City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 17, 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 7:00pm. Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. 1. Land Acknowledgement Statement Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish and Semiahmoo People who have cared for and tended this land since time immemorial. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth. We pay respect to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events. 2. Language Access The Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed by in-person attendees by utilizing the headsets located at the front of the room. Remote viewers can log on to cob.org/cczoom and click on the "Language" icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. 3. July 1, 2024 - Public Hearing regarding 858 E. Smith Road On July 1, 2024, the City Council will hold a public hearing to receive public comment before considering the surplus declaration for real property located at 858 E. Smith Road. 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 Public Hearing City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes 24149 1. Public Hearing on Resolution Authorizing the Relinquishment of a Public Utility p. 6 Easement Located within Vacated Taylor Avenue that is Surplus to the City's Needs Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Brent Baldwin, Public Works Development Manager, provided a summary of the resolution authorizing the relinquishment of a surplus utility easement that encumbers real property at 819 14th Street. The property owner is developing the private property and staff have deemed the property is surplus to the City's needs. Council President Hammill opened the Public Hearing. One individual provided testimony. Council President Hammill closed the Public Hearing. Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman moved final approval of Resolution #2024-14. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. 24150 1. Mayor's Appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission (Approval) p. 18 Mayor Lund appointed Judy Ford and Leonard Yarberry to their first terms on the Historic Preservation Commission, which will expire on May 31, 2028. Lisa Anderson / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of Judy Ford and Leonard Yarberry to their first terms on the Historic Preservation Commission, which will expire on May 31, 2028. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24151 2. Mayor's Appointment to the Transportation Commission (Approval) p. 36 Mayor Lund appointed Jamin Agosti to a partial term on the Transportation Commission, which will expire on March 13, 2026. Hollie Huthman / Jace Cotton moved to recommend approval of Jamin Agosti to a partial term on the Transportation Commission, which will expire on March 13, 2026. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24152 3. Mayor's Appointments to the Community Development Advisory Board p. 40 (Information) City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes  Mayor Lund made the following appointments to the Community Development Advisory Board,  Matthew Unger to his first partial term, which will expire on January 19, 2027;  Katherine Freimund to her first partial term, which will expire on November 1, 2026; and  Deidra Prado to her first partial term, which will expire on June 21, 2025. 24153 4. Mayor's Reappointments to the Tourism Commission (Information) p. 52 Mayor Lund reappointed Craig Jewell and Christine Jenkins to their second terms on the Tourism Commission, which will expire on June 1, 2027 Mayor Lund acknowledged the serious nature of the City’s work and the challenges that can come with enacting change but wanted to focus on positive impacts in the community including,  City spray parks are open and available for summer weather. The public can learn more in the Parks Guide.  The City is seeking grant applications from non-profit organizations and other private, non- governmental groups in support of projects that plant trees on private property. Applications for the Community Tree Partnership Grant Program are due on Friday, July 12. Learn more about applying online.  The City received more than 40 responses to the Downtown placemaking and activation program and has more than $350k in funding to award.  The City is seeking feedback to rename the iconic pier at Squalicum Park. You can learn more about the pier and propose a name online.  The City and Whatcom County were recently awarded a $1.3 million grant to support the installation of electric heat pumps for space and water heating in the homes of low- and moderate-income residents and small businesses.  The inaugural meeting of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission was held last week. More information is available online.  The City celebrated Juneteenth at a flag-raising ceremony earlier today. Learn more information about Juneteenth and additional community celebrations online. 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 10:00 AM Hannah Stone, Chair Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist 24154 1. WSDOT Presentation on I-5/Meridian Fish Passage Project (SR539) p. 59 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, Chris Damitio, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Assistant Regional Administrator Mt. Baker Area, and Megan Mosebar, WSDOT Project Engineer, provided an update on the design and construction of fish passage City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes  projects around Interstate 5 and the Guide Meridian (SR539) in the Spring and Baker Creek drainages. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and the City will be kept apprised of traffic closures and modifications. Council Members discussed the project and asked questions 24155 2. Contract Award for the Meridian Sewer Main, I-5 to Van Wyck (EU184) p. 73 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Aric Smathers, Capital Engineer, provided a summary of Eric Joh the Meridian Sewer Main, I-5 to Van Wyck Project. The project relocates sewers in conflict with a the Mer planned fish passage project by the state and accommodates future growth as outlined in the 2016 planned Wastewater Conveyance Plan. It replaces 17,000 feet of sanitary sewer pipe from approximately Wastew 300 feet north of the Birchwood Avenue/Meridian Street intersection northerly to approximately 300’ no 800 feet north of the Van Wyck Road/Meridian Street intersection. Council Members discussed the north o project and asked questions. and ask Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to award contract #29B-2024 for the Meridian Sewer Main, I- 5 to Van Wyck project to Ram Construction General Contractors, LLC as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of their bid, $16,874,555.01, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24156 3. An Ordinance Regarding Temporary Right-of-Way Use Permits; Amending Chapter p. 104 13.14 of the Bellingham Municipal Code to Waive Certain Permit Requirements for Protected Speech This item was removed from the agenda. 24157 4. Fire Station #2 Reroof and Solar Panel Installation Project, Bid No. 35B-2024 p. 110 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Joel Pfundt, Assistant Director of Transportation, Eric Joh provided a summary of the Fire Station #2 Reroof and Solar Panel Installation Project. The project provide includes roof replacement, solar panel installation, and related construction on the existing includes structure. Council Members discussed the project and asked questions. Membe Hannah Stone / Michael Lilliquist moved to award contract #35B-2024 for the Fire Station #2 Reroof and Solar Panel Installation Project to Camao Construction as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of their bid, $468,700.00, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24158 5. Contract Award for Post Point Reroof Project, Group #2, Bid No. 34B-2024 p. 122 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Joel Pfundt, Assistant Director of Transportation, and Carol Rofkar, Superintendent of Communications, Facilities, Fleet, provided a summary of the Post City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes  Point Reroof Project. The project includes HVAC upgrades, new lighting, and ceiling grid repair. Council Members discussed the project and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved to award contract #34B-2024 for the Post Point Reroof Project to Hytech Roofing, 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, $1,822,002.58, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24159 6. Adoption of the 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (2025-2030 TIP) p. 131 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Joel Pfundt, Assistant Director of Transportation, provided a summary of the Resolution adopting the 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). RCW 35.77.010, requires cities to annually adopt a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years. The TIP includes projects to construct new facilities for bikers and pedestrians, enhance transit use, repair and resurface streets and sidewalks, replace bridges, improve roadway safety, and facilitate movement of freight. Council Members discussed the TIP and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2024-12. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 11:30 AM Daniel Hammill, Chair Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24169 1. Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony p. 145 The City celebrated the Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at the Bellingham City Hall flag plaza. 24160 2. Presentation of Community Feedback on the Draft Urban Forest Plan (UFP) p. 146 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, Nicole Oliver, Parks and Recreation Director, Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development Director, Analiese Burns, Habitat and Restoration Manager, and Amelia Needoba, Project Manager at Diamond Head Consulting, presented a summary of community feedback on the draft Urban Forest Plan (UFP). Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. 24161 3. An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 2014-06-034 which Established a Biennial Budget p. 401 for the City of Bellingham Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, and Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, presented on the draft ordinance, which repeals Ordinance #2014-06-034 and establishes an annual budgeting cycle. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes  Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24162 4. Emergency Repairs to Electric Avenue Bridge p. 404 Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Mike Olinger, Assistant Director of Operations, provided Eric Joh an update on the emergency repairs to the Electric Avenue Bridge and presented a resolution an upda declaring an emergency to waive competitive bidding requirements for repairs. Council Members declarin discussed the bridge and resolution, and asked questions. discusse Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2024-13. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24163 5. A Briefing on Promoting a Healthy Workplace for City Employees, Preventing p. 407 Harassment, and Ensuring Transparency Sarah Chaplin, Assistant City Attorney, and Elizabeth Monahan, Human Resources Director, shared how the City works to create a healthy and safe workplace for City employees, prevent harassment, and ensure transparent communication between branches of government. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. The presentation is available online. 6. Old/New Business Council Member Lilliquist would like the City Council to write a letter expressing support for the creation of a year-round shelter capacity by the Whatcom County Council. The Legislative Policy Analyst will assist in drafting the letter. Council President Hammill highlighted an earlier motion during the day to rescind a Council request to the Administration to explore modifying the City Council At-Large position to a four-year term. Executive Session 3:15 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 5 min.) Staff provided information on a potential watershed acquisition. For information and discussion. No action taken. 2. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 10 min.) Staff provided information on a potential property acquisition. For information and discussion. No action taken. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes  3. Potential Litigation (Kraham, approx. 5 min.) Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. 4. Labor Relations: Discuss Collective Bargaining Strategy (Monahan, approx. 15 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. 24164 1. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued May 24, 2024 through May 30, 2024 p. 408 24165 2. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued May 31, 2024 through June 06, 2024 p. 409 24166 3. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated May 16, 2024 to May 31, 2024 p. 410 24167 4. Interlocal Agreement Recreational Services with Bellingham School District p. 411 24168 5. Approval of the 6/3/2024 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 422 Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 24136 1. An Ordinance Amending Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) 20.37.330, Specifically p. 434 Allowing an Increase in Height on Certain Properties within the Fairhaven Urban Village 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: Hammill, Stone, Huthman, Williams, Anderson, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) RECUSED: Lilliquist MOTION CARRIED 6-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2024-06-019. 24117 2. An Ordinance of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Relating to Multi-Family p. 441 Development in the Silver Beach Neighborhood, Amending the Silver Beach City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes  Neighborhood Plan and The Zoning Table in Title 20 of the Bellingham Municipal Code to Reduce the Density of Multi-Family Areas 8, 9, And 13 from High Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved approval for third and final reading. Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to amend the ordinance to include in Section 4, “The total unit count may be increased beyond the low-density maximum up to the medium density maximum subject to adoption of a development agreement that provides additional public benefit beyond what is required under development regulations, including enhanced protection of water quality." AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hammill, Stone, Huthman, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2024-06-020. Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from ten 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 8:16pm. Daniel Hammill, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 7/1/2024 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 8 6/17/2024 Minutes