Council Minutes for March 04, 2009 City of Bellingham, WA

RECORD OF PROCEEDING OF CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

Mayor's Board Room
Wednesday, March 04, 2009, 12:00 PM
Book: 63, Page: 1

Special Meeting

Called To Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Barry Buchanan.

Roll Call
Present:

Jack Weiss, Council Member, First Ward
Gene Knutson, Council Member, Second Ward
Barry Buchanan, Council Member, Third Ward
Stan Snapp, Council Member, Fourth Ward
Terry Bornemann, Council Member, Fifth Ward
Barbara Ryan, Council Member, Sixth Ward
Louise Bjornson, Council Member, At Large
Dan Pike, Mayor

Excused:

OTHER BUSINESS

AB18336 ARCHITECT'S WATERFRONT EVALUATION TEAM REPORT PRESENTATION

Presented by: Terry Brown, AIA
David Christensen, AIA
Curt Carpenter
Brad Cornwell, AIA
Doug Landsem, AIA
Terry Moore, AIA
Sharon Robinson, AIA
Bob Ross, AIA
John Stewart, AIA

The Architects reviewed their report dated March 4, 2009 detailing their study, evaluation and recommendations regarding the Port and City's plans for the waterfront redevelopment. They took turns reviewing the following issues covered in their report.

1. Street Grid and Connectivity
2. Sustainability
3. Green Space and Green Streets
4. Integrating the Railroad
5. Pedestrian Routes
6. WWU's Waterfront Campus
7. Water's Edge
8. Preservation of Existing Structures
9. Addressing Sea Level Rise
10. Block Sizes
11. Solar Access
12. The Encogen Plant
13. Regulatory Approvals
14. Environmental Impact Statement
15. Design Review
16. Building Heights
17. Air Rights
18. Views
19. Bellingham Central Library
20. Transit Hub
21. Marina

Members of the Council and Port Commission thanked the Architect's Team and praised their work.

Terry Bornemann asked for an explanation of “air rights”. Mr. Ross explained that it is the space that is projected above the site which could be sold for additional income.

Louise Bjornson asked if they had considered the tunnel effect of wind through buildings. Mr. Ross replied that the rotation of the streets will block the wind.

Mayor Pike noted that in Old Town, specific locations were identified where building height would be appropriate. Mr. Carpenter agreed that it is important to take the same approach with the waterfront.

Scott Walker stated that he likes most of the Architects' plan. He would like to see the Bellingham library move as an early step. He acknowledged that there have been missteps on both the Port and City sides of the process in the past. He pointed out that while there is not a crush of developers right now, we must be ready for them when the economy turns around. Developers will come to the places that are ready. Mr. Walker suggested that Port Commissioners and Council become more involved in this process. He addressed the Mayor in asking if Les Reardanz could be permitted work on the waterfront more than half time. The Mayor responded that Mr. Reardanz would be given some flexibility in determining the workload. He noted that Linda Stewart was also working on it as well.

Mr. Walker stated that we need to get a master plan settled and move on to the next phase. Jim Jorgenson said that more positive feelings have developed between the Port and the City in the last few months and he is pleased with the changes.

Mr. Bornemann explained that City Council had held an Economic Development Summit with 8 local economic development agencies just two days earlier. Every group reporting to Council on what the City can do to support local business stated the importance of moving forward on the waterfront redevelopment project.

Barry Buchanan agreed with Mr. Walker that Port Commissioners and City Council should be more involved and committed that Council members would attend waterfront meetings. Les Reardanz said he would set up regular meetings with Jim Darling and Port staff. He thanked the Architects for having done such great work.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:02 PM. Barry Buchanan, Council President

ATTEST: J. Lynne Walker, Legislative Assistant
APPROVED:

This is a digital copy of an original document located at Bellingham's City Hall. The City of Bellingham specifically disclaims any responsibility or liability for the contents of this document. The City of Bellingham does not verify the correctness, accuracy, or validity of the information appearing in this document.