City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 10, 2021, 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. Deputy City Clerk Elisabeth Oakes Please note the doors to City Hall unlock at 6:30 PM. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 7:00 p.m. Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. 1. On May 24, 2021 at 7:00 PM, there will be a Public Hearing on the DRAFT 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is based on recommendations by Public Works staff (posted to the City website on May 3, 2021) and will be reviewed by the Transportation Commission on May 11, 2021. Following the Public Hearing, Council will hold a work session on June 7, 2021 to consider adoption of the 2022-2027 TIP, which is required before July 1 each year per RCW 35.77.010. Roll Call Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Gene Knutson, Second 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 Presentation 22593 1. Update on COVID-19 Response Erika Lautenbach, Whatcom County Health Department Director, provided an update on the Roadmap to Recovery. She explained that as a whole, Whatcom County is not seeing a slowing in the COVID-19 case count. In the past two weeks, there have been City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes  20 people hospitalized at Peace Health. The mean age has gone down and is now at 49 years of age. Over 100,000 people in Whatcom County have initiated vaccine. Demand has slowed down. Last weekend, there were 500 slots available for vaccine appointments and only 62 persons showed up for a first dose. Community Vaccination Clinic is accepting drop- ins and no appointment is needed. The potential to move backward into a lower Phase of the Roadmap to Recovery was mentioned. She stated that our vaccination rate is not where it needs to be to meet benchmarks that have been discussed at a State level. On social media there has been a change in the tone and social shaming is occurring on both sides of the vaccine argument. Council Members asked questions. Public Hearing 22979 1. Public Hearing on a Proposed Alternative James Street Arterial Standard Chad Schulhauser, Assistant Public Works Director, explained that Public Works is proposing a non-traditional arterial street standard for James Street in the King Mountain Neighborhood. The preferred deviation consists primarily of a 12-foot-wide paved multi-use pathway that consolidates the pedestrian and bicycle mobility improvements along the west side of James Street. Council President Stone opened the Public Hearing. Public Comment was taken. There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed. The written record will remain open until a final decision, per Resolution 2013-09. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Information only. The Mayor explained that more information has come forth on how to prioritize the America Rescue Plan. The City also received more guidance on eligible expenditures that can be funded. Finalists for the Police Chief will be interviewed on May 18, and he will be making a decision soon. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes  He announced that Rick Sepler, Planning and Community Development Director, will be retiring, effective June 30, 2021. An interim plan for the Planning Department is being developed for use until a new director can be hired. Public Comment Period Public Comment was taken. Council Standing Committee Meetings: Public Works and Natural Resources Michael Lilliquist, Chair Gene Knutson, Lisa Anderson 22928 1. Proposed Public Benefit Lease to The Pedal Project, Doing Business as the HUB Community Bike Shop Michael Lilliquist / Gene Knutson moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the HUB Community Bike Shop for a commercial space to lease at below-market rate. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22981 2. Interlocal Agreement Between Whatcom Conservation District and the City of Bellingham for Support of the Lake Whatcom Watershed Wildfire Risk Reduction Program Discussion during Committee. The interlocal agreement is for outreach and wildlife preparedness assistance to watershed residents with an emphasis on those adjacent to City Acquisition Program properties. Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom Conservation District and the City of Bellingham for support of the Lake Whatcom Watershed Wildfire Risk Reduction Program. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Parks and Recreation Gene Knutson, Chair Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson 22982 1. Amendments to BMC 8.04 Parks General Provisions in Reference to Speed Limits, Motorized Bicycles, and Other Updates City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes  Presentation during Committee. The ordinance is amended to bring into compliance with the state code and as the increase of e-bikes has increased. Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved to direct staff to hold a public hearing on the amended ordinance. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Climate Action Pinky Vargas, Chair Daniel Hammill, Michael Lilliquist 22983 1. Puget Sound Energy Community Solar Installation Lease Negotiations Pinky Vargas / Hollie Huthman moved to direct staff to move forward with solar installations with PSE. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22984 2. Puget Sound Energy Presentation on Beyond Net Zero Commitments Presentation during Committee. Representative from PSE presented an overview of corporate efforts, commitments, and aspirations related to clean energy. Information only. Committee of the Whole Hannah Stone, Chair Gene Knutson, Daniel Hammill, Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Hollie Huthman Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time. 22985 1. An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds Presentation during Committee. The bond is a Limited Tax General Obligation Bond, to be used to fund construction of a new operations facility on Pacific Street and authorizes the City to issue up to $21,000,000 for construction costs. Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes  MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22986 2. Legislative Session Update Representatives Alex Ramel and Sharon Shewmake provided an update from the Legislative Session during Committee. Information only. 22987 3. Mental Health Court Presentation Presentation during Committee. Commission provided details on operations of the therapeutic court that began in 2015. Information only. 22596 4. An Ordinance to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Waste in Bellingham and to Encourage Compostable or Reusable Alternatives Discussion during Committee. The ordinance targets single-use plastics that have available alternatives. It impacts restaurants, prepared food businesses, and businesses associated with the hospitality industry. Compostable items or reusables are approved for take-out use. Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 5. Approval of Minutes Michael Lilliquist / Gene Knutson moved approval of the April 26, 2021 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 6. Old/New Business Council Member Vargas explained that the City typically receives tourism grant applications in the summer and reviews them for approval in October. Due to the delay from the shut-down the City has opened the grant application process early to encourage applicants to submit their applications soon. Applications will be taken in June. The forms can be found by typing "Tourism Promotion Grant" on the search bar on the City's website. Applications are due by June 7, 2021. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes Executive Session – Report and Action only. 1. Litigation: Juarez v. City of Bellingham, et al. Staff provided information on a litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. 2. Litigation: Bianchi v. City of Bellingham, et al. Staff provided information on a litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. 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. 22988 1. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated April 01, 2021 to April 15, 2021 22989 2. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued April 16, 2021 through April 22, 2021 22990 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued April 23, 2021 through April 29, 2021 22991 4. A Resolution Setting the Date and Time for a Public Hearing Before the Hearing Examiner for Consideration of a Street Vacation Petition for a Portion of Stuart Road Between Northwest Drive and Interstate-5 Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved final approval of Resolution #2021-11. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22992 5. Bid Award for the Annual Pavement Markings BID #15B-2021 22993 6. Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Between the City of Bellingham and the 1 Government Procurement Alliance. Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes Final Consideration of Ordinances 22025 1. An Ordinance of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Relating to Land Use and Zoning, extending a Moratorium on Development Applications and Permits Relating to the Redevelopment of Existing Mobile Home or Manufactured Home Parks Daniel Hammill / Gene Knutson 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: Stone, Knutson, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance 2021-05-015. 22929 2. An Ordinance of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Providing for Establishment of the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Promotion Area and Approving Other Matters Related Thereto Pinky Vargas / Gene Knutson 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: Stone, Knutson, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance 2021-05-016. 22953 3. An Ordinance of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Relating to Employment in Bellingham; Establishing Labor Standards Requirements for Additional Compensation for Certain Grocery Employees Working in Bellingham Lisa Anderson / Hollie Huthman 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: Stone, Hammill, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: Knutson, Vargas EXCUSED: (None) City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes  MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance 2021-05-017. 22970 4. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing Revenues and Expenditures for Paramedic Training Classes Hollie Huthman / Daniel Hammill 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: Stone, Knutson, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance 2021-05-018. 22973 5. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Adopted Biennial Budget Reconciling the Differences between Estimated 2021 Beginning Reserve Balances and Actual 2021 Beginning Reserve Balances and Applying the Differences to the Ending Reserve Balances Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman 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: Stone, Knutson, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance 2021-05-019. 22974 6. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget, Increasing Appropriation Authority in Various Funds to Pay for Goods and Services Authorized in the Previous Biennium Gene Knutson / Michael Lilliquist 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: Stone, Knutson, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance 2021-05-020. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes 22975 7. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing Revenues and Expenditures Consistent with Updated Revenue Forecasts and to Ensure Balanced Fund Budgets Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman 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: Stone, Knutson, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance 2021-05-021. Adjournment Council Member Anderson shared that in Section 3.04 of the grocery store ordinance (AB 22935) will be in full effect after 15 days of passage. The effective date is May 25, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. If grocery workers are not seeing additional pay, she reported that they have two weeks yet for the ordinance to be effective. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Elisabeth Oakes, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 5/24/2021 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 9 of 9 5/10/2021 Minutes