City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 04/24/2017, 7:00 PM Mayor Kelli Linville Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Council Members April Barker, Gene Knutson, Daniel www.cob.org/council Hammill, Pinky Vargas, Terry Bornemann, Michael Lilliquist All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at and Roxanne Murphy 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA unless otherwise noted. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Lilliquist at 7:00 p.m. Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: 1. On Monday, May 8th at 7:00 PM, or shortly thereafter, in Council Chambers, the City Council will host a Public Hearing regarding a proposed resolution to relinquish a general utility easement over the west 20 feet of Lots 7 and 32, Fairhaven. 2. On Monday, May 8th at 7:00 PM, or shortly thereafter, in Council Chambers, the City Council will host a Public Hearing regarding a proposed resolution to relinquish a general utility easement located over the southwesterly six feet of Laurel Street. 3. On Monday, May 8th at 7:00 PM, or shortly thereafter, the City Council will host a Public Hearing considering proposed minor land use amendments regarding a "Running List" for the Planning and Community Development Department. 4. On Monday, May 15th from 7:00-8:30 PM, the City Council will host a Town Hall Meeting in the Encore Room of Mount Baker Theatre. There is seating capacity for 80 people, and standing room for an additional 20. Doors open and sign-ups begin at 6:30. Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Council President Lilliquist. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 4/24/2017  Roll Call Present: April Barker, Council Member, First Ward Gene Knutson, Council Member, Second Ward Pinky Vargas, Council Member, Fourth Ward Terry Bornemann, Council Member, Fifth Ward Michael Lilliquist, Council Member, Sixth Ward Roxanne Murphy, Council Member, At Large Excused: Daniel Hammill, Council Member, Third Ward Presentation 21585 1. Staff Presentation Recognizing Tom Grinstad for his Service on the Planning Commission Mayor Linville thanked Tom Grinstad for his service on the Planning Commission. He had worked on the Planning Commission since 2010. 21586 2. Staff Presentation Recognizing Jeff Brown for his Service on the Planning Commission Mayor Linville thanked Jeff Brown for his service on the Planning Commission. He had worked on the Planning Commission since 2011. 15-Minute Public Comment Period Carrie Kovaleski, spoke against Council Members giving commentary on foreign policy matters during Council Meetings. She expressed that there is limited diversity on the panel of Council Members and urged them to discuss issues that solve problems within the City of Bellingham. Cadence Moore-Hill, spoke on behalf of people experiencing homelessness and urged all to help them. Hill Cummings, talked about Senate Bill 2186 that he is working on. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 4/24/2017  Bryn Lavalley, addressed the problem of the homeless population in her neighborhood. She gave some examples that could be homeless shelters. Chris Deile, warned that we should not allow Grizzly bears to be reintroduced in the Cascade Mountains. Galen Herz, Local Issues Coordinator for the Associated Students of Western Washington University, asked Council to support a policy that would mandate distribution of a pamphlet that outlines tenants' rights and responsibilities to tenants within the City of Bellingham. The pamphlet would also include a notification form of voter registration. Rheanna Johnston, supports the Associated Students proposal for a policy that ensures renters receive an information pamphlet of on their rights. Ben Larson, spoke on behalf of Julia Burns, Campus Community Coalition Coordinator. He read a letter from her that addressed issues renters and students face. She supports a policy that requires tenants to receive information on their rights and responsibilities. David Henken, thanked the Council for the Rental Registration Program. As a staff attorney at Law Advocates he sees firsthand the impact the program has had on renters and landlords. He spoke in support of a pamphlet for tenant information and the program the Associated Students are proposing. Peter Frazier, spoke on behalf of David Johnston and himself. While working in downtown, he has seen the increase in crime and has met with the mayor and police, to discuss this. He stressed that the City of Bellingham needs a low barrier shelter to house the homeless and hopefully reduce crime. Yoshé Revelle, feels that our social system rejects people and that the homeless population is a result of our social system. Carla Stellwagen, feels that a packet outlining tenants' rights and voter registration is also a good idea. She also supports the Planning Department's proposed ordinance change that would not allow chain-link fences in the Sehome neighborhood. Elizabeth Jennings, spoke in favor of a low barrier shelter and expressed that a shelter is only a tool to help the homeless population. She feels that a lack of affordable housing is a major contributor to homelessness. Bryce Hammer, advocated for a tenant packet that would include a voter registration form. She feels more tenant education is necessary. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 4/24/2017  Aleyda Cervantes, spoke about the need for tenants' rights packets. She requested that the pamphlet be bilingual so that immigrants can have easy access to the information. Wayne Rocque, resident of the York neighborhood, would like more information on tenants' rights. He advocated for immigrants and their need for access to the information about their rights concerning rental obligations. Cora Cole, voiced support of the low barrier shelter. Alyssa Kaufman, would like a tenants' rights packet that includes a voter registration form. Alyssa Waldbauer, supports the idea of a tenant education pamphlet. Colin Middleton, supports the idea of a tenant education packet that includes a voter registration form. Council Standing Committee Meetings: Public Works / Public Safety 21587 1. Regional Fire Authority Planning Process Presentation during Committee. An upcoming planning committee will be formed. It will include the Mayor, two Council Members, and three members from the Fire Commissioner. Information only. 21588 2. Job Order Contracting Process Presentation during Committee. The Job Ordering Contracting Process is used by the Federal and State and larger municipalities. It is well suited for renovation and remodel projects. A draft resolution for consideration was included in the packet and will be considered for adoption at a later meeting. Information only. 21589 3. Transportation Commission Update and Work Plan Review Presentation during committee. The Commission presented their 2016 report and provided an update on their 2017 work plan. Information only. 21590 4. Bid Award for Woodstock Intersection Improvements (ES-0318), Bid 73B-2016 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 4/24/2017  Terry Bornemann / Roxanne Murphy moved to award Bid No.73B-2016 for Woodstock Intersection Improvements to Ram Construction of Bellingham, as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of their bid, which is $1,254,629.90, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 21517 5. Discussion on the Proposal to Remove On-Street Parking from Orleans Street Terry Bornemann / Gene Knutson moved to approve removal of parking on the east side of the street. MOTION FAILED 3-3, Barker, Vargas and Lilliquist opposed. Dan Hammill excused. April Barker / Pinky Vargas moved to remove parking from the west side of the street. MOTION CARRIED 4-2, Bornemann and Knutson opposed. Dan Hammill excused. Parks and Recreation 21591 1. Bid Award for Cornwall Park Trail Improvements, Bid #5B-2017 April Barker / Pinky Vargas moved to award Bid No.5B-2017 for Cornwall Park Trail Improvements to Dirt Works Bellingham Inc., of Bellingham as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of their bid, which is $218,119.94, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. Committee Of The Whole 21592 1. A Resolution Adopting the Official Flag of the City of Bellingham Michael Lilliquist / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution # 2017-17. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Dan Hammill excused. A flag raising ceremony will be held outside City Hall at noon on June 14, 2017. 21593 2. An Ordinance Authorizing $23,854,031.15 in Reappropriations for Goods and Services Ordered in 2016, but Unpaid at Year End Michael Lilliquist / Gene Knutson moved approval for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 4/24/2017  21594 3. An Ordinance Authorizing $12,944,281.92 in Reappropriations for Goods and Services Budgeted in 2016, but Unencumbered at Year End Michael Lilliquist / Pinky Vargas moved approval for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 21595 4. An Ordinance Adjusting Estimated 2017-2018 Budgeted Beginning Reserves by $60,704,320 Michael Lilliquist / Roxanne Murphy moved approval for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 21596 5. A Resolution Adopting Amended and Restated City Council Rules of Procedure Michael Lilliquist / Gene Knutson moved final approval of Resolution # 2017-18. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 21597 6. Presentation on Western Washington University's Institute for Energy Studies Presentation during Committee. The Institute's Director, Joel Swisher, presented an overview of the Institute's academic mission and its growing role in the community. The Institute is a partner with the City on the Georgetown Energy Prize. Information only. 7. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes Pinky Vargas / Roxanne Murphy moved approval of the both the March 27, 2017 and April 10, 2017 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 8. Old/New Business Roxanne Murphy reported she is working to draft a Resolution in opposition to Initiative #1552. April Barker announced that there is a new mural along the Shuksan Meadows Park. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 4/24/2017  Executive Session - Report and Action only. 1. Potential Litigation and Property Acquisition Staff provided information on a potential litigation and property acquisition matter. Action: Roxanne Murphy / April Barker moved to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Port of Bellingham offering the following terms in exchange for the Port's relinquishment of its option to purchase the property at 801/807 Roeder Avenue to facilitate the construction of a low barrier shelter: 1. Capital contribution in the amount of $300,000 to assist the Port's investment in infrastructure to support maritime businesses; 2. Use of unused portion of Chestnut right of way for working waterfront businesses at no cost to the Port; 3. Security fencing to be installed around the perimeter of the site; 4. Increased financial support to the Lighthouse Mission to increase staffing for their Safe Neighborhood program; 5. Port participation in site planning; and 6. Port right of first negotiation to purchase the property. MOTION CARRIED 5-1, Gene Knutson opposed, Dan Hammill excused. 2. Collective Bargaining Strategy Session: Bellingham Police Guild Staff provided information regarding labor relations bargaining strategy. Direction given. No action taken. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Information only. No report. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 4/24/2017  Consent Agenda All matters listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and/or non-controversial items and may be approved in a single motion. A member of the Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. 21598 1. Consideration of Final Plat Approval for The Briarwood Plat Alteration and Lot Line Adjustment Roxanne Murphy / Gene Knutson moved final approval of Resolution # 2017-19. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 21599 2. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated March 25, 2017 - April 10, 2017 21600 3. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued March 31, 2017 21601 4. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued April 7, 2017 21602 5. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued April 14, 2017 Roxanne Murphy / Gene Knutson moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:57 pm. Michael Lilliquist, Council President ATTEST: Elisabeth Oakes, City Clerk Representative APPROVED: May 8, 2017 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 8 4/24/2017