HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Jan 27 2026Whatcom County
Council
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste 4105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
Minutes - Final
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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 1.27.2026
COUNCILMEMBERS
Elizabeth Boyle
Barry Buchanan
Ben Elenbaas
Kaylee Galloway
Jessica Rienstra
Jon Scanlon
Mark Stremler
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2026
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 - Elizabeth Boyle, Bang Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jessica
Rienstra, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
There was no report.
MINUTES CONSENT
Scanlon moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was
seconded by Buchanan (see votes on individual item below).
1. MIN2026-008 Special Council for December 30, 2025
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Minutes Consent be
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. AB2026-016 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 20.34 Rural Residential Island
(RRI) to allow food preparation for off -site consumption when accessory to and
located within an approved community center
Galloway opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:
• Rianna Godshall
• Simon Lapof
• Markis Dee
• Rhayma Blake
• Rebecca Rettmer
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.
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Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a
Public Hearing be ADOPTED.
Scanlon thanked everyone for bringing this to the County's attention.
Buchanan's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be
ADOPTED carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
OPEN SESSION
Enactment No: ORD 2026-002
The following people spoke:
• Adam Bellingar
• David Edelman
• Brian Gass
• Dale Sandstrom
• Carl Crouse
• Jim Shaver
• Shawn Martinez
• Sally Crouse
• Jason Postma
• Cynthia Sue Ripke-Kutsagoitz
• Lucy Schmidt
• Markis Dee
• John Miller
• Judy Heinrichs
• Samantha (last name not stated)
• Stacey Dailey
• Brian Dykstra
• Dwayne Engelsman
• Enoch J Ledet
• John Westerfield
• Natalie Chavez
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Open Session.
CONSENT AGENDA
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 21I L2016
Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2026
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through eleven.
Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items
below).
1. AB2026-044 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center for Family
Mediation Services, in the amount of $70,000 for a total amended contract amount of
$135,000
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
2. AB2026-052 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to amend the hourly rate of
public safety radio repair from $125 to $150
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. AB2026-056 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology for
Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) operations and projects, in the
amount of $147,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors)
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
4. AB2026-057 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Pacific Security to continue to provide Courthouse
screening services, in the amount of $90,000
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Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2026
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
5. AB2026-058 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District to coordinate the
relocation of a segment of a water line and the construction road culvert, in the
amount of $0 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District
Board of Supervisors)
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
6. AB2026-059 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Pacific Security to continue evening patrol services of
outside county buildings, in the amount of $99,960
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
7. AB2026-067 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Maple Falls Water Cooperative for water storage
tank replacement, in the amount of $555,300
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
8. AB2026-070 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an amendment to an
interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham regarding
the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence
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Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
9. AB2026-077 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center for
supervised visitation services, in the amount of $115,000, for a total amended
contract amount of $226,000
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
10. AB2026-090 Request authorization for the County Executive to grant a utility easement to Puget
Sound Energy across park property for underground electrical services to a private
residence located off Blue Canyon Road in South Lake Whatcom
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
11. AB2026-096 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Collective Bargaining
Agreement between Whatcom County and the Whatcom County Sheriff s Office
Management Group for the period January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027
Scanlon 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 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
OTHER ITEMS
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
1. AB2026-047 Resolution accepting the Treasurer's list of petitions for property tax refunds
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Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2026-003
2. AB2026-050 Resolution canceling uncollectible personal property taxes
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Enactment No: RES 2026-004
3. AB2026-066 Resolution updating the Whatcom County section of the 2022 Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) project list appendix
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Enactment No: RES 2026-005
(From Council Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee)
4. AB2026-038 Request for motion on Behavioral Care Center model and location
Buchanan reported for the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
and moved that the Justice Project Behavioral Care Center be an out of
custody model and a new build at the Division Street location.
Scanlon thanked the executive's team, Health and Community Services. And
the Sheriffs Office for all the work that went into this.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Stremler, Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
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Motion approved 6-1, with Elenbaas opposed, that the Justice Project Behavioral Care Center be an out of custody
model and a new build at the Division Street location.
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS
1. AB2025-806 Reconsideration of appointment to a position on the Justice Project Oversight and
Planning Committee, Member: Richard Gleason
Jill Nixon, Council Office staff, stated the requested action from Council is
to pass a motion to revoke his membership on the Justice Project Oversight
and Planning Committee (JPOP) committee and direct Council staff to
advertise the vacancy, and collect applications for Council consideration in
the future.
Scanlon moved to vacate Mr. Gleason's position on the Justice Project
Oversight and Planning Committee and direct Council staff to advertise the
vacancy and collect qualified applications.
The motion was seconded by Boyle.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and
Stremler
Nay: 0
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
Motion approved 7-0 to vacate Mr. Gleason's position on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee and
direct council staff to advertise the vacancy and collect qualified applications.
2. AB2026-109 Reconsideration of appointment to a position on the Business and Commerce
Advisory Committee, Member: Matthew Green
Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded to vacate Mr. Green's position on
the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee and direct Council staff
to advertise the vacancy and collect qualified applications.
Scanlon stated Council staff has provided a lot of record to the Council of
outreach to these committee members.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Stremler, and
Boyle
Nay: 0
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTIONS) APPROVED.
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Motion approved 7-0 to vacate Mr. Green's position on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee and direct
council staff to advertise the vacancy and collect qualified applications.
3. AB2026-034 Appointments to vacancies on the Public Health Advisory Board, applicant(s): Mike
Cohen, Christine Espina, Alison Fontaine, Carl Isom -McDaniel, Rachel McGarrity,
Nathaline Nivens, Robyn Phillips-Madson, Deb Shawver, Markis Dee Stidham,
Ashley Thomasson, Ben Twigg, Amelia Vader, Shu-Ling Zhao (Council acting as the
Health Board)
Scanlon, (acting as the Health Board Chair), stated they asked the members
of and applicants for the Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB) if they fit
the categories listed in County code and that information is on file. He
stated they had 13 people who applied and there are 13 positions available.
Rienstra moved to consider these nominations to appoint. The motion was
seconded by Buchanan.
Councilmembers discussed how to go about voting for the applicants, that
there was a recommendation from the PHAB to consider holding a spot
open for a member or representative of a tribe, that they did not have
anyone who applied indicate that they were a member or representative of a
tribe but that they do have people who have experience and expertise in
working with tribes and tribal communities, and whether they should leave a
spot open. They decided to vote for as many applicants as they would like of
the 13 who applied and that applicants would need at least four votes to be
appointed.
All applicants were appointed as follows:
Elenbaas: Markis Dee Stidham, Rachel McGarrity, Shu-Ling Zhao
Galloway: All applicants
Scanlon: All applicants
Stremler: All applicants except for Markis Dee Stidham
Buchanan: All applicants
Rienstra: All applicants
Boyle: All applicants
All applicants received six votes except for McGarrity and Zhao who
received seven.
Councilmembers voted for one applicant from the list for the partial term
ending January 31, 2027 and Alison Fontaine was appointed to that position
with four votes as follows:
Scanlon: Alison Fontaine
Stremler: Carl Isom -McDaniel
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Buchanan: Alison Fontaine
Rienstra: Alison Fontaine
Boyle: Ben Twigg
Elenbaas: Markis Dee Stidham
Galloway: Alison Fontaine
Councilmembers voted for two applicants from the list for the partial term
ending January 31, 2028 and Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg were appointed
to that position with seven votes each as follows:
Scanlon: Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg
Stremler: Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg
Buchanan: Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg
Rienstra: Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg
Boyle: Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg
Elenbaas: Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg
Galloway: Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg
This agenda item was APPOINTED.
MOTION 1
Appointed all applicants.
MOTION 2
Appointed Alison Fontaine to the partial term ending January 31, 2027 with 4 votes.
MOTION 3
Appointed Amelia Vader and Ben Twigg to the partial term ending January 31, 2028 with 7 votes each.
4. AB2026-113 Appointments to vacancies on the AcmeNanZandt Flood Control Subzone Advisory
Committee, applicant(s): Valerie Lloyd (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors)
Rienstra moved and Scanlon seconded that the Council Appointment be
APPOINTED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS
1. AB2026-061 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Andrea Vance to
the Whatcom County Veteran's Advisory Board
Rienstra moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Nay: 0
2. AB2026-062 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of David Swanson to
the Whatcom County Veteran's Advisory Board
Boyle moved and Rienstra seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. AB2026-063 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Stephen Gockley to
the Whatcom County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
4. AB2026-064 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Dr. Shannon
Boustead to the County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
Boyle moved and Rienstra seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
5. AB2026-065 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Kenneth Johnson to
the Whatcom County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
Rienstra moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay:
0
6. AB2026-072
Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Sukhmanjit Kaur to
the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence
Boyle moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay:
0
7. AB2026-073
Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointments of Jessyca Murphy,
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8.
2
10.
11.
12.
Rosemarie Tom, and Krista Touros to the Bellingham Whatcom County Commission
on Sexual and Domestic Violence
Rienstra moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
AB2026-074 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of McKale Jones to
the Whatcom County Conservation Program Easement Oversight Committee
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
AB2026-075 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Michael Bratt to the
Whatcom County Development Standards Technical Advisory Committee
Boyle moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
AB2026-076 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Todd Lagestee to
the Whatcom County Ethics Commission
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
AB2026-080 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Dan Dunne, Von
Ochoa, and Adrienne Renz to the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
AB2026-081 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Abby Neal to the
Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee
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Minutes - Final January 27, 2026
Buchanan moved and Rienstra seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay:
0
13. AB2026-082
Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Elizabeth Lorence
and Kathryn Ketteridge to the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay:
0
14. AB2026-083
Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Elizabeth Mason
and Jared Oberhaus to the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee
Rienstra moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
15. AB2026-085 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Franklin Boteler to
the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission
Clerk's note: This item was voted on, then later after A132026-089,
councilmembers reconsidered this first vote and voted again. See notes
after AB2026-089.
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded to confirm.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 1 - Stremler
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.
(Original motion) Motion approved 6-1, with Stremler opposed, to confirm (see reconsideration below).
16. AB2026-087 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of J. Riley Sweeney to
the Whatcom County Library System Board, also known as the Rural Library Board
Rienstra moved and Boyle seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
17. AB2026-088 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Cathie Murphy to the
North Sound Behavioral Organization Advisory Board
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED.
Rienstra pointed out a scrivener's error in the name of the board.
Councilmembers discussed that the name of the board should be North
Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization Advisory
Board.
Boyle's motion that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED carried by
the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Board name should read: North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization Advisory Board.
18. AB2026-089 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Rhys-Thorvald
Hansen to the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee
Boyle moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
15. AB2026-085 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Franklin Boteler to
the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission
Rienstra moved to reconsider A132026-085.
The motion was seconded by Boyle.
The motion to reconsider carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and
Stremler
Nay: 0
Rienstra moved and Boyle seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Nay: 0
Motion approved 7-0 to reconsider the first vote.
Then motion approved 7-0 to confirm.
19. AB2026-091 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Benny Spencer,
Neesha Randeo, Sara O'Conner, and Sharayah Lane to the Whatcom Racial Equity
Commission
Boyle moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
1. AB2026-118 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Section 5.40.010 to change the permit
threshold for outdoor musical entertainment, amusements, and assemblies
Galloway reported from Committee of the Whole and stated this item was
added for introduction after a recommendation to do so in committee.
Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, noted that a scrivener's error (the code
section) in the title was corrected.
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
Kimberly Thulin, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, answered whether the
ordinance requires a public hearing and stated it does not.
Councilmembers and Council staff discussed whether they should hold a
public hearing and what the process would be to notice that. Halka stated
they could hold a hearing and take action on February 1 Oth.
Galloway asked if the makers of the motion would accept, as a friendly
amendment, to have this be introduced and have a public hearing scheduled.
Buchanan and Scanlon accepted the friendly amendment.
Buchanan's motion that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC
HEARING carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
Enactment No: ORD 2026-003
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Scanlon moved to introduce items one through six. The motion was
seconded by Buchanan (see votes on individual items below).
Galloway stated that Introduction item #5 (AB2026-104) is a substitute.
Scanlon stated that item numbers 1, 2, and 5 are related and were discussed
in committee.
I. AB2026-094 Ordinance closing the Northwest Annex Redevelopment Fund
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
2. AB2026-098 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Hovander Park Building
Improvements Project, request no. 4
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
3. AB2026-100 Ordinance establishing the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund and establishing an
initial budget for the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
4. AB2026-102 Ordinance amending the project budget for the New Public Health, Safety and Justice
Facility, request no. 10
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Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
5. AB2026-104 Ordinance establishing the 32nd Street Property Acquisition Fund and establishing an
initial budget for the 32nd Street Property Acquisition Fund
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
6. AB2026-110 Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 3, in the amount
of $7,123,065
Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
ADJOURN
Councilmembers gave committee reports and updates on recent activities
and upcoming events.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on February 10, 2026.
Whatcom County Page 16 Printed on 211112026
Council Minutes - Final January 27, 2026
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Cathy Halka, C6WeTlG Fk t,
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
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Kaylee Galloway, Council C air
Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger
Whateom County Page 17 Printed on 211112026