Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at February 7, 2023 Meeting
Shall the council:
29. Authorize the executive to sign a $893,449 contract (amendment #4) with Hunt Forensics of Bellingham for the increased costs of medical examiner services? Dr. Gary Goldfogel retired in 2021; he has served as the county medical examiner for 34 years. At the 12/7/2021 meeting, vote #309, Dr. Alison Hunt was confirmed as the new county medical examiner. At the same meeting, vote #319, the council approved a four-year $2,463,153 contract with Hunt Forensics. The number of deaths in the county requiring some form of forensic investigation have more than doubled since the prior contract period, requiring additional staff time and resources. The amount of this amendment is the increase over the previously amount approved for the years 2023 – 2025. The total amended contract is $3,356,602; it expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2022-731) Substitute authorized 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner opposed.
30. Authorize the executive to sign a $255,071 contract (amendment #24) with Washington State University in Pullman to continue to share costs with WSU Extension Services in Whatcom County? This is an amendment to the contract initially approved at the 9/21/1999 meeting. The following faculty positions and programs will be jointly funded: county director/human development programs; 4H program; agricultural systems agent; water resources coordinator/program; programs for strengthening families; and the community horticulture program. The total amended contract is $2,986,500; it expires on 12/31/2023. (AB223-067) Authorized 7-0
31. Authorize the executive to sign a $138,642 contract with Lifeline Connections of Vancouver, Washington? The contract will provide substance use disorder assessments and post-assessment treatment coordination for people being released from the Whatcom County jail or who are referred through criminal/legal referral channels. The contract will provide approximately 150 assessments per year, accompanied by individual case managements services. The contract expires on 6/30/2024. (AB2023-091) Authorized 7-0
32. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Trevor Gearhart to the Whatcom County Food System Committee? The committee is tasked with drafting, implementing, and providing oversight and updates for a county-wide food system plan. Mr. Gearhart is currently employed as a farm planner with the Whatcom Conservation District. (AB2023-103) Confirmed 7-0
33. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Shannon Boustead to the Whatcom County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee? The committee advises the health department on general priorities for substance use and mental health programs. Ms. Boustead is employed as a family physician at the Sea Mar Community Health Center and has served as director of Sea Mar’s statewide medication-assisted treatment programs since 2021. (AB2023-104) Confirmed 7-0
34. Authorize the executive to sign a $200,000 grant/loan with Sean Humphrey House? The Sean Humphrey House will purchase a vacant six-bedroom home in order to provide housing for low-income individuals with HIV and/or AIDS. This contract will provide a forgivable grant of $100,000 and recoverable loan of $100,000 for acquisition of the housing unit to serve low-income individuals. The building acquisition cost is $755,000 and the total cost is $968,168. The contract expires on 8/31/2023. (AB2023-111) Authorized 7-0
35. Fill eight vacancies on the Wildlife Advisory Committee? The committee advises planning and development services and public works on the value of wildlife and habitat management as they relate to the county comprehensive plan. There was one applicant: Barry Wenger. Appointed: Barry Wenger. He former held a technical expertise position on the committee (initially appointed at the 10/13/2015 meeting, vote #186 and reappointed at the 7/21/2020 meeting, vote #124; the term expired on 12/31/2022) and he is a retired senior environmental planner. (AB2023-112) Authorized 7-0
36. Fill one vacancy on the Planning Commission? Applicants must be a resident of County Council District 2 or 4. There was one applicant: Daniel Dahlquist. Appointed: Daniel Dahlquist. The commission assists planning and development services in carrying out its duties. Mr. Dahlquist is currently employed as an assistant project and communications manager with Pottle & Sons Construction in Bellingham. (AB2023-113) Appointed 7-0
37. Confirm the executive’s reappointment of Patrick Alesse 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 will result in the increased safety and use of bicycle and pedestrian travel as a significant and beneficial mode of transportation and recreation. His appointment was initially confirmed at the 2/26/2019, vote #49. He is a retired teacher that lives in Birch Bay; he retired from the Blaine School District. (AB2023-114) Confirmed 7-0
38. Amend the 2023 budget (request #2) in the amount of $6,395,173? Appropriated: $23,982 to fund a youth cannabis and tobacco use prevention specialist position at the health department; $84,376 to fund an environmental health educator position at the health department; $126,900 to fund various public health services; $41,332 to fund a general fund operating transfer; $87,550 to fund the replacement of servers at the assessor and treasurer offices; $102,467 to fund a new veteran’s specialist position at the health department; $310,000 to fund behavioral health and re-entry services at the jail; $100,000 to fund the replacement of servers at the auditor’s office; $41,500 to fund audio-visual equipment upgrades to support hybrid meetings in county council chambers. AB2023-077 (Ordinance 2023-001) Adopted 7-0
39. Amend the project-based budget in the amount of $700,000 (request #1) for the Plantation Rifle Range Lead Reclamation and Capital Improvement Fund? At the 11/22/2022 meeting, vote #298, the council established a $655,000 fund and the project-based budget to mitigate lead shot and address contaminated stormwater runoff. This amendment is a state grant (1/10/2023 meeting, vote #14); it adds expenditure authority to support project planning and analysis. The total amended budget is $1,355,000. AB2023-078 (Ordinance 2023-002) Adopted 7-0
40. Amend the Whatcom County Code to conform with newly adopted and amended court rules? A state Supreme Court ruling in 2021 made the Public Defense Advisory Committee, established in Whatcom County Code, in conflict with prohibiting judicial influence or the control of public defense services. The amendment will change code language to remove currently serving district and superior court judges from the advisory committee. AB2023-069 (Ordinance 2023-003) Adopted 7-0
Action Taken at February 21, 2023 Meeting
Shall the council:
41. Authorize the executive to sign a $200,000 contract with Sustainable Connections of Bellingham? This contract will support the work of the Whatcom Housing Alliance facilitated by Sustainable Connections. The Whatcom Housing Alliance is a coalition of 36 non-profit organizations and for-profit companies that are working to improve access to affordable housing in the county. The Housing and Smart Growth program of Sustainable Connections oversees the Whatcom Housing Alliance. Sustainable Connections will provide coordination and management services to the Whatcom Housing Alliance. There will be quarterly reports and a final report with a presentation to the County Council. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-046) Authorized 7-0
42. Repeal in its entirety the Whatcom County code related to standards for correctional facilities? The facility standards for the county jail were enacted in 1987 and they are still in effect today. Legislation and case law have invalidated the standards enacted in 1987 making the county exposed to civil liability. Another version of the amended code will be introduced at a future meeting. (AB2023-090) Failed 1-5-1, Barry Buchanan, Tyler Byrd, Todd Donovan, Carol Frazey, and Kaylee Galloway opposed, Kathy Kershner abstained.
43. Fill seven vacancies on the Wildlife Advisory Committee? The committee advises the County Council and county Planning and Development Services on the value of wildlife and habitat management issues as they relate to the comprehensive plan. There was one applicant: Susan Kane-Ronning. Approved: Susan Kane-Ronning. Ms. Kane-Ronning is a licensed psychologist and member of the Washington and Mt. Baker Sierra Club groups. (AB2023-118) Appointed 7-0
44. Authorize the executive to sign a $200,000 contract (amendment #1) with the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group of Everson to provide flood recovery case management services for residents impacted by the November 2021 flood events. The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group is an non-governmental organization that reports weekly to the Division of Emergency Management. The $200,000 contract for Flood Disaster Case Management was approved in November 2021. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract by four months, increase funding, and change the scope of work. The total amended contract is for $400,000; it expires on 6/30/2023. (AB2023-124) Authorized 7-0
45. Authorize the executive to award a low bid to Inmate Calling Solutions (d.b.a. ICSolutions) of San Antonio, Texas for inmate communication services? This contract will generate revenue for Whatcom County; it applies to the jail on Grand Avenue and the work center on Division Street. The contract includes video visitation with up to 10 kiosks with 15-inch screens, email and video messaging. Each inmate shall be entitled to two free calls per week. Prepaid, debit qwikcall and direct calling rates will be $0.05 per minute for local and intrastate calls. The county will receive 45 percent of the gross call revenue for all call types and 25 percent for all other services. Details about the bidding process and number of bidders was not included in the agenda bill. (AB2023-134) Authorized 7-0
46. Authorize the executive to accept a $519,222 state grant (amendment #2) to fund services for individuals with developmental disabilities? The original grant for $4,125,535 was approved at the 7/13/2021 meeting, vote #162, and $4,096,797 was added at the 6/7/2022 meeting, vote #151. Services provided include community access and employment support for adults and child development services from birth to age three. An estimated 279 children and 391 adults are authorized to receive services. This amendment will add funding to build capacity in the county for providing services. The total amended contract is for $8,744,554; it expires on 6/30/2023 (AB2023-137)Authorized 7-0
47. Authorize the executive to accept a $1,961,269 state grant (amendment #4) to provide resources to obtain and maintain housing for people who are experiencing or at immediate risk of homelessness? The original grant for $6,335,182 was approved at the 7/31/2021 meeting, vote #160, and $282,878 was added at the 2/22/2022 meeting, vote #58. The purpose of the amendment is to update contractor eligibility requirements and add funding for rental assistance programs. The total amended grant is for $10,013,119; it expires on 6/30/2023. (AB2023-139) Authorized 7-0
48. Cancel accounts receivable incurred prior to 2021? State law requires that county legislative authorities audit the collection of money belonging to the county. There are 23 uncollectable violations totaling $435, of these 21 are parking violations. Two are for $70 and one is for $40. The rest are for $20 or less. AB2023-089 (Resolution 2023-003) Authorized 7-0
49. Cancel unredeemed checks (warrants) issued before 7/01/2021? Washington state law allows for the cancellation of checks unredeemed within one year of their issue. There are 87 uncashed checks (warrants) totaling $9,287. The uncashed checks were written to various businesses, groups, and individuals. Whatcom County has 49 uncashed checks totaling $4,208. The largest uncashed check is to the Pt. Roberts Park and Rec. #1 and is for $600; nine other checks are for $100 or more. The smallest check is for $0.45. The other 16 cemetery, fire, park, rural library and water districts have 38 uncashed checks totaling $5,079. The largest uncashed check is to Cando Services LLC and is for $1,250;11 other checks are for $100 or more. The smallest check is for $0.68. The money will be held for one year and then transferred to the state of Washington as abandoned property, where it will be available to the payee indefinitely. AB2023-131 Resolution (2023-004) Approved 7-0
50. Docket1 comprehensive plan and development regulation amendments? State and local laws require that the county council review proposed amendments. Three new amendments were proposed and twelve 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. AB2023-121 (Resolution 2023-005) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
51. Accept the Justice Project Needs Assessment report from the Stakeholder Advisory Committee? At the 2015 and 2017 general elections, voters opposed a sales tax increase to construct a new county jail. At the 8/7/2019 meeting, vote #176, the council adopted planning principles for any future public health, safety, and justice (jail) facility in Whatcom County. At the 12/3/2019 meeting, vote #288, council established a 23-member Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Public Health, Safety, and Justice Initiative, membership was expanded at the 2/11/2020 meeting, vote #33, to 36 members. Two more members were added at the 4/26/2022 meeting, vote #122 for a total of 38 members. This vote confirms the next step in the Implementation Plan. AB2023-107 (Resolution 2023-006) Approved 7-0
52. Install a stop sign on Birch Point Road and Birch Bay Drive? (Public hearing held.) The county engineer’s office has determined that stop signs will be established for Southbound traffic on Birch Point Road at the intersection with Birch Bay Drive, and for Westbound traffic on Birch Bay Drive at the intersection with Birch Point Road. Birch Point Road, north of Birch Bay Drive, serves as the second fire access road to The Horizon at Semiahmoo. The county engineer is directed to install the appropriate signage. AB2023-095 (Ordinance 2023-004) Adopted 7-0
53. Establish a speed limit for the plat of Harbor View Heights? (Public hearing held.) In response to a request by a resident about speeding in the area, the county engineer has conducted a traffic study and agreed it is necessary to establish a speed limit of 25 miles per hour on all roads (Crest Drive, Harborview Drive, Harbor Court and Terrace Avenue) within the plat of Harbor View Heights. The county engineer is directed to install the appropriate signage. AB2023-097 (Ordinance 2023-005) Adopted 7-0
54. Amend the project-based budget and fund (request #2) for the Shallow Shore Culvert Relocation Project in the amount of $135,000? At the 11/24/2020 meeting, vote #247, the council established the relocation fund and $100,000 project-based budget. At the 6/21/2022 meeting, vote #171, $295,000 in funding was added. The project is listed as item number one for the Lake Samish Basin in the six-year water resources improvement program and will address flooding by relocating the existing outfall 300 feet to the north. The amendment will address increasing construction costs and extend the project timeline. Construction is scheduled in the summer of 2023. The total amended budget is for $530,000. AB2023-098 (Ordinance 2023-006) Adopted 7-0
55. Amend the 2023 budget (request #3) in the amount of $3,597,291? Appropriated: $222,000 to fund ferry services through operating transfers; $120,000 to fund maintenance costs for the Sun House, an emergency housing facility for individuals with mental illness who are experiencing homelessness; $2,190,931 to fund an affordable housing development containing 56 one-bedroom apartments located at Forest and Laurel Streets in Bellingham; $180,000 to fund facilities improvements at the Point Roberts solid waste transfer station; $10,000 to fund HVAC upgrades at the unified command emergency operations center; $88,000 to fund the Savage conservation easement (40 acres; three development rights); $178,000 to fund the Vander Veen agricultural conservation easement (60 acres; five development rights); $18,000 to fund the VanderWerff agricultural conservation easement (20 acres; three development rights); $135,000 to fund Shallow Shore project-based budget amendments; $130,000 to fund boiler replacement at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center; $271,700 to fund dock repairs at the Lummi Island ferry terminal; $53,360 to fund county vehicle replacements. AB2023-108 (Ordinance 2023-007) Adopted 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed.
1Proposed amendments docketed
PLN2023-00001: Review and revise the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and development regulation by June 2025;
PLN2023-00002: Amend the text of the urban residential district, urban residential medium density district, general commercial district, resort commercial district, supplement requirements and definitions;
PLN2023-00003: Review and revise the Whatcom County Zoning Code to achieve consistency with the Growth Management Act;
From past years
PLN2022-00005: Review and, if necessary, revise county code and the Comprehensive Plan to protect, enhance, and expand public access to the Cherry Point shorelines;
PLN2022-00006: Amend the Whatcom County Code to allow for an exemption to seasonal clearing activity closures in the Lake Whatcom watershed for trail maintenance;
PLN2021-00007: Expand the Bellingham Urban Growth Area;
PLN2019-00002: Mineral resource lands expansion – Breckenridge Road;
PLN2018-00008: Review and, if needed, revise wind energy systems;
PLN2017-00004: Mineral resource lands countywide designation;
PLN2016-00009: Wireless communications facilities;
PLN2016-00011/PLN2014-00020: Vacation rental regulations;
PLN2015-00003: Code enforcement amendments;
PLN2014-00016: Weddings and special events;
PLN2012-00007: Agricultural strategic plan implementation;
PLN2012-00009: Mineral resource lands expansion – North Star Road.
