Lynden City Council
The Lynden City Council convened for its first meeting of 2026 with a full agenda focused on state-mandated housing reforms, revenue generation, and development facilitation. The meeting began with the formal swearing-in of Jeremy Bos as Chief of Police, completing his promotion from Lieutenant announced earlier in January. The council's primary legislative action addressed state-imposed housing reforms through comprehensive amendments to the municipal code. Despite missing the December 31, 2025 deadline, the council unanimously passed Ordinance 26-1724, updating development regulations to comply with state legislation aimed at reducing barriers to housing construction and expanding childcare opportunities. The amendments impact multiple code chapters but exclude proposed Planning Commission attendance requirements that administration wants to review further. In a significant revenue move, the council unanimously approved a new 5% admissions tax on entertainment venues, expected to generate approximately $100,000 annually for the general fund. The tax takes effect April 1, 2026, with exemptions for schools, charitable organizations, and smaller events generating less than $2,500 in annual admission charges. The council also authorized negotiations for a complex easement agreement with Mountain Summit Ventures LLC that would facilitate proper traffic alignment on Benson Road while potentially benefiting city property through utility connections and future access to the planned Pepin Parkway corridor. Routine business included reappointing seven members to parks advisory committees and approving resolutions for check cancellation and reducing the city's revolving cash fund by $200 due to staffing changes.
**ORD-26-1724 - Housing Code Compliance (PASSED 7-0)** - **Staff Recommendation:** Approve amendments to LMC Chapters 3, 16, 17, 18, and 19 but delay Chapter 2 changes - **Council Action:** Approved as recommended - **Key Details:** Brings city code into compliance with state housing legislation, removes barriers to housing construction, enables childcare facilities - **Impact:** Ensures compliance with Growth Management Act requirements, avoids potential state sanctions **ORD-26-1725 - Admission Tax Creation (PASSED 7-0)** - **Staff Recommendation:** Implement 5% admissions tax effective April 1, 2026 - **Council Action:** Approved with amendment to section 3.29.030(C) - **Key Details:** Projects $100,000 annual revenue, exempts schools and smal…
- **April 1, 2026:** New 5% admissions tax takes effect - **Future meeting:** Final terms of Mountain Summit Ventures easement agreement return to council for approval - **Ongoing:** Staff to provi…