# Module 1: Essential Information **Date:** Tuesday, October 21, 2025 **Time:** 6:01 PM - 7:34 PM **Duration:** 1h 34m **Location:** County Courthouse Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA **Meeting Type:** Regular Council Meeting (Hybrid) **Elected Officials Present:** - Chair Kaylee Galloway - Council Member Barry Buchanan - Council Member Tyler Byrd - Council Member Todd Donovan - Council Member Ben Elenbaas - Council Member Jon Scanlon - Council Member Mark Stremler **County Executive:** Not present (Satpal Sidhu) **Key Staff:** - Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council - Kayla Schott-Bresler, Deputy Executive - Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services - Kimberly Thulin, Prosecuting Attorney's Office --- # Module 2: Significant Actions & Decisions ## Major Legislative Actions **Countywide Planning Policies Update (AB2025-637)** - ADOPTED 4-3 - Ordinance amending Countywide Planning Policies in Comprehensive Plan Appendix C - Vote breakdown: Yes - Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, Scanlon; No - Byrd, Elenbaas, Stremler - Concern raised about deletion of "best available data" language for urban growth area projections - All cities had already approved the changes **Budget Timeline Established** - APPROVED 6-1 - Set formal schedule for 2026 budget adoption process - Public hearing November 5th, discussion November 18th, final vote December 2nd - Single public hearing format approved for budget and all associated levy ordinances **Transportation & Road Programs** - Both APPROVED 7-0 - Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2026-2031 - 2026 Annual Road Program ## Budget-Related Actions **Introduced for Public Hearing (All 6-1, Byrd opposed):** - 2026 Whatcom County Budget amendment ($20.97 million) - Five tax levy ordinances (Conservation Futures, County Road, EMS, County/State purposes, Flood Control) - Water Resources Improvement Program (2026-2031) - Two Flood Control Zone District property lease intentions **Executive Appointments Confirmed:** - Michael Byers to Agricultural Advisory Committee (6-1, Elenbaas opposed) - Matt Hargleroad to Parks and Recreation Commission (7-0) - J.G. Sandy Phillips to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (7-0) --- # Module 3: Key Debates & Discussions ## Planning Policies Controversy The most contentious item was the Countywide Planning Policies amendment, which passed narrowly 4-3. Council Member Donovan expressed deep concern about the timing and content changes: **"I will still support this, but I'm just that that was my concern earlier. But if I don't support this, and the other three council members who didn't support this for other reasons, it's an interesting conundrum."** Donovan criticized the removal of language requiring "best available data" for urban growth area projections, calling it problematic that planning policies were changed while UGA proposals were being evaluated. **"Making it on the record that what we are doing is approving after the fact of planning change, changing our planning policies."** Matt Aamot explained that rejection would require starting over and returning to cities for renegotiation of all changes. ## Budget Process Design Council had extensive discussion about consolidating the budget hearing process. The decision to hold one public hearing for all budget items while maintaining separate votes drew questions about legal sufficiency. Prosecutor Kimberly Thulin confirmed the approach was legally sound, and Clerk Cathy Halka clarified the procedural mechanics. ## Health Care Contract Delay A major jail health care contract worth $22.9 million over three years was held until November 5th. Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bresler explained this represents a $3 million annual increase but includes expanded services like 24/7 nursing coverage to meet updated standards. **"We are expanding the scope of service. Previously, we haven't provided 24/7 coverage of nursing, which is the sort of updated standard of care that we are looking to implement."** --- # Module 4: Public Participation ## Public Hearing Participation No public speakers appeared for any of the three public hearings (Planning Policies, Transportation Improvement Program, Annual Road Program), despite one person emailing about wanting to speak on planning policies but not appearing online. ## Open Session Speakers (14 total) **Sheriff's Facility Conditions** John Westerfield made his regular appearance demanding action on sheriff's department basement conditions: **"Two more weeks have passed, and the sheriff's department is still in the basement of this building, still working in unhealthy, unsanitary and unsafe conditions."** He challenged officials to experience the conditions themselves and demanded transparency about progress. **EMS Levy Bank Capacity (Multiple Speakers)** - **Fire Chief Hank Maleng** outlined Technical Advisory Board recommendations including using bank capacity, reserve policy adjustments, and pausing community paramedic expansions - **Commissioner Kendra Cristelli** emphasized responsible stewardship and the need to direct funding where it has greatest public safety impact - **Commissioner RobRoy Graham** detailed voter-approved bank capacity usage and cited medical research: **"A one minute delay in response time equals A 10% less chance of recovery in a medical emergency"** - **Scott Farrell (Local 106)** advocated for bank capacity usage while criticizing EMS oversight board conflicts of interest **Housing & Essential Needs Program** David Foreman from Opportunity Council thanked the council for contract amendment consideration: **"This is some of the most essential work that our organization does to make our community better."** **Community Safety Concerns** - **Diane Kitchen** described increasing crime in Cordata area following a recent murder, noting loss of neighborhood patrol programs - **Diana** (speaking about Graveline Road) detailed dangerous speeding conditions and requested 25 mph speed limit signs and enforcement **Rural Transportation & Services** - **John** (Maple Falls) requested additional 72x bus service at 10am to address crowding and safety concerns - **Deb Chawver** (Kendall) proposed small office spaces for mental health and business services in rural areas **Jail Capacity Analysis** Aaron Longstreth challenged current jail sizing analysis, arguing it's insufficient based on National Institute of Corrections standards and will result in immediate booking restrictions. --- # Module 5: Strategic Issues & Long-term Implications ## EMS Levy Financial Pressures The meeting revealed significant strain on the EMS levy system, with multiple fire service representatives advocating for using voter-approved "bank capacity" to increase the levy rate from 22 to 29 cents per $1,000 assessed value. The Technical Advisory Board has identified several cost-cutting measures: - Potential elimination of community paramedic positions - Reduction of EMS administrative staff - Adjustment of reserve fund policy from 70% to lower percentage This represents a fundamental tension between service expansion and fiscal sustainability that will define EMS service delivery for years to come. ## Comprehensive Planning Process Under Pressure The narrow passage of planning policy amendments (4-3) signals deep divisions over growth management approach. Council Member Donovan's criticism of changing policies mid-process suggests procedural concerns that could affect future planning decisions. The removal of "best available data" language may have long-term implications for how urban growth areas are sized and approved, potentially affecting development patterns across the county. ## Infrastructure Capacity Questions Aaron Longstreth's jail capacity analysis raises fundamental questions about whether current facility planning meets actual needs. His assertion that booking restrictions will occur "on day two" of the new facility suggests a potential crisis in public safety capacity that could affect criminal justice outcomes county-wide. ## Budget Process Innovation vs. Complexity The decision to consolidate budget hearings while maintaining separate votes represents an attempt to streamline public engagement while preserving legislative flexibility. This hybrid approach could become a model for other complex multi-item decisions. The December 2nd final action deadline creates significant pressure for completing all budget deliberations, with limited opportunities for extensive amendments or public re-engagement after November. --- # Module 6: Policy Domains & Impacts ## Budget & Finance - **2026 Budget Introduction**: $20.97 million budget amendment introduced for public hearing - **Tax Levies**: Five separate levy ordinances introduced (Conservation Futures, County Road, EMS, general County/State purposes, Flood Control Zone District) - **Healthcare Costs**: $22.9 million jail healthcare contract represents $3M annual increase for 24/7 nursing coverage and expanded services - **Financial Timeline**: December 2nd established as final deadline for budget adoption due to contract execution requirements ## Public Safety - **EMS System Crisis**: Bank capacity discussions reveal funding shortfall requiring either service cuts or tax increases - **Sheriff Facilities**: Continued basement working conditions described as "toxic swamp" - **Jail Capacity**: Expert analysis suggests new facility will be 50% undersized compared to national standards - **Crime Concerns**: Public reports of increasing crime in Cordata area and loss of neighborhood patrol programs ## Transportation & Infrastructure - **Capital Programs**: Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program and Annual Road Program both approved - **Rural Transit**: Maple Falls residents requesting additional bus service for safety and accessibility - **Road Safety**: Graveline Road residents seeking speed limit reduction from 35 to 25 mph ## Land Use & Planning - **Planning Policies**: Controversial update removes "best available data" requirement for urban growth area analysis - **Comprehensive Plan**: Process described as procedurally flawed with policy changes occurring during active UGA deliberations - **Property Leasing**: Two Flood Control Zone District properties proposed for lease on River Road and East Main Street ## Housing - **Essential Services**: Housing and Essential Needs program contract amendment approved for $1.8 million increase - **Rural Development**: Kendall area seeking small office/business space development for mental health and other services ## Government Operations - **Meeting Process**: New consolidated public hearing format approved for complex multi-item decisions - **Advisory Appointments**: Three citizen advisory positions filled across Agricultural, Parks, and Transportation committees - **Committee Structure**: Finance Committee reports unusually brief agenda completion --- # Module 7: Financial Analysis ## Budget Overview **Total 2026 Budget Amendment**: $20,970,606 introduced for public hearing (AB2025-707) ## Major Contract Actions - **Jail Healthcare Services**: $22,896,000 over three years ($7.6M annually) - held for further review - Represents $3M annual increase over current contracts - Expands to 24/7 nursing coverage and national accreditation standards - **Housing & Essential Needs**: $1,813,929 contract amendment approved (total contract $5,223,812) ## Tax Levy Components Introduced - **EMS Levy**: Discussion of increasing from current 22 cents to voter-approved 29 cents per $1,000 assessed value - **Conservation Futures Levy**: Standard annual authorization - **County Road Levy**: Annual road maintenance funding - **General County/State Levy**: Core county operations - **Flood Control Zone District Levy**: Separate district funding ## Smaller Budget Items Approved - **Flood Control Subzones**: $49,400 budget amendment - **Silver Lake Lagoon Project**: New project fund establishment - **2025 County Budget**: $517,671 amendment - **New Jail Facility**: Wetlands mitigation expense authorization ## Revenue Sources - **State Grant Match**: $600,000 interlocal agreement with State Department of Commerce for elevation grant match requirements - **Federal Funds**: WTA carrying $64M cash reserve largely from parked federal grants ## Financial Pressures Identified - **EMS System**: Technical Advisory Board identifies need for service cuts or revenue increases - **Infrastructure Gap**: Jail capacity analysis suggests significant underfunding of actual needs - **Healthcare Cost Inflation**: 40% increase in jail medical costs to meet modern standards The financial picture reveals a county managing significant service expansion pressures while maintaining fiscal discipline, with major decisions deferred to allow more thorough analysis. --- # Module 8: Community Impact ## Public Safety Impact **Emergency Medical Services**: The potential EMS levy increase and service cuts debate directly affects emergency response times county-wide. Commissioner RobRoy Graham's stark warning that **"a one minute delay in response time equals A 10% less chance of recovery in a medical emergency"** underscores life-and-death implications of funding decisions. **Criminal Justice**: The jail healthcare contract expansion to 24/7 nursing coverage represents improved conditions for detainees, while capacity concerns suggest potential booking restrictions that could affect law enforcement operations. **Neighborhood Security**: Diane Kitchen's testimony about increasing crime in Cordata and loss of neighborhood patrol programs reflects deteriorating public safety in residential areas. ## Housing & Social Services **Essential Needs Program**: The $1.8 million contract amendment with Opportunity Council will expand rapid housing stabilization services. As David Foreman noted, these funds **"enable us to rapidly disrupt factors that cause homelessness and support community members in stabilizing their housing situation."** **Rural Service Access**: Deb Chawver's request for small business/mental health office spaces in Kendall highlights the service gap between urban and rural areas of the county. ## Transportation & Mobility **Rural Transit**: John from Maple Falls detailed overcrowding on the 72x bus route, with physically handicapped riders struggling for space and standing passengers at highway speeds creating safety hazards. The request for 10am service addition would improve access for rural residents. **Road Safety**: Graveline Road residents face ongoing safety concerns with speeds up to 45mph in residential areas with children and elderly residents. Diana's testimony painted a picture of neighbors **"jumping out of the way of traffic"** and feeling unsafe in their own community. ## Geographic Equity **North County**: Council Member Scanlon's border crossing data shows continued 40% decline in Canadian traffic, affecting North County businesses and employment. Point Roberts Economic Development Study indicates focused attention on isolated communities. **Rural Areas**: Multiple speakers highlighted service gaps in rural areas, from transit access to business development to public safety coverage. The community impact reveals a county struggling to maintain service levels across diverse geographic and demographic needs while managing significant fiscal constraints. --- # Module 9: Notable Quotes & Moments ## Procedural Humor When Council Member Byrd enthusiastically seconded a motion, Chair Galloway noted: **"I think he enjoyed that way too much."** Later, when trying to distinguish voices: **"I thought I would know your voices by now"** and **"How do you think I would know your voices by now?"** ## Serious Policy Concerns **Council Member Donovan** on planning policies timing: **"Making it on the record that what we are doing is approving after the fact of planning change, changing our planning policies."** **"I didn't want to be this dramatic, but a very begrudging Yes."** **John Westerfield** on sheriff facility conditions: **"These people deserve better than to work in a toxic swamp."** **"Maybe the press needs to get involved. Maybe the media needs to get involved anyway. It's just taking too long, way too long."** ## Emergency Services Stakes **Fire Chief Hank Maleng** on service priorities: **"If cost savings are being prioritized, we recommend evaluating EMS office expenditures before considering reductions to ALS services."** **Commissioner RobRoy Graham**: **"A one minute delay in response time equals A 10% less chance of recovery in a medical emergency."** ## Philosophical Observations **Doug Revelle ("Yoshe")** delivered an extended commentary on societal balance: **"Oneness is fundamental. All of creation is one process. Everything is connected with everything else."** **"Success is not about cash and prizes. Never has been. Never will be."** **"The climate crisis is a warning from our Creator that we are misusing creation."** ## Community Frustration **Diana (Graveline Road)**: **"If your parents lived there, if your kids lived there, you would instantly do something about it. It is unsafe."** **Aaron Longstreth** on jail planning: **"We are repeating 1984. In 1984 we built a facility that was too small to meet the current and future needs of Whatcom County."** ## Council Self-Reflection **Council Member Stremler** observing meeting efficiency: **"Evening meetings seem to go pretty quick... that's not a bad thing. But the reason I believe why it may appear sometimes that way is because I feel that we are working, in a sense, much more diligently during the day."** **Chair Galloway** on budget confidence: **"I feel very comfortable whether we, you know, were to pass it at the next meeting or two meetings from now. I feel really good about it either way."** --- # Module 10: Civic Process & Governance ## Meeting Management Innovation The council successfully implemented a new consolidated public hearing format for complex multi-item agendas. Despite initial procedural questions about legal sufficiency, Prosecutor Kimberly Thulin confirmed the approach allows one hearing for multiple related items while preserving separate voting requirements. This innovation addresses public engagement efficiency while maintaining legislative precision—potentially serving as a model for other jurisdictions facing similar complex agenda management challenges. ## Transparency & Public Access The hybrid meeting format continued to provide both in-person and remote participation options. However, technical difficulties emerged when someone emailed wanting to speak but couldn't access the virtual platform, highlighting ongoing digital divide challenges in civic participation. ## Democratic Deliberation Quality The meeting demonstrated both strengths and tensions in democratic governance: **Strengths**: - Substantive policy debate on planning policies - Multiple fire service stakeholders providing expert input - Public testimony addressing real community safety concerns **Tensions**: - Narrow votes (4-3 on planning policies) suggesting deep philosophical divisions - Procedural complexity potentially limiting public understanding - Time constraints affecting thorough deliberation ## Intergovernmental Coordination The Countywide Planning Policies debate highlighted complex intergovernmental dynamics. With all municipalities having already approved the changes, the county faced pressure to approve despite reservations, demonstrating how interlocal agreements can constrain local decision-making autonomy. ## Administrative-Legislative Relations Notable was County Executive Satpal Sidhu's absence during substantive budget discussions. Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bresler ably represented executive branch positions, but the absence during major fiscal decisions may signal either confidence in staff capabilities or concerning disengagement. ## Civic Engagement Patterns Regular attendees like John Westerfield maintain consistent pressure on specific issues (sheriff facility conditions), while new voices emerge around immediate concerns (road safety, transit access). The diversity of speakers—from fire commissioners to rural residents to housing advocates—demonstrates healthy civic engagement across the political spectrum. The pattern suggests a community actively monitoring government performance while expecting responsive action on both immediate and long-term challenges.

### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council met on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for their regular evening meeting in a hybrid format. The main focuses were passing county-wide planning policies after a 4-3 vote, approving transportation and road programs, and introducing 11 budget-related items for the 2026 budget process. ### Key Terms and Concepts **County-wide Planning Policies:** Guidelines that coordinate planning between Whatcom County and its cities, housed in the comprehensive plan's Appendix C. These policies help ensure consistent development standards across jurisdictions. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Designated areas where urban development is encouraged under the Growth Management Act. Council discussed concerns about data used for UGA projections. **Transportation Improvement Program (TIP):** A six-year plan outlining county transportation projects and funding from 2026-2031. **EMS Levy:** A property tax specifically for emergency medical services. The county is considering using "bank capacity" - the difference between voter-approved 29 cents and the current 22 cents collected. **Bank Capacity:** The unused portion of voter-approved tax levy authority. For EMS, voters approved 29 cents per $1,000 assessed value, but the county only collects 22 cents. **Flood Control Zone District:** A special district that addresses flood control and water resource management, governed by the County Council acting as the Board of Supervisors. **Ex Parte Communication:** Prohibited one-sided communication with council members about matters where they act in a quasi-judicial role, such as major project permits. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kaylee Galloway | Council Chair | | Tyler Byrd | Council Member District 1 | | Todd Donovan | Council Member District 2 | | Ben Elenbaas | Council Member District 3 | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member District 4 | | Mark Stremler | Council Member District 5 | | Jon Scanlon | Council Member District 6 | | Matt Aamot | Planning and Development Services | | Kayla Schott-Bresler | Deputy Executive | | Hank Maleng | Fire Chief, District 16 | ### Background Context This meeting occurred during budget season, with the county preparing its 2026 budget and associated tax levies. The EMS levy discussion reflects ongoing debates about balancing public safety funding needs with taxpayer burden. The county-wide planning policies approval came after months of negotiations with cities and represents a compromise on regional growth coordination. Several speakers addressed public safety concerns, jail overcrowding issues, and infrastructure needs, highlighting the challenging fiscal environment facing local governments. ### What Happened — The Short Version The council approved county-wide planning policies by a narrow 4-3 margin despite concerns about data requirements. They unanimously passed transportation and road programs for 2026. The council introduced 11 budget-related items and established a timeline for budget discussions, with public hearings on November 5 and final votes on December 2. Several fire chiefs and commissioners spoke supporting the use of EMS levy bank capacity to maintain services. Other speakers raised concerns about sheriff's department working conditions, neighborhood safety, traffic issues, and jail capacity. ### What to Watch Next • November 5: Public hearing on 2026 budget and all associated levy ordinances • November 18: Council discussion and potential amendments to budget proposals • December 2: Final votes on 2026 budget and levy ordinances • Follow-up on jail healthcare contract worth $22.9 million over three years ---

**Q:** What was the final vote on the county-wide planning policies? **A:** 4-3 approval, with Buchanan, Donovan, Galloway, and Scanlon voting yes; Byrd, Elenbaas, and Stremler voting no. **Q:** What is the EMS levy "bank capacity" issue? **A:** Voters approved 29 cents per $1,000 assessed value for EMS, but the county only collects 22 cents, leaving 7 cents of unused "bank capacity." **Q:** How much is the proposed jail healthcare contract worth? **A:** $22.9 million over three years with Correctional Healthcare Partners Inc., representing a $3 million annual increase. **Q:** When will the public hearing on the 2026 budget occur? **A:** November 5, 2025, covering the budget and all associated levy ordinances in a single hearing. **Q:** What was Todd Donovan's main concern about the planning policies? **A:** He was concerned about deleting language requiring "best available data" for urban growth area projections. **Q:** Which transportation programs were unanimously approved? **A:** The Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2026-2031 and the 2026 Annual Road Program. **Q:** How many people spoke during open session? **A:** Fourteen speakers addressed various issues including EMS funding, public safety, traffic concerns, and jail conditions. **Q:** What is the timeline for final budget votes? **A:** December 2, 2025, at 1 p.m., which is the last opportunity to take action on the budget and levy ordinances. **Q:** Who spoke about EMS funding during public comment? **A:** Fire Chief Hank Maleng, Commissioner Kendra Cristelli, Commissioner RobRoy Graham, and Scott Farrell from Local 106. **Q:** What positions were confirmed to advisory committees? **A:** Michael Byers to Agricultural Advisory Committee (6-1), Matt Hargleroad to Parks and Recreation Commission (7-0), and Sandy Phillips to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (7-0). **Q:** What special meeting capacity was mentioned by Council Member Elenbaas? **A:** His concern about the EMS oversight board and his vote against the proposed approach due to wanting more discussion about getting "lean." **Q:** What road safety issue was raised by a resident? **A:** Diana Clinch requested speed reduction from 35 to 25 mph on Graveline Road due to safety concerns for elderly residents and children. **Q:** What was the Silver Lake Lagoon project about? **A:** Council established a project fund and initial budget for bridge repairs at Silver Lake Lagoon. **Q:** How did Council Member Byrd vote on the budget introduction items? **A:** He was the only "no" vote on all 11 budget-related introduction items. **Q:** What jail capacity concerns were raised? **A:** Lyle Sorenson warned the new jail design is too small and will have booking restrictions, comparing it to the inadequate 1984 facility. ---