City Council - Regular Meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting
Mon, March 9, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, March 9, 2026
This was a regular evening meeting with all seven council members present. The session featured a detailed policy presentation, two appointments, a notable judicial swearing-in, an executive session resulting in a property purchase, and routine consent items.
Presentation: 2025 Landlord and Property Manager Survey
Legislative Policy Analyst Iris Knott presented findings from a survey conducted in October 2025, following the city's adoption of rental fee ordinances in mid-2025 and the state's rent stabilization law (effective May 7, 2025, capping annual rent increases at the lesser of 7% + CPI or 10%). The survey reached over 2,500 registrants in the city's rental registration and safety inspection program and received 626 responses — roughly a 20–25% response rate — including 586 landlords and 35 property managers.
Key findings included:
Who responded: More than 80% of respondents were small, self-managing landlords, many owning just one unit. Property managers were a small share of respondents but manage a disproportionately large number of rental units.
Pet fees: Landlords and property managers behaved very differently. Most small landlords either charge nothing for pets or rely on a simple deposit; nearly all property managers charge pet rent and/or deposits. At least 10 landlords indicated they stopped or planned to stop allowing pets following the new regulations.
Lease changes: Nearly all property managers changed their leases to comply with the new fee rules; only about a quarter of landlords did — consistent with earlier findings that small landlords were already charging fewer fees.
Stopping rentals: A small but notable group cited concern about Bellingham or state regulations, alongside plans to sell, as reasons for removing units from the rental market.
Difficulty with regulations: Property managers found the new fee regulations harder to understand and comply with than small landlords did, though Council Member Lilloquist noted this was somewhat counterintuitive given that compliance is "their day job."
Inspection preferences: Landlords generally prefer city inspectors (citing cost, consistency, and knowledge of city rules); property managers prefer private inspectors (citing scheduling flexibility and perceived impartiality).
Open-ended comments: Over 300 written responses were submitted. Common themes included the increasing burden of overlapping regulations, rising costs (utilities, insurance, property taxes) being passed to tenants, anticipatory rent increases triggered by rent stabilization, and calls for lighter-touch treatment of small "mom and pop" landlords and better education for both landlords and tenants.
Staff recommended repeating the survey after a full year of implementation to capture more complete lease renewal data. Council Member Anderson asked about cost of the survey effort and raised the idea of a companion tenant survey. Mayor Lynn announced that an enabling resolution for a long-discussed Renter Advisory Work Group will come before council next month, as part of a housing-related executive order commitment. Planning Director Brian Lion noted several related policy improvements are also in progress, including a rental inspection audit program dashboard, fixes to the late-fee ordinance language, and guidance on how to handle substandard rooms being rented as bedrooms. A late-fee ordinance update is expected at the March 23 meeting.
Council referred the survey and associated issues to the Planning Committee for further discussion and a future work session.
Vote: Motion by Council Member Hamill, seconded by Council Member Williams. Passed 7–0.
Appointments
EMS Executive Oversight Committee (information only): Mayor Lynn announced the reappointment of Liz Baxter to a first full term, a joint appointment with Whatcom County (already approved by the County Council on February 10). No council vote required.
Transportation Commission (approval): Mayor Lynn sought reappointment of Jamon Agusti to a first full term.
Vote: Motion by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Huffman. Passed 7–0.
Confirmation and Swearing-In of Nicholas Henry as Municipal Court Judge, Position 2
The council confirmed Mayor Lynn's appointment of Nicholas Henry — who has served as Municipal Court Commissioner since January 2022 — as Judge for Position 2, effective March 16, 2026, through December 31, 2029. The position will then be filled by general election in November 2029. Council Member Lilloquist praised Henry's work in therapeutic court, citing his "justice, rehabilitation, and compassion." Following the vote, Presiding Judge Deborah Lev administered the oath of office in chambers, with Henry's wife Stephanie in attendance. Council President Stone noted that the commissioner position Henry is vacating is currently frozen, but the addition of a second judge will allow the court to hear more trials — commissioners cannot preside over trials.
Vote: Motion by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Hamill. Passed 7–0.
Mayor's Report
Mayor Lynn highlighted three items: (1) Progress on a downtown day shelter for people experiencing homelessness, with a goal of opening this fall — the House capital budget includes $1.03 million for the project, though the Senate budget does not, and advocates are pressing for inclusion in the final reconciled budget before the session ends March 12; (2) An "Ask Us Anything" community event at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal on March 18, 5:30–8 p.m., hosted in partnership with the Fairhaven Neighborhood Association; and (3) The annual St. Patrick's Day parade on March 15, with the mayor serving as grand marshal.
Council Assignment Reports
Council Member Hamill reported on a two-day Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) training attended by 75 stakeholders on February 25–26, updating the community resource map used to identify gaps in diversion, intervention, and re-entry services. He then moved that the Public Health, Safety, Justice and Equity Committee receive a SIM presentation at its first April meeting (April 13).
Vote: Motion by Council Member Hamill, seconded by Council Member Williams. Passed 7–0.
Council President Stone provided a legislative session update, noting the session ends March 12 and the city is actively advocating for the day shelter appropriation to survive budget reconciliation.
Executive Session: Property Acquisition (Lake Whatcom Watershed)
Following a brief (~5 minute) closed session, staff briefed the council on a pending agreement to purchase an 11.7-acre parcel in the Lake Whatcom Watershed from Tracy M. Joelos for $400,000, with closing on or before March 20, 2026. The acquisition is funded entirely through the city's Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, paid for by a surcharge on water customer utility bills — no general fund dollars are involved. Council authorized the mayor to execute the purchase.
Vote: Motion by Council Member Williams, seconded by Council Member Lilloquist. Passed 7–0.
Consent Agenda
Passed without discussion. Items included: payroll labor cost payments (January 16–31, 2026); approval of February 9 meeting minutes; and two accounts payable transaction authorizations (February 6–12 and February 13–19, 2026).
Vote: Motion by Council Member Hamill, seconded by Council Member Williams. Passed 7–0.
Ordinance: Landmark Tree Interim Regulations Extension
The council gave final approval to an ordinance extending interim development regulations protecting landmark trees citywide for an additional six months.
Vote (roll call): Huffman – yes; Hamill – yes; Williams – yes; Anderson – yes; Lilloquist – yes; Cotton – yes; Stone – yes. Passed 7–0.
Key Takeaways
Rental regulations are having measurable effects, particularly on property managers who are overhauling leases; small landlords are less affected, and a follow-up survey after a full year of implementation is recommended. A Renter Advisory Work Group enabling resolution is coming next month.
Nicholas Henry was sworn in as Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Position 2, giving the court the ability to hear trials with two judges — a meaningful increase in judicial capacity.
The city is one step away from a $400,000 watershed land purchase, adding 11.7 acres to Lake Whatcom Watershed protections using dedicated water utility surcharge funds.
The landmark tree interim regulations are extended six more months, preserving existing protections while longer-term policy is developed.
A downtown day shelter remains a top mayoral priority, with $1.03 million in state funding potentially available pending budget reconciliation before the legislative session closes March 12.
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: Headsets are available to attendees in Council Chambers.
Staff briefed Council on the city's pending agreement to purchase an 11.7 acre property from Tracy M. Joelos located in the Lake Watcom watershed for $400,000, with closing set for on or before March 20th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds from a watershed charge on water utility bills. Council Member Williams moved to authorize the mayor to close the real estate transaction, seconded by Council Member Lillquist, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.
An ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending for an additional six months the interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city
# Summary
An ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending interim development regulations for an additional six months was presented for final consideration. Council Member Hamill moved for final passage, seconded by Council Member Anderson, and a roll call vote was taken with all seven council members voting in favor. The motion passed 7-0 with no discussion.
An ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending interim development regulations for an additional six months was presented for final consideration. Council Member Hamill moved for final passage, seconded by Council Member Anderson, and a roll call vote was taken with all seven council members voting in favor. The motion passed 7-0 with no discussion.
Confirmation and swearing in of Nicholas Henery as Bellingham
# Summary: Confirmation and Swearing In of Nicholas Henry as Bellingham Municipal Court Judge
Council President Stone presented Nicholas Henry's confirmation for Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Position Two; Henry has served as municipal court commissioner since January 2022 and meets all qualifications under BMC 2.16.03D. Council Member Williams moved approval and Council Member Hamill seconded, with Council Member Lilquist expressing strong support for Henry's demonstrated justice, rehabilitation, and compassion in therapeutic court. The confirmation passed unanimously 7-0, and Judge Deborah Lev administered the oath of office while praising Henry's performance as commissioner. In his remarks, Judge Henry thanked Mayor Lond, the Council members, Judge Lev for mentoring, and his wife Stephanie. Council noted that while Henry's former commissioner position is frozen, the addition of a second judge will enable the court to hear more trials and provide swifter hearings for the community.
Council President Stone presented Nicholas Henry's confirmation for Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Position Two; Henry has served as municipal court commissioner since January 2022 and meets all qualifications under BMC 2.16.03D. Council Member Williams moved approval and Council Member Hamill seconded, with Council Member Lilquist expressing strong support for Henry's demonstrated justice, rehabilitation, and compassion in therapeutic court. The confirmation passed unanimously 7-0, and Judge Deborah Lev administered the oath of office while praising Henry's performance as commissioner. In his remarks, Judge Henry thanked Mayor Lond, the Council members, Judge Lev for mentoring, and his wife Stephanie. Council noted that while Henry's former commissioner position is frozen, the addition of a second judge will enable the court to hear more trials and provide swifter hearings for the community.
Mayor's reappointment to the EMS Executive Oversight Committee (information)
The Mayor announced the reappointment of Liz Baxter to a first full term on the EMS Executive Oversight Committee. This is a joint appointment made alongside Watcom County Executive S. Paul Sadu, and was approved by the Watcom County Council on February 10th. This item was presented for information only.
A presentation on the results of the 2025 landlord and property manager survey
# Summary
Legislative Policy Analyst Iris Knott presented results from the 2025 landlord and property manager survey conducted in October 2025, which received 626 responses (586 landlords and 35 property managers) to assess the impact of new rental regulations including fee ordinances, rental registration, and safety inspection programs. Key findings revealed that respondents are predominantly small, self-managing landlords (81%), with significant differences between landlords and property managers in compliance patterns, pet policies, and regulatory preferences—property managers found fee regulations more difficult to understand and preferred private inspectors while landlords preferred city inspectors. Staff noted these are preliminary results from before most leases renewed and recommended repeating the survey after one year of implementation, while Council Members requested the data be disaggregated to compare small landlords with professional property managers and noted that tenant perspectives were absent from the survey. Overall, respondents were critical of the regulations as burdensome and complex, citing increased costs and disproportionate burden on small property owners, though most acknowledged the need for some regulations.
Legislative Policy Analyst Iris Knott presented results from the 2025 landlord and property manager survey conducted in October 2025, which received 626 responses (586 landlords and 35 property managers) to assess the impact of new rental regulations including fee ordinances, rental registration, and safety inspection programs. Key findings revealed that respondents are predominantly small, self-managing landlords (81%), with significant differences between landlords and property managers in compliance patterns, pet policies, and regulatory preferences—property managers found fee regulations more difficult to understand and preferred private inspectors while landlords preferred city inspectors. Staff noted these are preliminary results from before most leases renewed and recommended repeating the survey after one year of implementation, while Council Members requested the data be disaggregated to compare small landlords with professional property managers and noted that tenant perspectives were absent from the survey. Overall, respondents were critical of the regulations as burdensome and complex, citing increased costs and disproportionate burden on small property owners, though most acknowledged the need for some regulations.
Agenda items (19)
Procedural (11)
1ProceduralIn-person: Headsets are available to attendees in Council Chambers.
Headsets are available for in-person attendees in Council Chambers to assist with hearing the meeting.
What happened
Staff briefed Council on the city's pending agreement to purchase an 11.7 acre property from Tracy M. Joelos located in the Lake Watcom watershed for $400,000, with closing set for on or before March 20th, 2026. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom watershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds from a watershed charge on water utility bills. Council Member Williams moved to authorize the mayor to close the real estate transaction, seconded by Council Member Lillquist, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.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.
Remote attendees can join via Zoom at cob.org/cczoom and access Spanish interpretation; meeting videos are posted online within five business days.
3ProceduralUpcoming public hearing On March 23, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution authorizing the partial relinquishment of a public utility easement located within vacated Bayview Drive that is surplus to the City's needs. Details will be available on meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearing.
On March 23, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider whether to partially give back a public utility easement on vacated Bayview Drive that the city no longer needs.
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 are available outside Council Chambers starting at 6:30 p.m. on meeting nights.
5ProceduralSign up, both online and in person, closes at 7 p.m. Once signed up, speakers may participate via the following options:
Registration to speak closes at 7 p.m., and speakers can participate in person, online, or by phone through various options.
6ProceduralIn person: Meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
City Council meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
7ProceduralOnline: Join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and follow staff instructions at time of the hearing or public comment period.
Online participants can join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom to watch and provide public comment.
8ProceduralOver the phone: Call 253-215-8782, enter Meeting ID 871 5188 5205, and Password 9. Follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period. Before or after a meeting: The City of Bellingham meets the Open Public Meetings Act by accepting written public comment in advance of City Council meetings. Send written input before or after a meeting.
Residents can call 253-215-8782 with Meeting ID 871 5188 5205 and Password 9 to participate by phone, and written comments can be submitted before or after meetings.
9ProceduralBy mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Written public comment can be mailed to City Council at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 before or after a meeting.
10ProceduralOnline: o For a public hearing: cob.org/publichearing. o For general public comment: E-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
For public hearings, submit written comments at cob.org/publichearing; for general comment, email ccmail@cob.org.
24848ProceduralApproval of the February 9, 2026 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes
Council will approve the official minutes from the February 9, 2026 committee and regular meeting.
Ordinance
24843OrdinanceAn ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending for an additional six months the interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city
An ordinance to protect landmark trees throughout the city and extend temporary development rules on this topic for six additional months.
What happened
# SummaryAn ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending interim development regulations for an additional six months was presented for final consideration. Council Member Hamill moved for final passage, seconded by Council Member Anderson, and a roll call vote was taken with all seven council members voting in favor. The motion passed 7-0 with no discussion.
General Business
24845General BusinessConfirmation and swearing in of Nicholas Henery as Bellingham
Nicholas Henery will be confirmed and sworn in as a Bellingham city official.
What happened
# Summary: Confirmation and Swearing In of Nicholas Henry as Bellingham Municipal Court JudgeCouncil President Stone presented Nicholas Henry's confirmation for Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Position Two; Henry has served as municipal court commissioner since January 2022 and meets all qualifications under BMC 2.16.03D. Council Member Williams moved approval and Council Member Hamill seconded, with Council Member Lilquist expressing strong support for Henry's demonstrated justice, rehabilitation, and compassion in therapeutic court. The confirmation passed unanimously 7-0, and Judge Deborah Lev administered the oath of office while praising Henry's performance as commissioner. In his remarks, Judge Henry thanked Mayor Lond, the Council members, Judge Lev for mentoring, and his wife Stephanie. Council noted that while Henry's former commissioner position is frozen, the addition of a second judge will enable the court to hear more trials and provide swifter hearings for the community.
24847General BusinessMayor's reappointment to the EMS Executive Oversight Committee (information)
The Mayor is being reappointed to the EMS Executive Oversight Committee (informational item only).
What happened
The Mayor announced the reappointment of Liz Baxter to a first full term on the EMS Executive Oversight Committee. This is a joint appointment made alongside Watcom County Executive S. Paul Sadu, and was approved by the Watcom County Council on February 10th. This item was presented for information only.24849General BusinessA presentation on the results of the 2025 landlord and property manager survey
Staff will present findings from a 2025 survey of landlords and property managers in Bellingham.
What happened
# SummaryLegislative Policy Analyst Iris Knott presented results from the 2025 landlord and property manager survey conducted in October 2025, which received 626 responses (586 landlords and 35 property managers) to assess the impact of new rental regulations including fee ordinances, rental registration, and safety inspection programs. Key findings revealed that respondents are predominantly small, self-managing landlords (81%), with significant differences between landlords and property managers in compliance patterns, pet policies, and regulatory preferences—property managers found fee regulations more difficult to understand and preferred private inspectors while landlords preferred city inspectors. Staff noted these are preliminary results from before most leases renewed and recommended repeating the survey after one year of implementation, while Council Members requested the data be disaggregated to compare small landlords with professional property managers and noted that tenant perspectives were absent from the survey. Overall, respondents were critical of the regulations as burdensome and complex, citing increased costs and disproportionate burden on small property owners, though most acknowledged the need for some regulations.
24851General BusinessMayor's reappointment to the Transportation Commission (approval)
Council will vote to approve the Mayor's reappointment to the Transportation Commission.
What happened
The Mayor sought Council approval to reappoint Jamon Augusti to a first full term on the Transportation Commission. Council Member Williams made a motion and Council Member Huffman seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed 7-0.Consent Calendar
24846Consent CalendarAuthorization of payroll labor cost payments dated January 16, 2026 to
Council will authorize payroll payments for city employees dated January 16, 2026.
24852Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued February 6, 2026 through
Council will authorize payment of accounts payable transactions issued February 6, 2026.
24853Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued February 13, 2026 through
Council will authorize payment of accounts payable transactions issued February 13, 2026.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Refer landlord/property manager survey to planning committee
aye 1
voice voteaye
Confirm reappointment of Jamon Augusti to Transportation Commission
aye 1
voice voteaye
Confirm Nicholas Henry as Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Position Two
aye 1
voice voteaye
Direct Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee to receive SIM presentation in April
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize purchase of 11.7-acre Lake Whatcom watershed property from Tracy M. Joelos
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve consent agenda
aye 1
voice voteaye
Final adoption of Ordinance extending interim development regulations for landmark trees (Agenda Bill 24843)
aye 7
Daniel Hammillaye
Edwin Williamsaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Verbatim transcript available
295 transcript segments indexed
City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting action summary March 9, 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 Legislative Office Manager: Jackie Weller Disclaimer This document is provided as a courtesy follow-up of the City Council meeting.
Good evening and welcome to the Bellingham City Council regular meeting. Today is Monday, March 9th, 2026. So, welcome everyone this evening. Um, we're going to call the meeting to order and then we will begin with roll call.
>> Holly Huffman >> here. >> Dan Hamill >> here. >> Skip Williams >> here. >> Lisa Anderson >> here. >> Michael Lilloquist >> here. >> Jay Cotton >> here. >> Hannah Stone >> here. >> All council members are present.
This document is not to be considered the minutes from the meeting but rather a report of the action taken by Council. All information contained herein is subject to change upon further review of recordings of the proceedings and composure and approval of the minutes from the meeting.
>> Thank you very much. So, starting this evening with announcements and upcoming meetings. wanted to note that the Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the state of Washington Open Public Meetings Act.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Regular meeting The following items are heard in the Regular Meeting only. Call to order and roll call The meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Announcements and upcoming meetings The Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act.
Then we'll begin with a land acknowledgement. Any council members want to read that? Council member Cotton. >> Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unseated territory of the Lami, Nuk, Samish, and Seamyu people who have cared for and tended this land since time in memorial.
Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. And we begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
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 acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
We pay respect uh 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.
>> Thank you. So, with respect to 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 that are located at the front of the room.
We pay respect to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many Page 1 of 6 legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today.
Remote viewers can log on to co.orgccoom and click on the language icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. Fore espanol. So, we have an upcoming public hearing. At our next meeting on March 23rd, the council will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution authorizing the partial relinquishment of a public utility easement that's located within vacated Bayiew Drive that is surplus to the city's needs.
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.
Remote viewers can log on to cob.org/cczoom and click on the “Language” icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. 3. Upcoming public hearing On March 23, the Council will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution authorizing the partial relinquishment of a public utility easement located within vacated Bayview Drive that is surplus to the City's needs.
Details will be available on meetings.co.org 7 days prior to the hearing. And as previously noted, our next council meeting will be held on March 23rd. So this evening, we're going to start with a presentation.
So a little bit of a unique start to the evening. Um this is agenda bill 24849. So we have a presentation this evening on the results of the 2025 landlord and property manager survey. After passing ordinances regulating unfair and excessive fees for residential rental units in 2025, council staff launched a survey for landlords and property managers in Bellingham.
Details will be available on meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearing. 4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting will be held on March 23, 2026. Presentation 24849 1. A presentation on the results of the 2025 landlord and property manager p.
5 survey Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to refer further discussion to the Planning Committee for a work session. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Appointments 24847 1. Mayor's reappointment to the EMS Executive Oversight Committee p.
This 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. Council staff will present on the findings of the survey this evening.
And so I'm going to turn this item over to our legislative policy analyst, Iris KN. >> Hi, thank you. Um, so I am Iris not. I am the legislative policy analyst for the city council's office and I will be presenting today on the survey results.
143 (information) Summary: Mayor Lund reappointed Liz Baxter to a first full term on the EMS Executive Oversight Committee, expiring on January 31, 2030. This is a joint appointment with the Whatcom County Executive and was approved by the Whatcom County Council on February 10, 2026.
Page 2 of 6 24851 2. Mayor's reappointment to the Transportation Commission (approval) p. 147 Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Hollie Huthman moved to confirm Jamin Agosti to a first full term on the Transportation Commission, expiring on March 13, 2029.
Um, so I first want to just note that there are two changes from the packet to the presentation. I flipped two slides in order. So six and seven are reversed and slide 15 had a duplicate graph. So I have replaced that with the accurate graph.
It was previously both landlord results and now it has landlord and property managers. So I just wanted to make note that those are changes since publication. Um so we're going to go over the survey today.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24845 3. Confirmation and swearing in of Nicholas Henery as Bellingham p. 150 Municipal Court Judge, Position 2 Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to confirm Nicholas Henery as the second Bellingham Municipal Court Judge.
We're going to talk about some background, how we got to the survey, talk about the administration of it and the metrics and then cover interpreting the results really briefly. and then we'll talk about the survey results.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Summary: After City Council's vote of confirmation, Judge Debra Lev swore in Nicholas Henery as the second Bellingham Municipal Court Judge. Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor.
Summary: Mayor Lund acknowledged the work of the municipal court staff and the selection of Nicholas Henery as the second Bellingham Municipal Court Judge. Mayor Lund provided updates on fall 2026 day center planning, in response to the upcoming closure and remodel of the central library.
So, we do have about 30 slides here. I will try to be brief but thorough um and then take some questions afterwards and then we will cover the takeaways and next steps and then open it up for you guys to discuss.
So, first some background. Um this survey was conducted in October of 2025, but we're going to go all the way back over a decade to 2015 and then jump ahead really quickly. So, back in 2015, the city created the rental registration and safety inspection program, and that's been in place for over 10 years.
A multidisciplinary team including county partners have been working to identify a space, which will provide case management and community resource referrals, and create a consistent and reliable place for outreach efforts.
The City is advocating for around a $1 million in funding from the Washington State legislature. Mayor Lund announced an upcoming “Ask Us Anything” event providing the public an opportunity to ask questions of City leadership.
And in 2024, in February, the council made a change and eliminated declarations of compliance. So, that was kind of one of the first changes in the last two years that this survey um kind of addresses in terms of open ability to respond to.
So from February 2022nd we go to October 2024 and council added locking mailbox requirements for rentals in the city. Um between October and May 2025 and June sorry uh council started working on rental fee ordinances and this is kind of in the background of this timeline.
The first meeting will be held on March 18, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Mayor Lund highlighted the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15, 2026. Page 3 of 6 Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups.
So in May, the state created a regulation that imp implements uh rent stabilization across the state, including in Bellingham, and their rental uh stabilization act was effective immediately on May 7th.
Summary: Council Member Hammill, in his roles on the Incarceration Prevention Taskforce, attended a two-day training course in February to update the 2026 Sequential Intercept Model (SIM), which manages community resources for mental health and substance disorders and the criminal justice system.
And it limited the ability to increase rent to 7% plus the CPI, the consumer price index annually or 10%, whichever one was lesser. Uh so that went into effect in May 2025. One month later, the council adopted the rental fee ordinances and requested data collection about the implementation of these fees.
Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved to request the Public Health, Safety, and Justice Committee receive a presentation on April 13, 2026 regarding the outcomes of the SIM meeting. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Summary: Council President Stone provided a legislative lobbying update, as the legislative session, ends on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The team continues advocacy for $1.03 million for the day-shelter.
So in August, they actually were effective. So they were implemented in June, but they became effective August 1st, 2025. And then in October 2025, we conducted this survey for landlords and property managers.
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.
So there's a short amount of time, but I'll kind of explain that in the next slides. So, a little bit of a recap on what the unfair and excessive rental fee ordinances or the rental fee ordinances as they're commonly called um did.
They do a few things. They prohibit certain fees. So, they eliminated fees that could be charged for non-refundable pet fees, administrative fees, in-unit appliance fees. There are others that are listed.
Committee meetings are open to the public to attend, however committee agendas do not include public comment sessions. Executive session Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. Summary: Council moved into Executive Session at 8:14 p.m.
to discuss one item until 8:18 p.m. 1. Potential Property Acquisition (Rosenblatt, approx. 3 min.) Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Michael Lilliquist moved to authorize the Mayor to close the real estate transaction described in the City’s executed purchase and sale agreement with the property owner, Tracy M.
Um these are just examples of some of the fees that were prohibited. It also capped other fees. So certain fees are allowed but they are limited in the amount that can be charged and these include things like late fees, pet rent, pet deposits, security deposits, application fees.
Um, anything that is not a prohibited fee or a limited fee can be a optional fee. So optional fees have to comply with certain requirements. They have to be associated with a good or service. They can't just be a random fee.
Jovolos, with a purchase price of $400,000. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Page 4 of 6 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. 24846 1. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated January 16, 2026 to p. 157 January 31, 2026 24848 2.
They have to be truly optional, which means that a landlord can provide this service or good to a tenant, but they are not required to take it and accept it. Um, and they have to be able to opt in and out.
Approval of the February 9, 2026 City Council committee and regular p. 158 meeting minutes 24852 3. Authorization of AP transactions issued February 6, 2026 through p. 175 February 12, 2026 24853 4. Authorization of AP transactions issued February 13, 2026 through p.
Finally, the uh ordinances required disclosure and transparency. So, all fees need to be included in the lease and in advertisements so that landlords are providing a full disclosure and tenants or prospective tenants know what they're shopping around for.
176 February 19, 2026 Action: Daniel Hammill / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final consideration of ordinances 24843 1. An ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending p.
Um, so why conduct this survey? As we mentioned, uh, the survey in the background of that timeline, right, there was a kind of a six-month period of establishing these rental fees. And during that time, there was public engagement, uh, for tenants, landlords, property managers, and there was in a survey as well as a focus groups that met.
And one of the things that came out of that was that landlords wanted more opportunities to provide feedback to council and during the adoption of these ordinances, council requested data collection. So those are the two reasons be behind this survey.
177 for an additional six months the interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city Action: Daniel Hammill / Lisa Anderson 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 #2026-03-005.
Um the timing of the survey has to do with the rental registration and safety inspection program. So there was an opportunity to create this survey and there was an opportunity in October when the notices go out to all the registrants on the rental registration and to receive a mailer.
Page 5 of 6 Public comment period City Council heard public comments from 12 individuals. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk kngoetz@cob.org Page 6 of 6
Um so we wanted to time that even though it was early results, we wanted to time it with that because they were getting a notice in the mail anyways and we wanted to be as um inclusive as possible in terms of our outreach.
So, we were able to send out both an email invitation as well as a um notice in the mail including in in that registration notice. So, it was a QR code or a link to the survey which they could use. And this included both landlords that were not exempt and exempt landlords.
So, some people need to register their unit but do not need to have an inspection. So, I just wanted to note that those are both included in this. Um, so we emailed 2351 people and we we sent out notices to over 2,500 people and we received 626 responses.
Um, this is approximately a 20 25% response rate for this survey. Um, 586 landlords, 35 property managers, and five people who did not identify what their status was. Uh the majority of people used the email link, 85%.
The email link went out in October um on October 8th and then we sent a follow-up reminder for people to remind them that to complete the survey about 2 weeks later. The QR code flyers went out in batches as the planning department sent out those notices over that same week.
So it was approximately a one week of mailing out those 2500 um QR codes. So 15% used the QR code and then we had one respondent take the survey on the phone. Um it took about 7 and a half minutes to complete which is kind of that sweet spot of getting people to provide thorough information but not having them so bogged down by a survey that they stop completing it or don't submit it.
So, we had to limit it and we would love to have as many questions answered as possible, but we tried to keep it really succinct and have that sweet spot of willingness to respond and ability to gain the information.
So, we had 20 questions um and they were all voluntary. We didn't want to limit the responses because someone felt uncomfortable answering a question or didn't quite apply to them. Um so we had volunteer response rates and that meant or voluntary questions which meant that the response rates vary for each question.
Not everyone answered every single question. So those are noted throughout the survey. And then uh throughout they are either combined as all responses or split up between landlords and property managers.
And then I just want to remind you that these are really early results. the timing of that notification really played into we wanted to collect early data and we wanted to do it in an efficient manner.
Um and so we did it in October. So these are really early results. Not everybody has had to make a change in their in their um leases since then. Not everybody has renewed a lease since then. So uh there is a recommendation to repeat this survey after a year of implementation.
And then finally reminding you that this is not a statistically valid survey like the census is. There is not a margin of error that you could say this applies to every single landlord or property manager.
These are general trends. We can say that they generally apply but we are not parsing out that individual data at that specific level. So the first few questions asked about who responded and I'm sorry I didn't I can give you guys the preview.
I didn't realize. Um here we go. Okay. So, the first few questions asked about who responded, and this gave us an idea of the responses, not the citywide response. Um, so most people who responded were landlords that self-manage.
They are small landlords as well. Over 81% uh self-manage their properties. There are 7% that use a property management company, but that are live landlord. There's a small amount that uh use a friend or a relative.
So, this might be a mother owns a unit, but their son or daughter manages it for them. Um, and then there's about 5% that are property managers. There's another category that was other, and people were um voluntarily allowed to answer any question, but the only time you had to provide a written response is if you selected other on any question you did need to specify.
So, based on those answers, there were about 35 people that were split between property managers or landlords for this analysis. um they typically fell into I didn't quite meet one of these categories.
For landlords, they were often people that self-managed a property, maybe an ADU or an individual unit, a duplex, but then they had a property manager that managed other units. Um when we asked how many rentals they own or uh manage, you can see that there's a bit a notable difference between who has the units that they're managing and who is responding to the survey.
So, if you look, there are landlords that self-manage or use a friend and relative. They contribute fewer rentals overall, but they're the the majority of respondents, right? They're over 80 80 um% of respondents.
And when you look at the 35 property managers, they account for a significant number of rentals. Um, and based on the number of rentals compared to the properties that they are on, you know that these are a significant number of properties that are multif family as well.
So when we're looking at results and you're thinking about 500 plus respondents that are landlords and 35 respondents that are property managers, this information also plays a role in that that there there might be fewer property managers, but they're talking about a large portion of rentals in the city.
And then we asked them to specify um how many rentals they actually own. And this is the same information but displayed in a different way. So, we know that the vast majority are small landlords that own five or fewer units and over half of them are landlords that own only one unit.
And then the last question about who responded was we asked them to uh identify the types of rentals that they rent out. And this was not to understand the spread of rentals in the city, right? It was meant to understand how many people are renting out different types of units.
In this response, we didn't ask them to say, I have, you know, five single family residences and four condos. We just asked the spread. So, 60% of respondents rent out single family units. Um, duplexes are 22% and this is a select all, right?
So, that the percentages on any of these questions are going to total up more than 100% because you could choose more than one response. So, you could rent out a single family detached house as well as an ADU and a duplex.
So now that we understand who was responding, we know that it's majority landlords that are small landlords that self-manage. There are property managers well as well that contribute a significant portion of the property management rental units.
Um and that there are some in between that use property managers and also friends and relatives and other. So, now we get into the results of the actual rental fee questions. And we asked about utilities.
And we found that for water and sewer and garbage, the respondents are pretty split on whether or not they include those in rent or whether or not they are the tenants responsibility. There's also a portion that said they are charged separately to tenants, like a chargeback or a ratio billing, but that's a pretty small amount.
Um, and then electricity, gas, cable, and internet. The majority of respondents said that those are the tenant responsibility. So, we asked a follow-up question about utilities and asked whether or not they changed any of their um utility practices in the last 12 months.
And remember, this is from October. Uh and the responses generally, no, they did not typically make a change in the last 12 months to their practices. There are some that did and their responses they were also provided an open-ended written response to explain their answer and they varied.
They were some did make a change based on the regulations for rental fees. So you can no longer charge anything above what is the actual bill. Um so some people had to make sure that they were complying with that, make sure that they weren't overcharging their their tenants.
Um, some people switched from including utilities to having them be the tenant responsibility. There were also some that did the opposite out of convenience. It was easier to have the um utility included in the rent and not deal with a tenant that might not be paying on time or the stress of that.
So, there were a variety of answers in terms of what those changes were for the people that did make a change. Some were attributed to rental fee regulations. Some were attributed to convenience. Others were attributed to the increasing cost of utilities.
So not related to the fees but related to the increasing costs of utilities. And then we get into pets. So there was a specific request about how these fees uh address pets. And um sorry uh so there's a couple of questions about pets because that was specifically called out.
So in the rental fee regulations we we limited fees to pet rent or pet deposits and uh eliminated non-refundable pet fees. So when we asked people this is the slide that was changed because it it was a duplicate of just the landlord answers.
Um most people do allow pets in their in their rentals. Over half of landlords and nearly threearters of property managers allow pets in at least one unit or more. There were a number that said other and these were often on a case-byase basis or related to things like um I don't allow pets but I do have animals in my unit because of emotional support animals or service animals.
And I just want to note that those are separate from pets. They're a different category and they are federally regulated but they they come up in the open-ended comments frequently. So they are different.
The regulations do have an impact on those two things, but they are two different groups, pets versus emotional support animals. So we asked people that said yes that they allow pets um whether or not they charge fees.
So for anyone that signed a lease after August 1st, landlords are allowed to charge one of two fees for pets. either a non a refundable pet deposit of no more than 30% of monthly rent or a 2% pet rent.
Um, and that is every month and it's regardless of the amount of animals, right? So either one of those, you can have one dog and a 30% deposit or you can have two cats and a dog and it's still 30%. So what we found here was that there are noticeable differences between landlords and property managers in what they're they're charging.
So, when we look at landlords, they're in orange. And you can see that a lot of landlords just charge a pet deposit. Very few of them are charging pet rent. And a notable amount are not charging anything but accept pets.
And then finally, there's a significant number that are not updating their leases yet because they're all on old leases. So, this question is not applicable. And you can see that this is, you know, the response rate.
This is cut off but this is 23 property managers responded and 319 uh landlords responded. When you look at property managers it it is very different. They typically charge something either a pet deposit.
Most charge a pet rent and a number of them say it depends on the unit. And that makes sense when they have property landlords that are making the decision versus maybe an entire apartment complex where they have one policy.
So it depends, but very few of them charge nothing at all. So this is a a significant difference between property manager responses and landlords. And then we had one more question about pets. And this was whether or not they made a change in their policy.
Most did not make a change in their policy about accepting pets, but there were some who said yes and they again were asked a opport they were provided an opportunity to provide input about why they changed their policy and what that policy was.
Um, common written answers were that they included they limited the number of pets. That was uh one of the common themes with I can only charge a certain amount regardless of the number of animals and so I'm going to restrict the number of animals that I allow.
Um whereas I previously maybe would have charged differently. Another thing they said was that they adjusted what they charged. Right? Those who maybe charged a non-reund refundable pet fee now had to switch it to either a deposit or a pet rent.
Um, others said that they they're prohibiting or allowing animals. When they allow, it was often on a case- by case basis or in response to um emotional support animals and other federal regulations rather than uh the local regulations.
And so at least 10 landlords and two property managers did say that they had landlords that stopped renting or allowing pets, but we didn't ask them to identify how many, right? So we know that two property managers said yes.
We don't we don't know how many units implicated, but we do know that 10 landlords specifically called out that they stopped or plan to stop allowing pets. And then we get into a really big question. Um, did you make lease changes because of these rental regulations or the state's regulations?
So, remember that the rent stabilization lock took in effect in May and then only a couple months later the rental fee laws took effect. And so we asked one question and then we provided an opportunity for people to explain their answer.
And you'll see that nearly all property managers changed their their leases. Um about a quarter of landlords said that they changed their leases. And this makes sense because it follows with the research that we did when we were doing the public engagement process.
And we found that landlords that had two 12 or fewer units weren't charging the same fees that property managers were. So these these responses are consistent with that that property managers did need to make changes to accommodate the regulations.
Fewer landlords were charging those fees and they also had fewer that said I needed to make a change. We also know that this was early results and many are still under old leases especially for individual landlords.
If they had one lease and it was in May, this doesn't apply to them yet. So this is a worthy question for a follow-up after a year of implementation. But we know that property managers said we did have an impact.
We did have to make changes. Um we asked them to explain their changes and they were commonly for property managers commonly related to the rental fees as well as comments about changing the frequency with which they are increasing rent because of the rent stabilization.
Similarly for landlords it was uh related to the increases in costs um things like utilities, property taxes that they were making changes as well as some that made to needed to make changes to their late fees or their pet policies because of the um rental fee ordinances.
And then we asked whether or not they stopped renting any of their units in the last 12 months. and most said no, but there were a few that said yes. So, we asked a follow-up question only to the respondents that said yes to this question about why they stopped renting out their units.
And this is again a select all that apply. So, you can see that the percentages are going to be more than 100 because you could choose multiple reasons for doing this. And you'll see that the top three responses are concern about Bellingham regulations, concern about state regulations, and I I sold or plan to sell my unit.
So, those are the top reasons that people said that they had stopped renting in the last 12 months. There were other responses as well. And then in the other category, there were people who said more nuanced responses for some of these like, I plan to resume.
I was remodeling my my um unit. I plan to resume renting it or I've already sold it. Um I prefer not to say others that provided more nuance about the reasons behind the regulations that they felt impacted their decision.
However, most said I did not stop renting in the last year. And similarly, we asked whether or not they bought or sold properties. Though most people did not purchase or sell properties in the last 12 months, very few purchased within the city or outside of the city and very few sold their property.
And then we get these confusing graphs that nobody loves um but they are efficient in the way they display data. So, we asked questions about understanding and complying with fee regulations, the rental registration, and the inspection process.
So, you'll see three slides with these on them. The first one is about the rental fee regulations. And as you can see, these are broken up by landlords and property managers. And this first one is understanding the rental fee regulations.
And the majority of property managers found it difficult or very difficult to understand the regulations. about a third of landlords found it difficult or very difficult. And when you when you asked about um complying with the rental fee regulations, following pattern, you know, was was replicated.
The majority of property managers said it was very or difficult or difficult. And property uh landlords said it was uh fewer fewer landlords said it was difficult or uh very difficult. and a significant number said it was neither difficult nor easy.
So now we go into inspectors and the rental registration and inspection process. So we asked a question about the rental inspection preference and as you recall we did make a change to the self-compliance and um every property manager is or prep every rental registered is required to have an inspection and this is over a three-year period.
Um, and so we require either a private or a public inspector to do that. And landlords and property managers have a choice. And this is one of the questions that had a notable difference in the trends between landlords and property managers.
So landlords generally prefer a city inspector and property managers generally prefer a private inspector. And this one you'll see in your packet has a lot of responses because again we answer we have provided an open-ended response to explain their answers.
And what we found was that landlords who and property managers who prefer a city inspector tended to have a few reasons that were common. The cost, the knowledge, the convenience, and the consistency were all common reasons.
So the knowledge was often attributed to this is a city regulation. a city inspector would know the regulations. The cost um it's slightly more affordable. We found that they were you know more easily accessible, convenient and consistent.
Um those who provided a response for private inspectors also responded that cost was a contributing factor. And then they also talked about flexible scheduling. So there was a little bit more variety in terms of having a tighter window for inspections as well as the ability to adjust for for needs um compared to people who said they prefer a city inspector.
And then there were also people who said the variety of inspectors provided more options that was convenient um and some who indicated that they wanted more impartial options. So they didn't want a city inspector doing a city inspection.
They wanted a private inspector doing a city inspection. So this is an interesting one in terms of just a variety of answers and you will find all of those written responses in your packet. I am sure that you realize there are only about 16 pages of analysis and then there are over 100 pages of written comments.
So there is a lot in there and this is a very brief summary and then we get into the last couple questions. So we asked about the rental registration process and again the understanding and complying with the registration process.
So everybody needs to register their rental um and we asked them to rate the difficulty and what you'll find is that in a in a different response compared to the rental fees, most found it easy or somewhat easy to uh comply with and understand the rental registration process.
There's a significant number that said it was neither ne nor hard and a minority who said it was difficult or very difficult. And then again we asked about the inspection process. So it is the rental and registration rental safety inspection.
We broke them into two parts. So the inspection process not everybody needs to comply with that. Some are exempt. So we asked a question specifically about the inspection compared to the rental registration process.
And again, you'll find that people generally found it somewhat or very easy. A significant number found it neutral. They didn't find it either easy or difficult. And then a minority found it difficult or very difficult.
And then you'll see that there are some who indicated that this is not applicable to them. They are exempt for some reason. And then we have our last question that was a click response. So, how did you find out more information?
And this again is a select all, so it is above 100%. And the majority of people said they use the city's website. Um, approximately a quarter of people said they did contact the rental registration and safety inspection program directly.
And there's a significant number that didn't do anything. Um, in the other category, we had people say that they contacted a lawyer, they used AI, they just did a general web search, or they talked to somebody else about it.
So then the final question and this is the bulk of what's in your report which is over 300 comments. Um so there were over 600 people who responded to the survey and over 300 uh just about 300 provided a written response and this is a very highle summary of that.
Um so I encourage you if you haven't made it all the way through your packet of written comments to go ahead and finish reading that up over the next couple of days or weeks. um because they are really informative.
Some are very thorough. Some are um providing suggestions or changes that they would recommend. But uh there were 300 people that wanted to provide additional responses and this was the catchall. Do you have anything else you wanted to add?
So overall respondents were pretty critical of the regulatory framework. Um there was a small proportion that said you're doing a great job exactly as. And there's another side that said this is terrible.
we want no regulations at all. Get rid of them. Most were somewhere in between saying, "We recognize the need for some regulations. They're burdensome. They're complex and we want some changes." Um, they also talked a lot about increasing costs impacting property owners and tenants.
So, this is uh including utility rates, right? Uh insurance, property taxes, and other costs. There were a couple of comments about mailboxes and the need to um install new mailboxes and things like that.
So, overall costs that are increasing and that they're impacting both the property owner and the tenant because they're being passed on. And then there was a notable comment um group of rent stabilization and they are people who said that rent stabilization triggered or will trigger an anticipatory rent increases.
And so these are people that both had previously not increased rent over the years and those that just said,"I don't know what to expect because things are increasing in cost. So I'm going to increase my rent when I might not have in the past or I'm going to make an effort to do that every year just in anticipation of future costs and not getting behind." And so for rent stabilization, an important factor is that as long as the tenant is staying in that unit, the rent stabilization applies.
If the tenant is no longer there and there's a a changeover, a landlord can adjust to whatever rate they want for the next tenant, but that's only in in between tenants that's not continuous. So, there was a notable group of people that commented on rent stabilization.
Um, and then finally, respondents want a reduced burden on small landlords in particular and good actors. There were a lot of calls for we recognize that there is a need for some regulation, but it is complex.
it is burdensome and it's not rewarding those who are complying with it. Um, and there was both a focus on rental fees as well as the rental inspection process. And so there are notable suggestions in there of we would love an improvement to the inspection process for good actors, clean reports, um, positive outcomes for our tenants, those who are complying.
as well as for small landlords that maybe don't charge things, don't have to deal with these things, but are still navigating making sure that they're complying with the regulations which are complex.
And then there was a call for more training and education both for landlords and tenants because of this complexity and the burden and understanding and having everybody on the same playing field in terms of their knowledge.
So overall um there were operational changes from the rental fee laws both for in particular property managers but also for landlords. Um landlords and property managers tend to charge different pet fees.
This was an interesting uh question and was specifically called out as something that you guys wanted to uh look into. I would recommend a followup for that in terms of we know that a lot of people are still on old leases and so there is still time for people to make these changes too.
Um landlords and property managers are facing increasing costs all around. Uh this is something that has been acknowledged in multiple different facets. The utilities was a big one, property taxes, insurance, right?
All of these things combined increase the costs as well as the navigating of changes to leases. There there are some that are just costs that are increasing and there are some comments that address the one-time costs.
There was a significant overhaul of our leases or we needed to consult someone to help us make sure that we were compliant and those are one-off costs that hopefully are not replicated every single year if they've gotten compli compliance with the first time.
But they are impacting the um the property managers. And then uh property managers struggled with the fees more than than the landlords that were small landlords. And this is consistent, right? This is what we found in the previous engagement that they were the ones that were going to be affected the most and that they were the ones that were going to need to do the most changes.
And that was consistent. And it is increasingly complex. There were a number of changes in the in the recent years and that's not including things that happened after this, right? There was an initiative that also updated um landlord and tenant regulations in the city.
There's other things always happening at the state level that are small things that are kind of making small changes. So it is an increasingly complex regulatory environment. And that is my final slide.
So we made it. Um so this was for presentation information and discussion only. Um there is one recommendation but no necessary dis you know decision need to be made today but there is a recommendation to repeat a survey and it can be many of the same questions adjusted for time.
It could potentially add in some different questions that maybe there are additional questions that you guys have or that have come up since then. Um new regulations, new things you want to focus on. Um, it's time for reflecting on this input.
If you have any questions for me or in the future, um, and are there additional things that you want to know? And then with this information, it's a wealth of information, right? There's 100 plus pages of responses.
Um, and there are areas where maybe there's an opportunity to evaluate some changes and improvements in the future and to consider this feedback when thinking about future regulations and changes. So maybe these are general comments about this that apply to future um changes.
So at this time I'm here for questions uh and if there's a opportunity to talk briefly and then I know we have other things that are happening. So >> thank you very much Iris. I appreciate the presentation.
Um I'll open it up. One of the recommendations as well was going to be that if the council wanted to entertain further discussion on this topic, which I think is definitely valuable, would be to refer this to a committee.
Um, my suggestion would probably be planning if that um, yeah, if that pleased the council, but it could also go somewhere else. Um, but I would say as far as questions this evening, I was thinking about if there is information that I don't know we want fleshed out or things that we would want to come back to, you know, a work session, maybe that would be most valuable, but also if there are clarifying questions for Iris.
So, >> yeah, I would move that we um that we move this to a a planning committee for further discussion, work session. >> Second. So, >> we have a motion by Council Member Hamill and a second by Council Member Williams.
And again, that motion is to move the item to the planning committee. Council member Liquist. >> Yeah. Uh, thank you, Iris, for this work. I agree with the motion. Um, one of the things that I I I noticed is um that as you say, the majority of the respondents were landlords who apparently had just one home or maybe two and that they were quite different.
Um, however, I would like to have seen the data broken out into two clean groups and maybe leave out the messy middle, particularly with regard to the utility question because to me it seems really obvious that it's easy to have your tenant take on the utilities if it's a single home or there's a meter, you know, for for one meter for all all the tenants and not so if you have multiple meters or you have shared uh garbage bins.
That was one of the other things. So that's a really obvious conclusion, but I couldn't see in the data. So could we just confirm that? Break out the data into two very clean groups of the mom and pops because we hear a lot of discussion about what about the mom and pops?
They're they're very different from a professional property management organization. Um, so I'd like to see that and I was and I kind of like to see that same clean separation because I was really surprised to hear this property managers who was struggling to understand and comply seeing as how it's kind of their day job.
Um, I would think that they might have, you know, just been a little bit uh um it's their day job. They they know this much better and many landlords are amateurs at it and approach it probably more simply.
Um, but maybe the fact that the landlords had one house approached it simply, they they simply didn't worry about the finer points because they they stayed on the safe side by doing a simpler. Again, these are my expectations.
It'd be nice to see if I'm right about that and I'm really understanding how it's going. And the reason why I think that's important is we have heard a lot and other cities do treat the mom and pop uh single rentals very differently.
sometimes they exempt them entirely. So I would I do think it's an important thing to understand whether or not we're overregulating or misregulating one group or the other. >> Yeah, I can um definitely analyze those in a different format for you in the work session.
>> Council member Anderson, >> thank you. Um I do support moving this. Um some of the things um council member Lill was kind of touched on base on that um is really looking at the small mom and pop um I've looked at some other municipalities how they regulate and I think that's going to be a different project down the line to really look at that but if there's anything that you can extract from this that might lean towards um the impacts on the small mom and pop but I also would be aiss if I didn't um also recognize that I know the task was to look at the the landlord and the property manager, but we're really not gathering any information from tenants um what potentially the impacts would be um with these changes.
I've heard anecdotally that, you know, people are going to see annual rent increases where perhaps they hadn't. um people who have pets who might not be able to, people who are getting the um the therapy animal uh certificate so they could keep their pets.
So just talking to renters about how some of these impacts are happening to them and then answering questions like why did we go forward with this because not everybody has necessarily a bad player landlord.
Um, but something that I'll be um interested in knowing because the recommendation is to conduct a follow-up survey is kind of like how much staff time did you use? How much resources was it to get to this point?
What's the prediction of going forward this upcoming year with that work? What do we think about staff time? Because I might be interested in adding something for renters. um a separate survey because I think that that's a voice and a discussion that we haven't really pursued.
I know um we've kind of kicked around or talked a little bit with the planning director a renter advisory group. I don't know if that's going forward. I know in the past um conversations on staff resources was an issue.
So given that we have staff resources going to one um and I also see because I dropped that bomb out there um Marilyn also has her hand up so I'll stop and perhaps there will be something about rental advisory >> Marilyn >> I've shared with uh Council President Stone that um I believe it'll be next month staff is working on right now an enabling resolution that would call for um a companion body of work and that is that um rental advisory work group.
It was an action that was called for an executive order connected to housing. So, it's our commitment to see that follow through and um we're looking forward to bringing that to council next month. >> Anderson, >> thank you.
you've made my night and probably many other um students that I know who have been asking for that. So, um that will be very wellreceived in the community and make quite a few people happy who's been bending my ear um over at the community college.
So, thank you, >> Council Loquist. >> Yeah, on the timing. Um, so it was over I think two years ago that the city greenlighted the renor advisory group and it's a long story as to why it didn't come or for sooner.
Some of that is no one's fault. Um but the timing may be good or it may be bad with regard to another set of things that over a year ago the city council also greenlighted um some various uh language improvements clarifications and some of the ordinance we had passed where there was misunderstanding or be maybe misalignment with state law.
That two was put on on the staff's uh work list. I can imagine it going to work one of two ways. one is staff will bring forward that work in the next month or two or it will be delayed yet again so it can be run through the renter advisory group which might normally be a good process but given how long we've been waiting I worry about it slowing down and other important work so I don't know who to ask whether it's whether the mayor you know the details on that will will drafts or suggestions on those language clarifications also come forward the next month or two, maybe not finished form, but is that also going to be ripe?
And could it make a nice suite of of planning committee items? >> I can't see if director >> he's walking down the steps. >> I I thought maybe I heard that behind me right now. So, um I can let the our planning director speak to that specifically um and how the work will be prioritized.
But I do think that um the rental advisory group, we envision um that similarly to the way that we created the or um the resolution that enabled the keep Washington working act group. We will define a clear scope of work.
We will define um who in the community were hoping to sit around the table to inform the conversation um and try to create some clear expectations for a successful work product. and um it will be I think a host of issues that are overdue for discussion um with that group.
We're looking forward to bringing that forward and I'll let Director Lion answer your specific question. >> Thank you and good evening Director Lion for the Planning and Community Development Department.
Um we have a several things that are in the works. we're working on. As you may recall, one of the other components that came into that was the audit program uh where Iris had mentioned that u property owners have the opportunity to use both city inspectors andor private inspectors and make those choices and we wanted to make sure that we have those things.
We're working through some of the technical uh components so that we get a consistent utilization of um the rental inspection checklist. We've also been building out a dashboard so that those results are publicly available and so that people can see um those different pieces.
So we'll we'll bring uh those items for forward to you. We've also been working on a few other policy improvements with the rental inspection program. One is for um what happens when people are renting out a bedroom that is not qualified to be a bedroom and having to pull back on some of those because it's an unsafe living condition.
And so how are we doing a few of those things? So those those are a couple examples of kind of policy and improvement changes to the rental inspection program that we're working on that we'll be bringing back to you.
you'll see uh I believe it's at your next meeting on the 23rd some of the um late fee changes and discussions because there's been some implementation challenges with uh how that was originally crafted.
So, we've cleaned some of that stuff up and we were going to bundle the clarification with the rental notifications with the work that I mentioned at the start of my comments. So, there's a few things that we're kind of trying to assemble together as to whether or not you want to do that work um ahead of the rental advisory group or uh you know, wait until they get I I'm open to suggestions.
We don't have necessarily a a preconceived notion in that regard, but happy to take your feedback. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Director Lion and Mayor Lynn. Follow-up questions. Council member Liquist, >> not really a question.
Um, I would like to see that work at least come forward to the council before the render advisor group is up and running. Um, we've really been talking about the renter related issues for over two years.
And I'd like to report that it's gotten better out there. Uh, this weekend I witnessed state law being broken. I was helping a friend move out and I saw them illegally withholding his security deposit for reasons that had to do with wear and tear.
and they said the windows weren't clean enough. And my friend said, "I expected this. I'm not fighting it." That's what it's still like out there. So, we still have a bad culture of at least a few people who are still not treating others fairly.
And then there's the need to step in and need to have regulations and need to have education. And I think it's also a need to be clear as as Iris mentioned that there's a number of regulatory subsets in what we're talking about uh this evening.
The same holds true when you're talking about inspection pieces. So, the um city inspectors and the private inspectors are working off of the rental safety inspection checklist, which is a very specific checklist and really focuses in on minimum habitability and life safety issues.
Um very different than uh code enforcement related issues, property maintenance code, international building code. Um, and so there's a there's a much different set of expectations going into both of those.
Also very different in that the city is not a party to the lease and we're not there to enforce the terms of the lease. And so as much as it may be challenging from a property management and or landlord perspective, I think it's equally as challenging from a tenant perspective and knowing how to navigate what are the things that um, who do I go to?
Is there a private right of action? Is there other, you know, do I need to seek legal counsel? And so understanding the the uh field, if you will, and where to go when I have a particular issue because it's not always a black and white issue.
>> Thank you very much, Director Lion, and we look forward to that work coming forward in the next month. Um, and certainly further discussion about the work that's been ongoing to get us to this point.
So, thank you, Iris, very much for the presentation. Again, we have a motion before us that was made by Council Member Hamill and seconded by Council Member Williams to move this item to the planning committee for further discussion.
Any other discussion? Okay. If not, all in favor, we'll say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. Probably should have checked with the chair of planning to make sure there was no objection.
Um, okay. Thank you very much. So next this evening we first have a couple of appointments from the mayor which are one for information only and one for approval and then we have a special confirmation as well.
>> Good evening council members, staff and members of the community that are here tonight. Um I have a few appointments. The first one is for information and that is I am seeking to re or I am reappointing Liz Baxter to a first full term on the EMS executive oversight committee.
This is a joint appointment that I make alongside Watcom County Executive S. Paul Sadu and the Watcom County Council um approved uh that appointment on February 10th at an earlier meeting this year. The next is for council's approval and it's an appointment to the transportation commission and I am seeking to reimpoint Jamon Augusti to a first full term on the transportation commission.
>> Second. We have a motion by council member Williams and a second by council member Huffman. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. I. I. Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70.
Thank you. And normally we don't read the agenda bill summary statements for routine appointments to our advisory bodies, but we have a special appointment tonight. So, I'm gonna punt it back to Council President Stone so she can read uh the uh the summary statement for context for the next appointment.
>> Thank you very much. So, for agenda Bill 24845, we have a confirmation of Nicholas Henry as Bellingham Municipal Court Judge position two. The mayor is seeking the confirmation by the city council of Nicholas Henry as the second judge for Bellingham Municipal Court.
Mr. Mr. Henry has served as the municipal court commissioner since January of 2022. Mr. Henry meets the qualifications in BMC 2.16.03D to be a municipal court judge and was elected by the mayor from a pool of candidates who applied for the position was selected by the mayor.
The new judge will begin service on March 16, 2026 and serve a term that ends on December 31st, 2029. The office holder for the term that begins January 1st of 2030 will be determined in the November 2029 general election.
Um, and so this item is coming formally before the council to consider confirmation of the mayor's appointment of Nicholas Henry to Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Position Two. >> Move approval. >> Second.
>> We have a motion by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Hamill. Any discussion? Council member Lilquist, >> I'm very pleased that you've made this selection. I think it was an obvious call.
Uh, Commissioner, now Judge Henry, I've seen him in court in the therapeutic court. I can see that he has uh justice and rehabitation and compassion, the best interest of all parties in mind, and he also has the, of course, the legal chops to take this further and start presiding over trial.
So, it's an excellent choice. Thank you for taking on this position. >> So, we're going to vote first before >> playing cards. Okay. If there's no further discussion, I'll call the vote. All in favor will say I.
>> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. Um, and since we are here this evening, we wanted to also conduct the swearing in. Since the term will begin on March 16th, which is coming up quickly, I understand that we there will be a more, you know, perhaps a more grand um swearing in later that will be open to the public with much more pomp and circumstance with a number of judges locally um joining to congratulate the new judge um from the municipal court.
but we wanted to at least get those documents signed here this evening so that we could ensure that you're able to start on the 16th. So, we're going to move over some microphones and then we have Judge Deborah Lev with us this evening as well who is um presiding judge at this time over municipal court to conduct the swearing in.
So, just a reminder to both of you with BTV recording and broadcasting this evening just to make sure to speak into the microphones so that those joining us from home will be able to hear you as well.
So I'll turn it over to you, Judge Le. >> Good evening. Good evening and thank you councel. Good evening to the court team and members of the public here. Mayor Lond of course. Uh just a few brief comments uh since you know something about Commissioner soon to be Judge Henry.
Um, before you take the oath of office, this is a long time coming. I'm so happy that Nick joined our court team back when I appointed him and started in January of 2022. Ever since that day, he has demonstrated every day that we are better with him on our court team.
and I made the right choice. I'm very confident that Mayor Lond has also made the correct decision here and thank you council for confirming Mr. Henry here. So, I am proud to serve our community on the bench with Commissioner soon to be Judge Henry.
Ready for the oath? >> As ready as I'm going to be. >> Okay. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. >> I, Nicholas Henry, >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> Do solemnly swear >> or affirm.
>> Okay. >> That I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> and laws of the state of Washington >> and laws of the state of Washington. and that I will faithfully and impartially >> And that I will faithfully and impartially >> perform and discharge >> the duties of the office of >> municipal court judge position two >> in and for the city of Bellingham >> county of Watcom >> state of Washington >> according to the law >> according to the law and to the best of my ability.
>> and and to the best of my ability. >> Congratulations, Judge Henry. >> Thank you, Judge. >> We will break protocol and clap. >> I don't want to take up everyone's time, but I just want to say a few thank yous really quick cuz uh tonight's really not about me.
It's really about the people who helped me get here. So, Maryland, I want to say thank you. I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity um uh making this appointment. I feel lucky every single day I get to go to work.
Uh it's it's pretty amazing getting to do something I genuinely love and to serve our community. So, thank you so much. Uh to all of the council members, thank you as well for confirming me. I really do appreciate it.
This is one of the more meaningful days uh especially professionally of my life. So, thank you all very very much. Um, one or two last things. Uh, Judge Love, I I literally wouldn't be here without you.
You gave me a chance, you know, a little over four years ago. And, um, you've treated me like a partner every single day. You know, I didn't come into this job feeling like you were my boss and I was your employee.
We have been partners from the start. You've mentored me. You've also listened to me. and I feel like we just have had such a wonderful relationship. It's a genuine honor to serve with you and I can't wait to continue serving with you.
Lastly, my lovely wife Stephanie is here supporting me. I just want to say I love you. You we met a few months before I got my very first job outside of law school and look where we are now. I love you, babe.
Thanks everyone. Congratulations again, Judge Henry. Um, any other comments from the the council? Um, just wanting to clarify as well for the community. So, during our last budget cycle, the the council did right confirm the addition of a a judge position at the court.
Um but with this transition, there will be the commissioner position that now Judge Henry is vacating um is actually frozen at this time. We're hopeful that in the future that will be, you know, able to be reopened, but at this time we will have two judges now in municipal court, which will enable us to hear more trials.
So one of the big differences between a commissioner and judge is the ability to hear a trial. Um and so wanting to make sure that members of our community have, you know, a swift hearing and are able to um go through that process fully as as expeditiously as possible, um it's going to be a big asset.
So, thank you very much again for taking this on and congratulations to you and to your family. Thank you all for joining us this evening. I know we're usually very against clapping or well booing as well.
So thankfully there was no no booing but um yeah so breaking protocol this evening to congratulate you but thank you so much for joining us this evening and thank you Judge Lev for administering the oath.
Great. Yeah. Okay. So the next item we have on the agenda this evening would be mayor's report. if you have any other comments to share. >> It's going to be very hard to top that. Uh I'm so proud of the Bellingham Municipal Court team and it really is, I think, in the community's best interest to move in this direction and have the additional capacity of a second judge.
So deeply pleased that Commissioner Henry stepped up and um has been selected to serve in that way. Uh tonight I wanted to give an update on some day center planning that is currently taking place and share with members of the community who may not know that we are making progress on establishing a day shelter for people in our community that are experiencing homelessness.
And I wanted just to share a few highlights of the work so far. This unmet need is critical, especially as we strive to meet our ongoing commitments to a healthy, thriving downtown and importantly as we anticipate some of the impacts that the closure of our central library branch for renovations will have later this year.
In response, we've established a multidisciplinary team that includes staff from across the city as well as our county health and community services partner. My office is leading this effort with a realistic but also ambitious timeline.
This is a top priority for me and it is a goal to have a day center facility in place sometime this fall. The day center we envision will provide a central low barrier location for people to access services including case management, food, referrals to substance youth and mental health treatment and connections to others and supports.
It will be a consistent and reliable place for the street medicine team and other outreach workers to engage with inid individuals who may not otherwise be able to access the systems of care that they need.
And it will additionally be able to serve as a temporary overnight shelter when needed. We learned recently from our lobbying team that the state house of representatives capital budget proposal included just over $1 million for the day shelter project.
But we and other local partners have continued to advocate for this funding as the house and senate work as we speak in the final hours of reconciling their differing capital budgets. So fingers crossed.
I look forward to updating you further as our day center project takes shape. I also wanted to share that at the end of last year, we talked briefly in a previous mayor's report that ve myself and various department leaders from across the city would be coming to neighborhoods across Bellingham.
If you are curious to learn more about city priorities or if you have burning questions about our work, we are hosting our first ask us anything event of 2026 on Wednesday, March 18th at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
We will be up in the dome room that night mingling and enjoying refreshments from 5:30 to 6. and our program will begin promptly at 6 pm. And we're incredibly grateful to the Fair Haven Association for helping us host this event and for donating the refreshments that evening.
This ask us anything kicks off a new series intended to give community members a chance to learn more about what's happening in the city. We invite people to bring their questions and their curiosity and we will do our best to bring the answers.
We look forward to an informative and productive chance to answer your most important questions about the city team's work and we hope to see you there. And last but not least tonight, I um hope to see many of you downtown on Sunday, March 15th for the annual St.
Patrick's Day parade. I'm honored to serve this year as the parade's grand marshall for this fun, family-friendly annual event. And it's a festive celebration of spring. Although the weather, as it currently stands, could maybe be a little more spring-like, but uh we will come prepared.
The parade will start at noon on Cornwall Avenue in front of Bellingham High School, and it will end at the intersection of Cornwall and Chestnut. And that concludes the mayor's report tonight. >> Wonderful.
Thank you very much, Maryland. Next this evening, we have council assignment reports. So, this is a standing time for council member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups. Any reports this evening?
Council member Hamill. >> Uh yeah, I'll just report out to the public and the uh council mayor's office. Um as part of my job with uh incarceration prevention reduction task force and behavioral health chair for that for that task force I attended the um sequential intercept model uh two-day training on February 25th and 26 along with 75 other attendees from it really range from those impacted by the criminal justice system to social service providers uh courts including some of the people that you just uh saw here this evening uh law enforcement ment and diversion programs.
Um we gathered to update the sequential intercept model or the sim for 2026. So we've used this tool as a way of mapping the resources that we do and don't have in our community and we've used it um well over 10 years.
I was trying to think back to the first time I used it as part of the task force. It had have been about 12 years ago. So the SIM is a comm community resource model designed to inform the public and local governments on priorities around diversion, intervention, accountability, and re-entry.
And some examples of those might that might be notable that would be within that chart are uh the Lakew Wacom Treatments um new housing that was in the media, believe it was today, in the Birwood neighborhood uh that provides for services um for those experiencing mental health illness.
the Digwellich uh the two opiate treatment mobile medical units uh would be a part of the the the sequential intercept model and the community courts uh including our therapeutic courts um with our municipal court system.
And so given the point in time that we're currently at in jail discussions, I'd make a motion that um the public health, safety, justice, and equity committee receive a presentation at the first meeting in April uh first city council meeting in April from the leadership team that led the event for the uh for the sim.
>> Second. >> Thank you much. So that's a motion by council member Hamill and a second by council member Williams. Just looking to confirm the first oops the first meeting in April. >> Yes, we skip over spring break.
So we have a twoe gap. So April 13th will be that first meeting in April. Thank you. Any other discussion on the motion? Okay, seeing none, all in favor, we'll say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions?
Okay, seeing none, that passes 70. Thank you very much for that. Any other updates or reports from council members? If not, I have one legislative update. So, Mayor Lenn spoke briefly during her report about Yes, we're sending well wishes to Olympia in hopes of securing that million dollars to help with the opening of a day center um here locally.
In addition, so there are only three more days left in the legislative session. It's hard to believe, but the session will end on Thursday this week, so March 12th. Since the last update, we learned that the House, again, as the mayor mentioned, the House capital budget included, so 1.03 million um for our day shelter, but the Senate capital budget did not include funding.
Um so, it's common for only one chamber to include funding for a project. And then when the two chambers reconcile the budget, both the representatives and senators try to keep as many projects as possible for each chamber.
So, we're hoping that our delegation from here in the 42nd and 40th can help to um yeah, advocate for for that funding to stay in the final budget. Um the city has continued to communicate directly with our senators and representatives about the importance of a day shelter in our community.
In many ways, the library has acted as a standin for a day shelter. And when the downtown branch closes later this year for renovations, it will create an even bigger need in our community, which is why the timing that Maryland was speaking to is so critical.
In addition to the city, Watcom County's executive office, Bellingham public library board, and friends of the library have all sent letters of support in support of the day shelter. So during these last few days of the session, legislators are busy addressing differences between bills that were amended in the opposite chamber.
If the House and Senate both passed a bill, but there was an amendment in the opposite house, then it goes back to the House of Origin for concurrence or reconciliation of the bill. So this is the case for a majority of bills that we've been monitoring closely during the session or bills that we've been engaging with and we will continue to track the bills that are going through this process over the next couple of days.
So there will be one more update at our next meeting after the session wraps up. Um but overall it's been a yeah very productive session and very busy time. It's flown by being a short session. Um but hopeful to have some positive updates at the next meeting.
So there's nothing further for that. We have actually an executive session this evening. It will be very brief about five minutes. Um but sort of a unique set of circumstances where we have an executive session this evening.
So the council will leave chambers for it's going to be about five minutes and then we will come back and report out from that um session. So this is one item. It's a potential property acquisition. Um, in the agenda it said with Rosen Plat, but I believe that Mariner is going to be covering that item this evening.
Um, so again, we will be about five minutes. So, we will be back here. It's 8:14. I'll say 8:20. Um, so we will take a brief recess and we'll be right back. Welcome back to the regular meeting. So coming out of executive session, we have one item for consideration.
So again, this was a potential property acquisition with Mariner. Staff briefed council on the city's pending agreement to purchase an 11.7 acre property from Tracy M. Joelos. The property is located in the Lake Watcom wershed and is identified by assessor's parcel number 37042136519.
The purchase price is $400,000. Closing is set to occur on or before March 20th, 2026, subject to council approval this evening. The property will be acquired through the city's Lake Watcom wershed land acquisition and preservation program using restricted funds dedicated to that purpose.
The program is funded by city water customers through a watershed watershed sir charge on their utility bill. So this evening, I will entertain a motion to authorize the mayor to close the real estate transaction described in the city's executed purchase and sale agreement with the property owner Tracy M.
Joelos with a purchase price of $400,000. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Lillquist. It was close. >> Any discussion? >> Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I.
>> I. I >> any opposed or abstensions? Seeing none, that passes 70. >> Next, we have consent agenda >> of approval. Second >> motion by council member Hamill and a second by council member Williams. Any discussion?
>> Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? >> Seeing none, that passes 70. Final consideration of ordinances. >> Agenda Bill 24843, an ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees and extending for an additional 6 months the interim development regulations with respect to landmark trees throughout the city.
>> Move final. >> Second. >> We have a motion by council member Hamill and a second by council member Anderson. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Holly Huffman. >> Hi. >> Dan Hamill. Hi >> Skip Williams.
>> Hi >> Lisa Anderson. >> Hi >> Michael Liiloquist. >> Hi >> Jace Cotton. >> Hi >> Hannah Stone. >> I motion passes 70. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. So you've hung with us. That concludes the regular business of the meeting and we will now move to the public comment period.
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