Whatcom County Council Public Works & Health Committee

--- # MODULE 1: MEETING BASICS **Body:** Whatcom County Council Public Works & Health Committee **Date:** July 8, 2025 **Time:** 1:35 PM **Location:** Council Chambers, hybrid meeting **Chair:** Jon Scanlon **Duration:** 13m 8s **Committee Members Present:** - Jon Scanlon (Chair) - Mark Stremler - Ben Elenbaas **Other Council Members Present:** - Barry Buchanan - Todd Donovan - Kaylee Galloway **Staff Present:** - Ryan Morrison, Engineering Manager for Traffic Division - Elizabeth Kosa, Public Works Department Director **Meeting Format:** Hybrid (in-person and virtual attendance) --- # MODULE 2: AGENDA OVERVIEW The committee met for a brief 13-minute session with a single agenda item focused on school safety improvements near Alderwood Elementary School. **Main Agenda Item:** - **AB 2025-481:** Discussion of ordinance amending Whatcom County Code Section 10.04.095 to establish 20 mph school speed zones on Bennett Drive and Alderwood Avenue for Alderwood Elementary School **Meeting Purpose:** Committee discussion only — no vote or formal recommendation required. The ordinance was scheduled for introduction at the evening Council meeting and potential public hearing on July 22nd. **Context:** This was a straightforward safety measure to expand existing school speed zones, though it sparked broader discussion about infrastructure responsibilities and annexation issues in the Alderwood area. --- # MODULE 3: KEY ISSUES & DECISIONS ## School Speed Zone Expansion **Issue:** Expanding 20 mph school speed zones around Alderwood Elementary School to improve student safety. **Current Situation:** A 20 mph speed zone already exists on Redwood Drive and Hollywood Avenue, but students walk on other routes without similar protections. **Proposed Solution:** Extend speed zones to Bennett Drive and Alderwood Avenue with new signage and retroreflective yellow wrapping on posts near crosswalks. **Staff Recommendation:** Immediate implementation before the new school year begins, with support from the school district, Sheriff's Department, and Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. **Discussion Focus:** While the speed zone expansion received support, it triggered broader conversation about long-term infrastructure needs and jurisdictional responsibilities. **Committee Response:** General support for the safety measure, with questions about future sidewalk improvements and annexation possibilities. **Next Steps:** Introduction at evening Council meeting, potential public hearing July 22nd. --- # MODULE 4: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ## Immediate Project Costs **Speed Zone Implementation:** Low-cost project using county forces for quick installation before school year starts. **Components:** - New 20 mph speed zone signs - Retroreflective yellow wrapping for posts near crosswalks - Installation 300 feet before crossings on either side **Funding Source:** County Public Works operating budget ## Future Infrastructure Considerations **Sidewalk Development:** Staff exploring grant funding opportunities for actual walking paths and sidewalks in coordination with school district. **Safe Routes to School Grants:** State-specific funding available for sidewalks, crossings, and rapid rectangular flashing beacons that wouldn't impact other county funding opportunities. **Long-term Maintenance:** Director Kosa noted concerns about ongoing maintenance costs for curbs, gutters, and sidewalks if area isn't annexed, requiring future Council discussion about acceptable service levels and cash flow impacts. **Grant Application Strategy:** County can apply for Safe Routes funding independently or partner with school district for engineering and implementation. --- # MODULE 5: PUBLIC INPUT ## Community Support **School District:** Multiple letters of support for the speed zone expansion. **Law Enforcement:** Sheriff's Department provided letter of support for the safety improvements. **Advisory Committee:** Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee endorsed the proposal and has recommended additional similar projects countywide. **Public Comments:** No formal public comment period during this committee meeting, though Chair Scanlon noted they had received community concerns about speed and safety on Bennett Drive over the past year from residents and parents. **Stakeholder Coordination:** Staff worked directly with school district to identify student walking routes and appropriate locations for safety improvements. **Broader Community Interest:** Discussion revealed ongoing interest from Bike and Ped Advisory Committee for more safe routes projects throughout the county. --- # MODULE 6: POLICY IMPLICATIONS **Policy Domain:** Transportation & Infrastructure, Public Safety ## Immediate Policy Impact **Traffic Safety Enhancement:** Establishes consistent 20 mph zones around all student walking routes to Alderwood Elementary, expanding beyond current limited coverage. **Regulatory Framework:** Amends Whatcom County Code Section 10.04.095 to formalize speed reductions with enforcement backing. ## Broader Policy Questions **Annexation and Service Levels:** The discussion revealed significant policy tensions about long-term infrastructure responsibility in unincorporated areas planned for eventual city annexation. **Rural vs. Urban Standards:** Council Member Elenbaas noted many rural schools lack sidewalks on busier streets, questioning whether Alderwood area warrants different treatment. **Jurisdictional Coordination:** Ongoing uncertainty about city annexation plans affects county willingness to invest in urban-level infrastructure like sidewalks and stormwater systems. **Zoning and Development:** Council Member Donovan highlighted that the area is zoned for high-density residential and industrial development, creating different infrastructure expectations than truly rural areas. **Grant Strategy:** Policy coordination needed between county and school district for Safe Routes funding applications and project leadership. --- # MODULE 7: QUOTES & VOICES ## Staff Presentation **Ryan Morrison, Traffic Engineering Manager:** "There is a current 20 mile an hour speed zone on Redwood Drive and Hollywood Avenue. But through our communications with the school district, we noticed an opportunity to expand that school zone to include other areas where students have been walking." "This is a low cost immediate approach that we can get in before the new school year starts." ## Council Discussion on Broader Issues **Council Member Todd Donovan:** "When Birchwood was rebuilt, it's in a neighbourhood where there's sidewalks and pretty calm streets. When Alderwood was rebuilt, it's in a neighbourhood where the streets aren't as calm and there's sidewalks right at the school and nowhere else." "As far as I can tell, that path [annexation] has been abandoned. So when do we as a council and a government say that this is now on us to do the sidewalks and the stormwater that goes with the sidewalks and all of that?" **Council Member Ben Elenbaas:** "There's plenty of schools out in the unincorporated Whatcom County that don't have sidewalks and have much busier streets. And I'll give the example of Meridian Middle School and what is it, Irene Ryder Elementary." ## Administrative Perspective **Director Elizabeth Kosa:** "As we look towards the future and what we're going to do for safety mechanisms, that's why we're going to be bringing those levels of service and conversations to the executive's office to then discuss with the council if that's that level of work that you want to take on." --- # MODULE 8: OUTCOMES & FOLLOW-UP ## Immediate Outcomes **Committee Discussion Completed:** Item discussed without formal recommendation, as planned. **Evening Council Introduction:** Ordinance proceeded to introduction at July 8th evening Council meeting. **Public Hearing Scheduled:** July 22nd Council meeting set for public hearing if introduction passes. ## Short-term Follow-up **Implementation Timeline:** If approved, installation planned before new school year begins using county forces. **Engineering Details:** Staff will install signs 300 feet before crossings on either side and wrap posts with retroreflective material. ## Long-term Considerations **Infrastructure Planning:** Public Works will bring broader service level discussions to County Executive's office for future Council consideration regarding sidewalks and urban infrastructure. **Grant Applications:** Staff exploring Safe Routes to School funding opportunities in coordination with school district. **TIP Integration:** Considering addition to Transportation Improvement Program for Alderwood area improvements. **Annexation Coordination:** Ongoing monitoring of city communications regarding zoning changes and annexation plans for comprehensive plan update. **Policy Development:** Future discussions needed about county infrastructure responsibilities in areas designated for eventual annexation but facing indefinite delays. --- # MODULE 9: CONTEXT & BACKGROUND ## School Safety Context **Alderwood Elementary:** Recently rebuilt school in unincorporated area with limited pedestrian infrastructure despite student walking routes. **Existing Safety Measures:** Current 20 mph zone on Redwood Drive and Hollywood Avenue already established, but incomplete coverage for all student walking areas. **Community Concerns:** Chair Scanlon noted year-long community input about speed and safety concerns on Bennett Drive affecting residents, pedestrians, and school children. ## Jurisdictional Complexity **Annexation History:** Previous city proposals to annex Alderwood area described as "moral imperative" to provide urban service levels, but progress has stalled. **Zoning Mismatch:** Area currently zoned for high-density residential and light/heavy industrial development under county code, creating expectations for urban infrastructure without clear responsibility assignment. **Service Level Questions:** Tension between rural county service standards and urban development patterns in areas awaiting annexation. ## Regional Comparison **Other County Schools:** Meridian Middle School and Irene Ryder Elementary cited as examples of schools on busy streets without sidewalks, suggesting varied infrastructure approaches across unincorporated areas. **Safe Routes Programs:** County and school districts can both apply for state Safe Routes to School funding, with county typically handling engineering aspects. --- # MODULE 10: CIVIC IMPACT ## Community Safety Enhancement **Student Protection:** Immediate speed reduction will provide enhanced safety for elementary students walking to school on Bennett Drive and Alderwood Avenue. **Broader Pedestrian Benefit:** Speed zone improvements will benefit all pedestrians and cyclists using these roadways, including families accessing nearby childcare facilities. **Emergency Response:** Sheriff's Department support indicates improved traffic enforcement capabilities in school zones. ## Governance Transparency **Public Process:** Clear pathway established with committee discussion, Council introduction, and scheduled public hearing ensuring community input opportunities. **Collaborative Approach:** Demonstrates effective coordination between county staff, school district, law enforcement, and advisory committees. ## Long-term Community Development **Infrastructure Planning:** Discussion revealed complex challenges facing unincorporated communities seeking urban amenities while navigating jurisdictional uncertainties. **Fiscal Responsibility:** Highlighted need for transparent decision-making about county infrastructure investments in areas with unclear long-term governance status. **Equity Considerations:** Raised questions about service level consistency across different unincorporated school areas and appropriate standards for areas zoned for urban development. **Regional Coordination:** Emphasized importance of county-city communication on annexation and service provision in transitional areas. **Future Planning:** Established framework for considering more comprehensive pedestrian infrastructure through grant funding and regional coordination.

### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council Public Works & Health Committee met on July 8, 2025, to discuss a proposed ordinance establishing 20 mph school speed zones on Bennett Drive and Alderwood Avenue for Alderwood Elementary School. The committee reviewed expansion of existing school zone safety measures in response to coordination with the school district. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Speed Zone:** A designated area where vehicles must travel at a specific reduced speed limit, in this case 20 mph near schools for safety. **Retroreflective Material:** Special yellow material wrapped around posts that reflects light back to drivers, making crosswalks more visible especially in low light conditions. **Safe Routes to School Grant:** State funding specifically designated for infrastructure improvements that make walking and biking to school safer, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and flashing beacons. **Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB):** Flashing lights at crosswalks that activate when pedestrians press a button, alerting drivers to people crossing. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Land designated for future urban development that may eventually be annexed by cities but is currently under county jurisdiction. **Transportation Improvement Program (TIP):** A multi-year plan identifying transportation projects and their funding sources. **ADA Accessible Ramps:** Curb cuts and pathways that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for wheelchair and mobility device access. **Annexation:** The process by which a city extends its boundaries to include previously unincorporated county areas. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jon Scanlon | Committee Chair | | Mark Stremler | Committee Member | | Ben Elenbaas | Committee Member | | Todd Donovan | Council Member (non-committee) | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member (non-committee) | | Kaylee Galloway | Council Member (non-committee) | | Ryan Morrison | Engineering Manager, Traffic Division | | Elizabeth Kosa | Public Works Department Director | ### Background Context Alderwood Elementary School is located in unincorporated Whatcom County in an area that lacks urban infrastructure like sidewalks, despite being designated for future urban development. The school district and county have been working together to address safety concerns for students walking to school along roads that currently only have roadside shoulders rather than proper pedestrian facilities. This speed zone expansion represents an immediate, low-cost safety improvement while longer-term infrastructure solutions are pursued through state grant funding. The broader policy question involves whether this area will eventually be annexed by the City of Bellingham or remain under county jurisdiction permanently, which affects who bears responsibility for providing urban-level services like sidewalks and stormwater management. ### What Happened — The Short Version Public Works staff presented a proposal to expand the existing 20 mph school speed zone from Redwood Drive and Hollywood Avenue to include Bennett Drive and Alderwood Avenue near Alderwood Elementary. The expansion would add speed limit signs and wrap crosswalk posts in reflective yellow material as an immediate safety improvement before the new school year. County staff confirmed they have support letters from the school district, sheriff's department, and Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Council members discussed broader infrastructure questions about providing sidewalks and urban services in this unincorporated area, with some noting that the City of Bellingham previously expressed interest in annexing the area but those discussions appear stalled. No formal vote was taken as this was a discussion item before the ordinance's introduction to the full council. ### What to Watch Next - July 22nd: Public hearing scheduled on the speed zone ordinance if introduced - Ongoing coordination with school district on Safe Routes to School grant applications - Future Transportation Improvement Program discussions about Alderwood area improvements - Comprehensive Plan update conversations about zoning and potential city annexation of the area ---

**Q:** What is the current speed limit that would be expanded to Bennett Drive and Alderwood Avenue? **A:** 20 miles per hour, currently in effect on Redwood Drive and Hollywood Avenue. **Q:** Who is Ryan Morrison? **A:** Engineering Manager for the Traffic Division in Whatcom County Public Works Department. **Q:** What immediate safety improvements are proposed besides speed limit signs? **A:** Wrapping crosswalk posts in retroreflective yellow material to make them more visible to drivers. **Q:** Why aren't rapid rectangular flashing beacons being installed immediately? **A:** They cost more and take more time to install, and this proposal aims for immediate implementation before the new school year. **Q:** Which organizations have provided letters of support for this proposal? **A:** The school district, Sheriff's Department, and Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. **Q:** What is the main infrastructure challenge for students walking to Alderwood Elementary? **A:** Most routes only have roadside shoulders rather than actual sidewalks for safe walking. **Q:** When is the public hearing scheduled for this ordinance? **A:** July 22nd, if the ordinance is introduced by the full council. **Q:** Who is the Committee Chair for Public Works & Health? **A:** Jon Scanlon. **Q:** What type of state funding might help with future sidewalk improvements? **A:** Safe Routes to School grants, which specifically fund pedestrian safety infrastructure near schools. **Q:** What is Elizabeth Kosa's role? **A:** Director of the Public Works Department. **Q:** How do Safe Routes to School programs typically get established? **A:** The school district establishes walking and biking routes, then coordinates with the county for infrastructure improvements. **Q:** What other school areas did Council Member Elenbaas mention as lacking sidewalks? **A:** Meridian Middle School and Irene Ryder Elementary areas. **Q:** What designation does the Alderwood area have for future development? **A:** It's in an Urban Growth Area (UGA) that could potentially be annexed by the city. **Q:** Can both school districts and counties apply for Safe Routes funding? **A:** Yes, either can apply and they often partner together on projects. **Q:** What time did the meeting start and end? **A:** Started at 1:35 p.m., adjourned at 1:47 p.m. **Q:** Besides the school, what other facility might benefit from the speed reduction on Bennett Drive? **A:** A childcare facility located east of Bennett Drive. **Q:** What longer-term infrastructure improvements are being considered? **A:** Actual sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, potentially funded through state grants. **Q:** How far before crosswalks are warning signs typically placed? **A:** 300 feet before the crossing on either side. **Q:** What committee discussed this item? **A:** The Council Public Works & Health Committee. **Q:** What is the meeting agenda bill number for this ordinance discussion? **A:** AB2025-481. ---