Whatcom County Council

**Council Member Ben Elenbaas, on the comprehensive plan docket:** "It is not perfect, and holding it will not make it perfect, and they also have the ability to amend the docket at any time." **Council Member Ben Elenbaas, on his wife's Planning Commission application:** "He does not believe there are any legal issues with his wife being an applicant." **Chair Kaylee Galloway, on the Planning Commission appointment process:** "They will vote and the first applicant to get four votes will be appointed." **Chair Kaylee Galloway, changing her vote:** "After the first vote, Galloway stated she would change her vote to Knoblauch." **Anonymous council member concern about the docket:** "A concern that the docket gets prioritized by staff so it seems like a place where things go to die." #

# Whatcom County Council Meeting: A Night of Appointments, Contracts, and Executive Consultation The Whatcom County Council chambers hummed with the quiet efficiency of local government on Tuesday evening, March 10, 2026. Chair Kaylee Galloway called the hybrid meeting to order at 6:02 p.m., with all seven councilmembers present: Elizabeth Boyle, Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, Jessica Rienstra, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler joining Galloway around the dais. The evening would prove to be a blend of routine county business and more pointed moments — a significant public comment period that drew 21 speakers, a competitive appointment process for the Planning Commission, and an unexpected executive session to discuss pending litigation. What appeared on paper as a standard agenda would unfold into a meeting lasting over two hours. ## Public Voices: Twenty-One Speakers Take the Floor The evening's most substantial portion came during Open Session, when 21 community members stepped forward to address the council on issues not scheduled for formal hearings. This unusually robust turnout reflected the diverse concerns of Whatcom County residents, though the official minutes provide only names, not the substance of their remarks. The speakers included Michelle Genovese, Jeremy Thompson, Peter Condyles, Helen Solem, Craig Zimmerman, David Parsons, Ignacio Cariaga, Stephanie Anderson, Bill Craven, Cynthia Sue Ripke-Kutsagoitz, Lisa Adam, Brian Heinrich, Lesley Cooke, Brian Gass, Ryan Bowman, Lyle Sorenson, Darcy Jones, Markis Dee, Natalie Chavez, Perry Eskridge, and JoEll Snyder. The range of speakers — from familiar faces in local advocacy to residents making their first appearances at council — suggested issues spanning the county's diverse communities and interests. Their combined presence underscored the council's role as the primary forum for citizen engagement in county governance. ## Consent Agenda: Ferry Maintenance, Flood Control, and Health Services The council moved efficiently through its consent agenda, approving four significant contracts without discussion — a hallmark of items that have received thorough committee review and pose no controversy. Jon Scanlon, reporting for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee, moved approval of all four items, which passed unanimously. The largest expenditure was $891,918 for drydocking, repair, and maintenance of the Whatcom Chief Ferry through Lake Union Drydock Company — essential infrastructure maintenance for the county's inter-island transportation system. The council also authorized $752,159 for engineering and design services for the Everson-Nooksack Berms Project, acting in their capacity as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors. This flood mitigation work represents ongoing efforts to protect communities in the Nooksack River valley from seasonal flooding. Two interlocal agreements rounded out the consent agenda: a $101,475 amendment with the Washington State Department of Health for public health services (bringing the total agreement to over $11.2 million), and a new partnership with Public Utility District No. 1 for water system operations and maintenance. ## Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Moving Forward Despite Imperfection The council's consideration of Resolution 2026-009, docketing Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulation amendments, revealed the pragmatic tensions inherent in long-range planning. Jessica Rienstra, reporting for the Planning and Development Committee, noted that the item came forward "without a recommendation" — a rare occurrence that signaled committee ambivalence. Ben Elenbaas cut to the heart of the matter: "It is not perfect, and holding it will not make it perfect, and they also have the ability to amend the docket at any time." His comment reflected a fundamental challenge in land use planning — the balance between seeking perfection and maintaining momentum. The docket represents a living document of proposed changes to the county's foundational planning documents, and council members recognized that opportunities to refine the list would arise throughout the process. Some discussion emerged around whether additional items should be added to the docket, with an unspecified concern "that the docket gets prioritized by staff so it seems like a place where things go to die." This candid observation about bureaucratic processes highlighted the council's awareness that good intentions in planning can sometimes stall in implementation. Despite these reservations, the resolution passed unanimously, moving the comprehensive plan amendment process forward while preserving the council's flexibility to adjust course as needed. ## Planning Commission Appointment: A Competitive Selection The evening's most dramatic procedural moment came during the appointment to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Six qualified candidates had applied for the District 1 or 5 position: Lindsey Elenbaas, Gurdeep Bains, Selena Knoblauch, Jeremy Thompson, Joseph L. Stein, and Steven Cohen. The appointment process revealed both the personal dimensions of local governance and the formal procedures that guide council decisions. Ben Elenbaas faced a potential conflict of interest, as his wife Lindsey was among the applicants. In a brief but significant statement, he explained his decision not to recuse himself: "He does not believe there are any legal issues with his wife being an applicant." This moment highlighted the intersection of family relationships and public service in small communities, where qualified candidates and elected officials often share personal connections. Elenbaas's decision to participate reflected his legal analysis of the situation, though it would prove politically complicated. Chair Galloway outlined the voting procedure: "They will vote and the first applicant to get four votes will be appointed." Jon Scanlon and Barry Buchanan moved to consider all candidates in a single vote. The initial tally revealed the competitive nature of the field: - Lindsey Elenbaas: 3 votes (Ben Elenbaas, Mark Stremler, Barry Buchanan) - Selena Knoblauch: 3 votes (Jessica Rienstra, Jon Scanlon, Elizabeth Boyle) - Jeremy Thompson: 1 vote (Kaylee Galloway) With no candidate achieving the required four votes, the process required a second round. Galloway announced she would change her vote to Knoblauch, creating the necessary majority. The final tally gave Knoblauch four votes and the appointment. The close vote reflected the quality of the candidate pool and the difficulty council members faced in choosing among qualified applicants. Jeremy Thompson's presence among the candidates was particularly notable, as he had also spoken during the public comment period earlier in the evening — demonstrating his engagement with county issues beyond his application. ## Routine Appointments and Confirmations The council's other appointment business proceeded smoothly. Makela Alem was unanimously appointed to the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force, though Ben Elenbaas expressed curiosity about her background in "empathy-based education" work in schools — suggesting his interest in understanding the full scope of applicants' qualifications. Two executive appointments received unanimous confirmation: Steven Price to the Whatcom County Housing Authority Board and JoEll Snyder to the Conservation Easement Program Oversight Committee. The latter confirmation was particularly notable given that Snyder had also spoken during public comment, demonstrating the active civic engagement that often leads to board appointments. ## Introduction Items and Elenbaas's Dissent The evening's introduction items — eight ordinances and applications that would receive full consideration at future meetings — revealed an unusual pattern. While the council typically introduces items unanimously, Ben Elenbaas cast the sole "no" vote on all eight items. This consistent dissent stood out in the meeting's otherwise collegial atmosphere. The items ranged from budget amendments totaling over $4.6 million to the creation of a new sales tax for criminal justice purposes. Elenbaas's votes suggested either philosophical concerns about the county's fiscal direction or procedural objections to the introduction process. The most significant introduction item was AB2026-213, proposing a one-tenth of one percent sales tax for criminal justice purposes under state authority. This tax, requiring a public hearing, represents a potentially contentious revenue measure that will likely generate substantial public debate when it returns to the council. ## Executive Session: Litigation Consultation The evening took an unexpected turn when Chair Galloway moved to enter executive session for discussion of pending litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). This motion, seconded by Ben Elenbaas despite his earlier dissents, passed unanimously. The procedural complexity of the executive session revealed the careful balance between transparency and legal necessity. Galloway initially cited an incorrect RCW section, later correcting herself — a reminder that even experienced officials must navigate complex legal requirements for closed-door discussions. County Attorney Kimberly Thulin joined the council for the private discussion, which was initially scheduled until 7:32 p.m. but extended to 7:43 p.m., then actually concluded at 7:44 p.m. This extension, announced publicly as required by law, suggested the complexity of whatever legal matter demanded the council's attention. The litigation discussion, referenced as having been "discussed earlier today," indicated ongoing legal challenges facing the county that required coordinated council response. While the specific nature of the litigation remains confidential, the need for extended discussion suggested significant implications for county operations or finances. ## Committee Reports and Closing Following a brief recess after the executive session, council members returned at 7:51 p.m. for committee reports and updates. These informal discussions, covering recent activities and upcoming events, provide councilmembers opportunities to coordinate their work across various boards and committees. The meeting's conclusion at 8:23 p.m. — more than two hours after its start — reflected the substantive nature of the evening's business. From the robust public participation through the competitive appointment process to the unexpected litigation consultation, the meeting demonstrated the multifaceted responsibilities of county governance. ## Civic Engagement and Democratic Process The March 10 meeting exemplified local democracy in action. Twenty-one residents took time from their evening to address their elected representatives on issues of community concern. Council members navigated personal and professional relationships in making appointments to citizen advisory bodies. Complex financial and legal matters received careful consideration through established committee processes. The evening also revealed the human dimensions of governance — Ben Elenbaas's decision to participate in his wife's appointment consideration, Chair Galloway's procedural corrections during the executive session, and Elenbaas's consistent dissent on introduction items all demonstrated that local government operates through individuals making decisions within formal structures. The hybrid meeting format, allowing both in-person and remote participation, reflected modern approaches to civic engagement while maintaining the personal connections that define small-community governance. Citizens could choose their preferred method of participation, from speaking in chambers to joining via Zoom, expanding access while preserving the formal dignity of council proceedings. As the councilmembers gathered their papers and citizens filed out of the chambers, the evening's work represented democracy's daily practice — not grand gestures or historic moments, but the steady accumulation of decisions, appointments, and discussions that shape community life. The Whatcom Chief Ferry would receive needed maintenance, flood protection projects would move forward, new voices would join advisory committees, and whatever litigation challenges the county faces would receive coordinated leadership attention. This unglamorous but essential work of local government continued, one meeting at a time, one decision at a time, one citizen voice at a time.

### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council held its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, with all seven councilmembers present. The meeting covered routine business including contract authorizations, advisory group appointments, and introduction of budget amendments and a new criminal justice tax proposal. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Consent Agenda:** A group of routine items that can be approved together in a single vote to streamline meetings. Any councilmember or member of the public can request that an item be considered separately. **Docketing:** The formal process of adding proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations to an official list for future consideration and public review. **Executive Session:** A closed meeting where councilmembers discuss confidential matters like pending litigation. The public is excluded but the session must be announced with the legal reason and expected duration. **Flood Control Zone District Board:** A separate governmental role where county councilmembers act as supervisors for flood control projects. This requires separate votes and legal authority. **Introduction Items:** Proposed ordinances or appointments that are formally introduced but not yet voted on. Introduction allows for committee review and public input before final action. **Interlocal Agreement:** A contract between different government agencies (like the county and state) that outlines shared responsibilities, funding, or services. **Open Session:** A time during council meetings when members of the public can speak for up to three minutes on issues not scheduled for public hearings. **Quasi-judicial:** A legal role where the council acts like a judge in specific types of decisions, such as major development permits. This restricts what councilmembers can discuss outside of formal proceedings. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kaylee Galloway | Council Chair | | Elizabeth Boyle | Councilmember | | Barry Buchanan | Councilmember | | Ben Elenbaas | Councilmember | | Jessica Rienstra | Councilmember | | Jon Scanlon | Councilmember | | Mark Stremler | Councilmember | | Cathy Halka | Clerk of the Council | | Kimberly Thulin | County Attorney | | Selena Knoblauch | Appointed to Planning Commission | | Makela Alem | Appointed to Child and Family Well-Being Task Force | | Steven Price | Confirmed for Housing Authority Board | | JoEll Snyder | Confirmed for Conservation Easement Program Oversight Committee | ### Background Context This meeting represents typical county council business, balancing infrastructure maintenance, regulatory oversight, and citizen engagement. The ferry maintenance contract highlights the county's responsibility for providing essential transportation services to remote areas. The flood control project reflects ongoing efforts to protect communities from natural disasters, particularly important in flood-prone areas like Everson and Nooksack. The advisory group appointments demonstrate the county's reliance on citizen volunteers to provide expertise and community input on specialized topics like planning, housing, and conservation. The introduction of a new criminal justice tax shows how local governments seek funding for essential services when existing revenue sources are insufficient. ### What Happened — The Short Version The council approved several routine contracts including $891,918 for ferry maintenance and $752,159 for flood control engineering. They appointed citizens to serve on advisory committees, including a competitive vote for the Planning Commission where Selena Knoblauch won with four votes. The council introduced eight items for future consideration, including budget amendments totaling over $4.6 million and a new tax proposal for criminal justice services. Twenty-one community members spoke during Open Session. The meeting concluded with a 27-minute executive session to discuss pending litigation, with councilmembers providing updates afterward. ### What to Watch Next • Final votes on the budget amendments and criminal justice tax after committee review and public input • Future meetings where the docketed Comprehensive Plan amendments will be prioritized and scheduled for work • Upcoming deadline of April 7, 2026, for additional applications to the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee ---

**Q:** How much did the council authorize to spend on ferry maintenance? **A:** $891,918 for drydocking, repair, and maintenance of the Whatcom Chief Ferry through Lake Union Drydock Company. **Q:** Who was appointed to the Planning Commission? **A:** Selena Knoblauch was appointed after receiving four votes in a competitive process with six applicants. **Q:** What is the purpose of AB2026-213? **A:** To authorize a new sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) for criminal justice purposes. **Q:** How many people spoke during Open Session? **A:** Twenty-one community members spoke during the public comment period. **Q:** What role does the council serve when approving the Everson-Nooksack Berms Project? **A:** They act as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors. **Q:** How much is the engineering contract for the flood control berms project? **A:** $752,159.46 to WSP USA, Inc for engineering and design services. **Q:** Which councilmember voted against all introduction items? **A:** Ben Elenbaas was the sole "no" vote on all eight introduction items. **Q:** What was discussed during the executive session? **A:** Pending litigation, as authorized under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), with county attorney Kimberly Thulin present. **Q:** Who serves as Chair of the County Council? **A:** Kaylee Galloway serves as Council Chair. **Q:** What is the deadline for additional applications to the JPOP Committee? **A:** 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. **Q:** How long did the executive session last? **A:** 27 minutes, from 7:17 p.m. to 7:44 p.m. **Q:** What did the council do with the Comprehensive Plan docket resolution? **A:** They approved AB2026-195 unanimously (7-0), assigned resolution number RES 2026-009. **Q:** How much will the health department agreement be worth after the amendment? **A:** $11,229,797 total, with an additional $101,475 being added. **Q:** Who was confirmed to the Housing Authority Board? **A:** Steven Price was confirmed as the County Executive's appointment. **Q:** What is the largest budget amendment being introduced? **A:** $3,920,278 in AB2026-206 (Budget amendment request no. 6). **Q:** How are Planning Commission appointments decided when there are multiple candidates? **A:** The first applicant to receive four votes is appointed. **Q:** What agreement involves the Public Utility District? **A:** An interlocal agreement for the PUD to operate and maintain water systems as an agent for the county. **Q:** How did Chair Galloway change her Planning Commission vote? **A:** She initially voted for Jeremy Thompson but changed to Selena Knoblauch after the first round. **Q:** What was closed with AB2026-200? **A:** The Bellingham Senior Center HVAC Replacement Fund. **Q:** Who moved most of the consent agenda items? **A:** Jon Scanlon reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved approval. ---