Whatcom County  
Council  
COUNTY COURTHOUSE  
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105  
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038  
(360) 778-5010  
Minutes - Final  
Tuesday, June 23, 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 6.22.2026  
COUNCILMEMBERS  
Elizabeth Boyle  
Barry Buchanan  
Ben Elenbaas  
Kaylee Galloway  
Jessica Rienstra  
Jon Scanlon  
Mark Stremler  
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL  
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC  
COUNTY COUNCIL  
CALL TO ORDER  
Council Chair Kaylee Galloway called the meeting to order at 6:02 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.  
MINUTES CONSENT  
Scanlon moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was  
seconded by Boyle (see votes on individual items below).  
MIN2026-051 Special Council - Lake Whatcom for April 1, 2026  
1.  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Minutes Consent be  
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
MIN2026-053  
2.  
Special Council - Justice Project Community Engagement Workshop for March 19,  
2026  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Minutes Consent be  
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
MIN2026-054 Special Committee of the Whole for June 2, 2026  
3.  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Minutes Consent be  
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
MIN2026-055 Health Board and Public Health Advisory Board for June 2, 2026  
4.  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Minutes Consent be  
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
MIN2026-056 Special Committee of the Whole for June 2, 2026  
5.  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Minutes Consent be  
APPROVED BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
PUBLIC HEARINGS  
AB2026-403  
1.  
Ordinance imposing an interim moratorium on the acceptance or processing of  
applications and permits for the establishment of new or expansion of existing civil  
detention facilities  
Galloway stated this is a substitute version.  
Galloway opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:  
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Steve Powers  
Alan Lifson  
Mike Tobin  
David Edelman  
Steve Hood  
Patricia White  
Bill Rudd  
Ingrid Capes  
Anne Meegan  
Brooks Anderson  
Brian Gass  
Bird  
Brian Armstrong  
Phoebe Furuli  
Peter Reamy  
Diane Smith  
Tomas Scheel  
Cally Huttar  
Vincute Biciunas  
Natalie Chavez  
Will Marks  
Name not stated  
Adrian  
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Ian Dempsey  
Susan Pevonak  
Robin Preble  
Celia Nimura-Parmenter  
Satpal Sidhu (speaking as a citizen)  
Jason Mark  
Maya Morales  
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.  
Buchanan moved and Rienstra seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance  
Requiring a Public Hearing be ADOPTED.  
Rienstra stated the ordinance establishes a temporary one-year moratorium  
on the acceptance and processing of applications for new or expanded civil  
detention administrative or processing facilities in unincorporated  
Whatcom County. It gives the County time to evaluate land use that is not  
currently defined or specifically regulated under our code, and to determine  
whether additional zoning standards, siting criteria, and mitigation measures  
are necessary. She thanked councilmembers and everyone who showed up.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Buchanan's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a Public  
Hearing be ADOPTED carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-032  
(Public hearings for AB2026-431 and AB2026-475 will be combined into one public hearing)  
Galloway read both AB2026-431 and AB2026-475 and stated that both of  
them are substitutes.  
Galloway opened the combined Public Hearing on AB2026-431 and  
AB2026-475 and the following people spoke:  
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Laura Clark  
Lisa Lange  
Janet Hofmann  
Michael Berres  
Victoria Savage  
Steve Woodrich  
Debra Hiller  
Karen Morgan  
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Kathy Sparks  
Brian Gass  
Brian Armstrong  
Alice DeFries  
Susan Hutton  
Laura Weiss  
Heather Witzel Lakin  
Jim Shaver  
Ken Calder  
Genevieve Hammatt  
Michael Truett  
Michael Fentress  
Brian Bell  
Hannah Ordos  
Danielle Gaughen  
Christina Brewer  
Brian Estes  
Kelvin Barton  
Lyle Sorenson  
Tammy Cooper-Woodrich  
Hearing no one else, Galloway closed the Public Hearing.  
See discussion of the ordinances separately below.  
AB2026-431  
AB2026-475  
2.  
3.  
Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 5.20, Fireworks, to strengthen  
fireworks regulations by limiting the days fireworks are allowed and prohibiting  
fireworks during burn bans  
This public hearing was combined with AB2026-475. See notes about the  
hearing on both items under the combined public hearing header, then see  
each file considered separately below.  
Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 5.20, Fireworks, to strengthen  
fireworks regulations by limiting the days fireworks are allowed and prohibiting  
fireworks during burn bans  
This public hearing was combined with AB2026-431. See notes about the  
hearing on both items under the combined public hearing header, then see  
each file considered separately below.  
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY  
AB2026-431  
2.  
Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 5.20, Fireworks, to strengthen  
fireworks regulations by limiting the days fireworks are allowed and prohibiting  
fireworks during burn bans  
See notes about the hearing on this and AB2026-475 under the combined  
public hearing header.  
Scanlon moved to refer this item to Committee of the Whole for further  
discussion and study.  
The motion was seconded by Boyle.  
Scanlon spoke to his motion and stated he is interested in learning more  
from other communities that have had success in reducing the risk from  
fireworks on what is working and not working. He would also like to hear  
from the Lummi Nation and the Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee  
to see how to potentially get to something that is mutually agreeable.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion, doing something different, other  
than banning the use of fireworks, to help encourage the public to do it  
safely, and that referring the ordinance to committee would mean that the  
soonest they could potentially affect change would be in July of 2028.  
Scanlon's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a Public  
Hearing be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE carried by the following vote:  
6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
1 - Galloway  
Abstain:  
Motion approved to refer to Committee of the Whole for further discussion and study.  
AB2026-475  
3.  
Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Chapter 5.20, Fireworks, to strengthen  
fireworks regulations by limiting the days fireworks are allowed and prohibiting  
fireworks during burn bans  
See notes about the hearing on this and AB2026-431 under the combined  
public hearing header.  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded to refer this item to Committee of the  
Whole for further discussion.  
Scanlon stated current county code does allow for a ban. There is action that  
the executive could take in partnership with the fire marshal and sheriff if  
there is a burn ban in the county.  
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, spoke about consulting with the fire  
marshal and sheriff and stated they will do that if conditions demand it. He  
answered if he would be willing to work with the Council and their office  
about using some of our communication platforms to educate community  
members on some of the mitigative measures that could be taken to reduce  
risk, and he stated he would.  
The Council concurred that they would be OK with Galloway working with  
the executive on something like that.  
Scanlon's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance Requiring a Public  
Hearing be REFERRED TO COMMITTEE carried by the following vote:  
6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
1 - Galloway  
Abstain:  
Motion approved to refer to Committee of the Whole for further discussion.  
OPEN SESSION  
After voting and at 8:47 p.m. councilmembers took a short recess and then  
reconvened at 8:59 p.m.  
The following people spoke:  
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John Westerfield  
Brian Gass  
Bill Geyer  
Brian Armstrong  
David foreman  
Leah Clark  
Tamera Lienhart  
Dan Chaplik  
Dwayne Engelsman  
Natalie Chavez  
Lynda Lagerwey  
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 13.  
Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items  
below).  
AB2026-345  
1.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Transportation  
for a radio tower lease, in the amount of $0  
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:  
AB2026-449  
2.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a interlocal agreement  
amendment between Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham to lower the loan  
principal amount to $844,961.62, which reflects the actual amount dispersed and  
results in a total contract amount of $2,899,813  
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:  
AB2026-462  
3.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training  
Commission for a wellness grant, in the amount of $41,200  
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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-464  
4.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of  
Transportation for the renewal of youth zero fare policy, in the amount of $260,250  
for a total of $363,000  
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:  
AB2026-466  
5.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Transportation  
to move forward with the design phase of the Everson Goshen Road and East Smith  
Road Intersection Improvements project, in the amount of $300,000  
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  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
AB2026-471  
6.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a cooperative agreement  
between Whatcom County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the  
Bylsma Levee on the Nooksack River, in the amount of $133,160 (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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-474  
7.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a cooperative agreement  
between Whatcom County and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to repair  
the Ritter Road levee along the left bank of the Nooksack River, in the amount of  
$116,100 (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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
0
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-477  
8.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment  
between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to provide basic needs items to  
families with children ages 0-5 who qualify, in the amount of $40,131 for a total  
amended contract amount of $151,192  
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:  
AB2026-481  
9.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between  
Whatcom County and Pioneer Human Services to deliver substance use disorder  
assessments and provide post-assessment treatment coordination as a component of  
re-entry for individuals released from jail, in the amount of $101,896  
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:  
AB2026-482  
10.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Health Care Authority  
to decrease funding, due to state budget reductions, for the Alternative Response  
Team (ART) program grant, in the amount of $176,000, for a total amended  
agreement amount of $4,385,000  
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:  
AB2026-483  
11.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between  
Whatcom County and Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE) to  
provide training and consultation to the County and local agencies related to  
improving employment outcomes and the inclusion of people with developmental  
disabilities in their communities, in the amount of $59,500  
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:  
AB2026-484  
12.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Collective Bargaining  
Agreement between Whatcom County and the union representing Lummi Island ferry  
operations workers in the Public Works Department covering 2026 to 2028  
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:  
AB2026-485  
13.  
Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement  
between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Social and Health  
Services (DSHS) for funding for employment and community inclusion services for  
adults with developmental disabilities, child development services for children ages  
birth to three years, and community information and training, in the amount of  
$6,194,426  
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  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
OTHER ITEMS  
(From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee)  
AB2026-442  
1.  
Ordinance amending the project budget for the 2015 Girard Street Building  
Improvement 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:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
0
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-033  
AB2026-450  
2.  
Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 9, in the amount  
of $7,941,775  
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 2026-034  
(From Council Planning and Development Committee)  
AB2026-463  
3.  
Resolution approving a one-year extension for the Major Project Permit for the City  
of Bellingham  
Rienstra reported for the Planning and Development 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:  
0
Nay:  
Enactment No: RES 2026-025  
AB2026-472  
4.  
Resolution amending Resolution 2025-025 to update rules of the Whatcom County  
Hearing Examiner by approving clarifying changes promulgated by the Hearing  
Examiner  
Rienstra reported for the Planning and Development 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 2026-026  
AB2026-478  
5.  
Resolution authorizing grant application submission and signing authority for  
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Farmland Preservation grants  
for the Steensma, Jensen, and Cloud Mountain Farm Center applications  
Rienstra reported for the Planning and Development Committee and moved  
that the Resolution be APPROVED.  
She stated this was for the application of these grants, which would be  
returned back to Council for further decision making after those  
applications were submitted.  
Rienstra's motion that the Resolution be APPROVED carried by the  
following vote:  
7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
0
Enactment No: RES 2026-027  
CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS  
AB2026-470  
1.  
Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Cori Bryant to the  
Veteran’s Advisory Board  
Rienstra moved and Scanlon 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:  
AB2026-492  
2.  
Request confirmation of the Executive’s appointment of Kelly Klem to the  
Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board  
Rienstra moved and Scanlon 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 numbers 3 (AB2026-489) and 4  
(AB2026-490) are substitutes.  
Kimberly Thulin, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, confirmed that  
Introduction item number 2 (AB2026-488) is also a substitute.  
Galloway stated the title for Introduction item number 5 (AB2026-427) was  
revised to change the deadline for applications to Tuesday, July 7th.  
Scanlon moved to introduce items one through five.  
The motion was seconded by Boyle.  
Scanlon stated there will be public hearings for the Comprehensive Plan on  
July 14th.  
The franchise item (AB2026-461) will have a hearing on July 28th.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion to introduce the Comprehensive  
Plan then voted on the introduction items (see votes on individual items  
below).  
AB2026-461  
1.  
Ordinance granting Forged Fiber 37, LLC a non-exclusive franchise for the purposes  
of offering and providing telecommunications services  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a Public  
Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-035  
AB2026-488  
2.  
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)  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance  
Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
AB2026-489  
3.  
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)  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance  
Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.  
The motion 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  
4.  
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)  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance  
Requiring a Public Hearing be INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Enactment No: ORD 2026-040  
AB2026-427  
5.  
Appointment to a vacancy on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee,  
childcare position, Applicant(s): Courtney Whitaker, Kristine Wilson  
Scanlon moved and Boyle seconded that the Council Appointment Requiring  
Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon  
2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Aye:  
Nay:  
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES  
REPORT FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE EXECUTIVE SESSION  
AB2026-458  
Discussion of a potential property acquisition with Senior Deputy Prosecutor  
Kimberly Thulin 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 reported for Committee of the Whole Executive Session and  
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 property as long as the purchase price of the property  
does not exceed the amount discussed in Executive Session.  
The motion was seconded by Boyle.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
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 County Executive, acting on behalf of the Whatcom County Flood Control  
Zone District, to move forward with and complete the acquisition of the property as long as the purchase price of the  
property does not exceed the amount discussed in Executive Session.  
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES CONTINUED  
Councilmembers gave other committee reports and updates on recent  
activities and upcoming events.  
ADJOURN  
The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m.  
The County Council approved these minutes on July 14, 2026.  
ATTEST:  
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL  
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA  
______________________________  
Cathy Halka, Council Clerk  
___________________________  
Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair  
Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger  
SIGNED COPY ON FILE