City Council - Committee Of The Whole

City of Bellingham Committee Of The Whole Minutes March 24, 2025, 2:25 PM Mayor: Kimberley Lund Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, https://cob.org/council Michael Lilliquist and Jace Cotton Call to Order Council President Huthman called the meeting to order at 2:25pm. Roll Call Present: Council President Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large (Attended remotely) Council Standing Committee Meetings: Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote. Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time. 24485 1. Update on 2025 State Legislative Session and City Lobbying Activities p. 3 Janice Keller, Deputy Administrator, and City lobbyists, Luke Esser and Nick Federici, provided an update on the state legislative session. Council Members discussed the session and relevant legislation. 24486 2. Presentation on Public Engagement Regarding Proposed Rental Fees Ordinances p. 4 Iris Nott, Legislative Policy Analyst, and David Brauhn, Assistant Communications & Community Relations Director, presented a summary of the public engagement process and feedback for the Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 March 24, 2025  draft rental fee ordinances. Council Member Hammill excused himself during Council discussions. Council Members discussed the public engagement process and results and asked questions. 3. Old/New Business Council Member Lilliquist requested the Legislative Policy Analyst’s time to assist with researching the impact of building height limits on development. Council requested additional feedback on Council staff projects. Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to request the Legislative Policy Analyst to review building height minimums including what they are, how and why they’re used, and compile examples of various approaches. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. ABSTAINED: Daniel Hammill Council moved into Executive Session at 3:45pm to discuss two items until 3:57pm. 1. Potential Property Acquisition 2. Litigation: DeBruin et. al v. COB Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:57pm. Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 March 24, 2025