Water Resources Advisory Board

Water Resources Advisory Board — June 23, 2026

This was a regular meeting of the Water Resources Advisory Board, held in a hybrid format at the Pacific Street Operations facility and via Zoom. All nine board members were present (seven in person, two virtually). The meeting ran from 6:00 PM to 7:35 PM with no public comment received.

Approval of Minutes

The board voted to approve the minutes from the April 28, 2026 meeting. Vote: Moved by Bret Beaupain, seconded by Carl Benson; passed unanimously.

Emerging Solids Handling Technology

City staff member Mike Olinger presented on emerging technologies related to solids handling — a topic relevant to wastewater treatment, where managing biosolids (the solid material remaining after sewage treatment) is an ongoing operational and regulatory challenge. The minutes do not detail the specific technologies discussed, but board members asked questions and staff responded. *Note: The official minutes do not capture the substance of the presentation or the specific questions raised; further detail may be available in the meeting video recording.*

Update on the Annual Utility Billing Report

Riley Grant from city staff presented an update on the annual utility billing report, which typically covers water, sewer, and stormwater billing activity and rate information for Bellingham utility customers. Board members posed questions and staff responded. *Note: As with the other agenda items, the minutes record the presentation and Q&A took place but do not summarize the specific content or findings discussed.*

Voluntary Culvert Remediation Implementation Plan

Yohann Misquitta from city staff presented a voluntary culvert remediation implementation plan. Culvert remediation efforts typically address aging or fish-passage-blocking culverts under roads and private property. A voluntary program would encourage property owners to upgrade culverts without mandating it — often important for salmon habitat restoration and regulatory compliance with state and federal fish passage requirements. Board members asked questions and staff responded. *Note: Specific details of the plan, timelines, or funding are not captured in the official minutes.*

Old / New Business

No old or new business was brought forward.

Key Takeaways