HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Jan 9 2024Whatcom County
Council
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Minutes - Final
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
6PM
Hybrid Meeting
HYBRID MEETING (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN
INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL
360.778.5010)
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Elenbaas
Kaylee Galloway
Jon Scanlon
Mark Stremler
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
Council Minutes - Final January 9, 2024
COUNTY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in a
hybrid meeting.
ROLL CALL
Present: 7 - Barry Buchanan, Tyler Byrd, Todd Donovan, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway,
Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, read from a report (on file in the Meeting
Details). He answered how the County is prepared for the upcoming cold
weather this week and what people can do to help, whether we have any
prearranged transportation to get people to somewhere warm, and where
people can go to learn to volunteer.
MINUTES CONSENT
Byrd moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was seconded
by Galloway (see votes on individual items below),
1. tw/1IN2023-077 Special Council for December 4, 2023
Byrd moved and Galloway seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
2. Ce/LIN2023m0 l8. Committee of the Whole for December 5, 2023
Byrd moved and Galloway seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. MIN2023-079, Regular County Council for December 5, 2023
Byrd moved and Galloway 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
4. 1'ei IN202' 080 Special Council for December 19, 2023
Byrd moved and Galloway seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
• Joni Hensley
• Rosemary VanBeek
• Sandra Kisska
• Julie Terry
• Austin Papritz
• Lyle Sorenson
• Sallye Quinn
• Markis Dee Stidham
• Misty Flowers
• Melissa Gragg Wisener
• Charles Bailey
• Matt Berry
• Natalie Chavez
Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the Open Session.
CONSENT AGENDA
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through twenty-two.
Elenbaas requested that item number twenty-two be considered separately.
Donovan amended his motion and moved to approve items one through
twenty-one. Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual
items below).
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1. A132024-003 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Catholic Community Services to support case
management and operations and maintenance at the Francis Place permanent
supportive housing facility in the amount of $314,529 for a total amended contract
amount of $484,570
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
2. AB2024.004_ Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal amendment
between Whatcom County and the City of Blaine to extend the term of the Jail Use
Agreement until December 31, 2024
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. / 2024-005 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatrnm Cniinty nnrd lPz inn D»hPk� DT)q of T)t.ntAllPT.T.0 fnr Tmmnte
Dental Services in the amount of $80,000 for a total amended amount of
$116,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
4. AB1024-00 7 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Cordant Health Solutions for Jail Alternatives Drug
Testing in the amount of $11,035.00 for a total amended amount of $68,140.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
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5. AB2024 -024 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Social
& Health Services Developmental Disabilities Administration to provide services for
people with developmental disabilities in the amount of $609,873 for a total amended
agreement amount of $6,069,370
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
6. fg lB202,4e-025 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
for the Sheriff's Office boating safety program to continue to receive Vessel
Registration Fees (VRF) and Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) grant funds
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
7. AB2024-026 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Regional Council for Nursing Services in
the Jail and Juvenile Detention in the amount of $1,924,551.06 for a total amended
amount of $8,357,536.17
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
8. AB2024-029 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interagency agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Commerce to
receive state funds to conduct climate planning activities in association with the 2025
Comprehensive Plan and development regulations update, in the amount of $475,000
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Nay: 0
9. AB2024- 3. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lydia Place to provide housing case management
services in the amount of $500,112 for a total amended contract amount of
$1,566,919
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
10. AB20 4-0 35 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Natural Resources
for the collection, processing, and delivery of lidar topographic and bathymetric
mapping of the Nooksack and Sumas rivers, in the amount of $349,600 (Council
acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Donovan 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: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
11. AB2024-036 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Marvin Wayne M.D., P.S. for the provision of Medical
Program Director services in the amount of $255,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
12.[31023W03% 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
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Nay: 0
13. AB2024--038 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and AXIOM Armored Transport to provide armored car
services in the amended amount of $21,600 plus fuel surcharge for a total amended
amount of $58,000 plus fuel surcharge
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
14. AB2024-051 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a three year contract
between Whatcom County and PeaceHealth St. Joseph's Medical Center to provide
emergency medical services for jail inmates in the amount of $230,0000 per year
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
15. A1_ 20.23 -811 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and City of Everson for Department of Homeland
Security FY2022 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), in the amount of $12,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
16. A g2023 ,%13 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and City of Ferndale for Department of Homeland
Security FY2022 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), in the amount of $12,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
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17. A1320233.-814 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and City of Lynden for Department of Homeland Security
FY2022 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), in the amount of $12,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
18. AB2_,02_,3-815. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and City of Sumas for Department of Homeland Security
FY2022 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), in the amount of $12,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
19. AB2023-8,1 E Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and City of Blaine for Department of Homeland Security
FY2022 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), in the amount of $12,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
20. AB2023--81 7. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for
Department of Homeland Security FY2022 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), in the
amount of $8,000.00
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
21. AX02.:3„-8-27 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into contract amendments
between Whatcom County and Washington State Military Department for Operation
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Stonegarden FY21 to extend the end date of the grant agreement, update the grant's
personnel contact information and add $73,125.00 for a total amended contract
amount of $229,417.50
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
22. AB2023S36 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to provide prevention
services that reduce risk to LGBTQ+ youth in the amount of $25,000 for a total
amended contract amount of $100,000
This item was considered separately below.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY
22. AB20231836 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Northwest Youth Services to provide prevention
services that reduce risk to LGBTQ+ youth in the amount of $25,000 for a total
amended contract amount of $100,000
Donovan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Contract be AUTHORIZED.
Councilmembers discussed the motion, whether the services are just for a
certain group, whether that comes at the cost of another group's safety,
whether the funding should just be for any individuals that need services,
and that the wording of the contract seems vague.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated this is a group of people that have not
been able to be taken care of any other place. We need a place where people
can get the help they need.
Galloway stated this is just one of their programs and they do provide
services to other groups.
Donovan's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler
e
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(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
1. AB2024'-00m1_ Resolution updating the appendix of the 2022 Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS)
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2024-001
2. AB2024-002 Request for motion to approve the updated Criminal Justice Treatment Account
(CJTA) plan
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Request for Motion be APPROVED The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. A132023-822 Ordinance adopting two -tenths of one -percent sales and use tax for the purpose of
funding public health, safety, and justice facilities and services, including a new county
jail, behavioral health, supportive housing, public safety, and criminal justice facilities
and programs
Donovan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2024-001
4. AB2023-840 Ordinance amending the 2023 Whatcom County Budget, request no 17, in the
amount of $1,400,000
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
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Enactment No: ORD 2024-002
(From Council Committee of the Whole)
5. AB202-4-:0 3 Resolution requesting that the Governor of Washington declare a state of emergency
in response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis
Buchanan reported for the Committee of the Whole and moved that the
SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED.
Councilmembers discussed the substitute resolution and the amendments
that were made in Committee.
Buchanan's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2024-002
6. A B2024- 064 Resolution requesting that the President of the United States declare a federal
emergency in response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis
Buchanan moved and Donovan seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution
be APPROVED.
Galloway spoke about a scrivener's error in the final statement of the
substitute ordinance (it should just say Congress and not "Congress and
Senate") and Stremler stated Councilmembers are available to the public to
talk about the amendments made.
Buchanan's motion that SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2024-003
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
1. AB2014-039 Appointments to vacancies on the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources
Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): Sherrie
Jerrett-Green and Rebecca Hardie (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District
Board of Supervisors)
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded to appoint both applicants.
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Councilmembers discussed the motion and asked whether the applicants
would like to address the Council but no one did.
Donovan's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
2. AB2024-.040 Appointment to a vacancy on the Board of Equalization, Applicant(s): Sonja Merk
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. AB2_0,24-041_ Appointment to vacancies on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee,
Applicant(s): Heather Steele, Matthew Green
Buchanan stated there are two applicants and three vacancies and one was a
late application.
Galloway moved to accept all late applications for all the appointments
tonight. The motion was seconded by Scanlon.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, and
Galloway
Nay: 0
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
4. AB2024--042 Appointment to vacancies on the Child and Family Well -Being Task Force,
Applicant(s): Brande Ortiz, Lyn Salazar, Vesla Tonnessen, Megan Juenemann, Sallye
Quinn
Buchanan stated there are five applicants and four vacancies.
Galloway moved and Donovan seconded to consider all applicants.
The following applicant addressed the Council (Sallye Quinn spoke earlier
during Open Session):
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19 Megan Juenemann
Councilmembers voted and appointed Vesla Tonnessen (7 votes), Megan
Juenemann (7 votes), Lyn Salazar (6 votes), and Sallye Quinn (6 votes) as
follows:
Vesla Tonnessen: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon,
Galloway, and Stremler
Megan Juenemann: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon,
Galloway, and Stremler
Lynn Salazar: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Scanlon, Galloway, and
Stremler
Sallye Quinn: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, Galloway, and
Stremler
Brande Ortiz: 2 - Byrd and Elenbaas
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, stated Councilmembers need to assign
term end dates. Three are partial terms ending January 31, 2025 and one is a
partial term ending January 31, 2027.
Elenbaas moved to appoint Sallye Quinn to the term ending 1/31/2027.
The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, Galloway, Stremler, and
Buchanan
Nay: 0
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Lyn Salazar (6 votes), Vesla Tonnessen (7 votes), Megan Juenemann (7 votes), and Sallye Quinn (6
votes).
Motion approved 7-0 to appoint Quinn to the position ending 1/31/2027.
5. AB20 4-043 Appointment to vacancies on the Climate Impact Advisory Committee, Applicant(s):
Charles Bailey, Robert Mitchell, Joyce Cooper, Jim Boyle, Jamie Hogue, David
Frankel, Eddy Ury, Joshua Williams, Howard Sharfstein
Buchanan stated there are ten applicants and six vacancies.
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, stated there was one late applicant
(included in the ten).
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Buchanan asked if there were any applicants that have not spoken already
tonight but there were none.
Councilmembers voted and appointed Jim Boyle (7 votes), Charles Bailey
(6 votes), Eddy Ury (6 votes), Howard Sharfstein (6 votes), Robert Mitchell
(6 votes), and David Frankel (5 votes) by the following vote:
Jim Boyle: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, Galloway, and
Stremler
Charles Bailey: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, Galloway, and
Stremler
Eddy Ury: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, and Galloway
Howard Sharfstein: 6 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, Galloway,
and Stremler
Robert Mitchell: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Scanlon, Galloway, and
Stremler
David Frankel: 5 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, and Stremler
Jamie Hogue: 2 - Byrd and Stremler
Joshua Williams: 2 - Scanlon and Galloway
Joyce Cooper: 1 - Byrd
Barbara Barnes Plourde: 1 - Elenbaas
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Jim Boyle (7 votes), Charles Bailey (6 votes), Eddy Ury (6 votes), Howard Sharfstein (6 votes), Robert
Mitchell (6 votes), and David Frankel (5 votes).
6. A13202j-044 Appointment to vacancies on the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District
Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): George Kaas
Donovan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
7. A132024m045 Appointment to vacancies on the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee,
Applicant(s): Dale Buys, Holly O'Neil, Ron Bronsema, Jeff De Jong, John Perry, and
Bruce Bosch (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors)
Galloway moved and Byrd seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Nay: 0
8. A132024-046 Appointment to a vacancy on the Noxious Weed Control Board, Applicant(s):
George Kaas
Byrd moved and Galloway seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
9. AB2024-047 Appointment to vacancies on the Public Health Advisory Board, Applicant(s): Sterling
Chick, Emily O'Connor, Kelli Carroll, Julie Terry, Joni Hensley
Buchanan stated he was contacted by the Health Department director who
requested that the Council only appoint the first two vacancies (Sterling
Chick's and Emily O'Connor's) and hold the rest until January 23rd.
Galloway moved to hold the appointment until the next Council meeting on
the 23rd.
Councilmembers discussed the motion to hold.
Byrd moved to amend the motion to add that no additional applicants be
accepted. The motion was seconded by Elenbaas.
Councilmembers discussed the motion to amend the motion to hold and
when the request from the director was received.
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and Elenbaas
Nay: 2 - Galloway and Scanlon
Councilmembers discussed the motion to hold.
The motion to hold as amended failed by the following vote:
Aye: 0
Nay: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and
Stremler
Elenbaas moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
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Motion approved 7-0 that no additional applicants be accepted (if they vote to hold the item), but the motion to hold
the item failed 0-7 so Councilmembers voted on a motion to appoint all applicants.
10. B2024-Y048 Appointment to vacancies on the Planning Commission, Applicant(s): James Hansen
and Frank James
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED.
Jill Nixon, Council Office Staff, stated that one position (Jim Hansen's) is
full term and the other position open is a partial term ending January 31,
2025. When they appoint the two applicants, Jim Hansen will have the full
term and Frank James will have the partial term.
Donovan's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
11. AB2024-049 Appointment to vacancies on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Applicant(0:
William McCarter and Brandi Hutton
Buchanan stated there are two applicants and three vacancies.
Clerk's note: A motion was inadvertently not made for this item while
Lounc11111e111Ue1J Were t)o1lJlderlilg It, UUtt11e l^.olt11c11rllelrlUel-S voted. The
clerk came back to it later in the meeting and the Councilmembers
officially made a motion. The motion and vote below reflect that later
conversation.
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
There were no agenda items added by revision.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Donovan moved to introduce items one through five. The motion was
seconded by Galloway (see votes on individual items below).
1. AB2024-006Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 1.08 (Initiative, Referendum
and Recall) to increase the length of the concise description of a ballot title from 30 to
75 words
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Council Minutes - Final January 9, 2024
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
2. AB2024-027 Ordinance establishing a project budget for the Cedar Hills Culvert Replacement
Project Fund; SWP #SWLW23-05
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. AB2024-028 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Public Safety Radio System Fund,
request no. 4
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
4. AB2024-032 Resolution adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space
(CPROS) Plan
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Resolution Requiring a
Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
5. AB2024-034 Ordinance amending the 2024 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 3, in the amount
of 1,693,840
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Council Minutes - Final January 9, 2024
Nay: 0
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
The Clerk asked to go back to Council Appointments, item number 11
(AB2024-049) because Councilmembers voted on that item but inadvertently
did not make a motion.
Galloway moved to appoint the applicants, Buchanan seconded, and they
voted again 7-0.
Councilmembers gave Committee reports.
Scanlon reported on Committee of the Whole and moved to add House Bill
2276 Real Estate Transfer Tax and House Bill 2114/Senate Bill 5961, Rent
Stabilization to the Council's list of legislative priorities. The motion was
seconded by Galloway.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler
Galloway stated she will bring something back in two weeks on another
proposed addition to the legislative priorities list regarding forestry efforts
to ensure our beneficiaries are receiving the financial support that they
need.
Councilmembers continued committee reports.
Councilmembers discussed a substitute version (on file as "Revised MOU
1.09.2024") of the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU)
(AB2024-066) from the Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee
today with the following people:
• Royce Buckingham, Prosecuting Attorney's Office
• Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
• Satpal Sidhu, County Executive
They discussed who could be the signers, a scrivener's error on page seven
of nine (in the first section B) for Elenbaas' name, what contact information
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Council Minutes - Final January 9, 2024
to include for Elenbaas and Executive Sidhu, the fact that the Executive is
authorized to sign the final document, whether it should be signed and sent
now, and a scrivener's error in the title of the document listing just
"Whatcom" instead of "Whatcom County."
Galloway moved to request authorization for the County Executive and
Councilmember Elenbaas to sign the Memorandum of Understanding. The
motion was seconded by Buchanan.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, and
Donovan
Nay: 0
Elenbaas stated that associated with this same item, he would like to give
Parks Director Knox the definition of high -use trails and see how many
Whatcom County trails would fit that definition.
Councilmembers spoke about Councilmember updates.
Motion approved 4-3, with Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stemler opposed, to add the following to the legislative priorities:
House Bill 2276 Real Estate Transfer, and House Bill 2114/Senate Bill 5961 Rent Stabilization.
Motion approved 7-0 to request authorization for the County Executive and Councilmember Elenbaas to sign the
Memorandum of Understanding.
The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on January 23, 2024.
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Kristi Felbinger, Minutes Transcription
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