HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Jan 10 2023Whatcom County
Council
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Minutes - Final
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
6PM
Hybrid Meeting
HYBRID MEETING (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN
INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL
360.778.5010); AGENDA REVISED ON THE FOLLOWING 1.5.2023, 1.9.2023, AND
1.10.2023
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 January 10, 2023
COUNTY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Barry Buchanan 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
There'kvas no Executive Report.
MINUTES CONSENT
Donovan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was
seconded by Byrd (see votes on individual items below).
1. MIN2.022-083. Special Council for December 5, 2022
Donovan 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. M1N2022-084. Committee of the Whole Executive Session for December 6, 2022
Donovan 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. MIN2022-085 Committee of the Whole for December 6, 2022
Donovan 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. 1M_IN2023 001_ Regular County Council for December 6, 2022
Donovan 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
5. MM023_ 006 Special Council for December 28, 2022
Donovan 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
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
• Todd Lagestee
• Mary Sewright
• Aubrey Stargell
• Erik Ferrell
• Quentin Dills
• John Marshall
• Lyle (last name not stated)
• Susan David
• Natalie Chavez
• Denais Nabley
• Michael Feerer
• Emily Freudenberger
• Name not stated
Council staff played a short instructional video about how to speak at the
meeting and the following people spoke:
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• Alexander Harris
• Laura Weiss
• Misty Flowers
• Bill Turner
• Skip Hamilton
• Rob Lewis
• Jon Larson
• Doug Cooper
• Jillian Froebe
• Elizabeth Kerwin
• Pam Turner
• Daniel Harm
• Heath Heikklia
• Kai Clarke
• Michele Cameron
• Sara Rose
• Brel Froebe
• HJ (blame not stated)
• Richard Johnson
• Susan (Last name not given)
• Cliff (Last name not given)
• Karla Rae
Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the Open Session.
Councilmembers took a short break.
CONSENT AGENDA
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through 20 (except for
item six [AB2022-728] which had been withdrawn from the agenda) and 22
through 26. Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual
items below).
1. AB2022-707 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services for
administrative, management and support services in the amount of $180,000
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
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and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
2. AB 022-72' Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and Bellingham Food Bank to procure, warehouse and distribute
food and other essentials to low and very low income families in the amount of
$276,000
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
3. AB2022-724 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Clean Earth Environmental Solutions, Inc. to operate
the County's moderate risk waste facility known as Disposal of Toxics in the amount
of $120,000 for a total amended contract amount of $1,320,000
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
4. A2022-726 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Snohomish County to implement youth
cannabis and tobacco prevention activities in the amount of $31,000 for a total
amended contract amount of $56,000
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
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Absent: 0
5. AB2022-72_7 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Island County to implement youth
cannabis and tobacco prevention activities in the amount of $25,000 for a total
amended contract amount of $50,000
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
6. AB2022-728 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District to administer the Firewise fire
risk reduction program throughout Whatcom County in the amount of $80,000
This agenda item was WITHDRAWN.
7. AB2022-729. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and United General District 304 to implement youth
cannabis and tobacco prevention activities, in the amount of $81,650
Kershner 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: o' - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
8. AB2022-730 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and San Juan County to implement youth cannabis and
tobacco prevention activities in the amount of $25,000 for a total amended contract
amount of $50,000
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
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9. A132022 -733 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interagency agreement
between Whatcom County and the State of Washington Department of Ecology for
Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) Operations and Projects, in the
amount of $75,846.00 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors)
Kershner 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:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
10. A 202�-734 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and FLO Analytics to accurately map all Whatcom County solid
waste landfills and their associated 1000' buffer zones, in the amount of $51,655
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
11. lett2023-005 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the County to provide
probation services to the City
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
12. AB2023_-006 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Blaine for the County to provide probation
services to the City
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion
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carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
13. AB2023-007 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Everson for the County to provide
probation services to the City
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
14. AB2023-008 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an Interlocal Agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Transportation,
to obligate federal Emergency Relief funding in the amount of $1,840,000
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
15. AB2023-•012 Resolution to approve annual petition for refunds paid list consistent with RCW
84.69.020.
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
Enactment No: RES 2023-001
16. AB2023-013 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into an Interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Lynden for the County to provide
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probation services to the City
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
17. A132023 014 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Sumas for the County to provide
probation services to the City
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
18. AB2023_-01 ? Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Washington State Military Department for funding for local
jurisdictions to prepare for all hazards through the sustainment and enhancement of
local emergency management programs in the amount of $80,956
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
19. AB2023-0.16 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the County to oversee the
administration of the Domestic Violence Perpetrator Opportunity for Treatment
Funding (DVPOTS)
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
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Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
20. - B2023-019 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Anchor QEA to prepare a multi -purpose water storage
assessment for WRIA 1, in the amount of $150,000.00 (Council acting as the
Whatcom County Flood Contol Zone District Board of Supervisors
Kershner 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:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
21. A02023-024. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between, Whatcom County and Master's Touch LLC to provide printing and mailing
of tax statements
This item was considered separately (see motion and vote after the Consent Agenda).
22. A B2023-039 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District in support of the Firewise
Wildfire Risk Reduction Program in the amount of $80,000
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
23. AB2023-041 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a collective bargaining
agreement between Whatcom County and International Organization of Masters,
Mates and Pilots and Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific for the period of January
1, 2023 to December 31, 2025
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
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Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
24. AB2023-042 Request authorization for a Letter of Understanding between Whatcom County and
the Fraternal Order of Police, Matt Herzog Memorial Lodge #24 to amend the
Collective Bargaining Agreement for the period January 1, 2022 - December 31,
2024
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
25. AB2023-043_ Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Letter of Agreement
between Whatcom County and PROTEC17 to amend the Collective Bargaining
Agreement for the period January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
26. AB2023w.044 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
for Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Federal Financial Assistance Grant, in the
amount of $18,476.57
Kershner 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: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM CONSIDERED SEPARATELY
21. AB2023.-r024 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
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between Whatcom County and Master's Touch LLC to provide printing and mailing
of tax statements
Kershner 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
OTHER ITEMS
(From Council Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee)
1. AB2023.048 Discussion and approval of letter regarding Whatcom County's response to the
Washington State Department of Natural Resources regarding Phase II of the Carbon
Project
Galloway reported for the Climate Action and Natural Resources
Committee and briefed the Councilmembers on the "Revised Draft Letter
(Galloway) Following Committee 1.10.2023" (on file).
Donovan moved to approve sending this version of the letter. The motion
was seconded by Galloway.
Donovan discussed the changes made to the letter.
Kershner moved to amend the letter to include the last two paragraphs and
the four bulleted points in the alternate letter (Alternate Letter (Kershner)
1.10.2023) which starts with:
"We respectfully ask that the Board of Natural Resources direct
DNR to provide the following information for each of the seven
parcels in Whatcom County identified for potential inclusion in
Phase I and II of the Carbon Project:"
The motion was seconded by Elenbaas.
Councilmembers discussed the letter and the motion to amend.
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Byrd, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Donovan
Councilmembers discussed the motion to approve the letter and where the
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approved amendment language will be added.
The motion to approve as amended carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, and Buchanan
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas and Byrd
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
2. AB2022-725 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to operate the Ground
Floor Day Use Center in the amount of $160,000 for a total amended contract
amount of $576,770
Kershner 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
3. AB2022 731 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Hunt Forensics for increased costs of services in the
amount of $893,449.13 for the total amount of $3,356,602
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Contract be HELD IN COMMITTEE. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
4. AB2023-001_ Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group to provide Housing
Assistance to those impacted by the November 2021 Floods, in the amount of
$2,050,000
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED.
Kershner stated she wanted to verify that there is nothing the Council needs
to do to make sure that the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group is going
to be able to benefit from reimbursements made to help our community that
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, and
Donovan
Nay: 0
Donovan moved to nominate Andrew Gamble and Pamela Brady for the
Energy Industry position. The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
Pamela Brady addressed the Council.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Brady was appointed by the following vote:
Pamela Brady: 7 - Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd,
and Donovan
Andrew Gamble: 0
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
4.132023a02.9 Appointment to various vacancies on the Child and Family Well -Being Task Force,
Applicant(s): Monika Mahal, Katherine Orlowski, Vann Dartt, Colton Redtfeldt, Rick
Tanner, Pamela Jons, Tilda Doughty, Christina Jackson, Anne Granberg
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, answered how many vacancies there are.
Frazey stated there is a letter in the packet from the Co -Chairs of the Child
and Family Well -Being Task Force with recommendations.
Buchanan moved and Galloway seconded to nominate all the applicants.
Councilmembers discussed the fact that there were recommendations for
the appointees.
Monika Mahal, Anne Granberg, Pamela Jons, Tilda Doughty, Christina
Jackson, Katherine Orlowski, and Colton Redtfeldt were appointed by the
following vote:
Monika Mahal: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway,
and Kershner
Anne Granberg: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Pamela Jons: 5 - Buchanan, Byrd, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Tilda Doughty: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Christina Jackson: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Katherine Orlowski: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan Frazey, and Galloway
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Colton Redtfeldt: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Galloway
Vann Dartt: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Elenbaas
Rick Tanner: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Douglas Dickenson: 2 - Elenbaas and Kershner
Nixon read the results into the record.
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
5. AB2023_030 Appointment to various vacancies on the Climate Impact Advisory Committee,
Applicant(s): Derek Gremban, Ray Kamada, Stevan Harrell, Phillip Thompson, John
Bosche, Michael Karp, Chris Hoops, Regina Jeffries
Galloway moved and Kershner seconded to nominate all the applicants and
encourage Councilmembers to vote for six people.
Buchanan stated there are five full terms and one partial term.
Derek Gremban, Ray Kamada, Stevan Harrell, Phillip Thompson, Suneeta
Eisenberg, and Regina Jeffries were appointed by the following vote:
Derek Gremban: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway,
and Kershner
Ray Kamada: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway,
and Kershner
Stevan Harrell: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Phillip Thompson: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Regina Jeffries: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Galloway
Suneeta Eisenberg: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Frazey, and Galloway
John Bosche: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Chris Hoops: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Michael Karp: 0
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, read the results into the record and stated
if Council wants to choose either Regina Jeffries or Suneeta Eisenberg for
the partial term that would be helpful.
Byrd moved to appoint Regina Jeffries to the partial term and Suneeta
Eisenberg to the full term. The motion was seconded by Kershner.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Nay: 0
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Derek Gremban addressed the Council after the vote.
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
6. A13200:3-031. Appointment to various vacancies on the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District
Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): Julie Hirsch
Byrd moved and Kershner seconded that Hirsch be APPOINTED. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
7. AB2023-032 Appointment to various vacancies on the Horticulture Pest and Disease Board,
Applicant(s): Troy Kortus, John Grubb
Kershner moved and Galloway seconded that both Troy Kortus and John
Grub be appointed.
Elenbaas spoke about the applicants and stated they will do a wonderful job.
Kershner's motion that Kortus and Grub be APPOINTED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
8. AB2023-033 Appointment to various vacancies on the Planning Commission, Applicant(s): William
Dominic Moceri
Kershner moved and Donovan seconded that Moceri be APPOINTED.
Elenbaas stated he was shocked there was only one applicant.
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, answered what the other district is that the
vacancy is in.
Kershner's motion that Moceri be APPOINTED carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
9. AB2023-034 Appointment to various vacancies on the Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District
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Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): Alan Chapman
Kershner moved and Frazey seconded that Chapman be APPOINTED.
Elenbaas stated the applicant is an asset to the committee.
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, answered whether the committee has
enough members to make a quorum considering all the vacancies.
Kershner's motion that Chapman be APPOINTED carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
10. A 2023 035 Appointment to various vacancies on the Public Health Advisory Board, Applicant(s):
Leah Wainman, Madison Emry, Misty Flowers, Hannah Ordos, Robyn
Phillips-Madson, Susan Prosser, Adrienne Renz, Ashley Thomasson, Shu-Ling Zhao
Buchanan stated they had a request from the Chair of the Public Health
Advisory Board (PHAB) to hold on three of the spots because there are
some of the advisory committees that have not fully formed yet and they
were wanting applicants to apply from some of those committees.
The following people gave information on the membership requirements in
the enabling Ordinance:
• Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
• Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff
• Karen Frakes, Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Buchanan stated the question before them is that the request is to hold until
the committees listed in an email from the PHAB are filled out, but the
enabling Ordinance does not call these committees out specifically. The
Council needs to make the decision whether they want to hold and follow
the PHAB's request or just vote with the applicants they have today.
Byrd moved to vote with the applicants they have today. The motion was
seconded by Elenbaas.
The Clerk started to call roll on the motion but Galloway had her hand up.
She spoke in favor of the recommendation set forth by the Chair of the
PHAB.
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Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, reminded the Council that there are two
vacancies for terms that end in 2026 and five vacancies for terms that end in
2025.
Kershner stated she does not want to get into the place where the PHAB is
taking all of the advice from our advisory boards and funneling it to the
Council and she wants to make sure they are not just filling boards with the
same people. She will support more voices from the community.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Nay: 3 - Buchanan, Donovan, and Frazey
Abstain: 1 - Galloway
Elenbaas stated the file summary states, "Membership preference shall be
given to tribal, racial, ethnic, and other minorities" and asked whether the
application includes a box for an applicant to check if they identify as any of
those things.
Elenbaas moved to nominate all the applicants. The motion was seconded
by Byrd.
Galloway confirmed everyone can vote up to seven times or vote for fewer
than seven and all appointed committee members would need to have at
least four votes.
Four applicants received six votes as follows:
Leah Wainman: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Adrienne Renz: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Ashley Thomasson: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Shu-Ling Zhao: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Misty Flowers: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Hannah Ordos: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Susan Prosser: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Robyn Phillips-Madson: 1 - Byrd
Madison Emry: 0
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, read the results into the record. Leah
Wainman, Adrienne Renz, Ashley Thomasson, and Shu-Ling Zhao were
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appointed. She stated two of those will preferably be chosen to fill the
current positions where the terms expire in 2026 and two with terms that
expire in 2025. She answered whether that decision has to be made with
these four applicants or whether it could be made at a later date with the
remainder of the positions. She stated ideally it would be made with this
vote so we know who is appointed to which position and we can get their
appointment letter sent out and they can begin their service.
Galloway moved to appoint Leah Wainman and Shu-Ling Zhao to the
positions with terms expiring in 2026. The motion was seconded by
Kershner.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay:1 - Byrd
Kershner stated there are applicants on the Zoom meeting and we did not
ask them if they wanted to give us a 30 second introduction.
Elenbaas stated he finds it unsavory that we have enough applicants for
volunteer positions and we are not filling them.
The following applicants spoke after the vote:
• Misty Flowers
• Susan Prosser
• Hannah Ordos
Elenbaas moved to nominate Hannah Ordos, Misty Flowers, and Susan
Prosser for the PHA,B board. The motion was seconded by Byrd.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Kershner
Nay: 3 - Buchanan, Frazey, and Galloway
Abstain: 1 - Donovan
Elenbaas stated he just heard that diversity is important unless it is diversity
of thought against the majority. He would encourage them to reconsider
even just one of the three applicants.
Galloway stated if the PHA.B is not able to identify a representative for
those sectors in a few more weeks, we should revisit the existing
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applications.
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Action Summary:
Appointed the following:
Vacancies with terms that expire in 2026
Leah Wainman and Shu-Ling Zhao
Vacancies with terms that expire in 2025
Adrienne Renz andAshley Thomasson
11. B2023-036 Appointment to various vacancies on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee,
Applicant(s): Rodd Pemble
Frazey moved and Galloway seconded that Pemble be APPOINTED.
Frazey spoke in favor of the applicant.
Frazey's motion that Pemble be APPOINTED carried by the following vote!
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
12. AB2023-038 Appointment to various vacancies on the Flood Control Zone District Advisory
Committee, Applicant(s): Albert de Boer, Ron Bronsema, Jeff De Jong, Bruce
Bosch, John Perry (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors)
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the applicants be
APPOINTED.
Elenbaas stated that he is related to Kurtis Vossbeck.
Galloway's motion that the applicants be APPOINTED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
13. AB2023 050 Appointments to various vacancies on the Noxious Weed Control Board,
Applicant(s): Alan Yoder and Patricia Lenssen
Frazey thanked Jill Nixon after the vote for putting the voting sheets and
memos together.
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Byrd moved and Buchanan seconded that Yoder and Lenssen be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
1. AB2023-055 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an Interlocal Amendment
Between Whatcom County, City of Bellingham and Fire Protection District No 7 to
pays in accordance with the 2023 portion of the 2023-2028 Levy Plan which
includes a 5th Medic Unit in the amount of $13,837,716
Kershner 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
2. AB2022.-732 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into the Memorandum of
Understanding between the North Sound Region Participating Local Governments
and North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization for the
creation of the regional Opioid Abatement Council required by the One Washington
Memorandum of Understanding
Karen Frakes, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, briefed the Councilmembers
on the item and answered whether the Council has a copy of anything to
look at since they had not seen the agreement yet, and whether there is a
timeframe for the item.
Kershner suggested they move the item to the end of the meeting.
The Clerk of the Council sent them the agreement and Councilmembers
reviewed it.
Frakes answered what the agreement's purpose is and whether they will be
paying North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services
Organization an administrative fee to act as the Opioid Abatement Council
(OAC).
Byrd moved and Buchanan seconded that the Memorandum of Agreement 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
3. AB2023-062 Resolution in support of adjudication funding in the Washington State 2023 - 2024
biennium
Donovan briefed the Councilmembers.
Elenbaas asked what process was used to get this on the agenda where it was
not published and has not been seen by the public.
Galloway stated it may have been inspired by a letter that she was wanting to
circulate for feedback and she was hoping the Resolution would be
discussed in conjunction with the letter in the Climate Action and Natural
Resources Committee.
Donovan stated he just wanted to get it out since the Legislature had its first
session yesterday. They can pass it now or put it in committee. If they want
to have it in committee he and Galloway cannot talk about their documents
since they are on the same committee so is he mostly just trying to get this
out for discussion.
Elenbaas spoke about voting on this without giving the agricultural
community, rural residents, and the cities the chance to weigh in.
Councilmembers discussed what the Resolution is asking the Legislature to
fund, whether they should send this to the Climate Action and Natural
Resources Committee for discussion, what fully fun ing means, whether
they are requesting that the State fully funds the legal fees, whether
adjudication would be an equitable process since the person with the most
money usually wins, and whether the burden of proof could fall on the
Department of Ecology (DOE) to prove that the water right holder does not
have a right in order to help level the playing field.
Donovan moved to move this and the letter that Councilmember Galloway
circulated to the Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee. The
motion was seconded by Galloway.
Councilmembers discussed getting someone from the DOE to describe
their budget ask and whether they can also have our legislators involved in
the conversation.
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Donovan's motion that the Resolution be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Absent: 0
4. AB2023-063 Discussion and approval of motion to request the County Executive send a letter of
support for Port of Bellingham and Whatcom County Public Utility District (PUD) # 1
broadband project, with commitment of $4 million for the Port and $350,000 for the
PUD
Buchanan stated they received a letter for review.
Donovan stated the letter on file (in the Legislative Information Center)
mentions the $350,000 and asked whether there was another one that has
the $4 million.
Kershner moved and Galloway seconded that the Request to send the
letters be APPROVED.
Frazey stated she hopes they take Port of Bellingham Commissioner
Michael Shepard's invitation that they have some representation (a staff
member, and if not possible, then a Councilmember) in the broadband
discussions.
Tyler Schroeder, Director of Administrative Services, stated he has been
working with the PUD and the Port to draft how to include County
representation on the broadband workgroup. He will bring something back
to Council.
Frazey spoke about her frustration about not getting information in a timely
manner.
Schroeder discussed with the Councilmembers what the workgroup would
be, and whether a councilmember or staff member would be more
appropriate to be part of the group.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, stated if she were to have to make
a decision about Council staff she would like to have further conversation
with Schroeder about what is going to be expected.
Schroeder stated they have been probably identifying Kayla Schott-Bresler,
the Executive's Special Projects Manager, as participating in that role and
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would be happy to continue to talk with Council about other support
associated with it. He stated there are two letters that will be sent (one will
be the Port's letter to support the North Whatcom County -- Blaine to
Eastern Whatcom County above Lynden - application for $4 million with
American Rescue Plan Act [ARPA] funds, and one for the Point Roberts
application for the $350,000 match) and he answered whether the $4
million will definitely come from ARPA funds. The letters are written to
commit the funding but do not specify the funds. The Council has budgeted
the $4 million out of ARPA but we can have that discussion moving
forward.
Kershner's motion that the request to send the two letters be APPROVED
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
1. AB2023-002 Ordinance amending the Whatcom County Unified Fee Schedule - ferry rates
Donovan moved that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be
INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, stated the Ordinance is a
SUBSTITUTE.
Kershner moved that they introduce this and move it into the Finance
Committee before the hearing that night but a motion was not needed to do
this.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, answered whether there was a
substitute Exhibit A. She stated the Exhibit is included in the Ordinance and
that the code amendment piece was taken out and it is just the ferry fares
now. It was amending the code and the Unified Fee Schedule and now it is
just amending the Unified Fee Schedule.
Elizabeth Kosa, Public Works Department Acting Director, stated while
they would eventually like to do some code changes, especially for clerical
errors, the main issue is to correct the fares right now, then moving forward
they will have more opportunity and more interface with the Lummi Island
Advisory Committee to make some of those code changes.
Donovan's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a Public
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Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING 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 continued where they left off on the reorganization of the
Whatcom County Council for 2023 (AB2023-022) in the Special
Committee of the Whole this morning.
Racial Equity Commission Appoint ONE -Non -Voting member(** 2-year
term) AB2022-590
Buchanan, Kershner, and Frazey withdrew their names from consideration.
Buchanan moved and Donovan seconded to nominate Elenbaas and
Galloway.
Elenbaas stated he had asked how many dissenting voices there were on the
commission and that he was encouraged to join it. He spoke about why he
would like to be on the commission.
Galloway spoke about why she would like to be on the commission.
Galloway was appointed by the following vote:
Galloway: 4 - Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Buchanan
Elenbaas: 3 - Elenbaas, Kershner, and Byrd
Solid Waste Advisory
Galloway moved and Kershner seconded that Frazey be appointed.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, and
Donovan
Nay: 0
Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)
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Kershner moved and Galloway seconded that Buchanan be appointed.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and
Elenbaas
Nay: 0
WSAC Alternate Board Member (The Executive is the active representative,
Councilmember is alternate)
Buchanan moved and Frazey seconded that Galloway be appointed.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, and
Frazey
Nay: 0
WSAC Optional Alternate Board Member (Res2019-008)
Buchanan moved and Frazey seconded that Kershner be appointed.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Kershner, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, and
Galloway
Nay: 0
WSAC Le isg lative Steering Committee
Kershner moved and Frazey seconded that Galloway be appointed.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Nay: 0
WSAC Timber Counties Caucus - Optional
Kershner withdrew her name from consideration.
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Kershner moved and Buchanan seconded that Galloway be appointed.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, and
Buchanan
Nay: 0
WSAC Coastal Counties Caucus - Optional
Kershner moved and Buchanan seconded that Galloway be appointed.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, and
Byrd
Nay: 0
Whatcom Transportation Authority
Byrd withdrew his name from consideration.
Donovan spoke about why he would like to be appointed.
Kershner withdrew her name from consideration.
Donovan was appointed by acclamation by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, Donovan, and Elenbaas
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Galloway stated there is an Executive Committee for the Snohomish,
Whatcom, Island, San Juan and Skagit (SWISS) Regional Partnership that
has either the Council Chair or designee and she asked whether that
committee should be added to the Chair's assignments or whether the
Council would like to choose a designee.
Frazey stated she would like to put it out to the Chair or whomever else is
interested.
Galloway stated she would welcome Buchanan to be the primary
representative on the committee and have her as the alternate and Buchanan
agreed.
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Galloway moved and Kershner seconded to appoint Buchanan as the
primary representative and Galloway as the alternate.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, Kershner, and
Buchanan
Nay: 0
Councilmembers gave Committee Reports and reported on other items.
Byrd spoke about a suit filed by the Seattle Public School System against
the large social media companies for damages to youth and the public health
issues it is causing. He would like to explore joining that suit.
Byrd moved to put the discussion in an Executive Session at the next
meeting. The motion was seconded by Kershner.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, stated the next meeting in two
weeks is packed and she is not sure how much time this one is going to take.
Karen Frakes, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, stated it would be important
to make sure the attorneys who would be representing us would be available
before setting a time for an executive session.
Byrd amended his motion to have an Executive Session (to discuss a social
media lawsuit) and meet at the next available date that works for everyone.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Fraley, Galloway, and
Kershner
Nay: 0
Galloway reported on the Washington Association of Counties (WSAC)
Legislative Steering Committee orientation. She would like clear direction
from Council on how they would like to receive information from her on
the legislative session as well as protocols they would like her to take when
she is engaging on particular bills, either on behalf of WSAC or consistent
with our legislative objectives or policies that we have supported as a
county or as a council.
Elenbaas spoke about being disappointed that there could not be a dissenting
voice on an advisory committee when the Council had the opportunity to
appoint one.
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Kershner thanked all the applicants that put in their applications for boards
and commissions.
Galloway stated she would like to have a Council retreat where they can
come together with their years' worth of policy priorities and discuss how
they might better communicate with each other on outcomes of committee
assignments.
Councilmembers discussed questions about what constitutes a quorum for
committee members and finding out how other jurisdictions are doing it.
Buchanan reported on a recent ceremony in honor of re -naming the Crisis
Stabilization Center to the Anne Deacon Center for Hope.
ACTION SUMMARY:
Councilmembers continued to vote on Committee Assignments from the Special Committee of the Whole.
Motion approved 7-0 to have an Executive Session to discuss a social media lawsuit and meet at the next available
date that works for everyone.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
The County ;,Council approved these minutes on February 7, 2023.
AT TE `F:`
�°�� WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
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WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Dana Brown -Davis, Couricil,Clerk
Kristi Felbinger, Minutes Transcription
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