City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 18, 2020, 7:00 PM Mayor Seth Fleetwood Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Council Members Hannah Stone, Gene Knutson, Daniel Hammill, www.cob.org/council Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at Hollie Huthman 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted. Please note the doors to City Hall unlock at 6:30 PM. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Knutson at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Council Member Lilliquist. Roll Call Present: Council President Gene Knutson, Second Ward Council Member Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Pinky Vargas, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, At-Large Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Council President Knutson expressed regret as he informed all that former Fire Chief Roger Christensen, lost his life in an accident last Friday. Current Fire Chief, Bill Hewett, commemorated the loss of the retired chief and gave a summary of his service to the City of Bellingham followed by a moment of silence. Public Hearing 22634 1. Public Hearing Regarding the Draft 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, introduced the draft 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). One of the major purposes of the TIP is to facilitate the transfer of funds from state and federal grants to the City of Bellingham. He explained City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 7 5/18/2020 Minutes  that as required by law, a Public Hearing is required to be conducted before Council's approval of the TIP. Council action will be needed at the next meeting, scheduled for June 8, 2020. Chris Comeau, Transportation Planner, reviewed the planning document with each project being explained in detail. Council President Knutson, opened the Public Hearing. Katie Harris, addressed the project category descriptions, "secure, safe, and clean" as confusing. She recommends they be changed to "street resurfacing, bike and pedestrian crossing, and transit." She objected to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at this time due to the economic hardships many are facing. She stated that EV charging stations are not an equitable investment. She supports the staff recommendations that were included in the report and would like to see those reflected in the project narrative in project #3 on page 29 of the TIP. Cindy Madigan, supports the public comments about the James-Bakerview intersection and Meridian Street roundabouts included in the agenda packet. Because of the current infrastructure, the use of the sidewalk can be cumbersome to get bikes to turn onto the sidewalk because they are 90-degree angles. She requested that upon approval of the projects on the TIP, to include a note of user engagement, including families and disabled people, are part of the design process for bicycle facilities in roundabouts. Peter Stark, General Manager at Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA), appreciates the partnership between the City and the WTA. Project #6, of the TIP is a great example of the partnership. He addressed projects #1, #2, and #3 and expressed that the WTA would like to work with the City on pedestrian stops. The WTA is currently working on their current capital projects plan and would like to work with the City on identifying needs. Laura Weiss, appreciates the bicycle improvements listed in the TIP. She highlighted an opportunity that the City should take advantage of. During the pandemic, many cities have opened streets to pedestrians in order to maintain social distancing. She encouraged the City to join in the Open Streets idea in order to provide options for movement to residents. Council Members commented on the TIP and some public comments. There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed. The written record will remain open until a final decision, per Resolution #2013-09. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 7 5/18/2020 Minutes Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Information only. Mayor Fleetwood, announced that positions that were being filled on an interim basis have now been confirmed to permanent status. Bill Hewett, Fire Chief, Janice Keller, Communications Director, and Eric Johnston, Public Works Director are now confirmed as permanent appointments. The Parks and Recreation Director position is open, and the recruitment process is active. He commended Nicole Oliver, as she serves as Interim Parks Director, during an extremely challenging time. The City continues to follow the Governor's directives. We hope to commence boards and commission meetings soon. The Mayor hopes to present some information at the next meeting on a web-based platform that could be used for the Public Comment period. Staff is working on a public participation plan for the Climate Policy Approval Process. 22635 1. Mayor's Appointment of Amber Asbjornsen and Rafeeka Kloke to the Museum Foundation Board (Approval) Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to approve the Mayor's appointments of both Amber Asbjornsen and Rafeeka Kloke, to their first terms on the Museum Foundation Board, which will both expire on May 18, 2023, at which time they may be reappointed. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22636 2. Mayor's Appointment of Makenzie Graham and Scott Jones to the Planning and Development Commission (Approval) Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved approval of the Mayor's appointment of Makenzie Graham to her first partial term, to the Planning and Development Commission, which will expire on March 24, 2022, at which time she may be reappointed. They also approved the Mayor's appointment of Scott Jones to his first partial term, to the Planning and Development Commission, which will expire on April 1, 2021, at which time he may be reappointed. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 7 5/18/2020 Minutes 22637 3. Mayor's Reappointment of Staci May to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (Information) The Mayor reappoints Staci May to her final term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which will expire on April 30, 2023. Information only. Presentation 22593 1. Update on COVID-19 from Bellingham Emergency Management David Doll, Police Chief, will give an update on June 8th about the law enforcement issues that the Police Department has been handling. Scott McCreery, Emergency Management at the Port of Bellingham, serves as the Incident Commander for Whatcom Unified Command. He reported that the Unified Command is focusing on managing the quarantine and isolation facility on Byron Avenue, and providing and supporting shelter for the Drop-In Center at Bellingham High School. In addition, planning for surge capacity and working with community partners has been a major focus recently. Nicole Oliver, Interim Parks Director, reported that social distancing in the parks continues to be an issue, especially on the weekends. The Parks Department will work with the Police Parking Enforcement officers to help enforce COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Erika Lautenbach, Whatcom County Health Director, provided an update about the mask directive to Whatcom County residents. She highlighted that though the directive is not enforceable, it is a strong recommendation. It goes into effect May 22, 2020. Guidance for businesses can be found at http://www.whatcomcounty.us/3404/Directive-To-Wear-Face-Coverings. The Executive Board at Unified Command have asked the Human Services branch of the Command to work to assess the needs for masks. Cost estimates will be considered. The Public Health Advisory Task Force for employer / business support had their kick- off meeting last Thursday evening and Friday morning. They will work to have guidance ready for Phase 2 that they can communicate to businesses. Don Goldberg, Director of Economic Development with Port of Bellingham, announced that the Regional Economic Partnership (REP) is motivated to open the economy in a safe way. They are focusing on organizing and reporting on grant programs and other financial tools and resources. They are working with the Governor's guidance and the Health Department using the four-phase re-entry plan. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 7 5/18/2020 Minutes  Tara Sundin, Economic Development Manager, provided a recap on Housing & Human Services. Housing security, food security, social services, childcare are areas of focus. They have reviewed the 2.7M from the CARES ACT. The department of Commerce will distribute the funds. Council Members asked questions of presenters. Council Standing Committee Meetings: Committee of the Whole Gene Knutson, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Hollie Huthman 22638 1. Bid Award for 2020 Watermain Replacement, EW-0234, BID #7B-2020 Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved to award Bid No.7B-2020 for 2020 Watermain Replacement to Colacurcio Brothers Construction, Inc. of Blaine, WA 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 $1,760,479.11, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22639 2. Bid Award for 2020 Overlay - Bill McDonald Parkway and Britton Road Project ES-0554, Bid 19B-2020 Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved to award Bid No. 19B-2020 for 2020 Overlay - Bill McDonald Parkway to Colacurcio Brothers Construction of Blaine, WA 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 $1,700,629.93, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22640 3. Right-of-Way Dedication on 40th Street Between Elwood Avenue and Dumas Avenue Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved to approve the dedication of the right-of-way at 40th Street between Elwood Avenue and Dumas Avenue. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 7 5/18/2020 Minutes 22025 4. Consideration of an Emergency Ordinance to Extend the Moratorium on Development Applications and Permits Relating to the Redevelopment of Existing Mobile Home or Manufactured Home Parks Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved 3rd and Final approval of the Emergency Ordinance #2020-05-011. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. As required, a public hearing will be held at the next meeting. 22641 5. An Ordinance Amending the 2019-2020 Biennial Budget Decreasing Appropriations in the General Fund Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 6. Approval of Minutes Hammill/ Anderson moved approval of the April 27, 2020 minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the May 4, 2020 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 7. Old/New Business Council Member Hammill reported that in 2018 and 2019 the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County were bestowed the MacCarther Foundation Award, for their work on young adult incarceration prevention. The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County have been awarded once again and will be provided with another year of technical and training assistance. Gene Knutson commended Council Member Vargas for her service to Council even while she's under the weather. Council Member Stone, asked if there are any changes to the TIP at approval would it need to go back to the Transportation Commission for approval? Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, addressed that it would not. Council Member Stone confirmed that City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 7 5/18/2020 Minutes  the TIP needs to be passed before July 1 and Eric Johnston affirmed that is correct. The TIP will be presented at the June 8, 2020 meeting for approval. Executive Session – Report and Action only. 1. Potential Litigation Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. 2. Labor Relations: Discuss Bargaining Strategy Staff provided information on a labor relations matter. For information and discussion regarding bargaining authority. Direction provided to staff. No action taken. Adjournment There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 9:16 PM. Gene Knutson, Council President ATTEST: Elisabeth Oakes, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 6/8/2020 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 7 5/18/2020 Minutes