HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Jan 12 2021Whatcom County
Council
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Minutes - Final
VIRTUAL MEETING - VIEW ONLINE
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
6PM
Virtual Meeting
COUNCILMEMBERS
Rud Browne
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Flenbaas
Carol Frazey
Kathy Kershner
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
Council Minutes - Final January 12, 2021
COUNTY COUNCIL
Clerk's note: Councilmembers and staff realized while starting the Public Hearing item that the Legislative Informatioi
Center recording was not functioning correctly so they paused the meeting then resumed after the technical issues had
been resolved. After reconvening the meeting, Council Chair Buchanan went back to items for which Council action
was taken and the Council considered and voted on those items again. This included two motions from Committee of
the Whole Executive Session and the Minutes Consent items.
They did not repeat the Executive's Report but that report can be heard in the original audio recording which can be
accessed as a link in the Meeting Details on the Legislative Information Center.
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in a
virtual meeting.
ROLL CALL
Present: 7 - Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan, Tyler Byrd, Carol Frazey, Ben Elenbaas, Kathy
Kershner, and Todd Donovan
Absent: None
Councilmembers observed a moment of silence for the loss of life at the nation's Capital.
FLAG SALUTE
COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, read a statement in response to the recent
events at the United States Capital building in Washington D.C. and then a
statement about 2020 County financial highlights and reports.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE EXECUTIVE SESSION)
Buchanan reported on the reorganization of the Council in the Special
Council meeting earlier. He then reported on the discussion from
Committee of the Whole Executive Session.
Donovan read and made the following motion:
The County Council met in executive session concerning the lawsuit
El-Tahel v. Whatcom County, et al., US District Court for the Western
District of Washington No. 2:20-cv-0830. Pursuant to Whatcom County
Code 2.56, the Council hereby finds the following:
A. Adam Miller was not acting in a matter in which the county had an
interest;
B. Adam Miller was not acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or
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authorized by law;
C. Adam Miller did not act in good faith.
The Council has reviewed the facts of this case in detail. The Council finds
that Adam Miller's actions were not taken in matter in which the County had
an interest, nor was he actioning in the discharge of a duty imposed or
authorized by law. Adam Miller acted in bad faith, and outside of the scope
of his employment with Whatcom County. Adam Miller will not be
defended and indemnified pursuant to and consistent with the provisions in
WCC Chapter 2.56.
The motion was seconded by Frazey.
The motion carried 7-0 (This vote was taken again after reconvening the
meeting).
Browne read and made the following motion:
The County Council met in executive session concerning the lawsuit
El-Tahel v. Whatcom County, et al., US District Court for the Western
District of Washington No. 2:20-cv-0830. Pursuant to Whatcom County
Code 2.56, the Council hereby finds the following:
A. Bill Elfo was acting in a matter in which the county had an interest;
B. Bill Elfo was acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or authorized by
law;
C. Bill Elfo acted in good faith.
The Council has reviewed the facts of this case in detail. As the elected
official responsible for hiring, supervision and management of Sheriff's
Deputies Bill Elfo was named as defendant in the aforementioned lawsuit.
The Council finds that Bill Elfo acted in earnest in regard to this matter, and
the Sheriff's Office diligently pursued the investigation of this matter at all
times. Bill Elfo took every action possible to further the investigation of
Adam Miller's conduct in regard to this matter. As facts were discovered by
the Sheriff's Office Bill Elfo took every appropriate action available under
the law. Including but not limited to: internal investigation, referral of the
investigation to outside police authorities, support of criminal action
against Adam Miller, and termination of Adam Miller from the employment
of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. Bill Elfo will be defended and
indemnified pursuant to and consistent with the provisions in WCC Chapter
2.56.
The motion was seconded by Donovan.
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The motion carried 7-0 (This vote was taken again after reconvening the
meeting).
MINUTES CONSENT
Donovan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was seconded by Frazey. The motion carried 7-0*
(This vote was taken again after reconvening the meeting).
*The motions and votes are not noted on the individual files in this section. They are noted on the files after the
meeting was paused and then reconvened below.
1. MIN2020-118
Committee of the Whole for November 24, 2020
2. MIN2020-119
Regular County Council for November 24, 2020
3. M IN2020-120
Health Board for December 1, 2020
4. MIN2020-121
Committee of the Whole for December 8, 2020
5. MIN2020-122
Regular County Council for December 8, 2020
6. MIN2021-001
Special Council - Governor's Point for December 17, 2020
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. AB2020-553 Ordinance granting City of Lynden a non-exclusive franchise for an industrial
condensate pipeline
Catherine Moore, Attorney for the City of Lynden, briefed the
Councilmembers and answered questions.
Byrd moved to postpone this item until technical issues can be resolved.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, suggested that they take a break to
see if it can be resolved.
Karen Frakes, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, agreed that they needed to
break.
Councilmembers concurred.
Clerk's note: It was at this point, before a public hearing was held and before any vote on the Public Hearing item, that
the meeting was paused. The items below reflect the discussion that took place once the technical issues were
resolved.
MEETING RECONVENED AFTER A PAUSE
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Buchanan reconvened the meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE EXECUTIVE SESSION)
*The motions and votes were done again after the meeting was paused and
then reconvened (see below).
Donovan read and made the following motion:
The County Council met in executive session concerning the lawsuit
El-Tahel v. Whatcom County, et al., US District Court for the Western
District of Washington No. 2:20-cv-0830. Pursuant to Whatcom County
Code 2.56, the Council hereby finds the following:
A. Adam Miller was not acting in a matter in which the county had an
interest;
B. Adam Miller was not acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or
authorized by law;
C. Adam Miller did not act in good faith.
The Council has reviewed the facts of this case in detail. The Council finds
that Adam Miller's actions were not taken in matter in which the County had
an interest, nor was he actioning in the discharge of a duty imposed or
authorized by law. Adam Miller acted in bad faith, and outside of the scope
of his employment with Whatcom County. Adam Miller will not be
defended and indemnified pursuant to and consistent with the provisions in
WCC Chapter 2.56.
The motion was seconded by Frazey.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Browne read and made the following motion:
The County Council met in executive session concerning the lawsuit
El-Tahel v. Whatcom County, et al., US District Court for the Western
District of Washington No. 2:20-cv-0830. Pursuant to Whatcom County
Code 2.56, the Council hereby finds the following:
A. Bill Elfo was acting in a matter in which the county had an interest;
B. Bill Elfo was acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or authorized by
law;
C. Bill Elfo acted in good faith.
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The Council has reviewed the facts of this case in detail. As the elected
official responsible for hiring, supervision and management of Sheriff's
Deputies Bill Elfo was named as defendant in the aforementioned lawsuit.
The Council finds that Bill Elfo acted in earnest in regard to this matter, and
the Sheriff's Office diligently pursued the investigation of this matter at all
times. Bill Elfo took every action possible to further the investigation of
Adam Miller's conduct in regard to this matter. As facts were discovered by
the Sheriff's Office Bill Elfo took every appropriate action available under
the law. Including but not limited to: internal investigation, referral of the
investigation to outside police authorities, support of criminal action
against Adam Miller, and termination of Adam Miller from the employment
of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. Bill Elfo will be defended and
indemnified pursuant to and consistent with the provisions in WCC Chapter
2.56.
The motion was seconded by Donovan.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Kershner, and Browne
Nay: 0
MINUTES CONSENT
Donovan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was
seconded by Frazey (see votes on individual items below).
1. MIN2020-118 Committee of the Whole for November 24, 2020
Donovan moved and Frazey seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
2. MIN2020-1 19 Regular County Council for November 24, 2020
Donovan moved and Frazey seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
3. MIN2020-120 Health Board for December 1, 2020
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Donovan moved and Frazey seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
4. MIN2020-121 Committee of the Whole for December 8, 2020
Donovan moved and Frazey seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
5. MIN2020-122 Regular County Council for December 8, 2020
Donovan moved and Frazey seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
6. MIN2021-001 Special Council - Governor's Point for December 17, 2020
Donovan moved and Frazey seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. AB2020-553 Ordinance granting City of Lynden a non-exclusive franchise for an industrial
condensate pipeline
Catherine Moore, Attorney for the City of Lynden, briefed the
Councilmembers and she and Andrew Hester, Public Works Department,
answered questions.
Council staff played a short video on how to join the meeting to speak.
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Buchanan opened the Public Hearing and the following person spoke:
• Wendy Harris
Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the Public Hearing.
Donovan moved that the item be referred to committee. The motion was
seconded by Frazey.
Councilmembers discussed the item with Moore and the additional
following people:
• Satpal Sidhu, County Executive
• Mark Sandal, City of Lynden
The motion to refer failed by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Donovan, Frazey, and Buchanan
Nay: 4 - Elenbaas, Kershner, Browne, and Byrd
Elenbaas moved and Browne seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public
Hearing be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: 1 - Donovan
Enactment No: ORD 2021-001
OPEN SESSION (20 MINUTES)
Council staff played a short video about how to join the meeting to speak.
The following people spoke:
• Doug Gustafson
• Melissa Wisener
• Markis Dee Stidham
• Tom O'Breien
• Mary Stidham
• Wendy Harris
• Heather Katandin
• Ashley Butenschoen
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Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the Open Session.
CONSENT AGENDA
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
Byrd reported on the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that item numbers 1, 10, 17, and 19 be excluded from the consent
vote and that item numbers 2-9, 11-16, 18, and 20-26 be approved by
consent (see motions and votes on individual items below). Motions and
votes on the excluded items follow the bulk of the approved consent items.
1. AB2020-591 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Chuckanut Health Foundation to provide funding for the Health
Department's mobile syringe services program, in the amount of $20,000
See motion and vote on item below.
2. AB2020-592 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Compass Health to provide behavioral health services
for adult inmates and juveniles involved in the court system in the amount of $572,717
for a total amended contract amount of $2,439,780
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
3. AB2020-593 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to provide housing case
management services in the amount of $271,615 for a total amended contract amount
of $1,865,647
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
4. AB2020-595 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lydia Place to provide housing case management
services in the amount of $159,267 for a total amended contract amount of $897,067
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Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
5. AB2020-596 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Catholic Community Services to provide housing case
management services in the amount of $157,567 for a total amended contract amount
of $1,207,157
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
6. AB2020-597 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to provide housing case
management services in the amount of $134,371 for a total amended contract amount
of $958,340
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
7. AB2020-600 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce for the purposes
of tourism marketing and operations, in the amount of $100,000
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
8. AB2020-601 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Mount Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce for tourism
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marketing and operations, in the amount of $100,000
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
9. AB2021-001 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to provide reimbursement
for COVID-19 related operations and prevention expenditures in the amount of
$58,025 for a total amended contract amount of $111,816
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
10. AB2021-002 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lara Welker Consulting to provide coordination and
facilitation to the COVID-19 Community Healthcare Coalition in the amount of
$25,000 for a total amended contract amount of $50,000
See motion and vote on item below.
11. AB2021-003 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Washington State Military Department to sustain and enhance
Sheriff's Office Division of Emegency Management programs, in the amount of
$74,150
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
12. AB2021-004 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Sun Community Services for operation and
maintenance of Sun House, in the amount of $340,395 for a total amended contract
amount of $911,665
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Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
13. AB2021-006 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a building lease
agreement between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Natural
Resources (DNR will pay $991.50 in rent and an additional $240 for janitorial
services provided by the county), for a total amount of $1,231.50 paid by DNR per
month
Byrd moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
14. AB2021-009 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement with the
University of Washington for access and installation of seismic monitoring equipment
at South Fork Park
Byrd moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: I - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
15. AB2021-010 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Whatcom County Fire District 7 to
provide COVID-19 testing in an estimated amount of $188,858 for a total estimated
amended contract amount of $314,763
Byrd moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
16. AB2021-01 1 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
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Whatcom County and Washington State Military Department to obtain two All
Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) sirens, in the amount of $0
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
17. AB2021-014 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Pacific Security to provide security services at the
COVID-19 Temporary Housing Facility in the amount of $43,547 for a total
amended contract amount of $199,547
See motion and vote on item below.
18. AB2021-015 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Service Master Cleaning to provide cleaning services
at the COVID-19 Temporary Housing Facility in the amount of $16,667 for a total
amended contract amount of $166,667
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
19. AB2021-016 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lighthouse Mission Ministries to provide oversight
and assistance at the COVID-19 Temporary Housing Facility in the amount of
$25,771 for a total amended contract amount of $373,214
See motion and vote on item below.
20. AB2021-017 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and SeaMar Community Health Centers to provide
oversight and assistance at the COVID-19 Temporary Housing Facility in the amount
of $23,865 for a total amended contract amount of $262,516
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
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Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
21. AB2021-020 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Workforce Council to provide
reimbursement of wages and benefits for eligible temporary employees working in
various COVID-related positions, in the estimated amount of $14,000 for a total
estimated contract amount of $126,000
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
22. AB2021-021 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services to support the
Bellingham Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence, in the amount
of $120,000
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
23. AB2021-022 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Bellingham Food Bank for the procurement, warehousing and
distribution of food and other essentials to low and very low income families in the
amount of $276,000
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
24. AB2021-023 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and the Northwest Regional Council in support of the Meals on
Wheels program for two years in the amount of $120,000
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Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
25. AB2021-024 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Brent Eyre, ASA for the purposes of legal counsel
and consultation for property assessment appeals in the amount of $20,000 not to
exceed a total of $55,000
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
26. AB2021-025 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Mark J. Maxwell to continue with the provision of
legal representation for an additional amount of $20,000 in a total amount not to
exceed $45,000
Byrd moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
1. AB2020-591 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Chuckanut Health Foundation to provide funding for the Health
Department's mobile syringe services program, in the amount of $20,000
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be authorized by consent.
Councilmembers discussed the motion and the program including it being a
cost savings to the County, whether it is just a band -aid and not treating the
root of the issue, the program being a gateway to connecting people to
other available services, whether it is enabling as opposed to solving a
problem, and being a harm -reduction program to keep people from using
dirty needles and thus saving money in the long run.
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Byrd's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
10. AB2021-002 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lara Welker Consulting to provide coordination and
facilitation to the COVID-19 Community Healthcare Coalition in the amount of
$25,000 for a total amended contract amount of $50,000
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be authorized by consent.
Councilmembers discussed the motion and the following staff answered
questions:
• Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office
Byrd's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
17. AB2021-0 l 4 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Pacific Security to provide security services at the
COVID-19 Temporary Housing Facility in the amount of $43,547 for a total
amended contract amount of $199,547
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be authorized by consent.
Councilmembers discussed the motion, the purpose of the security
services, and why security is needed.
The following people answered questions:
• Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office
• Satpal Sidhu, County Executive
• Karen Frakes, Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Browne moved to call the question and then withdrew his motion so they
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could just vote on the item.
January 12, 2021
Byrd's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Absent: 0
19. AB2021-016 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lighthouse Mission Ministries to provide oversight
and assistance at the COVID-19 Temporary Housing Facility in the amount of
$25,771 for a total amended contract amount of $373,214
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be authorized by consent.
Councilmembers discussed the motion and the following people answered
questions about whether this funding is needed for the Lighthouse Mission
to do the job, whether there would be another vendor to provide the service,
and whether the county could move to the next phase for COVID-19 without
the contract:
• Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office
Byrd's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Absent: 0
OTHER ITEMS
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
1. AB2020-598 Resolution reflecting the diversity of the County's population by improving written
accessibility
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
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Absent: 0
Abstain: 1 - Elenbaas
Enactment No: RES 2021-001
2. AB2020-599 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism for tourism marketing
and operations in the amount of $290,000
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
3. AB2021-008 Resolution requesting authorization to make an application and enter into a grant
agreement with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for
development of Lake Whatcom Park trails
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Resolution be approved.
Councilmembers discussed the motion and what they are authorizing in the
Resolution.
Byrd's motion that the Resolution be APPROVED carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Absent: 0
Enactment No: RES 2021-002
(From Council Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee)
4. AB2021-013 Resolution adopting Whatcom County policy on indigent defense per RCW
10.101.030 and WCC 2.09
Buchanan reported for the Criminal Justice and Safety Committee and moved
that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
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Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Enactment No: RES 2021-003
Councilmembers discussed the plan for how trails will be used in
AB2021-008, providing a level of service for all users of the trails, and
whether the actual trail plan will come back to the Council in the future.
(No Committee Assignment)
5. AB2021-026 Appointment of four members to serve on the 2021 Whatcom County Districting
Committee (two from each major political party: Whatcom County Republican Party
nominees are Charlie Crabtree and Jeremiah Ramsey; Whatcom County Democratic
Party nominees are Michael Estes and Stephen Jackson)
Donovan moved and Browne seconded that the nominees be appointed.
Councilmembers discussed the motion, that a fifth person (a districting
master) will be appointed by the other four, and that the composition of the
committee can be changed by changes to the Whatcom County Charter.
Donovan's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Absent: 0
6. AB2021-027 Approval of Water Work Session and Health Board meeting dates for 2021
Browne moved and Frazey seconded that the Request for Motion be
APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
Councilmembers discussed whether they would entertain late applicants.
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, answered questions.
Browne moved to accept all late applicants. The motion was seconded by
Elenbaas.
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Councilmembers discussed the motion and Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the
Council, spoke about the deadline for the applications.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Kershner, Browne, and Buchanan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
1. AB2021-030 Council appointment to fill vacancy on the Board of Equalization - Applicant(s): Sonja
Merk and Peter Visser
Browne moved to nominate both applicants. The motion was seconded by
Frazey.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Merk was appointed by the following vote:
Merk: 6 - Donovan, Frazey, Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, and Byrd
Visser: 1 - Elenbaas
Appointed Sonja Merk
2. AB2021-031 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Business & Commerce Advisory
Committee - Applicant(s): Brad Rader
Buchanan read the purpose of the Committee.
Kershner moved to appoint Brad Rader to the Agriculture position by
acclamation. The motion was seconded by Elenbaas.
Councilmembers discussed the motion and Jill Nixon, Council Office staff,
answered questions.
Elenbaas moved to amend the motion to appoint Rader to the Food
Processing position instead of the Agriculture position. The motion was
seconded by Browne.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Elenbaas, Frazey, Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, and Byrd
Nay: 0
Abstain: 1 - Donovan
Byrd moved to appoint Gail Buce to the Agriculture position. The motion
was seconded by Frazey.
The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 5 - Frazey, Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, and Byrd
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Abstain: 1 - Donovan
Byrd moved to move Gail Buce to the manufacturing position. The motion
was seconded by Frazey.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Frazey, Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Elenbaas
Nay: 0
Frazey moved to appoint Clark Campbell to the Recreation position by
acclamation. The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, and Frazey
Nay: 0
Abstain: 1 - Donovan
Byrd moved to appoint Troy Muljat to the Other for Profit Position. The
motion was seconded by Browne.
Frazey moved to appoint Candace Leonard.
Councilmembers discussed how the motions should be made.
Buchanan moved to amend the motion to nominate all three applicants. The
motion was seconded by Donovan.
Councilmembers discussed how to proceed with the motions on the table
and the following people spoke about the language of the Whatcom County
Code concerning appointing applicants:
• Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
• Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff
• Karen Frakes, Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Frakes stated she recommends they follow the code and nominate before
they appoint.
Byrd stated that his motion to appoint Troy Muljat stands.
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Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Browne withdrew his second for Byrd's motion.
Nixon answered how many vacancies there are.
Frazey moved to nominate Candice Leonard. The motion was seconded by
Donovan.
Browne moved to nominate Troy Muljat. The motion was seconded by
Buchanan.
Muljat was appointed by the following vote:
Muljat: 5 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Leonard: 2 - Donovan and Frazey
Appointed:
Food Processing: Brad Rader
Manufacturing: Gail Buce
Recreation: Clark Campbell
Other for Profit: 'Troy Muljat
3. AB2021-032 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Climate Impact Advisory Committee -
Applicant(s): Ellen Murphy, Katherine Kissinger, Licia Sahagun, Tracy Petroske,
William Bethel, Eddy Ury, Imran Sheikh, Amanda Monthei, Fletcher Wilkinson,
Ginny Broadhurst
Buchanan read the purpose of the Committee.
Browne moved to nominate all the applicants. The motion was seconded by
Frazey.
The following applicants addressed the Councilmembers and answered
questions:
• Katherine Kissinger
• William Bethel
Kissinger, Murphy, Ury, Bethel, Sheikh, and Broadhurst were appointed by
the following vote:
• Ellyn Murphy: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, and
Kershner
• Katherine Kissinger: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan,
Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
• Tracy Petroske: 2 - Frazey and Kershner
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• William Bethel: 5 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
• Eddy Ury: 6 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, and
Kershner
• Imran Sheikh: 4 - Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, and Frazey
• Ginny Broadhurst: 4 - Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, and Frazey
• Ray Kamada: 3 - Browne, Donovan, and Kershner
Licia Sahagun, Amanda Monthei, Fletcher Wilkinson, Hunter Hassig, and
Irena Lambrou did not receive votes.
Appointed Katherine Kissinger, Ellyn Murphy, Eddy Ury, William Bethel,
Imran Sheikh, and Ginny Broadhurst
4. AB2021-033 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Flood Control Zone District Advisory
Committee - Applicant(s): Jesse Clawson and Ron Bronsema (Council Acting as the
Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Special Districts
Browne moved to appoint both applicants (Ron Bronsema and Jeff DeJong)
by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Donovan.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Kershner, Browne, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
Impacted Cities
Frazey moved to nominate all three applicants (Jesse Clawson, John Perry,
and Kyle Christensen). The motion was seconded by Browne.
Perry and Christensen were appointed by the following vote:
Clawson: 1 - Frazey
Perry: 6 - Elenbaas, Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, and Donovan
Christensen: 7 - Elenbaas, Frazey, Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, and
Donovan
Appointed:
Special Districts: Ron Bronsema and Jeff Dejong
Impacted Cities: John Perry and Kyle Christensen
7. AB2021-037 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission - Applicant(s):
Kimberley Lund, Atul Deshmane, Stephen Jackson, and Candice Leonard
Buchanan started to discuss AB2021-037 then they realized that he had
skipped two agenda items. He went to those items and returned to this item
below.
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5.
6.
7.
AB2021-034 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Horticulture Pest and Disease Board -
Applicant(s): Troy Kortus and John Grubb
Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that both applicants be
APPOINTED by acclamation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
AB2021-036 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee
- Applicant(s): Jim Dickinson, Steven Lurenz, and Mike McKenzie
Frazey moved to nominate all three applicants. The motion was seconded
by Elenbaas.
Dickinson and McKenzie were appointed by the following vote:
Dickinson: 5 - Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, and Elenbaas
Lurenz: 3 - Frazey, Buchanan, and Donovan
McKenzie: 6 - Frazey, Kershner, Browne, Byrd, Donovan, and Elenbaas
Appointed Jim Dickinson and Mike McKenzie
AB2021-037 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission - Applicant(s):
Kimberley Lund, Atul Deshmane, Stephen Jackson, and Candice Leonard
Donovan moved to appoint Lund and Jackson to District 1 and District 4
respectively by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Frazey.
Byrd stated that Donovan can not be the maker of the motion since he is
from District 2.
Buchanan moved to appoint Lund and Jackson to District 1 and District 4
respectively by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Frazey.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Kershner, Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Frazey
Nay: 0
Abstain: 1 - Elenbaas
Byrd moved to nominate Candice Leonard for District 3. The motion was
seconded by Donovan.
Browne nominated Atul Deshmane but could not do so because of the
district he is in.
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Buchanan moved to nominate Atul Deshmane for District 3. The motion
was seconded by Frazey.
Councilmembers discussed an email sent to Councilmembers by Candice
Leonard and whether she is ineligible for the position because of a possible
declaration of candidacy.
Jill Nixon, Council Staff, read language from the Whatcom County Code
and the Revised Code of Washington regarding the issue.
Deshmane was appointed for District 3 by the following vote:
Deshmane: 4 - Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, and Frazey
Leonard: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Appointed Atul Deshmane
8. AB2021-040 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District
Advisory Committee - Applicant(s): Dorie Belisle
Frazey moved and Donovan seconded that the applicants be APPOINTED by
acclamation. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
9. AB2021-043 Council appointment to fill vacancies on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee -
Applicant(s): Brandi Hutton
Frazey moved and Donovan seconded that the applicant be APPOINTED.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
10. AB2021-044 Council appointment to fill vacancy on the Sumas/Everson/Nooksack Flood Subzone
Advisory Committee - Applicant(s): Aaron Kurashige (Council Acting as the Flood
Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Donovan moved and Frazey seconded that the applicant be APPOINTED.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
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Nay: 0
Absent: 0
11. AB2021-045 Council appointment to fill vacancy on the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic
Resource Management District (BBWARM) Advisory Committee - Applicant(s):
Robert Shanabarger (Council Acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors)
Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the applicant be appointed.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Donovan's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
12. AB2021-046 Council appointment to fill vacancy on the Acme/VanZandt Flood Subzone Advisory
Committee - Applicant(s): Candice Leonard (Council Acting as the Flood Control
Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Browne moved and Frazey seconded that the applicant be APPOINTED. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Elenbaas, Kershner, and Donovan
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
There were no agenda items added by revision.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
1. AB2021-018 Ordinance amending the 2021 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 2, in the amount
of $5,839,516
Donovan moved and Browne seconded that the Ordinance be introduced.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Donovan's motion that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 5 - Browne, Buchanan, Frazey, Kershner, and Donovan
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Nay: 2 - Byrd, and Elenbaas
Absent: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2021-002
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Aftl"ITRN
Councilmembers gave committee reports and updates on recent activities
and upcoming events.
Cathy Halka, Council Legislative Analyst, read into the record the statistics
provided by the Health Department today about the chances of COVID-19
exposure in various sizes of gatherings.
The meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on February 9, 2021.
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Darin Brown,Qavis',,Council Clerk
Kristi Felbinger, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Council Chair
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