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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil May 26 2026Whatcom County Council COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Minutes - Final Tuesday, May 26, 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 5.22.2026 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 May 26, 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 Buchanan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was seconded by Rienstra (see votes on individual items below). 1. MIN2026-043 Special Council for May 5, 2026 Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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. MIN2026-044 Special Committee of the Whole for May 5, 2026 Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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. MIN2026-045 Committee of Whole for May 12, 2026 Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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. MIN2026-046 Regular County Council for May 12, 2026 Whatcom County Page I Printed on 61912026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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 OPEN SESSION The following people spoke: • Rick Kiene • John Westerfield • Alan Lifson • Steve Powers • Brooks Anderson • Diane Kitchen • Cally Huttar • Anne Meegan • Irene Millay • Ryan Bowman • Kathleen Kloep • Talia Nuckolls • Laurie Riskin • Brian Gas • Phyllis Seren • Kris Halterman • Lorraine Newman • Bill Rudd • Donnie Rubenack • Kristina Heintz • Lyle Sorenson • Julie Jansen • Brook Eolande • Don Jansen • Maya Morales • Hannah Ordos • Jim Shaver • Dustin Clayman • Austin Papritz • Name not stated • Natalie Chavez 9%atcom County page 2 Printed on 61912026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 • David Foreman 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 items one through 13. Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items below). 1. AB2026-368 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and EKS Evaluation Consulting to develop a comprehensive evaluation plan for the five key Response Systems Division programs within Whatcom County Health and Community Services, in the amount of $83,150 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 2. AB2026-381 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Bellingham Police Department for a commitment of funding from the Bellingham Police Department to maintain operations of the Alternative Response Team Program, in the amount of $688,760 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. AB2026-382 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Commerce to increase funding for the Consolidated Homeless Grant, which supports the priorities outlined in the Whatcom County Plan to End Homelessness, in the amount of $1,546,981 for a total amended agreement amount of $20,366,072 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: Whatcom County Page 3 Printed on 61912026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 4. AB2026-385 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health to provide funding for various public health programs, in the amount of $57,008 for a total amended contract amount of $11,286,805 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. AB2026-386 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Kulshan Community Land Trust to provide eighteen units of permanently affordable homeownership units for households earning less than 80% Area Median Income, in the amount of $394,012.06 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 6. AB2026-387 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Shea, Carr & Jewell, Inc. dba SCJ Alliance to provide flood mitigation planning for the City of Sumas, in the amount of $274,981.33 (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 7. AB2026-391 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Military Department for the elevation of sixteen structures in flood -prone areas, in the amount of $4,156,725 (Council acting as the 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 Whatcom County page 4 Printed on 6/9/2026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 A SECOND MOTION WAS MADE ON THIS ITEM UNDER OTHER BUSINESS. 8. AB2026-392 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Herrera Environmental Consultants to support the next phase of Lower Nooksack River Floodplain Integrated Planning, in the amount of $1,250,229 for a total contract amount of $4,248,598 (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 9. AB2026-393 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Lake Whatcom Residential Treatment Center to support the development of 37 units of affordable rentals for adults with behavioral health needs, including I I units dedicated to Trueblood Class Members, in the amount of $3,087,940 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. AB2026-394 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an amended agreement between Whatcom County and the Administrative Office of the Courts for reimbursement of costs related to water adjudication, in the amended amount of $2,538,200 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 11. AB2026-397 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Military Department to enhance Whatcom County Page 5 Primed on 6/9/2026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 security and preparedness for the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup events, in the amount of $62,963 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 12. AB2026-398 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and the SeattleFWC26 to enhance security and preparedness for the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup events, in the amount of $97,556 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 13. AB2026-401 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to clarify eligible construction reimbursement methods for the Bear Creek Corridor Mitigation Bank Project in the amount of $0, for a total amended contract amount of $1,000,000 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 OTHER ITEMS (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) 1. AB2026-333 Ordinance increasing the Petty Cash Revolving Fund for the Parks and Recreation Department, in the amount of $500 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 Whatcom County page 6 Printed on 6/9/2026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Enactment No: ORD 2026-025 2. AB2026-351 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Austin Court Stormwater Improvement Project Fund, request no. 1 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 2026-026 3. AB2026-353 Ordinance amending the project budget for the North Commercial Street Acquisition, request no. 1 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 2026-027 4. A132026-355 Ordinance amending the project budget for the New Public Health, Safety and Justice Facility, request no. 11 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 2026-028 5. AB2026-369 Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 8, in the amount of $8,914,924 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 Whatcom County page 7 Printed on 6/9/2026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Enactment No: ORD 2026-029 6. AB2026-373 Resolution amending the 2026 Flood Control Zone District and Subzones Budget, request no. 3, in the amount of $34,964 (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 Resolution (FCZDBS) be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: RES 2026-019 7. AB2026-374 Ordinance amending the project based budget for the Lummi Nation Ferry Lease Fund-3901, request no. 1 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 2026-030 8. AB2026-379 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Central Shop National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Improvements Project Fund, request no. 2 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 2026-031 9. AB2026-402 Resolution appointing the County Treasurer and Finance Director as the county representatives authorized to designate certain expenditures for reimbursement from future tax-exempt obligations Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Whatcom County Page 8 Printed on 61912026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: RES 2026-020 (From Council Public Works and Health Committee) 10. AB2026-389 Resolution establishing the existing Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee as the Ferry Advisory Committee for the Ferry District [Council acting as the Whatcom County Ferry District Board of Supervisors] Boyle reported for the Public Works and Health Committee and moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. She stated this resolution follows the creation of the ferry district two weeks ago and the next step is to form this committee. Councilmembers discussed requirements for the makeup of the membership of the committee now that the tax encompasses the entire county, and whether they would need to make adjustments, and the following people also spoke: • Laura Frolich, Public Works Department • Jed Holmes, Executive's Office • Satpal Sidhu, County Executive They discussed changes that the existing ferry advisory committee might need to undergo, that a ferry district advisory board is distinct from a state advisory committee and that the new language governing the district board is in Engrossed House Bill (EHB) 2588 (which goes into effect in mid -June), that the existing Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee will exist so long as it is in county code but that this is to designate that committee as the advisory committee for the district, concern about passing this if they want the makeup of the district committee to be different than the current advisory committee and if they would not be able to change the makeup of the body once they put it in place, that the Whatcom County Ferry District Board of Supervisors is a separate body than the Council and that this resolution makes the advisory body to the Council the advisory body for the board of supervisors, that the board of supervisors can change the composition of the body once it is appointed but that this step has to be taken first, whether they should adjust the membership of the existing ferry advisory committee first to how they want it for the ferry district before passing this resolution, that the wording of the legislation states, "the governing body of the ferry district shall designate the existing committee to fulfill the requirements of this section" Whatcom County Page 9 Punted on 61912016 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 but that they can then change the makeup of the district committee as long as it is within the bounds of the state law, and that the resolution states that "future amendments may be necessary to ensure full representation of the new county -wide ferry district. Boyle's motion that the Resolution be APPROVED carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler Nay: 0 Enactment No: RES 2026-021 (From Council Committee of the Whole) 11. AB2026-390 Resolution regarding greenhouse gas reduction sub -element voluntary review as part of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan periodic update under the Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.096) Galloway reported for the Committee of the Whole and moved that the SUBSTITUTE 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 2026-022 ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION 1. AB2026-418 Request for motion to support modifying the Flood District Fund reserve policy to allow for levee repairs Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved to support modifying the Flood District Fund reserve policy to allow for the Ritter Road and Bylsma Levee repairs. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Stremler, Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 0 This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED. Motion approved 7-0 to support modifying the Flood District Fund reserve policy to allow for the Ritter Road and Bylsma Levee repairs. COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES Whatcom County Page 10 Printed on 61912026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Councilmembers reported for their committees and made several motions (see each one under its respective committee header and agenda bill below). (From Committee of the Whole Executive Session) AB2026-383 Discussion of a potential property acquisition with Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Tom Seguine and Public Works staff [Discussion of this item may take place in executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(b)] Scanlon moved to authorize the county executive acting on behalf of the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone district, to move forward with and complete the acquisition of the easement, as long as the purchase price of the easement does not exceed the amount discussed in executive session. The motion was seconded by Buchanan. 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 authorize the county executive acting on behalf of the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone district, to move forward with and complete the acquisition of the easement, as long as the purchase price of the easement does not exceed the amount discussed in executive session. AB2026-406 Discussion of pending litigation with Civil Deputy Prosecutor Jesse Corkern regarding Hailey Bergquist vs. Whatcom County et al., Skagit County Superior Court, Case No. 26-2-00115-29. Defense and indemnification of Ryan Rathbun, former Whatcom County Sheriff's Deputy, named as defendant [Discussion of this item may take place in executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to RCW4230.110(l) (GA Scanlon moved to approve defense and indemnification of Ryan Rathbun, named as defendants in Hailey Bergquist v. Whatcom County et al., Skagit County Superior Court, Cause No. 26-2-00115-29. Based on the following findings: A. Ryan Rathbun was acting in a matter in which the county had an interest; B. Ryan Rathbun was acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or authorized by law; C. Ryan Rathbun acted in good faith. The motion was seconded by Boyle. The motion carried by the following vote: Whatcom County Page I Printed on 61912026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Stremler, and Boyle Nay: 0 This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED. Motion approved 7-0 to approve defense and indemnification of Ryan Rathbun, named as defendants in Hailey Bergquist v. Whatcom County et al., Skagit County Superior Court, Cause No. 26-2-00115-29. Based on the following findings: A. Ryan Rathbun was acting in a matter in which the county had an interest; B. Ryan Rathbun was acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or authorized by law; C. Ryan Rathbun acted in good faith. AB2026-407 Discussion of potential litigation with Civil Deputy Prosecutor Jesse Corkem regarding the Public Works Ferry Division's participation in Discover Card Merchant Class Action [Discussion of this item may take place in executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to RCW42.30.110(1)(i)] Scanlon moved to authorize Jesse Corkern, Civil Deputy to submit a claim form on behalf of Whatcom County Public Works, to participate in a class action settlement, as discussed in Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Rienstra. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Stremler, Boyle, and Buchanan Nay: 0 This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED. Motion approved 7-0 to authorize Jesse Corkern, Civil Deputy to submit a claim form on behalf of Whatcom County Public Works, to participate in a class action settlement, as discussed in Executive Session. (From Finance and Administrative Services Committee) AB2026-391 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Military Department for the elevation of sixteen structures in flood -prone areas, in the amount of $4,156,725 (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) Scanlon reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved to authorize the Executive to execute agreements with the property owners that outline the terms of reimbursement for the elevation of their structures. The motion carried by the following vote: Whatcom County page 12 Printed on 61912026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Aye: 7 - Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Stremler, Boyle, Buchanan, and Elenbaas Nay: 0 This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED. Motion approved 7-0 to authorize the Executive to execute agreements with the property owners that outline the terms of reimbursement for the elevation of their structures. AB2026-400 Presentation by the Executive Office on the Economic Development Investment Fund and Program Galloway reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and stated there was discussion about a proposal from the Economic Development Investment (EDI) Board and a different one from the executive regarding EDI fund allocation. She stated she thinks there was maybe some misunderstanding of exactly what Council's recommendations were last year and she thinks it would be of benefit for Council to discuss that today and to reestablish what their intent was. She gave background to the discussion. In April 2025, the Council discussed a planned investment target, which included allocations for fund balance and annual revenues. At that time, Council chose to reserve 15 percent of the fund balance and then allocate 30 percent to the County, have a 30 percent targeted allocation for housing, and then allocated 40 percent to infrastructure and other government needs (referred to as "30/30/40"). She thinks there was some misunderstanding as to whether or not those funding allocations were speaking specifically to one-time fund balance spend -down, or if those targets were also providing policy guidance on ongoing revenues, and that is the question at hand for Council this evening. They need to decide if they want to endorse the board's recommendation, the executive's recommendation, or meet in the middle. Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, and the councilmembers discussed the options. They discussed that the EDI board may have been leaning toward what they thought was Council's policy direction, that the difference in terms of how much is going to housing versus how much is going to infrastructure between the EDI and executive proposals is $700,000, that the EDI board's percentages are consistent with last year's recommendations, how a motion tonight to change the allocation would be received by the executive, that the executive's desire to consider future major infrastructure projects and have the EDI program contribute towards advancing those projects and attracting outside investment and capital into Whatcom County is one of the main drivers of his recommendation here and is one reason Council might want to set aside more money on the public infrastructure side, that the EDI Board is just advisory and this will "atcom County Page 13 Primed on 6/9/2026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 ultimately be a Council budget action, that the intention is to roll over unused funds within an allocation track, that the Administration and the County's partners are seeking general predictability, that these decisions could impact projects that have not yet received funding or that have a future phase that has not received funding, getting answers from legal regarding the authority of the executive and Council in administering the EDI fund and authorizing the budget, that they are discussing EDI allocations ahead of the budget process so the Administration can submit a budget, how much the Bell Road overpass project is potentially relying on EDI funds and that it is a critical match for a federal grant, whether they should set a target range for the allocations or even leave it undefined, and a consideration that it is easier to get grants for some things (such as housing needs) than others. Galloway moved that council preliminarily establish a target range for the economic development investment program of between $2.5 million and $3 million set aside for infrastructure projects and between $1 million and $1.5 million for housing projects as an initial starting place. Boyle suggested a friendly amendment to change the ranges to 2.3 million to $3 million and $1 million to $1.7. Galloway did not accept the friendly amendment. The motion was seconded by Elenbaas. Boyle moved to amend the motion that council preliminarily establish a target range for the economic development investment program of between $2.3 million and $3 million set aside for infrastructure projects and between $1 million and $1.7 million for housing projects as an initial starting place. The motion was seconded by Scanlon. Councilmembers discussed the motion. The motion to amend the motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon Nay: 2 - Elenbaas and Stremler The motion as amended carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Boyle Nay: 1 - Stremler Whatcom County Page 14 Printed on 6/9/2026 Council Minutes - Final May 26, 2026 Councilmembers gave other committee reports and updates on recent activities and upcoming events. This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED. Motion approved 6-1 with Stremler opposed that the council preliminarily establish a target range for the economic development investment program of between $2.3 million and $3 million set aside for infrastructure projects and between $1 million and $1.7 million for housing projects as an initial starting place. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The County Council approved these minutes on June 9, 2026. ATTEST: ;��11t111fit��2�II` ,•```� ,� •CCi'''% O COUNTY �• ' Cathy HalkaXo') T��- r J� [�'C •Oo`�I�v`•Q °e WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WA Kaylee 6alloway, Council hair Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger Whateonn County Page 15 Printed on 61912026