City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 24, 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 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 24442 1. Public Hearing for an Ordinance Relating to the Preservation of Landmark Trees and p. 6 Extending the Interim Development Regulations with Respect to Landmark Trees Throughout the City City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes  Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, provided a summary of the revised landmark tree ordinance and addressed questions from the February 10, 2025 City Council meeting. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Council President Huthman opened the public hearing. Ten individuals provided testimony. Council President Huthman closed the public hearing. Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading. Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved to amend Section 2 of the ordinance, “j. Balance the need to protect urban trees with the climate benefits of increasing density in urban areas. Leads to better development designs that balance the need to protect mature urban trees with other community goals as increased urban density occurs." AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved to amend Section 2 of the ordinance, "j. Balance the need to protect urban trees with the climate benefits of increasing density in urban areas. k. Leads to better development designs that balance the need to protect mature urban trees with other community goals as increased urban density occurs." AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. 24443 1. Mayor's Appointments to the Water Resources Advisory Board (Approval) p. 24 Mayor Lund appointed Alicia Toney and Carl Benson to a first full term on the Water Resources Advisory Board, which will expire on February 25, 2028 and reappointed Bret Beaupain to a first full term on the Water Resources Advisory Board, which will expire on February 25, 2028. Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the following appointments to the Water Resources Advisory Board, • Alicia Toney and Carl Benson to a first full term, which will expire on February 25, 2028 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes  • Reappointment of Bret Beaupain to a first full term, which will expire on February 25, 2028 MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor Lund encouraged the public to provide feedback on current and upcoming proposals related to the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan. Learn more online. Mayor Lund announced the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony for the Northern Lights Parks on March 5th at 4pm. Mayor Lund highlighted two art exhibitions at the Whatcom Museum, • Under the Inspiration Tree: Celebrating the Work of Thomas Wood has less than one week left to be viewed. • Verdant includes three masterworks by Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse. The paintings are on long-term loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., as part of their “Across the Nation” program. 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 9:30 AM Hannah Stone, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 24444 1. Washington State Department of Transportation Grant Acceptance - Squalicum p. 42 Creek Estuary Restoration (EN060) Joel Pfundt, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and Analiese Burns, Habitat & Restoration Manager, presented the grant funding for the Squalicum Creek Estuary Restoration Project, Design Phase from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Local Agency Agreement for $1,840,000. The project addresses three partial fish passage barriers at the mouth of Squalicum Creek on land owned by the City, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, and Port of Bellingham. Council Members discussed the project and grant funding, and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Local Agency Agreement (LAA) funding for the Squalicum Creek Estuary Restoration Project, Design Phase, in the amount of $1,840,000. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24445 2. Bid Award for Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Fence Installation and p. 81 Repair Services, Bid # 75-2024 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes  Mike Olinger, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and Joel Pfundt, Interim Public Works Co-Director, provided a summary of the Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) fence installation and repair services bid. The IDIQ contract is an on-call contract that allows the City to procure work as needed by issuing individual work orders. Council Members discussed the contract and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to award contract No. 75B-2024 for Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) fence installation and repair services to Discount Fence as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for a not to exceed amount of $335,000 over three years, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24433 3. Resolution Adopting 10-Year Fiber Network Comprehensive Plan p. 85 Joel Pfundt, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and John Gaven, Fiber Optic Network Engineer, returned to discuss with Council the 10-Year Fiber Network Comprehensive Plan. Council Members discussed the plan and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to take from the table the motion to approve the 2025-2035 Fiber Network Comprehensive Plan. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2025-05. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to take from the table the motion to request to reconvene members of the Broadband Workgroup to address digital equity and affordability of quality broadband. MOTION FAILED 2-4. OPPOSED: Hollie Huthman, Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams ABSTAINED: Jace Cotton 24446 4. Presentation and Outline of the Nutrient Reduction Evaluation at Post Point p. 114 Mike Olinger, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and Tadd Giesbrecht of Carollo Engineers, presented an update on nutrient reduction efforts at Post Point and preparation for the Nutrient Reduction Evaluation (NRE) report as required by the Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit issued in 2022. Council Members discussed the treatment plant, NRE report, and asked questions. The next update is expected to be in May 2025. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes Community and Economic Development 11:15 AM Jace Cotton, Chair Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24447 1. Consideration of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Grant Recommendations p. 135 Council President Huthman recused herself during this discussion item due to potential business conflicts. Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, and Tara Sundin, Community & Economic Development Manager, presented the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee's (LTAC) grant recommendations for $100,000 to Artist Home to produce a music festival and a $50,000 grant to the Bellingham Bells for a softball tournament called All Night Ball In Bellingham. Council Members discussed the grants and asked questions. Jace Cotton / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of LTAC grant funding for $100,000 to Artist Home for a music festival and $50,000 to the Bellingham Bells for a softball tournament. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. RECUSED: Hollie Huthman City Council Special Meeting 1:00 PM 24461 1. Closed Record Hearing for Consideration of a Street Vacation Petition p. 155 Alan Marriner, City Attorney, and Steve Sundin, Senior Planner, presented the street vacation petition for Morris and Deborah Arthur, to vacate a portion of an unimproved alleyway abutting their property located at 1601 4th Street. The Hearing Examiner held a hearing on August 14, 2024 and on August 22, 2024 issued a recommendation of approval, with conditions, on the street vacation petition. Council Members discussed the street vacation and asked questions. Council voted to adopt the Hearing Examiner's recommendation and approve the street vacation, retain the City’s utility easement in the right-of-way, and require compensation at the appraised value of $46,400. Council also moved the ordinance for first and second reading. Committee Of The Whole 1:10 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24449 1. Whatcom County Five-Year Homeless Housing Plan Development Update p. 176 Jason Korneliussen, Strategic Initiatives Manager for Health & Human Services, Janie Oliphant, Whatcom County Health & Community Service Housing Program Specialist, and Chris D'Onofrio, Whatcom County Health & Community Services Housing and Homeless Services Supervisor, presented an overview of the updated process for the Five-Year Homeless Housing Plan and various City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes  housing programs available to the community. The County Council will adopt a revised plan in fall of 2025. Council Members discussed the plan and asked questions. 24451 2. Update on 2025 State Legislative Session and City Lobbying Activities p. 197 City lobbyists Luke Esser, and Nick Federici, provided an update on the State Legislative Session and bills of interest to the City's priorities and operations. Council President Huthman reported out on Council Member activities from the internal lobbying group. Council Members discussed the legislative session, and asked questions. 24450 3. Study Session Regarding Middle Housing p. 198 Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, and Kurt Nabbefeld, Planning Development Services Manager, provided an overview of middle housing opportunities for the City's Infill Toolkit as directed by the Mayor's Executive Order 2024-02. There will be a draft ordinance for review at the March 24, 2025 meeting. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. 4. Old/New Business Council Member Stone inquired about when the Port of Bellingham presentation that was removed from today's agenda will return to Council. The administration is planning for a March 2025 presentation. Council Member Hammill highlighted the recent opening of the Didgwálič Wellness Center on February 14, 2025 and the services this center will provide for the community. Executive Session 3:10 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Labor Relations: Review Contract Proposal for AFSCME Local No. 114 (Sullivan, approx. 5 min.) Staff provided information on the proposed 2025-2026 collective bargaining agreement between the City and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local No. 114 (Prospect Communications Center). Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to ratify the agreement reached with the following general terms: DURATION: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026 WAGES AND COMPENSATION: • Effective January 1, 2025: 4% COLA. • Effective January 1, 2026: 3% COLA. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes  • Effective following full ratification, implement 3.5%, 4.5%, and 6.5% longevity premiums at 10, 15, and 20 years of service, respectively. In conjunction with implementation of the longevity premiums, eliminate 10-year 1% and 20-year 2% service quality steps. • Effective following full ratification, increase the employer match to deferred compensation to 2%. MEDICAL INSURANCE: • Increase the City’s contribution to medical insurance by 6% each year. OTHER SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: • Increased life insurance coverage to twice the employee’s annual salary. • Collapsed vacation accrual schedule to allow dispatchers to earn vacation leave at a higher rate earlier in their career. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Litigation: Kirkham v. COB et al. (Good, approx. 15 min.) Staff provided information on a litigation matter. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to authorize the Mayor to retain Keating, Bucklin, & McCormick Inc. P.S. to represent the City and individually named officers in the pending litigation. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Potential Litigation (Stamps, approx. 30 min.) 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. 24452 1. Approval of the 2/10/2025 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 232 24453 2. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated January 16, 2025 to January 31, p. 243 2025 24454 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued January 31, 2025 through February 06, 2025p. 244 24455 4. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued February 07, 2025 through February 13, p. 245 2025 24456 5. 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for $40,170.00. p. 246 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes 24457 6. Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom p. 268 Conservation District for the Cooperative Administration of the City's Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program 24458 7. 2025 Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Equipment Grant p. 278 24462 8. 2024 STOP GRANT Through Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) p. 286 24459 9. Approval of New Electrical Service and Property Easement to Puget Sound Energy at p. 317 the Sportsplex 24460 10. Approval of Puget Sound Energy Electrical Utility Easement p. 326 Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 24434 1. An Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Chapter 9.12 to Align with Updated Waste p. 333 Management Practices, State Legislation, and the City's Climate Action Plan Daniel Hammill / 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: Huthman, Stone, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2025-02-003. Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from 16 individuals. To access the recording visit, Public Comment Period Recordings - City of Bellingham. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:52pm. Hollie Huthman, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 3/10/2025 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 8 2/24/2025 Minutes