City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 3, 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. 3. Upcoming Public Hearings The City Council will hold five public hearings on November 17, 2025 on the following topics: 1. A proposed resolution providing for the City to relinquish a water main easement, that encumbers a portion of the property commonly known as 404 Baker Street 2. A proposed resolution providing for the City to relinquish a portion of a general utility easement which encumbers a portion of the property commonly known as 925 10th Street 3. A proposed ordinance adopting interim zoning regulations for objective design standards, guidelines, and review process, and superseding rules related to design review to align with recent state legislation for purposes of streamlining development regulations and the development review process. 4. A proposed ordinance extending and modifying interim zoning regulations to apply Infill Housing in all areas that are zoned predominantly for residential use, except on property regulated by Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory Provisions, for an additional six months. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes  5. A draft ordinance to amend several regulations in the Bellingham Municipal Code to allow co-living housing in zoning designations that allow multi-family housing, update and add definitions relevant to co-living, and replace references to the word "family" with "household” Additional information and details for each hearing will be available on meetings.cob.org five days prior to the hearings. 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 24725 1. Second Public Hearing on the 2026 Budget p. 7 Forrest Longman, Deputy Administrator, and Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, provided an overview of the proposed 2026 budget. Council Members discussed the 2026 budget proposal and asked questions. Council President Huthman opened the public hearing. Three individuals provided testimony. Council President Huthman closed the public hearing. 24716 2. A Public Hearing for an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 City of Bellingham p. 19 Comprehensive Plan, Including the Future Land Use Map Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager, and Elizabeth Erickson, Senior Planner, presented the ordinance adopting the 2025 Bellingham Comprehensive Plan. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Council President Huthman opened the public hearing. Seventeen individuals provided testimony. Council President Huthman closed the public hearing. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes  Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to refer this item to Committee of the Whole for an additional work session. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Jace Cotton / Hannah Stone moved to recommend adoption of the housing appendix to the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24715 3. A Public Hearing for an Ordinance Relating to Land Use and Zoning, Extending p. 256 Interim Zoning Regulations to Eliminate Minimum Automobile Parking Requirements and Establish Consistent Bicycle Parking Standards Citywide for an Additional Six Months Blake Lyon, Planning & Community Development Director, Anya Gedrath, Planner, and Elizabeth Erickson, Senior Planner, presented the ordinance, which extends the interim parking regulations for an additional six months. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Michael Lilliquist moved to amend Section 1 E of the ordinance: E. ADA Parking - Accessible parking shall be installed for all new construction except for the following: a. Those projects built under the International Residential Code; or b. Development with 6 or fewer units in an existing single building where the International Building Code requirements are not applicable; or c. Use changes or the creation MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 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 as amended. Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to amend to include an endorsement for the staff workplan as outlined in the presentation. AMENDMENT CARRIED 6-0. ABSTAINED: Jace Cotton AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. 24726 1. Mayor's Reappointment to the Civil Service Commission (Approval) p. 293 Mayor Lund reappointed Kathy Washatka to a fourth term on the Civil Service Commission, which will expire on January 1, 2031. Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of Kathy Washatka to a fourth term on the Civil Service Commission, which will expire on January 1, 2031. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24727 2. Mayor's Appointment to the Community Development Advisory Board (Information p. 296 Only) Mayor Lund appointed Bernice Portervint to a first term on the Community Development Advisory Board, which will expire on November 3, 2028. 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 10:00 AM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24712 1. Budget Work Session p. 305 Judge Deborah Lev and Tami Bennett, Municipal Court Director, provided an overview of the court's proposed 2026 budget and work plan. Council members discussed the court's proposed budget and asked questions. Council President Huthman and Jackie Weller, Legislative Office Manager, provided an overview of the department's proposed 2026 budget and work plan. Council members discussed the department's proposed budget and asked questions. Mayor Lund, Janice Keller, Deputy Administrator, and Forrest Longman, Deputy Administrator, provided an overview of the department's proposed 2026 budget and work plan. Council members discussed the department's proposed budget and asked questions. 24713 2. Renewal of the Interlocal Agreement for Probation Services with the Whatcom p. 311 County District Court Probation Department City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes  Tami Bennett, Municipal Court Director, presented the interlocal agreement (ILA) allowing for probation services with the Whatcom County District Court Probation Department. Council Members discussed the ILA and asked questions. Hollie Huthman / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the interlocal agreement (ILA) for Probation Services with the Whatcom County District Court Probation Department. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24711 3. A Resolution Adding the Impact Fee Schedule for the Bellingham School District to p. 318 the Capital Facilities Plan Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager, and Elizabeth Erickson, Senior Planner, presented the resolution adding the impact fee schedule for the Bellingham School District to the Capital Facilities Plan. Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Hollie Huthman / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2025-24. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24714 4. An Ordinance Relating to the Levy of Taxes and Establishing the Amount to be Raised p. 368 in 2026 on the Assessed Valuation of Property within the City Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, and Eric Johnson, Budget & Treasury Manager, presented the ordinance establishing the City's property tax levy for 2026. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Hollie Huthman / Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24719 5. A Resolution Setting the Dates and Times of the 2026 City Council Meetings p. 372 Council President Huthman and Jackie Weller, Legislative Office Manager, presented the proposed 2026 City Council meeting schedule. Council Members discussed the schedule and asked questions. Hollie Huthman / Michael Lilliquist moved final approval of Resolution #2025-25. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 6. Old/New Business There were no discussion items for Old/New Business. Executive Session - 1:45 PM City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 3 min.) Staff briefed Council on the City’s pending agreement to purchase a 0.49-acre property from BNSF Railway Company. The property is being acquired for street improvements. The property is located on Wharf Street near the State Street roundabout and is identified by Assessor’s Parcel Number 380331 007469. The purchase price is $75,470.50. Closing is set to occur in the first quarter of 2026, subject to Council approval. 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 owner, BNSF Railway Company, with a purchase price of $75,470.50. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 3 min.) ITEM REMOVED 10.31.25 3. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 5 min.) Staff briefed Council on the City’s pending agreement to purchase a 4.62-acre property from James C. Steel. The property is located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and is identified by Assessor’s Parcel Number 370428 218518. The purchase price is $227,500. Closing is set to occur on or before November 14, 2025, subject to Council approval. The property will be acquired through the City’s Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose. The Program is funded by City water customers through a watershed surcharge on their utility bill. Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson 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, James C. Steel, with a purchase price of $227,500. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Public Works and Natural Resources 2:00 PM Hannah Stone, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 24710 1. A Contract Award for Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Roofing Repair and p. 376 Maintenance Services, Bid #72B-2025 Carol Rofkar, Assistant Director of Internal Services, and Matt Stamps, Senior Assistant City Attorney, presented the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) roofing repair and maintenance services contract award. The IDIQ contract is an on-call contract that allows the City to procure work as needed on individual work orders for a discrete project. Each work order is priced City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes  based upon the labor and material markups provided in the contractor's bid proposal. Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to award contract No. 72B-2025 for the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) roofing repair and maintenance services to SRS Roofing Company, as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of $115,185.75, which includes any applicable WSST. 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. 24720 1. Approval of the 10/13/2025 Special City Council Committee Minutes p. 381 24721 2. Approval of the 10/20/2025 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 384 24717 3. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued October 10, 2025 through October 16, 2025 p. 395 24718 4. Interagency Agreement between the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the p. 396 Bellingham Police Department 24722 5. 2025 Interlocal Agreement between the Bellingham Housing Authority and the p. 420 Bellingham Police Department 24723 6. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued October 17, 2025 through October 23, 2025 p. 427 24724 7. Interpreter Reimbursement p. 428 Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 24695 1. An Ordinance Regarding the Establishment and Operation of a Bellingham Mitigation p. 443 Bank Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist 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) City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes  MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2025-11-027. 24707 2. An Ordinance Relating to the Vacation of a Portion of an Unimproved Alley Generally p. 452 Located Between Iowa and Kentucky Streets and Pacific and Racine Streets in Bellingham, Washington Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / 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 #2025-11-028. 24708 3. An Ordinance Relating to the Vacation of the Western One-Half of Iron Street p. 464 Abutting Rock Hill Park Between Potter Street and Interstate-5 in Bellingham, Washington Lisa Anderson / 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 #2025-11-029. Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from five individuals. To access the recording visit, Public Comment Period Recordings - City of Bellingham Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Hollie Huthman, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 11/17/2025 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 8 11/3/2025 Minutes