Action Taken at February 9, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
12. Declare a duplex building located at 1504 and 1506 I Street as surplus? (Public hearing held.) The property will be designated for special disposition through a negotiated sale using a request for proposals process. The purchase of the subject parcel was executed in 1989. The assessor’s office lists the purchase of the parcel from Hiroshi and Mikeo Takaki for $18,500. For the past 36 years, the subject parcel has been used for the purposes of providing transitional housing to low-income families and households. In 1990, the city conveyed the property to the Opportunity Council. As the owner, the Opportunity Council assumed all property management duties for the subject parcel. The Opportunity Council recently notified the city that they no longer intended to run the property as a transitional housing facility. City staff determined that the use as transitional housing is still greatly needed, as is any affordable housing use, and is planning to exercise the city’s reversionary interest simultaneously with the sale or lease of the property to another nonprofit which would provide similar services. (AB24824) Approved 7-0
13. The mayor appointed three members to the Water Resources Advisory Board. The board will consist of no more than nine members with no limit to the number of terms served. The board informs and guides the city’s planning and policy regarding the protection and management of water resources, including municipal water, sewer, surface and stormwater systems, controls rates, and drinking water source protection. The Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board was dissolved at the 6/5/2023 meeting, vote #113, decisions on land acquisitions around the Lake Whatcom are now made by the Water Resource Advisory Board.(AB24817)
13a. Approve the appointment of Kristin Haider to the Water Resources Advisory Board? Kristin has worked for the Whatcom Conservation District as a dairy planner helping dairy farmers manage their nutrients and has a Master of Ecology. She is currently employed by Tidal Vision, a green chemical manufacturer in Bellingham. Her first term expires on 2/9/2029. (AB24817) Approved 7-0
13b. Approve the reappointment of Kirsten McDade to the Water Resources Advisory Board? Kirsten McDade is a 25-year resident of Bellingham and the North Sound Waterkeeper for RE Sources. She was one of the initial appointments to the Water Resources Advisory Board at the 1/29/2024 meeting. Her second term expires on 1/29/2029. (AB24817) Approved 7-0
13c. Approve the reappointment of John Peppel to the Water Resources Advisory Board? John Peppel was initially appointed to the Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board at the 8/19/2019 meeting, vote #135 and reappointed at the 8/1/2022 meeting, vote #134. He was one of the an initial appointments to the Water Resources Advisory Board at the 1/29/2024 meeting. He was a senior vice president of Caargill Animal Nutrition and served for many years on the Global Agri-business Alliance. His third term expires on 1/29/2029. (AB24817) Approved 7-0
14. Appropriate $5,908,167 for payroll checks issued from December 16 to December 31, 2025? (AB24820) Approved 7-0
15. Authorize the mayor to renew a three-year agreement with Whatcom County District Court Probation Department for domestic violence perpetrator treatment program? Whatcom County currently experiences insufficient capacity of, and local accessibility to, certified treatment for defendants who have a history of violent behavior toward intimate partners and family members. These treatment services are often ordered by the courts as part of criminal justice proceedings. At the 10/3/2022 meeting, vote #184, the council approved the original agreement with Whatcom County. The county has established a protocol and procedure for distribution and documentation of the domestic violence perpetrator funds, and has agreed to provide continued administrative oversight. The city is allocating $50,000 annually to reimburse assessment and treatment expenses for defendants referred by Bellingham Municipal Court. This agreement expires on 12/31/2028. (AB24821) Approved 7-0
16. Approve the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) grant recommendations for the Bellingham Fan Zone and Downtown Activations and Beautification Program? The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has authorized up to $150,000 for Bellingham Fan Zone activities and $250,000 for the 3rd round of Downtown Activation and Beautification grants. The Bellingham Fan Zone program consists of community-driven projects to enliven celebrations in Bellingham leading up to and during the World Cup soccer tournament taking place between 6/11 and 7/26/2026, such as community watch parties, designated Fan Zone venues and soccer-related activities. The beautification program includes such activities as Bellingham Blooms, a Procession of the Species parade and the Bay Street Outdoor Cinema. (AB24823) Approved 7-0
17. Appropriate $3,793,924 for goods and services checks issued from January 9 through January 15, 2026? (AB24828) Approved 7-0
18. Authorize the mayor to award the low bid of $12,763,391 to Coacurcio Brothers of Blaine for the WhatComm Emergency Communications Center Project? The engineer’s estimate was $13,469,486. The What-comm 911 Communication Center provides countywide answering and law enforcement dispatch services. The current call center is housed in an old fire station built in 1954 and the operation has outgrown the building. The new building will be climate resilient for heat, cold, smoke, and other severe weather conditions. It will include redundant and reliable systems for public safety (backup power, earthquake, security, etc.) as well as a radio tower to support communications and radio equipment. The new building will be constructed on the existing site while the current building is still in operation. Demolition of the current building and landscaping will be completed upon occupation of the new building. The city received eight bids, the high bid was $14,542,114. (AB24826) Approved 7-0
19. Create a second municipal judge position and set the process for appointing new judges and holding elections for appointed judge positions? This ordinance authorizes the mayor to appoint a second municipal judge and specifies that an election should be held to fill a term beginning 1/1/2030. Over the past several years, caseload filings and severity have increased. Currently, the court is staffed by one judge and one commissioner. Commissioners cannot hear trials, which limits the capacity of the court. This change will ensure the court can hear cases in a timely manner, ensuring it meets the constitutional requirement for a speedy trial. The total cost for a second municipal judge position is $288,547 in 2026. This expense will be offset by the freezing of the court commissioner position at $250,359 and additional funding from the state Administrative Office of the Courts at $22,388 to offset judicial salaries. AB24813 (Ordinance 2026-02-002) Approved 7-0
20. Grant a 10-year telecommunications franchise to NFC Northwest of Duluth, Georgia? The nonexclusive franchise will install and operate fiber optic broadband network components in city rights-of-way for the provision of telecommunications services to Bellingham businesses and residents. Construction within the right-of-way requires additional site-specific public works permits for each discrete project. AB24808 (Ordinance 2026-02-003) Approved 7-0
________________________________________________
Action Taken at February 23, 2026 meeting
Shall the council:
21. Authorize the mayor to accept a $2,315,000 federal grant for the Samish Way and Maple Street Overlay Project? The existing pavement on Samish Way and Maple Street is in poor condition. The project includes pavement resurfacing and improving street lighting along the corridor between Bill McDonald Parkway and Ellis Street. The grant does not require a local match. Project will be designed through 2026 with construction in the summer of 2027. (AB24837) Approved 7-0
22. Authorize the mayor to accept a $10,460,000 federal grant for the Electric Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project? In June 2024, the city implemented a closure of the bridge due to critical structural issues that were identified as part of the regular bridge inspection program. At the 6/17/2024 meeting, vote #120, the council declared a public emergency to expedite bridge repairs. Over the summer, temporary repairs were performed and the bridge reopened to general traffic in September 2024, but with a 21-ton weight limit. The bridge only includes a narrow sidewalk on one side and no dedicated bicycle facilities. The reconstructed bridge will include facilities for people walking and biking. The grant requires a local match of $1,385,600 for a total estimated project cost of $11,845,600. Construction is currently scheduled for 2028. (AB24838) Approved 7-0
23. Authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District for a temporary water supply? The district is seeking a temporary water supply to allow for maintenance of an existing water reservoir and the construction of a new reservoir within the district’s potable water system. The City of Bellingham has the capacity to provide the district with temporary water. The district will pay the city an estimated $250,000 that will provide revenue for the city water fund. The agreement will allow the district to continue to provide their customers with water during construction. The city has sufficient capacity to provide this service with no impact to city customers. The construction is expected to last approximately 12 months and the agreement allows for an extension of up to a total of 34 months. (AB24842) Approved 7-0
24. Authorize the mayor to sign a one-year agreement with Whatcom County to provide $100,000 in funding for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission? At the County Council meeting on 10/11/2022, vote #257, they created the 31-member commission to serve as an advisory board to local government agencies and other organizations working within Whatcom County to promote racial equity. The city and Whatcom County each committed to $100,000 of funding per year for the first three years (2023-2025) of the commission’s work. The city’s 2026 adopted budget includes $100,000 to fund the commission’s work in 2026. (AB24835) Approved 7-0
25. Appropriate $15,726,559 for goods and services checks issued from January 16, 2026 through February 5, 2026? (AB24830/24832/24833) Approved 7-0
26. Appropriate $5,714,176 for payroll checks issued from January 1 to January 15, 2026? (AB24831) Approved 7-0
27. Authorize the mayor to sign the amended 2026 agreement with Whatcom County for paramedic training? The overall contract amount for paramedic training is reduced by $224,823 to reflect the lack of need for lateral training in 2026? Each year the fire department brings forward an agreement for the per-student costs associated with evaluating and back-fill for initial paramedic students and lateral paramedic training. On 11/5/2025 meeting, vote #269, the City Council approved a contract and agreement with Whatcom County for paramedic training. The original contract funded training costs associated with new paramedic training and lateral paramedic training. Since that time the city has determined that the lateral training portion of the agreement is not needed for 2026. The amended amount of $783,619 is in alignment with the adopted 2026 budget. (AB24836) Approved 7-0
28. Authorize the police chief to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office? This memorandum will allow the Bellingham Police Department to place a licensed explosive storage magazine and detonator storage magazine at the sheriff ’s office facilities located at 901 W. Smith Road. These magazines are to be a shared resource for authorized individuals by both agencies, including bomb technicians and explosive breachers. Explosive handlers’ licenses include yearly review for ongoing training and renewal compliance. This is a continuation of previously approved memorandum of understandings with the Whatcom County Sheriff ’s Office for explosive storage. (AB24840) Approved 7-0
29. Reaffirm the city’s commitment to immigrant rights and civil rights and denounce federal immigration enforcement actions that endanger public safety and violate individuals’ constitutional rights in Bellingham and nationwide? This reaffirmation comes forward in light of the recent unprecedented and unlawful actions by the federal government in the context of immigration enforcement. The council previously adopted votes* affirming racism as a public health crisis; authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Whatcom County for the creation of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, reaffirming the City of Bellingham as a welcoming city where people have a right to live free of discrimination, violence and systemic barriers that threaten their safety, well-being and human rights. AB24841 (Resolution 2026-02) Amended and approved 7-0
30. Adopt a four-year Commute Trip Reduction Plan for 2025-2029 and implement measures required by state law? The City of Bellingham is required to regularly review and update its Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan to remain consistent with the Growth Management Act and establish new four-year performance targets. The CTR program establishes requirements for affected employers to encourage alternative commute modes and reduce single-occupant vehicle commute trips. Under the city’s plan, every affected employer is afforded two options for CTR compliance. The first option is development of their own custom plan in accordance with the RCW. The second option is enrollment in Whatcom Council of Government’s Smart Trips Program. The plan was amended to set a 57 percent drive-alone-rate to align with the city’s Comprehensive Plan passed 7-0, as did a second motion to amend the plan by removing SilFab Solar Inc. as a City of Bellingham site. AB24829 (Ordinance 2026-02-004) Amended and approved 7-0.
*At the 2/13/2017 meeting, vote #29, the City Council passed Resolution 2017-10. It affirmed the safety of all people residing in Bellingham. At the 2/27/2017 meeting, vote #39, the City Council passed Ordinance 2017-02-008. It established a city policy with respect to immigration enforcement, equal protection and equal provision of city services. At the 9/27/2021 meeting, vote 183, the City Council passed Resolution 2021-26. It affirmed that racism is a public health crisis. At the 11/7/2022 meeting, vote #208, the City Council allocated $100,000 annually for three years to fund the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission. At the 9/30/2024 meeting, vote 193, the City Council passed Resolution 2024-24. It created the Keep Washington Working Act Advisory Group. The Keep Washington Working Act was established in 2019 by the state Legislature to restrict local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws. At the 6/9/2025 meeting, vote #116, the City Council passed Resolution 2025-09. It reaffirmed that the City of Bellingham is a welcoming city.
__________________________________________
Action Taken at the March 9, 2026 Meeting
Shall the council:
31. Authorize the mayor to spend $400,000 to purchase property from owner, Tracy M. Jovolos? MOTION CARRIED 7-0
32. Approve the mayor’s reappointment of Jamin Agosti to the Transportation Commission? The Transportation Commission is expected to help shape the future of Bellingham by taking a long-range, strategic look at transportation issues and providing recommendations on policy choices and investment priorities. At the 6/17/2024 meeting, vote #112, Jamin Agosti was appointed to a partial term. He is a bike and public transportation advocate, attorney and board member of Walk and Roll. His first full term will expiring on 3/13/2029. (AB24851) Approved 7-0
33. Confirm Nicholas Henery* as the second judge for the Bellingham Municipal Court? Filling this position will ensure the court can hear cases in a timely manner, ensuring it meets the constitutional requirement for a speedy trial. At the 2/9/2026 meeting, vote #20, the council created the second judge position and set up the process for appointing a new judge and holding elections. Judge Henery meets the city code qualifications and was selected by the mayor from a pool of candidates who applied for the position. Nicholas Henery has served as the municipal court commissioner since January 2022, and will begin service on 3/16/2026, the term ends on 12/31/2029. The officeholder for the term that begins 1/1/2030, will be determined at the November 2029 general election. (AB24845) Approved 7-0
34. Appropriate $ 5,788,182 for payroll checks issued from January 16 through January 31, 2026? (AB24846) Approved 7-0
35. Appropriate $6,418,479 for goods and services checks issued from February 6 through February 19, 2026? (AB24852/24853) Approved 7-0
36. Extend the emergency ordinance regulating the preservation of landmark trees for another six months? (Public hearing held at February 23 meeting.) The extension will provide staff the opportunity to address other workload priorities that have statutory timelines. At the 5/20/2024 meeting, vote #104, the council passed the emergency ordinance. It was extended at the 11/4/2024 meeting, vote #225, the 3/10/2025 meeting, vote #60 and the 8/25/2025 meeting, vote 175. Emergency extensions required public hearings. This extension expires on 9/26/2026. AB24843 (Ordinance 2026-03-005) Approved 7-0
*After the City Council confirmed Nicholas Henery, he was sworn into the judge position by Judge Debra Lev.
______________________________________
Action Taken at March 23, 2026 Meeting
Mayor’s report
Mayor Lund highlighted the I-5 North closures after a landslide on Friday evening. The Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol and other community partners continue to communicate and monitor the impacts of this incident. The city is experiencing increased congestion on both Samish Way and Chuckanut Drive detours. Mayor Lund asked for the community’s continued patience and acknowledged the Public Works team, who are monitoring this situation.
Shall the council:
37. Authorize the mayor to sign a $425,000 settlement agreement with Troy and Adrienne Haskell? On November 11 and 12, 2025, and again on December 11, 2025, the city’s water main burst in the Edgemoor neighborhood releasing a substantial volume of water that flooded a residence on Bayside Road and saturated the soil triggering an embankment slide. A similar water-system failure occurred 17 years earlier affecting this same property. The Bayside Road property sustained structural, foundation, wall/finish, flooring, cabinetry, mechanical/electrical and code-upgrade costs. There was emergency shoring, debris removal, erosion and sediment control, revegetation, monitoring and geotechnical design/observation. (Discussed in Executive Session.) Motion carried 6-0 Michael Lilliquist excused.
38. Appropriate $5,478,777 for payroll checks issued from February 1 through February 15, 2026? (AB24850) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
39. The mayor made two appointments to the Planning Commission. The commission conducts hearings on the City Comprehensive Plan and its implementation. It reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on the adoption and enforcement of plans and regulations for the physical development of the city. Terms of office are four years with a two term limit.
39a. Approve the major’s appointment of Claire Swingle to a first term on the Planning Commission? Claire Swingle has a master’s degree in Climate Change Policy from Yales School of the Environment. She works on renewal energy and demand response policy for electric utility company CPower Energy and has lived in the city for two years. Her first term expires on March 23, 2030; she can be reappointed. (AB24858) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
39b. Approve the major’s appointment of Jeb Ballew to a second full term on the Planning Commission? He was initially appointed to a partial term at the 3/8/2021 meeting, vote #35 and a full term at the 2/28/2022 meeting, vote #30. He is an eight-and-a-half year resident of Bellingham and is a partner at Zervas Architects with 26 years’ experience as an architect. He has been involved with the Lighthouse Mission. His second term expires on March 24, 2030; he cannot be reappointed. (AB24858) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
40. Approve the appointment of Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk, as a new public records officer for the City of Bellingham? Since 2021, Senior Assistant City Attorney Sarah Chaplin has served as the city’s public records officer. The city has recently transitioned public records processing duties from the city attorney’s office to the city clerk’s office. Ms. Chaplin will continue to provide legal advice and representation regarding public disclosure matters. (AB24865) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
41. Adopt the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan? The master plan re-imagines the Civic Athletic Center as a community space that will serve future generations. The planning effort began in 2022; it provides a strategic blueprint for needed improvements, upgrades, and new facilities. The process included extensive public engagement, such as establishing a consortium of user groups, public surveys, open houses and videos. The plan incorporates the future potential for a relocated elementary school and creates opportunities for expanded indoor recreation, aquatics and a future community center, as well as providing for needed improvements to the major existing recreational assets. (AB24868) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
42. Appropriate $8,611,010 for goods and services checks issued from February 20, 2026 through March 5, 2026? (AB24869/24870) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
43. Reject all bids for the Little Squalicum water quality retrofits project? The city was awarded a $1,499,758.00 state grant to design and build enhanced stormwater treatment facilities in the Birchwood neighborhood north of Little Squalicum Creek. The replacement of a water main under West Illinois Street was added to the project due to its proximity and age. The bid specifications provided for the city to announce the amount of available funding for the project immediately prior to bid opening. The bid specifications further provided that the successful bidder would be the bidder submitting the lowest bid for the highest order preference that was within the available funding amount. The city did not announce the available funding amount for the project immediately prior to bid opening. The city received six bids. Due to the irregularity in the city’s administration of the bid process, it is not possible to determine the low bidder.in accordance with the procedures announced in the bid specification. The city intends to rebid the project. (AB24872) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
44. Authorize the partial relinquishment of a public utility easement located at 524 S. State Street, adjacent to a vacated portion of Bayview Drive? (Public hearing held.) At the 6/3/2019 meeting, vote #112, the council voted to vacate a portion of Bayview Drive and retained an easement for potential future public utility needs within the vacated street segment. The property has a multifamily residence and garage. The buildings will be demolished. The owner has plans to redevelop the site but needs the added area encumbered by the city’s retained utility easement to complete the design and meet current regulations. A small portion of the easement area includes water and storm facilities, which will be rededicated under new easements as part of this relinquishment. The development will also require a portion of the easement to be rededicated as public right-of-way. AB24856 (Resolution 2026-03) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
45. Set 4/15/2026 at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers for a hybrid public hearing before the Bellingham Hearing Examiner to consider a street vacation petition? The vacation is for the eastern one-half of Fir Street, generally located at 3702 Silver Beach Avenue in Bellingham. The petitioner intends to combine the subject right-of-way with abutting property she owns to construct an addition to the existing single-family residence. The petitioner’s property is not located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed. AB24857 (Resolution 2026-04) Approved 6-0, Michael Lilliquist excused.
For more information about the Bellingham City Council, see the print edition of the Whatcom Watch (available on some stands) ; or receive every issue in the mail by subscribing: Click on the “Subscribe” link at the top of this page.
