Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Mar 25 2025Whatcom County Council COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Minutes - Final Tuesday, March 25, 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 March 25, 2025 COUNTY COUNCIL CALL TO ORDER Council Chair Kaylee Galloway called the meeting to order at 6:02 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 There was no report. MINUTES CONSENT Byrd moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was seconded by Scanlon (see votes on individual items below). 1. MIN2025-015 Committee of the Whole Executive Session for March 11, 2025 Byrd moved and Scanlon 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. MIN2025-016 Committee of the Whole for March 11, 2025 Byrd moved and Scanlon 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. MIN2025-017 Regular County Council for March 11, 2025 Byrd moved and Scanlon 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 Whatcom County Pape 1 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 The following people spoke: Adam Bellingar Ryan Bowman Kyle Christensen Lara Danskin Graham Meeks Melinda Montanye Jose Reta Paula Glackin Michael Williams Aaron Eason Ryan Whaley Jenny Bowefield Chari Lioi Kilmeny Miller Ann Lund Daniel Harm Tom Kunesh Elizabeth Boyle Kristen Ingman Amy McKinley Joy Nelson Elke Stevens Kara Burt Anne Carmichael Michelle Ostendorff Lyle Sorenson Ken Bachenberg Jim Boyle Kristy Knopp Tevon Lautenbach McKenna Lautenbach Sean Touhey Patrick Alesse Ryan Cunningham Natalie Chavez Markis Dee Misty Flowers Whatconn County page 2 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 • Dwayne Engelsman • Hannah Ordos Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Open Session. Councilmembers took a short break. CONSENT AGENDA (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through 21. Elenbaas requested to consider Consent Agenda item numbers 1 (AB2025-208) and 19 (AB2025-266) separately. Stremler requested to consider Consent Agenda item number 9 (AB2025-247) separately. Councilmembers voted on item numbers 2-8, 10-18, and 20-21 (see votes on individual items below). 1. AB2025-208 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Puget Sound Partnership to implement a program that supports the health and sustainability of onsite septic systems in Whatcom County, in the amount of $182,310 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW 2. AB2025-223 Request authorization for the County Executive to grant a perpetual easement to Donald and Heather Hall across park property for ingress/egress purposes to a private residence adjacent to Lake Whatcom Park Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 3. AB2025-230 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and National Services Office for Nurse -Family Partnership for technical support and training in an estimated amount of $36,650 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee Whatcom County PQ$e 3 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 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. AB2025-236 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Local Agency A&E Agreement between Whatcom County and KPFF, Inc. to provide on -call professional structural engineering support for the Whatcom County bridge program in 2025, in the amount of $40,000 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 5. AB2025-237 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Local Agency A&E Agreement between Whatcom County and KPFF Inc., to provide on -call professional mechanical engineering support for the Whatcom County ferry program in 2025, in the amount of $40,000 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 6. AB2025-238 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Local Agency A&E Agreement between Whatcom County and Sargent Engineers, Inc. to provide on -call professional structural engineering support for the Whatcom County bridge program in 2025, in the amount of $40,000 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 7. AB2025-241 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement amendment between Whatcom County and United States Geological Survey (USGS) to provide additional funding and time to complete technical analyses assessing topographic changes in the Nooksack River channel and support Floodplain Integrated Planning (FLIP) work, in the amount of $40,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Page 4 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) Buchanan 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 8. AB2025-244 Request authorization for the County Executive to award Bid #25-09 and enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Lake Union Drydock Company for the annual Dockside Repair and Maintenance of the Whatcom Chief Ferry, in the amount of $601,352 Buchanan 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, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 9. AB2025-247 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Community Attributes Inc (CAI) for the Birch Bay Incorporation Study, in the amount of $150,000 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW 10. AB2025-249 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and J.A. Brennan Associates PLLC for engineering and design services to develop a Vision Plan for Hovander Park, in the amount of $265,000 Buchanan 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 11. AB2025-252 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement between Whatcom County and Washington State Association of Counties to conduct audits for tier 1 and tier 2 buildings in the amount of a $449,882.29 grant Buchanan 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 Whatcom County Page 5 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Nay: 0 12. AB2025-253 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Afhatcom County and Insight Public Sector, using the State of WA contract, to provide Neogov Learn software and Position and Employee Integrations in the amount of $126,288.80 through December 31, 2026 Buchanan 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 13. AB2025-254 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Pacific Power Generation to provide 2025 Generator Preventative Maintenance Service, in the amount of $57,571.54 Buchanan 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. AB2025-256 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Handel Information Technologies, Inc. (Handel) for the purchase and implementation of case management software to support the Water Adjudication proceeding in the amount of $54,835.12 Buchanan 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. AB2025-257 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Justice AV Solutions (JAYS) for audio-visual recording system equipment for the new third floor Superior Court courtroom in the amount of $97,438.09 Buchanan 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 Whalcom County Page 6 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Nay: 0 16. AB2025-259 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and WA State Department of Military for Operation Stonegarden FY2023, in the amount of $214,500 Buchanan 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 17. AB2025-260 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Military, in the amount of $160,875 Buchanan 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. A132025-261 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between Whatcom County and Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center for services relating to Supervised Visitation- $111,000 Buchanan 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 19. AB2025-266 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association to expand local childcare capacity and increase kindergarten readiness, in the amount of $48,947 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW 20. AB2025-267 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Lummi Indian Business Council to increase kindergarten readiness, in the amount of $282,889 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion Whatcom County Page 7 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 21. AB2025-269 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Whatcom Center for Early Leaming to increase kindergarten readiness, in the amount of $225,525 Buchanan 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 CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERED SEPARATELY 1. AB2025-208 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Puget Sound Partnership to implement a program that supports the health and sustainability of onsite septic systems in Whatcom County, in the amount of $182,310 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 2 - Byrd, and Elenbaas 9. AB2025-247 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Community Attributes Inc (CAI) for the Birch Bay Incorporation Study, in the amount of $150,000 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. Councilmembers discussed a concern about Birch Bay not contributing to the funding for the study and the motion, and the following person also spoke: • Satpal Sidhu, County Executive Buchanan's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, and Scanlon Whatcom County page 8 Printed on 41161202S Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Nay: 2 - Byrd, and Stremler Abstain: 1 - Galloway 19. AB2025-266 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association to expand local childcare capacity and increase kindergarten readiness, in the amount of $48,947 Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. Councilmembers discussed whether Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association does childcare and how long they have done it, and a concern that they do not have a track record for performance in this venue, and they discussed the motion. The following staff answered questions about the program and whether it will support working families and fill the void we have in childcare slots, and referred Councilmembers to the ordinance that identifies the eligible expenses for the Healthy Children's Fund: • Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office • Christopher Quinn, Prosecuting Attorney's Office Donovan moved to call the question. The motion failed for lack of a second. Buchanan's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Galloway, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler OTHER ITEMS (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) 1. AB2025-196 Ordinance temporarily amending the funding limit of cash flow loans from the Road Fund to North Lake Samish Bridge No. 107 Replacement Fund -3905 from $2,000,000 up to $6,656,262.32 for a term not to exceed two years Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. Galloway stated she is conflicted on this item. Buchanan's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following Whatcom County Page 9 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Abstain: 1 - Galloway Enactment No: ORD 2025-014 2. AB2025-211 Ordinance establishing a project -based budget for the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center Sports Court Buchanan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. Councilmembers discussed that this is a grant, but for now, this is a temporary loan from the Economic Development Investment (EDI) fund. The money will be reimbursed and paid back by the grant when they receive it. Buchanan's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: ORD 2025-015 3. AB2025-212 Ordinance authorizing an interfund loan for the construction of the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center Sports Court Buchanan 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 2025-016 4. n B2025-2 l ; Ordinance establishing a project -based budget for the Silver Lake Boat Launch at Silver Lake Park Buchanan 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 Whatcom County Page 10 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Enactment No: ORD 2025-017 5. AB2025-220 Ordinance amending the 2025 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 3, in the amount of $1,485,889 Buchanan 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 2025-018 6. -AB'--'0 -'40 Resolution updating the appendix of the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Buchanan 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 2025-012 (From Council Planning and Development Committee) 7. AB2025-194 Resolution docketing Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulation amendments Elenbaas reported for the Planning and Development Committee and moved that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED. Councilmembers discussed the motion and the docketing process. Elenbaas's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Abstain: 1 - Donovan Enactment No: RES 2025-013 (From Council Committee of the Whole) 8. AB2025-221 Discussion and motion relating to draft Countywide Planning Policy amendments "alcom County page 11 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Galloway reported for the Committee of the Whole and moved that the Request for Motion be HELD IN COMMITTEE. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Held in Committee till the April 15 meeting 9. AB2025-273 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Charlene Ramont as Interim Director of Whatcom County Health & Community Services effective March 25, 2025 Galloway moved that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED. Scanlon moved to amend the motion to confirm the County Executive's appointment of Charlene Ramont as Interim Director of Whatcom County Health & Community Services and as Administrative Director as defined in Whatcom County Code 24.01 effective March 25, 2025. The motion was seconded by Galloway. Councilmembers discussed the motion to amend, and whether State law requires that the Council confirm the administrative position. The motion to amend carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Scanlon, Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, and Galloway Nay: 0 Councilmembers discussed the main motion as amended. Christopher Quinn, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, answered whether the law references the Council having to confirm when someone leaves a position, and stated the administrative director serves at the will of the executive, and if they want to dismiss that individual from that position, they can do so without Council action. Galloway's motion that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED as amended carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 whatcom County page 12 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Motion approved 7-0 to confirm the County Executive's appointment of Charlene Ramont as Interim Director of Whatcom County Health & Community Services and as Administrative Director as defined in Whatcom County Code 24.01 effective March 25, 2025 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES 1. AB2025-218 Appointment to a vacancy on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee, Agriculture representative, Applicant(s): Rich Appel Scanlon moved and Byrd seconded that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be APPOINTED. Councilmembers discussed the applicant and appointing someone who already serves on another committee. Scanlon's motion that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be APPOINTED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARIM, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES 1. A112025-227 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Payden Waldo to the Whatcom County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee Byrd moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED. Councilmembers discussed the applicant, and having more representation from districts three, four, and five. Byrd's motion that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 2. AB2025-270 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Jerry Marczynski to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission Byrd moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED. Elenbaas spoke about the applicant. Byrd's motion that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED carried by the following vote: *%atcom County Page 13 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 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 Buchanan moved to introduce items one through six. The motion was seconded by Byrd. Councilmembers discussed the motion, and Introduction item number 1 (AB2025-185). They discussed whether they can or should appoint two people from the same company to the Forest Advisory Committee. Christopher Quinn, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, stated it does not seem that there is anything in the ordinance for this committee precluding people from the same business. Councilmembers voted on Introduction items one through six (see votes on individual items below). 1. AB2025-185 Appointment to a vacancy on the Forest Advisory Committee, commercial forest landowner position, Applicant(s): Robert Janicki Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Tkmp Absent: 1 - Donovan 2. AB2025-231 Ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Section 1.14, Electoral Precincts, with newly established voting precinct boundaries for Whatcom County Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Temp Absent: 1 - Donovan Whalcom County Page 14 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 3. AB2025-234 Resolution to declare Whatcom County real property as surplus and approve transfer Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Temp Absent: 1 - Donovan 4. AB2025-246 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Title 20 (Zoning) regarding home -based businesses Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Temp Absent: 1 - Donovan 5. : t 1.3' (? c } Appointment to a vacancy on the Surface Mining Advisory Committee, Geologist position, Applicant(s): John Byers Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Temp Absent: 1 - Donovan 6. AB2025-255 Resolution to sell county tax title property by negotiation Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Temp Absent: 1 - Donovan Whatcom County Page 15 Printed on 411612025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 AB2025-264 Ordinance to amend Whatcom County Code Section 3.08.100, Council approval required, to increase the threshold for contracts that require council approval THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW INTRODUCTION ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY 7. AB2025-264 Ordinance to amend Whatcom County Code Section 3.08.100, Council approval required, to increase the threshold for contracts that require council approval Galloway stated they are choosing one of three versions of the ordinance to introduce. Scanlon moved to introduce the original proposed ordinance. The motion was seconded by Galloway. Elenbaas spoke about people wanting more oversight and not less. Aly Pennucci, Executive's Office, read from a comparison of the different threshold amounts which she presented in committee on February 11 (AB2025-152), and stated that as they increase the threshold, Council would still have eyes on the majority of dollars going out the door. Councilmembers and Pennucci discussed the motion, the comparison graph and threshold amount, that changing the threshold might change the contract approval process, making sure that requiring reporting to the Council is codified, that the graph discussed includes contracts that go to Council across all funds but does not include ones for very large capital projects that are part of a project based budget, that a $150,000 threshold might be a middle ground, and that they need to think of what is good for the process, regardless of who the executive or council may be in the future. Byrd moved that they refer this back to committee. The motion was seconded by Scanlon. Pennucci asked if they could bring it back when it is ready for discussion, but not necessarily at the next meeting. Byrd amended his motion to refer to the Committee of the Whole. Byrd moved and Scanlon seconded that the Ordinance be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE and sent to Council Committee of the Whole. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Byrd, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Whatcom County page 16 Printed on 4116,2025 Council Minutes - Final March 25, 2025 Nay: 0 Temp Absent: 1 - Donovan Referred to Committee of the Whole (with no date set) COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES ADJOURN Councilmembers gave committee reports and updates on recent activities and upcoming events. The meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m. The County Council approved these minutes on April 15, 2025. G 0-, •,��AT COR • / WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL ,= .J •' v ' .� L O : a 0000V : WHATCOM COUNTY, WA Cathy'T.Ialka, C©'UQ<' derk Kayle Galloway, Council Chair Meeting Minutes_ prepared_ by Kristi Felbinger Whatcom County page 17 Printed on 41162025