**〰〰〰 [WHA-CON-SPC-2024-12-04] MODULE 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 〰〰〰** **MEETING OVERVIEW** * **Meeting Type**: City Council Special Meeting / Hearing Examiner Proceeding * **Date**: December 4, 2024, 2:00 PM * **Presiding Officers**: Sharon Rice (Hearing Examiner) for appeal hearing; scheduled for City Council Committee of the Whole (Daniel Hammill, Chair) * **Participants**: Emily Griffith (Appellant), Dylan Griffith (Husband), City of Bellingham officials * **Location**: Hybrid (Ferndale City Hall Annex, 5694 Second Avenue, Ferndale / Microsoft Teams) **PRIMARY BUSINESS** The transcript exclusively covers a hearing examiner proceeding for a vehicle impound appeal, not the scheduled growth management coordination meeting. Emily Griffith appealed the impound of her stolen scooter (case HE24-VI-037, BPD case 24-B4543), challenging the reasonableness of the tow given the brief timeframe provided for owner response. **KEY ISSUES ADDRESSED** 1. **Vehicle Impound Appeal**: Scooter stolen in August, recovered by police in December at neighbor's residence 2. **Response Timeline Dispute**: Officer called owner at 12:04 PM, requested tow at 12:13 PM - only 9 minutes later 3. **Financial Impact**: $489 tow fee for scooter valued at approximately $900 (purchased 10 years ago) 4. **Recovery Circumstances**: Vehicle found safely at good Samaritan neighbor's house, not in dangerous location **DECISIONS/OUTCOMES** * No immediate decision rendered; Hearing Examiner Rice will issue written decision by December 18, 2024 * Potential for additional officer testimony if examiner deems necessary, which could delay decision * Appeal process documented for independent review of city's impound procedures **NEXT STEPS** * Written decision due December 18, 2024, via Miss Bowker * Possible follow-up with BPD officer for additional testimony * Next Growth Management meeting scheduled for March 5 or 12 (as noted in agenda) ---