Whatcom County

Council

COUNTY COURTHOUSE

311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105

Bellingham, WA 98225-4038

(360) 778-5010

Minutes - Draft Minutes

Tuesday, April 14, 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 4.13.2026

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 Vice Chair Jon Scanlon called the meeting to order at 6 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

Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, spoke about the proposed sales tax.

MINUTES CONSENT

Buchanan moved to accept the minutes consent items. The motion was

seconded by Rienstra (see votes on individual items below).

MIN2026-027 Committee of the Whole Executive Session for March 17, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-028 Council (Special) for March 17, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-029 Special Committee of the Whole for March 17, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-030 Committee of the Whole Executive Session for March 24, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-031 Committee of the Whole for March 24, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-032 Regular County Council for March 24, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-033 Special Council for March 31, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-034 Special Committee of the Whole for March 31, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

MIN2026-035 Health Board for March 31, 2026

Buchanan moved and Rienstra 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:

COMBINED PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TAX ORDINANCES

Scanlon read the three public hearing items into the record.

Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, read from a presentation (on file)

regarding funding for public safety operations under RCW 82.14.345, an

overview of the County’s General Fund, the options before the Council, and

an overview of the executive's proposed ordinance, AB2026-213. She stated

it does not permanently dedicate the tax to any individual department or

service.

Scanlon gave an overview of AB2026-255 which he proposed, and stated it

lays out specifications for the use of the funds for the first two years.

Stremler gave an overview of AB2026-259 (co-sponsored by himself and

Councilmember Elenbaas) and stated they want the voters of Whatcom

County to decide if they want to pay this tax.

Scanlon spoke about a companion resolution (AB2026-257) which sets

priorities for the use of the sales tax revenue if they pass the executive’s

version.

Stremler spoke about AB2026-288 (for introduction tonight) which says the

voters can have a non-binding advisory vote to inform the Council. Legal

counsel had advised them to not move forward with AB2026-259 because

of the interpretation of the wording of the RCW that allows this tax to be

imposed, but they still felt strongly that they wanted to involve the voters of

Whatcom County.

Scanlon opened the Public Hearing and the following people spoke:

Ryan Bowman

Karen Kooy

Russ Sapienza

Susan Marks

Brian Gass

Lyle Sorenson

Marvin Mickley

Donnell Tanksley

Hannah Ordos

David Stamps

Jiggy Sorrell

(Name not stated)

Caleb Erickson

Natalie Chavez

Ali Jensen

Scanlon thanked everyone for speaking.

Clerk’s note: the public hearing was not closed by the chair at this point in

the meeting.

AB2026-213

Ordinance authorizing a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for criminal

justice purposes as authorized by RCW 82.14.345 and adding a new Chapter 3.27

Sales and Use Tax for Criminal Justice Purposes to the Whatcom County Code

See discussion for this item under the public hearing header and under the

separate consideration of the file below.

This agenda item was PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).

AB2026-255

Ordinance authorizing a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for criminal

justice purposes as authorized by RCW 82.14.345 and adding a new Chapter 3.27

Sales and Use Tax for Criminal Justice Purposes to the Whatcom County Code

See discussion for this item under the public hearing header and under the

separate consideration of the file below.

This agenda item was PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).

Enactment No: ORD 2026-020

AB2026-259

Ordinance submitting to the qualified voters of Whatcom County a proposition

authorizing a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) for criminal justice

purposes, as authorized by RCW 82.14.345

See discussion for this item under the public hearing header and under the

separate consideration of the file below.

This agenda item was PUBLIC TESTIMONY RECEIVED (file not final).

SEPARATE CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

AB2026-213

Ordinance authorizing a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for criminal

justice purposes as authorized by RCW 82.14.345 and adding a new Chapter 3.27

Sales and Use Tax for Criminal Justice Purposes to the Whatcom County Code

Galloway moved that the Ordinance be ADOPTED.

The motion was seconded by Scanlon.

Galloway stated she feels compelled by the Administration's presentation

tonight which outlined our need for the tax.

Scanlon stated he prefers his ordinance (AB2026-255) because it adds

specificity in the whereas clauses of the ordinance. He thinks if they vote

on the tax this evening they should tell people how they are going to use the

funds. An alternate way is to adopt this version (the executive’s proposal)

and then approve the resolution (AB2026-257) later in this agenda which

gives direction on how to use the revenue. He proposed that they hold this

item until after consideration of AB2026-255.

Galloway moved that they hold AB2026-213 until after consideration of

AB2026-255.

The motion was seconded by Scanlon.

Elenbaas stated maybe they would like to put both this and AB2026-255 on

hold and then work backwards and decide first if they want to put something

on the ballot or not. If not, they can then discuss the dereference between

this ordinance and Scanlon’s version.

The motion to hold AB2026-213 carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Stremler, and

Boyle

Nay: 0

This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.

Motion approved 7-0 that they hold AB2026-213 until after consideration of AB2026-255 (see second vote on this

item below).

AB2026-255

Ordinance authorizing a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for criminal

justice purposes as authorized by RCW 82.14.345 and adding a new Chapter 3.27

Sales and Use Tax for Criminal Justice Purposes to the Whatcom County Code

Elenbaas moved to hold this item until they address the next item.

Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, stated they should make a main motion

first.

Buchanan moved and Boyle seconded that the Ordinance be ADOPTED.

Elenbaas moved to hold this item until they possibly come back to it

(during) this meeting.

The motion was seconded by Stremler.

Elenbaas stated if they pass this item now, they would not even have debate

on the next item (AB2026-259), but if they hold it they can decide if there is

merit to putting something on the ballot.

Councilmembers and Kimberly Thulin, Prosecuting Attorney's Office,

discussed if the item should be held for two weeks so they can fully address

the advisory vote ordinance (AB2026-288) which is on the agenda for

introduction this evening, or whether they should just hold it until they are

able to address the other options tonight.

Elenbaas amended his motion to hold this item until April 28th or sooner.

Councilmembers discussed the motion.

The motion to hold failed by the following vote:

Aye: 2 - Elenbaas and Stremler

Nay: 5 - Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Boyle, and Buchanan

Councilmembers discussed the main motion to adopt this ordinance and the

following additional people also spoke and answered questions:

Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office

Satpal Sidhu, County Executive

They discussed that the State law already gives direction on how the funds

can be spent so the County cannot just spend it on anything for the General

Fund, that being too prescriptive with the money might hinder their ability

to execute the criminal justice facility project in a manner in which the

community expects them to, that the revenue would go into a special

criminal justice sales tax fund either way (with this ordinance or with the

executive’s), that the executive’s version gives the Council the most

flexibility down the road to direct the funds, that anytime funds are moved

in or out of a special fund it comes to Council, importance of the voice of

the people and that they can place an advisory vote before them, the legal

guidance regarding whether putting the tax on the ballot was a tool the

Legislature gave them, the urgency of this measure and that certainty

afforded by adopting the tax can help them build stability into the County’s

budget, and that the people seem to want to know how the money will be

spent.

Donnell Tanksley, Sheriff, spoke about the grant program also associated

with this State law. He spoke about how much of that they applied for and

the purposes for which it would be used, including unfreezing Sheriff’s

Department positions, assisting with the Law Enforcement Assisted

Diversion (LEAD) program, assisting with ongoing training, and building a

wellness infrastructure. They applied for a total of $624,000.

Scanlon stated that other cities and counties have already adopted this tax

according to State law and without a vote of the people, and he spoke in

favor of the ordinance and why it has specifications for how the money

should be used.

Elenbaas stated another concern he has is that Lynden and Bellingham have

already passed this tax and now we are going to double up on it. He would

prefer to ask permission from the voters.

Buchanan's motion that the 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 2026-020

AB2026-259

Ordinance submitting to the qualified voters of Whatcom County a proposition

authorizing a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) for criminal justice

purposes, as authorized by RCW 82.14.345

Elenbaas moved and Stremler seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a

Public Hearing be ADOPTED.

Councilmembers discussed that they were going to consider AB2026-213

which was held until after AB2026-255, but advanced to this item instead.

Scanlon stated they had a discussion earlier today about this ordinance and

the question around the legal validity of it. He stated the advice they

received from Council’s attorney was that the legislature did not give a

council the authority to put this item to the voters as a mandatory vote of

the people.

Elenbaas stated they can read the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) if

they would like.

Elenbaas's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be adopted

FAILED by the following vote:

2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler

Aye:

5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon

Nay:

AB2026-213

Ordinance authorizing a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for criminal

justice purposes as authorized by RCW 82.14.345 and adding a new Chapter 3.27

Sales and Use Tax for Criminal Justice Purposes to the Whatcom County Code

Elenbaas moved and Stremler seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a

Public Hearing be ADOPTED.

Scanlon stated he does not think they need this item anymore since they

voted to adopt AB2025-255.

Councilmembers voted on this item (see vote below) and then Scanlon

closed the combined public hearing.

Elenbaas's motion that the Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing be adopted

FAILED by the following vote:

Aye:

Nay:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

OPEN SESSION

The following people spoke:

Ryan Bowman

David Foreman

Pam Brady

Tamera Lienhart

Rob Hutchison

Josh Linn

Brian Gass

Virgil Thompson

Kathryn Mitchell

Jim Shaver

Nicole Postma

Judy (last name on stated)

Markis Dee

Lyle Sorenson

Derek Gremban

Brian Estes

Jeremy Thompson

Natalie Chavez

Hearing no one else, Scanlon 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 eight.

Councilmembers voted on those items (see votes on individual items

below).

AB2026-253

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between

Whatcom County and BEA Environmental, LLC to develop and implement a Source

Control Business Inspection Program, in the amount of $89,950

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-256

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment

between Whatcom County and Bellingham Food Bank to purchase and distribute

diapers, wipes, infant formula, and food to low-income families with children in the

amount of $636,305, for a total amended contract amount of $1,503,993

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-260

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement

between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Ecology to

administer and enforce the well sealing, tagging, and decommissioning portions of the

water well construction regulations, in the estimated amount of $13,500 annually

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:

AB2026-269

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between

Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to administer rental assistance to eligible

individuals who are involved in the criminal legal system and in recovery from a

substance use disorder, in the amount of $79,090

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-270

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between

Whatcom County and the Housing Authority of the City of Bellingham to fund capital

expenses for the development of the Samish Commons Early Learning Center, in the

amount of $851,350

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-277

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal grant

agreement between Whatcom County and the Department of Ecology to provide

funding to advance the planning work necessary to evaluate and implement flood

mitigation alternatives for the Lower Nooksack River and the Everson-Sumas

overflow corridor, in the amount of $2,738,000 (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 Interlocal be AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT. The motion

carried by the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-294

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement

between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Transportation

to execute a Federal Aid Project Prospectus to obligate federal Ferry Boat Program

funds for the Lummi Island Ferry operating costs, in the amount of $1,920,916

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:

AB2026-299

Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement

between Whatcom County and City of Bellingham for U.S. Department of Justice

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant FY25, in the amount of $11,812

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:

OTHER ITEMS

(From Council Committee of the Whole)

AB2026-302

Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Deborah Arthur as

Deputy Executive/Administrative Services Director effective April 13, 2026

Scanlon reported for Committee of the Whole. There was no

recommendation from committee because it was just a discussion.

Elenbaas moved and Boyle seconded that the Executive Appointment be

CONFIRMED.

Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, spoke about the applicant.

Councilmembers spoke about the applicant and their support of her

appointment.

Elenbaas's motion that the Executive Appointment be CONFIRMED carried

by the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

(No Committee Assignment)

AB2026-257

Resolution setting priorities for a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for

criminal justice purposes as authorized by RCW 82.14.345

Scanlon stated, as the author of this item, he believes it is no longer

necessary given that they adopted AB2026-255 which has the priorities

included in the ordinance, so no action was taken.

This agenda item was NOT ACTED UPON.

AB2026-309

Request for motion to select up to two councilmembers to participate in the

Executive’s medical examiner hiring process

Buchanan suggested that Galloway and Elenbaas be appointed.

Scanlon stated he would be interested, and Galloway stated she would defer

to him.

Scanlon moved to appoint Elenbaas and Scanlon.

The motion was seconded by Rienstra.

The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and

Stremler

Nay: 0

This agenda item was APPOINTED.

Appointed Elenbaas and Scanlon 7-0.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS

AB2026-178

Appointment to a vacancy on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP)

Committee, Behavioral Health Provider position, Applicant(s): Keren Gott, Margery

Dunkle, Jennifer Zander, Ajreea Johnson

Scanlon asked if any applicants wanted to speak but no one did.

Galloway moved that they consider all with a vote of one.

The motion was seconded by Buchanan.

Councilmembers discussed the applicants.

Keren Gott was appointed with 6 votes as follows:

Buchanan: Johnson

Rienstra: Gott

Boyle: Gott

Elenbaas: Gott

Galloway: Gott

Scanlon: Gott

Stremler: Gott

This agenda item was APPOINTED.

Appointed Keren Gott with 6 votes.

AB2026-221

Appointment to a vacancy on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP)

Committee, criminal legal system user, applicant(s): Cesar Luna

Buchanan moved and Rienstra seconded that the Council Appointment

Requiring Introduction be APPOINTED.

Councilmembers discussed the applicant.

Buchanan's motion that the Council Appointment Requiring Introduction be

APPOINTED carried by the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-232

Appointment to a vacancy on the Planning Commission, District 4 or 5, Applicants:

Lindsey Elenbaas, Gurdeep Bains, Jeremy Thompson

Scanlon moved that they consider Lindsey Elenbaas and Jeremy Thompson

with a vote of one (Gurdeep Bains withdrew earlier from consideration).

The motion was seconded by Boyle.

Elenbaas stated that Lindsey Elenbaas is his wife.

Thompson was appointed with four votes as follows:

Thompson: 4 - Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Boyle

Elenbaas: 3 - Stremler, Buchannan, and Elenbaas

This agenda item was APPOINTED.

Appointed Jeremy Thompson with 4 votes

AB2026-235

Appointment to a vacancy on the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee,

alternate member, Applicant(s): Brett Vande Hoef (Council acting as the Flood

Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment be

APPOINTED.

Councilmembers spoke about the applicant.

Scanlon's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by

the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-258

Appointment to a vacancy on the Lynden/Everson Flood Control Subzone Advisory

Committee, Applicant(s): Brett Vande Hoef (Council acting as the Flood Control

Zone District Board of Supervisors)

Scanlon moved and Galloway seconded that the Council Appointment be

APPOINTED.

Rienstra asked if there would be any overlap between the two committees

the applicant would be appointed to (see AB2026-235).

Elenbaas spoke about how the committees function.

Scanlon's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by

the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-274

Appointment to a vacancy on Consolidated Drainage Improvement District 31 Board

of Supervisors, Applicant(s): Glen Oostema

Elenbaas moved and Rienstra seconded that the Council Appointment be

APPOINTED.

Councilmembers discussed why they are appointing the position.

Scanlon stated he wants to make sure that applicant applying to the vacancy

is clear on the length of the term.

Elenbaas's motion that the Council Appointment be APPOINTED carried by

the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION

There were no agenda items added by revision.

INTRODUCTION ITEMS

Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, stated Introduction item numbers 3

(AB2026-281), item number 7 (AB2026-288), and item number 8

(AB2026-291) are substitutes.

Rienstra stated she would like to amend Introduction item number 8

(AB2026-291), so they will consider it separately.

Scanlon stated they will also consider Introduction item number 7

(AB2026-288) separately.

Scanlon moved to introduce item numbers 1-6 and 9-12. The motion was

seconded by Buchanan (see votes on individual items below).

AB2026-209

Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 7, in the amount

of $23,290,457

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be

INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-275

Appointments to vacancies on the Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee,

various positions, Applicant(s) Markis Dee Stidham, Corey Williams, Virgil

Thompson, Jonathan King, Susan Hutton

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment

Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-281

Ordinance adopting Whatcom County Code Chapter 16.38 Source Control of

Existing Development to require the use of best management practices for stormwater

pollution prevention within the Whatcom County Washington Phase II Municipal

Stormwater Permit Area

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-282

Resolution declaring Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District personal

property, a single-family house, as surplus and approve sale (Council acting as the

Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution (FCZDBS)

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-284

Resolution declaring Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District personal property

as surplus and approve sale (Council acting as Flood Control Zone District Board of

Supervisors)

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution (FCZDBS)

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-286

Resolution declaring Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District personal property

as surplus and to approve sale (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District

Board of Supervisors)

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution (FCZDBS)

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

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-288

Ordinance submitting to the qualified voters of Whatcom County a nonbinding

advisory proposition concerning a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for

criminal justice purposes

THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW.

AB2026-291

Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Section 5.04.080 Emergency Medical

Services (EMS) Oversight Board and section 5.04.085 EMS Technical Advisory

Board to change the membership of the EMS Oversight Board and the EMS

Technical Advisory Board

THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW.

AB2026-292

Resolution amending the 2026 Flood Control Zone District and Subzones Budget,

request no. 1, in the amount of $23,406 (Council acting as the Whatcom County

Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution (FCZDBS) be

INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-295

10.

Resolution authorizing the submission of three independent grant applications to the

Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board to restore fish passage at the Black Slough

and Homesteader culverts and to complete the final design and permitting of the

Tinling Creek culvert project (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control

Zone District Board of Supervisors)

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Resolution (FCZDBS) be

INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-297

11.

Appointment to a vacancy on the Public Health Advisory Board, Applicant(s):

Michelle Gillig

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment

Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-300

12.

Appointment to a vacancy on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee,

Marine Trades position, Applicant(s): Rex Rhoades

Scanlon moved and Buchanan seconded that the Council Appointment

Requiring Introduction be INTRODUCED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

INTRODUCTION ITEMS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY

AB2026-288

Ordinance submitting to the qualified voters of Whatcom County a nonbinding

advisory proposition concerning a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for

criminal justice purposes

Elenbaas stated they could do this and wait on implementing what they voted

on earlier (AB2026-255).

Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, stated the executive is prepared

to sign the ordinance that was adopted tomorrow morning.

Buchanan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance Requiring a

Public Hearing be TABLED. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon

2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

AB2026-291

Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Section 5.04.080 Emergency Medical

Services (EMS) Oversight Board and section 5.04.085 EMS Technical Advisory

Board to change the membership of the EMS Oversight Board and the EMS

Technical Advisory Board

Elenbaas moved and Rienstra seconded that the (revised) SUBSTITUTE

Ordinance be INTRODUCED.

Rienstra moved to amend item ten in Exhibit A, to use the alternative

language with the exception of changing the first word “three” to “two” so

that it would read:

Two community members appointed jointly by the County executive

and Mayor of Bellingham, who have relevant work, educational or

lived experience, including but not limited to, EMS, fire personnel

or volunteer labor representative service providers or community

members who reflect diverse perspectives and community

representation.

The motion was seconded by Galloway.

Councilmembers discussed the motion.

The motion to amend carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 - Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Boyle, and Buchanan

Nay: 2 - Elenbaas and Stremler

Scanlon stated they would be voting on the revised substitute ordinance as

just amended.

Elenbaas's motion that the REVISED SUBSTITUTE Ordinance be

INTRODUCED AS AMENDED carried by the following vote:

6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon

1 - Stremler

Aye:

Nay:

Motion approved 5-2, with Elenbaas and Stremler opposed to amend item number A(10) in Exhibit A so that it

would read:

Two community members, appointed jointly by the county executive and mayor of Bellingham, who have relevant

work, educational, or lived experience including but not limited to EMS/Fire personnel or volunteer, labor

representative, service providers, or community members who reflect diverse perspectives and community

representation.

Introduced the Revised Substitute Ordinance as amended

COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES

Clerk’s note: Galloway and Boyle had to leave the meeting since they were

joining remotely from another time zone and the time was getting late.

Councilmembers gave committee reports and updates on recent activities

and upcoming events.