The latest news from the June Whatcom County Council meetings.
Tax measure for new jail construction
Council introduced an ordinance to put a tax measure on the November ballot that would impose a local sales and use tax of two-tenths of 1 percent, or 20 cents for every $100, to fund construction of a new county jail during a June 26 special meeting. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held at the council’s next regular meeting on Tuesday, July 11 at 6 p.m.
The measure was introduced during the June 26 meeting after a nearly five-hour discussion on the wording of the ordinance. Council weighed the balance of incarceration and rehabilitation services that the center should provide – a process it’s been fine-tuning with advisory committees for over six months.
The new jail is expected to cost $137 million and take three years to build.
Birch Bay UGA public hearing
Council voted 7-0 to change zoning code regulations within the Birch Bay urban growth area (UGA) to establish a minimum net density, require increasing the minimum residential densities, allow smaller minimum lot sizes, reduce setbacks and require water and sewer in certain areas.
The vote, held June 20, followed a public hearing on the topic where two people voiced concern on how Birch Bay would accommodate population growth with current service levels.
The hearing came after the county’s 2022 Buildable Lands Report showed that residential development in Birch Bay had occurred slower than anticipated between 2016 and 2021. The report showed there wasn’t enough capacity with current density regulations to support future growth that is anticipated.
Hovander Park building improvements
Council approved $130,000 to go toward the Hovander Park building improvements during its June 20 meeting.
In 2016, the fund was established to demolish two deteriorated buildings that were a safety hazard and build a parks shop building. However, flooding postponed construction of the shop building and the original project budget of $242,300 lapsed when the funds weren’t spent within three years. The former ranger’s residence will now be converted into a shop space, which will be more affordable than constructing a new building.
Nooksack River float
Council introduced an ordinance that would amend Whatcom County’s code regarding flotation devices on the Nooksack River’s south fork during its June 20 meeting. Council will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its July 11 meeting.
The proposed ordinance would restrict some flotation devices on the south fork between June 1 and October 31, except under certain circumstances, in an attempt to protect Chinook salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Short-term vacation rentals
Council rejected an ordinance that would amend Whatcom County Code Title 20 to provide a definition of short-term vacation rentals and allowances in the Lake Whatcom area during its June 6 regular meeting. The ordinance failed in a 2-4-1 vote, with councilmembers Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner in favor and councilmember Kaylee Galloway abstaining.
The ordinance was introduced after the county received numerous complaints about excessive noise, over-parking and other nuisances regarding short-term rentals. Council held a public hearing during the June 6 meeting where one resident spoke about such concerns.
Lighthouse Mission funding
Council authorized a $750,000 contract with the Lighthouse Mission in Bellingham to fund the shelter’s kitchen equipment and specialty furnishings. The vote was 4-1-2, with councilmember Carol Frazey opposed and councilmembers Todd Donovan and Galloway abstaining.
Last month, council originally denied the homeless shelter funds due to its hiring practices conflicting with Whatcom County policy. As a Christian organization, Lighthouse Mission asks that only Christians apply on its website. Whatcom County policy prohibits religious bias of any kind. Council, however, reversed its decision in its May 23 meeting, asking county administration to bring forward a new contract with Lighthouse Mission for $750,000.
Funding for the contract would come from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Grace McCarthy contributed to the reporting of this article.
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