New Orca Mural Completed in Downtown Ferndale

New Orca Mural Completed in Downtown Ferndale

In early 2023, Kevin Lee commissioned artist Káa Sháyee to paint a mural on his Ferndale location car wash. Kevin has owned Kevin’s Car Wash for nine years which is located in Ferndale by the Nooksack river bridge on Main Street. The Ferndale Arts Commission administered the mural project as part of the Downtown Mural Project and both the Arts Commission and Lee contributed funds to the project.

The 43′ wide mural is titled “Ancestral Spirits” and depicts an orca whale and eagle in Tlingit formline style design. Both Káa Sháyee and Lee are enrolled Tlingit Alaska natives. Káa Sháyee originates from Ketchikan, Alaska, and Lee is from Sitka, Alaska. The mural was completed in early July. Káa Sháyee hopes to collaborate with other local Native artists to do additional mural work in the surrounding area.

Lee is currently doing a facelift on this location, including fresh paint, new signage, and additional lighting. Another mural will be added on the opposite end of the building later this summer.

 

Arts Commission and Downtown Association Partner to Install Youth Art Throughout Downtown

Arts Commission and Downtown Association Partner to Install Youth Art Throughout Downtown

Earlier this month, volunteers with the Arts Commission installed thirty-eight pieces of art designed by Ferndale’s youth onto nineteen garbage bins throughout downtown Ferndale. After months of soliciting original art and hosting an in-person event, the final selections were printed and installed. Funding for the project was provided by the Ferndale Downtown Association.

“This project beautifies downtown, engages with local artists and saves taxpayer dollars by refreshing old garbage cans rather than replacing them,” said Art Commission chair Rebecca Xczar.

Artists were asked to consider “What Does Ferndale Mean to You?” or to utilize a Pacific Northwest Aesthetic. Over 100 designs were received as part of the project.

A complete map of art locations can be found by clicking here. Entrees that were submitted but not chosen are currently being displayed at downtown businesses including the former Lyndale Glass location, Subway, Barb’s Pie and Pastries, Sabor Latino and Uncle Jesse’s Pottery.

 

Notice of Traffic Revision: Tuesday, July 11th and Wednesday, July 12th

Intersection of Vista Drive and Thornton Street

In addition to the standing closure of Thornton Street between Vista Drive and Malloy Ave., drivers should expect further delays as traffic is reduced to single lane alternating traffic at the intersection of Vista Drive and Thornton Street.

Tuesday, July 11th – The traffic revision is in effect from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic.

Wednesday, July 12th – The traffic revision is in effect from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight). Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic.

This work is part of the City of Ferndale’s Thornton: Vista to Malloy improvement project.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact the Ferndale Public Works Department at 360-384-4006.

Special Meeting Notice – July 13, 2023 Planning Commission & City Council Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Ferndale City Council and Ferndale Planning Commission will hold a special meeting for the purpose of preparing for the City’s required periodic review of the Comprehensive Plan. Under the Growth Management Act (GMA), every county and city in the state is required to conduct a thorough periodic update of its comprehensive plan and/or development regulations that are consistent with, and implement the plan. The GMA requires the city to review its comprehensive plan and development regulations to bring them up to date with any relevant changes in the GMA, recent case law and to respond to changes in land use and population growth.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry Street, Ferndale. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. This is an open public meeting as outlined by the Open Public Meetings Act, and members of the public are invited to attend and observe.

 

Request for Qualifications – Attorney Representation for Indigent Defendants (Public Defense)

The City of Ferndale provides publicly funded attorney representation to indigent defendants with a right to counsel at City expense.

The City of Ferndale seeks to fill one position at 100% of a full-time caseload, or approximately 260 cases per year, and one position at 50% of a full-time caseload, or approximately 130 cases per year, pro-rated based on the contract’s start date.  Alternative divisions of caseload and/or number of positions may be considered in order to achieve 1.5 total positions. The City anticipates that one or both contracts will be extended for multiple years, and that the half-time position may increase over time with overall City case volume.

Annual compensation for a full-time caseload ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience.  Half-time contracts are pro-rated based on the percentage of the full-time caseload, beginning at $60,000.  Contractors are responsible for all overhead such as support staff, rent, and other costs of doing business.  If interested, follow the application procedures below.

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified applicant must:

  • Be a licensed member of good standing with the Washington State Bar
  • Meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense 14.3
  • Demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense
  • Possess experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals experiencing state intervention in their lives, and a willingness to challenge the City on issues of bias and prejudice.
  • Provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental advocacy throughout the case
  • Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress

Preferred Qualifications

The City will prefer applicants who:

  • Are physically located within Whatcom County

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with a primary goal of filling both positions by September 1, 2023. To apply, email a letter of interest identifying your qualifications, a resume, and a writing sample.

Letters of interest should describe the applicant’s current contracts for public defense or other representation as well as existing caseload, specifying the number and type of cases currently carried, including private practice commitments, if any.

Email Materials to:

Susan Duncan – City Clerk:  susanduncan@cityofferndale.org

Please address any questions to Susan Duncan at the above email address.

The City of Ferndale reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the City of Ferndale to contract for the services specified here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fireworks Dos and Don’ts in the City of Ferndale

Fireworks Dos and Don’ts in the City of Ferndale

As we approach Independence Day, it is important for everyone to celebrate in a safe and legal way.

Please remember the only legal times to shoot off fireworks in the city are on July 4th from 9am to midnight.

Here is a graphic showing what fireworks are legal and which ones are not but a good rule of thumb is that if you can buy them at the stand at the grocery store, you can shoot them off. Many that come from the reservation, such as bottle rockets and firecrackers are not legal for use in the City.

Thank you and remember to stay safe this July 4th!

Notice of Traffic Revision: Tuesday, June 20th and Wednesday, June 21st

LaBounty Drive, between Smith Road and Slater Road

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane alternating traffic near 5127 LaBounty Drive between Smith Road and Slater Road. The traffic revision is in effect Tuesday, June 20th and Wednesday, June 21st from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic. Road will remain open during nonworking hours. This work is weather dependent and could be extended.

This work is associated with a private development project.

City offices will be closed Monday, June 19th for Juneteenth

City offices will be closed Monday, June 19th for Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
If you want to learn more about historically marginalized communities here in Ferndale, Connect Ferndale is hosting a free History Walk.
Learn about the unique and untold history of our City highlighting the contributions of some of our underrepresented communities. It will start at Noon on Sunday, June 25th at the Pioneer Pavilion. More details available here: https://sites.google.com/view/connectferndale/home#new_tab