Whatcom County  
Council  
COUNTY COURTHOUSE  
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105  
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038  
(360) 778-5010  
Minutes - Draft Minutes  
Tuesday, July 28, 2026  
6 PM  
Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers  
HYBRID MEETING (PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN  
INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL  
360.778.5010); AGENDA REVISION 7.27.2026  
COUNCILMEMBERS  
Elizabeth Boyle  
Barry Buchanan  
Ben Elenbaas  
Kaylee Galloway  
Jessica Rienstra  
Jon Scanlon  
Mark Stremler  
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL  
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC  
COUNTY COUNCIL  
CALL TO ORDER  
Council Chair Kaylee Galloway called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. in a  
hybrid meeting.  
ROLL CALL  
7 -  
Present:  
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.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS  
AB2026-461  
1.  
Ordinance granting Forged Fiber 37, LLC a non-exclusive franchise for the purposes  
of offering and providing telecommunications services  
Galloway opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:  
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Brian Gass  
Carly Nations  
Natalie Chavez  
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public  
Hearing be ADOPTED.  
Andrew Hester, Public Works Department, answered what is done with a  
new provider to avoid running into issues such as those around cultural  
resources. He stated the franchise agreement is simply the mechanism for  
allowing the utility providers to work within the right of way and any work  
they do within the right of way has to follow all local, county, state, and  
federal laws.  
Roland Middleton, Public Works Department, stated any disturbance in an  
installation requires a revocable encroachment permit so the franchise  
agreement does not give the provider carte blanche to just start digging up  
ditches. He answered if someone else can apply for the same right of way  
and stated they can.  
Scanlon's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be  
ADOPTED carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
Enactment No: ORD 2026-035  
PUBLIC HEARINGS (FERRY DISTRICT)  
THE FOLLOWING FERRY DISTRICT FILES HAD ONE COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING (SEE HEARING  
AND DISCUSSION NOTES UNDER AB2026-520).  
AB2026-520  
1.  
Resolution establishing a new Whatcom County Ferry District Fund (Council acting as  
the Whatcom County Ferry District Board of Supervisors)  
Galloway stated this would be a combined public hearing for AB2026-520,  
AB2026-552, AB2026-521 (has a substitute), AB2026-522 (has a  
substitute), AB2026-524, and AB2026-525.  
Clerk's note: This file includes the hearing and discussion notes for all of  
those items.  
Galloway opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:  
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·
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·
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Terry Diffley  
Laura Bracken  
Brian Gass  
Charles Bailey  
David Kershner  
Rhayma Blake  
Cara Blake  
Kathleen Gallagher  
Pam Gould  
Markis Dee Stidham  
Jim Shaver  
Ryan Bowman  
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Enactment No: RES 2026-030  
AB2026-552  
2.  
Resolution establishing an initial budget level for the Whatcom County Ferry District in  
the amount of $5.7 million (Council acting as the Whatcom County Ferry District  
Board of Supervisors)  
See hearing and discussion notes under AB2026-520.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Enactment No: RES 2026-031  
AB2026-521  
AB2026-522  
AB2026-524  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Resolution establishing an initial budget for the Whatcom County Ferry District in the  
amount of $5.2 million (Council acting as the Whatcom County Ferry District Board  
of Supervisors)  
See hearing and discussion notes under AB2026-520.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Resolution establishing an initial budget level for the Whatcom County Ferry District in  
the amount of $4.2 million (Council acting as the Whatcom County Ferry District  
Board of Supervisors)  
See hearing and discussion notes under AB2026-520.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Ordinance adding the Ferry District Funds and Board of Supervisors to Whatcom  
County Code 10.34, Ferry Rates  
See hearing and discussion notes under AB2026-520.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-036  
AB2026-525  
6.  
Ordinance adding the Ferry District Funds and Board of Supervisors to Whatcom  
County Code 10.36.060, Ferry Multi-Ride Cards and Quarterly Passes,  
Replacement Appeal Procedure  
See hearing and discussion notes under AB2026-520.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-037  
PUBLIC HEARINGS (FERRY DISTRICT) CONSIDERED SEPARATELY  
AB2026-520  
1.  
Resolution establishing a new Whatcom County Ferry District Fund (Council acting as  
the Whatcom County Ferry District Board of Supervisors)  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public  
Hearing be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
1 - Elenbaas  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: RES 2026-030  
AB2026-552  
2.  
Resolution establishing an initial budget level for the Whatcom County Ferry District in  
the amount of $5.7 million (Council acting as the Whatcom County Ferry District  
Board of Supervisors)  
Galloway stated they would deal with this and the next two files  
sequentially, but once they reach a council majority on one of them, no  
action would be needed for the one(s) remaining.  
Buchanan moved and Scanlon seconded that the Resolution Requiring a  
Public Hearing be APPROVED.  
Councilmembers discussed how this option compares to the other two, that  
if they go with an initial budget of $4.2 million (AB2026-522) they would  
be using the Road Fund again in two years, if they go with an initial budget  
of $5.2 million (AB2026-521) they would be using the Road Fund in 10  
years, and if they go with this initial budget level ($5.7 million), using the  
Road fund would be 19 years into the future, and that may help to bring back  
the maintenance and operations road crews. They discussed the motion.  
Buchanan's motion that the Resolution Requiring a Public Hearing be  
APPROVED carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: RES 2026-031  
AB2026-521  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Resolution establishing an initial budget for the Whatcom County Ferry District in the  
amount of $5.2 million (Council acting as the Whatcom County Ferry District Board  
of Supervisors)  
This agenda item was NOT ACTED UPON.  
AB2026-522  
AB2026-524  
Resolution establishing an initial budget level for the Whatcom County Ferry District in  
the amount of $4.2 million (Council acting as the Whatcom County Ferry District  
Board of Supervisors)  
This agenda item was NOT ACTED UPON.  
Ordinance adding the Ferry District Funds and Board of Supervisors to Whatcom  
County Code 10.34, Ferry Rates  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public  
Hearing be ADOPTED.  
Scanlon stated the Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee will advise  
the Council, in their role as the Board of Supervisors, and the executive on  
the fund and levy they just voted to create and there are two open seats.  
Scanlon's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be  
ADOPTED carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
0
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-036  
AB2026-525  
6.  
Ordinance adding the Ferry District Funds and Board of Supervisors to Whatcom  
County Code 10.36.060, Ferry Multi-Ride Cards and Quarterly Passes,  
Replacement Appeal Procedure  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public  
Hearing be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
1 - Elenbaas  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-037  
PUBLIC HEARINGS (COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PERIODIC UPDATE)  
THE FOLLOWING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FILES HAD ONE COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING (SEE  
HEARING AND DISCUSSION NOTES UNDER AB2026-553).  
AB2026-553  
1.  
Ordinance adopting amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and  
Foothills Subarea Plan for the Growth Management Act Periodic Review and Update  
(for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals)  
Galloway stated this will be a combined public hearing for AB2026-553 (a  
revised substitute), AB2026-489 (a revised substitute), and AB2026-490 (a  
revised substitute) and she read them into the record.  
Galloway opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:  
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Bill Geyer  
Ryan Bowman  
Brian Gass  
Leah Clark  
Patrick Alesse  
Lyle Sorenson  
Perry Eskridge  
Kyle Gebhardt  
Barbara Chase  
Dan Williams  
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.  
Councilmembers considered each of the files separately (see below).  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-038  
AB2026-489  
2.  
Ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Title 20, Zoning, under  
the 2025-2026 periodic update of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and  
Development Regulations, pursuant to the Growth Management Act (for concurrent  
review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals)  
See hearing and discussion notes under AB2026-553.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-039  
AB2026-490  
3.  
Ordinance amending the official Whatcom County Zoning Map under the 2025-2026  
Periodic Update of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan under the Growth  
Management Act (for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment  
proposals)  
See hearing and discussion notes under AB2026-553.  
PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-040  
PUBLIC HEARINGS (COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PERIODIC UPDATE)  
CONSIDERED SEPARATELY  
AB2026-553  
1.  
Ordinance adopting amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and  
Foothills Subarea Plan for the Growth Management Act Periodic Review and Update  
(for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals)  
Galloway stated they would be considering the revised substitute.  
Scanlon moved to adopt and forward for concurrent review with other  
Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals (AB2026-489 and  
AB2026-490) scheduled later this evening.  
The motion was seconded by Boyle.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Scanlon's motion that the REVISED SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a  
Public Hearing be ADOPTED and forwarded for concurrent review carried by  
the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-038  
Motion approved 5-2 to adopt and forward for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment  
proposals (AB2026-489 and AB2026-490) scheduled later this evening.  
Adopted the "Revised Substitute Ordinance for 7.28.2026 (corrected)."  
AB2026-489  
2.  
Ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Title 20, Zoning, under  
the 2025-2026 periodic update of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and  
Development Regulations, pursuant to the Growth Management Act (for concurrent  
review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals)  
Galloway stated this is a revised substitute.  
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded to adopt and forward for concurrent  
review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals (AB2026-553  
and AB2026-490) scheduled later this evening.  
Boyle's motion that the REVISED SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a  
Public Hearing be ADOPTED and forwarded for concurrent review carried by  
the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-039  
Motion approved 5-2 to adopt and forward for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment  
proposals (AB2026-553 and AB2026-490) scheduled later this evening.  
Adopted the “Revised Substitute Ordinance for 7.14.2026.”  
AB2026-490  
3.  
Ordinance amending the official Whatcom County Zoning Map under the 2025-2026  
Periodic Update of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan under the Growth  
Management Act (for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment  
proposals)  
Galloway stated this is a revised substitute.  
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded to adopt and forward for concurrent  
review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals (AB2026-553  
and AB2026-489) scheduled later this evening.  
Boyle's motion that the REVISED SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a  
Public Hearing be ADOPTED and forwarded for concurrent review carried by  
the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-040  
Motion approved 5-2 to adopt and forward for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment  
proposals (AB2026-553 and AB2026-489) scheduled later this evening.  
Adopted the “Revised Substitute Ordinance for 7.14.2026.”  
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PERIODIC UPDATE - CONCURRENT REVIEW  
Galloway read all three items for concurrent review into the record and one  
motion was made for all three items under this section.  
Rienstra moved to approve the adopted items AB2026-553, AB2026-489,  
and AB2026-490 concurrently.  
The motion was seconded by Scanlon.  
Scanlon thanked thePlanning and Development Services Department team  
for their work in support of this.  
Councilmembers voted on the motion (see the motion and vote represented  
on each file below).  
Motion approved 5-2 with Elenbaas and Stremler opposed to approve the adopted items AB2026-553,  
AB2026-489, and AB2026-490 concurrently (see the motion and vote represented on each file below).  
AB2026-553  
1.  
Ordinance adopting amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and  
Foothills Subarea Plan for the Growth Management Act Periodic Review and Update  
(for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals)  
See motion in header above.  
Rienstra's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be  
APPROVED CONCURRENTLY carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-038  
AB2026-489  
2.  
Ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Title 20, Zoning, under  
the 2025-2026 periodic update of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and  
Development Regulations, pursuant to the Growth Management Act (for concurrent  
review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals)  
See motion in header above.  
Rienstra's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be  
APPROVED CONCURRENTLY carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-039  
AB2026-490  
3.  
Ordinance amending the official Whatcom County Zoning Map under the 2025-2026  
Periodic Update of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan under the Growth  
Management Act (for concurrent review with other Comprehensive Plan amendment  
proposals)  
See motion in header above.  
Rienstra's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be  
APPROVED CONCURRENTLY carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-040  
OPEN SESSION  
Clerk's note: Council took a short break at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at  
8:01 p.m.  
The following people spoke:  
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Ryan Bowman  
Leah Clark  
Stephanie Anderson  
Markis Dee Stidham  
Natalie Chavez  
Stacey Dailey  
Name not stated  
Brian Gass  
Lyle Sorenson  
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 twelve and he  
spoke about what types of items are on the Consent Agenda.  
Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items  
below).  
AB2026-555  
1.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to relinquish a foot trail easement held  
by the Whatcom Land Trust, located within South Fork Park  
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and  
moved that the Agreement be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-563  
2.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and the Attorney General’s Office of Washington State to  
purchase an evidence refrigerator, in the amount of $8,920  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-564  
3.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
amendment between Whatcom County and Ferndale School District to fund mental  
health services for an additional year in the amount of $300,530 for a total amended  
agreement amount of $572,347  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-565  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between  
Whatcom County and Chinook Enterprises to provide support services to eligible  
individuals with developmental disabilities, in the estimated amount of $74,878  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-566  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and Island County for preventing the use of cannabis and  
commercial tobacco products by youth in the amount of $37,000  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-567  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative  
Services Organization for behavioral health services in the amount of $725,761  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-568  
7.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between  
Whatcom County and PeaceHealth to provide two years of funding for a Perinatal  
Patient Navigator, providing mental health services for marginalized, disadvantaged,  
and medically complex pregnant patients in the amount of $180,000  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-569  
8.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between  
Whatcom County and SCS Engineers to prepare an updated Comprehensive Solid  
and Hazardous Waste Management Plan, in the amount of $138,894  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-570  
9.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and United General District 304 to reduce the use of  
cannabis and tobacco by youth in the amount of $79,000  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-574  
10.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment  
with the Washington State Department of Commerce to increase the total grant  
amount for the state fiscal year 2026 Domestic Violence Victim/Witness Grant in the  
amount of $50,000 for a total amended contract amount of $74,218  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-575  
11.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement to  
pass-through funds from the Washington State Military Department to the City of  
Bellingham for the operations of What-Comm in the amount of $93,500 for fiscal year  
2027  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-576  
12.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
with the City of Bellingham for the pass-through of grant funds from the Washington  
State Military Department for fiscal year 2027 for What-Comm operations in the  
amount of $93,500  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
OTHER ITEMS  
(From Council Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee)  
AB2026-526  
1.  
Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 16.20, Whatcom County Shellfish  
Protection Districts  
Galloway reported for the Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee  
and moved that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
0
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-041  
AB2026-556  
2.  
Joint resolution of the Bellingham City Council and the Whatcom County Council  
adopting the Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan  
Galloway reported for the Climate Action and Natural Resources  
Committee and moved that the Resolution be APPROVED.  
Elenbaas moved that they hold until they can get a recommendation or  
review from the Forest Advisory Committee.  
The motion was seconded by Stremler.  
Elenbaas spoke to his motion and the following people also spoke:  
·
Alexander Harris, Planning and Development Services Department  
and staff for the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)  
·
Bennett Knox, Parks and Recreation Department Director  
Councilmembers and the speakers discussed that the FAC deliberated on  
the Forest Management Plan in December but that there would be interest  
from the committee in discussing it further, that there is no time sensitivity  
to approving this resolution, that they could come back with a  
recommendation in September but that the motion was an open-ended  
timeline and that it can be put on the Council’s agenda once there is a  
recommendation, and that financing maintenance of the roads in the future  
could also be addressed.  
Elenbaas' motion that the Resolution be HELD carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
Motion approved 7-0 that they hold until they can get a recommendation or review from the Forest Advisory  
Committee.  
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)  
AB2026-508  
3.  
Resolution amending the 2026 Flood Control Zone District and Subzones Budget,  
request no. 4, in the amount of $34,830 (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.  
Scanlon stated we receive some federal funds and federal support to repair  
some of the levees that were damaged from the December 2025 floods, and  
this is the local funding that is coming in to match the federal funding.  
Scanlon's motion that the Resolution (FCZDBS) be APPROVED carried by  
the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
0
Nay:  
Enactment No: RES 2026-032  
AB2026-530  
Ordinance closing the Central Plaza Tenant Improvement Fund  
4.  
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and  
moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
Enactment No: ORD 2026-042  
AB2026-534  
5.  
Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 10, in the  
amount of $252,250  
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and  
moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following  
vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
0
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-043  
AB2026-550  
6.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Lummi  
Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project, in the amount of  
$25,000,000  
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee  
and moved that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED.  
Councilmembers discussed that this is the largest grant the County has ever  
received, that if everything goes well, they can go to bid on the project by  
the end of the year, and that it is a statutory responsibility to maintain our  
roads and that this is a road system.  
Scanlon's motion that the Interlocal be AUTHORIZED carried by the  
following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-582  
7.  
Resolution designating an authorized representative and alternate authorized  
representative of Whatcom County to obtain federal and/or state emergency or  
disaster assistance funds on behalf of Whatcom County  
Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and  
moved that the Resolution be APPROVED. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
Enactment No: RES 2026-033  
(From Council Public Works and Health Committee)  
AB2026-504  
8.  
Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 24.03, Food Service Rules and  
Regulations (Council acting as the Health Board)  
Boyle reported for the Public Works and Health Committee. She stated the  
title of this file states that it is the Council acting as the Health Board, but  
that they cannot vote on it as the Health Board. They can either table it or  
not take any action.  
Galloway stated this item is being introduced as AB2026-559, which just  
revises the title to remove Council acting as the Health Board.  
Council concurred to take no action on this item. They can introduce  
AB2026-559 (which has the same ordinance as in this file) and have  
discussion on that on August 11.  
This agenda item was NOT ACTED UPON.  
(No Committee Assignment)  
AB2026-501  
Resolution establishing regular Whatcom County Council meeting dates for 2027  
9.  
Boyle moved and Scanlon seconded that the Resolution be APPROVED.  
Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, stated she took into account when  
school districts here have spring break so that they would not have a  
meeting that week.  
Boyle's motion that the Resolution be APPROVED carried by the following  
vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
0
Nay:  
Enactment No: RES 2026-034  
CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS  
AB2026-551  
1.  
Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Alex Durney to the  
Conservation Easement Program Advisory Committee  
Boyle moved and Buchanan seconded that the Executive Appointment be  
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION  
There were no agenda items added by revision.  
INTRODUCTION ITEMS  
Galloway stated Introduction item number 4 (AB2026-580) has a revised  
title.  
Scanlon moved to introduce items one through five. The motion was  
seconded by Rienstra (see votes on individual items below).  
AB2026-499  
1.  
Review final project performance on the 2025-2026 Community Development Block  
Grant (CDBG) Public Services grant and proposed activities for the 2026-2027  
CDBG Public Services grant  
Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Special Executive Only Item  
be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
0
Nay:  
AB2026-557  
Resolution to sell tax title property by public auction, Mounces First Addition  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Resolution Requiring a Public  
Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-559  
Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 24.03, Food Service Rules and  
Regulations  
Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Ordinance be  
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-580  
Ordinance establishing the Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund - RCW 82.14.345 and  
establishing an initial budget for the Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund - RCW  
82.14.345  
Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Ordinance be  
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-581  
5.  
Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 11, in the  
amount of $3,658,280  
Scanlon moved and Rienstra seconded that the Ordinance be  
INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES  
Councilmembers gave committee reports.  
Galloway stated they will have a special meeting at 9 a.m. on August 4th to  
address the preliminary analysis of staffing and operating cost of a new jail  
which was discussed (and for which a motion was made) in the Criminal  
Justice and Public Safety Committee today.  
Scanlon and Buchanan clarified that the committee did not take any action  
today to reduce the size of the jail.  
Stremler moved that the Council docket 4610 Lincoln Rd for review to be  
included in the Birch Bay UGA as an affordable housing site with urban  
residential zoning subject to a special restriction via a Council Approved  
Development Agreement, all to be defined during and expedited review to  
be completed by the end of 2026.  
The motion was seconded by Elenbaas.  
Stremler spoke to his motion and stated it was maybe not given the due  
diligence he hoped it would get in the Comprehensive Plan process. With  
23 items on the docket, who knows when it might rise to the top.  
Councilmembers discussed if the motion would be emphasizing a policy  
direction to expedite it since it is already docketed, that there might be  
pre-requisites before it could move forward, and if they could schedule this  
item in the next Planning and Development Committee meeting or craft a  
resolution amending the docket.  
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, suggested that instead of making  
a motion to formally include this on the docket, they schedule this for  
committee discussion at the next council meeting. She stated she has  
Growth Management Act (GMA) concerns with the motion and would  
appreciate some time for staff and legal review.  
Councilmembers discussed their options and if they could work with staff  
to craft a resolution for the meeting in two weeks.  
Stremler withdrew his motion.  
Galloway stated they will plan on having it in the Planning Committee on  
August 11 and Stremler can work with staff.  
Clerk's note: Buchanan left the meeting at 9:17 p.m.  
Councilmembers gave updates on recent activities and upcoming events.  
ADJOURN  
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.  
ATTEST:  
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL  
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA  
______________________________  
Cathy Halka, Council Clerk  
___________________________  
Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair  
Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger