City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 25, 2019, 7:00 PM Mayor Kelli Linville Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Council Members April Barker, Gene Knutson, Daniel Hammill, www.cob.org/council Pinky Vargas, Terry Bornemann, Michael Lilliquist and All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at Hannah Stone 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Pro-Tem, Michael Lilliquist at 7:00 p.m. Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Council President Pro-Tem, Michael Lilliquist. Roll Call Present: Council Member April Barker, First Ward Council Member Terry Bornemann, Fifth Ward Council Member Gene Knutson, Second Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Hannah Stone, At-Large Council Member Pinky Vargas, Fourth Ward Excused Council President Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Presentation 22220 1. Lummi Presentation Inviting the City of Bellingham to Paddle to Lummi Celebration Fredrick Lane, Councilman - Position C of the Lummi Nation, extended an invitation to attend the Paddle to Lummi event. It will be held July 24 - 28, 2019. The event expects 75,000 - 100,000 people to attend. More information can be found at www.paddletolummi.org 15-Minute Public Comment Period City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes  Mark McHarg, is disappointed at the lack of attention regarding the deficiency of street lamps and pedestrian crosswalks in his neighborhood. He stated that he brought the issue before Council last year and was responded to through email. The email stated that lighting must be prioritized, and his neighborhood street did not meet qualifications for more lamps. The requested crosswalk is too close to two neighboring crosswalks. He objected to the responses given stating that a neighboring street does not meet said qualifications, but it has two streetlamps. He warned against the dangers of the lack of lighting in his neighborhood. He does not feel adequate effort has been made on his request. Daniel Morbraaten, spoke about the needs for the homeless. He relayed that he has experienced homelessness. He reported that on the Bay to Baker Trail, he has been assaulted a couple times and his dog has gotten sick from eating human feces. He believes more needs to be done to help the homeless. One thing that should be stopped is the transporting of people from Seattle to Bellingham. Alex McLean, passed out a parody flyer that objected to the Bus Barn location that is being used to park Bellingham School District's buses. He explained that the buses are parked in critical areas of natural habitat along Whatcom Creek. Rud Browne, spoke about his experience assisting those in need of shelter in the community. The need comprehensive care is great. He listed suggestions to aid in changes for those experiencing homelessness. One, do not impound their car. Two, do away with large application fees for rentals. Todd Lagastee, relayed that the City needs a BLS unit. According to his calculations, the City has the funds for the unit. Council Standing Committee Meetings: Public Works and Natural Resources Gene Knutson, Chair Terry Bornemann, April Barker 22221 1. Resolution in Support of Invasive Species Week Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution #2019-07. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 20602 2. Request for Retail Water Service at 4703 Aldrich Road Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved to approve the request for retail water service at 4703 Aldrich Road. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes 22222 3. Status on Implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan Presentation during Committee. Staff provided background on the current plan, including the planning process, development of the recommended work, and the status of project implementation. Information only. Planning and Community Development April Barker, Chair Terry Bornemann, Michael Lilliquist 22223 1. Planning and Community Development Committee Work Session on 2019 Priorities Work session during Committee. The Committee will work towards policies on equitable food infrastructure, Housing Equity Assessment, proposed changes to residential multi zones, examination of uses allowed in industrial zoned lands, and policy toward legacy County zoning at time of annexation. Information only. 22124 2. Discussion of Potential New Policies Related to Food Access and Approaches to Limiting Restrictive Covenants Discussion during Committee. Committee gave direction to staff for docketing some items to the Comprehensive Plan that would establish policy around exploring incentives and regulatory changes to encourage grocery stores, farmers markets, food carts, and other mobile vendors to locate in underserved communities. Also, to establish targets and monitor access to full-service grocers, produce markets, ethnic markets, or convenience stores that stock fresh produce and coordinate with the transit system service providers to facilitate access to healthy food retail for areas with low access. Encourage convenience stores, liquor stores and ethnic food markets to carry fresh produce. Develop an incentives program to encourage liquor stores and convenience stores to convert to fresh produce markets or carry fresh produce in their stores. Target low-income and disadvantaged communities that have limited access to full-service grocery stores. Encourage development patterns that support healthy food access in existing and newly-annexed areas. Encourage healthy food purveyors, such as grocery stores and farmers markets, and community food gardens to be located near residential uses and transit. April Barker / Pinky Vargas moved to direct staff to draft an ordinance that would limit restrictive covenants regarding grocery stores within the City limits. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes Justice Hannah Stone, Chair April Barker, Pinky Vargas 22224 1. Review Ordinance #2017-02-008 and BMC Chapter 2.25 Discussion during Committee. The Committee reviewed the ordinance to communicate with Council and Administration to get some feedback. A rapid response plan should be put in place to increase communication. The Committee will continue working with the Police and Legal departments to review actions being taken. The City is working on a contract with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center that could create a safe space for residents to voice their concerns. Information only. Public Safety Terry Bornemann, Chair Gene Knutson, Hannah Stone 22079 1. Interlocal Agreement for the EMT-Paramedic Training Program Between City of Bellingham, Whatcom County and Bellingham Technical College Terry Bornemann / April Barker moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into an interlocal agreement for EMT-Paramedic Training between the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Bellingham Technical College. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. Finance, Personnel and Economic Development Pinky Vargas, Chair Michael Lilliquist, Hannah Stone 22225 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2019-2020 Biennial Budget, Adding One Position and Increasing Appropriations and Estimated Revenues in the Medic One Fund Pinky Vargas / Terry Bornemann moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. Parks and Recreation Michael Lilliquist, Chair Gene Knutson, Pink Vargas 22226 1. Bid Award for Boulevard Park Pedestrian Bridge Demolition and Utility Improvements, Bid #1B-2019 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes  Michael Lilliquist / Pinky Vargas moved to award Bid No. 1B-2019 for Boulevard Park Pedestrian Bridge Demolition and Utility Improvement to Colacurcio Brothers, Inc., of Blaine, Washington, 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 $1,379,866.61, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 22227 2. Parks at Cordata - Park Naming and Project Updates Michael Lilliquist / Terry Bornemann moved to approve the naming of the Community Park to Cordata Park and the Neighborhood Park to be Julianna Park. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. Pinky Vargas expressed gratitude to Julie Guy and expressed that it is a pleasure to honor her by naming the neighborhood park Julianna Park. Committee Of The Whole Daniel Hammill, Chair April Barker; Gene Knutson; Pinky Vargas; Terry Bornemann; Michael Lilliquist, Hannah Stone 22228 1. WWU Presentation on Community Survey Western Washington University's Center for Economic and Business Research conducted a residential survey on behalf of the City of Bellingham in Fall 2018. This is the seventh City of Bellingham residential survey since 2004. The goal of the survey is to gather feedback from residents on their needs, interests, and satisfaction with City services. The survey repeated many questions asked in earlier surveys to provide trends over the years. Presentation during Committee. The executive summary and full report very soon on the City's website. The top 4 issues are homelessness, housing affordability, neighborhood safety, and growth and economic development. This year's survey added some questions on fairness and equity. Information only. 22229 2. Waterfront District Implementation Status Report A report was given by Pat Power, Director of Development for Harcourt Development during Committee. In the report Mr. Power outlined the progress of the granary building, work on 3 new residential structures (condominiums) along the waterway, a gateway office building that will be other side of Granary Avenue, redeveloping the boardmill into a hotel and meeting space, and redevelop the alcohol plant. Information only. 22230 3. Update on Emergency Shelter Response City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes  Update provided during Committee. The City and the County activated emergency shelters operations during the recent severe weather event. The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County activated emergency facilities at the Maritime Heritage Environmental Learning Center and the Civic Garden Room. Staff reported that use of Emergency Management may be a poor fit for such an emergency. Pinky Vargas acknowledged that community members have wondered if opening a warming shelter should be based on capacity among faith-based service providers or if it should be based on weather. The Council will discuss further at their upcoming retreat. Information only. 22236 4. Meeting of the Emergency Services Council of the City of Bellingham Regarding Emergency Proclamation The Emergency Services Council met in the afternoon and voted to confirm the Mayor's intention to leave the City's current emergency proclamation in effect until the County is no longer operating their emergency shelter facility. Council voted and the motion carried 8-0, Daniel Hammill excused. 5. Approval of Minutes Gene Knutson / April Barker moved approval of the February 11, 2019 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 6. Old/New Business Pinky Vargas reported that last Friday the Bellingham Herald published an article stating that the Bellingham Alaskan Ferry Terminal may be subject to a budget cut. The Port of Bellingham built the terminal in 1989 and the City will collaborate with the Alaskan legislature to retain our ferry. The Mayor's office will draft a letter of support and the Council will sign onto it. Hannah Stone, relayed that she attended an event this past Saturday that was hosted by the Whatcom Diversity Academy. The event was a wonderful celebration in honor of African American History Month. Executive Session – Report and Action only. 1. Labor Relations: Review Proposals for IAFF Local No. 106 Staff provided information on the proposed 2018-2020 collective bargaining agreement between the City and IAFF 106. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes  April Barker / Gene Knutson moved to ratify the tentative agreement reached with the following general terms: DURATION 2018-2020 WAGE INCREASES: January 1, 2018: 3.5% in base rate of pay (retroactive) January 1, 2019: 3.5% in base rate of pay (retroactive) January 1, 2020: 3.5% in base rate of pay Also, the premium for service longevity will increase by 1.5% at each tier. HEALTH INSURANCE The City will contribute a flat dollar amount towards health insurance premiums rather than a percentage of the premiums. The City's contribution towards health insurance premiums will increase by 6% in 2020 over the 2019 maximum employer contribution amount. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 2. Litigation: Schreib v. City of Bellingham, et. al. Staff provided information on a litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. 3. Potential Property Acquisition Staff provided information on a potential property acquisition. For information and discussion. No action taken. 4. Potential Litigation: Claim No. 2018-44 Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Information only. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes  The Mayor assured Council that she has asked Renee LaCroix, Assistant Public Works Director / Natural Resources Division, to put together a status report on the Bus Barn / Whatcom Creek Shoreline location. 22231 1. Mayor's Reappointment of Sarah Campbell to the Historic Preservation Commission (Approval) Terry Bornemann / April Barker moved the Mayor's reappointment of Sarah Campbell to the Historic Preservation Commission. Sarah Campbell will serve her sixth term, which will expire on March 1, 2021, at which time she may be reappointed. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. 22232 2. Mayor's Appointment of Javier Flores to the Community Development Advisory Board (Information) The Mayor appoints Javier Flores to his first term, which will expire on February 19, 2022, at which time he may be reappointed. 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. 22233 1. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments For the Period of January 16 - January 31, 2019 22234 2. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued February 8, 2019 22235 3. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued February 15, 2019 Knutson / Barker moved approval of the consent agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Dan Hammill excused. Final Consideration of Ordinances 22204 1. An Ordinance Amending BMC 20.37.130 Table A – Standard Development Regulations to Create Flexibility in the Maximum Building Height for Certain Properties within the Commercial Transition 2 Zone of the Samish Way Urban Village Which Meet Specific Location Gene Knutson / Terry Bornemann 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: Barker, Knutson, Vargas, Bornemann, Lilliquist, Stone City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes  NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: Hammill MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance #2019-02-006. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM. Daniel Hammill, Council President ATTEST: Elisabeth Oakes, City Clerk Representative APPROVED: 3/11/2019 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 9 of 9 2/25/2019 Minutes