Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at July 9 2024 Meeting
Shall the council:
185. Authorize the executive to sign a $150,000 contract with Uwill Inc. of Natick, Mass., to provide school-based teletherapy services? The contract will include 1,100 evidenced-based behavioral- and mental-health sessions in 21 languages for Whatcom County K-12 students in the seven county school districts who face barriers to accessing traditional therapy services. The contract expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-417) Authorized 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
186. Authorize the executive to accept a $6,476,900 state grant (amendment #2) to ensure a coordinated system of local developmental disability services? At the 7/11/2023 meeting, vote #169, the council approved the initial grant for $5,459,497 from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. As of January 2024, 352 adults with developmental disabilities received employment and community inclusion services, and 373 infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities received child development services. The purpose of the amendment is to extend and increase funding for 2025. The total amended agreement is $12,546,270; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-424) Authorized 7-0
187. Authorize the executive to accept a $1,099,507 federal grant providing funds for the Lummi Island ferry operating costs? The money is funneled through the Washington State Department of Transportation. The funding covers a portion of ferry staffing expenses. The county is required to provide $576,200 in matching funds for a total of $1,675,700. The grant expires on 12/31/2028. (AB2024-431) Authorized 7-0
188. Authorize the executive to accept a $485,600 state grant to fund collaborative water supply planning? The county will conduct technical studies to support the development of water supply and in-stream flow solutions and to develop and implement a collaborative process to identify local solutions for water availability issues in Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA 1). The county is not required to provide matching funds. The grant expired on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-433) Authorized 7-0
189. Authorize the executive to accept a $170,590 federal grant for drug enforcement activities? The grant is from the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county applied for funding under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program. Personnel funded to be involved in enforcement activities include deputy prosecutor and paralegal support. The grant only reimburses 80 percent of salaries and benefits. The contract expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2024-435) Authorized 7-0
190. Authorize the executive to sign a $50,000 contract (amendment #1) with RH2 Engineering of Bellingham to update the Whatcom County coordinated water system plan? At the 12/5/2023 meeting, vote #353, the council approved a contract for $150,000. There are 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 be submitted to the Washington Department of Health for approval. The purpose of this amendment is to extend the agreement for one year and add to the scope of work and the compensation. The total amended contract is $200,000; it expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2024-437) Authorized 7-0
191. Authorize the executive to sign a $257,217 contract (amendment #1) with Greg Dibble to extend the lease at 600 Dupont Street, Suite 100? On 10/12/2021, the county leased approximately 4,820 square feet of space to house the Public Defender office during remodels of the Central Plaza building. The space is no longer needed for the Public Defender office but will be used instead by the WSU Extension office. The total amended amount is $500,843; it expires on 10/31/2027 (AB2024-440) Authorized 7-0
192. Authorize the executive to sign a $60,000 contract (amendment #3) with the City of Bellingham to provide funding for the Alternative Response Team (ART) Program? At the 4/26/2022 meeting, vote #116, the council approved the original two-year contract for $427,127 with the Alternative Response Team program. The ART program is a collaborative effort between law enforcement, emergency medical responders, and social services providers to reduce impact of heavy consumers of these services through the creation of individualized plans. The total amended agreement is $630,096; it expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-443) Authorized 7-0
193. Authorize the executive to sign a $119,305 contract (amendment #2) with Opportunity Council to support childcare stabilization in Whatcom County? At the 4/11/2023 meeting, vote #100, the council approved a $498,733 contract with the Opportunity Council for childcare. The purpose of this amendment is to revise eligibility requirements for participants and to add funding for emergency childcare vouchers for up to 110 families. The total amended contract is in $618,038; it expires on 12/31/2025. (AB2024-444) Authorized 7-0
194. Authorize the executive to accept a $1,948,136 state grant (amendment #19) to fund various public health services? The original three-year agreement was approved at the 1/11/2022 meeting. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the funding for a child welfare video project, a workforce development program, a syringe exchange program, and recreational shellfish activities. The total amended contract is $16,258,233; it expires on 12/31/2024. (AB2024-445) Authorized 7-0
195. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $190,979 to Steele Industries of Bradenton, Fla., for the purchase of 16 pair of night vision goggles with helmet mounts? Seven bids were received; the high bid was $221,711, five bids were declared unresponsive due to incompletion. The goggles will be used by the sheriff’s department. (AB2024-447) Authorized 7-0
196. Authorize the executive to sign a five-year $133,464 contract with Cornwall Center Inc. for use of 60 parking spaces at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center? The monthly lease increases yearly from $2,217 to $2,423. The contract includes cost sharing with the City of Bellingham and Whatcom Council on Aging. The contract expires on 6/30/2029. (AB2024-448) Authorized 7-0
197. Declare Whatcom County real property as surplus and approve transfer to the Lummi Nation? (Public hearing held.) State law permits local authorities to declare county-owned properties as surplus and approve transfers of such. The county property management committee has declared the property located near the intersection of Aldergrove and Kickerville roads has no further utility to the public and it will be transferred to the Lummi Nation at no cost. The property was appraised and valued at $125,000; it is restricted by a conservation easement. AB2024-348 (Resolution 2024-033) Approved 7-0
198. Approve a major project permit for the City of Bellingham? On 6/18/2024, the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner approved a permit that will allow the creation of two wetland mitigation bank sites: Bear Creek Corridor (96 acres) in the Silver Creek Watershed and McCormick Creek Headwater (158 acres) in the Squalicum Creek Watershed. AB2024-418 (Resolution 2024-034) Approved 7-0
199. Request that Whatcom County Superior Court issue a declaratory judgement to determine whether Initiative 2024-01 is procedurally invalid? At the 2022 general election, voters approved lifting the limit on regular property taxes to fund programs that would provide childcare, early learning programs and increase support for vulnerable children. Initiative 2024-01 appears to interfere with the County Council’s exclusive authority over county budgets. AB2024-466 (Resolution 2024-035) Approved 4-2-1, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed, Tyler Byrd abstained.
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Action Taken at July 23, 2024 Meeting
Shall the council:
200. Submit to the qualified voters of Whatcom County a proposal to repeal Proposition 5? At the 2022 general election, voters approved Proposition 5. The proposition funded childcare, early learning programs, and increased support for vulnerable children. (AB2024-419) Failed 3-4, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway and Mark Stremler opposed.
201. Fill a vacancy on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee? The 11-member committee provides coordination and information exchange between stakeholder groups working on solid waste management issues. This vacant position is for a waste collection industry representative, Appointed: Ted Carlson. Ted Carlson is employed as the general manager for the Sanitary Service Company Inc., which serves as the solid waste hauler for much of Whatcom County. (AB2024-422) Approved 7-0
202. Approve Economic Development Investment Board recommendations totaling $6,250,000 for five projects? The county administers the EDI program; the money comes from portions of the rural sales tax which can only be used for public facility projects. Projects include: the City of Bellingham’s Bear Creek Corridor Construction Project ($1 million grant); the City of Lynden’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity and Nutrient Improvement Project ($666,667 loan and $1,333,333 grant); the City of Ferndale Water Treatment Plant Upgrades and Douglas Deep Well Projects ($2 million loan and $1 million grant); and the housing affordability through the Workforce Program ($250,000 loan). (AB2024-432) Approved 7-0
203. Authorize the executive to sign a contract not-to-exceed $100,000 with ASM Affiliates of Stanwood to provide on-call professional cultural and historical resource services? At times, public works department requires additional consulting services due to workload capacity, work outside the area of expertise, or the need for independent opinions. The contract expires on 8/31/2025. (AB2024-464) Authorized 7-0
204. Authorize the executive to sign a $2,500,000 four-year contract with Washington State Health Care Authority for a pilot reentry program? The Medicaid-funded pilot program will be funded by the state Health Care Authority. The program will provide individuals leaving incarceration with pre-release services, including case management, medication, and other health services. The contract expires on 7/31/2028. (AB2024-471). Authorized 7-0
205. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $219,019 to J Ritter Dirt and Asphalt of Everson for trailhead parking lot improvements at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve? The engineer’s estimate was $221,609. Five bids were received — the high bid was $292,337. (AB2024-475) Authorized 7-0
206. Authorize the executive to sign a $81,337 contract (amendment #1) with Astound Business Solutions (a Delaware Company — formerly Wave Business Solutions) to add fiber optic connectivity from the Courthouse to State Street and a nearby parking lot? At the 11/8/2023 meeting, vote #311, the council authorized the original contract for $283,297. The State Street building is currently being remodeled to house the medical examiner and part of the health and community services department. The total amended contract is $364,657; it expires on 7/26/2028. (AB2024-477) Authorized 7-0
207. Authorize the executive to accept a $132,893 state grant to fund a verification program for individuals who are registered sex offenders? This grant with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs is $3,099 below last year. The Registered Sex Offender Address Verification Program requires all sex/kidnapping offenders to register their addresses with the statewide database. This grant will fund personnel costs associated with verifying the address and residency of all registered sex offenders and kidnapping offenders. The grant expires on 6/30/2025. (AB2024-481) Authorized 7-0
208. Authorize the executive to sign an agreement with five local police departments: Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden and Sumas and the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and Washington State Patrol as supporting agencies to the Whatcom County Drug Task Force? The primary participating agencies are the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Bellingham Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Washington State Department of Corrections and the Whatcom County Prosecutiing Attorney’s Office. The primary purpose of the task force founded in 1988 is to monitor, control and suppress criminal drug trafficking. (AB2024-482) Authorized 7-0
209. Authorize the executive to sign a $62,500 contract with Aquatic Insight of Portland, Ore., for Wiser Lake data analysis and the development of a Wiser Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan? Wiser Lake is a 16-acre lake that regularly experiences harmful algae blooms. Sampling results detected microcystin at toxin levels more than 20 times the maximum safe level established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Residents were advised to avoid water contact and not allow pets to swim in or drink from the lake. In 2022, the county health department received a state grant — the money was used to collect data from May of 2023 to April of 2024. This contract will analyze the data and use it to development a management plan. The contract expires on 3/31/2025. (AB2024-487) Authorized 7-0
210. Confirm the executive’s appointments of Jack Hovenier and JanRose Ottaway Martin to the Justice Project Financial Advisory Board? The board oversees and reports annually to the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF) and County Council on the financial performance of the Public Health, Safety, and Justice Tax Fund and associated programs. Jack Hovenier is the former co-chair of the IPRTF and has lived experience in the carceral system. JanRose Ottaway Martin is the current executive director of North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization. (AB2024-489) Confirmed 7-0
211. Support the expansion of year-round shelter capacity in Whatcom County? At the 12/6/2005 meeting, vote #250, the council initially passed the Strategic Plan to End Homelessness in Whatcom County. It was updated at the 11/19/2019 meeting, vote #251. In 2023, 1,059 individuals were experiencing homelessness and 348 were unsheltered. The 2023 number of persons experiencing homelessness was a 27 percent increase over 2022. The county executive is requested to expand capacity for year-round shelters through a variety of methods listed in the ordinance. AB2024-492 (Resolution 2024-036) Substitute approved 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
212. Amend the budget for the Way Station Project Fund (request #4) in the amount of $100,000? At the 2/22/2022 meeting, vote #67, the council established the $2,384,322 project-based budget. The building at 1500 N. State St. will host services for sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. The purpose of this amendment is to add funding to temporary relocation of the morgue. The total amended project budget is $14,137,461. AB2024-460 (Ordinance 2024-040) Adopted 7-0
213. Amend the 2024 budget (request #9) in the amount of $873,134? Appropriated: $190,000 to fund Office of Healthy Housing; $100,000 to fund 5th floor courtroom remodel; $150,000 to fund Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study; $100,000 to fund veteran’s relief; $101,869 to fund additional jail services; $100,000 to relocate the morgue from the Way Station. Six additional expenditures below $100,000 total $131,265. AB2024-463 (Ordinance 2024-041) Substitute adopted 6-1, Mark Stremler opposed.
214. Establish the Justice Project Finance and Facility Advisory Board? At the November 2023 general election, voters approved a sales and use tax to fund the construction of a new jail and make investments in incarceration prevention programs and services. The ordinance authorizing the ballot proposition requested the development of a financial advisory board to oversee the use of the sales tax revenue. The board will consist of 13 members, 11 are permanent members and two are appointed. There are no term limits for permanent members and four-year term limits for appointed members. AB2024-453 (Ordinance 2024-042) Adopted 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
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Action Taken at July 30, 2024 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
215. Table a resolution proposed by councilmember Ben Elenbaas that the county executive decommission all contracts with the Opportunity Council and Northwest Youth Services relating to the 22 North, a permanent supportive housing facility? Whatcom County did not fund the construction of 22 North, but provides funding for services at the facility. This year, not over $650,000 will be spent by the county on services at the building operated by the Opportunity Council. (AB2024-469) Approved 4-2, Tyler Byrd and Mark Stremler opposed, Ben Elenbaas absent.
215a. Before the first of October, schedule an additional work session on the resolution to decommission all contracts relating to the 22 North? Approved 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
