Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at June 4, 2024 Meeting
Shall the council:
144. Appoint two council-members to participate on the selection committee to hire a legislative analyst for the council office? (AB2024-342) Appointed: Barry Buchanan and Ben Elenbaas.
145. Approve the public participation plan for the 2025 Whatcom County comprehensive plan and development regulations update? State law requires Whatcom County to review and revise the comprehensive plan, development regulations, and urban growth areas by 12/31/2025. The public participation plan will guide community engagement efforts. (AB2024-343) Approved 7-0
146. Authorize the executive to sign an agreement (amendment #2) to replace a federal funding source with a state source? At the 9/12/2023 meeting, vote #234, the council authorized the executive to accept a federal grant for $2,890,020. The grant replaced expired pandemic-relief funding sources first introduced in 2020 to continue work on priorities outlined in the Whatcom County Plan to End Homelessness. The purpose of this amendment is to fund homeless subsidies and emergency housing services and update the terms and conditions. The total amount is $2,890,020; it expires on 6/30/2024. (AB2024-345) Authorized 6-1, Mark Stremler opposed.
147. Confirm the executive’s appointment of Mark Fairhart to the Marine Resources Committee? The committee addresses local marine issues and recommends remedial action to local authorities. Appointed: Mark Fairhart is a retired construction project manager and certified scuba diver. (AB2024-347) Approved 7-0
148. Authorize the executive to accept a $200,000 state grant (amendment #3) to continue the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) program in the jail? The original $149,839 grant — with the state acting through the Health Care Authority — was approved at the 5/24/2022 meeting, vote #137, and amended for $174,945 at the 8/8/2023 meeting, vote #209. This amendment adds additional funding for the program, including a nursing position, pharmaceuticals, supplies, deputy overtime, and methadone treatment. The total amended contract is $705,075; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-354) Authorized 7-0
149. Authorize the executive to accept an $130,000 state pass-through grant (amendment #2) to fund direct public services to low- and moderate-income individuals? The original pass-through Opportunity Council grant for $131,000 was authorized at the 10/25/2022 meeting, vote #255, and was later amended at the 9/26/2023 meeting, vote #252, for $134,000 in funding. The purpose of amendment #2 is to support new or increased levels of direct services support to low- to moderate-income residents of Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties. The total amended contract is $395,000; it expires 6/30/2025. (AB2024-369) Authorized 7-0
150. Authorize the executive to apply for a $500,000 state grant to fund the completion of the initial phase of park improvements at Birch Bay Beach Park? The grant will provide a public restroom facility, off-street parking, road frontage and day-use area improvements. AB2024-355 (Resolution 2024-025) Approved 7-0
151. Authorize the executive to apply for a $1 million state grant to reimburse acquisition costs of the recently purchased Carrasco Farm parcel at South Fork Park? The grant will provide a trail connection to the Nesset Farm and other properties connected to the South Fork Park complex in the South Fork Nooksack Valley. AB2024-357 (Resolution 2024-026) Approved 7-0
152. Authorize the executive to apply for a $1,200,000 state grant to fund construction of a covered multisport court at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center? The funding will also provide equipment to support court activities, including basketball hoops, nets for volleyball and pickleball, court lighting, and site furnishings. AB2024-361 (Resolution 2024-027) Approved 7-0
153. Authorize the executive to permit an easement to Puget Sound Energy? It will allow the installation and operation of private electrical services across county property to a parcel adjacent to Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. AB2024-365 (Resolution 2024-028) Approved 7-0
154. Authorize the executive to apply for two state grants? The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Forestland Preservation project grants would fund the Maple Falls and Canyon Creek forestry conversation easements. AB2024-366 (Resolution 2024-029) Approved 7-0
155. Close the Vactor Truck Storage Building Fund? The council established the $440,000 fund and project-based budget at the 11/20/2018 meeting, vote #204. The vactor truck helps prevent total suspended solids, dissolved copper, dissolved zinc, and total phosphorus from entering the Lake Whatcom Watershed by removing pollutants from the stormwater system and providing pollutant control of streets through enhanced jet cleaning. The purpose of the building fund was to provide a heated storage space for the truck to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. The fund is no longer needed and the remaining $426,509 will be returned to the road fund. AB2024-333 (Ordinance 2024-034) Adopted 7-0
156. Close the South Fork Park Improvement Fund? The council established the fund and a $688,000 project-based budget at the 11/25/2014 meeting, vote #230. The park is located off Mosquito Lake Road east of Highway 9. The fund was used for an access road, two parking areas, a trail network, restrooms, a picnic shelter and bridges. The fund is no longer needed and the remaining balance of $32,383 will be turned to the real estate excise tax II fund AB2024-335 (Ordinance 2024-035) Adopted 7-0
157. Amend code requirements for bid and proposal submissions? Provision G of Whatcom County Code 3.08.060 is used to contract with local nonprofits to address emergent issues on an expedited basis; the sunset clause is removed. Added to the code are contractors providing public defender services, low-income housing project development, election materials and services. AB2024-337 (Ordinance 2024-036) Adopted 7-0
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Action Taken at June 11, 2024 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
158. Most agenda bills have a single vote. At this special meeting, the agenda bill had three votes:
(1) Have a sheriff’s deputy present at all council meetings, Charter Review meetings, and Comprehensive Plan meetings? Approved 5-0, Ben Elenbaas was out of the meeting, Barry Buchanan absent.
(2) Increase the travel budget (for the council to $5,000 and $15,000 in the pooled account)? Approved 5-0, Ben Elenbaas was out of the meeting, Barry Buchanan absent.
(3) Expand the duties of the deputy clerk to a full-time position and increase capacity for council-members support? Approved 6-0, Barry Buchanan absent.
(AB2024-341)
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Action Taken at June 18, 2024 Meeting
Shall the council:
159. Fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission? The nine-member commission assists Planning and Development Services with the preparation and execution of the Comprehensive Plan. Approved: Suneeta Eisenberg. She is employed as an instructor at Skagit Valley College, served on the county Climate Impact Advisory Committee and the Bellingham Community Development Advisory Board. (AB2024-346) Appointed 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
160. Authorize the executive to sign a $95,000 contract with Sustainable Connections for waste reduction activities? The contract will provide commercial waste reduction and recycling technical assistance and education, including commercial waste audits and assessments, action plans, and performance evaluations of targeted commercial industries in the county. The contract expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-375) Authorized 7-0
161. Authorize the executive to sign a $65,000 contract with the Opportunity Council to expand, administer, and manage the Whatcom Resource Information Collaborative website? The website (www.whatcomresource.org) is led by a coalition of local organizations — the database and web platform are intended to provide reliable, universal access to information about available health, human, and social services in Whatcom County. The contract expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-382) Authorized 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
162. Authorize the executive to accept a $5,016,231 state grant (amendment #2) to fund homelessness crisis response systems? At the 7/11/2023 meeting, vote #177, the council authorized the executive to accept a state grant for $10,543,379 to assist people experiencing homelessness, and added another state grant for $1,801,736 at the 3/25/2024 meeting, vote #66. The purpose of this amendment is to increase the number of shelter beds provided through emergency hotel stays and increase funding to compensate for inflation. The grant supports priorities outlined in the Whatcom County Plan to End Homelessness. The total amended contract is $17,361,346; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-384) Authorized 6-1, Mark Stremler opposed.
163. Authorize the executive to sign a $74,458 contract (amendment #4) with the Opportunity Council to provide housing options for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders? The original contract for $49,600 was approved at the 11/22/2022 meeting. This amendment will update the budget in order to extend the agreement by one year. The total amended contract is $173,715; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-385) Authorized 6-1, Tyler Byrd opposed.
164. Authorize the executive to sign six contracts – total value $220,091 – to provide Stryker power load gurney lift and restraint systems to be used in emergency vehicles? The equipment was purchased by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy. The contracts will transfer the equipment to the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue ($49,092); Fire District No. 14 ($73,638); Fire District No. 5 ($24,546); Fire District No. 16 ($24,546); the Lynden Fire Department ($24,546); and the South Whatcom Fire Authority ($24,546). The contracts expire at the end of the useful life of the equipment. (AB2024-386/387/389/390/391/392) Authorized 7-0
165. Authorize the executive to sign a $181,977 contract (amendment #1) with Lifeline Connections of Vancouver, Washington, to provide funding for jail substance use disorder assessments and post-assessment treatment coordination? At the 2/7/2023 meeting, vote #31, the council approved the initial contract for $138,624 that provided 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 purpose of this amendment is to extend the contract by one year and update the program budget. The total amended contract is $320,619; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-388) Authorized 7-0
166. Authorize the executive to sign a $330,000 contract (amendment #12) with Lydia Place to provide emergency housing services? At the 12/8/2020 meeting, vote 252, the council approved the initial contract for $114,172; it was for year-round funding for emergency motel room stays and case management services for families with children who would otherwise experience unsheltered homelessness. The purpose of this amendment is to extend the contract by one year and update the program budget. The total amended contract is $2,376,275; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2024-393) Authorized 7-0
167. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $509,837 to Western Refinery Services of Ferndale for the 2024 and 2025 Swift Creek annual channel excavation services? The engineer’s estimate was $528,439. At the 7/24/2018 meeting, vote #120, council established the Swift Creek Sediment Management Fund. The creek contains naturally occurring asbestos that continually comes off Sumas Mountain. During flooding, Swift Creek can transport asbestos-laden sediment down the creek and into the Sumas River, posing health risks. The sediment can be deposited on channel banks and floodplains within Whatcom County and conveyed into Canada. Two bids were received — the second bid was $643,341. (AB2024-394) Authorized 7-0
168. Authorize the executive to sign a $396,917 contract (amendment #3) with Catholic Community Services to operate the permanent supportive housing facility known as Francis Place? At the 5/23/2023 meeting, vote #136, the council authorized a $174,041 contract for supportive housing and amended it for $314,529 at the 1/9/2024 meeting, vote #4. The 42-unit apartment building in Bellingham houses individuals with behavioral health concerns. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract by six months, update the reporting requirements, and address neighborhood safety issues that impact the success of the program. The total amended contract is $901,487; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2024-395) Authorized 7-0
169. Authorize the executive to sign a contract not to exceed $100,000 with Equinox Research and Consulting International of Mount Vernon to provide on-call cultural and historical resources surveying, reporting and permitting? At times, services are needed to address work outside county employees’ area of expertise and to provide independent opinions. The contract expires on 7/31/2025. (AB2024-397) Authorized 7-0
170. Authorize the executive to sign a $164,235 contract with Mobile Mama Strategies of Bellingham to support the Healthy Children’s Fund Implementation Plan? The contractor will administer an internship pilot project that aims to directly increase access to perinatal mental health care, and concurrently develop a local mental health workforce skilled in addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders for Medicaid enrollees and other low-income persons. The contract expires on 7/31/2026. (AB2024-398) Authorized 7-0
171. Authorize the executive to sign a two-year $450,000 contract with the Opportunity Council to administer the Single-Entry Access to Services (SEAS) Program? The program — $150,000 in 2024 and 300,000 in 2025 — provides a streamlined application process for families with children to access health and social services offered in Whatcom County. The contract expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2024-399) Authorized 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Mark Stremler opposed.
172. Support affordable energy choices for residents and business owners in Whatcom County? The discussion related to the transition from gas to electric energy and any impact affordable energy prices may have upon I-2066 (the November initiative that seeks to block governments from restricting gas use in buildings). The council wrote a letter to the state Legislators expressing opposition to HB 1589, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Inslee earlier this year. HB 1589, mandates that Puget Sound Energy file a plan with the Utilities and Transportation Commission to combine their natural gas and electric services. The letter urged the Washington State Legislature to revise state law regarding transitioning from natural gas to electric utilities during the next legislative session. (AB2024-401) Failed 3-4, Barry Buchanan, Todd Donovan, Kaylee Galloway, and John Scanlon opposed.
173. Endorse the executive’s appointment of Aly Pennucci as deputy executive effective 8/5/2024? (AB2024-402) Confirmed 6-0-1, Tyler Byrd abstained.
174. Authorize the executive to accept a $486,940 state grant for renovation of the Van Zandt Community Hall at Josh VanderYacht Memorial Park? The project will renovate the community hall space by adding a new entrance, increasing storage and operating space for the onsite local radio station, and repair and restore original elements of the historic building. The county has committed $50,000 for a total of $536,940. (AB2024-404) Authorized 7-0
175. Authorize the executive to spend $266,927 to purchase three replacement mowers from Pape Machinery of Mount Vernon? The Alamo Maverick II 24 inch mower (bar) is $99,297, the Alamo Maverick II 24 inch mower (disc) is $98,275, an Alamo Interstater shoulder mower is $47,315 and tax is $22,040. The purchase includes installation of the mowers onto county-owned tractors. (AB2024-409) Authorized 7-0
176. Authorize the executive to sign a $223,056 contract with Mission Critical Partners of Port Matilda, Pa., to complete a countywide fire and EMS study? The contract will provide an independent review of structures, staffing, budgets, and service delivery to make recommendations for future collaboration or consolidation efforts. The contract expires on 8/31/2025. (AB2024-411) Authorized 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
177. Authorize the executive to sign a $2,023,518 contract (amendment #16) with the Opportunity Council to operate the Whatcom Homeless Service Center? The Whatcom Homeless Service Center was created to serve as a central point of entry for eligible county residents to apply for the homelessness prevention and re-housing services that are identified in the county Plan to End Homelessness. The original contract for $796,701 was approved by the council at the 12/8/2020 meeting, vote #257. The purpose of this amendment is to add funding for rental assistance and emergency motel stays. The total amended contract is $15,504,103; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2024-413) Authorized 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Mark Stremler opposed.
178. Adopt amendments to the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District funding mechanism? (Public hearing held — council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) At the 11/8/2006 meeting, vote number #223, the council approved the Birch Bay comprehensive stormwater plan, the plan recommended a stormwater management district. The council established the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District at the 3/27/2007 meeting, vote #76. An advisory committee was approved by the council at the 3/25/2008 meeting, vote #56. These amendments will revise the rate structure and service charge adjustments and exemptions. AB2024-350 (Resolution 2024-030) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
179. Amend the 2024 Flood Control Zone District and Subzones budget (request #4) in the amount of $207,000? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The state grant funds will be used to complete construction design work and cost estimates to replace culverts on Homesteader and Clipper roads northeast of Acme and restore wetland, riparian, and instream habitat functions in Black Slough and Homesteader Creek. The grant requires a $40,500 local match. AB2024-352 (Resolution 2024-031) Approved 7-0
180. Approve Whatcom County Superior Court to preside over and hold certain water adjudication hearings outside of Bellingham? Approximately 30,000 summons will be issued for water adjudication of surface and groundwater in Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA 1). The adjudication will require additional courtroom space that will not be available in Bellingham for the 12 to 18 months. Whatcom County Superior Court will select the hearing locations. AB2024-403 (Resolution 2024-032) Approved 7-0
181. Adopt amendments to the six-year (2023-2028) capital improvement program for Whatcom County facilities? (Public hearing held.) The program must be updated every two years; it was last updated at the 6/20/2023 meeting, vote #162. The amendments address activity centers, government buildings, parks, trails, and total costs. The total cost of the above projects is estimated at $428,493,369 for the six-year planning period. AB2024-344 (Ordinance 2024-037) Substitute adopted 7-0
182. Amend the project-based budget (request #2) for an estimated amount of $910,000 for the Silver Beach Creek Stormwater Improvements Project Fund? At the 7/31/2020 meeting, vote #131, the council established the $780,000 fund and project-based budget to reduce sediment and phosphorous discharge into Lake Whatcom. At the 12/6/2022 meeting, vote #333, it was amended by $420,000 to complete phase two of the project. This amendment will add funding to stabilize a section of the creek to reduce creek channel erosion and sediment-laden phosphorous into the lake. The total amended amount is $2,110,000. AB2024-351 (Ordinance 2024-038) Adopted 7-0
183. Amend the 2024 budget (request #8) in the amount of $4,642,972? Appropriated: $130,000 for an Opportunity Council passthrough grant; $163,625 for development disability program; $2,641,200 for homeless housing fund; $952,000 for Silver Beach Stormwater Improvement project and $332,000 to fund Jacoby AG and forest conservation easement. Five additional expenditures below $100,000 total $368,122. AB2024-372 (Ordinance 2024-039) Adopted 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Mark Stremler opposed.
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Action Taken at June 25, 2024 Special Meeting
Shall the council
184. Authorize the executive to accept a $420,000 state grant to expand the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program? At the 5/5/2020 meeting, vote #71, a contract for $288,78 was awarded to Sea Mar Community Health Centerts for implementation of the community-based diversion program intended to reduce justice system involvement by individuals experiencing 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 integrated health services in Whatcom County for the purposes of reducing overuse of emergency medical services. The grant is from the Washington State Health Care Authority and it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-428) Approved 6-1, Todd Donovan absent.
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