Council

Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers

Agenda — 88 items

1. 1 COUNTY COUNCIL
2. 2 CALL TO ORDER
3. 3 ROLL CALL
4. 4 FLAG SALUTE
5. 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS
6. 6 COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
7. 7 MINUTES CONSENT
8. 1. Committee of the Whole Executive Session for July 22, 2025 MIN2025-045 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
9. 2. Regular County Council for July 22, 2025 MIN2025-046 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
10. 3. Committee of the Whole for July 22, 2025 MIN2025-047 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
11. 4. Special Council for July 22, 20205 MIN2025-048 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
12. 5. Special Council and Planning Commission for August 6, 2025 MIN2025-049 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
13. 6. Committee of the Whole for August 6, 2025 MIN2025-050 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
14. 7. Regular County Council for August 6, 2025 MIN2025-051 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
15. 8. Health Board and Public Health Advisory Board for July 29, 2025 MIN2025-052 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
16. 9. Special Committee of the Whole for July 29, 2025 MIN2025-053 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass
17. 17 PUBLIC HEARINGS
18. 1. Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Title 22 to clarify the roles and duties of participants in the Hearing Examiner process AB2025-537 ADOPTED Pass
19. 2. Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Section 2.11 to clarify the authority of the Hearing Examiner AB2025-538 SUBSTITUTE ADOPTED Pass
20. 3. Resolution amending Resolution 2024-021 to update Business Rules of the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner to approve clarifying changes promulgated by the Hearing Examiner AB2025-539 SUBSTITUTE APPROVED Pass
21. 4. Review final project performance on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services Program AB2025-546 PUBLIC HEARING HELD (file final)
22. 22 OPEN SESSION
23. 4. Review final project performance on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services Program AB2025-546 DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED
24. 23 CONSENT AGENDA
25. 23 Motion approved 7-0 to receive the report
26. 24 (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
27. 1. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization to fund the Recovery Navigator Program to enhance LEAD programming in the amount of $256,227.50, for a total amended contract amount of $1,639,137.50 AB2025-580 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
28. 2. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Whatcom Law Group/Rajeev Majumdar for 2026 hearing examiner services, in an amount of $118,779.60, for a total amended contract amount of $344,599.60 AB2025-582
29. 3. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Health Care Authority to provide funding for the Alternative Response Team (ART) Program in the amount of $1,174,000, for a total amended agreement amount of $4,561,000 AB2025-583 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
30. 4. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) for the Registered Sex Offendor Address and Residency Verification Program, in the amount of $130,767.67 AB2025-586 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
31. 5. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Snohomish County for neuropathology services, in the amount of $4,500 AB2025-589 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
32. 29 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW
33. 6. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Administrative Office of the Courts to support Mental Health Court, in the amount of $194,198 AB2025-604 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
34. 7. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a five year grant agreement between Whatcom County and the US Forest Service for the Offender Forestry Work Crew Program in the amount of $540,062.62 AB2025-606 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
35. 8. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology for Watershed Resources Inventory Area No. 1 (WRIA 1) water rights adjudication technical assistance, in the amount of $200,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-607 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
36. 9. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a 15-month contract between Whatcom County and Trinity Services Group, Inc., for Jail Food Services, in the amount of $1,239,500 AB2025-609 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
37. 10. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Summit Construction Group, Inc for tenant improvements and HVAC replacement at the Parks Department administrative office and annex in the amount of $58,694 for a total amended contract amount of $999,950 AB2025-611 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
38. 11. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology to provide a Washington Conservation Corps Crew and supervisor, in the amount of $258,720 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-613 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
39. 12. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Health Care Authority to expand the operational capabilities of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion//Let Everyone Advance with Dignity (LEAD) Program in the amount of $1,466,580, for a total amended agreement amount of $1,886,580 AB2025-615 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
40. 13. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Health Care Authority to coordinate and implement prevention programs and strategies in the amount of $2,350,000, for a total amended agreement amount of $3,670,000 AB2025-621 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
41. 14. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and the Opportunity Council for operation of the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in the amount of $50,000 in 2025 and $51,500 annually thereafter, for a total contract amount of $155,412 in 2025 and $156,912 annually thereafter AB2025-622 SUBSTITUTE AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
42. 15. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Lydia Place to support the rehabilitation and remodel of a transitional housing facility for large families, in the amount of $166,950 AB2025-624 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
43. 16. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Administrative Office of the Courts for services related to the Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (VGAL) Program, in the amount of $84,523 AB2025-625 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
44. 17. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Administrative Office of the Courts for services related to Becca cases regarding At-Risk Youth, Truancy, and Child in Need of Services, in the amount of $98,853 AB2025-626 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
45. 18. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between Whatcom County and Trinity Food Services Group for food services for juvenile detention, in the amount not to exceed $10,476 for the remainder of 2025 and $41,904 for 2026 AB2025-627 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass
46. 43 OTHER ITEMS
47. 44 (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
48. 1. Ordinance amending the 2025 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 9, in the amount of $956,986 AB2025-558 ADOPTED Pass
49. 2. Request for motion to approve the 2025-2027 Criminal Justice Treatment Account (CJTA) Plan AB2025-587 APPROVED REQUEST Pass
50. 46 CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY
51. 3. Request Council review and approval of the Economic Development Board’s recommendation for 2026 funding for infrastructure and housing projects AB2025-612 APPROVED REQUEST Pass
52. 2. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Whatcom Law Group/Rajeev Majumdar for 2026 hearing examiner services, in an amount of $118,779.60, for a total amended contract amount of $344,599.60 AB2025-582 AUTHORIZED Pass
53. 48 (No Committee Assignment)
54. 4. Request for motion to select a Councilmember to participate in the Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) Board Composition Review meeting AB2025-591 DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED
55. 5. Request for motion to appoint two Councilmembers to participate in the Planning and Development Services Director recruitment process AB2025-623 DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED
56. 6. Resolution establishing regular Whatcom County Council meeting dates for 2026 AB2025-584 APPROVED AS AMENDED Pass
57. 52 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS
58. 1. Appointment to a vacancy on the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force, applicant(s): Alycia Francis, Heather Carson, and Angela Marie Shapow AB2025-549 APPOINTED
59. 3. Request Council review and approval of the Economic Development Board’s recommendation for 2026 funding for infrastructure and housing projects AB2025-612 DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED
60. 2. Appointment to a vacancy on the Board of Equalization, Applicant(s): Wes Van De Mark AB2025-570 APPOINTED Pass
61. 54 Motion Approved 5-2, with Stremler and Byrd opposed, to fully fund the Opportunity Council's request for the Bellis Fair Phase II project as a loan from EDI.
62. 55 CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS
63. 1. Request confirmation of the Executive’s appointment of Laura Castro-Benzing to the Northwest Senior Services Board AB2025-590 CONFIRMED Pass
64. 2. Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Kendra Dupuy to the Whatcom County Ethics Commission AB2025-593 CONFIRMED Pass
65. 57 Motion Approved to select Donovan with five votes
66. 3. Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Champ Thomaskutty as Director of Whatcom County Health & Community Services Department, effective October 27, 2025 AB2025-620 CONFIRMED Pass
67. 59 ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION
68. 59 Motion Approved 7-0 to appoint Elenbaas and Galloway to the Planning and Development Services recruitment process.
69. 1. Resolution amending Resolution 2025-013 to docket an additional comprehensive plan and zoning amendment related to related to Whatcom County Code Chapter 20.40 to include agriculture storage as a primary permitted use AB2025-638 APPROVED Pass
70. 61 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
71. 61 Motion approved 7-0 to amend to change the September meetings (September 8 and 22) to September 15th and 29th.
72. 1. Resolution declaring Whatcom County real property as surplus and approving transfer AB2025-597 INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Pass
73. 2. Resolution amending the 2025 Flood Control Zone District and Subzones Budget, Request no. 3, in the amount of $105,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-608 INTRODUCED Pass
74. 3. Ordinance establishing a project-based budget for the Jail Reentry Improvements project AB2025-614 INTRODUCED Pass
75. 64 Appointed Heather Carson with four votes.
76. 4. Ordinance amending the 2025 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 10, in the amount of $1,820,416 AB2025-628 INTRODUCED Pass
77. 2. Appointment to a vacancy on the Board of Equalization, Applicant(s): Wes Van De Mark AB2025-570 DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED
78. 66 COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
79. 66 Motion approved 7-0 to waive the one-year period of separation for Mr. Van De Mark.
80. 67 ADJOURN
81. 67 Appointment motion for AB2025-570:
82. 81 REPORT AND MOTION (From Council Committee of the Whole Executive Session)
83. 82 Discussion of pending litigation with Civil Deputy Prosecutor Jesse Corkern regarding Richard Arthur Kirkham, Plaintiff vs. City of Bellingham et al., Defendants, United States District Court Western District of Washington, No. 2:24-CV-01625-DGE-SKV, including defense and indemnification of Kellen Kooistra, Deputy Prosecutor, named as a defendant [Discussion of this item may take place in executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to RCW42.30.110 (1)(i)] AB2025-598 DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED
84. 83 Motion approved 7-0 to approve defense and indemnification of Kellen Kooistra, named as defendants in Richard Kirkham v. City of Bellingham et al., United States District Court for Western District of Washington, Cause No. 2:24-CV-01625- DGE-SKV. Based on the following findings: A. Kellen Kooistra was acting in a matter in which the county had an interest; B. Kellen Kooistra was acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or authorized by law; C. Kellen Kooistra acted in good faith.
85. 84 REPORT AND MOTION (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)
86. 85 Discussion of an ordinance amending the 2025 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 10, in the amount of $1,820,416 AB2025-629 DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED
87. 86 Motion approved 4-3 with Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler opposed that they endorse an ownership model (for Stewart Mountain Community Forest) that has a dedicated non-profit with Whatcom County participating on the entity’s governance board as is specified in the memo from staff from the August 6 meeting (AB2025-560).
88. 87 COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES CONTINUED

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