HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Apr 25 2023Whatcom County
Council
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
Minutes - Final
Tuesday, April 25, 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 4.25.2023
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 April 25, 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
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
The Executive did not have a report.
MINUTES CONSENT
Donovan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was
seconded by Byrd (see votes on individual items below).
t. M IN202.3-030, Committee of the Whole for April 11, 2023
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
2. MIN2023-031 Regular County Council for April 11, 2023
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
3. MIN2023-032 Water Work Session for April 18, 2023
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
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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AB2023 -23 I Ordinance establishing a temporary speed limit for Birch Bay Lynden Road
Jim Karcher, Public Works Department, stated he was available for
questions.
Buchanan opened the Public Hearing and, hearing no one, closed the Public
Hearing.
Kershner moved and Byrd seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public
Hearing be ADOPTED.
Donovan asked how long this temporary speed limit would last and
Kershner stated it would be about ten days.
Councilmembers voted on the item (see vote below after more discussion).
Elenbaas asked whether the State picks up the cost of the signs and the time
since they are requesting the project and Karcher stated they do and they are
going to support the County in the whole process. Elenbaas requested that,
when these memos come out in the future, staff address how the projects
are being paid for.
Kershner'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
Enactment No: ORD 2023-022
2. AB2023-240 Ordinance for temporary installation of stop signs on Birch Bay Lynden Road
Jim Karcher, Public Works Department, stated he was available for
questions but there were none.
Buchanan opened the Public Hearing and, hearing no one, closed the Public
Hearing.
Donovan moved and Kershner seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be ADOPTED.
Kershner spoke about the reason for this and the previous ordinance.
Donovan'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
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Nay: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2023-023
3. AB2023-2.46 Ordinance establishing a temporary speed limit for Hannegan Road
Buchanan opened the Public Hearing and, hearing no one, closed the Public
Hearing.
Kershner moved and Byrd seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public
Hearing be ADOPTED.
Donovan stated this relates to Hannegan because we are going to be
detouring people off the Mount Baker Highway for four months.
Kershner stated she received comments from a constituent who was certain
that this project could be done without closing down the entire road and
asked if there is anything the County can do, although it is a State project, to
alleviate the pain people may feel from closing down Mt. Baker Highway
for this amount of time.
Jim Karcher, Public Works Department, stated there is nothing that can be
done and answered questions about the closures.
Elenbaas stated his concern is that this is a big deal to people in those areas
and no one stood up to talk about it, and he asked whether it would be wise
to hold this for two weeks to allow people to comment.
Karcher answered whether there is time to do what Elenbaas is suggesting
and stated the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
wants to start the closure the last week in May.
Elenbaas moved to hold this until the first meeting in May and keep the
public hearing open so that people can address the Council. The motion was
seconded by Donovan.
Councilmembers and Karcher discussed whether Elenbaas' issue is with the
closure which is the next agenda item, that the item was discussed two
weeks ago, whether there are other alternatives to consider, whether
Council could actually vote on May 9th if they held it tonight, when the
State wants to start construction, whether it is imperative that the Kelly and
Van Wyck intersections have to close and whether they have to lower the
speed limit on Hannegan, and whether the closures and speed limit lowering
will take place after the Ski to Sea event.
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Elenbaas' motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be HELD IN
COUNCIL and the hearing kept open carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Galloway
The public hearing for this item was kept open.
4. AB2023 ?48 Ordinance establishing a temporary closure of Kelly Road and Van Wyck Road
Buchanan opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:
® Christopher Diele
Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the Public Hearing.
I Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be HELD IN COUNCIL until May 9th.
Councilmembers discussed whether they are going to leave the public
hearing open.
Donovan amended his motion to leave the public hearing open.
Jim Karcher, Public Works Department, answered why they are closing
these roads, and whether their closure is an absolutely necessary piece of
the puzzle of Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
taking care of their culvert. He stated it was not.
Donovan's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be HELD
IN COUNCIL and the hearing kept open carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Galloway
The public hearing for this item was kept open.
5. AB2023-258 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 10.34, Ferry Rates
Elizabeth Kosa, Public Works Department Director, briefed the
Councilmembers on this and the next agenda item (AB2023-259). She stated
the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee forwarded the Public Works
Department (last minute) new information from a community member that
Public Works was able to review this afternoon. After preliminary reviews,
they found there is validity in that information. It affects the balance of the
fare box reserve, and therefore impacts any changes Public Works would
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propose. Due to the nature of the information, Public Works is not
recommending moving forward with AB2023-259 (the next agenda item
regarding the Unified Fee Schedule). They would like to take the
opportunity to fully vet this new information and see what the resulting
outcomes are and then bring those back to the Council at a later date. Public
Works sees the following options for the Council:
1. The Council can proceed with the hearing for AB2023-258 (this
item) but Public Works recommends against proceeding with an
actual decision on the Ordinance. Additionally, Public Works
recommends cancelling the fee schedule hearing (AB2023-259) until
they can fully vet that.
2. The Council could opt to postpone both public hearings (AB2023-
258 and AB2023-259) until Public Works has vetted the new
information and they can come back to the Council with both
Ordinances.
3. The Council can opt to proceed with both hearings but Public Works
does not recommend proceeding with a decision on either one of
those hearings tonight.
She answered whether the new information she just referenced has been
forwarded to the Council and whether they know yet if it is valid. She stated
they did not have enough time but as they looked at it, they realized they
should take a deep dive and look to see how valid it is.
Donovan stated that when this item was in Committee he sent an email
about the Ordinance having a more concrete definition of "capital" and he
sent a section of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) that might
work for that, so he hopes that could be considered as well.
Buchanan asked which Ordinance Donovan's suggestion would be applicable
to and Kosa stated it would be A132023-258. He asked whether changes
could be coming potentially on both Ordinances and Kosa stated potentially
yes. She repeated the options for the Council.
Donovan moved to hold one hearing (for this item) and cancel the hearing
for AB2023-259.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, answered whether he can move to
hold one hearing and not the other.
Donovan withdrew his motion in order to deal with each file individually
and moved to cancel the hearing for AB2023-259 since a hearing is already
scheduled for AB2023-258. But Councilmembers and the Clerk stated that
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his motion is out of order since they are not considering AB2023-259 yet.
So, Donovan withdrew his motion.
Kershner asked if Public Works could forward the community member's
email to the Council.
Buchanan asked whether Public Works is still recommending that the
Council does not take action on the hearing they have tonight (this item),
and Kosa stated that is correct.
Buchanan opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:
• Bob Anderson
• Mike Skehan
• Ralph Steele
• Pam Gould
• Rich Frye
• Steven Thomas
• Katherine Schornack
• Peter Earle
• David Cummins
• Patrick Vincent
• Paul Isaacson
• Kathy Zaiser
• Chris Parker
• Name not stated
• Travis Skinner
• Marissa Orada
• Steve Schneider
• (first name not audible) Dickenson
• Name not stated
• Michelle Luke
• David Kershner
Hearing no one else, Buchanan stated the Public Hearing would be left
open.
Donovan moved to keep the public hearing open and hold this until the first
meeting in June. The motion was seconded by Elenbaas.
Buchanan asked whether the 20th of June (as mentioned by one of the
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speakers) has any significance.
Donovan amended his motion to hold this item until the second meeting in
June (June 20).
Kershner stated this item is concerning changes to the Code. She asked, if
they hold this hearing open and make no changes to the code at this time,
whether they are not to make any further advancements towards using
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars because the Code does not
allow that.
Donovan's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be HELD
IN COUNCIL until the second meeting in June and the public hearing kept
open carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
The public hearing for this item was kept open.
6. AB2023 259 Ordinance amending 2023 Whatcom County Unified Fee Schedule
Clerk's note: See discussion on this item above under AB2023-258.
Donovan moved to cancel the public hearing on AB2023-259 (this item).
The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, clarified whether this would also
(like the last item) be back on for June 20th.
Donovan amended his motion and moved to cancel the public hearing on
AB2023-259 (this item) and have it come back at the same time as
AB2023-258 (June 20).
Brown -Davis stated if there will be substantial changes we will have to
reintroduce the Ordinance.
Tyler Schroeder, Director of Administrative Services, stated there are
likely going to be some substantial changes to this version, so instead of
just placing the date, we would like to bring it forward to reintroduce and go
through the whole process again for this item.
Donovan withdrew his amended motion and moved to hold this until staff is
ready to bring it back but then just went back to his original motion to
cancel the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
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Elizabeth Kosa, Public Works Department Director, answered how long
they will need to look at the new information and get back to Council and
whether the Council will be having updates. She stated they do not
necessarily know a date for that but if there are substantial changes it is
worth just removing this Ordinance because Public Works would be coming
to the Council with a whole new Ordinance.
The motion to cancel the public hearing carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and
Kershner
Nay: 0
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be WITHDRAWN from Council consideration. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
ACTION SUMMARY:
Motion approved 7-0 to cancel the hearing, then
Motion approved 7-0 to withdraw this item from consideration
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
• Doug (Yoshe) Revelle
• Christopher Diele
• Rob Dhaliwal
• Danaya Snavely
• Name not stated
• Stephanie (last name not given)
• Natalie Chavez
• Maya Morales
• Misty Flowers
Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the Open Session.
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
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and moved to approve Consent Agenda items one and two and four through
ten. She stated that a citizen requested that Consent Agenda items three
(AB2023-278) and eleven (AB2023-296) be considered separately.
Elenbaas asked why Consent Agenda item number five (AB2023-283) was in
the Finance and Administrative Services Committee, whether there was a
reason why they chose Snohomish County, and whether it is really needed
when we have two health officers. The originator of the item was not
present so Councilmembers continued on to the vote.
Councilmembers voted on Consent Agenda items one and two and four
through ten (see votes on individual items below and items considered
separately after the Consent Agenda).
A13202 �-236 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal amendment
between Whatcom County and Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 5 for
the provision of a one-time distribution of EMS Levy Funds in support of Basic Life
Support services in the amount of $61,755.39
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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
2. AB2023-251_ Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Phoenix Counseling, LLC to provide domestic
violence evaluations and treatment for defendants processed through Whatcom
County District Court and Bellingham Municipal Court in the amount of $80,000.01
for a total amended contract amount of $120,000
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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
3. AB2023W774. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Snohomish County to utilize State Homeland Security Program
(SHSP) funding to sustain and enhance Division of Emergency Management
programs, in the amount of $42,081
This item was considered separately. See Consent Agenda Items Considered Separately below.
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4. AB2023-281 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Lynden Tribune and Print Co. to provide print and mail
services, in the amount of $60,000.00
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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
5. A2023-283 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Snohomish County for Health Officer coverage when
either County's Health Officer is physically unavailable or is absent and Health Officer
advice and authority is necessary
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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
6. A132023-285 Request authorization for the County Executive to award bid #23-20 and enter into a
contract between Whatcom County and Granite Construction Company for the Hot
Mix Asphalt Pre -Level at various locations in an amount not to exceed $564,790
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Bid Award be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
7. 1 B2023-288 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham for the lease extension for the
Williamson Way land, in the amount of $91,362.67
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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
8. 11B2023_ 290 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between. Whatcom County and USDA Forest Service to provide a part-time deputy
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to patrol roads in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, within Whatcom County
boundaries, in the amount of $56,760.00
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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
9. AB20233-2911 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Commerce to support
essential community services and recovery assistance after a state declared disaster, in
the amount of $4,294,850
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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
10. AB2023.-292 Request authorization for the County Executive to award Bid #22-63 and enter into a
contract between Whatcom County and Andgar Mechanical LLC to add heat pumps
to the Sun House in the amount of $97,429.31
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Bid Award be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
11. B2023-296 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP) to implement the strategy of the Northwest High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), in the amount of $159,354.00
This item was considered separately. See Consent Agenda Items Considered Separately below.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY
3. A B2023-278 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Snohomish County to utilize State Homeland Security Program
(SHSP) funding to sustain and enhance Division of Emergency Management
programs, in the amount of $42,081
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Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED.
John Gargett, Division of Emergency Management, briefed the
Councilmembers.
Elenbaas stated he appreciates how always prepared and knowledgeable Mr.
Gargett is on everything he brings or presents to the Council.
Kershner's motion that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
11. A B2023-296 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP) to implement the strategy of the Northwest High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), in the amount of $159,354.00
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED.
Doug Chadwick, Undersheriff, briefed the Councilmembers.
Kershner's motion that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
OTHERITEMS
(From Council Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee)
1. AB2023- 286 Resolution authorizing the County Executive to grant an easement to Puget Sound
Energy across park property within an existing access easement agreement
Galloway reported for the Climate Action and Natural Resources
Committee and moved that the Resolution be APPROVED.
Elenbaas spoke about why he voted no on this item in Committee.
Bennett Knox, Parks and Recreation Department Director, answered
Elenbaas' questions about why the County would not get compensation
from an energy company looking to do this and whether it is typical that the
County does not charge for right-of-ways. He stated it was an existing
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access easement that is not causing any impact to the park itself. We
normally would charge if there was an impact to the park, but this is
underground within the roadway to the property through the existing access
and it is a stand-alone sliver that is north of the bulk of the park.
Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, stated it is usually on a case -by -case
basis. He stated the line of questioning is a good one and asked if Elenbaas
had more thoughts on it or some policy discussion regarding it.
Elenbaas stated he was just wondering what our stance was, whether we
applied it evenly across all companies or right-of-way uses, and why we
would not ask for compensation since that would probably be done in the
private sector.
Galloway's motion that the Resolution be APPROVED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2023-008
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
2. AB2023-264 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Public Safety Radio System Fund,
request no. 3
Kershner 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
Enactment No: ORD 2023-024
3. AB2023-269 Ordinance authorizing an interfund loan for the purchase of flood response equipment
Kershner 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
Enactment No: ORD 2023-025
4. AB �02 3-270 Ordinance amending the 2023 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 6, in the amount
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of $6,245,264
Kershner reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. She stated this amendment to
our Whatcom County budget includes the nearly $4.3 million that we are
receiving from the State for flood victims.
Kershner's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2023-026
5. /iB20233 271_ Resolution amending the 2023 Flood Control Zone District & Subzones Budget,
request no. 1, in the amount of $12,096,245 (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 Resolution (FCZDBS) be APPROVED.
Councilmembers voted on the item (see vote below).
Elenbaas asked which item it was that Kershner asked about Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) funding in Committee. Kershner stated it was
Consent Agenda item number one for Fire Protection District No. 5 and
gave an overview of that discussion from Committee.
Kershner's motion that the Resolution (FCZDBS) be APPROVED carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2023-009
6. A02023- 279 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Collins Woerman to continue assistance in planning,
facilitation, and technical support of Floodplain Integrated Planning (FLIP) team
meetings, in the amount of $100,000.00 for a total contract amount of $140,000.00
(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. The motion
carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
7. AB2023-282 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to support childcare stabilization in
Whatcom County, in the amount of $498,732.72
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
8. AB2023_293 Request authorization from the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to support operations at
the Ground Floor Day Use Center in the amount of $34,148 for a total amended
countract amount of $194,148
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
9. AB2023r 300 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to operate the Whatcom
Homeless Service Center in the amount of $1,113,813 for a total amended contract
amount of $5,128,564
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
(From Council Public Works and Health Committee)
10. AB2023-228 Request approval to send a letter regarding proposed legislation to increase truck size
and weight
Kershner reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and moved
that the Request for Motion be HELD IN COMMITTEE. The motion carried
by the following vote:
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Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
11. AB2023-254 Resolution adopting 2022 Whatcom County Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous
Waste Management Plan
Kershner reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and moved
that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2023-010
12. AB2023294 Resolution adopting the Food System Plan created by the Whatcom County Food
System Committee
Kershner reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and moved
that the Resolution be HELD IN COMMITTEE until June 6. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
This item will be held until June 6, 2023 in order to give some of the community members that are involved in
farming an opportunity to work with the committee and to make some amendments.
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
1. AB2023-216 Appointment to a vacancy on the Horticulture Pest and Disease Board, Applicant(s):
Isaiah Del Giorgio
Galloway moved and Donovan seconded that the Council Appointment
Requiring Introduction be APPOINTED.
Elenbaas asked if the applicant was present and stated he was excited to see
the application because he had received a recommendation for this
gentleman.
Isaiah Del Giorgio addressed the Council.
Elenbaas spoke about the experience his father had in this field and stated
he was excited there are other young people coming up that are into this
type of thing as well.
Galloway's motion that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be
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APPOINTED carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
2. AB2023-2 77 Appointment to vacancies on the Wildlife Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): Karen
Hardesty
Galloway moved and Donovan seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
1. AB2023-315 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Sourcewell Cooperative to take advantage of existing
Sourcewell bids and requests for proposal
in finance
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
2. AB2023-316 Council staff seeks clarification related to a previously approved motion to send a
letter regarding the North Cascades Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Restoration
Plan/Environmental Impact Statement
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council, briefed the Councilmembers, and
stated she just wanted to clarify whether the Council still wanted to send the
individual letter rather than signing on to the joint letter with Chelan and
Skagit Counties.
Elenbaas stated he would prefer that we sign on to the letter asking for
Cooperator Agency status rather than do our own thing so we have a seat at
the table.
Elenbaas moved to sign on to this proposed letter in the packet. The
motion was seconded by Kershner.
Donovan asked why we would not send our own letter. He stated he attended
the meeting and did not find a real compelling reason to go along with it.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Elenbaas, Galloway, Kershner, Buchanan, and Byrd
Nay: 0
Abstain: 2 - Frazey and Donovan
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
ACTION SUMMARY: Motion approved to sign on to the letter in the packet 5-0-2 with Frazey and Donovan
abstaining
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Kershner moved to introduce items one through four. The motion was
seconded by Byrd (see votes on individual items below).
1. A132023-298 Ordinance amending the 2023 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 7, in the amount
of 2,880,144
Kershner moved and Byrd seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
2. AB2023-299 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Way Station Project Fund, request
no. 2
Kershner moved and Byrd seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
3. h132023_289 Appointment to a vacancy on the Sumas/Everson/Nooksack Flood Control Subzone
Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): Jerry Juergens (Council Acting as the Flood
Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Kershner moved and Byrd 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
4. AB2 23-302 Appointment to a vacancy on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee,
higher education representative, Applicant(s): Barry Robinson
Kershner moved and Byrd seconded that the Council Appointment Requiring
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Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, Galloway, and Kershner
Nay: 0
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Ii11Lei I] 7►i
Councilmembers gave committee reports and other updates.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, reported on the following:
• The County's first Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and
Resiliency ("C-PACER") financing program contract was signed
• The Administration was approached by A1taGas, a landowner at
Cherry Point, who is looking at some kind of green hydrogen project
and met with two senior managers along with the Port of Bellingham.
Donovan stated we need to talk about how we get more visibility for the
C-PACER program.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on May 9, 2023.
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Dana B°roYuchanan, Council Chair
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Kristi Felbinger, Minutes Transcription
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