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City Council - Regular Meeting

Regular Meeting

Bellingham, WA · August 7, 2023

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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. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 5 8/7/2023 Minutes 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 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 5 8/7/2023 Minutes 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. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 5 8/7/2023 Minutes 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) City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 5 8/7/2023 Minutes 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 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 5 8/7/2023 Minutes

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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