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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Special COTW Jun 3 2025Whatcom County Council Special Committee of the Whole COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Meeting Agenda Tuesday, June 3, 2025 9AM Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers HYBRID MEETING - ADJOURNS BY 12:00 P.M (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 Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Agenda Call To Order Roll Call Announcements June 3, 2025 Individuals who require special assistance to participate in the Council's meetings are asked to contact the Council Office at 360.778.5010 at least 96 hours in advance. This committee meeting is also noticed as a meeting of the Whatcom County Council, with the agenda limited to committee business. Committee Discussion 1. AB2025-396 Discussion regarding Council Office budget adjustments for mid -biennium 2. AB2025-395 Discussion regarding independent legal representation for the County Council 3. AB2025-414 Discussion regarding the process for Council review of Comprehensive Plan draft chapters Items Added by Revision Other Business Adjournment Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 812612025 Whatcom County Agenda Bill Master Report File Number: AB2025-396 File ID: AB2025-396 Version: 1 File Created: 05/16/2025 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us Department: Council Office File Type: Discussion Assigned to: Council Committee of the Whole Agenda Date: 08/06/2025 Primary Contact Email: chalka@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Discussion regarding Council Office budget adjustments for mid -biennium SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: 10 HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 Status: Discussed and Motion(s) Approved Final Action: 08/06/2025 Enactment #: Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To: 05/27/2025 Council Committee of the Whole DISCUSSED 06/03/2025 Council Special Committee of the Whole DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED 08/06/2025 Council Committee of the Whole DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED Attachments: Memo for 5.27.2025, Memo for 6.3.2025, Draft budget schedule for 6.3.2025, Memo for 8.6.25, Draft budget schedule for 8.6.2025, Draft supplemental budget requests for 8.6.2025 Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 8/26/2025 COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 MEMORANDUM TO: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: CATHY HALKA, CLERK OF THE COUNCIL RE: ADJUSTMENTS TO COUNCIL OFFICE BUDGET DATE: MAY 21, 2025 CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CIVIC The Executive Office is requesting departments submit proposed 2026 budget adjustments by June 9, 2025. All departments are asked to model a low and high scenario reduction in specific funds and describe the potential impacts of the reductions. Requested 2026 Council Office budget reductions range from $76,000 to $133,000. Staff is requesting Council feedback and direction on adjustments to the Council Office Budget in 2026, considering the following: 2026 Potential Council Budget Reductions [100021001 - $106,054 Temp. 2-year Legislative Coordinator (BOE) $70,314 [6120] Extra Help • $6,680 [6210] Retirement • $5,379 [6230] Social Security • $20,532 [6245] Medical Insurance • $2,336 [6255] Other H7W Benefits • $521 [6259] Worker's Comp-Interfund • $92 [6269] Unemployment-Interfund • $200 [6720] Telephone - $30,000 [6120] Council Internship (2 interns; winter, spring, fall quarters) - $15,000 [1000.2101.6810] IPRTF Advertising (social media boosts) - $10,000 [6790] Travel Other (retain $5,000, not including CM accounts) - $5,000 [6510] Tools and equipment - $2,000 [6720.S.210150] Telephone - mobile - $1,000 [7190] Other Misc. - $1,000 [6320] Office and operating supplies 2026 Anticipated Cost Increases - ADA compliance costs, web updates and captioning all live meetings, cost unknown - IPRTF reports (year end and annual), approx. $12,000 - Hearing Examiner [6630], cost unknown - New staff - Council attorney, approx. $160,000 (salary plus benefits) - Justice Project Oversight & Planning - Consultant support services (as per Ord. 2023- 039, Section 4 and the Implementation Plan), approx. $30,000 [not in Council budget] Please provide any additional feedback by May 30th so that it can be included in materials for the next discussion (6/3). COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 MEMORANDUM TO: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: CATHY HALKA, CLERK OF THE COUNCIL RE: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING COUNCIL OFFICE BUDGET DATE: JUNE 2, 2025 CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CIVIC On May 27, 2025, Council discussed potential 2026 Council Office budget adjustments and requested staff provide the following information for the continued discussion on June 3, 2025 (see AB2025-396). 1. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION BUDGET (2025) Legislative Coordinator $ 122,433 Legislative Clerk $ 90,564 Temporary Extra Help (internal) (estim.) $ 5,892 Temporary Staff (external) $ 6,343 Board Members (estim.) Per Diem -2023 petition hearings in 2025 $ 21,600 Per Diem - 2024 petition hearings in 2025 $ 29,250 BOE Meetings & trainings $ 3,650 Overhead (estim. for 2 staff members, postage, facilities, copiers, etc.) $ 28,551 TOTAL $ 308,283 Legislative Coordinator 2-year Temp (unfilled) $ 106,054 2. STAFF TIME BY TASK *required by state or local law Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council Cathy is the administrative department director of the Whatcom County Council Office, responsible for the operation of the office and supervision of the Council Clerk's staff. She provides advisory and administrative support to the Council, manages all legislative functions set forth in state and county code, and oversees board of equalization and hearing examiner operations. 55% *Meeting Management 25% Department administration 10% Councilmember support 10% Miscellaneous special projects Kirsten Smith, Legislative Analyst / Deputy Clerk Kirsten researches, collects, develops, and analyzes advanced data and assists the Council with planning, zoning, budget, program, and policy analysis. She drafts legislation, recommendations, and findings for Council review and consideration, and acts as the Clerk of the Council in the Clerk's absence. Kirsten also provides guidance and supervision to junior staff and intern(s). 85% Legislative research and support for councilmembers (includes *Charter Review Commission in 2025) 10% *Meeting management 5% Department administration Kristi Felbinger, Legislative Coordinator II Kristi manages the county's enterprise -wide agenda management system (Granicus/Legistar) and provides administrative support to the Clerk of the Council. She prepares official minutes and acts as the office accountant. 40% *Meeting management and minutes 20% *Granicus system administration 30% Accounting 10% Miscellaneous projects 7enna Gernand, Legislative Coordinator (Communications) Jenna is responsible for Council communications. She manages the Council newsletter and social media accounts, writes newsflashes and press releases, drafts Council correspondence, and prepares public notices. 70% Communications: website, web/meeting accessibility newsletter, press release/newsflash, social media, correspondence, Council Community Conversations, handbook, etc. 10% *Public Notices 10% Miscellaneous projects: *ballot measure submittals, *Charter Review Commission support, *IPRTF/Justice Project support, etc.) 5% *Meeting management and minutes 5% *Granicus system backup Lisa Bruner, Legislative Coordinator (Hearing Examiner Coordinator Lisa provides administrative support to the Hearing Examiner and Clerk of the Council. She manages the Council Office staff payroll and coordinates responses to public records requests. 50% *Hearing Examiner 20% *Processing ordinances and resolutions 10% *Public Records Requests 10% Payroll 10% Miscellaneous: *archiving, *meeting duties, office supplies, committee reorganization, *levy certification, on -boarding of new councilmembers Kiana Oos, Legislative Coordinator (Policy Analyst) Kiana provides research assistance and policy analysis, drafts ordinances and resolutions, and assists the Council on special projects including the Comprehensive Plan update and the Charter Review Commission 85% Legislative research and support for councilmembers (includes Charter Review Commission in 2025) 10% *Meeting management 5% *Granicus system backup Liia Brav, Legislative Coordinator (Board of Eaualization Clerk Liia provides specialized administrative support to the Board of Equalization (BOE) (and the County Council as needed). 98% *Board of Equalization 2% Miscellaneous: Council Office support Janie Randall, Legislative Clerk Janie provides complex administrative support for the Board of Equalization (and County Council as needed). 98% *Board of Equalization 2% Miscellaneous: Council Office support Tara Jackson, Legislative Clerk Tara is the first point of contact for guests arriving to the Council Office. She supports the Clerk of the Council in the organization and accomplishment of special projects and assignments, processes Council email and correspondence, and coordinates Council Office room reservations. 30% Council Office lobby 25% *Contracts verification 25% *Archiving 10% Miscellaneous: invoices and minutes, meeting reservations, special projects 10% *Meeting support for Council and Board of Equalization Jill Nixon, Legislative Coordinator II Jill provides specialized administrative and technical support to advisory groups and the Clerk of the Council. She supports the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF). 56% *IPRTF, IPRTF subcommittees and workgroups, Justice Project 30% *Council -appointed Advisory Groups 14% Direct support to the Council and Council Office operations (*agenda review and other special projects) 3. INCARCERATION PREVENTION AND REDUCTION TASK FORCE (IPRTF) STAFF ACTIVITIES Staff provides the following services to the IPRTF and its subcommittees: IPRTF ACTIVITIES HOURS IPRTF Mtg. Support 164 10% IPRTF Subcommittees: Meeting Support 372 22% (does not include JPOP, which has contractor services) IPRTF Steering Committee Meeting 141 8% Support IPRTF Miscellaneous: questions and 200 12% support provided to IPRTF Members, County staff and the public; Onboard new members, IPRTaskForce Email correspondence; research; create and maintain files per PRA, OPMA compliance Planning Team & ]POP contract support 70 4% (not including contracted scope) Total 947 56% Please note, an estimated 235 hours of support services to the ]POP are currently provided by a consultant (contract expires Dec 2025). Draft 2026 Mid -Biennium Budget Schedule Council Office budget Tues May 27 — COUNCIL OFFICE ONLY Budget discussion in COTW Tues June 3 — COUNCIL OFFICE ONLY Budget discussion in Special COTW 9-12 [Note, final proposed changes due to Executive June 9] Draft County budget elements Tues July 8 — County Budget discussion in COTW —potentially all of COTW for Executive staff presentation on DRAFT budget elements (preliminary) and questions from CMs. Continued review, decisions/direction from Council Tues July 22 — County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions Tues July 29 — County Budget discussion in Special COTW 9-10 — CM questions/discussions Fri August 1— Department ASRs due to Finance Weds August 6 — County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions September (TBD) — Executive presents initial recommendations to Council for discussion and input Tues September 9 — County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions Tues September 16 — Budget Discussion in Special COTW 9-10- CM questions/discussions Tues September 23 — County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions Final county budget release Week of October 13t" or 20t" (TBD) — Executive Budget released October 15/28/? (TBD) - Town Hall (budget), evening meeting in the Council Chambers October 21— County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions (introduce ordinance if possible) October 28— Budget discussion in Special COTW 9-10 Final budget Ordinance November 5 — Introduce budget ordinance November 18 - Act on budget ordinance COG CLERK OF THE COUNCIL ir-om '1'j, COUNCILMEMBERS Cathy Halka, AICP, CIVIC Barry Buchanan �ZP Tyler Byrd COUNTY COURTHOUSE Todd Donovan 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Ben Elenbaas Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 ty Kaylee Galloway (360) 778-5010 IN Jon Scanlon Jon Mark Stremler WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM TO: Whatcom County Council FROM: Kaylee Galloway, Jon Scanlon DATE: July 29, 2025 RE: Council legal needs and gaps Identifying Council's Legal Needs Build legal capacity o Serve as the County Code Revisor. Research, review, and draft bills and amendments for legislative consideration; evaluate proposed legislation for compliance and accuracy (code development, review, and scrubs). o Evaluate complex legislative issues and advise, counsel, and assist the County Council on matters including drafting and adopting legislation, holding public meetings, complying with records laws, and advising on legislative and Parliamentary procedures. o Research and analyze specific legal and code related questions and prepare memoranda, opinions, and position papers. o Provide objective, conflict free, and non -partisan advice related to legal, code, and process questions at Council and committee meetings. o Interpret laws, rulings, regulations, agreements, contracts, and/or legal language for the Council. o Provide objective legal advice and guidance to Council research staff and clerks related to legislation and process. o Ensure the Council's adherence to all procedures and regulations regarding open public meetings. o Represent the legal interests of the council at meetings involving legal issues with the Executive and Judicial branches, outside agencies and jurisdictions, community groups, and constituents. Provide legal advice from the perspective of Council, not necessarily the County (institution) as a whole. o Serve as the County Code Revisor o Serve as Certified Parliamentarian for the Council. o Serve as liaison between the Council and the Office of the Hearing Examiner regarding legal and legislative matters. o Coordinate with the Council Chair and Clerk on legislative, administrative, and supervisory matters impacting the Council and its operations. 0 Perform other duties as assigned. • Independent, V party legal review o Perceived or actual conflicts of interest (e.g. inter -departmental, HCF) o Second opinions (e.g. EMS Levy, substantive amendments) o Investigations and Council's subpoena power (e.g. personnel investigations) Options to Consider Alternative 1 • Build legal capacity in the Council office o Hire an FTE policy counsel (Pierce model) o Reallocating staff portfolios and modernizing processes o Proposed Action: Approve SBR for FY26 Alternative 2 • Request additional assistance from Prosecutor's office o More timely legal review and response to Council/member requests o Special projects as assigned by council o Be the sole client of the Deputy Prosecutor o Seek contracted outside counsel for case by case or topic -specific issues, or when technical legal expertise needed (e.g. Cherry Point code) o Cooperative approach to requesting outside legal on conflicts of interest ■ Allow for council -driven requests o Invest in additional Prosecutor FTEs o Proposed Action: Write a letter to the Prosecutor outlining our needs and asks to see if they can be accommodated Alternative 3 • No action at this time Additional Actions: • Review HR study/evaluation outcomes and update policies. • Review proposed code amendments to WCC 3.05 Tort and Damage Claims. Resources • Pierce County Council legal counsel job description • Certified Parliamentarian Course Cost: $250 Exam Fee + $55 AIP Membership Draft 2026 Mid -Biennium Budget Schedule (revised for 8.6.2025) Council Office budget Tues May 27 — COUNCIL OFFICE ONLY Budget discussion in COTW Tues June 3 — COUNCIL OFFICE ONLY Budget discussion in Special COTW 9-12 [Note, final proposed changes due to Executive June 9] Draft County budget elements Tues July 8 — County Budget discussion in COTW —potentially all of COTW for Executive staff presentation on DRAFT budget elements (preliminary) and questions from CMs. Continued review, decisions/direction from Council Weds August 6 —COUNCIL OFFICE Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions, direction on Council Office SBRs August 18 — Department supplemental budget requests (SBR)s due to Finance September (TBD) — Executive presents initial recommendations to Council for discussion and input, including sharing all SBRs submitted Weds September 3 — Executive's Open house (6-7:30pm) - the public can engage with departments and learn more about the budget in -person. More details to follow on this event. Tues September 9 — County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions Tues September 16 — County Budget Discussion in Special COTW 9-10- CM questions/discussions (if Exec's budget is available at this time) Tues September 23 — County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions Final county budget release Week of October 131h or 20`h (TBD) — Executive Budget released Tues October 21— County Budget discussion in COTW - CM questions/discussions (introduce ordinance if possible) Tues October 28— Budget discussion in Special COTW 9-10 Final budget Ordinance November 5 — Introduce budget ordinance, Public Hearing November 18 - Act on budget ordinance, Public Hearing Summary of Draft Supplemental Budget Requests Council Office, 2026 Expenses $ 15,000 Courthouse after-hours security $ 50,000 Accessibility compliance (ADA Title II) $ 39,900 Contractor support for JPOP $ 15,000 IPRTF Annual Reports $ 161,234 Council Office attorney $ 281,134 TOTAL Credits $ (106,054) Temp. Leg. Coordinator (BOE) $ (15,000) Council Internship Program $ (15,000) IPRTF - Advertising $ (136,054) TOTAL $ 145,080 NET SEE SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET REQUEST FORMS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending Council Supp'l ID # 5015 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002100 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: Ongoing Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE ❑ Add'I Space ❑ Priority 1 Name of Request: Courthouse After-hours Security X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: Object 6699 Request Total Object Description Other services-interfund Amount Requested $15,000 $15,000 la. Description of request: When the Council meets in the evening, contracted security services must continue through the duration of the after-hours Council meeting. The cost of contracted security services is reimbursed to Facilities by the department using the facility after business hours. 1b. Primary customers: Members of the public, Councilmembers, County staff 2. Problem to be solved: This request is to reimburse Facilities for the cost of after-hours contract security (not Sheriff's deputy). 3a. Options / Advantages: Security screening is required, and there is no other option for providing it. 3b. Cost savings: N/A 4a. Outcomes: Courthouse after-hours security screening and weapons check will be provided during Council meetings. 4b. Measures: 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: This request will reimburse Facilities for the cost of contracted security screening for after-hours Council meetings. 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for: Rob Ney, Facilities 6. Funding Source: General Fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request status: Pending Council Supp'l ID # 5016 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002101 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: One -Time Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE ❑ Add'I Space ❑ Priority Name of Request: Contractor support for the JPOP X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: Object 6630 Request Total 1a. Description of request: Object Description Professional services Amount Requested $39,900 $39,900 The Incarceration Prevention & Reduction Task Force (IPRTF) will extend its contract with the meeting facilitator for the Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP) Committee. The JPOP Committee is the arm of the IPRTF that monitors the work of the Justice Project Implementation Plan. This contract extension is limited to only JPOP Committee facilitation to continue the committee's work aimed at: 1. Monitoring and reporting on the progress of the Justice Project Implementation Plan, and 2. Engaging the community in planning for the Implementation Plan's 15 projects. 1b. Primary customers: County residents, IPRTF and JPOP members 2. Problem to be solved: The IPRTF would like to continue to build upon the foundation that the current contractor created by seating and launching the JPOP Committee and building the infrastructure necessary to carry out the JPOP Committee mission as defined in the Implementation Plan. On July 8, 2025, the County Council approved the Justice Facility and Behavioral Health Treatment Center Stakeholder Group Charter, which identifies the role of the IPRTF/Law and Justice Council as a stakeholder advisory group and assigns a number of responsibilities in the development process for the new justice facility and behavioral care center. In order to carry out this role, the JPOP Committee needs to continue with its facilitator to ensure the committee maintains a balanced membership, gathers information as needed to inform the JPOP Committee and enable them to perform their oversight function, and continues to make progress and meet its responsibilities. 3a. Options /Advantages: Councilmember Buchanan and Council staff reviewed the current contract and considered how well the JPOP Committee could function with no meeting facilitator. The facilitators guide the meeting process so that it stays on course and ensures active, equitable participation, reaches the agreed -upon meeting objectives, is in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), and makes actionable recommendations to the IPRTF. 3b. Cost savings: The current 18-month contract includes many goals, tasks, and deliverables that have been eliminated from the contract extension, including IPRTF facilitation, Planning Team participation, Steering Committee participation, annual reports, and other assignments. The current 18-month contract budget is $169,650. The proposed contract extension for 2026 reduces the services provided and the annual cost from $113,000 to just under $40,000. 4a. Outcomes: The JPOP Committee and IPRTF will have documented meaningful feedback from the community on the Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending Council Stipp'/ID # 5016 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002101 Originator. Cathy Halka progress of the Justice Project Implementation Plan, which will be documented in available reports and other public information. With the assistance of the facilitators, the JPOP Committee will continue to collaborate with the Justice Project stakeholders as identified in the stakeholder charters. 4b. Measures: The contract extension will include a number of deliverables, including: -Up-to-date contact lists of JPOP Committee members and non-members interested in receiving information about the committee -Pre- and post -meeting materials, including agenda and meeting packet materials for the JPOP Committee meetings, meeting summaries, and meeting recordings -Annual JPOP Committee Action Plan -Website content for JPOP Committee webpages 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: This will not impact other departments or their resources. 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for: N/A 6. Funding Source: General fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending Council supp7ID # 5w Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002100 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: Ongoing Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE W Add'I Space ❑� Priority Name of Request: Council Office Attorney X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: Object 6110 Object Description Regular salaries and wages Amount Requested $119,328 6210 Retirement $8,950 6230 Social security $9,129 6245 Medical insurance $20,532 6255 Other health and welfare benef $2,619 6259 Worker's comp-interfund $520 6269 Unemployment-interfund $156 Request Total $161,234 1a. Description of request: The Whatcom County Council requires legal assistance on policy research and other topics. Regular legal assistance would be from a licenseed attorney either on staff in the Council Office or contracted support at an hourly rate on an as needed basis. 1b. Primary customers: Councilmembers 2. Problem to be solved: Councilmembers would like assistance from an outside attorney to advise on policy work and other county topics. 3a. Options /Advantages: Council identified this as the best option for independent legal services to support their work. 3b. Cost savings: N/A 4a. Outcomes: Councilmembers are supported in their work by an independent attorney. 4b. Measures: Councilmembers are supported in their work by an independent attorney. 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: Staff in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office will coordinate with the Council's independent attorney. 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for. Kimberly Thullin, Christopher Quinn 6. Funding Source: General Fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request status: Pending Council Supp'l ID # 5018 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002100 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: Ongoing Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE ❑ Add'I Space ❑ Priority 1 Name of Request: Accessibility compliance (ADA Title 11) X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: Object 6610 Request Total Object Description Contractual services Amount Requested $50,000 $50, 000 1a. Description of request: On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the DOJ's final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the ADA. State and local governments are required to make improvements to website content and provide captioning for all live recorded meetings. The deadline to meet these guidelines is April 24, 2026. This supplemental budget request is to provide captioning services for all live recorded meetings managed by the Council Office. 1b. Primary customers: Members of the public 2. Problem to be solved: The Council Office must comply with new requirements for video captions and web content by April 24, 2026 3a. Options / Advantages: Web updates can be done by in-house by staff with additional consultant assistance as needed. Council staff tested several captioning options and determined that free captioning options are not adequate as they are less accurate and have embarrasing mistakes. To retain a level of professionalism and clarity in meeting captions, a captioning service is needed. 3b. Cost savings: N/A 4a. Outcomes: Members of the public will have better access to Council Office content online and during live recorded meetings. 4b. Measures: The Council Office will be brought into compliance with Title II of the ADA in accordance with the April 24, 2026 deadline. 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: Council Staff will coordinate with Information Technology and the Communications Committee (Executive Office). 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for. Perry Rice, IT; Riley Sweeney, Executive's Office 6. Funding Source: General Fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending Council Supp'l ID # 5019 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002100 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: One -Time Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE ❑ Add'I Space ❑ Priority 1 Name of Request: Temp Leg Coord. X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: I Object Object Description 6120 Extra help 6210 Retirement 6230 Social security 6245 Medical insurance 6255 Other health and welfare benef 6259 Worker's comp-interfund 6269 Unemployment-interfund 6720 Telephone Request Total Amount Requested ($70,314) ($6,680) ($5,379) ($20,532) ($2,336) ($521) ($92) ($200) ($106,054) 1a. Description of request: This budget action REMOVES funding from the Council Office Budget and eliminates budget authority for one additional temporary staff member to provide additional administrative support for the Board of Equalization (BOE) and generalized administrative support to councilmembers. A Council motion was made on November 6, 2025 to amend the 2025-2026 Biennium Budget to add a two-year temporary position (in the Council Office) with benefits. The position was not needed and not ever filled. 1b. Primary customers: The BOE, Council, and their constituents 2. Problem to be solved. The position is not needed and the funding is being removed from the Council Office budget. 3a. Options /Advantages: The best option is removing the funding from the Council Office Budget since the position is not needed. 3b. Cost savings: This budget action will save $106,054. 4a. Outcomes: This budget action will save $106,054 and return it to the General Fund. 4b. Measures: This budget action will save $106,054 and return it to the General Fund. 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: No 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for: N/A 6. Funding Source: General Fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request status: Pending Council Supp'l ID # 501g Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002100 Originator: Cathy Halka Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending Council Supp7 ID # 5020 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002100 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: One -Time Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE ❑d Add'I Space Priority 1 Name of Request: Council Internship Program X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: Object 6120 Request Total Object Description Extra help Amount Requested ($15,000) ($15,000) la. Description of request: The Whatcom County Council Internship Program engages up to two interns each year to assist Councilmembers with projects, which may range from administrative to legislative policy research. This supplemental budget request reduces the program from two to just one intern. 1b. Primary customers: Councilmembers, members of the public 2. Problem to be solved: Whatcom County Councilmembers can do more with the assistance of interns with administrative tasks, project support, and policy research for special projects. Councilmembers serve in part-time positions, and many Councilmembers hold part- or full-time jobs concurently. While Councilmembers can arrange unpaid internships themselves, a paid internship program with a council staff person as a coordinator has the ability to create a better experience for the intern and Councilmembers. The Council identified cost savings for 2026 by reducing the Council internship program to just one intern. 3a. Options /Advantages: The Council identified cost savings for 2026 by reducing the Council internship program to just one intern. 3b. Cost savings: $15,000 4a. Outcomes: Councilmembers will continue to be supported, but with one rather than two interns in 2026 4b. Measures: Councilmembers will continue to be supported, but with one rather than two interns in 2026 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: Human Resoures staff assists with posting and onboarding council interns, which are Temp Extra Help employees. Information Technology and Facilities staff will assist with onboarding interns. 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for: N/A 6. Funding Source: General Fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request status: Pending Council Supp'l ID # 5021 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002101 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: One -Time Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE ❑ Add'I Space ❑ Priority 1 Name of Request: IPRTF - Advertising X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: Object 6810 Request Total Object Description Advertising Amount Requested ($15,000) ($15,000) la. Description of request: This is a reduction in funding for adversiting costs for social media boosts for the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF). Funding was intended to be used to implement enhanced public engagement. 1b. Primary customers: Members of the public 2. Problem to be solved: The IPRTF sought to build on the public communications infrastructure established by Pyramid Communications in 2022 and 2023, including paid digital advertising to social media and local and state news sources. 3a. Options /Advantages: This is the best option as funding is not needed. 3b. Cost savings: $15,000 4a. Outcomes: This is a reduction of funding and no advertising will take place. 4b. Measures: This is a reduction of funding and no advertising will take place. 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: No. 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for: N/A 6. Funding Source: General Fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpt: Rpt Suppl Regular Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending Council Supp7lD # 5025 Fund 1000 Cost Center 10002101 Originator. Cathy Halka Expenditure Type: One -Time Year 2 2026 Add'i FTE ❑ Add'i Space ❑ Priority Name of Request: IPRTF Annual Reports X Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date Costs: Object 6630 Request Total Object Description Professional services Amount Requested $15,000 $15,000 la. Description of request: The Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF) generates two reports each year as per Whatcom County Code Section 2.46.090. A consultant will be hired to assist with coordinating content, writing reports, and presenting reports for IPRTF approval as well as presentations to Council as needed. 1b. Primary customers: IPRTF Members, Whatcom County Council, members of the public 2. Problem to be solved: Whatcom County Code Section 2.46.090 requires two reports are provided by the IPRTF to Council each year. IPRTF members need assistance coordinating content for these reports, writing the document, and presenting it to Council. 3a. Options /Advantages: In the past county or city staff have written these reports. At this time, county staff time is limited and consultant assistance is needed. 3b. Cost savings: N/A 4a. Outcomes: Two reports will be completed and provided to County Council. 4b. Measures: Two reports will be completed and provided to County Council. 5a. Other Departments/Agencies: IPRTF reports will be coordinated with staff in the executive and judicial branches as needed. 5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for. N/A 6. Funding Source: General Fund Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Rpr Rpt Suppl Regular • Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 • Agenda Bill Master Report File Number: AB2025-395 File ID: AB2025-395 Version: 1 Status: Discussed and Motion(s) Approved File Created: 05/16/2025 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us Department: Council Office File Type: Discussion Assigned to: Council Special Committee of the Whole Final Action: 06/03/2025 Agenda Date: 06/03/2025 Enactment #: Primary Contact Email: chalka@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Discussion regarding independent legal representation for the County Council SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: This is a continuation of discussion from Council Committee of the Whole, May 13, 2025 (Other Business) HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To: 06/03/2025 Council Special Committee of the Whole DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED Attachments: Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 8/26/2025 • Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 • Agenda Bill Master Report File Number: AB2025-414 File ID: AB2025-414 Version: 1 Status: Discussed File Created: 05/20/2025 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us Department: Council Office File Type: Discussion Assigned to: Council Special Committee of the Whole Final Action: 06/03/2025 Agenda Date: 06/03/2025 Enactment #: Primary Contact Email: koos@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Discussion regarding the process for Council review of Comprehensive Plan draft chapters SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: None HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To: 06/03/2025 Council Special Committee of the Whole DISCUSSED Attachments: Staff Memo Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 8/26/2025 CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC MEMORANDUM TO: Whatcom County Council FROM: Kiana Oos, Council Staff RE: Comprehensive Plan Proposed Process DATE: June 2, 2025 Comprehensive Plan Process COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 The Comprehensive Plan is developed through a series of reviews that includes Planning and Development Services (PDS) staff, advisory groups, the Planning Commission, and Council. To date, advisory groups have submitted their recommendations and PDS is currently reviewing those recommendations for potential inclusion in the draft chapters of the Plan. Next, the Planning Commission will receive the plan chapter by chapter. Once the Planning Commission has reviewed the whole plan, they will hold a final public hearing on all the chapters and vote to approve recommendations to Council. It will then be Council's responsibility to review the final draft Comprehensive Plan, propose edits, and act on the ordinance adopting the plan. The Planning Commission began reviewing Chapter 1: Introduction and Growth Projections on May 29. Council expressed interest in greater involvement in the Comprehensive Plan review process, beyond their approval role at the end of the process. Based on Council conversations at Committee of the Whole (COTW) on 5/13 and input from PDS staff, Council staff have drafted a proposed process for Council review of the Comprehensive Plan as outlined below. Proposed Process 1. Each individual Comprehensive Plan chapter will go to the Planning Commission for review and a public hearing. (Council will also receive Planning Commission packets with draft chapter language via email). 2. Planning Commission will issue preliminary recommendations on the chapter under consideration. 3. PDS will present each individual chapter with Planning Commission's preliminary recommendations to Council in COTW for discussion and potential amendments. 4. Council can make proposed amendments (or, alternatively, suggestions or guidance) for consideration by the Planning Commission at their final public hearing on all the chapters (see step 6). 5. Further conversation/suggestions/guidance between the Council and Planning Commission could occur at their joint meetings allowing time for both bodies to share their thoughts/concerns/priorities, etc. without having to make formal amendments at that time. 6. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the full Comprehensive Plan (after they review each chapter individually) and issue final recommendations to Council. The Planning Commission would consider COTW input at that time. 7. Council will hold a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan, move to include any additional amendments, and ultimately act on the ordinance adopting the Plan. Joint Council/Planning Commission Meetings The Council and the Planning Commission have expressed interest in holding joint Council/Planning Commission meetings. The proposed plan to accommodate this is outlined below. • July COTW meeting with a non -quorum of Planning Commissioners o target date: 7/22 o topic: presentation and discussion of preliminary Final EIS preferred alternative(s). August Joint Council and Planning Commission meeting o potential dates: regular council meeting 8 6; special meetings 8/5, 8 12, or 8 14 o topic: prioritized chapter discussion • October Joint Council and Planning Commission meeting o potential dates: special meetings 10 14, 10 16, or 10 28 after Health Board meeting o topic: Chapters 2 and 3: Land use and Housing Summary This draft proposed process will be discussed, revised as needed, and confirmed at Council's Special COTW meeting on June 3. As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns at koosCcbco.whatcom.wa.us or (360) 778-5013.