The Public Works Department wishes to inform the public that the following roads will have traffic limitations during the week of February 13-17, 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.
Monroe Street
Both lanes of Monroe Street from Cherry to Jaeger streets will be closed as Ram Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, begins water main replacement work. Detours will be I n place with local access only. Flaggers will direct traffic around the construction as needed. 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. Maryland 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.
Alley between Orleans and Nevada streets
The alley between Orleans and Nevada streets from Carolina to E. Maryland 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.
###
Media Contact:
Mike Olinger, Inspection Supervisor
Public Works Department
360-778-7900
molinger@cob.org
Bellingham Police have arrested a 22 year old Tacoma Washington man for promoting prostitution in the 2nd degree.
Police Detectives were drawn to a Hotel located in the 4200 block of Guide Meridian on the evening of February 3rd 2012 to follow up on a prostitution investigation. Based on their investigation, Detectives were able to arrest a 17 year old Tacoma female for prostitution.
Detectives believe this juvenile is an endangered juvenile working in the sex slave industry. Following that arrest, Reggie R. Crume was contacted in the lobby of the Hotel and arrested without incident for promoting prostitution in the 2nddegree. When Detectives contacted Crume, they believe he was in the process of “grooming” another young female for prostitution. Crume was booked into the Whatcom County Jail.
Detectives want to point out that although the juvenile was arrested, she needed to be rescued from the activity she was involved with. She was released to Child Protective Services.
Bellingham Police Chief Todd G. Ramsay said “Although charges will be referred to Juvenile Court for prostitution, this victim has an opportunity to receive the services and assistance she needs. It is our hope that she and other victims like her get the help they need in order to leave this dangerous life style and enjoy a safe life.”
For more information concerning sex trafficking and slavery, please click on these web sites.
http://www.accessfreedom.org/Access_Freedom/Home.html
For more information concerning this press release, please contact Public Information Officer Mark Young at (360)778-8815.
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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 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.
###
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.
###
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.
###
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.
###
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.
###
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.
###
More information:
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:
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.
###
Media Contact:
Bill Boyd, Fire Chief
360 778-8411
]]>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:
KGMI 790 AM
KAFE 104.3 FM
KOMO 1000 AM
KIRO 710 AM 3
City of Bellingham BTV10 - Cable Channel 10
KOMO Channel 4
KING Channel 5
KIRO Channel 7
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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
]]>With weather forecasts predicting bitter cold overnight, possible high winds, and the chance for more snow, City officials urge Bellingham residents to be prepared, use caution, and help each other out.
Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville said City crews are sanding and plowing major streets around the clock and the City emergency management team is active. We are ready, and Bellingham residents also should be prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings next, she said.
First and foremost, choose safety first by avoiding unnecessary travel, and considering options other than driving your car. Snow and slush are expect to turn to ice, making driving treacherous.
Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice-covered surfaces.
Emergency officials recommend that residents also:
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, 360-778-8110, 360-201-9500 or jkeller@cob.org
Chad Bedlington, Public Works Operations, 360-778-7700 or cbedlington@cob.org
David Doll, Whatcom Unified Emergency Management, 360-778-8442 or ddoll@cob.org
]]>City of Bellingham street crews have moved to 24-hour schedules and public safety staff are on alert as weather officials predict severe weather for Monday afternoon (Jan. 16, 2012) and throughout the coming days.
Residents are reminded to avoid all unnecessary travel and use caution and common sense during snow and ice conditions.
Bellingham Public Works Director Ted Carlson said street crews began snow and ice response at 2 a.m. Monday morning and will continue plowing and sanding on a 24-hour schedule. He said his staff were able to get a fair amount of de-icer on the streets Friday and Saturday, which should significantly help keep Bellingham arterials streets passable.
Carlson said City officials use a priority system to determine snow and ice removal routes during winter weather. Priority routes include arterial streets, bus routes and access routes to critical facilities such as medical facilities and fire stations. Within this priority system, routes typically cleared first include Alabama Street, Meridian Street, Cornwall Avenue, Old Fairhaven Parkway and the downtown Central Business District.
The Seattle office of the National Weather Service this morning issued a winter storm warning for Western Washington, noting a major winter storm moving in this afternoon may result in heavy snow and wind.
Emergency officials also encourage people to reach out to their neighbors, especially people who are elderly or vulnerable in other ways, to make sure they are prepared for severe weather.
Interfaith Coalition representatives have announced they will continue to staff severe weather shelters for homeless people the nights of Jan. 16 and 17, with Faith Lutheran Church opening its doors for men and Garden Street United Methodist Church welcoming women and children.
More information about City of Bellingham snow and ice services, City government closures, and tips for staying safe and warm during winter weather 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:
Chad Bedlington, Public Works Operations, 360-778-7700 or cbedlington@cob.org
David Doll, Whatcom Unified Emergency Management, 360-778-8442 or ddoll@cob.org
Janice Keller, Communications Manager, 360-778-8110 or jkeller@cob.org
]]>
The Public Works Department wishes to inform the public that the following roads will have traffic limitations during the week of January 17-20, 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.
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
A sculpture installed surreptitiously on public property may remain in place temporarily, adding a touch of grace to the shoreline and serving as a gentle reminder that the City has a process for approving public art.
“Grace can stay for a while. She is an attractive piece, beautifully displayed in a unique location,” said Janice Keller, spokesperson for the City of Bellingham. “We’ll enjoy her while she lasts, and we’ll use her presence as an opportunity to remind people of the way to go about displaying art on City property.”
Slipped into place in the dark of night last October, Grace is bolted to a “tin rock,” a mound of waste tin from long-ago cannery operations, on tidelands owned by the state Department of Natural Resources leased to the Bellingham Parks Department for Taylor Street Dock.
Grace’s presence has sparked community conversation and recommendations from the Bellingham Arts Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The artist who created and installed her has not revealed him or herself, though stated through the news media that the plan for Grace was to “take her down once rust and time have won their day.”
The anonymous artist did not follow the approved process for installing art on City property, a process that includes review and recommendation by the Bellingham Arts Commission, safety evaluation and permit review, and approval by Bellingham’s Mayor.
The steps for artists and others to propose art for display on City property are described in detail on the Bellingham Arts Commission page of the City website.
Keller emphasized that while Grace is being allowed to remain on display for now, any other “rogue” artwork that shows up on City property will promptly be removed.
“Our public art collections are celebrated -- and sometimes controversial -- features of our community,” Keller said. “We have worked carefully with our Arts Commission volunteers to create a fair, transparent process for selecting quality art pieces for public display. People need to use this process when they want to display art on public property.”
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More information:
Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Media contact:
Janice Keller, Communications Manager, Mayor’s Office, 360-778-8110 or jkeller@cob.org
]]>The Bellingham Police Department along with the Whatcom County Humane Society are investigating an officer involved shooting of a dog in the Alabama Hill Neighborhood. The shooting occurred at about 3:00 p.m Wednesday, January 11.
Two members of the Bellingham Police Department were returning to their marked patrol car in the 2500 block of Racine Street after a routine police investigation in the neighborhood. As the officers approached their car, a mixed breed dog unrelated to the investigation, ran towards them then lunged at one of the officers several times. The officers reported that they yelled repeatedly at the dog but those efforts were not successful.
As the dog continued to approach, the officers reported that it "lunged, barked, snarled and showed it’s teeth”.
The dog was shot once at close range causing it to stop it’s attack and drop to the ground. The owner of the dog showed up shortly after the shooting. There were no other reported injuries.
The dog, described as a 2 ½ year old mix breed was transported by private vehicle for veterinary care and is expected to survive.
The officer, a 10 year veteran with the Bellingham Police Department, is currently assigned to his normal duties.
As with any police involved shooting, there will be a shooting review board.
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Media Contact:
Mark Young
Public Information Officer
Bellingham Police Department
(360)778-8815
myoung@cob.org
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The name of the man found deceased at the water’s edge off Boulevard Park on January 5th 2012 has been identified as 60 year old Harold G. Russell.
Bellingham Police were called to Boulevard Park, located in the 400 block of Bayview Drive after a citizen called 911 to report a body in the water. Officers arrived at about 9:30 a.m to find Russell obviously deceased. Russell has been a Bellingham resident for several years.
The results of the autopsy are pending however foul play is not suspected.
The Bellingham Police Department would like to express its sincere appreciation to the citizens who called to provide information in this most unfortunate investigation.
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Media Contact:
Mark Young
Public Information Officer
Bellingham Police Department
(360)778-8815
myoung@cob.org
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A Bellingham Police Traffic officer was hospitalized with a possible fractured lower leg following a crash Wednesday morning. The Traffic Officer, who is a 9 year veteran with the Bellingham Police Department was assigned to the Traffic Unit in January 2009.
Investigators at the scene believe that the Officer lost control of his 2008 BMW RT 1200 motorcycle while turning left onto Grand Avenue from Champion Street. A small puddle of fresh oil found at the scene is believed to a factor in this incident. The Traffic Officer was in the process of returning to the police station at the time of the incident. There were no other vehicles involved. The name of the officer will not be released at this time.
For more information concerning this press release, please contact Public Information Officer Mark Young.
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Media Contact:
Mark Young
Public Information Officer
Bellingham Police Department
(360)778-8815
myoung@cob.org
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The body of a man found on the beach in Boulevard Park had been identified.
The name of the man will not be released pending notification of next of kin.
No foul play is suspected at this time.
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Media Contact:
Sgt. Shawn Aiumu
Bellingham Police Department
(360) 778-8638
saiumu@cob.org