Name: Bellingham City Council - Regular Meeting meeting, Nov 2, 2026
Start: 2026-11-02
End: 2026-11-02
Location: City of Bellingham

City Council - Regular Meeting

Mon, November 2, 2026

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Agenda items

Vote records

Discussion summary

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Meeting summaryAI-generated

Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, November 2, 2026

The full City Council met for a lengthy regular session beginning at 7 p.m., with all seven members present. The meeting included two public hearings, several committee reports, a contentious debate over Regional Fire Authority tax relief legislation, and final passage of aquatic invasive species protections. The meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.

Public Comment

Twelve residents signed up and spoke during the 30-minute general public comment period. The action summary does not detail individual comments.

Rental Regulation Surveys (Announcement)

Council announced that two surveys on the city's rental regulations — one for renters and one for landlords and property managers — will launch by November 6 on engagebellingham.org and remain open for approximately six weeks. No action was taken; this was informational.

2027 Budget — Second Public Hearing (Item 25108)

The Council held its second public hearing on the proposed 2027 city budget. This was an opportunity for public testimony; no vote was taken and no action was required at this stage. Budget deliberations are ongoing.

Surplus Sale of Vacated Alley — Iowa and Kentucky Streets (Item 25114)

The Council held a public hearing and then voted to declare a vacated alley segment between Iowa and Kentucky Streets as surplus city property and authorize its sale to the abutting landowners. The action summary does not detail public testimony.

Vote: Moved by Cotton, seconded by Williams. Carried 7–0.

Interim Zoning Extension — Infill Housing Development Regulations (Item 25115)

The Council considered and passed on first and second reading an ordinance extending interim zoning regulations for an additional six months. The regulations apply new development standards to single-family and infill housing and allow infill housing in all residentially zoned areas citywide, with the exception of properties subject to Lake Whatcom Reservoir regulations. This extension keeps existing interim rules in effect while longer-term permanent regulations are developed.

Vote: Moved by Williams, seconded by Lilliquist. Carried 7–0.

Interim Zoning Extension — Design Standards and Design Review (Item 25116)

Similarly, the Council passed on first and second reading a companion ordinance extending interim zoning regulations that establish clear and objective design standards for infill housing, multifamily housing, commercial/mixed-use development, and urban village industrial development. The extension also continues efforts to streamline the design review permitting process.

Vote: Moved by Cotton, seconded by Williams. Carried 7–0.

Budget Work Session (Item 25117)

A morning budget work session was held as a special meeting. No action was taken; this was informational and deliberative in preparation for eventual budget adoption.

WSDOT Noise Variance — I-5 Pavement Preservation (Item 25123)

The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee recommended, and the full Council approved, a noise variance allowing the Washington State Department of Transportation to exceed standard noise limits during pavement preservation work on I-5. Such variances are routine for nighttime construction projects.

Vote: Moved by Lilliquist, seconded by Hammill. Carried 7–0.

2026/2027 Winter Shelter Plans — Whatcom County Health Department (Item 25122)

The Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee received a presentation from the Whatcom County Health Department on its plans for the upcoming winter shelter season. No action was taken; this was informational.

Interlocal Agreement — Cascadia Village Funding (Item 25107)

The Budget and Finance Committee recommended, and the full Council approved, an interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to provide city funding support for Cascadia Village. The action summary does not specify the dollar amount. This agreement authorizes the Mayor to sign on the city's behalf.

Vote: Moved by Anderson, seconded by Hammill. Carried 7–0.

2026 Docketed Comprehensive Plan Amendments — Work Session (Item 25118)

The Committee of the Whole reviewed the 2026 docketed amendments to the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan, Capital Facilities Plan, Multimodal Transportation Plan, and Irongate Neighborhood Zoning Map. No action was taken. A formal public hearing on these amendments is scheduled for November 16.

2027 City Council Meeting Schedule (Item 25119)

The Council adopted Resolution #2026-29, setting the dates and times for all 2027 City Council meetings, with an amendment made during the committee meeting.

Vote: Moved by Stone, seconded by Lilliquist. Carried 7–0.

2027 Property Tax Levy Ordinance (Item 25121)

The Council passed on first and second reading an ordinance establishing the amount of property tax to be levied on assessed property value within Bellingham for the 2027 fiscal year. A third and final reading will be required before it becomes law.

Vote: Moved by Stone, seconded by Hammill. Carried 7–0.

Regional Fire Authority Plan and Voter Proposition (Item 25120)

This was the most contentious item of the evening. The Council considered a joint resolution with Whatcom County Fire Protection District 8 to adopt a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) plan and place a proposition before voters to approve forming the RFA, funded by a property tax and a fire benefit charge.

During the Committee of the Whole, Council Member Lilliquist moved to direct staff to draft an ordinance that would enact specific tax reductions and relief for city residents — to take effect only if voters approve the RFA — essentially ensuring that any new RFA tax burden would be offset by reduced city taxes. Council President Stone then moved to table Lilliquist's motion indefinitely. That tabling motion passed 6–1, with Lilliquist the sole dissenter.

In the evening regular meeting, Stone moved to bring Lilliquist's motion back off the table — which passed unanimously 7–0 — and then immediately moved to postpone it indefinitely. That postponement also passed 6–1, again with Lilliquist opposed. The practical effect is that Council declined to commit to drafting companion tax-relief legislation tied to a potential RFA vote. The underlying joint RFA resolution itself does not appear to have been voted on separately in this meeting.

Aquatic Invasive Species Ordinance — Final Passage (Item 25104)

The Council gave third and final reading to an ordinance strengthening protections against aquatic invasive species in Bellingham waterways. The ordinance amends BMC 12.12.280 to add a private boat launch permit requirement, impose requirements on short-term rental operators, restrict the launching of certain watercraft from public rights-of-way, and establish other enhanced protections. The measure is now law as Ordinance #2026-11-033.

Vote: Moved by Hammill, seconded by Williams. Carried 7–0 (Ayes: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton; Nays: none).

Consent Calendar (Items 25109–25113)

The Council approved in a single motion five routine financial items: authorization of accounts payable transactions covering September 18 through October 15, 2026, and payroll labor cost payments for September 16–30, 2026.

Vote: Moved by Hammill, seconded by Huthman. Carried 7–0.

Key Takeaways

Infill housing interim rules extended: Two ordinances extending interim zoning regulations — covering infill housing development standards and design review streamlining — passed first and second reading unanimously, keeping those rules in place for another six months while permanent regulations are developed.

Regional Fire Authority tax relief blocked: Council voted 6–1 (Lilliquist dissenting) to indefinitely postpone a proposal that would have directed staff to draft companion tax-reduction legislation tied to any future voter-approved RFA, leaving the question of how city taxpayers would be protected from a double tax burden unresolved.

Cascadia Village funded: An interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to co-fund Cascadia Village was unanimously authorized.

Aquatic invasive species protections now law: New rules requiring private boat launch permits, imposing obligations on short-term rentals, and restricting certain watercraft launches from public rights-of-way are now in effect as a city ordinance.

2027 budget process ongoing: The second public hearing on the 2027 budget was held; a formal public hearing on Comprehensive Plan amendments is scheduled for November 16.

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.

What happened at this meeting

An ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code 12.12.280 regarding aquatic invasive species to include a private boat launch permit, requirements for short-term rentals, restrictions on the launching of certain watercraft from a public right of way, and other enhanced protections

An ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code 12.12.280 regarding aquatic invasive species, private boat launch permits, and short-term rental restrictions was considered for final reading. Council Member Daniel Hammill and Edwin H. 'Skip' Williams moved approval for third and final reading, which carried 7-0 and was named Ordinance #2026-11-033.

An interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to help fund Cascadia

An interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to help fund Cascadia Village was considered by the Budget and Finance Committee. Council Member Lisa Anderson and Daniel Hammill moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the interlocal agreement, which carried 7-0.

The second public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget

The second public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget was held. Information and discussion only, no action taken.

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 18, 2026 through

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 18-24, 2026 was included in the Consent Agenda. Council Member Daniel Hammill and Hollie Huthman moved approval of the entire Consent Agenda, which carried 7-0.

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 25, 2026 through

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 25 through October 1, 2026 was included in the Consent Agenda. Approved as part of Consent Agenda motion carried 7-0.

Agenda items (28)

Procedural (9)

1ProceduralUpcoming public hearing On November 16, the City Council will hold a public hearing to hear public testimony on The 2026 docketed amendments to the 2025 Bellingham Comprehensive Plan, 2025 Capital Facilities Plan, 2025 Multimodal Transportation Plan, and Bellingham Municipal Code 20.00.092 Irongate Neighborhood Zoning Map. Details can be found at meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearing.

On November 16, the City Council will hold a public hearing for residents to testify on proposed 2026 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Capital Facilities Plan, Multimodal Transportation Plan, and zoning changes for the Irongate neighborhood.

2ProceduralIn person: The sign-up form will be available on an iPad or posted QR code outside the Council Chambers doors starting at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the meeting.

In-person sign-up to speak at the meeting will be available via iPad or QR code outside the Council Chambers starting at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the meeting.

3ProceduralThe sign-up form closes when the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Once signed up, speakers may participate via the following options:

The speaker sign-up form closes when the meeting begins at 7 p.m., and registered speakers can participate in person, online via Zoom, or by phone.

4ProceduralIn person: Meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

City Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

6ProceduralOver the phone: Call 253-215-8782, enter Meeting ID 871 5188 5205, and Password 9. Follow staff instructions at the time of the public hearing or public comment period.

Residents can participate in City Council meetings by phone by calling 253-215-8782 and entering Meeting ID 871 5188 5205 with Password 9.

7ProceduralDuring public hearings, speakers who have signed up in advance will be called on first, followed by any additional speakers who wish to give testimony. Before or after a meeting: Written correspondence is always welcome before or after Council meetings. Send written input to:

During public hearings, pre-registered speakers will testify first, followed by any additional speakers who wish to speak; written comments are also welcome before or after meetings.

8ProceduralFor general public comment, e-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.

Residents can email general public comments to all City Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.

9ProceduralFor written public hearing testimony, visit cob.org/publichearing.

Written testimony for public hearings can be submitted through cob.org/publichearing.

10ProceduralBy mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Learn more about public comment and public hearings at cob.org/public-hearings-and-public- comment-periods.

Residents can mail written comments to the City Council at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, or visit cob.org/public-hearings-and-public-comment-periods for more information.

Council Business

5Council BusinessOld or new business

Council members may raise any additional business or agenda items for discussion.

25107Council BusinessAn interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to help fund Cascadia

The Council will consider an agreement with Whatcom County to jointly fund the Cascadia project.

What happened

25118Council BusinessA work session to review the 2026 docketed amendments

The City Council will review proposed changes to city codes and regulations that are scheduled for 2026.

What happened

A work session to review the 2026 docketed amendments was held by the Committee of the Whole. Information and discussion only, no action taken.

25119Council BusinessA resolution setting the dates and times of the 2027 City Council meetings

The City Council will establish the meeting schedule and times for 2027.

What happened

A resolution setting the dates and times of the 2027 City Council meetings was considered by the Committee of the Whole. Council Member Hannah Stone and Michael Lilliquist moved final approval of Resolution #2026-29 as amended, which carried 7-0.

25120Council BusinessA joint resolution of the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Fire Protection District 8, adopting a Regional Fire Authority Plan and submitting to the voters a proposition to approve the formation of a Regional Fire Authority, funded by a property tax and a fire benefit charge

Bellingham and Whatcom County Fire Protection District 8 are asking voters to approve creating a Regional Fire Authority that would be funded through property taxes and fire service fees.

What happened

A joint resolution adopting a Regional Fire Authority Plan was considered by the Committee of the Whole; Council Member Michael Lilliquist expressed opposition. The motion to postpone indefinitely was carried 6-1, with Lilliquist opposed.

25121Council BusinessAn ordinance relating to the levy of taxes and establishing the amount to be raised in 2027 on the assessed valuation of property within the City

The City Council will set the property tax rate for Bellingham residents in 2027.

What happened

An ordinance relating to the levy of taxes and establishing the amount to be raised in 2027 was considered by the Committee of the Whole. Council Member Hannah Stone and Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading, which carried 7-0.

25122Council BusinessA presentation from the Whatcom County Health Department on plans for 2026/2027 winter shelter

The Whatcom County Health Department will present its plans for providing winter shelter services during 2026 and 2027.

What happened

A presentation from the Whatcom County Health Department on plans for 2026/2027 winter shelter was heard by the Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee. Information and discussion only, no action taken.

25123Council BusinessA noise variance for Washington State Department of Transportation work for I-5 strategic pavement preservation Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:10 p.m.

The Council will consider approving a noise variance for Washington State Department of Transportation work on I-5 pavement preservation.

What happened

A noise variance for Washington State Department of Transportation work for I-5 strategic pavement preservation was considered by the Public Works and Natural Resources Committee. Council Member Michael Lilliquist and Daniel Hammill moved to approve the noise variance, which carried 7-0.

Ordinance

25104OrdinanceAn ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code 12.12.280 regarding aquatic invasive species to include a private boat launch permit, requirements for short-term rentals, restrictions on the launching of certain watercraft from a public right of way, and other enhanced protections

The City Council will update regulations to better protect Bellingham's waterways from invasive species by requiring permits for private boat launches, setting rules for short-term watercraft rentals, and limiting where boats can be launched from public areas.

What happened

Public Hearing

25108Public HearingThe second public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget

The Council will hold a second public hearing on the proposed 2027 city budget.

What happened

The second public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget was held. Information and discussion only, no action taken.

25114Public HearingA public hearing for the surplus sale of vacated alley between Iowa and Kentucky Streets

The Council will hold a public hearing on the potential sale of the vacated alley between Iowa and Kentucky Streets.

What happened

A public hearing was held for the surplus sale of a vacated alley between Iowa and Kentucky Streets. Council Member Jace Cotton and Edwin H. 'Skip' Williams moved to declare the vacated alley segment surplus and authorize its sale to the abutting landowners, which carried 7-0.

25115Public HearingA public hearing for an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, extending interim zoning regulations, applying new development regulations to single family and infill housing development, and allowing infill housing in all areas that are zoned predominantly for residential use, except on property regulated by BMC Chapter 16.80, Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory Provisions, for an additional six months

The Council will hear public testimony on an ordinance that would extend temporary zoning rules for six more months to allow infill housing in most residential areas of the city.

What happened

A public hearing was held for an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, extending interim zoning regulations and allowing infill housing in residential areas. Council Member Edwin H. 'Skip' Williams and Michael Lilliquist moved for first and second reading, which carried 7-0.

25116Public HearingA public hearing for an ordinance relating to land use and planning, extending interim zoning regulations to establish clear and objective design standards citywide for infill housing, multifamily housing, commercial/mixed-use development, and urban village industrial development and to streamline the design review permitting process

The Council will hear public testimony on an ordinance extending temporary zoning rules to create consistent design standards for infill, multifamily, and commercial development citywide and speed up the design review process.

What happened

A public hearing was held for an ordinance relating to land use and planning, extending interim zoning regulations to establish design standards for various development types citywide. Council Member Jace Cotton and Edwin H. 'Skip' Williams moved for first and second reading, which carried 7-0.

Consent Calendar

25109Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued September 18, 2026 through

The City Council will approve routine bills and expenses paid by the city for the week of September 18, 2026.

What happened

25110Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued September 25, 2026 through

The City Council will approve routine bills and expenses paid by the city for the week of September 25, 2026.

What happened

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 25 through October 1, 2026 was included in the Consent Agenda. Approved as part of Consent Agenda motion carried 7-0.

25111Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued October 2, 2026 through October 8, 2026

The City Council will approve routine bills and expenses paid by the city from October 2–8, 2026.

What happened

Authorization of AP transactions issued October 2-8, 2026 was included in the Consent Agenda. Approved as part of Consent Agenda motion carried 7-0.

25112Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued October 9, 2026 through October 15, 2026

The City Council will approve routine bills and expenses paid by the city from October 9–15, 2026.

What happened

Authorization of AP transactions issued October 9-15, 2026 was included in the Consent Agenda. Approved as part of Consent Agenda motion carried 7-0.

25113Consent CalendarAuthorization of payroll labor cost payments dated September 16, 2026 to September 30, 2026

The City Council will approve payroll payments to city employees for the period of September 16–30, 2026.

What happened

Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated September 16-30, 2026 was included in the Consent Agenda. Approved as part of Consent Agenda motion carried 7-0.

General Business

25117General BusinessBudget work session

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss the budget.

What happened

A budget work session was held at 9 a.m. Information and discussion only, no action taken.

Additional votes recorded in minutes

Declare vacated alley surplus and authorize sale (25114)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

First and second reading of interim zoning regulations for infill housing (25115)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

First and second reading of interim zoning regulations for design standards (25116)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Approve noise variance for WSDOT I-5 pavement preservation (25123)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Authorize interlocal agreement with Whatcom County for Cascadia Village (25107)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Adopt Resolution #2026-29 setting 2027 Council meeting dates (25119)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

First and second reading of property tax levy ordinance (25121)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Table motion to direct staff to draft RFA tax reduction ordinance (25120) - Committee of the Whole

aye 6 · nay 1

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistnay

Take motion to draft RFA tax reduction ordinance from the table (25120) - Regular Meeting

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Postpone motion to draft RFA tax reduction ordinance indefinitely (25120) - Regular Meeting

aye 6 · nay 1

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistnay

Approve Consent Agenda

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Third and final reading of Ordinance #2026-11-033 on aquatic invasive species (25104)

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Verbatim transcript available

33 transcript segments indexed

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting action summary November 2, 2026, 7 p.m. Chair: Hannah Stone Phone: 360-778-8200 Members: Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Email: ccmail@cob.org Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Web: cob.org/council Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton Legislative Office Manager: Jackie Weller Disclaimer This document is provided as a courtesy follow-up of the City Council meeting.

This document is not to be considered the minutes from the meeting but rather a report of the action taken by Council. All information contained herein is subject to change upon further review of recordings of the proceedings and composure and approval of the meeting minutes.

Comments and suggestions are welcome. Regular meeting The following items are heard in the Regular Meeting only. Call to order and roll call The meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 7 p.m.

Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Announcements and upcoming meetings 1.

Upcoming public hearing On November 16, the City Council will hold a public hearing to hear public testimony on The 2026 docketed amendments to the 2025 Bellingham Comprehensive Plan, 2025 Capital Facilities Plan, 2025 Multimodal Transportation Plan, and Bellingham Municipal Code 20.00.092 Irongate Neighborhood Zoning Map.

Details can be found at meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearing. 2. Survey on rental regulations launching soon The City Council is launching two surveys to gather feedback from renters, landlords, and property managers on the City's rental regulations.

Surveys for both renters and Page 1 of 7 landlords/property managers will be available on engagebellingham.org by November 6 and will be live for approximately six weeks. 3. Next Council meeting 30-minute public comment period City Council heard public comments from 12 individuals Public hearing 25108 1.

The second public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget p. 7 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken. 25114 2. A public hearing for the surplus sale of vacated alley between Iowa and p.

11 Kentucky Streets Action: Jace Cotton / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to declare the vacated alley segment surplus and authorize its sale to the abutting landowners. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 25115 3. A public hearing for an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, p.

25 extending interim zoning regulations, applying new development regulations to single family and infill housing development, and allowing infill housing in all areas that are zoned predominantly for residential use, except on property regulated by BMC Chapter 16.80, Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory Provisions, for an additional six months Action: Edwin H.

"Skip" Williams / Michael Lilliquist moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 25116 4. A public hearing for an ordinance relating to land use and planning, p. 39 extending interim zoning regulations to establish clear and objective design standards citywide for infill housing, multifamily housing, commercial/mixed-use development, and urban village industrial development and to streamline the design review permitting process Page 2 of 7 Action: Jace Cotton / Edwin H.

"Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken.

Council member reports Standing time for Council Member briefings, updates, and reports, including from assigned committees, boards, and other groups. Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken.

Committee meeting reports The following committee meetings are held during the day. Committee chairs will present a summary of each agenda item during the evening meeting, and further discussion or action may take place if needed.

Committee meetings are open to the public to attend, however committee agendas do not include public comment sessions. Special meeting: Budget work session 9 a.m. 25117 1. Budget work session p. 66 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken.

Public Works and Natural Resources 1 p.m. Michael Lilliquist, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 25123 1. A noise variance for Washington State Department of Transportation work p. 76 for I-5 strategic pavement preservation Action: Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to approve the noise variance.

Page 3 of 7 MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:10 p.m. Daniel Hammill, Chair Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 25122 1. A presentation from the Whatcom County Health Department on plans for p.

84 2026/2027 winter shelter Action: Information and discussion only. Budget and Finance 1:40 p.m. Lisa Anderson, Chair Daniel Hammill, Michael Lilliquist 25107 1. An interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to help fund Cascadia p.

85 Village Action: Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the interlocal agreement. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 2:15 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H.

"Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 25118 1. A work session to review the 2026 docketed amendments p. 93 Action: Information and discussion only. 25119 2. A resolution setting the dates and times of the 2027 City Council p.

143 meetings Action: Hannah Stone / Michael Lilliquist moved final approval of Resolution #2026-29 as amended in the Committee meeting. Page 4 of 7 MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 25121 3. An ordinance relating to the levy of taxes and establishing the amount to p.

147 be raised in 2027 on the assessed valuation of property within the City Action: Hannah Stone / Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 25120 4. A joint resolution of the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Fire p.

151 Protection District 8, adopting a Regional Fire Authority Plan and submitting to the voters a proposition to approve the formation of a Regional Fire Authority, funded by a property tax and a fire benefit charge Action taken during Committee of the Whole: Michael Lilliquist / Dan Hammill Moved to direct staff to draft an ordinance for Council's consideration that could enact specific tax reductions and tax relief that would take effect at a later date, coinciding with creation of a possible new taxing district, if and only if voters approve creation of the RFA.

Action taken during Committee of the Whole: Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved to table the motion indefinitely. MOTION CARRIED 6-1. OPPOSED: Michael Lilliquist Action taken during regular meeting: Hannah Stone / Skip Williams moved to take the motion as stated above from the table.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Action taken during regular meeting: Hannah Stone / Skip Williams moved to postpone the motion as stated above indefinitely. MOTION CARRIED 6-1. OPPOSED: Michael Lilliquist 5. Old or new business Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken.

Page 5 of 7 Executive session 3:40 p.m. Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. Summary: The Executive Session was canceled, as the only item originally scheduled was later removed by revision.

Consent agenda Consent Agenda items are considered routine and/or non-controversial and may be approved in a single motion. A member of the Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.

25109 1. Authorization of AP transactions issued September 18, 2026 through p. 194 September 24, 2026 25110 2. Authorization of AP transactions issued September 25, 2026 through p. 195 October 1, 2026 25111 3.

Authorization of AP transactions issued October 2, 2026 through October p. 196 8, 2026 25112 4. Authorization of AP transactions issued October 9, 2026 through October p. 197 15, 2026 25113 5. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated September 16, 2026 to p.

198 September 30, 2026 Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final consideration of ordinances 25104 1. An ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code 12.12.280 regarding p.

199 aquatic invasive species to include a private boat launch permit, requirements for short-term rentals, restrictions on the launching of certain watercraft from a public right of way, and other enhanced protections Page 6 of 7 Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H.

"Skip" Williams moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance # 2026-11-033 Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.