Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at December 2, 2021 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
295. Certify amounts to be levied in 2022 by Whatcom County taxing districts? State law requires county level legislative authorities to certify the amount of taxes to be levied by taxing districts within the county. Taxing districts in Whatcom County with levy amounts listed on page four and five can be found at: https://whatcom.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=10319423&GUID=7762A0B2-BB5D-4A3B-AE1E-50BE8E5DE271 AB2021-617 (Resolution 2021-055) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
Action Taken at December 7, 2021 Meeting
Shall the council:
296. Establish special standing County Council meeting dates for 2022? The Health Board will meet at 10 a.m. on 2/1, 4/5, 8/2, and 10/4. Water work sessions will take place at 10:30 a.m. on 1/18, 2/15, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/14, 7/9, 9/20, 10/18, and 11/15. (AB2021-678) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
297. Authorize the executive to sign a $527,316 contract (amendment #2) with Opportunity Council to provide housing case management services? The original contract was approved at the 6/29/2021 meeting, vote #151. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract and increase funding. The total amended contract is $790,974; it expires 12/31/2022. (AB2021-683) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
298. Authorize the executive to sign a $336,678 contract (amendment #1) with Catholic Community Services to provide housing case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness? A majority of clients served by this contract have a history of behavioral health disorders and/or medical problems that require intensive case management services. The original contract for $168,339 was approved at the 6/29/2021 meeting, vote #151. The amendment will extend the length of the contract and increase funding. The total amended contract is $505,017; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-685) Approved 7-0
299. Authorize the executive to sign a $377,158 contract (amendment #2) with Lydia Place to provide housing case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness? This contract provides services in association with the Whatcom Homeless Service Center in an effort to improve housing stability and reduce homelessness in Whatcom County. The original contract for $223,681 was approved at the 6/29/2021 meeting, vote #151. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract and increase funding. The total amended contract is $600,839; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-687) Approved 7-0
300. Authorize the executive to sign a $357,542 contract (amendment #2) with Northwest Youth Services to provide housing case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness? This contract provides funding for case management and supportive services to youth in association with the Whatcom Homeless Service Center in an effort to improve housing stability and reduce homelessness in Whatcom County. The original contract for $178,771 was approved at the 6/29/2021 meeting, vote #151. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract and increase funding. The total amended contract is in the amount of $565,310; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-688) Approved 7-0
301. Authorize the executive to sign a $78,565 contract (amendment #1) with YWCA Bellingham to provide housing case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness? This contract provides funding for case management services in association with the Whatcom Homeless Service Center in an effort to improve housing stability and reduce homelessness in Whatcom County. The original contract for $38,933 was approved at the 6/29/2021 meeting, vote #151. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract and increase funding. The total amended contract is in the amount of $117,498; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-690) Approved 7-0
302. Authorize the executive to sign a $493,074 contract (amendment #4) with Lydia Place to provide emergency housing for families? Emergency housing will be provided through motel rooms followed by housing case management services to support the transition to more permanent housing. The original contract ran from 10/1/2020 to 12/30/2021 and has been extended three times; this amendment will extend it again. The total amended contract is $847,996; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-691) Approved 7-0
303. Amend and extend the master collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 231 for the period 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2022? The council approved the original agreement at the 12/3/2019 meeting, vote #276, and amended it at the 6/15/2021 meeting, vote #142. This amended agreement includes: a 3 percent wage increased in January 2022; an increase in the monthly health care contributions; official observation of 11 holidays; a one-time lump sum payment of $1,000 during the first pay period of April 2022. (AB2021-698) Approved 7-0
304. Authorize the executive to sign a contract (amendment #7) with the Opportunity Council to operate the Whatcom Homeless Service Center? At the 12/18/2020 meeting, vote # 257, the council approved the original contract for $796,701 to provide intake and case management services for the Whatcom Homeless Service Center. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract and increased the funding The total amended contract shall not exceed $4,158,271; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-701) Approved 7-0
305. Authorize the executive to sign four contracts – totaling $560,000 – for tourism-related operational and promotional activities? The contracts are with the Mount Baker Foothills Chamber and Visitor Center ($110,000), Tune-Up Events ($50,000), Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism ($290,000) and the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce ($110,000). The contracts expire on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-702/705/710/711) Approved 7-0
306. Authorize the executive to accept a $69,884 federal grant for law enforcement equipment? The Department of Justice grant will purchase the following “less than lethal” equipment: eight ballistic shields, 10 Taser 7s; 10 Taser holsters; 10 Taser batteries; 10 BolaWraps and 10 BolaWrap cartridges. (AB2021-716) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
307. Authorize the executive to sign a $296,000 contract (amendment #2) with the Whatcom Conservation District to support the pollution identification and correction program? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) At the 9/10/2019 meeting, vote #185, the council voted to accept a $600,000 federal grant to support implementation of the pollution identification and correction program. The program addresses pollution by providing data coordination, storm time-series monitoring, technical assistance to landowners and/or operators of non-dairy agricultural businesses, and farm series workshops. Special focus is placed on Portage Bay and other shellfish growing areas. The purpose of the amendment is to increase the project budget, expand the scope of work and extend the timeline that expired on 6/30/2021. The total amended contract is $826,182; it expires 3/1/2023. (AB2021-719) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
308. Authorize the executive to sign a $115,021 contract with the Whatcom Conservation District for agricultural programs? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The contract will support community outreach and farm planning activities, and incentives and financial assistance programs. These activities will be in coordination with the Whatcom County pollution identification and correction program (see vote #307) and other water quality efforts. The contract expires on 1/31/2023. (AB2021-721) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
309. Confirm Allison Hunt as Whatcom County Medical Examiner? Allison Hunt was appointed county medical examiner by Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu. She holds a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Louisville and has experience serving as a forensic pathologist in Florida and California. She is the owner of Hunt Forensics, located at 300 N. Commercial in Bellingham. Dr. Gary Goldfogel is retiring after serving 34 years as the county medical examiner. (AB2021-722) Approved 7-0
310. Authorize the executive to sign a $129,760 contract with the state of Washington for mapping of the Nooksack River? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) River modeling is an important tool that informs comprehensive planning as well as flooding predictions, design parameters, and sedimentation monitoring. An accurate model requires detailed, up-to-date measurements of the bed and banks of the river (bathymetric data). The most recent comprehensive bathymetric survey was completed in 2006, and, since that survey there has been significant changes in river alignment, geometry, and sediment loading. (AB2021-724) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
311. Authorize the executive to sign an $865,478 contract with the city of Bellingham? The contract will provide a paramedic training class to be offered by the Bellingham Fire Department to emergency medical system students recommended through the county.(AB2021-727) Approved 4-2, Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner opposed, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
312. Authorize the executive to sign a contract that shall not exceed $375,300 with Fire Protection District No. 7 for reimbursement of wages and benefits for three paramedic student? The contract amount also includes preceptor evaluations. (AB2021-729) Approved 5-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
313. Authorize the executive to sign a contract that will not exceed $120,725 with Fire Protection District No. 21 for reimbursement of wages and benefits for one paramedic students? The contract with North Whatcom Fire and Rescue includes sick leave transfer. The contract expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-730) Approved 5-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
314. Authorize the executive to sign a $364,116 contract with the city of Bellingham Fire Department? The contract will provide reimbursement of personnel costs associated with the hiring of up to six department lateral (experience as a firefighter/paramedic) employees. The contract expires 12/31/2022. (AB2021-731) Approved 4-1-1, Kathy Kershner opposed, Ben Elenbaas abstained, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
315. Authorize the executive to sign a $1 million contract with the Opportunity Council to provide a childcare facility for low-income families? The development at Laurel and Forest streets will consist of a 5,000 square foot childcare facility with capacity to provide services for 65 children. The contract expires on 12/31/2023. (AB2021-734) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
316. Authorize the executive to sign a $3 million contract with the Opportunity Council to provide affordable housing for low-income families? The development at Laurel and Forest Streets will consist of 56 one-bedroom apartments for low-income families. Funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act and eligibility is determined through qualified census tracts. The contract expires on 12/31/2023. (AB2021-735) Substitute approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
317. Authorize the executive to sign a $121,372 contract with Whatcom County Fire District 7? This contract outlines the responsibilities of the fire district and the county when training lateral (experience as a firefighter/paramedic) paramedic employees. (AB2021-736) Approved 5-1, Ben Elenbaas abstained, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
318. Authorize the executive to sign a $489,600 contract with Pictometry International Corporation of Rochester, New York? The contract will purchase three oblique and orthogonal aerial imagery flights to produce digital imagery of 897 miles of western Whatcom County. The imagery will be used for planning purposes by local governments and other groups. Disaster imagery will be provided at no extra charge. The first session will be in the spring of 2022, the second in the spring of 2025 and the third in the spring of 2028. The contract expires in December 2029. (AB2021-737) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
319. Authorize the executive to sign a $2,463,153 contract with Allison Hunt, M.D (dba Hunt Forensics) to fulfill the duties of Whatcom County Medical Examiner? For additional information about the new medical examiner, see vote #309. Yearly compensation increases from $588,400 in 2022 to $624,414 in 2025. The contract commences on 1/1/2022 and terminates on 12/31/2025. (AB2021-738) Substitute approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
320. Authorize the executive to sign a $85,816 contract (amendment #3) with the Northwest Regional Council of Bellingham? The contract will provide health care/nursing services at the main jail, work center, and juvenile detention. The purpose of the amendment is to renew the contract for one year and increase the annual compensation to match area average compensation for registered nurses. The total amended contract is $1,500,790; it expires on 12/31/2022. (AB2021-740) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
321. Appoint residents to write pro and con positions for a proposed ballot measure to build a Birch Bay library? For details on the ballot measure, see vote #332. Appointed Pro: Ruth Huggins, Doralee Booth and Keith Alesse. Appointed Con: Carole Sullivan, Linda Cummings and Laura Macaulay. (AB2021-745) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
322. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $112,282 to Andgar Corporation of Ferndale for a Courthouse HVAC project? The engineer’s estimate was: $103,927. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements will take place in judges’ chambers on the third floor of the Courthouse. Two bids were received; the high bid was $126,045. (AB2021-748) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
323. Approve the 2020 update to the Shoreline Management Program? (Public hearing held.) The council made three amendments related to: project point scoring related to habitat function; definition of “qualified” consultant and professional for project management purposes; replacing the language “short-term rental” with “vacation rental” in code definitions. AB2021-654 (Resolution 2021-056) Substitute approved 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Kathy Kershner opposed.
324. Adopt the Whatcom County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) Local governments seeking disaster relief grants are required to have approved mitigation plans in place. The multi-jurisdictional plan supports cooperation between local agencies during disaster situations. The plan covers earthquakes, flooding, storm surge, geologic hazards, severe storms, tsunamis, volcanoes, wildland fires, avalanches, dam failure and drought. The plan runs 938 pages. AB2021-616/675 (Resolutions 2021-057/058) Both resolutions approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
325. Consider vacating an unnamed alley within the plat of Lummi Park on Lummi Island? Patrick and Marcia McEvoy submitted petitions for the vacation of rights-of-way currently owned by Whatcom County. The county engineer will investigate the vacation and issue a report to the council; a public hearing will be set on the matter. AB2021-713 (Resolution 2021-059) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
326. Amend the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy? At the 8/13/2002 meeting, vote #154, the council adopted the first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and updated it every five years; the council completed the last update at the 10/26/2021 meeting, vote #257. The amendment will change the date to reflect a new five-year term from 2022-2026 and update the project list. A draft will be submitted to the federal government (Department of Commerce). AB2021-747 (Resolution 2021-060) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
327. Authorize the 2022 levy of taxes for the Conservation Futures Fund? (Public hearing held.) The levy will not change from the 2021 level except for new construction and improvements. The levy is increased $100,000 or 8.6 percent of assessed valuation on real property. The funds can only be used to acquire land or development rights for conservation easements, with a small percentage used for maintenance. AB2021-733 (Ordinance 2021-085) Adopted 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Kathy Kershner opposed.
328. Close the Records Management System Project Fund 344? At the 2/12/2013 meeting, vote #26, the council approved a $1,719,299 contract with Spillman Technologies of Salt Lake City, Utah, to acquire, install and maintain electronics records management, jail management and mobile data systems. The new systems are required to comply with national standards for state and federal mandates on crime statistics reporting. The sheriff’s project has been completed and the fund is no longer required. The cash balance of $357 will be returned to the general fund. AB2021-671 (Ordinance 2021-086) Adopted 7-0
329. Establish the Northwest Annex Redevelopment Fund and a $5,100,000 project-based budget? The Northwest Annex facility is over 100 years old and requires replacement. The estimated cost of phase one (architectural and engineering) is $5.1 million and is expected to be completed in summer 2022. The seed money will come from the real estate excise tax, public utilities improvement fund, the sale of the Baker Creek and Forest Street buildings. The construction of the first building may finanaced be a bond issue. AB2021-673 (Ordinance 2021-087) Adopted 7-0
330. Amend the 2021 budget (request #18) in the amount of $7,038,925? Appropriated: $148,000 to fund an increase in assigned counsel contracts; $3,870,000 in funding for the Northwest Annex replacement project; $1,068,925 in transfer from American Rescue Plan Act funding for pandemic-related revenue loss recovery; $250,000 to fund economic sustainability assistance for Point Roberts; and $1,850,000 to fund the Black Slough Water Resources Recovery Project. AB2021-679 (Ordinance 2021-088) Adopted 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
331. Amend the 2022 budget (request #3) in the amount of $1,144,763? Appropriated: $500,000 to fund the isolation and quarantine facility; $291,263 to fund the Northwest Workforce Council; $300,000 to fund the LEAD program; $12,000 to fund elections’ camera system and prix door control; $41,500 to fund council chamber enhancements. AB2021-681 (Ordinance 2021-089) Adopted 4-2, Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner opposed, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
332. Request that the Whatcom County auditor include the question of establishing a Birch Bay library capital facility area on the February special election ballot? A bookmobile is currently serving Birch Bay. The proposed capital facility taxing area will provide funding for the construction, maintenance, operation, and remodeling of a new library branch in Birch Bay. If the question is approved, $4,500,000 in general obligation bonds will be issued. AB2021-728 (Ordinance 2021-090) Adopted 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
Action Taken at December 22, 2021 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
333. Certify Whatcom County’s property tax levies for 2022? State law requires county-level legislative authorities to certify to the county assessor the amount of taxes to be levied by the county. The funds and amounts are: General fund ($32,189,105); road fund ($20,910,736); countywide EMS fund ($8,598,361); flood control district ($5,124,696); and Conservation Futures Fund ($1,290,004). AB2022-005 (Resolution 2021-061) Approved 5-0, Rud Browne and Carol Frazey absent.
