City Council - Regular Meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting
Mon, August 11, 2025
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summary
Summary not yet available.
Agenda items (31)
Council Business
1Council BusinessPotential Litigation (Stamps, approx. 15 min.)
2Council BusinessPotential Litigation (Phillips, approx. 15 min.)
3Council BusinessPotential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 3 min.)
4Council BusinessPotential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 3 min.)
5Council BusinessPotential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 3 min.)
24605Council BusinessAn Ordinance Relating to Land Use and Zoning, Amending the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan, Amending the Barkley Neighborhood Plan, Including Land Use Areas 9, 13-20 And 25 and Amending the Land Use Development Code (Title 20) for the Purpose of Adopting the Barkley Urban Village Subarea Plan and Asso
24606Council BusinessAn Ordinance Establishing the Barkley Village Planned Action Pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act, Adding a new Section to BMC 16.30, and Amending BMC 16.30.020
24607Council BusinessA Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Development Agreement with Talbot Real Estate, LLC, Setting Forth the Terms and Conditions for the Anticipated
24618Council BusinessAuthorization to Negotiate a Surplus Timber Sale - The North Beaver Preserve
24619Council BusinessInteragency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for Funding and Support of the City of Bellingham's Pollution Prevention Assistance
24620Council BusinessBoulevard Park Shoreline and Public Access Enhancement Noise Variance
24621Council BusinessResolution to Increase the Facility Reinvestment and Water Conservation Surcharge Rate at Lake Padden Golf Course Community and Economic Development 1:00 PM
24622Council BusinessCode Update Work Plan
24623Council BusinessConsideration of Proposed Amendments to Countywide Planning Policies
24624Council BusinessPresentation from the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation on Education and
Adjournment
36AdjournmentTues. 12 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday afternoon Committee meetings
37AdjournmentTues. 7 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting
38AdjournmentWed. 8 AM: Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting
39AdjournmentSat. 12 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday afternoon Committee meetings
40AdjournmentSat. 7 PM: Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting Online Streaming: The meetings are streamed live at https://cob.org/btv. Online viewers will see exactly what cable customers would see. Video: Video recordings of each meeting are available on the Internet at https://cob.org/meetings within five business days following each meeting.
General Business
24617General BusinessMayor's Reappointment to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission (Information)
Procedural (1)
24625ProceduralApproval of the 7/21/2025 City Council Committee and Regular Meeting Minutes
Consent Calendar
24626Consent CalendarAuthorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 11, 2025 through July 17, 2025
24627Consent CalendarAuthorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 18, 2025 through July 24, 2025
24628Consent CalendarA Resolution Setting the Date and Time for a Public Hearing Before the Hearing Examiner to Consider a Street Vacation Petition to Vacate the Western One-Half of Iron Street Abutting Big Rock Park for Future Park Expansion
24629Consent CalendarA Resolution Setting the Date and Time for a Public Hearing Before the Hearing Examiner to Consider a Street Vacation Petition to Vacate a Portion of Alley Between Iowa and Kentucky Streets and Between Pacific and Racine Streets
24630Consent CalendarInter-Agency Agreement between the Bellingham Police Department and Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC).
24631Consent CalendarAuthorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments Dated July 1, 2025 to July 15, 2025
24632Consent CalendarAuthorization of A/P Transactions Issued July 25, 2025 through July 31, 2025
24633Consent CalendarAmendments to Interlocal Agreement Regarding Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Public Hearing
24634Public HearingPublic Hearing for an Ordinance Relating to the Preservation of Landmark Trees and Extending the Interim Development Regulations with Respect to Landmark Trees
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Approve agenda bill 24634 - Extend interim landmark tree preservation regulations
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Authorize surplus timber harvest contract with Janicki Logging - North Beaver Preserve
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Authorize interagency agreement with WA Dept of Ecology - pollution prevention assistance program
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Approve noise variance for Boulevard Park Shoreline Enhancement Project construction
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Adopt resolution to increase surcharge rate at Lake Padden Golf Course
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Adopt ordinance for Barkley Urban Village sub area plan and development regulations (Agenda Bill 24605)
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Adopt ordinance establishing Barkley Village Plan Action under SEPA (Agenda Bill 24606)
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Adopt resolution authorizing development agreement with Talbot Real Estate LLC for Barkley Village (Agenda Bill 24607)
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Authorize mayor to close real estate transaction with Robert Cicero and Christa Russell (Lake Whatcom watershed, 5.92 acres, $310,000)
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Authorize mayor to close real estate transaction with Dubo 1988 Trust (Lake Whatcom watershed, 5.96 acres, $1,450,000)
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Approve countywide planning policy amendments
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Approve consent agenda
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonabsent
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Verbatim transcript available
205 transcript segments indexed
[Music] All right, welcome to the August 11th, 2025 regular city council meeting. I'll go ahead and call this meeting to order. Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the state of Washington Open Meetings Act.
Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unseated territory of the Lummy Nooks, Samish, and Seamyu people who have cared for and tended this land since time immemorial.
Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
We pay respect to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truth at any and all public events.
Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed by in-person attendees by utilizing the headsets located at the front of the room.
Remote viewers can log on to co.org/cczoom and then click on the language icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. On August 25th, 2025, the council will hold a public hearing for the consideration of a draft ordinance to amend several regulations in the temporary shelter code, chapter 20.15 of the Bellingham Municipal Code.
Further details? >> Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm just speeding right through this. Go ahead and let our interpreter uh repeat the language access portion. language. >> Thank you. And I'll go ahead and repeat that public hearing uh information.
On August 25th, 2025, the council will hold a public hearing for the consideration of a draft ordinance to amend several regulations in the temporary shelter code, chapter 20.15 of the Bellingham Municipal Code.
Further details can be found at meetings.co.org, 5 days prior to the hearing. Roll call, please. >> Hannah Stone, >> here. >> Dan Hamill, >> here. >> Skip Williams, >> here. >> Michael, >> here. >> Jace Cotton, >> here.
Holly Huffman >> here. >> All right. Six council members are present with council member Anderson excused. >> Thank you. And up first we have a public hearing. This is agenda bill 24634. It's a public hearing for an ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending the interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city.
On May 20th, 2024, the city council adopted an emergency ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and established interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city.
On November 4th, 2024, the council extended the interim ordinance for an additional 6 months. And then again on March 10th, 2025, the council extended the interim ordinance a further 6 months. The city council will hold a public hearing to consider a third sixth month extension.
The extension will provide staff the opportunity to address other workload priorities that have statutory timelines. Um, and I wanted to add that we actually got this notice out about this public hearing a little later than we generally like to.
Um, and while this this ordinance there haven't been any changes, u we did want to give a little bit more time for written comment. or written comment can still be submitted up to um a third and final vote.
Um so if you would like to comment, you can feel free to do that by email as well. And I will go ahead and uh turn it over to Director Lion for um leading the discussion. >> Thank you. And good evening again.
Blake Lion, director of planning and community development. Um, I have a just a very brief set of comments for you this evening because as you rightfully pointed out, there aren't any requested uh changes in the ordinance beyond just the effective timeline that we're asking for.
Um, as you heard from me earlier this afternoon in the planning committee, there's been some additional um timeline constraints to that and so I wanted to give the public just a general sense of what we're dealing with.
Um this is a map of the state of Washington and it has different color codes uh based on the year that the um city has to or the county respective jurisdiction has to adopt their comprehensive plan. And so what you'll see in here is kind of the three counties that are Snowomish, King, Pierce County, and uh excuse me for Kitsap as well had to adopt their comprehensive plans by the year um by the end of the year 2024.
Watcom County and Bellingham is a 2025 jurisdiction. In the process of going through that um preparation of the comprehensive plan, the state legislature gave us essentially an additional six months uh from June of the year to the end of the calendar year.
So that's why you see the date down here at the bottom uh saying December 31st, 2025. There were several pieces of legislation in um past legislative sessions, mostly in 2023, some in 2024, that gave those jurisdictions an additional 6 months to do some work.
Unfortunately, this year in the legislative session when they were considering some of the timelines for the jurisdictions in Gray, they made some changes to Senate Bill 5558 and they eliminated that additional six months.
So the a time frame that we thought we were going to have uh to be able to do the comprehensive plan and this and the following ordinances was truncated. So we've had to basically shift our work plan around quite a bit in order to accommodate this change in the law.
One of the resulting uh impacts to that was we started looking at some of the code revisions that we were working on that were not mandated by state law. So that one of those is the landmark tree ordinance.
This is something of our own valition that we're doing. Um so we're actually having to extend that out further so we have the ability to prioritize some of these code changes that we need to do uh in order to meet and comply with state law.
So, we're asking your consideration uh to extend that um time frame a little bit further so we can prioritize this additional work and then we'll come back and try to complete the landmark tree ordinance in accordance with that.
So, I'll stop with my comments there unless there's any questions and then we'll certainly have the opportunity to hear from the public as well. Council member Loquist >> in the memo um you say that to improve it and this is the work that's not happening um it may have to address issues of ambiguity and interpretation and what the words mean but you also say that uh the director has worked to develop some additional guidance materials to provide additional clarity and ability to facilitate the review of projects.
Is that additional guidance available now? Will it be available during the interim? >> Uh it will be available during the interim. We have been working on that. It's in draft form at the moment. Um, one of the things and I think I alluded to in the um staff memo the and you all may recall when we were doing the unfair and excessive fees, the term reasonable came up and the use of that term and we have found in its application of the landmark tree ordinance, there's some language that uses that and there's a there's a need to get some clarity around how we're applying that.
And so I've been working with our staff. uh we still have some external work we'd like to do in talking with a few of our consistent uh development communities and members of the community and then we'll finalize that through a director's interpretation.
So we expect to have that in the coming hopefully weeks if not a month or so but while we're in this interim phase and I'm happy to elaborate if you want more specifics. Other clarifying questions from the council.
Okay, we'll go ahead and open up the public comment. >> All right, we have four individuals signed up for public comment. First up, we have um Adam Bellingar, Brian Armstrong, it's either Brian Goss or Brian Gas, I apologize, and then Hugh Bey >> and I should clarify public hearing.
I used the wrong terminology. >> Public hearing. >> This is a public hearing specifically related to uh the the tree ordinance that we've been discussing. Public comment will come later in the meeting.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> It's a counter otherwise I'll talk too long. Good evening, council uh Maryland and planning staff. Um my name is Adam Bellinger and um I don't really have a a strong position on the landmark tree ordinance uh one way or the other.
Um but I do feel that we need to uh in this interim period that's being proposed uh that we look at a three things um to help improve the ordinance if that's the way it should go. Um and one I think we need to look at the cost to developers uh for the landmark tree ordinance.
So, you know, as they're going through the process of doing site development and uh looking at it, you know, how much are they paying for arborists and other things? Because we have a housing uh crisis, a housing shortage.
And if we're trying to keep housing costs affordable, it can't be more expensive to build. So, by increasing the cost to build, it's working against us in another way. Second, I think we need to look at what the impact on getting projects through the planning and development pro uh department.
Um, you know, time is money. Um, but then also, you know, the logistics of getting more housing built. Uh, I think I read in an appraisal over a year ago now that it takes anywhere from 18 to 36 months to go through the planning and development project uh department for a um uh apartment.
And so um and that may or may not hold true now, but um if we're extending the length of time, it's meaning our housing crisis is continued to get worse. Okay. And then third, I think we need to be uh measuring how um how many trees are actually getting saved by this ordinance.
I mean, is it when we go through the costs to, you know, increase of construction and everything like that, is it going to be worth it uh if we're only saving a handful of trees? And so, we have to evaluate that as well.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Adam. >> Good evening, everybody. Um, yes, I would just like to speak on behalf of this ordinance. I believe it's really a good ordinance to be able to protect the trees that we have, but I also think that it's a good opportunity for us to look at how are we developing future trees.
You know, what and which way how are we creating environments to where we're able to plant trees and have future landmark trees? And it's great to be able to hold on to a few trees now. And even a few is okay at them.
But uh you know, hold on to a few trees now, but what are we doing to continue to build up our landmark tree mounts because eventually trees do die? You look at these giant trees that are outside city hall and you figure at least one day they're going to go.
So what's our plan like to replace the things that go because everything eventually dies. So, I just really encourage us to look at like ways not only to help protect the trees that we have, but also maybe ways to write in the ordinance of encouraging development and growth of more of our landmark trees.
So, that's pretty much it. Just wanted to throw that in there. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Right, Brian. >> Hello, everybody. Uh my name is Brian Gas. I live here in Bellingham. I appreciate the chance to talk.
I'm going to be here more and more as we move this uh what I've learned about the plan or what a general plan or big plan that everybody has for the communities uh for the state and for Bellingham. But when my concern is it has to do with the tree ordinances, when they first brought it up, it was like, oh, of course, it's another thing that they just want to hinder uh the ability to anybody but live here or buy anything.
And I don't think that any of these ordinances were ever really explained to people in the terms of quantifying the number of trees saved like this gentleman said or the number of you know lots. Um, I I'm going to say that one of the things that's driving me nuts about this whole thing, especially from the planning uh side of it, is the disinformation, the dishonesty, and the obfuscation of true res uh true um consequences for the actions that are going on with this case of say middle housing, which is essentially this new uh marketing term for multif family rentals because there isn't a single thing that's in that in that entire project that is not a multif family rental already, but they want to rebrand it.
So, it's like the movie Gremlins where they have some cute little fuzzy creature that they're going to call something new that nobody understands and meanwhile you're getting them wet and you're feeding them after midnight and whatever the third one is.
They turn into these nightmares uh in your neighborhood because there is no density right now. the state got rid of zoning the promise of single family zoning and uh they're just going to you know desecrate the neighborhoods in the sake of really fixing a problem that the state has.
Bellingham is annexed like 3600 acres since 2020 uh 2000 I think and they've less than 20% of it was set aside for residential development. the rest of it is for open space and you got the greenways levy and you got all these things that the city's out in the market buying up land land banking property making everything more expensive because it's like my it's like I have a saying you can't be kind of pregnant right you either are or you aren't either you're for affordable housing or you're not we are like the second most expensive place to live in the state okay and that doesn't happen by accident and it doesn't happen overnight It happens because there certain things we don't take in consideration the cost.
When I bought a house in 1998, I could buy it for 165,000 bucks. Median income was 40 grand roughly. That's four times the median income. Now, if it's 80,000, I think is what the AMI is right now. You can't touch a house for 10 times that.
That's an embarrassment. That is a that's a failure at the the the planning department and everybody wanted to take take take take and not give a crap about the affordability of people to buy homes and it's no secret why the Bellingham school districts had declining enrollment either because people just can't afford to live here.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Brian. I was going to say for on the tree ordinance you plant some trees. Uh one good tree to grow is Quirkus Garyiana the Gary Oak. It uh is a good street tree. It grows out over and shades the street and there's lots of insects that live off of it also.
Lots of life to it. And um that's that's all I can think of at the moment. I really haven't read the ordinance. >> Thank you, Mr. Bey. All right, that concluded our sign up for the public hearing. >> Okay, we'll go ahead and close the public hearing and open it up to council.
>> Council member Hamill. Yeah, I just want to uh go ahead and make a motion to move to approve um council agenda bill 24634 which is the public hearing continues uh this um ordinance relating to preservation of landmark trees and extending the inter room development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city.
Um, while I might not agree with this um, fully, I think that we need to provide time for our planning department and our staff to do the work that they need to do, which is another six-month extension, which is all this is.
So, I'm going to move to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by Council Member Ham, second by Council Member Williams. Council member Liiloquist. >> Yeah, I I agree with the extension because I do want to get this right.
I it it uh did not come forward, I think, perfectly. In part, I don't think we understood just how many trees were that big all around our community. Um, I thought it was hundreds and it's maybe more than hundreds.
So, that was a surprise. Uh, which is why I was looking forward to revising this. I understand the need to delay it and I'm very much appreciate the fact that uh soon will be available some interim guidance.
Um, the whatever um you Mr. Lion and your staff can do to make it easier in the interim will be appreciated. So, thank you. Member Stone, I just have a few clarifying questions. Um, one was I think it's the questions are for legal.
So one just wanting to confirm this process was initiated through the emergency right ordinance but that emergency is no longer like a declaration of emergency has no longer continued right with the adoption of the initial interim ordinance that >> that's that's correct.
We initially adopted it with um an an emergency ordinance requires a vote of at least five council members and it takes effect immediately. Since then, we've we know when the when those interim ordinances are going to expire, so we can just take it through our normal ordinance process, which is a first and second, third, and final.
And so, this was the last council meeting that we could do that to ensure that we keep it in effect with before the the existing ordinance expires. >> Okay. I just want to make sure we weren't still needing to necessitate any sort of >> No, no, because we're not doing it as an emergency ordinance.
Um I don't know if there were other people if you want. I had a couple others just okay small questions. One is about the type six process. So I know that that was referenced in the last interim ordinance and so I'm wondering if there are any statutory requirements or deadlines associated with that process because that's obviously being prolonged.
Yes, we do have a requirement to go through the planning commission, have a public hearing with the planning commission and then come back to the city council as well. So there will be timeline associated with that.
>> I guess are there any limitations to that? Meaning are we in jeopardy of exceeding the time allotted for that process to be completed or >> No, that's why we requested the additional time through this action.
>> Okay. Um and then the last one is about the six months. So, this is requesting a six-month extension. The report we had this afternoon about workload. I'll have to say I'm not really optimistic that we'll have this done in six months, but is it a requirement that we do this in six-month increments or at this point could we push it out for >> No, I I we're required we can extend it for six month.
The initial uh if the initial um interm ordinance can be for up to a year if you do certain things in the ordinance but after that you can renew it for six month intervals. Council member Cotton >> and we are can only do is it three four more renewals after that initial one Allan >> um there's no limit but um if you're not making progress you you there is some legal risk to um you're not moving it forward you're just relying on interim ordinance but there's no fixed number of limiting the number that you can bring forward >> okay thank you sorry chair >> council real quick.
>> Yeah. Really more a comment about trees and how we keep trees in our future. It's really kind of a problem of timing and who comes first. If the tree came first and it's in the middle of a lot where you know a development may go, then the tree came first and that creates kind of the problem.
Um if the tree comes after um then it may not be a problem. And so that kind of goes to the idea of how do we make way for future landmark trees. Uh, and I think the important thing is with regard to street trees, for example, is we give them adequate room to grow.
Otherwise, you will take them out in 15 years because now they're up against your building or they're underneath your your pavement. So, um, we do need I I believe it's not only value uh aesthetically and culturally, but just in terms of practicality and storm water control and heat island effects to make way for trees in the future.
And so that's a separate effort um which is also on your work plan as well um to figure out ways to encourage trees and I just I would just remind us that we need to make sure that that tree can be there for its entire lifespan and that means where you know where where it goes matters.
One of the things that's uh certainly come to our attention and been a learning process for us uh during these interim ordinances is is what you're speaking of is looking at what may be an existing landmark tree that we'll have an arborist take a look at that may be in declining health and whether or not it's important to protect and preserve that tree or if you have a tree for example that may be 32 in doesn't meet the 36 designation, but certainly has greater health.
So, is there is there a net ecological benefit for saving trees that have that don't meet the landmark tree status, but have a longer uh projected lifespan and may be on opportunity to do that. So, that's part of what we're working through as we think about development uh that comes into the city and how we can think about those.
We also have um additional replacement and replant requirements associated with that that are built into the interim ordinance as well. So even if we do end up resulting in the loss of a tree, um there is an opportunity to look for replants and as you've undoubtedly heard, right tree, right location, there's a lot of stuff that goes into those kind of deliberations and considerations as well.
>> Any further questions or comments? Okay, seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Passes 6 with council member Anderson excused. Thank you very much. [Applause] >> All right.
And up next we have mayor's report. Good evening, council. Good evening, staff and members of the community that are here this evening. First off, a mayor's report is an appointment for information only, and that is I am appointing Jessica our as the south neighborhood representative to their first full term.
I also wanted to give an update tonight on the diesel fuel release. I'd like to share that the release occurred near the inner urban trail crossing at 12th Street at the Padden Creek Fish Passage improvement project.
It's important to emphasize that the spill is contained and has not reached Bellingham Bay. The release was due to a faulty pump which led to a temporary halt in project activities. An estimated 676 gallons of diesel fuel spilled.
A formal unified command team was formed to oversee the cleanup. This team includes city staff, state agencies, and the Lummy Nation. Their active efforts are focused on removing the impacted soil and putting safety measures in place to prevent any future issues.
I want to commend our staff for their diligent work on this complex situation and reaffirm the city's unwavering commitment to protect this vital habitat which was the original purpose of the project.
We continue to work closely with the unified command to ensure that the community receives timely and comprehensive updates as the situation progresses and we will incorporate the key lessons learned from this incident into future projects as we move forward.
Public works director Joel fun gave a much more detailed update during this afternoon's committee of the whole and I encourage anyone who wants to learn more to watch the video when it is posted tomorrow.
Lastly tonight, I wanted to talk about um a little bit more about the one city initiative. It's an initiative that strives to build greater collaboration, efficiency, and effectiveness across the city of Bellingham.
Each department and work unit of the city has a shared mission in service to the city. And naturally, each unit has its own goals and challenges. And my vision as mayor is the one city initiative is part of how we are actively seeking to break down our silos, how we are building to have greater working relationships, and that we're increasing our effectiveness and arriving at better outcomes through greater cooperation with each other.
And in service to this vision, I've spent some important time visiting our varied city services this summer, getting to know some of the city's employees whose work would otherwise go unseen. It has been an incredible gift to me as mayor to learn more about their work and the challenges that they face.
Over the last several months, I have spent some time with the aquatic invasive species detection team, inspecting butoots at Blo Donovan Park, handing out ribbons to children at the all comers track meet, cutting grass along one of our storm water ditches, learning how we keep the Portland Lues clean, and watching a trenchless repair on a waterline near Broadway Park.
Last week, I was lucky enough to visit the central library where they put me to work pulling book books from the stacks, distributing summer reading prizes to children and learning the library's complex daily operations.
I want to give a heartfelt thanks to all of the amazing city employees, especially those who took time out of their days to explain to me and to teach me about the important work that they do every day in service to this city.
It has been a true joy and I'm looking forward to what comes next. And that's the end of Mayor's report tonight. >> Thank you, mayor. All right, up next we have our committee reports. Up first this morning we had public works and natural resources and that was chaired by council member Stone.
>> Thank you President Hudman. I was joined this morning on the public works and natural resources committee by council members um Cotton and Hamill. So Council Member Anderson was absent today. So Council Member Hamill filled in for her.
We had two items before us. The first was agenda Bill 24618. This is an authorization to negotiate a surplus timber sale, the North Beaver Preserve thinning project. So the city acquired and manages an assemblage of wa of watershed parcels on the north side of Golbirth Mountain comprising 160 total acres known as the North Beaver Preserve.
The property was acquired and is managed through the city's Lake Watcom land acquisition and preservation program. The forest stand was formerly managed for commercial timber. To accomplish forest health goals, it's necessary to reduce total trees per acre.
Staff recommends that forest thinning be accomplished through a negotiated surplus timber contract with Janicki Logging and Construction Company Incorporated as authorized by the city's surplus property procedures in Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 4.86.
86. Um just want to mention that this morning we were joined by um deputy chief direct director of public works um Mike Olinger and also with Mike Perilskin who's the superintendent of natural resources for maintenance.
Um so for this item as noted this is cityowned property um at this time with the number of trees on that lot since it was previously um used for timbering um has become overgrown and is jeopardizing the health of um the stand that's currently there as well as the environment in that area.
I know that Mayor Lend had mentioned that she had been out or had an opportunity to visit that site. Um, so I don't know if you wanted to just share sort of your experience and what you witnessed out there.
>> In getting to visit the property, it was a chance to see um why the case for this sitting is needed. There's definitely a marketked contrast in that forest. As you stand there, you can hear diminished bird song.
There are no sword fern um um there are no ferns on growing on the ground. It just looks very different than a structurally complex and um ecologically active forest should be looking. And so with the intention of preservation and wanting to have a fully functioning forest to preserve Lake Wacom, these are the actions that are necessary to enable that.
>> Thank you, Marilyn. And typically this type of contract would go forward right with a request for proposals or a bid to come forward. Um at this time there are restrictions to access to the property.
Um and so at this time um Janick Logging and Construction has access to um and permission to use the roads that actually connect the city owned property to the main um road out there and permission to haul right um for those commercial purposes.
Um so that's why at this time it's not coming forward normal those normal um procedures but is authorized under the surplus property um procedures and just wanting to highlight that through that thinning process that there will be you know regulation and prescriptions about right how that's carried out and making sure to ensure um that that um just ecosystem that's there has the best opportunity for um continued growth and and success.
And so that could be balancing, you know, the um the size and age of different trees and the health of trees and determining which trees are taken down. Um so that negotiation would go forward um pending the approval of authorization of this negotiation and contract.
So this morning there was unanimous recommendation from the committee to authorize staff to negotiate a surplus timber harvest contract with Janicki Logging and Construction Company Incorporated. And I so move >> second >> motion by the chair and second by council member Hamill.
Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes. 61 excused. Thank you very much. The next item before the committee was agenda bill 24619. This is an inter agency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for funding and support of the city of Bellingham's pollution prevention assistance program.
The city partners with the Washington State Department of Ecology to provide pollution prevention assistance specialists for technical assistance and education outreach to small businesses. This partnership helps prevent pollution of waters of the of the state as part of the voluntary pollution prevention assistance partnership.
This was formerly known as the local source control partnership. The city has been um an active participant in the pollution prevention assistance partnership. We need a fun acronym for that. Um since 2008 and was joined this this morning um by Joel Fint um helped to share that information with us just about the program.
This particular agreement um or the inter agency agreement typically comes forward in past years through the consent agenda, but this year the amount being awarded exceeded that $250,000 threshold. So that's why it's coming forward um to the full committee for consideration and vote.
Um and this work was to focus on Watcom Creek wershed and reducing downtown Bellingham storm water pollution. So the focus on those areas um the money received would not hire additional staff but would be supplementing um the cost for current staff that we have and the work that they're doing in that area.
So again working with small businesses to understand about how their you know maybe grease and other disposal can impact that um Watcom Creek area as well as pet waste and um you know that negative impact.
So some of it is really focused on education um and just improved health and again the um pollution prevention again along Watcom Creek. So this morning there was a unanimous recommendation to move to authorize the mayor to sign the inter agency agreement and I so move >> second >> motion by the chair and a second by council member Hamill.
Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes. 601 excused. Thank you very much. Um, and with that, that was end of committee and I'll send it back to you.
Thank you, Council Member Stone. Up next, we had Parks and Recreation, and that was chaired by Council Member Williams. >> Thank you very much, President Huffman. We had two items on our agenda today, and I was joined by Council Member Stone and Council Council Member Cotton.
The first item which was agenda bill 24620 um was for the Boulevard Park Shoreline and public access enhancement noise variance. The City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department along with the city's contractor for the project uh requests a variance from the requirements of of the city's noise ordinance which is uh Bellingham Municipal Code 10.24.120 for construction of the Boulevard Park Shoreline Enhancement Project.
Um, as you may know, the the significant shoreline erosion occurred during the 2021 storm season, which prompted staff to install hazard fencing and signage at the park to prevent um injuries and uh further further damage.
The construction in the inner tidal area will occur at night during select days when the tide levels are at their lowest. And uh completing the work during the fall and winter seasons when low tides occur at night also minimizes the impacts and safety concerns for park users and avoids con construction conflicts that may occur during the summer months.
So, um I just want to point out that the noise variance would allow for intermittent night work uh between the months of October 1st through December 31st, 2025. So that means the noise is not going to be a constant issue but going to be intermittent.
So um after a um moderate uh discussion by the committee uh the committee voted to approve the variance and I so move >> second >> motion by the chair and a second by council member Cotton. Uh any further discussion?
Seeing none all in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 61 excused. >> Okay. The second issue that we had on our agenda has to do with um adopting a resolution I'm I'm sorry I didn't read the agenda number.
Agenda 24621 and that was a resolution to increase the facility reinvestment and water conservation searchcharge rate at Lake Paddent Golf Course. Um, Lake Paddent Golf Course was built in 1972 and is just over 50 years old.
Other than a major expansion and reservation of the clubhouse in 1995, the city has not had the funding in the enterprise fund to reinvest in the aging infrastructure and irrigation system. Uh, Premier Golf Cent's LLC just completed their eighth year as a city's managing partner.
And in 2023 uh 24 they set records in total rounds played and total revenue collected and have raised uh about $105,000 per year with the existing search charge. Uh the resolution would increase the search charge by $2 a round to our current golf rate structure uh raising the annual revenue by about $35,000 and the search charge for disc golf will not be affected.
So, um, after a rather detailed, uh, report from, uh, Nicole Oliver and, uh, um, parks and recreation director and Steve Janisowski, parks operations manager. Um, the committee voted to to to approve this rate rate increase and I so move.
>> Second. Motion by the chair and a second by council member Cotton. Further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes. 601 excused. >> And I just want to mention that if any of you are interested in the details of the presentation, they can be found on on meeting.co.org.
And with that, our meeting was adjourned. Thank you, Council Member Williams. Up next, we had Community and Economic Development, and that was chaired by Council Member Cotton. >> Thank you, Council President.
Uh, we had one agenda bill item before us today. I'm joined on the Community Economic Development Committee by Council Members Hamill and Williams. Always forget that. Um we heard today um from the Wacom Working Waterfront Foundation on education enhancement programs.
Um Deb Granger and um Dan Tucker with the foundation presented on their Northwest Maritime apprenticeship um which is a marine services technician um apprenticeship program um and Buoyant Beginnings a new um pre-apprenticeship program um that is a partnership with LMI Nation and just graduated its first class.
Um I think we all appreciated um hearing about this great work and some opportunities for expansion and would encourage anyone who is interested to listen to the recording online. Um that was our only item and uh with that I'll pass it back to you council president.
>> Thank you council member Cotton. Up next uh we had committee of the whole. We had three agenda items. They were all related but all uh needed a separate vote. So, first up, agenda bill 24605. It's an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, amending the Bellingham comprehensive plan, amending the Barkley neighborhood plan, including land use areas 9, 13 through 20, and 25, and amending the land use development code, title 20, for the purpose of adopting the Barkley Urban Village sub area plan and associated development regulations.
The proposal includes amendments to the Bellingham comprehensive plan, land use development code, including changes to zoning designations and development regulations, and amending portions of the Barkley neighborhood plan and zoning table to reflect this new overlay.
Planning commission held a public hearing on June 5th, 2025 and recommended approval of the project. Vote was 6 to zero. The city council held a public hearing on this item on July 21st, 2025 and referred it to committee of the whole for further deliberation.
Uh so essentially all those fancy words mean uh we uh the area of around Barkley um is not designated as an urban village but it is starting to act like an urb urban village and can be developed into an urban village.
And so rather than having um kind of a hodgepodge quilt of different spaces with different regulations, uh this designation will streamline the regulations in the zoning as well as um um make the environmental review comprehensive uh rather than piece by piece.
It's I'm summarizing years and years of work and a lot a lot more information. Um but uh the uh for this ordinance and this is the first of three. Um the committee unanimously recommended approval and I so move >> second >> motion by the chair and a second by council member Lilisquist.
Council member Liilquist. >> I'm going to give comments that really refer to all three of them because these documents go together. Um first I want to thank the property owners themselves for stepping forward.
Um they have been creating an urban village-like structure for years and I appreciate the fact that they wanted to formalize that. Uh this also is a clear example of what Bellingham has been aiming to achieve for the last decade and in many ways it actually goes better than we have done before with greater greater emphasis on sustainability, greater emphasis emphasis on uh regional solutions for transportation and storm water and public amenities.
Um, so I just want to appreciate the fact that I I think this work benefits from the fact that this is the latest in a series of of urban village planning efforts. And I think with each one they've been getting better.
Uh, in particular, this one will also uh nearly double the capacity for development and housing within the same acreage uh with well thoughtout density at the same time setting aside up to 40 acres of of open space for conservation.
So, it it kind of hits on on all the elements for me and I'm very glad to u be able to vote for it this evening. >> Any further discussion? Also wanted to add uh our presenters were a team effort by um folks in the uh planning and community development department.
Chris Beehey, Kurt Nelfeld, Steve Sundine, Darby Gallagan. Um, there was even a former former public works employee that came to to to add some information. Um, we also had Ben and John from the Barkley Company.
Um, again, big team effort, lots and lots years of work. Um, so, uh, very very thankful to them. Again, if you'd like to learn more, uh, meetings.cscco.org. You can can look at that presentation. Council member Stone.
Yeah, just to add to that one, obviously this has been a long um guess heavy lift and taken a long time to get to this point, but just wanted to highlight that you know the Tal Group being the primary land owner in that area.
A lot of this is a you know a tribute to their vision right for this um particular area of the city. And also just wanting to highlight that this this urban village is really unique because there is one primary land owner for the vast majority of this um urban village.
And so therefore I just think about the other urban villages right that we are cultivating over time that maybe aren't as far along even though this one maybe is being formalized later in the queue. Um and so just wanting to recognize that that's really a unique piece that um adds for some ability even just thinking about um the idea related to um the wetlands, right, that are on the site and the ability when you have such a large site to be able to actually do that mitigation on site within um within the confines of of the urban village itself.
And so there's a lot of f flexibility there, but it only comes to fruition because of the real vision and commitment from the Talbot group. So, just wanted to acknowledge that. Thanks, >> Council Member Williams.
>> Yes. So, I would like to recognize that as well because um what I was more impressed with was not only was it a single owner of all of the property because my time here in Bellingham goes back to when nothing was there.
And uh right when I moved is when they cut Wurn Street from Alabama to Sunset. And uh and there was nothing there. And I watched that uh grow over time. But the thing that impressed me was their commitment to grow it the right way and their commitment to make it what it is even now when they're adding more housing.
And I I just want to point out that they they they have achieved a large percentage of um what we call affordable housing up there, which is amazing. Um so it was this was not this was not a very hard vote to take and I am uh more than appreciative of their vision and the work that they've done to make it what it is.
Anything further from council? Okay, seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601 excused. All right. And the next related item is agenda bill 24606, an ordinance establishing the Barkley Village Plan action pursuant to the state environmental policy act adding a new section BMC 16.30 and amending BMC6.30.02.
020. The state environmental policy act or SEPA allows for upfront environmental analysis called planned actions to be conducted for a specific geographic area typically associated with a sub area planning effort.
These planned actions require an environmental impact statement also known as EAS to be conducted and potential impacts and mitigation measures identified. This upfront analysis analysis streamlines future project specific review and provides clarity and certainty on required mitigation for both developers and the public.
The proposed plan action represents the findings of the final EIS for the Barkley Village urban Barkley urban village and identifies mitigation measures associated with the buildout of the urban village.
The city council held a public hearing on this item on July 21st, 2025 and referred it to committee of the whole for f third deliberation. Um and again this is uh instead of needing a seer review site by sight, this is um looks this looks at the whole site at once.
Um which is more efficient, more pro provides more predictability um and so that makes a whole lot of sense. Um, again on this one, the committee recommended approval and I so move. >> Second. >> Motion by the chair, second by council member Williams.
Council member Hamill. >> Yeah, I want to uh make sure that the modification amendment gets um put in here. So, we were informed by the planning staff this afternoon that uh there's a notification requirement for work within um it was a given distance and I forget the the the distance in proximity to a pipeline that's in the ground there.
So I want to make sure that that gets put in >> 100 100 >> 100 >> 100 ft. So yeah, so notification requirement for work within um 100 ft of the proximity to the pipeline that's located in this um subject area.
>> Thank you, Council Member Hamill. Any further discussion? >> Okay, seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 61 excused. And up next, we had agenda bill 24607, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a development agreement with Talbot Real Estate LLC, setting forth the terms and conditions for the anticipated buildout of Barkley Village.
Talbot Real Estate LLC and city staff negotiated a development agreement regarding the future development of Barkley Village. The agreement allows Talbot Real Estate to vest to the development regulations adopted contemporaneously with the proposed development agreement for a period of 25 years.
In exchange, Ch Talbert Real Estate has agreed to provide certain public benefits, including, for example, dedicating approximately 40 acres of property located on the eastern portion of the Barkley Urban Village.
Barkley Urban Village, I don't know why that one's tough for me today. as open space. This property will remain in its natural forested state in perpetuity. The council is required to hold a public hearing and pass a resolution prior to executing the development agree agreement under RCW 36.70B.2000.
The city council held a public hearing on this item on July 21st, 2025 and referred it to committee of the whole for further deliberation. Let's see. Um, okay. And again, the committee recommended approval and I so move.
>> Second. >> Motion by the chair, second by council member Hamill. Further discussion. Council member Hamill. >> Yeah, I want to make sure that there's an amendment that includes a uh nonconformity agreement within this um adopted uh uh agreement 24607.
I think this one. >> Yeah, it's this one. >> Is that correct, Mr. Mayor? Or >> we voted on it this morning or this afternoon? >> Is that what >> my understanding are are we referring to the the the amendments that Darby was mentioning?
>> Yeah. My understanding from talking to her was that those amendments are already included in >> So that's already in there. >> Yeah. Okay. And the same with the other the other amendment that you just mentioned, they are already in the documents that are in your packet.
Okay. I think she was just trying to point those out because those were changes from when you first considered these things at the public hearing. >> Okay. Just want to make sure we're all clear. >> Thanks for taking such good notes today.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Seeing none, all in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes. 601 excused. Okay. Uh, old and new. Council member Stone. >> So, I just have one item to bring back um forward for consideration by the council.
It's regarding the atlarge term. And so, I know that there was discussion by the council of whether that was a two-year or four-year term. In short, right now, I just want to highlight that I've been working with um Iris not in our office as well as the legal department um as well as retired professors at UDub's law school um to try and right parse through the the statute because last time this was brought forward, I believe it was in um it was even last year, but I believe it was under council member Hamill's direction when he was serving at um but requesting to bring this forward.
And initially there was sort of a finding that we were preempted under state law and that it had to stay a two-year term and that it couldn't be changed to four. Long story short, the statute seems to be a bit ambiguous and we would be able to argue potentially either side and there are other jurisdictions of first class cities here in the state that have done so.
having reviewed now the um I guess the for and against statements and things that were brought forward when this was this same issue was sent to the voters right back in 2008 reading that and what transpired at that time I'm not actually certain where I fall if I would be for or against a potential change but I just wanted to bring this forward to the full council because I didn't want it to not be pursued because we believe that it was preempted because after that research it appears that it may not be.
So, I'm not asking for any discussion now or for it even to be put on the agenda for discussion, but I just wanted to at least bring that information forward so that if there were council members who were interested in bringing that forward, I'd be happy to, you know, take that work on and to consider that further.
But at this time, just wanting to share at least what those preliminary findings were and to to clear the record on that issue. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Stone. Council member Hamill.
>> Yeah, I just wanted to inform the council and public that I I went out with the community paramedic program and the grace program. Uh it's probably like maybe two weeks ago now and uh just was a very um good reminder, very eye opening in terms of um the work that our city staff does when it comes to helping folks um that are our most um vulnerable neighbors.
And just want to give um council and the the public just a a quick heads up that I intend to go to the to Seattle to uh go to their reach program which is a very similar to our homeless outreach team that we have here in Bellingham to go um just kind of do a ride along with them as well.
Um and also the emergency services uh program down there. There was a um article in the Seattle Times I think maybe two days ago that covered uh those programs. So, I'd like to um get a little more information on that.
And on the 21st, I'll be riding with the Bellingham uh uh police department's uh bike patrol. And I'm going to bring my own bike. So, um anyway, just wanted to provide just like that. I think that that consistency with outreach to to folks that are working in the on the front lines, I think it's important, provides better policy decisions in my opinion.
So, thanks, Cmber Loquist. >> Yeah. I want to let the public know that the um new tiny homes village on Northwest Avenue is nearing completion. I think they still have one or two more houses to finish, but there'll be a grand opening ceremony at 3:00 in the afternoon on Tuesday the 26th.
Um so it'll be open to the public. It's a really charming and colorful development and give you a chance to see what it's like for those community members who are now living there. 3:00 again on Tuesday the 26th.
Anything further for no? All right. And we then had executive session this afternoon. Five items. First was uh potential litigation with Stamps. Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter for information and discussion.
No action was taken. Second, we had potent another potential litigation item with Phillips. Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter for information and discussion. No act no action was taken.
Next up we had a potential property acquisition with stamps. Staff provided information on a potential Lake Watcom wershed property acquisition totaling 5.92 acres with one potential development unit.
I'll now entertain a motion to authorize the mayor to close the real estate transaction described in the city's executed purchase and sale agreement with the property owners Robert Cicero and Chris Christa Russell with a purchase price of $310,000.
Closing is scheduled to occur on or around September 5th, 2025. >> So moved. Second. >> Motion by council member Williams, second by council member Hamill. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I.
>> I. Any opposed or abstensions? Passes 601 excused. Next, we had a potential property acquisition with stamps. Staff provided information on a potential Lake Wacom wershed property acquisition totaling 5.96 acres.
I thought I was reading the same one. It's very close. With one potential development unit. I will now entertain a motion to authorize the mayor to close the real estate transaction described in the city's executed purchase and sale agreement with the property owner.
the Dubo 1988 trust with a purchase price of $1,450,000. Closing is scheduled to occur on or around September 5th, 2025. >> So move. >> Motion by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Hamill.
Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601. And last, we had a potential property acquisition with stamps. staff provided information on another potential Lake Wacom wershed property acquisition.
No information for information and discussion. No action was taken and this is a little bit out of order uh from our usual way of doing things but then this afternoon we had the planning committee and that was chaired by Michael Liiloquist chairman chair council member Liiloquist.
Hefe he wow. >> So uh thank you uh President Hman. Joining me on the committee are usually council members uh Stone and Anderson. Uh council member Williams graciously filled in for Lisa Anderson. We had two items.
The first one was consideration of proposed amendments to the countywide planning policy. So these are actually planning policies that the county adopts. The Growth Management Act requires Watcom County in cooperation with the seven cities to adopt countywide planning policies.
The policies originally adopted in 1993 are intended to be used as a guide when jurisdictions update their comprehensive plans. Recent changes in state law require the county to amend the countywide planning policies related to housing and establish policies, new policies for tribal cultural resources as well as climate change and resiliency.
A final draft of proposed amendments were approved by the Wakom County Council on May 27th, 2025. These amendments are presented to the city council for an up or down vote before going back to the county council for a public hearing and final approval.
So um as was mentioned there were some new sections added on uh climate change and cultural resources. In particular, many of us appreciated the fact that the housing affordability section now reflects the new mandates that both that the cities are under to provide housing at all affordability levels.
Um and we also appreciate the fact that the for the last two complant cycles there's been informal um coordination of of leader elected leadership uh in all the cities and jurisdictions on the comp plan update process.
The new countywide planning policies actually formalizes that and says we should do that every time um on a on a regular basis. Uh there also was some clarification of uh protections for uh resource lands for coordinating multimodal transportation countywide and for coordinated water resource.
This afternoon the committee unanimously recommended approval or agreement with the countywide p planning policy changes and I so move second. >> Motion made by the chair, second by council member Hamill.
>> Sure. >> Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. I. >> I. Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601 excused. >> The second item was a discussion of the planning department's work plan during the 2025.
Well, this is basically you saw Mr. Lion up here with the the map and saying about how we had to shove a bunch of work around to make it work. This is the longer version of that presentation. Uh during the 2025 legislative session of the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5558.
In doing so, this piece of legislation inadvertently reduced the amount of time for local governments when planning out of the 2025 periodic update cycle for comp the comprehensive plan had to adopt implementing codes and updates.
In several cases, code updates that were previously due 6 months after the adoption of the comprehensive plan are now due at the end of this year 2025 calendar year, thus shortening the schedule by six months.
As a result, the planning division has restructured its 2025 and 2026 work plans to prioritize drafting code updates to be in compliance with state law. It was a really uh interesting um uh presentation um referring to what needs to be done in the short term which for example is um next month I think we'll be updating our codes that have to do with temporary shelters um what's called co-living now boarding home regulations accessory dwelling unit regulations we have to finalize our adoptions on those and unit lot subdivision again required by state law in addition before we're done in this year interim housing which is the middle housing bill and then the design review processes which goes with all housing and then revisiting maybe by the end of the year maybe not our parking reform um coming up in the years to follow.
There's also in the year 2026 a lot of other really powerful and interesting work uh advancing um uh our our development rules more broadly with regard to um housing permanent permanent housing work including a entire residential uh zoning rewrite harmonizing all the work we've been doing with multif family with middle housing uh with with ADUs bringing that all together and that's kind of it this is for information only um to explain to the council as well as to the public why we're hastening some work and then we'll get to other work later.
That was all that we had for our committee. And that's the end of my report. >> Thank you, Council Member Loquist. Consent agenda. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by Council Member Hamill, second by Council Member Williams.
Further discussion. Council member Stone. Just wanted to highlight, you know, there are a couple of items in the consent agenda. Agenda Bill 24628 and that are setting dates and times for public hearings that are going to be coming before the hearing examiner regarding different vacations.
Um and since they weren't highlighted in just the um agenda, our sort of mass agenda, just wanted to highlight that those are scheduled for September 10th at 6:00 pm. That's it. Council member Stone. Further discussion on the consent agenda?
Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes. 61 excused. And we have no items for third and final. So that concludes the regular business of the meeting. We will now move to the public comment session.
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