City Council - Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
City Council - Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
Mon, February 9, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
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Meeting summaryAI-generated
City Council Public Works and Natural Resources Committee — February 9, 2026
This committee meeting was chaired by Council Member Michael Lilliquist, joined by Council Members Lisa Anderson and Jace Cotton. Three items were on the agenda: a construction contract award for a new 911 communications center and two related items establishing the city's updated Commute Trip Reduction program.
Contract Award: Whatcom 911 Emergency Communications Center (Project EF183)
The city is building a brand-new Whatcom 911 Emergency Communications Center to replace the existing aging facility. Eight bids were publicly opened on January 13, 2026, and Colusio Brothers, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid at $12,783,390.80 (including applicable sales/use tax), coming in below the engineer's estimate of approximately $13.4 million. The project includes an apprenticeship hour requirement due to its size.
Public Works Director Joel Font noted the project has been a long time in the making and involved collaborative work between Public Works, Whatcom 911, and the police department. The city also secured state legislative grant funding to help cover costs. Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring 2026 (around March), with the new building becoming operational in summer 2027. The new building will be constructed adjacent to the existing facility — which must remain fully operational throughout construction — and the old building will be demolished only after staff have moved into the new one. Demolition and landscaping are included in the contract price. The footprint of the old building will become a service driveway, back-of-house utilities, and landscaped area.
Council Member Anderson asked whether demolition and landscaping were included in the bid; staff confirmed they are. Council Member Lilliquist asked why the project spans more than a year; staff engineer Carol Rothkar explained the complexity of building on an active 911 site where continuous operations must be maintained throughout.
Vote: Anderson moved approval; motion passed unanimously (3–0).
Ordinance Adopting the 2025–2029 Commute Trip Reduction Plan
State law (RCW 70A.15.4000) requires the City of Bellingham to maintain an updated Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan. The CTR program, originally stemming from Washington's 1991 Clean Air Act requirements, obligates larger employers to encourage employees to commute by means other than driving alone — reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. Employers with 100 or more full-time employees regularly arriving between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. are considered "affected employers."
Transportation Planner Dylan Casper explained that the city first passed a CTR ordinance in 1999 and updated its plan in 2007, but from 2007 to 2024 was allowed to fall under a regional (WCOG) plan rather than maintaining its own. That exemption ended in 2024, requiring Bellingham to adopt its own four-year plan again. The new ordinance formally adopts the 2025–2029 CTR plan, repeals the 1999 ordinance, and adds a new chapter to the Bellingham Municipal Code to align with statewide practice.
There are currently 15 affected employers in the city (two voluntary), and most comply through enrollment in the WCOG Smart Trips program rather than creating individual plans.
Two amendments were made to the plan before final approval:
1. Drive-alone rate target: The packet originally listed a 64% drive-alone rate (the regional target). Based on a recommendation from the city's Transportation Commission and to align with the recently adopted Bellingham Comprehensive Plan's 2036 mode-shift goals, the committee amended this to 57%. Lilliquist moved the amendment; it passed unanimously.
2. Removal of Silfab Solar: Silfab Solar was listed as an affected employer but is no longer operating in the city. Lilliquist moved to strike the company from the list; it passed unanimously.
Following both amendments, Anderson moved approval of the ordinance as amended.
Vote: Passed unanimously (3–0), with a recommendation to the full council.
Interlocal Agreement with Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) for CTR/Smart Trips Administration
The committee also considered an interlocal agreement designating WCOG as the lead agency responsible for implementing and administering the city's CTR plan. WCOG operates the Whatcom Smart Trips program, which goes beyond minimum state CTR requirements and provides trip-logging tools, commute incentives, emergency ride-home services, employer support, community outreach, and youth education programs.
Staff clarified the relationship between the two programs: Smart Trips is the primary compliance pathway for Bellingham's 15 affected employers, but it is not the only one — a large employer with its own qualifying commute plan can satisfy CTR requirements independently. The interlocal agreement covers both the CTR program administration and the Smart Trips program in a single contract, extended through December 31, 2029, to align with the end of the new four-year CTR plan.
Anderson moved approval.
Vote: Passed unanimously (3–0), with a recommendation to the full council.
Key Takeaways
New Whatcom 911 center is underway: A $12.78 million construction contract was approved for a new 911 communications facility; construction begins this spring with completion expected in summer 2027, keeping current operations uninterrupted throughout.
Bellingham renews its own CTR plan: After years under a regional umbrella plan, the city is again required to — and now will — maintain its own four-year Commute Trip Reduction plan, updated through 2029.
More ambitious drive-alone target adopted: The committee amended the plan to set a 57% drive-alone rate goal (stricter than the 64% regional target), reflecting the city's own transportation and climate commitments in its Comprehensive Plan.
WCOG continues as CTR administrator: The interlocal agreement keeps WCOG's Smart Trips program as the city's primary compliance tool for employers, running through the end of the plan period in 2029.
All three items passed unanimously and advance to the full City Council for final approval.
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
Contract award for What-comm Emergency Communications Center, Project EF183,
Staff presented a contract award for the Whatcom 911 Emergency Communications Center (Project EF183). Colusio Brothers, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid of $12,783,390.80, slightly below the engineer's estimate of $13.1 million. Public Works Director Joel Font noted the project has been collaborative and secured state legislature grant funding. Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring 2027, with the new building operational by summer 2027, at which point the existing building will be demolished. Council Member Anderson asked whether demolition and landscaping costs were included in the bid (they are), and Council Member Cotton questioned the year-long timeline; staff explained the complexity of maintaining continuous 911 operations while building adjacent to the existing facility. The committee voted unanimously to recommend awarding the contract.
An interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments for administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart
# Summary: Interlocal Agreement with WCOG for Commute Trip Reduction Administration
Staff presented an interlocal agreement designating the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) as the lead agency to administer the city's Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program through December 31st, 2029. WCOG will provide comprehensive day-to-day administration including the Smart Trips platform, employer support and identification, work site and employee surveys, compliance reviews, and technical support to the city council as the CTR appeal board. A committee member sought clarification on how Smart Trips differs from CTR, and staff explained that Smart Trips implements CTR requirements, though large employers retain the option to develop their own compliant commute trip reduction plans as an alternative. This regional consolidation allows the city's 15 affected employers to meet their CTR obligations through a single program rather than individually. Lisa moved for approval, and the agreement passed unanimously.
Staff presented an interlocal agreement designating the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) as the lead agency to administer the city's Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program through December 31st, 2029. WCOG will provide comprehensive day-to-day administration including the Smart Trips platform, employer support and identification, work site and employee surveys, compliance reviews, and technical support to the city council as the CTR appeal board. A committee member sought clarification on how Smart Trips differs from CTR, and staff explained that Smart Trips implements CTR requirements, though large employers retain the option to develop their own compliant commute trip reduction plans as an alternative. This regional consolidation allows the city's 15 affected employers to meet their CTR obligations through a single program rather than individually. Lisa moved for approval, and the agreement passed unanimously.
An ordinance of the City adopting a four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for 2025-2029 and implementing measures as required by RCW 70A.15.4000
# Summary
The City Council adopted a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan for 2025-2029, required under Washington state law since 1991, with staff member Dylan Casper presenting an overview of the program's goals to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution through employer-based alternative commuting initiatives. The ordinance will replace the 1999 CTR ordinance and establish a new municipal code chapter, requiring Bellingham's 15 affected employers (including 2 voluntary participants) to register in the WCOG Smart Trips program, which offers trip logging, incentives, transit training, and emergency ride services. During discussion, Committee member Chase successfully moved to amend the plan's drive-alone rate target from 64% to 57% to align with Bellingham's 2036 mode shift goals from the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, and staff also moved to strike Silfab Solar from the employer list due to the company's closure in the city. Lisa moved to approve the amended ordinance, which passed unanimously.
The City Council adopted a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan for 2025-2029, required under Washington state law since 1991, with staff member Dylan Casper presenting an overview of the program's goals to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution through employer-based alternative commuting initiatives. The ordinance will replace the 1999 CTR ordinance and establish a new municipal code chapter, requiring Bellingham's 15 affected employers (including 2 voluntary participants) to register in the WCOG Smart Trips program, which offers trip logging, incentives, transit training, and emergency ride services. During discussion, Committee member Chase successfully moved to amend the plan's drive-alone rate target from 64% to 57% to align with Bellingham's 2036 mode shift goals from the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, and staff also moved to strike Silfab Solar from the employer list due to the company's closure in the city. Lisa moved to approve the amended ordinance, which passed unanimously.
Agenda items (3)
Procedural (3)
24826ProceduralContract award for What-comm Emergency Communications Center, Project EF183,
The city is awarding a contract to upgrade or maintain services at the What-comm Emergency Communications Center (the 911 dispatch facility). This affects how emergency calls are handled in Bellingham.
What happened
Staff presented a contract award for the Whatcom 911 Emergency Communications Center (Project EF183). Colusio Brothers, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid of $12,783,390.80, slightly below the engineer's estimate of $13.1 million. Public Works Director Joel Font noted the project has been collaborative and secured state legislature grant funding. Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring 2027, with the new building operational by summer 2027, at which point the existing building will be demolished. Council Member Anderson asked whether demolition and landscaping costs were included in the bid (they are), and Council Member Cotton questioned the year-long timeline; staff explained the complexity of maintaining continuous 911 operations while building adjacent to the existing facility. The committee voted unanimously to recommend awarding the contract.24828ProceduralAn interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments for administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart
The city is signing an agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments to have them help manage the commute reduction program and related regional transportation initiatives.
What happened
# Summary: Interlocal Agreement with WCOG for Commute Trip Reduction AdministrationStaff presented an interlocal agreement designating the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) as the lead agency to administer the city's Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program through December 31st, 2029. WCOG will provide comprehensive day-to-day administration including the Smart Trips platform, employer support and identification, work site and employee surveys, compliance reviews, and technical support to the city council as the CTR appeal board. A committee member sought clarification on how Smart Trips differs from CTR, and staff explained that Smart Trips implements CTR requirements, though large employers retain the option to develop their own compliant commute trip reduction plans as an alternative. This regional consolidation allows the city's 15 affected employers to meet their CTR obligations through a single program rather than individually. Lisa moved for approval, and the agreement passed unanimously.
24829ProceduralAn ordinance of the City adopting a four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for 2025-2029 and implementing measures as required by RCW 70A.15.4000
Bellingham is adopting a plan for 2025-2029 to reduce the number of single-occupant commutes to work through incentives and programs like carpooling and transit use, as required by state law.
What happened
# SummaryThe City Council adopted a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan for 2025-2029, required under Washington state law since 1991, with staff member Dylan Casper presenting an overview of the program's goals to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution through employer-based alternative commuting initiatives. The ordinance will replace the 1999 CTR ordinance and establish a new municipal code chapter, requiring Bellingham's 15 affected employers (including 2 voluntary participants) to register in the WCOG Smart Trips program, which offers trip logging, incentives, transit training, and emergency ride services. During discussion, Committee member Chase successfully moved to amend the plan's drive-alone rate target from 64% to 57% to align with Bellingham's 2036 mode shift goals from the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, and staff also moved to strike Silfab Solar from the employer list due to the company's closure in the city. Lisa moved to approve the amended ordinance, which passed unanimously.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Contract award for WhatComm Emergency Communications Center Project EF183
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Amend CTR Plan to set 57% drive-alone-rate
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Amend CTR Plan by removing SilFab Solar Inc.
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Recommend approval of Commute Trip Reduction Plan ordinance as amended
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Recommend approval of interlocal agreement with WCOG for CTR Program
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Verbatim transcript available
74 transcript segments indexed
City of Bellingham Public Works and Natural Resources Committee minutes February 9, 2026, 1 p.m. Chair: Michael Lilliquist Phone: 360-778-8200 Members: Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton Email: ccmail@cob.org Web: cob.org/council City Council committee meetings Standing committee members receive reports and information, ask questions, and vote on a recommended action for consideration by the full Council at the regular meeting.
Good afternoon and welcome to the Bellingham City Council Committee meetings. Today is Monday, February 9th, 2026. We're going to start this afternoon with public works and natural resources and that committee is chaired by council member Lilloquist.
There is no public comment period during committee sessions. Call to order and roll call Council President Stone called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Present: Committee Chair Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Committee Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Committee Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Public Works and Natural Resources 24826 1.
>> Thank you, President Stone. Joining me on the public works and natural resources committee are council members Lisa Anderson and Jace Cotton. We have three items before us today. The first of those is a contract award for the Wattcom 911 Emergency Communications Center.
This is project EF183, bid number 59B-2025. The city is constructing a new Watcom 911 communication center to replace the existing aging building. The city publicly opened eight bids on January 13th of this year, and Colusio Brothers, Inc.
Contract award for What-comm Emergency Communications Center, Project EF183, Bid No. 59B-2025 Summary: Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director, and Carol Rofkar, Public Works Assistant Director - Internal Services, presented the contract award for the WhatComm Emergency Communications Center Project EF183.
was a responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of 12,783,390.80, including applicable sales or use tax. The engineers estimate was slightly higher at 13 million4. This project includes your apprentichip hour requirement because of the size of the work.
The project will replace an aging and failing facility building. Colacurcio Brothers, Inc. was the responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of $12,763,390.80, including any applicable sales or use tax.
Um shall I turn this over to Miss Rafco or do you want to start? >> Good afternoon council. Uh Joel Font public works director. I just wanted to say first how pleased we are to bring forward this um contract acceptance.
Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Lisa Anderson moved to award contract 59B-2025 for the WhatComm Emergency Communications Center Project EF183 to Colacurcio Brothers, Inc.in the amount of $12,763,390.80.
This project has been a long time in coming. It's been a very collaborative effort between public works and our facilities team um the Wattcom and um police department team and um and we were also successful in getting some outside grant money from the state legislature to help fund this project.
MOTION CARRIED 3-0. Page 1 of 3 24829 2. An ordinance of the City adopting a four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for 2025-2029 and implementing measures as required by RCW 70A.15.4000 Summary: Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director - Transportation, and Dylan Casper, Transportation Planner, presented the ordinance adopting a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan for 2025-2029 to ensure compliance with RCW 70A.15.4000.
The CTR program establishes requirements for affected employers to encourage alternative commute modes and reduce single-occupant vehicle commute trips. In connection with the ordinance, an interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) is required to administer the program.
Um, we did want to also note that uh just since it wasn't included in the packet, the schedule for the project is that construction is anticipated to bring begin like early spring around March of this year and uh project will go through um will be complete and operational.
Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Action: Jace Cotton moved to amend the plan to set a 57% drive-alone-rate to align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. Action: Michael Lilliquist moved to amend the plan by removing SilFab Solar Inc.
The new building, which is going to be built next to the existing building, will be operational in the summer of 2027, at which point um the the existing building will be demolished. and um and we're really looking forward to having a new home for all of our uh operators out there um that is much more um much more provides the space that necessary for them to do the difficult work that they do every day.
as a City of Bellingham site. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. Action: Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the ordinance as amended. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 24828 3. An interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments for administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart Trips Program Summary: Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director - Transportation, and Dylan Casper, Transportation Planner, presented the interlocal agreement (ILA) with the Whatcom Council of Governments for administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart Trips Program.
So with that, we would be happy to answer any questions. >> Committee members, Lisa, >> thank you. Um excited to see this project begin. I know the staff must be ecstatic because um they very well deserve a um modern building, but wondering um towards the end of the agenda item, it says demolition of the current building and landscaping will be completed upon occupation of the new building.
Is the um is the amount um including the uh the demolition hallway and landscaping or will that be a separate bill later? >> That is all included in this this bid. >> Great. Thank you. >> Any further questions or discussion?
The ILA is required with the passing of the ordinance to adopt the four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for 2025-2029. Council Members discussed the ILA and asked questions. Page 2 of 3 Action: Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the interlocal agreement with the Whatcom Council of Governments for administration of the Commute Trip Reduction Program and the Whatcom Smart Trips Program.
Lisa, >> I don't really have any questions. I want to get this going as soon as possible. So, I will move approval. We have a motion to uh recommend approving the uh contract. I have one question. A year-long project that seems a little bit long.
Is there any particular reason why it's maybe more than a year uh from beginning to end? >> Yes, Carol Rothkar public works. Um the reason it's taking so long is because it is in a very complex site. the operation of the current 911 center needs to um be um steady throughout the entire project.
So there is a little bit of more care that needs to take place around the existing facilities that are coming in and the infrastructure that's in place on site. The sorry it also goes a little bit further [laughter] because um the building is going to be operational and um personnel are going to be inside the building before we take down the other building.
So there's just a lot of steps that need to take place before Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. And um now up on the screen there, it shows outline of the red existing building and the blue new building.
What will happen to the location of the existing building? Will that be parking in front or what what the the ultimate fate for where the old building now sits? It's it's going to be a mix of um a driveway that comes in to service the tower as well as the um um garbage recycle the sort of back of house type activities and then the front is going to be landscaped.
>> Okay. Any further questions on this project? If not, all those in favor of recommending awarding this contract signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed. I'll bring that forth a unanimous recommendation tonight.
Thank you very much for that. We'll go on to the next item. Actually, these next two items are related to each other. The first one was an ordinance adopting a 4-year commute trip reduction plan for the years 2025 through 2029 and implementing measures as required under state law RCW78 uh.15.4,000.
Under that state law, the city of Bellingham is required to regularly review and update its commute trip reduction plan to remain consistent with the Gross Management Act and establish a new four-year performance targets.
The CTR, as it's effectively known, the CTR program establishes requirements for affected employers to encourage alternative commute models and to reduce single occupant vehicle commute trips. Um, I see that Mr.
Homeman is here. Would you like to begin? >> Yeah, thank you very much, uh, Chair [clears throat] Liiloquist, members of the committee, other members of the council. Uh, thanks for having me today. Yeah.
before you uh this afternoon we have an ordinance like you said uh for does two things. It adopts uh the most recent uh commute trip reduction plan and also uh updates how we administer that plan. Um commute trip reduction is a is a requirement of state law and it affects the city in two ways.
It affects the city as a city. We are required to have a commute trip reduction plan and program to implement that plan. Uh and also it affects the city as an affected employer underneath that plan. Uh so the upcoming interlocal will address both of those things.
So this afternoon I have Dylan Casper uh the city's transportation planner to tell you a little bit more about commute trip reduction. >> Good afternoon council. Um yeah, Dylan Casper, the transportation planner.
And yeah, I'm just going to give a quick overview of um the commute trip reduction plan and some of the history that goes along with it. Um as Tim mentioned, the the Washington CTR law, this is required by state law.
It took effect in 1991 under the Clean Air Act. Um it aims to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, um through employer-based programs. Uh the programs encourage employees of these affected employers to commute to work using alternative modes um rather than driving their single occupancy vehicle.
Um the overall CTR program is overseen by washd with support from the local jurisdictions. [snorts] Um so within our jurisdiction who's who's subject to subject to these laws? So within Watcom County, US, the city of Bellingham, Watcom County, uh or city of Ferndale, Watcom County, and WCOG are all required to have their own CTR plans.
Um, in order for these employers within these jurisdictions to be considered a CTR, affected employee employer, sorry, they should have 100 or more full-time employees that are regularly um arriving to work between 6:00 a.m.
and 9:00 p.m. So, they these affected work sites have to fall within those parameters to be an affected an affected employer. Um within the region, the majority of the CTR affected sites are within the city of Bellingham.
Wakom County has three affected employers um with one being a voluntary site. Um while the city of Bellingham has 15 affected employers, uh two of those being voluntary sites. Um rather than having a individual CTR program for all of these 15 affected employees employers within the city um we how this has happened in the in the region uh the city can require these employers to register in the WCOG smart trips program.
Um the the smart trips program goes above and beyond what is actually required by the CTR state law. Um, it provides an online uh trip diary, incentives for using alternative modes of travel, emergency rides home, community outreach, um, individual and group instruction on on active transportation, ongoing public awareness campaigns, um, and and some more that is even further outside of what CTR uh, is affect is requiring um, through youth educational programs.
So, to give you a little bit of background um on CTR here in Bellingham, um after that 1991 CTR law passed, uh affected jurisdictions were required to have CTR plans um and work with employers uh to create programs that provided employees options for these alternative commuting modes rather than driving alone.
Um Bellingham, the city of Bellingham first passed this ordinance in 1999. Um and then along with a plan, that plan was updated in 2007, but but did not renew that 1999 ordinance. Um between 2007 and now, uh the city was not required to have their own CTR plan.
They were able to fall under the the regional CTR plan. So, W COG's plan. Um as of 2024, that requirement shifted back to uh each of the affected jurisdictions within a region having their own CTR plans.
Um and WASHDOT being the overseer of this program in order to assist the jurisdictions um they published a question and answer style plan template um that affected jurisdictions throughout the state uh could use uh to update their previous plans and that that is the format that you see in the 2020 uh 2025 to 2029 CTR plan in your packet.
So, also want to give a quick overview of the CTR ordinance. Um, once once this is passed by city council, it it will um formally adopt that 2025 to 2029 CTR plan. It will repeal that 1999 ordinance. Uh, and it will also create a new chapter in the Bellingham Municipal Code um to be consistent with all our jurisdictions across the state.
We did quite a bit of research on how other cities are handling the CTR plan and all of them have a code section. Um, and we wanted to uh do that as well. Um, it's modeled closely, our code section, proposed code section is modeled closely after what the county's code section does.
And this brings us into full compliance with the state CTR law. So, just a little bit more background on what CTR affected employers must do. Um, they must designate a ETC, an employee transportation coordinator.
um educate employees on these alternative modes. Uh participate in a CTR ser an annual CTR survey. Um submit reports on employee commuting behaviors, maintain CTR records, and make a good faith effort to do all of these things.
Um all the affected employers within the city in the region, as I mentioned before, they enroll in smart trips to take care of all of these requirements. um rather than each of the 15 employers creating their own individual CTR programs.
Um as a day-to-day administration, the CTR of the CTR program, uh W Cog provides the support to affected employers in various ways. Um and I have a little bit more information on that in the next slide.
Um [clears throat] so WCOG will do as part of the CTO program indicates uh providing trip the trip logging prep platform and incentive program which is smart trips uh the skills training related to these active transportation modes transit and car polling um community campaigns employer support uh which includes identifying and notifying these affected employers providing technical assistance training and materials to the employers.
Um, conducting CTR, work site and employee surveys, maintaining program data, coordinating employer compliance reviews, and providing technical support to city council um as their role in the CTR appeal board.
And one thing I should mention, uh, our our version control got a little out of whack in the in your packet. Um, so it's mentioned a drive alone rate is mentioned in there and the one in your packet has 64% which is the regional target.
Um, and we are proposing that that drive alone rate be 57% to fall in line with our um, our 2036 uh, mode shift goals that were recently passed in the Bellingham plan. And also just one other note, Silfab solar should be uh removed from the list of affected employers um which we will make those changes.
>> That modification of the drive alone rate uh came from our discussions with the transportation commission. So you'll see a resolution in your packet as well where they suggested uh a modification to the 57% drive alone rate.
>> Thank you. So on page 79 of the packet where it currently says 64% that would be changed to 57%. >> Correct. Yes. >> Do we need to do anything to make a motion to recognize that? Okay. That will need to be included as part of any motion.
>> Yeah, I think that a motion to change that percentage would be helpful. >> Okay. Committee members. >> Chase. Um, I move to amend the um plan to reflect a 57% um drive alone rate target goal um to align with the comp plan.
Any discussion? All those in favor of the amendment signify by saying I. >> I. Okay. We now have uh an amended version of the acute chair production plan. Any further discussion? Yeah, there was also a uh affected employer who is no longer operational in the city.
Silab Silfab Solder that's in your packet. So maybe >> where is Silab listed in in the plan or >> it is in the plan? Yes. Um it's just a so the driver loan rate question or was was question or was number five in the plan.
The list of affect employers was number nine. So it's just after that. I see it. Um I would make a motion that we strike the employer Silfab Solar. Any discussion? All those in favor of the amendment signify by saying I.
>> I. >> I. Okay. We now have those two uh corrections to the plan. Any further discussion or motions? >> Lisa, >> I don't have any questions. I'll move approval as amended. Do you understand the motion to be to um move approval of the ordinance which also then adopts the plan by reference?
>> Yes. >> Thank you for clarifying. Any further discussion? All those in favor of passing the ordinance which will adopt the plan and update our commute trip reduction to satisfy state law signify by saying I.
>> I. All those opposed I will bring that for the positive recommendation tonight. The next item is somewhat related. It is an interlocal agreement with the Watcom Council of Governments, the W Cog we were just talking about for the administration of the commute drip production program that we just talked about and that's known as the Watcom smart trips program.
Uh our plan now uh just which we will be adopting by ordinance uh tonight if the recommendation is accepted by the council identifies the need for an interlocal agreement with the Watcom Council of Governments.
designate it as the lead agency responsible implementing and administering the city's CTR plan and program which we just talked about. Additionally, the city contracts with the Watcom council governments for the administration of Watom Smart Trips program to meet the city CDR obligations and provide a pathway for compliance for the other affected employers that we were just talking about throughout the city so they can use that same service to meet their obligations.
This local agreement addresses both programs and one agreement. It extends the contract term through December 31st of 2029 to align with the end of the CTR plan itself. I guess I'm slightly confused how the smart trips is different from the CTR program because I thought the smart trips is what does the CTR program.
>> Yeah, thank you again uh for letting us come talk to you about computer trip reduction. That's a great question. Um, Dylan had a great saying, and I'm probably going to mess it up, but uh, smart uh, smart trips is CTR, but not all CTR is smart trips.
So, as you may have seen or may not seen, maybe the other way around. As you may have seen in the um, in the plan, there is another pathway for conformance. If a employer so comes or or we bring in a large employer who already has a commute trip plan of their own, they do not have to adopt smart trips, they can adopt their own uh commute trip reduction plan as long as that uh is in compliance with state law.
And that will is another allowed pathway uh to to for them to uh meet meet the intent of the state law as well as the new uh to be adopted. Bellingham Municipal Code. >> Thanks. That that's very clear.
Now, committee members discussion or a motion. >> Lisa, >> I'll move approval. >> A motion for us to approve the initial local agreement between the Watcom Council of Governments and the City of Bellingham for the community production program plural.
>> Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. And any opposed? That's unanimous. I'll bring that also forward tonight with a unanimous recommendation for approval. And that finishes all the items before the public works and natural resources committee.
I adjourn the committee and turn the meeting back over to you, council president. >> Um, thank you very much. So, we will take a brief break until the community and economic development committee begins, which will be at 1:35 and that's chaired by council member Cotton.