The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole held a brief executive session on June 24, 2025, to discuss two confidential matters with legal counsel. The 44-minute closed session addressed ongoing collective bargaining negotiations and pending litigation in federal court. All seven council members participated, with Todd Donovan arriving midway through the session. Chair Kaylee Galloway led the session, which began at 1:06 PM and was originally scheduled to conclude by 1:30 PM but was extended to 1:50 PM. The meeting was conducted in hybrid format, allowing both in-person and remote participation, though the executive session itself was closed to the public as permitted under state law. Two deputy prosecutors, Jesse Corkern and Christopher Quinn, provided legal counsel during the confidential discussions. The session covered strategic planning for collective bargaining negotiations and litigation strategy for a federal lawsuit filed by Richard Kirkham against Whatcom County and other defendants. #
Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole - Executive Session
Executive Summary
Key Decisions & Actions
& Actions **Motion to Enter Executive Session** - **Item:** Entry into executive session - **Vote:** 6-0 (Donovan absent at time of vote) - **Action:** Council voted to enter executive session until 1:35 PM - **Moved by:** Jon Scanlon, seconded by Barry Buchanan - **Outcome:** Session extended additional 15 minutes to 1:50 PM **AB2025-436 - Collective Bargaining Discussion** - **Status:** DISCUSSED (no formal action taken) - **Nature:** Strategic planning and negotiations update - **Legal Authority:** RCW 42.30.140(4)(a) **AB2025-471 - Litigation Discussion** - **Status:** DISCUSSED (no formal action taken) - **Nature:** Legal strategy for Richard Kirkham v. Whatcom County federal case - **Legal Authority:** RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) - **Case Details:** United States District Court for Western District of Washington, Tacoma, Cause No. 2:25-CV-208-DGE-DWC #
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The source documents do not specify any follow-up actions or deadlines resulting from the executive session discussions. Both collective bargaining negotiations and the federal litigation will continue through their respective processes. The council minutes indicate approval is scheduled for July 8, 2025, suggesting the next regular council meeting will occur by that date. #
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