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News

Ferndale Police Department Debuts Online Crime Map

Using the latest digital tools available, the Ferndale Police Department and the City have launched an interactive online crime map of Ferndale. For the public, this provides even greater transparency, allowing residents to explore 911 calls in their area. For the Ferndale Police Department, this provides them with a critical tool to identify hot spots for Patrol activities, and for detectives to explore a sudden crime trend and work to prevent future criminal activity.

 “This gives our officers a bird’s-eye-view of recent incidents to compliment our boots on the ground experience,” said Police Chief Kevin Turner. “If we see a sudden rash of break-ins in one specific area, we can put extra officers in that neighborhood.”

The City of Ferndale continues to set the standard for transparency and access to public information. Currently, the public can access everything from employee contracts to city credit card reports online through their public documents page. The crime map provides a fresh way for residents to access information about their community.

According to FBI statistics, in 2018 Ferndale became the 21st safest city in Washington. In the last twelve years, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Ferndale Police Department, crime has been cut by 65%.

The crime map can be accessed online by clicking here.

May 20, 2019

Finance Workshop May 20th, 5:30pm at Council Chambers

Curious about the city finances? City Finance Director Sirke Salminen will be hosting a series of finance workshops before city council meetings starting May 20th, at 5:30pm at the City Annex (5694 Second Avenue). These meetings will be open to the public and intended to help everyone better understand how your city manages public funds.

The workshop May 20th will focus on debt – how it is used to facilitate public projects.

The next workshop will be June 17th at 5:30pm at the City Annex and will be focused on the city budget calendar.

May 14, 2019

Stop Crime with the #9PMRoutine

We’ve had a few break-ins recently and the easiest way to stop those is the 9PM Routine. Each night, make sure you’ve got your car locked, windows shut, doors locked and the shed secure. Bring in valuables from your car or mailbox. Turn on exterior lights.

These are simple steps but can have a big impact on preventing crime. Together, we can stop crime before it starts.

For more updates and crime prevention tips, follow the Ferndale Police Department on our facebook page here.

May 13, 2019

Winner of the Thornton Logo Contest Announced

Big congrats to Michael Bannerman, winner of our #ThorntonOverpass logo contest! He will wield a golden shovel at the groundbreaking this year.

Thank you to all of our participants who brought their creativity to this project, we appreciate your efforts.

For everyone who wants to follow updates on this project – make sure to follow the hashtag #ThorntonOverpass, where we will be sharing pictures, videos, news and updates as we move forward.

May 13, 2019

Eagleridge Students Explore the Math Behind the Thornton Overpass Project

Photo Credit: Jarrod Erb, Capital Projects Inspector

Eagleridge Students Explore the Math Behind the Thornton Overpass Project

Students at Eagleridge Elementary got to roll up their sleeves and, using new math skills, plan out a key piece of the Thornton Overpass project this week.

Capital Projects Manager Katy Radder and her team of City employees (see below) taught students how to utilize math to measure distances on a map drawn to scale. Then they were given yarn representing each of the different utilities (light, water, sewer, storm and communications) that need to be installed in the Thornton Overpass, which begins construction this year.

Students worked to fit the utilities into the space for the project while working within limitations. After all, water and sewer lines cannot be placed too close together.

Public Works staff also answered questions about Ferndale’s infrastructure and what it is like working for the city.

The City is always happy to encourage residents to explore all the fun projects available to you with a little bit of math, especially if it means recruiting future Public Works employees.

Eager Participants
One potential utility layout
Public Works staff (from left to right)
Jarrod Erb, Stephanie Hendrickson, Kyla Boswell, Katy Radder, Paul Knippel
May 10, 2019

City Council and Staff Meet to Set Goals and Improve Communication

Goals by the end of 2019

In lieu of their usual meeting, City Council, staff, and the Mayor met for a facilitated retreat to set goals and improve communication between each other and the public.

With big decisions approaching this year concerning the new Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion and selecting a downtown catalyst project, the participants worked with facilitator Laura Todd to improve coordination between staff and council. They concluded with goal setting for the rest of the year.

“At the end of 2019, when you look back on this year, what will you have done?” asked Todd. Council and staff agreed on the above list, including laying the groundwork for a new downtown, involving the public in the decision-making process and establishing a fair and equitable rate structure system.

May 8, 2019

Ferndale Arts Commission Receives Project Neighborly Grant for Downtown Murals

Aaron Brown, Vice-Chair of the WCF Board, poses with Ferndale Arts Commission Members Rebecca Xczar, Andrew Hansen and Colleen Harper

Alleyways throughout downtown Ferndale are about to receive some color courtesy of a grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation. Earlier this year, the Ferndale Arts Commission was awarded a “Project Neighborly” grant to install murals in several alleyways in downtown Ferndale.

Similar to the water tank beautification project last year, these murals will be designed by the Ferndale Arts Commission and installed by volunteers.

“Public art is essential to a vibrant downtown. They prevent graffiti and make our community a more attractive place to live, shop or dine,” said Councilmember Rebecca Xczar. “I’m grateful for the Whatcom Community Foundation’s support for this project and am ready to roll up my sleeves and make it happen.”

Members of the public who are interested in helping install the murals should follow the Ferndale Arts Commission facebook page for updates and volunteer opportunities.

May 6, 2019

Vote on the Thornton Overpass Logo

Back in April, we asked for the public’s help to design a logo for the upcoming Thornton Street Overpass Project.

The public sent in several submissions and now we need your help deciding which one is the best. Click here to hop on over to our facebook page and click “like” or “love” on the ones you like the best. The winner will get to wield a golden shovel at the Thornton groundbreaking later this year.

Big thank you to ALL of our artists who participated, we appreciate your incredible creativity and efforts on this.

May 2, 2019

First Meeting of Poverty Task Force Scheduled May 8th, 5pm

Earlier this year, the City Council formed the North Whatcom Poverty Task Force and they are scheduled to convene their first meeting on Weds. May 8th, at 5pm in the City Council chambers (5694 Second Avenue).

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

The North Whatcom Poverty Task Force is a temporary advisory body tasked with conducting a needs assessment for the greater Ferndale community and presenting a set of recommendations to the Ferndale City Council that will address the impacts of income inequality, homelessness, food insecurity and rising housing prices.

The task force will be looking at issues across North Whatcom because the effects of poverty do not stop at the city limits and a holistic approach is needed to address these issues.

For questions or more information, please contact Communications Officer Riley Sweeney by clicking here or calling (360) 685-2353.

May 1, 2019