City Council - Special Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Special Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021, 2:00 PM Mayor Seth Fleetwood Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Council Members Hannah Stone, Gene Knutson, Daniel Hammill, www.cob.org/council Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at Hollie Huthman 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted. Call to Order Roll Call Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Gene Knutson, Second Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Pinky Vargas, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, At-Large Hannah Stone, Chair Gene Knutson, Daniel Hammill, Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Hollie Huthman 22934 1. Consideration of an Ordinance to Authorize a Sales and Use Tax for Housing and Related Services Council President Stone introduced the ordinance and read the ordinance title. Tara Sundin, Economic Development Manager, outlined how funds could be used in connection with the adopted policy and established processes regarding the Consolidated Plan Goals & Priorities of July 1, 2018 - July 30, 2023. Her staff have prioritized strategies that meet the individual goals of the Plan. She explained how the housing levy has been used, as well as other tools that can be used for affordable housing projects. If the tax ordinance passes, the additional funds could be used to support development projects in the pipeline, increase behavioral health service to households, and make it possible to build another permanent supportive housing project. Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director and Budget Manager, explained that if the tax is passed, the increase would raise the tax rate to 8.8% within the City City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 March 15, 2021  of Bellingham. It could generate up to $3 million dollars a year to use towards affordable housing programs. Council Member Hammill shared that the Department of Revenue collects revenue in July so the City is on a strict timeline to vote on the ordinance. Council Members asked questions. Council President Stone read the title of the ordinance once more to fulfill the requirement of first and seconding reading. Lisa Anderson / Gene Knutson moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Old and New Business Mayor Fleetwood provided a summary of services that were made available to campers at Geri Fields. Prior to notification to campers that they must clear the camp, they were made aware of services available. Flyers were distributed, posted, and case workers contacted campers. An estimated 12 or more individuals made connections with providers for services. Clean up efforts will be made tomorrow. Public Works and the Parks Department crews will move in to assess items for storage and/or disposal. Staff will be on hand, to remind any remaining residents that the camp is being cleared and provide additional information on service providers and assist as they leave. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:56 PM. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Elisabeth Oakes, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 4/12/2021 City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 March 15, 2021 City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 3 March 15, 2021