HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2026-007Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
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Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2026-100
File ID: AB2026-100 Version: 1 Status: Adopted
File Created: 01/20/2026 Entered by: MMiterko@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Finance Division File Type: Ordinance
Assigned to: Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee Final Action: 02/10/2026
Agenda Date: 02/10/2026 Enactment M ORD
2026-007
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: atan@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Ordinance establishing the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund and establishing an initial
budget for the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Ordinance establishing the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund to account for revenues and
expenditures of a series of improvements to the Glacier Public Restroom that will elevate the
standards of hygiene, safety, accessibility, visual appeal, and strengthen the connection between
highway travelers and our local economy. The Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund seeks an
initial budget of $475,750 as described in Exhibit A. Please see attached.
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
01/27/2026 Council INTRODUCED Council Finance and
Administrative Services
Committee
Aye: 5 Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 Elenbaas, and Stremler
02/10/2026 Council Finance and Administrative RECOMMENDED FOR
Services Committee ADOPTION
Aye: 7 Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
02/10/2026 Council ADOPTED
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 2/1112026
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2026-100)
Aye: 7 Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance, Notice of Action Proposed on 1.27.2026
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 211112026
PROPOSED BY: Executive
INTRODUCED: January 27. 2026
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-007
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE GLACIER RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS FUND AND
ESTABLISHING AN INITIAL BUDGET
WHEREAS, Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542) serves as a vital artery for travelers,
residents, and commerce; and
WHEREAS, the existing Glacier Public Restroom is an integral part of this gateway for
the community; and
WHEREAS, the current condition of the public restroom has deteriorated and has
become inadequate to serve the needs of the community and visitors; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive series of improvements are designed to transform the
facility into a clean, safe, and attractive rest stop for both residents and visitors including
parking lot and paving restoration, landscaping and site beautification, and enhancement of
roadside signage; and
WHEREAS, this project qualifies as a tourism related activity under RCW 67.28.1816
and the Whatcom County Council has pledged their support using lodging tax dollars through
resolution 2025-037; and
WHEREAS, funding is needed to accomplish the Glacier public restroom
improvements; and
WHEREAS, funding is available in the Convention Center Fund (lodging tax revenues);
and
WHEREAS, Section 6.80 of the Whatcom County Home Rule Charter allows for
project -based capital budget appropriation ordinances that lapse when the project has been
completed or abandoned or when no expenditure or encumbrance has been made for three
(3) years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that a new
fund is hereby established effective immediately, titled the Glacier Restroom Improvements
Fund. This fund shall be used to account for the revenues and expenditures of the
improvements described above; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that the Glacier
Restroom Improvements Fund is approved with an initial project budget of $475,750 as
described in Exhibit A.
ADOPTED this 10th day of February , 2026
ATTEST;`
o 0 COUNTY
Cathy Halka,'Cl9rkS6_e q'cil
'. �SHING~•'�
APPROVED AS TO -FORM:
Approved by email/B Waldron/A Tan
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
1�9yfit 6
Kaylee G(Oloway, Council Chai
WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
A.
Satpal Sidhu, ounty Executive
^) Approved ( ) Denied
Date Signed: Z` l 1- Z 6
EXHBIT A
Supplemental Budget Request Status: Pending
Parks & Recreation
s_ Fund Cost Center Originator: Rod Lamb
Expenditure Type: One -Time Year 2 2026 Add'I FTE ❑ Add'I Space ❑ Priority 1
Name of Request. Glacier Restroom Improvements Project
X n2S-
Department Head Signature (Required on Hard Copy Submission) Date
Costs: Object
Object Description
Amount Requested
6190
Direct billing rate
$33,700
6630
Professional services
$65,000
7199
Other miscellaneous-interfund
$12,050
7380
Other improvements
$365,000
8397.S.12441000
Transfers in
($475,750)
Request Total
so
la. Description of request:
Situated alongside Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) that serves as a vital artery for travelers, residents, and
commerce, the Glacier Public Restroom is an integral part of the gateway district to the community.
Despite its strategic location, the current condition of the site and restroom building neither inspires
comfort nor adequately represents the welcoming spirit of the Glacier Community.
This project will implement a comprehensive series of improvements designed to transform the facility into
a clean, safe, and attractive stopover for both residents and visitors. The project's core objectives are to
elevate the standards of hygiene, safety, and accessibility, enrich the visual appeal of the site, and
simultaneously strengthen the connection between highway travelers and our local economy. Funding for
this project was approved by the Whatcom County Council through resolution 2025-037, the 2026
recommended convention center allocations for tourism -related facilities and activities as defined through
RCW 67.28,1816, in the amount of $475,750.
1 b. Primary customers:
Whatcom County Residents and visitors of Whatcom County are the primary beneficiaries of this effort.
2. Problem to be solved:
The Glacier Restroom is an important stop along SR 542, providing relief to thousands transiting through
the town of Glacier. However, current conditions of the facility are less than welcoming. The access road
is riddled with potholes which trap stormwater and further degrade the roadway conditions. Highway
directional signage alerting travelers of the facility is faded, and inconspicuous. Once a visitor has arrived
at the restroom facility, site conditions are similarly in poor condition and not particularly welcoming.
This project will focus on three primary improvement objectives:
Parking Lot and Paving Restoration - Pothole infill and pavement restoration, parking lot striping including
compliance with accessibility regulations.
Landscaping and Site Beautification - Removal of debris, invasive species, planting of low -maintenance
native vegetation, creating outdoor seating areas for visitors, and improving walkways and accessibility
within the restroom site area.
Monday, December 29, 2025 Rpt: Rpl Suppl Regular
Supplemental Budget Request status: Pending
Parks & Recreation
>; r Fund Cost Center Originator: Rod Lamb
Informational and Roadside Signage - Installation of high -visibility highway signage, and onsite
informational kiosk highlighting area attractions and business promotion.
3a. Options /Advantages:
There are few other options available to making the targeted, but modest proposed improvements. No
action is an option, however doing nothing will only allow current conditions to continue to deteriorate
which wouldn't be responsive to the local community's desire for improvements to improve the facilities
appeal to the traveling public, and to entice them to linger in the town of Glacier to patronize local
businesses and eateries.
3b. Cost savings:
Completing the project now, will eliminate possible price escalation due to inflation if the project is delayed.
4a. Outcomes:
Outcomes of this project will be to complete final plans and specifications and bid documents, and
ultimately construct the proposed site improvements outlined above. Once approved, it is anticipated that
the project would be completed by Summer of 2027.
4b. Measures:
The final measure of success of this project will be upon completion of the proposed site improvements
and the facility is once again welcomed by the local community, and traveling public.
5a. Other Departments/Agencies:
Yes, Planning & Development Services will be responsible for project review and regulatory permit
approval. Washington State Department of Transportation will also be engaged to review and approve any
proposed modifications to wayfinding signage along SR 542.
5b. Name the person in charge of implementation and what they are responsible for:
Rod Lamb, Design & Development Manager
6. Funding Source:
LTAC (RES 2025-037). Requesting to setup a project budget
Companion supplemental 5314
Monday, December 29, 2025 Rpr: Rpr Suppl Regular