City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 21, 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 7:00 p.m. 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 Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Mayor Lund honored Tristan as the Chief for a Day. Chief Tristan was sworn in by Judge Deb Lev and Commissioner Nicholas Henery. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes 24609 1. Mayor's appointments to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission p. 6 (Information Only) Mayor Lund made the following appointments to the Neighborhood Advisory Commission: • Deborah Valentine as the Columbia Neighborhood Representative to a first full term, which will expire on July 21, 2027. • Chelsea Campbell as the King Mountain Neighborhood Representative to a first full term, which will expire on July 21, 2027. • Barbara June as the Samish Neighborhood Representative to a first full term, which will expire on July 21,2027. Mayor Lund shared that the City has joined a lawsuit against the federal government (King County v. Turner) to protect grant funding. Public Hearing 24605 1. A Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Relating to the Adoption of the Barkley p. 15 Urban Village Subarea Plan and Associated Development Regulations Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, Darby Galligan, Senior Planner, and Ben Besley, CEO of Talbot Group, presented the draft ordinance, which amends the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Development Code (Title 20), including changes to zoning designations and development regulations, and portions of the Barkley Neighborhood Plan and zoning table to reflect this new overlay. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Agenda Bill #24605, Agenda Bill # 24606, and Agenda Bill #24607 were combined into one public hearing as the items are related to the Barkley Urban Village and associated development regulations on property owned primarily by Talbot Real Estate LLC. Council President Huthman opened the public hearing. Four individuals provided testimony. Council President Huthman closed the public hearing. Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to refer the Barkley Urban Village Agenda Bills 24605, 24606, 24607 to a forthcoming work session as soon as feasible. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24606 2. A Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Establishing the Barkley Urban Village p. 115 Planned Action Pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes  Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, Darby Galligan, Senior Planner, and Ben Besley, CEO of Talbot Group, presented the draft ordinance, which establishes the Barkley Village Planned Action related to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and modifies BMC 16.30 and 16.30.020. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. 24607 3. A Public Hearing to Consider a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a p. 141 Development Agreement with Talbot Real Estate, LLC., Regarding the Development of Barkley Village Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, Darby Galligan, Senior Planner, and Ben Besley, CEO of Talbot Group, presented the draft resolution, which executes an agreement with Talbot Real Estate for further development of Barkley Village. Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. 24608 4. A Public Hearing to Consider the Britton Road / Northern Heights Annexation p. 167 Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager, and Bill Geyer, President of Geyer & Associates, presented on the draft ordinance, which grants the petition by property owners to annex 146 acres into the City of Bellingham. On March 25, 2024, the City Council held a public meeting and approved Resolution #2024-02 to initiate the review process for this request. Council President Huthman opened the public hearing. Four individuals provided testimony. Council President Huthman closed the public hearing. Daniel Hammill / Hannah Stone moved to refer the Britton Road/Northern Heights annexation to the Committee of the Whole for a work session. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Regular Meeting and Committee Sessions The following are heard in both Committee sessions and Regular Meeting in order below: Council Standing Committee Meetings: Committee Of The Whole 1:00 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24589 1. An Ordinance Relating to Equal Protection and Equal Provision of City Services p. 405 Regardless of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Gender Expression, and Creating a New Chapter of the Bellingham Municipal Code Regarding Such Matters City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes  Council Member Stone returned to discuss the ordinance, which creates a new chapter of the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) to provide equal protection of City services for LGBTQ+ community members. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill moved to amend the ordinance: Section X.XX.040 – Administrative Policies (f) The City shall oppose or support legislation or actions at the state or federal level that the mayor and city council determine impact the rights, safety, or dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Bellingham in accordance with this Chapter. Such determination shall be made based on legal review of proposed legislation or related actions, consultation with the City’s lobby team, or feedback from community partners, advocacy groups or members of the public, including the LGBTQ+ community. The mayor and city council shall determine what actions if any the City takes to oppose or support such legislation or actions. Examples of such actions include, but are not limited to, inclusion as part of the City’s lobbying priorities, letters or other written correspondence and in-person meetings with state or federal legislators, testimony during legislative hearings, litigation, or passage of local resolutions, ordinances or other amendments to the BMC. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill moved to amend the ordinance: Section X.XX.050 - Certain Activity Not Precluded Nothing in BMC Chapter X.XX shall be construed to preclude any City police officer or other employee from performing any action that is required by federal or state statute, local law, or court decision or order. For federal or state statutes, court decisions, or court orders that impact the rights, safety, or dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Bellingham as provided for in this Chapter, the mayor or their designee shall provide guidance to City employees on how to perform any action that is required by such federal or state law, court decision, or court order in a manner that protects the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals under this Chapter. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24610 2. A Resolution Deferring to the Voters Initiative No. 2025-03 Prohibiting Landlords p. 414 from Interfering with Tenants Engaged in Protected Activities James Erb, Deputy City Attorney, presented the draft resolution, which defers to the voters Initiative No. 2025-03, which prohibits landlords from interfering with tenants engaged in protected activities. Council must enact the initiative bill, defer the bill to the voters, or reject the bill and pass a different bill dealing with the same subject for the ballot by August 5, 2025 to meet the deadlines established by the auditor. Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Hollie Huthman / Daniel Hammill moved final approval of Resolution #2025-12 as amended during the Committee of the Whole meeting. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes  3. Old/New Business There were no discussion items for Old/New Business. Executive Session 2:00 PM Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Labor Relations: Review contract proposal for IAFF 106S (Danner, approx. 5 min.) Staff provided information on the proposed 2024-2026 collective bargaining agreement between the City and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 106S. Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to ratify the agreement reached with the following general terms: DURATION: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026 WAGES AND COMPENSATION: • Effective Upon Ratification: Increase deferred compensation match by 0.25% to 6%; introduce a 1% Bilingual Premium (based on salary) • Effective January 1, 2024: 4% COLA, 1.5% Market Adjustment • Effective January 1, 2025: 4% COLA • Effective January 1, 2026: 3.75% COLA MEDICAL INSURANCE: Increase the City’s contribution to Medical Health Care by 6% each year. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 3 min.) Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom Watershed property acquisition totaling 0.96 acres with three potential development units. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to authorize the Mayor to close the real estate transaction described in the City’s executed purchase and sale agreement with the property owners, Richard and Lynn Cooper, with a purchase price of $352,500. Closing is to occur on or around August 1, 2025. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 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. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes 24611 1. Approval of the 7/7/2025 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 429 24612 2. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 04, 2025 through July 10, 2025 p. 443 24613 3. Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Officer Wellness Grant p. 444 24614 4. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated June 16, 2025 to June 30, 2025 p. 448 24615 5. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued June 27, 2025 through July 03, 2025 p. 449 24616 6. Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Transit Access Fund Grant Acceptance - p. 450 Texas Street and Woburn Street Crossing Improvements Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 24594 1. An Ordinance Regarding Water Utility Use Rates; Amending Bellingham Municipal p. 458 Code Chapter 15.08 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 #2025-07-013. 24595 2. An Ordinance Regarding Sewer Utility Use Rates; Amending Bellingham Municipal p. 475 Code Chapter 15.12 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 #2025-07-014. 24596 3. An Ordinance Regarding Surface and Stormwater Utility Service Rates; Amending p. 483 Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 15.16 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes  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 #2025-07-015. 24597 4. An Ordinance Regarding the City’s Utility Customer Assistance Program for Low p. 489 Income Households; Amending Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 Forrest Longman, Deputy City Administrator, presented an amendment to the ordinance after receiving feedback from a non-profit housing provider. Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved approval for third and final reading. Jace Cotton / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to amend the ordinance to accept the administration's revisions to the utility customer assistance program ordinance. AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. 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) AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2025-07-016. 24589 5. An Ordinance Relating to Equal Protection and Equal Provision of City Services p. 493 Regardless of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Gender Expression, and Creating a New Chapter of the Bellingham Municipal Code Regarding Such Matters Hannah Stone / 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 #2025-07-017. Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from 23 individuals. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes  To access the recording visit, Public Comment Period Recordings - City of Bellingham. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:41 p.m. Hollie Huthman, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 8/11/2025 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 8 7/21/2025 Minutes