City Council - Regular Meeting

Name: City Council - Regular Meeting — Bellingham, WA
Start: 2024-01-08T19:00:00
End: 2024-01-08T21:00:00
Location: Bellingham, WA

Regular Meeting

Bellingham, WA · January 8, 2024

Agenda Minutes Packet Video Recording

Minutes

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 8, 2024, 7:00 PM Mayor: Kimberley Lund 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 Jace Cotton Call to Order The City Council Regular meeting was called to order by Council President Hammill at 7pm. Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. 1. On January 29, 2024, the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider minor text amendments to Bellingham Municipal Code Titles 19, 20, 21, and 23. Roll Call Present: Council President Daniel Hammill, Third 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 Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Presentation 23973 1. Swearing In Ceremony p. 5 Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Debra Lev conducted the swearing-in ceremony of the following three persons to the Bellingham City Council: Hannah Stone, First Ward; Daniel Hammill, Third Ward; Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward; and Jace Cotton, At-Large. Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Debra Lev conducted the swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Kim Lund. Mayor Lund expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Bellingham community. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 5 1/8/2024 Minutes Mayor Lund expressed her thanks to staff for their work in and for the community. After taking office on January 1st, she joined a New Year's Eve overnight Bellingham Police Department patrol and visited the What-Comm 911 dispatch center. Mayor Lund highlighted that January 9, 2024 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Mayor Lund announced that beginning January 5, on each first Friday of the month, the Whatcom Museum will have free admission, extended hours until 9pm, and free programming. You can learn more online at www.whatcommuseum.org Mayor Lund reiterated that the City is preparing for inclement weather later this week, working closely with county partners. To learn more about the City's preparation and services, visit the City’s Winter Weather Preparation page and for shelter availability visit the Whatcom County Shelter page. Regular Meeting and Committee Sessions The following are heard in both Committee sessions and Regular Meeting in order below: Council Standing Committee Meetings: Committee Of The Whole 1:00 PM Daniel Hammill, Chair Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 23974 1. Contract Award for James Street/Whatcom Creek Bridge and Meador p. 6 Avenue/Whatcom Creek Bridge Project, Bid No. 26B-2023 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Mike Wilson, Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the James Street/Whatcom Creek Bridge and Meador Avenue/Whatcom Creek Bridge Project. The contract will replace both bridges and includes roadway improvements, sidewalks, and storm water systems to James Street and Meador Avenue. Strider Construction Company, Inc. was the responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of $8,517,996.61, including any applicable Washington State Sales or Use Tax. Council Members discussed and asked questions regarding the contract. Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to approve contract award No. 26B-2023 for the James Street/Whatcom Creek Bridge and Meador Avenue/Whatcom Creek Bridge Project to Strider Construction Co. Inc. 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 $8,517,996.61, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 23975 2. Renewal of Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Lease Agreement p. 32 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 5 1/8/2024 Minutes Fire Chief Bill Hewett presented a renewal of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Lease Agreement. The interlocal agreement commits to another ten years of sharing the EOC facility between the City, County, and Port and provides for an upgrade to the building's generator. Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the lease agreement to extend the joint emergency operations center (EOC). MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 23976 3. Approval of the 12/4/2023 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 39 Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the December 4, 2023 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Old/New Business Council Member Lilliquist discussed the City's legislative priorities and sought clarification from the administration on how they will be tracking policy proposals during the State's legislative session. Council President Hammill, Council Member Lilliquist and Council Member Stone will serve on an informal workgroup with the Mayor's Office to discuss how the administration and Council can work together on City priorities. Council President Hammill highlighted how the City, County, and State Reps are working to address the fentanyl crisis together with more information to come. Police Chief Mertzig was invited to speak to the role and responsibilities of the Drug and Crime Prevention Officer who will work directly with the Bellingham Housing Authority. Executive Session 1:30 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Litigation: Benson v. City of Bellingham et al. (Good, approx 5 min) Staff provided information on a litigation matter. Hollie Huthman / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into a settlement agreement with the following terms: dismissal of the lawsuit and resolution of all claims related thereto for payment to the plaintiff of $40,000.00. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Labor Relations: Discuss Collective Bargaining Strategy (Monahan, approx 5 min) Staff provided information on a labor relations matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 5 1/8/2024 Minutes 3. Labor Relations: Review Contract Proposal for Teamsters (Monahan, approx 5 min) Staff provided information on the proposed 2024-2026 collective bargaining agreement between the City and Teamsters, Local 231. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved to ratify the agreement reached with the following general terms: DURATION: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026. WAGES AND COMPENSATION:  Effective January 1, 2024: 4% COLA  Effective January 1, 2024: increase City’s deferred compensation match by ½% for total of 3%  Effective January 1, 2025: 3% COLA  Effective January 1, 2026: 3% COLA MEDICAL INSURANCE:  For each year, increase the City’s contribution to Medical Health Care by 6%. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Labor Relations: Discuss Labor Relations Strategies (Monahan, approx 30 min) Staff provided information on a labor relations 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. Council Member Stone highlighted several items from the consent agenda due to their community impacts.  What-Comm 911 Interlocal Agreement (ILA)  Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County for Interactions with GRACE  Interlocal Agreement between Bellingham Housing Authority and Bellingham Police Department for a Drug and Crime Prevention Officer 23977 1. What-Comm Interlocal Agreement Contract Number C2300842 p. 40 23978 2. Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County for Interactions with GRACE p. 58 23979 3. Interlocal Agreement between Bellingham Housing Authority and Bellingham Police p. 62 Department for a Drug and Crime Prevention Officer City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 5 1/8/2024 Minutes 23980 4. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated November 16, 2023 to p. 69 November 30, 2023 23981 5. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 01, 2023 through December 07, p. 70 2023 23982 6. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 08, 2023 through December 14, p. 71 2023 23983 7. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 15, 2023 through December 21, p. 72 2023 23984 8. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 22, 2023 through December 28, p. 73 2023 23972 9. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated December 1, 2023 to December p. 74 15, 2023 Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Abstained: Jace Cotton Public Comment Period City Council heard public comment from 19 individuals. To access the recording, visit the Public Comment Period Recordings page. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:38pm. Daniel Hammill, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 1/29/2024 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 5 1/8/2024 Minutes

Agenda

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Agenda January 8, 2024, 7:00 PM Mayor: Kimberley Lund 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 Jace Cotton 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: 820 8245 2733 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 820 8245 2733 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 January 29, 2024, the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider minor text amendments to Bellingham Municipal Code Titles 19, 20, 21, and 23 Roll Call Presentation 23973 1. Swearing In Ceremony p. 5 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: Committee Of The Whole 1:00 PM Daniel Hammill, Chair Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 23974 1. Contract Award for James Street/Whatcom Creek Bridge and Meador p. 6 Avenue/Whatcom Creek Bridge Project, Bid No. 26B-2023 23975 2. Renewal of Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Lease Agreement p. 32 23976 3. Approval of the 12/4/2023 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 39 4. Old/New Business Executive Session 1:30 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Litigation: Benson v. City of Bellingham et al. (Good, approx 5 min) 2. Labor Relations: Discuss Collective Bargaining Strategy (Monahan, approx 5 min) 3. Labor Relations: Review Contract Proposal for Teamsters (Monahan, approx 5 min) 4. Labor Relations: Discuss Labor Relations Strategies (Monahan, approx 30 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. 23977 1. What-Comm Interlocal Agreement Contract Number C2300842 p. 40 23978 2. Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County for Interactions with GRACE p. 58 23979 3. Interlocal Agreement between Bellingham Housing Authority and Bellingham Police p. 62 Department for a Drug and Crime Prevention Officer 23980 4. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated November 16, 2023 to November p. 69 30, 2023 23981 5. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 01, 2023 through December 07, p. 70 2023 23982 6. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 08, 2023 through December 14, p. 71 2023 23983 7. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 15, 2023 through December 21, p. 72 2023 23984 8. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 22, 2023 through December 28, p. 73 2023 23972 9. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated December 1, 2023 to December p. 74 15, 2023 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 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, January 29, 2024 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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