Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at February 10, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
35. Authorize the executive to sign a $3 million contract with the Port of Bellingham to provide an EDI loan/grant for infrastructure improvements at the Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park? The Economic Development Investment Program (EDI) funding will be a $1 million grant/$2 million loan. The marine industrial park is a 15-acre working waterfront located at 801 Harris Avenue in Fairhaven. The improvements will include the replacement of aging stormwater and wastewater systems, the construction of a 500-foot sea berm, elevating site grades, and the placement below ground of electrical and telecommunications equipment. The loan is for a 20-year term with 1 percent interest. (AB2026-068) Authorized 7-0
36. Authorize the executive to sign an agreement with the City of Bellingham to support the work of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission in 2026? At the 10/11/2022 meeting, vote #257, the County Council created the 31-member commission to serve as an advisory board to local government agencies and other organizations working within Whatcom County to promote racial equity. The agreement includes a financial commitment by the county in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and by the city (2/23/2026 meeting, vote #25) in an amount not to exceed $100,000. The expiration date is one year from the date of signing. (AB2026-092) Authorized 7-0
37. Authorize the executive to accept a $1,920,416 federal grant (amendment #1) for a portion of the Lummi Island ferry operating costs? The federal grant is funneled through the Washington State Department of Transportation. At the 7/9/2024 meeting, vote #187, the original state/federal grant was for $1,675,700. The total amended contract is $3,596,616. Of the total amended contact, the state grant portion is $963,776 and the federal grant portion is $2,635,840. It expires on 12/31/2031. (AB2026-116) Authorized 7-0
38. Authorize the executive to accept a $166,766 state grant (amendment #12) for various public health services? The amendment increases funding and revises the scope of work for programs addressing: drinking water, infectious diseases, injury and violence prevention, and maternal and child health. The original agreement was approved at the 1/14/2025 meeting. The total amended amount is $11,128,322; it expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2026-117) Authorized 6-1, Mark Stremler opposed.
39. Authorize the executive to sign a $725,761 contract with North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization? This contract will allocate revenue to Whatcom County for its participation in the North Sound Integrated Care Network. The contract expires on 12/31/2026 and then renews automatically. (AB2026-122) Authorized 7-0
40. Authorize the executive to sign a $665,402 contract with Whatcom Land Trust to provide pass-through grant funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office? In 2022, the Whatcom Land Trust purchased Phase 1 of the Stewart Mountain Community Forest consisting of 550 acres of forested land located on the west side of the South Fork of the Nooksack River near Acme. This property was acquired to protect and enhance salmon habitat, enhance water supply, reduce water temperature, improve wildfire resilience, and enhance carbon storage. The total purchase price of the property was $2,345,000. Funding for this purchase and associated expenses includes a $1,500,000 grant from the Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration Fund and a $665,402 grant from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Riparian Protection Program, with the remaining funds provided by the Whatcom Land Trust. The contract expires upon project completion. (AB2026-123) Authorized 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
41. Fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission? The purpose of the commission is to assist the county planning and development services department in carrying out its duties. There were four applicants: Matthew Berry, Lindsey Elenbaas, Gurdeep Bains and Selena Knoblauch. Matthew Berry was appointed with 5 votes, Ben Elenbaas recused. Matthew Berry has been employed as a licensed residential real estate appraiser for 17 years. (AB2026-125)
42. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Sean Hopps to the Whatcom County Food System Committee? The purpose of the nine-member committee is to draft, implement, provide oversight for, and regularly update a countywide food system plan. There was one applicant: Sean Hopps. He is employed as a business representative for the Service Employees International Union. (AB2026-131) Confirmed 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
43. Authorize the executive to sign a $13,540 contract (amendment #2) with King Architecture of Bellingham for additional design and electrical engineering services for the Van Zandt Community Hall? At the 6/11/2024 meeting, vote #174, the county received a $486,940 state grant for the renovations. The contract had a Whatcom County Code so it didn’t need council approval. On 10/11/2024, the executive signed the original $110,362 contract. At the 7/8/2025 meeting, vote #168, the low bid of $748,544 was awarded to Summit Construction Group for renovations and additions to the Van Zandt Community Hall located at the Josh VanderYacht Memorial Park. The total amended contract is $132,394; it expires on 3/27/2026. (AB2026-133) Authorized 7-0
44. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Paul Cline to the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee? The purpose of the committee is to address local marine issues and recommend remedial action to local authorities. Paul Cline is employed as the ESA manager for Lummi Natural Resources. (AB2026-136) Confirmed 7-0
45. Authorize the executive to sign an $8,056,584 contract with Western Washington University for the purchase of a building ($6,879,484) and land ($1,777,100) located at 333 32nd Street in Bellingham? The property will be used as the new location of the offices of public works and planning employees currently located at the Northwest Annex. The building is a 29,992 square feet two-story brick exterior office building. The facility was built in 1999/2000 for WWU. The university has occupied the building until recently when they began consolidating their services. (AB2026-142) Authorized 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
46. Authorize the executive to sign a $174,878 contract with Western Washington University for lease of the second floor of the building at 333 32nd Street in Bellingham? The university will use the second floor for as a testing center for two years: year one of rent is being deducted from the purchase price, and the other year will be leased at $22,496 per month. The contract expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2026-147) Authorized 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
47. Request that the Washington state governor, attorney general, United States Senators Patty Murray and Marie Cantwell and Second Congressional District Representative Richard Larsen work to secure the release of approved hazard mitigation grant program funds for Whatcom County homeowners affected by the November 2021 flood events? AB2026-129 (Resolution 2026-006) Substitute approved 7-0
48. Amend Whatcom County code related to permit thresholds for outdoor musical entertainment, amusements, and assemblies? (Public hearing held.) The vote will raise the permitting threshold for outdoor entertainment performances. The predicted attendance threshold will increase from 1,000 to 2,000, and the duration of the program is five hours or longer, in order to align it with state law. AB2026-118 (Ordinance 2026-003) Adopted 7-0
49. Close the Northwest Annex redevelopment fund? At the 12/7/2021 meeting, vote #329, the council established the $5,100,000 project-based budget. The fund is no longer needed (see vote #45) and the remaining $2,706,727 will be transferred to the new 32nd Street Property Acquisition Fund (see vote #51). AB2026-094 (Ordinance 2026-004) Adopted 4-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed, Barry Buchanan temporarily absent.
50. Amend the project budget (request #4) for the Hovander Park Building Improvements Project? At the 11/22/2016 meeting, vote #215, the council established the improvement fund and project-based budget. This amendment will transfer $1.2 million to the new 32nd Street property acquisition fund, for a total amended project budget of $1,696,378. AB2026-098 (Ordinance 2026-005) Adopted 6-0, Barry Buchanan temporarily absent.
51. Establish a 32nd Street Property Acquisition fund and the initial $8,800,000 budget for that fund? The fund will be used for expenditures related to the acquisition of the property located at 333 32nd Street in Bellingham (see vote #45) and required tenant improvements. AB2026-104 (Ordinance 2026-006) Substitute adopted 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Strummer opposed.
52. Establish a Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund and the initial $475,750 budget? The restroom is located on the Mt. Baker Highway and is used by tourists. This project qualifies as a tourism related activity under state law and the Whatcom County Council pledged their support using lodging tax dollars at 11/5/2025 meeting, vote #278. AB2026-100 (Ordinance 2026-007) Adopted 7-0
53. Amend the project budget (request #10) for the new jail in the amount of $2,360,000? At the 1/29/2013 meeting, vote #22, the council established the original $406,470 budget. This amendment will provide funding for consulting services related to confirmation of scope, refinement of operational needs, advancement of site feasibility and environmental review, and wetland mitigation. The total amended project budget is $21,158,524. AB2026-102 (Ordinance 2026-008) Adopted 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
54. Amend the 2026 budget (request #3) in the amount of $7,123,065? Expenditures: Glacier Restroom Improvement Project $475,750; fund Stewart Mountain Community Forest $665,402; demolish structures in Acme floodplain $100,000; repairs to Nesset Farm caretaker residence $118,000; Carrasco-Nesset Trail connection $584,000; fund Parks Special Revenue Fund $113,092; purchase and make tenant improvements to 333 32nd Street $4,900,000. There were six additional appropriations under $100,000. totaling $166,821. AB2026-110 (Ordinance 2026-009) Adopted 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
____________________________________________
Action Taken at February 24, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
55. Authorize the executive to sign the 2026-2028 collective bargaining agreement with the Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17? The union represents environmental health staff at the Health and Community Services Department. The agreement includes: a 2.75 percent wage increase for 2026 and 2.5 percent cost of living increase for 2027 and 2028; yearly increases in medical coverage contributions over the contract period; and $20 on-call stipend. The agreement runs from 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2028. (AB2026-137) Authorized 7-0
56. Authorize the executive to accept a $120,000 state grant to implement required programs of the phase II of the municipal storm permit? The Department of Ecology grant includes: public education and outreach activities, mapping of municipal storm sewer systems, inspections, training, and water quality monitoring. The grant does not require a local match; it expires on 3/31/2027. (AB2026-154) Authorized 7-0
57. Authorize the executive to accept a $170,000 federal grant the rehabilitation of Lakeway Drive? This grant is for the design phase of the project. It will improve Lakeway Drive through repaving, reachannelization and enhancement of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The grant requires $80,000 in local matching funds for a total of $250,000. The total estimated cost of the project is $2,300,000 with $1,500,000 in federal funds. The grant expires on 12/31/2032. (AB2026-160) Authorized 7-0
58. Authorize the executive to accept a $1,500,000 federal grant for home elevations/home acquisitions and reimburse participating homeowners the 5 percent required match? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) Of the $1,500,000 total, $600,000 for elevating homes and $900,000 for acquiring homes. (AB2026-162) Authorized 7-0
59. Authorize the executive to sign a $113,600 contract with the City of Lynden for partial support of the design phase of a drainage project at Mouw Ditch? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) This contract is a Floodplains by Design pass through grant. The Floodplains by Design grant program is a public (Climate Commitment Act)-private (Bonneville Environmental Foundation) partnership to reduce flood risk and restoring floodplain functions in Washington’s major river corridors. The Mouw Ditch is a tributary of Bertrand Creek and requires the installation of larger culverts to reduce flood risk. The contract expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-163) Authorized 7-0
60. Authorize the executive to sign an $80,000 contract (amendment #2) with the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group of Everson to increase the project management task budget for assistance to homeowners participating in a hazard mitigation elevation grant program? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group is an non-governmental organization that reports weekly to the Division of Emergency Management. The orginal contract was for $40,000, at the 6/24/2025 meeting, vote #155, the council added $80,000 to the contract. The purpose of this amendment is to update the 2026 contractor billing rates and increase the project management budget. The total amended amount is $200,000; it expires on 10/31/2026. (AB2026-164) Authorized 7-0
61. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Julie Bates to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission? The commission advises the Parks and Recreation director on parks, recreation, and senior service issues. Julie Bates is a retired bicycle fitting trainer and former mountain biking instructor. (AB2026-167) Confirmed 7-0
62. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Nancy Whipple to the Whatcom County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee? The committee assists the county in the planning, funding, development, and implementation of facilities and programs that increase bicycle and pedestrian travel. Nancy Whipple is a retired healthcare software developer and active trail user. (AB2026-169) Confirmed 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
63. Declare county-owned structures located at South Fork Park as worthless? There are three residential buildings, a one and one-half story house, a large maintenance barn house with attached living quarters and one-room yurt. The buildings have been vacant since 2023. The county acquired the six structures as part of a 40-acre parcel Carrasco addition intended to develop day use and open space facilities at the Nesset Farm and the South Fork Park complex. This declaration will allow the use of a state grant to demolish the structures. AB2026- 165 (Resolution 2026-007) Approved 4-3, Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, and Mark Stremler opposed.
64. Call on the Washington State Legislature to recognize public health as essential and to maintain funding for public health services? (Council acting as the health board.) Recognize that public health is an essential service, maintain foundational public health services funding, fix the vapor tax errors that support the foundational public health services account, and support core services in all Washington communities, by allowing public health to continue to rebuild its statewide system with added efficiency. AB2026-119 (Resolution 2026-008) Approved 7-0
65. Amend the 2026 budget (request #4) in the amount of $1,804,963? Expenditures: $140,192 to fund Rapid DNA machine; $160,875 to fund Operation Stonegarden; $314,000 to complete agricultural and forestry conservation easement on Jacoby property; $875,000 to fund Austin Court stormwater improvements; $200,000 to fund repairs at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center. There were eight additional expenditures under $100,000 totaling $114,906. AB2026-145 (Ordinance 2026-010) Substitute adopted 7-0.
_____________________________________________
Action Taken at March 10, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
66. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $926,99 to Lake Union Drydock Company of Seattle for the annual drydocking, repair, and maintenance of the Lummi Island ferry? The engineer’s estimate was $1,270,048. Two representatives attended the pre-bid meeting and two shipyards submitted bids. The high bid was $1,125,706. The repairs are estimated to take 21 days. (AB2026-174) Authorized 7-0
67. Authorize the executive to sign a $752,159 contract with WSP USA of New York, NY, to perform engineering and design services for the Everson-Nooksack berms project? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The project will analyze the feasibility of constructing flood mitigation berms around the cities of Everson and Nooksack. It will also include preliminary engineering analysis to define the additional work needed to implement the project. The contract expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2026-190) Authorized 7-0
68. Authorize the executive to accept a $101,475 state grant (amendment #13) for various public health services? At the 1/14/2025 meeting, the council approved the original contract defining the cooperative relationship between county and the state; the contract did not involve money. This amendment adds states of work and increases funding for programs addressing: cannabis and commercial tobacco use by youth; drinking water quality; and maternal and child health. The total amended contract is $11,229,797; it expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2026-192) Authorized 7-0
69. Docket comprehensive plan and development regulation amendments? The 15 current amendments address: capital improvement program updates; meat processing; cannabis production; outdoor music festivals; urban growth areas; wells; mineral resource lands designations; critical area ordinances; school district impact fees; zoning; and public benefit rating systems. Six completed items will be removed from the docket and eight items that are in progress will be carried over. AB2026-195 (Resolution 2026-009) Approved 7-0
70. Fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission? The committee’s purpose is to assist the planning and development services department in carrying out its duties. There were five applicants. Lindsey Elenbaas, Gurdeep Bains, Selena Knoblauch, Jeremy Thompson, Joseph L. Stine, Steven Cohen. Selena Knoblauch was appointed with four votes. Selena Knoblauch is a senior organizer with Community First Whatcom with a BA in history from Washington State University. (AB2026-172)
________________________________________
Action Taken at March 24, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
71. Authorize the executive to accept a $100,817 grant (includes federal funds) from the Puget Sound Partnership of Olympia for the development of a source control business inspection program that complies with NPDES? The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System addresses shoreline and habitat issues that include erosion, flow, pollution, sedimentation, and temperature. The grant expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-220) Authorized 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
72. Authorize the executive to sign a $150,000 three-year contract with the City of Bellingham for the county to provide administrative oversight for the Domestic Violence Perpetrator Treatment Services Program? The program will establish an objective screening process for determining agency and defendant eligibility for funds, rates, and reimbursement for services. The contract expires on 12/31/2028. (AB2026-222) Authorized 7-0
73. Authorize the executive to sign a $17,250 contract (amendment #2) with the Opportunity Council to purchase and distribute basic needs items to low-income families with children ages 0-5? Items include diapers and transportation assistance in the form of bus passes, gas cards, and ride-hailing services. The council passed the original $93,811 contract at the 9/24/2024 meeting, vote #262. The purpose of the amendment is to lengthen the original contract. The total amended contract is $111,061; it expires on 6/30/2026. (AB2026-226) Authorized 7-0
74. Authorize the executive to sign a $289,854 contract (amendment #2) with Whatcom Center for Early Learning to expand mental health support services to children from low-income households? At the 9/10/2024 meeting, vote #262, the council passed the original $398,709 contract. The purpose of the amendment is to update the language of the contract. The total amended contract is $688,563; it expires on 3/31/2027. (AB2026-227) Authorized 7-0
75. Authorize the executive to sign a $500,000 contract (amendment #1) with Bellingham Food Bank? At the 1/28/2025 meeting, vote #24, the council approved the original contract for $695,000 in 2025 and $1,250,000 in 2026. The purpose of the amendment is to add funding. The total amended contract is $1,945,000; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2026-228) Authorized 7-0
76. Authorize the executive to accept a $119,000 federal grant for the design phase of the Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Kickerville Road intersection improvements project? The grant requires a local match of $141,000 for a total of $260,000 for design. The total estimated cost is $1,325,000 with $940,000 in federal funds. The project will reconstruct the intersection from a four-way stop to a one-lane roundabout with intersection lighting. The grant expires on 12/31/2029. (AB2026-230) Authorized 7-0
77. Assign a councilmember to serve on the Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Committee? The executive-appointed committee’s purpose is to provide guidance to the county regarding the accessibility of facilities and programs by individuals with disabilities. Appointed: Councilmember Elizabeth Boyle. (AB2026-243) Approved 7-0
78. Update the appendix of the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) project list? 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. This vote officially updates the 2022 Whatcom County Economic Development Strategy Appendix. AB2026-238 (Resolution 2026-010) Substitute approved 7-0
79. Establish a $335,000 project-based budget for a Strawberry Point/Lake Whatcom Boulevard Stormwater Improvements Project Fund? The project will install water treatment facilities to remove sediment and phosphorus from stormwater runoff entering Lake Whatcom. The project is listed as Item No. 3 on the 2026- 2031 six-year water resources improvement program AB2026-114 (Ordinance 2026-011) Adopted 7-0
80. Amend the Courthouse Building Envelope Fund project budget (amendment #7) in the amount of $2,051,898? At the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #224, the council established the $250,000 Courthouse Improvement Fund and project budget. This amendment will protect the Courthouse from water intrusion, and it will fund the design and construction of block 2 and block 3 sections of the roof. The total project budget is $19,096,705. AB2026-134 (Ordinance 2026-012) Adopted 7-0
81. Establish a $200,000 initial budget for the Ferndale Senior Activity Center Improvement Fund? This initial budget will assess the building for air-conditioning, heating, siding, and ventilation. AB2026-143 (Ordinance 2026-013) Adopted 7-0
82. Amend the project budget for the Eagleridge Stormwater Improvements Project Fund in the amount of $850,000? At the 2/20/2024 meeting, vote #59, council established the $325,000 fund and project budget to install water quality treatment facilities to serve the 34-acre Eagleridge neighborhood, with runoff being treated to remove sediments and phosphorus before it enters Lake Whatcom. The project is listed as Item No. 1 on the 2026-2031 six- year water resources improvement program for Lake Whatcom. The total amended budget is $1,175,000. AB2026-181 (Ordinance 2026-014) Adopted 7-0
83. Amend the project-based budget (request #3) for the Swift Creek Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $4 million? At the 3/24/2020 meeting, vote #55, the council established the $5,217,160 fund to address naturally-occurring asbestos and heavy metals transported from Sumas Mountain being deposited in channels and floodplains in Whatcom County and creating health risks for residents. The purpose of this amendment is to add $4 million of state funding for a total amended project budget of $15,258,159. AB2026-183 (Ordinance 2026-015) Substitute adopted 7-0
84. Close the Bellingham Senior Center HVAC replacement project fund? At the 11/22/2022 meeting, vote #297, the council established the $866,000 fund to install a new cooling system and air quality protections for seniors. The project has been completed and the fund is no longer needed. The balance of $794,750 will be returned to the Real Estate Excise Tax Fund 1. AB2026-200 (Ordinance 2026-016) Adopted 7-0
85. Amend the 2026 budget (request #5) in the amount of $741,113? Expenditure: firearm safety program $125,000; Clean Building Program energy audit $419,835. There were six additional expenditures under 100,000 totaling $196,260. AB2026-204 (Ordinance 2026-017) Adopted 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
86. Amend the 2026 budget (request #6) in the amount of $3,920,278? Expenditures: easements for Jacoby property $314,000; Eaglebridge stormwater improvements $850,000; Courthouse Envelope Project $2,051,868; building repairs at Ferndale Senior Activity Center $200,000; 3rd floor Courtroom renovation $270,000. There were eight additional expenditure totaling $234,410.AB2026-206 (Ordinance 2026-018) Adopted 7-0
For more information about the 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.
