Whatcom County, WA

Special Event

Special Event

Special Event

Council (Special)

The Whatcom County Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the County Executive’s recommended budget for the 2027-2028 biennium.

• Discussion of AB2026-687 regarding the 2027-2028 Biennium Budget

Special Event

Special Event

Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee

The Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee will discuss the proposed 2027-2028 Biennium Budget and various budget amendments. The body is also deciding on several contracts for home elevations, homeless shelters, and law enforcement funding.

• Contract with Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group for home elevations: $3,766,553.87
• Contract with Road2Home for winter overnight shelter: $585,000
• Interlocal agreement for LEAD program and staff wellness: $2,465,990.25
• Proposed 2026 budget amendment request no. 14: $1,874,733
• Contract amendment with Washington State Patrol for radio tower space: $8,568.06

The committee authorized several major contracts, including $3.77 million for home elevation projects and $585,000 for a winter homeless shelter. Members also approved a $2.47 million interlocal agreement for law enforcement staffing and diversion programs. Additionally, the committee appointed Allison Ormsby to the Public Health Advisory Board and directed staff to accelerate home elevation efforts.

• Authorized $3.77M contract for home elevation projects (7-0)
• Authorized $585,000 contract for winter homeless shelter (6-1)
• Authorized $8,568.06 radio tower lease amendment (6-0)
• Approved appointment of financial officer for Point Roberts TBD (7-0)
• Authorized $2.47M interlocal agreement for law enforcement funding (7-0)
• Approved 2026 lodging tax fund allocations (7-0)
• Appointed Allison Ormsby to Public Health Advisory Board (4-3)
• Approved motion to accelerate home elevation project timelines (7-0)

Council

The Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing on a temporary easement for the State Department of Transportation. The body is also discussing zoning amendments for affordable housing and the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area Reserve, as well as various road and budget ordinances.

• Public hearing on a temporary easement for the Washington State Department of Transportation
• Proposed $1,874,733 amendment to the 2026 Whatcom County Budget
• Proposed $54,380 amendment to the 2026 Flood Control Zone District and Subzones Budget
• Proposed zoning amendment for 4610 Lincoln Road regarding the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area Reserve
• Ordinance to exempt animal control and sheltering services from bid and proposal requirements

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review several proposed ordinances regarding road signs, speed limits, and parking. The meeting includes presentations on open space programs and the Justice Project, as well as discussions on zoning amendments.

• Proposed retail cannabis sales amendments for the Guide Meridian corridor
• Proposed stop signs, speed limits, and no parking zones in Plat of Whisper Lake Division B
• Proposed one-way designation for Maple Lane and no parking zone on Lake Louise Road
• Proposed Six-Year Water Resources Improvement Program for 2027-2032
• Comprehensive plan amendment for 4610 Lincoln Road regarding the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area Reserve

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of a resolution to add an affordable housing project to the Comprehensive Plan and development regulation amendments docket. Most other agenda items, including jail design updates and zoning amendments, were presented or discussed without formal action.

• Recommended approval of Resolution AB2026-725 to add affordable housing measures to the Comprehensive Plan docket (7-0)

Special Event

Special Event

Council (Special)

The Whatcom County Council is holding a special meeting on October 6, 2026, with a single substantive agenda item. The Council will consider final action on AB2026-719, which requests authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Blaine concerning a reduction of city limits and resolution of a dispute. The rest of the agenda is procedural, including call to order, roll call, announcements, and adjournment.

• AB2026-719: authorization for the County Executive to enter an interlocal agreement with the City of Blaine on a reduction of city limits and resolution of dispute

The Council approved a request for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Blaine. The agreement concerns a reduction of city limits and the resolution of a dispute.

• Authorized interlocal agreement with City of Blaine regarding city limits and dispute resolution (7-0)

Council Special Committee of the Whole

The Whatcom County Council's Special Committee of the Whole meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 1 PM in a hybrid format to hear presentations from county departments regarding the 2027-2028 Biennium Budget. Scheduled presenters are Administrative Services at 1:00 PM, EMS at 2:30 PM, WSU Extension at 3:00 PM, the Treasurer's Office at 3:30 PM, and the Council Office at 4:00 PM. The meeting is also noticed as a meeting of the Whatcom County Council, with the agenda limited to committee business, and is scheduled to adjourn by 4:30 PM. No budget figures, votes, or decisions appear in the agenda text.

• Presentations on the 2027-2028 Biennium Budget from Administrative Services, EMS, WSU Extension, the Treasurer's Office, and the Council Office
• Meeting noticed as a Whatcom County Council meeting, limited to committee business
• Hybrid meeting in Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, with remote participation available
• No ordinances, contracts, dollar amounts, or public hearings listed on this agenda

Council as the Health Board

The Whatcom County Council, sitting as the Health Board, meets jointly with the Public Health Advisory Board on October 6, 2026. The agenda includes updates from the Public Health Advisory Board Chair, the Health Officer, and the Health Director. The board will discuss kratom use and potential regulation with the Health and Community Services Department, and will review Public Health Advisory Board recommendations on the Executive's 2027-2028 Biennial Budget proposal for that department. The meeting also includes public comment and is scheduled to adjourn by 12:00 PM.

• Discussion with Health and Community Services Department on kratom use and potential regulation (AB2026-647)
• Public Health Advisory Board recommendations on the Executive's 2027-2028 Biennial Budget proposal for Health and Community Services (AB2026-721)
• Update from the Public Health Advisory Board Chair (AB2026-703)
• Update from the Health Officer (AB2026-702)
• Update from the Health Director (AB2026-701)

The Health Board received updates on community health networks, federal Medicaid policy changes, and department operations. Members discussed the potential regulation of kratom and 7-OH, though no formal actions were taken on any agenda items.

• Update from Public Health Advisory Board presented
• Update from Health Officer on healthcare access presented
• Update from Health Director on WCHCS operations presented
• Discussion on kratom use and potential regulation held
• Budget proposal discussion (AB2026-721) not acted upon

Special Event

Special Event

Council

The Whatcom County Council is meeting to consider several items, including public hearings on the Public Works Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2027-2032 and the 2027 Annual Road Program. The council will also vote on resolutions to appoint the Clerk of the Council as agent for tort liability claims and to authorize acquisition of two agricultural conservation easements. Additionally, there are introduction items, including a temporary easement for the state Department of Transportation and a Public Health Advisory Board vacancy application.

• Public hearing: Resolution approving Public Works Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2027-2032
• Public hearing: Resolution adopting 2027 Annual Road Program
• Resolution appointing Clerk of the Council as agent to receive tort liability claims (RCW 4.96.020)
• Resolution authorizing acquisition of two agricultural conservation easements
• Introduction: Temporary easement to WA State DOT (Flood Control Zone District)

The Council approved the Public Works Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (2027-2032) and the 2027 Annual Road Program. It also authorized the acquisition of two agricultural conservation easements and designated the Clerk of the Council as the agent for tort liability claims.

• Approved Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program 2027-2032 (6-0)
• Approved 2027 Annual Road Program (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Clerk of the Council as agent for tort liability claims (6-0)
• Approved acquisition of Jensen Family Farm and Cloud Mountain Farm conservation easements (6-0)
• Introduced temporary easement for WA State DOT for public hearing (6-0)
• Introduced appointment of Molly Lewis to Public Health Advisory Board (6-0)
• Approved minutes for Finance and Administrative Services Committee, Committee of the Whole, and Regular County Council (6-0)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole is receiving presentations and progress reports on several county programs, including jail incarceration reduction, affordable housing funding, homeless housing, the Critical Areas Ordinance update, climate action, and racial equity. The committee will also discuss two items: an ordinance to exempt animal control and shelter contracts from bidding requirements, and a proposed temporary easement to the state Department of Transportation for flood control. No final votes are scheduled; items are for discussion only.

• Presentation on Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force workgroups (AB2026-695)
• Housing Advisory Committee presentation on affordable housing funding sources (AB2026-678)
• Critical Areas Ordinance update presentation from Planning and Development Services (AB2026-669)
• Ordinance to exempt animal control and sheltering contracts from bid requirements (AB2026-630)
• Proposed temporary easement to WSDOT for flood control (AB2026-680)

The Council voted to work with the Executive to implement four affordable housing recommendations from the Housing Advisory Committee. Additionally, the Council appointed a three-member workgroup to oversee these efforts.

• Approved plan to advance four Housing Advisory Committee recommendations (5-1)
• Appointed Boyle, Scanlon, and Rienstra to the Council affordable housing workgroup (6-0)

Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee

The Whatcom County Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee is holding a hybrid meeting to review department presentations for the 2027-2028 biennium budget, including Health & Community Services, Auditor, Assessor, and Prosecutor. The committee will also take final action on several consent agenda items, including contracts for surplus sales, courthouse security, flood response, and other services, plus a budget amendment and council appointments.

• Contract with James G Murphy Co. for surplus item sales, $80,000
• Contract amendment with Pacific Security for courthouse screening, $81,000 (total $558,416)
• Grant agreement with WA State Military Dept. for Dec 2025 flood reimbursement (amount TBD)
• Contract with Dr. Emily Welch as EMS Medical Program Director, $112,127.85
• Ordinance amending 2026 budget, request no. 13, $701,921

The committee approved a $701,921 amendment to the 2026 budget, which includes funding for a tiny homes project in partnership with the City of Bellingham. Members also authorized seven contracts for services ranging from courthouse security to emergency medical direction and flood response. Additionally, the committee confirmed three appointments to county advisory committees and reviewed department budget presentations for the 2027-2028 biennium.

• Adopted $701,921 budget amendment (ORD 2026-050) (6-0)
• Authorized $80,000 surplus items sale contract (6-0)
• Authorized $0 flood control management agreement (6-0)
• Authorized $81,000 courthouse screening contract amendment (6-0)
• Authorized emergency flood response grant agreement (6-0)
• Authorized $112,127.85 EMS medical director contract (6-0)
• Authorized $24,660 traffic safety interlocal agreement (6-0)
• Appointed Kelli Lawson, Jan Dietzgen, and Matthew Carter to committees (6-0)

Council Special Committee of the Whole

The Whatcom County Council Special Committee of the Whole is holding a full-day session to receive presentations from county departments on their proposed budgets for the 2027-2028 biennium. The agenda is limited to committee business, with no other substantive items listed. The meeting includes a lunch recess and is scheduled to adjourn by 4:30 PM.

• Public Works budget presentation at 9:00 AM
• Parks and Recreation budget presentation at 10:00 AM
• Planning and Development Services budget presentation at 10:30 AM
• Sheriff's Office budget presentation at 2:30 PM
• Executive's Office/Non-Departmental budget presentation at 3:30 PM

Special Event

Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee

The Whatcom County Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee will review the County Executive's recommended 2027-2028 biennium budget and discuss a $701,921 budget amendment. The committee will also consider 18 consent agenda items authorizing contracts and interlocal agreements totaling over $2.5 million, covering services like victim advocacy, mental health court, and flood monitoring. Additionally, the committee will discuss an ordinance closing the 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center Fund and amendments to the 2026 budget.

• Presentation of County Executive's recommended 2027-2028 Biennium Budget
• Ordinance amending 2026 budget, request no. 13, $701,921
• Contract with Washington State Dept. of Commerce for Victim/Witness Assistance Grant, $53,570
• Interlocal agreement with Administrative Office of the Courts for Mental Health Court, $171,125
• Contract with GPS Group Peer Support for parenting support, $850,000

The committee voted 7-0 to approve defense and indemnification of retired Sheriff Bill Elfo, retired Chief of Corrections Wendy Jones, and former jail nursing supervisor Sally Andrews in a federal lawsuit (Barness et al. v. Whatcom County, Cause No. 2:26-cv-02987). It also approved a consent agenda of 17 contracts and interlocal agreements totaling roughly $2.9 million, and recommended three budget ordinances to the full Council. The Executive's recommended 2027-2028 biennium budget was presented and discussed, including a proposed four percent staffing reduction and a budget stabilization reserve; no budget adoption vote was taken.

• Approved defense and indemnification of Bill Elfo, Wendy Jones, and Sally Andrews in federal lawsuit 2:26-cv-02987 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 1-8 and 10-18, including $53,570 victim/witness grant and $171,125 mental health court interlocal (7-0 each)
• Withdrew consent agenda item 9 (AB2026-657, domestic violence grant amendment)
• Approved $84,515 contract with Shannon and Wilson for Critical Areas Ordinance update (7-0)
• Approved $850,000 two-year contract with GPS Group Peer Support (7-0)
• Approved Economic Development Investment Board 2027 infrastructure and housing funding recommendations (6-0, Buchanan absent)
• Approved resolution amending salary schedule for unrepresented employees, RES 2026-037 (7-0)
• Recommended adoption of three ordinances: closing 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center Fund (ORD 2026-047), amending Public Health/Safety/Justice Facility Fund budget (ORD 2026-048), and amending 2026 budget by $2,094,013 (ORD 2026-049)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole will hear reports from the Sheriff's Office and Conservation Easement Program, and discuss potential kratom regulation with the Health and Community Services Department. The committee will also discuss the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2027-2032 and the 2027 Annual Road Program, and consider recommendations on the Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan and Urban Growth Area reserve amendments.

• Discussion of kratom use and potential regulation
• Resolution approving Public Works Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program 2027-2032
• Resolution adopting 2027 Annual Road Program
• Joint resolution adopting Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan
• Resolution to docket comprehensive plan amendment for 4610 Lincoln Road in Birch Bay UGA Reserve

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of the Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan (6-1), with Stremler dissenting. They also recommended approval of the UGA Reserve Review docket amendment (7-0) and voted to hold the Lincoln Road UGA amendment until September 29. No final decisions were made; all items are recommendations to the full Council.

• Recommended approval of Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan (6-1)
• Recommended approval of UGA Reserve Review docket amendment (7-0)
• Held Lincoln Road UGA amendment until Sept 29 (7-0)

Council

The Whatcom County Council is meeting to consider several items, including a $2,094,013 budget amendment, modifications to the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program and the 2026 Annual Road Program, and a resolution to sell tax title property at public auction. The council will also hear public testimony on these items and consider ordinances related to the Crisis Relief Center Fund and the New Public Health, Safety and Justice Facility. Several items are introduced without action, including a code change to exempt animal control contracts from bidding requirements.

• Ordinance amending 2026 budget by $2,094,013 (AB2026-619)
• Resolution to sell tax title property by public auction in Mounces First Addition (AB2026-557)
• Resolution modifying Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program 2026-2031 (AB2026-602)
• Resolution modifying 2026 Annual Road Program (AB2026-603)
• Ordinance closing 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center Fund (AB2026-617)

Whatcom County Council approved a joint resolution with Bellingham adopting the Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan on a 5-2 vote, after a motion to hold the item failed 2-5. Council also adopted three ordinances, including a $2,094,013 amendment to the 2026 county budget, and approved two road-program resolutions. A resolution docketing a comprehensive plan amendment for 4610 Lincoln Road was held until October 13, and an ordinance exempting animal control contracts from bidding was introduced 5-2.

• Approved joint resolution adopting the Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan (5-2; Elenbaas and Stremler opposed)
• Motion to hold the Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan failed (2-5; Elenbaas and Stremler in favor)
• Adopted Ordinance closing the 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center Fund (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance amending the New Public Health, Safety and Justice Facility Fund project budget, request no. 12 (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 12, in the amount of $2,094,013 (7-0)
• Approved resolution modifying the Public Works Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2026-2031 (7-0)
• Approved resolution modifying the 2026 Annual Road Program (7-0)
• Approved resolution to sell tax title property by public auction, Mounces First Addition (7-0)

Special Event

Council Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee

The Whatcom County Council Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee will hear presentations on water issues and parks policy priorities, and will discuss a resolution to rename Canyon Lake Trail after conservationist Rand Jack. The meeting is a hybrid session limited to committee business.

• Presentation from Carl Weimer regarding Water for Whatcom
• Parks Department presentation on policy priorities and revenue outlook
• Resolution renaming Canyon Lake Trail after Rand Jack

The committee unanimously approved a motion supporting a request for a Department of Ecology office to assist Whatcom County with water issues. They also recommended approval of a resolution to rename Canyon Lake Trail after Rand Jack, with one abstention. Two presentations were given: one on water challenges and solutions by Water for Whatcom, and another on Parks Department policy priorities and revenue outlook.

• Approved motion supporting request for Office of Ecology office for water issues (7-0)
• Recommended approval of resolution renaming Canyon Lake Trail after Rand Jack (5-0-1 abstention, 1 temp absent)

Council

The Whatcom County Council will hold public hearings on the 2026-2027 CDBG Public Services grant and an ordinance to acquire property by eminent domain for the Birch Bay Lynden Road and Blaine Road intersection project. The council will also consider consent agenda items including several interlocal agreements and contracts, and other items such as a resolution to rename Canyon Lake Trail, an ordinance establishing a Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund, a $7,052,947 contract with AidKit for child care subsidies, and a motion to accept the jail program and proceed with design and construction of a new jail. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and meeting date confirmations.

• Public hearing: 2026-2027 CDBG Public Services grant
• Public hearing: eminent domain for Birch Bay Lynden Road and Blaine Road intersection
• Contract with AidKit for child care subsidies: $7,052,947
• Motion to accept jail program and proceed with design and construction
• Ordinance establishing Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund (RCW 82.14.345)

The Whatcom County Council approved the jail program and directed the Executive to proceed with design and preliminary construction, prioritizing the Rapid Resource Center, second courtroom, and family visitation without sacrificing housing capacity (5-2). The Council also adopted ordinances creating the Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund and amending the 2026 budget by $3,658,280 to fund jail health and food services. A $7,052,947 contract with AidKit to subsidize child care was authorized (5-2). An ordinance to acquire property by eminent domain for the Birch Bay Lynden Road project failed unanimously after a settlement was reached.

• Approved jail program and design/construction move (5-2)
• Adopted Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund ordinance (7-0)
• Adopted $3,658,280 budget amendment for jail services (7-0)
• Authorized $7,052,947 AidKit child care contract (5-2)
• Denied eminent domain ordinance for Birch Bay Lynden Road (0-7)
• Approved $3,802,670 interlocal for Birch Bay-Lynden Road construction (7-0)
• Approved $277,341.62 Swift Creek Channel Excavation bid (7-0)
• Confirmed James Marks as Planning & Development Services Director (7-0)

Council Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will discuss a request to accept the jail program and proceed with design and construction of a new jail. This item is for discussion only and is scheduled for council action at a later meeting. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• AB2026-613: Request to accept jail program and move forward with design and construction of new jail (discussion only)

The committee discussed a motion to accept the jail program and proceed with design and construction, but did not vote, leaving the item as 'discussed' only. Members debated wording, including adding 'without sacrificing bed space' and 'preliminary construction activities,' but no formal action was taken. The item will likely return for a future decision.

• Discussed motion to accept jail program and proceed with design (no vote)
• Amended motion language to include 'without sacrificing bed space' (proposed)
• Amended motion language to include 'preliminary construction activities' (proposed)

Council Planning and Development Committee

The Whatcom County Council Planning and Development Committee will discuss and possibly recommend a resolution to amend Resolution 2026-009, adding a comprehensive plan and zoning amendment for 4610 Lincoln Road to be reviewed for inclusion in the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area Reserve. This is a committee discussion that may lead to a recommendation to the full council.

• Resolution AB2026-621 amending Resolution 2026-009 to docket an additional comprehensive plan and zoning amendment for 4610 Lincoln Road
• Review for inclusion in the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area Reserve

The Council Planning and Development Committee voted 5-1 (with one abstention) to hold Resolution AB2026-621, which would have prioritized adding 4610 Lincoln Road to the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area Reserve. The hold delays action until the next meeting, allowing further discussion between the resolution sponsor and planning staff. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Held Resolution AB2026-621 (Lincoln Road UGA amendment) until next meeting (5-1, 1 abstention)
• No other substantive decisions made

Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee

The Whatcom County Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee will consider several consent agenda items, including interlocal agreements and contracts, and will discuss and recommend action on ordinances and a major child care subsidy contract. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn by 9:55 a.m.

• AB2026-590: Contract with AidKit for $7,052,947 to subsidize child care costs and augment providers
• AB2026-595: Interlocal agreement with WSDOT for Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Blaine Road (SR-548) intersection improvements, $3,802,670
• AB2026-580: Ordinance establishing Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund (RCW 82.14.345) with initial budget
• AB2026-581: Ordinance amending 2026 budget by $3,658,280
• AB2026-620: Discussion of ordinance amending 2026 budget by $2,094,013

The committee recommended approval of a $7,052,947 contract with AidKit to subsidize child care costs and augment providers, passing 5-2. It also recommended adoption of ordinances establishing the Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund and its 2026 budget, both 7-0. The consent agenda was approved minus item 7, which was reconsidered and recommended separately with a corrected title. Two budget items were discussed but not voted on.

• Recommended $7,052,947 AidKit child care subsidy contract (5-2)
• Recommended ordinance establishing Criminal Justice Sales Tax Fund (7-0)
• Recommended ordinance amending 2026 budget for criminal justice sales tax revenue, $3,658,280 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 1-6 and 8-10 (7-0)
• Recommended bid award for Swift Creek Channel Excavation, $277,341.62 (6-0, Elenbaas abstained)
• Reconsidered consent agenda to correct title on item 7 (7-0)

Council Committee of the Whole-Executive Session

The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole is holding an executive session to discuss potential litigation with Chief Civil Deputy Tom Seguine and Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Quinn. The discussion may be closed to the public under state law. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of potential litigation (AB2026-597) with legal staff

The Whatcom County Council met in executive session to discuss potential litigation with legal counsel, as permitted under state law. No substantive decisions were made; the session was procedural and the meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Motion to enter executive session for litigation discussion carried (7-0)
• Executive session extended to 9:05 a.m. by chair announcement

Council Committee of the Whole

The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole will discuss several items, including priorities from the 2026 strategic planning exercise, a proposal for hearing examiner services for 2027-2028, and Council Office procedures. The committee will also discuss the confirmation of James Marks as Director of Planning & Development Services, effective September 14, 2026, which is scheduled for council action. A resolution to temporarily change the format of council committee meetings on council meeting days will be discussed and recommended to the council.

• Discussion of Council priorities from 2026 strategic planning exercise
• Proposal for hearing examiner services for 2027-2028
• Confirmation of James Marks as Director of Planning & Development Services, effective September 14, 2026
• Resolution to temporarily change format of Council committee meetings on Council meeting days

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of a resolution to temporarily change the format of Council committee meetings on Council meeting days, with a 5-1 vote (one abstention). They also approved appointing three councilmembers to negotiate hearing examiner services for 2027-2028. The appointment of James Marks as Planning & Development Services Director was discussed but not voted on.

• Recommended approval of resolution changing committee meeting format (5-1, 1 abstention)
• Appointed councilmembers Boyle, Elenbaas, and Scanlon to negotiate hearing examiner services (7-0)

Council Public Works & Health Committee

The Whatcom County Council Public Works & Health Committee is meeting to discuss the Public Works Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2027-2032 and a resolution modifying the 2026-2031 TIP. They will also discuss amending the 2026 Annual Road Program and an ordinance on food service rules. The meeting includes a presentation from the River and Flood Division.

• Discussion of Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2027-2032
• Resolution modifying TIP 2026-2031
• Resolution amending 2026 Annual Road Program
• Ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 24.03, Food Service Rules and Regulations
• Update from Public Works River and Flood Division

The Public Works & Health Committee recommended for adoption an ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 24.03, Food Service Rules and Regulations, by a 7-0 vote. The committee received a presentation on river and flood issues, including flood repairs, capital projects, funding, and the Nooksack Transboundary Flood Initiative. It also discussed the draft 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program and proposed amendments to the current 2026-2031 TIP and 2026 Annual Road Program for the Everson Goshen Road and East Smith Road intersection project. No other substantive decisions were made; the flood and transportation items were presented or discussed only.

• Recommended for adoption ordinance amending Whatcom County Code 24.03, Food Service Rules and Regulations (7-0)
• No action taken on flood presentation (AB2026-607); item was presented
• No action taken on 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program discussion (AB2026-596); item was discussed
• No action taken on resolution modifying 2026-2031 TIP (AB2026-600); item was discussed
• No action taken on resolution amending 2026 Annual Road Program (AB2026-601); item was discussed