City Council - Regular Meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting
Mon, January 26, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, January 26, 2026
This was a regular evening meeting of the full seven-member City Council, with all members present. The session featured several procedural announcements, a substantive mayor's report, an extended round of council assignment reports, four committee action items, two new business items, a labor contract ratification, and the consent agenda.
Procedural Announcements
Council President Hannah Stone opened the meeting with three announcements. First, Council Member Michael Lilliquist read the land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional territory of the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, and Semiahmoo peoples. Second, the Council noted that Spanish interpretation is available at all regular evening meetings via headsets in chambers or a language icon on the Zoom platform. Third, Stone announced a significant process improvement: starting with this meeting, agendas and full packet documents will be published one week before each regular meeting, rather than closer to the meeting date. Stone specifically thanked Deputy City Clerk Kelly Gets and Enterprise Systems Architect Matt Bazanson for the heavy lifting behind the scenes, and acknowledged that agenda bills will now include more detailed background statements, impact statements, and budget/funding information.
Mayor's Report — "One City" Philosophy
Mayor Kim Lund did not have appointments to present but used her report time to share slides from recent all-staff "Ask Me Anything" sessions she held with city employees. She outlined the city's internal "One City" philosophy, which centers on breaking down departmental silos, approaching work with curiosity and humility, and focusing on outcomes rather than just process checkboxes. She illustrated the philosophy with two recent constituent stories: a city crew that restored a King Mountain resident's driveway after a water main break, and two park employees who spent 45 minutes helping a resident whose spouse with dementia had wandered at Lake Padden Park. Lund noted the library renovation scoping process as a practical example of cross-departmental collaboration. She said "One City" will be embedded in new employee onboarding and ongoing department leadership discussions.
Council Assignment Reports
In a new standing agenda item, council members reported on their external committee and task force work.
Council Member Lilliquist reported on the WTA (Whatcom Transportation Authority) board, which discussed revised bus route service guidelines emphasizing high-ridership routes, access to opportunity (jobs, groceries, medical care within a quarter mile), priority populations such as lower-income and transit-dependent riders, and route directness. He also noted his reappointment to the Association of Washington Cities Large Cities Advisory Committee, where recent topics included public defender caseload mandates and homelessness law changes.
Council Member Cotton noted that the WTA board unanimously adopted a resolution thanking outgoing board member Skip Williams for his service. He also highlighted the WTA's health and service agency free bus pass program, which is being adjusted to function more effectively.
Council President Stone gave a legislative session update. The 60-day session started January 12th. The city and its lobbyists (Nick Federici and Luke Esser) are monitoring dozens of bills. Highlights included: submitting capital funding applications for a day shelter and municipal court renovations (deadline January 27); an in-person lobbying trip to Olympia on January 15th by Mayor Lund and Council Members Lilliquist and Cotton; Lilliquist's testimony on SB 5884 (expanding sales tax incentives for underutilized property, requesting Bellingham's inclusion) and HB 2266 (permanent supportive/transitional housing, where the city flagged concerns about broad bill language). The city also signed in support of HB 2374 (e-motorcycles vs. e-bikes clarification), HB 2304 (condo express warranties), and HB 21105 (immigrant worker protections). Stone also noted monitoring of eight anti-LGBTQIA2S+ bills currently proposed in Olympia, none of which have been scheduled for hearings.
Council Member Hamill reported on the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, which discussed the behavioral care center — a facility promised to voters alongside the new jail to serve people with substance use disorder or mental illness. The recommended model is an out-of-custody care center (meaning residents may leave voluntarily), to be located at 2030 Division Street alongside the crisis stabilization center and other behavioral health resources. He also reported on 988/911 integration planning, a "sit-along" at WHATCOM (the regional dispatch center), joining the library board and upcoming branch tours with Director Rebecca Judd, and upcoming ride-alongs with the Alternate Response Team and Bellingham Police, plus a fire station tour.
Council Member Lilliquist (additional report) noted he sits on the Justice Project Facilities and Finance Advisory Board, which also recommended the out-of-custody behavioral care center model at Division Street — citing that it could open a full year sooner than a jail-adjacent location, benefits from proximity to existing mental health facilities, and would cost less due to wetland and ground conditions at the Le Bounty Road site. Rough cost estimates are $29–$34 million.
Old Town Redevelopment Contract Award (ES562)
The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee recommended awarding a construction contract to Earthwork Solutions LLC for street improvements in the Old Town area, part of a public-private partnership under three separate agreements with Barberry Inc. (2020), Old Town Village LLC (2023), and Whatcom County (2024). Eight bids were opened December 17th; Earthwork Solutions submitted the lowest responsive bid at $5,982,000 including sales tax, compared to the engineer's estimate of approximately $6.8 million. Funding comes from Whatcom County grants and loans (roughly half), local real estate excise tax, and the local transportation fund. The project includes a trades apprenticeship requirement.
Vote: Moved by Lilliquist, seconded by Cotton. Passed 7–0.
NFC Northwest LLC Fiber Optic Franchise Ordinance
The Council approved an ordinance granting NFC Northwest LLC a non-exclusive franchise to install and operate fiber optic broadband network components in city rights-of-way to provide commercial telecommunications services to businesses and residents. The city applies the same standard franchise agreement to all broadband providers under Municipal Code Chapter 13.15 and City Charter Article 11; no special terms were negotiated.
Vote: Moved by Lilliquist, seconded by Williams. Passed 7–0.
Library Renovation Grants — Two Separate Acceptances
The Council accepted two state grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project. The first grant is approximately $999,100 (from a $1.03 million appropriation; Commerce retains a small administrative fee). The second grant is approximately $1,950,000 (from a $2 million appropriation). Both grants fund youth space, staff space improvements, and safety and security upgrades, primarily on the ground floor and lower level of the downtown library. The project is currently in design; construction may begin late 2025 or early 2026, requiring a temporary library closure. Council Member Cotton thanked Representative Joe Timmons and the 40th and 42nd district delegations for securing the funding.
Vote (Grant 1): Moved by Lilliquist, seconded by Anderson. Passed 7–0.
Vote (Grant 2): Moved by Lilliquist, seconded by Huffman. Passed 7–0.
Lake Padden Golf Course Fee Increase
The Parks and Recreation Committee recommended a resolution increasing green fees at Lake Padden Golf Course by approximately 5% — above the 3% previously authorized by Council. The increase is driven by rising minimum wage costs, higher utility rates, and general inflation. The golf course operates with roughly $2 million in expenditures and $2.45 million in projected revenue; the fee increase is estimated to generate an additional $100,000 annually. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the proposal on December 10, 2025 and recommended that junior (children's) rates not be raised. Council President Stone, though not a committee member, noted she wanted the Council to remain mindful that as a municipal course, Lake Padden serves a community access function; the gap between Lake Padden and the next-cheapest option (North Bellingham) has narrowed from roughly $10 to $2.
Vote: Moved by Williams, seconded by Hamill. Passed 7–0.
Second Municipal Judge Position (Municipal Code Amendment)
The Committee of the Whole recommended an ordinance creating a second full-time municipal judge position. Currently, the court has one judge and one commissioner; under this ordinance, the commissioner position would be frozen and a second judge appointed. The key distinction is that only judges — not commissioners — can preside over trials, and increasing caseloads and case complexity have created a backlog in trial scheduling. The mayor will appoint the second judge; an election for a full four-year term will be held for that position beginning January 1, 2030. Under state law, the two judge terms cannot be staggered, so both positions will come up for election in the same cycle.
Vote: Moved by Stone, seconded by Huffman. Passed 7–0.
New Business: Resolution on Immigration and Civil Rights (Forthcoming)
Council Members Hamill and Williams reported they are working with the city's legal department on a resolution responding to current national immigration enforcement actions. The resolution will reference prior city actions: a 2017 immigration-related ordinance and resolution, a 2021 resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, and the 2022 support for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission — all passed 7–0. It will also reference lawsuits the city has joined as amicus, the state's Keep Washington Working Act, the mayor's recent public video statement, and Bellingham Police Department Policy 417 governing local police conduct. The resolution is expected to be presented at the February 9th meeting. No vote was taken tonight.
Council President Stone also reported that all seven council members and Mayor Lund individually signed on as amicus to *State of Minnesota v. Gnome*, a civil rights case challenging indiscriminate stops, excessive force, and targeting of bystanders during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The lead amicus is the city of Boston. Stone clarified that the filing does not challenge the federal government's legal authority to remove individuals without lawful status, but rather challenges alleged civil rights violations in how that authority was applied. The sign-on happened between meetings on a short deadline, so it could not go through the normal executive session process.
Labor Contract Ratification: Fraternal Order of Police (Police Lieutenants)
Following an executive session on the matter, the Council ratified a four-month successor collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police, representing Bellingham police lieutenants. Terms: duration January 1 – April 30, 2026; a 3.75% COLA effective January 1, 2026; existing "me-too" clause covering wage, deferred compensation, educational incentive, and longevity changes negotiated with the Bellingham Police Guild; and a 6% increase per year in the city's medical insurance contribution.
Vote: Moved by Williams, seconded by Hamill. Passed 7–0.
Consent Agenda
Passed without discussion: payroll labor cost payments (December 1–15, 2025); accounts payable transactions (January 1–8, 2026); accounts payable transactions (December 19–31, 2025); and approval of January 5, 2026 meeting minutes.
Vote: Moved by Hamill, seconded by Huffman. Passed 7–0.
Key Takeaways
Library renovation funded: The Council accepted nearly $3 million in state grants ($999,100 + $1,950,000) for the Bellingham Central Library interior renovation, which will require a temporary closure when construction begins, potentially late 2026.
Second municipal judge approved: A new ordinance creates a second full-time judge position at Municipal Court — replacing the commissioner role — to address growing caseloads and trial backlogs; the mayor will make an appointment, with an election scheduled for the term beginning January 2030.
Immigration resolution coming February 9: Council Members Hamill and Williams are bringing a formal resolution affirming Bellingham's values and prior commitments on immigration and civil rights; separately, all council members and the mayor individually signed onto an amicus brief in a Minnesota civil rights case involving immigration enforcement conduct.
Old Town street improvements contract awarded: A $5.98 million contract to Earthwork Solutions LLC will fund street improvements in the Old Town redevelopment area, partially financed by Whatcom County grants.
Behavioral care center recommendation: Multiple council-linked advisory bodies have recommended an out-of-custody behavioral care center at 2030 Division Street (not at the jail site), projected to cost $29–$34 million and open a full year sooner than the alternative location.
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 presented information on a proposed successor collective bargaining agreement between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) representing the city's police lieutenants. The agreement extends the current collective bargaining agreement for four months, effective January 1st, 2026 through April 30th, 2026, with wages including a 3.75% COLA equivalent and a 6% increase in the city's contribution to medical insurance each year. Council Member Williams moved to ratify the agreement, seconded by Council Member Hamill, with no discussion raised and the motion passing 7-0.
Online: 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.
Council Member Hamill reported that he and Council Member Skip Williams have been working on a resolution in response to national events, particularly situations in Minneapolis. The resolution references prior city work on these topics including a 2017 immigration ordinance, a 2021 resolution affirming racism as a public health crisis, and 2022 support for the Wacom Racial Equity Commission—all affirmed by 7-0 votes. The resolution also references amicus briefs the city has joined in three lawsuits and additional four lawsuits related to these issues, alignment with the mayor's recent video, the Keep Washington Working Act, and current city code regarding the Bellingham Police Department. Hamill stated the resolution is in process and expected to be presented on February 9th.
A contract award for Old Town Redevelopment, Project ES562, Bid No. 81B- 2025
Staff presented a contract award for Old Town Redevelopment street improvements as part of a public-private partnership with three separate agreements. Earthwork Solutions LLC submitted the lowest responsive bid of $5,982,000 including sales tax, which was about 10-15% lower than the engineer's estimate of $6.8 million. The project includes a trades apprenticeship requirement and is funded by four sources including Whatcom County grants and loans, local real estate excise tax, and the local transportation fund. The committee unanimously recommended approval, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.
An ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to operate and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of commercial telecommunications services to businesses and residents
Staff presented an ordinance granting NFC Northwest LLC a non-exclusive franchise to operate and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in city rights of way for commercial telecommunication services. The franchise was negotiated in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 13.15 and City Charter Article 11, with the same standard franchise agreement applied to all broadband providers with no special deals. The committee recommended approving the ordinance, the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.
An ordinance relating to the Municipal Court and amending Bellingham Municipal Code section 2.16.030 to provide for the creation of a second full-time municipal judge position, an appointment process for newly created or vacated municipal judge positions, and an election for the second municipal judge position for a full judicial term beginning on
Staff presented an ordinance relating to Municipal Court Code section 2.16.030 to establish a second full-time municipal judge position, with an appointment process and election procedures. Deputy Administrator Forest Longman explained that the current court has one judge and one commissioner, with the commissioner position to be frozen. The key difference is that only judges can hear trials, and the increased caseload and case complexity necessitate a second judge to ensure timely case hearings. Council noted that under state law, both judges will serve concurrent four-year terms ending in the same election cycle, which cannot be staggered. The council unanimously recommended approval and voted to approve the ordinance with a 7-0 vote.
Agenda items (20)
Procedural (11)
1ProceduralIn-person: Headsets are available to attendees in Council Chambers.
Headsets are available for attendees attending the meeting in person at Council Chambers to help with hearing.
What happened
Staff presented information on a proposed successor collective bargaining agreement between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) representing the city's police lieutenants. The agreement extends the current collective bargaining agreement for four months, effective January 1st, 2026 through April 30th, 2026, with wages including a 3.75% COLA equivalent and a 6% increase in the city's contribution to medical insurance each year. Council Member Williams moved to ratify the agreement, seconded by Council Member Hamill, with no discussion raised and the motion passing 7-0.2ProceduralOnline: 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 select Spanish interpretation; meeting videos are posted online within five business days.
What happened
Council Member Hamill reported that he and Council Member Skip Williams have been working on a resolution in response to national events, particularly situations in Minneapolis. The resolution references prior city work on these topics including a 2017 immigration ordinance, a 2021 resolution affirming racism as a public health crisis, and 2022 support for the Wacom Racial Equity Commission—all affirmed by 7-0 votes. The resolution also references amicus briefs the city has joined in three lawsuits and additional four lawsuits related to these issues, alignment with the mayor's recent video, the Keep Washington Working Act, and current city code regarding the Bellingham Police Department. Hamill stated the resolution is in process and expected to be presented on February 9th.3ProceduralNew agenda look and timing Beginning with this meeting, City Council agenda and packet documents have a new look and are being published further in advance of the meetings. Agendas and packets will now be available one week prior to regular meetings, or on the Tuesday prior to the meeting if the Monday prior is a holiday. This is one of many efforts to modernize our systems and make City government more transparent, understandable, and accessible.
City Council agendas and documents now have an updated format and are being released one week before meetings (or the Tuesday before if Monday is a holiday) to increase transparency and accessibility.
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 in person 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., whether signing up online or in person.
6ProceduralIn person: Meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
City Council meetings take place 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.
Remote attendees can join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and will receive instructions from staff during public comment periods.
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 to participate by phone using Meeting ID 871 5188 5205 and Password 9, and the city accepts written comments before or after meetings by mail.
9ProceduralBy mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Written comments can be mailed to City Council at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
10ProceduralOnline: o For a public hearing: cob.org/publichearing. o For general public comment: E-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
For public hearings, residents can submit written comments at cob.org/publichearing; for general comments, email all council members at ccmail@cob.org.
24811ProceduralApproval of the January 5, 2026 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes
The council will approve the minutes from the January 5, 2026 committee and regular meeting.
Council Business
24807Council BusinessA contract award for Old Town Redevelopment, Project ES562, Bid No. 81B- 2025
The council will award a contract for the Old Town Redevelopment project (Project ES562, Bid No. 81B-2025).
What happened
Staff presented a contract award for Old Town Redevelopment street improvements as part of a public-private partnership with three separate agreements. Earthwork Solutions LLC submitted the lowest responsive bid of $5,982,000 including sales tax, which was about 10-15% lower than the engineer's estimate of $6.8 million. The project includes a trades apprenticeship requirement and is funded by four sources including Whatcom County grants and loans, local real estate excise tax, and the local transportation fund. The committee unanimously recommended approval, and the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.24808Council BusinessAn ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to operate and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of commercial telecommunications services to businesses and residents
The council will vote on granting NFC Northwest, LLC permission to build and operate a fiber optic broadband network in city rights-of-way to serve businesses and residents.
What happened
Staff presented an ordinance granting NFC Northwest LLC a non-exclusive franchise to operate and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in city rights of way for commercial telecommunication services. The franchise was negotiated in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 13.15 and City Charter Article 11, with the same standard franchise agreement applied to all broadband providers with no special deals. The committee recommended approving the ordinance, the motion passed 7-0 with no discussion or opposition.24813Council BusinessAn ordinance relating to the Municipal Court and amending Bellingham Municipal Code section 2.16.030 to provide for the creation of a second full-time municipal judge position, an appointment process for newly created or vacated municipal judge positions, and an election for the second municipal judge position for a full judicial term beginning on
The council will vote on creating a second full-time municipal judge position and updating the process for appointing judges.
What happened
Staff presented an ordinance relating to Municipal Court Code section 2.16.030 to establish a second full-time municipal judge position, with an appointment process and election procedures. Deputy Administrator Forest Longman explained that the current court has one judge and one commissioner, with the commissioner position to be frozen. The key difference is that only judges can hear trials, and the increased caseload and case complexity necessitate a second judge to ensure timely case hearings. Council noted that under state law, both judges will serve concurrent four-year terms ending in the same election cycle, which cannot be staggered. The council unanimously recommended approval and voted to approve the ordinance with a 7-0 vote.24814Council BusinessA resolution establishing fees for the use of the City Parks and Recreation golf course
The council will set new fees for use of the city's golf course in Parks and Recreation.
What happened
Council Member Williams presented a resolution to establish fees for the city parks and recreation golf course (Lake Padden Golf Course), proposing green fee increases of approximately 5% to cover increased operating costs, rising minimum wage, and utility rate increases. The golf course has a $2 million budget with $2.45 million projected revenue, and the increase would generate an estimated $100,000 in additional annual revenue. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended approval but stipulated that junior/children's rates not be raised. Council Member Cotton expressed concern about maintaining accessibility of municipal resources as rates increase, noting the gap with private courses has narrowed to $2, but supported the motion acknowledging the need to pay workers fairly. The motion passed 7-0.24815Council BusinessAcceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-028)
The council will accept a state grant from the Washington Department of Commerce to help fund the Bellingham Central Library interior renovation project.
What happened
# SummaryStaff presented the acceptance of a $999,100 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, resulting from the city's application for $1.03 million in state capital budget appropriation. The grant funding will support youth and staff improvements, safety and security upgrades, and renovations primarily on the ground floor and lower level, with some improvements to the upper mezzanine and main floor. Work is expected to begin either late this year or early next year, which will require closing the library during construction. Council Member Liiloquist moved to accept the grant and Council Member Anderson seconded; the motion passed 7-0 with unanimous support.
24816Council BusinessAcceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-001)
The council will accept another state grant from the Washington Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library interior renovation project.
What happened
Staff presented acceptance of another grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior renovation project, with a $2 million appropriation under a different capital fund, resulting in $1,950,000 after state administration. The funding will be used for RAT youth and staff space improvements as well as safety and security updates. The committee unanimously recommended acceptance. Council Member Cotton thanked Representative Joe Timonss and the 40th and 42nd delegation for their efforts to secure the funds for this historic project. The motion by Council Member Lilloquist and second by Council Member Hman passed 7-0.Consent Calendar
24809Consent CalendarAuthorization of payroll labor cost payments dated December 1, 2025 to
The council will authorize payroll labor cost payments dated December 1, 2025.
24810Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued January 1, 2026 through January 8, 2026
The council will authorize accounts payable transactions from January 1–8, 2026.
24812Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued December 19, 2025 through
The council will authorize accounts payable transactions from December 19, 2025.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Award contract for Oldtown Redevelopment to Earthwork Solutions LLC
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve ordinance granting NFC Northwest LLC a fiber optic broadband franchise
aye 1
voice voteaye
Accept Washington State Department of Commerce grant (~$999,100) for Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation
aye 1
voice voteaye
Accept Washington State Department of Commerce grant (~$1,950,000) for Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt resolution establishing Lake Padden Golf Course green fee increases
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt ordinance creating a second full-time municipal judge position (Agenda Bill 24813)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Ratify successor collective bargaining agreement with Fraternal Order of Police (January 1 – April 30, 2026)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve consent calendar
aye 1
voice voteaye
Verbatim transcript available
208 transcript segments indexed
City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes January 26, 2026, 7:00 PM Chair: Hannah Stone Phone: 360-778-8200 Members: Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Email: ccmail@cob.org Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Web: cob.org/council Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton Regular meeting The following items are heard in the Regular Meeting only.
Good evening and welcome to to the Bellingham City Council regular meeting. Thank you for joining us tonight. Um, today is Monday, January 26th, 2026. So, I'm going to call the meeting to order and we will start this evening with roll call.
>> Jace Cotton >> here. >> Michael Liiloquist >> here. >> Skip Williams >> here. >> Anna Stone >> here. >> Holly Huffman >> here. >> Dan Hamill >> here. Lisa Anderson >> here. >> All council members are present.
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.
>> Thank you very much. So, we'll begin this evening with announcements and upcoming meetings. The Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Um the first item is a land acknowledgement statement.
"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.
Um are there any council members who would like to read that this evening? Council member Lilquist. >> Sure. I'll take a turn at this rotating new duty. Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unseated territory of the Lummy, NooKack, Samish, and Semiamo people who have cared for and tended this land since time immemorial.
1. Land acknowledgement statement Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish and Semiahmoo People who have cared for and tended this land since time immemorial.
Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
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 to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events.
We pay respect to their elders, past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events.
>> Thank you very much. The next announcement is regarding language access. So, the Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed in person by attendees utilizing the headsets located at the front of the room.
2. Language access The Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed by in-person attendees by utilizing the Page 1 of 8 headsets located at the front of the room.
Those are down at the front. Remote viewers can log on to co.orgccoom and click on the language icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. So the next item is a new announcement beginning with this meeting.
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. New agenda look and timing Beginning with this meeting, City Council agenda and packet documents have a new look and are being published further in advance of the meetings.
Agendas and packets will now be available one week prior to regular meetings, or on the Tuesday prior to the meeting if the Monday prior is a holiday. This is one of many efforts to modernize our systems and make City government more transparent, understandable, and accessible.
Some of you who follow us more closely may notice that the city council agenda and packet documents have a new look and are being published further in advance of the meetings. Agendas and packets will now be available one week prior to the meeting.
[cough] So that will be the Monday prior or on a Tuesday prior to the meeting if Monday is a holiday. This is one of the many efforts to modernize our systems and make city government more transparent, understandable, and accessible.
4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting will be held on February 9, 2026 Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Summary: Mayor Lund shared slides from her "Ask me Anything" session she held for City staff earlier in the week.
Her presentation highlighted the One City approach to public service and leadership. Council assignment reports Council assignment reports section text here when determined in near future. Summary: Council President Stone introduced this new section, which is dedicated time for Council Members to report out from the various groups that they are members of in their capacity as Council Members.
Um, there are some new aspects to the agenda and this is an ongoing project, but I just wanted to take a moment to express appreciation um to two people in particular. Um, Kelly Gets, who's our deputy city clerk, who unfortunately is not here with us this evening to receive the accolades and appreciation.
Um and also Matt Bazansen who's the enterprise systems architect with the city. Um this is one of those changes and projects that the city takes on and when when the final product is ready or at least that it's you know um ready for public view, it almost feels like we just flipped a switch and now we have this new agenda and it looks amazing.
Council Member Lilliquist reported from the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Board. At their last meeting the board discussed bus route service guidelines, which are the metrics for how routes are evaluated.
Revised guidelines will emphasize the most productive routes with higher ridership. Council Member Cotton reported that the WTA Board unanimously adopted a resolution thanking Council Member Williams for his past service on the board.
Um but you don't see all of the hard work and the heavy lift that it took to get us to this point. And so really just wanting to again express great appreciation um to that team that helped um bring this forward and will help us navigate the changes and tweaks that may be required as as we move forward with with this work.
Um and also acknowledging staff and the additional time and work that will be required just to um provide the additional information that's now being included in all of the agenda bills. whether that's related to um you know impact statements, budget and finance funding sources as well as more detailed background statements.
He also highlighted the health and service agency free bus pass program, which gives free bus passes to social agencies. Council President Stone reported from the lobbying work group. This is a short session and bills are moving quickly.
So hopefully the public will um find that information valuable and just wanted to to highlight that for this evening. The other item I just wanted to mention is um to note that our next city council meeting will be held on February 9th, 2026.
They are working with the lobbying team to track progress and engage in the most effective ways possible. Council President Stone provided some Page 2 of 8 highlights of advocacy actions they have recently taken, and priority bills they are tracking.
Um so for this evening, we're going to get started with the mayor's report. So, I will turn to Mayor Kim Lund. Good evening, council, members of the community, and staff that are gathered here this evening.
Council Member Hammill reported that the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF) met this month to discuss the behavioral care center. They are recommending that the facility be an out of custody facility on Division Street.
Uh, tonight for the mayor's report, I'm going to share some slides that I created for an all staff presentation. Last week we had two AMA sessions. Uh AMA for those of you who don't know is an ask me anything.
The Behavioral Health Committee of the IPRTF discussed the integration plan for 911 and 988. Council Member Hammill reported that he did a "sit-along" with a 911 dispatcher recently as part of his orientation to the WhatComm Board.
So we invited all city staff um on two different days to accommodate all different shifts to join in to learn a little bit more about some facility changes that are upcoming, but also have more conversation about the one city philosophy and what that means.
Council Member Hammill reported that he had an orientation in preparation for his membership on the Library Board and will be touring branches soon. Council Member Hammill reported that he will be going on a fire station tour with Chief Hewett, a ride along with the Alternate Response Team, and a night shift ride along with Bellingham Police.
Council Member Lilliquist reported that the Justice Project Facilities and Finance Advisory Board made the same recommendation as Council Member Hammill reported – an out of custody model located away from the jail.
And so, um, I'll spend a little bit of time tonight, um, to share some of the internal conversations that we are having both as a city leadership team and also with all staff across all departments throughout all work groups at the city.
And something you may have heard me say before is that public service is noble work. And I think it's especially important to affirm in this moment right now that public service is noble work and that every individual that goes to work at the city of Bellingham has an important role in creating a safe, thriving and future ready ready community.
With this model, the facility can open up a full year earlier and will cost less. Council Member Lilliquist reported that he has been reappointed to the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) large city advisory committee.
Topics include legislative priorities, public defender case load limits, and changes to laws surrounding homelessness. Committee meeting reports The following committee meetings are held during the day.
So, one city at its heart is an affirmation that we are all doing important things to better the community that we live in. This work is hard. It isn't easy. It's resource constrained, but it's an incredible privilege.
Committee chairs will present a summary of each agenda item during the evening meeting, and further discussion or action may take place if needed. Committee meetings are open to the public to attend, however committee agendas do not include public comment sessions.
we get the opportunity to, especially for our first responders, um, for people who work at customer service desks who pick up the phone from a frustrated constituent, they have the chance to make that person's day better.
And sometimes it's that person's very worst day. And it's a chance to do that work in serving um, the community that we love. And um it's also a tremendous privilege when we get to do things like the Salish Landing Park and the RG Haley and former landfill remediation.
Public Works and Natural Resources 1 p.m. 24807 1. A contract award for Old Town Redevelopment, Project ES562, Bid No. p. 6 81B-2025 Summary: Craig Mueller, Project Engineer, and Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director - Engineering, presented the contract award, which includes street improvements from back-of-curb to back-of-curb on C, D, and E Streets between Holly Street and Bancroft Page 3 of 8 Street, and Astor Street from C Street to F Street.
That's an opportunity for us to repair the land and the bay and then build on that a part that will be serve this community for the next 100 years. So the work that we do is incredibly important and um it's a chance for us to reflect on how lucky we are to get to do this work.
Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Jace Cotton moved to award contract No. 81B-2025 for the Old Town Redevelopment Project to Earthwork Solutions LLC in the amount of $5,982,839.23.
One thing is we've been in conversation throughout the last year about this philosophy and this ethos of service is that we can all benefit when we're leading in the work that we do when we approach it with curiosity and humility.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24808 2. An ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to operate and p. 11 maintain fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of commercial telecommunications services to businesses and residents Summary: Mike Wilson, Public Works Assistant Director - Engineering, and Matt Stamps, Senior Assistant City Attorney, presented the ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a nonexclusive franchise to install and operate fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of telecommunications services to Bellingham businesses and residents.
uh one city is definitely a chance for us to um approach our work differently to come out of our silos a little bit um and ask questions both what is the information that I'm needing to do this work better what training am I needing um it's an invitation to say um that we might have incomplete solutions at times and that is okay and also to explore the bigger why in the work because when we understand the bigger why then we can be more connected to the purpose and we can create solutions that are more durable.
Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Edwin H. "Skip" Williams moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24815 3. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of p.
29 Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-028) Summary: Carol Rofkar, Public Works Assistant Director - Internal Services, and Rebecca Judd, Library Director, explained that the City applied for a grant and received an appropriation of $1,030,000 in the 2025-2027 State Capital Budget for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project.
And so that's part of the conversation um that we are seeking to have and for each work team at the city to reflect because this will look very different depending on your work team um how this shows up for the employees.
After administrative costs from the Department of Commerce, the net grant award will be $999,100. The grant money will be used for youth and staff space improvements, as well as safety and security updates.
It's also an acknowledgment that we certainly do this work better when we do it together. And so like any organization, institution or corporation, siloing into our work teams is a natural way to organize.
And so it's thinking about what are the ripple impacts of this project. Um how might this spill over into other departments um and who needs to know who should be at the table? And really it's explicitly calling out that our collaboration across departments even across branches of governments that's how we really deliver excellence for this community.
Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Action: Page 4 of 8 Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the grant agreement with Washington State Department of Commerce Contract #26-96647-028 for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project.
And when we can align our practices so that the community can receive reliable, consistent and equitable services that creates a much better experience with local government. Um, so we have this show up all the time um about frustration.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 24816 4. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of p. 67 Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-001) Summary: Carol Rofkar, Public Works Assistant Director - Internal Services, and Rebecca Judd, Library Director, explained that the City applied for a grant and received an appropriation of $2,000,000 in the 2025-2027 State Capital Budget for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project.
After administrative costs from the Department of Commerce, the net grant award will be $1,950,000. The grant money will be used for youth and staff space improvements, as well as safety and security updates.
We hear it in constituent emails when we don't provide consistent reliable services. So, it's certainly um a conversation that we're having across all levels of the organization right now. And then our last core principle that we've been talking about throughout the last year and we'll continue to flesh out is um the results for our work matter.
Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Hollie Huthman moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the grant agreement with Washington State Department of Commerce Contract #26-96647-001 for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project.
Whether the result is a good result or um a not so good result. It still matters to the people that we're seeking to serve. And so um we are having conversations about taking pride in and especially responsibility for the solutions and the outcomes of our work and we're inviting city team to start with the end in mind and to be actively contributing to those solutions and really focusing um it's an outcomes forward approach where we're thinking about um those outcomes versus just completing the boxes along the way.
And I think that um I'll use recency bias and giving examples because this concept that the results matter shows up every week when we do it well and when we do it less well. And so two recent emails were one uh from a constituent who lived on King Mountain and experienced a water mane break and she was a little overwhelmed at the mounted debris that had washed into her driveway and she was dreading waking up the next morning and starting the cleanup.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Parks and Recreation 1:45 p.m. 24814 1. A resolution establishing fees for the use of the City Parks and Recreation p. 105 golf course Summary: Steven Janiszewski, Park Operations Manager, and Michael Fosnick, Director of Operations for Troon/Premiere Golf, presented the resolution, which increases green fees by approximately five percent, exceeding the three percent cumulative annual greens fee increase previously approved by City Council.
Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved final approval of Resolution #2026-01. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Page 5 of 8 Committee Of The Whole 2:10 p.m.
But we had a city crew on scene first thing the next morning and we returned it to a like new condition. She said her driveway looked better than before the break. And so [clears throat] that is the kind of opportunity and that ethos of service that we have to take someone's bad day, turn it into a better tomorrow.
And that reflects well on all of us when we do that. There was another example about an individual who was doing a regular walk with their spouse around Lake Padden Park. Their spouse is now suffering from dementia and they took a turn, an unexpected turn.
24813 1. An ordinance relating to the Municipal Court and amending Bellingham p. 124 Municipal Code section 2.16.030 to provide for the creation of a second full-time municipal judge position, an appointment process for newly created or vacated municipal judge positions, and an election for the second municipal judge position for a full judicial term beginning on January 1, 2030 Summary: Forrest Longman, Deputy City Administrator, and Alan Marriner, City Attorney, presented on the ordinance, which establishes a second municipal judge position and sets the process for appointing new judges mid-term and holding elections for any appointed judge positions.
It also authorizes the Mayor to appoint a second municipal judge and specifies that an election should be held to fill the term beginning January 1, 2030. Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions.
and two park employees spent 45 minutes and it resulted in a successful outcome and the in constituent expressed great appreciation what turned um could have been a terrifying experience into a good one.
And so those are great examples that reflect on the entire city team when city employees go the extra distance in moments like that. And those are the best kind of outcomes that we love to share and we take great pride in.
Action: Hannah Stone / Hollie Huthman moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 2. Old or new business Summary: Council Member Hammill reported that he and Council Member Williams have been working on a resolution in response to current events on the national level, specifically in Minneapolis.
He gave a brief overview, stating that the resolution recognizes prior Council work on this and related topics; recognizes lawsuits and amicus briefs the City has signed on to; explains the work of the Keep Washington Working Act Work Group; aligns with the recent video released by the Mayor on this topic; and lays out Bellingham Municipal code sections and policies related to the Bellingham Police Department.
But I think one city is also an acknowledgment that we're all collaborating as we go. And in the resource constrained world that we're in right now, sometimes it it isn't such, you know, great rosy made for TV moments like those are, but it's the practical conversations like scoping for the new library project is a good example right now.
That's a conversation that is taking place with the library team, with public works and the facility team, with finance, with the mayor's office, and we are all giving in taking to get that project across the finish line so that work can go forward and those renovations and expansions and services and the experience in the library will be better.
They plan to present the resolution to Council on February 9, 2026. Council President Stone shared an overview of the amicus brief Council Members recently signed on to. She gave a more detailed explanation earlier in the day during the Committee of the Whole old and new business.
But everybody is giving a little bit in that conversation and that's very much one city. And I would say the agenda project is a prime example of council staff working alongside the administration to better um the way that we create agendas, the time that the public and all of you have to spend with those agendas.
Executive session Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. Page 6 of 8 1. Labor relations: review contract proposal for the Fraternal Order of Police (Danner, approx. 5 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on the proposed successor collective bargaining agreement between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police (representing the City’s Police Lieutenants)extending the current collective bargaining agreement for four months.
Action: Edwin H. "Skip" Williams / Daniel Hammill moved to ratify the agreement reached with the following general terms: DURATION: January 1, 2026, through April 30, 2026 WAGES AND COMPENSATION: • Extends the current agreement through April 30, 2026.
And so um this is a a beginning of a conversation. It will continue to be embedded. We'll be looking to bring this into onboarding for new employees in our training and certainly uh we reflect on it every week in the departmental leadership team about when we do this well and when we don't.
So, I just wanted to take time tonight because there was no appointments, but this is um this is core to the way that we go about our work every day right now and we are really eager to have council um be part of the conversation and thinking about being one city in service to Bellingham.
• Existing future changes clause provides that the FOP will receive a “me too” agreement for changes in wages, deferred compensation, educational incentives, or longevity negotiated with the Bellingham Police Guild.
• Effective January 1, 2026: equivalent to 3.75% COLA MEDICAL INSURANCE: • Increase the City’s contribution to Medical Insurance by 6% each year. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Consent agenda Consent Agenda items are considered routine and/or non-controversial and may be approved in a single motion.
So, thank you. And that's the end of Mayor's report tonight. >> Thank you very much, Mayor Lund. The next agenda item this evening is a new um standing agenda item. And so this is titled council assignment reports.
So in addition to the committee report outs that usually here at the regular meeting which reflect the reports out from the committee meetings that happened earlier in the day, this section of the agenda is dedicated to standing time for council member reports from assigned committees, task forces, or other groups that they're involved with.
A member of the Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. 24809 1. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated December 1, 2025 to p. 128 December 15, 2025 24810 2.
So, in our role on council, we also have other assignments um um yeah that we attend to. And so, wanting to have that standing time for different council members, it's not a requirement that every meeting there would be something to report, but if there is anything from um from your other commitments that you'd like to share, it's open at this time.
Authorization of AP transactions issued January 1, 2026 through January p. 129 8, 2026 24812 3. Authorization of AP transactions issued December 19, 2025 through p. 130 December 31, 2025 24811 4. Approval of the January 5, 2026 City Council committee and regular p.
131 meeting minutes Page 7 of 8 Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Public comment period City Council heard public comments from eight individuals.
Council member Loquist. >> Yeah, I've got a couple Sorry, I've got a couple things to report from last week. Uh, one uh um council member Cotton and the mayor and I were on the WT board together and the um significant topic of the WT board discussion this last week was bus route service guidelines.
The service guidelines are the measures by which we evaluate our bus routes. They normally look at normal things like boardings per hour or cost per passenger, cost per mile, miles per passenger, on-time performance and similar performance measures.
But the revised guidelines are uh hoping to support a shift uh um to equal emphasis in high writership routes. So we have kind of high writership and we have broad coverage and we're trying to shift to emphasize the most productive routes with the highest writers and what measures do we need that would help us do that.
Uh the new measurements also improve the definition of access to opportunity. That is we try to serve access to work, to groceries, to medical care, things within a quarter mile walking distance for bus riders who rely on transit.
The revised guidelines also define priority populations, the people who we need to serve, disadvantaged, lower income, those who are reliant on the bus, perhaps people who are too young to have a driver's license.
The new measures also uh have indications of what's called route directness. To what degree does a route have diversions or deviations which can affect the attractiveness or effectiveness of that route?
Um that was the topic for your WTA board discussion. So that was my one of my reports. >> Council member Cotton. Um well, first I I'll just also note briefly that um the WTA board also unanimously adopted a resolution thanking council member Skip Williams for his service on that board and um I'm grateful to be filling some big shoes and we'll be asking council member Williams often for context and advice.
But um uh just one other thing that we talked about at that WTA board meeting was the um health and service agency uh free bus pass program. Um, so that's a a program that uh WTA distributes um free bus passes to social agencies in the community.
Um, and we're making some adjustments to that program to help it function even better. And um, again, those meetings are well worth it. >> Sorry, Council. Good. >> I'm going to share one about the legislative session update.
So, we have a lobby group that meets weekly right now during the legislative session and just wanted to give a report out about some of the there's a lot going on, but at least some of the the highlights.
Um, the 60-day legislative session, so this is down in Olympia that we're discussing, started on January 12th. Since then, the city and our lobbyists have worked to advance the city's legislative agenda, which the council adopted on January 5th.
The legislature is fast-paced, as some of you may know, and it is a short session, so bills are moving quickly. We're working with our lobby team to monitor dozens of bills and engage at the right level.
This can mean simply tracking their progress, signing in, either pro or con, writing letters, testifying, or directly communicating with our legislators. We cannot advocate for everything the city supports, and we must prioritize our efforts.
So, the following are just a few of our lobbying highlights from the last few weeks. First, we're working closely with our delegations in the 40th and 42nd districts to submit our applications for capital funding for a day shelter and municipal court renovations.
And so, those deadlines for proposals was actually today. Um, well, no, tomorrow coming up on the 27th. On January 15th, Mayor Lond and Council Members Liiloquist and Cotton went down to Olympia for a day of in-person lobbying.
They spoke with our legislators and advocated for our capital and policy priorities. So, thank you for making that trip to be there in person. I know it was impactful. So, also, Council Member Liiloquist testified on Senate Bill 5884, which would expand the sales tax and use incentive program for underutilized property and requested the bill be expanded to include Bellingham.
Council member Liilquist also testified for House Bill 2266. This is a bill which encourages permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and shelters. Council member Liquist expressed the city's concern with the broad language in that current version of the bill and suggested improvements.
He plans to testify this week as well. On the Senate, there's a companion version of that bill. So, a few bills that we've signed in pro for include House Bill 2374, which clarifies that e- motorcycles are not the same as ebikes.
House Bill 2304, which broadens eligibility for types of condos that can use express warranties, and House Bill 21105 concerning immigrant worker protections. Finally, our lobbyists, um, Nick Federici and Luke Esser are advocating for the city's priorities daily in Olympia.
So, we're grateful for that that collaboration and and teamwork. Wanting to make sure the public knows that you can view our legislative agenda on the city website. So that can be on our state or on our state government relations page.
They're on the COV website. Um just in closing, finally, I wanted to note that the Washington State LGBTQ commission. Um that group formally tracks legislation impacting the LGBTQIA2S+ community and we are monitoring bills in case we need to engage.
The public can also use um their website to track legislation. At this time, the commission does consult provide consultation on you know other bills that may not have direct impacts on those community members um but may other bills may have unintended consequences in some ways.
So tracking bills for that as well. Um there are currently eight negative or anti- bills um that have been proposed, but none of them have traction at this time or have not been scheduled for formal hearings, but we continue to to monitor those.
And just wanting to note that that commission in particular does have involvement. We learned from a youth member who's actually from here in Bellingham. So representation from Bellingham continues down in Olympia.
Um so that's just a brief update of things that we're working on in Olympia. Um Council Member Hamill. >> Sure. Thanks and and thanks for bringing this agenda item forward. I think it is important to discuss what the council does outside of this uh this room here.
Uh and it's quite a bit in terms of you know the seven of us being out in the community. It's on. Yeah. Um so I just wanted to touch on a couple of different um groups that I'm involved with. The incarceration prevention and reduction task force met this month to discuss the behavioral care center.
Um that came up today in discussion. I think council Liquist brought that up. The behavioral care center is part of a promise that um both the county and the city made to voters regarding building a new jail facility that there would concurrently be a care center that would address the needs of those with um substance use disorder or um mental health illness.
and they would receive appropriate care within that when that within that care center that has been recommended to be in what's called an out of custody care center which means that a person uh can stay there or leave on their own valition uh and the location that's being recommended is 2030 division street which is where uh the And center for hope is located as well as the ultimate response team and the county's work center um the behavioral [clears throat] health committee of The incarceration prevention and reduction task force met this month and discussed the 988 911 integration plan.
So I think we can all imagine how long it took to get 911 in people's thinking when it comes to what so a crisis is happening. I need to dial a number. What is that number? You know years and perhaps decades ago it was 911.
Now there's this new number 988. And I just want to give you just a brief summary. So um 988 can you can call you can text um if you go to the website 988 lifeline.org you can chat and does have deaf and harden heart of hearing uh capabilities as well.
Um those pieces um I did join the Wattcom board. Watcom is the dispatch center located here in Bellingham and I did a sit along which is kind of like a ride along but you sit and you listen to the calls as they come in and it's fascinating.
I would highly recommend it. Uh there's a lot going on that that person has to interpret uh just via um a person's voice with no body language, no other indicating things. And um there is a board meeting with uh with Waccom coming up this week.
I also joined the library board um and had orientation and first board meeting uh last week and um Rebecca Jud the director and I will be going on a tour of the branches um Bellisair Fair Haven Barkley Village and the downtown facility.
There's a lot going on with the library. It's very exciting times um for the remodel and just the accessibility piece that I'm really looking forward to. And then as part of the public safety commitments, I will be going on a fire station tour with Chief Huitt uh [clears throat] this week.
Um and a ride along with the alternate response team also this week, the same day actually or next day. And then that night I'll be going out with a night shift ride along with Bellingham Police. So a pretty active uh week coming up.
I think it's always good to get reorient reoriented at the beginning of the year just as a reminder reminder [clears throat] of what our line personnel are going through and what they see um when they're working with the public.
And that is the end of my report. Thanks. >> Thank you, Council Member H. Council Member Liquist. >> I've got First of all, thank you for touching on the lobbying. That was one of my reports. And uh similarly, thank you for talking about behavioral care center.
I sit on the Justice Project Facilities and Finance Advisory Board. So we have a kind of financial oversight of the same programs that Mr. Hamill was referring to. Um in that committee similarly we made the same recommendation coming at it from a different point of view.
We also recommended the out of custody uh model be adopted and we made a further recommendation the behavioral care center be located away from the jail rather at the division street property for several reasons.
one, the work on that can begin sooner, opening a full year sooner if it goes on there. And there's a synergy with location next to the crisis stabilization center and other mental health and detox facilities.
Um, and it's also a lower cost than building at the Le Bounty Road location due to wetlands and ground conditions. And right now the rough estimates for that project are 29 to $34 million. And again, for financial oversight, we're looking very closely at the numbers.
Um, in addition, I'd like to report that I've been reappointed to the Association of Washington Cities Large Cities Advisory Committee. The Association of Washington Cities is an association of all the local governments, uh, the city governments in the state.
Large cities advisory committees made up of representatives from approximately the 20 largest cities. I've been in that for the past two years. Reappointed to that just recently. Topics most recently included looking at legislative priorities in Olympia.
um public defender mandated case load limits affecting us and other cities and changes in state and federal law concerning homelessness. So those have been some of the topics that came up in that committee and I think that's all I need to report for this week.
>> Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Um next we have our committee meeting reports. So again, these will be report outs from our meetings earlier today. We started this afternoon with public works and natural resources and that committee is chaired by council member Liiloquist.
So I'll turn to him for a report. >> Thank you, President Stone. The public works natural resources committee which is myself, council member Lisa Anderson and Jace Cotton had four items today. The first of those was a contract award for Oldtown redevelopment.
As part of a public private partnership, the city is constructing street improvements in accordance with three separate agreements. a 2020 development agreement with Barberry, Inc., a 2023 development agreement with Oldtown Village LLC, and a 2024 economic development improvement grant and loan agreement with Watcom County.
The city publicly opened eight bids to do this work on December 17th. And Earthwork Solutions LLC was a responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of 5,982,000 in change, including sales tax.
The engineers estimate of that project was about 10% higher, maybe 15% at $6.8 million. This project will include a uh trades apprenticeship requirement due to the number of hours and the scope of the work.
It's funded by at least four different funding sources. Half of that is the grants and loans from Wat County I referred to. We're also using local real estate excise tax and the local transportation fund for those street improvements.
This afternoon, the committee unanimously recommended approval of awarding this contract and I so move. Second. >> We have a motion made by Council Member Liiloquist and a second by Council Member Cotton.
Any further discussion questions? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. And the next item we had on our agenda was an ordinance granting NFC Northwest LLC a franchise to operate and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in city rights of way for the provision of commercial telecommunication services to businesses and residents.
Uh NFC Northwest LLC applied to the city for a non-exclusive franchise to install and operate optic broadband network components and city rights of way for the provision of telecommunications services.
the city's franchising authorities contained in our municipal code chapter 13.15 and also article 11 of the city charter. Uh under these rules, basically we apply the same franchise agreement to every single broadband divider.
You don't get a special deal. Everyone has the same deal and they're all non-exclusive. Um the attached franchise ordinance has been negotiated by the city and the applicant in accordance with the applicable city code and is substantially like the other telecommunication franchises granted by the city.
Uh this afternoon the committee recommended approving of the ordinance and I so move. >> Second >> motion by council member Liiloquist and a second by council member Williams. Any discussion? >> Seeing none all in favor will say I.
>> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none that passes 70. Before I send it back to you, Council Member Liquist. Um, I was just gonna ask the parts and we are all guilty of it, I believe, but the parts that we're reading tend to be very fast.
I'm just trying to be mindful of the interpreters in the back who are trying to >> keep up with that. So, if we could just speak a little more slowly, I would appreciate. >> Yeah. Okay. The next two items are very similar.
Um, the f Wait a minute. I just switched to parks. Let me go back. I was going to read your items. Skip. Say what? >> I was going to do the parks agenda items. I do it. >> No, no, it's okay. Um, let's make sure I have both of them.
>> No, no, I missed one. >> There we go. Okay, I've got them now. Both. Uh, the first one is an acceptance of a grant from Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project.
The city applied for a grant for an appropriation of of 1.03 03 million uh from the state capital budget for the Bellingham Central Library Innovation Project. This grant funding will be administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, resulting in a net grant award of just under 1 million because they keep a piece of it.
$999,100. The grant funding will be used for youth and staff improvements as well as safety and security upgrades primarily most the work the entire ground floor, the lower level, the library with a few improvements at the upper mezzanine level and on the main floor.
Uh budget permitting. That project is in design right now and we hope to begin work either the end of the year or early next year which will necessitate uh closing of the library during that work. This afternoon the committee Yans American recommended accepting the grant and I so move >> second.
>> Okay, we'll give the second to council member Anderson. So motion by council member Liiloquist and a second by council member Anderson. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions?
Seeing none, that passes 70. >> And the final item is inception of another grant also in the Washington State Department of Commerce, also for the Bellingham Central Library Interior renovation project.
We applied for a grant and under a different capital fund, we received a $2 million appropriation for this project. The grant funding will be administered by the state department of commerce. Again, they'll take a little piece of it, so it'll be just under 2 million, $1,950,000.
The grant funding will be used again for the RAT youth and staff space improvements as well as safety and security updates. This afternoon, the committee unanimously recommended acceptance of the grant and I so move.
>> Second. >> Motion was made by council member Lilloquist and a second by council member Hman. >> Any discussion? Council member Cotton. >> Um I'll just reiterate um comments in committee today. thanking Representative Joe Timonss and the 40th and 42nd delegation for their um diligent efforts to help us um secure the funds for this um historic and really exciting project.
>> Thank you very much. Any other discussion? Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70. >> And the committee report. >> Thank you very much.
The next committee we had this afternoon was Parks and Recreation. That committee is chaired by Council Member Williams. So, I'll turn to him for a report. >> Thank you, President Stone. Today, we had one item on our agenda, which was a resolution uh to establish the fees for the use of the city parks and recreation golf course, commonly known as Lake Padden Golf Course.
The parks and recreation department is is uh proposing to increase green fees by approximately 5%. Now that percentage exceeds the the 3% green fee in increase uh previously passed by the uh city council.
These uh changes are warrant are warranted to increase revenue to cover increased general operating costs. Um the impact of rising minimum wage costs, increases in the utility rates and generally to keep the golf c to keep the pace of the golf course up with economic in inflation.
The golf course budget is about $2 million in expenditures with a 2.45 million in projected revenue. These uh totals in uh include the city administrative costs, the management fees to the contractor, maintenance and repair projects, and all other related charges.
And this action, if passed, will increase revenue to the city by an estimated $100,000 per year. Um, this recommended increase was uh uh re uh reviewed by the parks and recreation advisory board on December 10th, 2025 with the recommendation that junior rates, in other words, children's rates um not uh be raised.
So, after a thorough presentation and uh discussion by the parks and recreation staff and the um and the uh um representative from uh Premier Golf, which manages the golf course, uh the proposed green fee, like I said, was was approved by by Parks and Wreck and their recommend recommendation was to approve this um increase and the committee concurred and so I'll make that motion.
Second. >> A motion by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Hamill. Any discussion or questions? Um I just wanted to mention briefly I don't serve on that committee but was present for the discussion and spoke with Director Oliver afterwards.
And I think just one of my I won't say concerns, but one of the things that I want us to remain mindful of is that this is a municipal court and as a community I feel like those municipal resources I mean one of the things that we want to make sure of with municipal resources that they are accessible and so sometimes there are private courses that are right more expensive and so having a municipal course in this case um you're hoping that that yeah is more accessible to the community and so when those rates go up I mean at this time they're still below the cost of the you know neighboring private courses but that you know the amount that it's beneath the next um course which is North Bellingham you know is now $2 instead of 10 and so it's just feeling that that squeeze and so I just want to be mindful that we stay you know it is a balance I understand and we also want to make sure people are you know being paid well and so those increases to minimum wage obviously are impactful um and so for for that reason, knowing that we need to support the workers there.
I mean, I will be supporting the motion, but I just think as we move forward, wanting to remain mindful of of that um that obligation we have sort of as a community. So, any other discussion or comments?
Okay, we have a motion before us. All in favor, we'll say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70. >> And that was the end. Oh, I'm sorry. That was the end of our meeting and so the meeting was adjourned and I'll pass it back over to you.
>> Thank you very much. So the next committee meeting this afternoon was um that was committee of the whole. So that's where all of us are present. We had one item before us that was agenda bill 24813.
So this is an ordinance relating to the municipal court and amending municipal court code section 2.16.030 030 to provide for the creation of a second full-time municipal judge position, an appointment process for newly created or vacated municipal judge positions, and an election for the second municipal position for a full judicial term beginning on January 1st, 2030.
So the summary statement is very similar, but it says that this ordinance establishes a second municipal judge position and sets the process again for appointing new judges midterm since this will be between elections and holding elections for any appointed judge positions in the future.
It authorizes the mayor to appoint a second municipal judge and specifies that an election should then be held to fill the term beginning January 1st, 2030. Um so for this item we were joined this afternoon by Forest Longman who's deputy administrator and just confirming that at the court currently we have a judge and a commissioner.
So that commissioner position will be frozen um and instead we will have two judges serving in the municipal court. Part of the difference between the um responsibilities or what a commissioner versus a judge is able to um do or the services they're able to provide in the court is that only a judge can hear trials um and a commissioner can't.
And so with the increased um number of cases and the complexity of cases, there really has arisen a need to have a second judge to be able to keep up with the trial schedule and ensure that those members of our community who are coming before the court are going to have their case heard in a timely fashion.
Um so there unfortunately I guess it's under state law, but these will not be staggered. So, Judge Love was just reappointed this past election cycle and they will both her and the new judge will be serving four-year terms.
That will come up for election at the same cycle. Um, so that is not under our control. That's um outlined in the in the state law. So, um that is how it will be. Um there won't be any staggering, but there was a unanimous recommendation from the council this afternoon to recommend approval um and vote to approve the ordinance.
And I so move Second. There's a motion by the chair and a second by council member Huffman. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70.
Okay. Next, we have old and new business. Council member um Hamill. >> Yeah. Yeah, I wanted to inform council um and the public that uh council member Skip Williams and I have been working on a resolution uh this month be prior to uh reconvening here in chambers and this is in response to some of the things that are happening at the national level in particular the um things that are happening in um in Minneapolis.
Um [clears throat] what um if uh if folks will recall, Walton County Council issued a resolution probably two weeks ago, maybe it's three weeks ago now, regarding some of the um regarding their values position um as to the things that are happening and playing uh out in communities across the country.
Um, so, uh, Council Member Williams and I worked on a resolution or are working on a resolution with our legal department. And I just wanted to just fly at 25,000 ft here and just, uh, hit the the items that we're talking about.
This is, um, there's probably five or six here. So, uh, referencing prior work on these topics, um, ordinances, an ordinance and a resolution in 2017 directly related to immigration, um, issues. 2021 resolution affirming that racism is a public health crisis.
Uh 2022, city Bellingham uh supported and funded the development of the Wacom Racial Equity Commission after the mayor and city council members uh were extensively involved in its development. Want to point out that all of the items I just mentioned were affirmed by with 70 votes here in council chambers.
The [clears throat] second item is we're referencing lawsuits that the city of Bellingham has joined as um part of um you say it differently than I do. You're the lawyer. So you say amikas amikas um so amicus brief is how it's popular referred to in the press or whatever.
So amikas curi is [clears throat] that the >> difference between an amikas brief but an amichi is the singular singular versus plural on which position you have but >> okay >> we all know what you're talking about >> council president is the the lawyer here so I'm just going to defer to her.
Um [clears throat] so we we were involved with uh three different lawsuits uh that are directly related to the items and there are additional four that are that I did not list in this resolution. uh the keep Washington working act which is um a state level u mandate and we have a um oversight committee here that um works on behalf of Bellingham.
We're in support [clears throat] of the mayor's video which came out a few weeks ago. Um and we're um what I'm looking for here is alignment [clears throat] with um the value statements that have been expressed throughout.
Um, and then there's also a reference to current city code regarding Bellingham Police Department. It's policy 417. And then um those that's that law is set forth in US or title 8 US code uh as well as the um RCWs.
It's 1093160 for those that are tracking that. Um so that process will be this resolution [clears throat] is in process and we're going to be hopefully presenting it on February 9th. Um, that's what I wanted to report under old and new.
>> Other items for old and new? >> One that I had that I mentioned this afternoon, I was just going to share again aligns with what council member um Hamill was was sharing. So typically when there is a lawsuit filed if the city was going to join on um as an amichi a friend of the court.
So typically these are lawsuits that are filed maybe in other states or in other jurisdictions but then um there are communities that sign on um in support or to provide additional briefing and and documentation in support of the the lawsuit.
Um, typically that would come before us during an executive session and there would be a determination sort of as a a city or as a collective group on whether or not to sign on. Things had been transpiring rather quickly recently and the public rights project is a nonprofit entity that has been leading um other lawsuits um recently and there was correspondence with the city of Bellingham but needing to respond in very short time.
Um this was regarding the state of Minnesota versus Gnome. Um it's a case really addressing violation of of civil rights and so wanting to just be very clear that the plaintiffs in this case do not challenge the authority of the federal government, right, to remove individuals who do not have lawful status here in the United States.
And so it's not um it's not challenging the authority of the federal government to carry out those um that authority and those laws. Instead, what it is challenging is really the potential violation of of civil rights and the application of that specific authority to the circumstances in say in this particular case which includes um indiscriminate stops and amassing of personnel and excessive use of force against individuals particularly those who are observing operations.
Um so the lead um mikas in this case is the city of Boston and then there are a number of cities that have signed on. So due to when this came forward there was not the opportunity for all of us to join in collectively as the city of Bellingham.
So in individual capacity um each of us responded to the legal team here at the city and individual council members all seven and the mayor in her mayoral capacity did sign on. Um so just wanting to report that report that out since it wouldn't be reported out as part of the executive session since it happened between meetings.
Other items for old and new? No. Okay. If not, we did have executive session this afternoon. There was one item before us. This was a labor relations matter with Danner. Staff provided information on the proposed successor collective bargaining agreement between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police representing the city's police lieutenants.
extending the current collective bargaining agreement for four months. So the action coming forward is to entertain a motion to ratify the agreement reached with the following general terms. The duration would be January 1st, 2026 through April 30th, 2026.
Wages and compensation are outlined as follows. It extends the current agreement through April 30th, 2026. The existing future changes clause provides that the FOP will receive a meto agreement for changes in wages, deferred compensation, educational incentives, or longevity negotiated with the Bellingham Police Guild.
Again, the effective dates will be January 1st, 2026 and the equivalent to 3.75% COLA. Medical insurance includes an increase in the city's contribution to medical insurance by 6% each year. So again, this is a motion for consideration.
>> So moved. >> We have a motion by council member Williams and a second by council member Hamill. Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I. I. I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70.
Okay, >> next we have consent agenda to >> approve. Second >> motion by council member Hamill and a second by council member Husman. One of the hardest parts of serving as president [laughter] is hearing those calls.
Um, okay. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. Any opposed or abstensions? Seeing none, that passes 70 again with a motion by council member Hamill and a second by council member Huffman.
There are no um no matters for third and final this evening. So with that, that will conclude the regular business of the meeting and we will now move to the public comment period. If you're watching live online or on BTV, the broadcast will now end.
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