Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in D:\websites\cityofferndale.org\wp-content\themes\townpress\functions.php on line 212

Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in D:\websites\cityofferndale.org\wp-content\themes\townpress\functions.php on line 261

Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in D:\websites\cityofferndale.org\wp-content\themes\townpress\functions.php on line 263

News

Pete and Nita Harksell Receive the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship

 Pete and Nita Harksell Receive the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship

In recognition for their years of devotion to the Ferndale community, Pete and Nita Harksell were awarded the 2019 Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship at last night’s council meeting. Lifelong residents of Ferndale, the Harksells own and operate Pete’s Auto Repair which has been in business for fifty years.

But their devotion to Ferndale extends beyond their business. Pete and Nita can be found volunteering with the local Kiwanis chapter, the Old Settlers Association, the Heritage Society and serving three terms on the board of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Pete shares his wealth of experience with our community as a member of the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board.

“Always kind, generous and willing to jump in and get their hands dirty to help, the Harksells exemplify what is best about Ferndale,” said Mayor Jon Mutchler.

The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship, also called the “Fernies”, is an annual tradition from the City to recognize members of the community for their extraordinary commitment to the betterment of our city.

February 20, 2019

Summary of Feb. 19th, 2019 Council Meeting

Click here for Council Meeting Materials and Agenda

 City Council Agenda Follow-Up February 19, 2019  
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL    
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember moved, and Councilmember seconded, to approve the consent agenda.  MOTION CARRIED 7-0.   APPROVED
PRESENTATION: Mayor’s Citizenship Award Mayor Mutchler presented Pete and Nita Harksell with the award and highlighted some of their volunteer service, including: Kiwanis, Old Settlers Association, Ferndale Heritage Society. Pete also serves on the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a member of the Park, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board.     INFO ONLY
APPROVAL: Emergency Declaration The emergency declaration enabled each City department to enter contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat emergency situations during the snow storm to protect the public safety and to prevent further damage to property. This declaration is in addition to those filed by the State and County. Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine all filed such declarations with Whatcom County Emergency Management.  All three cities joining together increases the chance of recouping some of the expenses incurred as a result of the snow. Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Kennedy seconded, to approve the emergency declaration, removing the phrase, “pursuant to the emergency management plan.” MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Councilmember Olson abstaining.           APPROVED
DISCUSSION: Thornton Street Overpass Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder presented the different options for the retaining wall and slope wall for the Thornton Street Overpass. There are three different main options: Gabion Basket, Precast Panel, and Shotcrete. Each option comes with different price points and different provisions for settlement of the wall. By general consensus, when the project goes out to bid, bidders will be requested to submit a bid for each of the different options.       INFO ON LY
PRESENTATION OF 2019 WORK PLANS:  Finance, Public Works Finance Director Sirke Salminen presented the 2019 work plan for the Finance Department, which includes: Water/Sewer Rate StudyFunding for the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant UpgradesComputer Capital PlanFinalize Utility Billing AuditProperty Inventory ProcessSoftware Data Cleanup   Public Works Director Kevin Renz presented the 2019 work plan for the Public Works Department, which includes: Streets: Thornton Overpass, Ferndale Terrace Design, First & Main Intersection, Crack Sealing, and Complete Streets Work PlanWater: Shop Well #2 Wellhouse Construction, Treatment Plant Upgrades, and Nordic to Scout LoopSewer: WWTP Upgrades, Pump Station #19 Decommissioning, Eber Lane Sewer, and Grandview Sewer ExtensionStormwater: Decant Facility DesignParks: Star Park Shelter, Equipment Replacement   INFO ONLY
DISCUSSION: Public Notification Procedures A recent zoning text amendment included a proposed change to the Mixed-Use Commercial zone, proposing a density limit of twenty dwelling units per gross acres. A property owner with a pending application who is located in that zone expressed concern about not having received a mailed notice related to the Public Hearing held by the Planning Commission on this matter. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the text change and forwarded it to the City Council for consideration. Because the property owner was concerned with the noticing procedure that took place, staff brought the proposed text amendment to the Planning and Land Use committee as a discussion item only. The committee placed the Mixed-Use Commercial text amendment on hold and directed staff to bring forward a summary of noticing procedures for review. After discussion with the full Council about the different types of notifications, direction was provided to staff, and this item will be placed on the next Planning and Land Use Committee meeting agenda for further discussion.           DISCUSSION ONLY
ORDINANCE: North Whatcom Poverty Task Force The City of Ferndale continues to feel the impacts of rising house prices, income inequality, homelessness and food insecurity. Since Ferndale has not made a unified effort to confront the impacts of poverty in recent memory, it is time to conduct a comprehensive study and compile a list of recommendations to prepare our community for this growing challenge. This ordinance would create a two-year task force to examine the impact of poverty on our community and identify concrete steps the City can take towards addressing these issues. The preliminary needs assessment will be completed by September 30, 2019. The task force will then develop a set of recommendations to be presented to the City Council before December 31. 2020. Councilmember K. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Kennedy seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.         APPROVED
RESOLUTION: Credit Card Policy The credit card policy was first adopted as one the City’s financial policies in 2008 and amended in 2016. The Finance & Administration Committee recently requested an amendment to ensure that City purchases are sent to City facilities, rather than private homes. Administration and the Mayor agree that with the changes in online purchasing, this amendment to the existing policy is prudent. As proposed, all purchases on the City’s credit card should be sent to City facilities, unless prior authorization for a home delivery is given by the department head, City Administrator, or mayor for each purchase. Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Olson and Watson opposed.         APPROVED
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT: City of Ferndale & Early Pioneer Property Management The City acquired by eminent domain a portion of Washington Street (Parcel #390219 511062 0000) necessary to complete the Washington Street, Main to Vista project. The proposed settlement agreement provides for the City of Ferndale to pay Early Pioneer $20,000 for the property and to waive encroachment permit fees for construction o f a staircase. Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the settlement agreement with Early Pioneer Property Management. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.   ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.       APPROVED
February 20, 2019

Ways to Help after the Winter Storm

With the weather finally getting a little warmer and the snow on pause, it is time to begin cleaning up after the winter weather. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Roads are still slick. Whether it is slush or refrozen ice, the roads will continue to be hazardous for the next several days. Go slow, give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and give everyone generous space, especially when turning.
  2. Clear Your Sidewalks. Per Ferndale Municipal Code, everyone is responsible for the sidewalks in front of their house and business. The snow on the sidewalks are a serious safety hazard and impede first responders trying to access homes and businesses. With the weather giving us a temporary break, now is the time to get out there with a shovel and clear those spaces for everyone’s safety.
  3. Clear your Storm Drains. As the snow melts, it is going to need to go somewhere, and that somewhere is down the storm drain. Make sure that your local storm drain is free from debris so that the melted snow can safely leave your neighborhood. Here’s a quick video to remind you what a storm drain looks like.
  4. Move Your Car. Public Works crews are plowing side streets now that our priority routes are secure. If possible, please park off the street. This allows our plows to access some of the narrower streets.
  5. No Private Plows on City Streets/Right of Way. Public Works takes every precaution possible not to damage our utilities, signs, fire hydrants and other structures. Private companies do not know where these things are and can cause serious damage to City infrastructure. If you do hire a private plow to clear your business parking lot or private street, do not stack the snow on sidewalks – see #2.
  6. Check in on your neighbors. We are small town and we shine best when we act like it. Check in on your neighbors, make sure they’ve got heat, groceries and can get in and out of their houses. This is a perfect opportunity to help each other clear sidewalks and get to know those around you.

We continue to work around the clock to deal with the aftermath of the snow storm. There may be some more snowfall in the forecast so if everyone can take this opportunity and pitch in, it will make it easier for the whole community.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our snow response, please call Communications Officer Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353.

February 13, 2019

Feb. 13th – City Hall on Two-Hour Delay

City Hall will be operating on a two hour delay today due to snow. Doors open for the public at 11am. Thank you to our public works crew who continues to work around the clock to clear the streets and keep the priority snow routes ope

February 13, 2019

Today’s Public Works and Planning Committees Cancelled, Finance Committee Still Scheduled

The Public Works and Planning committees are cancelled this morning, although at this point the Finance Committee meeting will still be held at 10:00 a.m.

The City Council meets on the Wednesday before each City Council meeting from 8am-11am in the City Hall conference room at 2095 Main Street. These meetings are to review materials and either forward items on to the full council or send them back to staff for further work. The public is welcome and invited to attend, please utilize the door to the conference room that faces the parking lot. The council committee agenda materials are posted online on the Monday before each meeting, you can find them here.

These committee meetings are an opportunity to explore issues in a less formal setting, however they are recorded and the minutes are taken. You can find recordings of all the committee meetings here.

February 12, 2019

UPDATE: City Hall CLOSED Feb. 12th

8:55am UPDATE: City Hall will be CLOSED today, Feb. 12th due to worsening conditions. Essential services (Public Works, Police) will continue to work through the winter weather.

City Hall will be operating on a two hour delay today due to snow. Doors open for the public at 11am. Thank you to our public works crew who continues to work around the clock to clear the streets and keep the priority snow routes open.

February 12, 2019

City Hall Open Today – Limited Services

City Hall will be open today during our normally scheduled business hours (9am-5pm) although customers should use caution when deciding whether to drive in this weather. Some city services may not be available due to personnel shortages. If you need a specific city service beyond utility payments, please call City Hall at (360) 384-4006 before making a trip in the snow. Safety first.

February 11, 2019