Bellingham City Council

Action Taken at March 11, 2013 Meeting

Shall the council:

38. Approve a 6 percent greens fee increase at the Lake Padden Golf Course? At the 1/14/2008 meeting, vote #6, the City Council approved a 10-year lease with Lake Padden Golf, LLC to manage the golf course. The lease allows for greens fee increases of up to 3 percent annually, but calls for City Council approval of any increase in excess of that amount. Because of increased costs and improved conditions on the course, the Lake Padden Golf Committee is requesting a 6 percent increase, which will be in effect from 2013 until the current lease expires on 12/31/2017. The Parks and Recreation Board approved the increase in February 2013. (AB19876) Approved 7-0

39. Reaffirm the City Council’s support of the reconveyance of property in the Lake Whatcom watershed to Whatcom County? At the 9/15/2008 meeting, vote #264, the City Council voted 6-0, Terry Borneman excused, (Resolution 2008-32) to support the return of the property managed by the state of Washington to Whatcom County. The Whatcom County Council voted on the reconveyance at their 3/12/2013 meeting, vote #42. Approved 7-0

40. Appropriate $5,625,246 for goods and services checks issued from February 8 through February 28, 2013? (AB19889/19890/19891)Approved 7-0

41. Appropriate $2,587,229 for payroll checks issued from February 9 through February 25, 2013? (AB19892) Approved 7-0

42. Submit a draft of the 2013 water system plan for review by state agencies? The water system plan covers the treatment, distribution and projected usage of the city water supply. The last update was approved at 7/27/2009 meeting, vote #165. The proposed updates to the plan are subject to review by the state Dept. of Health, the state Dept. of Ecology and affected water purveyors. There will be a formal public comment period and the required non-project SEPA application will also be submitted. According to state law the city must regularly maintain and update the water system plan in order to protect public health and welfare. City staff began work on the update proposal in 2012 with the help of consulting firm CH2M Hill. The update process coincided and coordinated with the work on the new billing rate structure that was adopted at the12/10/2012 meeting, vote #260. AB19875 (Resolution 2013-02) Approved 7-0

43. Increase the fees for city parks and recreational facilities? In addition to increasing rental fees for city park properties, and use fees at Civic Field, the rents at the Depot Market Square will be reformatted to hourly rates and rates for rental of Woodstock Farm facilities will be established. Commercial rates are twice as much as non-commercial rates. The last two fee increases ware approved at the 11/7/2011 meeting, vote #228 and the 12/7/2009 meeting, vote #266. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the new increases at the 2/13/2013 meeting. Before passage, council amended the resolution to move the effective date from March 1 to April 1, 2013. AB19877 (Resolution 2013-03) Amended and Approved 7-0

44. Increase salaries for two electrical Inspector positions in the Planning and Community Department? A Human Resources Department salary audit recommended the upgrades. These positions require highly qualified and certified personnel who can provide the city with a complete range of building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical reviews and inspections. This upgrade will increase 2013 expenditures by $9,143. AB19865 (Ordinance 2013-03-015) Approved 7-0

-h Action Taken at the March 25, 2013 Meeting

Shall the council:

45. Appeal an adverse decision by the state Department of Labor and Industries and hire legal representation? The city received an adverse determination from the Department of Labor and Industries regarding a worker’s compensation claim. The council authorized the decision to be appealed to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and authorized a contract with Thomas Hall of Seattle to represent the city in the appeal. (Discussed in Executive Session) Approved 7-0

46. Authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District for the Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program? This is a cost-sharing agreement between the city and the district, under which the district agrees to provide up to $50,000 for staffing the prevention program in 2013. The city will do the hiring, scheduling and supervising of the staff. The agreement will be effective from 3/15 to 12/31/2013, and can be renewed, subject to the agreement of both parties. (AB19902) Approved 7-0

47. Authorize the mayor to award the low bid of $138,804 to Orca Pacific, Inc. of Auburn to resurface the pool at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center? The center was built in 1994 and is one of the most popular recreational facilities in the city. The work includes resurfacing and tile repairs for the diving tank, instructional and lap pools. Beyond Greenway funds will pay for the work. There were 42 solicitations viewed and two bids were received. (AB19887) Approved 7-0

48. Approve the mayor’s reappointment of Tom Grinstad to the Planning and Development Commission? Mr. Grinstad has been serving a partial term on the commission since November 2010. This appointment will be for a full term which will end on 4/1/2017. (AB19910) Approved 7-0

49. Increase greens fee at the Lake Padden Golf Course? The City Council approved an increase at the 3/11/2013 meeting, vote #38. This resolution is needed to make the approval official. The fees will increase by 3 percent to 6 percent yearly for 2013 through 2017. This vote repeals the previous green fee increase, passed at the 1/14/2008 meeting, vote #13. AB19912 (Resolution 2013-04) Approved 7-0

50. Appropriate $3,218248 for goods and services checks issued from March 1 through March 14, 2013? (AB19913/19914) Approved 7-0

51. Appropriate $2,647,309 for payroll checks issued from February 26 through March 8, 2013? (AB19915) Approved 7-0

52. Adopt the re-codified Bellingham Municipal Code? (Public hearing held) The code was last updated in 1980. At the 7/25/2011 meeting, vote #143, the City Council approved a contract with Code Publishing of Seattle to update and reformat the Municipal Code. The code has been revised, reformatted, indexed, codified, compiled, edited and republished. Changes include renumbering, re-lettering, capitalizing, grouping, providing new headings and catch-lines, correcting omissions or captions, updating current titles and language and correcting references. None of the changes made are meant to actually alter the content of the law, only the language and format. All changes are subject to review and approval by the city attorney and the city finance director will continue to maintain original copies of all city ordinances and resolutions. The cost of the re-codification is estimated at $30,000 plus approximately $5,000/year for maintenance. (Ordinance 2013-03-016) Approved 7-0

53. Correct an error in the City Municipal Code? BMC 20.52.020, the Chapter concerning Title 20 Land Use Development describes the civil penalties for failing to comply with a final order issued by the Hearing Examiner. The error contained an older penalty that was inappropriate to the context. AB19888 (Ordinance 2013-03-017) Approved 7-0