Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at Dec. 5, 2023 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
343. Certify Whatcom County’s 2024 property tax levies for taxing districts? The collection refers to the regular levy, excess levy, and refund levy. The taxing districts are: the cities of Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack and Sumas; Cemetery Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11; Fire Districts 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21; Fire and EMS District 4, 11, and 16; Fire SWFA; Point Roberts Hospital, Point Roberts Parks and Recreation #1; Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation; Lynden Park and Recreation; Port of Bellingham; Whatcom County Rural Library District; Affordable Housing Bellingham; Bellingham School District 501; Ferndale School District 502; Blaine School District 503; Lynden School District 504; Meridian School District 505; Nooksack School District 506; Mt. Baker School District 507; and Concrete School District 11 (Joint district with Skagit County). AB2023-650 (Resolution 2023-050) Approved 6-0, Kathy Kershner absent
Action Taken at December 5, 2023 Meeting
Shall the council:
344. Authorize the executive to sign a $274,037 contract (amendment #26) with Washington State University to continue the jointly-shared costs for faculty positions and program support for WSU Whatcom County Extension? The original contract was signed on 9/22/1999 and renewed yearly. The total amended contract is $3,260,537; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-596) Authorized 6-0, Kaylee Galloway temporarily absent.
345. Authorize the executive to sign a 15-year contract with the City of Seattle for the purpose of funding one deputy sheriff and emergency law enforcement services near Seattle City Light power plants and dams located in Newhalem and Diablo areas? The previous 15-year contract was approved at the 12/8/2008 meeting, vote #244. Seattle City Lights provides a home for the deputy,;the county pays rent and utility costs. For 2024, the City of Seattle will pay the county $1,419,497, a 15 percent increase over 2023. Future increases will be based on the Consumer Price Index. The contract expires on 12/31/2038. (AB2023-720) Authorized 7-0
346. Authorize the executive to sign a $140,000 contract (amendment #I) with Northwest Youth Services of Bellingham to operate the PAD program? The PAD is a state-licensed emergency shelter for 13- to 17-year old runaway and homeless youth. The initial contract for $115,000 was approved at the 12/6/2022 meeting, vote #306. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract by one year and add funding to support increased staffing levels. The total amended contract is $259,600; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-763) Authorized 7-0
347. Authorize the executive to sign a $3,189,754 contract with Whatcom County Fire Protection District #7 for the provision of advanced life support services? Costs include: one paramedic unit available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year ($2,708,784); an EMS captain position available 12 hours per day, 365 days per year ($263,717); and one community paramedic unit available 40 hours per week ($217,253). (AB2023-766) Substitute authorized 7-0.
348. Authorize the executive to sign a six-year contract with the City of Bellingham for the annual payment $12,830,990 for advanced life support services? The funds are collected through the 2023-2028 countywide EMS levy. Costs include: four paramedic units available 24 hours a days, 365 days per year ($10,835,136); an EMS captain position available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year ($1,054,869); two community paramedics available 40 hours per week ($455,180); and a entry-level paramedic training program ($485,805). The contract terminates on 12/31/2029. (AB2023-767) Substitute authorized 6-1, Tyler Byrd opposed.
349. Authorize the executive to sign a $51,000 contract (amendment #1) with Mercy Housing Northwest to support expanded operations at permanent supportive housing facilities? The council signed the original $209,250 contract at the 9/13/2022 meeting, vote #217. The purpose of the amendment is to add funding to support case management and other supportive services for eight additional households at the Millworks Apartments, and from 16 to 24 households already receiving services at the Trailview Apartments. The total amended contract is $260,250; it expires on 12/31/2024 (AB2023-768) Authorized 7-0
350. Authorize the executive to sign a $65,307 contract (amendment #2) with the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) to operate emergency shelters? The original contract $50,000 ran from 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023. The funding is for a 21-bed house for women with children and two houses with 16 beds for single women. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract, update the reporting requirements and scope of work to increase case management services. The total amended contract is $116,870; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-770) Authorized 7-0
351. Authorize the executive to sign a $648,568 contract (amendment #6) with Opportunity Council to operate the 22 North? The original contract for $242,648 was approved at the 6/21/2022 meeting, vote #165. The 22 North building is a 40-unit apartment that provides permanent supportive housing to individuals exiting homelessness and experiencing behavioral health disorders. The purpose of the amendment is to update contract language and reporting requirements. The total amended contract is $1,486,670; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-771) Authorized 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Kathy Kershner opposed.
352. Authorize the executive to accept a $881,3000 state grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts for expenses associated with water rights adjudication? Whatcom County Superior Court will use the grant money to prepare for and adjudicate claims regarding surface and groundwater rights for the Water Resources Inventory Area 1. A maximum of $417,300 will be reimbursed for 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 and $464,000 from 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025. (AB2023-780) Authorized 7-0
353. Authorize the executive to sign a $150,000 contract with RH2 Engineering of Bellingham to update the county coordinated water system plan? The last update was approved at the 8/9/2016 meeting, vote #146. There are seven incorporated cities, seven water districts, two water and sewer districts, a public utility district, and 427 Group A and Group B water systems operating in Whatcom County. The plan will submitted to the Washington Department of Health for approval. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-783) Authorized 7-0
354. Authorize the executive to sign a $170,000 contract with Northwest Youth Services to operate the ground floor day-use center? The ground floor is a facility open during weekdays where youth aged 18-24 can access basic needs items and services, including clothing, food, showers, and housing, education, and employment support. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-784) Authorized 7-0
355. Authorize the executive to award the only bid of $220,320 with Whatcom Law Group/Rajeev Majumdar for Whatcom County Hearing Examiner services? Michael Bobbink had been hearing examiner for over 25 years; he passéd away on 9/25/2023. Mr. Majumdar had been serving as hearing examiner pro-tem. Services include review and preparation for hearings, presiding over hearings, and preparation of written recommendations and decisions. The contract expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2023-786) Authorized 7-0
356. Authorize the executive to accept a $213,905 state grant for two attorney positions in the public defenders office? Since 2007, the county has been receiving state grants for the public defenders office. The purpose of this grant is to improve the quality of public defense services and is based on the amount of felony filings in the previous year. The grant expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-789) Authorized 7-0
357. Authorize the executive to accept a $500,000 federal grant for community policing and police technology enhancements? The funding is from the U.S. Department of Justice and will be used for equipment and installation of a microwave communications system as part of a larger public safety radio system project. The grant expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-790) Authorized 7-0
358. Authorize the executive to sign a $385,000 contract with YWCA Bellingham to operate a severe weather shelter for homeless women? The contract will provide up to 20 motel rooms to serve women and their children during the winter of 2023-2024. The contract expires on 5/30/2024.(AB2023-792) Authorized 7-0
359. Authorize the executive to sign a $136,000 contract with the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce? The contract will fund the operations of the Visitor Information Center, advertising and marketing for annual multi-day events and rental costs to acquire temporary bathrooms during the peak season. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-796) Authorized 7-0
360. Authorize the executive to sign a $146,000 contract with Mount Baker Foothills for Visitor Center operations? Expenses will also include salaries and benefits, marketing/promotion and travel. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-797) Authorized 7-0
361. Authorize the executive to sign a $200,000 contract with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism for costs related to tourism efforts? The contract will support administration and personnel, meetings, marketing, tradeshows, and Corridor Management Plan updates for two scenic byways; State Route 11 and State Route 542. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-798) Authorized 7-0
362. Authorize the executive to accept a $1,040,990 state grant (amendment #1) for continued implementation of the Swift Creek management action plan? Swift Creek transports naturally-occurring asbestos and heavy metals that erode from Sumas Mountain into the Sumas River where it is deposited in channel banks and floodplains within Whatcom County, creating health risks for residents. At the 7/24/2018 meeting, vote #120, the council established the Swift Creek Sediment Management Fund. At the 8/8/2023 meeting, vote #204, the county received a $4,122,656 state grant for Swift Creek. This amendment to the grant will continue capital construction, engineering, and permitting work. The total amended amount is $5,183646. (AB2023-802) Authorized 7-0
363. Authorize the executive to sign an agreement with the City of Bellingham for the installation of city owned and operated electric vehicle chargers? Two parking spots on county owned property at 401 Grand Avenue will contain electric charging stations for use by the city, the county and the general public. (AB2023-803) Authorized 7-0
364. Authorize the executive to award the only bid of $228,060 to Faber Construction of Lynden for the installation of a new modular office building at the Point Roberts Transfer Station? (AB2023-804) Authorized 7-0
365. Authorize the executive to sign a $150,419 three-year subscription with Insight Public Sector of Chandler, Arizona, for Neogov Onboard, Perform and Single Sign-On software systems? The contract will provide cloud-based human resources software to support employee recruitment, onboarding, and management activities. The subscription expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2023-807) Authorized 7-0
366. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Geoff Klise to the Parks and Recreation Commission? The commission advises the county parks and recreation director on parks, recreation, and senior services issues, as well as providing recommendations on the development and review of acquisitions, plans, programs, policies and funding for parks and open space. Geoff Kise is the manager of a wind research and development group at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in environmental and engineering geology from WWU. (AB2023-808) Confirmed 7-0
367. Authorize the executive to sign a $568,733 contract (amendment #5) with Pioneer Human Services of Seattle to operate a permanent supportive housing facility known as City Gate? The original contract for $490,948 was approved at the 12/8/2020 meeting, vote #250. The City Gate Apartments are located in Bellingham and provide 37 units to individuals exiting incarceration and returning to Whatcom County under state department of corrections supervision and/or participants in the county mental health court program. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract by one year and update reporting requirements. The total amended contract is $2,078,683; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-809) Authorized 7-0
368. Authorize the executive to sign a $223,954 contract (amendment #4) with YWCA Bellingham to operate a year-round shelter beds and transitional housing facilities? The original contract for $38,933 ran from 7/1/2021 to 12/31/2021. This amendment will provide 19 shelter beds, five will be dedicated for women aged 55+ years, and 27 transitional housing units dedicated for women. The total amended contract is $422,438; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-810) Authorized 7-0
369. Authorize the executive to sign a $138,737 contract with Sound Earth Strategies of Seattle for services related to the removal of existing underground storage tanks and remediation at the 147-acre central shop facility located at 901 W. Smith Road? There are three underground storage tanks: one 5,000-gallon gasoline, one 10,000-gallon gasoline and one 20,000 diesel tank. The services will include a remedial investigation and feasibility study, groundwater well minoring, as well as construction and permitting support. The contract expires on 12/1/2025. (AB2023-812) Authorized 7-0
370. Authorize the executive to renew insurance coverage for $120,358 with Midwest Employer Casualty Company of Chesterfield, Missouri, for protection for the self-insured workers compensation for calendar year 2024? The coverage will apply to $500,000 in non-law enforcement and $750,000 in law enforcement-related claims. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-818) Authorized 7-0
371. Authorize the executive to sign a $1,231,981 contract (amendment #10) with Opportunity Council to provide housing case management services? The original contract for $262,341 was approved at the 6/29/2021 meeting, vote 151. The services are intended to prevent homelessness through access to case management, eviction prevention services, and support with other basic needs. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract for one year. The total amended contract is $3,160,183; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-819) Authorized 6-1, Tyler Byrd opposed.
372. Authorize the executive to sign a $185,000 contract with Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center to provide behavioral health support services at the downtown Bellingham Public Library? The downtown library branch has a monthly census of over 32,000 individuals, and behavioral and/or mental health factors impact the experience of both community members and staff at the facility. The contract will provide seven-days per week prevention, intervention, and stabilization program at the facility, including de-escalation and resource referrals. The contract expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-820) Authorized 7-0
373. Authorize the executive to sign a $59,000 contract (amendment #2) with Sean Humphrey House to operate permanent supportive housing facilities for individuals living with HIV/AIDS? The original contract for $23,100 ran from 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2022. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract and add funding for a second adult family home that will be overseen by Sean Humphrey House. The total amended contract is $111,600; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2023-821) Authorized 7-0
374. Authorize the executive to sign a $849,567 three-year renewal contract with Microsoft for software maintenance services? The software is used in county health, information technology, emergency medical services, and sheriff’s departments. This renewal reflects a $60,956 increase from the previous contract. (AB2023-823) Authorized 7-0
375. Approval of special standing meeting dates for 2024? The council meets as the health board at 10 a.m. on 1/30, 3/26, 6/25, 7/30, 10/1, and 10/29 and as water work sessions at 10:30 a.m. on 1/16, 2/13, 3/12, 4/16, 5/14, 6/11, 7/16, 9/17, 10/15, and 11/12. (AB2023-824) Approved 7-0
376. Authorize the executive to accept a $300,000 state grant for the purpose of providing stabilization support to new refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan? Allowable supports include: basic needs items, clothing; food, healthcare; employment services; rental and housing needs; and transportation. The grant expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2023-829) Authorized 7-0
377. Authorize the executive to sign a $300,000 two-year contract with World Relief Western Washington of Kent for direct services assisting in the stabilization of newly arriving refugees in Whatcom County? The state Department of Commerce grant in the previous vote will be distributed to eligible households by World Relief Western Washington, a Christian charity. (AB2023-830) Authorized 7-0
378. Fill eight vacancies on the Forest Resilience Task Force? At the 10/10/2023 meeting, vote #284, the council established the task force that will sunset on 12/31/2025. It was created to develop a comprehensive county forest resilience plan, to include a framework for engagement with local, state, federal, and tribal governments and relevant stakeholders on issues relating to forest management and resilience. The task force has 11 permanent members and eight members appointed by the county council. (AB2023-833) Appointed to vacancies: T. Abe Lloyd (7-0), David Wallin (7-0), Alexander Harris (7-0), Jennifer Mackey (7-0), Russ Pfeiffer-Hoyt (6 votes), Tony Mellillo (6 votes), Ellyn Murphy (5 votes), and Oliver Grah (4 votes).
379. Cancel unredeemed checks (warrants) issued before July 1, 2022? Washington state law allows for the cancellation of checks unredeemed within on year of their issue. There are a total of 219 uncashed checks (warrants) totaling $16,841 that were written to various businesses, groups, and individuals. Whatcom County has 186 unchased checks for $6,452 and 13 cemetery, fire, parkland and water districts have 33 uncashed checks totaling $7,850. Water District 13 has the largest uncash check for $3,450 and Fire District 18 has the smallest uncashed check for $0.23. 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. AB2023-777 (Resolution 2023-051) Approved 7-0
380. Certify Whatcom County’s 2024 property tax levies for taxing districts? The collection refers to the regular levy, excess levy, and refund levy. The taxing districts are: the cities of Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack and Sumas; Cemetery Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11; Fire Districts 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21; Fire and EMS District 4, 11, and 16; Fire SWFA; Point Roberts Hospital, Point Roberts Parks and Recreation #1; Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation; Lynden Park and Recreation; Port of Bellingham; Whatcom County Rural Library District; Affordable Housing Bellingham; Bellingham School District 501; Ferndale School District 502; Blaine School District 503; Lynden School District 504; Meridian School District 505; Nooksack School District 506; Mt. Baker School District 507; and Concrete School District 11 (Joint district with Skagit County). AB2023-834 (Resolution 2023-052) Approved 7-0
381. Approve recommendations on applications for open space current use assessment? The Open Space Taxation Act was passed by the state legislature in 1970 to prevent development inconsistent with commercial agriculture and forestry, and the preservation of other natural environments of historic and recreational importance. The county Planning and Development Services administers the open space and farm conservation land classification programs and received nine applications for open space current use assessment. One application was recommended: Patricia Otto (Open Space Land, 99 acres). AB2023-750 (Resolution 2023-053) Approved 7-0
382. Establish an independent review of countywide fire and EMS structures? The review will be conducted by a consultant selected by the County Council and include an overview of the current fire district, fire department, and county EMS administration systems in order to evaluate for potential consolidation activities. AB2023-791 (Resolution 2023-054) Substitute approved 5-1-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed, Kathy Kershner abstained.
383. Encourage the executive to pursue opportunities for property acquisitions that promote conservation, economic development, and tourism associated with Bellingham to Mt. Baker trails? AB2023-837 (Resolution 2023-055) Substitute amended and approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
384. Amend the Whatcom County Code relating to apprentice requirements for county construction projects? (Public hearing held.) At the 11/19/2019 meeting, vote #268, the council passed Ordinance 2019-079, which required public funds used for construction projects to meet apprentice labor requirements for the purpose of addressing a shortage of skilled building trade workers in the county, it was amended at the 12/12/2022 meeting, vote #329, to establish public works apprenticeship requirements . The purpose of this amendment is to clarify local bidding processes. AB2023-736 (Ordinance 2023-077) Adopted 7-0
385. Adopt various amendments to Whatcom County code relating to zoning, and land division regulations? (Public hearing held.) The nine amendments: clarify, delete, or replace incorrect grammar or outdated code language; update notification requirements on the part of planning and development services; update childcare facility standards; update public signage regulations; and require overflow parking for certain residential developments; AB2023-748 (Ordinance 2023-078) Adopted 7-0
386. Close the Sudden Valley Stormwater Improvement Fund? The council established the $780,000 fund at the 11/22/2016 meeting, vote 214, and appropriated an additional $360,000 at the 5/24/2022 meeting, vote #147, for the design and construction of stormwater control and treatment facilities to reduce phosphorous pollution in Lake Whatcom. The project has been completed and has a current cash balance of $266,672 that will be returned to the real estate excise tax fund II. AB2023-746 (Ordinance 2023-079) Adopted 7-0
387. Close the Marine Drive/Locust Avenue to Alderwood Avenue fund? The council established the $797,500 fund at the 11/20/2018 meeting, vote #202, to reconstruct ½ mile of roadway for safety, drainage, and improve bicycle and pedestrian travel and stormwater runoff. The project has been completed and has a cash balance of $181,272 that will be returned to the road fund. AB2023-752 (Ordinance 2023-080) Adopted 7-0
388. Amend the 2023 budget (request #16) in the amount of 9,531,078? Appropriate: $4,300,000 for Community Priorities Fund; $4,300,000 for American Rescue Plan Act Funds; $323,910 in climate planning; $505,486 for LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) expenses. There were five other expenditures all below $100,000 — totaling $102,000. AB2023-754 (Ordinance 2023-081) Adopted 7-0
389. Amend Whatcom County code related to membership requirements for various advisory groups? The code amendments change boards and commissions to advisory groups, allow the council to waive citizenship, and/or qualified registered voter requirements for participation in county advisory groups. AB2023-775 (Ordinance 2023-082) Adopted 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner opposed.
390. Submit to the qualified voters of Whatcom County a proposal to amend Whatcom County Charter relating to the standards for conflict of interest? The 2024 general election ballot amendments will, if approved, expand the standard for conflict of interest to include language prohibiting county elected officials from holding any other public office in any level of government during their term of office. AB2023-778 (Ordinance 2023-083) Adopted 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
Action Taken at December 19, 2023 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
391. Amend Resolution 2023-050? At the 12-4-23 special meeting, vote #343, the council passed Resolution 2023-050 to re-certify taxing district levies for collection in 2024 by the county assessor? It is the duty of every taxing district in Whatcom County (see vote #380 for the names and numbers of the taxing districts) to certify the amount of taxes to be levied within the city, town or district. The county assessor did not receive by the deadline of November 30, 2023, the amount of taxes to be levied in 2024 from Cemetary Dist. #2, Cemetary Dist. #5 and Cemetry Dist. #11. Levy amounts from the previous year will be used. AB2023-841 (Resolution 2023-056) Approved 6-0, Carol Frazey absent.
