Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM May 15, 2025 City Council Chambers Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. • Present: Mike Estes (Chair), Barbara Plaskett, Daniel Bloemker, Jed Ballew, Rose Lathrop and Russ Whidbee • Absent: Jerry Richmond • Staff Present: Chris Behee, Long Range Division Manager (PCDD); Elizabeth Erickson, Senior Planner (PCDD) Approval of Minutes Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. Two (2) speakers addressed the Commission regarding the May 15, 2025 Planning Commission packet. Agenda Items Work Session 1. The Bellingham Plan: Capital Facilities & Urban Services Overview Elizabeth Erickson provided a presentation on the Capital Facilities & Urban Services Chapter of the Bellingham Plan and invited discussion and feedback. She shared how this specific chapter will reference other city plans (i.e. Capital Facilities Plan and Bicycle Master Plan) and other additional documents (i.e. Water System Plan and Whatcom Museum Strategic Plan). The Commission and staff briefly discussed the following throughout the presentations: • The public participation process that the other plans and documents would follow if only adopted by reference in the Bellingham Plan • The retirement of the neighborhood plans upon adoption of the updated Comprehensive Plan • The requirement of underground utilities • Impact fees on new construction – what are the impacts to development cost and are there other options the city should be considering • The inclusion of ADA in the plan • How homelessness is being addressed in the plan • Highlight relationship with non-profit organizations Other Business 1. Staff Updates Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ___Heather Aven_______________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.