City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes February 9, 2026, 7:00 PM Chair: Hannah Stone Phone: 360-778-8200 Members: Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Email: ccmail@cob.org Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Web: cob.org/council Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton Regular meeting The following items are heard in the Regular Meeting only. Call to order and roll call The meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 7:00 p.m. Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second 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 Announcements and upcoming meetings The 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 Page 1 of 9  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 Hearing On February 23, 2026, the City Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city for an additional six months. Details can be found at meetings.cob.org six days before the public hearing. Written testimony may be submitted in advance of the public hearing at cob.org/publichearing. Comments received at least eight days before the hearing will be included in the published Council packet. Comments received after the deadline will be distributed to all Council Members but will not be published in the packet. Instructions on speaking at the public hearing can be found on this agenda under “how to provide input.” 4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting will be held on February 23, 2026. Public hearing 24824 1. A public hearing regarding the surplus property declaration of 1504 I p. 6 Street and 1506 I Street Summary: Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, presented the surplus property declaration for 1504 I Street and 1506 I Street. Council Members discussed the proposal and asked questions. Action: Council President Stone opened the public hearing. Three individuals provided testimony. Council President Stone closed the public hearing. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the subject parcels, 1504 I Street and 506 I Street, as surplus and designate the property for special disposition through a negotiated sale using a request for proposals process. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Page 2 of 9 Appointments 24817 1. Mayor's appointments to the Water Resources Advisory Board (approval) p. 27 Summary: Mayor Lund recommended several appointments to the Water Resources Advisory Board for Council's approval. Action: Lisa Anderson / Hollie Huthman moved to approve the Mayor’s appointments of the following members to the Water Resources Advisory Board: • Appoint Kristin Haider to a first term on the expiring on February 9, 2029 • Reappoint Kirsten McDade to a first full term expiring on January 29, 2029 • Reappoint John Peppel to a first full term expiring on January 29, 2029 MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24818 2. Mayor's appointments to the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission p. 39 (approval) Summary: Mayor Lund recommended several appointments to the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission for Council's approval. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Jace Cotton moved to approve the Mayor’s appointment of the following members to the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission: • Benny Spencer (District 1) • Sharayah Lane (District 2) • Neesha Randeo (District 5) • Sara O'Connor (District 5) MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24819 3. Mayor's appointments to the Arts Commission (approval) p. 54 Summary: Mayor Lund recommended several appointments to the Arts Commission for Council's approval. Page 3 of 9  Action: Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman moved to approve the Mayor’s appointment of the following members to the Arts Commission: • Patricia McDonnell to a first full term expiring on January 1, 2030 • Phillip Freytag to a first full term expiring on January 22, 2030 MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups. Summary: Council Member Anderson shared an update from the February 4th Lake Whatcom Policy Group meeting. The meeting focused on aquatic invasive species program and staff mitigation efforts to prevent invasive mussels in our waters. They also reviewed the upcoming agenda for the April 4th Joint Lake Whatcom Council meeting in Council chambers. Council Member Hammill thanked the alternate response team (ART) for a ride-a-long and the team’s support for community members in crisis. He expressed support for expanding ART program availability to evenings and weekends. Council Member Hammill reported that he participated in a civics class from Options High School where students asked thoughtful questions about the City’s budget. Council Member Hammill thanked BPD staff for a nighttime public safety ride-a-long. Council Member Hammill thanked Fire Chief Hewett for providing a high-level public safety overview of the City’s needs during a recent ride-a-long. He also thanked WhatComm staff for allowing him to shadow dispatch calls and emphasized the need for modern infrastructure. Council Member Hammill thanked Rebecca Judd, Library Director, for a recent tour of four library branches. Council President Stone shared a lobbying update as the state is nearly halfway through its 60-day session. The City has engaged in a variety of activities, including advocating for $1.5 million funding for a day shelter, two transportation projects for the Potter Street roundabout and pedestrian improvements on Lincoln Street and railroad improvements on Pine Street. The City signed onto letters expressing support for LEED funding, and an AWC letter urging preservation of Public Works Assistance Fund Account. Planning and Community Development Director Blake Lyon testified on several housing related bills including HB 2480, HB 5633, SB 6633, SB 5609, SB 6274, and SB 2266. More information is available on the state government relations page, cob.org/state-government-relations. Page 4 of 9 Committee meeting reports The following committee meetings are held during the day. Committee chairs will present a summary of each agenda item during the evening meeting, and further discussion or action may take place if needed. Committee meetings are open to the public to attend, however committee agendas do not include public comment sessions. Public Works and Natural Resources 1 p.m. 24826 1. Contract award for What-comm Emergency Communications Center, p. 61 Project EF183, Bid No. 59B-2025 Summary: Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director, and Carol Rofkar, Public Works Assistant Director - Internal Services, presented the contract award for the WhatComm Emergency Communications Center Project EF183. The project will replace an aging and failing facility building. Colacurcio Brothers, Inc. was the responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of $12,763,390.80, including any applicable sales or use tax. Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to award contract 59B-2025 for the WhatComm Emergency Communications Center Project EF183 to Colacurcio Brothers, Inc.in the amount of $12,763,390.80. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24829 2. An ordinance adopting a four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for p. 67 2025-2029 and implementing measures as required by RCW 70A.15.4000 Summary: Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director - Transportation, and Dylan Casper, Transportation Planner, presented the ordinance adopting a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan for 2025-2029 to ensure compliance with RCW 70A.15.4000. The CTR program establishes requirements for affected employers to encourage alternative commute modes and reduce single-occupant vehicle commute trips. In connection with the ordinance, an interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) is required to administer the program. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading as amended. Page 5 of 9  Action: Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved to amend the plan to set a 57% drive-alone-rate to align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. Action: Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to amend the plan by removing SilFab Solar Inc. as a City of Bellingham site. AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24828 3. An interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments for p. 99 administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart Trips Program Summary: Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director - Transportation, and Dylan Casper, Transportation Planner, presented the interlocal agreement (ILA) with the Whatcom Council of Governments for administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart Trips Program. The ILA is required with the passing of the ordinance to adopt the four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for 2025-2029. Council Members discussed the ILA and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments for administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart Trips Program. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Community and Economic Development 1:35 p.m. 24822 1. Discussion regarding the surplus declaration process for 1504 I Street p. 107 and 1506 I Street Summary: Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, presented the surplus declaration process for 1504 I Street and 1506 I Street. In 1990, the City conveyed the Page 6 of 9  properties to the Opportunity Council, who no longer intends to operate the property as a transitional housing facility. A public hearing will be held at tonight's regular meeting to allow for public input. Council Members discussed the surplus declaration and asked questions. 24823 2. Consideration of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee grant p. 128 recommendations for the Bellingham Fan Zone and Downtown Activations and Beautification Program Summary: Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, presented grants for Council's consideration as recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for the Bellingham Fan Zone and Downtown Activations and Beautification Program. Council Members discussed the LTAC recommendations and asked questions. Action: Jace Cotton / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) grant recommendations for the Bellingham Fan Zone and Downtown Activations and Beautification Program. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 2:05 p.m. 24827 1. Confirmation of Mayor's appointment of Bridget Bryck as special counsel p. 133 to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission Summary: Alan Marriner, City Attorney, presented the appointment of Bridget Bryck as special counsel to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission, subject to confirmation by Bellingham City Council under BMC 3.16.040. Council Members discussed the appointment and asked questions. Action: Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of Bridget Bryck as special counsel to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Old or new business Page 7 of 9  Summary: Council President Stone highlighted the “Flexible Spending” article in the CityVision magazine,” featuring the City’s use of real estate excise taxes (REET) to fund projects such as the Library renovation and tiny home villages. Executive session 2:25 p.m. 1. Potential litigation: claim no. 2025-36 (Phillips, approx. 15 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. Consent agenda Consent Agenda items are considered routine and/or non-controversial 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. 24820 1. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated December 16, 2025 to p. 134 December 31, 2025 24821 2. An interlocal agreement with Whatcom County for probation services p. 135 24825 3. Authorization of AP transactions issued January 9, 2026 through January p. 156 15, 2026 Action: Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final consideration of ordinances 24813 1. An ordinance relating to the Municipal Court and amending Bellingham p. 157 Municipal Code section 2.16.030 to provide for the creation of a second full-time municipal judge position, an appointment process for newly created or vacated municipal judge positions, and an election for the second municipal judge position for a full judicial term beginning on January 1, 2030 Page 8 of 9  Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman 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: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-02-002. 24808 2. An ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to operate and p. 161 maintain fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of commercial telecommunications services to businesses and residents Action: 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: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-02-003. Public comment period City Council heard public comments from three individuals. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 3/9/2026 Page 9 of 9