Photo by Darla Grubb, Essence of Bellingham photo contest entry.

Water Resources Advisory Board

The purpose of the Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB) is to help inform and guide the City’s planning and policy regarding the protection and management of water resources, including municipal water, sewer, surface and stormwater systems, controls, rates, and drinking water source protection.

The first nine members were appointed by Mayor Kim Lund and approved by the Bellingham City Council on Monday, January 29, 2024. See below under Membership for the current roster.

Meetings

Meeting times for the WRAB will be determined after the board has elected a chairperson and vice chairperson, which will take place at the first meeting of the newly appointed members. The board will meet at least six times per year. Additional special meetings may be held as the board deems necessary. All meetings of the board shall be open to the public and in accordance with the Washington Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 42.30 RCW.

View Calendar

About the Water Resources Advisory Board

The Water Resources Advisory Board shall advise the Bellingham City Council, Mayor, Public Works Director, and other City Departments on the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects concerning the city’s municipal water, sanitary sewer, wastewater treatment and disposal, and surface and stormwater utilities, including the protection and preservation of Lake Whatcom through, in part, the watershed acquisition program, as the city’s primary source of drinking water.

The board will advise on periodic updates to utility system plans to plan for future needs. Such plans include but are not limited to the water system plan, surface and stormwater comprehensive plan, comprehensive sewer plan, the Lake Whatcom five-year work plan and the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan.

The board may choose to provide advice on emerging issues of concern, as recommended by staff or council.

The board will consist of no more than 9 members. Individuals complete an application process to seek appointment to the board, and members will be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.  Members shall serve three-year terms. At the outset, appointments may be for shorter terms to allow for staggered terms of service. Members may be reappointed without limitation. Any vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, with the replacement serving the remainder of the unexpired term.

Members shall be residents of the City of Bellingham.

To the extent possible, members shall be selected so that the board collectively possesses knowledge and/or experience on the following municipal matters:

  • Drinking water source preservation and protection;
  • Drinking water utility systems;
  • Sanitary sewer utility systems, including wastewater treatment and disposal;
  • Surface and stormwater utility systems; and
  • Utility finances and rates.

Roster (PDF)

The board will establish time requirements after its initial appointment. The board shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members to preside at its meetings and use the first meeting to make bylaws for the conduct of its business.

Regular meetings of the board shall be held at least six times per year, with special meetings held as the board deems necessary.

For reference for interested applicants, below are some examples of time requirements from other boards and commissions:

  • (MNAC) Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of each month. Work outside meetings includes keeping in touch with neighborhood residents. This outside work takes approximately eight hours per month.
  • (Immigration Advisory Board) Meetings are typically held the second Tuesday of each month. At this time meetings are held virtually. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours. Interpretation and translation services are provided. Meetings will be supported by Mayor-designated staff and City Council-designated staff as needed. Time spent outside meetings may be as much as five hours a week depending on involvement on the board.
  • (Civil Service) Meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Time required for meetings each month may be anywhere from a one and one-half hour regular meeting to a two-day disciplinary hearing. Meetings average approximately one hour. About one hour is needed outside of meetings to study the agenda.

Resources

Home > Government > Public Engagement > Boards and Commissions