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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Special Council Dec 30 2025Whatcom County Council (Special) COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Meeting Agenda Tuesday, December 30, 2025 4:30 PM Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers HYBRID MEETING (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL 360-778-5010) COUNCILMEMBERS Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Kaylee Galloway Jon Scanlon Mark Stremler CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC Council (Special) Meeting Agenda December 30, 2025 Call To Order Roll Call Announcements Individuals who require special assistance to participate in the Council's meetings are asked to contact the Council Office at 360.778.5010 at least 96 hours in advance. This committee meeting is also noticed as a meeting of the Whatcom County Council, with the agenda limited to committee business. Discussion and Action AB2025-872 Resolution authorizing the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars for flood relief assistance for families with vulnerable children Items Added by Revision Other Business Adjournment Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 31412026 • Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 • Agenda Bill Master Report File Number: AB2025-872 File ID: AB2025-872 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Amended and Approved File Created: 12/26/2025 Entered by: KSmith@co.whatcom.wa.us Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution Assigned to: Council (Special) Final Action: 12/30/2025 Agenda Date: 12/30/2025 Enactment #: RES 2025-050 Primary Contact Email: ksmith@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Resolution authorizing the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars for flood relief assistance for families with vulnerable children SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: n/a HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To: 12/30/2025 Council (Special) SUBSTITUTE APPROVED AS AMENDED Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Attachments: Agenda Bill Master Report, Approved Resolution 2025-050, Proposed Resolution, Substitute Resolution, 2nd Substitute Resolution, Memo - Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 3/4/2026 • Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 • Agenda Bill Master Report File Number: AB2025-872 File ID: AB2025-872 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Amended and Approved File Created: 12/26/2025 Entered by: KSmith@co.whatcom.wa.us Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution Assigned to: Council (Special) Final Action: 12/30/2025 Agenda Date: 12/30/2025 Enactment #: RES 2025-050 Related Files: Primary Contact Email: ksmith@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Resolution authorizing the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars for flood relief assistance for families with vulnerable children SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: n/a HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To: 12/30/2025 Council (Special) SUBSTITUTE APPROVED AS AMENDED Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Attachments: Proposed Resolution, Substitute Resolution, 2nd Substitute Resolution, Memo - Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 11512026 Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Agenda Bill Master Report File Number: AB2025-872 File ID: AB2025-872 Version: 1 Status: Substitute Amended and Approved File Created: 12/26/2025 Entered by: KSmith@co.whatcom.wa.us Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution Assigned to: Council (Special) Final Action: 12/30/2025 Agenda Date: 12/30/2025 Enactment #: RES 2025-050 Related Files: Primary Contact Email: ksmith@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Resolution authorizing the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars for flood relief assistance for families with vulnerable children SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: n/a HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To: 12/30/2025 Council (Special) SUBSTITUTE APPROVED AS AMENDED Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Attachments: Proposed Resolution, Substitute Resolution, 2nd Substitute Resolution, Memo - Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 1/5/2026 PROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN, STREMLER INTRODUCED: DECEMBER 30, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-050 AUTHORIZING THE USE OF HEALTHY CHILDREN'S FUND DOLLARS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE YOUNG CHILDREN AFFECTED BY FLOODING WHEREAS, Whatcom County experienced severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides, and landslides beginning December 9, 2025 (herein "2025 Storm Events"); and WHEREAS, the winter storms beginning on December 9, 2025 led to evacuations, property damage, and disruption of daily life for Whatcom County residents and has intensified the vulnerability of many families with young children in our community; and WHEREAS, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued a Proclamation of Emergency on December 9, 2025; and WHEREAS, the availability of state and federal assistance is unknown at this point and, if available, will likely be slow to arrive; and WHEREAS, the Healthy Children's Fund is a voter -approved property tax levy to support early childhood learning and care and for the support of vulnerable children; and WHEREAS, for purposes of this resolution, "vulnerable children" refers to children aged 0-5 and their immediate families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events and as otherwise consistent with the Healthy Children's Fund ordinance and administrative guidelines, including but not limited to income level, housing instability, or developmental risk; and WHEREAS, the Council desires to provide rapid support to flood -impacted families with vulnerable children by using funds from the Healthy Children's Fund; and WHEREAS, expenditures that stabilize housing, address health and safety needs, and reduce trauma for children aged 0-5 following a disaster directly support the Healthy Children's Fund purposes of promoting early childhood health, development, and family stability; and WHEREAS, although the Healthy Children's Fund is not intended to function as a disaster relief program, limited and targeted use of funds to stabilize families with vulnerable young children following a declared emergency is consistent with the Fund's purpose; and WHEREAS, the immediate needs of flood -impacted families with vulnerable children are not being met by current disaster relief funding systems; and WHEREAS, ensuring every Whatcom County child gets a healthy start is a fundamental goal of the Healthy Children's Fund; and WHEREAS, the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars under this resolution is intended to supplement, and not supplant, other local, state, or federal disaster assistance programs; however, the Council supports the reimbursement of any Healthy Children's Fund dollars used to support families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events with state or federal disaster relief dollars that arrive at a later date; and WHEREAS, the Council expects little to no long-term impact on funds available through the Healthy Children's Fund due to the limited nature of the proposed use, the potential for partial or full reimbursement through future state or federal disaster relief funding, and the continued prioritization of core early childhood investments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council requests the County Executive to use up to $750,000 from the Healthy Children's Fund to provide disaster relief assistance related to the 2025 Storm Events to families with vulnerable children aged 0-5 years, in a manner consistent with purposes of the Healthy Children's Fund, and that the Executive report back to Council on expenditures, outcomes, and any reimbursement received from state or federal sources; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council supports the reimbursement of any Healthy Children's Fund dollars, pursuant to the terms of the Healthy Children's Fund, used to support families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events with state or federal disaster relief dollars that arrive at a later date; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this expenditure from the Healthy Children's fund shall supplement, and not supplant, other local, state, or federal disaster assistance programs; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this expenditure from the Healthy Children's Fund shall be made equitably available and accessible to all flood -impacted families with vulnerable children ages 0-5 years, from all backgrounds, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. APPRO,yfl �lt��ri� day of December , �z , \AAi ®® `. ATTEST: �w �G>���' mOIJ�.Y Ca Tiy H a'G;: a, -16-Al I E®tincil: ,. W W O 0 APPROVED AS TO FORM.-''_'` Kimberly Thulin by email 12/30/25-ks Civil Deputy Prosecutor 2025. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON K lee alloway, Council Chair ROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN & STREMLER INTRODUCED: DECEMBER 30, 2025 RESOLUTION NO, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF HEALTHY CHILDREN'S FUND DOLLARS FOR FLOOD RELIEF FOR FAMILIES WITH VULNERABLE CHILDREN WHEREAS, Whatcom County experienced severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides, and landslides beginning December 9, 2025 (herein "2025 Storm Events"); and WHEREAS, the winter storms beginning on December 9, 2025 led to evacuations, property damage, and disruption of daily life for Whatcom County residents and has intensified the vulnerability of many families with young children in our community; and WHEREAS, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued a Proclamation of Emergency on December 9, 2025; and WHEREAS, the availability of state and federal assistance is unknown at this point and, if available, will likely be slow to arrive; and WHEREAS, the Healthy Children's Fund is a voter -approved property tax levy to support early childhood learning and care and for the support of vulnerable children; and WHEREAS, for purposes of this resolution, "vulnerable children" refers to children aged 0-5 and their immediate families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events and as otherwise consistent with the Healthy Children's Fund ordinance and administrative guidelines, including but not limited to income level, housing instability, or developmental risk; and WHEREAS, the Council desires to provide rapid support to flood -impacted families with vulnerable children by using funds from the Healthy Children's Fund; and WHEREAS, expenditures that stabilize housing, address health and safety needs, and reduce trauma for children aged 0-5 following a disaster directly support the Healthy Children's Fund purposes of promoting early childhood health, development, and family stability; and WHEREAS, although the Healthy Children's Fund is not intended to function as a disaster relief program, limited and targeted use of funds to stabilize families with vulnerable young children following a declared emergency is consistent with the Fund's purpose; and WHEREAS, the immediate needs of flood -impacted families with vulnerable children are not being met by current disaster relief funding systems; and WHEREAS, the Council will support the reimbursement of any Healthy Children's Fund dollars used to support families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events with state or federal disaster relief dollars that arrive at a later date; and WHEREAS, the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars under this resolution is intended to supplement, and not supplant, other local, state, or federal disaster assistance programs; and WHEREAS, the Council expects little to no long-term impact on funds available through the Healthy Children's Fund due to the limited nature of the proposed use, the potential for partial or full reimbursement through future state or federal disaster relief funding, and the continued prioritization of core early childhood investments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council requests the County Executive to use up to $750,000 from the Healthy Children's Fund to provide disaster relief assistance related to the 2025 Storm Events to families with vulnerable children aged 0-5 years, in a manner consistent with purposes of the Healthy Children's Fund, and that the Executive report back to Council on expenditures, outcomes, and any reimbursement received from state or federal sources. APPROVED this day of , 2025. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair APPROVED AS TO FORM: Approval by Chris Quinn via email 12/26/25-ks Chris Quinn, Civil Deputy Prosecutor ROPOSED BY: BUCHANAN & STREMLER INTRODUCED: DECEMBER 30, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. AUTHORIZING THE USE OF HEALTHY CHILDREN'S FUND DOLLARS FOR FLOOD RELIEF FOR FAMILIES WITH VULNERABLE CHILDREN WHEREAS, Whatcom County experienced severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides, and landslides beginning December 9, 2025 (herein "2025 Storm Events"); and WHEREAS, the winter storms beginning on December 9, 2025 led to evacuations, property damage, and disruption of daily life for Whatcom County residents and has intensified the vulnerability of many families with young children in our community; and WHEREAS, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued a Proclamation of Emergency on December 9, 2025; and WHEREAS, the availability of state and federal assistance is unknown at this point and, if available, will likely be slow to arrive; and WHEREAS, the Healthy Children's Fund is a voter -approved property tax levy to support early childhood learning and care and for the support of vulnerable children; and WHEREAS, for purposes of this resolution, "vulnerable children" refers to children aged 0-5 and their immediate families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events and as otherwise consistent with the Healthy Children's Fund ordinance and administrative guidelines, including but not limited to income level, housing instability, or developmental risk; and WHEREAS, the Council desires to provide rapid support to flood -impacted families with vulnerable children by using funds from the Healthy Children's Fund; and WHEREAS, expenditures that stabilize housing, address health and safety needs, and reduce trauma for children aged 0-5 following a disaster directly support the Healthy Children's Fund purposes of promoting early childhood health, development, and family stability; and WHEREAS, although the Healthy Children's Fund is not intended to function as a disaster relief program, limited and targeted use of funds to stabilize families with vulnerable young children following a declared emergency is consistent with the Fund's purpose; and WHEREAS, the immediate needs of flood -impacted families with vulnerable children are not being met by current disaster relief funding systems; and WHEREAS, the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars under this resolution is intended to supplement, and not supplant, other local, state, or federal disaster assistance programs; however, the Council vM4-m_support the reimbursement of any Healthy Children's Fund dollars used to support families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events with state or federal disaster relief dollars that arrive at a later date; and WHEREAS, the Council expects little to no long-term impact on funds available through the Healthy Children's Fund due to the limited nature of the proposed use, the potential for partial or full reimbursement through future state or federal disaster relief funding, and the continued prioritization of core early childhood investments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council requests the County Executive to use up to $750,000 from the Healthy Children's Fund to provide disaster relief assistance related to the 2025 Storm Events to families with vulnerable children aged 0-5 years, in a manner consistent with purposes of the Healthy Children's Fund, and that the Executive report back to Council on expenditures, outcomes, and any reimbursement received from state or federal sources. APPROVED this day of , 2025. ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair APPROVED AS TO FORM: Approval by Chris Quinn via email 12/26/25-ks Chris Quinn, Civil Deputy Prosecutor Redline - substitute 12.29.25 Yellow redline - 2nd substitute PROPOSED BY: 12.30.25 INTRODUCED: DECEMBER 30, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. AUTHORIZING THE USE OF HEALTHY CHILDREN'S FUND DOLLARS FOR FLOOD RELIEF CAPE FAMILIES TCC WITH VULNERABLE U NE A B E CHI P\RENTO PROTECT VULNERABLE YOUNG CHILDREN AFFECTED BY FLOODING WHEREAS, Whatcom County experienced severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides, and landslides beginning December 9, 2025 (herein "2025 Storm Events"); and WHEREAS, the winter storms beginning on December 9, 2025 led to evacuations, property damage, and disruption of daily life for Whatcom County residents and has intensified the vulnerability of many families with young children in our community; and WHEREAS, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued a Proclamation of Emergency on December 9, 2025; and WHEREAS, the availability of state and federal assistance is unknown at this point and, if available, will likely be slow to arrive; and WHEREAS, the Healthy Children's Fund is a voter -approved property tax levy to support early childhood learning and care and for the support of vulnerable children; and WHEREAS, for purposes of this resolution, "vulnerable children" refers to children aged 0-5 and their immediate families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events and as otherwise consistent with the Healthy Children's Fund ordinance and administrative guidelines, including but not limited to income level, housing instability, or developmental risk; and WHEREAS, the Council desires to provide rapid support to flood -impacted families with vulnerable children by using funds from the Healthy Children's Fund; and WHEREAS, expenditures that stabilize housing, address health and safety needs, and reduce trauma for children aged 0-5 following a disaster directly support the Healthy Children's Fund purposes of promoting early childhood health, development, and family stability; and WHEREAS, although the Healthy Children's Fund is not intended to function as a disaster relief program, limited and targeted use of funds to stabilize families with vulnerable young children following a declared emergency is consistent with the Fund's purpose; and WHEREAS, the immediate needs of flood -impacted families with vulnerable children are not being met by current disaster relief funding systems; and WHEREAS, ensuring every Whatcom County child gets a healthy start is a fundamental goal of the Healthy Children's Fund; and WHEREAS, the use of Healthy Children's Fund dollars under this resolution is intended to supplement, and not supplant, other local, state, or federal disaster assistance programs; however, the Council a M-may support the reimbursement of any Healthy Children's Fund dollars used to support families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events with state or federal disaster relief dollars that arrive at a later date; and WHEREAS, the use E)f Healthy ChilElFen's Fund dellaFS undeF this Feselutien is intended te supplement, and net supplant, etheF leeal, state, OF fedeFal disasteF assistance WHEREAS, the Council expects little to no long-term impact on funds available through the Healthy Children's Fund due to the limited nature of the proposed use, the potential for partial or full reimbursement through future state or federal disaster relief funding, and the continued prioritization of core early childhood investments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council requests the County Executive to use up to $750,000 from the Healthy Children's Fund to provide disaster relief assistance related to the 2025 Storm Events to families with vulnerable children aged 0-5 years, in a manner consistent with purposes of the Healthy Children's Fund, and that the Executive report back to Council on expenditures, outcomes, and any reimbursement received from state or federal sources, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council may support the reimbursement of any Healthy Children's Fund dollars used to support families impacted by the 2025 Storm Events with state or federal disaster relief dollars that arrive at a later date; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this expenditure from the Healthy Children's fund shall supplement and not supplant, other local, state, or federal disaster assistance programs; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this expenditure from the Healthy Children's Fund shall be made equitably available and accessible to all flood -impacted families with vulnerable children ages 0-5 years, from all backgrounds, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. APPROVED this day of , 2025. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council APPROVED AS TO FORM: Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair Approved by Kimberly Thulin by email 12/30/25-ks Civil Deputy Prosecutor c �WHATC0M LONG TERM R E E 0 V E R 4 GROUP Together We Are Whatcom Strong Early Childhood Flood Recovery Assistance Program (DRAFT) 1. Current scope of needs for program a. The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group is working through a formal client intake process. We have received over 750 requests for support in recovering from recent flooding in Whatcom County. We have 423 households through the client intake process as of December 26, 2025. b. Of those 423 households, 68 (16%) have children ages 0-5 years old, totalling 112 children. There are 204 children ages 0-18 in those same households. Currently 40% of households are Hispanic/Spanish speaking. c. If the current rate of households with children ages 0-5 years old is maintained throughout the intake process, approximately 750 x 16%=120 households will potentially have children ages 0-5 years old that were impacted from recent flooding. 2. Program Purpose & Target Population a. Purpose: To provide short-term, flexible financial assistance to families with children ages 0-5 who are recovering from flood -related impacts, supporting safety, stability, and security for early childhood well-being during the immediate recovery phase. b. Target Population: WLTRG clients who have at least one child aged 0-5 years residing in the household, families experiencing unmet needs related to housing, safety, basic necessities, or child -specific recovery needs. 3. Assistance Structure & Amount per Family a. Type of Assistance: Direct financial assistance and/or vendor payments for flood -related recovery needs, including but not limited to: i. Temporary housing stabilization ii. Child -related necessities (cribs, car seats, clothing, diapers, formula) iii. Cleaning, mold mitigation, and safety supplies iv. Utility assistance or replacement of essential household items V. Transportation related to recovery or childcare access b. Amount per Family: PO Box 52, Everson WA 98247 whatcomltrg(a�gmail.com www.whatcomstrong.com v �i �WHATC0M LONG TERM RECOVERY GROUP Toqether We Are Whatcom Stronq Maximum assistance per household: $6,000 per family over 3 months ii. Final assistance amounts determined through case review based on documented need, family size, and availability of funds c. Assistance may be provided as: i. Direct payment to vendors ii. Reimbursement of qualified expenses paid since date of flooding iii. Direct cash assistance 4. WLTRG Capacity to Receive & Distribute Funds a. Organizational Capacity: WLTRG affirms the ability to: i. Receive governmental funding through its established fiscal and banking systems ii. Administer funds in compliance with governmental reporting, documentation, and audit requirements iii. Maintain fund accounting and accurate financial tracking b. Administrative Oversight: i. Funds will be managed by the WLTRG Treasurer/Fiscal Agent ii. All disbursements require documented disaster case management, evaluation of met criteria and dual approval by DCM Lead and Treasurer iii. Records retained in accordance with funder and regulatory requirements c. Coordination: i. Program administered in coordination with WLTRG disaster case management ii. Avoids duplication of benefits (e.g., FEMA, insurance, other disaster assistance) 5. Expected Needs in the Next 30 Days a. Immediate Needs Anticipated: i. Emergency household stabilization for families displaced or living in unsafe conditions ii. Replacement of child -specific items lost or damaged by flooding iii. Mold remediation and environmental safety supports iv. Transportation and childcare -related expenses impacting parental employment and recovery PO Box 52, Everson WA 98247 whatcomltrg(a.amail.com www.whatcomstrong.com v �i �WHATC0M LONG TERM RECOVERY GROUP Toqether We Are Whatcom Stronq b. Projected Demand: Estimated number of households to be served in first 30 days: 120 families ii. Average assistance per family: $6,000 over 3 months (estimated) iii. Total estimated 30-day funding need: $240,000 6. Governance and accountability a. Program updates will be provided regularly, including: i. Number of families served ii. Funds distributed iii. Types of needs addressed iv. Identified gaps or emerging needs b. Reporting Schedule: i. Monthly written reports ii. Financial reconciliation and outcome reporting iii. Participation in program review or monitoring meetings c. Program Outcomes: i. Improved safety and stability for families with young children ii. Reduced recovery -related stress for caregivers iii. Faster stabilization of households during early recovery iv. Strengthened coordination between government, nonprofit, and community partners d. Program Duration i. Initial implementation period: 90 days, with potential extension based on demonstrated need and funding availability e. Optional Add-Ons (If the Council is receptive) i. Referral to early childhood services (Head Start, childcare subsidies, developmental screenings) ii. Disaster Case Management follow-up at 60-90 days iii. Data analysis to support future disaster planning for families with young children PO Box 52, Everson WA 98247 whatcomltrg(a.amail.com www.whatcomstronci.com