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City News

Council Meeting Summary for Oct. 21st, 2019

Click here for Council Meeting Materials

 City Council Agenda Follow-Up October 21, 2019  
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Hansen moved, and Councilmember Bersch seconded, to excuse Councilmember Olson. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Councilmember Bersch moved, and Councilmember Taylor  seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. APPROVED
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Hansen moved, and Councilmember Bishop seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.    APPROVED
PROCLAMATION: Mental Health Awareness Month   INFO ONLY  
PRESENTATION: Brian Enslow, City Lobbyist City Lobbyist Brian Enslow presented a preview of the 2020 legislative session.     INFO ONLY
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder presented an update on the following capital projects:   Ferndale Terrace – Currently in the design phase and determining the road alignmentNordic to Scout Water Line – Design review is 90% completePump Station #19 Decommissioning – Easement documents have been signed and the project is moving forward with the design phaseThornton Road- Vista to Malloy – Statements of Qualifications have been submitted and are currently under reviewThornton Road Overpass – The project will go out to bid this week with an anticipated bid opening date of November 21               INFO ONLY
DISCUSSION: LaBounty Signs The City was approached by Whatcom County resident Debbie LaBounty with a request to remove and replace several signs to reflect the capitalization of her family’s name; Ms. LaBounty indicated that her family believes the road was originally named after her grandparents. The signs are located at the intersections of Smith and Nordic, Slater and Seahawk, and east and westbound Main Street intersections. Replacement of the signs utilizing the capitalization preferred by the LaBounty family would require that all six signs be replaced. The current draft of the 2020 budget does not have funding identified for replacement of these signs. At the Public Works & Utilities Committee meeting on October 16, committee members forwarded this item to the full Council for further discussion, with a recommendation of approval of up to $2,000 in the 2020 budget to replace the signs. Councilmember Jensen moved, and Councilmember Bersch seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.                 APPROVED
RESOLUTION: Affordable Housing In 2019 the Washington State Legislature, through SHB 1406, established a process through which the local governing body of a city or county could collect sales tax for the purpose of funding affordable housing-related projects. SHB 1406 does not increase sales tax rates; rather, it reduces the amount of sales tax collected by Washington State and returns it to the local jurisdiction(s) for these specific purposes. It appears that a significant majority of local jurisdictions will take advantage of this new process. This program is expected to have a ten-year duration.   Whatcom County, Bellingham, and the small cities have discussed the fact that Whatcom County currently acts as the regional distributor of shared funds, in a variety of capacities. As a result, the County has existing processes, procedures, and seated bodies that may be able to reduce overhead as compared to collection and disbursement by individual cities, and may be able to consolidate revenues in a manner that has a more-meaningful regional impact. This regional approach would provide the ability for the funds to be used in a manner that is most effective, and may provide the ability to concentrate regional funding either on an ongoing basis or on a project-by-project basis to create meaningful assistance.   It is estimated that Ferndale’s share of the total taxable revenues, based on 2018 taxable sales, would be approximately $36,500 per year. In total, if all jurisdictions participate together and consolidate, the County would collect and disburse approximately $660,000 per year.   The Whatcom County Council is prepared to act on the proposed tax but cannot take action until all participating jurisdictions have first agreed not to impose the tax themselves. The resolution that was presented to Council on September 16 has been modified slightly to include new “whereas” statements addressing the composition of the advisory committee, and describing the City’s expectations for the equitable distribution of the affordable housing taxes amongst the small cities, particularly Ferndale. Councilmember Jensen moved, and Councilmember Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.                         APPROVED
MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS Information only. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS Information only. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Information only.       INFO ONLY
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.  
October 22, 2019

City Boards and Commissions Seek Volunteers

The City has a number of Boards and Commissions that work to advise the council on a broad array of subjects. These are volunteer positions but absolutely essential to providing quality input to the city decision making process.

To apply for one of these positions, please fill out this application and email it to City Clerk Susan Duncan at susanduncan@cityofferndale.org. Click the links below to learn more about each board or commission.

Here are the positions currently seeking volunteers:

October 17, 2019

Washington Supreme Court Justices Tour Ferndale Court Facilities

Washington Supreme Court Justices Tour Ferndale Court Facilities

A delegation from the Washington Supreme Court visited the Ferndale Municipal Court today to highlight the challenging conditions at the courthouse. Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst, Justice Mary Yu and Justice Steven Gonzalez were joined by Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Debra Lev and Commissioner Pete Smiley during their visit.

Currently Ferndale Municipal Court is held in the City Annex on Second Avenue in downtown Ferndale. The facility, once a garage for the local firestation, also hosts proceedings by the city council, planning commission and hearing examiner. In recent years, the space has struggled to accommodate its growing uses.

“I am concerned and troubled that the limitations of our facilities may have an impact on the functions of our justice system,” said Ferndale Municipal Court Judge Mark Kaiman. “We must ensure due process for all involved, this cannot wait.”

Earlier the year, the City worked with the school district to assess whether a new joint courtroom and city hall could be established at the Old Main building of Ferndale High School but decided to pass on that option due to the cost.

The City and Council continue to work towards a new facility for the courthouse and city hall and are exploring options as part of the 2020 budget process.

October 9, 2019

Council Meeting Summary for Oct. 7th, 2019

Agenda Materials can be found by clicking here

         City Council Agenda Follow-Up October 7, 2019  
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Taylor moved, and Councilmember Jensen seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. APPROVED
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Hansen moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.    APPROVED
FCS GROUP PRESENTATION: Cost of Service   Martin Chaw of FCS Group presented the results of the water/wastewater rate study regarding the cost of service, and answered Councilmembers’ and audience members’ questions. INFO ONLY  
COUNCIL SELECTION OF THREE CATALYST REVIEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS In March of 2019, the City Council approved the adoption of the Downtown Catalyst Incentive program. The program was initiated in order to allow a waiver of City fees for up to three developments that meet the size, use, and catalyst scoring criteria. The goal of the program is to create conditions that foster the mixed-use redevelopment of the Downtown core as envisioned by the City’s Comprehensive Plan.   The City has received four Catalyst Project development applications, and staff is currently conducting a technical review of the applications in order to verify the proposals meet development regulations and comply with catalyst incentive criteria listed in FMC 18.48.020. Following the technical review, staff will forward the application materials accompanied by a staff report and recommendation to the Catalyst Committee for review.   The three projects with the highest scores above 190 combined points shall be forwarded to the  City Council for final consideration. The Council shall review the scores of the Review Committee and shall be authorized to allow members of the public, staff, and the applicant to speak on the subject. Th City Council shall then be authorized to approve or deny the recommendations of the Committee. Those applications that are approved will be invited to enter into a catalyst development agreement as described in FMC 18.48.080(A).   The Catalyst Review Committee is required to consist of five members, including one Planning Commission member, one EAGLE Board member, and three Councilmembers. Mayor Mutchler appointed Greg Crim from the Planning Commission and Sean Hegstad from the EAGLE Board. Planning & Land Use Committee members recommended a full-Council discussion for the selection and appointment of three Councilmembers to serve on the Catalyst Review Committee. Councilmember Jensen moved, and Councilmember Bersch seconded, to approve the appointments of Councilmembers Xczar, Hansen, and Taylor to the Catalyst Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.                           APPROVED
DISCUSSION: Ethics Complaint/Council Recommendation In August of 2019, two ethics complaints were filed against Mayor Mutchler by Councilmember Olson.   Attorney Scott Snyder of Ogden, Murphy & Wallace conducted the investigation of the two complaints filed against Mayor Mutchler. He concluded that the complaint regarding an attempt to interfere in a police investigation was unfounded; however, there was a technical violation regarding the political signs complaint. Per the Council Rules of Procedure/Ethics Handbook, if review of a complaint shows that there is a violation of the Ethics Handbook, the matter must be referred to a three-person Council Ad-Hoc Committee. The Ad-Hoc Committee’s task is to review the attorney’s report and forward a recommendation to the full Council.   A special meeting was held on Wednesday, October 2, in order to form the ad-hoc committee. At that meeting, it was determined that, due to several conflicts of interest, it was not possible to select a three-person committee. Therefore, according to the Council Rules of Procedure/Ethics Handbook, the review of the attorney’s findings and any recommended action is to be conducted by the full Council.   In accordance with State law, the review and discussion of such complaint may, at the request of the accused, be held in Executive Session. Any final action must take place in open session. Mayor Mutchler did not request an Executive Session; therefore the review, discussion, and recommendation by Council will be held in open session. Councilmember Olson moved to create an admonishment and clarify that no political signs are allowed in any City parking lot. Motion died for lack of a second. Councilmember Bishop moved, and Councilmember Jensen seconded, to discuss the City’s sign code at the next Planning & Land Use Committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.                         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION TO REVIEW SIGN CODE APPROVED
MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS Information only. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS Information only. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Information only.       INFO ONLY
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RCW 42.30.110 (f), (i) No action was taken following the executive session.  
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.  
October 8, 2019

City Weighs Options for More Equitable Utility Rate Structure

City Weighs Options for More Equitable Utility Rate Structure

Click the picture above to access more information on the rate study

On Monday, Oct. 7th at 6pm in the City Annex (5694 Second Avenue), the City Council will be reviewing options for adjusting the utility rates.

Earlier this year, the City hired FCS Group to study our rate structure and provide recommendations on how to fund future capital projects while maintaining a fair structure for all ratepayers. This meeting, they will be presenting their findings and the options available to the council going forward.

The public is encouraged to attend and share their input on the best way to provide for the future of our utility system. More information about the rate study, including their presentation on revenue requirements in August and the materials for their presentation on Monday, is available on the city website here: www.cityofferndale.org/ratestudy

October 3, 2019

RFQ for the Thornton Street, Vista Drive to Malloy Avenue Project

CITY OF FERNDALE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

 FOR

Plans, Specifications, and Engineering Services

The City of Ferndale is seeking qualification statements from Professional Engineering firms with experience providing design services, up to and including: roadway design; surveying; geotechnical investigation, studies and services; permitting; as well as the creation of plans, specifications and estimates for the Thornton Street, Vista Drive to Malloy Avenue  Project. 

This project will reconstruct the and widen Thornton Street to current standards between Vista Drive to Malloy Avenue. Improvements include upgrading the stormwater, water and sanitary sewer utility systems, installation of ADA compliant sidewalks and ramps on both sides of the road, and upgrades to the street lighting where needed.

Questions regarding this Request for Qualifications should be directed to Katy Radder, Public Works Project Manager, via telephone at (360) 684-2377 or via email at KatyRadder@cityofferndale.org.

The City of Ferndale reserves the sole right to terminate this process, to not award a contract, and to cancel or modify this solicitation process at any time. In no event will the City, or any of their respective agents, representatives, consultants, directors, officers, or employees, be liable for, or otherwise obligated to reimburse, the costs incurred in preparation of this RFQ, or any related costs. The prospective consultant teams shall wholly absorb all costs incurred in the preparation and presentation of the submittals. The RFQ submittals will become the property of the City of Ferndale.

Interested firms shall submit four copies of a Statement of Qualifications that contains the following:

  1. Cover Letter. 
  2. Qualifications: 

Outline the qualifications of the firm to perform this work. 

Project management; provide an organizational chart of the proposed consulting team and a short resume of all key people listed on the chart. 

  • References:

Provide a list of projects that were similar in scope. Project list should include year completed, budget, scope and reference contact. 

The Statement of Qualification submittal shall be a maximum of 10 unbound single-sided pages, including cover letter. 

RFQ SUBMITTAL DEADLINE AND DELIVERY LOCATION

All responses shall be made in writing.  Responses by FAX will not be accepted.  Sealed responses will be received by the Public Works Department of the City of Ferndale, Washington up to the hour of 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 11th, 2019. Responses delivered later will not be accepted. The City of Ferndale is not responsible for delays in delivery.

All responses to this request that are mailed through the United States Postal Service shall be addressed to the Public Works Department, City of Ferndale, P.O. Box 936, Ferndale, WA 98248. Hand-delivered responses, or responses not sent through the USPS, shall be delivered to the Public Works Department, 2nd floor front counter, City of Ferndale, 2095 Main Street, Ferndale, Washington. The United States Postal Service will NOT deliver to the street address.  All responses shall be placed in a sealed envelope, which is clearly marked “THORNTON STREET, VISTA DRIVE TO MALLOY AVENUE PROJECT RFQ”.

The City of Ferndale is committed to providing equal opportunities to State of Washington certified Minority, Disadvantaged and Women’s Business Enterprises in contracting activities. (Section 4 of Chapter 56, Laws of 1975, 1st Ex. Sess. State of Washington.).

The City of Ferndale reserves the right to cancel this request or reject any and all responses submitted or to waive any minor formalities of this call if the best interest of the City would be served.

September 25, 2019

City of Frightdale Halloween Contest 2019

It’s time for our annual City of Frightdale Halloween Decorating Contest!

Deck out your home for Halloween and send a picture to rileysweeney@cityofferndale.org by October 30th. Our judges will pick three winners to receive Woods Coffee cards.

  • Suzanne Nevan executive director of the Ferndale Food Bank
  • Jamie Plenkovich coach of the FHS Golden Eagles
  • Former Ferndale and current Lynden Police Chief Michael Knapp
  • Hanna Willis director of Ferndale Dance
  • Susan Cole chair of the Planning Commission

We look forward to seeing your spooky decorations!

September 23, 2019