City Council - Regular Meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting
Mon, January 5, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, January 5, 2026
This was the first regular council meeting of 2026, presided over by newly elected Council President Hannah Stone. The session covered council reorganization, the city's 2026 state legislative agenda, a property acquisition in the Lake Whatcom watershed, routine consent items, and a bond ordinance for a new 911 dispatch facility. Spanish interpretation was unavailable at this meeting.
Mayor's Report and Appointments
Mayor Kim Lum opened with a preview of several 2026 initiatives. First, the city is rolling out an agenda improvement project beginning with the January 26 meeting, which will publish materials further in advance and use modernized templates to improve public readability and engagement. Second, the mayor announced a State of the City video (in place of a traditional luncheon address) to be released next month. Third, the city plans to expand its informal "department head road show" town halls — previously held downtown — to add north-side and south-side locations in 2026.
The mayor also noted two board appointments for information only (no vote required): Christina Burns reappointed to the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, and Amy Navarro appointed to the Community Development Advisory Board.
2026 Council Reorganization (Agenda Bill 24797)
Discussed in the afternoon Committee of the Whole and formally ratified in the evening, the council approved its annual slate of officers and committee assignments. Officers for 2026: Council President Hannah Stone, Council President Pro Tem Holly Huffman, and Mayor Pro Tem Skip Williams.
Standing committee assignments approved:
Budget & Finance: Anderson (chair), Hamill, Lillquist
Community & Economic Development: Cotton (chair), Huffman, Williams
Parks & Recreation: Williams (chair), Hamill, Cotton
Planning: Huffman (chair), Anderson, Lillquist
Public Health, Safety, Justice & Equity: Hamill (chair), Williams, Huffman
Public Works & Natural Resources: Lillquist (chair), Anderson, Cotton
The council also approved a lengthy list of appointments to external boards, commissions, and intergovernmental bodies, including the Whatcom Transportation Authority, Whatcom Council of Governments, Lake Whatcom Policy Group, and others.
Council President Stone noted that two motions raised during the reorganization session — one from Council Member Lillquist regarding a communications work group and one from Council Member Cotton regarding public comment procedures — were tabled for further discussion at a first-quarter council retreat.
Vote (leadership/committees): Moved by Stone, seconded by Lillquist. Passed 7–0.
Vote (board/commission appointments): Moved by Stone, seconded by Williams. Passed 7–0.
2026 State Legislative Agenda (Agenda Bill 24798)
Deputy Keller from the mayor's office, along with lobbyists Nick Federici and Luke Esser, presented the city's priorities for the upcoming short legislative session in Olympia. Key funding priorities include:
Bellingham Municipal Court renovation — seeking state capital funds to convert the former federal courthouse into a modernized court facility
Day shelter funding — capital and operational support for day facilities serving unsheltered residents
Bellingham Bay cleanup grants — preserving Model Toxics Control Act funds regardless of state budget shortfalls
Policy priorities include expanding housing access, addressing vacant buildings, fiscal flexibility for local governments, transportation and utility infrastructure, and healthcare access. The city will also monitor legislation brought by partners including Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham. The full legislative agenda is available on the City of Bellingham website's state government relations page.
Vote: Moved by Stone, seconded by Williams. Passed 7–0.
Lake Whatcom Watershed Property Acquisition (Executive Session Item / Agenda Bill — Stamps)
Council authorized the mayor to close the purchase of a 5.02-acre parcel plus a 1.36-acre conservation easement in the Lake Whatcom watershed from Lauren DeSmuth and Teresa Green. The total purchase price is $1,800,000, with closing on or before January 30, 2026. The acquisition is funded entirely through the city's Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, supported by a watershed surcharge on water customer utility bills — no general tax dollars are involved.
Council Member Lillquist noted that while the city has historically acquired lower-cost, away-from-shore parcels, this purchase reflects a necessary shift: the remaining unprotected land of greatest importance is increasingly lakefront property, which commands significantly higher prices. He characterized this as an expected and justified expenditure.
Vote: Moved by Williams, seconded by Anderson. Passed 7–0.
Consent Agenda
The council approved six routine items in a single vote: minutes from special and regular meetings on November 10, November 17, December 8, and December 15, 2025, and authorization of accounts payable transactions from December 5–11 and December 12–18, 2025.
Vote: Moved by Hamill, seconded by Huffman. Passed 7–0.
911 Dispatch Facility Bond Ordinance (Agenda Bill 24787)
The council gave final approval to an ordinance authorizing issuance of up to $19 million in limited tax general obligation bonds to finance design, construction, and equipping of a new 911 dispatch facility, as well as refunding certain existing city obligations. Council Member Lillquist clarified that while the ordinance authorizes up to $19 million, the city expects to issue a bond several million dollars smaller depending on actual project costs.
Vote (roll call): Huffman – yes; Hamill – yes; Williams – yes; Anderson – yes; Lillquist – yes; Cotton – yes; Stone – yes. Passed 7–0.
Executive Session — Litigation Matters (Chaplin)
The council received closed-session briefings on two separate litigation matters before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals involving a party identified as Chaplin. No action was taken on either item; both were for information and discussion only.
Key Takeaways
Council reorganized for 2026: Hannah Stone is Council President; committee assignments and external board appointments were approved unanimously.
$1.8 million Lake Whatcom land purchase approved, covering over 6 acres of shoreline property funded entirely through dedicated watershed surcharge funds — the city acknowledged this marks a shift toward costlier but critical lakefront acquisitions.
Up to $19 million in bonds authorized to build a new 911 dispatch facility; actual bond size expected to be smaller.
2026 state legislative agenda adopted, with top asks including municipal court renovation funding, day shelter support, and Bellingham Bay cleanup grants.
Agenda transparency improvements and expanded community town halls are coming in 2026; next council meeting is January 26.
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
In person: Meetings are held in Council Chambers located at City Hall, 210 Lottie St., Bellingham
An executive session litigation matter involving the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals was presented by Chaplin. Staff provided information on this litigation matter for information and discussion only, with no action taken.
Litigation: Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals Matter (Chaplin, approx. 10 min.)
A second executive session litigation matter also involving the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals was presented by Chaplin. Staff provided information on this litigation matter for information and discussion only, with no action taken.
Potential Property Aquisition (Stamps, approx. 5 min.)
# Discussion Summary
During executive session, Stamps presented a potential property acquisition matter for informational purposes with no action taken. Staff subsequently briefed Council on the city's pending agreement to purchase 5.02 acres and a 1.36-acre conservation easement in the Watcom Lake watershed from Lauren Demuth and Terresa Green for $1,800,000, with closing scheduled for on or before January 30, 2026. The acquisition will be funded by restricted watershed land acquisition and preservation program funds supported by water customers through a watershed search charge. Council Member Liliquist noted that while the city typically acquires cheaper undeveloped watershed land, this expensive lakefront property commands a premium price due to its direct waterfront location, and acknowledged this acquisition represents an inevitable step in the city's watershed preservation strategy. The Council unanimously approved the motion to authorize the mayor to close the transaction in a 7-0 vote.
During executive session, Stamps presented a potential property acquisition matter for informational purposes with no action taken. Staff subsequently briefed Council on the city's pending agreement to purchase 5.02 acres and a 1.36-acre conservation easement in the Watcom Lake watershed from Lauren Demuth and Terresa Green for $1,800,000, with closing scheduled for on or before January 30, 2026. The acquisition will be funded by restricted watershed land acquisition and preservation program funds supported by water customers through a watershed search charge. Council Member Liliquist noted that while the city typically acquires cheaper undeveloped watershed land, this expensive lakefront property commands a premium price due to its direct waterfront location, and acknowledged this acquisition represents an inevitable step in the city's watershed preservation strategy. The Council unanimously approved the motion to authorize the mayor to close the transaction in a 7-0 vote.
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Authorizing the Issuance of One or More Series of Limited Tax General Obligation and Refunding Bonds in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Not to Exceed $19,000,000 to Finance Costs Related to Designing, Constructing, Improving and Equipping a 911 Dispatch Facility, Refunding Certain Outstanding Limited Tax General Obligations of the City, and Paying the Costs of Issuance of the Bonds; Delegating Authority to Approve the Method of Sale and Final Terms of the Bonds; and Approving Other Matters Related
Staff presented an ordinance to authorize the issuance of up to $19 million in limited tax general obligation and refunding bonds to finance a 911 dispatch facility and refund certain outstanding obligations. Council Member Liliquist noted that while the ordinance authorizes up to $19 million, the city is actually hoping to float a smaller bond by several million dollars because the project may not require the full amount of borrowing. The motion passed 7-0 with all council members voting in favor.
2026 City Council reorganization
# 2026 City Council Reorganization Summary
During the 2026 City Council reorganization, the mayor announced that Hannah Stone was elected Council President, Holly Huffman as Council President Pro Tem, and Skip Williams as Mayor Pro Tem, with the slate passing 7-0. The Council also unanimously appointed members to six standing committees: Budget and Finance (chaired by Lisa Anderson), Community and Economic Development (chaired by Cotton), Parks and Recreation (chaired by Williams), Planning (chaired by Huffman), Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity (chaired by Hamill), and Public Works and Natural Resources (chaired by Lilloquist). Council members were additionally assigned to various boards and commissions including the Community Development Advisory Board, EMS Oversight Board, and Fire Pension Board, with this motion also passing 7-0. Council Member Lilloquist recommended establishing additional work groups focused on communications, while Council Member Cotton proposed potential changes to public comment procedures both in chambers and for community engagement. Several reorganization matters were tabled for further discussion at a first-quarter retreat, and the mayor expressed gratitude to all council members for their service to Bellingham.
During the 2026 City Council reorganization, the mayor announced that Hannah Stone was elected Council President, Holly Huffman as Council President Pro Tem, and Skip Williams as Mayor Pro Tem, with the slate passing 7-0. The Council also unanimously appointed members to six standing committees: Budget and Finance (chaired by Lisa Anderson), Community and Economic Development (chaired by Cotton), Parks and Recreation (chaired by Williams), Planning (chaired by Huffman), Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity (chaired by Hamill), and Public Works and Natural Resources (chaired by Lilloquist). Council members were additionally assigned to various boards and commissions including the Community Development Advisory Board, EMS Oversight Board, and Fire Pension Board, with this motion also passing 7-0. Council Member Lilloquist recommended establishing additional work groups focused on communications, while Council Member Cotton proposed potential changes to public comment procedures both in chambers and for community engagement. Several reorganization matters were tabled for further discussion at a first-quarter retreat, and the mayor expressed gratitude to all council members for their service to Bellingham.
Agenda items (21)
Procedural (7)
1ProceduralIn person: Meetings are held in Council Chambers located at City Hall, 210 Lottie St., Bellingham
City Council meetings are held in person at City Hall (210 Lottie St.) in the Council Chambers.
What happened
An executive session litigation matter involving the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals was presented by Chaplin. Staff provided information on this litigation matter for information and discussion only, with no action taken.4ProceduralBy mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Written testimony and public comments can be submitted by mail to the City Council at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 before or after a meeting.
5ProceduralElectronically: o For a public hearing: https://cob.org/publichearing o For general public comment: E-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
Written testimony for public hearings can be submitted online at cob.org/publichearing, or general comments can be emailed to all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
24801ProceduralApproval of the 11/10/2025 City Council special meeting minutes
City Council will approve the official minutes from its November 10, 2025 special meeting.
What happened
The agenda included approval of the 11/10/2025 City Council special meeting minutes. No discussion details were provided in the transcript regarding this item.24802ProceduralApproval of the 11/17/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes
City Council will approve the official minutes from its November 17, 2025 committee and regular meetings.
What happened
The agenda included approval of the 11/17/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes. No discussion details were provided in the transcript regarding this item.24803ProceduralApproval of the 12/8/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes
City Council will approve the official minutes from its December 8, 2025 committee and regular meetings.
What happened
The agenda included approval of the 12/8/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes. No discussion details were provided in the transcript regarding this item.24804ProceduralApproval of the 12/15/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes
City Council will approve the official minutes from its December 15, 2025 committee and regular meetings.
What happened
The agenda included approval of the 12/15/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes. No discussion details were provided in the transcript regarding this item.Closed Session
2Closed SessionLitigation: Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals Matter (Chaplin, approx. 10 min.)
City Council will hold another closed session to discuss the same Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals litigation matter.
What happened
A second executive session litigation matter also involving the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals was presented by Chaplin. Staff provided information on this litigation matter for information and discussion only, with no action taken.3Closed SessionPotential Property Aquisition (Stamps, approx. 5 min.)
City Council will hold a closed session to discuss a potential property acquisition.
What happened
# Discussion SummaryDuring executive session, Stamps presented a potential property acquisition matter for informational purposes with no action taken. Staff subsequently briefed Council on the city's pending agreement to purchase 5.02 acres and a 1.36-acre conservation easement in the Watcom Lake watershed from Lauren Demuth and Terresa Green for $1,800,000, with closing scheduled for on or before January 30, 2026. The acquisition will be funded by restricted watershed land acquisition and preservation program funds supported by water customers through a watershed search charge. Council Member Liliquist noted that while the city typically acquires cheaper undeveloped watershed land, this expensive lakefront property commands a premium price due to its direct waterfront location, and acknowledged this acquisition represents an inevitable step in the city's watershed preservation strategy. The Council unanimously approved the motion to authorize the mayor to close the transaction in a 7-0 vote.
Adjournment
23AdjournmentTues. 12 p.m. – Repeat broadcast of Monday afternoon Committee meetings
A repeat broadcast of Monday's afternoon committee meetings will air on Tuesday at noon.
24AdjournmentTues. 7 p.m. – Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting
A repeat broadcast of Monday's regular evening meeting will air on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
25AdjournmentWed. 8 a.m. – Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting
A repeat broadcast of Monday's regular evening meeting will air on Wednesday at 8 a.m.
26AdjournmentSat. 12 p.m. – Repeat broadcast of Monday afternoon Committee meetings
A repeat broadcast of Monday's afternoon committee meetings will air on Saturday at noon.
27AdjournmentSat. 7 p.m. – Repeat broadcast of Monday night regular meeting Online Streaming: The meetings are streamed live at https://cob.org/btv. Online viewers will see exactly what cable customers would see. Video: Video recordings of each meeting are available on the Internet at https://cob.org/meetings within five business days following each meeting.
A repeat broadcast of Monday's regular evening meeting will air on Saturday at 7 p.m.; all meetings are also streamed live at cob.org/btv and recordings are posted within five business days.
Ordinance
24787OrdinanceAn Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Authorizing the Issuance of One or More Series of Limited Tax General Obligation and Refunding Bonds in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Not to Exceed $19,000,000 to Finance Costs Related to Designing, Constructing, Improving and Equipping a 911 Dispatch Facility, Refunding Certain Outstanding Limited Tax General Obligations of the City, and Paying the Costs of Issuance of the Bonds; Delegating Authority to Approve the Method of Sale and Final Terms of the Bonds; and Approving Other Matters Related
City Council will authorize the issuance of up to $19 million in bonds to finance construction of a new 911 dispatch facility and to refinance existing city debt.
What happened
Staff presented an ordinance to authorize the issuance of up to $19 million in limited tax general obligation and refunding bonds to finance a 911 dispatch facility and refund certain outstanding obligations. Council Member Liliquist noted that while the ordinance authorizes up to $19 million, the city is actually hoping to float a smaller bond by several million dollars because the project may not require the full amount of borrowing. The motion passed 7-0 with all council members voting in favor.Council Business
24797Council Business2026 City Council reorganization
City Council will reorganize leadership roles and positions for 2026.
What happened
# 2026 City Council Reorganization SummaryDuring the 2026 City Council reorganization, the mayor announced that Hannah Stone was elected Council President, Holly Huffman as Council President Pro Tem, and Skip Williams as Mayor Pro Tem, with the slate passing 7-0. The Council also unanimously appointed members to six standing committees: Budget and Finance (chaired by Lisa Anderson), Community and Economic Development (chaired by Cotton), Parks and Recreation (chaired by Williams), Planning (chaired by Huffman), Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity (chaired by Hamill), and Public Works and Natural Resources (chaired by Lilloquist). Council members were additionally assigned to various boards and commissions including the Community Development Advisory Board, EMS Oversight Board, and Fire Pension Board, with this motion also passing 7-0. Council Member Lilloquist recommended establishing additional work groups focused on communications, while Council Member Cotton proposed potential changes to public comment procedures both in chambers and for community engagement. Several reorganization matters were tabled for further discussion at a first-quarter retreat, and the mayor expressed gratitude to all council members for their service to Bellingham.
24798Council BusinessPresentation and discussion of 2026 City legislative agenda
City Council will present and discuss its legislative goals and priorities for 2026.
What happened
The city's 2026 lobby team, including Deputy Keller, Nick Federici, and Luke Esser, presented the 2026 state legislative agenda for discussion and direction. Key priorities included capital needs funding for the Bellingham Municipal Court renovation, day shelter facilities for unsheltered populations, and Bellingham Bay cleanup grants. Policy focus areas included housing access, vacant buildings, fiscal sustainability, transportation and infrastructure, and healthcare access. A council member asked where the public could access this document, and staff confirmed it is published on the state government relations page at cob.org. The council voted unanimously to approve the state legislative agenda as presented.General Business
24799General BusinessMayor's reappointment to the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence (information)
The Mayor is reappointing someone to the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence (informational item only).
What happened
Mayor Lenn announced the reappointment of Christina Burn to a first full term on the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence. This was presented as an information item only and did not require a vote.24800General BusinessMayor's appointment to the Community Development Advisory Board (information)
The Mayor is appointing someone to the Community Development Advisory Board (informational item only).
What happened
Mayor Lenn announced the appointment of Amy Navaro to a first term on the Community Development Advisory Board. This was presented as an information item only and did not require a vote.Consent Calendar
24805Consent CalendarAuthorization of A/P Transactions Issued Dec. 05, 2025 through Dec. 11, 2025
City Council will authorize payment of bills and invoices processed between December 5 and December 11, 2025.
24806Consent CalendarAuthorization of A/P Transactions Issued Dec. 12, 2025 through Dec. 18, 2025
City Council will authorize payment of bills and invoices processed between December 12 and December 18, 2025.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Approve 2026 council leadership and committee assignments
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve 2026 council assignments to boards, commissions, committees, and other groups
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve 2026 state legislative agenda
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to close real estate transaction for Lake Whatcom watershed property
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve consent agenda
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt Ordinance - Agenda Bill 24787 (limited tax general obligation and refunding bonds up to $19 million for 911 dispatch facility)
aye 7
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Verbatim transcript available
123 transcript segments indexed
Good evening and welcome to the Bellingham City Council meeting. Um this is our regular meeting, first meeting of the year today, January 5th, 2026. So happy new year to all of you and thank you for joining us.
City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 5, 2026, 7:00 PM Mayor: Kimberley Lund Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Daniel Hammill, Edwin H.
“Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, https://cob.org/council Michael Lilliquist and Jace Cotton Call to Order The City Council Regular meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 7:00 p.m. Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: 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 Lummy, Nuksac, Samish, and Seamyu 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.
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 brings us together here today. and please join us in uncovering such truths at all at any and all public events.
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.
So this evening, typically the Bellingham City Council has Spanish interpretation um during the evening meetings and unfortunately we were unable to secure interpretation today. Um so just briefly I wanted to make sure to pass that message along.
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.
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 headsets located at the front of the room.
Um, Okay. So, we will begin with roll call. >> Holly Husman >> here. >> Dan Hamill >> here. >> Skip Williams >> here. >> Lisa Anderson >> here. >> Michael Loquiz >> here. >> Jay Cotton >> here. >> Hannah Stone >> here.
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. Roll Call Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Edwin H.
>> All council members are present. >> Thank you very much. And we will begin this evening with the mayor's report. evening to members of council, members of staff, and members of the community that are gathered here tonight.
I'd like to wish everyone a happy new year. I hope everyone that's here this evening and those watching along at home had a restful and a joyful holiday break. I'd like to take a moment to share a few sneak previews of things that we can look forward to in 2026.
"Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor.
The first is an agenda approvement project. We've had a multi-dep departmental team working hard over many months to increase transparency, understandability, and access to city council agenda materials.
Mayor Lund wished the community, staff, and Council a Happy New Year. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 7 1/5/2026 Minutes Mayor Lund previewed forthcoming items for 2026 including: • Agenda improvement project to increase transparency and access to city council meeting materials beginning with the January 26, 2026 meeting.
Agenda items will be published earlier, in a modernized template. Internally, a new staff user interface and revised workflows will improve reporting and streamline processes. Mayor Lund thanked staff from her office, City Council, legal, and finance for their efforts.
This work will be realized later this month, beginning with the council's January 26 meeting agenda. Improvements that community members will appreciate include the publication of agenda materials further in advance of our upcoming business meetings.
• Creation of a state of city video instead of an address to modernize and create a more accessible, engaging format. • Plans for a series of townhall style meetings known loosely as the “department head road show” throughout the City to further engage with the community.
This will give everyone more time to discover, to learn, and to provide feedback about the topics being considered by the council. We have also modernized the agenda templates and we are increasing attention to the written materials presented with the agenda.
These steps and others are meant to improve readability to provide more complete information to increase our accuracy and our consistency. All with the goal of helping community members understand and engage more easily and successfully with city decisionmaking.
Mayor Lund congratulated incoming Council President Stone and thanked Council Member Huthman for her leadership as last year’s Council President and incoming role as Council President Pro Tempore. She also expressed appreciation to Edwin H.
Other less visible but still important improvements include an improved technology interface for staff, a new workflow for content preparation, greater automation, better reporting, and stronger integration with city technology systems.
"Skip" Williams for serving as Mayor Pro Tempore and thanked all Council Members for their dedication to service to the community. 24799 1. Mayor's reappointment to the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual p.
I'd like to express my thank you and gratitude to the entire staff team who has been committed to these important outcomes, including representatives from my office, the city council office, the deputy city clerk, IT, and the city's attorney's office.
5 and Domestic Violence (information) Mayor Lund reappointed Christina Byrne to a first full term on the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, which will expire on January 31, 2030.
After many years of working from both a template and a process that has been rooted and nearly unchanged since the days when we handp prepprepreared our agenda materials on tires, we are finally moving forward.
24800 2. Mayor's appointment to the Community Development Advisory Board (information) p. 21 Mayor Lund appointed Amy Navarro to a first term on the Community Development Advisory Board, which will expire on January 5, 2029.
I'd also like to take a moment to share an update on the upcoming state of the city address. Elected leaders to the executive role traditionally provide an annual state of the organization. And my goal as your mayor is to evolve the state of the city from outside of these chambers or the traditional annual lunchon presentation.
Regular Meeting and Committee Sessions The following are heard in both Committee sessions and Regular Meeting in order below: Council Standing Committee Meetings: Committee Of The Whole 1:00 PM Hollie Huthman, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H.
I'm working alongside our communications and community relations team to produce a state of the city video, highlighting our priorities for the year ahead and holding space to share the successes that we have achieved in the past 12 months.
"Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24797 1. 2026 City Council reorganization p. 25 Hannah Stone / Michael Lilliquist moved to approve Council Member leadership positions: Council President: Hannah Stone Council President Pro Tempore: Hollie Huthman City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 7 1/5/2026 Minutes Mayor Pro Tempore: Edwin H.
"Skip" Williams Budget and Finance: 1. Lisa Anderson (Chair) 2. Dan Hammill 3. Michael Lilliquist Community and Economic Development: 1. Jace Cotton (Chair) 2. Hollie Huthman 3. Edwin H. “Skip” Williams Parks and Recreation: 1.
Our team is working on the video now, fine-tuning the script and the images. Our goal is to try on a new way of telling the city's many stories in a more accessible and engaging format. And we look forward to sharing this production with all of Bellingham later next month.
And in tonight's theme of increased government accessibility, we have plans for a series of town hall styled meetings that we are for now loosely calling the department head road show. expanding on an idea that started in collaboration with the downtown Bellingham Partnership.
Edwin H. “Skip” Williams (Chair) 2. Jace Cotton 3. Dan Hammill Planning: 1. Hollie Huthman (Chair) 2. Lisa Anderson 3. Michael Lilliquist Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity: 1. Daniel Hammill (Chair) 2.
Over the last two years, the city's entire departmental leadership team and I have held two open invitation opportunities to meet with us in a casual downtown venue. It gives my team a chance to introduce ourselves to a broader range of constituents to mingle and to visit in person and of course to provide updates about key city priorities.
Hollie Huthman 3. Edwin H. “Skip” Williams Public Works and Natural Resources: 1. Michael Lilliquist (Chair) 2. Lisa Anderson 3. Jace Cotton MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to approve Council assignments: Community Development Advisory Board: Michael Lilliquist EMS Oversight Board: Daniel Hammill Fire Pension Board: City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 7 1/5/2026 Minutes Lisa Anderson Greenways Advisory Committee: Edwin H.
"Skip" Williams Incarceration Prevention Task Force: Daniel Hammill Hollie Huthman, Proxy Justice Project Finance & Facility Advisory Board: Michael Lilliquist Justice Project Oversight & Implementation Committee: Daniel Hammill Lake Whatcom Policy Group: Edwin H.
We have loved hearing your feedback, answering your candid questions, and celebrating our community together. And in 2026, we are committed to expanding on this idea by continuing the downtown road show and adding new north side and southside locations.
"Skip" Williams Lisa Anderson Library Board of Trustees: Daniel Hammill Mt. Baker Theatre Board: Hollie Huthman Open Space Committee - Joint City/County: Hollie Huthman Lisa Anderson Michael Lilliquist Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: Edwin H.
Stay tuned for these new opportunities and our schedule and we hope to see everyone there. And finally, I would like to take a moment to congratulate the 2026 council president, Hannah Stone, selected by her peers to lead the council this year with the support of Holly Huffman, who will serve as the council president prom.
I also deeply appreciate the work of council member Skip Williams, who is serving again as mayor prom, which means helpfully standing in for me when it is needed. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to each council member for your dedication and your enthusiasm to serve Bellingham.
"Skip" Williams Police Pension Board: Hannah Stone Tourism Commission/LTAC: Lisa Anderson WHAT-COMM Communications (911) Admin Board: Daniel Hammill Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG): Michael Lilliquist, Executive Committee Jace Cotton, Policy Committee City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 7 1/5/2026 Minutes Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee: Lisa Anderson Whatcom Museum Foundation Board: Jace Cotton Whatcom Racial Equity Commission: Edwin H.
"Skip" Williams Whatcom Transportation Authority: Michael Lilliquist Jace Cotton MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24798 2. Presentation and discussion of 2026 City legislative agenda p. 102 Hannah Stone / Edwin H.
This afternoon's reorganization discussion is one of the many demonstrations of how much each of you cares for our city and your commitment to important community priorities. I am looking forward to working alongside each of you in the year to come.
"Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the City's 2026 legislative agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 3. Old/New Business No discussions items for Old/New Business. Council President Stone seeks to find an alternative report out option from individual Council Members on their various assignments outside of Old/New Business.
And that's the end of mayor's report tonight. So, Mayor Lenn, I believe there are two appointments, but they're for information only, so they don't require a vote. But >> how about now? There are two appointments for information.
Executive Session Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only: 1. Litigation: Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals Matter (Chaplin, approx. 10 min.) Staff provided information on a litigation matter.
The first is an appointment to the Wakom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence and that is I will be reappointing Christina Burn to a first full term on that commission. The second appointment for information tonight is an appointment to the community development advisory board and that is that I will be appointing Amy Navaro to a first term on that board.
For information and discussion. No action taken. 2. Litigation: Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals Matter (Chaplin, approx. 10 min.) Staff provided information on a litigation matter. For information and discussion.
And that concludes mayor's report tonight. >> Thank you very much. So as mentioned this morning, well actually it was this afternoon we began with community the committee of the whole. This was sort of a um compilation of our reorganization meeting and also some council work.
No action taken. 3. Potential Property Acquisition (Stamps, approx. 5 min.) Staff briefed Council on the City’s pending agreement to purchase a 5.02-acre property from Loren Demuth and Theresa Green and a 1.36-acre conservation easement located on a separate parcel owned by Loren Demuth and Theresa Green.
So the first agenda item before us was agenda bill 24797. This is regarding the 2026 city council reorganization. At the annual Regger organization meeting, the city council nominates and elects city council officers, appoints city council members to council standing committees, and appoints city council members to boards, task forces, and other committee um committees and work groups.
The property is located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and is identified by Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 370416023034 and 370416027095. The purchase price is $1,800,000.00. Closing is set to occur on or before January 30, 2026, subject to City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 7 1/5/2026 Minutes Council approval.
So during that session, I just wanted to report out the motions that were taken and then we'll move those forward again this evening for I guess the second and final vote. Um so for the reorganization meeting with respect to leadership and committee assignments, I'll read the entire slate and then we can vote um at once.
So, Council President Hannah Stone, Council President Prom, um, Holly Huffman, Mayor Prom Skip Williams. So, for the committee assignments, first we have the budget and finance committee. This will be chaired by council member Lisa Anderson, and she will be joined by council members Hamill and Lillquist.
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.
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 owners Loren Demuth and Theresa Green, with a purchase price of $1,800,000.00.
The second committee is community and economic development. This committee will be chaired by council member Cotton and he will be joined by council members Huffman and Williams. The third committee is parks and recreation.
This committee will be chaired by council member Williams and he will be joined by council members Hamill and Cotton. The fourth committee is the planning committee. This committee will be chaired by council member Huffman and she would you be joined by council members Anderson and Lilloquist.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Consent Agenda All matters listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and/or non-controversial items 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.
24801 1. Approval of the 11/10/2025 City Council special meeting minutes p. 103 24802 2. Approval of the 11/17/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes p. 107 24803 3. Approval of the 12/8/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes p.
The fifth committee is public health, safety, justice, and equity. That committee will be chaired by council member Hamill, and he will be joined by council members Williams and Huffman. And the final committee is public works and natural resources.
This committee will be chaired by council member Liiloquist and he will be joined by council members Anderson and Cotton. Um, and so that is the slate for the committees and leadership and I would move approval.
131 24804 4. Approval of the 12/15/2025 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes p. 162 24805 5. Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 05, 2025 through December 11, p. 179 2025 24806 6.
Authorization of A/P Transactions Issued December 12, 2025 through December 18, p. 180 2025 Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 24787 1.
>> Second. Motion made by the chair and a second by council member Liiloquist. Any further discussion? Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. I. >> Any um any opposed? Any abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70.
>> Next, we had the council assignments to boards, commissions, committees, and other groups. So, bear with me. This list is a bit lengthy as well, but important work. So, first we have Community Development Advisory Board, Council Member Liiloquist will be serving in this capacity.
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Bellingham, Washington, Authorizing p. 181 the Issuance of One or More Series of Limited Tax General Obligation and Refunding Bonds in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Not to Exceed $19,000,000 to Finance Costs Related to Designing, Constructing, Improving and Equipping a 911 Dispatch Facility, Refunding Certain Outstanding Limited Tax General Obligations of the City, and Paying the Costs of Issuance of the Bonds; Delegating Authority to Approve the Method of Sale and Final Terms of the Bonds; and Approving Other Matters Related Thereto.
The EMS oversight board, Council Member Hamill. The fire pension board, Council Member Anderson, Greenways Advisory Committee, Council Member Williams, Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, Council Member Hamill with Council Member Hutman serving as proxy.
Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 7 1/5/2026 Minutes AYES: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-01-001.
Public Comment Period City Council heard public comments from five individuals. To access the recording visit, Public Comment Period Recordings - City of Bellingham. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Justice Project Finance and Facility Advisory Board, Council Member Liiloquist. Justice Project Oversight and Implementation Committee, Council Member Hamill. Lake Watcom Policy Group, Council Members Anderson and Williams.
The Library Board of Trustees, Council Member Hamill. Mount [clears throat] Baker Theater Board, Council Member Hudman. Open Spaces Committee. This is a joint city and county um meeting. So this is the planning committee members.
That will be [clears throat] council member Huthman, Anderson, and Liiloquist. Then the parks and recreation advisory board. Parks and recreation chair serves in this capacity. So that will be council member Williams.
The police pension board. This is the council president, council member Stone. the Tourism Commission and ELTAC is budget and finance committee chair or their design. That's council member Anderson. The Watcom Communications Admin boards, this is 911.
That's the public health safety, justice, and equity chair, council member Hamill. Then the Watcom Council of Governments. On the executive committee, we have Council Member Lilloquist. And on the policy committee, Council Member Cotton, Watcom County Marine Resources Committee, it's Council Member Anderson, the Watcom Museum Foundation Board, Council Member Cotton, the Watcom Racial Equity Commission, Council Member Williams, and the Watcom Transportation Authority, Council Member Cotton and Council Member Lilloquist.
So, I would move that slate forward for approval. >> Second. Motion's been made by the chair and a second by council member Williams. Any additional discussion or proposed changes? No. Okay. So, at this time, if there's no further discussion, all in favor will say I.
>> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. Okay. And just to highlight, I think there was discussion about fact that council members serve in other capacities that aren't on this list.
certainly in the community as well as in other city work. Um but these are the formal appointments that happen annually each year. So with that um there were a couple of motions that had come up during the reorg meeting that were tabled and are going to be coming back um during discussion at um at a retreat to be scheduled during the first quarter of this year.
So that work will continue. But some of that was about um potential additional work groups outside of our committee assignments. Um recommending work centered around communications was brought forward by council member Liloquist.
And then also discussion about public comment. So the public comment um and how the logistics surrounding that during our council meetings here in chambers as well as other ways that we can engage um with the community um beyond that.
So council member Cotton was bringing forward some potential changes um to that. So that will be further further discussed further during our retreat. And then the next item before the committee of the whole was agenda bill 24798.
So this was a presentation and discussion of the 2026 city legislative agenda. So the city's 2026 lobby team um met with us to present a proposed 2026 state legislative agenda for discussion and city council direction.
Um this was presented by Deputy Keller in the mayor's office. We will we were also joined um by Nick Federici and Luke Esser who are our lobbyists representing the city of Bellingham in Olympia. So this year we have a short session that's going to be starting very soon and moving forward quickly.
So before the um council there was the 2026 state legislative agenda. There are a number of items on this agenda um that are prioritized because they're items that only Bellingham, you know, will likely pursue.
So, sometimes there are items before the legislature that we're able to um you know, work collaboratively with other jurisdictions to move forward um some pieces of legislation and then there are some items that may be you know more personal to Bellingham or Bellingham specific.
So, for example, funding priorities under capital needs. We have the Bellingham Municipal Court. Um, we're seeking funding to support renovation of the former federal courthouse to house the court, expand services, and for further um reinvigorate a historic anchor to the to that downtown, which is a historic anchor in the downtown.
The second is a day shelter needs. So recognizing the need for funding to support feasibility facilities and operations for muchneeded day facilities for unsheltered populations here in Bellingham and the Bellingham Bay cleanup grants.
This is um part of the MKA so to preserve model toxics control act funds regardless of state funding shortfalls. So obviously we depend on a lot of that that work. Um but otherwise the sort of policy issues that we're wanting to elevate during this legislative session focus on access to housing for all and addressing vacant buildings and properties here in Bellingham.
[snorts] Um and then there are items that we want to actively support. So fiscal sustainability, flexibility, and again local options. There are also items related to transportation, utility, and other infrastructure needs here in Bellingham.
[snorts] Um, as well as interest in preserving and expanding access to health care here within our community in addition to other items that we will be monitoring going forward. And these could be legislative activities that are brought forward by our partners either here locally.
for instance, the county Watcom County and the Port of Bellingham um being two in particular that we would closely monitor and track. Just wanted to follow up with Deputy Keller about where members of the public may be able to find this.
I know it will be um assuming published online on the city website, but >> it is now published on the um the state government relations page of our website. >> Wonderful. So, that's already been updated again on the state um relations page.
So, on the city of Bellingham website, co.org, you would be able to find that document. Um but there was a recommendation and a vote this afternoon to approve the state legislative agenda as it was presented and I so moved.
>> Second. >> A motion by the chair and a second by council member Williams. Any further discussion or comments or items people wanted to highlight? Okay. Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
Any abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. Great. Next, we have old and new business. Any items for old and new business? No. Okay. Um, one item moving forward this year with our assignments in addition to old and new business, hopefully having an opportunity for just council member reports from our different assignments.
So obviously with those assignments we have an individual who's representing the council and receiving that information but all of us are not present for that for that work and those discussions. So if there were times when we could um provide those they wouldn't have to be every meeting but as there's um important information to share that would be a great opportunity.
Okay. There's no items for old and new business. We also held executive session this afternoon. There were three items before us in executive session. The first was a litigation matter. This is the board of industrial insurance appeals matter with chaplain.
Staff provided information on a litigation matter. This was for information and discussion only and no action was taken. The second item was also a litigation matter also involving the board of industrial insurance appeals.
This matter was presented by chaplain. Staff provided information on this litigation matter. Again, it was for information and discussion only and no action was taken. Third item was a potential property acquisition with stamps.
So staff briefed council on the city's pending agreement to purchase a 5.02 acre property from Lauren Demuth and Terresa Green and a 1.36 acre conservation easement located on a separate parcel owned by Lauren Demouth and Terresa Green.
The property is located in the Watcom Lake Watcom wershed and is identified by assessors parcel numbers 3704162304 and 37041627095. The purchase price is $1,800,000. Closing is set to occur on or before January 30th of 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 that are dedicated to that purpose. Specifically, the program is funded by city water customers through a water a waterhed search charge on their utility bill.
This is the proposed action. So to 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 Lauren Demouth and Teresa Green with a purchase price of $1,800,000.
>> Move approval. >> Second. >> Motion by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Anderson. Any discussion? Council member Liilquist. >> Just a comment. Um, as was indicated in in the uh our president's comments, there's some dedicated funds that have to be used for this purpose and we do it on a regular basis.
We often pick up land for pretty cheap because it's not it's it's undeveloped or difficult to develop uh in the watershed. In this case, this is a significant acreage directly on the waterfront. This is lakefront property, which is why these six acres are so expensive.
And this day was coming. This is the comment made earlier today. We have been buying up a lot of the cheaper properties away from the water the the shoreline and some of the most important properties however on the shoreline themselves.
And so that's why the day would come when we would need to start buying some more expensive uh parcels directly on the waterfront or on the shoreline of the lake. >> Any other comments? Okay. So we have a motion before us by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Anderson.
There's no further discussion. All in favor will say I. >> I. Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. >> Consent agenda. >> Move approval. >> Second. >> Second. Have >> a motion by council member Hamill and a second by council member H.
And >> a second by council member Hudson. I know when you're in this position and everyone sometimes there's a race to votes and your ear and how you're positioned. Um, okay. Any discussion or changes to consent agenda?
Okay. Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? >> Seeing none, that passes 70. Final consideration of ordinances. Agenda Bill 24787, an ordinance of the city council of the city of Bellingham, Washington, authorizing the issuance of one or more series of limited tax general obligation and refunding bonds in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $19 million to finance costs related to designing, constructing, improving, and equipping a 911 dispatch facility, refunding certain outstanding limited tax general obligations of the city, and paying the costs of issuance of the bonds.
delegating authority to approve the method of sale and final terms of the bonds and approving other matters related there too. >> Second [clears throat] motion by council member Hamill and a second by council member Hman.
Any discussion? Council member Lillquist. >> Again, just to comment all of this authorizes up to 19 million, I believe in our discussion. We're actually hoping to float a smaller bond by several million dollars because the pro the project may not require that much borrowing.
>> Thank you very much. Any further discussion? Okay, seeing none, roll call, please. >> Holly Huffman, >> hi. >> Dan Hamill, >> hi. >> Skip Williams, >> hi. >> Lisa Anderson, >> hi. >> Michael Liiloquist.
>> Hi. >> Jace Cotton. >> Hannah Stone. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. >> Thank you very much. There is nothing further before the council. We will um during this part of the meeting. Just wanted to note that our next meeting will be Monday, January 26th.
there will be that 2 week gap um in light of the holiday MLK day on um January 19th. So again, next meeting will be January 26th. So that concludes the regular business of the meeting and we will now move to the public comment period.
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