# Committee Takes Stock of Massive Environmental Cleanup While Tree Programs Show Promise ## Meeting Overview On June 9, 2025, the Bellingham City Council's Public Works and Natural Resources Committee convened for its regular monthly meeting, bringing together Committee Chair Hannah Stone with members Lisa Anderson and Jace Cotton to tackle two significant environmental initiatives. The afternoon session, held in Council Chambers at City Hall, addressed a multi-million dollar landfill cleanup financing agreement and reviewed the results of an innovative community tree planting pilot program that distributed over 1,600 trees across the city. Before diving into the substantive work, Chair Stone took a moment to acknowledge recent leadership changes in the Public Works Department, congratulating Joel Pfundt on his new role as Public Works Director and Mike Olinger as Deputy Public Works Director. The meeting reflected a department in transition, working to advance environmental restoration and climate action goals while managing significant financial and operational challenges. The session demonstrated the complex intersection of environmental remediation, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement that characterizes much of Bellingham's municipal work — from securing low-interest financing for a $30 million cleanup project to evaluating which tree giveaway programs deliver the best bang for the buck. ## $7.3 Million Loan for Cornwall Avenue Landfill Cleanup The committee's first major item involved authorizing Mayor Kim Lund to enter into a construction funding agreement for a $7.345 million loan to help finance cleanup of the Cornwall Avenue Landfill site. Mike Wilson, Assistant Public Works Director for Engineering, presented what he characterized as a routine administrative matter — but one tied to one of the city's most significant environmental restoration projects. The loan, offered by the Washington State Public Works Board at an attractive 1.71% interest rate over 20 years with no prepayment penalty, will help fund a portion of the estimated $30 million cleanup cost for the former municipal solid waste landfill located at the south end of Cornwall Avenue on Bellingham Bay. The project is being conducted jointly with cleanup of the adjacent R.G. Haley site and construction of the first phase of Salish Landing Park. "The sole purpose for this bill today is some best management practices related to handling these interlocal agreements," Wilson explained. "So we're where the loan requires an interlocal agreement with the Public Works Board. We're recommending that forward to the council for approvals and authorization for the mayor to sign the document." Wilson provided an update on the project timeline, noting that permitting had been achieved and bids were opened the previous Tuesday, with a bid date scheduled for July 23rd. "Assuming everything goes properly with the bidding process, then we would hope to be in front of the City Council for consideration of the contract award sometime in August for that project," he said. The financial structure reflects a complex partnership between the city, the Port of Bellingham, and state environmental agencies. Under an interlocal agreement, the city bears 75% of the cleanup costs while the Port covers 25%. However, state Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA) remedial action grants provide up to a 50% match, significantly reducing the actual burden on local taxpayers. Council Member Anderson pressed for clarity on whether additional borrowing would be needed. "So just kind of doing my rough math for the 30 million will be kind of having to spend about 22.5 million. And with the 7 million for the loan, is this the only amount that we're going to have to finance out?" Amy Kraham from the City Attorney's office explained the ongoing collaboration with state ecology officials and the Port to finalize the funding package. While there wasn't currently enough state funding for the full 50% match, "the port is working very closely with ecology right now and is hopeful that they'll be able to move some money from some other projects that they're not able to really work on it to that extent at this moment to the Cornwall project." The mayor's office outlined multiple funding mechanisms: remedial action grants, the Public Works Board loan, Port contributions, city reserves in the Environmental Remediation Fund, and additional financing for any remaining shortfall. Council Member Lilliquist raised a technical question about timing, noting the loan's 20-year term versus a five-year project completion requirement in the contract. Wilson assured him that construction was anticipated to take about three years, well within the required timeframe. Council Member Cotton moved to authorize the mayor to enter into the construction funding agreement, and the motion passed unanimously 3-0, sending the item forward to the evening's full council meeting. ## Community Tree Programs: Lessons from 1,666 Trees The committee's second item provided a detailed review of the city's 2024 Community Tree Programs pilot, which represented an ambitious effort to increase tree canopy cover on private property as part of broader climate action goals. Analiese Burns, Habitat and Restoration Manager, presented results from four different tree distribution programs that collectively cost $126,767 and dispersed 1,666 trees across the community. Before beginning her presentation, Burns took time to acknowledge retiring Assistant Public Works Director Renee LaCroix, who was stepping down after 25 years of service. "She's been an instrumental part of that, both on the ground projects as well as programs including the Community Tree programs," Burns said, highlighting LaCroix's contributions to environmental improvements throughout Bellingham. The pilot program, which ran from April 2024 through May 2025, consisted of four distinct approaches designed to address different barriers to tree planting on private property. The initiative supported goals outlined in the city's Climate Action Plan and anticipated requirements in a future urban forestry plan, specifically targeting climate adaptation, heat island reduction, and habitat diversity. ### Neighborhood Tree Grants: High Touch, Limited Reach The first program expanded the city's existing Small and Simple Grant Program to include a new "tree planting" category, making all Bellingham neighborhoods eligible for up to $5,000 for tree planting projects on private property. Six of the city's 25 recognized neighborhoods — Birchwood, Fairhaven, Happy Valley, Lettered Streets, Sunnyland, and York — applied for and received funding to complete tree planting projects. However, this program proved administratively intensive for both the mayor's office and Public Works staff, while producing the lowest tree count at just 198 trees dispersed. Burns noted that many neighborhoods applying for grants were also working with other tree planting organizations, creating some duplication of effort. ### Community Partnerships: Targeted but Expensive The community partnerships program offered a $45,000 grant through a notice of funding opportunity targeted at nonprofit organizations. The Whatcom Conservation District, partnering with Whatcom Million Trees, submitted the only application and received the full grant amount to conduct three tree giveaway events focused on five Bellingham neighborhoods with lower tree equity: Columbia, Roosevelt, Leonard Street, Sunnyland, and York. This program distributed 512 trees and excelled at targeting underserved areas, with 41% of trees going to low tree equity neighborhoods. Burns noted that while the upfront cost was high, the program would be much more efficient to continue now that systems were established. "They actually put in 10,000 of their own money in order to run the program," she added, indicating the grant amount was somewhat below what was needed. ### Tree Coupons: Popular but Equity Concerns The tree coupon program allowed Bellingham residents to apply for up to three $100 coupons to purchase eligible trees (those reaching over 20 feet at maturity) from participating local nurseries. Three nurseries — Garden Spot, My Garden, and Plantas Nativa — partnered with the city for the pilot. The program proved extremely popular, with 815 coupons distributed in about a month before the city had to start a waitlist of over 200 people. The program ultimately distributed 550 trees, but Burns noted some concerning equity issues. The boutique nature of some participating nurseries and the high cost of available trees created barriers, and only 7% of trees went to low tree equity neighborhoods. "The size and the cost of trees available at the nurseries was kind of a barrier," Burns explained. "Usually these are both. Some of them were boutique kind of nurseries, and the type of trees that they were used to providing were very high cost." ### Tree Giveaways: Efficient and Well-Received The most cost-effective program involved city staff tabling at existing community events to provide free trees to Bellingham residents. Staff distributed trees at five events: two farmers markets, two volunteer work parties, and an Earth Day recycling event. This program gave away 406 trees at a cost of just $8.98 per tree, compared to over $100 per tree for neighborhood grants. Burns noted the program was very well-received and could be retooled to better target low tree equity areas by choosing events in underserved neighborhoods. "We can retool that a little bit to focus more on low tree equity areas by having events that target those areas," she explained. ### Staffing Reality Check Burns emphasized the significant staff investment required across the programs, acknowledging "more than seven staff" from three different departments who contributed to the pilot. She specifically thanked Riley, Grant, Stephanie, Holly, Roger, Hailey Sanders, Aaron Burkhart, Scott Havel, and Paul Nelson Lee, along with support from the mayor's office, finance, and public works accounting. ## Committee Discussion and Future Directions The presentation sparked substantive discussion about program effectiveness and equity implications. Council Member Cotton asked about funding sources, learning the programs were supported by the storm fund rather than the general fund. He also inquired about expanding nursery partnerships, to which Burns responded optimistically. While only three nurseries initially participated, "we're hoping that other nurseries that maybe were not as interested in being part of the pilot, now that they've seen it work and they can get information from the three that started that they also would be interested." Council Member Anderson, drawing on her Forest Service background, raised important questions about long-term effectiveness monitoring. "It would be good to have some way to just kind of do some level of verification of the effectiveness that people getting free trees at the farmers market is actually planting them," she said, suggesting future tracking through technologies like lidar to measure canopy cover changes over time. Burns acknowledged the importance of effectiveness monitoring while noting current staffing and budget constraints. "We share your desire to when we have staff and funds, we'd love to do more effectiveness monitoring," she said. Council Member Lilliquist expressed concern about discontinuing the programs that had achieved the highest success in reaching low tree equity neighborhoods. "My concern is the fact that the two programs that your suggesting that not continue actively with for the moment are the ones with the highest number of trees yielded in low equity neighborhoods," he said. Burns responded that tree giveaways could be refocused on underserved areas through strategic event selection, and she expressed confidence in improving those numbers. However, she noted that community partnerships required a minimum funding threshold that made partial implementation difficult. Council Member Anderson suggested prioritizing tree coupon distribution to residents in low tree equity areas rather than operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Burns indicated she would bring that feedback back to the team, noting that with a reduced 2025 budget (about one-third of the pilot year funding), difficult choices would need to be made about program prioritization. ## Moving Forward: Tree Programs on a Budget For 2025, staff recommended continuing two of the four pilot programs within existing budget constraints. The tree giveaway program will continue with enhanced focus on low tree equity areas, while the tree coupon program will continue with limited funding, maintaining relationships with participating nurseries. "This type of program tends to start small and grow with time, so we'd like to keep it at least moving forward with a limited budget so that in the future we can have that program on the ready and we can reevaluate the programs if there's additional funding or staff increases," Burns explained. The recommendation reflects practical realities of municipal budgeting while preserving programs that showed strong community response and cost effectiveness. Burns noted that trees should be planted in fall and winter, so promotional activities would begin in summer for program implementation starting in the fall. ## Closing and What's Ahead Chair Stone expressed enthusiasm for the tree programs and community interest in their continuation. "I've had community members inquire about the free trees. And we're very excited that program," she said, supporting efforts to expand focus on underserved neighborhoods. The meeting demonstrated the ongoing balancing act facing municipal government between ambitious environmental goals and practical constraints of staffing and funding. Both agenda items — the landfill cleanup financing and tree program evaluation — reflected Bellingham's commitment to environmental restoration and climate adaptation, while acknowledging the complex financial and administrative challenges involved in translating policy goals into on-the-ground results. The committee adjourned at 3:58 p.m., with both items moving forward: the loan authorization heading to the evening's full council meeting for final approval, and tree programs continuing in modified form based on lessons learned from the successful pilot year that brought 1,666 new trees to private properties across Bellingham.

### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council's Public Works and Natural Resources Committee met on June 9, 2025, chaired by Hannah Stone with members Lisa Anderson and Jace Cotton. The committee addressed two major items: accepting a $7.3 million loan for Cornwall Avenue landfill cleanup and reviewing results from the 2024 Community Tree Programs pilot. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Public Works Board Loan:** Low-interest financing from Washington State for local infrastructure projects, in this case at 1.71% over 20 years with no prepayment penalty. **Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA):** Washington state law requiring cleanup of contaminated sites, with funding available through grants and taxes. **Environmental Remediation Fund:** City account that collects and manages money for cleaning up contaminated properties. **Remedial Action Grant (RAG):** State funding that covers up to 50% of eligible cleanup costs for contaminated sites. **Tree Equity:** The concept that all neighborhoods should have adequate tree coverage for shade, air quality, and environmental benefits, regardless of income level. **Urban Canopy Cover:** The percentage of land area covered by tree branches and leaves when viewed from above. **Interlocal Agreement:** Legal contract between government entities (like the city and Port of Bellingham) to share costs and responsibilities. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Hannah Stone | Committee Chair, First Ward Council Member | | Lisa Anderson | Committee Member, Fifth Ward Council Member | | Jace Cotton | Committee Member, At-Large Council Member | | Joel Pfundt | Public Works Director (recently appointed) | | Mike Wilson | Assistant Public Works Director | | Analiese Burns | Habitat and Restoration Manager | | Amy Kraham | Assistant City Attorney | | Mike Olinger | Deputy Public Works Director (recently appointed) | ### Background Context The Cornwall Avenue cleanup represents the city's largest environmental remediation project, addressing decades of contamination from a former municipal landfill. This waterfront site cleanup is essential for public health and will enable development of Salish Landing Park. The $30 million total cost reflects the complexity of cleaning contaminated soil and sediment in Bellingham Bay. The Community Tree Programs pilot emerged from the city's Climate Action Plan recognizing that most tree planting occurs on public land, while private property offers the greatest potential for expanding urban forest coverage. With climate change increasing heat and wildfire risks, tree coverage becomes critical for community resilience, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods that historically have less tree coverage. ### What Happened — The Short Version The committee unanimously approved accepting a $7.3 million state loan to help fund Cornwall Avenue landfill cleanup, with construction bidding scheduled for July and contract award expected in August. Staff then presented results from four community tree programs that distributed 1,666 trees in 2024 at a cost of $127,000. Based on effectiveness and budget constraints, staff recommended continuing only two programs in 2025: tree giveaways and tree coupons, with increased focus on neighborhoods with low tree coverage. ### What to Watch Next • Cornwall Avenue cleanup construction contract award in August 2025 • Three-year construction timeline beginning late 2025 • 2025 Community Tree Programs launching in fall with reduced budget • Potential expansion of tree coupon program to additional nurseries ---

**Q:** What is the total cost of the Cornwall Avenue landfill cleanup? **A:** Approximately $30 million, with the city responsible for 75% and the Port of Bellingham responsible for 25%. **Q:** What are the terms of the Public Works Board loan? **A:** $7,345,000 at 1.71% interest over 20 years with no prepayment penalty, administered by Washington State Department of Commerce. **Q:** Who are the newly appointed Public Works leadership? **A:** Joel Pfundt as Public Works Director and Mike Olinger as Deputy Public Works Director. **Q:** How many trees were distributed through the 2024 pilot programs? **A:** 1,666 trees across four different programs at a total cost of approximately $127,000. **Q:** Which tree program had the lowest cost per tree? **A:** Tree giveaways at $8.98 per tree, where city staff provided free trees at existing community events. **Q:** What percentage of cleanup costs do Remedial Action Grants cover? **A:** Up to 50% of eligible cleanup costs, requiring a 50-50 match from local governments. **Q:** Which neighborhoods were targeted for tree equity programs? **A:** Columbia, Roosevelt, Leonard Street, Sunnyland, and York neighborhoods, which have lower tree canopy coverage. **Q:** How many nurseries participated in the tree coupon program? **A:** Three local nurseries: Garden Spot, My Garden, and Plantas Nativa. **Q:** What was the committee vote on the Cornwall cleanup loan? **A:** Unanimous 3-0 approval to recommend the mayor enter into the construction funding agreement. **Q:** When is the Cornwall cleanup construction expected to begin? **A:** Late 2025, following bid opening in July and contract award in August. **Q:** What fund will repay the Public Works Board loan? **A:** The Environmental Remediation Fund, which also receives Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) funding. **Q:** Which tree programs will continue in 2025? **A:** Tree giveaways and tree coupons, with about one-third the budget of the pilot year. **Q:** How many people are on the tree coupon waitlist? **A:** Approximately 200 people after 815 coupons were distributed during the pilot. **Q:** What is the construction timeline for Cornwall cleanup? **A:** Approximately three years once construction begins in late 2025. **Q:** Who is retiring after 25 years of environmental service? **A:** Renee LaCroix, Assistant Public Works Director in Natural Resources. **Q:** What fund supports the Community Tree Programs? **A:** Surface and Stormwater Fund (430). **Q:** Which tree program best targeted low tree equity neighborhoods? **A:** Community partnerships with Whatcom Conservation District and Whatcom Million Trees, reaching 41% of trees in low equity areas. **Q:** What is the 2025 budget for Community Tree Programs? **A:** $25,000, approximately one-third of the pilot year spending. **Q:** When should trees be planted for best success? **A:** Fall and winter seasons, so the 2025 program will launch in fall. **Q:** What other projects are happening at the Cornwall site? **A:** Cleanup of the adjacent R.G. Haley site and construction of the first phase of Salish Landing Park. ---