City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes February 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m. 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. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting will be held on March 9, 2026. Public hearing 24843 1. A public hearing for an ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark p. 6 trees and extending the interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city Summary: Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development Director, presented the interim ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending the interim development regulations throughout the City. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Summary: Council President Stone opened the public hearing. Council heard testimony from six individuals. Council President Stone closed the public hearing. Action: Hannah Stone / Michael Lilliquist moved to amend the ordinance, “Sec. 13. Public Hearing Required. The City Council held a public hearing on this ordinance which extends the interim regulations for landmark trees on August 11, 2025 February 23, 2026.” MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Page 2 of 9  Mayor Lund shared her State of the City address, available at cob.org/mayor-kim-lund- reflects-on-the-state-of-the-city. Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups. Summary: Council Member Williams shared there are discussions to consolidate the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Greenways Committee. Discussions will begin later this spring. Council Member Williams attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Storybrook Park on February 13th to celebrate the new Birchwood neighborhood park. He also recognized, the Landscape Architect, Jonathan Schilk's retirement. Council Member Williams encouraged the community to attend the upcoming celebration for the new Sunset Pond loop on a February 27th at 3pm. Council Member Williams shared efforts by the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC) to support immigrant community members. The WREC and Connect Ferndale are hosting a community forum on March 17th. Council Member Lilliquist recapped participation in several meetings including: • Whatcom County Business and Commerce meeting that focused on proposals to reconfigure the Whatcom County Health Board. • Whatcom Transportation Authority purchased the former Base Camp property and will be redeveloping the site as a transit center with potential for housing. • Justice Project Facilities and Finance Advisory Board meeting with several other Council Members in attendance. Council Member Hammill will provide context for the meeting in his Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity committee report. Council President Stone provided legislative updates from the lobbying workgroup: • There are 17 days remaining in the legislative session. • February 25th is next cutoff for bills to continue advancing in the session. • Planning and Community Development Director Blake Lyon testified on HB 2266, SB 6026 related to STEP housing. • Assistant Director of Transportation Tim Hohmann testified in support of SB 5581, which increases local decision-making for multimodal improvement projects. • The City signed in support of SB 2304, which expands the types of condominiums that can use an express warranty, and SB 6110, which clarifies that electric motorcycles (E-motos) are not E-bikes. Page 3 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. Michael Lilliquist, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 24837 1. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of p. 23 Transportation for the Samish Way and Maple Street Overlay Project (ES593) Summary: Mike Wilson, Assistant Director of Engineering, presented a Washington State Department of Transportation grant that the City was awarded for the Samish Way and Maple Street Overlay Project. The project includes pavement resurfacing and improving streetlighting along the corridor between Bill McDonald Parkway and Ellis Street. Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the local agency agreement and any related amendments with WSDOT for the Samish Way and Maple Street Overlay Project. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24838 2. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of p. 37 Transportation for the Electric Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project (ER019) Summary: Mike Wilson, Assistant Director of Engineering, presented a Washington State Department of Transportation grant that the City was awarded for the Electric Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project. The project reconstructs the bridge and includes accommodations for pedestrians and bicycles. Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Action: Page 4 of 9  Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the local agency agreement and any related amendments with WSDOT for the Electric Ave Bridge Reconstruction Project. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24842 3. An interlocal agreement with Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District for p. 51 temporary water supply Summary: Michael Olinger, Public Works Deputy Director, presented the interlocal agreement (ILA) with Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, which allows for temporary water supply to accommodate upcoming maintenance and improvement projects. Council Members discussed the ILA and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the interlocal agreement with the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:15 p.m. Daniel Hammill, Chair Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24844 1. Update on planning for the Whatcom County Justice and Behavioral Care p. 60 Center Summary: Mayor Kim Lund and Kayla Schott-Bresler, Whatcom County Deputy Executive, presented an update on planning for the Whatcom County Justice and Behavioral Care Center, which has been impacted by declining sales tax revenue. Council Members discussed the project and asked questions. The presentation is available here. 24835 2. An interlocal agreement with Whatcom County providing funding for the p. 97 Whatcom Racial Equity Commission Summary: Janice Keller, Deputy Administrator, presented the interlocal agreement (ILA) with Whatcom County to provide funding for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC). Council Members discussed the ILA and asked questions. Page 5 of 9  Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the interlocal agreement with Whatcom County regarding the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24841 3. A resolution reaffirming the City's commitment to immigrant rights and p. 108 civil rights and denouncing federal immigration enforcement actions that endanger public safety and violate individuals’ constitutional rights in Bellingham and nationwide Summary: Council Member Hammill and Council Member Williams presented an updated resolution affirming the City's commitment to immigrant rights and civil rights and denouncing federal immigration enforcement actions that endanger public safety and violate individuals’ constitutional rights in Bellingham and nationwide. Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved final approval of Resolution #2026-02 as amended. Action: Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to amend the resolution to include, "WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham remains committed to elevating diverse voices and immigrant stories, as reflected in our recent museum exhibits, library events, community convenings, and investments in art and culture." AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. Action: Hollie Huthman / Lisa Anderson moved to amend the resolution to read, "WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham has joined local governments as amicus curiae in lawsuits against the Trump administration in relation to immigrant rights and deployment of federal troops and agents on American streets and in American neighborhoods here in the United States; and" AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. Action: Page 6 of 9  Michael Lilliquist / Jace Cotton moved to amend the resolution to read, "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council calls for an end to ICE and CBP’s lawless unlawful surges in cities across the country that are undermining public safety; and AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 2:55 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24839 1. Presentation on how to access the Bellingham Plan and related resources p. 114 Summary: Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager, presented on how to access the Bellingham Plan and related resources on cob.org/comprehensive-plan. Council Members discussed the plan and asked questions. 2. Old or new business Summary: There were no discussion items for Old/new business. Executive session 3:35 p.m. 1. Potential Property Acquisition (Longman, approx. 10 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on a potential property acquisition. For information and discussion. No action taken. 2. Potential Property Acquisition (Rosenblatt, approx. 3 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on a potential Lake Whatcom watershed property acquisition. For information and discussion. No action taken. Consent agenda Page 7 of 9 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. 24830 1. Authorization of AP transactions issued January 16, 2026 through p. 116 January 22, 2026 24831 2. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated January 1, 2026 to p. 117 January 15, 2026 24832 3. Authorization of AP transactions issued January 23, 2026 through p. 118 January 29, 2026 24833 4. Authorization of AP transactions issued January 30, 2026 through p. 119 February 5, 2026 24834 5. Approval of the January 26, 2026 City Council committee and regular p. 120 meeting minutes 24836 6. Amendment to 2026 interlocal agreement for paramedic training p. 136 24840 7. Memorandum of understanding between Whatcom County Sheriff's Office p. 143 and Bellingham Police Department for explosive magazine storage Action: Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final consideration of ordinances 24829 1. An ordinance adopting a four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for p. 146 2025-2029 and implementing measures as required by RCW 70A.15.4000 Action: Lisa Anderson / 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) Page 8 of 9  MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-02-004. Public comment period City Council heard public comments from four individuals. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 3/23/2026 Page 9 of 9