News

Summary of June 4th, 2018 Council meeting

You can find all the related Agenda Documents here

City Council Agenda Follow-Up

June 4, 2018

  
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL  
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

APPROVED

 
INTRODUCTION: Brian Lewellen, Police Officer INFO ONLY
PRESENTATION: Susan Marks, Commission Against Domestic Violence INFO ONLY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: PUD Overview

Associate Planner Haylie Miller reviewed the process for a Planned Unit Development (PUD)

 

  

INFO ONLY

 
PUBLIC HEARING: 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program Resolution

RCW 35.77.010 requires the City to adopt a six-year plan for coordinated transportation program expenditures by July 1st of each year. After the program is adopted, it is submitted to the Secretary of Transportation. Adopting the TIP allows the City to apply for federal grants to secure funding for the projects. The current Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is for 2019 – 2024. It is substantially similar to the 2018 – 2023 TIP, and includes the following projects:

 

·         Douglas Road – S. Church to Imhoff – Reconstruct & widen streets

·         Ferndale Terrace Improvement Project – Reconstruct & widen streets

·         Legoe Avenue – Reconstruct & widen streets

·         Main Street – Barrett Rd to East City limits – Reconstruct & widen streets

·         Main/LaBounty Roundabout – 2 lane roundabout, frontage, & signal improvements

·         Pavement Rehabilitation Program – City wide

·         Portal Way Corridor, including pedestrian & bike improvements

·         Sidewalk Program – Repair/Replace/New – City wide

·         Signalization Upgrades – Main Street

·         Slater Road Corridor

·         Thornton Road – Church to Maureen – Curb, gutter, sidewalk, & storm

·         Thornton Road – Vista to Malloy – Curb, gutter, sidewalk, & bike lane

·         Thornton Overcrossing – Bridge over BNSF tracks with connector to 2nd Avenue

·         Washington & Vista Intersection Improvements

 

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT – Jail Facility Use

This agreement sets the terms and conditions for the incarceration of City residents in the Whatcom County Jail Facility. Due to the need to renovate the existing facility, the per diem fees have increased from the previous agreement. The term of the agreement is July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020.

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember K. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

APPROVED

 
APPROVAL: East Slater Notice of Intent to Annex

Approval of the Notice of Intent to Annex is the first step in the annexation process. A “yes” vote from Council allows the applicants to proceed with the annexation process. The process culminates in a formal Petition to Annex that will be accompanied by fees necessary to pay for a Fiscal Impact Analysis of the costs/benefits of annexation.

The East Slater Urban Growth Area (approximately 149 acres) was added to Ferndale’s UGA in 2016. At that time, the City Council determined that it should be made eligible for annexation, per the City’s Annexation Phasing Plan. All or a majority of the land would likely be subject to a Mixed-Use Commercial or General Business zoning designation.

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

  

INFO ONLY
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RCW 42.30.110(b)

Council adjourned to Executive Session at 6:46 p.m. Regular session resumed at 7:01 p.m. Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Kennedy seconded, to pursue the purchase of the property at 2076 Washington Street.

Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Watson seconded, to amend the motion to specify that all monies for the purchase will come from the REET 1 and REET 2 Funds.

On the amendment: MOTION FAILED 1-6, Councilmember Olson in favor.

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember K. Hansen seconded, to amend the motion to specify that funds for the purchase will not come out of the General Fund.

On the amendment: MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

On the main, amended motion: MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

APPROVED

AS

AMENDED
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.  
June 5, 2018

June 2nd is “Wear Orange for Gun Safety” Day in Ferndale

At their last meeting, the City Council passed a resolution declaring June 2nd to be “Wear Orange for Gun Safety Day”.

Guns can be a contentious issue but the City understands that there are lots of opportunities for residents of all viewpoints to work together to help keep people safe. Whether it is working to reduce gun violence by tackling the root causes, ensuring the safe storage and ownership of firearms or working with loved ones in times of need to reduce suicide, there is plenty of common ground.

The City has assembled information about gun safety on our website here. Please take a moment to peruse them, it may save a life.

May 31, 2018

Councilmember Cathy Watson Receives Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership

Councilmember Cathy Watson Receives Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership

This month, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) awarded Councilmember Cathy Watson an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership in recognition of her service, leadership and educational achievements. The program recognizes,  “Mayors and councilmembers who continue to strive for excellence by attending conferences and trainings, serving their community, and further developing leadership skills.”

Watson, who has been on the City Council since 2012, serves as the Chairperson of the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Board of Directors, is the council liaison to the Ferndale Arts Commission and Ferndale Senior Center, and volunteers with a number of community organizations including the Ferndale Auxillary Communication Service and teaching school children robotics at the Ferndale Library.

“Every member of Council works hard to ensure we keep up with latest rules, regulations, and best practices, and this AWC program has a been a wonderful way to set learning and leadership goals for myself,” said Watson.

City officials receive the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership after earning 60 credits  AWC trainings and demonstrating community service.

May 25, 2018

Three Month Investigation Leads to Drug Arrest in Ferndale

Three Month Investigation Leads to Drug Arrest in Ferndale

For Immediate Release           

May 24, 2018

Ferndale Police Officers had received information regarding the possible sale of illegal drugs from a house in the 5600 block of 1st Ave, across the street from Central Elementary School.  Ferndale Police worked in conjunction with the Whatcom County Gang and Drug Task Force (WCGDTF) to investigate this information.

During the course of a three-month investigation, the WCGDTF made four undercover controlled purchases of heroin from Pauline Florindo.  3 of the 4 purchases were made at the residence on 1st Ave, the four was made away from the residence.

A search warrant for the residence was applied for and granted.  On May 23, 2018, members of the WCGDTF, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ferndale Police Department served the search warrant.  Pauline Florindo was located at the residence and taken into custody.  During a search of the residence, detectives located numerous baggies of field-test positive heroin packaged for apparent resale.  Along with the suspected heroin were scales and suspected notes of previous or current drug sales.  In addition to the suspected heroin, methamphetamine and prescription drugs (clonazepam and oxycodone pills) were located.

Probable cause existed for the arrest of Pauline Florindo for Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin (x4), Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Clonazepam, Oxycodone and Maintaining a Vehicle/Premises for Drug Trafficking.

Pauline Florindo was transported and booked on the above charges.  Due to the proximity of the elementary school, a high bail was requested.

 

Arrestee:            

Pauline L FLORINDO

05-10-1970

 

FERNDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2220 Main St. / PO Box 1257
Ferndale, WA 98248
360-384-3390

May 24, 2018

Increased Maintenance Budget Pays Big Dividends in City Parks

Increased Maintenance Budget Pays Big Dividends in City Parks

Thanks to increased parks maintenance funding in the 2018 budget, a number of repair projects have been completed in City parks, preparing our public spaces for the recreation season. The additional parks maintenance funds were approved by the City Council in December of last year as part of their budget process.

New Fence at Oxford Park

A new fence was installed at Oxford Park (pictured above). The previous fence was decaying and becoming a safety concern. Volunteers made some temporary repairs last year that did not hold up in the winter weather. The new fence is sturdy and looks good.

Centennial Riverwalk Fountain

Thanks to the continued efforts of our Public Works crews, major repairs have been completed on the Centennial Riverwalk Fountain. The new filtration system will be able to better handle debris that gets caught in the fountain. Except for the occasional service interruption, it will be running all summer from 9am-7pm daily.

Finally, Public Works crews have restored the basketball backboards at several neighborhood parks around the city. This included cleaning and powder coating the board for increased durability.

More information about Ferndale Parks is available on our website here.

May 24, 2018

Ferndale Police Recognize Officers, Volunteers at 2018 Awards Banquet

Sgt. Kevin Davis, Det. Justin Pike, Officers Eric Grant and Josh Scott, Chief Kevin Turner

Ferndale Police Recognize Officers, Volunteers at 2018 Awards Banquet

Last Friday, officers, employees and their families, volunteers and local elected officials gathered at the Pioneer Pavilion to honor the accomplishments of the Ferndale Police Department over the last year. This new tradition allows the department the opportunity to spotlight outstanding examples of leadership and service.

“This is an opportunity for our officers to connect with each other, and reinforce the values of public service that make our department a great place to work.” said Police Chief Kevin Turner. “We have some great people working for us, and with us. I’m proud to have this opportunity to appreciate their dedication to our community.”

The following awards were presented:

  • Volunteer of the Year:                    SCOPE Don Hubbard
  • Patrol Partner of the Year:            Officer Eric Grant
  • Medal of Merit:                                Detective Justin Pike
  • Chief’s Award of Excellence in Teamwork:      Officer Josh Scott & Officer Eric Grant
  • Employee of the Year:                    Kim Martin, Support Specialist
  • Officer of the Year:                          Detective Melanie Campos

This event was made possible without expending any public funds thanks to Haggen Market Street Catering who donated their catering services for the event. Donations were also made by the Ferndale American Legion and the Ferndale Heritage Society who provided the table settings. Roger Quiggle provided the music and atmosphere for the event.

SCOPE Don Hubbard

Officer Larrick Winslow accepting Officer of the Year award on behalf of Det. Melanie Campos

Chief Turner with the Haggen Market Street Catering team (Blair, Sean, Lydia, Jamie, Kieran, Kaily and Victoria)

May 23, 2018