RECORD OF PROCEEDING OF CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
Monday, May 04, 2009, 07:00 PM
Book: 63, Page: 1

Called To Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Barry Buchanan who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

Excused:

ANNOUNCEMENT(S)

· On May 18th @ 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers there will be a Public Hearing regarding the City's UGA recommendations.

Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Meetings Act.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

No evening minutes submitted.


15 - MINUTE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Wendy Harris, Silver Beach addressed council with regard to the Shoreline Management Act which required the city to update the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) by December 1, 2005. She said the city is currently in violation as it continues to review and make shoreline development decisions using the SMP of 1989, which predates the lake being listed as an impaired body of water. This outdated regulation fails to reflect advances in scientific knowledge regarding the causes and solutions for non-point-source pollution. She noted that the 2007 draft of the city's updated but un-enacted SMP is located on the city's web site. Ms. Harris is concerned that not enough attention is being paid to the role and significance of the SMP; that the city continues to violate the state mandated deadline to update the SMP and that the lakes' restoration will not be successful when the SMP does not sufficiently contain adequate protective standards indicated by best available science.



PRESENTATION(S)

AB18422 UPDATE ON LOCAL RESPONSE TO THE SWINE FLU

Dr. Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Department gave the council an update on the current situation with this strain of the flu. There are no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Whatcom County. He went on to describe the number of confirmed cases in the United States, Mexico and Canada and response plans that have occurred and are occurring within the city and county. The county should receive a stockpile of antivirals within a few days and no schools have been closed in Whatcom County. He reviewed public precautions and noted that since there are confirmed cases in Seattle and the lower mainland of B.C. it is likely that cases will be confirmed here. He said that this event may come in waves i.e., a mild spread followed by a strong spread of cases as the virus mutates, and it may shift quickly. With this potential for change the county is being prudent and preparing in the event of a strong outbreak.

Information only.


PUBLIC HEARING(S)

AB18423 1. A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE LAKE WHATCOM RESERVOIR REGULATORY (BMC 16.80) AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (BMC 15.42) CHAPTERS

Kurt Nabbefeld, Senior Planner; Bill Reilly, Storm and Surface Water Utility (SSWU) Manager and Kim Weil, Environmental Planner presented the staff report.

Mr. Nabbefeld introduced the presentation and briefly reviewed the process to date. He said that data continues to show decline in the water quality of Lake Whatcom. In response to that decline, the city council adopted a moratorium in 2008 allowing the opportunity for staff to propose changes to the city's existing codes. The moratorium limited the application and processing of building permits, land divisions and certain land disturbing activities. In September 2008, a public process was initiated to amend the development regulations. These changes are intended because the lake is such a highly valued community resource; healthy watersheds provide healthy drinking water sources; and the State Department of Ecology's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) mandate for Lake Whatcom is to reduce the phosphorus load into Lake Whatcom by 94%.

A general overview of the code changes proposed are:

· High percentage of lots to be in natural forested conditions
· Greater restrictions on pollution-generating pervious surfaces (lawns and driveways)
· More strict redevelopment code
· Definition improvements
· Seasonal restrictions June 1 to September 30 (currently May to September)
· Elimination of impervious surface credits
· Regulation boundary change
· Possible zoning changes with Neighborhood Plan Update

Additionally, there are changes resulting from public process:

· New enforcement section (same as Critical Areas Ordinance)
· Addition and change to 15.42.060.A.3 to be consistent with redevelopment standard
· Change to 15.42.060.A.3.c and B.3.c.to create a lower limit for permits
· Proposal for exempt gardens: 5% of site or 500 s.f., whichever is greater

Mr. Nabbefeld showed a series of aerial photos from 1950 to 2008, which demonstrated the changes in the watershed during that time.

Bill Reilly, highlighted the proposed Stormwater Code Changes in the new ordinance.

· Definition of partially pervious surface
· Forested condition method for mitigation of stormwater
· Engineered method for mitigation of stormwater
· Revised limits on impervious surface
· Additional National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) revisions have been incorporated in with this code change

Mr. Reilly explained that the changes are necessary in order to comply with the TMDL. The scope of the problem has changed and existing regulations are inadequate to meet the TMDL standard as well as the desire for a healthy watershed.

The two methods of compliance that are offered were explained:

Mr. Reilly explained the Fully Engineered Method: 30% of the site to be retained in Native Vegetation Protection Area (NVPA); building square footage is unrestricted if mitigated for flow and phosphorus and partially pervious surfaces are unrestricted if mitigated for flow and phosphorus. The advantages of this method are: a larger home footprint is allowed and partially pervious surfaces are not restricted while the disadvantages are that it requires engineering to prove that the site meets TMDL standards along with the costs of engineering and mitigation.

Kim Weil explained the Forested Method: 75% of the site is to retain or create a Native Vegetation Protection Area (NVPA); building square footage is restricted to 2,000 square feet or 20%, whichever is the lesser and partially pervious surfaces are limited to 1,000 square feet or 10%, whichever is the lesser. The advantages of this method are: the costs are limited to creation or retention of forest condition; non-engineered driveways and easier permitting. The disadvantages include restrictions on the house footprint and driveway and lawn size restrictions.

Ms. Weil said that the forested area would be called the Native Vegetation Protection Area. The native vegetation in these areas provide many benefits including: that they are readily available; they don't need fertilizer, pesticides or watering; they're acclimated to our climate and soils; and they help to achieve the multiple layers of canopy and good forest soils underneath.

She reviewed the many approaches for a healthy watershed and noted that the city is receiving a grant from the Puget Sound Partnership with the focus being on behavioral changes and the city has won an Award for Innovation for work on North Shore from the American Public Works Association.

Council Member Weiss asked what happens if an engineered study shows that a property is going to be infiltrated with water that comes on site and problems are created downhill because of the changing hydraulics? And, what happens if one is affected by water from further up the hill and one has to deal with, not only that water, but also the water that is being generated from improvement on one's own property?

Bill Reilly replied that problems often occur from lack of planning or lack of knowledge. Under the Engineered Method there would be adequate soils testing of the surface infiltration rate and the infiltration rates further down. A professional hydro-geologist or civil engineer should be, and is required, to be cognizant of issues that can occur downstream as a result of infiltration systems. The city will also have to take into account how much can be gained from the infiltration system itself and noted that the use of infiltration is an integral part of the TMDL.

Council Member Weiss asked if the regulations are going create a bureaucratic problem for an applicant and what happens if there is a small stream going through the property?

Mr. Reilly said that the fully engineered study would be an individualized study for the property. If a property has a stream on it, other considerations would be: whether the stream is regulated, the setbacks and how that would affect the developability of the lot.

Council Member Ryan inquired about Permitted Uses, Section 16.80.660.B.8. Animal Husbandry and noted that the TMDL is designed to reduce phosphorus and fecal coliform.

Mr. Nabbefeld explained that the addition of “at existing sites” clarifies that the existing animal husbandry uses can continue however, one would not be able to expand or to introduce new animals.

Upon questioning from Council Member Weiss and Council Member Ryan, Mr. Nabbefeld confirmed that the Silver Beach ordinance would only be applied to properties that drain into Basin One.

Mr. Reilly added that there are stormwater management requirements that are citywide and those management requirements are meant to meet the NPDES goals of creating a healthier watershed, Bellingham Bay and Puget Sound.

Council President Buchanan opened the public hearing.

Wendy Harris, Silver Beach spoke in support of the proposed amendments and feels the benefits include:

· that the proposals are innovative and forward thinking;
· respond to the TMDL and the requirements imposed by Federal Law by taking those TMDL requirements and making them the city's development and redevelopment standards;
· represents a more equitable allocation of watershed costs; and
· site specific / adaptive development greatly reduces potential for lawsuits for uncompensated takings of land.

Ms. Harris recommends building in an adaptive implementation strategy and supports an annual review. Additionally, she feels the city should fund some pilot projects where staff assists homeowners in knowing what kinds of technology and techniques can be used to comply with the ordinance and educate them on what would work best on their site followed by monitoring of the changes so that the city can get information that helps develop Best Available Science and improvements can continue to be made.

Myron Wlaznak, 4215 E. Oregon said the citizens pollute the least in Basin One. The single largest polluter in Basin One is Whatcom County with the City of Bellingham is the second largest polluter to Basin One. He feels these regulations ignore the fact that the single cause of pollution to Lake Whatcom is a development density far too high to effectively manage or treat the stormwater that it produces. Many of the lots are in noncompliance and there has never been an effective, coordinated educational program for citizens, builders and developers, nor city employees and their contractors on the duties of living and working in the watershed. He said he has supported virtually every effort to clean up and protect Lake Whatcom but cautions that the city needs to do more testing and a lot more monitoring with better science to implement this program.

Mark Handzlik, 720 Popular Drive (Project Engineer for the City's Public Works Department) clarified that he is speaking as a resident and not as an employee of the city). He expressed concern that the ordinance relies heavily on people redeveloping their lots, which only applies to a handful of properties that over the course of a year will redevelop. He feels there is not going to be a measurable impact, unless there is some sort of encouragement for properties to redevelop. Ideas that may make it more palatable are:

· a "fee in lieu of" scenario where instead of doing the treatment on your own property a group of people who have a similar problem do a regional facility where it's more efficient, cost effective and run-off can be treated more effectively;
· a mechanism for giving credit to property owners who are in noncompliance with existing impervious areas (similar to Transfer of Development Rights);
· provision for properties that drain to a hard pipe system that drains into the lake and the ability to divert that water for reuse through toilets and plumbing and to the sewer plant rather than into the lake;
· a 30% forested condition would be difficult to achieve; and
· he feels there is inconsistency in limiting disturbance for a one time development of a single family residential property during the driest condition of the year when the city would be allowing 500 s.f. exempt gardens on properties that have nutrient rich soils that could be left bare throughout the rainy season and receive run-off far in excess of the single family development.

Dan McShane, 1451 Grant Street is impressed with what staff has brought forward in making significant code amendments within the context of the city government. He recommends getting this ordinance done and adjustments can be made later. He referenced the aerial photos of the Lake Whatcom watershed and suggested Lake Padden watershed should be evaluated as a great deal could be done to prevent problems there.

Ken Bell lives in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and is a former chairman of Silver Beach Association. He supports comments made by Mr. Wlaznak and said his desire is that somebody bring the approach of “what's going to do the most good”. He said the impact of this is going to be on new development and the 100 homes to be redeveloped under this plan is a small fraction of the problem. The majority of the impervious surface in this area is owned by the city and flows into ditches that collect organic matter and flow into the lake. The city has a huge responsibility, he said, because of zoning that was put in place and the houses that were allowed to be built in the watershed. He also asked that the city look at the engineered methods. He doesn't currently have the ability to reuse water and if he were to go through the steps to put in a collection system he would like to be able to put it into places where he can use it. He asked that the city also install more of the systems like that installed along North Shore. He stressed that the city must share the burden and also provide certainly about what can and cannot be done.

Frank Parker has lived on Northshore for 66 years. He said the city created a lot of the problems when Barkley was put through because of the removal of the trees and the increased traffic. He feels that the city does not yet know if the filters that have been installed in various places throughout the city are doing any good. He also expressed his bitterness that he can only build four houses on the 19 lots that he bought in 1963 – lots that he has paid taxes on and which were to be for his retirement.

Steve Hood, Department of Ecology (DOE) feels this is a good ordinance and is a big step on a small part of the problem and represents what we want our future to look like. The city will have to continue to develop plans so that the rest of the properties in the watershed have the kind of reductions such as those being affected with this ordinance. He concurred that the city has a major investment in property in the watershed and city infrastructure needs to be changed as well. However, he feels the city should move forward with this important step. He noted that one of the holdups in harvesting rainwater is the Department of Ecology but the DOE is working on it.

David Jefferson, Chairman, Silver Beach Neighborhood Association explained that there is a wide range of thought from the Association regarding these changes. He feels that the city needs to show something extraordinary by crafting a part so that the city can show some leadership, such as starting to reduce the impervious surfaces; by doing something where the citizens can come behind and say, 'this council and this city are doing something – I trust them - I'm going to follow them'. Right now the city is putting it on the citizens but if the city shows some extraordinary leadership he feels the people will follow. He thinks the needed changes are behavioral and people need to change what they do in the lake and the city needs to help set that tone. He encouraged the city to challenge itself to take the same kind of steps that it is asking the citizens to do.

Sue Brown concurred that this is a great first step and it must be taken so we can see how it works and then make whatever improvements or changes are necessary. She said she has been offering for over a year to work on an educational effort but no one has called and she cannot do it without the city's cooperation and voice. She wants to help and asked the city to make use of her so that information can get out to the residents.

There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

KNUTSON / BARBARA RYAN moved to direct staff to schedule a worksession on May 18, 2009. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.


REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

FINANCE & PERSONNEL
MEMBERS: GENE KNUTSON, CHAIR; LOUISE BJORNSON; STAN SNAPP

AB18424 CB 13521
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM AMENDING BELLINGHAM MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 3.16, CIVIL SERVICE, TO ADD A NEW SECTION 3.16.060 EXPANDING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

KNUTSON / BJORNSON moved approval for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0

AB18425 2. FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT

Council Member Knutson gave a brief summary of the report given during committee by Finance Director John Carter.

· March 2009 unemployment rate is at 8.8%
· Job growth, March 2009 at 0.3%
· Sales tax receipts, construction, auto sales, building materials, net receipts and B&O Tax receipts are all down

The Finance Director expects city revenues to begin to recover late 2009, early 2010. He said that the city needs to stay focused on cost controls, to maintain strong financial discipline and to operationally learn to do with less.

Information only.


PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
MEMBERS: TERRY BORNEMANN, CHAIR; BARBARA RYAN; JACK WEISS; LOUISE BJORNSON

AB18426 CB 13522
1. AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE 2009 BUDGET TO ACCOUNT FOR RECEIPT OF GIFT AND GRANT MONEY FOR THE WHATCOM ART AND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM AND MOUNT BAKER THEATRE CAPITAL EXPENSES AND APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $45,875 OF EXPENDITURES IN THE BELLINGHAM WHATCOM PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT FUND

BORNEMANN / BJORNSON moved approval for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

AB18427 2. EMPLOYMENT LANDS REPORT

Council Member Bornemann highlighted the report given during committee by Chris Behee, GIS Analyst.

· Bellingham and its' Urban Growth Area accommodate 53,000 jobs in Whatcom County (about 65%)
· Vacant employment lands can potentially accommodate about 13,000 new jobs
· Redevelopment lands including the Waterfront can accommodate about 9,000 new jobs

Information only.


TRANSPORTATION
MEMBERS: JACK WEISS, CHAIR; BARBARA RYAN; STAN SNAPP

AB18428 1. PRESENTATION OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT 2010-2015 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP)

WEISS / KNUTSON moved to direct staff to schedule a public hearing on June 1, 2009. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.


LAKE WHATCOM RESERVOIR COMMITTEE
MEMBERS: STAN SNAPP, CHAIR; BARBARA RYAN; GENE KNUTSON

AB18406 CB 13523
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON AMENDING SECTIONS OF THE BELLINGHAM MUNICIPAL CODE 2.90 WATERSHED ADVISORY BOARD TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS AND REVISE THE AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE WATERSHED ADVISORY BOARD

SNAPP / BARBARA RYAN moved approval for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 6-0 (Bornemann out of Council Chambers).

AB18432 CB 13524
2. AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE 2009 BUDGET RECOGNIZING RECEIPT OF A $50,000.000 PUGET SOUND PARTNERSHIP STATE OF WASHINGTON GRANT IN THE STREET FUND TO SUPPORT THE SILVER BEACH CREEK PHOSPHORUS REDUCTION PILOT PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL GRANT EXPENDITURES OF $38,206.00 AND PLACING $11,794.00 IN ESTIMATED ENDING UNDESIGNATED RESERVE

SNAPP / BJORNSON moved approval for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.


COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEMBERS: BARRY BUCHANAN, CHAIR

AB18429 1. BID AWARD FOR FAIRHAVEN BRANCH LIBRARY RENOVATION, BID #35B-2009

KNUTSON / BARBARA RYAN moved to award Bid No. 35B-2009 for Fairhaven Branch Library Renovation to Dawson Construction, Inc. of Bellingham, WA as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of their bid, which is $539,245.00, which includes WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

AB18430 Resolution #2009-13
2. RESOLUTION REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF NEIGHBORHOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Amendments made after publishing in agenda packet [page 188].

Add (3rd) “WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution 2008-09 on April 14, 2008 establishing a policy directive of the City to continue developing and implementing long-term plans to pursue infill and growth strategies in order to meet City growth projections; and”

Add 4th “WHEREAS, Resolution 2008-09 provides for five planning steps, all acting concurrently, that direct future Bellingham growth away from the outskirts of town towards existing neighborhoods and redeveloped urban villages, and”

Add 5th “WHEREAS, as a result of this policy directive to pursue growth within our city limits and not on the fringe, the City Council sees the importance of maintaining the existing infrastructure of neighborhood schools.”

Item 2 & 3, remove “unanimously”

Item 3, after “Columbia Elementary”, add “and other neighborhood schools”

Add Item 4 “Renews our willingness to collaborate with the Bellingham School Board on strategic planning efforts important to both the City and School District as it pertains to the City's infill policy directive; and”

Add Item 5, “Encourages the Bellingham School Board to consider the intent and spirit of the five infill and growth strategies contained in City Council Resolution 2008-09 and their relationship to neighborhood schools when deliberating long-term planning goals and short-term budget decisions.”

BORNEMANN / BARBARA RYAN moved final approval of Resolution #2009-13 as amended. MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Snapp, Weiss opposed.

3. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND/OR SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

None submitted at evening meeting.

4. OLD/NEW BUSINESS

KNUTSON / WEISS moved to appoint Council President Buchanan as liaison to the Bellingham School Board. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.


EXECUTIVE SESSION – Report only

1. LITIGATION: PSE v. City of Bellingham: PSE has filed two suits against the City seeking tax refunds in both matters. One case involves business and occupation taxes and the second case involves utility taxes. In essence, the B&O tax matter involves whether B&O tax is applicable to PSE's Encogen operations during the audit period (2004-2005) and whether the appropriate tax classification was applied. The amount in dispute in that matter is approximately $250,000. The utility tax matter revolves around whether the appropriate method was used in calculating the tax and involves approximately $920,000.

BORNEMANN / BJORNSON moved to authorize the hiring of the Kenyon Disend law firm as special tax counsel to represent the City in these matters. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

2. LITIGATION: Port of Bellingham v. City of Bellingham: Staff provided an update to Council. Direction was provided to staff. No action was taken.

3. LITIGATION: North Shore Estates v. City of Bellingham: City staff provided information on the Whatcom County Council's recent decision regarding the City's appeal of a Whatcom County determination allowing the Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District to extend sewer mains to serve the North Shore Estates subdivision. The County Council decision affirmed the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner's decision allowing the Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District to provide sewer services to this development located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and outside of the urban growth area. Under the Growth Management Act and Department of Ecology regulations, sewer extensions in rural areas are forbidden.

WEISS / KNUTSON moved for council to authorize an appeal of the Whatcom County Council's decision to Whatcom County Superior Court. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

4. POTENTIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION: Staff provided information on a potential property acquisition. City council provided direction. No action was taken.


MAYOR'S REPORT

AB18431 1. MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF ALLEN MATSUMOTO TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Information only.

CONSENT AGENDA

No items presented on the Consent Agenda.


FINAL CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES

AB18407 1. CB 13518
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE 2009 BUDGET TO ACCOUNT FOR THE RECEIPT OF A FEDERAL AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT GRANT FOR ENHANCED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SAFETY AND APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $349,948.00 OF EXPENDITURES IN THE STREET FUND.

BJORNSON / BARBARA RYAN moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: BJORNSON, BORNEMANN, BUCHANAN, KNUTSON, BARBARA RYAN, SNAPP, WEISS
NAYS:
ABSTENTIONS:

MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2009-05-025

AB18408 2. CB 13519
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE 2009 BUDGET TO ACCOUNT FOR THE RECEIPT OF A FEDERAL BUDGET GRANT TO REPLACE THE JAMES STREET BRIDGE AND APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $2,544,904.00 OF EXPENDITURES IN THE STREET FUND

BORNEMANN / BJORNSON moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: BJORNSON, BORNEMANN, BUCHANAN, KNUTSON, BARBARA RYAN, SNAPP, WEISS
NAYS:
ABSTENTIONS:

MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2009-05-026

AB18413 3. CB 13520
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE 2009 BUDGET REALLOCATING $2,280.00 IN THE GENERAL FUND AND $1,700.00 IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RECLASSIFICATION OF A POSITION IN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP.

BORNEMANN / WEISS moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote:

AYES: BJORNSON, BORNEMANN, BUCHANAN, KNUTSON, BARBARA RYAN, SNAPP, WEISS
NAYS:
ABSTENTIONS:

MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2009-05-027


ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m. Barry Buchanan, Council President

ATTEST: Linda D. Anderson City Clerk Representative
APPROVED: 05/18/2009

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.