HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Jun 21 2022Whatcorn County
Council
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
Minutes - Final
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
6PM
Hybrid Meeting
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COUNCILMEMBERS
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Elenbaas
Carol Frazey
Kaylee Galloway
Kathy Kershner
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
Council Minutes - Final June 21, 2022
COUNTY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Todd Donovan called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. in a
hybrid meeting.
ROLL CALL
Present: 7 - Barry Buchanan, Tyler Byrd, Todd Donovan, Ben Elenbaas, Carol Frazey,
Kaylee Galloway, and Kathy Kershner
Absent: None
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated he did not have a report.
MINUTES CONSENT
Buchanan shoved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was
seconded by Byrd (see votes on individual items below).
1. MIN2022-038 Committee of the Whole Executive Session for June 7, 2022
Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
2. MIN2022-039 Committee of the Whole for June 7, 2022
Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
3. MIN2022-.040 Regular County Council for June 7, 2022
Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
4. M IN2022-04411 Special Council for June 14, 2022
Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council staff played a short instructional video about how to speak at the
meeting.
1. AB2021-424 Ordinance adopting amendments to the Whatcom County Code Title 20, Zoning to
allow and regulate Battery Energy Storage Systems
Robby Eckroth, Planning and Development Services Department, briefed
the Councilmembers.
Donovan opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:
• Name not stated
• Todd Lagestee
• Cynthia Sue Ripke-Kutsigoitz
Hearing no one else, Donovan closed the Public Hearing.
Buchanan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be ADOPTED.
Donovan thanked staff for being responsive to Council concerns on this.
Ufuoma Ojumah, NextEra Energy, answered how long it takes the company
to build out a project upon approval and before it is up and operating, how
many people are working on the project during that period of time and on an
ongoing basis, whether they have a project they are ready to start moving
forward with, and how much power one of these will store.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
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Buchanan's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be
ADOPTED carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2022-048
2. AB2022-346 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into Interlocal Agreements with
the cities of Bellingham, Everson, Lynden, Nooksack, and Sumas concerning
planning, annexation and development within urban growth areas (each interlocal will
be voted on seperately)
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, briefed the
Councilmembers.
Donovan opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:
• Todd Lagestee
• Cynthia Sue Ripke-Kutsigoitz
• Name not stated
Hearing no one else, Donovan closed the Public Hearing.
Donovan stated there will need to be a separate motion and vote for each
Interlocal Agreement.
An.mot answered whether this is what wtnild follow in the event of an i Jrhan
Growth Area (UGA) adjustment, whether these are not far off from what
they had previously, whether Ferndale's interlocal is not included because
they have not approved it yet, whether the County is addressing the issue of
the flooding of last November and whether this would be the place to
mention that they are not going to continue to build in the floodplain,
whether there are checks and balances that could come into play with the
City of Bellingham Interlocal, and whether there is any way with these
Interlocals to stipulate that the City of Bellingham will service the UGA.
Byrd moved to hold these until the final two (Ferndale and Blaine)
Interlocals are completed and they can be done all at the same time. The
motion was seconded by Buchanan.
Councilmembers and Aamot discussed whether the cities can do whatever
they want if the existing interlocals expire before new ones are approved,
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what is procedurally different between the cities in this agenda item and
Ferndale and Blaine and what it would take to get a six month extension for
these cities, what Byrd thinks they would gain by waiting for the other two
cities, whether annexing could be done without the Council, whether there
is any project that might take place in the next six months, what the soonest
is for any annexation in the pipeline to take place, and whether there are
protections in the interlocals that benefit the cities as well as ones that
benefit the County.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated he has the same question about what
the Council would gain by holding these interlocals.
Councilmembers and Sidhu discussed what might happen if the item is held
and building in the UGA.
The motion to hold failed by the following vote:
Aye: 2 - Byrd and Elenbaas
Nay: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Councilmembers considered each Interlocal Agreement.
City of Bellingham
Galloway moved and Frazey seconded that the Interlocal be authorized.
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department Director,
and Aamot answered questions about Section four ("Processing
Applications Prior to Annexation"), subsection B ('Rezones within the
UGA") of the Interlocal and whether there is anything in the Interlocal that
would encourage the City to consider annexing these UGAs and taking over
providing services to people who think they live in the city of Bellingham
but actually do not.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, and Buchanan
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas and Byrd
City of Everson
Buchanan moved and Frazey seconded that the Interlocal be authorized.
The motion carried by the following vote:
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OPEN SESSION
Aye: 6 - Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Cityof Lynden
Kershner moved and Buchanan seconded that the Interlocal be authorized.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
City of Nooksack
Kershner moved and Galloway seconded that the Interlocal be authorized.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Frazey
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
City of Sumas
Frazey moved and Galloway seconded that the Interlocal be authorized.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AvP• 6 - Kershner flnohnnnn Rvrµl T)nnn uan Frazee and f;alln uav
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
Council staff played a short instructional video about how to speak at the
meeting.
The following people spoke:
• Misty Flowers
• Cynthia Sue Ripke-Kutsigoitz
• Todd Lagestee
• Name not stated
• Name not stated
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• Helga DeLiban
• Name not stated
• Patrick Alesse
• Nancy Bergman
• Lyle Sorenson
• Tammie Lagerwey
• Enoch Mann
• Robert Bystrom
• Cliff Langley
• Anyone Else
• Name not stated
• Name not stated
• Ken Domorod
• Natalie Chavez
• Sara Rose
• Richard Johnson
• Brendan Walter
Hearing no one else, Donovan closed the Open Session.
Councilmembers took a brief recess.
CONSENT AGENDA
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through fifteen (see clerk's
note below).
Elenbaas moved that the agenda items voted on separately in the Finance
Committee be pulled and voted on separately.
Byrd said he could amend his motion to approve all Consent Agenda items
(as the Committee voted) except for AB2022-340, AB2022-352, and
AB2022-357.
Clerk's note: Councilmembers discussed that two of the Consent Agenda
items (AB2022-353 and AB2022-354) got inadvertently moved to the
Other Items header on the agenda. This changed the agenda item numbers of
the agenda bills from what they were in Committee. For the sake of clarity,
Councilmembers (and these minutes) will refer to Agenda Bill numbers as
opposed to agenda item numbers. The agenda items were re -ordered in
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these minutes to match that of the Finance Committee but AB2022-353 and
AB2022-354 were discussed later under Other Items.
Elenbaas' motion was seconded by Kershner.
Councilmembers voted on whether to consider A132022-340, A132022-352,
and AB2022-357 separately and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Nay: 0
Byrd moved approval of the remaining Consent Agenda Items AB2022-333,
AB2022-336, AB2022-338, AB2022-341, AB2022-345, AB2022-348,
AB2022-349, A132022-350, AB2022-351, and AB2022-361 (AB2022-353
and AB2022-354 were not included because they were out of order on the
agenda and were discussed later below under Other Items).
Councilmembers voted on the Consent Agenda items and the motion
carried seven to zero (see votes on individual items below).
See motions and votes on AB2022-340, AB2022-352, and AB2022-357 on
each individual item below.
See motions and votes on AB2022-353 and AB2022-354 on each individual
item below under Other Items.
1. AB2022_333 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and City of Bellingham to provide funding to
support the GRACE Program in the amount of $76,800 for a total amended
agreement amount of $356,800
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
2. AB2022-336 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant amendment
between Whatcom County and PeaceHealth to support the GRACE Program in the
amount of $10,000 for a total amended grant amount of $120,000
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
3. AB2022-338 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and the Executive Office of President, Office of National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP) to be reimbursed for salaries and benefits for two
employees in the Prosecutor's Office in the amount of $188,727.00 for the FY 2023
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
AB2022-340 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to administer the Housing and Essential
Needs Program, in the amount of $2,530,694
This item was considered separately. See motion and vote on this item below.
5. A132022-341, Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into the sale of a septic
easement for use of park property by Doug and Cathy Angell, in the amount of
$15,477
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
6. AB2022-345 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Tetra Tech, Inc to evaluate and design the Semiahmoo Drive
southern outfall, in the amount of $45,118 (Council acting as the Whatcom County
Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The
motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
7. AB2022-348 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Wilson Engineering, LLC to provide construction
assistance services for the Fremont Street Stormwater Bypass project in the amount
of $5,982 for a total amended contract amount of $45,982
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
8. AE2022-349 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Transportation
for the Birch Bay Drive & Pedestrian Project; CRP 907001 in the amount of
$1,445,087 (STP $1,250,000; Local $195,087) for a total amended contract
amount of $7,108,543
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
9. A132022P� 50 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Ecology to develop
a Wiser Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plan, in the amount of $49,999.50 in
Ecology funds with a $16,666.50 local match
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
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10. AB2022-351 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and YWCA Bellingham to support emergency shelter
operations in the amount of $2,675 for a total amended contract amount of $45,675
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
.AB2022-352 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Catholic Community Services to support permanent
supportive housing at Francis Place in the amount of $328,650 for a total amended
contract amount of $1,119,155
This item was considered separately. See motion and vote on this item below.
AB2022 3 3 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 14 for
fire protection services, in the amount of annual fees based on the current millage rate
and the assessed value of improvements on the park properties within the district
This item was out of order on the agenda. See motion and vote on this item below under Other Items.
AB2022-354_ Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission for a recreational boating safety grant increase, in the amount of
$2,500.00
This item was out of order on the agenda. See motion and vote on this item below under Other Items.
Al 2022-35'7 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to support operations at the permanent
supportive housing facility 22 North, in the amount of $242,648
This item was considered separately. See motion and vote on this item below.
13. A 2022-361 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and MHNW 23 Evergreen Ridge LLC (Mercy Housing
Northwest) to provide funding for the acquisition of the Evergreen Ridge Apartments
for low-income housing in Whatcom County
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
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moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
4. AB2022-340 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to administer the Housing and Essential
Needs Program, in the amount of $2,530,694
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Absent: 0
11. AB2022-352 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Catholic Community Services to support permanent
supportive housing at Francis Place in the amount of $328,650 for a total amended
contract amount of $1,119,155
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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
12. AB2022 -_357 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to support operations at the permanent
supportive housing facility 22 North, in the amount of $242,648
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED.
Elenbaas moved to hold this item until they have a chance to see the
facility to better understand the needs of it moving forward. The motion was
seconded by Byrd.
Councilmembers discussed how long it should be held and discussed the
motion.
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Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered whether there would be any
negative ramifications to postponing the authorization of this funding.
Councilmembers continued to discuss the item.
The motion to hold failed by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Kershner, Byrd, and Elenbaas
Nay: 4 - Frazey, Galloway, Buchanan, and Donovan
Councilmembers continued to discuss the motion to approve the item.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated he is torn on this as well and he
would like to hear from Northwest Youth Services. The money is needed
for the investment of the building but, at the same time, they want
accountability and want to hear some progress.
Councilmembers and Sidhu discussed that the provider is using context for
what is happening globally to make an excuse for how they operated the
building, the problem with having only one big service provider for housing
services, that this contract will be a band aid for now, what the impacts
would be to downtown neighbors and businesses if the most vulnerable are
back on the streets, what they are expecting to see in six months to feel
confident that there has been change, the need to communicate with the
Health Department that this model has not worked and they want to see
permanent changes to the type of services that are provided and how they
are provided, writing a letter of expectation along with the contract, whether
they have seen any of the bills to remodel these units as people are moving
out, and whether funding has come through for that.
Byrd's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 2 - Byrd, and Elenbaas
Absent: 0
OTHER ITEMS
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
1. AB20 2-3_i 7 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Pyramid Communications for public communications for the
Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force in the amount of $88,800.00
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Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 2 - Byrd, and Elenbaas
Absent: 0
2. AB2022-320 Ordinance closing the Agate Heights/Estate Bay Lane Stormwater Improvements
Fund 365
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2022-049
3. AB2022_321_ Ordinance closing the Northshore Drive/Edgewater Lane Stormwater Improvements
Fund 381
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2022-050
4. A32022-322 Resolution amending the Flood Control Zone District & Subzones 2022 budget,
request no. 3, in the amount of $5,250,617 (Council acting as the Flood Control
Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Resolution (FCZDBS) be APPROVED.
Elenbaas stated this is not all of the solutions and all of the spending that
they should be doing on this. This is action, however, that the Council is
taking in a positive direction.
Byrd's motion that the Resolution (FCZDBS) be APPROVED carried by the
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following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Enactment No: RES 2022-031
5. 132022-326 Ordinance amending the project based budget for the North Lake Samish Road
Bridge No. 107 Replacement Fund, request no. 1
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2022-051
6. AB2022-327 Ordinance amending the Shallow Shore Culvert Relocation Fund, request no. 1
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2022-052
7. AB2022- 329 Ordinance amending the 2022 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 9, in the amount
of $15,838,261
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED.
Elenbaas discussed the motion.
Donovan stated that $10 million of this is Economic Development
Investment (EDI) funds.
Byrd's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following
vote:
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Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Absent: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2022-053
8. AB2022-344 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
with the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife for cooperative
management of various park properties at Pine & Cedar Lakes, Tennant Lake, and
Hovander Homestead Park
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
9. AB2022-353 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 14 for
fire protection services, in the amount of annual fees based on the current millage rate
and the assessed value of improvements on the park properties within the district
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED.
Christ Thomsen, Parks and Recreation Department, answered whether there
is any "not to exceed" number on this at all.
Byrd's motion that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
10.202P354 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission for a recreational boating safety grant increase, in the amount of
$2,500.00
Byrd reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
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Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
(No Committee Assignment)
11. AB2022-34 7 Request authorization for County Executive to sign amendments to existing Interlocal
Agreements with the cities of Blaine and Ferndale concerning planning, annexation
and development within urban growth areas to extend the duration of the Interlocal
Agreements for six months
Byrd moved and Buchanan seconded that the Special Council Only Item be
AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
1. AB2022-342 Council appointment to a vacancy on the Business and Commerce Advisory
Committee, Food Processing position, Applicant - Paul Burrill
Byrd moved and Galloway seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED.
Councilmembers discussed the appointment.
Byrd's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS,
COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
1. A132022-359 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Paul Burrill to the
Food System Committee
Kershner moved and Byrd seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, answered whether there were not very many
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applications or if the applicant was uniquely qualified for this since the
applicant is also on the other committee voted on tonight.
Kershner's motion that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
There were no agenda items added by revision.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Frazey spoke about AB2022-365.
Frazey moved to add the diversity, equity, and inclusion language from
version six of the EMS levy plan for Council consideration on July 17,
2022.
Donovan stated there is a substitute version of the Ordinance that was
emailed to them earlier today.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, asked Frazey if she meant to say
July 12, 2022 and Frazey confirmed that she meant to say the 12th.
The motion was seconded by Galloway.
Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, spoke about how the plan is different
than the Ordinance. The 2023-2028 levy plan accompanies the Ordinance.
He stated they could update the levy plan in the next two weeks and have that
on the agenda for consideration on July 12, 2022.
Galloway stated they might consider incorporating the proposed language
into the Ordinance for the levy as well.
Councilmembers discussed whether Frazey is looking for different
language than what is already included (on the third page of the plan on file
under "Executive Summary"), whether it was the Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Committee that was working on the plan, whether they can
support it without having the language in front of them, how the levy plan is
connected to the Ordinance, and whether they need a motion to introduce
the Introduction items before they can make a motion to amend them.
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Kershner moved to introduce Introduction items one through three. The
motion was seconded by Galloway.
Councilmembers discussed that this motion would introduce all the items,
including A132022-365.
Kershner amended her motion and moved to introduce Introduction item
number one (AB2022-365). The motion was seconded by Galloway.
Frazey moved to amend AB2022-365 to add the diversity, equity, and
inclusion language from version six of the EMS levy plan for Council
consideration on July 12, 2022. The motion was seconded by Galloway.
Councilmembers discussed why the language was removed if the group that
is presenting it and telling the Council what they need removed it, and
seeing the language before approving it.
The motion to amend AB2022-365 carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, Buchanan, and Byrd
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas and Kershner
Kershner moved to amend AB2022-365 and change the amount to $.199
per $1000 assessed valuation rather than the $.295. The motion was
seconded by Byrd.
Schroeder answered what the current amount is, whether it switches from
needing a simple majority to sixty percent vote if the amount is raised,
whether a sixty percent vote is needed if the amount is lowered, and why the
current rate may be different than the levy rate. Every year as the valuations
of properties go up the amount of the budget amount makes the percent
valuation of the levy go down.
Byrd stated you are collecting the same amount of money, it is just the
price of housing has gone up and so the percent goes down so that it stays
the same amount that was approved by the ballot. What they are wanting to
do is raise it back to the initial amount which would then raise the amount
collected.
Councilmembers discussed whether the dollar amount they are talking
about is larger that would require the twenty-nine and a half percent or is the
rate going to be the nineteen point five, the size of the fund balance being
far more than was ever anticipated, and getting assurance about whether
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lowering the rate would keep it so that it would only require a simple
majority vote.
Buchanan moved to hold until they can have a discussion on July 12 where
we can have Mike back, and go through the plan, go through the levy, and
explain some of these questions we have. The motion was seconded by
Byrd.
Schroeder stated if Council decided to hold this, they would be introducing
it on July 12th for an action at the last Council meeting before they have to
submit it to the Auditor to get it onto the general ballot in November.
Brown -Davis answered a question about and Councilmembers discussed the
timeline if they hold the item.
Karen Frakes, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, answered whether they would
have to re -introduce the Ordinance if they do introduce it as -is tonight and
then wanted to make a change to it in two weeks.
The motion to hold failed by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Nay: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Galloway
Councilmembers discussed whether they would have to re -introduce the
Ordinance if they introduce it with one rate and then amend it to another
rate in two weeks.
The motion to amend carried hV the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Elenbaas, Frazey, Kershner, and Byrd
Nay: 2 - Buchanan and Donovan
Abstain: 1 - Galloway
The motion to introduce AB2022-365 as amended carried by the following
vote (also see this motion and vote on the individual item below):
Aye: 5 - Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, and Donovan
Nay: 2 - Byrd and Elenbaas
Kershner moved to introduce AB2022-337 and AB2022-343. The motion
was seconded by Buchanan (see motion and votes on individual items
below).
1. A32022-65_ Ordinance providing for submission to the qualified voters of Whatcom County a
proposition renewing the levy of a regular property tax at a rate of $.199 or less per
$1000 assessed valuation (amended from original request of $.295) to continue to
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provide emergency medical services
See discussion and motions on this item under the Introduction Header.
Kershner moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance be
SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 2 - Byrd, and Elenbaas
Absent: 0
2. AB2022-33 7 Appointment to fill a vacancy on the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee,
Resident/Landowner position - Applicant(s): Mary Marshall, Bill Sager, Lee Mosley
Kershner moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment
Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
3. A132022-�34' Appointment to a vacancy on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee,
Marine Trades position - Applicant(s): Dana Wilson
Kershner moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment
Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Councilmembers gave committee reports.
Kershner asked if the Council would like to schedule another meeting with
Berk Consulting or whether they would just like to have another Council
discussion.
Cathy Halka, Council Legislative Analyst, clarified that an additional
workshop is not included in the original scope of work but there is approved
funding available.
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Galloway moved to discuss the Pandemic Response Review study at our
next Public Works and Health meeting. The motion was seconded by
Buchanan.
Councilmembers discussed that the Committee can schedule the discussion
without a motion.
Galloway withdrew her motion.
Councilmembers discussed former Councilmember Browne's comments to
Berk Consulting and whether they should be forwarded on to Berk and
Associates for further review and incorporation into the final report as
approved in Committee.
Kershner moved to incorporate Mr. Browne's comments into the public
record and to forward to Berk and Associates for consideration.
Councilmembers discussed the motion and whether Berk should be directed
by the Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Galloway, Kershner, Byrd, and Elenbaas
Nay: 3 - Buchanan, Donovan, and Frazey
Councilmembers continued Committee reports and gave other updates
including:
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because they are taking advantage of the good weather
• River recreation safety
• The Compressive Plan Resolution and whether Council would allow
a public hearing for it
Galloway moved to hold a public hearing on the forthcoming
Comprehensive Plan priorities Resolution. The motion was seconded by
Frazey.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, suggested they hold off on this
motion until there is more of a final product (Council gets to discuss the
changes that are made to the Resolution) and maybe at that point decide if
you are going to have a public hearing on it.
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Galloway withdrew her motion.
Kershner wished everyone a happy Fourth of July and stated they will be
taking a three-week break and will not have a meeting in two weeks on July
5th.
Motion approved 4-3 to incorporate Mr. Browne's comments (from Public Works and Health Committee) into the
public record and to forward to Berk and Associates for consideration.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:26 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on July 12, 2022.
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