City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 8, 2023, 7:00 PM Mayor: Seth Fleetwood Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, https://cob.org/council Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Call to Order The City Council Regular meeting was called to order by Council President Lilliquist at 7:00pm. Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Roll Call Present: Council President Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large Public Hearing 23706 1. Public Hearing and Resolution on the Proposed Relinquishment of a Surplus Utility p. 6 Easement Encumbering 622 11th Street Chad Schulhauser, Public Works Engineering Assistant Director, presented on the proposed resolution, which provides for the relinquishment of a surplus utility easement that encumbers real property known as 622 11th Street. The Public Works Department has reviewed the request and determined that the portion of the easement that encumbers the subject property is not needed for utility service. Accordingly, staff recommends that it be relinquished. The Public Hearing was opened by President Lilliquist One member of the public spoke at the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing was closed by President Lilliquist. Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2023-04. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Mayor Seth Fleetwood reported on several events that occurred since the last Council meeting: The Bellingham Public Library opened a new branch at the Bellis Fair Mall; The Cascadia International Women's Film Festival took place, showcasing 35 films from all over the world telling stories from women's points of view; There was a ribbon cutting for the Hundred Acre Woods Native Plant Garden which will provide an opportunity for outdoor learning; The Bellingham Bike parade took place over the weekend and over 500 people participated. Regular Meeting and Committee Sessions The following are heard in both Committee sessions and Regular Meeting in order below: Council Standing Committee Meetings: Public Works and Natural Resources 1:00 PM Hannah Stone, Chair Lisa Anderson, Kristina Michele Martens 23707 1. Bid Award for Roeder Lift Station, Bid #35B-2023 (EU180) p. 34 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Chad Schulhauser, Public Works Assistant Director, summarized the project and the bid award process. The Roeder Lift Station involves construction of a new sanitary sewer lift station and demolition of portions of the existing Roeder Lift Station. The City received 4 bids which were publicly opened on April 18, 2023. IMCO Construction was the responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of $17,545,977.44, including any applicable Washington State Sales or Use Tax. The engineer's estimate was $18,047,678.72. This project will last approximately two and a half years, will include 2,400 apprenticeship hours, and is designed with sea level rise in mind. Funding for this project was already included in the 2023-2024 budget, with revenue coming from regular sewer rates and connection charges. Staff addressed Council Member questions. Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to award Bid No. 35B-2023 for the Roeder Lift Station to IMCO of Ferndale, 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 $17,545,977.44 which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 23708 2. Broadband Resolution p. 39 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Steve Haugen, Superintendent for Traffic and Fiber, briefed the Council on the resolution, which is a revised version of a resolution drafted by the Broadband Advisory Workgroup AdHoc Committee. The Workgroup also produced a Final Report which includes a summary from the facilitator on the process, a summary of meetings, a glossary of definitions, a consultant report, a draft resolution and member statements. This revised resolution City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes  is before Council for consideration. Staff recommendation is to adopt the resolution. Since the presentation in September, staff in the Public Works Department and from the Bellingham Library have been working on recommendations outlined in the draft resolution including the issuance of a request for proposal for a fiber optic network comprehensive plan and coordination with regional partners on digital literacy and equity. Johnston elaborated on the difference between broadband and the City's fiber network and explained the projects and recommendations that are underway already. Haugen introduced John Gaven, who was recently hired as a Fiber Optic Network Engineer. Rebecca Judd, Library Director, gave details on digital literacy and equity efforts. Council Members discussed and asked questions. Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to amend the Resolution changing the 14th recital to read "Whereas, the City has network engineering staff, but has no dedicated staff resources to support the City's broadband network; and". MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to amend the Resolution, changing "The Broadband Advisory Workgroup's recommendations are as follows" to "The Broadband Advisory Workgroup's recommendations are adopted as follows" and final approval of Resolution #2023-05 as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 23709 3. Ordinance Dissolving the Watershed Advisory Board (WAB) by Repealing BMC 2.90 p. 177 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Barbara Wise, Chair of the Watershed Advisory Board, presented on the plan to dissolve the Watershed Advisory Board (WAB) and establish a Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB). They explained the history of the board and the reasoning of dissolving the WAB and establishing the WRAB. The City of Bellingham established the Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board (WAB) through Ordinance 2000-09-058 for the purpose of guiding the Lake Whatcom property acquisition process. Since then, over the last 23 years, the City has developed and refined the Property Acquisition Program and processes while protecting 2,642 acres and removing 846 development units from the Lake Whatcom Watershed. The program has shifted into implementation mode and this creates an opportunity to consider how to garner resident advice on upcoming water resource issues that are currently outside the purview of the WAB including the Surface and Stormwater Comprehensive Plan, Water System Plan (including source water protection of Lake Whatcom), and Sewer Comprehensive Plan, as well as issues that are gaining prominence such as Lake Padden. Staff and the WAB jointly recommend passing two proposed companion ordinances to create a Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB) and dissolve the WAB. Wise voiced concern that dissolving the WAB will reduce the amount of attention given to Lake Whatcom, though she clarified that she has no objections to establishing a WRAB. Mayor Fleetwood stated that Lake Whatcom would remain an important topic for the WRAB and that it is not the City's intention to lose focus on Lake Whatcom. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes  Council Members discussed and asked questions. This item was held until staff can review proposed amendments on the related ordinance, AB #23710, and come back to Council with recommendations. 23710 4. An Ordinance Establishing a Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB) and Adding a p. 184 New Chapter 2.91 to the Bellingham Municipal Code Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, explained what they would be looking for in membership for the new WRAB, describing the breadth of experience they are seeking to establish among the members of the potential new group. Mayor Fleetwood suggested adding "with confirmation by Council" to the section addressing how members are appointed and removed. Council Member Anderson read a series of amendments, including the amendment suggested by Mayor Fleetwood, and offered explanation for each of her suggestions. Council Member Stone suggested bringing this item back to Committee during a future meeting so that Council Members, Administration, staff, and legal have time to review the amendments. This item was held until staff can review proposed amendments and come back to Council with recommendations. Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee 2:00 PM Daniel Hammill, Chair Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 23711 1. Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County Fire District 4 for Training Facility Use p. 192 Bill Hewett, Fire Chief, presented information on the interlocal agreement. The Bellingham Fire Department has been using the training facility owned by Whatcom County Fire District 4 since 2012 through a series of agreements. The facility, located at 4142 Britton Loop Road, is used for the Bellingham Fire Department's recruitment academy, paramedic training program, and ongoing training of firefighters. This updated agreement expands the use of the facility and allows for the consolidation of Bellingham Fire Department training staff into one location where the majority of its training occurs. Chief Hewett answered questions from Council Members. Council Member Hammill stated that he had been at the training facility recently and it was clear to him that the facility was very much needed for the firefighters. Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to approve the interlocal agreement with Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 4 Concerning Use of the Britton Loop Training Facility. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes Community and Economic Development 2:10 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Kristina Michele Martens 23712 1. A Presentation by the Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership (REP) p. 199 Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, introduced Don Goldberg, Port of Bellingham Representative, who provided an overview of the Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership (REP) 2022 activities and accomplishments. The City supports a collaborative commitment to fund the REP through an Interlocal Agreement with the Port of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Goldberg reported on the work of the REP, their team and partners, their intentions and vision, deliverables, goal updates, and a look ahead to 2023 and 2024. Goldberg responded to questions from Council Members. 23650 2. 2023-2027 Consolidated Planning Process p. 219 The 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan is required by the Federal Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) which identifies community needs and priorities to be funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) over a five-year period. The City uses this planning process to identify priorities for its local housing levy, Affordable Housing Sales Tax and General Fund expenditures. Samya Lutz, Housing and Services Program Manager and Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, summarized the consolidated plan, portions of which have been presented to Council over the past four Council meetings. They reported on what actions the Council can take, populations they recommend prioritizing, the role of the Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB) recommendations, rent assistance and cost burden, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, local-level housing policy options, and funding recommendations included in the resolution. Council Members discussed and asked questions of staff. Hollie Huthman / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2023-06. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 3:20 PM Michael Lilliquist Chair Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Kristina Michele Martens 23713 1. Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Overview p. 406 Blake Lyons, Planning and Community Development Director, Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager, and Elizabeth Erickson, Senior Planner, provided an overview of the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update process that will take place between mid-2023 and mid-2025. Erickson presented a summary of the Comprehensive Plan process, what past periodic updates have looked like, background information, and drivers of change for upcoming work. Behee went into further detail on recent updates, themes of change for the upcoming update, and engagement strategies. Staff City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes  will return to Council to launch the project this summer. Staff responded to Council Member questions. Council Member Anderson requested a work session or presentation for Council Members who have not gone through an update in the past to explain the process in-depth and go through terms and definitions. Lyons agreed that that would be useful and something his staff could provide. Council President Lilliquist suggested that the Association of Washington Cities would also have learning opportunities. 23714 2. Approval of City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 420 Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved approval of the April 10, 2023 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Old/New Business Council Member Martens reported that she had received several inquiries from Western Washington University students regarding internships. She stated that she would like to hire one of them as an intern and to be able to pay them and that she had spoken to various staff members about the appropriate process to accomplish that. Council Members discussed how an internship program may function in the future. Council Member Hammill reported that he had attended the grand opening of New Life Center, an outpatient suboxone treatment facility established by the Lummi Nation with additional capacity for inpatient treatment as well. He stated that he was impressed by the leadership shown by the Lummi Tribe on this issue. Kristina Michele Martens / Hannah Stone moved to request that Mayor Fleetwood direct the Finance Department to bring forward a budget amendment to provide funding for a ten week summer intern. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 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. 23715 1. Sale of Four Police Motorcycles to the Skagit County Sheriff p. 435 23716 2. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated April 1, 2023 to April 15, 2023 p. 437 23717 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued April 14, 2023 through April 20, 2023 p. 438 23718 4. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued April 21, 2023 through April 27, 2023 p. 439 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes  Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 23696 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2023-2024 Adopted Biennial Budget Reconciling the p. 440 Differences Between Estimated 2023 Beginning Reserve Balances and Actual 2023 Beginning Reserve Balances and Applying the Differences to the Ending Reserve Balances Daniel Hammill / Hannah Stone 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: Lilliquist, Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Martens NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2023-05-011. 23697 2. An Ordinance Amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget, Increasing Appropriation p. 444 Authority in Various Funds to Pay For Goods and Services Authorized in the Previous Biennium Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 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: Lilliquist, Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Martens NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2023-05-012. 23698 3. An Ordinance Amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget - Amendment No. 3 p. 448 Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 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: Lilliquist, Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Martens NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2023-05-013. Public Comment Period City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes  City Council heard public comment from eight individuals. To access the recording, visit https://cob.org/gov/council/public-hearings-and-public-comment- periods/public-comment-period-recordings. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm. Michael Lilliquist, Council President ATTEST: Jackie Lassiter, Legislative Assistant. APPROVED: 5/22/2023 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 8 5/8/2023 Minutes