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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Oct 7 2025Whatcom County Council COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 a • Minutes - Final Tuesday, October 7, 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); AGENDA REVISED 10.6.2025 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 October 7, 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 Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, reported on the mid -biennium budget and the upcoming presentation of the executive's recommended budget adjustments, and his trip to India in the coming weeks. MINUTES CONSENT Buchanan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was seconded by Scanlon (see votes on individual items below). 1. MIN2025-058 Special Council and Planning Commission for September 16, 2025 Buchanan 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. MIN2025-059 Special Committee of the Whole for September 16, 2025 Buchanan 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. MIN2025-060 Health Board and Public Health Advisory Board for September 16, 2025 Buchanan 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 K%atcom County Page I Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 4. MIN2025-061 Committee of the Whole Executive Session for September 23, 2025 Buchanan 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 5. MIN2025-062 Committee of the Whole for September 23, 2025 Buchanan 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 6. MIN2025-063 Regular County Council for September 23, 2025 Buchanan 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 PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. AB2025-575 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 3.05, Tort and Damage Claims, to create a risk management committee and clarify the processing of tort claims Galloway stated this is a substitute ordinance. She opened the Public Hearing and the following person spoke: • John Westerfield Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing. Buchanan moved and Donovan seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be ADOPTED. Galloway asked if the ordinance should still be considered a substitute if the changes made were not substantive. Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, stated that the "Substitute Ordinance revised in committee 9.23.2025" was recommend to Council as it was amended in committee on September 23 and since then, there has been Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 another substitute ordinance added (attached as "Substitute Ordinance 10.7.2025" with yellow highlighted edits) which also has some minor non -substantive edits from legal. She asked for clarification on the motion and Galloway and Donovan confirmed it would be adopting the "Substitute Ordinance 10.7.2025," which is the most up-to-date version. Councilmembers discussed the motion, that they should line up the next step for this which is designating the councilmember who will be on the working group, and that future councils may want to consider additional code changes. Buchanan's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be ADOPTED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: ORD 2025-048 Adopted Substitute Ordinance 10.7.2025 2. AB2025-597 Resolution declaring Whatcom County real property as surplus and approving transfer Galloway opened the Public Hearing and hearing no one, closed the Public Hearing. Byrd moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public Hearing be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 OPEN SESSION Enactment No: RES 2025-031 The following people spoke: • John Westerfield • Austin Streubel ■ David Foreman • Dave Chase • Daniel Harm • Scott Farrell • Lyle Sorenson • Danielle Gaughen Whatcom County Page 3 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 • Natalie Chavez Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Open Session. CONSENT AGENDA (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved to approve Consent Agenda item numbers 1-9, 11, 12, and 14 with item numbers 10 and 13 being voted on separately. Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items below). 1. AB2025-669 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families to administer the Nurse Family Partnership Program, in the amount of $393,195 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 2. AB2025-670 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Lutheran Community Services Northwest to lease a facility intended for use as a severe weather shelter, in the amount of $66,455 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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 3. AB2025-671 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. to provide adjudication technical assistance, in the amount of $105,000 (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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 "alcom County page 4 Printed on 101221202E Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 4. AB2025-675 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and GeoTest Services, Inc. in the amount of $50,000 for a total amended contract amount of $250,000 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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 5. AB2025-683 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement between Whatcom County and Squalicum Mountain Holdings LLC to lease space on a radio tower on Squalicum Mountain, in the amount of $135,841 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 6. AB2025-686 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Northwest Educational Services District 189 to participate in the Youth Cannabis and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program, in the amount of $12,000 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 7. AB2025-687 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Snohomish County to participate in the Youth Cannabis and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program, in the amount of $45,000 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 8. AB2025-689 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and San Juan County to participate in the Youth Cannabis Whatcom County Page 5 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program, in the amount of $29,000 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 9. AB2025-690 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement amendment between Whatcom County and Lookout Mountain Holdings LLC to add equipment to the radio tower lease, in the amount of $36,269 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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 10. AB2025-691 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between Whatcom County and the Whatcom Land Trust to provide funding from the Conservation Futures Fund to fulfill requirements of the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Whatcom Land Trust to acquire Phase 2 of the Stewart Mountain Community Forest, in the amount of $200,000 This item was considered separately below. I1. AB2025-692 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement amendment between Whatcom County and SpectraSite Communications, LLC to add equipment to the radio tower lease, in the amount of $24,969 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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 12. AB2025-695 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Washington Traffic Safety Commission for high visibility enforcement (HVE) traffic safety emphasis overtime patrols, in the amount of $28,000 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion Whatcom County Page 6 Printed on 101221202S Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 13. AB2025-697 Resolution amending Resolution 2025-021 to designate the Chair of the Council Finance Committee as an Alternate Director to the Risk Pool Board of Directors This item was considered separately below. 14. AB2025-698 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Communications NorthWest to configure, install and provide point to point microwave network installations, in the amount of $159,224 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY 10. AB2025-691 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between Whatcom County and the Whatcom Land Trust to provide funding from the Conservation Futures Fund to fulfill requirements of the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Whatcom Land Trust to acquire Phase 2 of the Stewart Mountain Community Forest, in the amount of $200,000 Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, and Scanlon Nay: 3 - Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler 13. AB2025-697 Resolution amending Resolution 2025-021 to designate the Chair of the Council Finance Committee as an Alternate Director to the Risk Pool Board of Directors Donovan reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Resolution be TABLED. Galloway stated that the discussion was based on the code amendments they approved this evening. With the establishment of their internal risk work group, it became less necessary for a council member to serve as an alternate on the risk pool board, and there were other processes that they implemented in collaboration with the executive's team, HR, and the Whatcom County Page 7 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 Prosecutor's Office to enhance transparency and communication with Council. Donovan's motion that the Resolution be TABLED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 OTHER ITEMS (From Council Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee) 1. AB2025-603 Resolution receiving the Forest Resilience Plan submitted by the Forest Resilience Task Force Galloway reported for the Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee and moved to approve the substitute as amended in committee (attached as "Substitute Resolution - revised in committee 10.7.2025"). This substitute also includes further amendments made by legal after the committee met today. Christopher Quinn, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, spoke about legal's amendments and stated he just wanted to make sure the language was consistent with County Code 2.123 which provides for and establishes our Forest Advisory Committee (FAC). Galloway summarized the amendments that were approved in committee (in yellow highlight) and stated that what staff did for consideration tonight is make the FAC substitute version clean, and then re -mark it with Council's committee -recommended amendments in yellow and legal's amendments in red. The changes in red are not changing the intent of the language but just clarifying it, pursuant to our own code. Elenbaas moved to amend the resolution to accept the edits as proposed by legal. The motion was seconded by Galloway. Councilmembers and Quinn discussed that the third statement on page three of the substitute resolution after committee states "including the provision of sufficient county staff support" while the clause just above it was earlier amended to say, "may require additional staff capacity." Galloway moved to amend legal's amendments to the third clause on page "atcom County page 8 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 three to strike "including" and replace with "which may include" so that it reads: NOW, THEREFORE, BE 1T RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that the Council receives Exhibit A, the Forest Resilience Plan, as submitted by the Forest Resilience Task Force as an initial draft, and commits to supporting ongoing work related to forest resilience in Whatcom County, which may include the provision of sufficient county staff support; and The motion was seconded by Scanlon. The motion to amend legal's amendments carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Stremler, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, and Scanlon Nay: 0 The motion to accept the edits as proposed by legal (as just amended) carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Councilmembers discussed the main motion to approve the substitute resolution as amended, that the resolution refers to the Forest Resilience Plan as a draft so Exhibit A should be labeled as a draft on an added cover page, and that they should watermark all the pages as draft. Scanlon moved to amend the main motion to add "Draft" to the Forest Resilience Plan document, to the legislative record, and to the Forest Resilience Task Force website. The motion was seconded by Byrd. Galloway spoke about adding the watermark as well. The motion to amend carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, Stremler, and Buchanan Nay: 0 Galloway shared her gratitude for all those who have been involved in this process, where the vision of a Forest Resilience Plan came from, and what Whatcom County Page 9 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 she appreciated about the process. Galloway's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED AS AMENDED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: RES 2025-032 Motion approved 7-0 to amend the third clause on page three to strike "including" and replace with "which may include" so that it reads: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that the Council receives Exhibit A, the Forest Resilience Plan, as submitted by the Forest Resilience Task Force as an initial draft, and commits to supporting ongoing work related to forest resilience in Whatcom County, which may include the provision of sufficient county staff support; and Motion approved 7-0 to amend to accept the edits as proposed by legal (to the substitute version as amended in committee) Motion approved 7-0 to amend the main motion to add "Draft" to the Forest Resilience Plan document, to the legislative record, and to the Forest Resilience Task Force website (No Committee Assignment) 2. AB2025-699 Request for motion to appoint three Councilmembers to Joint Advisory Workgroup for Justice Project planning purposes Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, stated there are a lot of decision -makers involved with the Justice Project and they need a vehicle for bringing all of these groups together in between these public meetings to advise the project team on the day-to-day or week -to -week questions and decisions they will be asking throughout the validation and pre -design phase of the project. The purpose is not necessarily to make the decisions in these meetings, but rather for stakeholders and elected officials to get comfortable with the material that is being presented, and to ask questions so staff can do research in advance of a Council or Finance and Facility Board meeting. They think these meetings will begin late fall and could occur more than monthly. She presented the proposal for their consideration and who the recommended participants are (the Council chair, the chair of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, and one other council member). Both Elenbaas and Stremler stated they would like to be the one appointed for the third position. "alcom County Page 10 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2a25 Councilmembers discussed that the appointees cannot constitute a quorum this year but also in 2026 when new councilmembers and maybe chairs will be in place, and other ideas for how to appoint the three. The following people spoke and answered questions: • Satpal Sidhu, County Executive • Christopher Quinn, Prosecuting Attorney's Office They discussed with councilmembers how this group came about, that they can revisit the members in January, how many meetings there might be in the last months of 2025, and whether appointing an alternate for the third position would still be in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). Galloway moved that they nominate Buchanan, Galloway, Elenbaas, and Stremler for the Joint Advisory Workgroup for Justice Project planning purposes (and vote for three). The motion was seconded by Byrd. Councilmembers voted for three councilmembers and Buchanan (7 votes), Galloway (7 votes), and Elenbaas (4 votes) were appointed as follows: Elenbaas: Buchanan, Galloway, and Elenbaas Galloway: Buchanan, Galloway, and Stremler Scanlon: Buchanan, Galloway, and Stremler Stremler: Buchanan, Galloway, and Stremler Buchanan: Buchanan, Galloway, and Elenbaas Byrd: Buchanan, Galloway, and Elenbaas Donovan: Buchanan, Galloway, and Elenbaas Galloway stated they will reassess in the new year based on new committee assignments. This agenda item was APPOINTED. Appointed Buchanan (7 votes), Galloway (7 votes), and Elenbaas (4 votes) COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS 1. AB2025-641 Appointment to a vacancy on the Forest Advisory Committee, harvester or silviculturist, Applicant(s): Shelby Beam Galloway asked if the applicant was present and wished to speak to Council but Beam was not present. Whatcom County page I Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 Donovan moved and Byrd seconded that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED. Galloway spoke about a concern brought up yesterday at the Forest Advisory Committee that if they appoint this applicant, the committee would have three Janicki Logging -related members which may create an imbalance or uncomfortable power dynamic. Councilmembers discussed the motion, the concern, and whether they should amend the code for the future. Christopher Quinn, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, answered if it would create a conflict and stated nothing legally keeps them from appointing the applicant. Councilmembers continued to discuss the applicant and the position. Donovan's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS 1. AB2025-681 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Deon Wolfenbarger to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission Buchanan moved and Byrd seconded that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED. Donovan stated there were applications back in February, and this one came in September. He asked what the issue was with why it took so long to get to Council. Bennett Knox, Parks and Recreation Department Director, spoke about the process the Parks and Recreation Commission went through to fill a number of vacancies, and stated there was a desire to wait and get a breadth of experience on the commission that represents the challenges they face. Councilmembers discussed a resignation from the other at -large position on this committee and another applicant, Matt Hargleroad, who would be a good fit for that spot. Whatcom County page 12 Hinted on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated Hargleroad's appointment could be at the next meeting. Knox answered questions about who did the voting and stated the commission agreed to go through a ranked choice process to have the opportunity to provide input on the applications they received. He answered why Hargleroad was not appointed even though it appears (from an email received by the Council) that he was the highest -scoring of the original applicants. Byrd stated this committee is for advising the executive or the executive departments and it specifically says in the code that it is for advising Parks and Recreation and the department director, so they are choosing people based on their needs and what they are trying to get for information and advice from that group. He does not think it is the Council's place to be picking who goes on the commission or double-checking the ranking. Scanlon stated this applicant is a good fit for this position. Buchanan'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 ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION I. AB2025-704 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Femdale Community Services to operate a severe weather shelter in Ferndale, in the amount of $145,993 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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 INTRODUCTION ITEMS Donovan moved to introduce Introduction item numbers 1-9. The motion was seconded by Buchanan. Galloway stated AB2025-637, regarding the Countywide Planning Policies, will be routed straight to a public hearing (not to committee again) at the Whatcom County Page 13 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 next Council meeting. Scanlon requested that they vote on Introduction item number 5 (AB2025-676) separately. Galloway stated AB2025-678, is a substitute ordinance. Councilmembers voted on Introduction item numbers 1-4 and 6-9 (see votes on individual items below). 1. AB2025-637 Ordinance amending the Countywide Planning Policies, which reside in Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Appendix C 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 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 2. AB2025-672 Resolution approving the Public Works Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the years 2026-2031 Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 3. AB2025-673 Resolution adopting the 2026 Annual Road Program Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 4. AB2025-674 Receipt of report from Public Works Director Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Receipt of Document(s) be Whatcom County Page 14 Printed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 RECEIVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 5. AB2025-676 Resolution adopting the 2026-2031 Six -Year Water Resources Improvement Program (WRIP) (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) This item was considered separately below. 6. AB2025-678 Ordinance amending the project budget for the New Public Health, Safety and Justice Facility, request no. 9 Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 7. AB2025-680 Resolution amending the 2025 Flood Control Zone District and Subzones Budget, request no. 4, in the amount of $49,400 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution (FCZDBS) be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 8. AB2025-682 Ordinance establishing the Silver Lake Lagoon Project Fund and establishing an initial budget for the Silver Lake Lagoon Bridge Fund Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 9. AB2025-685 Ordinance amending the 2025 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 11, in the amount of $517,671 Whalcom County Page 15 Primed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 Donovan moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 INTRODUCTION ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY 5. AB2025-676 Resolution adopting the 2026-203I Six -Year Water Resources Improvement Program (WRIP) (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) Scanlon moved and Elenbaas seconded that the Resolution (FCZDBS) Requiring a Public Hearing be WITHDRAWN. Scanlon stated the Public Works Department found there are a few changes that are needed and they need some time to update the resolution. He stated there were some changes in the funding sources for some of the items and there may also be some items removed from year one, so they will bring it back for introduction in two weeks. Elizabeth Kosa, Public Works Department Director, spoke about the error in the funding source (the Road Fund and REET did not match the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)). She answered whether the changes would be substantive, requiring introduction in two weeks instead of tonight, and stated they know they are going to have to move one of the projects from year one to year two (with regard to the stormwater project) and she believes that is substantive. Christopher Quinn, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, stated that would be a substantive change. Scanlon's motion that the Resolution (FCZDBS) Requiring a Public Hearing be WITHDRAWN carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 This item was withdrawn from Introduction and will be scheduled for introduction at a future meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES Councilmembers gave committee reports. Scanlon asked about the timeline regarding the budget after it is presented O%atcom County Page 16 Printed on 1017212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 ADJOURN by the executive then introduced in two weeks. Galloway stated it will be delivered by or before October 20th, which sets them up for two potential pathways. First, if the Administration is able to release the budget earlier, it would allow the Council to introduce it on October 21st and then hold a public hearing and consider taking action on Wednesday, November 5th. Alternately, if they release it on October 20th, and they hold a public hearing on November 5th, Council could consider introducing it on the 5th or at the subsequent meeting on November 18th. They would then preliminarily schedule a meeting in December at which they would consider final action. The second pathway builds in a lot of opportunity for community engagement and feedback, and gives the Council more time to process the budget. A special meeting on December 2nd is when they would take action. She answered questions on the potential pathways. Aly Pennucci, Executive's Office, stated this is a mid -biennium adjustment and not a full budget adoption process. She asked whether a special Council meeting on December 2nd would be an evening meeting and Galloway stated the starting time they reserved is 1 p.m. and it would go until they are done. Councilmembers and Pennucci discussed the mid -biennium process and the possibility of consolidating some of the public hearings. Councilmembers emailed and verbally gave updates on recent activities and upcoming events. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. The County Council approved these minutes on October 21, 2025. "alcom County Page 17 Primed on 1012212025 Council Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 ATT9§T: G 0 U IV �•. C o%r WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL rh '� • WHATCOM COUNTY, WA Z. • Gpv� Cathy Ia,�i`1 sClerk Kayl Gallaway, Council hair Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger Whalcom County Page 18 Printed on 1012212025