Whatcom County Council

Whatcom Watch

Compiled by Barry MacHale

Action Taken at March 11, 2025 Meeting

Shall the council:

50. Authorize the executive to sign an agreement with the state of Washington accepting $125,000 to promote firearms safety, combat gun violence and support victims of gun violence? The state attorney general brought a suit against Federal Way Discount Guns and the owner for illegally selling 3,625 high-capacity gun magazines to the public. The case was settled and $2 million in settlement funds are available to local law enforcement agencies to support measures to combat and support victims of gun violence, and to promote gun safety. The sheriff’s office plans to host a gun by-back event and build a firearms’ storage unit. (AB2025-046) Authorized 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.

51. Authorize the executive to accept an $8,840 state grant (amendment #3) for additional Nurse Family Partnership funding? The program provides home visits and parenting support to first-time, at-risk mothers. The initial grant for $378,496 was approved at the 9/26/2023 meeting, vote #255. This amendment will provide participants with retail gift cards to purchase groceries, gasoline, and other essential needs items. The total amended contract is $827,677; it expires on 7/31/2025. (AB2025-186) Authorized 7-0

52. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Zelda Rood to the Developmental Disabilities Board? The purpose of the board is to advise the Whatcom County Department of Developmental Disabilities Services. Zelda Rood is currently a caregiver for an individual with special needs and a student in the special education program at Western Washington University. (AB2025-189) Appointed 7-0

53. Authorize the executive to sign a $229,668 five-year contract with Axon Enterprises of Scottsdale, Arizona? The contract will provide the county public defender’s office with Axon datebase system and transcription services for body cameras worn by deputies in the sheriff’s department. The contract expires on 4/31/2029. (AB2025-192) Authorized 7-0

54. Authorize the executive to sign a $106,773 contract with Aha! Childcare & Family Learning Center in Ferndale to increase kindergarten readiness for low-income vulnerable families with children at the licensed childcare facility? The contract is funded by Healthy Children’s Fund and will provide the following: staff training and materials to support the use of sign language for young and non-verbal children; subcontracted behavioral health, nutrition, and speech pathology services; an additional freezer/refrigerator unit for food bank deliveries; and a .5 full-time equivalent assessment director to coordinate transitions to the school system. The contract expires 3/11/2026. (AB2025-195) Authorized 7-0

55. Authorize the executive to accept a $40,262 state grant (amendment #1) to provide funding for the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program? At the 5/5/2020 meeting, vote #71, an initial contract was awarded to implement the community-based diversion program intended to reduce justice involvement by individuals with behavioral health or substance use issues, and to operate as part of the GRACE program. The Ground Response and Coordinated Engagement (GRACE) program provides mobile health services in Whatcom County for the purposes of reducing overuse of emergency medical services. The grant was initially approved at the 9/26/2023 meeting, vote #256; the purpose of this amendment is to contract an independent evaluator to determine the program’s effectiveness through data collection and identify areas of improvement. The total amended grant is $1,216,096; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2025-199) Authorized 7-0

56. Authorize the executive to sign a $11,667 contract (amendment #2) with Sustainable Connections to provide funding for a food recovery program? The original $95,000 contract was approved at the 6/18/2024 meeting, vote #160. This amendment will add funding to support commercial waste audits, technical waste assessments, action plans and performance evaluations for targeted industries. The total amended contract is $113,542; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2025-200) Authorized 7-0

57. Authorize the executive to sign a $211,000 contract (amendment #6) with Lifeline Connections of Vancouver, Washington, to provide behavioral health services in the county jail, work center, and for youth involved in the criminal legal system? The original $64,440 contract was approved at the 11/23/2021 meeting. The purpose of this amendment is to add funding to extend the length of the contract. The total amended contract is $3,402,810; it expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2025-201) Authorized 7-0

58. Authorize the executive to sign a $700,000 contract with Habitat for Humanity for the acquisition of 2.5 acres of property that will allow for the construction of at least 40 affordable homes? Buyers at 30-80 percent of area median income will be eligible to purchase the homes at 1050 Telegraph Road in Bellingham. Funding is from the Economic Development Investment Program, a grant for $231,000 and a loan for $469,000; the contract expires 12/31/2035. (AB2025-206) Authorized 7-0

59. Authorize the executive to accept a $53,403 state grant (amendment #2) to fund various public health services? The original contract was approved by the council at the 1/14/2025 meeting. The purpose of the amendment is to add or amend scopes of work for three programs. The total amended contract is in the amount of $5,318,686; it expires 12/31/2027. (AB2025-209) Authorized 7-0

60. Authorize the executive to sign a $149,000 contract with Ferndale School District to increase kindergarten readiness for students aged 3-5? The contract will expand access to the Family Resource Center during the summer months, provide funding to support culturally responsive services at the Mountain View Learning Center, including bilingual communication resources and supplies, an engagement coordinator for Latino families, and extended access to the family resource center during summer months. The contract expires 3/11/2026. (AB2025-214) Authorized 7-0

61. Appoint a council member to be a representative on the Forest Advisory Committee? The committee provides review and recommendations to the county council on issues that affect the forestry industry. (AB2025-225) Ben Elenbaas was appointed with 4 votes.

62. Vacate a portion of Camp 2 Road? (Public hearing held.) Karen Atkinson submitted a petition to vacate a portion of Camp 2 Road. Approximately one-third of a house built in 1992 is in the county right-of-way. Karen Atkinson learned about the encroachment after she purchased the house is 2020. At the 9/12/2023 meeting, vote #240, the council authorized the county engineer to investigate the vacation and issue a report. The county engineer’s report supports the vacation. The estimated fair market value for 1,662 square feet is $6,166. AB2025-140 (Resolution 2025-009) Approved 7-0

63. Amend the 2006 Birch Bay comprehensive stormwater plan? (Council acting as the fl ood control district board of supervisors.) Th e 2006 plan was approved at the 11/8/2006 meeting, vote #223. For the purposes of developing a systematic approach to addressing stormwater management issues, the amendment will incorporate into the 2006 Birch Bay comprehensive stormwater plan, four subwatershed master plans (SWMP) developed from 2013 to 2023, including Central North and South, Birch Point, Terrell Creek and Point Whitehorn subwater drainage study. AB2025-171 (Resolution 2025-010) Approved 7-0

64. Approve a non-binding, multi-jurisdictional resolution regarding population, housing and employment allocations? Th e state Growth Management Act requires county and city comprehensive plans to be coordinated, consistent, and revised to accommodate urban growth projected to occur in the succeeding 20-year planning period. Th is resolution expresses an agreement by the council to utilize population, housing, and employment projections for an initial review of urban growth areas by the county and cities. AB2025-224 (Resolution 2025-011) Approved 6-0-1, Todd Donovan abstained.

65. Adopt amendments to county code relating to the regulation of onsite sewage systems? (Public hearing held.) Th e state health department has updated regulatory language regarding onsite sewage and the amendments will align state and county regulations. AB2025-149 (Ordinance 2025-012) Adopted 7-0

66. Amend Whatcom County code relating to operational standards for adult correctional facilities? (Public hearing held.) Th e county code for correctional facilities needs to be amended; it is not compliant with current legislation, case law, or modern correctional standards. It was temporarily suspended at the sheriff ’s department request at the 6/18/2019 meeting, vote #157, and the suspension extended at the 6/29/2021 meeting, vote #157. At the 2/21/2023 meeting, vote #42, the entire code was repealed. Th ese amendments will align county code with updated laws and standards. AB2025-183 (Ordinance 2025-013) Adopted 7-0

_______________________________________

Action Taken at March 25, 2025 Meeting

Shall the council:

67. Authorize the executive to sign a $182,310 contract with Puget Sound Partnership of Olympia to implement a program that supports the health and sustainability of onsite septic systems in Whatcom County? The funding will provide rebates for property owners who comply with annual system evaluations and maintenance, and to qualified service providers who conduct inspections for low-income property owners. The contract expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2025-208) Authorized 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.

68. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Payden Waldo to the Whatcom County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee? Payden Waldo has lived in Whatcom County for 10 years. He is currently employed as a global reliability engineer at a Cherry Point refinery. He is joining the committee to support the county’s commitment to human-powered infrastructure and to help expand it. (AB2025-227) Confirmed 7-0

69. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $601,352 to Lake Union Drydock Company of Seattle for the annual dry-docking, repair and maintenance of the Lummi Island ferry? The engineer’s estimate was $547,552. Three representatives attended the pre-bid meeting and the three shipyards submitted bids; two were determined to be responsive. The high bid was $627,852. The repairs are estimated to take 14 days, from 4/26/2025 to 5/11/2025. (AB2025-244) Authorized 7-0

70. Authorize the executive to sign a $150,000 contract with Community Attributes of Seattle to update the feasibility study on incorporating the Birch Bay urban growth area? At the 8/7/2007 meeting, vote #163, the council approved a $100,000 contract with Berk and Associates of Seattle to provide a study of the feasibility of Birch Bay incorporating. This study update will focus on potential expenses and drawbacks associated with incorporation, as well as timelines involved with the process. The contract expires on 9/30/2025. (AB2025-247) Authorized 4-2-1, Tyler Byrd and Mark Stremler opposed, Keylee Galloway abstained.

71. Authorize executive to sign a $265,000 contract with J.A. Brennan Associates of Seattle to develop a vision plan for Hovander Homestead Park? Th e contract will provide design and engineering services required for outreach and inventory of community needs for the park for the next 15-20 years. Anticipated park improvements: picnic shelters, vehicular and circulation upgrades, a new maintenance facility, interpretive and wayfinding signage, and environmental restoration. The contract expires on 3/5/2025. (AB2025-249) Authorized 7-0

72. Authorize the executive to accept a $449,882 state grant to conduct energy audits for county-owned buildings? The audits will assess county facilities to identify necessary improvements for compliance with state energy performance standards. The grant expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2025-252) Authorized 7-0

73. Authorize the executive to sign a $126,289 contract with Insight Public Sector of Chandler, Arizona? The contract will provide Neogov Learn software to support the onboarding and training of county employees. The contract expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-253) Authorized 7-0

74. Authorize the executive to accept two federal grants — totalling $375,375 — funneled through the state of Washington to promote border security? Th is is the 17th year of the Homeland Security/Operation Stonegarden grants (first accepted at the 5/26/2009 meeting, vote #129). The grants coordinate measures between local, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement gencies operating in Whatcom County. State and local participating agencies will not enforce federal immigration law. One grant ($214,500) expires on 3/31/2026 and the other ($160,875) expires on 3/31/2027. (AB2025-259/260) Authorized 7-0

75. Authorize the executive to sign a $111,000 contract with Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center for supervised visitation services? Supervised visitation is typically courtordered contact between a noncustodial parent, child or children in the presence of a third party observer to ensure the safety of parties involved. The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center was the sole respondent to a request for the proposal and has provided this service in the past; it was previously approved by the council in 2020. The contract expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2025-261) Authorized 7-0

76. Authorize the executive to sign a $282,889 contract with the Lummi Indian Business Council to increase kindergarten readiness? The funding will provide services at the Lummi Nation health center in order to identify developmental delays, provide access to child health and other support services, and facilitate monthly educational meetings for participant families on different topics relating to healthy child development. The contract expires on 9/30/2026. (AB2025-267) Authorized 7-0

77. Authorize the executive to sign a $225,525 contract with the Whatcom Center for Early Learning to increase kindergarten readiness? The funding will provide therapeutic and training support for children aged 0-5 with developmental disabilities and delays, and their families and caregivers who live in rural Whatcom County. The contract expires on 3/31/2026. (AB2025-269) Authorized 7-0

78. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Jerry Marczynski to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission? Jerry Marczynski is retired; he had a 42-year career in higher education administration. He thinks his experience in campus master planning and assessing the need level for campus recreation and open space will help the commission. (AB2025-270) Confirmed 7-0

79. 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; council adopted the first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and updated it every five years. The 2022 appendix was updated at the 6/7/2022 meeting, vote #155. That update was changed to the Port of Bellingham project utilizing EDI funding. For this vote, the Port of Bellingham worked with municipalities in the county to ensure the list of completed projects were removed and new projects added. AB2025-240 (Resolution 2025-012) Approved 7-0

80. Docket comprehensive plan and development regulation amendments?1 State and local laws require that the county council review proposed amendments. Five new amendments were proposed, nine completed items were removed, and seven amendments with incomplete reviews were carried over from previous years. The proposals will be submitted for state environmental policy review, planning department review, and public hearing before they are given final approval by the council. AB2025-194 (Resolution 2025-013) Substitute approved 6-0-1, Todd Donovan abstained.

81. Temporarily amend the cash flow loans for the North Lake Samish bridge no. 107 from $2,000,000 up to $6,656,262? The old bridge has been demolished and the new bridge is expected to be completed by August of this year. The county has received $10,972,210 in federal funds for the new bridge. The federal government has issued a freeze on federal funding so it is possible the county will not receive $4,906,262 in committed federal grant funds to complete the bridge. AB2025-196 (Ordinance 2025-2014) Adopted 6-0-1, Kaylee Galloway abstained.

82. Establish a $1,219,000 project-based budget for the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center sports court? The project will construction a multiuse sports court for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and other athletic activities, including lighting and covers to extend usage into the fall and winter months, as well as pathways connecting the courts to surrounding communities. AB2025-211 (Ordinance 2025-015) Adopted 7-0

83. Authorize an interfund loan of $1,199,500 for the construction of the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center sports court? The loan will allow the construction of the sports court detailed in the previous vote. The state of Washington will reimburse expenses up to $1,199,500 upon completion of the project. AB2025-2012 (Ordinance 2025-016) Adopted 7-0

84. Establish a $97,750 project-based budget to renovate the boat launch at Silver Lake Park? This is the initial costs for design and engineering solutions to address ramps’ effective length, float deficiencies and bid documents. Additional funding is anticipated for the construction phase of the project. AB2025-213 (Ordinance 2025-017) Adopted 7-0

85. Amend the 2025 budget (request #3) in the amount of $1,485,889? Appropriate: $150,000 to fund Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study; $225,000 to fund continuation of the water rights grant; $125,600 for purchase of JAVS system and related technology; $158,000 to fund a roof replacement at Maple Falls Community Park; $249,882 to fund clean buildings’ performance standards. There are nine additional appropriations under $100,000 that total $169,247. AB2025-220 (Ordinance 2025-018) Adopted 7-0

1Proposed amendments docketed:

  • PLN2025-00001: Designate 4.77 acres as Birch Bay Urban Growth Area;
  • PLN2025-00002: Designate 37.66 acres as Birch Bay Urban Growth Area;
  • PLN2025-00003: Exempt public schools from the limitation of impervious surfaces countywide;
  • PLN2025-00004: Review and revise the zoning code to achieve consistency with the Growth Management Act;
  • PLN2025-00005: Amend the capital facilities element of the Growth Management Act;

From past years:

  • PLN2024-00005: Amend county code to support solar, geothermal and hydrogen energy;
  • PLN2023-00001: Review and revise the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and development regulations;
  • PLN2019-00002: Mineral resource lands expansion – Breckenridge Road;
  • PLN2017-00004: Mineral resource lands countywide designation;
  • PLN2015-00003: Code enforcement amendments;
  • PLN2012-00007: Agricultural strategic plan implementation;
  • PLN2012-00009: Mineral resource lands expansion – North Star Road
Bookmark the permalink.