City Council - Regular Meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting
Mon, June 1, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, June 1, 2026
Council President Hannah Stone was excused, so Council Member Hollie Huthman presided as President Pro Tem. Six of seven council members were present. The meeting covered a Transportation Improvement Program public hearing, mayoral appointments, several committee-reported contract awards and grants, three Lake Whatcom watershed land acquisitions approved out of executive session, authorization to pursue PFAS class-action litigation, and two ordinances on final reading.
Public Hearing: 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Tim Holman, Assistant Director of Transportation for Public Works, presented the draft six-year TIP, which the city is required by state law (RCW 35.77.010) to adopt annually and file with the Secretary of Transportation by July 1. The TIP governs grant eligibility and guides the capital budget process. This year's plan lists 29 projects — the same number as last year — covering safety, climate, preservation/maintenance, and equity priorities.
Key changes from last year's TIP include: removal of four completed or re-prioritized projects (including James Street multimodal improvements sections 1 and 2, which were pulled from the six-year list but retained on the 20-year comprehensive plan project list, partly because the road was recently repaved and parallel multimodal connections have been improved); addition of four new projects including a Downtown Connections Plan implementation placeholder, Wharf Street Improvements (split from Pine Street), Gold Line transit signal prioritization (stemming from the WTA rapid transit locally preferred alternative), and a bike rack installation program; and updated grant funding for three projects including the Electric Avenue Bridge reconstruction.
Council Member Lilliquist asked why the Lincoln/Potter Street roundabout draws heavily from the Climate Action Fund — over $2 million of a $2.5 million project. Holman explained it supports WTA's Blue Go Line turnaround, which currently causes over a minute of delay and is projected to cause up to six minutes of delay in 20 years, directly enabling 10-minute transit headways. Lilliquist called the answer convincing. Council Member Cotton asked about a $2 million unfunded component of Wharf Street appearing in year four; Holman explained it follows the city's internal rule of keeping unfunded items in years 4–6, and staff is actively pursuing a TIB grant.
Three members of the public commented. Adam Bellinger praised the bike rack program but urged staff to be more proactive — rather than waiting for business owners to request racks — and suggested prioritizing multimodal projects that add capacity rather than remove vehicle lanes, citing Samish Way traffic backups and what he described as underused bike lanes on Lincoln Street. Brian Armstrong expressed disappointment that James Street sections 1 and 2 (Telegraph to Birwood) were removed, saying the improved shoulder still doesn't feel safe for families with children, and raised concerns about the Greenways Advisory Board not being meaningfully consulted on the Wharf Street project's greenways funding. A third speaker, Patrick Dods, acknowledged it was his first council meeting and that he had inadvertently signed up for the public hearing rather than general comment.
The public hearing was closed. Council will take up a resolution to formally adopt the TIP at the June 15 meeting.
Mayoral Appointments
Mayor Kim Lund (reporting through staff) sought confirmation of Joe Clark to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission.
Vote: Moved by Anderson, seconded by Williams. Passed 6–0–1 (Stone excused).
The Mayor also announced the appointment of Kate McDonald as the Cordata neighborhood's primary representative on the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission. This appointment was for council awareness only and required no vote.
Council Assignment Report: Association of Washington Cities Large Cities Advisory Committee
Council Member Lilliquist reported on the AWC Large Cities Advisory Committee quarterly meeting. Key themes: cities are facing significant budget pressure; the 2026 legislative session brought capital investment in housing/homelessness (including manufactured home park acquisitions) but failed to address the unfunded mandate for indigent defense; mobile dwelling legislation did not pass due to health and safety concerns; the 2027 state operating budget already projects a ~$1 billion shortfall; the Public Works Assistance Account remains at risk of state cuts; transportation funding held roughly steady but declining gas tax revenues are driving continued discussion of a road-use charge or vehicle miles traveled fee; and a rewrite of the state subdivision code is expected to resurface in 2027.
Committee Reports (Public Works and Natural Resources)
Tremont Lift Station Contract (Project EU193): The city received bids April 23; Tiger Construction submitted the lowest responsive bid of $3,158,400.30, below the engineer's estimate of approximately $3.4 million. The project builds a new lift station at Tremont Avenue and Meridian Street, expanding sewer capacity for future development on both sides of the highway in the northern area.
Vote: Moved by Lilliquist (chair), seconded by Anderson. Passed 6–0–1.
Pine Street Crossing Grant Agreement with WSDOT: The city was awarded grant funding for the Pine Street railroad crossing project, which will bring the crossing to quiet-zone standards (four gates), add a multi-use trail crossing, and upgrade Pine Street/Cornwall Avenue. A local agency agreement with WSDOT is required to access the funds.
Vote: Moved by Lilliquist (chair), seconded by Anderson. Passed 6–0–1.
*(A third item — an update on the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and Post Point solids handling — was removed from the agenda on May 28.)*
Committee Reports (Budget and Finance)
Council Member Anderson reported that Mayor Lund presented the 2027 budget development process. City departments will submit proposals in July given flat revenue and rising costs. A public budget presentation is expected in September. Council members had prior one-on-one meetings with the mayor to share priorities, which include maintaining public safety and current service levels and expanding affordable housing. No action was taken; this was a discussion item.
Committee Reports (Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity)
Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence: Director Susan Marks presented an overview. The commission, formed in 1998 and funded jointly by the city, county, and a U.S. DOJ grant, provides resources to schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, and government agencies with a focus on racial, gender, and economic justice. Current programs include "Reimagining Justice," missing and murdered Indigenous women and people work, and "Coaching Boys Into Men." Upcoming events include a July 23 meeting at Whatcom Community College and a November 5 all-day summit on missing and murdered Indigenous women and people at PeaceHealth St. Luke's. Informational only; no vote.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Security Grant (DHS): The city received a U.S. Department of Homeland Security FIFA grant to fund overtime and equipment to enhance security and preparedness for World Cup events hosted in Bellingham.
Vote: Moved by Hammill (chair), seconded by Williams. Passed 6–0–1.
Committee Reports (Parks and Recreation)
Jill's Court Trail Contract (Project P0145): Specialty Equipment Inc. / Neptune General Contractors submitted the lowest of nine bids at $873,428.25, well under the engineer's estimate of $1,797,617. The trail will be approximately 1,500 linear feet of 8–10-foot-wide crushed limestone surfacing connecting Sunset Pond Park and the Bayview Trail to the King Mountain and Baker View neighborhoods. As noted in the TIP presentation, this trail fills some of the gap left by deferring James Street sections 1 and 2.
Vote: Moved by Williams (chair), seconded by Lilliquist. Passed 6–0–1.
Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail — RCO Grant Application: Council authorized the Parks Department to apply for a $1,470,000 Recreation and Conservation Office grant. The trail (~1,300 linear feet of crushed limestone and elevated boardwalk) will connect Cordata Park to West Stewart Road and serve as part of the broader Bear Creek to Queen Mountain Trail Corridor. The city acquired the property in 2022.
Vote: Moved by Williams (chair), seconded by Hammill. Passed 6–0–1.
Committee Reports (Community and Economic Development)
Council Member Cotton reported two informational items: a presentation by the Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership and WWU's Small Business Development Center, and a continued work session on downtown occupancy trends and strategies to address vacancies. Both were discussion only; Cotton encouraged residents to watch the recordings.
Executive Session Report-Out: Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisitions
Three separate property purchases from the Lake Whatcom watershed were approved, all funded through the city's Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program using restricted funds from a watershed surcharge paid by city water customers.
20-acre parcel from the Oser Company (APN 280323433440): Purchase price $280,000; closing on or before June 18, 2026. Vote: Moved by Williams, seconded by Lilliquist. Passed 6–0–1.
10-acre parcel from the Oser Company (APN 380324232227): Purchase price $68,000; closing on or before June 18, 2026. Vote: Moved by Williams, seconded by Anderson. Passed 6–0–1.
69-acre parcel from Allen and Neva Van Hook (APNs 380335 and 380335417307): Purchase price $675,000; closing on or before July 17, 2026. Vote: Moved by Cotton, seconded by Lilliquist. Passed 6–0–1.
Combined, the three acquisitions add approximately 99 acres to the city's watershed protection program at a total cost of $1,023,000.
Executive Session Report-Out: PFAS Class-Action Litigation
Council authorized the mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the city in a class-action lawsuit against certain manufacturers of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). No further details were provided publicly.
Vote: Moved by Anderson, seconded by Lilliquist. Passed 6–0–1.
Consent Agenda
Passed without discussion. Items included: payroll authorization (April 16–30, 2026), two AP transaction authorizations (May 1–14, 2026), approval of an access easement for the North End Regional Pond wetland mitigation site, and a resolution confirming Bellingham's compliance with state requirements and completion of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan periodic update.
Vote: Moved by Hammill, seconded by Williams. Passed 6–0–1.
Final Ordinances
Ordinance 24933 — Speed Limits (new BMC Chapter 11.05): Adds a new chapter to the Bellingham Municipal Code establishing speed limit regulations.
Vote (roll call): All six present members voted aye. Passed 6–0–1.
Ordinance 24937 — 2026 Budget Amendment for Public Safety Funding Program (Amendment 2): Amends the 2026 budget to recognize revenues and expenditures associated with a public safety grant award.
Vote (roll call): All six present members voted aye. Passed 6–0–1.
Key Takeaways
Three Lake Whatcom watershed parcels totaling ~99 acres were approved for purchase at a combined cost of $1,023,000, all funded by the dedicated watershed surcharge on water bills — a significant addition to the city's long-term water supply protection program.
The 2027–2032 TIP was presented for public hearing and will come back for a council vote on June 15; notable changes include deferring the expensive James Street sections 1–2 corridor project and adding transit signal prioritization for the WTA Gold Line rapid transit route.
The city will join a PFAS class-action lawsuit against manufacturers, with outside counsel authorized to represent Bellingham.
A new speed limits ordinance (BMC Chapter 11.05) was adopted on final reading, along with a budget amendment recognizing public safety grant funds.
A June 15 public hearing is scheduled on extending interim regulations to eliminate minimum parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards — a significant land-use policy item residents may want to weigh in on.
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
Potential property acquisition (Rosenblatt, approx. 3 mins)
Staff briefed council on the city's pending agreement to purchase a 20-acre property in the Lake Watcom watershed from the Oer Company for $280,000, with closing set for on or before June 18th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds from a watershed search charge on utility bills. Council Member Williams moved approval and Council Member Lilloquist seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.
Language access The 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 cob.org/cczoom and click on the “Language” icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish.
Staff briefed council on a pending agreement to purchase a 10-acre property in the Lake Watcom watershed from the Oser Company for $68,000, with closing set for on or before June 18th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds. Council Member Williams moved approval and Council Member Anderson seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.
Online: A sign-up form is available at cob.org/ccsignup on the day of the meeting.
Staff briefed council on a pending agreement to purchase a 69-acre property in the Lake Watcom watershed from Allen and Neva Van Hook for $675,000, with closing set for on or before July 17th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds from a watershed search charge. Council Member Cotton moved approval and Council Member Lilloquist seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.
Potential litigation (Rosenblatt, approx. 10 mins) - ITEM ADDED 5/29/26
Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter regarding class action litigation against certain manufacturers of PFAS. Council moved to authorize the mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the city in this matter. Council Member Anderson moved approval and Council Member Lilloquist seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.
A work session on downtown occupancy trends and strategies to address vacancies
Council Member Cotton reported on a work session addressing downtown occupancy trends and strategies to address vacancies, which was a continuation of a presentation from a previous meeting.
Agenda items (30)
Council Business
1Council BusinessPotential property acquisition (Rosenblatt, approx. 3 mins)
City Council will discuss a potential property acquisition involving Rosenblatt (approximately 3 minutes).
What happened
Staff briefed council on the city's pending agreement to purchase a 20-acre property in the Lake Watcom watershed from the Oer Company for $280,000, with closing set for on or before June 18th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds from a watershed search charge on utility bills. Council Member Williams moved approval and Council Member Lilloquist seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.4Council BusinessPotential litigation (Rosenblatt, approx. 10 mins) - ITEM ADDED 5/29/26
City Council will discuss potential litigation related to Rosenblatt (approximately 10 minutes); this item was added on 5/29/26.
What happened
Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter regarding class action litigation against certain manufacturers of PFAS. Council moved to authorize the mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the city in this matter. Council Member Anderson moved approval and Council Member Lilloquist seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.24912Council BusinessA work session on downtown occupancy trends and strategies to address vacancies
City Council will discuss downtown building occupancy trends and strategies to address vacant storefronts.
What happened
Council Member Cotton reported on a work session addressing downtown occupancy trends and strategies to address vacancies, which was a continuation of a presentation from a previous meeting.24943Council BusinessA presentation on the 2027 budget development process Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1 p.m.
City staff will present on how the 2027 budget will be developed, held at 1 p.m.
What happened
Mayor Kim Lun presented the 2027 budget development process, noting that revenue is flat while costs are escalating. City departments will prepare budget proposals in July, with the full budget to be presented to Council and the public in September. The Mayor and staff have met individually with Council members to discuss priorities, which include maintaining public safety, sustaining current service levels, and increasing affordable housing where possible. Council Member Anderson indicated this was for discussion only and that the detailed review and weighting of priorities will occur in late summer.24952Council BusinessAn update from the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence will provide an update to City Council.
What happened
Council Member Hamill presented an update from the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, which was formed in 1998 and is funded through the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and a US Department of Justice grant. The commission serves as a resource for schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, and government agencies, focusing on racial, gender, and economic justice with language and disability access. Current projects include reimagining justice, addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women, justice for families, school response practices, and a new coaching program for boys. The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 23rd from 8:30-10 a.m. at Whatcom Community College.24953Council BusinessA presentation by the Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership and Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center
The Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership and Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center will present to City Council.
What happened
Council Member Cotton reported on a presentation by the Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership and Western Washington University Small Business Development Center. The presentation was for information and discussion only, and Council Member Cotton encouraged people to watch the recording when available.24954Council BusinessA contract award for Jills Court Trail, project P0145, Bid No. 15B-2026
City Council will award a contract for the Jills Court Trail project (P0145, Bid No. 15B-2026).
What happened
Council Member Williams reported on a contract award for the Jill's Court Trail project (P0145, Bid 15B-2026). The trail will connect Sunset Pond Park and the Beta Baker Trail to the King Mountain and Baker View neighborhoods with approximately 1,500 linear feet of 8-10 foot wide crush limestone surfacing. Specialty Equipment Inc. DBA Neptune General Contractors submitted the lowest responsive bid at $873,428.25 (versus engineer's estimate of $1,797,617). The committee recommended approval, and the council voted 6-0-1 to award the contract.24955Council BusinessA resolution authorizing application for Recreation and Conservation Office Grant – Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail Community and Economic Development 2:05 p.m.
City Council will authorize an application for a Recreation and Conservation Office Grant for the Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail, held at 2:05 p.m.
What happened
Council Member Williams presented a resolution authorizing the Parks and Recreation Department to apply for a Recreation and Conservation Office grant for the Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail. The trail will connect Cordata Park and West Stewart Road with approximately 1,300 linear feet of crushed limestone surfacing and elevated boardwalks over wetland segments. The city acquired the property in 2022. The committee recommended approval, and the council voted 6-0-1 to authorize the grant application for $1,470,000.24956Council BusinessAn agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security for a 2026
City Council will approve an agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security for a 2026 grant or program.
What happened
Deputy Chief Jay Hart presented an agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security for a 2026 FIFA grant to enhance security and preparedness for FIFA World Cup events in Bellingham. The grant will fund overtime and equipment. The committee voted to approve the agreement, and the full council voted 6-0-1 to pass the motion.24957Council BusinessA contract award for the Tremont Lift Station, project EU193, Bid No. 19B- 2026
City Council will award a contract for the Tremont Lift Station project (EU193, Bid No. 19B-2026).
What happened
# Contract Award Summary: Tremont Lift Station Project EU193Council Member Liquist, chairing the Public Works and Natural Resources Committee, reported that the committee considered a contract award for the Tremont Lift Station project (EU193, Bid No. 19B-2026). Staff presented details on the project, which will construct a new lift station at Tremont Avenue and Meridian Street with related force main to serve the northern area and enable future development capacity. Tiger Construction submitted the lowest responsive bid of $3,584,400.30, and the project includes an apprenticeship hour requirement. The committee unanimously recommended the contract award, and Council approved the motion with a 6-0-1 vote (one excused).
24958Council BusinessAn agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for grant funding for the Pine Street Crossing, project WF023
City Council will approve an agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation for grant funding to improve the Pine Street Crossing (project WF023).
What happened
Staff presented an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for grant funding for the Pine Street crossing project. The project will update the crossing at Pine Street and the waterfront to quiet zone standards with four gates, a multi-use trail crossing, and upgraded utilities and intersections. A local agency agreement is required to receive the state grant funding. The committee recommended approval, and Council authorized the Mayor to enter into the local agency agreement and related documents, passing 6-0-1.24959Council BusinessAn update on the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and emerging Post Point solids handling technology - ITEM REMOVED 5/28/26
This item was removed from the agenda on 5/28/26.
Procedural (8)
2ProceduralLanguage access The 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 cob.org/cczoom and click on the “Language” icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish.
Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings; in-person attendees can use headsets at the front of the room, and remote participants can access Spanish through the language icon at cob.org/cczoom.
What happened
Staff briefed council on a pending agreement to purchase a 10-acre property in the Lake Watcom watershed from the Oser Company for $68,000, with closing set for on or before June 18th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds. Council Member Williams moved approval and Council Member Anderson seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.3ProceduralOnline: A sign-up form is available at cob.org/ccsignup on the day of the meeting.
A sign-up form for public comment is available online at cob.org/ccsignup on the day of the meeting.
What happened
Staff briefed council on a pending agreement to purchase a 69-acre property in the Lake Watcom watershed from Allen and Neva Van Hook for $675,000, with closing set for on or before July 17th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds from a watershed search charge. Council Member Cotton moved approval and Council Member Lilloquist seconded; the motion passed 6-0-1.5ProceduralSign up, both online and in person, closes at 7 p.m. Once signed up, speakers may participate via the following options:
Public comment sign-up closes at 7 p.m., whether registering online or in person, and speakers can then participate through various options (detailed in subsequent items).
6ProceduralIn 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.
7ProceduralOnline: Join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and follow staff instructions at time of the hearing or public comment period.
Online participants can join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and follow staff instructions during public comment or hearing periods.
8ProceduralOver the phone: Call 253-215-8782, enter Meeting ID 871 5188 5205, and Password 9. Follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period. Before or after a meeting: The City of Bellingham meets the Open Public Meetings Act by accepting written public comment in advance of City Council meetings. Send written input before or after a meeting.
Residents can call 253-215-8782, enter Meeting ID 871 5188 5205, and Password 9 to participate in meetings by phone, and follow staff instructions during relevant periods. The city also accepts written public comment before or after meetings.
9ProceduralBy mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Written public comments can be mailed to City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 before or after a meeting.
10ProceduralOnline: o For a public hearing: cob.org/publichearing. o For general public comment: E-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
For public hearings, submit comments at cob.org/publichearing; for general public comment, email all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
Ordinance
24933OrdinanceAn ordinance adding a new Chapter 11.05 to the Bellingham Municipal
City Council will consider an ordinance adding a new Chapter 11.05 to the Bellingham Municipal Code.
What happened
An ordinance adding a new Chapter 11.05 to the Bellingham Municipal Code regarding speed limits was presented for third and final consideration. Council Member Hamill moved and Council Member Williams seconded. A roll call vote was conducted with members voting in favor; the motion passed 6-0.24937OrdinanceAn ordinance amending the 2026 budget to recognize revenues and expenditures associated with the Public Safety Funding Program award -
City Council will amend the 2026 budget to account for revenues and expenses associated with a Public Safety Funding Program award.
What happened
An ordinance amending the 2026 budget to recognize revenues and expenditures associated with the public safety funding program award amendment two was presented for final consideration. Council Member Hamill moved and Council Member Lilloquist seconded. A roll call vote was initiated.Public Hearing
24944Public HearingConfirmation of the Mayor's appointment to the Bellingham Arts
City Council will vote on confirming the Mayor's appointment to the Bellingham Arts Commission.
What happened
Mayor sought Council confirmation of the appointment of Joe Clark to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission. Council Member Anderson moved approval and Council Member Williams seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously with all Council members in favor.24945Public HearingMayor's appointment to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission (information)
The Mayor has made an appointment to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission, presented to Council for information.
What happened
Mayor announced the appointment of Kate McDonald to a first term on the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission as the Cordata neighborhood's primary representative. This was presented for Council awareness rather than requiring a vote.24946Public HearingA public hearing on the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program
City Council will hold a public hearing to gather input on the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program.
What happened
# Summary of Public Hearing on 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement ProgramAssistant Director Tim Holman presented the state-required 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a six-year planning document that determines grant eligibility, ensures compliance with city code, and guides the transportation capital improvement plan and budget. The TIP comprises 29 projects developed from comprehensive plans, modal plans, and transit alternatives, with staff evaluating projects based on safety, climate impact, preservation, and equity considerations, including a shift toward maintenance and bridge replacements this year. Key changes include removing four completed or reprioritized projects (James Street sections 1-4, Oldtown Urban Village streetscape) and adding four new projects (downtown connections, Wharf Street improvements, Gold Line transit signal prioritization, bike rack installation), while three projects received significant grant funding for multimodal improvements and bridge reconstruction. Public commenters including Adam Bellinger and Brian Armstrong raised concerns about bike lane prioritization and the removal of the Telegraph to Birwood connection, while Council Members Liquist and Lopez questioned the allocation of climate action funding to the Lincoln Street roundabout project and the phased funding structure of the Wharf Street project. Staff will return June 15th for council adoption before submitting the TIP to the Secretary of Transportation by the July 1 deadline.
Consent Calendar
24947Consent CalendarAuthorization of payroll labor cost payments dated April 16, 2026 to April 30, 2026
City Council will authorize payroll labor cost payments from April 16, 2026 through April 30, 2026.
24948Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued May 1, 2026 through May 7, 2026
City Council will authorize payment of accounts payable transactions issued from May 1–7, 2026.
24949Consent CalendarApproval of an access easement for the City's North End Regional Pond wetland mitigation site
City Council will approve an access easement for the City's North End Regional Pond wetland mitigation site.
24950Consent CalendarA resolution confirming Bellingham's compliance with state requirements and completion of the 2025 periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan
City Council will confirm that Bellingham has met state requirements and completed the 2025 periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan.
24951Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued May 8, 2026 through May 14, 2026
City Council will authorize payment of accounts payable transactions issued from May 8–14, 2026.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Confirm appointment of Joe Clark to Bellingham Arts Commission
aye 1
voice voteaye
Award contract for Tremont lift station project (EU193, Bid 19BB-2026) to Tiger Construction
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to enter into local agency agreement with WSDOT for Pine Street crossing project
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve agreement with US Department of Homeland Security for 2026 FIFA grant
aye 1
voice voteaye
Award contract for Jill's Court Trail project (Bid 15B-2026) to Specialty Equipment Inc. / Neptune General Contractors
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize Parks Department to apply for RCO grant for Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to close real estate transaction with OSER Company (20-acre Lake Whatcom watershed property, $280,000)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to close real estate transaction with OSER Company (10-acre Lake Whatcom watershed property, $68,000)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to close real estate transaction with Allen and Neva Van Hook (69-acre Lake Whatcom watershed property, $675,000)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to retain outside counsel for class action litigation against PFAS manufacturers
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve consent calendar
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt Ordinance (Agenda Bill 24933) adding Chapter 11.05 to BMC regarding speed limits
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneabsent
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Adopt Ordinance (Agenda Bill 24937) amending 2026 budget for public safety funding program award amendment two
aye 6 · absent 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneabsent
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Verbatim transcript available
272 transcript segments indexed
Good evening everybody. Everybody, welcome to the June 1st, 2026 regular meeting of the Bellingham City Council. Uh, Council President, um, Stone is excused tonight and so I will be sitting in as President Prom.
City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes June 1, 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 Regular meeting The following items are heard in the Regular Meeting only.
I will go ahead and call this meeting to order. Roll call, please. >> Dan Hamill, >> here. >> Skip Williams, >> here. >> Lisa Anderson, >> here. >> Michael Lilloquiz, >> here. >> Jace Cotton, >> here.
Call to order and roll call The meeting was called to order by Council President Pro Tempore Huthman at 7 p.m. Present: 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 Excused: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Announcements and upcoming meetings The Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act.
>> Holly Huffman, >> here. All right. Six council members are present with council members stone or council president stone excused. >> Thank you very much. Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the state of Washington open public meetings act.
Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unseated territory of the LMI, Nuksac, Samish, and Seamu people who have cared for and tended this land since time and memorial.
1. Land acknowledgement statement Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish and Semiahmoo 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.
Truth and acknowledgment 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 truths at any and all public events.
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 truths at any and all public events.
The 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.
2. Language access The Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed by in-person attendees by utilizing the Page 1 of 11 headsets located at the front of the room.
Remote viewers can log on to cob.org/cczoom and click on the “Language” icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. 3. Upcoming public hearing On June 15, 2026, City Council will hold a public hearing to consider an ordinance extending interim regulations to eliminate minimum parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards.
Remote viewers can log into co.org/ccoom and click on the language icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. And I'll go ahead and let our interpreter repeat that. participant. Thank you.
Uh there's an upcoming public hearing on June 15, 2026. City council will hold a public hearing to consider an ordinance extending the interim regulations to eliminate minimum parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards.
More details can be found on meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearing. 4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting with be held on June 15, 2026. Public hearing 24946 1. A public hearing on the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program p.
7 Summary: Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director, and Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director of Transportation, presented the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The six-year TIP is adopted to plan and program funding toward City capital projects that improve and maintain Bellingham's multimodal transportation network.
More details can be found on meetings.c.org 7 days prior to the hearing. And the next city council meeting will be held on June 15, 2026. So, [snorts] first up tonight, we have a public hearing. This is a public hearing on the 2027 2032 transportation improvement program.
The city is required by RCW35.77.010, to annually prepare a six-year transportation improvement program, commonly called the TIP. Consistent with the city's comprehensive plan, the city must hold a public hearing on the six-year TIP prior to council adoption and once it's adopted must file it with the state secretary of transportation.
Council Members discussed the TIP and asked questions. Action: Council President Pro Tempore Huthman opened the public hearing. Two individuals provided testimony. Council President Pro Tempore Huthman closed the public hearing.
Appointments 24944 1. Confirmation of the Mayor's appointment to the Bellingham Arts p. 23 Commission Summary: Mayor Lund appointed Joe Clark to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission expiring on June 1, 2030.
The six-year TIP is adopted to plan and program funding towards city capital projects that improve and maintain Bellingham's multimodal transportation network. And first to present to us, we have the public works assistant director of transportation, Tim Hman.
Action: Page 2 of 11 Lisa Anderson / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to confirm the Mayor's appointment of Joe Clark to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission, expiring on June 1, 2030. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
>> Thank you, council. Uh members of the public, uh my name is Tim Holman. I'm the assistant director of transportation for the public works department. And as uh President Prom Huffman said, I'm here to present uh the 2027 to 2032 transportation improvement program or as we like to abbreviate it, the TIP.
Um real quick, we tonight we'll be talking about what what is the TIP, why do we do it? Uh we'll be talking a little bit how projects are selected for the TIP. Uh we'll talk a little bit about how we put our tip together uh as each city does it a little differently.
24945 2. Mayor's appointment to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission p. 27 (information) Action: Mayor Lund appointed Kate McDonald to a first term on the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission as the Cordata neighborhood primary representative, expiring on June 1, 2028.
Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Summary: There were no items for the Mayor's report. Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups.
Um we'll talk about the project maps and the different projects uh highlights that are uh unique to this tip and then we'll talk a little bit about the next steps and and then we'll be ready for uh public comments as well as question and discussion.
Summary: Council Member Lilliquist recently attended the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Large City Advisory Committee quarterly meeting. He shared that peer cities are also facing budget pressure and that the meeting largely recapped the 2026 legislative session wins and challenges.
Uh so what is the the six-year tip? The six-year tip um is state requirement by RCW that every city that plans under growth management has to prepare annually a perpetual six-year tip uh that that programs their transportation um improvements for the coming six years.
And as you see, this is uh June of 2026, but we're working on the 27 to 32 tip. That's the next six-year planning period. Uh the tip does a few things here in Bellingham. Uh it uh determines grant eligibility.
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.
Almost every grant transportation grant that we apply for. One of the first questions is it is it on your tip? Um so we put projects on the tip in order to be eligible for grants. Uh, also our transportation fund uh requires by code that projects we spend transportation fund money on be included in the tip.
Committee meetings are open to the public to attend, however committee agendas do not include public comment sessions. Public Works and Natural Resources 11 a.m. Michael Lilliquist, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton Page 3 of 11 24957 1.
So it helps us plan the use of the transportation fund for the coming years. It also helps uh guide development of the uh transportation portion of the capital improvement plan and the city budget upcoming.
A contract award for the Tremont Lift Station, project EU193, Bid No. 19B- p. 30 2026 Summary: Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering, and Kyle Carlson, Capital Engineer, presented the contract award for the Tremont Lift Station, Bid No.
19B-2026. The project will construct a new lift station at the corner of Tremont Avenue and Meridian Street and related force main to connect to the sewer system along Meridian Street between Van Wyck Road and Smith Road.
So we're entering into that process now. So, this is one of the first elements of that. Uh, the RCW requires that we hold a public hearing, which is what we're doing tonight. Uh, and then the RCW also requires that the city that the tip be adopted by the council and that the city transmit it to the uh or the secretary of transportation by July 1 of any year.
Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to award contract No. 19B-2026 for the Tremont Lift Station (EU193) to Tiger Construction Ltd.
Um so how one of the questions that I get asked quite a bit around the tip is how how are projects included included in the tip. Um and projects come forth in in many different ways. Uh they come out of the comprehensive plan.
You probably all remember as you looked at the the Bellingham plan at the end of last year, there was a 20-year project list and the 21 20-year project list contains all of the projects on the tip right now and will for you know 10 to 20 years.
in the amount of $3,058,400.30. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 24958 2. An agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation p. 35 for grant funding for the Pine Street Crossing, project WF023 Summary: Freeman Anthony, Engineering Manager, and Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the local agency agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for grant funding for the Pine Street Crossing Project.
The project will update crossings to quiet zone standards, add a multi-use trail crossing, upgrade utilities and the Pine Street and Cornwall Avenue intersection. Council Members discussed the grant award and asked questions.
Uh but uh projects come out of other other planning documents. They come out of you know our modal plans, our bike plan, our pedestrian plan. uh new projects you'll see this year come out of the recently adopted WTA rapid transit locally preferred alternative you know so uh a lot of the planning documents we do generate plans uh they come also out of neighborhood plans sub area plans and then when we do look at a corridor uh those projects become refined or or um even come out of corridor plans as we look at a specific corridor.
Action: Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the local agency agreement and any related amendments with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Pine Street Crossing Project.
They they uh get kind of funneled together and and staff spends a lot of time talking about them. Um a lot of meetings where we uh get together subject matter experts. We talk about funding. We talk about different types of funding, local funding, state funding, federal funding, and what projects are going to be eligible for the grants that we know are coming in the next year to six years.
Um, we talk about uh maintenance needs. Um, we talk about uh equity needs like our ADA transition plan and and other uh guidance documents like that. With regard to equity, um, we talk about kind of spreading them equitably across the city and as well as targeting some under underserved neighborhoods, especially when it comes to some of those modal priorities.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 24959 3. An update on the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and emerging Post Point p. 52 solids handling technology - ITEM REMOVED 5/28/26 Summary: This item was removed from the agenda on May 28, 2026.
Page 4 of 11 Budget and Finance 11:20 a.m. Lisa Anderson, Chair Daniel Hammill, Michael Lilliquist 24943 1. A presentation on the 2027 budget development process p. 54 Summary: Mayor Kim Lund, and Forrest Longman, Deputy Administrator, presented the 2027 budget priorities and constraints.
So all of that kind of gets funneled together and each year about June we bring a six-year tip uh forward to the council. We usually actually start that process in April and May with the transportation commission and then bring it forward to council in June.
So like I I alluded to a little bit the the tip document well prescribed in state law is not actually defined in state law very well. what that has to be. So, every city's tip is slightly different. Um, and and Bellingham's no different to that.
The budget process prioritizes: • Public safety – maintaining current levels of service as the City continues to plan for a potential Regional Fire Authority. • Programs and policies that support the expansion of housing supply across the continuum of need.
• Continued support for the internal services, systems and people that allow the City to effectively and efficiently deliver services to the public Council Members discussed the forthcoming 2027 budget and asked questions.
Our tip uh kind of has three elements to it. Uh, it's got a cover sheet and a brief introduction, which doesn't change a whole lot year to year, but kind of explains roughly the same things I'm explaining right now, what the tip is and why we do it.
Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity 1 p.m. Daniel Hammill, Chair Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24952 1. An update from the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual p. 57 and Domestic Violence Summary: Susan Marks, Director of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, provided an annual update on the commission's work.
Uh, the major element of the the tip is the project list. Um the project list is actually fairly similar to other cities, although a little different. We we have a list of projects numbered from one to 29 this year.
Uh those numbers are not a prioritization. They're just a project identifier. So they they just because a project is one doesn't mean it's that much more important than project 29. They kind of get fed in.
Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. 24956 2. An agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security for a 2026 p. 80 FIFA grant Summary: Jay Hart, Deputy Police Chief, presented the grant agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security to enhance security at 2026 FIFA events in Bellingham.
Sometimes they even get fed in just to fit on a page for the document. Um we we don't provide we provide a a generalized title to each and every project and we try to keep that fairly consistent talking about the road that the project's on and kind of the limits of the project.
Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Action: Page 5 of 11 Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security for a 2026 FIFA grant.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Parks and Recreation 1:40 p.m. Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Chair Daniel Hammill, Jace Cotton 24954 1. A contract award for Jills Court Trail, project P0145, Bid No. 15B-2026 p. 130 Summary: Nicole Oliver, Parks & Recreation Director, and Paul Knippel, Greenways Project Manager, presented the contract award for the Jills Court Trail, Bid No.
We have a project description uh for every project that kind of broadly talks about the project. Um, but we don't have a a very detailed project description. What we do is is all of the links, all of the the project titles linked to the city's website.
And so there's more details on those projects available on the project page of the of the city website. Uh and then the other kind of half of the of the project list is a funding uh table that talks about uh years that the funding is available for projects and then uh the different types of funding that can be um in a project.
15B-2026. The project constructs 1500 linear feet of multi-use trails from Jills Court to Telegraph Road. Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Michael Lilliquist moved to award contract 15B-2026 for the City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Jills Court project P0145 to Specialty Equipment Inc., DBA Neptune General Contractors, in the amount of $873,428.25.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 24955 2. A resolution authorizing application for Recreation and Conservation p. 134 Office Grant – Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail Summary: Nicole Oliver, Parks & Recreation Director, and Paul Knippel, Greenways Project Manager, presented the resolution, which authorizes the application for a Recreation and Conservation Office grant for the Middle Fork Spring Open Space Trail.
That could be uh anything from we have projects that are 100% grant funded with one grant. We have some other projects which are very complicated from a funding stack perspective and have uh you know six to eight different funding sources.
Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved final approval of Resolution #2026-12. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Page 6 of 11 Community and Economic Development 2:05 p.m.
Um and those are all listed in the tip. Uh two rules that we try and follow uh with our tip when it comes to the funding years is we try to keep years one through three of the tip. Uh we actually list them as funded.
Jace Cotton, Chair Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24953 1. A presentation by the Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership p. 139 and Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center Summary: Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, Tyler Schroeder, Director of Economic Development at the Port of Bellingham, and CJ Seitz, Executive Director, Western Washington University (WWU) Small Business Development Center, presented an update on economic development efforts in Whatcom County.
Uh so those are projects that we're actively working on. The funding uh for the project at least as far as we know right now is 100% secured. Uh and you know any grants have been applied for and secured those projects fall in year one.
If we have a project uh that uh we have uh a good idea of what it's going to cost, we may even be working a little bit in design. um but it's not 100% funded. We may be working on a grant project. We keep those uh we list those funds as um unknown and we keep those projects with unknown funds in year uh four, five and six of the tip.
The Port, County, and City, collaboratively fund economic development through the Regional Economic Partnership Interlocal Agreement. Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. 24912 2.
Uh so one of the things you'll see in Bellingham is projects will move suddenly from year four into year one or two. But that's a good thing because that's that's a project that we've received a grant for.
A work session on downtown occupancy trends and strategies to address p. 149 vacancies Summary: Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, and Darby Galligan, Senior Planner, returned to Council to discuss downtown occupancy trends after their April 27, 2026 presentation.
Council Members discussed the presentation and asked questions. Committee Of The Whole 3:10 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 1.
we're able to move move forward and get done quicker. And then the third element of our tip document is we provide a a city-wide map showing the general locations of each of those projects. That brings me to uh three maps that you'll find in your packet today as we tell the story.
Only one will be con included in that final document. Uh but three of them that we include in this for for discussion purposes. We include the adopted tip map from 20 from last year's tip from the 2026 to 31 tip.
Old or new business Summary: There were no discussion items for Old/New Business. Executive session 3:20 p.m. Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. 1. Potential property acquisition (Rosenblatt, approx.
That's just a good you know place to start. Helps you u everybody to get situated. We also uh provide a modification map. So that's map with multiple colors on it where projects are uh shown uh that are uh new to the tip in green.
3 mins) Page 7 of 11 Summary: Staff briefed Council on the City’s pending agreement to purchase a 20-acre property from The Oeser Company. The property is located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and is identified by Assessor’s Parcel Number 380323433440.
The purchase price is $280,000. Closing is set to occur on or before June 18, 2026, subject to Council approval. The property will be acquired through the City’s Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose.
Um were on the tip before in kind of an orange color were on tip last year but were removed from this year's tip. Those are in red. And then we have some projects in blue that are modified. So those are modified in a way uh that's you know kind of a map the scope of the project changed in some way and it's visible on the map.
Um the third map that we show is the proposed uh draft tip which is a clean version of of the tip map for that will be included uh for 2027 to 2032. It includes projects from 2026 to 31 that didn't change as well as the new and modified projects that were shown on that draft map.
The Program is funded by City water customers through a watershed surcharge on their utility bill. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Michael Lilliquist moved 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 Oeser Company, with a purchase price of $280,000.
And this, like I said, this is the map that will be included uh in the final tip document. So, really quick, I wanted to go into some of the projects that you've seen that you see on that modified map and just talk about them.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 2. Potential property acquisition (Rosenblatt, approx. 3 mins) Summary: Staff briefed Council on the City’s pending agreement to purchase a 10-acre property from The Oeser Company.
The property is located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and is identified by Assessor’s Parcel Number 380324232227. The purchase price is $68,000. Closing is set to occur on or before June 18, 2026, subject to Council approval.
Uh I'll start first with the removed remove projects from the 2026 to31 tip. I'm using the project numbers uh from the 26 to31 tip because they don't have a 27 to 32 uh tip number. So the first one most of these projects uh were will be completed in 2026 uh with one kind of glaring exception.
Uh the first one is James Street multimmoal improvements three and four. That one is under construction right now, will be completed in 2026 and is fully funded. So it comes off the tip. The second one is project number nine from the 26 tip which uh is Oldtown Urban Village streetscape improvements.
The property will be acquired through the City’s Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose. The Program is funded by City water customers through a watershed surcharge on their utility bill.
That project's also under construction right now. We expect it to be constructed in 2026 and it is fully funded in the 26 budget. [sighs] I'll skip down to 23. that that project uh is the downtown transportation plan.
Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Lisa Anderson moved 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 Oeser Company, with a purchase price of $68,000.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Potential property acquisition (Rosenblatt, approx. 3 mins) Summary: Staff briefed Council on the City’s pending agreement to purchase a 0.69-acre property from Alan and Neva Van Hook.
It was called on the 2026 to 31 tip. Now we call it the downtown connections plan. That project won't be completed in 2026, but it is beginning in 2026 and fully budgeted in the and encumbered in the 2026 budget.
Uh so uh that project comes off the tip. The other project that I mentioned that uh is not being completed in its entirety is project number 13, which is the James Street multimodal improvement sections one and two uh which runs uh from Birwood uh up to uh Telegraph Road.
The property is located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and is identified by Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 380335426307 and 380335417307. The purchase price is $675,000. Closing is set to occur on or before July 17, 2026, subject to Council approval.
The property will be acquired through the City’s Lake Whatcom Page 8 of 11 Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose. The Program is funded by City water customers through a watershed surcharge on their utility bill.
that project uh if I can draw your attention to the map um that project is being rep prioritized. We'd like to keep the the 2020 or we like to keep the six-year tip uh very focused to six years. Some cities have very uh large tips that are almost dreams dream projects.
We try to keep the the secure tip focused here in Bellingham on projects that we intend to complete in the six-year time frame. Um, and that project uh came out of the James Street multimodal plan. Uh, we do intend to move forward with that project.
Action: Jace Cotton / Michael Lilliquist moved to authorize the Mayor to close the real estate transaction described in the City’s executed purchase and sale agreement with the property owners, Alan and Neva Van Hook, with a purchase price of $675,000.
That project stays on the 20-year project list in the comprehensive plan. Um but two elements uh bring us to to uh recommending pulling that from this year's tip. First is we paved that road in the last uh year because that that road was in very very poor uh pavement condition and waiting any longer was going to make it so uh that road wouldn't be eligible for repaving.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Potential litigation (Rosenblatt, approx. 10 mins) - ITEM ADDED 5/29/26 Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. Action: Lisa Anderson / Michael Lilliquist moved to authorize the Mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the City in class action litigation against certain manufacturers of PFAS.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 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.
So, we repaved the road and invested um you know in in that pavement. We also worked to increase that pavement width as much as we could within the existence existing prism of the road. So, we were able to add some shoulders and make that marginally better road um from a from a multimodal standpoint.
24947 1. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated April 16, 2026 to April p. 182 30, 2026 24948 2. Authorization of AP transactions issued May 1, 2026 through May 7, 2026 p. 183 24951 3. Authorization of AP transactions issued May 8, 2026 through May 14, p.
Although we didn't get exactly where we hope to be when we do complete the project, it's it is much better than it was. Um the other thing and I know that later in the council meeting you'll talk about an element of this.
There are many we've made a whole lot of investments on the James Street North James Street corridor um and and connections. And if you I can draw your attention to this this map that I put together on the slide.
184 2026 24949 4. Approval of an access easement for the City's North End Regional Pond p. 185 wetland mitigation site 24950 5. A resolution confirming Bellingham's compliance with state requirements p.
The red line that you can see there are all of the connections that have been made from Irongate and uh King Mountain neighborhoods south to connect to others. And so right now, like I said, we're working on on the James 3 and 4, which is kind of that final piece.
197 and completion of the 2025 periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan Page 9 of 11 Action: Became known as Resolution #2026-13. Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety.
Um, but you're also going to talk about a Jill's Jill's Court connection that the parks department is going to make, uh, which is kind of right in this vicinity. Um, and this vicinity right here, as well as, you know, improvements we've made on Telegraph Road and Birwood Avenue going back a few years now that really have connected this area a whole lot with through parallel routes.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Final consideration of ordinances 24933 1. An ordinance adding a new Chapter 11.05 to the Bellingham Municipal p. 202 Code regarding speed limits 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: Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: Stone MOTION CARRIED 6-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-06-014.
And so that allows us to feel comfortable that that someone wanting to make that m those multimodal trips from King Mountain and Iron Gate can follow these alternative routes. And that James Street uh segments one and two is a very expensive project uh from a a topographic and environmental standpoint.
And so we've we've decided to pull it out of the six-year TIP, but still keeping it in the 20-year plan, so it'll make make its way back into a future TIP. Um, I wanted to also highlight a few of the modified projects.
24937 2. An ordinance amending the 2026 budget to recognize revenues and p. 218 expenditures associated with the Public Safety Funding Program award - Amendment 2 Action: Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist 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: Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: Stone MOTION CARRIED 6-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-06-015.
Um, some of these are, like I said, mapping changes, so you'll see them in blue. Some of them aren't. Some of them are are funding changes, but I still wanted to highlight them to for you. Uh, three projects received a significant amount of grant funding in the last year.
Public comment period City Council heard public comments from four individuals. Page 10 of 11 Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 7/13/2026 Page 11 of 11
So th that grant funding was added uh to those projects. Uh those those projects are Meridian Birchwood multimodal transportation improvements received some safe uh some um some federal funding. uh Electric Avenue Bridge Reconstruction received a a very large uh bridge uh replacement grant.
Uh and then Samishway Maple Street Overlay and Street Lights was on past tips as a street lighting project, but we were able to get an asset management uh grant, federal grant uh because that's on the National Highway System route and and we were able to add an overlay to that project as well.
So, we've updated the the tip with those new grant funds. Another major modification to this year's tip from last year is uh we split uh project 21 on this year's project numbering system uh Pine Street and split it into two uh showing a new project called uh Warf Street Improvements.
Um, in the past we were designing those two projects together. Um, but the grant funding of of Pine Street and and is going to allow us to get that uh BNSF quiet zone crossing done quicker than than the Warf Street improvements that are currently uh uncertain in their funding.
Um, so we're still chasing grants on that one. Although we do show it in the tip as as potentially city completely cityf funed. Um, but we're going to keep chasing some grants on that. Um, and we decided for delivery sake to pull those into two projects.
Um, we adjusted the scope of project number 14, which is the Holly Street multimodal improvements to focus that from Broadway to Champion. Um we performed a corridor study in the last year on that. Uh and that that one of the things we really heard from that is make a good connection from the um improvements that we've done on Eldridge to the improvements that we've done downtown on Holly.
So we're proposing focusing that in as well as that corridor study helped us identify the costs associated with that project. Um, we adjusted the the mapping scope of Birwood Safe Routes to School to align with what we heard in the 2026 Safe Routes to School grant program.
Uh, to kind of align that to make that a competitive grant program. Uh, this year a major element of the TIP is we're uh programming the transportation impact fees in a clear clear way. Uh that's kind of some some movement forward.
In the past, we just programmed those as street funds. But with the street fund uh that has been taken out of out of projects in in the past few years, reduction in street fund allocated to projects. Um we've decided to to program the transportation impact fees and kind of a clearer, more defined way.
So you'll see those as new line funding line item. And then as with every year, we kind of adjust funding amounts and allocation based on updated cost estimates and and how what what pro uh amount of money we have know we have over the six years and kind of line that up.
And so that happens almost every year. Uh and then real quick, I'll run through the added projects. Uh we removed four projects. So we added four back in. So last year's tip was 29 projects. This one is year's is as well.
Uh first is uh project number six which is the downtown connections plan implementation project. That's kind of a placeholder. Um like I mentioned, we just started the downtown connections plan. Uh, but we wanted to be out front being able to as soon as that plan's done, implement that because that's very important, gonna be very important to to turn that plan around and and reinvest money downtown.
Uh, so we put a placeholder project there that'll be further defined as we develop the plan. Uh like I mentioned before, Wararf Street Improvements was added as a new project and that's going to stabilize the uh roadway that's kind of slowly sliding down the hill as well as making a completion of the bike and ped network down to the new Salish Landing Park.
Um that was split from Pine Street. Uh another new project is 26 the gold line uh transit signal prioritization and that project comes out of the rapid transit LPA is the first project to be implemented uh from that plan and that uh we have grant grant funding or grants applied for so hopefully those grants come through.
The last project I want to mention uh is is number 27 on the the project list that you folks have in front of you right now. It's bike rack installation. Uh that's a project that's a a project or maybe a program I should say that was has been funded out of opera uh operational monies in public works um where business owners can come to public works and request a bike rack in front of their uh their business.
It the sidewalks evaluated to see if there's room and if it will fit. And if if it works out, the city comes out and installs that bike rack rack within the rideway for business owners. Um that project uh like I said was funded out of operations and with uh some you know limited limited amount of street funding being uh allocated to off operations that project that program became at risk.
So, we decided to to carve out some transportation fund to to kind of secure that project, that program. And so, uh, we're pretty excited about that. It's a small amount of money, but it really makes a good difference around the city.
I did want to note uh right now it's on your your project list as 27, but if you're paying attention in in two weeks if we come back uh with the tip, we we're going to probably move that up into a program and that'll probably become program number six.
Makes more sense there uh as actually a project because it is more of a programmatic annual funding. So uh when we put the the tip together, we have tried to evaluate uh the projects in the tip uh as kind of a double check on on the prior priorities of the city.
We we look every every year at four different kind of priority buckets, if you will. We look at safety. We look at how projects affect the climate. uh we talk we look at uh projects that are for preservation and maintenance and we look at the equity of projects.
So we do that uh for every project in the tip and you'll see my percentages add up to more than 100% because any project can end up in any multiple or all of these uh different categories. But we look at at at that just to kind of evaluate the tip.
Um so we look at it from a dollar perspective percentage as well as the total projects. And if you uh compare this year's tip uh to last year, you'll see there's maybe a little til it's pretty similar.
It's very similar from a total project standpoint. Um there's a little bit of shift in money towards maintenance and preservation. And I'll say that comes uh generally from the fact that there's four major bridge replacements in the tip.
Two funded bridge replacements, two more that we're uh pursuing funding on. And so those score really well in the maintenance and preservation, but uh those aren't always in a neighborhood that that meet an equity need.
Uh and so they they're skewing the dollar value uh a little more uh away [clears throat] from the other three and more towards the maintenance and preservation but the percentage of the project remains uh very similar from year to year.
So real quick just to talk about uh what uh comes next. Uh [snorts] we intend after tonight's uh public comment, we intend to come back uh in two weeks uh hoping for a council action on the tip. Uh if we can get that, we will submit the tip uh to the the secretary of transportation by the July 1 deadline.
And then we'll use this uh tip like we do every year to support grant applications as well as you know guide the budget process as we p proceed with that throughout the year. So thank you very much. >> All right.
Thank you for the presentation council. Any clarifying questions before we open up the public hearing? Okay. Doesn't look like it. How many people do we have signed up? We have three for the public hearing.
>> Okay. Go ahead and open up the public hearing. >> Right. So, first up we have Adam Bellinger, Brian Armstrong, and Patrick Dods. And uh if your name has been called, you can go ahead and uh line up below uh the the microphone.
Go ahead, Adam. Good evening, council. My name is Adam Bellinger. Um, and uh, to the public works folks, um, I appreciated a couple things about the, um, uh, tip, uh, tonight. Uh I was really excited to hear about the bike rack program and um uh because I think it's a way to be additive to our transportation improvement uh versus taking something away and doing a trade-off calculation which is a lot of where the tougher things that you have to decide has comes into play.
Um, I would like to uh suggest that you look for a way to be more proactive with the bike racks. Um, rather than just waiting around for the business owners to ask for them. Um, it's kind of low on somebody's radar a lot of times if you're a business owner.
I, you know, we've got a bike rack next to my business and um, uh, it's just it's kind of not high on our priority list when we are thinking about these things. So, um, if you can bring them into areas where there's not as many bike racks north side of Bellingham, you might find that it's, um, uh, you get some more bike traffic there as a result.
Um, I also like the where we're having paving projects. I really think that that's kind of the lowhanging fruit as far as, you know, making things work better for everybody. uh whether it's a biker or a sidewalk repair, you know, all those things are really important.
Um some parts where I'm a little less enthusiastic about is where uh about is um you know, when we're having to do removing of things like vehicle lanes to put in bike lanes. Um I do think where you have new opportunities to add a bike lane without taking away, it's there's plenty of opportunities there.
So, I would prefer the prioritization of that versus taking away um bike lanes or parking or vehicle lanes or parking uh to accommodate these things just because it it it ends up having additional impacts that we're just, you know, you can't quantify whether it's, you know, on Samish Way, North Samish Way where, you know, traffic backs up during um you know, rush hour for half a mile from um uh the freeway to uh uh to East Maple and Ellis even.
Um and these things cause like what I would say is like a a standard of living reduction. Um you know, the more time I'm spending, you know, in traffic, it's just, you know, soul sucking. Um and it impacts more people than uh the folks with the bikes.
um like Lincoln Street, uh there's bike lanes were put in and I don't think I've ever seen a biker use them. Uh and we took out a lane on each side as a result. So, I'd encourage you to look at the >> uh projects where there's less trade-offs.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Adam. >> Good evening, Council Brian Armstrong. Um, just wanted to just voice a little bit of disappointment that the uh connection from Telegraph to Birwood is being taken out of the tip.
That was going to be kind of a cool little access point. And I mean, I know that Jill's Court's going to be cutting through eventually, but you got to make like a big loop. Like say if you were to go from Baker View and you wanted to go downway to go to the hospital, if you were a pedestrian or bicyclist, you got to do a big loop.
and they're saying that uh you know the [snorts] shoulder was improved, but I mean if you've walked on that street um I don't think anybody would really walk with their kids even with that improvement with the shoulder on that road.
Not to say it hasn't been improved, but it's still it's marginal, not that great. Um, but the other point that I wanted to make was uh I noticed on the warf street of course I see the greenways funding on that and of course you know I love talking about greenways and I remember that meeting when uh Joel came to the greenways meeting and presented that to the greenways advisory board and um I think the thing that I really remember was the meeting following that when the minutes were approved for the greenways meeting and how some members had raised concerns that there wasn't really much advisement going on which has been kind of my point about greenways advisory board as of late is that it doesn't seem like there really is um an idea of really wanting to take their voices and as advisement.
And so when I hear about the consolidation of the board and the parks and recreation advisory board and the greenways advisory board to make sure that we can save money and time because they're very similar in their scope.
Well, it's troubling to know that neither is really giving that much input. And so when there was push back at the meeting after saying, "Hey, by the way, this was kind of just presented and not really asked an opinion about." And the way the the parks department had presented it was like, "Well, you know, there's just no other there's no other better way to connect the the Beta Baker, not Beta Baker, but the the Bay View Trail to the new um waterfront park.
This is the cheapest way." and there was really no discussion. And so I just wanted to bring that up just as a reminder as we're having future discussions about consolidating boards and trying to eliminate those voices that it seems like they've kind of been in the process of being eliminated and it's really unfortunate.
I really hope that we actually have some advising going on with our greenways money because as I said they didn't really feel like they were being asked for their opinion. It was just like, "Hey, this is the cheapest way to do it.
We're going to do it." Right. Well, that's it. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Brian. >> Patrick, >> my first city council meeting. I thought the sign up was for the open comment section. So, sorry about that.
>> Okay. Sorry. Learning curve. That concludes the sign up then for the public hearing. >> Great. I'll go ahead and close the public hearing and bring it back to council. >> Council member Liquist, are we what are we planning to do on the 15th?
Is there time for discussion then? Should we shall I hold off questions and discussion until later? Um on the 15th we will have a resolution in front of you propose you know a draft resolution proposing approval of the tip.
Um I am here now I can answer questions but I will be there on the 15th available to answer questions as well. >> I think I should ask them now because I'm concerned about the um allocation of the climate action fund dollars.
So a couple observations. climate action fund is allocated roughly about $1.2 million a year and then it kind of gets split out and there's some placeholders in the future years and I think maybe the bike rack thing may be part of that.
I'm not sure actually. Um but what I'm noticing is that the single largest bike rack climate action fund is something in uh this year and then next year over $2 million uh 2 Well, the whole project goes to $2.5 million.
Um, and over two million of that is climate action fund. It's for the Lincoln Street and Potter Street roundabout. As you noted, uh, majority 80% of the projects have a climate impact because they have some small multimodal element because we try to include multimodal elements, some pedestrian or bicycle improvements just about anywhere we go.
But I have a hard time seeing why that one's funding is primarily called climate action. Why is that roundabout all about climate action and none of the others? So I I that allocation I don't understand it.
>> That's that's a great question and I'll say that the climate action uh the climate office asked a very similar question. U so they prepped me for for the answer. uh the impetus for that project although right now it is I will acknowledge it it's being funded with climate action money and also a safe routes to school grant because it's right adjacent to a current school.
Um the real impetus for that project uh that project appeared in in the Lincoln Lakeway uh study uh and the Lincoln Lakeway study identified uh that when it comes to transit uh that's the end of the blue go line and and when WTA makes their turnaround uh for the go for the end of the blue go line they actually have to go around the block of Lincoln, Potter, King Street, and then back to Lakeway.
as they make that uh that block move, you know, four left turn movement or or however they make that turn, they they see over a minute of delay in today's conditions. But that Lincoln Lakeway study identifies that that's going to be up to six minutes of delay uh in a kind of a 20 to 20 year horizon planning horizon.
And that's going to be a real hindrance to being able to implement uh 10-minute headways on that blue go line that seeing six minutes of delay just in that one movement. So that roundabout will allow them and will be designed uh for a a WTA transit bus to make uh a a full turnaround around that roundabout in in just a few seconds and get back going heading the other way on the blue go line.
So, yeah, that's a great question because it's not intuitive. How does a roundabout meet climate action? But we felt because it really goes a long way to meeting the goals of the LPA even before the LPA was done uh that we've allocated climate action because of its transit benefits.
>> Thank you, Tim. Convincing answer. >> Any other council members? Council member Lopez. >> Sorry. I had a question about the War Street project. a fine project. I see the majority of it is funded either in the previous cycle under a million and then come up in the next year 4.6 million to do lots of improvements, but then three years later there's an unfunded $2 million component.
I've rarely seen projects split like that. Can you explain to me what the three years later $2 million component is? >> Yeah, and so we are working on the design of that project. Like I said, it started linked to Pine Street.
And so being able to do that design together got us a very realistic cost of what that Pine Wararf Street project's going to be and why we split those into two projects. Uh if you remember, um we we look at we kind of have an internal rule.
It's not hard and fast rule, but we have this internal rule that years one, two, and three of the tip are funded. Uh and then years four, five and six are unfunded. Uh so we we feel um like a grant is a highly likely likelihood.
We think that project's going to score well for some grants. We're probably going to pursue a TIB grant in the next little bit because they love being the last money in for a a pedestrian connection and a bike connection like that.
So, but following our rules, we kept that un unknown money in year four. So, the hope is we can get a grant, move it into year one or two, and get that project built in the shorter. >> The project is split and right now the funding is unfortunately split and you're hoping to put it together.
>> That's exactly right. >> I understand. >> Okay. Anything further? >> All right. Not saying anything. Thank you for the presentation. Um and again, we will be back on June 15th to review a resolution to um approve the tip.
>> Thank you very much. >> Okay, moving on. We will be hearing from Maryland uh regarding appointments. >> Good evening, council. Tonight there are two appointments. The first is for council's confirmation and that is I am seeking your confirmation of my appointment of Joe Clark to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission.
>> Move approval. >> Second. >> Motion by Council Member Anderson, a second by Council Member Williams. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes.
61 excused. >> Thank you. And next for council's awareness, I am appointing Kate McDonald to a first term on the mayor's neighborhood advisory commission as the Cordata neighborhood's primary representative.
And that's it for appointments tonight. >> Thank you, mayor. And I believe you did state that there would not be a mayor's report tonight. All right. Thank you. Okay, moving on to council assignment reports.
Do any council members have anything they'd like to report out from uh assignments committees, boards, and other groups? Council member Liquist. >> Yeah. So, one of the things uh my pointed to the Association of Washington Cities, large cities advisory committee, and we had our quarterly meeting this last week and so I thought I'd report out as one of the sort of issues that peer cities like ourselves 50,000 and above in population are talking about.
and I'll I'll I'll lead with the uh with the top thing. For most cities, budget pressure was top of mind and top of their agendas. Um the meeting began with a recap of the 2026 legislative session as it affects cities like Bellingham.
Um the pros were highlighted with the fact that there significant capital budget investments in housing and homelessness made by the state legislature uh including money available for manufactured home park acquisitions.
On the con side, it was noted that there was uh no no progress made on the unfunded mandate for indigent defense and also no task force was even formed to look at the funding options on that issue. In the mixed category, the discussion had to do with uh the fact that the uh legislature did not pass a requirement on allowed mobile dwellings due primarily to concerns about the lack of health and safety review.
So, that did not move forward. Um, according to the AWC's analysts and and and you know, insiders, uh, they expect the next session in 20 2027 will be highly energized due to the fact that it'll be an election season where all the House representatives and half of the Senate will be up for election and they expect the the narrative to be influenced by what's happening the at the national level.
They they assume that that will be part of what sets the mood in Olympia. Um it'll be another difficult budget year for uh the state. Uh the 2027 operating budget already projects to be short a balance of nearly a billion dollars which I think out of a $70 billion you know it's like a 2% shortfall so it's not huge but it's a billion dollars.
Um the public works assistance account which uh unfortunately is now funded as much on borrowed future money as on current revenue is considered still at risk for uh what the state may look to cut funding to that account to help balance their budget.
Uh in response to that, the Association of Washington Cities plans to be very proactive into not just resisting cuts, but actually calling for restoration to the public works assistant account. Um I I note that the tip we just talked about that that's one of the sources where we get funding from our some of our large major public works projects.
Um according to the analysts of the AWC, transportation funding did okay last session. Not great, but not bad. Um however, gas tax revenue continues to decline. And so there's continued discussion of the need to uh address those long-term um revenue problems.
And so there'll be a continued discussion of a road use charge on miles driven or based on ve mo each vehicle's fuel efficiency as an alternative way of raising money to pay for the roads that cars drive on.
Uh it is expected that one of the things in land use that will be get attention next session is a rewrite of the state subdivision code which was discussed but stalled last session. Um and the state has not identified new funding mechanisms for housing at the local or the state level uh despite the uh statewide recognition of a need for over 600,000 new units.
That is some of the issues that were discussed um at the Association of Washington Cities large cities advisory committee and probably be familiar to us and just let us know that those same issues are top of mind for other cities of our size.
Thank you, Council Member Loquist. Anybody else? Okay, we will move on now to uh committee reports. First up this morning, we had public works and natural resources and that was chaired by council member Liquist.
>> Thank you, uh, Holly. We had originally three items on our agenda. One of those was pushed off to next meeting, so we considered two of them. The first one was a contract award for the Tremont lift station project EU193 bid number 19BB-2026.
For this project, the improvements consist of a new lift station at the corner of Tremont Avenue and Meridian Street and related force main to connect the sewer system along Meridian Street between Vine White Road and Smith Road.
Uh this there's a large and currently underused uh sewage uh piping system. And with this new lift station, the entire northern area, both sides of the highway, will be able to benefit and have capacity for future development because now there will be adequate capacity to use that connection to go up over a slight rise and then back down to a gravity feed uh for the rest of the way for that the sewer system.
Uh the city publicly opened the bids on April 23rd of this year and Tiger Construction was a responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of 3,58,400.30 30 cents which includes applicable sales tax.
The engineer's estimate was a bit higher than that closer to 3.4 million and due to the size and scope of the project it does include an apprenticeship hour requirement. Um after discussion the uh committee unanimously recommended that we uh move to award the contract and I so move >> second motion by the chair and a second by council member Anderson and any further discussion seeing none all in favor say I.
I. Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601 excused. >> And the second Thank you. The second item was an agreement uh with the Washington State Department of Transportation for grant funding for the Pine Street crossing project.
The project that was just mentioned earlier. If you recall, Mr. Hman said that we're moving that part of the project over sooner. In part, it has to do with the fact that this funding became available.
The city has been awarded funding for the Pine Street crossing project. The project will update the crossing at that where Pine Street comes down and enters the waterfront uh to quiet zone standards with uh four gates, two on each side, and a multi-use trail crossing and upgrade the utilities and upgrade the Pine Street and Cornwall Avenue intersection.
Uh to receive this grant, however, a local agency agreement is required as part of the process of receiving that grant funding from this state do. This afternoon, the this morning actually, the committee recommended to move to uh approve the motion to move to we recommended approval of a motion I will now make, which is to move to authorize the mayor to enter into the local agency agreement and any related documents with Washington DOT for the Pine Street crossing project.
>> I so move. >> Second >> motion by the chair, second by council member Anderson. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601. >> I'm going to call it quits there and save myself.
>> Fantastic. Moving on. Next up, we had budget and finance and that was chaired by Council Member Anderson. Thank you, uh, Council Member Huffman. Uh, we had one item today and joining me was Council Member Hamill and Council Member Lillquist.
Um, agenda agenda item. I think I'm catching what Michael had. um 24943. It was a presentation of the 2027 budget development process. Um Mayor Kim Lun had uh presented what um we're going to be looking forward to over the next few months.
So our city departments will be putting together um their budget uh proposals keeping in mind that our revenue is is uh pretty flat and our costs are escalating. Um but that will be worked on in July and then we can expect as council and the public for that budget to be presented come September.
Um there are um not necessarily presented but known to us that um the mayor and some of our city team uh had the opportunity to meet with counselors small group or individually to talk about what our priorities are.
So going into the budget those can be considered. Um some of the priorities I think shared by council and definitely by the mayor and staff is to help maintain um public safety um help maintain the current level of services and um increase where the opportunities are available um affordable or and additional housing.
Uh so that process will begin um late summer where we'll all be able to review and then weigh in to make sure that the budget is reflecting all possibilities and our priorities coming forward. So it was for discussion only and so I'll turn it back to council uh temp president um council member husband.
>> Thank you council member Anderson. Uh next up we had public health, safety, justice, and equity and that was shared by council member Hamill. >> Um thank you um council president. So um I was joined this uh this afternoon by council members Huffman and Williams.
We had two items before us. The first was a presentation u from the commission on sexual and domestic violence um Wakom County. This was formed in 1998. The presentation uh today was uh presented by uh Susan Marks, our director.
Um just a couple highlights real quick here. Uh the commission's funded through the city of Bellingham and Wakom County as well as a US Department of Justice grant. [clears throat] Um they're they act as a resource for schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, local government agencies among others.
Um they their [clears throat] focus is on racial, gender, and economic justice. um with language and disability access and they work on behalf of criminalized survivors. Their current projects are reimagining justice, missing and murdered indigenous women and people, uh justicees, justice for families, community um a practice for school response and coaching boys and to men.
That's a promising new program that they have for for boys. Um wanted to uh just provide a couple of upcoming events for folks that are interested there. The commission's next meeting is at the at Wakom Community College on Thursday, July 23rd from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
with an [clears throat] overview of school prevention and response efforts um on the agenda. And then the other um bigger event is uh Thursday, November 5th of this year, 8:30 uh to 5. So it's an all day event um at Peace Health St.
Luke's uh Community Health Education Center. and that's for uh the Wakom County summit on missing and murdered indigenous women and people. The second item that we had this afternoon was an agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security for a 2026 uh FIFA grant.
The objective of this grant program is to provide targeted funding to enhance security and preparedness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup events hosted here in Bellingham. This grant will be used for overtime and equipment and that was presented by deputy chief uh Jay Hart and this a this afternoon the committee voted to approve and I so move >> second >> motion made by the chair and a second by council member Williams.
Further discussion seeing none all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601 excused. >> Okay. And that uh is end of committee report. >> Thank you council member Hamill. Next up we have parks and recreation and that was chaired by council member Williams.
>> Thank you very much president pro Tim. At our meeting today I was joined by council members Hamill and Cotton and we had two points on our agenda. First was agenda bill number 24954 which was a contract award for for uh for the Jules Court Trail project uh num uh number 0145 and it was regarding bid number 15B 2026 to um to develop the trail the Jill's Court trail is identified as a recommended facility in the parks recreation and open space plan and will provide a connection from Sunset Pond Park and the Beta Baker Trail to the King Mountain Neighborhood and Baker View Neighborhood Park.
Consistent with the greenways strategic plan, the city acquired a trail easement from Jill's Court Storage in 19 in uh and acquired the property at 1492 Telegraph Road in 2024 for development of this uh trail.
The city opened nine bids on April 21st, 2026, and Specialty Equipment, Inc. and uh DBA Neptune General Contractors were the responsible biders who submitted the lowest responsive bid at $873,428 25. The engineer's estimate was $1,797.
I'm sorry, $1,797,617. And this project uh because of the scope and size in has an an apprenticeship hour requirement that goes with it. The city will be constructing the multi-use trail from Jill's Court to Telegraph and the trail will be approximately 1,500 linear feet and consists of 8 to 10 foot wide crush limestone surfacing with multiple retaining walls.
The recommendation from the parks and recreation staff after the proposal was to approve awarding the contract as presented and the committee concurred with the recommendation. Therefore, I will move to award ward contract 15B for the city of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Jills Court project to Specialty Equipment Inc.
and DBA Neptune general contractors in the amount of and 25 cents. >> Second. >> Motion by the chair, second by council member Lilloquest. Further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> I.
Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601. >> Okay. Next on our agenda was was agenda bill 24955, which is a resolution authorizing the parks and recreation department to apply for a recreation and conservation office grant to help fund the Middle Fork Spring open space trail.
The Middlefork Spring Open Space Trail will provide a connection between Cordata Park and West Stewart Road and will also serve as a segment of the broader Bear Creek to Queen Mountain Trail Corridor identified in the 2026 park recreation and open space plan.
The city the city acquired the Middlefork Spring open space property in 2022 for the development of this trail. The trail will be approximately 1300 linear feet consisting of an 8 foot wide crushed limestone surfacing, 10- foot wide elevated boardwalks with on-site comp on-site compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts to wetland buffers and indirect wetland impacts associated with boardwalk shading over the narrow wetland segments.
Uh once again the uh after the presentation the city of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department requires the city council's authorization to apply for a grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to develop this uh project.
So based on on on their recommendation of approval, the committee concurred once again and I move that the council approve authorizing the grant application and and discussion. the sorry to authorize the parks department to apply for a recreation and conservation office grant in the amount of 1,470,000 to help fund this project.
>> 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. Sorry. And and with that, we had no further business, so the committee was adjourned.
>> And I'll send it back over to your seat, President Pro Tim. >> It's fun seeing who nails it. >> Not not used to using that that title for me. Um, all right. Uh, next up we have a community and economic development.
And that was chaired by council member Cotton. >> Thank you, President Prom. Um I'm joined in that committee by uh I know just uh uh council members uh Huffman and Williams. We had two items before us today.
All council members are present. The first was a presentation by the Port Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership as well as Western Washington University Small Business um development center. Um this is a great discussion and would encourage people to watch that recording when it becomes available.
Uh again that was for information and discussion only. Our second item was a work session on downtown occupancy trends and strategies to address vacancies. Um this was a continuation of a presentation at a previous meeting.
Um and great questions from committee members as well as other council members. again would encourage people to watch that reporting. Um, with that, end of committee report. Back to you, President Prom.
>> Thank you, Council Member. >> All right. >> Oh, I turned my mic off. Next up, we had committee of the whole with uh nothing on our agenda, but I will open it up for old and new. Okay, moving right along.
Do our executive session report out. We [snorts] had four agenda items. It's a lot of words. Hold on. First, we had a potential property acquisition with Rosenlat staff brief council on the city's pending agreement to purchase a 20 acre property from the Oer Company.
I think that's how it's said. Property is located in the Lake Watcom wershed and is identified by assessor's parcel number 280323433440. The purchase price is $280,000. Closing is set to occur on or before June 18th, 2026, subject to council approval.
The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose. The program is funded by city water customers through a watershed watershed search charge on their utility bill.
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 OSER company, with a purchase price of $280,000.
>> Move approval. >> Second. >> Motion by council member Williams, second by council member Lilloquist. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed or abstensions? That passes 601.
Next up, we have another property potential property acquisition with Rosenblat. Staff briefed council on the city's pending agreement to purchase a 10 acre property from the OSER company. The property is located in the Lake Watcom wershed and is identified by assessor's parcel number 38-32423 22227.
Move approval. >> Oh, I've got a long way to go. So, sorry. >> That was a natural pause there. The purchase price is $68,000. Closing is set to occur on or before June 18th, 2026. Subject to council approval.
>> Move approval. >> Oh, hold on. My goodness, you all. [laughter] >> We're in a hurry. >> I'm taking trying to take some breaths to slow down. Okay, maybe I should just wink or something when I'm ready.
Um, closing is set to occur on or before uh the property will be acquired through the city's Lake Wacom wershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose.
The program is funded by city water customers through a watershed searchcharge on their utility bill. 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 OSER company with a purchase price of $68,000.
>> Move approval. >> Second >> motion by council member Williams and a second by council member Anderson. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed or abstensions? Passes 601.
Okay. The key is entertain a motion. That one. >> I think I got it. [laughter] >> Next up, we have another potential property acquisition with Rosenblat. Staff briefed council on the city's pending agreement to purchase a 69 acre property from the from Allen and Neva Van Hook.
The property is located in the Lake Watcom wershed and is identified by the assessor's parcel numbers 380335 and 38335417307. The purchase price is 675,000. Closing is set to occur on or before July 7th 17th, 2026.
Subject to council approval, the property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom wershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose. The program is funded by city water customers through a watershed searchcharge on their utility bill.
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 owners Allen and Neva Van Hook with the purchase price of $675,000.
>> Move approval. >> Second. >> Motion by Council Member Cotton, second by Council Member Lilloquist. Any further discussion? >> Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. I. Any opposed or abstensions? That passes 601.
One more potential litigation matter with Rosenlat. Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. I will now entertain a motion to authorize the mayor to retain outside council to represent the city in a class action litigation against certain manufacturers of PAS.
>> Move approval. >> Second. >> Motion by council member Anderson. Second by council member Liiloquist. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? That passes.
601 excused. Consent agenda. >> Approve. >> Second. >> Motion by council member Hamill, second by council member Williams. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Post or abstensions?
Passes 601. Final consideration of ordinances. >> Agenda Bill 24933, an ordinance adding a new chapter 11.05 to the Bellingham Municipal Code regarding speed limits. Move third and final. >> Second. >> Motion by council member Hamill.
Second by council member Williams. Any further discussion? Roll call, please. >> Dan Hamill. >> Hi. >> Skip Williams. >> I. >> Lisa Anderson. >> I. >> Michael. >> I. >> J. Scottton. >> Hi. >> Holly Huffman.
>> I. >> The motion passes 6. And then next up we have Agenda Bill 24937, an ordinance amending the 2026 budget to recognize revenues and expenditures associated with the public safety funding program award amendment two.
>> Move for file. >> Second. >> Motion by council member Hamill. Second by council member Lilloquist. Any further discussion? Roll call, please. Dan Hamill. >> Hi. >> Skip Williams. >> I. >> Lisa Anderson.
>> Hi. >> Michael Lilloquist. >> Hi. >> Jay Cotton. >> Hi. >> Holly Huffpun. >> Hi. Motion passes 6. >> Thank you very much. All right, that concludes our regular meeting. We will now move to the public comment period.
If you are watching live online or on BTV, the broadcast will now end. However, you can continue watching via Zoom at co.org/cczoom org/cczoom or listen via phone by dialing 253-2158782 and entering meeting ID 871-51885205 and password 9.
Again, that's co.orgccoom org/cczoom or dial 253-2158782 and enter meeting ID 8715188-5205 and password 9 to continue to watch or listen live. If you are watching a recorded version of this meeting, you can view public comment videos at meetings.cub.org.