City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes March 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 Jace Cotton, At-Large Excused: Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward 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 10  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 special joint meeting On April 1, 2026, the City Council will join the Whatcom County Council and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners for the annual Lake Whatcom Joint Meeting. At this annual joint legislative meeting of the Lake Whatcom Management Program, staff will review Lake Whatcom Management Program activities completed in 2025 and underway in 2026 to reduce phosphorus and other threats to Lake Whatcom. Participants will also be briefed on the results of the Lake Whatcom Monitoring Project Report from the Institute for Watershed Studies at Western Washington University. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in City Council chambers with an option to watch via Zoom. 4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting will be held on April 13, 2026. Public hearing 24856 1. A public hearing on a resolution authorizing the partial relinquishment of a p. 7 public utility easement located within vacated Bayview Drive that is surplus to the City's needs Summary: Michael Wilson, Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the resolution, which authorizes the partial relinquishment of a public utility easement located within vacated Bayview Drive that is surplus to the City's needs. Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Summary: Council President Stone opened the public hearing. Council heard testimony from one individual. Council President Stone closed the public hearing. Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2026-03. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Page 2 of 10 Appointments 24858 1. Confirmation of the Mayor's appointments to the Planning Commission p. 36 Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved to confirm Mayor Lund's appointments to the Planning Commission: • Appointed Claire Swingle to a first term on the Planning Commission, expiring on March 23, 2030. • Reappointed Jed Ballew to a second term on the Planning Commission, expiring on March 24, 2030. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 24859 2. Confirmation of the Mayor's reappointment to the Whatcom Museum p. 45 Foundation Board of Trustees Action: Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to confirm Mayor Lund's reappointment of Rafeeka Kloke to a third term on the Whatcom Museum Foundation Board of Trustees, expiring on May 18, 2029. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 24862 3. Confirmation of the Mayor's appointment to the Design Review Board p. 53 Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved to confirm Mayor's Lunds appointment of Erika De la Rosa to a first term on the Design Review Board expiring on March 23, 2030. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 24855 4. Mayor's appointment to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission p. 58 (information) Action: Mayor Lund appointed Alison Gallant to a first term on the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission as the Lettered Streets representative, expiring on March 23, 2028. Page 3 of 10 24860 5. Mayor's appointment to the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on p. 62 Sexual & Domestic Violence (information) Action: Mayor Lund appointed Michaela Vendiola to a first term on the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence expiring on January 31, 2030. 24861 6. Mayor's appointments to the Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing p. 67 Authorities Board of Commissioners (information) Action: Mayor Lund reappointed Stephen Gockley to a second term on the Bellingham and Whatcom County Housing Authorities Board of Commissioners, expiring on April 18, 2031. Mayor Lund supports the Whatcom County Executive's appointment of Steven Price to fill a partial term on the Bellingham and Whatcom County Housing Authorities Board of Commissioners, expiring on April 18, 2029. 24864 7. Mayor's reappointments to the Tourism Commission (information) p. 78 Action: Mayor Lund reappointed Kevin Coleman to a second term on the Tourism Commission, expiring on April 3, 2029 and Matt Lesinski to a second term on the Tourism Commission, expiring on April 3, 2029. Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Summary: Mayor Lund highlighted the I-5 North closure after a landslide on Friday evening. The Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol, and other community partners continue to communicate and monitor the impacts of this incident. The City is experiencing increased congestion due to detouring traffic on Samish Way and in the Fairhaven area near Chuckanut Drive. Mayor Lund asked for the community’s continued patience and acknowledged the Public Works team, who are monitoring this situation. Mayor Lund highlighted the recent “Ask Us Anything: City of Bellingham Meet and Greet” event on March 18th, where 200+ community members attended. She thanked the Fairhaven Association for hosting the event and Chris Roselli, Director of Community Relations at Western Washington University, for facilitating. More “Ask Me Anything” events will be announced soon. Page 4 of 10 Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups. Summary: Council Member Williams shared recent activity updates including: • Attended Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, which focused on reviewing the PROS Plan and Civic Athletic Complex Plan. • Attended ribbon cutting at Sunset Pond. • Attended a meeting with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and other City leadership to discuss their timber harvesting practices around Lake Whatcom. • Attended a second forum on immigration hosted by the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission and Connect Ferndale. • Toured a West Coast Homes tiny home on wheels. Council President Stone provided a lobbying update on the final week of the state session: • The City was able to secure around $1 million for the day shelter. She thanked Jason Korneliussen, Health and Human Services Strategic Initiatives Manager, and Representative Joe Timmons for their advocacy. • Planning and Community Development Director Blake Lyon successfully advocated for changes to Senate Bill 6026 regarding residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones. This means the City retains flexibility on whether to require commercial spaces on ground floor of commercial and mixed- use areas. • Other legislation that the City successfully supported included: SB 6110, which clarifies that e-motos or electric motorcycles are not the same as e-bicycles and House Bill 2532, which prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide to the general public. • At the April 13, 2026 council meeting, City lobbyists, Nick Federicci and Luke Esser, will provide a final update on the legislative session. 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 10:30 a.m. Michael Lilliquist, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton Page 5 of 10 24872 1. Recommendation to reject all bids on Little Squalicum Water Quality p. 86 Retrofits Phase 2 (EV-177) Project, Bid No. 6B-2026 Summary: Mike Wilson, Assistant Director of Engineering, and Freeman Anthony, Engineering Manager, presented the contract award for the Little Squalicum Water Quality Retrofits Phase 2 (EV-177) Project, Bid No. 6B-2026. The project improves water quality in Little Squalicum Creek through the installation of Biopods and other enhanced stormwater treatments in the Birchwood neighborhood. Due to an error, the City is requesting a rejection of all bids so the project may be rebid. Council Members discussed the project and asked questions. Action: Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to reject all bids for the Little Squalicum Water Quality Retrofits Phase 2 (EV-177) Project, Bid No. 6B-2026. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Parks and Recreation 10:40 a.m. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Chair Daniel Hammill, Jace Cotton 24868 1. A presentation on the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan p. 95 Summary: Nicole Oliver, Parks and Recreation Director, and Brice Maryman Founding Principal at MxM Landscape Architecture, presented the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan. The plan provides a strategic blueprint for improvements, upgrades, and new facilities at the Civic Athletic Complex. Council Members discussed the plan and asked questions. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend adoption of the Civic Athletic Center Master Plan. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:00 p.m. Daniel Hammill, Chair Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams Page 6 of 10 24867 1. An ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and p. 89 safety Summary: Forrest Longman, Deputy Administrator, presented the ordinance, which allows the public works director to temporarily close alleys at the recommendation of the chief of police to disrupt criminal activity. Council Members discussed and asked questions. Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Budget and Finance 1:30 p.m. Lisa Anderson, Chair Daniel Hammill, Michael Lilliquist 24854 1. An ordinance amending the fee schedule for the Rental Registration and p. 169 Safety Inspection Program Summary: Julia Burns, Rental Protection Program Specialist, and Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development Director, presented the ordinance, which amends the fee schedule for the Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Action: Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Committee Of The Whole 1:50 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24865 1. Appointment of a new public records officer for the City of Bellingham p. 174 Summary: Sarah Chaplin, Senior Assistant City Attorney, and Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk, provided an update on the transition of public disclosure operations from the legal Page 7 of 10  department to the finance department. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. Action: Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the appointment of Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk, as the City's designated public records officer. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 24866 2. An update on City efforts to improve digital services accessibility p. 182 Summary: Melissa Morin, Communications and Community Relations Director, and Holly Pederson, ADA Coordinator, provided an update on citywide efforts to improve digital services and develop a sustainable strategy to meet federal accessibility deadlines in April 2026. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. 24871 3. A presentation of the Public Safety Level of Service Needs Assessment p. 184 Summary: Forrest Longman, Deputy Administrator, presented on the Public Safety Level of Service Needs Assessment, which identified current service gaps, resources needed to fill those gaps, and evaluated the possibility of additional funding sources. Council Members discussed the assessment and asked questions. Action: Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to direct the administration form the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) planning committee. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. ABSTAINED: Lisa Anderson. 4. Old or new business Summary: There were no discussion items for old/new business. Executive session 3:20 p.m. 1. Potential litigation (Chaplin, approx. 20 min.) Page 8 of 10  Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. For information and discussion. No action taken. 2. Potential Litigation, Claim No. 2025-36 (Phillips, approx. 5 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into a settlement agreement with Troy and Adrienne Haskell with the following terms: Resolution of Claim No. 2025-36 for the payment of $425,000.00 to the claimants for damages related to this claim. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Potential Litigation (Stamps, approx. 10 min.) - ITEM ADDED 3.20.2026 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. 24857 1. A resolution fixing the time for a hybrid public hearing to consider a street p. 272 vacation petition for the eastern one-half of Fir Street abutting the western 110-feet of lot 13, Silver Heights add to Whatcom, generally located at 3702 Silver Beach Avenue in Bellingham Action: Became known as Resolution #2026-04. 24863 2. Approval of the February 23, 2026 City Council committee and regular p. 276 meeting minutes Page 9 of 10 24850 3. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated February 1, 2026 to p. 292 February 15, 2026 24869 4. Authorization of AP transactions issued February 20, 2026 through p. 293 February 26, 2026 24870 5. Authorization of AP transactions issued February 27, 2026 through March p. 294 5, 2026 Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Public comment period City Council heard public comments from 17 individuals. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:11p.m. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 4/13/2026 Page 10 of 10