Hearing Examiner

The hearing centered on whether proper signage was posted and visible for the September 21, 2025 Bellingham Bay Marathon no-parking restrictions. City Parking Code Compliance Officer Greg Coulter testified that 28 temporary signs were posted by race organizers on the 1200 block of Railroad Avenue, showing restrictions from 3 AM to 10:30 AM, with additional permanent signage indicating road closure from 8 AM to 11 AM. Weather became a critical factor when overnight conditions on September 21 shifted from calm to rain and gusts up to 30 mph, causing most temporary signs to blow down. Only 5-6 signs remained standing when enforcement began at 6:10 AM, with numbers continuing to dwindle during the 45-minute towing operation. The case highlighted tensions between event safety requirements and signage enforcement stan…

**Casey Gish (Appellant):** Argued that inadequate signage was visible when he parked at 5:15-5:30 AM on September 21, having seen other race participants parking in the area. Contended that race website explicitly stated free downtown parking was available, creating reasonable reliance on official race communications. Emphasized this was his second year running the race, having parked in the same area without incident in 2024 following race website directions. Noted that 32 total vehicles were towed, suggesting systematic communication failure rather than individual negligence. **Brooke Usrey (Vehicle Owner):** Confirmed she was the registered owner and corroborated that multiple runners faced similar towing situations, validating widespread confusion. Noted she parked a block or two north for the half marathon without being towed, adding to confusion about enforcement boundaries. **Greg Coulter (Parking Code Compliance Officer):** Defended the towing decision based on public safety concerns, testifying that constricting 1,…

**Greg Coulter, on weather impact:** "When we arrived just after 6 o'clock, I believe I was on site at 610 a.m, there were still 5 to 6 signs left up on this 1200 block of railroad attached to the posts, that they were originally on, the parking meter posts." **Greg Coulter, on safety rationale:** "I personally have been trampled multiple times at the start of races just because it is the definition of a stampede." **Casey Gish, on race website information:** "The race website says you can …

The hearing established a formal record for the vehicle impound appeal and created a framework for post-hearing submissions to address technical difficulties. The case highlighted systemic issues with event signage coordination and weather contingency planning that may influence future special event permitting requirements. The extended re…

### Meeting Overview The Bellingham Hearing Examiner, Sharon Rice, conducted an appeal hearing challenging the validity of a vehicle impound and associated towing fees. The hearing involved a vehicle owned by Brooke Usrey that was towed during the Bellingham Bay Marathon on September 21, 2025, from the 1200 block of Railroad Avenue. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Hearing Examiner:** An independent attorney appointed by the City Council to hear appeals and make legally binding decisions on municipal matters like parking violations and impounds. **MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices):** Federal guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation that establish standards for traffic signage, including requirements for no-parking signs during special events. **Right-of-Way Closure Permit:** A city permit that allows event organizers to temporarily close or restrict parking on public streets, requiring them to post proper signage. **Impound Appeal:** A legal process where vehicle owners can challenge the validity of their car being towed and seek refund of towing and storage fees. **Over-signing:** The practice of posting more no-parking signs than legally required to ensure adequate notice to drivers, often used for special events. **Hard Sign:** A permanent metal sign (as opposed to temporary zip-tied signs) that provides official notice of parking restrictions or road closures. **Class A Towing:** A category of vehicle towing that determines the fee structure - in this case resulting in a $400 base charge for one hour minimum. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Sharon Rice | City-appointed Hearing Examiner | | Casey Gish | Appellant (husband of vehicle owner, marathon runner) | | Brooke Usrey | Vehicle owner (half-marathon runner) | | Greg Coulter | City Parking Code Compliance Officer | | Chris Heston | Owner, Heston Hauling and Towing | | Raul Murillo Delgado | City Parking Operations Supervisor | | Christy Bowker | Hearing Clerk | ### Background Context This case arose from the annual Bellingham Bay Marathon, which required street cl…