The Bellingham City Council held a routine but substantive regular meeting on March 10, 2025, processing multiple infrastructure projects, financial updates, and policy discussions amid growing economic uncertainty. The meeting demonstrated efficient governance with all action items passing unanimously, while highlighting both fiscal challenges and continued investment in city infrastructure and services. The most financially significant action was approving $1.98 million for Storybrook Park Phase One and West Maplewood sidewalk improvements, representing the city's continued commitment to parks and transportation infrastructure despite budget pressures. Council also approved a $344,000 warehouse roof replacement at the Pacific Street Operations Center and authorized pursuing federal clean energy tax credits through outside legal counsel at no cost to the city. The Budget and Finance Committee, recently reconvened after being dissolved years ago, delivered concerning news about the city's financial outlook. While revenues remain relatively flat, expenses continue rising, prompting the mayor's office to request 6% budget cuts from department heads, with an additional 3% contingency in case of recession. Council Member Anderson noted that while general fund revenues face pressure, dedicated funds for water, sewer, and roads remain healthy, allowing infrastructure investments to continue. The meeting also featured substantive policy discussions on Lake Whatcom watershed protection and updates to the multifamily tax exemption program. Staff emphasized taking a cautious, data-driven approach to watershed retrofitting, waiting for results from recent program changes before implementing new requirements. The evening concluded with ratification of a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Bellingham Police Guild, including 4.5% and 3.75% cost-of-living adjustments and new benefit structures. #
Bellingham City Council
Executive Summary
Key Decisions & Actions
& Actions **AB 24463 - Pacific Street Operations Center Warehouse Re-Roof:** PASSED 7-0. Awarded contract to Queen City Sheet Metal & Roofing, Inc. for $343,997.46. Staff recommended this bid significantly under the engineer's estimate of $618,215.36. The project addresses a failing roof causing water damage. Solar panel installation for the vehicle barn was deferred due to cost constraints but remains a future priority. **AB 24464 - Clean Energy Tax Credits Legal Counsel:** PASSED 7-0. Authorized the mayor to retain Avisen Legal PA to assist with accessing federal clean energy tax credits at no cost to the city. The Washington Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program, supported by the Department of Commerce, connects local governments with specialized law firms under the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. **AB 24468 - Storybrook Park and West Maplewood Sidewalk Improvements:** PASSED 7-0. Awarded contract to Premium Services, Inc. for $1,983,491.62, slightly above the engineer's estimate of $1,952,394. The project includes playground installation, trail improvements, wetland mitigation, and street improvements with bike lanes. Construction scheduled for completion December 2025, opening January 2026. Staff noted 21 public outreach sessions informed the final design. **AB 24470 - Whatcom Museum Foundation Board Appointment:** PASSED 7-0. Approved Kelsey Klevenberg to a first full term expiring March 10, 2028. **AB 24471 - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Appointment:** PASSED 7-0. Approved Deron Belt to a first full term expiring March 10, 2028. **Police Guild Contract Ratification:** PASSED 7-0. Approved 2025-2026 collective bargaining agreement with 4.5% COLA effective January 1, 2025, and 3.75% COLA effective January 1, 2026. Additional provisions include increased educational and bilingual premiums, enhanced training officer compensation, and $125 monthly health reimbursement for officers not assigned take-home vehicles. **AB 24442 - Landmark T
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**March 24, 2025:** City Council regular meeting with public hearing on middle housing interim zoning regulations (BMC 20.28) to permit infill housing citywide in residential areas, including urban village and residential transition areas. **April 2025:** Public hearing and final consideration of revised multifamily tax exemption program ordinance following Committee of the Whole work session. **April 2025:** Construction begins on James Street and Baker View Road roundabout, with completion expected by end of May 2025. **December 2025:** Storybrook Park Phase One construction completion scheduled, with park opening planned for January 2026. **March 24, 2025:** Update from city's external lobbying team on state legislative session progress. **Ongoing:** Department heads continue 6% budget reduction planning with additional 3% contingency preparations as economic conditions warrant. **Future Budget Committee Sessions:** More detailed financial analysis planned for March 24 meeting as the newly reconvened Budget and Finance Committee monitors fiscal pressures. #
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