The Whatcom County Council met on Tuesday evening, June 10, 2025, in a hybrid format that allowed both in-person and remote participation. Council Chair Kaylee Galloway called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. with all seven members present: Mary Buchanan, Tyler Byrd, Todd Donovan, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler. What began as a routine evening quickly evolved into a meeting that touched on everything from power grid modernization to the ethics of public comment, from ferry funding debates to the surprising discovery of Whatcom County's antiquated dancing laws. ## Meeting Overview The agenda covered significant infrastructure decisions, including power line voltage increases and Verizon easements, alongside routine business like developmental disability service contracts and budget amendments. But it was during the public comment period that the meeting took an unexpected turn, leading to a lengthy discussion about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of appointed officials. ## Verizon Easement and Power Grid Modernization The council began with two public hearings, both passing unanimously and without controversy. The first authorized the sale of easements to Verizon Wireless on county property at 3645 East McLeod Road. With no public testimony, the matter moved swiftly through approval. The second hearing proved more substantive: an ordinance amending county code to increase allowable power line voltage from 115 to 230 kilovolts in certain zones. This technical change represented a significant step toward grid modernization, drawing two speakers who offered contrasting perspectives on the implications. Mike Kaufman, a 73-year-old activist who had spent decades following power issues in the county, provided historical context. He recalled fighting a 1989 Puget Sound Energy proposal for a 230-kilovolt corridor that would have bisected his five-acre property. "I've been following this power and utilities since 1989," Kaufman told the council, describing how the county had passed what he believed was the world's first citizens' initiative limiting such power transmission. Despite his historical opposition, Kaufman expressed support for the current proposal: "We have to modern our grid." Lance Calloway, representing the Associated General Contractors of Washington, framed the issue in economic development terms. "This upgrade is a smart, forward-looking step to keep up with our growing energy needs," he argued, emphasizing the transition to electric vehicles and clean technologies. He stressed that companies looking to locate or expand in Whatcom County need "access to dependable, reliable high capacity power, especially those in advanced manufacturing, clean tech and transportation." Council member Todd Donovan commended Council member Galloway for "working with PSE energy and revisiting our code and some of this old language to update this to advance grid modernization." He noted that Whatcom County was apparently the only county that currently prohibited such voltage levels. Galloway emphasized the necessity of the change, calling it "a necessary code amendment, as we think about the modernization of our energy grid and transmission capacity." She highlighted potential job creation benefits and expressed gratitude for support from both Puget Sound Energy and the Public Utility District. The ordinance passed 7-0. ## Public Comment: From Housing to Criminal Confessions The evening's most memorable moments came during open session, when eleven speakers addressed the council on topics ranging from overdose deaths to vaccine concerns to personal criminal confessions. Adam Bellinger opened with sobering statistics about overdose deaths in Bellingham housing, reporting that deaths had more than doubled from 2022 to 2023. Drawing on personal experience with a relative's alcoholism, he warned about the dangers of housing people with addiction without adequate treatment support. "We can't just throw people into housing and expect it to work out," he said, citing San Francisco's experience where three-quarters of overdose deaths were occurring indoors, many in hotels designated for housing the homeless. Daniel Harm discussed forest conservation opportunities, specifically promoting the use of Natural Climate Solutions proviso funds to protect older forest structures on state lands. He outlined his work on educational materials about upper Skagit forests and announced plans for an episodic documentary series on ecological forestry in the Pacific Northwest. Mike Kaufman returned for a second round of commentary, this time raising concerns about energy consumption by artificial intelligence systems. After describing his recent 1,813-mile drive in 27 hours and 46 minutes to deliver bulls to Kansas, he warned that AI's massive energy demands could undermine the benefits of grid modernization for ordinary consumers. "Maybe AI is sucking it up, and maybe some of these other big things are sucking it up, and now it's not available for me," he said, suggesting the council consider an emergency moratorium on large energy-consuming projects. The evening took a dramatic turn when Parneet Kaur, a 24-year-old Bellingham resident and apparent appointee to a county committee, delivered an extended confession of criminal activities. Reading from a journal she claimed to have stolen from Western Washington University's student store, she described shoplifting supplies from Walmart to help homeless individuals. "Walmart probably got footage of me stuffing toothbrushes, hand sanitizers and wipes, socks and two whole blankets," she recounted, adding defiantly, "But fuck it, I'll do it again." Her testimony continued with broader commentary about moral versus legal obligations: "You need to understand that the law is not always morally right, because slavery was legal and it still is in prison." She called for "long term solutions to foster mutual aid in Whatcom County" and concluded with "Send me to jail. Send me to help." ## The Dancing Laws Discovery In a lighter moment that provided comic relief after the intense public comment period, Council member Tyler Byrd revealed his discovery of Whatcom County Code 5.16, which regulates public dancing. The law, apparently dating back decades, requires licenses for any public dance, prohibits entry by anyone under 18 unless accompanied by parents or guardians, mandates that all areas be "well lit," and forbids dancing between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. "I didn't realize Whatcom County was like a Footloose County," Byrd quipped, referencing the 1984 film about a town that banned dancing. The discovery prompted laughter and suggestions from colleagues that he should introduce an ordinance to update the antiquated law. ## Council Ethics and Public Comment Boundaries The most serious discussion of the evening arose after public comment concluded, when Council members grappled with how to respond to Parneet Kaur's admissions of criminal activity, particularly given her apparent appointment to a county advisory committee. Council member Donovan initiated the discussion, expressing concern about a speaker "using this open session to advocate for their criminal behavior and vandalism." He questioned whether the council was complicit by allowing such testimony and asked for clarification about rules and procedures. Council member Byrd was more direct: "I think that we need to remove her from any appointments that we've put her in any seats immediately, and we need to if it happens again or anyone else does it, I think that we should have them arrested." Council member Ben Elenbaas acknowledged the concerning nature of the situation while noting it appeared to be attention-seeking behavior: "She absolutely wants us to arrest her and make a scene about it." The discussion revealed tensions between First Amendment protections for public speech and the council's responsibilities as an elected body. County Attorney Kimberly Thulin provided legal guidance, explaining that while the First Amendment broadly protects speech about past actions, the council does have authority under county code to remove appointees from advisory committees for cause, though due process requirements apply. Council Chair Galloway attempted to refocus the discussion, expressing concern about the individual's wellbeing rather than punitive measures: "My first reaction wasn't, am I offended? My first reaction wasn't, should I kick this person out of the room? My first reaction was, is this human being okay?" The exchange highlighted ongoing challenges councils face in balancing open public participation with maintaining productive meeting environments and appropriate standards for appointed officials. ## Water Rights Funding Controversy The council addressed several routine consent agenda items, but Council member Elenbaas pulled one item for separate consideration: a $300,000 contract amendment with Cascadia Law Group to provide legal defense in water rights adjudication proceedings. Elenbaas offered a principled objection based on equity concerns: "I'm taking people's tax dollars to fund lawyers to defend the county's position, which is directly competing with every citizen involved in this lawsuit." He argued that the water rights adjudication process created fundamental inequities, since not all participants could afford legal representation while the county used tax dollars to compete against its own residents for finite water resources. "Maybe I'm bringing attention to the inequity that is the water rights adjudication," Elenbaas explained. "This whole process is so wrong and so flawed on so many levels, and this is an excellent example of why it is." Despite acknowledging the symbolic nature of his opposition, Elenbaas voted against the contract, joined by Council member Byrd. The measure passed 5-2, and Elenbaas maintained his principled stance on a related budget amendment that included water rights funding, resulting in a 6-1 vote on that item. ## Ferry Funding and Community Engagement Several speakers addressed concerns about Lummi Island ferry operations and fare increases. Richard Black, identifying himself as a Lummi Island resident and veteran, urged council members to visit the island community before making decisions affecting ferry costs. "I would ask, if you've never been out to Lummi island before, maybe go out there and meet with the people," he said, asking them to consider how they would feel about paying "$30 or more to get to your home." Online participant Erin Deinzer echoed these concerns, describing Lummi Island residents as "the endless ATM when it comes to ferry fares." She warned about the community losing young families due to rising transportation costs and emphasized that ferry service is "not a luxury, it's a means of transportation" for island residents. These comments reflected ongoing discussions about ferry operations, which had been addressed earlier that day in committee meetings. Council member Scanlon reported on recent ferry advisory committee meetings and emphasized the importance of community input in decision-making. ## Board Appointments and Committee Work The council successfully appointed Andrew Paterson to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee after he briefly addressed them during public comment to introduce himself and express his commitment to the position. However, they tabled the appointment of Easton Fenberg to the Open Space Advisory Committee after Council member Scanlon raised concerns about residency requirements and relevant experience. Scanlon noted that the applicant did not currently live in Whatcom County and was not scheduled to move here until September. Additionally, state law requires committee members to represent the active farming community, and the applicant's materials did not demonstrate such experience. The discussion revealed challenges in filling specialized advisory positions, with Scanlon noting the committee currently had only one of five required members. Council members decided to table the appointment and encourage the applicant to reapply after establishing county residency and potentially gaining relevant agricultural experience. ## Budget Modifications and Comprehensive Planning In introduction items, the council addressed budget amendments totaling over $18 million, but chose to bifurcate the original proposal to consider $1.5 million in behavioral health funding separately. This decision reflected the council's desire for additional information about behavioral health programs before taking action. The council also approved a resolution requesting information from the executive branch about the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update. Council member Donovan described this as "a short term ask" for information to help council members, while noting that longer-term planning discussions would follow. ## Committee Reports and Member Updates Committee reports revealed the breadth of county activities. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee heard about new state Supreme Court requirements limiting public defender caseloads, with implementation phased over ten years beginning in 2026. The change will require 10% annual reductions in lawyer caseloads until 2036, when compliance must be achieved. Council members shared updates on various activities, from attending Parks Department meetings to participating in community parades. Council member Buchanan walked in Lynden's Farmers Day Parade carrying a banner honoring Jonathan Santos, a Bellingham soldier killed in service. Council member Ben Elenbaas announced a new community engagement initiative: quarterly meetings at libraries throughout the county's five districts. The first meetings were scheduled for June 17 in Blaine and Ferndale, with different council members rotating to ensure geographic representation and increased accessibility for residents. ## Closing Reflections As the meeting concluded at 7:51 p.m., it was clear that this had been no ordinary council session. From the practical business of power grid modernization and water rights litigation to the philosophical questions raised by public testimony about civil disobedience and moral obligations, the evening encapsulated many of the complex challenges facing local government in 2025. The discovery of antiquated dancing laws provided a moment of levity, while serious discussions about ethics, equity, and community engagement revealed the thoughtful deliberation that characterizes effective local governance. Perhaps most significantly, the meeting demonstrated how public comment periods can serve as vital democratic forums, even when—or especially when—they challenge both council members and community members to grapple with difficult questions about law, morality, and civic responsibility. The announcement of new community conversations at local libraries suggested a commitment to expanding public engagement beyond formal council meetings, recognizing that effective local government requires ongoing dialogue between elected officials and the communities they serve. As Council member Elenbaas noted in his concluding remarks, there's always more work to be done, and "massive appreciation" for both the democratic process and those who participate in it, even when that participation takes unexpected forms.