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| City Council Agenda Follow-Up July 15, 2019 | |
| 5:00 p.m. STUDY SESSION: 2020 Budget Councilmembers presented their requests for the 2020 budget. | DISCUSSION ONLY |
| APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Bersch moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. | APPROVED |
| PUBLIC COMMENT | INFO ONLY |
| CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Taylor moved, and Councilmember Hansen seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. | APPROVED |
| PROCLAMATION: 2019 Paddle to Lummi Tribal Canoe Journey Mayor Mutchler read the proclamation honoring and acknowledging the 2019 Paddle to Lummi Canoe Journey. | INFO ONLY |
| CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder presented updates on the following capital projects: First Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project – reconfigures the existing pedestrian crossings at First Avenue and Main StreetFerndale Terrace – design currently underwayScout Place to Nordic Way Water Line – Permit has been submitted to Burlington Northern, and work is expected to begin soonPump Station #19 De-Commissioning – a new gravity main will connect the water systems between Thornton Road and Malloy VillageThornton Overcrossing – right of way acquisition is nearly completeUtilities Relocation – utilities need to be relocated to accommodate the Thornton Overcrossing Project | INFO ONLY |
| PUBLIC HEARING: Floodway Repeal Ordinance In January 2019, the City Council approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan removing the Floodway Comprehensive Plan Designation and the Floodway Zone. The City Council determined that is no longer appropriate to maintain a floodway land use designation or zone that is inconsistent with the floodway established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This zoning text amendment removes Chapter 18.20 (Floodway Zone) from the Ferndale Municipal Code. Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Jensen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. | APPROVED |
| DISCUSSION: First & Main Street Intersection Improvement project/Bid Award This project will reconfigure the existing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of First Avenue and Main Street. Work will include removal and replacement of cement concrete sidewalk, curb and ADA ramps; removal of existing signal arms, cabinets and related facilities; concrete flatwork; HMA paving; permanent signage installation and pavement striping. Councilmember Jensen moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Hansen and Bersch opposed. | APPROVED |
| DISCUSSION: Affordable Housing Survey Housing affordability continues to be a significant issue for Whatcom County communities and for the City of Ferndale. Demand has dramatically exceeded supply at nearly every price point, and a significant housing crisis exists in the Pacific Northwest. The lack of housing units for the workforce has further contributed to a slow-down in the growth of local businesses that depend on skilled labor and has curtailed the expansion of businesses from outside the area, for the same reason. A survey regarding affordable housing was conducted with input from local realtors, developers, and contractors. Suggestions included: Allow duplexes, triplexes, etc. in multiple zones Reduce permit fees where feasible and provide incentive programs for “affordable” housingStreamline the permit review process and provide better information regarding permit requirementsDevelopment Regulations – reduce frontage requirements and allow streets to be narrowerZoning Regulations – allow more flexibility in building placement on the lotDensity Bonuses – provide incentives for increased units. Incentives must provide a public benefitState Regulations – better coordination between state agencies and city. Wetland fill and mitigation permits add time/confusion to the processCritical Areas – allow applicants to mitigate for small wetland areas | INFO ONLY |
| MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS Information only. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS Information only. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Information only. | INFO ONLY |
| ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m. |