HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Jan 14 2025Whatcom County
Council
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Minutes - Final
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
6PM
Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers
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
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
Council Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
COUNTY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Kaylee Galloway called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in a
hybrid meeting.
ROLL CALL
Present: 7 - Todd Donovan, Ben Elenbaas, Mark Stremler, Barry Buchanan, Kaylee
Galloway, Tyler Byrd, and Jon Scanlon
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
There was no report.
MINUTES CONSENT
Buchanan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was
seconded by Scanlon (see votes on individual items below).
1. MIN2024-084 Committee of the Whole for November 19, 2024
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Temp Absent: 1 - Byrd
2. MIN2024-085 Regular County Council for November 19, 2024
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Temp Absent: I - Byrd
3. MIN2024-086 Special Council for December 2, 2024
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, and Scanlon
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Nay: 0
Temp Absent: 1 - Byrd
4. MIN2024-087 Committee of the Whole for December 3, 2024
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Temp Absent: 1 - Byrd
5. MIN2024-088 Regular County Council for December 3, 2024
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Temp Absent: 1 - Byrd
6. MIN2024-089 Special Council for December 13, 2024
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Temp Absent: 1 - Byrd
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. AB2024-801 Resolution to declare Whatcom County real property as surplus and approve sale
Galloway opened the Public Hearing and the following person spoke:
• Jerry Burns
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.
Chris Elder, Public Works Department, answered whether the Strand Road
property that the Council is looking at surplussing is a former landfill, and
stated he could confirm there are no known landfills on the site.
Donovan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public
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Hearing be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2025-001
2. AB2024-810 Ordinance for the installation of stop signs on South Pass Road at the intersection with
Goodwin Road as Whatcom County Code 10.16.1720
Galloway opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:
• Bo Bumford
• Jerry Burns
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.
Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be ADOPTED.
Elizabeth Kosa, Public Works Department Director, answered what the
process of changing the speed limit would be, and stated a traffic study
would inform any decisions or staff recommendations for any traffic or
speed limit changes or Council can move to request it anyway.
Stremler spoke about public feedback he has received.
Kosa stated the Council could request to do more measures at the
intersection and Public Works would then return with a recommendation,
and she spoke about how the public does want this installation of stop signs.
Donovan's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be
ADOPTED carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
OPEN SESSION
Enactment No: ORD 2025-001
The following people spoke:
• Adam Bellingar
• Frank James
• Veronica Chapin
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Diane Kitchen
Lois Poppema
Toni Petch
Jiggy Sorrell
Daniel Harm
Lara Welker
Marc Urban
Charlot Harman
Matthew Goggins
Sierra Belleville
Jerry Burns
Marilyn Martin
Austin Papritz
Todd Lagestee
Nick Greif
Parneet Kaur
Doug Revelle ("Yoshe")
Tamara Dewilde
John Westerfield
Ashley Thomasson
Jennifer Wright
Rud Browne
John Lesow
Jacob Jones
Hannah Ordos
Avery Lewis
Justin White
Andrew Paterson
Natalie Chavez
Lyle Sorenson
Nate Ashby
Markis Dee
Grant Nulle
Name not stated
Alan Lifson
Christina Maginnis
Heather K
Alex Vega
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Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Open Session.
Clerk's Note: at 8:02 p.m. Council took a short break and resumed at 8:17
p.m.
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 20.
Elenbaas requested to consider item number 18 separately.
Donovan amended his motion and moved to approve Consent Agenda items
1-17, 19, and 20.
Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items
below).
1. AB2024-844 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement
between Whatcom County and Swinomish Health Services dba DidgWalic Wellness
Center to lease space at 2028 Division Street, Bellingham WA, in the amount of $360
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
2. AB2025-016 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham Fire Department for the
purchase of personal protective clothing described as being free of Perfluoroalkyl and
Polyfluoroalky substances (known as PFAS), in the amount of $83,781.64
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
3. AB2025-017 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health to define the
joint and cooperative relationship of the parties for the delivery of various public
health services, in the amount of $0
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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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
4. AB2025-018 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and NAMI of Whatcom County to provide mental health education
and support programs, in the amount of $38,000
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
5. AB2025-020 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Julota to track and monitor services and care
provided to individuals frequently seen by Health and Community Services' Response
Systems Division Programs in the amount of $155,022 for a total amended contract
amount of $433,448
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
6. AB2025-024 Request authorization for the County. Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Lake Whatcom Residential & Treatment Center to
provide Mental Health Court case coordination services in the amount of $12,000,
for a total amended contract amount of $22,000
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
7. AB2025-025 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Common Goodness Project to support LGBTQ+ youth and
promote substance use prevention through training and technical assistance, in the
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amout of $40,000
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
8. AB2025-026 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for joint administration of a
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program funded by the Department of
Commerce with Climate Commitment Act funds, in the amount of $0
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
9. AB2025-027 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Military Department to utilize
the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funding in the amount of
$65,647 to assist in preparing for all hazards through sustainment and enhancement
Division of Emergency Management programs
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
10. AB2025-028 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District for assistance with
implementation of Whatcom County's stormwater outreach program, with a particular
emphasis on the Lake Whatcom watershed, in the amount of $87,940.98
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
11. AB2025-029 Request authorization for the County Executive to inter into an interlocal agreement
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between Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District for outreach,
education, and technical assistance with Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources
Management (BBWARM) stormwater programs, in the amount of $113,492.07
(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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
12. AB2025-031 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Conservation District for the planning,
oversight, maintenance, and monitoring of existing and new FCZD and Special
District mitigation and/or revegetation projects that utilize the Alternative Corrections
Crew as well as provide technical assistance to the FCZD and Special Districts, in the
amount of $50,000 (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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
13. AB2025-033 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a cost sharing agreement
between Whatcom County and Birch Bay Leisure Park Association (BBLPA) to
facilitate a joint project to replace a failing culvert, in the amount of $0
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
14. AB2025-035 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Anchor QEA to conduct a study to analyze the Musto Marsh
and Springsteen Lake sites to obtain information that is important to evaluate their
feasibility as water storage projects, in the amount of $80,000 (Council acting as the
Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
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and moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
15. AB2025-036 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Unity Care NW to provide Mental Health Court case
coordination services in the amount of $8,000, for a total amended contract amount
of $18,000
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
16. AB2025-037 Request authorization for County Executive to enter into a 2 year agreement between
Whatcom County and the Northwest Regional Council for the purposes of
administering the Meals on Wheels program in the amount of $120,000
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
17. AB2025-038 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter a Collective Bargaining
Agreement between Whatcom County and the Sheriff's Office Corrections Senior
Management Group for the period January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the SUBSTITUTE Contract be AUTHORIZED BY
CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
18. AB2025-046 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Attorney General of Washington for cy pres
funding, in the amount of $125,000
This item was considered separately below.
19. AB2025-047 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
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amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Military to revise the
budget categories for Stonegarden FY21
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
20. AB2025-049 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
for a cooperative framework for boating safety, in the amount of $0
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 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY
18. AB2025-046 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Attorney General of Washington for cy pres
funding, in the amount of $125,000
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED.
Councilmembers discussed the proposed Interlocal and that the program
may have unintended consequences.
Steve Harris, Undersheriff, answered whether they have a plan to staff this
program and whether the funds that are coming would support that. He
stated his understanding is that the funds will help support staffing to
implement the buy back program and storage space, but they have not yet
developed a specific staffing plan.
Councilmembers discussed that they are interested in finding out if the
funds can cover things like gun safety training at the Plantation Range and
Harris stated they would have to reach out to the Attorney General's Office
to see if they can amend their grant as currently written.
Councilmembers discussed buyback programs, whether funds need to be
used for gun safety programs since many run with volunteers, and the
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motion.
Donovan withdrew his motion and moved to hold this and put it back into
the Finance and Administrative Services Committee.
The motion was seconded by Elenbaas.
Donnell Tanksley, Sheriff, stated he thinks the best way to go forward is to
give the Sheriff's Office time to contact the Attorney General's Office and
see if the proposal can be modified. He spoke about the purpose of gun
buyback programs.
Stremler requested that the Sheriff give the Council a list of the
possibilities of what these funds can be used for and put those in a priority
order.
Scanlon spoke about making it clear to people, if they do run the program,
what the safest way is to hand over firearms to the Sheriffs Office.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated he supports holding the item and
finding out what the other uses for the funds could be.
Tanksley stated it may take four weeks to get answers but they will advise
the Council if they can come back sooner.
Donovan's motion that the Interlocal be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
OTHER ITEMS
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
1. AB2025-021 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and PFM Financial Services, LLC to increase the
compensation by $60,000 for a total amount of $99,000
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
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2. AB2025-023 Resolution amending Resolution 2024-058 and re -certifying Whatcom County's
property tax levies for collection in 2025 to the county assessor
Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Enactment No: RES 2025-002
(From Council Planning and Development Committee)
3. AB2025-019 Resolution approving recommendations on Open Space applications
Elenbaas reported for the Planning and Development Committee and moved
that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2025-003
(From Council Committee of the Whole)
4. AB2024-767 Resolution to establish Council goals for full, timely awarding of Healthy Children's
Fund contracts
Galloway reported for the Committee of the Whole and moved that the
Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2025-004
5. AB2024-843 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 2.21 Board of Equalization to clarify
Board of Equalization membership
Galloway reported for the Committee of the Whole and moved that the
Ordinance be ADOPTED as amended in committee.
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, answered whether this will impact the BOE
positions that they will be appointing later tonight, and whether they can
proactively appoint those before these code changes go into effect. She
stated the terms expire on January 31 st so the terms being appointed tonight
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would take effect in February, which would allow time for the ordinance to
be in place.
Galloway's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2025-002
6. AB2024-870 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 2.130 Economic Development
Investment Board
Galloway reported for the Committee of the Whole and moved that the
Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Enactment No: ORD 2025-003
7. AB2025-073 Letter from the Whatcom County Council to the Executive regarding homelessness
and shelters
Scanlon moved and Donovan seconded that the Request for Motion be
APPROVED.
Galloway briefed the Councilmembers on the letter and stated the purpose
is to call upon a partnership with the City of Bellingham, to stimulate
conversation, and to understand what the County's options are.
Councilmembers discussed what sparked writing the letter, whether the
authoring Councilmembers have' been in contact with the Health
Department about raising the temperature threshold, and the actions
outlined in the letter.
Erika Lautenbach, Health and Community Services Director, stated they do
not support raising the temperature threshold and explained why, and she
stated they would be very challenged to meet the goals and needs as it
relates to this letter.
Councilmembers discussed figuring out how to put side rails on the letter
to get to something that is using the resources they have allocated, that the
letter reiterates a desire to see an expansion of shelter in our county, the
specific asks in the letter, and the intent of acknowledging what the County
has budgeted and trying to accommodate within the existing budgetary
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capacity.
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated the Administration wrote a letter in
response to this subject and he spoke about fiscal responsibility and that
these solutions are not sustainable.
Councilmembers discussed the motion, knowing first what the Lighthouse
Mission's capacity is, getting data about how many people are dying of
exposure, that the letter is asking for options, that there were staff
recommendations for expanding shelter in their after -action report from
last winter, and the time frame for the requests in this letter.
Scanlon's motion that the Request for Motion (letter) be APPROVED carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 4 - Donovan, Buchanan, Galloway, and Scanlon
Nay: 3 - Elenbaas, Stremler, and Byrd
(No Committee Assignment)
8. AB2025-069 Resolution amending the County Council and Executive expectations for advisory
groups
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution be
APPROVED.
George Roche, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, stated he and Council staff
have been trying to hammer out some other issues with the expectations
document and were not able to wrap that up, but he believes it is still
necessary for Council to make the changes they were able to resolve so that
they can put those in place. A remaining issue has to do with questions of
conflict around advisory group members being interested in applying for
contracts that the County offers, but his recommendation is that Council
should approve this now with the changes as presented, and they will come
back later with something that addresses the other issue.
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, spoke about the last three bullet points in
the document which are also discussed in the staff report.
Scanlon spoke about an email received from Carl Weimer with suggestions
for how the County can support advisory group members, and that Council
should continue discussing those things.
Scanlon's motion that the Resolution be APPROVED carried by the following
vote:
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Aye: 6 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Temp Absent: 1 - Galloway
Enactment No: RES 2025-005
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS. COMMISSIONS. AND COMMITTEES
1. AB2024-869 Appointments to three vacancies on the Drainage District #3 Board of
Commissioners, Applicant(s): Jerod Priebe, Loren Vander Yacht, Lucas Plagerman,
Keith Roosma
Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded to nominate all applicants.
Councilmembers discussed appointing to the terms.
Loren Vander Yacht (6 votes), Keith Roosma (6 votes), and Jerod Priebe (5
votes) were appointed by the following vote:
Buchanan: Vander Yacht, Roosma, and Priebe
Byrd: Vander Yacht, Roosma, and Priebe
Donovan: Vander Yacht, Roosma, and Priebe
Elenbaas: Vander Yacht, Roosma, and Priebe
Galloway: Out of the meeting
Scanlon: Vander Yacht, Roosma, and Priebe
Stremler: Vander Yacht, Plagerman, and Roosma
Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded to place Vander Yacht in the short
term (Position 3).
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Out of the Meeting: 1- Galloway
Byrd suggested that in this situation and any others pertaining to
commission appointments tonight that they apply terms of varying length in
alphabetical order form A to Z based on last name.
Scanlon moved and Byrd seconded to appoint Jerod Priebe to Position 1 and
Keith Roosma to Position 2.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
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Out of the Meeting: 2- Galloway and Buchanan
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Loren Vander Yacht to Commissioner Position 3
Appointed Jerod Priebe to Commissioner Position I and
Appointed Keith Roosma to Commissioner Position 2 5-0 with Buchanan and Galloway out of the meeting
2. AB2024-872 Request Council to vacate a position on the Incarceration Prevention & Reduction
Task Force, social services provider
Scanlon moved and Donovan seconded that the Request for Motion be
APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Temp Absent: 2 - Buchanan, and Galloway
3. AB2025-051 Appointments to vacancies on the Board of Equalization, various positions,
Applicant(s): John Young, James Day, Grant Nulle, Todd Lagestee, Shenandoah
Myrick
Councilmembers discussed the candidates in light of language in the
ordinance that now states, "not more than two members may reside in any
one county council district."
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, stated Mr. Van De Mark submitted an
application but is completing his second full term and so is terming out. The
BOE code allows a member to reapply if a position sits vacant for 30 days,
so if Council wishes to appoint Wes Van De Mark, they would need to leave
a position vacant and then staff would come back with his application again
in February or March.
Elenbaas moved and Byrd seconded that all applicants be considered for
the one regular board member position.
John Young was appointed with four votes as follows:
Donovan: Nulle
Elenbaas: Lagestee
Galloway: Young
Scanlon: Young
Stremler: Young
Buchanan: Nulle
Byrd: Young
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Donovan moved and Elenbaas seconded that they nominate all of the
remaining applicants for the four vacancies for the alternate three-year
terms.
Councilmembers discussed that (minus John Young) there are five
applicants, but they cannot appoint Van De Mark until a later date.
George Roche, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and Councilmembers
discussed how many from each district can be appointed to be consistent
with the code.
Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, suggested they determine whether they
want to fill three spots or four at this time.
Donovan withdrew his motion and moved to fill three of the four vacancies
for the alternative, selecting from James Day, Todd Lagestee, Grant Nulle,
and Shenandoah Myrick.
Elenbaas pointed out that they could not appoint Van De Mark later with this
motion, because the two District 1 slots would already be filled (Young and
Lagestee).
Donovan withdrew his motion and moved to nominate Lagestee and Nulle
for two of the four vacancies. The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
Donovan withdrew his motion and moved to nominate James Day for one
of the alternate spots. The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
The motion to appoint James Day as an alternate carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, and
Byrd
Nay: 0
Elenbaas moved and Buchanan seconded to nominate Todd Lagestee.
Councilmembers discussed that since Lagestee is from District 1, they
would not be waiting to appoint Van De Mark, so they could appoint the
other three applicants now as well.
Elenbaas amended his motion and moved to nominate Lagestee, Nulle, and
Myrick. The motion was seconded by Byrd.
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Todd Lagestee, Grant Nulle, and Shenandoah Myrick were appointed as
alternates by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, and
Donovan
Nay: 0
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed John Young as regular BOE member with 4 votes
Appointed James Day 7-0 as a BOE alternate
Appointed Grant Nulle, Todd Lagestee, Shenandoah Myrick as BOE alternates 7-0
4. AB2025-052 Appointments to vacancies on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee,
various positions, Applicant(s): James Bauckman, Troy Lautenbach, Indca Mitchell,
Heather Powell, Jacob Jones
Galloway moved and Donovan seconded to nominate all and vote for one in
each position (Childcare, For -Profit, and Recreation Industry).
Stremler asked whether they would be able to push the Recreation Industry
position back for two weeks so others can apply who wanted to but were not
able.
Galloway moved and Donovan seconded to nominate both applicants for the
Childcare industry with a vote of one.
Heather Powell was appointed with seven votes as follows:
Elenbaas: Powell
Galloway: Powell
Scanlon: Powell
Stremler: Powell
Buchanan: Powell
Byrd: Powell
Donovan: Powell
Galloway moved and Scanlon seconded to nominate the applicants for the
For -Profit position with a vote for one.
Troy Lautenbach was appointed with seven votes as follows:
Buchanan: Lautenbach
Byrd: Lautenbach
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Donovan: Lautenbach
Elenbaas: Lautenbach
Galloway: Lautenbach
Scanlon: Lautenbach
Stremler: Lautenbach
Stremler moved and Byrd seconded to hold the appointment for the
Recreation Industry position open, to be decided on January 28th.
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, confirmed that the new deadline for
applicants would be January 21 st (the Tuesday before the meeting on the
28th) at 10 a.m.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, and
Galloway
Nay: 0
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Heather Powell to the Childcare position with 7 votes
Appointed Troy Lautenbach to the For -Profit Industry position with 7 votes
Motion approved 7-0 to hold the appointment for the Recreation Industry position open to be decided on the 28th
5. AB2025-053 Appointments to vacancies on the Child and Family Well -Being Task Force,
Applicant(s): Allison Bishop, Ray Deck III, Jamie Desmul, Megan Juenemann, Lyn
Salazar, Vesta Tonnessen, Jennifer Wright, Susan Marks, Lynn Schreiber, Nina
Ballew
Donovan moved and Galloway seconded to nominate all applicants.
Councilmembers voted on eight applicants and Allison Bishop (7 votes),
Ray Deck III (7 votes), Jamie Desmul (7 votes), Megan Juenemann (7
votes), Vesta Tonnessen (7 votes), Jennifer Wright (5 votes), and Lynn
Schreiber (5 votes) were appointed as follows:
Scanlon: Bishop, Deck, Desmul, Juenemann, Salazar, Tonnessen, Wright,
and Schreiber
Stremler: Bishop, Deck, Desmul, Juenemann, Tonnessen, Marks, Schreiber,
and Ballew
Buchanan: Bishop, Deck, Desmul, Juenemann, Salazar, Tonnessen, Wright,
and Schreiber
Byrd: Bishop, Deck, Desmul, Juenemann, Tonnessen, Wright, and
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Schreiber, and Ballew
Donovan: Bishop, Deck, Desmul, Juenemann, Salazar, Tonnessen, Wright,
and Marks
Elenbaas: Bishop, Deck, Desmul, Juenemann, Tonnessen, Marks, Ballew,
and Schreiber
Galloway: Bishop, Deck, Desmul, Juenemann, Salazar, Tonnessen, Wright,
and Marks
Lyn Salazar and Susan Marks each had four votes, and Ballew had three.
Councilmembers voted to break the tie between Lyn Salazar and Susan
Marks. Susan Marks was appointed (6 votes) as follows:
Marks: 6 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, and
Stremler
Salazar: 1- Scanlon
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Allison Bishop, Ray Deck III, Jamie Desmul, Megan Juenemann, Vesla Tonnessen, Jennifer Wright, Lynn
Schreiber, and Susan Marks
6. AB2025-054 Appointment to a vacancy on the Climate Impact Advisory Committee, Applicant(s):
Robert Drake, Andrew Paterson, Joshua Williams, Mark Waschke, Tom Wolf,
Anders Hellum-Alexander, Gabe Epperson, Robin Jentz, Mary Loquvam
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded to nominate all and vote for one.
Councilmembers discussed the applicants.
Joshua Williams was appointed (4 votes) as follows:
Scanlon: Williams
Stremler: Wolf
Buchanan: Williams
Byrd: Wolf
Donovan: Williams
Elenbaas: Wolf
Galloway: Williams
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Joshua Williams with 4 votes
7. AB2025-055 Appointment to a vacancy on the Criminal Justice Treatment Account Panel, criminal
defense bar representative, Applicant(s): Starck Follis
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Byrd moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED by acclamation.
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, spoke about the applicant.
Byrd's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
S. AB2025-056 Appointment to a vacancy on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP)
Committee, youth/young adult position, Applicant(s): Parneet Kaur, Justin White
Councilmembers discussed the applicants and the age requirement for the
position.
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded to nominate both applicants.
Parneet Kaur was appointed with four votes as follows:
Buchanan: White
Byrd: Kaur
Donovan: Kaur
Elenbaas: White
Galloway: Kaur
Scanlon: Kaur
Stremler: White
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Pameet Kaur with 4 votes
9. AB2025-058 Appointment to vacancies on the Public Health Advisory Board, Applicant(s): Ashley
Thomasson, Guy Occhiogrosso, Chris Kobdish, Alan Lifson, Shannon Boustead,
Melissa Nyberg, Karin Jones, Kendra Cristelli, Jessica Rienstra, Sue Rodgers,
Rachel McGarrity, Lara Welker (Council acting as the Board of Health)
Councilmembers discussed the applicants and that Karin Jones withdrew
her name from consideration via an email.
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded to nominate all applicants except
for Karin Jones.
Councilmembers voted for eight applicants and Guy Occhiogrosso, Chris
Kobdish, Shannon Boustead, Kendra Cristelli, Sue Rodgers, Ashley
Thomasson, and Lara Welker were appointed in the first round of voting as
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follows:
Guy Occhiogrosso: 7 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas,
Galloway, and Scanlon
Chris Kobdish: 7 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway,
and Scanlon
Shannon Boustead: 7 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas,
Galloway, and Scanlon
Kendra Cristelli: 7 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas,
Galloway, and Scanlon
Sue Rodgers: 7 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway,
and Scanlon
Ashley Thomasson: 6 - Stremler, Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway,
and Scanlon
Lara Welker: 6 - Stremler, Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, and
Scanlon
Alan Lifson: 3 - Buchanan, Byrd, and Donovan
Jessica Rienstra: 3 - Byrd, Galloway, and Scanlon
Rachel McGarrity: 3 - Stremler, Byrd, and Elenbaas
Melissa Nyberg: 0
Councilmembers voted for the eighth position between the three applicants
that received three votes and Rachel McGarrity was appointed by the
following vote:
Rachel McGarrity: 4 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler
Jessica Rienstra: 2 - Galloway and Scanlon
Alan Lifson: 1 - Donovan
Elenbaas moved and Buchanan seconded that the top five top vote -getters
(Guy Occhiogrosso, Chris Kobdish, Shannon Boustead, Kendra Cristelli, Sue
Rodgers) receive the full terms and the other three (Ashley Thomasson,
Lara Welker, and Rachel McGarrity) receive the partial terms.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, and
Buchanan
Nay: 0
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Ashley Thomasson, Guy Occhiogrosso, Chris Kobdish, Shannon Boustead, Kendra Cristelli, Sue
Rodgers, Lara Welker, and Rachel McGarrity
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Appointed Guy Occhiogrosso, Chris Kobdish, Shannon Boustead, Kendra Cristelli, and Sue Rodgers to the full
three-year terms
and
Appointed Ashley Thomasson, Lara Welker, and Rachel McGarrity to the partial terms ending 1/31/2026 7-0
10. AB2025-060 Appointment to vacancies on the Planning Commission, Applicant(s): Frank James,
Dan Dunne, Nicholas Greif, Christina Maginnis, Rud Browne
Galloway stated they need to fill three vacancies but they cannot have more
than two people per district. There are two applicants in District 1 (Rud
Browne and Frank James), two applicants in District 2 (Dan Dunne and
Christina Maginnis), and one applicant (Nicholas Greif) in District 3.
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, stated the code requires at least one person
from each district, so she recommends selecting one of the District 1
applicants and then going on from there.
Elenbaas moved and Byrd seVorlUeU to dominate RiiU Browne 11om District
1.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Rud Browne was appointed by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Stremler, and Buchanan
Nay: 1 - Scanlon
Donovan moved and Byrd seconded to reappoint Frank James.
Donovan withdrew his motion and moved to nominate all remaining
candidates and vote for two (without voting for both applicants from
District 2).
Dan Dunne addressed the Councilmembers.
Dan Dunne and Nicholas Greif were appointed by the following vote:
Dan Dunne: 6 - Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, and Byrd
Nicholas Greif: 4 - Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, and Byrd
Frank James: 3 - Donovan, Elenbaas, and Buchanan
Christina Maginnis: 1 - Donovan
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Rud Browne for District 1 with 6 votes
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Appointed Dan Dunne and Nicholas Greif for Districts 1, 2, or 3 with 6 and 4 votes respectively
11. AB2025-061 Appointments to vacancies on the Surface Mining Advisory Committee, various
positions, Applicant(s): Thomas Harron, Derek Hergenhein, Lane Stremler, Jordan
Van Werven
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, answered what the role is of the citizen
living in close proximity to active mining or mineral overlay areas.
Councilmembers discussed whether the applicants meet the necessary
criteria, whether the position is intended to be someone who lives in
proximity and can be a non -industry voice, and the applicants.
Byrd moved and Donovan seconded to nominate all the applicants.
Donovan withdrew his second to Byrd's motion and moved that they
nominate the three candidates for the citizen living in close proximity
position. The motion was seconded by Stremler.
Lane Stremler was appointed with seven votes as follows:
Elenbaas: Stremler
Galloway: Stremler
Scanlon: Stremler
Stremler: Stremler
Buchanan: Stremler
Byrd: Stremler
Donovan: Stremler
Donovan moved and Byrd seconded to appoint Jordan Van Werven as the
member of the surface mining industry.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, and
Elenbaas
Nay: 0
Donovan spoke about AB2025-060 (the previous agenda item) and a request
to include the purpose of the Planning Commission in meeting materials
next time so it is front and center.
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Lane Stremler to the Citizen Living in Close Proximity position 7-0
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Appointed Jordan Van Werven to the Member of the Surface Mining Industry position 7-0
12. AB2025-062 Appointments to vacancies on the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee,
various positions, Applicant(s): Ron Bronsema, Jeff DeJong, Bruce Bosch, John
Perry (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Elenbaas moved to appoint all the applicants to the positions that they
applied for (John Perry and Bruce Bosch to the Impacted Cities position and
Ron Bronsema and Jeff DeJong to the Special Districts position). The
motion was seconded by Stremler.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, and
Galloway
Nay: 0
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed John Perry and Bruce Bosch to the Impacted Cities positions and
Appointed Ron Bronsema and Jeff DeJong to the Special Districts positions 7-0
13. AB2025-063 Appointment to a vacancy on the Acme/Van Zandt Flood Control Subzone Advisory
Committee, Applicant(s) Elvin Kalsbeek (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors)
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
14. AB2025-064 Appointment to a vacancy on the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources
Management (BBWARM) Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): Robert Shanabarger,
Glenn Briskin, Suzy Thompson, Lesley Cooke (Council acting as the Flood Control
Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded to nominate all the applicants (and
vote for one).
Robert Shanabarger was appointed with four votes as follows:
Buchanan: Shanabarger
Byrd: Briskin
Donovan: Out of the Meeting
Elenbaas: Shanabarger
Galloway: Shanabarger
Scanlon: Shanabarger
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Stremler: Briskin
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
Appointed Robert Shanabarger with 4 votes
15. AB2025-065 Appointment to a vacancy on the Lynden/Everson Flood Control Subzone Advisory
Committee, Applicant(s): Ron Bronsema (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors)
Buchanan moved and Stremler seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
16. AB2025-066 Appointment to vacancies on the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District
Advisory Committee, Applicant(s): Jiggy Sorrell
Scanlon moved and Stremler seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
17. AB2025-068 Appointment to vacancies on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, various positions,
Applicant(s): Jerry Burns
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
18. AB2025-070 Request motion to amend the term end dates for select Whatcom County Ferry
Advisory Committee positions
Scanlon moved to extend the current partial terms of Pamela Gould and
Janice Catrell to a new term end date of 1/31/2026 and the vacant
unincorporated position to a new partial term end date of 1/31/2027.
The motion was seconded by Elenbaas.
Councilmembers discussed the motion.
Scanlon's motion to extend the current partial terms of Pamela Gould and
Janice Catrell to a new term end date of 1/31/2026 and the vacant
unincorporated position to a new partial term end date of 1/31/2027 carried by
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the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Motion Approved 7-0 to extend the current partial terms of Pamela Gould and Janice Catrell to a new term end date
of 1/31/2026 and the vacant unincorporated position to a new partial term end date of 1/31/2027.
CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS,
COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
1. AB2025-022 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointments to the Whatcom
County Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED.
Elenbaas stated he would abstain since these people will be voting on his
salary.
Buchanan's motion that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Donovan, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
Abstain: 1 - Elenbaas
2. AB2025-039 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Dr. Amy Harley as
Co -Health Officer effective since December 6, 2021
Scanlon moved and Galloway seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:
7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay:
0
3. AB2025-040
Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Austin Lennsen to the
Whatcom County Agricultural Advisory Committee
discussed the appointment
Buchanan moved and Donovan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:
7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay:
0
4. AB2025-041
Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Dr. Meghan Lelonek
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as Co -Health Officer effective January 20, 2025
Scanlon moved and Elenbaas seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
5. AB2025-042 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointments of Summer Star and
Crystal Thompson to the Whatcom County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
6. AB2025-043 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Patrick Bush to the
Whatcom County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Commission
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
7. AB2025-044 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Dr. Lindsay
Foreman -Murray to the Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities Advisory
Board
Scanlon moved and Donovan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
8. AB2025-045 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Gregory Burg,
Tyler Buys, Adam Morrow and Kevin Stewart to the Whatcom County Development
Standards Technical Advisory Committee
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
9. AB2025-048 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointments of Brian Hunter and
William Zidel to the Whatcom County Point Roberts Community Advisory
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Committee
Scanlon moved and Stremler seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
10. AB2025-067 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Mark Asmundson to
the Bellingham-Whatcom Public Facilities District
Scanlon moved and Donovan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
There were no agenda items added by revision.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Donovan moved to introduce items one and two. The motion was seconded
by Buchanan (see votes on individual items below).
1. AB2024-874 Ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Title 20, Zoning
Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
2. AB2025-059 Ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Titles 20 & 22 to enact
SSB 5290 regarding local project review
Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance
Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Stremler, Buchanan, Galloway, Byrd, and Scanlon
Nay: 0
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Galloway reported for Committee of the Whole Executive Session.
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Donovan made one motion from that committee for AB2025-002 and two
motions for AB2025-032 (see below), then Councilmembers continued
committee reports.
MOTIONS FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE EXECUTIVE SESSION
AB2025-002 Discussion of pending litigation with Civil Deputy Jesse Corkern and outside counsel,
Shane Brady: Michael Dull, an individual, Plaintiff vs. Whatcom County, et al.,
Defendants, Whatcom County Superior Court Case No. 24-2-02016-37 [Discussion
of this item may take place in executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to
RCW42.30.110 (1) (i)]
Donovan moved to approve defense and indemnification of Northwest
Regional
Council, Julie Fox, and Shawna Bosman, named as defendants in Michael
Dull, an
individual, Plaintiff vs. Whatcom County, et al., Defendants.
Based on the following findings:
A. Northwest Regional Council, Julie Fox, and Shawna Bosman were
acting in a matter in which the county had an interest;
B. Northwest Regional Council, Julie Fox, and Shawna Bosman were
acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or authorized by law;
C. Northwest Regional Council, Julie Fox, and Shawna Bosman acted in
good faith.
The motion was seconded by Scanlon.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, and
Buchanan
Nay: 0
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
AB2025-032 Discussion of pending litigation with Civil Deputy Jesse Corkern: Whisper Lake
Developments, Inc., Plaintiff vs. Skagit Highlands Homes, LLC. et al., Defendants,
United States District Court Western District of Washington Case.
2:24-cv-01909-BJR [Discussion of this item may take place in executive session
(closed to the public) pursuant to RCW42.30.110 (1) (i)]
Donovan moved to approve defense and indemnification of Mark
Personius, Garrett
Smith, Jon -Paul Shanahan, Erin Page, Amy Keenan, and Thomas Brissenden,
named as defendants in Whisper Lake Developments, Inc., Plaintiff vs.
Skagit
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Highlands Homes, LLC. et al., Defendants.
Based on the following findings:
A. Mark Personius, Garrett Smith, Jon -Paul Shanahan, Erin Page, Amy
Keenan, and Thomas Brissenden were acting in a matter in which the
county had an interest;
B. Mark Personius, Garrett Smith, Jon -Paul Shanahan, Erin Page, Amy
Keenan, and Thomas Brissenden were acting in the discharge of a
duty imposed or authorized by law;
C. Mark Personius, Garrett Smith, Jon -Paul Shanahan, Erin Page, Amy
Keenan, and Thomas Brissenden acted in good faith.
The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, and
Byrd
Nay: n
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
Donovan moved to approve defense and indemnification of Matthew
Mahaffie, named as defendant in Whisper Lake Developments, Inc.,
Plaintiff vs. Skagit Highlands Homes, LLC. et al., Defendants. The defense
and indemnification of Matthew Mahaffie in no way extends to Dead Goat
Properties, LLC (also named as a defendant in this lawsuit) or any other
entity for which he has a business interest.
Based on the following findings:
A. Matthew Mahaffie was acting in a matter in which the county had an
interest;
B. Matthew Mahaffie was acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or
authorized by law;
C. Matthew Mahaffie acted in good faith.
The motion was seconded by Scanlon.
George Roche, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, answered a question about
the motion and stated it was specifically articulating that the business (Dead
Goat Properties, LLC) is not defended and indemnified; we are only
defending and indemnifying, by this motion, Matt Mahaffey, the county
employee.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, and Donovan
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Whatcom County Page 31 Printed on 112912025
Council Minutes - Final January 14, 2025
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
CONTINUED
"&Leii1 01
Councilmembers continued to give committee reports and gave updates on
recent activities and upcoming events.
The meeting adjourned at 11:46 p.m.
The Coun.®ps1�1x¢i� approved these minutes on January 28, 2025.
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0WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
z�®(COL)N Y WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
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Cathy Halka, Csouncil Clerk Kaylee Noway, Council "Chair
Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger
Whatcom County Page 32 Printed on 1/29/2025