October 23, 2018

Scroll down on this page to:
  • See the most current agenda 
  • Open links to individual agenda items
  • See action taken (Regular Council meeting only) and links to Ordinances and Resolutions
  • Open video clips for individual agenda items or sections of the meeting (Regular Council meeting only). Note: This feature may not be available right away after the meeting.
Access past linked agendas from the page menu to the left.

 October 23, 2018
Agenda PDF
Agenda Packet PDF This is a large document. Download time will be long.
Community members who require special assistance to participate in our meetings are asked to contact our office at least 96 hours in advance.
As a courtesy to all meeting attendees, cellular phone use is prohibited in the council chambers.
Accessible parking is available near the Courthouse south entrance.
Our regular council meetings are broadcast on BTV10, Comcast channel 10, at 7 p.m. on the two Wednesdays following each Tuesday evening county council meeting.
OUR REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE VIEWED LIVE AT https://www.youtube.com/user/WhatcomCountyGov
Council and Committee Meeting Rules of Procedure 

COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDAS

   
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE  
Members: Todd Donovan, Satpal Sidhu, Timothy Ballew
9:30 A.M.,Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
Special Presentation

1. Presentation by Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Program Chief Steve Bear (AB2018-304)

Committee Discussion

1. Update on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 6091 status in WRIA 1 (AB2018-290)

Other Business
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE 
Members: Rud Browne, Tyler Byrd, Satpal Sidhu  
Immediately Following Natural Resources Committee (no later than 11:00 A.M.)
Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
County Executive’s Report
Special Presentation 

1. Short video presentation - Restoring Dignity and Hope by Providing Identification (AB2018-017)

Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council

1. Ordinance closing County Parks Improvement Fund 330 (AB2018-284)

2. Ordinance amending the Whatcom County Budget, thirteenth request, in the amount of $182,722 (AB2018-285)

3. Request authorization for the County Executive to accept a grant award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security toward the purchase of a salt water patrol vessel, in the amount of $280,125 (from 10/9) (AB2018-280

4. Resolution ordering the cancellation of unclaimed checks more than two years old (AB2018-291)

5. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District and Geneva Consulting Services for coordination of the Whatcom Local Integrating Organization, in the amount of $68,743 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) (AB2018-292)

Council "Consent Agenda" Items

1. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Eberle Vivian for administration of the County’s self-insured workers’ compensation program for the years 2019 through 2021, in the amount of $169,000, for a total amended contract amount of $315,237 (AB2018-293)

2. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Meridian School District to provide behavioral health services within the Meridian School District, in the amount of $108,000, for a total amended contract amount of $378,000 (AB2018-294)

3. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a property use agreement between Whatcom County and Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) to provide limited authority for WTA to install, operate and maintain a covered bus shelter at the existing bus stop location at Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve, 2537 Lake Louise Road (AB2018-295)

4. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Wheeler Consulting Group, Inc. for Swift Creek environmental review, permitting and engineering design support, in the amount of $355,490 (AB2018-296)

5. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Washington State Military Department to assist in preparing for all hazards through sustainment and enhancement of the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Program, with funding from the US Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, CFDA#97.042, in the amount of $72,713 (AB2018-297)

Other Business

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11 and Appendix G

1. Audience members are invited to comment specifically on Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11, Environment, and Appendix G, Water Resources Program and Salmon Recovery Program (AB2016-047K(time limited to 15 minutes)

2. Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11, Environment, and Appendix G, Water Resources Program and Salmon Recovery Program (AB2016-047K(Council proposed amendments and additional information)
 Other Business

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11 and Appendix G

1. Audience members are invited to comment specifically on Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11, Environment, and Appendix G, Water Resources Program and Salmon Recovery Program (AB2016-047K(time limited to 15 minutes)

2. Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11, Environment, and Appendix G, Water Resources Program and Salmon Recovery Program (AB2016-047K(Council proposed amendments and additional information)
 Other Business

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 
1:00 P.M., Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Council Conference Room, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
Committee Discussion

1. Discussion regarding a potential easement acquisition for the Flood Control Zone District with Public Works staff (AB2018-018)
[Discussion of this item may take place in executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to RCW 42.30.110 (1)(b)]

2. Discussion regarding a potential property acquisition for the Flood Control Zone District with Public Works staff (AB2018-018)
[Discussion of this item may take place in executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to RCW 42.30.110 (1)(b)]

Other Business
SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 
Immediately Following Committee of the Whole (no later than 1:45 P.M.)
Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
Special Presentation

1. Introduction of the proposed 2019-2020 Whatcom County Budget, including an overview by County Executive Jack Louws and discussion of councilmember questions regarding the following budget submissions: Executive’s Office, Administrative Services, and non-departmental (budget documents can be at www.whatcomcounty.us/2895/2019-2020-Biennial-Budget) (AB2018-305)

Committee Discussion

1. Discussion regarding preliminary draft Comprehensive Plan and zoning amendments – Cherry Point (AB2018-076D)

Other Business
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE  
Members: Todd Donovan, Tyler Byrd, Barbara Brenner 
3:30 P.M., Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
Special Presentation

1. Semi-annual report from Planning and Development Services (AB2018-066)

Committee Discussion

1. Discussion of proposed ordinance amending the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan relating to Density Credits, PDRs, and TDRs (ordinance scheduled for introduction this evening) (AB2018-298)

2. Discussion of a proposed ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 24.11, Drinking Water (ordinance scheduled for introduction this evening) (AB2018-303)

Other Business

COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA

 
As a courtesy to all meeting attendees, cellular phone use is prohibited in the council chambers,

Accessible parking is available near the Courthouse south entrance.

Our regular council meetings are broadcast on BTV10, Comcast channel 10, at 7:00 p.m. on the two Wednesdays following each Tuesday evening county council meeting.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE SCHEDULES



COUNCIL NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Members:  Barry Buchanan, Rud Browne, Carl Weimer
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, , 2015
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue

Committee Discussion 



Committee Discussion and Recommendations to Council



Other Business
___________________________________________________________________________________

COUNCIL FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE
Members:  Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan, Ken Mann
11 a.m. Tuesday, , 2015
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue

Executive Reports



Committee Discussion



Committee Discussion and Recommendations to Council



Committee Discussion and Recommendations to Council 


(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)

Council "Consent Agenda" Items



Other Business

___________________________________________________________________________________

PUBLIC WORKS, HEALTH, AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Members:  Barbara Brenner, Pete Kremen, Ken Mann
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, , 2015
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue

Committee Discussion 



Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council



Other Business
___________________________________________________________________________________

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Members:  Barbara Brenner, Rud Browne, Ken Mann
3 p.m. Tuesday, , 2015
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue

Committee Discussion 



Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council



Other Business
___________________________________________________________________________________

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
--- p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Council Conference Room, 311 Grand Avenue

Committee Discussion


Other Business


 

COUNCIL AGENDA



REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
7 p.m. Tuesday, , 2015
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue

CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS


If you will be handing out paperwork to councilmembers, please give one copy to the clerk for our office files.  Thank you.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION



CITIZEN BOARD AND COMMITTEE VACANCIES
Each agenda features at least one council-appointed citizen board, commission, or committee that currently has unfilled positions.  Council encourages qualified Whatcom county registered voters who are interested in participating in county government to submit an application for this or any committee vacancy. For more information or an application, please visit the Council website, or call, email, or visit the Council Office.



PUBLIC HEARINGS
Audience members who wish to address the council during a public hearing are asked to sign up at the back of the room before the meeting begins.  The council chair will ask those who have signed up to form a line at the podium.   Each speaker should state his or her name for the record and will be given three minutes to address the council. Council staff will keep track of time limits and inform speakers when they have thirty seconds left to conclude their comments.  When a large group of individuals supports the same position on an issue, we encourage the selection of one or two representatives to speak on behalf of the entire group.

OPEN SESSION (20 MINUTES)
During open session, audience members can speak to the council on any issue not scheduled for public hearing or related to the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal project (GPT).  Each speaker should state his or her name for the record and will be given three minutes to address the council.  Council staff will keep track of time limits and inform speakers when they have thirty seconds left to conclude their comments. 



CONSENT AGENDA
Items under this section of the agenda may be considered in a single motion.  Councilmembers have received and studied background material on all items.  Committee review has taken place on these items, as indicated.  Any member of the public, administrative staff, or council may ask that an item be considered separately.

From Finance and Administrative Services Committee

OTHER ITEMS

From Natural Resources Committee



From Finance and Administrative Services Committee



From Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee



From Planning and Development Committee



No Committee Assignment



COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES 
Per Whatcom County Code 2.03.060 and 100.02.080, applications for council-appointed and FCZD board of supervisor-appointed citizen boards, commissions, and committees may be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday of the week prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting at which nominations and possible vote to appoint are scheduled to occur. 



EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
Per Whatcom County Code 2.03.070(B), the council must confirm or reject executive appointments within 30 days of submission to the council. County code deems the appointee confirmed if council does not take action within this time. 

INTRODUCTION ITEMS 
Council action will not be taken.  The council may accept these items for introduction (no action) in a single motion.  Changes, in terms of committee assignment for example, may be made at this time.

COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORTS

OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS

COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES

ADJOURN

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, , 2015, in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 
7 p.m. Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham
CALL TO ORDER (Video Link)
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Ballew, Brenner, Browne, Byrd, Sidhu, Donovan
Absent: Buchanan
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you plan to hand out paperwork to councilmembers, please provide one copy to council staff for our files. Thank you.
MINUTES CONSENT (Video Link)

1. Board of Health for October 2, 2018 - Approved Consent 6-0
2. Committee of the Whole for October 9, 2018 - Approved Consent 6-0
3. Special Committee of the Whole for October 9, 2018 - Approved Consent 6-0
4. Regular County Council for October 9, 2018 - Approved Consent 6-0
5. Surface Water Work Session for October 16, 2018 - Approved Consent 6-0

PUBLIC HEARINGS
Audience members who wish to address the council during a public hearing are asked to sign up at the back of the room prior to the meeting.  The council chair will ask those who have signed up to form a line at the podiums.   Each speaker should state his or her name for the record and optionally include city of residence. Speakers will be given three minutes to address the council. Council staff will keep track of time limits and inform speakers when they have thirty seconds left to conclude comments.  When a large group of individuals supports the same position on an issue, the selection of one or two representatives to speak on behalf of the entire group is encouraged.

1. Ordinance adopting amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan relating to Capital Facilities (AB2018-282) (public hearing only – adoption will be scheduled for a later date) (Video Link)
Public Hearing held

2. Resolution approving the Whatcom County 2019 Annual Construction Program (AB2018-281) (Video Link)
Approved 6-0, Resolution 2018-038

3. Ordinance changing the name of Creasy Road to Creasey Road (AB2018-286) (Video Link)
Adopted 6-0, Ordinance 2018-053

OPEN SESSION (20 MINUTES) (Video Link)
During open session, audience members can speak to the council on any issue not scheduled for public hearing this evening.  Each speaker should state his or her name for the record and optionally include city of residence. Speakers will be given three minutes to address the council.  Council staff will keep track of time limits and inform speakers when they have thirty seconds left to conclude their comments. 
OTHER ITEMS

From Committee of the Whole

1. Discussion regarding a potential easement acquisition for the Flood Control Zone District with Public Works staff (AB2018-018) (Video Link)
Motion carried 6-0 to authorize the County Executive, acting on behalf of the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors, to move forward with and complete acquisition of the easement as long as the purchase price of the easement does not exceed the amount discussed in Executive Session.

2. Discussion regarding a potential property acquisition for the Flood Control Zone District with Public Works staff (AB2018-018) (Video Link)
Motion carried 6-0 to authorize the County Executive, acting on behalf of the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors, to move forward with and complete acquisition of the property as long as the purchase price of the property does not exceed the amount discussed in Executive Session.

CONSENT AGENDA (Video Link)
Items under this section of the agenda may be considered in a single motion. Councilmembers have received and studied background material on all items. Committee review has taken place on these items, as indicated. Any member of the public, administrative staff, or council may ask that an item be considered separately.

From Finance and Administrative Services Committee

1. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Eberle Vivian for administration of the County’s self-insured workers’ compensation program for the years 2019 through 2021, in the amount of $169,000, for a total amended contract amount of $315,237 (AB2018-293)
Approved Consent 6-0

2. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Meridian School District to provide behavioral health services within the Meridian School District, in the amount of $108,000, for a total amended contract amount of $378,000 (AB2018-294)
Approved Consent 6-0

3. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a property use agreement between Whatcom County and Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) to provide limited authority for WTA to install, operate and maintain a covered bus shelter at the existing bus stop location at Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve, 2537 Lake Louise Road (AB2018-295)
Approved Consent 6-0

4. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Wheeler Consulting Group, Inc. for Swift Creek environmental review, permitting and engineering design support, in the amount of $355,490 (AB2018-296)
Approved Consent 6-0

5. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Washington State Military Department to assist in preparing for all hazards through sustainment and enhancement of the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Program, with funding from the US Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, CFDA#97.042, in the amount of $72,713 (AB2018-297)
Approved Consent 6-0

OTHER ITEMS

From the Finance and Administrative Services Committee

1. Ordinance closing County Parks Improvement Fund 330 (AB2018-284) (Video Link)
Adopted 6-0, Ordinance 2018-054

2. Ordinance amending the Whatcom County Budget, thirteenth request, in the amount of $182,722 $280,377 (AB2018-285) (Video Link)
Adopted 6-0, Ordinance 2018-055

3. Request authorization for the County Executive to accept a grant award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security toward the purchase of a salt water patrol vessel, in the amount of $280,125 (from 10/9) (AB2018-280) (Video Link)
Approved 6-0

4. Resolution ordering the cancellation of unclaimed checks more than two years old (AB2018-291) (Video Link)
Approved 6-0, Resolution 2018-039

5. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District and Geneva Consulting Services for coordination of the Whatcom Local Integrating Organization, in the amount of $68,743 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) (AB2018-292) (Video Link)
Approved 6-0

COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES 
Per Whatcom County Code 2.03.060 and 100.02.080, applications for council-appointed and Flood Control Zone District board of supervisor-appointed citizen boards, commissions, and committees may be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday of the week prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting at which nominations and possible vote to appoint are scheduled to occur. 

1. Appointment, per RCW 85.38.070(5), to fill vacancy on Consolidated Drainage Improvement District #20 Board of Supervisors, Position 3 - applicant(s): Glen Oostema (AB2018-288) (Video Link)
Glen Oostema appointed 6-0

EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
Per Whatcom County Code 2.03.070(B), the council must confirm or reject executive appointments within 30 days of submission to the council. County code deems the appointee confirmed if council does not take action within this time. 

1. Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Raymond Owings to the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (AB2018-299) (Video Link)
Confirmed 6-0

INTRODUCTION ITEMS (Video Link)
Council action will not be taken. The council may accept these items for introduction (no action) in a single motion. Changes, in terms of committee assignment for example, may be made at this time.

1. Receipt of application to fill vacancies on the Whatcom County Climate Impact Advisory Committee, applicants: Ellyn Murphy and John Yakawich (committee provides review and recommendations to the Whatcom County Council and Executive on issues related to the preparation and adaptation for, and the prevention and mitigation of, impacts of climate change) (application deadline for any other applicants is 10 a.m. October 30, 2018) (AB2018-289)
Introduced 6-0

2. Ordinance adopting amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan relating to Density Credits, PDRs, and TDRs (AB2018-298)
Introduced 6-0

3. Ordinance establishing the Northshore Drive/Edgewater Lane Stormwater Improvements Fund and establishing a project based budget for the Northshore Drive/Edgewater Lane Stormwater Improvements Fund (AB2018-300)
Introduced 6-0

4. Ordinance establishing the E. Smith/Hannegan Road Intersection Improvements Fund and establishing a project based budget for the E. Smith/Hannegan Road Intersection Improvements; CRP #914002 (AB2018-301)
Introduced 6-0

5. Ordinance establishing Whatcom County Code 2.47, creating a Whatcom County Food System Committee intended to draft, implement and provide oversight for a county-wide plan to strengthen our local and regional food system (AB2018-302)
Introduced 6-0

6. Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 24.11, Drinking Water (AB2018-303) (Video Link)
Substitute Introduced 4-2, Donovan and Browne opposed

COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES (Video Link)
ADJOURN
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. November 7 (Wednesday), 2018, in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham.