City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025, 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 Huthman 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. Roll Call Present: Council President Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Hannah Stone, First Ward (Attended remotely) Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third 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 24412 1. Public Hearing on Potential Surplus Sale of Real Property Located at Cornwall Avenue p. 6 and E. Pine Street City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes  Joel Pfundt, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and Matt Stamps, Senior Assistant City Attorney, presented the potential surplus sale of property at Cornwall Ave and E Pine Street, Whatcom County Assessor’s Parcel No. 380236 498434. Council Members discussed the surplus sale and asked questions. Council President Huthman opened the public hearing. One individual provided testimony. Council President Huthman closed the public hearing. Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to declare Parcel No. 380236 498434 property surplus and authorize its sale to Farm View LLC for $7,500.00, subject to the City’s retention of a sewer easement. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. 24413 1. Mayor's Appointments to the Keep Washington Working Act Work Group (Approval) p. 11 Mayor Lund appointed the following inaugural members to the Keep Washington Working Act Work Group, Rebecca Agiewich, Eamon Bollinger, Catalina Hope, Holly Pai, Scott Powell, Krystal Rodriguez, Abigail Senuty, and Ian Garconnette. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of Rebecca Agiewich, Eamon Bollinger, Catalina Hope, Holly Pai, Scott Powell, Krystal Rodriguez, Abigail Senuty, and Ian Garconnette as the inaugural members of the Keep Washington Working Act Work Group. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24414 2. Mayor's Reappointment to the Greenways Advisory Committee (Approval) p. 39 Mayor Lund reappointed Sarah Gardner to a first full term on the Greenways Advisory Committee, which will expire in January 2028. Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend the reappointment of Sarah Gardner to a first full term on the Greenways Advisory Committee, which will expire in January 2028. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes 24415 3. Mayor's Reappointment to the Transportation Commission (Approval) p. 43 Mayor Lund reappointed Katy Scherrer to a second full term on the Transportation Commission, which will expire on January 27, 2028. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend the reappointment of Katy Scherrer to a second full term on the Transportation Commission, which will expire on January 27, 2028. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24416 4. Mayor's Reappointment of the Hearing Examiner p. 48 Mayor Lund reappointed Sharon Rice as the City's Hearing Examiner for the next two years. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Jace Cotton moved to recommend approval of Sharon Rice as the Hearing Examiner for an additional two years. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor Lund reiterated that the Bellingham Police Department will not be participating in immigration enforcement, and the City is following the Keep Washington Working Act. Mayor Lund provided an update on the Bakerview encampment clean-up and the ongoing challenges and safety concerns of encampments. You can learn more online. She acknowledged the need for additional resources to address the housing crisis and increase emergency shelter capacity. Mayor Lund thanked the community for their participation in events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through acts of service and reflection. 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, Jace Cotton 24417 1. Holly Street Bike Lane Pilot Project Update p. 49 Joel Pfundt, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and Shane Sullivan, Transportation Engineer, presented an update on the Holly Street Bike Lane Pilot Project. In May 2024, the project installed a new bicycle lane on Holly Street through the core downtown area. Council Members discussed the pilot project and asked questions. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes 24418 2. Community Streets Program Update p. 112 Joel Pfundt, Interim Public Works Co-Director, Shane Sullivan, Transportation Engineer, and Hailey Sanders, Education & Outreach Specialist, provided a summary of the Community Streets Program and proposed work plan. The program is a resident-driven initiative that addresses traffic concerns on residential streets. Council Members discussed the program and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the Community Streets Program implementation plan. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24419 3. Adoption of the Lake Whatcom Management Program 5-year Work Plan 2025-2029 p. 148 Joel Pfundt, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and Renee LaCroix, Assistant Director of Natural Resources, presented the draft resolution adopting the Lake Whatcom Management Program (LWMP) 2025-2029 Work Plan. The LWMP is a collaboration between the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District to develop work plans to coordinate and align collective efforts. Council Members discussed the work plan and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2025-04. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:00 PM Daniel Hammill, Chair Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Michael Lilliquist 24421 1. Interlocal Agreement for the Purchase of PFAS Free Response Gear p. 226 Fire Chief Bill Hewett, and David Pethick, Assistant Fire Chief, presented the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to purchase PFAS free response gear for Fire Department employees. The ILA provides funding from the Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy for employees that are home- funded in the Medic One Fund. The gear is expected to be distributed in the second quarter of 2025. Council Members discussed the ILA and asked questions. Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to purchase PFAS free response gear. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24422 2. Update of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) p. 232 Fire Chief Bill Hewett, and Jonah Stinson, Emergency Management Plans Coordinator, presented modifications to the City's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). The CEMP allows City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes  for broader emergency management systems coordination across the state. The draft CEMP will be sent to Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division by March 31, 2025 and after review staff will return to Council for formal adoption. Council Members discussed the CEMP and asked questions. Community and Economic Development 1:25 PM Jace Cotton, Chair Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24423 1. Authorization to Enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County to Share p. 234 the Costs of a Severe Weather Shelter Tara Sundin, Community & Economic Development Manager, and Ann Beck, Community Health & Human Services Manager at Whatcom County Health & Community Services, presented on the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Whatcom County to share the costs of operating a severe weather shelter. The County will invest the first $450,000 with the City sharing up to an additional $150,000. Council Members discussed the ILA and asked questions. Jace Cotton / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Whatcom County to share the costs of operating a severe weather shelter. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 1:35 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24424 1. The Bellingham Plan Presentation and Discussion of Project Status, Key Issues, and p. 244 Schedule for 2025 Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development Director, and Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Blake Ly Manager, provided an update on the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan. Since 2023, staff have been Manage engaging community feedback and incorporating new community priorities and state requirements engagin into the revision of the 20-year plan. Council will need to adopt a plan by the end of 2025. Council into the Members discussed the plan and asked questions. Membe 24425 2. Discussion and Approval of Council Standing Committee Structure p. 261 Council President Huthman reviewed the current proposal from the Administration to modify the Council committee structure. The proposal removes the Climate Action Committee and incorporates that work into Committee of the Whole or other relevant committees. The proposal also establishes a Finance and Budget Committee. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes  Hollie Huthman / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to dissolve the Climate Action Committee, create a Finance and Budget Committee, with Councilmember Anderson as Committee Chair and Councilmember Lilliquist and Councilmember Hammill as members. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. ABSTAINED: Daniel Hammill 24426 3. Discussion of Council Assignments to Boards, Commissions, Task Forces, and Other p. 262 Groups Council discussed the role of standing committees and how to move forward with current assignments. All committee assignments will remain the same with the following changes, • Councilmember Stone will serve on the Sustainable Connections and Downtown Bellingham Partnership Boards • Councilmember Anderson will serve as the Fire Pension Board representative • Council seats on the Bellingham International Airport Advisory and Port Marina Advisory Committees will be vacant 4. Old/New Business Councilmember Lilliquist summarized construction updates on the new jail facility and will forward information to the rest of Council. Council President Huthman shared that Council plans to resume public comment via Zoom in the near future. Executive Session 3:00 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 10 min.) Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition totaling 754.02 acres with five potential development units. Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to authorize the Mayor to close the real estate transaction described in the City’s executed purchase and sale agreement with the property owner, Nielsen Brothers, Inc., with a purchase price of $3,650,000. In addition, the City will pay designated forest land (DFL) compensating tax ($184,412 est.) and real estate excise tax ($96,830 est.). Closing is to occur on or around February 14, 2025. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Litigation: Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 / Walton Grievance (Chaplin, approx. 10 min.) City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes  Lisa Anderson / Jace Cotton moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into a settlement agreement with the following terms: withdrawal of grievance and waiver of all related claims for a payment to the grievant of $25,000. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Labor Relations: Review Contract Proposal for AFSCME Local No 114L (Sullivan, approx. 5 min.) Staff provided information on the proposed 2025-2027 collective bargaining agreement between the City and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Local No 114L. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to ratify the agreement reached with the following general terms: DURATION: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027 WAGES AND COMPENSATION: • Effective January 1, 2025: 3% COLA • Effective January 1, 2026: 3% COLA • Effective January 1, 2027: 3% COLA • Increase deferred compensation match to 2% • Increase longevity premium to 1.5% at 10 years of service and 2.5% at 20 years of service MEDICAL INSURANCE: • Increase the City’s contribution to medical health care by 6% each year Other Significant Issues: • If the City provides E-Team or Teamsters 231 employees with a 2026 or 2027 wage increase greater than 3%, the City shall increase the total compensation by the same percentage for 114L employees MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Labor Relations: Discuss Collective Bargaining Strategy (Sullivan, approx. 5 min.) - ITEM ADDED 1/27/25 Staff provided information on a labor relations matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. 5. Potential Litigation (Stone, approx 5 min.) City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes  Staff provided information on a potential litigation 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. 24427 1. Approval of the 1/6/2025 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 263 24428 2. Approval of the 1/13/2025 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 270 24429 3. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated December 16, 2024 to p. 289 December 31, 2024 24430 4. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued January 03, 2025 through January 09, 2025 p. 290 24431 5. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued January 10, 2025 through January 16, 2025 p. 291 24432 6. Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Whatcom Conservation District for Wildfire Risk p. 292 Reduction Education Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 24397 1. An Ordinance Regarding Temporary Right of Way Use Permits Amending Chapter p. 299 13.14 of the Bellingham Municipal Code Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill 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: Huthman, Stone, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2025-01-002. Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from eight individuals. To access the recording visit, Public Comment Period Recordings - City of Bellingham. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20pm. Hollie Huthman, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 2/10/2025 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 9 of 9 1/27/2025 Minutes