City Council - Parks and Recreation Committee

City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes March 22, 2021, 11:00 AM Mayor Seth Fleetwood Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Council Members, Gene Knutson, Chair www.cob.org/council Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted. Call to Order Roll Call Present: Committee Chair Gene Knutson, Second Ward Committee Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Committee Member Hammill, filled in for Committee Member Pinky Vargas. Excused: Committee Member Pinky Vargas, Fourth Ward 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 in the order shown below: Parks and Recreation 11:00 AM Gene Knutson, Chair Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson 22942 1. Bid Award to Faber Brothers Corporation for Squalicum Creek Phase p. 3 IV, Bid No. 1B-2021 Nicole Oliver, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that the construction is part of Phase IV of the construction in Squalicum Creek Park. The project will create a large, multi-purpose field that will be an unlit, natural turf field. The Parks and Recreation Department received eight bids. The City allowed the lowest bid, submitted by Williamson Construction LLC in the amount of $832,125.68, to be withdrawn due to a computing error. The next lowest bid of Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes Page 1 March 22, 2021  $1,219,714 submitted by Faber Construction Corporation was found to be responsive. Staff recommends that Council award the bid. Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 22943 2. Land Lease with Washington State University for the Space Known as p. 28 the We Grow Garden Nicole Oliver, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced the area known as the "We Grow Garden" as an area the City would like to enter into a land lease agreement with Washington State University. The City property is located at 1811 Ellis Street. The WSU uses the garden for public programming, education and other activities that support sustainable horticultural practices, food access and community resilience. The City would like to provide a lease option to WSU. The initial term will be one year, with the option to renew for two additional three-year terms. In lieu of paying rent and utility charges for the site, WSU will provide the following public benefit:  Demonstrate environmentally sound gardening techniques based on WSU research and conduct public workshops  Provide vocational programs focusing on employment skills, horticulture, and cooking for youth ages 16 -24 and conduct service internships for youth ages 12 - 16.  Educate the public, including youth, in science-based horticulture and related topics  Continue as a Food Bank Victory Garden by donating fresh produce, piloting a weekly Community Supported Agriculture program, and conducting food perservation workshops  Provide opportunities for community engagement and host community events  Enhance and beautify the site and provide a focal point for public use and enjoyment of the property Committee Member Hammill is very supportive of the program and lease. Dan Hammill moved to recommend approval of the lease. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. Adjournment Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes Page 2 March 22, 2021  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m. Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes Page 3 March 22, 2021