### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole met on January 14, 2025, to receive a presentation on economic development activities from the Port of Bellingham and discuss several committee items including health officer appointments, project review code amendments, and capital project financing. The committee also recommended three ordinances and resolutions to the full council. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Committee of the Whole:** A formal committee structure where all council members participate in detailed discussion of agenda items before they move to the full council for action. **Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS):** A regional planning document covering 2022-2026 that provides a framework for coordinated economic development across Whatcom County and its cities. **SSB 5290:** State Senate Bill 5290 requiring local governments to streamline project review processes and establish clear timeframes for permit applications. **Foreign Trade Zone:** A designated area where businesses can import, store, and process goods with reduced tariffs and customs requirements, particularly valuable for companies doing cross-border trade. **Healthy Children's Fund:** A county program funded by a voter-approved sales tax to provide childcare support, early learning programs, and services for children and families. **Co-Health Officers:** Two physicians who share the responsibilities of serving as the county's public health officer, each working 0.6 FTE (about 24 hours per week). **Board of Equalization:** A county board that hears property tax appeals and assessment disputes from property owners who disagree with their tax assessments. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Tyler Schroeder | Economic Development Director, Port of Bellingham | | Dr. Amy Harley | Co-Health Officer (seeking confirmation for continued service) | | Dr. Meghan Lelonek | Co-Health Officer nominee (seeking initial appointment) | | Amy Keenan | Planning and Development Services staff | | Erika Lautenbach | Health and Community Services Director | | Steve Oliver | Whatcom County Treasurer | | Aly Pennucci | Deputy County Executive | | Scott Korthuis | Mayor of Lynden | | Perry Eskridge | Building Industry Association representative | ### Background Context This meeting addressed several significant policy areas. The economic development presentation highlighted regional partnerships and cross-border economic relationships with Canada, particularly important given potential federal trade policy changes. The discussion of capital project financing reflected the county's preparation for its largest-ever borrowing to fund major infrastructure projects including a new jail, sheriff's office, and ferry improvements. The Healthy Children's Fund discussion showed ongoing challenges in efficiently spending voter-approved tax revenue for childcare and family services, with community pressure for faster implementation. ### What Happened — The Short Version Tyler Schroeder presented the Port's economic development work, highlighting successful business recruitment like Tidal Vision and infrastructure planning coordination with the county's comprehensive plan update. The committee discussed appointments for two co-health officers, with both Dr. Harley (continuing) and Dr. Lelonek (new) set for confirmation. Council members reviewed amendments to project review codes required by state law, with ongoing stakeholder discussions about site plan review processes. They also discussed the county's upcoming role as debt issuer for major capital projects, expressing concerns about process transparency and project costs. The committee recommended three items to full council: a resolution setting goals for Healthy Children's Fund spending, amendments to Board of Equalization membership rules, and changes to the Economic Development Investment Board composition. ### What to Watch Next - Full council confirmation of both co-health officer appointments at the January 14 evening meeting - Introduction of the SSB 5290 code amendments at the evening meeting, with public hearing to follow - Executive presentation on capital project financing by end of first quarter 2025 - Finance and Facility Advisory Board recommendation on jail facility scope by end of April 2025 ---