City Council - Regular Meeting

Name: City Council - Regular Meeting — Bellingham, WA
Start: 2024-08-12T19:00:00
End: 2024-08-12T21:00:00
Location: Bellingham, WA

Regular Meeting

Bellingham, WA · August 12, 2024

Agenda Minutes Packet Video Recording

Minutes

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 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. Public Hearing Related to a Surplus Utility Easement - East Illinois and Yew Street On August 26, 2024 the Council will hold a public hearing to take comment on a proposed resolution providing for the City to relinquish a surplus utility easement and a water main easement encumbering a portion of the property at 2900 Yew Street. 4. Public Hearing Related to a Surplus Utility Easement - Bennett Avenue On August 26, 2024 the Council will hold a public hearing to take comment on a proposed resolution providing for the City to relinquish a portion of a surplus general utility easement encumbering a portion of the property at 750 Samish Way Roll Call Present: Council President Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 6 8/12/2024 Minutes Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward (Attended Remotely) Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Excused Council Member Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. 24197 1. Mayor's Appointments to the Justice Project Finance and Facility Advisory Board p. 6 (Approval) Mayor Lund appointed the following individuals to the Justice Project Finance and Facility Advisory Board: • JanRose Ottaway Martin to a term that ends on January 31, 2027 • Jacob Hovenier to a term ending January 31, 2028 Hollie Huthman / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval to the Justice Project Finance and Facility Advisory Board, JanRose Ottaway Martin to a term that ends on January 31, 2027 and Jacob Hovenier to a term ending January 31, 2028. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist 24198 2. Mayor's Appointment to the Greenways Advisory Committee (Approval) p. 13 Mayor Lund appointed Zach Cook to his first partial term on the Greenways Advisory Committee, which will expire on October 28, 2025. Hollie Huthman / Jace Cotton moved to recommend approval of Zach Cook to his first partial term on the Greenways Advisory Committee, which will expire on October 28, 2025. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist 24199 3. Mayor's Reappointment to the Planning and Development Commission (Approval) p. 17 Mayor Lund reappointed Rose Lathrop to her final term on the Planning Development Commission, which will expire on August 24, 2028. Hollie Huthman / Jace Cotton moved to recommend reappointment of Rose Lathrop to her final term on the Planning Development Commission, which will expire on August 24, 2028. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 6 8/12/2024 Minutes ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist 24200 4. Mayor's Reappointment to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission p. 19 (Information) Mayor Lund reappointed Annie Sorich as the Sunnyland Neighborhood Primary Representative to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission to her final term, which will expire on August 16, 2026. Mayor Lund shared that the City, Bellingham Public Library, Whatcom County Health & Community Services and other partners are hosting a free all-community program, "What is Addiction: Plain Talk for our Community" on September 12th at the Bellingham High School Performing Arts Center and Commons. Mayor Lund provided several updates on work in her administration including: • Efforts to improve the downtown experience • Preparation of a progress report on actions taken since February • Forthcoming community engagement opportunities with City administration to provide feedback • Request for Proposals for State-Government Relations to improve lobbying efforts in Olympia • Hiring is underway for a new Strategic Initiatives Manager position to assist with Health and Human Services • Melissa Morin was appointed as the City's Communications and Community Relations Director Regular Meeting and Committee Sessions The following are heard in both Committee sessions and Regular Meeting in order below: Council Standing Committee Meetings: Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:00 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24201 1. Presentation from the Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department p. 22 on the Progress of the Healthy Children's Fund Ann Beck, Whatcom County Community Health and Human Services Manager, and Sarah Simpson, Child and Family Programs Supervisor, provided an update on implementation of the Healthy Children's Fund and future projects. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 6 8/12/2024 Minutes Committee Of The Whole 1:35 PM Daniel Hammill, Chair Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24185 1. An Ordinance Relating to the Establishment of Identity Theft Prevention Measures p. 38 for Registered Residential Properties throughout the City, Establishing a Requirement for Secure, Locking Mail Receptacles in Chapter 6.15.050 of the Bellingham Municipal Code Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development Director, returned for additional discussions on the ordinance establishing identity theft prevention measures for registered residential properties in the City. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist 24202 2. Interlocal Agreement for the Management of the Remedial Actions of the Cornwall p. 47 Avenue Landfill Cleanup and Modifications to Existing Interlocals between the Port of Bellingham and the City of Bellingham Related to the Cleanup Amy Kraham, Senior Assistant City Attorney, presented the interlocal agreement, which designates the City of Bellingham as the lead manager of the cleanup at the Cornwall Avenue Landfill site. Due to City ownership, the planned park, and the City's adjacent concurrent cleanup of the RG Haley site, the City will serve as lead manager for the cleanup. Permits are under review and construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the interlocal agreement (ILA) for the management of the remedial actions of the Cornwall Avenue landfill cleanup and modifications to existing interlocal agreements between the Port of Bellingham and the City of Bellingham related to the cleanup. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist 3. Old/New Business Council Member Huthman highlighted a recent Chuckanut Health Foundation event, simulating an individual's reentry into the community after incarceration. Council Member Lilliquist and Deputy Police Chief Almer also attended. Council Member Cotton is seeking support to prohibit excessive fees related to residential rentals and mobile home parks. Individuals in the community are encouraged to reach out and share any stories with him and Council. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 6 8/12/2024 Minutes Jace Cotton / Hollie Huthman moved to approve the Legislative Policy Analyst to work on legislation and research related to prohibiting excessive fees at residential rentals and mobile home parks. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Abstained: Michael Lilliquist Council President Hammill thanked the Police and Fire Departments for recent ride-alongs to learn more about the challenges first responders face. Executive Session 2:20 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Litigation: South Bay Suites, LLC; Gene Shannon and Connie Shannon v. City of Bellingham (Erb, approx. 15 min.) Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and direction. 2. Potential Litigation (Chaplin, approx. 15 min.) Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. 3. Potential Litigation (Kraham, approx. 10 min.) Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and discussion. Hollie Huthman / Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into a Settlement Agreement with the Port of Bellingham regarding the Port’s contribution to the cleanup of the R.G. Haley Site in the amount of $3,500,000 to be paid over the course of four years. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Abstained: Michael Lilliquist 4. Potential Litigation (Erb, approx. 10 min.) Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and discussion. Lisa Anderson / Hollie Huthman moved to authorize the Mayor to execute all documents necessary for the City of Bellingham to participate in the settlement of the opioid lawsuit brought by the State of Washington against Kroger, which does business as QFC and Fred Meyer in the State of Washington. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 6 8/12/2024 Minutes 5. Potential Property Acquisition (Marriner, approx. 5 min.) Staff provided information on a potential 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. 24204 1. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 04, 2024 through July 11, 2024 p. 70 24205 2. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 12, 2024 through July 18, 2024 p. 71 24206 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 19, 2024 through July 25, 2024 p. 72 24207 4. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 26, 2024 through August 01, 2024 p. 73 24208 5. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2024 p. 74 24209 6. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated July 1, 2024 to July 15, 2024 p. 75 24210 7. Approval of the 7/15/24 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 76 Hollie Huthman / Jace Cotton moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from 19 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 8:22pm. Daniel Hammill, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 8/26/2024 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 6 8/12/2024 Minutes

Agenda

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Agenda August 12, 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 Manager: Jackie Lassiter Watch Council Meetings Live The City Council Regular meetings are conducted in a hybrid setting: both in-person and online. 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 on BTV: Comcast channels 321 and 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 Language Access: Spanish interpretation will be available at the Regular Meeting at 7:00 PM. In-person attendees will have interpretation headsets available to them. Remote attendees can navigate to www.cob.org/cczoom to login via Zoom, then select the interpretation channel at the bottom of the screen. Those wishing to offer public comment in Spanish will be able to do so and their comments will be interpreted into English. Provide your Input During a Meeting: To speak during a Public Hearing or Public Comment Session, advance registration is required. Sign-up sheets will be available outside the Council Chamber doors starting at 6:30 PM the evening of the meeting. Registration closes when the meeting begins at 7:00 PM. Please note: Public comment is currently available only to in-person attendees. In light of recent hate speech incidents across the state, the Bellingham City Council will not be offering public comment via Zoom until further notice. The City may provide accommodation for individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in City Council’s public comment period, including virtual participation options. Please contact the Council Office at (360) 778-8200 or ccmail@cob.org to request an accommodation no later than 3:00 PM on the day of the meeting. Public comment is always welcome via e-mail, phone, or mail. Before or After a Meeting: Advance written Public Hearing testimony and general written Public Comment can be presented:  By mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225  Electronically: o For a public hearing: https://cob.org/publichearing o For general public comment: E-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org. 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 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. Public Hearing Related to a Surplus Utility Easement – East Illinois and Yew Street On August 26, 2024 the Council will hold a public hearing to take comment on a proposed resolution providing for the City to relinquish a surplus utility easement and a water main easement encumbering a portion of the property at 2900 Yew Street. 4. Public Hearing Related to a Surplus Utility Easement - Bennett Avenue On August 26, 2024 the Council will hold a public hearing to take comment on a proposed resolution providing for the City to relinquish a portion of a surplus general utility easement encumbering a portion of the property at 750 Samish Way. Roll Call Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. 24197 1. Mayor's Appointments to the Justice Project Finance and Facility Advisory Board p. 6 (Approval) 24198 2. Mayor's Appointment to the Greenways Advisory Committee (Approval) p. 13 24199 3. Mayor's Reappointment to the Planning and Development Commission (Approval) p. 17 24200 4. Mayor's Reappointment to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission p. 19 (Information) 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 Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice for Special Meetings of the City Council as Council Members routinely attend and participate in Committees they are not a member of. 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 Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:00 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24201 1. Presentation from the Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department p. 22 on the Progress of the Healthy Children's Fund Committee Of The Whole 1:35 PM Daniel Hammill, Chair Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24185 1. An Ordinance Relating to the Establishment of Identity Theft Prevention Measures for p. 38 Registered Residential Properties throughout the City, Establishing a Requirement for Secure, Locking Mail Receptacles in Chapter 6.15.050 of the Bellingham Municipal Code 24202 2. Interlocal Agreement for the Management of the Remedial Actions of the Cornwall p. 47 Avenue Landfill Cleanup and Modifications to Existing Interlocals between the Port of Bellingham and the City of Bellingham Related to the Cleanup 3. Old/New Business Executive Session 2:20 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Litigation: South Bay Suites, LLC; Gene Shannon and Connie Shannon v. City of Bellingham (Erb, approx. 15 min.) 2. Potential Litigation (Chaplin, approx. 15 min.) 3. Potential Litigation (Kraham, approx. 10 min.) 4. Potential Litigation (Erb, approx. 10 min.) 5. Potential Property Acquisition (Marriner, approx. 5 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. 24203 1. Interlocal Agreement for Use of Amateur Radio Equipment in Fire Stations ITEM p. REMOVED 8.12.24 24204 2. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 04, 2024 through July 11, 2024 p. 70 24205 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 12, 2024 through July 18, 2024 p. 71 24206 4. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 19, 2024 through July 25, 2024 p. 72 24207 5. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 26, 2024 through August 01, 2024 p. 73 24208 6. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2024 p. 74 24209 7. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated July 1, 2024 to July 15, 2024 p. 75 24210 8. Approval of the 7/15/24 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 76 Public Comment Period Advance sign-up is required for participation. Sign-up sheets will be available starting at 6:30 PM the evening of the meeting. Registration closes when the meeting begins at 7:00 PM. Each speaker will have three minutes. Oral public comment is currently only available to in-person attendees. Remote public comment via Zoom has been suspended until further notice. Exceptions for those requiring an accommodation for disability may be made. Please see the first page of the 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 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. Video: Video recordings of each meeting are available on the Internet at https://cob.org/meetings within five 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 Council Office at (360) 778-8200 in advance of the meeting. Next City Council Meeting Monday, August 26, 2024 Deadline to submit material for any public hearing for inclusion in the published agenda packet is 10:00 AM. on Wednesday prior to the meeting.

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