Whatcom County  
Council Special Committee of the Whole  
COUNTY COURTHOUSE  
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105  
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038  
(360) 778-5010  
Committee Minutes - Draft Minutes  
Tuesday, May 19, 2026  
9 AM  
Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers  
HYBRID MEETING - RECESS FOR LUNCH FROM 12:00 P.M. TO 1:00 P.M. -  
ADJOURNS BY 4:30 P.M. (PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN  
INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil OR CALL  
360.778.5010)  
COUNCILMEMBERS  
Elizabeth Boyle  
Barry Buchanan  
Ben Elenbaas  
Kaylee Galloway  
Jessica Rienstra  
Jon Scanlon  
Mark Stremler  
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL  
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC  
Call To Order  
Roll Call  
Council Chair Kaylee Galloway called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. in a  
hybrid meeting.  
7 -  
Present:  
Elizabeth Boyle, Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jessica  
Rienstra, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler  
Announcements  
Public Comment (Comprehensive Plan)  
AB2026-395  
Public comments on all chapters of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan  
The following people spoke:  
1.  
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Peter Condyles  
Lisa Adams  
Charlie Brown  
Bill Geyer  
Dwayne Engelsman  
Darcy Jones  
Brian Gass  
Alex Wenger  
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed public comment.  
This agenda item was RECEIVED.  
Committee Discussion  
AB2026-273  
1.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on the Preface to the Whatcom County  
Comprehensive Plan  
Galloway introduced discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Preface. She  
stated that Council preliminarily approved the Land Acknowledgement in  
the Preface, but still needed to approve the labor acknowledgement.  
Elenbaas moved to approve the alternate Labor Acknowledgement (Item 5  
in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026).  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Galloway explained that, if the motion is approved, it would replace the  
originally proposed labor acknowledgement.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 1 - Rienstra  
Scanlon moved to request staff prepare the Preface - Preliminary Council  
Draft for 5.19.2026 as amended - for inclusion in a future agenda bill file  
for Council introduction and public hearing.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to approve the alternate Labor Acknowledgement (Item 5 in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 5.19.2026).  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to request staff prepare the Preface – Preliminary Council Draft as amended – for inclusion in a  
future agenda bill file for Council introduction and public hearing.  
AB2026-186  
2.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 2, Land Use  
Galloway introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 Land  
Use. She stated that Council had worked through all proposed amendments  
at the last meeting, so the only things left are a couple of amendments from  
Planning and Development Services (PDS) and some amendments to UGAs.  
Rienstra moved to begin review of Chapter 2 using the Preliminary Council  
Draft as dated 5.19.2026, which is the current version of the chapter with  
Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional  
edits proposed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes for 5.19.2026.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway stated that the preliminary draft for 5.19.2026 includes proposed  
amendments from PDS.  
Matt Aamot, PDS, stated that they don't know when the annexation of East  
Blaine will occur, so the amendments just note that on the Comprehensive  
Plan map.  
Galloway stated that Council may go into an executive session to discuss  
potential litigation risk related to the Comprehensive Plan Update pursuant  
to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for litigation risk discussion, which will conclude  
no later than 10:00 a.m. If the meeting extends beyond the stated  
conclusion time, the Council chair will make a public announcement. The  
attorney present will be Kimberly Thulin.  
Scanlon moved to go into Executive Session until no later than 10:00 a.m.  
to discuss the agenda item pursuant to the RCW citation(s) as announced by  
the Council Chair.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Councilmembers entered Executive Session at 9:30 a.m.  
At 10:00 a.m., Galloway announced that Executive Session would extend to  
no later than 10:15 a.m.  
At 10:15 a.m., Galloway announced that Executive Session would extend to  
no later than 10:30 a.m.  
At 10:31 a.m., Galloway announced that Executive Session was concluded.  
Galloway introduced discussion of a memo from PDS regarding the Dakota  
Creek UGA (on file), which presents three possible options for Council  
consideration.  
Scanlon moved to support option three as presented in the memo from PDS  
on the Dakota Creek UGA for 5.19.2026.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Scanlon asked about the Future Shorelines report, which shows that there is  
potential for sea level rise along Dakota Creek.  
Mark Personius, PDS, said that under current zoning the remaining sewer  
shares would be allocated only to the parcel south of Shipyard Road, not to  
any parcels to the north on the creek, so there wouldn't be any additional  
urban development on those parcels on the creek.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway turned discussion to a map (on file) of Birch Bay UGAR  
properties for consideration on 5.19.2026.  
Galloway moved that the Council supports including the parcels as outlined  
in red on the Birch Bay Properties map for inclusion in the UGAR study  
that has been docketed.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Elenbaas stated that he has prepared some additional amendments for  
Chapter 2 regarding Cherry Point and site-specific renewable energy. He  
provided an overview of the proposed amendments to Section 2CC related  
to regulatory certainty for existing facilities, logistical infrastructure, and  
an orderly energy transition. He also explained additional proposed  
amendments related to proposed renewable energy generation projects. He  
stated that he has additional amendments he would like to propose for  
Chapter 5 as well.  
Councilmembers discussed the proposed amendments.  
Galloway moved to hold open Chapter 2 until the June 2 Special  
Committee of the Whole meeting.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 2 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 5.19.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to go into executive session until no later than 10:00 a.m. to discuss potential litigation risk related to  
the Comprehensive Plan Update pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) as announced by the Council Chair.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to support option three as presented in the Memo from PDS on the Dakota Creek UGA for  
5.19.2026, which reads as follows:  
Retain a Portion of the Lots within the Area, with Development Potential, in the UGA.  
a.WCPDS has attached an aerial of the UGA, with annotations showing where development potential exists, up to an  
additional 11 dwelling units as the subject area already contains five single-family residences. The yellow area  
represents the portion of the UGA with development potential.  
MOTION 4:  
Motion approved that Council supports including the parcels as outlined in red on the Birch Bay Properties map (on  
screen) for inclusion in the UGAR study that has been docketed.  
MOTION 5:  
Motion approved to hold open Chapter 2 until the June 2 Special Committee of the Whole meeting.  
AB2026-250  
3.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 8, Resource Lands  
Galloway introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8  
Resource Lands. She stated that her preference would be to not include the  
remaining amendments in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for  
5.19.2026.  
Galloway moved to begin review of Chapter 8 using the Preliminary  
Council Draft dated 4.28.2026, which is the current version of the chapter  
with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and  
additional edits proposed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of  
Proposed Council Changes for 4.28.2026.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway moved to strike the edits highlighted in yellow in the Preliminary  
Council Draft for 4.28.2026 and listed in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes as Items 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98).  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Elenbaas stated that he has additional proposed amendments for Chapter 8  
regarding the siting of renewable energy facilities on resource lands.  
Elenbaas moved to include the amendment to Chapter 8 Resource Lands as  
presented on screen, allowing staff discretion on where the amendment is  
placed. The proposed amendments reads as follows:  
The County may consider limited siting of renewable energy  
facilities or associated infrastructure on or near designated resource  
lands when:  
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The location is dependent upon the underlying resource,  
No feasible alternative location exists,  
Impacts to long-term commercial resource use are  
minimized,  
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Environmental impacts are mitigated,  
And the proposal is consistent with applicable state and  
federal law.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
Scanlon moved to hold the item (Elenbaas' proposed amendment to Chapter  
8 Resource Lands) until the June 2 Special Committee of the Whole  
meeting.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Nay: 2 - Galloway and Elenbaas  
Scanlon moved to hold Chapter 8 open until June 2.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 1 - Galloway  
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services (PDS), stated that they  
are working with several of the small cities on amendments to Policy  
8A-15, which they intend to bring to Council on June 2.  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 8 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 4.28.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 4.28.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to strike the edits highlighted in yellow in the Preliminary Council Draft for 4.28.2026 and listed in  
the Chart of Proposed Council Changes (Items 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98).  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to hold Elenbaas' proposed amendment to Chapter 8 Resource Lands until the June 2 Special  
Committee of the Whole meeting.  
MOTION 4:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 8 open until June 2.  
AB2026-261  
4.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 10, Environment  
Galloway introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10  
Environment.  
Rienstra moved to begin review of Chapter 10 Environment using the  
Preliminary Council Draft dated 5.19.2026, which is the current version of  
the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January  
2026 and additional edits proposed by councilmembers as listed in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway turned discussion to proposed new policy 10N-8 (Item 70 in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026). She said that staff  
pointed out that the county only has jurisdiction over derelict vessels  
located on county-owned or managed aquatic lands, and staff recommended  
specifying that in the policy.  
Councilmembers discussed the proposed amendment.  
Galloway moved to amend the proposed new policy to add "on  
county-owned or managed aquatic lands" after "derelict vessels" so that the  
policy reads as follows:  
Address the issue of derelict vessels on County-owned or managed  
aquatic lands and change the current language in code to hold owners  
more accountable. Ensure that resources are available to fund  
established policies designed to address this issue.  
Elenbaas seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Galloway amended her motion to change the final sentence of the policy as  
follows:  
Pursue state resources to fund established policies designed to  
address this issue.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Stremler stated that there is a program that addresses derelict vessels, and  
he asked how the policy would build upon that program.  
Scanlon said that he wants to know more about what the amendment's  
proposer, the Marine Resource Committee (MRC), wants to see fixed in  
the code.  
Galloway said that this amendment may be a policy directive for the MRC  
to recommend a code update.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss the motion.  
Galloway amended her motion so that the policy reads as follows:  
Address the issue of derelict vessels on County-owned or managed  
aquatic lands by updating code to hold owners more accountable.  
Pursue state resources to fund established policies designed to  
address this issue.  
Scanlon moved to hold Item 70 (in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes  
for 5.19.2026) as amended until after lunch.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas  
Galloway turned discussion to Item 71, which proposes a new policy  
10N-9. She noted that staff stated there is no funding for this policy.  
Galloway moved to strike Item 71 (as presented in the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes for 5.19.2026).  
Elenbaas seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Stremler turned discussion to Items 75 through 82, providing a brief  
overview of proposed changes.  
Councilmembers discussed Item 78.  
Elenbaas moved to amend Item 78 (in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 5.19.2026) so that it reads as follows:  
Ensure the design and development of land avoids or minimizes  
disturbance to rivers, streams, floodplains, and functioning riparian  
areas as outlined in Chapter 11 Shorelines.  
Galloway seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Stremler turned discussion to Item 79.  
Councilmembers discussed the amendment.  
Stremler turned discussion to Item 80.  
Councilmembers discussed the amendment.  
Galloway moved to amend Item 80 (in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 5.19.2026) so that the policy reads as follows:  
Shoreline armoring falls under the Shoreline Management Program  
(SMP) and is allowed in very limited circumstances. New hard  
armoring should be consistent with Chapter 11 and the SMP and  
encourage soft shore techniques or other less impactful solutions or  
new development and when armor is degraded and in need of  
replacement.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
Scanlon asked whether the policy would prevent infrastructure investment  
related to flood management.  
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services (PDS), stated that the  
flood wall concept is a temporary use, so it wouldn't fall under the  
designation of the SMP. He added that the Department of Ecology is  
updating Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for the next round of  
SMP updates, which will be due in 2028 or 2029.  
Scanlon asked whether there is anything that they are doing that would  
prevent a good technique for flood management.  
Personius stated that there is a process built in with the SMP that would be  
consistent with the policy.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 1 - Scanlon  
Galloway turned discussion to Items 81 and 82 in the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes for 5.19.2026, which strike Policy 10L-7 and 10L-8. She  
stated that the staff note says that the policies are already covered in  
Chapter 12.  
Lauren Clemens, Public Works, stated that the policies are not included in  
Chapter 12.  
Elenbaas stated that the Chart of Proposed Council Changes is mistaken and  
the policies are covered in Chapter 11 rather than Chapter 12.  
Councilmembers returned to discussion of Item 80.  
Scanlon moved to hold Chapter 10 open until June 2.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Elenbaas  
Nay: 2 - Galloway and Stremler  
At 12:07 p.m., councilmembers recessed for lunch until 1:15 p.m.  
At 1:16, councilmembers resumed following their lunch recess.  
Galloway stated that Council still needs to address an amendment that  
would add a new policy 10N-8 (Item 70 in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 5.19.2026) to Chapter 10 regarding derelict vessels.  
Scanlon moved to strike Policy 10N-8.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 10 Environment using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 5.19.2026,  
which is the current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and  
additional edits proposed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to hold Item 70 (in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026) as amended until after  
lunch.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to strike Item 71 (as presented in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026).  
MOTION 4:  
Motion approved to amend Item 78 (from the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026) so that it reads as  
follows:  
Ensure the design and development of land avoids or minimizes disturbance to rivers, streams, floodplains, and  
functioning riparian areas as outlined in Chapter 11 Shorelines.  
MOTION 5:  
Motion approved to amend Item 80 (in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026) to read as follows:  
Shoreline armoring falls under the Shoreline Management Program (SMP) and is allowed in very limited  
circumstances. New hard armoring should be consistent with Chapter 11 and the SMP and encourage soft shore  
techniques or other less impactful solutions or new development and when armor is degraded and in need of  
replacement.  
MOTION 6:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 10 open until June 2.  
AB2026-390  
5.  
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 introduced discussion of the draft resolution regarding  
greenhouse gas reduction sub-element voluntary review.  
Lauren Clemens, Public Works, provided an overview of the draft  
resolution. She stated that there is a new state process for Chapter 12,  
which allows the section regarding greenhouse gas emissions reduction to  
be submitted for state review and approval. If Council moves forward with  
the resolution, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction portion of Chapter  
12 would only go into effect when the state reaches its decision, which  
could take up to 180 days. If Council does not move forward with the  
resolution, the whole chapter will go into effect with the rest of the  
comprehensive plan. Some benefits of the resolution would be that, if there  
is an appeal and Commerce has approved the greenhouse gas emissions  
reduction section, they would defend that decision in front of the Growth  
Management Hearings Board.  
Boyle asked about the benefit of going forward with the resolution.  
Clemens stated that the benefit is just having another set of eyes on the  
document to confirm that the county is conforming with climate planning  
guidance. The extra layer of review is beneficial because the climate  
element is a new requirement and Whatcom County is one of the first  
jurisdictions to go through the process.  
Elenbaas asked for clarification regarding the need for the resolution.  
Clemens stated that each jurisdiction’s climate chapter looks very different,  
so the purpose of the review is to ensure that the approving agency feels  
Whatcom County has adequately followed climate planning guidance.  
Elenbaas asked if the state takes benefits of local oil production into  
consideration when providing greenhouse gas reduction targets and  
guidance.  
Clemens stated that Whatcom County is unique within the jurisdictions that  
are currently submitting climate chapters. She said that there is some  
nuance involved and the Growth Management Hearings Board will have to  
clarify guidance about emissions tracking and goals. She stated that there is  
an opportunity to address Whatcom County’s unique situation in its  
application submittal.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss greenhouse gas emissions with  
Clemens.  
Galloway stated that the resolution will return for consideration on May 26.  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.  
AB2026-262  
6.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 12, Climate  
Galloway introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 12  
Climate.  
Rienstra moved to begin review of Chapter 12 using the Preliminary  
Council Draft dated 4.28.2026, which is the current version of the chapter  
with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and  
additional edits proposed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of  
Proposed Council Changes for 4.28.2026.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Lauren Clemens, Public Works, provided an overview of Item 33 in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes, which adds two new paragraphs, and  
Item 34, which makes a few changes to the Background Summary regarding  
electric vehicles.  
Councilmembers discussed the proposed amendments with Clemens.  
Galloway clarified that the version of the chapter moved for review includes  
the amendments, so no further motions are needed to incorporate the  
amendments.  
Rienstra moved to request staff prepare Chapter 12 - Preliminary Council  
Draft as amended for inclusion in a future agenda bill file for Council  
introduction and public hearing.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 12 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 4.28.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to request staff prepare Chapter 12 - Preliminary Council Draft as amended for inclusion in a future  
agenda bill file for Council introduction and public hearing.  
AB2026-263  
7.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Appendices (Appendix A: Glossary, Appendix B: Acronyms, Appendix D:  
Bibliography, Appendix E: 20-Year Capital Facilities Plan, Appendix G: Airport  
Overlay Zones, Appendix H: Airport Imaginary Surfaces, Appendix I: Housing  
Needs Analysis, Appendix J: Subsidized Housing Needs and Funding) and Foothills  
Subarea Plan Amendments  
Galloway introduced discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Appendices.  
She provided an overview of proposed changes as outlined in the Chart of  
Proposed Changes.  
Scanlon moved to begin review of the Appendices, which is the current  
version of the Appendices with Planning Commission recommendations  
from January 2026 and additional edits proposed by councilmembers as  
listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Elenbaas turned discussion to Item 2 in the Chart of Proposed Changes  
regarding the definition of "enhancement." He asked about the use of the  
word "degraded" in the definition.  
Galloway stated that the definition for "enhancement" comes from  
Whatcom County Code 23.60.050(F).  
Councilmembers discussed "enhancement."  
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services (PDS), stated that the  
definition of “enhancement” comes from code, but the term as it appears in  
the Comprehensive Plan Glossary could remove the word "degraded"  
without impacting the policy intent.  
Galloway moved to amend the definition of "enhancement" in Item 2 in the  
Chart of Proposed Changes to strike the word "degraded."  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Aye: 1 - Stremler  
Nay: 6 - Rienstra, Scanlon, Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, and Elenbaas  
Galloway turned discussion to Item 3 regarding a definition for the Future  
Floodplain.  
Scanlon asked for clarification about the recommended definition.  
Lauren Clemens, Public Works, stated that option 3, the 2080 Climate  
Scenario, is the preferred option.  
Scanlon moved to include option 3 (the 2080 Climate Scenario) in Item 3  
(in the Chart of Proposed Changes).  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
Galloway clarified that this would replace the Future Floodplain definition  
in the Glossary.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Elenbaas asked whether the county evaluates or models the chances of sea  
level lowering or flood magnitude dropping.  
Clemens stated that the future floodplain definition was not clear, and  
clarifying what is being mapped provides the opportunity to continue to  
reevaluate the hydraulic modeling.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss sea and flood mapping models with  
Clemens.  
Galloway asked where the “future floodplain” term appears in the  
Comprehensive Plan chapters.  
Clemens stated that the term appears in Chapters 2 and 12.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
Nay: 2 - Stremler and Elenbaas  
Elenbaas asked about the reason for the change in Item 4 in the Chart of  
Proposed Council Changes.  
Galloway stated that the goal was to provide a more multidisciplinary  
approach for the definition of "sustainability."  
Elenbaas suggested adding "without intervention" to the definition.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss the definition of "sustainability."  
Scanlon turned discussion to Appendix J, which outlines subsidized housing  
and funding needs.  
Elenbaas asked for clarification about the analysis.  
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services (PDS), stated that the  
analysis identifies funding needs for housing, which is a requirement of the  
Growth Management Act.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss Appendix J.  
Galloway asked about next steps for the appendices.  
Kiana Oos, Council Staff, stated that Council could move to prepare the  
chapters they've seen.  
Scanlon moved to request that staff prepare the Appendices A, B, D, E, G,  
H, I, J, and the Foothills Subarea Plan as amended for inclusion in a future  
agenda bill file for Council introduction and public hearing.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
Nay: 2 - Stremler and Elenbaas  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of the Appendices, which is the current version of the Appendices with Planning  
Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits proposed by councilmembers as listed in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 5.19.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to include the 2080 Climate Scenario in Appendix A (as stated in Item 3 of the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes for 5.19.2026).  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to request that staff prepare the Appendices A, B, D, E, G, H, I, J, and the Foothills Subarea Plan  
as amended for inclusion in a future agenda bill file for Council introduction and public hearing.  
Committee Discussion (Final Coordination)  
Clerk’s note: Councilmembers discussed all the of the agenda bill items  
under this header together.  
Galloway introduced discussion of a chart of Technical Amendments for  
5.19.2026 (on file). She stated that Item 1 amends Table 5 in Chapter 1.  
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services (PDS), stated that Council  
previously made an amendment to Table 5, which necessitates the change  
presented in Item 1.  
Galloway moved to accept Item 1 (in the chart of Technical Amendments  
for 5.19.2026) amending Table 5.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway turned discussion to Item 2 amending Chapter 7.  
Galloway moved to accept Item 2 (in the chart of Technical Amendments  
for 5.19.2026), which amends Policy 7D-12.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway turned discussion to Item 3, which would reconsider Policy  
3K-10.  
Scanlon moved to strike Policy 3K-10.  
Elenbaas seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway turned discussion to Item 4, which would reconsider Policy  
9A-14.  
Scanlon moved to strike Policy 9A-14.  
Elenbaas seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Abstain: 1 - Rienstra  
Elenbaas turned discussion to Policy 9A-13.  
Elenbaas moved to amend Policy 9A-13 as follows:  
Whatcom County should manage recreation on County-owned or  
managed lands in a manner that avoids or minimizes impacts to areas  
of known and documented tribal cultural use and protects historical,  
cultural, and natural resources. Whatcom County should consult with  
the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and all  
interested federally recognized Tribes on all programs or projects  
that may impact state and federally defined Tribal resources. Work  
in partnership with Tribes to identify where recreation could  
co-exist that could support cultural education, stewardship, and  
shared understanding.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
Bennett Knox, Parks and Recreation, stated that the language regarding  
tribal resources was recommended by the Public Works' archeologist.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Scanlon asked what happens when the county finds resources that may  
belong to indigenous peoples who happen to be located across the Canadian  
border.  
Knox stated that staff would work with the relevant Tribes in Whatcom  
County and with the state to determine the appropriate process for outreach  
associated with that kind of situation.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss the motion.  
The motion failed by the following vote:  
Aye: 2 - Elenbaas and Stremler  
Nay: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
Galloway turned discussion to Item 5, which would amend Policy 3B-4.  
Stremler moved to accept Item 5 (in the chart of Technical Amendments  
for 5.19.2026).  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Galloway noted that Councilmember Elenbaas' proposed amendments  
include Chapter 5 Utilities, so that chapter should come back for discussion  
on June 2. She stated that Chapters 1 and 3 may need to be further amended  
as a result of discussions with the Tribes, as well.  
AB2026-185  
1.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 1, Introduction and Growth Projections  
Clerk’s note: See discussion of this item under the “Committee Discussion  
(Final Coordination)” header in the minutes.  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to accept Item 1 (in Technical Amendments for 5.19.2026), which amends Table 5 in Chapter 1 on  
page 1-12.  
AB2026-188  
2.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 3, Housing  
Clerk’s note: See discussion of this item under the “Committee Discussion  
(Final Coordination)” header in the minutes.  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to strike Policy 3K-10.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to accept Item 5 (in Technical Amendments for 5.19.2026) amending Policy 3B-4.  
AB2026-216  
AB2026-217  
AB2026-218  
AB2026-231  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 4, Capital Facilities  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 5, Utilities  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 6, Transportation  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 7, Economic Development  
Clerk’s note: See discussion of this item under the “Committee Discussion  
(Final Coordination)” header in the minutes.  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to accept Item 2 (in Technical Amendments for 5.19.2026), which amends Policy 7D-12.  
AB2026-251  
7.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 9, Parks and Recreation  
Clerk’s note: See discussion of this item under the “Committee Discussion  
(Final Coordination)” header in the minutes.  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to strike Policy 9A-14.  
Committee Discussion (Schedule)  
AB2026-249  
Discussion regarding schedule for Council review of the comprehensive plan update  
1.  
Galloway provided an overview of Council's schedule for continued review  
of the Comprehensive Plan.  
Councilmembers discussed the proposed schedule.  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.  
Items Added by Revision  
There were no agenda items added by revision.  
Other Business  
There was no other business.  
The meeting adjourned at 3:17 p.m.  
ATTEST:  
Adjournment  
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL  
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA  
______________________________  
Cathy Halka, Council Clerk  
___________________________  
Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair  
Meeting Minutes prepared by Jenna Gernand