City Council - Regular Meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting
Mon, April 13, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, April 13, 2026
This was a regularly scheduled evening meeting with all seven council members present. The agenda was substantial, covering a public hearing, appointments, committee reports from four daytime committees, executive session items, consent agenda, and two ordinances on final reading.
Public Hearing: FY 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Deputy Police Chief Jay Hart presented the Bellingham Police Department's application for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant — a federal annual grant. This year's allocated share for the City is approximately $32,000. In past years the funds have been used for bicycle patrol equipment and evidence refrigerators; this cycle, the department intends to equip a third police motorcycle with radio, computer, and other operational gear. The grant requires an interlocal agreement with Whatcom County, which serves as a sub-recipient.
One member of the public, Ryan Bowman, spoke in support, citing his experience attending the Sheriff's Department Civic Police Academy. He expressed broad support for creative financing to address what he described as chronic underfunding in law enforcement, and suggested the City consider offering a similar civic academy program.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Cotton. Passed 7–0.
Appointment: Bellingham Arts Commission
Mayor Lund sought confirmation of Susanna Akin Lalene to a first term on the Arts Commission.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Cotton, seconded by Council Member Huffman. Passed 7–0.
Mayor's Report
Mayor Lund offered several updates. She reported that the northbound lanes of I-5, closed due to a landslide south of Bellingham, were expected to reopen Thursday, April 16th, and thanked city public works and police teams for their response. She noted the city would participate in a state-led after-action review.
She also highlighted two April fair housing month events: a screening of the documentary *Decade of Fire* on April 22nd at Mount Baker Theater, and an April 28th informational event in Council Chambers on new rental regulations. She mentioned the city's participation in Vamos Outdoor Project's annual community bike day and celebrated the opening of the Bellingham Farmers Market's 34th season.
Public Works & Natural Resources Committee Report
1. Surplus Timber Sale — North Bieber Preserve
The City acquired watershed parcels on the north side of Galbraith Mountain to protect Lake Whatcom water quality. The land was previously managed for commercial timber and is now heavily stocked with Douglas fir. A negotiated timber thinning contract with Janicki Logging and Construction will reduce density from approximately 250 to 150 trees per acre, widening average tree spacing from 13 to 18 feet, while preserving other species for biodiversity. No new roads will be built. The City expects to receive roughly $30,000 (20% of gross proceeds), which will likely be offset by costs to improve existing forest access roads.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Lilliquist, seconded by Council Member Cotton. Passed 7–0.
2. Multimodal Transportation Impact Fee Ordinance (BMC Ch. 19.06)
The ordinance updates the City's transportation impact fee schedule, which developers pay to offset the traffic demands of new construction. Key changes: the new base rate is actually *lower* than the current rate because the updated 20-year project list ($27 million total, ~$104 million for capacity increases) shifts toward cheaper bicycle, pedestrian, and transit projects rather than large road-building efforts. The ordinance also adds an annual inflation adjustment, increases existing discounts for development in urban villages, and introduces a new 80% discount for early learning/childcare facilities. A future revision is anticipated before the 20-year horizon.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Lilliquist, seconded by Council Member Cotton. Passed 7–0.
3. WSDOT Grant — Downtown Intersection Accessibility & Safety Improvements
The City accepted a $1.68 million grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation for a $3.5 million project improving six downtown intersections (three on Railroad Avenue, three on Cornwall Avenue). The grant covers nearly half the total cost. Improvements include ADA upgrades such as auditory pedestrian signals, bicycle infrastructure, and replacement of approximately 40-year-old traffic signal equipment. Three of the six intersections qualified for grant funding.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Lilliquist, seconded by Council Member Hammill. Passed 7–0.
Planning Committee Report: 2025 Landlord & Property Manager Survey
Following the 2025 passage of ordinances regulating unfair and excessive rental fees, council staff distributed a survey to landlords and property managers via the City's rental registration program. Approximately 800 responses were received. The work session — a follow-up to results first presented March 9th — focused on how to continue gathering data and potentially inform future policy adjustments.
Two motions emerged:
Motion 1: Direct staff to explore a process for gathering comparable information from *tenants*, recognizing that unlike landlords, tenants have no centralized contact list through existing city programs.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Huffman, seconded by Council Member Hammill. Passed 7–0.
Motion 2: Direct staff to conduct a follow-up landlord and property manager survey at the appropriate time (timing to be informed in part by the forthcoming Rental Advisory Group).
Vote: Moved by Council Member Huffman, seconded by Council Member Cotton. Passed 7–0.
Budget & Finance Committee Report: 2025 Year-End Financial Review
Council Member Lilliquist presented on behalf of Committee Chair Anderson (attending remotely). The year-end financial review showed that through departmental spending discipline and slightly better-than-projected revenues, a previously forecasted gap between revenues and expenditures has narrowed to near zero for 2025. However, projected out-year budget gaps remain if no further action is taken, and reserve fund balances are at risk of declining.
Mayor Lund added an important caveat: the December 31, 2025 snapshot does not yet reflect significant budget adjustments — including cost increases that arose after the November budget was finalized — which will be brought forward in future sessions. She confirmed that current expenditures are exceeding revenues.
No action was taken; this was an informational presentation.
Committee of the Whole Reports
1. 2026 State Legislative Session Update
City lobbyists Luke Esser and Nick Federici briefed the council on the 60-day short session that concluded March 12th. A notable success: securing just over $1 million in state funding to support development of a day shelter in Bellingham. Staff noted that lobbyist appointment for the next cycle will come before council around June. For information only; no action taken.
2. Historic Preservation Commission Composition Ordinance (BMC Ch. 2.54)
To address persistent difficulty recruiting commissioners, staff proposed two changes: (1) eliminating the requirement that members be Bellingham "qualified electors," allowing anyone who lives or works in Whatcom County to serve; and (2) reducing commission membership from 9 to 7. The changes are intended to broaden recruitment from tribal communities, students, and technical professionals.
Vote: Moved by Council President Stone, seconded by Council Member Williams. Passed 7–0 (first and second reading).
3. Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee
A resolution formally appointing three City of Bellingham officials to a joint planning committee with Fire Protection District 8 to develop a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) service plan. Appointees: Mayor Lund, Council Member Lilliquist, and Council Member Hammill.
Vote: Moved by Council President Stone, seconded by Council Member Huffman. Passed 7–0.
4. City Council Strategic Communications & Community Engagement Plan
An update and expansion of the 2017 council communications plan, providing high-level guidance on how the council communicates its work and engages residents.
Vote: Moved by Council President Stone, seconded by Council Member Williams. Passed 7–0.
5. City Council Communications Charter
A companion document outlining roles, responsibilities, and processes for council communications work. Notably, it establishes a standing communications work group including the current and past council presidents, the communications director, and the council's communications staff, with one rotating council member seat available. The charter is a living document amendable by council vote.
Vote: Moved by Council President Stone, seconded by Council Member Lilliquist. Passed 7–0.
Executive Session Items
Potential Litigation: Staff briefed council on a potential litigation matter (referenced as "Kraham"). For information only; no action taken.
Surplus Property Sale — Fire Station 10: Staff presented a proposed purchase and sale agreement for the city's former Fire Station 10 at 858 East Smith Road (declared surplus July 1, 2024) to buyer Connor McCullum for $590,000.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Hammill. Passed 7–0.
Consent Agenda
All ten routine items were approved together, including sub-recipient and interlocal agreements with Whatcom County, the Whatcom Conservation District, and Whatcom Transportation Authority; a DNR aquatic lands lease for Salish Landing Park construction; a cooperative purchasing agreement; payroll and accounts payable authorizations; and March 9th meeting minutes.
Vote: Moved by Council Member Huffman, seconded by Council Member Hammill. Passed 7–0.
Final Ordinances
Temporary Alley Closures for Public Health and Safety (24867): Passed on third and final reading. *Note: The transcript records Council Member Lilliquist as having abstained; the corrected vote is 6–1 (abstention).*
Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program Fee Schedule Amendment (24854): Passed on third and final reading.
Vote: 7–0.
Key Takeaways
Fire Station 10 sale approved: The City authorized a $590,000 purchase and sale agreement for its surplus Fire Station 10 property at 858 East Smith Road — a concrete step in disposing of a property declared surplus in 2024.
City finances remain stressed: The year-end review showed improvement over prior projections, but the Mayor warned that out-year budget gaps persist and that current spending already exceeds revenues when post-budget cost increases are included.
Transportation impact fees updated and effectively lowered: The new multimodal impact fee schedule sets a lower base rate, reflecting a project mix that favors less expensive pedestrian, bike, and transit improvements — and adds a new 80% discount for early learning facilities.
Historic Preservation Commission expanded eligibility: Membership requirements are relaxed to allow anyone living or working in Whatcom County to serve, aiming to fill chronic vacancies and include tribal and student voices.
Regional Fire Authority process formally begins: The council appointed the Mayor, Council Member Lilliquist, and Council Member Hammill to a joint planning committee with Fire Protection District 8 to develop an RFA service plan — a significant step toward potential consolidation of fire services.
AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.
What happened at this meeting
An ordinance amending the fee schedule for the Rental Registration and
An ordinance amending the fee schedule for the rental registration and safety inspection program underwent third and final reading. Council Member Hamill made the motion and Council Member Huffman provided a second. A roll call vote was conducted with all seven council members voting in favor and no abstentions, resulting in a 7-0 passage.
An ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and safety
An ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and safety underwent third and final reading. Council Member Hamill made the motion and Council Member C provided a second. A roll call vote was conducted with all seven council members voting in favor, except Council Member Lilloquist abstained, resulting in a 6-1 passage with one abstention.
2025 year-end financial review
Council Member Liloquist reported on the 2025 year-end financial review presented this afternoon. The city has over 70 funds with a combination of budgeting efforts and all departments staying under budget, which improved the financial picture and shrunk the projected revenue-expenditure gap to near zero. However, financial stress is still anticipated in out years if no further actions are taken, and staff noted that while $100 million in unspent funds appear available, most are already dedicated to multi-year capital projects in siloed funds like water, sewer, and environmental remediation. Mayor Lynn added that budget adjustments and cost increases after November's budget finalization show expenses currently exceeding revenues, widening the financial gap.
Public hearing and interlocal agreement for fiscal year 2025 Byrne Justice
# Summary
Deputy Police Chief Jay Hart presented the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) application for fiscal year 2025, which allocates approximately $32,000 in federal funding for law enforcement and criminal justice programs. The Bellingham Police Department plans to use the funds to equip a third police motorcycle with radio equipment, computer equipment, and accessories, with the city serving as the fiscal agent. Public commenter Ryan Bowman, a county civic police academy attendee, strongly supported the grant, praising it as a creative financing solution that prevents costs from burdening taxpayers through levies or taxes. Council Member Williams moved to approve the required interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham, seconded by Council Member Cotton, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.
Deputy Police Chief Jay Hart presented the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) application for fiscal year 2025, which allocates approximately $32,000 in federal funding for law enforcement and criminal justice programs. The Bellingham Police Department plans to use the funds to equip a third police motorcycle with radio equipment, computer equipment, and accessories, with the city serving as the fiscal agent. Public commenter Ryan Bowman, a county civic police academy attendee, strongly supported the grant, praising it as a creative financing solution that prevents costs from burdening taxpayers through levies or taxes. Council Member Williams moved to approve the required interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham, seconded by Council Member Cotton, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.
Confirmation of the Mayor's appointment to the Bellingham Arts
The Mayor sought to appoint Susanna Akin Lalene to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission, requiring council confirmation. Council Member Cotton moved to confirm the appointment, seconded by Council Member Husman. No further discussion was raised, and the confirmation passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.
Agenda items (34)
Procedural (11)
1ProceduralIn-person: Headsets are available to attendees in Council Chambers.
Headsets will be available for attendees attending the meeting in person at City Hall Council Chambers.
2ProceduralOnline: Join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom, then select the interpretation channel at the bottom of the screen. Those wishing to offer public comment in Spanish will be able to do so and their comments will be interpreted into English. Meeting records: Video recordings of each meeting are available online at cob.org/meetings within five business days following each meeting.
Residents can join the meeting online via Zoom at cob.org/cczoom and access Spanish interpretation, and video recordings will be posted online within five business days.
3ProceduralUpcoming Special Council Meeting The Council will hold a Special Meeting on April 20, 2026 for the purpose of a Council Retreat. The meeting will be held at the Cordata Pavillion beginning at 9 a.m. The meeting agenda will be available at meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the meeting.
A special City Council retreat meeting will be held on April 20, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the Cordata Pavilion, with the agenda posted one week in advance.
4ProceduralIn person: Sign-up sheets are available outside the Council Chambers doors starting at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the meeting.
Sign-up sheets for public comment will be available outside Council Chambers starting at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the meeting.
5ProceduralSign up, both online and in person, closes at 7 p.m. Once signed up, speakers may participate via the following options:
Registration for public comment closes at 7 p.m., both online and in person, with multiple ways to participate once signed up.
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.
Residents can participate in the meeting online by joining the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom.
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.
People can call 253-215-8782 to participate by phone using Meeting ID 871 5188 5205 and Password 9, or submit written comments by mail or email before or after the meeting.
9ProceduralBy mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Written public comments can be mailed to City Council at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
10ProceduralOnline: o For a public hearing: cob.org/publichearing. o For general public comment: E-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
Residents can submit written input online for public hearings at cob.org/publichearing or send general comments to all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
24885ProceduralApproval of the March 9, 2026 regular City Council meeting minutes
The Council will vote to approve the official written record of the March 9, 2026 City Council meeting.
Ordinance
24854OrdinanceAn ordinance amending the fee schedule for the Rental Registration and
The Council will consider updating the fees charged to property owners for the City's Rental Registration program.
What happened
An ordinance amending the fee schedule for the rental registration and safety inspection program underwent third and final reading. Council Member Hamill made the motion and Council Member Huffman provided a second. A roll call vote was conducted with all seven council members voting in favor and no abstentions, resulting in a 7-0 passage.24867OrdinanceAn ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and safety
The Council will consider a new ordinance allowing temporary closures of alleys in the city for public health and safety purposes.
What happened
An ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and safety underwent third and final reading. Council Member Hamill made the motion and Council Member C provided a second. A roll call vote was conducted with all seven council members voting in favor, except Council Member Lilloquist abstained, resulting in a 6-1 passage with one abstention.Council Business
24874Council Business2025 year-end financial review
City staff will present a review of the City's finances and spending for the year ended December 31, 2025.
What happened
Council Member Liloquist reported on the 2025 year-end financial review presented this afternoon. The city has over 70 funds with a combination of budgeting efforts and all departments staying under budget, which improved the financial picture and shrunk the projected revenue-expenditure gap to near zero. However, financial stress is still anticipated in out years if no further actions are taken, and staff noted that while $100 million in unspent funds appear available, most are already dedicated to multi-year capital projects in siloed funds like water, sewer, and environmental remediation. Mayor Lynn added that budget adjustments and cost increases after November's budget finalization show expenses currently exceeding revenues, widening the financial gap.24886Council BusinessAn ordinance relating to the composition of the Historic Preservation Commission, updating the qualifications for membership on the commission, and amending Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 2.54
The Council will consider changes to the qualifications and makeup of the Historic Preservation Commission.
What happened
Staff presented an ordinance to amend the Historic Preservation Commission composition by eliminating the qualified elector requirement and allowing individuals who live or work in Whatcom County to serve, and reducing the commission from 9 to 7 members. Emmy Sharer from the planning department explained the commission has faced considerable challenges recruiting sufficient members, particularly from tribal and student communities, and that these changes would help address recruitment issues. The Council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance for first and second reading with no questions or opposition.24887Council BusinessAn update on the 2026 state legislative session and City lobbying activities
Staff will update the Council on state legislative activities in Olympia and report on the City's lobbying efforts.
What happened
# Summary: 2026 State Legislative Session and City Lobbying Activities UpdateDuring a committee of the whole meeting, city staff and contracted lobbyists Luke Esser and Nick Federici reported on the 60-day short legislative session that ended March 12th, 2026. A major accomplishment was securing just over one million dollars to support a day shelter project in Bellingham. The Mayor, department heads, and council members Cotton and Liiloquist met regularly throughout the session to strategically address pending bills in Olympia, emphasizing the value of subject matter experts in influencing legislation. Staff indicated they would return to Council around June to select members of the lobby team for future legislative sessions, noting this planning needs to begin before the next session.
24888Council BusinessA resolution appointing members to a regional fire authority planning committee
The Council will appoint members from Bellingham to serve on a regional planning committee for fire authority services.
What happened
Staff presented a resolution to appoint three City of Bellingham elected officials to a regional fire authority planning committee tasked with developing an RFA service plan, with Fire Protection District 8 also naming three commissioners. The administration requested that one appointee be the Mayor. The Council unanimously approved appointing the Mayor, council member Liiloquist, and council member Hamill to serve on the committee, with the motion made by the chair and seconded by council member Huffman.24889Council BusinessA work session to discuss the results of the 2025 landlord and property manager survey
Staff will present and discuss survey results from landlords and property managers to inform City policy.
What happened
Staff presented results of a 2025 landlord and property manager survey conducted to assess the impact of new rental regulations passed in 2025. The survey received approximately 800 responses through the rental registration program communications. The committee unanimously recommended two motions: (1) directing staff to explore processes for gathering similar feedback from tenants, and (2) directing staff to conduct a follow-up survey of landlords and property managers at an appropriate time. Council Member Anderson raised a procedural question about amending motions made in committee during full council discussion. Both motions passed 7-0.24890Council BusinessApproval of a surplus timber sale agreement
The Council will vote on whether to approve an agreement to sell surplus timber from City-owned land.
What happened
Council Member Liloquist reported on the Public Works and Natural Resources Committee's approval of a surplus timber sale agreement for the North Bieber preserve on the north side of Golth Mountain. The city plans to thin Douglas fir trees from 250 trees per acre to 150 trees per acre through a negotiated contract with Janicki Logging and Construction Company, while preserving other tree species for biodiversity and spacing trees 18 feet apart for better growth. The city would receive approximately $30,000 (20% of gross proceeds), which would be used to improve existing forest roads on the property. The committee moved to authorize the mayor to enter into the contract, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.24891Council BusinessAn ordinance regarding multimodal transportation impact fees; amending
The Council will consider a new ordinance that updates how developers pay impact fees related to transportation and multiple modes of travel.
What happened
Council Member Liloquist reported that the committee approved an ordinance amending multimodal transportation impact fees in the Bellingham Municipal Code. The city conducted a study to update the transportation impact fee rate schedule to account for inflation over a 20-year projection period, adjusting fees annually for increases in project costs. The new base rate actually decreases from the current rate due to fewer projected projects and a shift toward cheaper bicycle, pedestrian, and transit-supported projects rather than large road projects; the estimated $27 million in projects includes $104 million for capacity increases. The ordinance includes increased discounts for urban village development and adds a new 80% discount for early learning facilities. The committee recommended approval, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.24892Council BusinessAcceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Downtown Signalized Intersection Accessibility and
The Council will accept state transportation grant funding to improve accessibility at downtown intersections with traffic signals.
What happened
# Summary: Acceptance of Downtown Signal GrantCouncil Member Liloquist reported on the committee's consideration of a Washington State Department of Transportation grant for a Downtown Signalized Intersection Accessibility and Safety Improvement Project. The $1.68 million state grant will fund improvements at three qualified intersections (one on Railroad Avenue and two on Cornwall Avenue) out of six planned intersections, covering nearly half of the total $3.5 million project cost. Improvements include ADA enhancements such as auditory signals for crossing, bike improvements, and upgrades to 40-year-old traffic signals. The committee recommended approval to enter into the interlocal agreement to accept the grant, and Council Member Liloquist moved approval, seconded by Council Member Hamill, with the motion passing 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.
24895Council BusinessPresentation and approval of the City Council Strategic Communications and Community Engagement Plan
Staff will present and request Council approval of a plan for how the Council will communicate with and engage with the community.
What happened
Staff presented the City Council Strategic Communications and Community Engagement Plan, described as a long-term commitment to help Bellingham residents understand the Council's work, participate in local government, and stay informed. This plan builds on earlier efforts and is a revision and expansion of the 2017 communications plan approved under council member Liiloquist's leadership, referencing the Council's approved legacies and strategic commitments as well as the Bellingham plan. The Council unanimously approved the strategic communications and community engagement plan with no questions or opposition.24896Council BusinessPresentation and approval of the City Council Communications Charter
The Council will vote on approving a charter that outlines how Council members will communicate with residents and the public.
What happened
Staff presented the City Council Communications Charter, which outlines how the Bellingham City Council organizes and manages communications and community engagement work. The charter clarifies roles and responsibilities, explains how communication requests are directed and approved, and is designated as a living document subject to amendment by formal council vote. A communications work group was established including the current council president, past council president, communications director, and city council office manager, with one rotating position reserved for an additional council member based on areas of interest. The chair moved for approval with a unanimous recommendation, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.Consent Calendar
24875Consent CalendarA sub-recipient agreement between Whatcom County, City of Bellingham, and What-Comm Communications Center
The Council will approve a routine agreement between Whatcom County, the City, and the What-Comm Communications Center for emergency services dispatch.
24877Consent CalendarAuthorization of payroll labor cost payments dated February 16, 2026 to
The Council will authorize payment of City employee payroll costs for February 16, 2026.
24878Consent CalendarAuthorization of payroll labor cost payments dated March 1, 2026 to
The Council will authorize payment of City employee payroll costs for March 1, 2026.
24879Consent CalendarAn interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Conservation District for support of the City's Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program
The Council will approve an agreement with the Whatcom Conservation District to help fund the City's Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program.
24880Consent CalendarAn interlocal agreement with Whatcom Transportation Authority for acceptance of a grant from the Transit Access Fund for the Barkley
The Council will approve an agreement with Whatcom Transportation Authority to accept transit funding for the Barkley project.
24881Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued March 6, 2026 through March 12, 2026
The Council will authorize routine vendor payments and bills issued between March 6-12, 2026.
24882Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued March 13, 2026 through March 19, 2026
The Council will authorize routine vendor payments and bills issued between March 13-19, 2026.
24883Consent CalendarAuthorization to enter Into an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with the Education Service Center - Region 19 Allied States
The Council will authorize the City to join a cooperative purchasing agreement with Education Service Center Region 19 to reduce procurement costs.
24894Consent CalendarAquatic lands lease from Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to City of Bellingham for purposes of construction and public use of Salish
The Council will approve a lease from the Washington Department of Natural Resources allowing the City to construct and operate a public facility on aquatic lands.
Public Hearing
24876Public HearingPublic hearing and interlocal agreement for fiscal year 2025 Byrne Justice
The Council will hold a public hearing and consider an interlocal agreement related to Byrne Justice grant funding for fiscal year 2025.
What happened
# SummaryDeputy Police Chief Jay Hart presented the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) application for fiscal year 2025, which allocates approximately $32,000 in federal funding for law enforcement and criminal justice programs. The Bellingham Police Department plans to use the funds to equip a third police motorcycle with radio equipment, computer equipment, and accessories, with the city serving as the fiscal agent. Public commenter Ryan Bowman, a county civic police academy attendee, strongly supported the grant, praising it as a creative financing solution that prevents costs from burdening taxpayers through levies or taxes. Council Member Williams moved to approve the required interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham, seconded by Council Member Cotton, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.
24884Public HearingConfirmation of the Mayor's appointment to the Bellingham Arts
The Council will vote to confirm the Mayor's appointment of someone to serve on the Bellingham Arts Commission.
What happened
The Mayor sought to appoint Susanna Akin Lalene to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission, requiring council confirmation. Council Member Cotton moved to confirm the appointment, seconded by Council Member Husman. No further discussion was raised, and the confirmation passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.Additional votes recorded in minutes
Approve interlocal agreement for FY2025 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant
aye 1
voice voteaye
Confirm appointment of Susanna Akin Lalene to Arts Commission
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to enter into surplus timber sale contract (North Bieber Preserve / Janicki Logging)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt ordinance updating multimodal transportation impact fees (BMC Chapter 19.06)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve interlocal agreement to accept WSDOT grant for downtown signalized intersection accessibility and safety improvements
aye 1
voice voteaye
Direct staff to look into process for obtaining information from tenants (rental regulations follow-up)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Direct staff to follow up with landlord and property manager survey at appropriate time
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt ordinance updating Historic Preservation Commission qualifications and composition (BMC Chapter 2.54) — first and second reading
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve resolution appointing members to Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve City Council Strategic Communications and Community Engagement Plan
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve City Council Communications Charter
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize staff to enter into purchase and sale agreement for surplus Fire Station 10 property
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve consent agenda
aye 1
voice voteaye
Final adoption of ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and safety (Agenda Bill 24867) — third reading
aye 6 · abstain 1
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistabstain
Skip Williamsaye
Final adoption of ordinance amending fee schedule for rental registration and safety inspection program (Agenda Bill 24854) — third reading
aye 7
Dan Hammillaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Skip Williamsaye
Verbatim transcript available
206 transcript segments indexed
Good evening and welcome to the Bellingham City Council meeting. This is our regular meeting for April 13, 2026. Going to call the meeting to order and we will start with roll call. >> Holly Huffman >> here.
City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes April 13, 2026, 7:00 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.
>> Dan Hamill >> here. >> Skip Williams >> here. >> Lisa Anderson >> here. >> Michael Lilloquist >> here. >> Jace Cotton >> here. >> Hannah Stone >> here. >> All council members are present. >> Thank you very much.
Call to order and roll call The meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 7 p.m. Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Edwin H.
"Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward (Attended remotely) Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Announcements and upcoming meetings The Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act.
So, with the announcements and upcoming meetings, the Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Next, we have the land acknowledgement. Does anybody want to read the land acknowledgement?
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.
>> Council Hamill. >> Yeah, I'll go ahead and do it. Um so be before we begin we acknowledge that we're gathered here on the traditional and unseated territory of the Lemi Nook Samish and Seamyamu people who have cared for and tended this land since time immemorial.
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.
Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
We pay respect to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such 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 here together 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 Page 1 of 10 headsets located at the front of the room.
Thank you. The Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed in by in-person attendees by utiliz utilizing the headsets that are here 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 Special Council Meeting The Council will hold a Special Meeting on April 20, 2026 for the purpose of a Council Retreat.
Remote viewers can log on to co.orgccoom and click on the language icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. Bellingham Alfto. We have an upcoming special council meeting. The council will hold a special meeting on April 20th, 2026 for the purpose of an annual council retreat.
The meeting will be held at the Cordata Pavilion beginning at 9:00 a.m. The meeting agenda will be available at meetings.co.org 7 days prior to the meeting. And our next regular council meeting will be held the following week on April 27th.
The meeting will be held at the Cordata Pavillion beginning at 9 a.m. The meeting agenda will be available at meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the meeting. 4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting with be held on April 27, 2026.
Public hearing 24876 1. Public hearing and interlocal agreement for fiscal year 2025 Byrne Justice p. 7 Assistance Grant (JAG) Summary: Deputy Police Chief Jay Hart presented the interlocal agreement for the 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).
This evening, we're going to begin with a public hearing. So, agenda bill 24876, we have a public hearing and interlocal agreement for fiscal year 2025 Brian Justice Assistance Grant, otherwise known as JAG.
The Bellingham Police Department intends to apply for a fisc year 2025 Brian Justice Assistance Grant funding. Requirements for this grant state that the public must be given notice of the grant and the items the department proposes purchasing with grant funds.
Summary: Council President Stone opened the public hearing. One individual provided testimony. Council President Stone closed the public hearing. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Jace Cotton moved to recommend approval of the interlocal agreement for fiscal year 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Appointments 24884 1. Confirmation of the Mayor's appointment to the Bellingham Arts p. 46 Commission Summary: Page 2 of 10 Mayor Lund appointed Susanna a'Kinlochaline to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission expiring on April 13, 2030.
In addition, grant requirements state that an interlocal agreement be made between Watcom County and the Bellingham Police Department as Watcom County is a subreient of this grant. Um, for this item, I'm going to turn to Jay Hart.
So, Deputy Police Chief, good evening. My name is Jay Hart, uh, Deputy Chief of Operations here for our police department. Evening, mayor, evening, community. Um, I've got uh talk about the Edward, it's called the Edward Burn Memorial Justice Assistance Grant or JAD Grant for short.
Action: Jace Cotton / Hollie Huthman moved to confirm the Mayor's appointment of Susanna a'Kinlochaline to a first term on the Bellingham Arts Commission. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor.
Um, it's a federal grant where you apply for every year. It's an annual grant. Um, this one's the 2025 one. Typically, they open it up in September of that year. They didn't open up the application process until March of this year.
Summary: Mayor Lund shared that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) anticipated reopening I-5 northbound on Thursday, April 16th. Earlier in the afternoon, WSDOT representatives presented to Council during the Old and New Business portion of the Committee of the Whole.
The community can watch the recording of that presentation on meetings.cob.org. She expressed gratitude to intergovernmental partners, City staff, and the community for working together through this challenge.
That's why we're we're talking about this now. Um, we do apply with the county. We're considered the fiscal agent. So, the money uh comes through us and then we provide the money county sheriff's office their share.
Um that's what the reason sorry that's for the purpose of the u um the memorandum of understanding um with them. Um this year our aotted allocation is about $32,000. Um it's money that can be used for LE programs, law enforcement programs and criminal justice type programs.
Mayor Lund recognized April as Fair Housing Month and explained how the City is working to educate the public. The City is sponsoring two upcoming events: • April 22nd at 5:30 p.m. – From Redlining to Resilience, a film screening and community discussion at Mount Baker Theatre.
Um in the past we used to purchase uh bicycles for bike patrol unit. We used it to purchase refrigerators to store perishable items evidence in our evidence and ID unit. Um, our intent this year is to purchase equipment so we can equip uh a third uh police motorcycle with radio equipment and computer equipment and all the other accessories that are necessary uh to to make that a functional motorcycle for police use.
• April 28th at 3:30 p.m. at Council Chambers to learn more about Rental Registration process. Learn more at cob.org/event/navigating-new-rental-laws. Mayor Lund highlighted City participation in the Vamos Outdoors Project Annual event Fiesta de Conexion Comunitaria last weekend.
Mayor Lund recognized the opening of the Bellingham Farmer's Market 34th season and encouraged the community to stop by the Public Works booth where free trees are available through April. Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups.
I'm happy to take any questions that you have. >> Any clarifying questions before we open the public hearing? >> Okay, seeing none, we'll wait until after. So, we'll open the public hearing. Anyone signed up?
Summary: There were no Council Member reports. Page 3 of 10 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.
Uh, we just had one individual signed up. Uh, Ryan Bowman, >> I think so. >> Aloha, city council, community members. Uh, I am attending the civic police academy that the sheriff's department is hosting over the last six, seven weeks.
We got another five or so weeks to go and it has been enlightening. Uh I highly recommend any of you attend it next year when they do it again. It's a wealth of information and opportunity to see the inner workings of our sheriff's department and what our county has to go through.
Committee meetings are open to the public to attend, however committee agendas do not include public comment sessions. Public Works and Natural Resources 1:00 p.m. Michael Lilliquist, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 24890 1.
On that note, I highly support this action because we are highly underfunded in our sheriff's department especially. I haven't had the opportunity to do the city, but it'd be cool if you guys did one for the city, too.
Approval of a surplus timber sale agreement p. 54 Summary: Michael Parelskin, Public Works Superintendent of Natural Resources Field Operations, presented the surplus timber sale agreement. Council Members discussed the sale agreement and asked questions.
But, uh, I think having any sort of funding and being creative in the financing when we are obviously underfunded in so many different areas is advantageous for our community so that those costs, burdens don't end up coming down to us in the form of levies or taxes.
Action: Michael Lilliquist / Jace Cotton moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the contract for negotiated surplus timber sale with Janicki Logging Company, Inc. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24891 2. An ordinance regarding multimodal transportation impact fees; amending p.
So, I hope that I am not the one only one in our community that supports this and hopefully you guys can get more of this in the future. So, thank you very much for your time. >> Thank you, Ryan. There's no one else signed up.
73 Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 19.06 Summary: Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director of Transportation, and Dylan Casper, Transportation Planner, presented the ordinance, which revises multimodal transportation impact fees.
Anyone else here this evening who wants to speak to this particular item as part of the public hearing? Seeing none, we will close the public hearing and bring it back to council. Any follow-up questions?
Council Members discussed the rate changes and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Jace Cotton moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24892 3. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of p.
This says um on the agenda bill, it's seeking to approve so a motion to approve the interlocal agreement. So part of the grant funding requires an interlocal between Watcom County and Bellingham. Um and so that's included in the packet.
113 Transportation for the Downtown Signalized Intersection Accessibility and Safety Improvements Project (ET037) Page 4 of 10 Summary: Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering, and Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director of Transportation, presented the grant award from the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Downtown Signalized Intersection Accessibility and Safety Improvements Project (ET037).
Again, this is related to fiscal year 2025. >> Council member Williams, >> I'll move to approve the interlocal agreement for fiscal year 2025 of the burn justice assistance grant. >> Second. >> We have a motion by council member Williams and a second by council member Cotton.
Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the local agency agreement and any related amendments with WSDOT for the Downtown Signalized Intersection Accessibility and Safety Improvements Project.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Planning 1:35 p.m. Hollie Huthman, Chair Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist 24889 1. A work session to discuss the results of the 2025 landlord and property p. 131 manager survey Summary: Iris Nott, Legislative Policy Analyst, returned to Council to further discuss results of the 2025 landlord and property manager survey.
Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? >> Seeing none, that passes 70. Okay, that concludes that item. Um, next we have appointments this evening.
I believe there's one confirmation required from Maryland. Good evening, members of council, staff, and members of the community that are gathered here tonight. There is one appointment this evening for council's confirmation, and that is I am seeking to appoint Susanna Akin Lalene, I hope I got that right, to a first term on the arts commission.
Action: Hollie Huthman / Daniel Hammill moved to request City Council staff to research a process on how to gather similar survey questions from tenants. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Action: Hollie Huthman / Jace Cotton moved to direct staff to conduct a follow-up landlord survey at the appropriate time.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Budget and Finance 2:05 p.m. Lisa Anderson, Chair Daniel Hammill, Michael Lilliquist Page 5 of 10 24874 1. 2025 year-end financial review p. 164 Summary: Andrew Asbjornsen, Finance Director, and Eric Johnson, Budget and Treasury Manager, present a summary of the City's 2025 year-end finance position.
>> Move to confirm. >> Second. She got it. >> Motion was made by Council Member Cotton and a second by Council Member Husman. Any further discussion? >> Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions?
Council Members discussed City finances and asked questions. The presentation is available here. Committee Of The Whole 2:45 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 24887 1.
Okay. >> Seeing none, that passes 70. >> Thank you. >> And next we have mayor's report. >> Mayor's report tonight. First up, the topic is the freeway closure. And tonight, there remains a case for optimism regarding the I-5 freeway closure.
The northbound lanes of Interstate 5 just south of Bellingham are expected to reopen this Thursday, April 16th, according to officials with the State Department of Transportation. This closure and the detour through Bellingham Streets has been an important reminder of how deeply interconnected our transportation system is.
An update on the 2026 state legislative session and City lobbying p. 183 activities Summary: Janice Keller, Deputy Administrator, and the City's Contract Lobbyists, Luke Esser and Nick Federici, provided an update on the 2026 state legislative session and City lobbying activities.
Disruption events like this slide impact us all and require us to work across government agencies. Our colleagues at the state department of transportation accepted my administration's invitation to join us this afternoon to provide an update on the technical work underway to stabilize and clean up the slide and reopen these critical lanes of travel.
Council Members discussed the presentation and planning for 2027, and asked questions. 24886 2. An ordinance relating to the composition of the Historic Preservation p. 184 Commission, updating the qualifications for membership on the commission, and amending Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 2.54 Summary: Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development Director, and Emy Scherrer, Planner, presented the ordinance, which amends the membership composition of the Historic Preservation Commission, and makes other revisions to Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 2.54.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to our community, importantly for everyone's sustained patience while this difficult work is completed in what appears to be the final days. Additional gratitude goes out to our public works and our police teams for their work monitoring and responding to the event.
Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Action: Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24888 3. A resolution appointing members to a regional fire authority planning p.
190 committee Summary: Page 6 of 10 Fire Chief Bill Hewett presented the resolution appointing members to a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Planning Committee. Fire District 8 also supported the creation of a planning committee.
And thank you to our department at the Department of Transportation, the state patrol, lo local law enforcement agencies, and the many others attempting to make the best of this difficult situation. I look forward to the city team's opportunity to participate in the state-led afteraction review where we can provide input to strengthen coordination, improve communication, and offer specific feedback to better manage impacts during future events.
Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Action: Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved final approval of Resolution #2026-05. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24895 4. Presentation and approval of the City Council Strategic Communications p.
I encourage everyone who's interested to please watch the video of this afternoon's presentation at the end of the committee of the whole for more details. It will be posted tomorrow at meetings.cob.org.
And April is fair housing month. In recognition, we're making it easy to learn more about housing laws and protections along with the history and impacts of redlinining and restrictive covenants and other practices that continue to shape our housing.
194 and Community Engagement Plan Summary: David Brauhn, Assistant Communications and Community Relations Director Intergovernmental Focus, presented a Council strategic communications and community engagement plan.
Council Members discussed the plan and asked questions. Action: Hannah Stone / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to recommend approval of the City Council Strategic Communications and Community Engagement Plan.
Today, we want to let community members know about two upcoming events. The first is on April 22nd at 5:30 p.m. We invite everyone to join us at the Mount Baker Theater for a screening of Decade of Fire, a documentary exploring the role of systemic neglect and discriminatory practices in shaping our housing conditions.
Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion on the history and ongoing impacts in our own region. And while this event is free, registration is required through the Mount Baker Theat's website.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24896 5. Presentation and approval of the City Council Communications Charter p. 204 Summary: David Brauhn, Assistant Communications and Community Relations Director Intergovernmental Focus, presented a City Council Communications Charter, which outlines how the Bellingham City Council organizes and manages its communications and community engagement work.
Council Members discussed the charter and asked questions. Action: Hannah Stone / Michael Lilliquist moved to recommend approval of the City Council Communications Charter. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 6. Old or new business Summary: There were no discussion items for Old/New Business.
On April 28th at 3:30 p.m., we hope people will join us for a free event in the Bellingham City Council Chambers to learn about new rental regulations. City staffed will be joined by local organizations for landlords and tenants alike.
To learn more about this free event on the city website, you can find it at co.org. And last weekend, the city team members from various departments, including my office, participated at Avamos Outdoor Project's annual Fiesta de Kexion Communaria, which is formerly Community Bike Day.
Page 7 of 10 Executive session 4:20 p.m. Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. 1. Potential litigation (Kraham, approx. 10 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter.
For information and discussion. No action taken. 2. Potential surplus property sale (Stamps, approx. 5 min.) - ITEM ADDED 4.9.26 Summary: Staff provided information on the potential sale of the City’s Fire Station 10 property, declared surplus on July 1, 2024.
Our team met many community members, handed out free Spanish language books, and shared information about city resources, events, and programs. Through free outdoor and academic programs, Vamos nurtures healthy habits, learning, and experiences that that spark joy and confidence in Latina youth and also connect families with vital resources to foster stability and growth.
Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into a purchase and sale agreement for the surplus sale of the City’s Fire Station 10 property located at 858 E.
and we are glad to be a partner with this important organization. And last but not least, spring is here and the farmers market is open. It's a great sign that spring is here when I get to toss the cabbage sing signaling the official open of the Bellingham Farmers Market.
This market's 34th season began on April 4th, and I've had the chance to go to the last two Saturdays. We wish our market friends a productive season ahead and hope to see many community members taking advantage of this wonderful downtown amenity.
Smith Road to Connor McCollum for $590,000. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 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.
And while you're there, keep an eye out for public works. Their team will be there through the rest of the month giving away free trees. And that is the end of Mayor's report tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor Lend.
24875 1. A sub-recipient agreement between Whatcom County, City of Bellingham, p. 211 and What-Comm Communications Center 24879 2. An interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Conservation District for p.
Next on the agenda this evening, um, our committee, so it's council assignment reports. This is a standing time for council members to report out on assigned committees, boards, and other groups that they may participate in outside of our regular council meetings.
232 support of the City's Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program 24880 3. An interlocal agreement with Whatcom Transportation Authority for p. 242 acceptance of a grant from the Transit Access Fund for the Barkley Boulevard and Racine Street intersection Page 8 of 10 24894 4.
Aquatic lands lease from Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to City p. 249 of Bellingham for purposes of construction and public use of Salish Landing Park 24883 5. Authorization to enter Into an interlocal cooperative purchasing p.
Any updates? Okay. If not, we will go forward to committee meeting reports. So at this time we will report out from the committee meetings that took place during the day today. So again this is just a summary report out from earlier activity.
299 agreement with the Education Service Center - Region 19 Allied States Cooperative 24877 6. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated February 16, 2026 to p. 302 February 28, 2026 24878 7.
We started today with public works and natural resources. That committee is chaired by council member Liloquist. So I will turn it over to him for a report. >> Thank you President Stone. Uh the public works and natur resources committee had three items before us today.
Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated March 1, 2026 to p. 303 March 15, 2026 24881 8. Authorization of AP transactions issued March 6, 2026 through March 12, p. 304 2026 24882 9. Authorization of AP transactions issued March 13, 2026 through March p.
The first was potential approval of a surplus timber sale agreement. The city has acquired and now manages an assemblage of watershed parcels on the north side of Golth Mountain known as the North Bieber preserve.
305 19, 2026 24885 10. Approval of the March 9, 2026 regular City Council meeting minutes p. 306 Action: Hollie Huthman / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
That property was formerly managed for commercial timber, but now is managed through the city's Lake Watcom land acquisition and preservation program primarily to preserve water quality in the lake. To accomplish forest health goals, it has been deemed necessary to reduce the total number of trees per acre.
Final consideration of ordinances 24867 1. An ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and p. 313 safety Action: Daniel Hammill / Jace Cotton moved approval for third and final reading.
The necessary forest thinning will be accomplished through a negotiated surplus timber contract with Janicki Logging and Construction Company. Um, basically it was heavily planted with Doug fur trees, the commercial species.
Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) ABSTAINED: Michael Lilliquist Page 9 of 10 MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-04-006.
And what we're going doing is uh going in and thinning out the trees. So instead of there being an average of 250 trees per acre would be reduced to 150 trees per acre, leaving all other species of trees behind for biodiversity.
24854 2. An ordinance amending the fee schedule for the Rental Registration and p. 317 Safety Inspection Program Action: 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: AYES: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-04-007.
um and the average tree spacing would be reduced in that for that species from a um from eight from 13 feet now to 18 feet to give these trees more room to grow. There is a possibility in the future there might be another round of thinning based upon the health of the biodiversity of that ecosystem.
Um the city uh under this agreement would get a portion 20% of the gross proceeds however which is around $30,000 we think. However, that same amount of money more or less will probably be spent on improving the existing forest roads which go through the Golbreth Mountain property to get to the city's own property.
Public comment period City Council heard public comments from 21 individuals. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 5/11/2026 Page 10 of 10
So, no roads be no new roads would be built, but some of those might need to be improved to make this project possible. This afternoon, the committee uh moved to authorize the mayor to enter into the contract for the negotiated surplus timber sale and I so move.
>> Second. Motion was made by council member Liiloquist and a second by council member Cotton. Any discussion or questions? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Seeing none, that passes 70.
>> The second item was an ordinance regarding multimodal transportation impact fees and amending the Bellingham municipal code chapter 19.06. Villingham City Bellingham imposes multimotal transportation impact fees on development activity as part of financing public transportation facilities.
Basically, if you build something in the city, you're going to create traffic demands. Under state law, small fees paid to help the city increase the capacity of roads and other transportation systems like bike lanes and pedestrian ways to to allow people to move.
City staff conducted a study and developed an updated transportation impact fee rate schedule as prescribed by municipal code. And the proposed ordinance will adjust transportation impact fees annually for inflation to account for increases in project costs.
So it's a 20-year projection and we're just allowing those fees to go up with inflation over the 20-year period. Although truth is we're going to revise the schedule sometime before 20 years. Um so it does two things.
It adopts a new base rate based upon the projected costs over the next 20 years for transportation programs. We have estimated uh $27 million worth of projects over that period, 104 million of which is to increase capacity and that's the portion the fees help pay for.
Uh the new base rate actually is a decrease over the current base rate because there's just fewer projects and the new range of projects includes more bicycle and pedestrian and transit supported projects which are just simply cheaper than big road building projects for cars.
So the shift in the number of projects and the type of projects means that the impact fee will be lower. Uh we are adding the inflator and in addition there are existing uh discounts. If you're building in urban villages, those will be increased slightly.
And there'll be a new discount for oh, what's the name of it? Child care. Help me out, Jayce. Early early learning facilities. If you build any of those um if there is an impact fee, you'll get an 80% discount on that.
Anyway, this afternoon, the committee recommended to approve the ordinance updating the trampation impact fees. And I so move. >> Second. Motion was made by council member Liiloquist and a second by council member Cotton.
Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Seeing none, that passes 70. >> And the third one is possible acceptance of a grant from the state department of transportation for downtown signalized intersection accessibility and safety improvement project.
This project will improve signals and related infrastructure at several downtown intersections. The improvements are basically mostly ADA improvements. So, for example, um adding auditory signals when you're crossing.
So, if you can't hear, there's auditory signals for crossing. There already are ADA ramps. There was another ADA couple ADA improvements I can't remember at the moment. Um there are three inter there are six intersections in total in this project.
Three on Railroad Avenue, three on Cornwall. Only three of those have qualified for the grant. The grant pays almost half of the funds. So 1.8 million, sorry, $1.68 million of grant for a $3.5 million project.
So basically, it's covering most of the costs for the three qualified intersections for those ADA improvements. Um, also bike improvements and yeah, the ADA improvements and also revising the traffic signals, which are apparently like 40-year-old traffic lights.
Uh this afternoon the committee recommended uh approval to enter into the interlocal agreement to accept this grant and I so move >> second. >> Motion was made by council member Liiloquist and a second by council member Hamill.
>> Any discussion? >> See none. All in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. >> And a committee report. No more actions. >> That passes 70. Um, thank you very much, Council Member Liiloquist.
The next committee that met this afternoon was the planning committee, and that is chaired by council member Huffman. So, I'll turn it over to her. Thank you, council president. Uh, today for the planning committee, I was joined by council members Lilquist Anderson.
We had one agenda item. It's agenda bill 24889, a work session to discuss the results of the 2025 landlord and property manager survey. After passing ordinances regarding unfair and excessive fees for residential rental units in 2025, council staff launched a survey for landlords and property managers in Bellingham.
The survey sought to gather data and open-ended feedback about the impact of the new rental regulations as well as the rental registration and safety inspection program. The work session allowed council members to further discuss the survey results that were presented during the March 9th, 2026 regular council meeting.
uh our legislative policy analyst Iris not presented to us to uh lead off the discussion. Um and uh a little a little more background. Um, council asked for the council staff to do a little bit of followup um after the passing of of the uh unfair and excessive fees ordinance um in an attempt to get a get a read on how the the ordinance how the changes were um affecting our community.
Um, we had a really convenient opportunity to send out requests um to landlords and property managers through our rental registration program uh communications. There was um there was a letter that went out that was going to go out anyway.
We had an opportunity to put um this information request for responses um in that letter. Um and and so we took that opportunity. Um these were the the results. Um there were I think it was 800 responses if I'm not mistaken.
Um and um with with the intent of you know potentially also uh following up this survey in a year to see if there are any any um effects over that time that are measurable um and and inform potential adjustments to to the policy if necessary.
Um we had two amendments that were presented or two motions that were present. This this was for information only but um this agenda item but there were two motions. The first um was a motion for council staff to look into potential process for obtaining information from tenants.
So a similar information gathering process for tenants as well. Um, of course that's with the the the landlords and property managers. We had a really convenient source for uh contacting everybody. It's a little bit um little bit more difficult.
We don't have a a natural source for that for um contacting all of the tenants in Bellingham. Um but the uh the staff will look into what what kind of process we could implement for that because we of course want to get u multiple perspectives on on the impact of this legislation.
Um, so there was a motion the um committee uh unanimously unanimously recommended approval and I so move. >> So motion is made by council member Hudman and a second by council member Hamill. Any discussion?
So this is the motion for followup regarding tenant survey options. >> Correct. >> Okay. All in favor will say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. >> You uh and next we had a another motion from council member Lilloquist.
Um I believe the motion was to have staff look into what it would take to do the follow the follow-up survey to landlords. Um also got note from staff that uh it would essentially be the same process.
So, uh, we might want to consider skipping a step and just approving the, um, reissue of the survey again, um, this year. Um, if you would consider that motion instead, unless I'm mistaken about the motion that you made, >> the staff recommended a followup on this.
>> I was just endorsing the idea of a follow-up. I I didn't have strong ideas about the timing of the follow-up and I I didn't specify that in the motion. >> I think this afternoon as well, the mayor was sharing that the rental advisory group, further information about the rental advisory group would be coming forward to council at potentially our next meeting.
Um and so hopefully work from that group could help to guide that process as well. I think that was >> the motion that was recommended just had to do with um a followup to get repeat data. >> Yeah. So maybe we could just simplify that to in general um a request to follow up with a similar survey >> by staff.
>> Not my decision if we agree. Yeah, I'm okay with that. >> Okay. How about a motion to uh direct staff to follow up on the landlord and um property manager survey at the appropriate time. >> Second.
>> Motion was made by Council Member Huffman and a second by Council Member Cotton. >> Council member Anderson. >> Thank you. I guess I um I would just like to ask legal since during the committee meeting we did have a motion and a second um and now we're altering or amending that motion.
Do we have to dispose of that first motion and then make a second one or is it appropriate to amend it in the full committee? Just wondering because I don't think we've done this before. I don't because the motion in the committee that was committee so it really didn't require a second.
Um and I don't think technically requires a follow-up vote in the afternoon or in the evening. >> Okay. Okay. >> We'll defer to legal. >> Right. So I think I think if you just restate the motion one more time and vote on it that would be sufficient.
>> Any further questions on >> Sanderson's point is that the recommendation this afternoon is not identical to the motion this evening. Is that an issue? I'm I'm I'm having a hard time knowing the difference between this afternoon and this evening.
>> It's kind of small, but it's not identical. Does that matter? >> Um, we'll just have staff bring information back to us and the other is directing staff to go forward. >> I'm comfortable with the motion voting on the motion uh as stated this evening.
Any further discussion on the motion? Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? >> Seeing none, that passes 70. Thank you. And that was our only agenda item.
So, end of committee report. The next committee meeting was budget and finance committee. That committee is chaired by council member Anderson, but since she is joining us remotely and battling a cough, Council Member Liiloquist covered that role for her this afternoon.
So, I will turn to him for a report out. >> Lisa, if you don't mind, I'll go ahead and give the report out. >> I really appreciate it. You could tell what voice has. >> Um, so, uh, this afternoon we had a year-end financial review for all of 2025.
Included in the packet was a year-end financial statement or actually technically a December 25 statement. Um, and this presentation provided additional financial information. Um, it was a long presentation detailed on the economics of the city and our revenues and expenditures.
That financial information is available on the city's website cue.orgreports. Um, to sum that up is difficult. I really recommend that you watch the presentation which will be available probably as soon as tomorrow on the city's uh website under our meetings.
Um city has basically over 70 funds. A few of them are big heavy hitters. Many are small special purpose things like for a lodging tax or an EMS levy or housing funds or greenways. Um to summarize some of the high points, I would say that through a combination of budgeting efforts last year and um each department staying under budget as best they could or they all stayed under budget and slightly better revenue.
Our financial picture has improved. Our previous graph looked like this. And you can't really see it, but there's a gap between expenditures and revenues in the outy years. Um due to that those changes, uh that gap has basically shrunk to zero.
However, in the out years, it may still increase. So, there is still a projected financial stress and anticipated budget gaps if no further actions are taken. And if no further actions are taken, then these green bars, which is basically our money in the bank, goes down to zero.
That said, please be aware that city finances are kind of strange. We have a hundred million dollars of money we didn't spend, but that's already dedicated towards multi-year capital projects. So in many of our capital intensive programs like the water fund or the sewer fund or environmental remediation, we may have an 8 deal $8 million project and we may only spend $2 million in this fiscal year and it rolls over to another fiscal year.
And so there's what appears to be large amounts of unspent money, but it's actually dedicated to large ongoing capital projects. So it looks like there's more money there than that's available. And most of those funds are in dedicated um silos.
So, for example, if it's um your uh sewer utility fee revenue, it has to be spent on the sewer utility, it can't go over here to libraries and things like that. Most of our capital funds are siloed in that way, and that's where most of the large money is sitting, which is why we still have financial stresses in the general fund.
That's just some of the high points that I can remember. Uh thank you, Skip, for reminding me of some of those high points. And that's the end of the report. >> Thank you very much, Council Member Liquist.
Yeah, Mayor Lynn, >> if I can just make one addition, I think the presentation as summarized by council member Lilloquist is absolutely accurate as it reflected the city's financial picture on December 31st of 2025.
Um but what you'll see when we come back and it was foreshadowed at the end of the uh committee presentation is the budget adjustments um of many million dollars that will be um reappropriations and also cost increases uh that took place after the city's budget was being finalized in November of last year and that reflects just the increased cost of doing business.
So while the alligator graph that many people behind couldn't see tonight but was mentioned the jaw is widening expense are are exceeding our revenues at this point in time. Thank you for that followup.
Um yeah not what we're all wanting to hear but it is the reality that we are currently faced with. With that, the next committee this afternoon was committee of the whole. All council members were present for committee the whole.
We had several items before us. The first was agenda bill 24887. This was an update on the 2026 state legislative session and city lobbying activities. So, city staff and our contracted lobbyists. Um, so Luke Esser and Nick Federici are two lobbyists helping represent the city of Bellingham down in Olympia.
Um, they provided an update this afternoon on the 2026 legislative session. This session was a 60-day short session that ended on March 12th, 2026. So celebrating some of the highs, the city's ability to um secure just over a million dollars to support the um pursuing a day shelter here in Bellingham um to meet that ever growing need.
Um and just wanting to highlight the collaboration and teamwork. So there was a group people who met pretty much every Friday during the legislative session including um the mayor as well as department heads and members of her executive team as well as three council members, council member Cotton, council member Liiloquist and myself.
Um but a shout out to yeah that collaboration and teamwork throughout the legislative session. um certainly requires a partnership and the ability to have some real, you know, subject matter experts in the room, usually from department heads to speak to particular bills that are pending in Olympia and ways to sometimes make very minor changes that can have a really important impact um back here at home in Bellingham.
So, if people want to um review that recording from the meeting, there's more detail about specific um legislative matters that were considered some successful and some not um in Olympia during the last session.
But in another month or two, we will be um coming before the council again to select members of the lobby team. So, be thinking about who wants to serve in that capacity. Just recognizing that that work really needs to start before the legislative session.
So, we're hoping around June to have that next appointment. So, um that was for information and discussion only. The next item was agenda bill 24886. This is an ordinance relating to the composition of the historic preservation commission updating the qualifications for membership on the commission and amending Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 2.54 in order to aid in recruitment to the Historic Preservation Commission.
city staff and the HPC proposed eliminating the qualified elector requirement which requires that individuals, you know, live in the city of Bellingham and are eligible to be registered voters here in Bellingham under chapter 2.54.020 of the Bellingham Municipal Code and allowing instead those who live and work live or work in Watcom County to apply and serve on the commission.
City staff and the HPC also proposed reducing the number of HPC commissioners from 9 to 7. Additional minor editorial amendments were proposed to Bellingham Municipal Code section 2.54 for improved clarity and consistency.
Um we heard this afternoon from Emmy from Yeah. from Emmy um Sharer who's um with the planning department and just mentioning the considerable challenges that there have been to secure um sufficient representation and to fill the the seats on the commission.
Um without approving the proposed amendments, there's concern that the commission would continue to face challenges in recruiting members, especially from tribal and student communities. And so wanting to make sure that that representation is included on the commission.
Um the commission can be somewhat technical um because of the focus on historical preservation and those particular you know building or architectural requirements to preserve um those particular properties within the the city.
So there was a unanimous recommendation this afternoon to move to approve the ordinance for first and second reading and I so move. >> Second. >> Motion's been made by the chair and a second by council member Williams.
Any questions? Any comments? Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70. The next item was agenda bill 24888. This is a resolution appointing members to a regional fire authority planning committee.
This resolution formally names three city of Bellingham elected officials to a regional fire authority planning committee tasked with developing an RFA service plan. Fire protection district 8 will then name three of its commissioners to also join the committee.
The administration requested that one of the Bellingham city or city of Bellingham officials be the mayor. This afternoon with discussion um there was a unanimous recommendation to move to approve the resolution appointing the mayor, council member Liiloquist and council member Hamill to serve um to serve on the regional fire authority planning committee.
And I so move second. Motion was made by the chair and a second by council member Huffman. Any discussion? I know you have to speak up if you're wait. >> Sorry, >> it's always a race for the second. Um any discussion questions?
Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Seeing none, that passes 70. I know I try and close my eyes and listen when the second goes on. Okay, the next two items were closely related.
Um, the first is agenda bill 24895. So, this was a presentation and consideration for approval of the city council strategic communications and community engagement plan. The city council strategic communications and community engagement plan outlines a long-term commitment to helping Bellingham residents better understand the council's work, participate in local government, and stay informed about issues and decisions.
This plan builds on earlier efforts and is supported by a growing citywide culture of communication. So, this particular plan presented in the packet is a revision and expansion of the city council communications plan that the city council voted to approve back in 2017 with the leadership of council member Liiloquist at that time.
Um, it references the city council also the city council approved legacies and strategic commitments as well as references to the Bellingham plan. So this particular plan is really designed to be a highlevel um guiding document that the city council can reference in its um work related to communications and outreach.
There was again a unanimous recommendation this afternoon to move to approve the city council strategic communications and community engagement plan and I so move. >> Second. >> Motion was made by the chair and a second by council member Williams.
Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. >> Seeing none, that passes 70. The next item, the companion item is agenda bill 24896. So, this was a presentation um and consideration for approval of the city council communications charter.
So, the city council communications charter lays out how the Bellingham City Council organizes and manages its communications and community engagement work. It explains who is involved, what role, what each role is responsible for, and how decisions about messaging are made.
This charter clarifies that communication efforts may serve individual council members, the city council as a whole, or specific subsets working on assigned tasks. It also outlines how communication requests should be directed and approved depending on the type, scope, and significance of the project.
This charter affirms that it is a living document subject to amendment by a formal vote of the city council. Um wanting to make note that within this charter there is also so in addition to reference to our dedicated communications um staff member so David Brawn assistant communications and community relations director intergovernmental focus who has helped to develop both this charter and the strategic plan.
Um, in addition to highlighting the work of that position, there's also the creation of a work group. Um, and so that work group will include the current council president, the past council president in order to have some continuity from year to year.
So there's not a complete um turnover since this communications work happens irrespective of the um terms maybe of council members. And it also includes the communications and community relations director, the city council communications and community relations position, as well as our city council office manager and legislative policy analyst.
on that work group. There will be one position reserved for an additional council member um to join the group at any time based on perhaps a particular area of interest or a particular um yeah emerging issue or matter that might need addressing.
Um so that position can people can rotate into as needed. This afternoon there was a unanimous recommendation to move to approve the city council communications charter and I so move. Second. >> Motion was made by the chair.
I'll give it to council member Lilloquist. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. Next we have old and new business.
Any items for old and new? No. Okay. There are no items for old and new. We did have a couple of executive session items this afternoon. First was a potential litigation. This was with CRAM state. The staff provided information on a potential litigation matter.
This was for information and discussion only and there was no action taken. The second item was a potential surplus property sale. This was with stamps. Staff provided information on a potential sale of the city's fire station 10 property which was declared surplus back on July 1st of 2024.
The proposed action is to entertain a motion to authorize staff to enter into a purchase and sale agreement for the surplus sale of the city's fire station 10 property located at 858 East Smith Road to Connor McCullum for $590,000.
>> Move approval. >> Second. Motion was made by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Hamill. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. I. >> Sorry. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions?
>> Okay. >> Seeing none, that passes 70. >> Next we have consent agenda. >> Move approval. >> Second. >> Motion was made by council member Husman and a second by council member Hamill. Any discussion or changes?
Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Seeing none, that passes 70. Next, we have final consideration of ordinances. Agenda Bill 24867, an ordinance regarding temporary alley closures for public health and safety.
The third and final >> second >> motion was made by council member Hamill and a second. >> A second by council member C. Any discussion? >> Okay. If not, roll call, please. >> Holly Huffman. >> Hi. >> Dan Hamill.
Hi >> Skip Williams. >> Hi >> Lisa Anderson. >> Hi >> Michaelis. >> Jay Cotton. >> Hi >> Hannah Stone. >> I >> The motion passes 70. >> Oh >> council member Hamilton. I mean council member Liiloquist abstained.
>> Sorry. So 6 with one abstension. Agenda Bill 24854, an ordinance amending the fee schedule for the rental registration and safety inspection program. >> Third final >> second. Motion was made by council member Hamill and a second by council member Huffman.
Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. Holly Huffman. >> Hi >> Dan Hamill. >> Skip Williams. >> Hi. >> Lisa Anderson. >> Hi. >> Michael Loquiz. >> Hi. >> Jace Cotton. >> Hi. >> Hannah Stone. >> Hi.
>> The motion passes. 70. >> No obstension. >> You didn't discussion. >> Okay. I got you. Okay. With that, that concludes our regular meeting. So, that concludes the regular business of the meeting and we will now move to public comment period.
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