The Bellingham City Council's Public Works and Natural Resources Committee held a brief 22-minute meeting on April 28, 2025, unanimously approving all four items on their agenda. The committee accepted two significant state grants totaling $1.92 million—$970,000 from the Washington State Department of Commerce for a new WhatComm 911 dispatch center building and $950,000 from the Transportation Improvement Board for multimodal improvements to James Street. They also rejected all bids for the Federal Building reroof project due to costs significantly exceeding engineer estimates, and awarded a contract for annual alley grading services. The grant approvals represent substantial state investment in regional public safety infrastructure and transportation connectivity. The WhatComm dispatch center project addresses critical infrastructure needs, as the current facility is housed in a 1954-era fire station that has outgrown its capacity and lacks adequate electrical and HVAC systems for modern 911 operations. The James Street multimodal improvements will enhance pedestrian and cycling connectivity, integrating with the ongoing James and Bakerview roundabout construction. The Federal Building reroof rejection highlights ongoing challenges with construction cost escalation, with the lowest bid of $533,010 coming in 65% higher than the $323,833 engineer's estimate. Staff will continue interim patching while reassessing the project scope and potentially bundling it with other building improvements to achieve better value. #
Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
Executive Summary
Key Decisions & Actions
& Actions **AB 24517 - WhatComm 911 Dispatch Center Grant:** PASSED 3-0 Approved acceptance of $970,000 from Washington State Department of Commerce for construction of new 8,000 square foot dispatch center. Staff recommendation: Approve. Total project cost: $8.5 million, with remainder funded through debt backed by user fees from participating agencies. Construction bidding planned for fall 2025, completion December 2026. **AB 24518 - James Street Multimodal Improvements Grant:** PASSED 3-0 Approved acceptance of $950,000 from Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for multimodal improvements segments 3 and 4. Staff recommendation: Approve. Project will install multi-use path on west side of James Street from Telegraph Road to King Avenue, plus bike lanes and sidewalks to Gooding Avenue. Construction planned for 2026, designed to integrate with ongoing James and Bakerview roundabout. **AB 24527 - Federal Building Reroof Bid Rejection:** PASSED 3-0 Rejected all bids for Federal Building reroof project. Staff recommendation: Reject all bids. Lowest responsive bid of $533,010 was 65% higher than engineer's estimate of $323,833. Project will be rebid with adjusted scope and budget. Interim patching will continue. **AB 24529 - Annual Alley Grading Contract:** PASSED 3-0 Awarded contract to J. Ritter Dirt and Asphalt of Everson for $42,250, with three-year term not to exceed $375,000. Staff recommendation: Award contract. Contract covers grading of 163 improved gravel alleys under indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity structure. Engineer's estimate was $65,000. #
Sign up free to read the full briefing
Unlock Full Access — It’s FreeNotable Quotes
Sign up free to read the full briefing
Unlock Full Access — It’s FreeWhat's Next
**WhatComm Dispatch Center:** Project bidding scheduled for fall 2025, with construction completion anticipated December 2026. Bond ordinance will come to council when final engineer's estimate is available. **James Street Multimodal:** Construction planned for 2026, moving from 30% to 60% design phase. Integration with James and Bakerview roundabout currently under construction. **Federal Building Reroof:** Project reassessment by end of 2025, potential rebid in 2026. Staff will provide cost estimates for interim patching. Public Works Engineering relocation to Pacific Street Operations Center by end of 2025 may create opportunity for more efficient project delivery. **Alley Grading Contract:** Three-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract begins immediately, covering annual maintenance cycles for 163 improved gravel alleys. **Next Committee Meeting:** May 5, 2025 #
Sign up free to read the full briefing
Unlock Full Access — It’s Free