Whatcom County Council

Council also approved $648,568 in continued funding for on-site support services at the controversial 22 North permanent supportive housing facility, though the 5-2 vote reflected ongoing divisions about the program's effectiveness. The evening carried emotional weight as it marked the final meeting for Council Members Todd Donovan (10 years of service) and Tyler Byrd (8 years), who received recognition for their tenure. The meeting began with Deputy Executive Aly Pennucci reporting on an emergency proclamation issued earlier that day due to severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, and landslide risks across the county. This emergency declaration allows departments to enter necessary contracts and respond swiftly to weather-related challenges. Public Works is planning to go into "sector watch" mode as increased rainfall and river rise are forecast for the coming days. Beyond the major policy decisions, Council processed 40 consent agenda items worth millions in contracts, from body-worn camera systems to conservation district partnerships. The session also included passionate public testimony on issues ranging from WTA fare increases to health board restructuring to downtown public safety concerns. The meeting reflected both the routine business of county government and the ongoing tensions around housing policy, public safety, and service delivery that have defined much of this Council's work.

**Major Policy Actions:** - **AB2025-838 ADOPTED (5-2):** Amendments to county zoning code for accessory dwelling units and co-living standards, allowing more permissive ADU development including on septic systems. Staff recommendation: Support. Failed alternative AB2025-812 would have required city service connections. - **AB2025-832 APPROVED (5-2):** $648,568 contract with Opportunity Council for on-site support services at 22 North permanent supportive housing facility. Staff recommendation: Support. - **AB2025-847 APPROVED (5-2):** $77,000 contract with Whatcom Conservation District for Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program. Staff recommendation: Support. **Budget and Operations:** - **AB2025-794 ADOPTED (7-0):** $12.12 million amendment to 2026 county budget - **AB2025-816 ADOPTED (7-0):** $3.565 million amendment to 2025 county budget - **AB2025-868 APPROVED (4-3):** $150,000 for Whatcom Racial Equity Commission administrative services **Consent Agenda:** 37 contracts and agreements totaling several million dollars APPROVED (7-0), including law enforcement body cameras, juvenile detention services, conservation programs, and collective bargaining agreements. **Emergency Item:** AB2025-854 HELD until January - contract amendment eliminating three lateral paramedic positions with City of Bellingham.

"One of the things we've been talking about is for the areas that are potentially going to be UGA, is that get developed out at too low densities to be attractive for annexation." **Council Member Elenbaas, on enforcement approaches:** "I don't like that mindset. I think that if we treated the PIC program the way we did the HIP program, we would have a better outcome all the way around." **Council Member Byrd, final vote appeal to Opportunity Council:** "My request to you, as I leave and won't vote on this ever again, is that you champion that for me as well and for the rest of the community... help those people actually succeed. That doesn't mean the check box in the contract." **Austin Papritz, on downtown conditions:** "It is pathetic when I observe in the eyes of these citizens. Railroad is atrocious... This is extremely serious. And what is the plan and when?" **Dr. Garrett Jeffrey, on health board reform:** "If we ignored a thorough evidence based review or guideline, we would rightfully be questioned on that and we think that public health deserves that same standard." **Ethan Martez, on WTA fare increases:** "If you're working a minimum wage job and now you're asked to pay $60 out of your pocket to go ride the bus every month, you're going to be choosing between riding the bus and eating dinner."

# Real Briefings — Supplemental Content --- ## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE ### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, for their final meeting of the year. This was the last meeting for Council Members Todd Donovan and Tyler Byrd, who were recognized for their years of service. The meeting focused primarily on routine business items and contract approvals, with significant discussion about accessory dwelling units and housing policy. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU):** A secondary housing unit on a single-family residential property, such as a basement apartment, garage conversion, or small detached unit. The council debated two versions of regulations to comply with state requirements. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Areas designated for future urban development and eventual annexation by cities. The council discussed how ADU policies might impact future development patterns in these areas. **Operation Stonegarden:** A federal grant program that provides funding to law enforcement agencies along U.S. borders for enhanced border security operations and equipment. **Keep Washington Working Act:** State legislation that limits local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, requiring compliance in any agreements with federal funds. **Permanent Supportive Housing:** Long-term housing assistance combined with intensive, coordinated services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness, such as the facility at 22 North. **Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program:** A county program that identifies pollution sources on rural properties and works with landowners to implement corrective measures, funded through partnerships with the Conservation District. **Inter-local Agreement:** A contract between different government jurisdictions (county, cities, state agencies) to share services, costs, or coordinate activities. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kaylee Galloway | Council Chair | | Todd Donovan | Council Member (final meeting) | | Tyler Byrd | Council Member (final meeting) | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member | | Ben Elenbaas | Council Member | | Jon Scanlon | Council Member | | Mark Stremler | Council Member | | Aly Pennucci | Deputy County Executive (also final meeting) | | Mark Personius | Planning and Development Services Director | | Sheriff Donnell Tanksley | Whatcom County Sheriff | | David Foreman | Opportunity Council Chief Financial Officer | | Dr. Garrett Jeffrey | Northwest Washington Medical Society President | ### Background Context This meeting occurred during a significant transition period for Whatcom County government. Two long-serving council members were departing, and the Deputy County Executive was also leaving for a new position. The county was simultaneously dealing with immediate weather emergencies (flooding and winter storms) while addressing longer-term policy issues around housing, homelessness, and development patterns. The discussion of accessory dwelling units reflected ongoing tensions between state mandates for increased housing density and local concerns about development patterns in areas slated for future annexation. Meanwhile, federal immigration policy concerns influenced discussion of routine law enforcement grant agreements, showing how national political dynamics affect even local administrative matters. ### What Happened — The Short Version The council opened with recognition ceremonies for departing members and heard about a weather emergency proclamation. The main business involved two competing versions of new rules for accessory dwelling units. Version 812 would require ADUs to connect to city utilities, while version 838 would allow more flexibility. After debate about impacts on future development, the council rejected 812 and approved 838. During public comment, speakers addressed topics from jail capacity and downtown safety concerns to transit fare increases and racial disparities in incarceration. The council then worked through a long consent agenda of contract approvals, with some items pulled for separate discussion. Notable separate votes included funding for the 22 North supportive housing facility, the Pollution Identification program, and Operation Stonegarden law enforcement grants. Most items passed with little controversy. ### What to Watch Next - Implementation of the new ADU regulations and their impact on housing development patterns - The January 13, 2026 council meeting where delayed paramedic contract funding will be reconsidered - Upcoming WTA board meeting on transit fare increases that several speakers opposed - Follow-up on the Justice Project community engagement process that received criticism during public comment --- ## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Q:** Who were the two council members serving their final meeting? **A:** Todd Donovan (after 10 years of service) and Tyler Byrd (after 8 years of service). **Q:** What emergency proclamation did the County Executive issue on December 9, 2025? **A:** A proclamation for severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides and landslide risks across the county. **Q:** What were the two competing accessory dwelling unit ordinances? **A:** AB 2025-812 (which required ADUs to connect to city utilities) and AB 2025-838 (which allowed more flexibility). **Q:** Which ADU ordinance did the council ultimately adopt? **A:** AB 2025-838, which passed 5-2 after AB 2025-812 failed 2-5. **Q:** What is the 22 North facility? **A:** A permanent supportive housing facility that provides on-site services to residents experiencing homelessness. **Q:** How much funding did the council approve for 22 North services? **A:** $648,568 for Opportunity Council to provide on-site supportive services. **Q:** What was Operation Stonegarden? **A:** A federal grant program providing funding to local law enforcement agencies for border security operations. **Q:** What law did Council Member Scanlon want referenced in the Stonegarden agreements? **A:** The Keep Washington Working Act, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with immigration enforcement. **Q:** How much did the council approve for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission? **A:** $150,000 for administrative services through the Whatcom Community Foundation. **Q:** What did Dr. Garrett Jeffrey speak about during public comment? **A:** Supporting restructuring of the Whatcom County Board of Health to create a smaller, more focused board. **Q:** What concern did students raise about WTA? **A:** Proposed fare increases that would double or triple bus fares, making transit unaffordable for students and vulnerable populations. **Q:** What was the Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program funding amount? **A:** $77,000 for technical assistance and cost sharing with the Whatcom Conservation District. **Q:** Which council member criticized the PIC program's approach? **A:** Ben Elenbaas, who said it had a negative connotation compared to incentive-based programs in urban areas. **Q:** What item was held until January 2026? **A:** AB 2025-854, eliminating funding for three lateral paramedic positions with the City of Bellingham. **Q:** Who was appointed to the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee? **A:** Cori Reece was appointed to the youth position, receiving 6 votes out of 7. **Q:** What did speakers criticize about the recent Justice Project community meeting in Ferndale? **A:** The format that prevented public questions and comments, described as disorganized and a "waste of money." **Q:** What racial disparity did the Racial Equity Commission report? **A:** Black and indigenous people were nine times more likely to be incarcerated than white people in Whatcom County. **Q:** How long was the total meeting? **A:** 2 hours and 45 minutes, ending at 8:48 p.m. **Q:** What was significant about Deputy Executive Aly Pennucci's participation? **A:** This was also her final council meeting before leaving for a new position. **Q:** What weather-related actions did Public Works plan? **A:** Going into "sector watch" due to updated rainfall forecasts and expected river rise. --- ## MODULE S3: QUIZ WITH ANSWER KEY **Question 1: How many council members were serving their final meeting on December 9, 2025?** - A) One - B) Two - C) Three - D) Four **Question 2: What was the main difference between the two accessory dwelling unit ordinances?** - A) The number of ADUs allowed per property - B) Whether ADUs must connect to city utilities - C) The size limits for ADUs - D) The zoning districts where ADUs are permitted **Question 3: Which ordinance for accessory dwelling units did the council ultimately adopt?** - A) AB 2025-812 - B) AB 2025-838 - C) Both ordinances - D) Neither ordinance **Question 4: How much funding did the council approve for 22 North supportive housing services?** - A) $458,568 - B) $548,668 - C) $648,568 - D) $748,568 **Question 5: What emergency did the County Executive declare on December 9, 2025?** - A) Fire danger - B) Public health emergency - C) Severe winter weather conditions - D) Transportation emergency **Question 6: According to the Racial Equity Commission, how much more likely were Black and Indigenous people to be incarcerated compared to white people?** - A) Three times more likely - B) Five times more likely - C) Seven times more likely - D) Nine times more likely **Question 7: What federal grant program did the council approve agreements for?** - A) Community Development Block Grant - B) Operation Stonegarden - C) COPS Grant Program - D) Justice Assistance Grant **Question 8: Who was appointed to the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee youth position?** - A) Parneet Kaur - B) Cori Reece - C) Both applicants - D) Neither applicant **Question 9: What state law did Council Member Scanlon want referenced in law enforcement agreements?** - A) Washington Public Records Act - B) Keep Washington Working Act - C) Washington State Environmental Policy Act - D) Growth Management Act **Question 10: How much did the council approve for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission administrative services?** - A) $120,000 - B) $135,000 - C) $150,000 - D) $165,000 **Answer Key:** **1. B — Two council members (Todd Donovan and Tyler Byrd) were serving their final meeting after years of service.** **2. B — AB 2025-812 required ADUs to connect to city utilities, while AB 2025-838 allowed more flexibility with septic systems.** **3. B — The council adopted AB 2025-838 by a 5-2 vote after rejecting AB 2025-812 by a 2-5 vote.** **4. C — The council approved $648,568 for Opportunity Council to provide on-site supportive services at 22 North.** **5. C — The executive declared an emergency for severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides and landslide risks.** **6. D — The Racial Equity Commission reported that Black and Indigenous people were nine times more likely to be incarcerated.** **7. B — The council approved several interlocal agreements for Operation Stonegarden FY24 federal grant funding.** **8. B — Cori Reece was appointed to the youth position, receiving 6 out of 7 votes.** **9. B — Scanlon wanted the Keep Washington Working Act referenced to ensure compliance with state immigration law limitations.** **10. C — The council approved $150,000 for administrative services through the Whatcom Community Foundation.** --- ## MODULE S4: Q&A — COMMON QUESTIONS **Q: Why were there two different versions of the accessory dwelling unit ordinance?** A: Both versions were designed to comply with new state regulations, but they took different approaches. AB 2025-812 would have required ADUs to connect to city utilities, while AB 2025-838 allowed more flexibility including septic systems. Council members disagreed about which approach would better serve future development in Urban Growth Areas that might eventually be annexed by cities. **Q: What was the significance of this being the final meeting for some officials?** A: This meeting marked the end of service for Council Members Todd Donovan (10 years) and Tyler Byrd (8 years), as well as Deputy County Executive Aly Pennucci. Their departures represent a significant transition in county leadership, with institutional knowledge and relationships being lost as new officials take over. **Q: Why did the council declare a weather emergency?** A: The County Executive issued a proclamation of emergency due to severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides and landslide risk across the county. This allows county departments to enter into contracts quickly to combat emergency situations and protect public health and safety without normal procurement delays. **Q: What is 22 North and why was its funding controversial?** A: 22 North is a permanent supportive housing facility providing services to people experiencing chronic homelessness. Some council members questioned whether the significant investment ($648,568 for services) was producing measurable results in reducing homelessness, while others argued it was necessary infrastructure for addressing the crisis. **Q: How does Operation Stonegarden relate to immigration enforcement?** A: Operation Stonegarden is a federal border security grant program. Council Member Scanlon wanted to ensure the agreements complied with Washington's Keep Washington Working Act, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Sheriff confirmed the agreements already included language preventing Title 8 immigration enforcement. **Q: What did speakers mean about problems with the Justice Project community meeting?** A: Multiple speakers criticized a recent community meeting about the new jail project in Ferndale. They said the format prevented public questions and comments, with officials directing people to individual stations rather than allowing group discussion. Critics called it disorganized and a waste of money. **Q: Why are students concerned about WTA fare increases?** A: Students spoke about proposed fare increases that would double regular fares and triple paratransit fares, potentially reaching $60/month. They argued this would make transit unaffordable for students, low-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities, contradicting goals of encouraging environmentally-friendly transportation. **Q: What was the controversy over the Pollution Identification and Correction program?** A: Council Member Elenbaas criticized the program's approach of identifying "pollution" and requiring "correction" from rural landowners, saying it creates negative connotations. He argued it should be run more like urban incentive programs rather than a compliance-focused model, and that landowners should help develop best management practices. **Q: What happens next with the delayed paramedic funding item?** A: The council voted to hold AB 2025-854 (eliminating funding for three lateral paramedic positions with Bellingham) until their January 13, 2026 meeting. This delay was requested by the executive's office, suggesting they need more time to work out details of the funding changes. **Q: How does the racial disparity data affect county decisions?** A: The Racial Equity Commission reported that Black and Indigenous people are nine times more likely to be incarcerated than white people in Whatcom County. This data is intended to inform policy decisions about justice system reforms, alternative programs, and resource allocation as the county plans its new justice facility.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** WHA-CON-2025-12-09 ### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, for their final meeting of the year. This was the last meeting for Council Members Todd Donovan and Tyler Byrd, who were recognized for their years of service. The meeting focused primarily on routine business items and contract approvals, with significant discussion about accessory dwelling units and housing policy. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU):** A secondary housing unit on a single-family residential property, such as a basement apartment, garage conversion, or small detached unit. The council debated two versions of regulations to comply with state requirements. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Areas designated for future urban development and eventual annexation by cities. The council discussed how ADU policies might impact future development patterns in these areas. **Operation Stonegarden:** A federal grant program that provides funding to law enforcement agencies along U.S. borders for enhanced border security operations and equipment. **Keep Washington Working Act:** State legislation that limits local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, requiring compliance in any agreements with federal funds. **Permanent Supportive Housing:** Long-term housing assistance combined with intensive, coordinated services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness, such as the facility at 22 North. **Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program:** A county program that identifies pollution sources on rural properties and works with landowners to implement corrective measures, funded through partnerships with the Conservation District. **Inter-local Agreement:** A contract between different government jurisdictions (county, cities, state agencies) to share services, costs, or coordinate activities. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kaylee Galloway | Council Chair | | Todd Donovan | Council Member (final meeting) | | Tyler Byrd | Council Member (final meeting) | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member | | Ben Elenbaas | Council Member | | Jon Scanlon | Council Member | | Mark Stremler | Council Member | | Aly Pennucci | Deputy County Executive (also final meeting) | | Mark Personius | Planning and Development Services Director | | Sheriff Donnell Tanksley | Whatcom County Sheriff | | David Foreman | Opportunity Council Chief Financial Officer | | Dr. Garrett Jeffrey | Northwest Washington Medical Society President | ### Background Context This meeting occurred during a significant transition period for Whatcom County government. Two long-serving council members were departing, and the Deputy County Executive was also leaving for a new position. The county was simultaneously dealing with immediate weather emergencies (flooding and winter storms) while addressing longer-term policy issues around housing, homelessness, and development patterns. The discussion of accessory dwelling units reflected ongoing tensions between state mandates for increased housing density and local concerns about development patterns in areas slated for future annexation. Meanwhile, federal immigration policy concerns influenced discussion of routine law enforcement grant agreements, showing how national political dynamics affect even local administrative matters. ### What Happened — The Short Version The council opened with recognition ceremonies for departing members and heard about a weather emergency proclamation. The main business involved two competing versions of new rules for accessory dwelling units. Version 812 would require ADUs to connect to city utilities, while version 838 would allow more flexibility. After debate about impacts on future development, the council rejected 812 and approved 838. During public comment, speakers addressed topics from jail capacity and downtown safety concerns to transit fare increases and racial disparities in incarceration. The council then worked through a long consent agenda of contract approvals, with some items pulled for separate discussion. Notable separate votes included funding for the 22 North supportive housing facility, the Pollution Identification program, and Operation Stonegarden law enforcement grants. Most items passed with little controversy. ### What to Watch Next - Implementation of the new ADU regulations and their impact on housing development patterns - The January 13, 2026 council meeting where delayed paramedic contract funding will be reconsidered - Upcoming WTA board meeting on transit fare increases that several speakers opposed - Follow-up on the Justice Project community engagement process that received criticism during public comment ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** WHA-CON-2025-12-09 **Q:** Who were the two council members serving their final meeting? **A:** Todd Donovan (after 10 years of service) and Tyler Byrd (after 8 years of service). **Q:** What emergency proclamation did the County Executive issue on December 9, 2025? **A:** A proclamation for severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides and landslide risks across the county. **Q:** What were the two competing accessory dwelling unit ordinances? **A:** AB 2025-812 (which required ADUs to connect to city utilities) and AB 2025-838 (which allowed more flexibility). **Q:** Which ADU ordinance did the council ultimately adopt? **A:** AB 2025-838, which passed 5-2 after AB 2025-812 failed 2-5. **Q:** What is the 22 North facility? **A:** A permanent supportive housing facility that provides on-site services to residents experiencing homelessness. **Q:** How much funding did the council approve for 22 North services? **A:** $648,568 for Opportunity Council to provide on-site supportive services. **Q:** What was Operation Stonegarden? **A:** A federal grant program providing funding to local law enforcement agencies for border security operations. **Q:** What law did Council Member Scanlon want referenced in the Stonegarden agreements? **A:** The Keep Washington Working Act, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with immigration enforcement. **Q:** How much did the council approve for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission? **A:** $150,000 for administrative services through the Whatcom Community Foundation. **Q:** What did Dr. Garrett Jeffrey speak about during public comment? **A:** Supporting restructuring of the Whatcom County Board of Health to create a smaller, more focused board. **Q:** What concern did students raise about WTA? **A:** Proposed fare increases that would double or triple bus fares, making transit unaffordable for students and vulnerable populations. **Q:** What was the Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program funding amount? **A:** $77,000 for technical assistance and cost sharing with the Whatcom Conservation District. **Q:** Which council member criticized the PIC program's approach? **A:** Ben Elenbaas, who said it had a negative connotation compared to incentive-based programs in urban areas. **Q:** What item was held until January 2026? **A:** AB 2025-854, eliminating funding for three lateral paramedic positions with the City of Bellingham. **Q:** Who was appointed to the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee? **A:** Cori Reece was appointed to the youth position, receiving 6 votes out of 7. **Q:** What did speakers criticize about the recent Justice Project community meeting in Ferndale? **A:** The format that prevented public questions and comments, described as disorganized and a "waste of money." **Q:** What racial disparity did the Racial Equity Commission report? **A:** Black and indigenous people were nine times more likely to be incarcerated than white people in Whatcom County. **Q:** How long was the total meeting? **A:** 2 hours and 45 minutes, ending at 8:48 p.m. **Q:** What was significant about Deputy Executive Aly Pennucci's participation? **A:** This was also her final council meeting before leaving for a new position. **Q:** What weather-related actions did Public Works plan? **A:** Going into "sector watch" due to updated rainfall forecasts and expected river rise. ---