City Council - Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
City Council - Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
Mon, January 26, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
City Council Public Works and Natural Resources Committee — January 26, 2026
This was a regular committee meeting chaired by Council Member Michael Lilliquist, joined by Council Members Lisa Anderson and Jace Cotton. The committee reviewed four items, all forwarded with unanimous positive recommendations for full council consideration the same evening.
Old Town Redevelopment Street Improvements — Contract Award (Project ES562)
The city received eight bids in December 2025 for street improvements in the Old Town neighborhood, part of a public-private partnership governed by development agreements with Barbbury, Inc. (2020) and Old Town LLC (2023), as well as a 2024 economic development grant and loan agreement with Whatcom County. Project Engineer Craig Mueller explained that the work will cover back-of-curb-to-back-of-curb improvements on C, D, and E Streets from Holly Street to Bancroft, and on Aster Street from C Street to F Street. It will include permanent street lighting (particularly on Aster Street), undergrounding of overhead utility lines (except transmission lines on C Street), and raised, curbless intersections at Aster Street cross-streets — designed to give the area a pedestrian-oriented, residential feel similar to the Holly/Magnolia/Champion corridor near the federal building. Sidewalk installation on most blocks will be left to the developer as individual parcels are developed.
Earthwork Solutions LLC submitted the lowest responsive bid at approximately $5.9 million including sales tax — about 15% below the engineer's estimate of $6.8 million and within the project budget. The project carries an apprenticeship hour requirement. Work is expected to begin in late February 2026 and be completed by July 2026, timed to allow occupancy of the developer's first housing building. Funding comes roughly equally from the Whatcom County grant/loan (~$3 million) and local real estate excise tax and transportation funds.
Vote: Unanimously approved by committee (Anderson moved; all three members in favor).
Fiber Optic Franchise — NFC Northwest, LLC
The committee considered an ordinance granting a telecommunications franchise to NFC Northwest, LLC to install, operate, and maintain fiber optic broadband infrastructure in city rights-of-way. Assistant Director of Public Works Mike Wilson and staff attorney Matt Stamps explained a somewhat complex corporate structure: NFC Northwest is connected through ownership and contractual agreements to Ziply Fiber, which owns the main trunk line bringing internet service into Bellingham. NFC Northwest will manage the distribution network to homes and businesses, while Ziply will continue handling operations, maintenance, and customer relationships. The franchise is required to formalize NFC Northwest's role under this new arrangement.
The 10-year franchise term and $100,000 bond are consistent with the city's recent practice (the city may grant up to 25-year terms). Wilson noted the city has limited negotiating authority under Municipal Code Chapter 13.15 and City Charter Article 11 — staff essentially apply standard conditions and cannot refuse a properly submitted application.
Council Member Anderson flagged a minor but practical issue: Ziply's October 2025 letter to the city was addressed to a public works employee who left three years ago. Staff confirmed they are already working to update the contact information.
Council Member Lilliquist noted, as he had with a previous franchise agreement, that he would like the city to proactively revisit the municipal code to strengthen language around utility undergrounding when feasible — something that cannot be applied retroactively but should be addressed before the next such franchise comes forward.
Vote: Unanimously approved by committee (Anderson moved; all three members in favor).
Central Library Interior Renovation — Acceptance of Two State Commerce Grants
The committee approved acceptance of two grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, totaling just under $3 million combined:
Contract #26-96647-028: $999,100
Contract #26-96647-001: $1,950,000
Public Works Assistant Director Carol Rothfgar explained the funds will support renovation of the library's ground-floor children's space, modifications to the mezzanine-level administrative area, and potential security and help-desk updates on the main floor. Library Director Rebecca Jeff confirmed the project is now fully funded.
The design is being finalized, with design development and construction documents expected this summer, bidding in fall 2026, and construction anticipated to begin in late 2026 or early January 2027 — at which point some library closures for patrons will be necessary.
Council Member Lilliquist singled out State Representative Timmons and the 40th and 42nd Legislative District delegations for securing the $2 million Local and Community Projects grant — the maximum award available in that competitive state cycle — calling it a meaningful achievement given recent tight state budget years.
Vote: Unanimously approved by committee (Anderson moved both items together; all three members in favor).
Key Takeaways
Old Town street improvements are moving forward with a $5.9 million contract awarded to Earthwork Solutions LLC — work begins late February and should wrap up by July 2026, supporting the first new housing in the Old Town redevelopment area.
Ziply Fiber's local distribution network is getting a new legal identity (NFC Northwest, LLC) requiring a franchise agreement; service to customers is not expected to change.
The Central Library renovation is fully funded, with nearly $3 million in new state grants accepted — construction is on track to begin late 2026/early 2027, with some patron-facing closures expected at that time.
Council Member Lilliquist signaled a future policy effort to strengthen undergrounding requirements for telecom franchises in city code before the next franchise agreement comes forward.
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
A contract award for Old Town Redevelopment, Project ES562, Bid No. 81B-2025
Staff presented a contract award for Old Town Redevelopment Project ES562, Bid No. 81B-2025, involving street improvements on C, D, E, and Aster Streets. Earthwork Solutions LLC submitted the lowest responsive bid at $5.9 million (including sales tax), approximately 15% below the engineer's estimate of $6.8 million. Project Engineer Craig Mueller explained the scope includes back-of-curb improvements, interim/permanent lighting on Aster Street, and undergrounding of utility lines, with curbless raised intersections designed to enhance pedestrian experience. Council Member Liiloquist questioned the back-of-curb description and clarification was provided that the developer will handle sidewalks and streetscape on most blocks. The project is expected to begin in late February and complete by July, enabling occupancy of the first residential building. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval, with funding from county grants/loans (approximately $3 million) and local sources.
An ordinance granting to NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to install, operate, and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of telecommunications services to Bellingham businesses and residents
Staff presented an ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to install, operate, and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in city rights of way for commercial telecommunications services. Council Member Liiloquist noted the complex corporate structure with multiple layers of ownership, suggesting involvement of a major telecom concern, while Assistant Director of Public Works Mike Wilson and City Engineer Matt Stamps recommended approval, explaining that the partnership involves Ziply Fiber as one of the partners. The franchise agreement includes a 10-year term (with authority for up to 25 years), a $100,000 bond, and application fees consistent with recent practices. Committee member Lisa raised a concern about outdated contact information in city records, noting that Ziply's October 29th letter was addressed to Chad Scholhouser who left three years ago, and requested the contact be updated in public works. The committee voted unanimously to approve the franchise ordinance, while another member expressed a desire to strengthen undergrounding language in the municipal code for future franchise agreements.
Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-028)
# Summary
Staff presented acceptance of two Washington State Department of Commerce grants totaling approximately $3 million for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, with Carol Rothfgar, assistant director of public works, explaining the funds will support ground floor renovations, children's space updates, mezzanine administrative modifications, and potential security enhancements. The grants consist of contract 26-96647-028 for $999,100 and contract 26-96647-001 for $1.95 million, representing the maximum award from a competitive state bid cycle; staff recognized Rep. Timmons and representatives from the 40th and 42nd districts for securing these funds during difficult budget years. A committee member confirmed the project is fully funded and moved approval of both items, noting appreciation for the additional funding toward this needed project. The motion passed unanimously, with design development proceeding and construction documents expected this summer, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2025 or January 2026 and library closures expected at year-end or early next year.
Staff presented acceptance of two Washington State Department of Commerce grants totaling approximately $3 million for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, with Carol Rothfgar, assistant director of public works, explaining the funds will support ground floor renovations, children's space updates, mezzanine administrative modifications, and potential security enhancements. The grants consist of contract 26-96647-028 for $999,100 and contract 26-96647-001 for $1.95 million, representing the maximum award from a competitive state bid cycle; staff recognized Rep. Timmons and representatives from the 40th and 42nd districts for securing these funds during difficult budget years. A committee member confirmed the project is fully funded and moved approval of both items, noting appreciation for the additional funding toward this needed project. The motion passed unanimously, with design development proceeding and construction documents expected this summer, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2025 or January 2026 and library closures expected at year-end or early next year.
Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-001)
# Summary
The committee unanimously approved a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, voting together with item 24815 as part of the same funding initiative. The combined grants totaled $3 million toward the library project. All committee members voted in favor of approving both grants and related contracts in a single motion.
The committee unanimously approved a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, voting together with item 24815 as part of the same funding initiative. The combined grants totaled $3 million toward the library project. All committee members voted in favor of approving both grants and related contracts in a single motion.
Agenda items (4)
Procedural (4)
24807ProceduralA contract award for Old Town Redevelopment, Project ES562, Bid No. 81B-2025
The city is awarding a contract to a company to carry out construction or improvements for the Old Town Redevelopment project. This is a procedural approval of the winning bid.
What happened
Staff presented a contract award for Old Town Redevelopment Project ES562, Bid No. 81B-2025, involving street improvements on C, D, E, and Aster Streets. Earthwork Solutions LLC submitted the lowest responsive bid at $5.9 million (including sales tax), approximately 15% below the engineer's estimate of $6.8 million. Project Engineer Craig Mueller explained the scope includes back-of-curb improvements, interim/permanent lighting on Aster Street, and undergrounding of utility lines, with curbless raised intersections designed to enhance pedestrian experience. Council Member Liiloquist questioned the back-of-curb description and clarification was provided that the developer will handle sidewalks and streetscape on most blocks. The project is expected to begin in late February and complete by July, enabling occupancy of the first residential building. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval, with funding from county grants/loans (approximately $3 million) and local sources.24808ProceduralAn ordinance granting to NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to install, operate, and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of telecommunications services to Bellingham businesses and residents
NFC Northwest, LLC is being granted permission to build and operate a fiber optic network throughout Bellingham's streets and public areas to provide high-speed internet service to local residents and businesses.
What happened
Staff presented an ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to install, operate, and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in city rights of way for commercial telecommunications services. Council Member Liiloquist noted the complex corporate structure with multiple layers of ownership, suggesting involvement of a major telecom concern, while Assistant Director of Public Works Mike Wilson and City Engineer Matt Stamps recommended approval, explaining that the partnership involves Ziply Fiber as one of the partners. The franchise agreement includes a 10-year term (with authority for up to 25 years), a $100,000 bond, and application fees consistent with recent practices. Committee member Lisa raised a concern about outdated contact information in city records, noting that Ziply's October 29th letter was addressed to Chad Scholhouser who left three years ago, and requested the contact be updated in public works. The committee voted unanimously to approve the franchise ordinance, while another member expressed a desire to strengthen undergrounding language in the municipal code for future franchise agreements.24815ProceduralAcceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-028)
Bellingham is accepting state funding from Washington to help pay for renovations to the inside of the Central Library building.
What happened
# SummaryStaff presented acceptance of two Washington State Department of Commerce grants totaling approximately $3 million for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, with Carol Rothfgar, assistant director of public works, explaining the funds will support ground floor renovations, children's space updates, mezzanine administrative modifications, and potential security enhancements. The grants consist of contract 26-96647-028 for $999,100 and contract 26-96647-001 for $1.95 million, representing the maximum award from a competitive state bid cycle; staff recognized Rep. Timmons and representatives from the 40th and 42nd districts for securing these funds during difficult budget years. A committee member confirmed the project is fully funded and moved approval of both items, noting appreciation for the additional funding toward this needed project. The motion passed unanimously, with design development proceeding and construction documents expected this summer, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2025 or January 2026 and library closures expected at year-end or early next year.
24816ProceduralAcceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project (Contract #26-96647-001)
Bellingham is accepting additional state funding from Washington to help pay for renovations to the inside of the Central Library building.
What happened
# SummaryThe committee unanimously approved a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, voting together with item 24815 as part of the same funding initiative. The combined grants totaled $3 million toward the library project. All committee members voted in favor of approving both grants and related contracts in a single motion.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Award contract No. 81B-2025 for Old Town Redevelopment Project
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Recommend approval of ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Accept grant from WA Dept. of Commerce for Central Library Renovation (Contract #26-96647-028)
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Accept grant from WA Dept. of Commerce for Central Library Renovation (Contract #26-96647-001)
aye 3
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Verbatim transcript available
61 transcript segments indexed
Good afternoon and welcome to the Bellingham City Council committee meetings. Thank you for joining us. The first committee we have this afternoon is public works and natural resources. That committee is chaired by council member Liiloquist.
City of Bellingham Public Works and Natural Resources Committee minutes January 26, 2026, 1:00 PM 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.
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 24807 1.
So I will turn it over to him at this time. >> Thank you, President Stone. Uh joining me on the public works and natural resources committee are council members Anderson and Cotton. We have four items before us today.
A contract award for Old Town Redevelopment, Project ES562, Bid No. 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 Street, and Astor Street from C Street to F Street.
The first of those items is a contract award for Oldtown Redevelopment Project ES562. Bid number 81B 2025. As part of a public private partnership, the city is constructing street improvements in accordance with a 2020 development agreement with Barbbury, Inc.
and a 2023 development agreement with Oldtown LLC and the 2024 economic development improvement grant and loan agreement with Watcom County. The city publicly opened eight bids on December 17th, 2025.
Council Members discussed the contract award and asked questions. Action: Lisa Anderson 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.
Earthwork Solutions LLC was a responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid of about $5.9 million including sales tax. The engineers estimate was above that by about 15% at about $6.8 million and the project does include an apprenticeship hour requirement due to the size and scope of the work.
MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 24808 2. An ordinance granting to NFC Northwest, LLC a franchise to install, operate, and maintain fiber optic broadband network components in City rights-of-way for the provision of telecommunications services to Bellingham businesses and residents Page 1 of 3 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.
Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Action: Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of the ordinance. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 24815 3. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of 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.
Uh shall I turn over to you Mike first or Craig? Uh here to uh talk about the project is project engineer Craig Mueller. >> Hello Craig Mueller uh public works project engineer. The Oldtown project uh will primarily consist of back of curb to back of curb improvements on C Street, D Street and E Street from Holly Street to Bankraftoft and from Aster Street from C Street to F Street.
Uh this is in in accordance with the uh the agreed upon terms of the redevelopment agreement with Barbber's. And in addition to uh the scope in that agreement, uh the city sought out a uh economic development grant uh loan funding uh funding source and expanded it to D and E streets and will also include some of the uh the interim lighting uh which is actually going to be the permanent lighting lighting especially on on Aster Street and undergrounding of overhead uh utility lines with the exception of the transmission lines that run on Sea Street.
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.
So, there were we opened bids. Uh there were eight biders. Low bid is uh uh about $5.9 million. Um all within within budgeted amount. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mueller. One thing is you describe the um development in a way that's not very typical.
Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Action: 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.
backup curb to backup curve curb which leaves out just the sidewalk >> because there the developer would do >> yes the curb >> uh there will be a couple of blocks of sidewalks um one block on sea street and then the block of aster from D to E included in this uh the rest are going to be done by the developer as each one develops uh the that's why the back of curb to back of curb the streetscape uh is up to the developer to propose for what they want to see for it.
MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 24816 4. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of 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.
Uh, one of the things I should mention is that this was heavily coordinated uh with the developer uh so that we can make the the Oldtown sub area plan uh vision a reality. The intersections on Aster Street will be curbless.
Council Members discussed the grant and asked questions. Page 2 of 3 Action: Lisa Anderson moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the grant agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce Contract #26-96647-001 for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project.
Uh they will be raised intersections. Um, so it will look similar to say Holly or Magnolian Champion uh by the federal building. Similar to that um make it stand out. The easiest way to describe it >> is the idea to give it a more pedestrian feel.
What is >> more of a pedestrian feel? Uh the throughway uh will remain Holly Street. As far as businesses, it will probably be primarily a residential uh residential walking field. >> Committee members, Lisa, >> uh do you know when the work will begin and the duration?
>> Uh it's approximately a fivemonth project and we would like to begin uh within a month. So, uh, towards the end of February, it would be completed in July, uh, which would then give time for occupancy of the first building that the developer will have, uh, coming online for additional housing.
>> Discussion or a motion? Isa, >> move approval. >> Any further discussion? a motion before us before the committee to recommend uh approval of the uh contract award for Oldtown Redevelopment Project.
All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? And I'll bring that forward with a positive recommendation uh this evening. I note that again the grant and loan funding from the county is approximately half of the budget around 3 million and the other two sources of funding are their local real estate tax and the transportation fund itself.
We'll go on to the next item. Thank you. Uh >> yes, thank you, Craig. Uh the next one is 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 and business for to businesses and residents.
In reading this note, it it looks like this LLC is owned by somebody else who's owned by somebody else who's owned by somebody else. It's it appears to be a major telecom concern. Um, should I turn this over to you, Mike, or >> Yes, please.
>> Thank you. Mike Wilson, uh, assistant director of public works over engineering and the city engineer, joined here with Matt Stamps. So, as you, uh, picked up on this, this is a proposal for another franchise agreement.
We're recommending approval of that franchise. The it is uh, for NFC Northwest LLC is the would be the franchisee. they are u nested in either via ownership or by contract or agreement it appears with several other agencies.
So this is really just representing some business transactions to where the new player in town is Northwest or NFC Northwest and they u need to have a franchise agreement to operate as they do. The one of the partners is Ziply Fiber.
Uh, Zipley will own one of the main trunk lines that gets the internet service into town and then, uh, NFC Northwest will have the distribution network out to the the homes. Further complicated, it appears to be the fact that Ziply will continue to be the presence in terms of operating and maintaining and having the customer relationship.
So, it's this corporate structure, these corporate agreements that uh are bringing us here with the new the new franchise B franchisee being NFC Northwest. We've uh um to to facilitate that we council approval uh is required.
We've uh looked at the application that they've submitted. They've paid the appropriate fees and um the uh terms of the agreement we've entered in on a 10-year term. We can allow up to 25 years, but consistent with recent practices, we're doing a 10-year term and and uh bonds uh are set at $100,000 uh dollars, which is consistent with recent practices as well.
So, happy to address any questions as we recommend approval. >> Thank you. I forgot to actually read the summary statement. Included in there is the fact that the city's franchise franchising authority is contained in a municipal code chapter 13.15 and also in article 11 of the city charter.
Um the tach ordinance has been negotiated by city staff and the applicant but it really is constrained mostly by that municipal code and we have limited authority to do negotiating. So it's basically the same conditions that we apply to other franchises and we really don't have the right to refuse.
We just have the right to bind them to the local rules if that's correct. Mr. Stamps. >> Oh, that's correct. Yep. Committee members, Lisa, >> this will be a a slightly odd request, but um if it hasn't been done already, if it could be done uh because it kind of set me for a loop.
Um Zipley's letter to the city um dated October 29th was addressed to an employee who has been gone for three years. Could someone contact and have them update their contact person um in public works?
It was addressed to Chad Scholhouser and I think he left about three years ago. I I had a look to see if he came back to employment and I don't think he's left Tennessee. So, um if it hasn't been updated, it would be a courtesy because >> good observation.
>> He came back. >> Chad is not back yet that we know of. So, but and we've made we've reached out to clarify that contact uh information. So, it's in the works. >> Thank you. I think um having proper contact is really important, especially if something's not going right.
Um but no other questions, so I'll move approval. >> We have a motion before us to approve the ordinance granting a franchise to NFC Northwest for fiber optic broadband network components and city rights of way.
Any further discussion? Um I do have something I would like to bring up. Uh, this happened. I brought this up last time with the previous franchise agreement that we really are bound by the the municipal code and I really would appreciate us looking at that because I think that we could have some stronger language on undergrounding when it's feasible.
Um, but we can't do that retroactively. So, I'd like to do that proactively as soon as uh that rises to the top of the priority work list. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. All those opposed. Again, I'll bring that forward a positive unanimous recommendation tonight. We then move on to the last two items which are similar. Uh both have pretty much the same title but they refer to slightly different contract numbers.
They are acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project. The first is contract 26-96647-028 and the second item is contract 26-96647001.
The first of those two items is for just a hair under a million, $999,100. And the second one is for again just a hair under $2 million at 1.95 million. both those doing to I think there's some like administrative fee or something that dings it.
Uh the city applied for the grants and received both of these grants uh as part of the uh state capital budget for the interior renovation project for our library. The grant funding will be administered by the department of commerce resulting in the monies given to us.
They will be used for youth and staff space replacements as well as safety and security updates. I see that uh both our library director here and Carol Rothgar, public works assistant director. Who would like to start?
>> I can start. Uh Carol Rothfgar, assistant director of public works over internal services. These are two grants that the library was awarded to go towards the funding of the library project which will be encompassing the the ground floor um and renovations of the children's space and some modifications on the mezzanine level which is the administrative space and with any luck maybe some a touching of of some area on the the main floor for security for the help desk.
Committee members >> excited to get the grants. Um I don't really have any questions. I just you know want to appreciate the work to get the additional funding towards this much needed project. Um, and just to expedite, I will uh move approval of agenda item 24815 and 24816 for both of the grants to be awarded.
>> We have a motion before us to approve the two grants uh outlined in agenda bill 24815 and 24816. Any further discussion? Um, so this is a happy $3 million towards the total project. Um it is in our capital budget.
Um is the project fully funded and when will you be going out for bids and potentially seeing the work? >> So we're just finalizing our um base design and we're going to go into uh design development and we'll be reaching in construction documents probably this summer.
Uh going out to bid in fall and then there's a process for bidding a three-month process by the time we get it to council and get it through contract. So, we anticipate um really the work starting in probably January or very late uh 2026.
>> And so then in in um the end of the year or early next year, that is when them will begin to be library closures for patrons. >> Correct. >> Correct. And as I said, is this project fully funded now?
>> I believe so. >> Okay, that's good news. Any further discussion? And um Michael maybe I could add if um so the the uh 2 million for the local and community project grant that's the maximum award for that's a competitive uh bid cycle for the state and the local and community project grant that was um championed by uh Rep.
Timmons and so really wanted to give a a shout out in in this very difficult budget year uh these past budget years in Olympia to Rep. Timmons and everyone at the in the 40th and 42nd who really went to bat for those funds for our community.
So big thank you to them. >> Thank you very much. And that was library director Rebecca Jeff. Any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion to approve both these uh grants and both these contracts, I'm sorry, signify by saying I.
>> I. All those opposed, I will bring both those items forward with a positive re recommendation uh this evening. That concludes the public works and natural resources committee and I turn the meeting over to council president Stone.
>> Thank you very much. Um so we will have a brief maybe longer than brief break until our next committee meeting. So parks and recreation will begin at 1:45. That's chaired by council member Williams.