May 2003
Watching Government
Bellingham City Council
Compiled by Russel T. Weston
Action Taken at March 24, 2003 meeting
41. Approve the AFSCME, Local 114L (librarians) three-year labor contract? The 10 library positions will receive a 2 percent wage increase in 2003, and in 2004 and 2005 the average of the Cost Price Index for wages in Seattle/Tacoma/Bremerton and all U.S. cities. Approved 7-0
42. Accept the low bid of $195,918 to replace two boilers in City Hall? The bid is $4,082 less than the engineer’s estimate and $17,948 less than the next closest bid. On 10/7/02 all emergency generator bids were rejected because the mayor said City Hall would be too expensive to prepare for a major earthquake (AB15415). AB15604 Approved 7-0
43. Direct city employees to challenge federal and state authorities’ requests that they consider unconstitutional? The employee would notify their supervisor who would decide if the city attorney should review the request. Staff will track state and federal electronic surveillance, meeting monitoring, library activity requests and residents (citizens and non-citizens) detained. AB15607 (Resolution 2003-06) Approved 4-3, Bob Ryan, Grant Deger and Gene Knutson opposed.
44. Expand the downtown Bellingham parking district, reduce parking requirements and standardize parking stall sizes? Will simplify development in downtown Bellingham. Plans for a grocery store and apartments can move forward. AB15568 (Ordinance 2003-03-10) Approved 6-1, Bob Ryan opposed.
45. Appropriate an additional $1,623 to implement the results of a salary audit? A permit technician will receive a retroactive pay increase to January 1, 2002. Funding is from the professional services fund typically used for contract services such as architectural designs and studies. AB15585 (Ordinance 2003-03-13) Approved 7-0
Note that City Council meetings were held in April but are not included here.
