Name: Bellingham City Council - Regular Meeting meeting, Oct 5, 2026
Start: 2026-10-05
End: 2026-10-05
Location: City of Bellingham

City Council - Regular Meeting

Mon, October 5, 2026

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Agenda items

Vote records

Discussion summary

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Meeting summaryAI-generated

Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, October 5, 2026

The full council met for a regular session, chaired by Council President Hannah Stone, with all seven members present. The meeting covered two public hearings, several committee action items, and an executive session, adjourning at 8:31 p.m.

Upcoming Announcements

Council confirmed that at the October 19, 2026 meeting, three public hearings will be held on resolutions taking positions on November ballot measures: one urging voters to oppose Initiative IL26-638 (K-12 athletic participation), one urging voters to oppose Initiative IL26-001 (parental rights relating to children), and one urging voters to support local Initiative 2026-01 (a prohibition on algorithmic price-fixing in the rental market). Further details will be posted at meetings.cob.org at least seven days before the hearings.

Home Occupation Zoning Ordinance (Public Hearing — Item 25074)

The council held a public hearing on an ordinance that would amend Bellingham Municipal Code Titles 13, 20, and 21 to expand the types of home-based businesses allowed in residential areas, simplify the permitting process, exempt certain home occupations from transportation concurrency requirements, and align city code with goals in the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. The ordinance passed on first and second reading in the same meeting, meaning no further reading will be required before final adoption.

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

Preliminary 2027 City Budget — First Public Hearing (Item 25084) and Budget Work Session (Item 25085)

The council opened the first public hearing on the preliminary 2027 city budget and held a morning budget work session. Both were informational in nature; no action was taken. Additional budget hearings and deliberations are expected in coming weeks as the budget process continues toward adoption.

State Route 11 (Old Fairhaven Parkway) Speed Limit Evaluation (Item 25082)

The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee presented an evaluation of speed limits on SR 11 (Old Fairhaven Parkway). This was informational only; no action was taken. Further discussion or a recommendation may come at a future meeting.

Bellingham Mitigation Bank Interagency Agreement (Item 25083)

The council authorized the Mayor to execute an interagency agreement establishing the Bellingham Mitigation Bank. Mitigation banks are used to offset environmental impacts from development by funding conservation or restoration of wetlands and other natural resources elsewhere. No details about the specific scope or funding were included in the action summary.

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

Whatcom Racial Equity Commission Update (Item 25080) and Drone as First Responder Program Presentation (Item 25079)

The Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee received two informational presentations: an update from the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, and a presentation on the Drone as First Responder Program. No action was taken on either item.

Ambulance Service Rates Ordinance (Item 25081)

An ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code section 4.82.060 to update ambulance service rates passed on first and second reading, allowing it to proceed to final adoption without an additional reading. No further detail on the specific rate changes was included in the action summary.

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

Comcast Cable Television Franchise Extension (Item 25077)

The council approved an ordinance on first and second reading extending the cable television franchise held by Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC. No additional terms or duration of the extension were specified in the action summary.

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

Draft Regional Fire Authority Plan (Item 25078)

The full Committee of the Whole reviewed the draft Regional Fire Authority Plan. This was informational only; no action was taken. The Regional Fire Authority concept, if adopted, would consolidate fire and emergency services regionally — this review appears to be an early stage in that process.

Executive Session — Litigation: Sutton v. City of Bellingham

The council met in closed executive session to receive a briefing on the Sutton v. City of Bellingham litigation. No action was taken.

Consent Calendar

The following routine items were approved together without separate discussion:

25072: Interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with Omnia Public Partners Purchasing Cooperative

25073, 25075, 25076: Authorization of accounts payable transactions for the periods of August 28 through September 17, 2026

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

Key Takeaways

Home occupation zoning expanded: An ordinance broadening what home-based businesses are allowed and streamlining their permitting passed unanimously on first and second reading, moving it close to final adoption.

2027 budget process underway: The first public hearing on the preliminary 2027 budget was held; residents can expect more hearings and council deliberation in the weeks ahead.

Bellingham Mitigation Bank established: The council authorized an interagency agreement creating a mitigation bank, a tool for offsetting environmental impacts from future development.

Ambulance rates and Comcast franchise updated: Both ordinances passed 7–0 on first and second reading; final adoption is forthcoming.

October 19 ballot measure hearings confirmed: Council will hear public testimony and vote on resolutions taking positions on three November ballot measures, including on transgender athlete participation, parental rights, and a local ban on algorithmic rental price-fixing.

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

Authorize the Mayor to enter into an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with Omnia Public Partners Purchasing Cooperative

Authorization for the Mayor to enter into an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with Omnia Public Partners Purchasing Cooperative was considered as part of the Consent Agenda. Daniel Hammill and Hollie Huthman moved approval of the entire Consent Agenda, which carried 7-0.

Authorization of AP transactions issued August 28, 2026 through

Authorization of AP transactions issued August 28, 2026 through September 3, 2026 was considered as part of the Consent Agenda. Daniel Hammill and Hollie Huthman moved approval of the entire Consent Agenda, which carried 7-0.

A public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, amending the Bellingham Municipal Code Title 13, Title 20, and Title 21 to expand the types of home occupation uses allowed, streamline permit review processes, exempt certain home occupations from transportation concurrency requirements, and implement goals and policies in the 2025

A public hearing was held to consider an ordinance amending the Bellingham Municipal Code to expand home occupation uses and streamline permit review processes. Daniel Hammill and Michael Lilliquist moved for first and second reading, which carried 7-0.

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 4, 2026 through

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 4, 2026 through September 10, 2026 was considered as part of the Consent Agenda. Daniel Hammill and Hollie Huthman moved approval of the entire Consent Agenda, which carried 7-0.

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 11, 2026 through

Authorization of AP transactions issued September 11, 2026 through September 17, 2026 was considered as part of the Consent Agenda. Daniel Hammill and Hollie Huthman moved approval of the entire Consent Agenda, which carried 7-0.

Agenda items (24)

Procedural (10)

1ProceduralA resolution urging voters to oppose state-wide Initiative IL26-638 concerning participation in athletics at K-12 schools,

A proposed resolution urging voters to oppose state Initiative 1126-638, which concerns student participation in school athletics.

2ProceduralA resolution urging voters to oppose state-wide Initiative IL26-001 concerning parental rights relating to their children,

A proposed resolution urging voters to oppose state Initiative 1126-001, which concerns parental rights relating to their children.

3ProceduralA resolution urging voters to support local Initiative 2026-01 concerning a prohibition on algorithmic price-fixing in the rental market. These public hearings are dependent on Council assent, which is anticipated to be discussed during the September 28, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. If Council Members agree to hold the public hearings, further details will be available at meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearings.

A proposed resolution urging voters to support local Initiative 2026-01, which would prohibit algorithmic price-fixing in the rental market.

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

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

5ProceduralOnline: Join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and follow staff instructions at time of the public hearing or public comment period.

Residents can participate in City Council meetings online by joining the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and following staff instructions during public comment or hearing periods.

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 call 253-215-8782 and enter Meeting ID 871 5188 5205 and Password 9 to participate in City Council meetings by phone.

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, speakers who signed up in advance will speak first, followed by any additional speakers; written comments are 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 online at 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 City Council at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, or learn more about public comment options at cob.org/public-hearings-and-public-comment-periods.

Consent Calendar

25072Consent CalendarAuthorize the Mayor to enter into an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with Omnia Public Partners Purchasing Cooperative

The Mayor is authorized to sign a cooperative purchasing agreement with Omnia Public Partners Purchasing Cooperative.

What happened

25073Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued August 28, 2026 through

City Council will approve accounts payable transactions issued on August 28, 2026.

What happened

25075Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued September 4, 2026 through

City Council will approve accounts payable transactions issued on September 4, 2026.

What happened

25076Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued September 11, 2026 through

City Council will approve accounts payable transactions issued on September 11, 2026.

What happened

Public Hearing

25074Public HearingA public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, amending the Bellingham Municipal Code Title 13, Title 20, and Title 21 to expand the types of home occupation uses allowed, streamline permit review processes, exempt certain home occupations from transportation concurrency requirements, and implement goals and policies in the 2025

A public hearing on an ordinance to expand home occupation uses allowed in Bellingham, streamline permit processes, and exempt certain home occupations from transportation requirements.

What happened

25084Public HearingThe first public hearing on the preliminary 2027 City of Bellingham budget

The first public hearing on the City of Bellingham's preliminary 2027 budget.

What happened

The first public hearing on the preliminary 2027 City of Bellingham budget was held. Information and discussion only, no action was taken.

Council Business

25077Council BusinessAn ordinance extending the term of the cable television franchise held by Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC

An ordinance to extend Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC's cable television franchise agreement with the city.

What happened

An ordinance extending the term of the cable television franchise held by Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC was considered. Lisa Anderson and Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading, which carried 7-0.

25078Council BusinessDraft Regional Fire Authority Plan

City Council will review a draft Regional Fire Authority Plan.

What happened

Draft Regional Fire Authority Plan was presented. Information and discussion only, no action was taken.

25079Council BusinessA presentation of the Drone as First Responder Program

City staff will present information about the Drone as First Responder Program.

What happened

A presentation of the Drone as First Responder Program was given. Information and discussion only, no action was taken.

25080Council BusinessAn update from the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission

The Whatcom Racial Equity Commission will provide an update to City Council.

What happened

An update from the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission was provided. Information and discussion only, no action was taken.

25081Council BusinessAn ordinance regarding ambulance service rates, amending Bellingham

An ordinance to amend ambulance service rates in Bellingham.

What happened

An ordinance regarding ambulance service rates was considered. Daniel Hammill and Hollie Huthman moved for first and second reading, which carried 7-0.

25082Council BusinessState Route 11 (Old Fairhaven Parkway) speed limit evaluation

City Council will evaluate and discuss the speed limit on State Route 11 (Old Fairhaven Parkway).

What happened

State Route 11 (Old Fairhaven Parkway) speed limit evaluation was presented. Information and discussion only, no action was taken.

25083Council BusinessAn interagency agreement establishing the Bellingham Mitigation Bank Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:25 p.m.

An interagency agreement establishing the Bellingham Mitigation Bank focused on public health, safety, justice, and equity.

What happened

An interagency agreement establishing the Bellingham Mitigation Bank was considered. Michael Lilliquist and Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement, which carried 7-0.

General Business

25085General BusinessBudget work session

A work session to discuss and develop the city's budget.

What happened

Budget work session was held. Information and discussion only, no action was taken.

Additional votes recorded in minutes

First and second reading of ordinance amending BMC Titles 13, 20, and 21 regarding home occupation uses

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Authorize Mayor to execute interagency agreement establishing the Bellingham Mitigation Bank

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

First and second reading of ordinance regarding ambulance service rates amending BMC 4.82.060

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

First and second reading of ordinance extending Comcast cable television franchise term

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Approve consent agenda

aye 7

Daniel Hammillaye

Edwin H. "Skip" Williamsaye

Hannah Stoneaye

Hollie Huthmanaye

Jace Cottonaye

Lisa Andersonaye

Michael Lilliquistaye

Verbatim transcript available

26 transcript segments indexed

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting action summary October 5, 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.

Announcements and upcoming meetings 1. Upcoming public hearings On October 19, 2026, City Council will hold three public hearings on resolutions urging voters to oppose or support ballot measures in the November general election.

The proposed resolutions are: 1. A resolution urging voters to oppose state-wide Initiative IL26-638 concerning participation in athletics at K-12 schools, 2. A resolution urging voters to oppose state-wide Initiative IL26-001 concerning parental rights relating to their children, 3.

A resolution urging voters to support local Initiative 2026-01 concerning a prohibition on algorithmic price-fixing in the rental market. Further details will be available at meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearings.

2. Next Council meeting 30-minute public comment period Advance sign-up is required for participation. The sign-up form will be available at cob.org/ccsignup on the day of the meeting and outside the chamber doors starting at 6:30 p.m.

The sign-up form closes when the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Speakers will be called from the sign-up list in a Page 1 of 5 randomized order. Each speaker will have two minutes to speak and the public comment period will close after 30 minutes or after all those who signed up have been called on.

See the first page of the agenda for further details. Public hearing 25074 1. A public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, p. 6 amending the Bellingham Municipal Code Title 13, Title 20, and Title 21 to expand the types of home occupation uses allowed, streamline permit review processes, exempt certain home occupations from transportation concurrency requirements, and implement goals and policies in the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Action: Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved for first and second reading.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 25084 2. The first public hearing on the preliminary 2027 City of Bellingham budget p. 38 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken. 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. Page 2 of 5 Special meeting: budget work session 9:00 a.m. 25085 1. Budget work session p.

39 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken. Public Works and Natural Resources 1 p.m. Michael Lilliquist, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 25082 1. State Route 11 (Old Fairhaven Parkway) speed limit evaluation p.

47 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken. 25083 2. An interagency agreement establishing the Bellingham Mitigation Bank p. 49 Action: Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the interagency agreement.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1:25 p.m. Daniel Hammill, Chair Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 25080 1. An update from the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission p. 68 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken.

25079 2. A presentation of the Drone as First Responder Program p. 168 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken. Page 3 of 5 25081 3. An ordinance regarding ambulance service rates, amending Bellingham p.

170 Municipal Code section 4.82.060 Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Budget and Finance 2:45 p.m. Lisa Anderson, Chair Daniel Hammill, Michael Lilliquist 25077 1.

An ordinance extending the term of the cable television franchise held by p. 175 Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC Action: Lisa Anderson / Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading.

MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Committee Of The Whole 2:50 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 25078 1. Draft Regional Fire Authority Plan p.

180 Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken. 2. Old or new business Executive session Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. 1. Litigation: Sutton v. City of Bellingham (Erb, approx.

15 min.) Action: Information and discussion only, no action taken. Page 4 of 5 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. 25072 1. Authorize the Mayor to enter into an interlocal cooperative purchasing p. 217 agreement with Omnia Public Partners Purchasing Cooperative 25073 2.

Authorization of AP transactions issued August 28, 2026 through p. 221 September 3, 2026 25075 3. Authorization of AP transactions issued September 4, 2026 through p. 222 September 10, 2026 25076 4. Authorization of AP transactions issued September 11, 2026 through p.

223 September 17, 2026 Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.