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News

Councilmember Greg Hansen Receives Certificate of Municipal Leadership

Councilmember Greg Hansen

This month, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) awarded Councilmember Greg Hansen a Certificate of Municipal Leadership in recognition of his 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.”

Hansen, who has been on the City Council since 2016, serves as the council liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, Ferndale Community Coalition, represents the council on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. For his day job, he teaches Hospitality and Tourism Management and Business Administration at Whatcom Community College.

“This program provides a fantastic grounding in the best practices for any city, large or small. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from some of the best people in the state.” said Hansen. “That said, interacting with my peers across the state reinforced my belief that we are well ahead of the curve here in Ferndale on so many issues.”

City officials receive the Certificate of Municipal Leadership after earning 30 credits  AWC trainings and demonstrating community service.

July 10, 2019

Origins of Griffintown Park

Have you ever wondered how Griffintown Park, the long, skinny park on Second Avenue, got its name?

It once belonged to a Civil War veteran named Augustus Griffin (1826-1909) who sailed up the Nooksack with his wife Harriet and ten year old daughter Jennie to purchase a 400 acre plot.

His plan was to own the land when the railroad came through— one of many get rich quick schemes throughout his colorful life. The area quickly gained the name, “Griffintown”, however he was unable to hold it.

With his health failing, he gave away much of his land holdings to needy families and the railroad. He moved to Bellingham in 1902 where Harriet taught school. For more information about Ferndale’s  unique and colorful history, visit Pioneer Park starting May 15th and take a tour with the Ferndale Heritage Society.

July 2, 2019

Ferndale Completes New Mural in Downtown

Artist Brenda Goddard-Laurence and her helper Ron Kino

Ferndale Completes New Mural in Downtown

The Ferndale Arts Commission’s Downtown Mural Project has a newly completed piece of art, titled “Spirit of Kulshan”. Visitors to downtown Ferndale will get to enjoy a sweeping landscape from Brenda Goddard-Laurence, of Brenda Goddard Designs, on the side of 5685 3rd Ave, adjacent to Luxe Thai.

While last summer’s Downtown Mural Project at the City Annex was painted with volunteers, this new mural is the first commissioned piece. This mural was funded in collaboration with the Ferndale Arts Commission and the building owners, Ted and Dale Schrader who are also the owners of the Subway at 5675 3rd Ave.

“Adding art is an essential part of making Ferndale’s downtown the incredible, vibrant place we all want it to be,” said Councilmember Rebecca Xczar, who organized the project on behalf of the Arts Commission. They are planning to install at least one more commissioned mural this summer.

The Arts Commission is also coordinating a volunteer alley mural project, funded by a Project Neighborly grant from Whatcom Community Foundation and are looking for volunteers. The installation will occur July 13th and 14th, those who want to help with the painting can sign up on the city website at www.cityofferndale.org/murals.

June 27, 2019

Traffic Impacts on Ferndale Road June 19th – July 5th

Impacted Area

Repairs begin this Wednesday, June 19th on the Ferndale levee adjacent to Star Park and will contiune for approximately two weeks. During this time, traffic will be impacted on Ferndale Road, with delays and closures anticipated.

Access to Star Park from the north should remain unaffected.

Residents are advised to utilize alternative routes if possible during this time. For more information, please call Ferndale Public Works at (360) 384-4006.

June 25, 2019

Explore Historic Pioneer Village Through New Online Story Map

Ferndale is home to the largest collection of slab cedar houses in the United States and now that collection can be explored from the home thanks to a new online tool. The City of Ferndale has built a story map that allows visitors to view pictures of the cabins and explore their original locations around Whatcom County. The story map interfaces with the City’s mapping system and can be found at www.cityofferndale.org/maps.

The slab cedar houses were some of the first buildings that pioneers constructed in the Pacific Northwest and have been meticulously maintained and restored by the Old Settlers Association and Ferndale Heritage Society over the last hundred years. Visitors can see them in person and take a guided tour Tuesday through Sunday from 11am-4pm at the Pioneer Village at 2000 Cherry St. in Ferndale.

June 19, 2019

Council Meeting Summary for June 17th, 2019

Click here to access Agenda materials

                                                                                      City Council Agenda Follow-Up June 17, 2019  
APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVED
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Taylor moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the consent agenda.  MOTION CARRIED 7-0.    APPROVED
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Brian Enslow City Lobbyist Brian Enslow presented an update from the 2019 Legislative Session, including an overview of the 2019 operating budget. Session priorities for Ferndale included:         INFO ONLY
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE: Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder presented updates on the following capital projects: First Avenue Pedestrian Improvements – the project is currently out to bid, with a bid opening date of June 27. Construction is anticipated to begin in August.Ferndale Terrace – the project is currently in the design phase.Nordic to Scout Waterline – the project is currently in the design phase, and BNSF permitting is in process. Pump Station #19 Decommissioning – currently coordinating easement language and terms with the property owner and will soon be beginning the design phase.Thornton Overpass – currently getting close to finishing with right-of-way acquisition.               INFO ONLY
PRESENTATION: Shoreline Master Program Community Development Director Haylie Miller presented an overview of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The SMP is regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The existing version was written between 2000 and 2006, though it was not adopted by Ecology until 2010. A minor update to the Critical Areas portion was revised in May 2017 in order to comply with the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance update. The City is required to conduct a periodic review of its SMP by June 2020 in order to comply with State guidelines.       INFO ONLY
ORDINANCE: Kope Road Vacation On April 5, 2019, the Lummi Nation submitted a request to vacate a portion of Kope Road. The request complied with the procedures set forth in Ferndale Municipal Code 12.37, Road Vacations. A public hearing was held on May 20, 2019, consistent with the requirements of FMC 12.37, providing citizens with the opportunity to provide testimony regarding the vacation. Following the public hearing Council agreed to proceed with valuing the property. An appraisal set the value of the land at $114,000.00. It is staff’s belief that the public benefit criteria as defined in FMC 12.37 has been met, and the vacation will mutually benefit both the City and the Lummi Nation. Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to send the item back to the Planning & Land Use Committee for further discussion. MOTION FAILED 3-4, Councilmembers Olson, G. Hansen and Jensen in favor. Councilmember K. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-1, Councilmember Olson opposed and Councilmember Taylor abstaining.       APPROVED
ORDINANCE: Multifamily Tax Exemption Time Frame Extension The City Council adopted the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program in September of 2018. The program allows property owners within the residential target area to waive property taxes associated with eligible multifamily residential development for a period of eight years. The residential targeted area designation consists of the Urban Residential and City Center zones, as well as the Griffintown neighborhood. The City Council initially expressed support for a sunset date to encourage applicants to move forward with the projects within a short timeframe. The program currently has a sunset date of December 31, 2020, allowing two years for applicants to submit building permits. This date ties eligibility to building permits (rather than Site Plan approval, etc.) Further, construction of new multifamily housing must be completed within three years from the date of approval of the application, as described in FMC 3.38.080, or within an extension authorized under the chapter. Staff believes that MFTE applications will be submitted soon for at least three new developments. The program currently requires building permits to be submitted by December 31, 2020. That deadline may be feasible; however, on average, most projects take two years or more from the initial permit submittal to the submittal of building permits. Staff recommends extending the application deadline by one year to December 31, 2021. Councilmember Xczar moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTIN CARRIED 6-1, Councilmember Olson opposed.                     APPROVED
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RCW 42.30.110(i) Following the executive session, Councilmember Jensen moved, and Councilmember Olson seconded, to approve the settlement agreement and release between the City of Ferndale and Greg Young as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.   SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT APPROVED
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.  
June 18, 2019