### Meeting Overview On October 31, 2025, Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice conducted a vehicle impound appeal hearing for Alex Westbrook, who challenged the impound of his 2008 pickup truck during the Bellingham Bay Marathon on October 21, 2025. The hearing addressed both the validity of the impound and $710.14 in towing and storage fees charged by Heston Towing. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Hearing Examiner:** An attorney who works on contract to hear and decide vehicle impound appeals and other administrative matters for the City of Bellingham and other jurisdictions. **MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices):** Federal guidelines that establish standards for traffic signage, including placement, visibility, and coverage requirements for no-parking zones. **R8-3 Sign:** A non-arrowed "No Parking" sign that can cover multiple parking spaces or an entire block under MUTCD guidelines, without needing to designate specific beginning and end points. **Class A Tow Truck:** The largest category of tow truck, which commands a $400 minimum charge for the first hour under Washington State's registered tow truck operator fee schedule. **Police Impound:** A vehicle towing authorized by law enforcement or parking enforcement, which qualifies for specific state-regulated fee structures. **Registered Tow Truck Operator:** A towing company licensed by Washington State that must follow official fee schedules set annually through the Consumer Price Index. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Sharon Rice | Hearing Examiner | | Alex Westbrook | Appellant (vehicle owner) | | Greg Coulter | Parking Code Compliance Officer, City of Bellingham | | Lt. Dante Alexander | Special Operations Lieutenant, Bellingham Police | | Chris Heston | Owner, Heston Hauling and Heston Towing | | Raul Murillo Delgado | Parking Operations Supervisor, City of Bellingham | ### Background Context The Bellingham Bay Marathon required extensive street closures for runner safety, with approximately 1,500 racers using the route twice. East Laurel Street was part of this route, connecting to the South Bay Trail. The city coordinates with event organizers to post temporary no-parking signs 72 hours in advance, but a significant storm the night before the marathon knocked down some signage while leaving others intact. This case highlights the tension between public event logistics and individual parking rights. The city must balance clear notification requirements with practical limitations of downtown signage infrastructure, especially when weather events can compromise temporary signs. The hearing process provides due process for citizens to challenge impounds they believe were improper. ### What Happened — The Short Version Alex Westbrook parked his truck on East Laurel Street around 9 PM on October 20, visiting a friend from out of town. He didn't notice the temporary no-parking sign for the marathon route closure. A storm overnight knocked down some signs, but not the one near his vehicle. City parking enforcement and police arrived at 6 AM on October 21 to clear the marathon route, finding Westbrook's truck and others still parked. The vehicle was towed by Heston Towing at 8:21 AM and charged $710.14 total. Westbrook's father in Arizona received a police contact call, not Westbrook directly. Westbrook challenged both the validity of the impound and the fees, arguing the signage was inadequate given nighttime, rainy conditions and that the sign didn't clearly apply to his specific parking space. ### What to Watch Next - Hearing Examiner Rice's written decision due November 17, 2025 - Whether the decision sets precedent for signage adequacy standards in weather events - Potential policy changes regarding temporary event signage placement downtown ---