Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at June 9, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
145. Authorize the executive to sign an $850,000 contract with Nel/Son Distributing, dba Nelson-Reisner of Anacortes, to provide fuel to be used in Whatcom County fleet vehicles? This agreement provides cardlock fuel for 775 county vehicles that are unable to use the Central Shop. There are Pacific Pride pumps in Bellingham (3), Ferndale (1), Lynden (1) and Nooksack (1). Two companies (Nelson-Reisner and CECO Inc.) responded to the request for proposal. The contract expires on 7/31/2027. (AB2026-423) Authorized 7-0
146. Authorize the executive to sign a $288,000 contract (amendment #2) with Cowden Brothers Trucking of Bellingham for the disposal of waste produced by vactor trucks and street sweepers? At the 9/10/2024 meeting, vote #241, the council approved the original $288,000 contract, and amended it at the 8/6/2025 meeting, vote #186. The purpose of this amendment is to extend the contract. The total amended contract is $864,000; it expires on 8/31/2027. (AB2026-424) Authorized 7-0
147. Authorize the executive to sign a $64,280 cooperative agreement with the federal government for rehabilitation of the Hannegan levee? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The December 2025 flood event caused scouring and bank sloughing along the riverward slope and toe of the Hannegan levee. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will repair approximately 85 liner feet along the left bank of the Nooksack River near Lynden. The total construction cost is estimated at $321,400 — with 80 percent or $257,120 funded by the federal government and 20 percent or $64,280 by the county. (AB2026-429) Authorized 7-0
148. Authorize the executive to accept a $200,000 state grant (amendment #5) for Medication for Opioid Use (MOUD) and Alcohol Use (MAUD) disorders in the jail? At the 5/24/2022 meeting, vote #137, the council approved the original Washington State Health Care Authority grant for $149,839. This grant will fund one nurse position in the jail, pharmaceuticals, supplies, deputy overtime, and methadone treatment. The total amended amount is $1,230,575; it expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-433) Authorized 7-0
149. Authorize the executive to accept a $47,392 state grant (amendment #15) for various public health services? The original contract didn’t involve money; it was signed by the executive on 1/17/2025. The amendment increases funding and revises the scope of work for the child and maternal health program The total amended amount is $11,334,197; it expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2026-435) Authorized 7-0
150. Authorize the executive to sign a three-year $1,102,500 contract (amendment #1) with Clean Earth Environmental Solutions of King of Prussia, PA, to provide transportation and disposal of moderate-risk waste from the Disposal of Toxics Facility? The facility is located at 3505 Airport Drive in Bellingham. At the 6/10/2025 meeting, vote #139, the council approved the original $350,000 contract. This amendment authorizes a three-year extension at $367,000 annually. The total amended contract is $1,452,500; it expires on 6/30/2029. (AB2026-436) Authorized 7-0
151. Authorize the executive to sign a $1,889,779 contract (amendment #1) with Kulshan Supported Employment of Bellingham for supported employment and community inclusion services for individuals with developmental disabilities? At the 6/10/2025 meeting, vote #138, the council approved the original $1,588,77 contract; it expired on 6/30/2026. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract for one year. The total amended contract is $3,478,552; it expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-437) Authorized 7-0
152. Authorize the executive to sign a $69,603 contract (amendment #1) with the Max Higbee Center of Bellingham for supported employment and community inclusion services for individuals with developmental disabilities? Max Higbee Center is one of five community providers offering these services. The original $43,880 contract was signed by the executive on 6/23/2025; it expired on 6/30/2026. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract for one year. The total amended contract is $113,483; it expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-439) Authorized 7-0
153. Authorize the executive to sign a six-month $65,526 contract (amendment #5) with Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of Bellingham to operate three emergency shelters in Whatcom County? The shelters include a 21-bed house for women with children and two other houses with 16 beds for single women. This contract provides funding for 13 percent of the operations of these facilities. The initial $50,000 contract was approved at the 12/6/2022 meeting. The total amended contract is $353,448; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2026-441) Authorized 7-0
154. Authorize the executive to award the only bid of $1,061,070 to Everett Ship Repair of Everett for the annual drydocking, repair, and maintenance of the Lummi Island ferry? The engineer’s estimate was $1,270,048. Two shipyard representatives (Lake Union Drydock Company and Everett Ship Repair) attended the pre-bid meeting and one shipyard submitted a bid. The repairs are estimated to take 21 days. (AB2026-445) Authorized 7-0
155. Authorize the executive to sign a six-year contract with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for reimbursement of a percentage of the Superior Court Commissioner’s time? The reimbursement applies to time working civil court cases involving Child Support Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. The six-year contract amount will vary each fiscal year. In 2026, the Superior Court Administration can seek reimbursement for up to $60,000. The contract expires on 6/30/2031. (AB2026-446) Authorized 7-0
156. Authorize the executive to accept a $500,000 state grant for renovations at Silver Lake Park? The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office grant through the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Act Program will fund installation of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pathway, the replacement of the lagoon bridge, and the upgrading of a hiking trail to meet outdoor accessibility standards. AB2026-448 (Resolution 2026-023) Approved 7-0
157. Honor the life, service, and legacy of Kevin Hester? The Whatcom County Council wishes to honor Kevin Hester’s life of service and express gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind and recognizes his extraordinary contributions to the people of Whatcom County. Nooksack Mayor Kevin Hecter died of neuroendocrine cancer on Tuesday, June 9, at the age of 59. He spent 30 years with the Whatcom County Sheriff ’s Office, retiring in December 2021. He ran for mayor of Nooksack in November 2021, defeating the incumbent mayor by 8.6 percent. He took mayor’s office shortly after retiring from the sheriff ’s office. Less than a year after taking office, Nooksack was devastated by a major flood. He was reelected in 2025, running unopposed. Nooksack was again hit by another devastating flood in December of 2025. AB2026-476 (Resolution 2026-024) Approved 7-0
____________________________________________
Action Taken at June 23, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
158. Authorize the executive to sign a contract (amendment #1) with the Port of Bellingham to lower the principal by $88,309 for the Boxx Berry Farm/WA Agricultural Research Station loan? At the 5/13/2025 meeting, vote #121, the council approved an Economic Development Investment (EDI) loan of $933,271. The port did not require the full amount of the original loan; this amendment reflects the amount not needed. The actual amount of the loan disbursed was $844,962. (AB2026-449) Authorized 7-0
159. Authorize the executive to sign a $260,250 contract (amendment #2) for the renewal of a program for the elimination of bus fares for youth aged 18 years of age and younger? The executive signed the original $68,500 contract on 6/17/2025 and signed amendment #1 for $34,250 on 4/3/2026. The purpose of this amendment is to extend the contract. The amended contract is $363,000; it expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-464) Authorized 7-0
160. Authorize the executive to accept a $300,000 federal grant for the design phase of the Everson Goshen Road and East Smith Road intersection improvements project? The project will reconstruct the existing four-way stop as a one-lane roundabout with intersection lighting. The project is listed as Item No. R22 on the sixyear transportation improvement program. The total estimated cost of the project is $3,550,000. (AB2026-466) Authorized 7-0
161. Authorize the executive to sign a cost-sharing agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the Bylsma levee on the Nooksack River? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The total project costs are estimated to be $655,800, with 80 percent or $532,640 funded by the federal government and 20 percent or $133,160 by the county flood control district. The December 2025 flood event caused damage to riprap and bank material and the project will repair 475 feet of embankment between Hannegan Road and the Guide Meridian. (AB2026-471) Authorized 7-0
162. Authorize the executive to sign a cost-sharing agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the Ritter Road levee on the Nooksack River? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The total project costs are estimated to be $580,500, with 80 percent or $464,400 funded by the federal government and 20 percent or $116,100 by the county flood control district. The December 2025 flood event caused damage to riprap and bank material and the project will repair 450 feet of embankment between the cities of Lynden and Ferndale. (AB2026-474) Authorized 7-0
163. Authorize the executive to sign a $40,131 contract (amendment #3) with Opportunity Council to provide basic needs items to eligible families with children ages 0-5? At the 9/24/2024 meeting, vote #262, the council passed the original $93,811 contract to provide diapers, wipes, and transportation subsidies. At the 3/24/2026 meeting, vote #73, the council passed amendment #2 for $17,250. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract by seven months and update the scope of work. The total amended not-to-exceed contract is $151,192; it expires on 1/31/2027. (AB2026-477) Authorized 7-0
164. Authorize the executive to sign a $101,896 estimated contract with Pioneer Human Services of Seattle to provide substance use disorder assessments and treatment coordination for individuals released from the Whatcom County jail? The contract expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-481) Authorized 7-0
165. Authorize the executive to amend a state grant in the amount of $176,000 (amendment #4) for the Alternative Response Team (ART) program? At the 9/13/2022 meeting, vote #215, the council accepted a $2,213,000 grant from the state Health Care Authority for a pilot program. The state Health Care Authority budget requires a reduction of $176,000 in state funding. The ART team provides immediate behavioral and mental health support for individuals who can be safely diverted away from law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. The total amended agreement is $4,385,000; it expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-482) Authorized 7-0
166. Authorize the executive to approve the 2026-2028 collective bargaining agreement with the AFL-CIO and Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific? The union represents Lummi Island ferry operations workers in the Public Works department. The agreement includes: a 2.75 percent wage increase in 2026, 2 percent in 2027, and 1.5 percent in 2028; yearly increases in medical coverage over the contract period; and an increase in reimbursement for foul weather gear from $150 to $300. The agreement runs from 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2028. (AB2026-484) Authorized 7-0
167. Authorize the executive to accept a $6,194,426 state grant for persons with developmental disabilities? The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services ( DSHS) funding is for employment and community inclusion services for adults with developmental disabilities, child development services for children ages birth to three years, and community information and training. As of January 2026, 403 adults were served with employment and community inclusion and 358 infants and toddlers were served within child development services.The grant expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-485) Authorized 7-0
168. Approve a one-year extension of a major project permit for a wetland mitigation bank program for the City of Bellingham? On 6/18/2024, the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner approved a permit that will allow the creation of two wetland mitigation bank sites: Bear Creek Corridor in the Silver Creek Watershed and Mc-Cormick Creek Headwater in the Squalicum Creek Watershed. At the 7/9/2024 meeting, vote #198, the council approved the major project permit for the City of Bellingham. The mitigation banking agreement must be submitted within two years. The City of Bellingham will not meet the deadline and is requesting a one-year extension. AB2026-463 (Resolution 2026-025 ) Approved 7-0
169. Amend Resolution 2025-025 to update rules of the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner? At the 9/9/2025 meeting, vote #214, council approved the “Rules of Procedure for Proceedings Before the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner.” This amendment will approve clarifying changes to those rules and regulations for the conduct of hearings before the hearing examiner. AB2026-472 (Resolution 2026-026) Approved 7-0
170. Authorize a grant application and signing authority for a farmland preservation grants for the Steensma, Jensen, and Cloud Mountain Farm Center easement applications? The state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) requires grant applicants to use resolution language provided by the agency. Grant assistance is requested to aid in financing the cost of the easements. AB2026-478 (Resolution 2026-027) Approved 7-0
171. Impose an interim moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications and permits for the establishment of new, or, expansion of, existing civil detention facilities? (Public hearing held.) This ordinance shall not apply to the existing Whatcom County jail, the proposed Whatcom County jail, or planned behavioral health care centers or crisis centers or facilities used for the detention under the Washington Involuntary Treatment Act, nor does it apply to any project already vested.This interim moratorium shall be in force for one year from its effective date. AB2026-403 (Ordinance 2026-032) Substitute adopted 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
172. Amend in the amount of $60,000 the project budget (request #1) for the 2015 Girard Street building improvement fund? At the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #225, the council approved the $511,000 building improvement fund for the Whatcom County Health Department facility. This amendment adds expenditures for security improvements, including: security glass, proximity locks, and additional video surveillance. The total amended project budget is $511,000. AB2026-442 (Ordinance 2026-033) Adopted 7-0
173. Amend the 2026 budget (request #9) in the amount of $7,941,775? Appropriated: $500,00 to the Public Defender for the funding of outside conflict attorneys and experts; $279,076 for supplement staff and speciality clerk for water rights adjudication; $1,300,000 to fund Steensma agriculture and riparian conservation easement; $115,680 for kitchen remodeling at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center; $4,522,199 to fund housing services contract extension; $262,300 to fund essential needs contract extension; $500,000 to fund affordable housing projects; $399,500 to fund central shop stormwater improvements. There are three additional appropriations under $100,000 totaling $63,100. AB2026-450 (Ordinance 2026-034) Adopted 7-0
___________________________
For more information about the Whatcom County Council, see the print edition of the Whatcom Watch (available on some stands) ;
or receive every issue in the mail by subscribing: Click on the “Subscribe” link at the top of this page.
