What do you love about downtown?

From the City of Bellingham
The City asks:  What do you love about downtown Bellingham?  What do you wish for downtown? These questions are key to an ambitious downtown planning effort designed to identify actions our community can take to support a vibrant, thriving downtown.

An online survey, activities and prizes at the Bellingham Farmers Market and social media conversations are just a few of the ways people are invited to weigh in on the City’s Downtown Plan, a two-year planning effort led by the City of Bellingham and supported by various community partners.

Invasive Asian clams found in Lake Whatcom

From City of Bellingham

Local and state officials recently confirmed the presence of invasive Asian clams in Lake Whatcom, and are working to determine the extent of the infestation and how best to respond. Area residents are asked to assist by being aware of the infestation and reporting any clams they see in the lake.

Are You Ready for Emergencies?

From Puget Sound Energy:  Now is a good time to get ready for emergencies.

Recommendations begin with a kit:

Minimum 3 day supply of

• Food
• Water
• Pet supplies
• Flashlights
• Battery powered radio
• First aid kit

To find out more, go to PSE.com/Prepare or Ready.gov, redcross.org, 3days3ways.org and TakeWinterByStorm.org

Ward 3 Council Candiates

Thank you to Barry & Cathy for attending our recent PNA meeting.  For more information, here are their websites:

Barry Buchanan, Incumbent - http://www.barryforbellingham.com/

Cathy Lehman - http://votecathylehman.com/category/bellingham-city-council

Events This Week

We enjoyed a robust discussion about walking at last week’s PNA meeting.  Here are 2 related events this week – celebrating walking & the projects that make walking safe, pleasurable & attractive.

Meador Ped Bridge Installed Today!

Construction work continues on the Meador extension of the Whatcom Creek Trail.  

See below to read how old toilets will be used in the project!

From the City website:

This project will provide on-street pedestrian facilities between Meador Avenue and Ellis Street including a pedestrian bridge over Whatcom Creek on Meador Ave. This project will provide the final on-street connection for the long-planned Whatcom Creek Trail system between Lake Whatcom and Bellingham.

Several low impact development strategies will be used for stormwater facilities and pavement options.  The City worked in collaboration with the Whatcom Housing Authority to recycle 400 old toilets by grinding them into sidewalk concrete aggregate, coined "Poticrete". The City will document sustainability best practices used throughout the project and apply for Greenroads Certification.

Sehome Neighborhood Plan

See how our Sehome neighbors have planned for growth in their neighborhood – at upcoming Planning Commission meeting.

July 14th, 2011 is the next Public Hearing set to go before the Planning Commission regarding the Sehome Neighborhood Plan amendments.  Materials for the Planning Commission meetings can be found at www.cob.org/web/commsnl.nsf at least one week before the meeting date. 

New signs encourage voluntary outdoor watering schedule

Ten new signs will appear at major arterial intersections this week encouraging residents to follow the voluntary outdoor watering schedule. The City of Bellingham annually implements a voluntary outdoor watering schedule effective June 1 through September 15 to help reduce the stress on our water supply during the warm, dry summer months. The average daily water consumption often doubles during July and August when outdoor water use is highest.

Residents are asked to limit outdoor watering to the following schedule: 

Odd numbered street addresses 

Water only on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays.

Even numbered street addresses 

Water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays.

No outdoor watering on Mondays 

- in order to allow the water supply to recharge.

Lawn watering and other outdoor water use can account for up to 30% of residential water consumption. If residents choose to water lawns, we remind them that most grasses only need one inch of water per week to stay green.

For more information, please visit www.cob.org and search for “conservation” or email waterconservation@cob.org.

Popular spray parks set to open June 18

With local temperatures finally edging up, Bellinghamsters are looking for ways to cool down. Popular spray parks at Cornwall Park and Fairhaven Park will begin operation on June 18, 2011 and remain open through Labor Day. Hours of operation are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Leslie Bryson, interim Parks and Recreation Director, said that budget reductions in recent years resulted in City officials shortening the season for operating the spray parks.

don’t need swimming skills to enjoy Bellingham's spray parks, which are intended for toddlers through pre-teen children as a means to beat the summer heat.  Kids of all abilities love to splash their way through playful sprays, squirts and mists of water that shoot randomly from below-ground and above-ground apparatus. 

For more information, call Bellingham Parks & Recreation at (360) 778-7000 or visit www.cob.org/parks .

Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike: “Jobs, but at what cost?”

Statement by Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike, June 3, 2011

My administration has for months been focused on information gathering about the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point.  While much about this proposal remains unknown or unclear, I am clear today that I need to take a stand: a stand for protecting Bellingham, a stand for health, safety and quality of life, a stand for welcoming new businesses that provide clean jobs to our local communities.

We have examined the benefits proponents say this operation will bring to our community and have considered the risks.  While every resident of this county certainly agrees that more local family-supporting jobs would be a good thing, those same wise locals would also add, “But at what cost?”

View the full document online

http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1264/1104683/

Mayor’s Office Contact Information

http://www.cob.org/contact/mayor.aspx

Report describes City drinking water safety, need for lake protection

A report published by the City of Bellingham says our drinking water meets all health requirements, and reminds area residents that protecting the Lake Whatcom Reservoir depends on the involvement of individuals, businesses and governments. The annual report, called a Consumer Confidence Report, arrived in Bellingham water customers' mailboxes at the end of May.

“The water we deliver every day to our customers meets or exceeds safe drinking water standards," said Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike. "But studies show us the health of the Lake Whatcom Reservoir continues to decline and will require more extensive and expensive treatment to keep our drinking water safe unless we all work together to protect it.”

The City of Bellingham provides drinking water to nearly 100,000 people. The Consumer Confidence Report, along with other information about the Lake Whatcom Reservoir, is available at www.cob.org/services/environment/lake-whatcom/index.aspx .
  

Burglaries increase as weather heats up

Since March of this year, there has been a higher than normal number of reported burglaries to homes in the York and Sehome neighborhoods. Click here for map of York locations. Since March, there have been 13 reported residential burglaries. In these cases, it appears that thieves are targeting laptop computers and other electronic devices. One of the disturbing trends common in these burglaries is that in all but one case, there were no signs of forced entry. It appears that the burglars are gaining access through unlocked windows and doors. You might be surprised to learn that on average between 40-60% of residential burglaries are the results of an unlocked door or window.

Here are a few crime prevention tips to keep in mind at all times.

1. Always keep your doors and windows locked, even if you are home but especially when you are away. If you need to open a window for ventilation, consider using a stick to block the window from being opened completely.
2. If you have roommates, make sure they are keeping doors and windows locked as well.
3. Keep a record of personal belongings. If you are a victim of a burglary, having this information available to the officer can become crucial in solving the crime and getting your property back to you. The list should include;
1. Make
2. Model
3. Serial number
4. Consider buying renters insurance.  In most cases, it is very affordable and will minimize your loss.
5. Get to know your neighbors.
6. Report suspicious persons in your neighborhood by calling 911.
7. Start a Block Watch Program. The Bellingham Police Block Watch Program Coordinator is Officer Katrin Dearborn @ (360) 778-8660.

City Water Main Flushing

Puget Neighborhood:  May 23^rd – June 10^th

The City of Bellingham Public Works Department will continue its annual water main flushing program on Monday, May 23, 2011. Water main flushing cleans the pipes of mineral deposits that naturally build up on the inside walls of the pipes. If the pipes are not periodically flushed, the build-up can reduce the capacity and the efficiency of the water distribution system. Water used during the flushing operation is de-chlorinated before being discharged into the city storm drainage system.

It is common for the flushing activity to cause temporary discoloration of the water. The discolored water is not harmful to human health or other household uses. If the water in your residence is discolored, run a cold water tap in the bathtub for a few minutes, this should clear your water lines. To avoid stains on white laundry, customers are advised not to wash white clothes or use their hot water taps when crews are flushing in their area (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Iron mineral deposits may stain white laundry. Scheduling specific streets depends on crew workload. Public Works vehicles will be on your street the day your water lines are flushed.

From Monday, May 23, 2011 through Friday, June 10, 2011 the following areas will be flushed:

·   Lakeway Drive, Whatcom Falls Park, Puget Neighborhood

A map of the numbered flushing districts is available on the City website at http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/utilities/water-main-flushing-districts.pdf.  Areas 9-13 and 15 will be flushed.

If you have any questions regarding the flushing activity, please contact the City of Bellingham Public Works Department at 778-7700 or email mgray@cob.org.

Mayor schedules June 1 meeting to collect shipping terminal comments

6 pm

June 1^st

Bellingham Municipal Court

Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike invites members of the Bellingham community to help local officials identify the scope of environmental review for SSA Marine’s proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point.  Pike said his aim is to continue community dialogue and prepare for formal environmental review, which will be conducted by Whatcom County officials once SSA applies for permits.

A meeting hosted by Pike is planned to provide area residents a preliminary chance to identify impacts that should be studied during future review of the proposed project. He said comments collected will be provided to the appropriate regulatory agencies to support a triple-bottom-line approach to reviewing the proposal, considering its environmental, social and economic impacts.

“This is an important decision facing our community, as we try to balance the potential for new jobs and investment in our community with the neighborhood, environmental and other impacts this facility would bring,” Pike said. “I want an accurate assessment of both the positive and negative effects on our community.  We deserve clear answers about the impacts, how negative impacts might be mitigated, and who would pay for that mitigation,” he said.

For More Information, go to the City’s website:

http://www.cob.org/features/2011-03-15-gateway-pacific-terminal.aspx

Walking Survey Online until June 15th

Bellingham Pedestrian Plan

The creation of the Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan is currently underway.
 
You have the opportunity to help shape this plan by submitting comments & concerns regarding walking facilities through an online survey.  This survey can be accessed via the City of Bellingham Website at this link: 

http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/community-planning/pedestrian/pedestrian-master-planning.aspx

"The Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan is being developed during 2011 to help create a safe, well-connected and attractive walking environment for all members of the community," said Ted Carlson, Public Works Director.  The development of this plan will consist of four phases: assessing existing conditions, developing a vision for the plan, determining user needs and demands and developing the pedestrian network priorities.  
 
You are likely aware of areas that are functioning effectively and those that would benefit from improvement of some kind.  Input about walking conditions in your neighborhood and other Bellingham destinations are vital to the plan.
  

Phone access and paper comment forms are also available to those without internet access.
 
The first of two Community Meetings was held May 11^th. Residents who were not able to participate in the workshop can view the presentation on BTV10  at this link:  http://www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/index.aspx

For more information, visit cob.org/walk<http://www.cob.org/walk> or contact Kim Brown, Transportation Options Coordinator (kimbrown@cob.org<mailto:kimbrown@cob.org>, 778-7950). 

Signkeepers -- Big Help, Small Commitment

Volunteers Needed   
Time Commitment = 20 minutes/year

We need several of you who are willing to put out a Puget Neighborhood Sign to advertise our General Meetings.  So far we have 4 volunteers for the project that occurs 4 times/year.

Choose one of 

• 8 sandwich board signs OR
• 10 plastic signs on metal bases, which stick into the grass.  

 
If you would be willing to do this small job, please email Mary Chaney.

Thanks!  

Mary Chaney, President PNA  

Meador Avenue Construction

Coming Soon!
Road, Sidewalk, Bike, Trail Improvements

This project will provide on-street pedestrian facilities between Meador Avenue and Ellis Street including a pedestrian bridge over Whatcom Creek on Meador Ave. Right-of-way and narrow Whatcom Creek bridges create challenges, but bicycle facilities will be included where physically possible. This project will provide the final on-street connection for the long-planned Whatcom Creek Trail system between Lake Whatcom and Bellingham.

Next Milestones: Open bids on 4/28/11 and award project on 5/9/11.

For more information go to: City of Bellingham website > Government > Active Capital Projects.

Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program reaches 1500-pound milestone

Every day is Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in Bellingham. For the past year, six local pharmacies have accepted unwanted and expired medication for secure and legal disposal, reaching the 1500-pound milestone in April 2011, one year after starting the collection. Help reach the one-ton mark by bringing labeled medications to any of the following locations during pharmacy hours:

·   Costco Pharmacy, 4299 Meridian

·   Custom Rx Shoppe, 1313 E Maple St.

·   Hoagland Pharmacy, 2330 Yew St.

·   Haggen, 2814 Meridian

·   Haggen, 2900 Woburn (Barkley Village)

·   Fairhaven Market, 1401 12th St.

Prescription narcotics and controlled substances are collected at the Bellingham Police Department, 505 Grand Avenue, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Saturday, April 30, 2011, is the second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and supported by local law enforcement. This one-day event takes place locally at four drop-off sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Medications will be placed into a box by law enforcement and incinerated at an approved location. 

DEA Drop-off locations, April 30, 2011:

·   Bellingham DEA & WA State Patrol, 3860 Airport Way, Bellingham

·   Lummi Nation Police Department,  2616 Kwina Rd., Bellingham

·   Ferndale Police Department,  Cost Cutter Foods (front of store), 1750 LaBounty Drive, Ferndale

·   Ferndale Police Department,  Haggen Food & Pharmacy (front of store), 1815 Main St., Ferndale

Why take back your meds?

·   Unused medicines are a danger to our children, families and the environment

·   Washington State has one of the highest teen prescription drug abuse rates in the nation

·   Medicine poisoning of children and seniors is skyrocketing

·   Medicines flushed or put in the trash can end up in our surface waters, groundwater and drinking water--exposing our families and hurting our environment

For more information about the City of Bellingham program, visit the program web page.

Media Contact:
Mindy Collins, Local Source Control Specialist
Public Works Department
(360) 778-7962
mcollins@cob.org

I-5 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – Current & Planned Projects

Follow link to WSDOT report to City Council on April 11, 2011

http://www.cob.org/web/COUNCIL.nsf/0/7E5FDA672341002D8825786B0059C3CD/$File/11apr2011_AB19167.pdf?OpenElement

See report for WSDOT construction at Lakeway, Samish and Iowa + planning for 1) Guide-Meridian and 2) Bakerview at I-5. 

Help Make Walking Safe, Attractive & Connected in Bellingham

SAVE THE DATE - MORE INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED SOON! 

You are invited to help shape our first Pedestrian Master Plan.

Pedestrian Master Plan Community Workshop
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Bellingham Public Library Lecture Room
210 Central Avenue

Help identify improvements to ensure safe and pleasant walking facilities throughout Bellingham. 

Facilitator Dan Burden, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute Executive Director, will lead participants through activities and discussion to kick off the master planning process.

Please share this with others who may be interested.

Heather Higgins-Aanes
Education and Communications Coordinator
Public Works Department
210 Lottie St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Green Team

P: 360.778.7905 | F: 360.778.7901

Lake Whatcom fishing season opener emphasizes invasives prevention

City and County staff will greet boaters at the Bloedel Donovan Boat Launch on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 7 a.m. to noon, to provide information on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. 

Boaters will be asked about their boating habits, boat cleaning practices, and knowledge of invasive species impacts and prevention techniques. Responses to these questions will be used to design an effective invasive species prevention strategy for Lake Whatcom. 

Aquatic invasive species can spread from one water body to another by attaching to boat hulls, motors, trailers, and recreational equipment. Lake Whatcom is particularly at risk because it is a popular site for boaters who may be transporting aquatic invasive species from infested waters. 

“We are in a good position to prevent the introduction of invasive species into Lake Whatcom,” said Laurel Baldwin, Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board Coordinator. “We should not miss this opportunity to pay attention and take small actions to prevent impacts which might be costly and irreversible later,” she added.

An Aquatic Invasive Species Action Plan for Lake Whatcom is scheduled for release next month by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County.  This Plan will guide aquatic invasive species prevention, monitoring, control, and education/outreach strategies in the Lake Whatcom watershed. 

“A solid, well executed prevention strategy will be much cheaper than the price other communities are paying to respond to infrastructure and environmental damage caused by invasive species infestations,”  said Clare Fogelsong, Environmental  Resources Manager for the City.

For more information, see the City’s website at www.cob.org and search for "aquatic invasives".

Media Contact:
Clare Fogelsong, Environmental Resources Manager
City of Bellingham Public Works
(360) 778-7900
cfogelsong@cob.org

Carl Cozier Parents Highlighted in TIME Magazine

Carl Cozier Elementary School parents were mentioned in the Feb. 7, 2011 edition of TIME magazine in an article emphasizing the hardships PTA groups are facing in the midst of school district budget cuts. The article covers how Carl Cozier’s PTA expanded their fundraising with other school PTAs in the district to protect the district’s conservation program.

The article reads, “When the Bellingham, Wash., district cut a conservation program from its budget, the PTA at Carl Cozier whose leaders say it could have funded the field trip for its own students asked to spearhead a fundraising campaign so that every third-grader in the district's 14 elementary schools could attend. The district green-lighted the proposal, and PTAs throughout Bellingham joined forces to foot the $30,000 bill.”

For more information—http://www.friendsofgordoncarter.org/

Lakeway / I-5 Ramp Closure Soon

From the Herald 4/03/11:

Crews to close ramps, lanes of Interstate 5 in Bellingham

By JARED PABEN

BELLINGHAM - The state Department of Transportation will restart work this week on the project to lengthen the Interstate 5 ramps in Bellingham.

In 2011, they'll extend the northbound Samish Way on-ramp, northbound Iowa Street on-ramp and southbound Lakeway Drive on-ramp.

Click here to read more at the Herald’s website.

Pay Your Parking Tickets On-line at City Hall

Now available, on-line parking ticket payment is available to the public in the Permit Center in City Hall. Using an on-line payment service, customers may pay their parking tickets with a credit card.  The same computer that is available for public use of City IQ now has an icon to pay parking tickets.  Please pass this information along - thank you.  

Nicole C. Oliver
Communication Coordinator
Planning & Community Development
City of Bellingham
360.778.8353
www.cob.org/pcd

2nd annual Fun with the Fuzz 5K set

 Last year, several officers from the Bellingham Police Department in partnership with Behind the Badge Foundation, organized an event called Fun with the Fuzz 5K. This event is a running or walking flat course race through the streets of Bellingham. Last year, over 650 participants joined the fun and raised over $14,000 dollars. This year, event planners are hoping to have at least 1000 participants. All proceeds from the $20.00 registration fee (which includes event T-shirt) will be donated to the Behind the Badge Foundation.The second annual Fun with the Fuzz 5K, brought to you by North Coast Credit Union, SSC and Care Medical Group will be held on Saturday, April 23rd at the Bellingham Police Department located at 505 Grand Avenue. The race begins at 9:00 a.m.

Behind the Badge Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial and other support services to the families of fallen Law Enforcement Officers in Washington State. In addition, the organization maintains a Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia Washington. On average, Washington State loses two Officers in the line of duty per year. Without the support of Behind the Badge, the families of fallen officers would bear the financial burden of funeral services. Police funerals cannot be paid for with public funds. 

For a complete list of sponsors along with information and entry forms, please visit http://www.funwiththefuzz5k.com/http://www.funwiththefuzz5k.com/, local Bellingham Starbucks and Runningshoes.com.  All entry forms can be mailed to PO Box 31664 Bellingham, WA. 98228 or turned in at Runningshoes.com located at 1431 N. State St. Bellingham.

After the race there will be drawing for many great prizes that neighborhood businesses generously donated to this great cause. Some of those great prizes include: 

·   Nights at the Silver Reef Hotel and Casino

·   Massages from Back in Motion

·   A Porsche to drive for a week from Roger Jobs Porsche, Audi and Jeep

For more information about this event, please contact Bellingham Police Officer and race director Kyle Nelson at email funwiththefuzz5k@gmail.com. 

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Opportunities in the next 2 weeks inviting your input:

Samish Crest Trail meeting - March 29th

The City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department will host a public meeting to discuss design work for proposed trail improvements to the Samish Crest trail, adjacent to the Puget and Samish neighborhoods inside the 113-acre Samish Hill Open Space Complex. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 29, 2011 at the Wade King Elementary School cafeteria, 2155 Yew Street Road. 

Beyond Greenways funding of $400,000 is available for design and construction of trail improvements in the Samish Hill Open Space. We anticipate the project will include a new crushed gravel trail that approximately follows the existing north-south foot path and extends as far as budget allows. Other aspects of the project include landscape restoration planting, a park bench and trail signage.

The proposed trail will be part of a future improved trail complex inside the Samish Hill Open Space, and part of a larger trail system extending towards Lake Padden Park in the future.

For more information….

http://www.cob.org/government/departments/parks/projects/samish-crest-trail.aspx

Jonathan Schilk, RLA
Parks and Recreation Department
360-778-7000 jschilk@cob.org

---

Northwest Avenue bike lane Open House - March 23rd

The City of Bellingham invites the public to an open house about bicycle lanes along Northwest Avenue, Elm and Dupont Streets, scheduled 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, at Shuksan Middle School Commons, 2717 Alderwood Avenue.

In an informal open house atmosphere, city staff will provide maps of the proposed route, parking data and collect comments. On December 13, 2010, City Council passed Resolution No. 2010-32, requesting staff assistance to hold a stakeholder meeting to implement bicycle lanes on Northwest/Elm/Dupont Streets.

The Transportation Element of the 2006 Comprehensive plan calls for bike lane improvements throughout the City and in particular the Northwest/Elm/Dupont corridor. This corridor serves as a principal arterial with no adjacent parallel bike route opportunities. Northwest Avenue also serves as the only bicycle route for some Shuksan Middle school students.

The City is committed to increasing infrastructure for bicycle, pedestrian and non-single-occupancy vehicle modes of transportation while providing safe, well-connected mobility options for all users.

Comments can be mailed to Kim Brown, Transportation Options Coordinator, Public Works Department, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 or kimbrown@cob.org.