City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 09/11/2017, 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, September 25th at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, there will be a Public Hearing regarding the Bellingham Police Department's grant application to the Department of Justice. Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Council President Lilliquist. Roll Call Present: Gene Knutson, Council Member, Second Ward Daniel Hammill, Council Member, Third 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: April Barker, Council Member, First Ward City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 9/11/2017  Public Hearing 21709 1. Public Hearing on Proposed Relinquishment of a Utility Easement in Vacated 40th Street and Consolidation Avenue that is Surplus to the City's Needs Ted Carlson, Public Works Director, explained as property is surplus to the City's needs, an adjacent property owner has requested the City relinquish the utility easement. After analysis, the City has determined it is not needed for water or sewer utilities. Upon conditions with Comcast (who still has utilities there) and the applicant, staff recommends Council pass the resolution. Council President Lilliquist opened the public hearing. Sue Toy, expressed she felt the easement may have some monetary value and should be looked into determining how much. There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed. Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution # 2017-32. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. 15-Minute Public Comment Period Wes Gannaway, gave some history on Captain George Pickett and his contributions to the area while stationed in Bellingham. {AB #21714} Coulter Roe, relayed his support for the proposed DACA resolution. {AB #21716} Sue Toy, offered information about Homes Now, Not Later. While the program is not home ownership, she explained that Homes Now, Not Later is a way to shelter persons experiencing homelessness. It would be part of a multi-phase solution to homelessness. Parts of the program would be small shelter type housing, a communal cooking and bathing area and lockers for persons who do not have a secure place to put their belongings. She urged Council to look into the program more closely. Caroline Boenig, reported on a program called A Better Way, which was implemented by the Mayor of Albuquerque in 2015 to end homelessness in their community. Highlights of the program included hiring homeless persons on a daily basis, paying them an hourly wage, providing lunch, and at the end of the shift, offering overnight shelter. At the year's end, the City provided 932 jobs. The program restores dignity and has been a successful way for the City to deal with those experiencing homelessness. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 9/11/2017  Yoshe Revelle, relayed lessons on Primary Economy verses the False Economy. Gretchen Anderson, asked for guidelines to determine the value of historic structures and signs. She urged Council not to erase evidence that a historical person lived by removing or changing names of places, structures and monuments. Rather, share the story of the person and use history as a tool to explain lessons learned. {AB #21714} Anlya Folsom, spoke in favor of policies that allow ADUs in neighborhoods to provide more affordable housing. Patrick Splan, advocated for the Homes Now, Not Later program. He shared his experience going to jail and having his van impounded, which led to homelessness. Rain Forever, presented an idea to help end homelessness within the community. She described a type of cooperative tent community where individuals pay an amount and have the use of facilities. Land use for this type of community would have to be allowed and/or donated. Jim Peterson, President of Homes Now, Not Later, shared his story and what helped him get out of the cycle of homelessness. He described what the organization does and that they would like to come help Bellingham. Amy Glasser, urged Council to deal with homelessness one by one and cut through red tape in order to serve the community. She relayed scenarios that could work and offered solutions and exemptions to help put Homes Now, Not Later in the City. Doug Gustafson, works with Homes Now, Not Later offered the idea of "tiny homes" and ways to help homeless persons. Edradine Hovde, Vice-President of the Daughters of the Pioneers Whatcom Chapter 5, relayed her work and responsibility of the sign for the Pickett Bridge. She worked to get signage installed on the bridge and wants to make sure local history is known and preserved. She explained that by naming the bridge after the person who was in charge of constructing the bridge is only identifying a geographic place and not meant to be political. She remains committed to working to preserve local history and making it known with signage. By having signage, we have an opportunity to relay history and stories. {AB #21714} Nissa D. Armstrong - Poll, relayed her family's story of being homeless. She asked that the zoning and codes for land use be changed to allow for Homes Now, Not Later to build and provide shelter for residents. Nathan T. Seims, reported what the program Stepping Stones is doing to serve the homeless community. He invited Council members to dinner at their facility so they can see the services are being provided. He has worked with Homes Now, Not Later City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 9/11/2017  and advocated for them. He sees success of persons because they are connected to helpful resources and community and are motivated to change. Shovia (did not report last name), feels that through her experience seeking employment, she has been a victim of ageism. She suggested the City needs a diversity director to oversee companies within Bellingham. Aaron Thomas, urged the City to become a part of the Stepping Stones program. Council Standing Committee Meetings: Planning 21672 1. Manufactured Housing Conversation and Brief History of Zoning Presentation during Committee. Two topics of discussion were included. The first was about the evolution of zoning in the City by the Planning Director. The second was given by Ishbel Dickens, a national expert on manufactured homeowners' rights where she discussed issues that mobile homes parks face in the City. Discussion will continue at the next meeting. Information only. Justice 21710 1. Briefing on the Law Enforcement Process for Bellingham Misdemeanants Presentation during Commitee. A briefing on law enforcement process for Bellingham misdemeanants was provided by Officer Almer. The Justice Committee is intended to inform Council and the public on how justice is administered. Information only. Public Works / Public Safety 21711 1. Resolution for Emergency Deconstruction of Homes at 2315 and 2512 Lynn Street The City has declared an emergency deconstruction of homes at 2315 and 2512 Lynn Street due to a public nuisance threat (per court order). Terry Bornemann / Gene Knutson moved final approval of Resolution # 2017-33. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 9/11/2017  Lake Whatcom Reservoir and Natural Resources 21712 1. Washington Conservation Corps End-of-Year Presentation Presentation during Committee. Dan Hammill gave an overview of the presentation given by the Washington Conservation Corps that included program benefits, contributions to the local community, environmental restoration efforts and the financial benefits of the program. Information only. 21713 2. Middle Fork Nooksack River Fish Passage Presentation during Committee. Dan Hammill reported that the Paul Allen Foundation granted funding to American Rivers to work with the City towards removal of the fish passage barrier and construction of an alternative water supply intake structure. Information only. Parks and Recreation 21658 1. Community Park at Cordata Master Plan Adoption Pinky Vargas / Roxanne Murphy moved to approve the adoption of the Master Plan for the Cordata Community Park. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. Committee Of The Whole 21714 1. Discussion on the Pickett Bridge Discussion during Committee. Council voted to task the Historical Preservation Commission with three items: one, engage the community; two, research the history of the bridge; and three, present their findings to Council and the Mayor at a later meeting. 21715 2. Review of Options to Prohibit Feeding of Wild Mammals in Bellingham Discussion during Committee. Council directed staff to draft an ordinance for consideration, which prevents the intentional feeding of wildlife. 21716 3. Resolution Affirming Bellingham City Council Support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Immigrant Program City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 9/11/2017  Roxanne Murphy / Dan Hammill moved final approval of Resolution # 2017-34. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. 4. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved approval of the August 14, 2017 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. 5. Old/New Business Michael Lilliquist reported that every four years the Whatcom Transportation Authority reviews the composition of the Board. The Council appointed him to represent the Council on that Board. Michael Lilliquist also reported for April Barker that the Arch of Healing and Reconciliation will be installed behind the Bellingham Library. Terry Bornemann brought forth a resolution for consideration that celebrates September 21, 2017 as International Day of Peace and Recognizes the 15th Anniversary of the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center in the City of Bellingham, Washington. Terry Bornemann / Gene Knutson moved final approval of Resolution # 2017-35. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. Pinky Vargas reported that if the Jail Tax passes this November, Council asked for an oversight committee to review the spending of funds. Pinky Vargas volunteered to serve on the committee. Executive Session - Report and Action only. 1. Potential Acquisition of Real Property Staff provided information on potential acquisition of real property. For information and discussion. No action was taken. 2. Litigation: Swatosh v. City of Bellingham, et. al. Staff provided information on a litigation matter. Action: Dan Hammill / Gene Knutson moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into a settlement agreement with the following terms: dismissal of the lawsuit and resolution of all claims related thereto for the payment of $60,000.00 to the plaintiff. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 9/11/2017  Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Information only. 21717 1. Mayor's Appointment of Brend Holma to the Bellingham Sister Cities Board (Information) The Mayor appoints Brend Holma to her first term on the Bellingham Sister cities Board, which will expire on June 20, 2020, at which time she may be reappointed. Information only. 21718 2. Mayor's Appointment of Teri Bryant and Reappointment of Ben Millar to the Community Development Advisory Board (Information) The Mayor appoints Teri Bryant to her first full term on the Community Development Advisory Board, which will expire on August 21, 2020, at which time she may be reappointed. Information only. The Mayor reappoints Ben Millar to his final term on the Community Development Advisory Board, which will expire on October 1, 2018. Information only. 21719 3. Mayor's Reappointment of Peter Hurd to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (Information) The Mayor reappoints Peter Hurd to his final term on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, which will expire on September 23, 2020. Information only. 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. 21720 1. Authorization for the Mayor to Enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the Department of Ecology for the Local Source Control Program 21721 2. Inter Agency Agreement with Washington State Department of Ecology to Sponsor Two Washington Conservation Corps Crews for Natural Resource Projects 21722 3. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated July 26, 2017 - August 10, 2017 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 9/11/2017  21723 4. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated August 11, 2017 - August 25, 2017 21724 5. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued August 11, 2017 21725 6. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued August 18, 2017 21726 7. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued August 25, 2017 21727 8. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued September 1, 2017 Gene Knutson/ Roxanne Murphy moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, April Barker excused. Final Consideration of Ordinances 21699 1. An Ordinance to Consider Text Amendments to Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) Sections 20.00.015, 20.00.045 and 20.00.230 Dan Hammill/ Roxanne Murphy moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: BORNEMANN, HAMMILL, KNUTSON, LILLIQUIST, MURPHY, VARGAS NAYS: EXCUSED: BARKER MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance #2017-09-023 Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 pm. Michael Lilliquist, Council President ATTEST: Elisabeth Oakes, City Clerk Representative APPROVED: September 25, 2017 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 8 9/11/2017