City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 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 (Attended remotely) 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 24492 1. Bellingham Municipal Court State of the Court Address p. 6 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 7 4/14/2025 Minutes  Judge Debra Lev, Court Commissioner Nicholas Henery, and Tami Bennett, Court Director, provided a State of the Court presentation with a review of 2024 caseloads, therapeutic courts, and additional court programs. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. 24500 1. Mayor's Appointment to the Greenways Advisory Committee (Approval) p. 31 Mayor Lund appointed Derek Ormerod to a first term on the Greenways Advisory Committee, which will expire on April 14, 2028. Lisa Anderson / Jace Cotton moved to recommend approval of Derek Ormerod to a first term on the Greenways Advisory Committee, which will expire on April 14, 2028. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24502 2. Mayor's Appointment to the Whatcom Museum Foundation Board (Approval) p. 35 Mayor Lund appointed Kelsi Stine-Rowe to a first term on the Whatcom Museum Foundation Board, which will expire on April 13, 2028. Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of Kelsi Stine-Rowe to a first term on the Whatcom Museum Foundation Board, which will expire on April 13, 2028. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24498 3. Mayor's Appointment to the Bellingham Housing Authorities Board of p. 41 Commissioners (Information) Mayor Lund reappointed Alana Pattermann to a full term on the Bellingham Housing Authorities Board of Commissioners, which will expire on March 18, 2030. There will be a corresponding appointment by the Whatcom County Executive. Mayor Lund reenforced the City’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming community for all, highlighting Resolution 2017-10, which affirmed the safety of all people residing in Bellingham. Mayor Lund highlighted that the City would receive a $1.7 million grant to construct a community solar array as a result of a Northwest Clean Air Agency fine in Whatcom County. Regular Meeting and Committee Sessions The following are heard in both Committee sessions and Regular Meeting in order below: Council Standing Committee Meetings: City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 7 4/14/2025 Minutes Public Works and Natural Resources 10:00 AM Hannah Stone, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 24493 1. Water System Plan, Nutrient Reduction Evaluation, and Utility-Wide Financial p. 43 Information Presentation Mike Olinger, Interim Public Works Co-Director, and Mike Wilson, Assistant Director of Public Works-Engineering, provided an overview of long-range planning efforts for utility services in the City. Aurelie Nabonnand and Susanna Leung of Carollo Engineers and Tage Aaker of FCS Group presented potential system updates for the Water System Plan, Nutrient Reduction Evaluation for the State, and possible financial rate impacts as a result of system upgrades. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions, and agreed to refer this item to the Budget and Finance Committee for additional discussion. Budget and Finance 1:00 PM Lisa Anderson, Chair Daniel Hammill, Michael Lilliquist 24511 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2025 Adopted Budget Reconciling the Differences p. 101 Between Estimated 2025 Beginning Reserve Balances and Actual 2025 Reserve Balances. Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, and Eric Johnson, Budget & Treasury Manager, provided a summary of the draft ordinance amending the 2025 reserve and actual balances. Per the City's Financial Policy, at the beginning of each budget cycle, the City must update the budget with actual beginning reserves and estimate new ending reserves. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Council voted to postpone further consideration of the ordinance until the April 28, 2025 meeting. 24512 2. An Ordinance Amending the 2025 Budget Increasing Appropriation Authority in p. 109 Various Funds to Pay for Goods and Services Authorized in the Previous Budget Cycle Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, and Eric Johnson, Budget & Treasury Manager, provided a summary of the draft ordinance, which reappropriates unused budget authority of $104,570,732 in expenses and $10,131,421 in revenue from the 2023-2024 biennium. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Council voted to postpone further consideration of the ordinance until the April 28, 2025 meeting. 24513 3. An Ordinance Amending the 2025 Budget - Amendment No. 1 p. 121 Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, and Eric Johnson, Budget & Treasury Manager, provided a summary of the draft ordinance, which amends the 2025 budget to correct budgetary errors, adjust appropriation authority to provide positive estimated ending reserve balances for all City funds, and adds budget authority for items missed during budget development or materialized after adoption. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 7 4/14/2025 Minutes  Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Council voted to postpone further consideration of the ordinance until the April 28, 2025 meeting. Committee Of The Whole 1:10 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24505 1. A Presentation on Waterfront District Project Implementation p. 127 Tara Sundin, Economic & Community Development Manager, and Brian Gouran, Director of Environmental & Planning Services at the Port of Bellingham, summarized recent and upcoming Waterfront District projects and the partnership between the two entities. Council Members discussed the various projects and asked questions. 24506 2. Consideration of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Funding p. 147 Recommendation Tara Sundin, Economic & Community Development Manager, presented a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding request that was deferred in 2024 as needing additional feasibility review. The LTAC recommends a $54,000 grant to Sparks Design for an art and lighting installation on the alley side of the Lightcatcher Building of the Whatcom Museum. Council Members discussed the funding request and asked questions. Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of a LTAC $54,000 grant to Sparks Design for an art and lighting installation on the alley side of the Lightcatcher building of the Whatcom Museum. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24510 3. Health and Human Services Strategic Initiatives Presentation p. 151 Jason Korneliussen, Strategic Initiatives Manager for Health & Human Services, provided an overview of his work since beginning his position six months ago, including his current and future work goals and priorities. Council Members discussed and asked questions. 24501 4. Work Session on an Ordinance Relating to Landlord Tenant Relations, Adopting a p. 152 New Chapter in Title 6 of the Bellingham Municipal Code Prohibiting Landlords from Charging Tenants Unfair or Excessive Fees in Residential Rental Agreements and Leases At the March 24, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, staff presented a summary of the public engagement findings for outreach on the draft ordinance. This work session was designated as time for Council Members to discuss the ordinances and suggest any amendments. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 7 4/14/2025 Minutes  Council Member Cotton presented proposed revisions to the draft ordinance. Council requested additional time to review the draft and for the administration to review and agreed that this item would return to Council at the May 5, 2025 meeting. Council Member Stone requested the administration review its use and definition of family members vs. household members in the ordinance. 24502 5. Work Session on an Ordinance Related to Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord p. 162 Tenant Relations, Adopting a New Chapter in Title 6 of the Bellingham Municipal Code Prohibiting Landlords from Charging Unfair or Excessive Fees in Manufactured/Mobile Home Lease Agreements At the March 24, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, staff presented a summary of the public At the M engagement findings for outreach on the draft ordinance. This work session was designated as time engagem for Council Members to discuss the ordinances and suggest any amendments. This agenda item will amendm return for additional discussion at the May 5, 2025 meeting. and ask meeting 6. Old/New Business Council Member Lilliquist highlighted April as Volunteer Month. He thanked Ethan Hunger for his fundraising efforts for the Bellingham Food Bank and congratulated him on receiving a Service Award from Serve Washington, the state commission on volunteerism. Council Member Lilliquist also mentioned several volunteer opportunities around the City including, • Parks & Recreation Work Parties such as April 19th Squalicum Creek Work Party • Public Works Litter Clean-up Kits • Build tiny homes with HomesNow! Council Member Stone inquired about reaffirming Resolution 2017-10. Michael Lilliquist / Jace Cotton moved to request Council Member Stone review and consider drafting a new resolution, which reaffirms Resolution 2017-10. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Council Member Cotton highlighted an earlier discussion from Old/New Business during the Committee of the Whole meeting on two letters regarding contract negotiations at PeaceHealth. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Jace Cotton moved to recommend approval of the revised draft letters to be shared with PeaceHealth leadership and healthcare workers. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 7 4/14/2025 Minutes  Council President Huthman provided an update on the state legislative session, which adjourns on April 27, 2025. Executive Session 3:40 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 Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition totaling 42.37 acres with eight potential development units. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Michael Lilliquist 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, Jeffry & Rebecca Curtis and Douglas & Marilyn Curtis, with a purchase price of $653,500. Closing is to occur on or around April 28, 2025. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Litigation: DeBruin et. al v. City of Bellingham (Good, approx. 10 min.) Staff provided information on a 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. 24494 1. Approval of the 3/24/2025 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 172 24495 2. Interlocal Agreement for Paramedic Training Program with Bellingham Technical p. 184 College 24496 3. Amendment to Interlocal Agreement for Recreational Services with Bellingham p. 197 School District 24497 4. Utility Easement Agreement Between City of Bellingham and Port of Bellingham for p. 203 Stormwater Infrastructure 24499 5. Acceptance of a $50,000 State and Local Government Cybersecurity Grant (SLGCG) p. 214 for Cybersecurity for Infrastructure Review, Coordination and Planning 24503 6. Approve Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County for Purchase of Litter and p. 218 Recycling Receptacles 24504 7. Authorize the Mayor to Enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County to p. 224 Utilize Offender Work Crews to Perform Clean-up and Vegetation Management City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 7 4/14/2025 Minutes 24507 8. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued March 28, 2025 through April 03, 2025 p. 235 24508 9. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued March 21, 2025 through March 27, 2025 p. 236 24509 10. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated March 1, 2025 to March 15, p. 237 2025 Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Jace Cotton moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from 31 individuals. To access the recording visit, Public Comment Period Recordings - City of Bellingham. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:11pm. Hollie Huthman, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 4/28/2025 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 7 4/14/2025 Minutes