City of Bellingham Public Works and Natural Resources Committee

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** BEL-CON-PWN-2026-01-26 ### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council's Public Works and Natural Resources Committee met on January 26, 2026, to review four agenda items. The committee approved a major street improvement contract for Old Town redevelopment, a telecommunications franchise agreement, and accepted nearly $3 million in state grants for library renovations. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Back of curb to back of curb:** Street improvements that include the roadway, utilities, and curbing, but not sidewalks or other streetscape features. In this Old Town project, developers will handle sidewalks as individual properties are developed. **Franchise agreement:** A legal contract allowing a private company to use public rights-of-way (like under streets) to install and operate infrastructure like fiber optic cables. The city cannot refuse qualified applicants but can set terms and conditions. **Curbless intersections:** Raised intersections where the street level is the same as the sidewalk level, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Similar to existing intersections at Holly/Magnolia and Champion Streets. **Public-private partnership:** A development arrangement where the city and private developers share costs and responsibilities. In Old Town, the city handles street infrastructure while developers handle individual building improvements. **Rights-of-way:** Public spaces, typically under streets, where the city allows utilities to install infrastructure like pipes, cables, and fiber optic networks. **State capital budget:** Washington State's budget for major construction and infrastructure projects, which included grants for Bellingham's library renovation. **Local and Community Project Grant:** A competitive state grant program, with a maximum award of $2 million for local infrastructure projects. **Development agreement:** A legal contract between the city and developers outlining responsibilities, timelines, and standards for a redevelopment project. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Michael Lilliquist | Committee Chair, Sixth Ward City Councilmember | | Lisa Anderson | Committee Member, Fifth Ward City Councilmember | | Jace Cotton | Committee Member, At-Large City Councilmember | | Craig Mueller | Public Works Project Engineer | | Mike Wilson | Assistant Director of Public Works - Engineering | | Matt Stamps | Senior Assistant City Attorney | | Carol Rofkar | Assistant Director of Public Works - Internal Services | | Rebecca Judd | Library Director | | Stone | City Council President (presiding) | ### Background Context The Old Town area has been targeted for redevelopment for several years, with the city entering into agreements with developers Barbbury Inc. (2020) and Old Town LLC (2023). This $5.9 million street improvement project represents the city's part of a larger redevelopment vision outlined in the Old Town sub-area plan, aimed at creating more pedestrian-friendly streets and enabling new housing construction. The telecommunications franchise reflects ongoing changes in the industry, where companies reorganize ownership structures while maintaining service. NFC Northwest LLC is connected to Ziply Fiber, with Ziply continuing to provide customer service while NFC Northwest owns distribution infrastructure. The library renovation project addresses long-deferred maintenance and space needs, particularly for children's services and staff workspace. The nearly $3 million in state grants represents significant support during challenging state budget years, thanks to advocacy from local legislators. ### What Happened — The Short Version The committee unanimously approved all four items. They awarded a $5.9 million contract to Earthwork Solutions LLC for Old Town street improvements, which will include raised intersections and underground utilities. Work begins in February and finishes in July 2026, timed for the first new housing building. They approved a 10-year franchise agreement for NFC Northwest LLC to install fiber optic cables in city streets, with standard terms including a $100,000 bond. Committee members noted the need to update municipal code to strengthen undergrounding requirements for future franchises. The committee accepted two state grants totaling nearly $3 million for library interior renovations focusing on children's spaces and staff areas. Construction bidding will occur in fall 2026, with work beginning in early 2027 and requiring temporary library closures. ### What to Watch Next - Old Town construction progress from February through July 2026 - Full City Council consideration of all four items at the January 26 evening meeting - Library renovation design development through summer 2026 and fall bidding process - Potential municipal code updates to strengthen telecommunications undergrounding requirements ---