Bellingham City Council Committee of the Whole 2022 searchable meeting minutes / Noisy Waters Northwest

February 10, 2023 Dena Jensen

In this blog post, folks can find the meeting minutes for all of Bellingham City Council’s 2022 Committee of the Whole meetings that can be browsed or searched for information of interest related to that committee’s proceedings. This is the first group of government agency committee meeting minutes I have assembled, having previously put together posts with minutes of a couple years of regular council meetings for Whatcom County and City of Bellingham.

For each meeting date, a link is also provided near the top of that edition of minutes to access the agenda and media associated with that particular meeting.

Prior to this post, two years worth of Whatcom County Council regular meeting minutes (2021 and 2022) and one year of Bellingham City Council regular meeting minutes (2022), along with one year of the City Council’s meeting summaries (2021) have been posted here on Noisy Waters Northwest.

This post continues to build on a project of assembling local government meeting minutes into year-long batches that can be searched for material like a topic, presentation, person in attendance, or actions of the members of the body that is meeting.

This election year there are lots of Whatcom County and municipal positions to be filled. So it seems like a good time to make the resources we have to observe existing government officials’ positions and actions more easily accessible and effectively useful, when possible. 

Here is a link to a blog post that provides searchable Whatcom County Council meeting minutes for 2022: https://noisywatersnw.com/2023/01/22/whatcom-county-council-2022-searchable-meeting-minutes-noisy-waters-northwest/

Here is a link to a blog post that provides searchable Whatcom County Council meeting minutes for 2021: https://noisywatersnw.com/2023/01/26/whatcom-county-council-2021-searchable-meeting-minutes-noisy-waters-northwest/

Here is a link to a blog post that provides searchable Bellingham City Council meeting minutes for 2022: https://noisywatersnw.com/2023/01/15/bellingham-city-council-searchable-2022-meeting-minutes-noisy-waters-northwest

Here is a link to a blog post from last year that provides searchable Bellingham City Council meeting summaries (not as detailed as minutes) for 2021: https://noisywatersnw.com/2022/02/05/searchable-meeting-summaries-of-bellingham-city-council-meetings-january-2021-through-december-2021-noisy-waters-northwest/

Holding down both the Control and F keys on a Windows computer keyboard at the same time, or holding down both the Command and F keys on an Apple computer keyboard at the same time, should give people a search field to enter words and phrases to look for. 

The meeting minutes of regular Council meetings also reflect topics of discussion for committee meetings throughout the day before the regular meeting, so people can seek out video from those committee meetings that haven’t been shared here yet, to view more extensive Council Member discussion and staff presentations. Meanwhile, I will be working on posting searchable years of committee meetings. I will be starting with Committee of the Whole meetings for 2021 and 2022.

Here is the link to the Bellingham City Council Meetings webpage where you can find more information related to City Council and committee meetings: https://meetings.cob.org/

Here is the link to the Whatcom County Council Meeting Information webpage, where you can find more information related to County Council and committee meetings: https://whatcom.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx


Bellingham City Council 2022 Committee of the Whole searchable meeting minutes 

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes December 12, 2022, 3:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2801&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   President Stone called the Committee of the Whole to order at 3pm.

Roll Call

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 Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward

Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23575 1. Public Meeting to Consider a Request to Add a Proposal to the 2022- 2023 Docket of Comprehensive Plan Amendments

p. 3

Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager of PCD, outlined for Council’s consideration, a docketing request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to rezone a property (2825 Lindshier Avenue) located in Area 1 of the Irongate Neighborhood

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 December 12, 2022

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from Industrial to Residential, Single and adding the property (4.7 acres) to Area 1 of the Barkley Neighborhood.

Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the resolution to docket this proposal for review in the 2022-2023 comprehensive plan amendment cycle.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

2. Approval of City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 23

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the December 5, 2022 meeting.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

3. Old/New Business

Council Member Lilliquist, Council Member Huthman, and Mayor Fleetwood recently attended a presentation by the Whatcom County Business and Commerce Advisory Committee on stable housing for those facing mental illness and addiction. Mayor Fleetwood is beginning conversations with stakeholders from that meeting and City leaders. Council Member Lilliquist expressed support for the conversations and future collaborations.

President Stone asked for Council Member volunteers to serve as a third in-line option for Mayor Pro Tem or Council President Pro Tem positions in anticipation of Holiday absences.

Hollie Huthman / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of Council Member Huthman to serve as a third in line Mayor Pro Tem.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Kristina Michele Martens moved to recommend approval of Council Member Skip Williams to serve as a third in line as Council President Pro Tem.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Council moved into Executive Session at 3:16 pm to discuss five items for approximately 30 minutes.

1. Potential Property Acquisition

Committee Of The Whole Minutes December 12, 2022

Page 2

2. Potential Property Acquisition

3. Potential Property Acquisition

4. Labor Relations: Review contract prorposals for IAFF, Local 106 5. Potential Property Acquisition

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:16pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes December 12, 2022

Page 3

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes December 5, 2022, 2:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2800&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   President Stone called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 2pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23554

1. Salary Commission Report

p. 4

Stacey Carroll, HR Experts On-Call, and Gene Knutson, Councilmember Emeritus, presented on the work of the Salary Commission. In November 2021, City Council approved an ordinance to establish an independent Salary Commission to review and fix the salaries for members of City Council. According to the ordinance, the decision of the Salary Commission will be final with no further action from City Council, will be incorporated into the budget, and will amend Bellingham Municipal Code 3.12.010 A.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 December 5, 2022

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The Salary Commission set the salary at $67,000 effective 1/1/2023. This replaces the current salary including the monthly meeting stipend. The salary will increase by 3% on 1/1/2024 and every January 1st thereafter.

Information Only.

2. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing p. 6 Expenditures

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, provided a summary of the final budget ordinance of the year. The ordinance adds $700,000 for utility overages from rate increases, unbudgeted costs related to private security, and less than anticipated salary savings to the Parks and Recreation Department and $100,000 to the Legal Department due to higher than anticipated wage and benefit costs.

Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the ordinance amending the 2021-22 Biennial Budget.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

3. An Ordinance Repealing Chapter 4.32 of the Bellingham Municipal p. 10 Code

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, provided a summary of the ordinance removing Chapter 4.32 of the Bellingham Municipal Code. What was once called the Warehouse Fund has long since become the Purchasing Fund. The warehousing service now almost exclusively supports the City’s water utility. The 2023-2024 Biennial Budget transfers purchasing staff from the Public Works Department to the Finance Department. As part of this change, the budget assumes elimination of the Purchasing Fund and moves the activity into the General Fund, it transfers existing dollars in the Purchasing Fund to the Facilities Fund to re-roof and add solar panels to the warehouse roof, and it shifts the remaining warehouse operations to the water utility.

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Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of repealing Chapter 4.32 of the Bellingham Municipal Code.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

4. Municipal Court Judge Salary Increase

p. 13

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, summarized the ordinance, which proposes to align the Municipal Court judge salary with District Court judges as determined by the Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials,

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 December 5, 2022

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which has discretion in setting the salary for District Court judges, among other positions. State law allows for the City to receive a reimbursement for a portion of the cost if 1) the Municipal Court judge is elected and 2) an ordinance aligning the salary with District Court judge is adopted. This change also affects the Court Commissioner salary as by policy they are paid 85% of the Municipal Court judge’s salary.

Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to request the Administration to review a potential Charter amendment to avoid a conflict with Article 2, Section 9.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Abstained: Hannah Stone

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the ordinance to increase the Municipal Court Judge salary.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

5. An Ordinance Adopting the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget p. 16

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, introduced the proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget Ordinance. The ordinance sets the budget for the two-year period beginning on January 1, 2023 and includes operating expenditures of $641,130,696 and capital expenditures of $203,295,003.

23556

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

6. A Resolution Setting the Dates and Times of the 2023 City Council Meetings

p. 22

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President Stone presented the Resolution, which establishes the meeting calendar for 2023.

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the revised calendar for 2023 City Council meetings.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

7. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes p. 26

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the November, 14 2022 Special City Council minutes.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 December 5, 2022

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

23391 8. Approval of City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes p. 29

Hollie Huthman / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the November 21, 2022 City Council minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Old/New Business

President Stone introduced and welcomed the new Legislative Assistant, Jacqueline Lassiter.

Councilmember Hammill requested clarity from the Administration on private security for downtown Bellingham.

Council moved into Executive Session at 2:51pm to discuss two items.

1. Potential Property Acquisition

2. Potential Property Acquisition

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:51pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes December 5, 2022

Page 4

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes November 21, 2022, 2:45 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2787&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   President Stone called the meeting to order at 2:45pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23535 1. Resolution in Support of Abortion Rights, in Opposition to the U.S. p. 6 Supreme Court Opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

Organization, and Stating that it is City Policy that No City Employee Within the Scope of their Duties Interfere with the

Council Member Hammill and Council Member Martens introduced the resolution. On June 24, 2022 in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, the United States Supreme Court abandoned longstanding precedents and overturned abortion rights grounded in Roe

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 November 21, 2022

23536

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23537

23538

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

2. Discussion Regarding Resolution 2007-18 (Proposed Charter Review) The Council reviewed and discussed Resolution #2007-18, which directs future

Councils to review the City Charter every five years.

3. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes

Hollie Huthman / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the November 7, 2022 City Council minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

4. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes – Council Retreat

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the October 30, 2022 City Council Retreat minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

5. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes

p. 12

p. 20

p. 2

p. 3

v. Wade as well as Planned Parenthood v. Casey. This Resolution Stands in Opposition to the Dobbs Decision and states that it is City policy that no City employee interfere with an individuals’ right to obtain abortion or pregnancy services.

Hollie Huthman / Kristina Michele Martens moved to recommend approval of removing language on pages 3 and 4 of the resolution, “Every woman” to “All individuals” and “pregnant woman” to “pregnant individuals”

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the Resolution in support of abortion rights, in opposition to the US Supreme Court Opinion in Dobbs. V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, and stating that it is City policy that no City employee within the scope of their duties interfere with the rights of an individual to access abortion or pregnancy services as amended.

Lisa Anderson / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the October 31, 2022 Special City Council minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 November 21, 2022

Old/New Business

Council Member Martens inquired about Consent Agenda Item #3 and whether individuals being utilized in offender work crews are paid.

The Council moved into Executive Session at 3:11pm to discuss three items.

1. Potential Property Acquisition

2. Potential Property Acquisition

3. Labor Relations – Discussion of Collective Bargaining Strategy

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:11pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes November 21, 2022

Page 3

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes November 7, 2022, 2:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2832&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   President Stone called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 2:13pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23516 1. Immigration Advisory Board Report p. 3

Tara Villalba, Immigration Advisory Board (IAB), presented an overview of the needs of immigrants in the community and reported on the IAB’s proposal for an Immigration Resource Center.

23517 2. Hearing Examiner Annual Report to Council p. 7

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 November 7, 2022

23518

Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice presented her annual report to Council.

3. Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County to Support and Fund p. 16

Whatcom Racial Equity Commission

Mayor Fleetwood and Whatcom County Executive Sapal Sidhu expressed support for the interlocal agreement to fund the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission. Through the agreement, the City commits to the commission’s mission and purpose, as well as its governance, operation and funding, as a County-wide advisory commission on issues of racial equity.

Kristina Michele Martens / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend adoption of the interlocal agreement budgeting $100,000 annually for three years, subject to final approval in the 2023-2024 and 2025-2026 Biennial Budgets.

23519

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

4. An Ordinance Adding Chapter 11.37 to the Bellingham Municipal Code to Establish the Legal Framework for the City’s Operation of Publicly-Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

p. 36

23520

The City will be installing charging infrastructure at 26 City-owned sites on public rights-of-way and in public parks. These installations are funded through a $1.5M grant from Washington State Department of Commerce and $500k from the voter- approved Transportation Improvement Fund. The proposed ordinance establishes policies and procedures for public use of EV charging stations. This is a companion bill to the EV Charging Resolution, which establishes applicable rates for EV charging station use.

Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the Ordinance Adding Chapter 11.37 to the Bellingham Municipal Code to Establish the Legal Framework for the City’s Operation of Publicly-Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

5. Resolution Adopting a Fee Schedule for Electric Vehicle Charging p. 59

The City will be installing charging infrastructure at 26 City-owned sites on public rights-of-way and in public parks. These installations are funded through a $1.5M grant from Washington State Department of Commerce and $500k from the voter- approved Transportation Improvement Fund. The proposed EV Charging resolution will set the base rate and surcharges for use of these stations for 36 months. This is a companion bill to the EV Charging Ordinance bill.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 November 7, 2022

23521

Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the Resolution Adopting a Fee Schedule for Electric Vehicle Charging.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

6. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing p. 65 Revenues and Expenditures and Authorizing an Interfund Loan of up

to $1,500,000 from the General Fund to the Medic One Fund

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, provided a summary of the proposed ordinance amendments. The ordinance adds revenues and expenditures across departments and funds to ensure that all have sufficient budget authority to complete the year. It also authorizes an interfund loan for the Medic One Fund to cover cash flow issues related to the timing of billing and insufficient compensation from the current Medic One contract with Whatcom County.

Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing Revenues and Expenditures and Authorizing an Interfund Loan of up to $1,500,000 from the General Fund to the Medic One Fund.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

7. Ordinances Related to the City of Bellingham’s Property Tax Levy p. 73

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, provided a summary of two proposed ordinances related to the City’s property tax levy. The first ordinance raises the City’s property tax levy by the statutorily allowed one percent; the second would bank the authorized increase for future use. Council must adopt one of the two ordinances and deliver it to Whatcom County Council by November 30.

Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the ordinance with the 1% property tax increase.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

8. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes p. 83

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the October 17, 2022 meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

23522

23523

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 November 7, 2022

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9. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the October 24, 2022 meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

10. Old/New Business

There were no items for Old/New Business.

Council moved into Executive Session at 4:57pm to discuss four items.

1. Potential Litigation: Claim Appeal 2. Potential Litigation

3. Potential Property Acquisition

4. Potential Litigation

p. 87

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:57pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes November 7, 2022

Page 4

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes October 24, 2022, 10:30 AM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2773&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   President Stone called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 10:42am.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

23488

1. Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County Presentation

p. 3

The Working Waterfront Coalition’s (WWC) mission is to promote the vitality and economic benefits of the working waterfronts for the people of Whatcom County. Pete Granger, Jim Kyle, Dan Tucker of the WWC Board presented on the history of the coalition, provided a description of their varied membership, and outlined their success and new initiatives including a new Marine Technician Apprenticeship Program starting in October 2022.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 October 24, 2022

23489 2. 2023 Bike/Pedestrian Projects – Parking Removal p. 17

Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Chad Schulhauser, Public Works Engineer, returned for additional discussion of the Bicycle Master Plan recommendations for removal of on-street parking. They shared that four enhanced crosswalks will be installed along Eldridge in 2023.

Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the removal of on- street parking along sections of W. Illinois Street from Sunset to Lynn, Meridian Street from East Victor to West Illinois, Girard Street from Broadway to Young, Eldridge Avenue from Broadway to Nequalicum and Cornwall Avenue from Laurel to Pine.

Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved to amend motion to make removal of on- street parking on Eldridge a one-year pilot program.

AMENDMENT CARRIED 6-1. Opposed: Hannah Stone

Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend removal of Cornwall Ave from the current plan.

MOTION Fail 1-4.

Opposed: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson Abstained: Daniel Hammill

Not Present: Kristina Michele Martens

Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the removal of on- street parking along sections of W. Illinois Street from Sunset to Lynn, Meridian Street from East Victor to West Illinois, Girard Street from Broadway to Young, and Cornwall Avenue from Laurel to Pine with Eldridge Avenue from Broadway to Nequalicum as a one-year pilot.

AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

23490 3. Discussion of Immigrant Resource Center Models p. 53

At the May 9, 2022 City Council Meeting, Council asked the Administration to provide the Council with possible operational models that would identify organizational structure as well as budget for an Immigration Resource Center. Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, provided a summary of staff recommendations.

Mayor Fleetwood and staff will further refine the proposal, consult with additional stakeholders such as the Immigration Advisory Board, Whatcom County, Small Cities Association, and return for additional discussion at a future meeting.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 October 24, 2022

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4. Budget Work Session p. 69

See Special City Council Minutes 10-24-2022.

5. 2023-2024 Revenue Forecast p. 70

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, provided an overview of the anticipated revenues for 2023 and 2024 with a focus on the General Fund. The administration is proposing to increase property taxes by the statutorily allowed 1% for 2023.

6. Presentation of 2023 Legislative Agenda p. 71

Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, discussed the proposed 2023 Legislative Agenda. The City partners with the Port of Bellingham and Whatcom County in advocating for a shared legislative agenda to the Washington State Legislature on items of common interest.There is overlap with Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the proposed 2023 legislative agenda with modification to second bullet under Criminal Justice to “Support state investments to help with the impacts of the Blake decision.”

MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Abstained: Michael Lilliquist

7. Discussion Regarding Staffing in the City Council Office p. 74

President Stone introduced a proposal to increase current staffing levels in the City Council Office. The outcome of the Salary Commission will also impact Council needs. Additional information will be forthcoming at a future meeting.

23494

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8. Work Session to Consider Proposed Amendments to the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) to Establish a Manufactured Home Park (MHP) Overlay and Regulations Related to the Change of Use, Ownership, and Closure of a MHP

p. 79

On September 12, 2022 the City Council held a Public Hearing to consider amendments to the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) that establish a manufactured home park (MHP) overlay and regulations related to the change of use, ownership, and closure of a MHP. More information can be found at https://cob.org/MHP. At the end of the hearing, City Council directed additional time for public comment and for staff to return for a work session. Council discussed the proposal at a Committee of the Whole work session on October 3rd and requested additional discussion. Blake

 Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 October 24, 2022

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assistance program if a MHP closes.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to amend the motion to move the draft ordinance for first and seconding reading known as MHP Alternative 1.

AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Abstained: Michael Lilliquist

9. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes

Lisa Anderson / Kristina Michele Martens moved to recommend approval of the October 10th Special Meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Abstained: Michael Lilliquist

10. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes

p. 133

p. 136

Lyon and Chris BeHee from Planning and Community Development, returned to Council for follow-up and to answer additional questions.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to approve the proposed Mobile Home Park Alternative 1, which states,

1. Include “eligible organizations” in the Opportunity to purchase clause.

2. Expand responsibility of owners if a MHP closes (notification and relocation

plan).

3. Apply 30-year sunset clause on entire Overlay zone.

4. Include all ten MHPs in Overlay zone.

5. Review and determine the feasibility of establishing a City-funded relocation

Hollie Huthman / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the October 3rd meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Abstained: Michael Lilliquist

11. Old/New Business

Councilmember Hammill and Councilmember Huthman thanked Chief Jones, Lt. Erickson, and Chief Mertzig for a recent jail tour. Councilmember Williams echoed concerns about the jail and vision for a new model for rehabilitation.

Council moved into Executive Session at 4:35pm to review six items for approximately 36 minutes.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 4 October 24, 2022

1. Potential Property Acquisition 2. Potential Property Acquisition 3. Potential Property Acquisition 4. Potential Property Acquisition 5. Potential Litigation

6. Labor Relations: Discuss Collective Bargaining Strategy

Adjournment

There being no further business, the committee adjourned at 4:34pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes October 24, 2022

Page 5

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes October 3, 2022, 2:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2772&doctype=1

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood ]

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by President Stone at 2:28pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23469 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing Revenues and Expenditures for the Tourism Promotion Area

p. 3

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, provided an overview of the ordinance. The City and County Council formed a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA), as authorized by RCW 35.101.020, after receiving a petition from affected businesses. Collections

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 October 3, 2022

received from qualified businesses in the City and unincorporated Whatcom County are deposited with the City of Bellingham. The Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Board of Directors prepared a draft budget and the City Council acted on that budget as part of its role as the Legislative Authority at its September 26, 2022 meeting.

Hollie Huthman / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the ordinance.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Recused: Daniel Hammill

23470 2. Preview of County Ordinance Creating Whatcom Racial Equity p. 6 Commission

Mayor Fleetwood highlighted the draft ordinance to create the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC). This is the culmination of a partnership with the Chuckanut Health Foundation, the City of Bellingham, and Whatcom County to create recommendations for a county-wide racial equity commission. The proposed County ordinance anticipates City commitment to the purpose and goals of the WREC as well as joint funding to support its work. The ordinance went before the Whatcom County Council on September 27, 2022 and anticipate City Council approval later this fall. Council recognized the tremendous community work and efforts of Councilmember Martens and Shu-Ling Zhao to create the commission.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend the administration to bring forward an interlocal agreement to jointly fund and support the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission upon passage of the County ordinance.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

23439 3. Work Session to Consider Proposed Amendments to the Bellingham p. 15 Municipal Code (BMC) to Establish a Manufactured Home Park (MHP)

Overlay and Regulations Related to the Change of Use, Ownership,

and Closure of a MHP

On September 12, 2022 the City Council held a Public Hearing to consider amendments to the Bellingham Municipal Code that establish a manufactured home park (MHP) overlay and regulations related to the change of use, ownership, and closure of a MHP. More information can be found at https://cob.org/MHP. At the end of the hearing, City Council directed additional time for public comment and for staff to return for a work session.

In response, the following modifications and additions are proposed,

 Include “eligible organizations” in the Opportunity to purchase clause.

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 Expand the responsibility of owners if a MHP closes.

 If no further action is taken, the MHP Overlay will sunset in 30 years (2052).

 Include all ten MHPs in the proposed Overlay.

 Review and determine the feasibility of establishing a City-funded relocation

assistance program if a MHP closes.

 Approve draft ordinance with Commission’s recommended modifications and

apply 30-yr sunset clause to all MHPs in the Overlay.

Council requested additional time to further discuss the proposed ordinance and that a copy of the ordinance be included in the upcoming packet.

Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend additional discussion of the MHP overlay at the October 24, 2022 meeting.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

4. Introduction of the Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget p. 51

Mayor Fleetwood and Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, presented an overview of the proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget. The proposed budget includes emphasis on public safety, major investments in libraries and parks, creates an Office of Climate, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work, and citywide infrastructure improvements. Staff and the public can read the full budget details at, http://www.cob.org/budget. This is the first of several upcoming budget meetings.

5. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes p. 70

Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the September 26, 2022 meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

6. Old/New Business

Councilmember Martens and Councilmember Lilliquist met with Chuckanut Square residents and would like further discussion of their eligibility for parking permits.

Kristina Michele Martens / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend the Administration review and respond to the petition from the Chuckanut Square residents.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Councilmember Lilliquist was recently appointed to the Association of Washington (AWC), Large Cities Advisory Committee. He would like the Council to review AWC’s

 Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 October 3, 2022

policy recommendations, which can be found at https://wacities.org/advocacy/City- Legislative-Priorities.

Councilmember Lilliquist shared the WTA Board is expanding its youth-ride free program to those 18 and under, developing a zero-emissions fleet transmission plan, and creating a transit access fund to pay for special transit projects that the City could access.

Councilmember Hammill shared an updated from the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the new County Jail Facility that they are considering three possible sites including a location in Ferndale, Irongate, and a vacant parking lot in Bellingham. Also, as the City liaison to the LEAD program, he recently learned the program is 95% effective in reducing participant encounters with the criminal justice program.

Council President Stone inquired how lifting the emergency COVID proclamation will broadly impact the City. Mayor Fleetwood will return for additional discussion. Also, Council President Stone acknowledged the conduct by the Bellingham Police Department in protecting and serving the public during an attempted suicide by cop confrontation.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:44pm.

  Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 4 October 3, 2022

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes September 26, 2022, 2:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2759&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by President Stone at 2:12pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23277 1. Discussion of Returning to Council Chambers

p. 3

Mayor Fleetwood and Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, discussed the City’s lifting of existing emergency orders on October 31, 2022, implications of a return to in-person meetings, Boards and Commissions meetings, and the current community health situation. With the City lifting its emergency proclamation, City Council must

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 September 26, 2022

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resume in-person meetings at a physical location by no later than its November 7, 2022 meeting. However, given the current low COVID-19 levels in Whatcom County, the size and air filtering capacity of the City Council Chambers, and the City’s resumption of in-person services generally, the Mayor recommends that Council resume in-person meetings in Council Chambers at its October 3, 2022, meeting. Council Chambers can accommodate both inperson and remote attendance by Council Members, staff, and the public.

Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend returning to chambers on October 3, 2022.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

2. Post Point Resource Recovery Project Discussion p. 6

On 8/29, Mayor Fleetwood announced his intention to stop further development of the Post Point Resource Recovery Project. The decision was based on affordability concerns, greater protection of the Salish Sea, and focusing climate ambitions on achieving community-wide carbon reductions. On 9/12, the Public Works Committee received a briefing. Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, responded to Council questions from the previous meeting. Councilmember Anderson shared that perhaps outreach and education to the public highlighting common PFAS contaminants could be helpful for the community.

Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend that the City Council concurs with the mayor’s decision to halt further work on biodigestion for waste solids handling at the Post Point sewage treatment plant.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend that the administration bring forward any policies previously adopted by the City Council that may need to be amended to align with this new direction relative to the Resource Recovery project and that, as they relate to the City’s current climate Action Plan, relevant action plans and policies affected by the Post Point decision be referred to the Council’s Climate Action Committee for review and possible modification to the Climate Action Plan and, if necessary, brought to the full Council for consideration and possible adoption.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend that the Administration actively pursue and develop work plans investigating future projects into alternative waste solid technologies and processes, including but not limited to

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thermal processes such as pyrolysis and gasification, for supplementing and/or replacing the current incineration equipment and processes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

3. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the September 12, 2022 meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

4. Old/New Business

p. 24

Councilmember Hammill thanked the Downtown Bellingham Partnership for hosting a forum on Public Safety at the Old City Hall. Mayor Fleetwood shared the presentation can be viewed on the City’s website.

Council President Stone highlighted two items from the consent agenda related to public safety. Councilmember Hammill inquired about partnership with Snohomish County for jail beds and booking restrictions. Councilmember Williams encouraged individuals to tour the City jail.

Councilmember Martens attended her first Immigration Advisory Board and requested a follow-up regarding cancellation of the August meeting.

Council President Stone highlighted that the September 19, 2022 TownHall on Community Funding Priorities is available online.

Mayor Fleetwood and Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, shared that budget work sessions will be held weekly on Mondays through October from 1pm-3pm.

Council moved into Executive Session at 3:37pm to discuss three property acquisitions for approximately 29 minutes.

  1. Potential Property Acquisition

2. Potential Property Acquisition

3. Potential Property Acquisition

Adjournment

There being no further business, the committee adjourned at 3:36pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes September 26, 2022

Page 3

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes September 12, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2758&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 1:00pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote.

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

23442 1. Presentation of Library Facilities Master Plan Recommendations

p. 3

Rebecca Judd, Library Director, Rick Osen, Chair of Library Board of Trustees, and Brad Waters, Godfrey’s Associates, presented on recommendations for the Library Facilities Master Plan. Earlier this year, the Bellingham Public Library (BPL) Board of

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 September 12, 2022

Trustees, in consultation with City Administration, contracted with Godfrey’s Associates, Inc to develop a long-term strategy to address future BPL facility needs. The study supports the current BPL Strategic Plan and addresses what is needed to serve a growing population over the next 20 years. As part of their scope of work, Godfrey’s Associates, Inc conducted a community input program, evaluated BPL’s existing facilities, analyzed national trends and peer libraries, and mapped BPL service areas. The recommendations are presented in near-term (5 years), medium-term (10 years) and long-term (20 years) tiers.

Facilities Plan Recommendations include:

Near-Term Priorities (5 years)

 Central Library – Renovate the remaining 2 floors of the Central Library,

improve space utilization and functionality, upgrade HVAC system.

 Fairhaven Branch Library – Plan for rehabilitation to improve space utilization

and functionality. The historic nature of the building may facilitate grant

funding.

 North side – Establish a library presence on the growing north side of

Bellingham.

Mid-Term Priorities (10 years)

 Fairhaven Branch Library – Complete rehabilitation to improve space

utilization and functionality.

 Barkley Branch Library – Increase library presence on east side of Bellingham /

Barkley branch. Long-Term Priorities (20 years)

   23443 2.

 

Central library – Evaluate square footage needs at Central Library as needed to achieve the desired Level of Service.

Branch Libraries – Evaluate square footage needs at branches as needed to achieve the desired Level of Service.

Proposed Ordinance Repealing Chapter 6.55 of the Bellingham p. 29 Municipal Code, Relating to Transportation Network Company

Services

On March 31, 2022, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2076, establishing comprehensive statewide regulations for transportation network companies (like Uber and Lyft) and their drivers. The new state legislation specifically preempts local regulation, requiring the City to repeal its transportation network company regulations contained in Chapter 6.55 of the Bellingham Municipal Code.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 September 12, 2022

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Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the ordinance.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

3. Climate Action Week and Whatcom Water Week Outreach Events

p. 39

Riley Grant, Communications and Outreach Manager Public Works, presented upcoming Citywide events for Whatcom Water Week (https://www.whatcomwin.org/water-week-events), September 10-18, and Climate Action Week (http://www.cob.org/climate-action-week-events), September 19-25.

4. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes p. 45

Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the August 29, 2022 minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

5. Old/New Business

Councilmember Hammill would like to discuss returning to in-person Council meetings, pending the termination of the Washington State COVID-19 Emergency Order. The Administration is tracking the change and will follow-up at the September 26, 2022 meeting.

In connection with the end of the COVID-19 Emergency Order, Councilmember Hammill would like to discuss impacts to grocery worker hazard pay. Councilmember Anderson shared that workers are requesting advance notice of when the hazard pay will end.

Councilmember Martens asked about the City’s past and current use of a land acknowledgement statement.

Councilmember Hammill requested a discussion on the Resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis at the upcoming City Council Retreat.

Council President Stone asked if any other Councilmembers are interested in serving as liaison to the Immigration Advisory Board.

Council President Stone expressed concern about the recent drunk driving accident over the weekend and how the community can come together to prevent incidents like this in the future.

  Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 September 12, 2022

Council moved into Executive Session at 2:30pm for approximately 99 minutes to discuss six items.

1. Potential Property Acquisition

2. Litigation: Roorda (Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals Matter)

3. Potential Litigation

4. Litigation: Schreib v. State of Washington et al.

5. Litigation: Fox v. City of Bellingham

6. Litigation: Eldard v. City of Bellingham

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:26pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes September 12, 2022

Page 4

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes August 29, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2745&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by President Stone at 1:00pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23428 1. Presentation on 22 North

p. 3

Council President Stone shared that she serves as a volunteer, board member for the Opportunity Council and reviewed RCWs related to conflicts of interest.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 August 29, 2022

Public comments have and continue to be received via Engage Bellingham and there is another opportunity for comment at the upcoming Town Hall on September 19th regarding Funding Priorities.

Greg Winter, Executive Director at the Opportunity Council, Adrienne Solenberger, Housing and Operations Manager at the Opportunity Council and Jason McGill, Executive Director of Northwest Youth Services, presented an update on the management of 22 North, a supportive housing facility. This included discussion of work to improve services for clients, enforcing visitor/guest rules, focusing on staff and staff retention, improvements to the physical structure by installing a sound system and lights surrounding the building, and participating in a Neighborhood Taskforce.

Mayor Fleetwood will return for a follow-up conversation about public restrooms around the City. Also, look to refine the City’s behavioral health, addiction, and public housing request to the State.

23430 2. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget – Increasing p. 4 Expenditures and Adding Positions

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, and Chief Rebecca Mertzig presented in support of the Ordinance. The addition of four Community Service Officers will provide needed support in the Police Department, freeing up Police Officers by interacting with the public at the station, taking reports over the phone, and performing other duties that do not require a uniformed officer. The City has faced challenges in fully staffing the Police Department and the Community Service Officers present an opportunity to immediately add capacity. Due to ongoing salary savings, this addition requires no appropriations in the current biennium.

New budget modification forms were noted as an addition to the packet and will be provided in all budget requests moving forward to improve transparency and decision-making.

Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the ordinance. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

23429 3. 2022 Mid Year Financial Review

Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, provided a summary of the City’s financial position for the period that ended June 30, 2022. This presentation and other financial information are available on the City’s website at, https://cob.org/gov/dept/finance/reports.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes August 29, 2022

p. 10

Page 2

23391

4. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes p. 28

Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the August 1, 2022 meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

5. Old/New Business

Mayor Fleetwood introduced Chief Mertzig to discuss the purchase of a new rescue vehicle. The vehicle is a deescalation and rescue tool and the City could use more than one to meet needs across the City.

Councilmember Hammill would like to bring forward a resolution in support of women’s reproductive rights. As part of the legislative research, Councilmembers Anderson and Huthman requested a report to understand licensing requirements for facilities that are reproductive facilities but may not be licensed as a medical clinic.

Councilmember Hammill and Mayor Fleetwood discussed the removal of the origami art project due to the lack of legal permitting.

Councilmember Huthman thanked her colleagues for covering her work while she was on extended leave. There are now established guidelines for future councilmembers if they need to take a leave of absence.

Council moved into Executive Session at 3:45pm to discuss six items for approximately one hour.

1. Potential Property Acquisition

2. Potential Property Acquisition

3. Litigation: Ghanbari v. City of Bellingham

4. Labor relations

5. Labor relations

6. Potential litigation

Adjournment

There being no further business, the committee adjourned at 3:43pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes August 29, 2022

Page 3

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes August 1, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2744&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 1:00pm.

Roll Call

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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23416

1. Presentation of the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task p.3 Force 2022 Annual Report

Stephen Gockley, Co-Chair of the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, presented the group’s 2022 Annual Report to the City Council. The purpose of the Task Force is to seek solutions to reduce and prevent incarceration while maintaining public safety. The Task Force includes a broad range of participants, including

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 August 1, 2022

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23382

representatives from organizations involved in criminal justice and law enforcement, policy makers, service providers, members of the public, and consumers of services.

Areas of focus from the most recent report include,

 State of data within criminal and legal system to inform decision-making

 Racial Equity

 Improve communication with stakeholders and community

 Improve non-law enforcement responses

 Staff retention and shortages

An invitation was extended to the Co-Chairs to return for a presentation highlighting areas for community investment and improvement and the necessary funding to implement.

2. Update on Immigration Resource Center p.29

Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, provided an update on the development of an Immigration Resource Center. Staff continue outreach and research into resource center models. Currently evaluating three possible models, 1) City funded and staffed; 2) Joint partnership center with other government agency; or 3) Contract for Service with existing third-party. Anticipate returning this fall with additional information.

3. Resolution to Support the Continuation of the County-Wide EMS Levy p.30

Mayor Fleetwood and Fire Chief Bill Hewett returned to discuss the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy. On July 26, 2022 the Whatcom County Council approved an ordinance to place a renewal of the countywide EMS Levy on the ballot for the November 2022 general election pursuant to state law (RCW 84.52.069). The levy rate will be $.295 per $1,000 of assessed value if approved by the voters. State law requires that the City Council approve the proposed tax measure before it may be placed on the ballot.

Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the amended EMS levy resolution.

MOTION CARRIED 6-1. Opposed: Lisa Anderson

4. Post Point Resource Recovery Project – Community Outreach Update p.89

Eric Johnston, Director of Public Works, and Mike Thorstenson and Holly Tichenor, Brown and Caldwell, shared the framework for a community outreach effort in phases over two years regarding the Post Point Resource Recovery Project. The outreach

23182

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effort includes a concept on how to broaden the public view of the major investments needed at Post Point over the next 10 years.

5. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes p.110

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the July 25th meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Abstained: Hollie Huthman, Lisa Anderson

6. Old/New Business

Councilmember Hammill, Councilmember Williams, Council President Stone, and Mayor Fleetwood recently met with the Washington State Natural Resources to learn more about timber harvest and sales.

Mayor Fleetwood recognized the appointment of Don Burdick as the new ITSD Director effective August 1st, 2022 and thanked Scott Elsner for serving as the Interim Director.

Council moved into Executive Session at 3:03pm for approximately 19 minutes to review one item.

1. Potential Property Acquisition

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:03pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes August 1, 2022

Page 3

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes July 25, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2719&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 1:00pm.

Roll Call

Present:

Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward

Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward

Council Member Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward

Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

23404 1.

Update on Development Process, Community Engagement and Structure of Proposed Whatcom Racial Equity Commission

p. 3

In partnership with the Chuckanut Health Foundation (CHF), the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County are funding, participating in, and supporting a community-led process to create recommendations for a county-wide Racial Equity Commission. Heather Flaherty and Shu Ling Zhao, Chuckanut Health Foundation, provided an update on the community engagement process and

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 July 25, 2022

23405 2.

summary of their work to-date. The proposed commission is modeled after the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence. The Commission will develop and recommend actions for local government and community groups. They are currently gathering feedback, revising recommendations, and plan to introduce an ordinance to the Whatcom County Council this fall. Next the City of Bellingham will vote to adopt an Interlocal Agreement.

Council requested to receive the PowerPoint presentation and would appreciate one-one meetings with Councilmembers to further discuss.

An Ordinance of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Declaring an p. 10 Emergency, and Amending the Bellingham Municipal Code in Order to

Adopt by Reference Updated Sections of the Revised Code of

Washington Regarding Antiharassment Orders and No Contact Orders

Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the Emergency Ordinance.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Overview of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy Plan p. 15

Bill Hewett, Fire Chief, returned to Council to provide an update on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy. On July 12, 2022 the Whatcom County Council reintroduced the ordinance to place a renewal of the EMS Levy on the ballot at a rate of $.295 per $1000 of assessed value as recommended by the EMS Oversight Board (EOB). If the County Council approves the ordinance on July 26th, Chief Hewett will return to Council on August 1st seeking support of a resolution for the levy. This resolution is needed for the County to place the issue on the ballot for the general election.

Chief Hewett also provided a high-level overview of how the planning committee intends to utilize EMS funding outlined in the 2023-2028 EMS Levy Plan.

Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes p. 73

Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the July 11, 2022 meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

23382 3.

23391 4.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 July 25, 2022

5. Old/New Business

Chief Mertzig announced that as part of a one-year pilot, effective August 1, 2022, the City of Bellingham Police Department will eliminate the Associate of Arts (AA) Degree requirement for applicants. The current pay scale provides an increase for those with a degree and the department is examining how to support professional advancement for officers that include college education.

Councilmember Hammill thanked Chief Mertzig for allowing Councilmembers to attend a recent active shooter training at a school.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the committee meeting adjourned at 2:51pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 July 25, 2022

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes July 11, 2022, 2:30 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2718&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 2:41pm.

Roll Call

Present:

Council President Hannah Stone, First 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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23396 1.

Discussion of Labor Concerns Related to Climate Action Efforts

p. 3

At the February 28, 2022 meeting, the City Council was provided a list of concerns raised by organized labor representatives as government and industry move toward development without fossil fuel-dependent heating and cooling systems, broadly known as the “Just Transition” effort. Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, briefly reviewed a policy memo that was provided to Council for

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 July 11, 2022

23382 2.

consideration and discussion in response to labor concerns. Karl De Jong, President of the Northwest Central Washington Labor Council, and Trevor Smith, LIUNA, Local 292, attended the meeting to provide additional feedback. Council requested labor representatives to share any additional feedback with the Climate Action Committee Members.

Michael Lilliquist / Kristina Michele Martens moved to refer to the Climate Action Committee further discussion of the City of Bellingham and State’s existing apprenticeship requirements and how they may or may not be applied to future climate action work.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to amend the motion to refer from the Climate Action Committee to the Public Works Committee instead.

AMENDMENT CARRIED 5-0. Abstained: Michael Lilliquist

AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 6-0

Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to further discuss the issue of displaced workers and displaced industries in relation to the City’s Climate Action Plan to the Climate Action Committee.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Update on the Renewal of the EMS Levy p. 8

Bill Hewett, Fire Chief, provided an update on the status of the county wide EMS levy. The County Council will review revised levy language that incorporates shared goals of increasing equity and inclusion in how we protect and serve our community, and diversify staff. Challenges remain with cuts to the levy rate from $.295 to $.199. If cuts are maintained, the Fire Department will likely reduce from five to four ASL units, eliminate the community paramedic programs, and basic life support services.

Chief Hewett will share the finalized levy draft for consideration before the Whatcom County Council with the City Council and return to the July 27, 2022 meeting with an update.

Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes p. 10

Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the June 27, 2022 meeting minutes.

23391 3.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 July 11, 2022

Adjournment

5. Potential Litigation

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:01pm.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

4. Old/New Business

Due to scheduling, Old/New Business was postponed until the Regular City Council meeting.

Council moved into Executive Session at 4:01pm for approximately 45 minutes to review five items.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes July 11, 2022

Page 3

1. Potential Property Acquisition 2. Potential Property Acquisition 3. Potential Property Acquisition 4. Potential Litigation

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes June 27, 2022, 1:15 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2703&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 1:15pm.

Roll Call

Present:

Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward

Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward

Council Member Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward

Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23380 1. Consideration of a Draft Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County p. 3 Concerning Joint Planning, Development Review and Annexation in Bellingham Urban Growth Areas

The current Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County concerning Joint Planning, Development Review and Annexation in Bellingham Urban Growth

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 June 27, 2022

23381 2.

Areas expires June 30, 2022. An updated agreement has been developed by City and County Planning, and Public Works staff.

Gregory Aucutt, Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development, provided a summary of the brief changes. While the basic structure of the agreement is largely unchanged, a few changes are proposed based on our experiences over the past 10 years. The proposed changes include:

 Reference to the Review and Evaluation Program (Buildable Lands) has been added in Section 2.A.

 An increase in the reimbursement period from 10 to 15 years for County investments in infrastructure in Bellingham’s UGA if an area is annexed (Section 6.C). The ILA includes County road and stormwater projects completed in the last 15 years (Exhibit A) that may require reimbursement if an area containing one of the projects is annexed.

 The 2012 ILA contains provisions for sales tax revenue sharing if an area with significant revenue is annexed (Section 10). Based on our experience over the years, four steps have been added that set forth the responsibilities of the City and County Treasurer’s Office to ensure that revenue sharing occurs as anticipated in the agreement.

The County Council reviewed the draft agreement on June 7 and signified their agreement. Final approval by the County is expected to occur on June 21, 2022.

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the draft Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County Concerning Joint Planning, Development Review and Annexation in Bellingham Urban Growth Areas.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget to Increase p. 26 American Rescue Plan Act Expenditures for Food Security

The ordinance amends the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget to add $500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act expenditures in the General Fund, non-departmental to support food security in the face of increasing demand for Bellingham Food Bank services and persistently inflating food costs.

Michael Cohen, Executive Director of the Bellingham Food Bank, and Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Manager, outlined challenges to maintaining services for those in need, with overall funding shortages and increasing costs of goods. The food bank currently serves 3,000 households every week, which is double what was served prior to the pandemic.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 June 27, 2022

23382 3.

Councilmember Hammill reiterated that City staff is working on a review of food deserts and how other communities have addressed these challenges. The work is still underway and anticipate a follow-up discussion later this summer.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved for first and second reading.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Approval of the 2022 EMS Levy Ballot Proposition p. 31

Whatcom County is proposing to replace the current EMS property tax levy that expires at the end of 2022. This levy has historically provided funding for the County-wide advanced life support (paramedic) program. State law requires that the City of Bellingham pass a resolution in support of the EMS levy before the County can place it on the ballot. This renewal will fund paramedic units, paramedic training, community paramedicine, and starting in 2023, provide some funding for basic life support (BLS) services.

Bill Hewett, Fire Chief and Mayor Fleetwood discussed renewal of the EMS levy and are requesting the Council not to approve the resolution today while the City further negotiates with the Whatcom County Council. The County Council approved last minute amendments to lower the City reimbursement rate from $.295 to $.19 and remove diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) training and hiring language. They will continue negotations with the Whatcom County Council and are hoping for resolution at their July 12, 2022 meeting.

Affirming that the Display of Flags on City Property is Government p. 88 Speech

Mayor Fleetwood and James Erb, City Attorney, highlighted the impact of a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, which recognizes that government entities are entitled to select the views they want to express. Federal law (4 U.S.C. Ch. 1) provides protocols for flying the U.S. flag and state law (RCW 35A.21.180, RCW 1.20.017, and RCW 1.20.015) provides specific requirements for displaying the U.S., Washington State, and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flags at government buildings. In addition to following these statutory requirements, the City on limited occasions temporarily displays commemorative flags.

The proposed resolution establishes and preserves the City’s authority to select, while following state and federal requirements, commemorative flags for display on City flagpoles. The resolution proposes that commemorative flags be considered government speech and proposes the City Council formally establish that municipal flagpoles are not intended to serve as forums for free expression by the public. It proposes that commemorative flags be flown as authorized by

23383 4.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 June 27, 2022

the City Council, in limited and temporary ways, as expressions of the City’s official policies, priorities and sentiments. The proposed resolution is similar to policy statements adopted by other City and County governments to establish that their municipal flagpoles are intended for government speech. The proposed resolution also is consistent with the recent decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding commemorative flags (Shurtleff v. Boston).

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to approve the resolution affirming that the City’s right to display flags on City property is government speech.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

Mayor Fleetwood asked the Council to entertain a motion to authorize his office to display Pride Banners on City utility poles. At this time, the City does not recommend a formal resolution needs to be drafted and approved.

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to authorize the Mayor’s Office to display Pride Banners on City utility poles.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

5. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Councilmember Anderson requested a review and modification of the June 7, 2022, Committee of the Whole meeting minutes, under Old/New business. The Council asked the Deputy City Clerk to review the recording to confirm the wording of the motion for additional discussion at the evening meeting.

6. Old/New Business

Councilmember Martens highlighted that the City’s ban on single plastic use goes into effect July 31, 2022, and inquired about outreach with ESL business owners. The City will use an education-first approach to violations, with the possibility of penalties. The Mayor committed his team to following-up with Sustainable Connections and others about business outreach.

Councilmember Martens and Council President Stone traveled to Vancouver, WA to attend the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Conference. They enjoyed the networking opportunities, recognized the City is leading in many areas, and appreciated the diverse representation from across Washington State and those bringing fresh perspectives to our communities.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 4 June 27, 2022

Adjournment

7. Litigation: Hanlon v. City of Bellingham

There being no further business, the committee meeting adjourned at 3:23pm.

The public hearing originally scheduled tonight at 7pm on the Climate Action Fund is cancelled.

Councilmember Hammill and Council wanted to recognize the impact of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe vs. Wade. In June 2019, the City passed Resolution #2019-19, “in support of the right to bodily autonomy and support of a person’s right to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care services including the right to access abortion regardless of gender identity and expression, documentation status, income or age.” The Council would like to review the prior resolution, statewide legislative efforts, and ultimately vote on a new resolution at the August 1, 2022, meeting when all Councilmembers can be present.

Executive Session began at 3:25pm for approximately 85 minutes to review seven items.

1. Potential Property Acquisition

2. Potential Property Acquisition

3. Potential Litigation Claim: #2022-14

4. Potential Litigation Claim: #2022-13

5. Review Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement for IAFF, Local 106

6. Review Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement for Fraternal Order of Police

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 5 June 27, 2022

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes June 6, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2702&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens

Call to Order

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   The meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 1:00pm.

Roll Call

Present:

Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward

Council Member Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward

Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward

Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23370 1.

An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing Expenditures Related to a Bridge Loan to Preserve Affordable Housing

p. 3

The ordinance will provide a $4,000,000 bridge loan to Mercy Housing Northwest in order to support the purchase of the Evergreen Ridge apartment complex, an existing 145-unit low-income housing facility that will lose its low- income restrictions if it is not preserved. Mercy has applied for, and is optimistic

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 June 6, 2022

23371 2.

Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the ordinance as presented.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing a Shelter Protection Area Immediately Adjacent to the Proposed Interim Housing Facility Located at 910 West Holly Street

p. 7

23372 3.

Lighthouse Mission Ministries (LMM) is proposing to redevelop its 910 West Holly Street property into a permanent Base Camp location with additional specialty shelter space. LMM has requested the shelter protection area to protect its clients, and the shelter protection area will help mitigate the impacts of the new facility on nearby businesses and residences. LMM is currently in the entitlement process for the new facility, and no land use decisions have been made.

Lisa Anderson / Dan Hammill moved to amend the ordinance to extend the shelter protection area to the outer edges of H Street, Clinton Street, C Street, and Roeder Avenue.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Hannah Stone / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the ordinance as amended.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Consideration of Six Requests to Docket Amendments to the p. 14 Bellingham Comprehensive Plan for Review in 2022-23

The first step in the annual process to amend the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan is to establish the list (“docket”) of amendments for review in the upcoming year. McKayla Dunfey, Planning and Community Development, discussed six amendments. Five items were moved forward, with the final amendment (REZ 2022-09) not docketed at this time.

it will receive, a $4,000,000 grant for the project from the Washington State Department of Commerce. There is no anticipated impact on other city projects.

Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the Resolution without the sixth amendment.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes June 6, 2022

Page 2

23373 4.

Presentation of Draft Climate Action Fund Resolution p. 114

Mayor Fleetwood expressed support for consideration of the Climate Action Fund draft resolution. This resolution proposes a new property tax levy to raise funds for programs and projects aimed at addressing climate change on the November 2022 ballot. The ballot measure seeks to achieve the following goals:

1. Mitigation of carbon pollution as quickly as is feasible to meet Bellingham’s emissions reduction targets;

2. Adaptation to a changing climate including extreme weather events;

3. Serving our most vulnerable populations first when addressing

mitigation and adaptation;

4. Creating a climate-focused workforce.

Seth Vidana, Climate Action Manager, presented an overview of the proposed Climate Action Fund goals and priorities to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

The Mayor discussed the following modifications to the ordinance,

 Section D, “City will invest at least 50% of Climate Action Fund revenue directly”; and

 Section E, Subsection 4, “Funds will not assist utilities with their existing utility obligations.”

 Continue discussions on the levy language related to the property tax increase.

A Public Hearing on this Resolution will be held at the June 27, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.

5. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the May 16th and May 23, 2022, committee meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

6. Old/New Business

Councilmember Martens and Councilmember Anderson would like to discuss the just transition plan at an upcoming Climate Action Fund Committee meeting, focusing on wage apprenticeship standards, definitions for displaced workers, and policy conversations with organized labor.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 June 6, 2022

Lisa Anderson / Kristina Michele Martens moved to “make a motion that we request the City staff and Legal or the Mayor’s Office to extrapolate what is concerns vs. what are legal concerns and provide that document so that it can be made public in order to basically separate the content.”

MOTION CARRIED 5-1. Opposed: Hannah Stone

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:19pm.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes June 6, 2022

Page 4

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes May 23, 2022, 1:30 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2687&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order Roll Call

Present:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   Council President Hannah Stone, First 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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23354 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget, Increasing a p. 3 Seasonal Senior Construction Inspector to Full-Time

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 May 23, 2022

23355 2.

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of increasing the Seasonal Senior Construction Inspector position to full-time.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Interlocal with Whatcom County for Alternative Response Team (ART) p. 6

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County for Alternative Response Team.

The Mayor and Council expressed support for the Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom County for Alternative Response Team (ART). The program is a collaborative approach between law enforcement, emergency medical response, human services, and other community agencies to respond to low- level non-criminal and/or non-medical calls for service.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Coverage for Councilmember Huthman p. 11

Councilmembers will provide the following coverage during Councilmember Huthman’s extended absence:

23356 3.

Community and Economic Development

Lisa Anderson (Chair), Kristina Michele Martens, Michael Lilliquist

Parks and Recreation

Skip Williams (Chair), Lisa Anderson, Daniel Hammill

Public Health, Safety, and Justice

Daniel Hammill (Chair), Skip Williams, Kristina Michele Martens

Bellingham and Whatcom Tourism Kristina Michele Martens

Downtown Bellingham Partnership Skip Williams

Sustainable Connections Daniel Hammill

Tourism Commission and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Kristina Michele Martens

       Committee Of The Whole Minutes May 23, 2022

Page 2

 23277 4.

Whatcom Transportation Authority

Skip Williams for duration of Councilmember Huthman’s absence

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Discussion of In-Person Council Meetings p. 13

Alan Marriner, City Attorney, notified the Council that they must determine whether to return to full in-person, hybrid, or fully remote meetings after the Governor rescinded Proclamation 20-28, effective June 1, 2022. If the Council decides to continue meeting remotely, it must approve findings to explain why “reasonable safety” measures are unable to be met.

The Council discussed concerns over increasing local COVID-19 numbers, maintaining public access to meetings, and how best to protect public health. The Council approved continuation of remote meetings with anticipation of a motion written by the City Attorney’s Office for formal adoption this evening.

Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of continuing with remote City Council meetings and to draft justification to remain remote due to increased pandemic numbers in the county and state, and to review this decision again at the June 27, 2022 meeting.

23298 5.

6.

7.

MOTION CARRIED 5-1. Opposed: Michael Lilliquist

Council Debrief – Town Hall Meeting: Community Voices on Public Safety

Information and discussion.

p. 27

The next Town Hall will take place on September 19, 2022 on Budget Priorities.

Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the May 9, 2022 Committee meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Old/New Business

Councilmember Hammill thanked the Bellingham Police Department (BPD) for a recent meeting.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 May 23, 2022

Councilmember Anderson thanked and encouraged others to participate in BPD training opportunities they are making available.

Council President Stone thanked Nalini Margaitis for her work managing the City Council meetings while the the Deputy City Clerk position was vacant. She introduced the new Deputy City Clerk, Kelley Goetz, who will begin coverage of meetings on June 6, 2022.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:33 PM.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 4 May 23, 2022

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City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes May 9, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2686&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order Roll Call

Present:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   Council President Hannah Stone, First 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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23338 1. Presentation by Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Richey p. 4

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 May 9, 2022

23339 2.

23340 3.

Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney, Eric Richey, provided an overview of his office’s role in the criminal justice system and an update on local crime trends, recent legislation, and other related topics.

Information Only

Crime Statistics Data p. 5

Deputy Chief Almer, provided Council with a presentation on crime statistics data from 2012-2021.

Information Only.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Recommends a New Signature Event p. 23 Focused on Music

Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager for the City of Bellingham, provided Council with a presentation related to a New Signature Event Focused on Music in the amount of $85,000 set for April.

Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved approval for staff to contract with Bellingham Exit in the amount of $85,000.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0-1.

Recused: Daniel Hammill

2022-23 Consolidated Action Plan for Housing & Services p. 25

Samya Lutz, Housing and Services Program Manager, provided Council with a presentation related to the Consolidated Action Plan for Housing and Services.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the 2022-23 consolidated action plan for housing and services.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Discussion of Immigrant Resource Center p. 38

Immigration Advisory Board members Liz Darrow, Lelo Juarez, Homero Jose. Danielle Siedlecki, and Australia Tobon, delivered a presentation to Council regarding an Immigrant Resource Center.

23341 4.

23342 5.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 May 9, 2022

23343 6.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Consideration of Amendments to the City Council Rules of Procedure to Clarify the Procedure and Criteria for Determining Whether a Councilmember’s Absence is “Excused”

p. 42

23298 7.

23277 8.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Council Debrief – Town Hall Meeting: Community Voices on Climate Action

Information Only

Discussion of In-Person Council Meetings

p. 161

p. 161

Councilmember Martens requested that Councilmembers urged that this be a county-wide partnership.

Information Only

Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved that administration develop an operational model(s) and identify organizational structure(s) and proposed budget(s) for Council to consider and to do that work in coordination with the Immigration Advisory Board and Senior Legislative Analyst.

Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to approve all three options presented in the staff memo to amend the City Council Rules of Procedure.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill moved to 12 weeks absence covering regularly scheduled meetings for Councilmember Huthman.

Hannah Stone / Lisa Anderson moved to come back on May 23, 2022 with additional direction and discussion for a potential return to chambers in a hybrid setting.

MOTION CARRIED 5-1. Opposed: Daniel Hammill

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 May 9, 2022

9. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the April 25, 2022 Committee meeting minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

10. Old/New Business Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:58 PM.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes May 9, 2022

Page 4

********************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes April 25, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2673&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order Roll Call

Present:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23324 1. Annual Update on the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on p. 4 Sexual & Domestic Violence

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 April 25, 2022

23325 3.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to bring this discussion back to the May 23, 2022 City Council meeting.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

2022-2023 Consolidated Action Plan for Housing & Services as it p. 16 Relates to Families with Children

Samya Lutz, Housing and Services Program Manager, Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, Greg Winter, of the Opportunity Council, and Louis Walbrek, of Lydia Place, provided Council with an update on efforts to address the needs of families with children.

23182 4.

Information Only.

Post Point Resource Recovery Project

Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, and Chad Schulhauser, City Engineer, provided Council with an update of the Post Point Resource Recovery Project and a summary of the April 11, 2022 discussion.

p. 25

Susan Marks, Director of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual & Domestic Violence, provided an update to inform the Council of the work of the Commission, with a focus on restorative and transformative justice.

The Annual Meeting will be held at 9:00 – 10:00 AM on May 26, 2022 via Zoom. Please email contact@dvcommission.org for information on how to connect.

 23277 2.

Information Only.

Discussion of In-Person Council Meetings

Erika Lautenbach, Whatcom County Health Director, and Dr. Greg Thompson, Health Officer, provided Council with an update of current COVID-19 trends.

Following the presentation, Council continued their discussion of the return to in-person meetings.

p. 15

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to direct staff to proceed by continuing to develop the anaerobic digester and conduct further assessment of post digestion solids management.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 April 25, 2022

23326 5.

Extension and Renewal of an Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium on p. 38 Redevelopment of Manufactured Home Parks in Bellingham

Greg Aucutt, Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development, and Blake Lyon, Director of Planning and Community Development, requested a final extension on the Moratorium on Redevelopment of Manufactured Home Parks in Bellingham.

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the ordinance as presented.

23327 6.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing Revenues and Expenditures and Adding Positions

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, provided an update to Council regarding the requested amendment to the 2021-2022 biennial budget. The budget changes will finance the property purchase to protect the Post Point heron colony, preserve affordable housing and expand childcare options with American Rescue Plan Act funding, account for existing contractual obligations related to Medic One, reorganize staffing in the Parks and Recreation Department to ease hiring challenges, and add a part-time finance position in Public Works.

Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the ordinance as presented.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

2023-2024 Biennial Budget Process

p. 47

23328 7.

p. 53

Forrest Longman, Deputy Finance Director, highlighted the areas included in the memo, including the following: public safety – including alternative responses, continuing investment in climate action and reducing our climate impact, maintaining and expanding investments in affordable housing, supporting vulnerable populations, and mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and supporting the community as we emerge from COVID-19.

Information only.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 April 25, 2022

23329 8.

Briefing on Existing Tree Regulations p. 56

Kim Weil, Planner II, Planning and Community Development, provided Council with a briefing on existing tree regulations.

Information only.

9. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of the April 11, 2022 Committee Meeting Minutes.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

10. Old/New Business

Councilmember Martens announced that the library has reopened their public meeting rooms and returned in-person programs for teens and adults, as well as in-person class visits both on and off site.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:29 PM

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 4 April 25, 2022

********************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes April 11, 2022, 9:00 AM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2664&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order Roll Call

Present:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23182 1. Discussion of the Post Point Resource Recovery Project p. 4

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 April 11, 2022

23308 2.

Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, provided a presentation in front of Council regarding the Post Point Resource Recovery Project.

At the following City Council meeting (April 25, 2022), Council will be asked to authorize submittal of the project plan to the Department of Ecology and to finalize the loan application with the US EPA for the WIFIA loan in April and May of 2022.

Information and discussion only.

Proposed Climate Action Fund: Part 2 – Areas of Investment

p. 57

23314 3.

Mayor Fleetwood provided introductory remakes and Seth Vidaña, Climate Action Manager, provided a presentation on the proposed Climate Action Fund. This was the second presentation of a 3-part series on the proposed Climate Action Fund.

The four main areas of proposed investment discussion during the presentation included: securing renewable electricity for the community, electrification and energy efficiency of existing buildings, low carbon transportation, and adaptation to climate change.

Staff anticipates proposing a draft resolution for the Council in May 2022, followed by a Public Hearing and further Council deliberation in June 2022.

Kristina Michele Martens / Michael Lilliquist moved to direct staff to further look into Cool City Challenge and how that compares to the work the City is already doing and if that is something that the City wishes to pursue.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Bid Award for Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Asphalt p. 95 Repair Services, BID #18B-2022

Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved to recommend approval of Bid No.18B-2022 for IDIQ Asphalt Pavement Repair to Western Refinery Services of Ferndale, WA as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of their bid, which is $1,320,401, which includes any applicable WSST.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 April 11, 2022

23315 4.

23210 5.

Resolution to Support Grant Application for Old City Hall Restoration p. 99

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the resolution to support grant application for Old City Hall Restoration.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Recused: Daniel Hammill

Update on Downtown Services and Safety Initiatives p. 105

Darby Galligan, Senior Planner, provided an update on the initiatives being advanced by the City, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and other community partners. Projects that have been completed or are currently in process include the following: expanding the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), increased and consolidated cleaning contract, added public works street crew staff, continued Basecamp cleaning contract (which added staff to neighborhood advisory team), clarification that was received from state legislatures regarding the police reform that had been passed during the last session, the launch of private security patrols by RSW Risk Solutions Unlimited. Upcoming information underway for 2022 included: the safety ambassador pilot program, graffiti abatement program, service provider coordination and communications, and ‘City Block’ program (with downtown Bellingham partnership).

Information and discussion only.

Resolution to Increase Fees at Bayview Cemetery p. 106

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of the resolution to increase fees at Bayview Cemetery.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Resolution to Establish Disc Golf Fees for the Lake Padden Golf Course p. 121

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the resolution to establish disc golf fees for the Lake Padden Golf Course.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Discussion of In-Person Council Meetings p. 126

Council continued their discussion of in-person City Council meetings. The Council elected to bring back this discussion to the following meeting on April

23316 6.

23317 7.

23277 8.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 April 11, 2022

25, 2022 with an invitation to Health Department Director Erika Lautenbach of the Whatcom County Health Department, and Health Officer Dr. Greg Thompson, for additional input regarding current COVID numbers and potential public health concerns or safety concerns as Council considers returning to chambers to resume in-person meetings.

Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill moved to bring back the discussion on April 25, 2022 and to have Director Lautenbach and Dr. Greg Thompson meet with Council at that time.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

9. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved approval of the March 28, 2022 minutes of the City Council Committee meetings as submitted.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Abstained: Daniel Hammill

10. Old/New Business Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:28 PM

Committee Of The Whole Minutes April 11, 2022

Page 4

************************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes March 28, 2022, 2:15 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2685&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order Roll Call

Present:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward

Council Member Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward

Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward

Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

1. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 March 28, 2022

Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the March 14, 2022 minutes of the City Council committee meetings as submitted.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

2. Old/New Business

Kristina Michele Martens inquired if City staff had the time to look over the Just Transition document. City Attorney Alan Marriner replied stating that Matt Stamps is currently reviewing the document and will have some feedback within the next couple of Council meetings.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 March 28, 2022

*********************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes March 14, 2022, 1:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2645&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order Roll Call

Present:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   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 Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23277 1. Discussion of In-Person Council Meetings p. 3

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 March 14, 2022

23293 2.

23294 3.

Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, provided a brief overview on the return to facilities.

Alan Marriner, City Attorney, added that the Governor’s mask mandate does not apply to OPMA (masks would therefore be required and Council could put in place stricter rules than are currently required by the Governor).

Return to City Hall would include a hybrid option.

Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill to resume discussion of return to facilities on April 11, 2022.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Update on RV’s and the 72 Hour Rule p. 6

Bellingham Police Lieutenant, Claudia Murphy, provided an update on what the Police Department and Public Works have been doing in regard to the various RV’s parked on Bellingham streets.

Information Only.

An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing p. 11 Expenditures of American Rescue Plan Act Funding to Support the

Childcare Industry

Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, welcomed back David Webster. Together, Sundin and Webster provided Council with a presentation of the current childcare and housing situation. Staff proposed an ordinance that would 1) retain and expand additional childcare centers, 2) create programs to assist with workforce retention and expansion and, 3) invest in additional stabilization strategies for childcare users.

Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of the ordinance as presented.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Abstained: Hannah Stone, Lisa Anderson

4. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Hollie Huthman / Michael Lilliquist moved approval of the February 28, 2022 minutes of the City Council committee meetings as submitted.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 March 14, 2022

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

5. Old/New Business

First Town Hall meeting devoted to Community Voices on Climate Action, will be held on Monday March 21 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. You may access via: https://www.cob.org/cctownhall

The Annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners Meeting will occur on Wednesday March 23 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. For more information, please visit: https://cob.org/lwjc32322

Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, drew attention to the budget (creation of regional mobile health crisis team, a $4.2million effort to assist counties and cities with establishing alternative response teams – $2.2million will come to Whatcom County; law enforcement, behavioral health, and suicide prevention program – criminal justice and training center: $2.5million program; 988 behavioral health crisis response system – $9million increase to help expand the 988 system).

There has been discussion with the 40th and 42nd delegation to attend a Council meeting and for them to provide a legislative recap in an upcoming meeting.

Adjournment

  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:16 p.m.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 March 14, 2022

**************************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes February 28, 2022, 2:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2631&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order Roll Call

Present:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward

Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward

Council Member Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward

Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward

Council Member Kristina Michele Martens, At Large

Excused:

Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23277 1. Return to City Facilities p. 4

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 February 28, 2022

23278 2.

Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved to bring back this item for further discussion at the next City Council meeting on March 14, 2022.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Brian Heinrich, Deputy Administrator, provided a presentation on the City’s plans to return employees that were working remotely to City facilities and resume in-person City services, including updates on Boards and Commissions meetings, and made recommendations for the resumption of in-person City Council meetings.

Employees will return to City facilities on Monday, March 21, 2022

Boards and Commissions will continue to meet remotely for an indefinite time.

Administration is recommending that Council resume in-person meetings at the March 28, 2022 Council meeting.

Update on the Besse Sorts Timber Sale p. 7

Mayor Fleetwood provided Council with an update on the latest information from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the Besse Sorts timber sale.

Mayor Fleetwood spoke with Commissioner Franz and was informed that the Besse Sorts timber sale has been put on pause. Franz offered to meet with a select group of Council and staff to go out on site and have a question and answer period.

23279 3.

23280 4.

Information only.

An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing Expenditures and Adding Positions to Establish a Sanitation and Solid Waste Division in the Public Works Department

p. 8

Edwin H. “Skip” Williams / Michael Lilliquist moved to approve the ordinance as presented.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

2022 Town Hall Meetings p. 19

Council President, Hannah Stone, provided an update regarding quarterly Town Hall meetings planned for 2022.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 2 February 28, 2022

23281 5.

23282 6.

7.

8. Adjournment

March 21, 2022 – Climate Action

May 16, 2022 – Public Safety

September 19, 2022 – Budget Priorities November 14, 2022 – Affordable Housing

Information only.

Review of the Planning and Community Development Key Initiatives for 2022-2023

p. 20

Four Town Halls are scheduled from 6:00 PM-8:30 PM on the following dates and topics:

Planning Managers Kurt Nabbefeld, Gregory Aucutt, and Tara Sundin, provided a presentation on the 2022-2023 key initiatives for Planning and Community Development.

Information only.

2021 Financial Year End Review p. 25

Andy Asbjornsen, Finance Director, provided a presentation on the City’s preliminary financial position for the period that ended December 31, 2021. This presentation and additional financial information is available on the City’s website at: https://www.cob.org/gov/dept/finance/reports

Information and presentation only.

Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. “Skip” Williams moved approval of the February 7, 2022 minutes of the City Council committee meetings as submitted.

 MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

Old/New Business

Committee Of The Whole Minutes February 28, 2022

Page 3

*********************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes February 7, 2022, 2:00 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2630&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order

Roll Call

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23258 1.

An Ordinance Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget Increasing p. 156 Revenues and Expenditures, as well as Adding and Increasing

Positions

Lisa Anderson / Hollie Huthman moved to recommend approval of ordinance as presented, amending the 2021-2022 biennial budget increasing revenues and expenditures, as well as adding and increasing positions.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1. Daniel Hammill abstained

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 1 February 7, 2022

23259 2.

Bellingham City Council Rules of Procedure p. 156

FairVote Washington provided a presentation on Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).

Several issues were raised by City Council during the reorganization meeting on January 3, 2022. The Council moved to recommend approval to modify its Rules of Procedure.

Modifications A-E:

Modification A

Modifying Rule of Procedure, Section 13 to require the use of Ranked Choice Voting to fill Council vacancies Replace Paragraphs 4 through 6 of the Nomination Process in Section 13 of the City Council Rules of Procedure with the following paragraphs:

4. City Council will use ranked-choice voting (RCV) to help identify the top candidate for filling a City Council vacancy. Under RCV, City Council members will rank the nominated candidates in order of preference. The City Clerk will then do a roll call where each Council member will announce his/her ranking of the nominated candidates, and the City Clerk shall tally the results.

5. If a candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, he or she is declared the top candidate. If no candidate wins a majority of firstpreference votes, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated. First-preference votes cast for the failed candidate are eliminated, lifting the second-preference choices indicated on those ballots. The City Clerk conducts a new tally to determine whether any candidate has won a majority of the adjusted votes. The process is repeated until a candidate wins an outright majority.

6. Once a candidate wins an outright majority of votes under RCV, City Council must then appoint the top candidate to fill the vacancy by a majority vote. If the top candidate does not receive a majority vote, City Council may adjourn to executive session to further discuss the qualifications of the candidates before repeating the RCV process in open session until a top candidate receives a majority vote by City Council to fill the vacancy.

Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of modification A.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes February 7, 2022

Page 2

Modification B

Modifying Rule of Procedure, Exhibit A, Section 8 a. to add profanity to the list of behaviors that, if disruptive, are prohibited at a Council meeting:

Disorderly speech or action; name-calling or personal attacks; obscene or indecent remarks; profanity; and derogatory comments on personalities

Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to recommend approval of modification B.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Modification C

Clarifying Rule of Procedure, Exhibit A, Section 9 by deleting “or Section 9”.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of modification C.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Modification D

Modifying the Rules of Procedure to limit when Council members can abstain from a vote.

No action was taken on modification D.

Modification E

Modifying Rule of Procedure, Section 5 B. to exempt Council members who are appointed as an ex-officio board member for the Whatcom Transit Authority or other governmental entity from the prohibition of serving as an officer of the board during the ex-officio assignment.

When a Council member is appointed as an ex-officio board member for a non- profit entity, that member shall not become an officer of the board during the ex-officio assignment. This prohibition shall not apply to a Council members

Committee Of The Whole Minutes Page 3 February 7, 2022

appointed as ex-officio board members for the Whatcom Transit Authority or other governmental entities.

Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of modification E

MOTOIN CARRIED 7-0.

3. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Dan Hammill / Skip Williams moved approval of the January 24, 2022 City Council Committee meeting minutes as presented.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0

4. Old/New Business

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeeting adjourned at 3:48 p.m.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes February 7, 2022

Page 4

*************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 24, 2022, 2:15 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2620&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order

Roll Call

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23243 1.

Update on GRACE and LEAD Programs

Erika Lautenbach and Dean Wight provided an update on the GRACE and LEAD programs. Both programs will be housed under the Whatcom County Health Department. The proposed start date is April 1, 2022 and a new division within the Whatcom County Health Department will be created called Response Systems Division, including 14 staff members.

Information only.

p. 3

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 24, 2022

Page 1

23244 2. Bellingham Police Department Staffing Update

Acting Chief Flo Simon and Deputy Chief Don Almer provided an update on the current staffing situation of the Police Department and an increase in call response times. Currently, the Police Department is down 34 active members, including 13 openings. Currently, off-peak staffing includes 4 officers and 1 supervisor. During peak hours, there are 8 officers and 2 supervisors. Full staffing levels are expected by 2032.

Information only.

23193 3. A Work Session to Consider Amendments to BMC Chapter 17.10 and the Washington State Energy Code – Commercial, Requiring

Electrification and Efficiency Standards for Certain Multi-Family and Commercial Buildings

Development Services Manager, Kurt Nabbefeld, and Building Official, Sean Angeley provided the City Council with presentations relating to the proposed changes in the BMC and the WA State Energy Code.

Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved to have staff bring back an ordinance that focuses on electrification and solar readiness without the efficiency pieces.

MOTION FAILED 3-4-0.

Opposed: Hannah Stone, Skip Williams, Kristina Michele Martens, Hollie Huthman,

Hannah Stone / Skip Williams moved approval of the ordinance as presented.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

4. Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

p. 4

p. 5

 Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the revised December 13, 2021 Committee meeting minutes as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1.

Abstained: Kristina Michele Martens.

Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved approval of

the January 10, 2022 Committee meeting minutes as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 24, 2022

Page 2

5. Old/New Business

Dan Hammill / Lisa Anderson moved that the first Town Hall meeting be on the subject of Climate Action and that the meeting occurs sometime in March.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 24, 2022

Page 3

**************************************************

City of Bellingham

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 10, 2022, 2:45 PM

[ https://meetings.cob.org/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2612&doctype=1 ]

  Mayor: Seth Fleetwood

Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Kristina Michele Martens Legislative Assistant: Nalini Margaitis

Call to Order

Roll Call

Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org

Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council

All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted.

   Council President Stone recognized that all seven Councilmembers were present at this meeting.

Council Standing Committee Meetings:

Open to the public to attend. Note: there is generally no public comment period for Committee sessions. Standing Committee Members receive reports and information, ask questions and, when appropriate, vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the Regular Meeting. The notice of Committee Meetings identified below also serves as notice of Special Meetings of the City Council at the times identified as Council Members who are not members of the committee routinely attend and participate in the Committee Meetings. Committee Chairs give a report of the Committee Meeting at the Regular Meeting in the evening prior to deliberation and formal vote in the order shown below:

Committee Of The Whole

Hannah Stone, Chair

Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Kristina Michele Martens

Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time.

23223 1.

Update on the City’s Storm Response

Staff provided an update to the City’s storm response.

Eric Johnston, Public Works Director, shared that the City stockpiles nearly 800 tons of salt and that the City has used roughly 85% of that with the snow and ice over the past two weeks. The City owns seven full-sized snow plows and two smaller pieces of equipment, and those trucks were running 24/7 during the storm. The City uses a rubber tip snow plow (not a steel tip – this causes damage to the roadway), which

p. 3

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 10, 2022

Page 1

does not remove ice as well as a steel tip. Salt works well, unless it is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The City received hundreds of requests for broken water lines (typical week timeframe is about twenty requests).

Nicole Oliver, Parks Director, shared that staff came in to open restrooms where they could. Padden was inaccessible and one of the first times that City staff was unable to open the bathrooms, due to icy road conditions. Oliver shared photos of the storm. The fountain formed an ice dome (no bubbles, just ice). Lake Padden froze over, but not solidly. The pool remains closed. Many pipes froze that had never frozen before, including Whatcom Falls Park upper restroom, Woodstock Gates house, Squalicum Creek dog park, Maritime Heritage Park restroom, Bloedel-Donovan HVAC failure, and water loss and snow closure on the golf course. Oliver shared that there is a Yeti Scavenger Hunt going on now through January 24th. For more information, please visit: http://www.cob.org/playbook.

Mayor Seth Fleetwood provided an update on the warming shelter that was staffed by City staff. The day warming shelter was held on the 27th of December in the library lecture room and the overnight portion was in the garden room of the civic building. The warming center opened at 9AM and closed at 7PM, at which time people would move over to the overnight site (from 7PM until 9AM). Base Camp was in operations, and Northwest Youth Services were operated at Civic Field, never exceeding occupancy. The warming shelter was operational for seven days, serving 30-40 people on a regular basis. He expressed his gratitude for those who showed up to volunteer [16:11-17:46 of the Council media, http://www.meetings.cob.org).

Erika Lautenbach, Director of the Whatcom County Health Department, provided an update on the Isolation Quarantine Facility. IQF has been capped at 55. Staff has been stretched to assist more than 55. In partnership with the City, a second facility (isolation only, only people who are COVID-positive), at Civic Field will open on 1/11/2022. Lautenbach will provide an update on the current COVID-19 situation during the evening meeting.

Tara Sundin, Interim Planning Director, shared that Northwest Youth Services is moving to Maritime Heritage Park at 10:00AM on 1/10/2022. Sundin also provided an update on extreme weather shelter and warming sites.

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 10, 2022

Page 2

23231 2.

Presentation during Committee.

Information Only.

Mayoral Proclamation and Council Resolution in Support of Voting Rights

Skip Williams proposed that both the Mayoral Proclamation and the Resolution are sent to the following congressional representatives: Maria Cantwell, Patricia Murray, Rick Larsen, and Suzan DelBene.

Skip Williams / Lisa Anderson moved approval of the resolution urging the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, and directing the proclamation to the Washington State Congressional Delegation.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

Approval of City Council Committee and/or Special Meeting Minutes

Councilmember Lilliquist requested that the Council actions be added to the December 13, 2021 committee meeting minutes.

The Council will vote on these updated minutes on January 24, 2022.

Old/New Business

p. 4

3.

4. Adjournment

Committee Of The Whole Minutes January 10, 2022

Page 3

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