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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Feb 10 2026Whatcom County Council COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 Minutes - Final Tuesday, February 10, 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 REVISION 2.9.2026 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 February 10, 2026 COUNTY COUNCIL CALL TO ORDER Council Chair Kaylee Galloway called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. in a hybrid meeting. ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Elizabeth Boyle, Barry 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 Boyle (see votes on individual items below). 1. MIN2026-007 Special Committee of the Whole for January 13, 2026 Scanlon moved and Boyle 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 2. MIN2026-009 Committee of the Whole for January 13, 2026 Scanlon moved and Boyle 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 3. MIN2026-010 Regular County Council for January 13, 2026 Scanlon moved and Boyle 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 4. MIN2026-011 Committee of the Whole Executive Session for January 27, 2026 Whatcom County Page / Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 Scanlon moved and Boyle 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 5. MIN2026-012 Committee of the Whole for January 27, 2026 Scanlon moved and Boyle 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 6. MIN2026-013 Regular County Council for January 27, 2026 Scanlon moved and Boyle 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. AB2026-118 Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Section 5.40.010 to change the permit threshold for outdoor musical entertainment, amusements, and assemblies Galloway opened the Public Hearing and hearing no one, closed the Public Hearing. Boyle moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. Councilmembers discussed the motion and how it came to Council. Boyle's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 OPEN SESSION Enactment No: ORD 2026-003 The following people spoke: • Adam Bellingar • Matt Berry Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 22512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 • Cory Shaw • Stephanie Anderson • David Foreman • Cynthia Sue Ripke Kutsagoitz • Nathan Stuart • Denice Bruce • Jonathan Haas • Peter Condyles • Coleman Hoyt • David Parsons • Craig Zimmerman • Scott Campbell • Lane Stremler • Keith Korthuis • Derek Hergenhein • Paul Marsh • Lyle Sorenson • Hannah Ordos • Natalie Chavez • Brian Gass • Stacey Dailey • Selena Knoblauch • Perry Eskridge Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Open Session. CONSENT AGENDA (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved to approve Consent Agenda item numbers 1-5, 7, 9, and 10 (with item number 11 having been withdrawn and items 6, 8, 12, and 13 to be voted on separately). Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items below). 1. AB2026-060 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management to utilize State Homeland Security Grant Program funding to sustain and enhance Division of Emergency Management programs, in the amount of $47,479 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion Whatcom County Page 3 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 2. AB2026-068 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham for Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park Infrastructure Improvements, in the amount of $3,000,000 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 3. AB2026-069 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the What -Comm Communications Center in support of reimbursement for 911 capital equipment expenses in the amount of $94,107 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 4. AB2026-092 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to affirm and jointly agree to the terms of financial support for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission in 2026, including a financial commitment by the County in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and a financial commitment by the City in an amount not to exceed $100,000 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 5. AB2026-116 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Transportation to obligate federal Ferry Boat Program funds for the Lummi Island Ferry operating costs, in the amount of $1,920,916 for a total amended contract amount of $3,596,616 Whatcom comnty Page 4 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 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 6. AB2026-117 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health to provide funding for various public health services in the amount of $166,766, for a total amended agreement amount of $11,128,322 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW 7. AB2026-122 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization to recognize and allocate revenue to Whatcom County for its participation in the North Sound Integrated Care Network, in the amount of $725,761.41 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 8. AB2026-123 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between Whatcom County and Whatcom Land Trust to provide pass -through grant funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the purchase of Phase 1 of the Stewart Mountain Community Forest, in the amount of $665,402 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW 9. AB2026-127 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Washington Initiative for Supported Employment to provide developmental disabilities -related training and technical assistance services in the amount of $20,000, for a total amended contract amount of $59,500 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 Whatcom County page 5 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 10. AB2026-133 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and King Architecture, PLLC for additional design and electrical engineering services for the Van Zandt Community Hall renovation, in the amount of $13,540 for a total amended contract amount of $132,394 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 11. AB2026-137 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Collective Bargaining Agreement between Whatcom County and Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17 for the period January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and stated this agenda item was WITHDRAWN. 12. AB2026-142 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a purchase agreement between Whatcom County and Western Washington University for the purchase of property located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA (Tax Parcel No. 370306340528), in the amount of $8,056,584 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW 13. AB2026-147 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement between Whatcom County and Western Washington University (WWU) for WWU's use of the facility located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA for two years, revenue amount of $174,878 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERED SEPARATELY 6. AB2026-117 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health to provide funding for various public health services in the amount of $166,766, for a total amended agreement amount of $11,128,322 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED. Stremler stated he could not support the needle exchange program. Elenbaas stated if there were other systems in place to deal with addiction Whatcom County Page 6 Printed on 22512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 differently he would probably vote no on this, but they do not have those systems or laws. Rienstra stated this is an act of reducing harm and it is one way on a spectrum where they can engage with people who are not actively engaging in healthcare and meet them where they are. Scanlon's motion that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 1 - Stremler 8. AB2026-123 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between Whatcom County and Whatcom Land Trust to provide pass -through grant funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the purchase of Phase 1 of the Stewart Mountain Community Forest, in the amount of $665,402 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. Elenbaas and Stremler discussed the motion and why they would vote no. Stremler stated the two organizations that are providing grants for portions of this, also provide money for flooding issues, and he believes the money would be better used for those issues. Galloway stated this funding would not be eligible for flood purposes. Stremler stated maybe they can seek out funding from them for other purposes. Scanlon's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler 12. AB2026-142 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a purchase agreement between Whatcom County and Western Washington University for the purchase of property located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA (Tax Parcel No. 370306340528), in the amount of $8,056,584 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Contract be AUTHORIZED. Councilmembers discussed the motion. "alcom County Page 7 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 Scanlon's motion that the Contract be AUTHORIZED carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler 13. AB2026-147 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement between Whatcom County and Western Washington University (WWU) for WWU's use of the facility located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA for two years, revenue amount of $174,878 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED. Councilmembers discussed the motion. Rob Ney, Administrative Services Department Facilities, answered why they would buy the building and not just rent it. He spoke about the cost of the County's rent and stated the purchase price was reduced by the first year of rent. The second year will come to the Council as revenue. Scanlon's motion that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler OTHER ITEMS (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) 1. AB2026-094 Ordinance closing the Northwest Annex Redevelopment Fund Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. He stated the first three agenda items under this section allow them to actually execute the agreement to purchase the new building for the Planning Department. Scanlon's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Boyle, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler Temp Absent: 1 - Buchanan Enactment No: ORD 2026-004 "atcom County Page 8 Hinted on 2252026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 2. AB2026-098 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Hovander Park Building Improvements Project, request no. 4 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Boyle, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Temp Absent: I - Buchanan Enactment No: ORD 2026-005 3. AB2026-104 Ordinance establishing the 32nd Street Property Acquisition Fund and establishing an initial budget for the 32nd Street Property Acquisition Fund Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler Enactment No: ORD 2026-006 4. AB2026-100 Ordinance establishing the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund and establishing an initial budget for the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: ORD 2026-007 5. AB2026-102 Ordinance amending the project budget for the New Public Health, Safety and Justice Facility, request no. 10 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. Elenbaas stated he voted against this earlier because he has not seen what the final plan is going to be and he is concerned about continuing to spend money without knowing exactly what he is spending it on. Scanlon's motion that the Ordinance be ADOPTED carried by the following Whatcom County Page 9 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 vote: Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 1 - Elenbaas Enactment No: ORD 2026-008 6. AB2026-110 Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 3, in the amount of $7,123,065 Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler Enactment No: ORD 2026-009 (From Council Public Works and Health Committee) 7. AB2026-129 Resolution requesting Washington State officials and Whatcom County's Congressional delegation work to secure the release of approved Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds for Whatcom County homeowners Boyle reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and moved that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED. Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, spoke about the difference between the resolution and the substitute and stated the difference is non -substantive. They did not note in committee that they were recommending the substitute, but since the difference is non -substantive, they can just note it for the record. Boyle's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Resolution be APPROVED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: RES 2026-006 (From Council Committee of the Whole) 8. AB2026-132 Request for motion to designate one Council representative to participate on the Emergency Medical Services 2029-2034 Levy Committee Galloway reported for Committee of the Whole and moved to appoint Elenbaas as the lead representative and Galloway as the alternate. Whatcom County Page 10 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 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 appoint Elenbaas as the lead representative and Galloway as the alternate. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS 1. AB2026-125 Appointment to vacancies on the Planning Commission, Applicant(s): Lindsey Elenbaas Elenbaas stated he is going to recuse himself from this discussion and leave the room, not because of any actual conflict, but because there might be perception of a conflict. Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded to accept late applications. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Stremler, and Boyle Nay: 0 Recused (and out of the meeting): 1 - Elenbaas Galloway spoke about how they would consider the applicants and stated she would entertain a motion to consider all with a vote of two, and then the two highest vote -getters would get the appointment. Rienstra moved and Scanlon seconded to consider all (with a vote of two). The following applicants addressed the Council: • Matthew Berry • Selena Knoblauch Councilmembers voted for two applicants and Matthew Berry was appointed with five votes as follows (no other applicant received four affirmative votes): Elenbaas: (Recused) Galloway: Berry and Knoblauch Rienstra: Berry and Knoblauch Scanlon: Bains and Berry 9%atcom County page 11 Printed on 212SI2026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 Stremler: Elenbaas and Bains Boyle: Berry and Knoblauch Buchanan: Elenbaas and Berry Councilmembers (with Elenbaas recused) voted again for one applicant from the remaining applicants as follows: Gurdeep Bains: Scanlon Lindsey Elenbaas: Stremler and Buchanan Selena Knoblauch: Galloway, Rienstra, and Boyle Galloway stated a second applicant was not appointed because no one got four affirmative votes, so they can reopen the application process and consider appointment of the second vacancy at their next meeting. Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, stated it is up to the Council if they would like to vote again or if they would like to open the application process up again. No councilmember stated that they wanted to change their vote, so Galloway stated they would move forward with the appointment of Matthew Berry and reopen the application process for the Planning Commission for applicants who either live in District one or District five. They can reconsider the applicants they have before them and also welcome others to apply as well. Elenbaas returned to the meeting. Berry was APPOINTED and the application process was held open. Motion approved 6-0 (with Elenbaas recusing himself) to accept late applications. Appointed Matthew Berry to one position with five votes (Elenbaas recused) and HELD THE APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN. CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS 1. AB2026-131 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Sean Hopps to the Whatcom County Food System Committee Buchanan moved and Boyle seconded that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 1 - Elenbaas "afcom County page 12 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 2. AB2026-136 Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Paul Cline to the Whatcom County Marine Resources 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 3. AB2026-140 Request confirmation of the County Executive's reappointment of Liz Baxter to the Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services Oversight Board Scanlon 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 ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION There were no agenda items added by revision. INTRODUCTION ITEMS Scanlon moved to introduce items two through eight (with Introduction item number 1 being voted on separately). The motion was seconded by Rienstra (see votes on individual items below). 1. AB2026-040 Ordinance establishing Whatcom County Code Section 2.02.195 Performance Audits THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW 2. AB2026-114 Ordinance establishing the project budget for the Strawberry Point/Lake Whatcom Boulevard stormwater improvements, request no. 1 Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 3. AB2026-115 Appointment to a vacancy on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, business/industry position, applicant(s): Troy Lautenbach Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: "atconn County page 13 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 4. AB2026-124 Receipt of Public Works memo regarding the proposed tasks and preliminary schedule for the Whatcom County Climate Action Plan Update which is required every 5 years by Ordinance No. 2017-080 Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Receipt of Document(s) be RECEIVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 5. AB2026-128 Appointment to a vacancy on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee, representing higher education, applicant(s): Patricia Newbold Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 6. AB2026-134 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Courthouse Building Envelope Fund, request no. 7 Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 7. AB2026-143 Ordinance establishing the Ferndale Senior Activity Center Improvements Fund and establishing an initial budget for the Ferndale Senior Activity Center Improvements Fund Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 8. AB2026-145 Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 4, in the amount of $1,804,963 Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Ordinance be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote: W6alcom County Page 14 Printed on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 INTRODUCTION ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY 1. AB2026-040 Ordinance establishing Whatcom County Code Section 2.02.195 Performance Audits Galloway stated there was a substitute that was amended in Committee of the Whole today so "Substitute Ordinance Amended in Committee 2.10.2026" (on file) is what they are considering. Scanlon moved to hold this item in Committee and schedule that next discussion for our February 24th Committee of The Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Elenbaas. Galloway asked if it should just be a committee discussion or if they want it to be scheduled for introduction that evening. Scanlon stated he thinks they should be able to get it done (and have it scheduled for introduction). Elenbaas stated he is not in any hurry but thinks they are close anyway. Scanlon's motion that the Ordinance be HELD IN COMMITTEE carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Motion approved to hold this item in committee and schedule that next discussion for the February 24th Committee of the Whole meeting. It was not introduced. COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES ADJOURN Councilmembers gave committee reports and updates on recent activities and upcoming events. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. The County Council approved these minutes on February 24, 2026. Whatcom County page 15 Hinted on 212512026 Council Minutes - Final February 10, 2026 ATTEST: \ � c o 0 o a Cathy Hall'lv&junr"Jb,�rp • 1.SHIN"•° . WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WA Kaylee Kalloway, Council Chair Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger Whatcom County Page 16 Printed on 2/25/2026