contract expires on the completion of the project. AB2026-067) Authorized 7-0
26. Authorize the executive to sign a $115,000 contract (amendment #1) with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center for supervised visitation services? At the 3/25/2025 meeting, vote #75, the council approved the original $111,000 contract. Supervised visitation in generally court ordered and requires a third party to observe/child parent visitation and ensure the safety of those involved. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract. The total amended contract is $226,000; it expires on 12/31/2026. AB2026-077) Authorized 7-0
27. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Abby Neal to the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee? The committee’s purpose is to address local marine issues and recommend remedial action to local authorities. Abby Neal has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and is pursuing a master’s degree in applied marine science or mechatronics. She has a diving certificate and does freediving. (AB2026-081) Approved 7-0
28. Confirm the executive’s reappointment of Elizabeth Lorence and Kathryn Ketteridge to the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee? The committee addresses local marine issues and recommends remedial action to local authorities. Elizabeth Lorence is employed by the state Department of Agriculture as a public health advisor. She was initially appointed at the 9/28/2021 meeting, vote #222. Kathryn Ketteridge has 20 years of experience working in the coastal science/engineering field. She was initially appointed at the 3/23/2021 meeting, vote #69. (AB2026-082) Approved 7-0
29. Reconsider the confirmation of the executive’s reappointment 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. In the initial vote at his meeting, Mark Stremler voted in opposition. Mr. Boteler is retired, but previously served in the role of deputy director for both Washington and Idaho State Parks. He was initially appointed at the 5/10/2022 meeting, vote #130. (AB 2026-085) Approved 7-0
30. Authorize the executive to sign a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Management Group? The agreement is also with the Fraternal Order of Police (Matt Herzog Memorial Lodge #24), it is with six corrections management positions, two chiefs and four lieutenants. The agreement covers the period from 1/1/2025 to 12/31/2027 and includes: a 3 percent cost of living adjustment for 2025, 2.75 percent for 2026, and 2.5 percent for 2028; longevity pay, and medical coverage of $1,621 in 2026, $1,751 in 2027, and $1,891 in 2028. (AB2026-096) Authorized 7-0
31. Accept the Whatcom County treasurer’s list of petitions for 2025 property tax refunds? The refunds total $3,319,371 and reflect: senior ($1,469,902), Board of Equalization ($1,446,217), destroyed/ abated property ($47,064), and miscellaneous exemptions ($356,188). The 2024 refunds totaled $1,832,393 and were approved the council at the 1/28/2025 meeting, vote #26. AB2026-047 (Resolution 2026-003) Approved 7-0
32. Cancel uncollectible personal property taxes totaling $13,417? State law requires the county treasurer to present to the council a list of taxes certified as uncollectible. Included are 11 businesses totaling $13,417. The five largest businesses on the list are: Bed Bath & Beyond $4,938; Redbox Automated Retail $4,498; Port of Bellingham (unable to locate 15 boat owners) $867; Boots Bar & Lounge $821; Dale and Thess Munkres (no longer haying) $589; and Milano’s Restaurant $421. There are two mobile homes totaling $363. AB2026-050 (Resolution 2026-004) Approved 7-0
33. Update the appendix of the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)? State law requires grant applicants seeking public works funding from the state Economic Development Administration to develop and update an economic development plan. At the 8/13/2002 meeting, vote #154, the council adopted the first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and updated it every five years. The appendix was previously updated at the 3/25/2025 meeting, vote #79. AB2026-066 (Resolution 2026-005) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
34. Amend Whatcom County code related to community centers to allow food preparation for off-site consumption? (Public hearing held.) The rule will allow the commercial kitchen at The Gathering Place (for the community of Lummi Island) to be used for preparing food to be sold off-site. AB2026-016 (Ordinance 2026-002) Adopted 7-0
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