The Public Works Department wishes to inform the public that the following roads will have traffic limitations during the week of February 6-10, 2012, to accommodate construction and repair.

Lafayette Street
The northbound lane of Lafayette |Street will be closed as Ram Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, begins water main replacement work. Flaggers will direct traffic around the construction. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2011-water-replacement-program-monroe.aspx  or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., Project Engineer, at camueller@cob.org or 778-7922.

Verona Street from Alabama to E. Maryland streets
One lane of Verona Street from Alabama to E. Mayrland streets may be closed during the day while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, rehabilitates sewer lines using trenchless methods. Steam may be seen in the area. Flaggers will direct traffic around the construction. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

The City of Bellingham Public Works Department provides this information as a public service. It is based on currently available information. Motorists are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly and should plan accordingly. When traveling through a construction area, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are asked to be patient, proceed with caution and obey flaggers at all times. Planned road closures and restrictions are necessary to allow for a variety of work including resurfacing, sidewalk construction, water and sewer main work, and utility cuts. Dates, times and work locations are subject to change due to inclement weather or last-minute changes in work schedules.

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Media Contact:
Mike Olinger, Inspection Supervisor
Public Works Department
360-778-7900   
molinger@cob.org

The City of Bellingham received notice earlier this month from the Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the United States Department of the Interior that Bellingham's City Hall and the Broadway Park Historic District in the Cornwall Park Neighborhood were both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Bellingham resident Lynette Felbert applied for the City Hall designation, with unanimous support from the Bellingham City Council.

The City Hall Building, constructed in 1939 and located at 210 Lottie Street, is historically significant for its direct association with New Deal federal relief programs.  (The "new" City Hall replaced the old 1892 City Hall located at 121 Prospect Street, which was preserved and is now part of the Whatcom Museum campus.)  Bellingham's City Hall is an important example of the Public Works Administration Art Deco style, and was designed by prominent Seattle architect, Leonard Bindon, who lived and practiced in Bellingham from 1935-1940. Other notable Bindon designs include the Henry Suzzallo Library Building at the University of Washington, the Music Building and Women's Dormitory at Western Washington University, and several large Art Deco/Streamline Modern style homes in the Edgemoor Neighborhood.

Also listed this month was the Broadway Park Historic District, Bellingham's seventh historic district, which was nominated as part of a grant from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.  Located in one of Bellingham’s early neighborhood developments in the Cornwall Park Neighborhood, the 65-acre Broadway Park Plat was opened to residential development by the Bellingham Bay Improvement Co. in September, 1906. Originally designed as a “streetcar suburb,” the plat was created to coincide with a trolley-line extension connecting the new neighborhood with the central downtown trolley system, and provided new housing opportunities for Bellingham’s growing population.

The Broadway Park Plat remains much as it did 100 years ago, and is bounded by Ellis Street on the east, North Street on the south, Illinois Street on the north and roughly the alley east of Grove Street on the west.

The National Register records the tangible reminders of the history of the United States and is the official repository for documentation of cultural resources worthy of preservation.  See the Historic Preservation section of the City website for more information, including details on the 35 other buildings, 6 districts and one highway in Bellingham listed on the National Register. 

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More information:

City of Bellingham Historic Preservation

Media Contact:
Katie Franks, Development Specialist
Planning & Community Development Department
(360) 778-8388
kfranks@cob.org

The Public Works Department wishes to inform the public that the following roads will have traffic limitations during the week of January 23-27, 2012, to accommodate construction and repair.

E. Maryland Street between Elm and Kulshan streets
E. Maryland Street between Elm and Kulshan streets will be closed while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, prepares for sewer line replacement in the alley. Flaggers will direct traffic as needed. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Alley between Elm and Kulshan streets south of W. North Street
The alley between between Elm and Kulshan streets will be closed while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, continues sewer line replacement in the alley. Work this week will extend south of W. North Street. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Alley between Nevada and Orleans streets from Carolina to W. Maryland
Alley between Nevada and Orleans streets from Carolina to W. Maryland will be closed during the day while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, rehabilitates sewer lines using trenchless methods. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Verona Street from Texas to Illinois streets
Verona Street from Texas to Illinois streets will be closed during the day while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, rehabilitates sewer lines using trenchless methods. Steam may be seen in the area. Flaggers will direct traffic around the construction. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Illinois Street from Kulshan to Elm
One lane of Illinois Street from Kulshan to Elm streets will be closed during the day while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, rehabilitates sewer lines using trenchless methods. Steam may be seen in the area. Flaggers will direct traffic around the construction. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Lincoln Street near Byron Avenue
Trucks will intermittently be entering traffic along Lincoln Street near the Lincoln Creek Park and Ride as part of the trenchless sewer replacement project. Interwest Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, will excavate in preparation for pipe bursting. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/eu-0159-2011-sewer-rehabilitation-program-trenchless.aspx  or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., Project Engineer, at camueller@cob.org or 778-7922.

Byron and Consolidation avenues near I-5
Trenchless sewer replacement work continues along Byron and Consolidation Avenues near Interstate 5. Trucks will intermittently be entering traffic along Samish Way. Interwest Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, will excavate in preparation for pipe bursting. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/eu-0159-2011-sewer-rehabilitation-program-trenchless.aspx  or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., Project Engineer, at camueller@cob.org or 778-7922.

The City of Bellingham Public Works Department provides this information as a public service. It is based on currently available information. Motorists are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly and should plan accordingly. When traveling through a construction area, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are asked to be patient, proceed with caution and obey flaggers at all times. Planned road closures and restrictions are necessary to allow for a variety of work including resurfacing, sidewalk construction, water and sewer main work, and utility cuts. Dates, times and work locations are subject to change due to inclement weather or last-minute changes in work schedules.

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Media Contact:
Mike Olinger, Inspection Supervisor
Public Works Department
360-778-7900   
molinger@cob.org

The Bellingham Police Department is asking for your help in locating a missing person.

Robert D. Johnson “Bobby”, age 72 was reported missing by his wife to Lummi Nation Police over the weekend.  Bobby was last seen by his wife at about 5:30-6:00 p.m on Saturday January 21, 2012 while they were both in Bellingham. Bobby has not returned home. Both Bobby and his wife reside on the Lummi Nation Reservation.

Bobby was last seen walking from the 200 block of East Magnolia towards the 100 block of East Holly Street. After returning home, the wife reported Bobby missing to Lummi Nation Police. Bobby may be suffering from early stage dementia.

Bobby is described as a 72 year old Native American male with black and white hair. He is 5’ 6” and weighs about 150 pounds. Bobby was last seen wearing a pair of green slacks, a black and white flannel button up shirt, a blue hooded jacket and black athletic shoes. He was also wearing a red baseball cap with the letters NYC. Anyone with information concerning Bobby’s location is asked to please call 911.

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Media Contact:
Mark Young
Public Information Officer
Bellingham Police Department
(360)778-8815
myoung@cob.org

The Public Works Department wishes to inform the public that the following roads will have traffic limitations during the week of January 23-27, 2012, to accommodate construction and repair.

Winter storm clean-up throughout Bellingham
Crews will be responding to winter storm clean-up needs throughout the City into next week. These needs include attending to standing water on roadways, clogged drain pipes and ditches, and other public service requests. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns by calling 778-7700, during business hours and on evenings and weekends.

E. Maryland Street between Elm and Kulshan streets
E. Maryland Street between Elm and Kulshan streets will be closed while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, prepares for sewer line replacement in the alley. Flaggers will direct traffic as needed. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Alley between Elm and Kulshan streets south of W. North Street
The alley between between Elm and Kulshan streets will be closed while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, continues sewer line replacement in the alley. Work this week will extend south of W. North Street. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Alley between Nevada and Orleans streets from Carolina to W. Maryland
Alley between Nevada and Orleans streets from Carolina to W. Maryland will be closed during the day while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, rehabilitates sewer lines using trenchless methods. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Verona Street from Texas to Illinois streets
Verona Street from Texas to Illinois streets will be closed during the day while Tiger Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, rehabilitates sewer lines using trenchless methods. Steam may be seen in the area. Flaggers will direct traffic around the construction. This work is part of the 2010-2011 Sewer Replacement Program. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/2010-eu-0151-opencut-Sewer-Replacement-Program.aspx or contact Shane Oden, P.E., Project Engineer, at stoden@cob.org or 778-7921.

Lincoln Street near Byron Avenue
Trucks will intermittently be entering traffic along Lincoln Street near the Lincoln Creek Park and Ride as part of the trenchless sewer replacement project. Interwest Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, will excavate in preparation for pipe bursting. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/eu-0159-2011-sewer-rehabilitation-program-trenchless.aspx  or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., Project Engineer, at camueller@cob.org or 778-7922.

Byron and Consolidation avenues near I-5
Trenchless sewer replacement work continues along Byron and Consolidation Avenues near Interstate 5. Trucks will intermittently be entering traffic along Samish Way. Interwest Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, will excavate in preparation for pipe bursting. For additional information visit the City webpage at http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/eu-0159-2011-sewer-rehabilitation-program-trenchless.aspx  or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., Project Engineer, at camueller@cob.org or 778-7922.

The City of Bellingham Public Works Department provides this information as a public service. It is based on currently available information. Motorists are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly and should plan accordingly. When traveling through a construction area, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are asked to be patient, proceed with caution and obey flaggers at all times. Planned road closures and restrictions are necessary to allow for a variety of work including resurfacing, sidewalk construction, water and sewer main work, and utility cuts. Dates, times and work locations are subject to change due to inclement weather or last-minute changes in work schedules.

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Media Contact:
Mike Olinger, Inspection Supervisor
Public Works Department
360-778-7900   
molinger@cob.org

Bellingham residents are invited to comment on a proposal for an increase in watershed fees designed to provide additional funding for Lake Whatcom protection efforts.

The Bellingham City Council has scheduled a public hearing on the proposal during its Jan. 23 meeting, at 7 p.m. in Bellingham City Council Chambers.

The fee increase is a recommendation of the Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board, a citizen advisory committee that advises City officials about the watershed land acquisition program and other lake protection efforts.

Under the board’s proposal, the current $5 per month watershed charge would increase to $12 per month for all flat-rate customers, with a comparable increase for metered customers. The proposal also includes expanding possible uses of the fund, designating approximately 30% of the total revenue for capital projects.

The current $5 per month surcharge has been in place since 2001, when the City began collecting the fee and using it to purchase available land in the Lake Whatcom Watershed. To date, the city has purchased approximately 1,390 acres at a cost of $23.1 million.

Watershed Advisory Board members proposed increasing the fee as a means for purchasing and protecting further land from development and funding new lake protection initiatives, such as capital projects to address storm water runoff from existing streets and residential areas.

City staff have recommended postponing action on this proposal until a comprehensive water rate study is completed later this spring, so that all rate proposals can be considered together, in the context of the water system’s complete financial picture.

Public Works Director Ted Carlson said the rate study will propose strategies to meet the water system’s full financial obligations, today and in the future, including protecting Lake Whatcom as well as infrastructure needs. For example, he said, about 25% of the City’s 400 miles of water main are more than 50 years old. Current funding levels are inadequate to replace this aging water infrastructure.

Other identified lake protection strategies require funding in addition to land acquisition efforts, he said, and the recent discovery of invasive clams in the lake also is a challenge that may require additional resources.

The results of the rate study will help Council and the public understand all the factors involved with financing our drinking water system, he said, and make sure that any increases are carefully planned.

“Property acquisition is a core strategy in the City’s long-term efforts to protect and restore Lake Whatcom and provide clean, safe drinking water to our community,” Carlson said. “Any increase in the land acquisition surcharge should be considered in coordination with the rate study.”

Carlson said a draft of the rate study should be available for Council and public review in May 2012.

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More information:

• Agenda item and staff report for Lake Whatcom Watershed surcharge proposal
• Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board
• Lake Whatcom Property Acquisition Program

Media contacts:

Seth Fleetwood, Bellingham City Council member and Chair of the Council's Lake Whatcom Reservoir & Natural Resources Committee.

Ted Carlson, Public Works Director, 360-778-7900

Janice Keller, Communications Manager, Mayor’s Office, 360-778-8110 or jkeller@cob.org

While Bellingham and Whatcom County escaped the severe ice issues experienced in central and south Puget Sound today (Jan. 19, 2012), we may not be so lucky Friday.

The Seattle office of the National Weather Service predicts Bellingham-area temperatures will begin to rise tonight, raising concerns about more snowfall, along with sleet and freezing rain, as the area warms.  These changing conditions, coupled with moisture hitting frozen surfaces, will result in dangerous ice conditions Friday morning.

City officials continue to remind area residents to avoid unnecessary driving and to use extreme caution while traveling. Be on the lookout for significant ice that remains on many streets from storms earlier this week. Rain on top of ice already in place will make dangerous conditions for driving and even walking.

Crews continue to care for streets on around-the-clock shifts and the City’s emergency management team remains active.

As warming continues over the weekend, ice will become less of a problem and flooding will begin to be a concern. Snow and ice followed by rain can clog drains and cause urban flooding, while rivers swollen by melt may rise to levels of concern.  Snow on trees, limbs, power lines and buildings can become heavy as it absorbs rainfall, causing downed trees and utility lines. Roofs of aging sheds, barns and other structures can be vulnerable to collapse.

In addition to taking appropriate snow- and ice-related precautions, emergency officials recommend that residents also:

• Be on the lookout for burst pipes and water leaks, the result of frozen pipes.
• Clear street storm drains in your immediate area.
• Be cautious around standing or moving water.
• Watch for and avoid fallen trees and downed utility lines.
• Report power outages and downed lines to Puget Sound Energy at  1-888-225-5773.
• Report winter storm property damage (excluding auto collisions) to Whatcom Unified Emergency Management at 360-676-6681.
• Only call 9-1-1 in emergencies.

More information about City snow and ice services, closures and winter safety tips can be found on the City website at www.cob.org .

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More information:

City snow-related services and winter weather tips

Media contacts:

Janice Keller, Communications Manager, Mayor’s Office, 360-778-8110 or 360-201-9500 or jkeller@cob.org

Ted Carlson, Bellingham Public Works Director, 360-778-7900 or tcarlson@cob.org

David Doll, Whatcom Unified Emergency Management, 360-778-8442 or ddoll@cob.org

A late night house fire and bitter cold weather conditions challenged Bellingham firefighters last night.  Fire crews were dispatched to 2618 Cedarwood Avenue at 12:30 a.m. for a reported house fire.  On arrival, Engine 5 from the Northwest Avenue fire station observed heavy smoke showing from the eves of the roof, and a fire burning in the kitchen area of a one-story, 800 square foot home.

Crews quickly knocked down the fire in the kitchen and accessed the attic area to complete extinguishment. The frigid temperatures made for slick conditions and concerns about frostbite as crews worked in and around the home to secure the situation. Crews began clearing the scene within 40 minutes.

Fire investigators determined that the fire was caused by an electric space heater placed in the crawl space under the house to keep water pipes from freezing. Burn patterns indicate the heater was likely placed too close to nearby combustible materials, and fire traveled up the wall into the kitchen and attic areas.

This fire serves as a sobering reminder that the unattended use of space heaters in confined spaces can be extremely hazardous.   Thawing pipes with open flame applianaces is another source of home fires, which can be challenging for firefighters, as the fire tends to travel through hidden spaces in the floors, walls and attic spaces.

No injuries were reported, and a damage estimate is not available at this time.

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Media Contact:
Bill Boyd, Fire Chief

360 778-8411

bboyd@cob.org

City of Bellingham services and facilities are open for business on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, with most following regular hours of operations.

Employees who determine they cannot report to work due to weather conditions may decide to remain home, per the City's inclement weather policy.

Arterial streets are largely in good shape and passable, with no major change from yesterday. There is no new accumulation of snow.  Bellingham this morning is not getting freezing rain, as some communities to the south are experiencing. Wind conditions are no longer a concern, as they were yesterday.

Public safety employees and services continue operating at enhanced levels, with crews working around the clock to sand and salt City streets.

For more information about City services and hours of operation, visit the City website at www.cob.org

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Media Contacts:

Janice Keller, Mayor's Office, 360-778-8110 or 360-201-9500 or jkeller@cob.org

Ted Carlson, Public Works Director, 360-778-7900

Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville announced this afternoon that Bellingham City Hall and most other non-emergency City services will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. Most City-related activities are cancelled and most non-essential employees are released from work for the remainder of the business day.

City of Bellingham public safety officials continue to advise residents to avoid unnecessary driving. Today's weather forecast calls for continued bitter cold and high winds this afternoon and tonight, which combine to make travel potentially difficult on icy roads.

Public safety employees and services are operating at enhanced levels, with crews working around the clock to sand, salt and plow City streets. 

Today's early City closure includes the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, the Whatcom Museum, Municipal Court, the Bellingham Public Library and the Fairhaven and Barkley branches, and all of City Hall, including the Permit Center and Finance Department public counters.

Linville said decisions about whether City facilities and services will be open tomorrow (Jan. 19, 2012) will be made early tomorrow morning.

"We expect City government will operate on a regular schedule Thursday, but we are continually monitoring the weather, evaluating driving conditions and making decisions based on safety and community needs," she said.

The best ways to keep informed of City services and weather-related changes include:

• Check the city's website at www.cob.org

• Call Bellingham City Hall at (360) 778-8000 for a recorded message regarding facility closures and cancellations of city services.

• Tune in to a radio (keep a battery-equipped radio handy)

KGMI 790 AM
KAFE 104.3 FM
KOMO 1000 AM
KIRO 710 AM 3

• Check City social media sites

Facebook

Twitter

• Watch TV

City of Bellingham BTV10 - Cable Channel 10
KOMO Channel 4
KING Channel 5
KIRO Channel 7

• Call Bellingham City Hall at (360) 778-8000 for a recorded message regarding facility closures and cancellations of city services.

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Media Contacts:

Janice Keller, Communications Manager, Mayor's Office: 360-778-8100 or 360-201-9500 or jkeller@cob.org

Ted Carlson, Public Works Director, 360-778-7000 or tcarlson@cob.org

David Doll, Whatcom Unified Emergency Management, 360-778-8442 or ddoll@cob.org