The Bellingham City Council Public Works and Natural Resources Committee met for a brief 38-minute session to address three agenda items covering infrastructure maintenance, clean energy funding opportunities, and Lake Whatcom watershed protection strategies. The committee approved two contracts totaling over $343,000 and authorized pursuit of federal clean energy tax credits, while staff provided an update on ongoing Lake Whatcom water quality improvement programs. The most significant action was approval of a $343,997.46 contract with Queen City Sheet Metal & Roofing for critical warehouse roof repairs at the Pacific Street Operations Center. The winning bid came in significantly under the engineer's estimate of $618,215.36, representing substantial cost savings for the city. Committee members expressed disappointment that solar panel installation was excluded from the current contract due to budget constraints and logistical challenges, though staff indicated this remains a future priority. The committee also unanimously approved retaining Avisen Legal PA to help the city access federal clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, with all costs covered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. This represents a strategic move to maximize federal funding opportunities for clean energy projects like electric vehicles, charging stations, and solar installations. The longest discussion focused on Lake Whatcom watershed protection, where staff provided an update on efforts to encourage private property water quality retrofits. Stormwater Utility Manager Jason Porter outlined recent improvements to the Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) and explained why staff recommend waiting for critical data from ongoing studies before implementing new programs. Council Member Michael Lilliquist, who initiated the original motion requesting this discussion, pressed for more aggressive outreach to property owners beyond the "early adopters" currently particip
Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
Executive Summary
Key Decisions & Actions
& Actions **AB 24463 - Pacific Street Operations Center Warehouse Re-Roof Contract** - **Action:** Approved 3-0 - **Contract Amount:** $343,997.46 with Queen City Sheet Metal & Roofing, Inc. - **Staff Recommendation:** Award contract - Followed - **Specifics:** Includes base bid, additional insulation, and new gutters/downspouts; excludes $348,740 solar panel option due to budget/logistics - **Impact:** Critical infrastructure preservation with 30-year roof life expectancy **AB 24464 - Clean Energy Tax Credit Legal Counsel Authorization** - **Action:** Approved 3-0 - **Contract:** Retain Avisen Legal PA at no cost to city - **Staff Recommendation:** Authorize retention - Followed - **Specifics:** All costs paid by Washington State Department of Commerce - **Impact:** Enables city to access federal Inflation Reduction Act tax credits for clean energy projects **AB 24465 - Lake Whatcom Water Quality Retrofits Discussion** - **Action:** Information/Discussion only - **Staff Position:** Maintain current programs, evaluate data before expanding - **Key Programs:** HIP reimbursement increased from $1.60 to $2.00 per square foot; now includes multifamily properties - **Pending Studies:** PBOOM project monitoring city facilities; TMDL reassessment expected within one year #
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**Immediate Actions:** - Both approved contracts proceed to full City Council for final approval (March 10, 2025 evening meeting) - Avisen Legal PA engagement begins for clean energy tax credit applications - Queen City Sheet Metal & Roofing contract execution upon Council approval **Upcoming Deadlines:** - PBOOM project completion expected next year with performance monitoring results - Lake Whatcom TMDL reassessment review by EPA and Department of Ecology expected within approximately one year - Joint Councils and Commissions meeting presentation of reassessment results (next year or following year) **Future Considerations:** - Solar panel installation at Pacific Street Operations Center as separate future project - HIP program modifications based on 2025 participation data and customer feedback - Potential new Lake Whatcom watershed programs based on reassessment results - Visual mapping data for HIP participation to be provided to Council Member Anderson #
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