City Council - Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingBellingham, WA · August 7, 2023
Minutes
City of Bellingham
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 7, 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 7pm.
Announcements & Upcoming Meetings:
Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act.
1. On August 14, 2023, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider a comprehensive plan
amendment to rezone Area 21 of the Puget Neighborhood and Area 1 of the Samish
Neighborhood from Commercial, Auto to Commercial, Planned
2. On August 14, 2023, the Council will hold a Special Meeting to conduct two closed record
hearings on the following matters:
. Consideration of a street vacation for the platted alley within Block 299 of the Plat of
Supplemental Map of the Town of Whatcom; and
. Consideration of a street vacation for the western 10-feet of 10th Street abutting lots 1-4,
block 1 and lot 1 and the south half of lot 2, block 2, Town of Bellingham.
. Because these are closed record hearings, public testimony will not be taken. City Council’s
decisions will be based on the complete records from the Hearing Examiner’s Public
Hearings, copies of which are available for review in the City Council Office.
Roll Call
Present:
Council President Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward
Council Member Hannah Stone, First Ward
Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward
Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward
Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward
Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large
Excused
Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward
Mayor's Report
Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed.
No Mayor's Report.
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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
23809 1. Post Point Resource Recovery Plant Update p. 6
In September 2022, Mayor Fleetwood and the City Council, stopped further development of the
Post Point Resource Recovery Project, shifting to a repair and maintain asset management strategy.
The existing systems and incinerators will remain operational and compliant with all regulations
until an alternate process for solid handling is established.
Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Mike Olinger, Assistant Director Public Works, provided
an update on repairs to the Post Point solids handling systems, other general projects at Post Point,
and efforts to comply with the Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit. Council Members discussed
the projects and asked questions. Public Works will return to Council after the Request for
Proposals (RFP) for technology pilot projects closes in November 2023. New staff were also
recognized including, Stephen Day, Plants Engineer, Steven Bradshaw, Superintendent of Plants,
and Natalie Monro, Communications and Outreach Coordinator.
Climate Action 2:00 PM
Kristina Michele Martens, Chair
Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill
23810 1. Report from Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) on the Agency's Zero p. 34
Emissions Fleet Transition Study
Tim Wilder, Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Planning Director, and Les Reardanz, WTA
General Manager, provided an update to Council on the agency's zero emissions fleet transition
study. WTA anticipates becoming 100% zero emissions by 2040. By 2025, they will determine which
vehicle technology to move forward with. More information is available at engage.ridewta.com.
Council Members discussed the transition and asked questions.
Committee Of The Whole 2:30 PM
Michael Lilliquist Chair
Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson,
Kristina Michele Martens
23811 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget – Amendment No. 7 p. 37
Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, and Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, introduced the
ordinance, which amends the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget by using Bellingham Public School grant
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funds to purchase swim blocks at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, adding a Plans Examiner position in
the Planning and Community Development Department, and allocating $2,108,572 of the
remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for food security, homeless services, and
purchase of a property for low-income housing.
Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Abstained: Hannah Stone
23812 2. Approval of the 7/24/2023 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 46
Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Lisa Anderson moved approval of the July 24, 2023 minutes of the
regular City Council meeting as submitted.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Old/New Business
President Lilliquist announced that Council needs to appoint a member to the Whatcom County
Opioid Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group. Council will defer a decision until the August 14,
2023 meeting.
Executive Session 2:45 PM
Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only:
1. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition. For
information and discussion. No action taken.
2. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition. For
information and discussion. No action taken.
3. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition. For
information and discussion. No action taken.
4. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition. For
information and discussion. No action taken.
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5. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition. For
information and discussion. No action taken.
6. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition. 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.
23813 1. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated July 1, 2023 to July 15, 2023 p. 64
23814 2. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 14, 2023 through July 20, 2023 p. 65
23815 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 21, 2023 through July 27, 2023 p. 66
23816 4. Inter-Agency Agreement for Teacher, Administrator, Counselor (TAC) Officer at p. 67
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
Hollie Huthman / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Final Consideration of Ordinances
23799 1. An Ordinance of the City of Bellingham Amending Bellingham Municipal Code p. 74
Chapter 10.08 to Adopt by Reference the New State Laws Addressing the Possession
and Public Use of Controlled Substances
Hollie Huthman / 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, Williams, Anderson, Martens
NAYS: (None)
EXCUSED: Hammill
MOTION CARRIED 6-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2023-08-021.
23800 2. An Ordinance Relating to Land Use Planning, Amending Bellingham Municipal Code p. 79
(BMC) Titles 20 and 21 Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
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Hollie Huthman / Lisa Anderson 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, Williams, Anderson, Martens
NAYS: (None)
EXCUSED: Hammill
MOTION CARRIED 6-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2023-08-022.
Public Comment Period
City Council heard public comment from six individuals.
To access the recording visit, Public Comment Period Recordings - City of Bellingham (cob.org).
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:44pm.
Michael Lilliquist, Council President
ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED: 9/11/2023
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Agenda
City of Bellingham
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
August 7, 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
Legislative Assistant: Jackie Lassiter
Watch Council Meetings Live
The City Council Regular meetings are conducted in a hybrid setting: both in-person and remote access are
available.
In Person:
All meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham,
unless otherwise noted. The doors unlock at 6:30 PM for the 7:00 PM meeting.
Live on YouTube and Comcast:
Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website at https://cob.org/meetings and on the City’s
YouTube channel at https://cob.org/btv. Meetings are also broadcast in high definition on BTV on Comcast
channel 321 and in standard definition on Comcast channel 10.
Via Telephone:
Members of the public who do not have cable or Internet access may listen to the meeting via telephone by
calling (253) 215-8782 and entering Meeting ID: 839 2153 4374 and Password: 9
Provide your Input
During a Meeting:
To speak during a Public Hearing or the Public Comment Session, advance registration is encouraged. Speakers
who register in advance will be called on first. Registration can be made by visiting https://cob.org/ccsignup.
Speakers may participate via the following options:
• In person: Members of the public may come to the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 210
Lottie St., Bellingham.
• Remotely via Zoom: Click the following link to launch the Zoom meeting and follow staff
instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period: https://cob.org/cczoom.
• Remotely via phone: Call (253) 215-8782 and enter Meeting ID 839 2153 4374 and Password 9.
Follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period.
Before or After a Meeting:
Advance written Public Hearing testimony and general written Public Comment can be presented to the
Council:
By mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Online:
o For a public hearing: https://cob.org/publichearing
o For general public comment: https://cob.org/ccpubliccomment
Regular Meeting
The following items are heard in the Regular Meeting only:
Call to Order
Announcements & Upcoming Meetings:
Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Meetings Act.
1. On August 14, 2023, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider a comprehensive plan
amendment to rezone Area 21 of the Puget Neighborhood and Area 1 of the Samish
Neighborhood from Commercial, Auto to Commercial, Planned
2. On August 14, 2023, the Council will hold a Special Meeting to conduct two closed record
hearings on the following matters:
Consideration of a street vacation for the platted alley within Block 299 of the Plat of
Supplemental Map of the Town of Whatcom; and
Consideration of a street vacation for the western 10-feet of 10th Street abutting lots 1-4,
block 1 and lot 1 and the south half of lot 2, block 2, Town of Bellingham.
Because these are closed record hearings, public testimony will not be taken. City Council’s
decisions will be based on the complete records from the Hearing Examiner’s Public Hearings,
copies of which are available for review in the City Council Office.
Roll Call
New Agenda Section
Mayor's Report
Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Information only.
Regular Meeting and Committee Sessions
The following are heard in both Committee sessions and Regular Meeting in order below:
Council Standing Committee Meetings:
Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions.
Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on
a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee
Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified
as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the
Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the
evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:
Public Works and Natural Resources 1:00 PM
Hannah Stone, Chair
Lisa Anderson, Kristina Michele Martens
23809 1. Post Point Resource Recovery Plant Update p. 6
Climate Action 2:00 PM
Kristina Michele Martens, Chair
Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill
23810 1. Report from Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) on the Agency's Zero p. 34
Emissions Fleet Transition Study
Committee Of The Whole 2:30 PM
Michael Lilliquist Chair
Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson,
Kristina Michele Martens
23811 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget – Amendment No. 7 p. 37
23812 2. Approval of the 7/24/2023 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 46
3. Old/New Business
Executive Session 2:45 PM
Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only:
1. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
2. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
3. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
4. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
5. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
6. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx 2 min)
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.
23813 1. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated July 1, 2023 to July 15, 2023 p. 64
23814 2. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 14, 2023 through July 20, 2023 p. 65
23815 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 21, 2023 through July 27, 2023 p. 66
23816 4. Inter-Agency Agreement for Teacher, Administrator, Counselor (TAC) Officer at p. 67
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
Final Consideration of Ordinances
23799 1. An Ordinance of the City of Bellingham Amending Bellingham Municipal Code p. 74
Chapter 10.08 to Adopt by Reference the New State Laws Addressing the Possession
and Public Use of Controlled Substances
23800 2. An Ordinance Relating to Land Use Planning, Amending Bellingham Municipal Code p. 79
(BMC) Titles 20 and 21 Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Public Comment Period - 30 Minutes
Advance registration is encouraged for participation. Speakers who register in advance will be given priority.
Each speaker will have three minutes. Please see first page of agenda for further details. Video of the public
comment session will be available by visiting https://cob.org/commentrecordings.
Adjournment
Closed record hearing to consider a street vacation for the platted alley within Block 299 of the Plat of
Supplemental Map of the Town of Whatcom
Agenda Information
Council Committee and Regular Meeting agendas and agenda packets, which contain the supporting
documentation for agenda items, are available to the public Wednesday afternoon prior to the meeting. They
are posted at https://cob.org/meetings. A hard copy of the agenda packet is available for review from the
reference desk at the Central Library or the Finance office at City Hall.
Meeting Live Broadcasts and Recordings
The Bellingham City Council Committee Meetings are broadcast live on BTV Bellingham at the times listed on
the agenda. Committee session start times between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM are estimated. A specific
Committee may start later than the time published but will not begin earlier than its published time.
Television:
BTV can be found on cable systems as follows: Comcast channels 10 (standard) and 321 (high definition), and
CenturyLink channels 40 (standard) and 1040 (high definition). Meetings are rebroadcast on the following
schedule:
Tues. 12 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday afternoon Committee meetings
Tues. 7 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting
Wed. 8 AM: Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting
Sat. 12 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday afternoon Committee meetings
Sat. 7 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting
Online Streaming:
The meetings are streamed live at https://cob.org/btv. Online viewers will see exactly what cable customers
would see.
DVD:
The Bellingham Public Library also has DVD’s available for checkout. Video and audio files are available on the
Internet at https://cob.org/meetings within 5 business days following each meeting.
Accessibility
The Council Chambers is fully accessible. Elevator access to the second floor is available at City Hall’s west
entrance. Hearing assistance is available, and a receiver may be checked out through the Deputy City Clerk
prior to the evening session. For additional accommodations, contact the Legislative Assistant at 778-8200 in
advance of the meeting. Thank you.
Next City Council Meeting
Monday, August 14, 2023
Deadline to submit material for any public hearing for inclusion in the published agenda packet is 10:00 a.m.
on Wednesday prior to the meeting.
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