City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes May 11, 2026, 7 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 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 closed record hearing On May 18, 2026, the Council will hold a special meeting and closed record hearing for the consideration of a street vacation ordinance for a section of the Fir Street right-of-way abutting the property generally located at 3702 Silver Beach Avenue. Details can be found at meetings.cob.org. 4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting with be held on May 18, 2026. Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Summary: There was no Mayor's report. Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups. Summary: There were no Council Member reports. 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 24921 1. An ordinance amending Bellingham municipal code chapter 11.37 p. 6 regarding electric vehicle charging stations to further define terms, administratively set charging fees, and display parking rates at point of sale Page 2 of 9  Summary: This item was removed from the agenda on May 5, 2026. 24922 2. An agreement to extend sewer service to 2863 Seaview Circle p. 25 Summary: Paul Reed, Public Works Development Manager, and Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the request to extend sewer service to 2863 Seaview Circle Bellingham, WA. The Whatcom County Health Department declared that the septic system serving the residence has failed and is leaching out of the bank above the railroad tracks. The property is within the City's urban growth area and abuts an existing sewer main. Council Members discussed the agreement and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the agreement for sewer service at 2863 Seaview Circle Bellingham, WA. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24923 3. Contract award for Lake Whatcom Vault Retrofits - Phase 1 (EV176), Bid p. 38 No. 16B-2026 Summary: Jessica Bennett, Capital Engineer, and Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the contract award for Lake Whatcom Vault Retrofits - Phase 1, Bid No. 16B-2026. The project consists of stormwater vault retrofits associated with stormwater conveyance and restoration work in the Lake Whatcom Watershed. Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to award contract No. 16B-2026 for the Lake Whatcom Vault Retrofits - Phase 1 (EV176) to TRICO Companies, LLC, in the amount of $527,276.00. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24924 4. Contract award for Little Squalicum Water Quality Retrofits Phase 2 Re-bid p. 43 (EV177), Bid No. 18B-2026 Summary: Kyle Carlson, Capital Engineer, and Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the contract award for Little Squalicum Water Quality Retrofits Page 3 of 9  Phase 2 Re-bid, Bid No. 18B-2026. The project ensures installation of enhanced treatment for stormwater runoff in the Birchwood neighborhood to improve water quality in Little Squalicum Creek and the new Little Squalicum Estuary. Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to award contract No. 18B-2026 for the Little Squalicum Water Quality Retrofits Phase 2 Re-bid (EV177) to Premium Services Inc., in the amount of $2,446,733.69. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24925 5. Noise variance for night work to install utility crossings under Alabama p. 48 Street Summary: Paul Reed, Public Works Development Manager, and Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the noise variance request by Ziply Fiber to install utility crossings under Alabama Street. Council Members discussed the noise variance and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the noise variance request from BMC 10.24.120(C)(4) for Ziply Fiber to install utility crossings under Alabama Street. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24928 6. A joint resolution of the Bellingham City Council and the Whatcom County p. 51 Council adopting the Lake Whatcom Watershed Forest Management Plan Summary: Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director, and Michael Parelskin, Public Works Superintendent of Natural Resources Field Operations, presented the resolution, which adopts the Lake Whatcom Watershed Forest Management Plan. The plan was crafted in coordination with Whatcom County by the Northwest Natural Resources Group. Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2026-09. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Page 4 of 9 Planning 2:40 p.m. Hollie Huthman, Chair Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist 24929 1. A resolution creating a limited-term advisory work group to study and p. 529 make recommendations regarding City landlord and tenant programs Summary: Janice Keller, Deputy City Administrator, Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development Director, and Julia Burns, Rental Protection Program Specialist, presented the resolution, which creates a limited-term advisory work group to study and make recommendations regarding City landlord and tenant programs. Council Members discussed the resolution and work group and asked questions. Action: Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved to amend the resolution, “Section 1a. Tenant Experience: At least 4 residents who are currently tenants, including students in off-campus housing, in Bellingham. Preference for these positions shall be given to applicants who: are income-constrained; are students renting off-campus housing; represent vulnerable communities; or have other experiences that reflect the diverse demographics of Bellingham's renters.” MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Action: Jace Cotton / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved final approval of Resolution #2026-10 as amended. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to amend the resolution, “Section 3. g. The workgroup may identify issues that go beyond the scope of work pertaining to current policies, requirements, and programs for inclusion in the final report, for possible follow-up work by the City.” AMENDMENT CARRIED 7-0. AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Parks and Recreation 2:55 p.m. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Chair Page 5 of 9 Daniel Hammill, Jace Cotton 24926 1. A resolution adopting the 2026 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan p. 542 Summary: Nicole Oliver, Parks and Recreation Director, Peter Gill, Park Planning and Development Coordinator, Melissa Bianconi, Recreation Manager, Laine Potter, Park Design and Development Manager, and Steven Janiszewski, Park Operations Manager, presented the resolution, which adopts the 2026 Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Plan. The plan represents a rewrite intended to reflect the long-term needs of the community. Council Members discussed the resolution and PROS Plan, and asked questions. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved final approval of Resolution #2026-11. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 3:45 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 1. Old or new business Summary: Council Member Huthman reported that she attended the Procession of the Species Parade and thanked City staff and law enforcement for such a fun, joyful community event. Council Member Anderson highlighted that the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) State Baseball Tournament will be hosted at Joe Martin Field and is a great example of City park partnerships bringing tourism to Bellingham. Executive session Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. Summary: There was no Executive Session. Consent agenda Page 6 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. 24920 1. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated March 16, 2026 to p. 901 March 31, 2026 24930 2. Authorization of AP transactions issued April 10, 2026 through April 16, p. 902 2026 24931 3. Authorization of AP transactions issued April 17, 2026 through April 23, p. 903 2026 Action: Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final consideration of ordinances 24900 1. An ordinance amending the 2026 adopted budget, reconciling the p. 904 differences between estimated 2026 beginning reserve balances and actual 2026 reserve balances and applying the differences to the ending reserve balances 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 #2026-05-010. 24901 2. An ordinance amending the 2026 budget increasing appropriation p. 908 authority in various funds to pay for goods and services authorized in the previous budget cycle Action: Page 7 of 9  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: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-05-011. 24902 3. An ordinance amending the 2026 budget - amendment no. 1 p. 912 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 #2026-05-012. 24915 4. An ordinance regarding ambulances, amending Bellingham Municipal p. 916 Code Chapter 6.10 to establish penalties for misuse of the 911 dispatch system to obtain non-emergent lift assistance Action: Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson 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 #2026-05-013. Public comment period City Council heard public comments from 4 individuals. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Page 8 of 9 Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 6/15/2026 Page 9 of 9