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City News

New Data Tools Lead to Traffic Change at Main Street and Labounty

New Data Tools Lead to Traffic Change at Main Street and Labounty

Starting the week of June 4th, the City will be modifying the channelization of Main Street, eliminating left turn movements between Main Street and the North Sound Center parking lot located between I-5 and Labounty. Public Works crews will be installing plastic traffic delineators along the centerline of Main Street in an effort to prevent drivers from making left turns into and out of the North Sound Center parking lot. Drivers wanting to access the North Sound Center parking lot from Main Street or westbound Main Street from the parking lot will need to utilize the intersection at Main and Labounty.

This change was motivated by the use of “Intelligence-Based Policing”, where the Ferndale Police Department works hand in hand with the City’s GIS mapping team to identify hot spots by layering crash data into the City’s GIS mapping database.  Utilizing this approach, the City is better able to identify changes in accident distribution and identify areas where increased patrols or modifications may be necessary.

“We are addressing this problem with both enforcement and road design,” said Police Chief Kevin Turner. “Together we can keep people safe as they travel through Ferndale.”

For more information, please call the Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.

May 17, 2018

Summary of May 7th, 2018 Council Meeting

You can find all the related Agenda Documents here

 

City Council Agenda Follow-Up

May 7, 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

 
PROCLAMATION: Teacher Appreciation Week INFO ONLY
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS UPDATE INFO ONLY
PUBLIC HEARING: Public Storage Uses Ordinance

In November of 2017, Council adopted a six-month moratorium on the acceptance of new storage use applications within the General Business Zone. The moratorium was established based on concerns that the proliferation of these uses could impact long-range employment projections in the General Business Zone and beyond. Adoption of the zoning text amendment removes the need for the moratorium, as it creates new definitions to better describe the variety of uses for the storage units, requires that life-safety measures be put in place based on the proposed range of uses when an application is submitted, and adopts regulations to push personal storage uses further from the right of way so that other uses such as businesses can be placed in closer proximity to the street.

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

 

  

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: Overnight Housing in Religious Facilities

Washington State has recognized that religious institutions have played an important role in assisting the homeless or near-homeless. In 1992 the state adopted RCW 19.27.042 allowing local jurisdictions to opt in to allow certain exemptions from building codes for deficiencies that would not be a threat to human life, health, or safety, in order to allow churches to temporarily house homeless persons. This ordinance modifies FMC 15.04 to reference RCW 35A.21.360 and RWC 19.27, allowing the City to authorize religious institutions to temporarily house the homeless or near-homeless, and places restrictions and requirements on the institutions.

Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember Watson seconded, to send the item back to the Planning & Land Use Committee. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

SENT BACK TO COMMITTEE
ORDINANCE: Development Standards & Trails Standards Revisions

The Development Standards were updated in 2017, and since then staff have identified some minor areas that need clarification. These amendments implement revisions and also include Standard Detail drawings for curb, speed table, and trail construction.

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Olson seconded, to approve the agenda bill with the following amendment to Chapter 19:25.030(F):  “All required performance bond securities will remain IN THEIR ORIGINAL AMOUNT until final project approval and/or maintenance bond security acceptance.” MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

  

 

APPROVED

AS AMENDED
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: Water System Intertie

The City currently relies on two water production wells, the Douglas Well and the Shop Well. The design and capacity of the current well system is adequate for current City production needs; however, the system lacks necessary redundancy. The City’s comprehensive water planning documents identified an emergency intertie to address this deficiency. This interlocal agreement with the City of Bellingham sets the terms by which an emergency intertie would be implemented.

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

  

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: FMC Modifications – Park Impact Fees

FMC 15.60 is the code chapter that provides a basis for park impact fees, dedication of land in lieu of paying impact fees, and other procedural steps related to those fees. The chapter was originally crafted in the early 2000’s and still reflects many of the park-related philosophies in place at that time, including the City’s policy of seeking land dedication as a first option. The modifications tie FMC 15.60 more closely to the Parks Plan, recreating the chapter as a vehicle to implement the Parks Plan rather than as an independent but related regulatory tool. Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

APPROVED
RESOLUTION: Residential Targeted Areas

The resolution sets the date for a Public Hearing regarding the potential to offer local developers tax incentives allowed by State law for the construction of multi-family housing in selected areas of the City. With recent changes to State law, this program that was previously only available to larger jurisdictions can now be offered in Ferndale. The hope is that due to these property tax deferrals, housing units will be constructed that would not otherwise be financially feasible. The Public Hearing date is June 18, 2018. Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda bill with a modification to the map to include all residential property on Second Avenue. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

APPROVED AS AMENDED
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RCW 42.30.110(i)

Council adjourned to Executive Session at 7:09. Regular session resumed at 7:29

  
MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

  

INFO ONLY
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.  

 

May 8, 2018

Mayoral Proclamation: May 7th-11th is Teacher Appreciation Week

Mayoral Proclamation

WHEREAS, teachers inspire the next generation and make it possible for kids to realize their potential; and

WHEREAS, teachers open up the world for students and provide the tools for every student to achieve their best lives and futures; and

WHEREAS, teachers dedicate their lives to students and families by working long hours preparing lessons, correcting papers, and planning for growth opportunities; and

WHEREAS, in the City of Ferndale alone, there are approximately 300 teachers employed by the Ferndale School District; and

WHEREAS, it is an honor to recognize teachers and to observe their dedication.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Jon Mutchler, Mayor of the City of Ferndale, do hereby proclaim the May 7th-11th, 2018 as:

 

‘Teacher Appreciation Week’

in the City of Ferndale, Washington and I urge all people in our City to join me in this special observance.

May 7, 2018

Invitation to Bid for Portal Way/I-5 Compact Roundabout Project

INVITATION TO BID

FOR

PORTAL WAY / 1-5 COMPACT ROUNDABOUT PROJECT

City Project No. ST2016-03 

 

Sealed bid proposals will be received by the City of Ferndale at Ferndale City Hall, 2095 Main Street, Ferndale, Washington, 98248, (360) 384-4006, until May 24, 2018, 2 PM, for the Portal Way / I-5 Compact Roundabout Project.  This contract provides for the construction of a compact roundabout (RAB) at the intersection of Portal Way/I-5 north bound off ramp in the City of Ferndale.  Work will include removal of structures and obstructions; trench excavation; storm sewer pipe installation; pre-cast curb installation; modifications to existing illumination and ITS systems and other related work. To view the full invitation to bid, please go to: https://www.cityofferndale.org/public-works-department/capital-projects/portal-compact-rab-project/

Susan Duncan

City Clerk – City of Ferndale

Ferndale Record – Published May 2, 2018 and May 9, 2018

May 2, 2018

Glow in the Dark Croquet Saturday, May 5th at 8pm

We are kicking off our 2018 Summer of Fun with Glow in the Dark Croquet, scheduled for this Saturday, May 5th in Griffintown Park, starting at 8pm. Bring your friends, family and neighbors and enjoy an eerie night of fun playing Croquet with glowing everything. Free glowsticks, and hot chocolate provided, remember to dress warmly!

This event is part of our 2018 “Summer of Fun”. You can find out about more free recreational events by clicking here.

For questions about Glow in the Dark Croquet, please contact Recreation Coordinator Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353 or email him by clicking here.

May 1, 2018

Washington Street Closed to Through Traffic Starting Mon. April 30th

WASHINGTON STREET (Main Street to Vista Drive) CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC
Starting Monday, April 30th
The City will start work on a road improvement project on Washington Street between Main Street and Vista Drive. During the duration of the work this section of Washington Street will be closed to through traffic. Local traffic will be permitted in/out of residences and businesses within the closure area. Traffic will be detoured via Vista Drive, Main Street/ Fourth Avenue.

Construction is anticipated to occur starting April 30th through October. For more information, call Ferndale Public Works at (360) 384-4006.

April 24, 2018

Ferndale Family Connects with Pen Pals in Minamiboso, Japan

Here at the City, we get some unusual requests. Last month, we received a request from a local homeschooled family that was interested in Japan. They have a seven year old daughter, Scarlette, who wanted to see if she could connect with a pen pal in Japan.

Thankfully, the Mayor had recently returned from a visit to our sister city, Minamiboso, Japan so he reached out to a few of his host families. With a little work, we helped connect her with Seri, a seven year old girl living in Minamiboso. Scarlette sent off a package with pictures and a note and just recently received the same back. Together, they are learning more about each others lives and what they have in common.

We are proud of our sister city relationship with Minamiboso and delighted that we could make this connection. May we all continue to learn more about what unites us as people on this earth.

— Riley Sweeney
Communications Officer
City of Ferndale

April 24, 2018

Wagon Displayed at Pioneer Park Restored by Eagle Scout

As part of his Eagle Scout project, Tyler Burnett decided to help out the Old Settlers Association by restoring the antique wagon on display at Pioneer Park. This included pressure washing, a fresh coat of paint and period appropriate restoration. Thank you Tyler!

If you are interested in doing your Eagle Scout project with the City of Ferndale, please contact Recreation Coordinator Riley Sweeney to learn about opportunities in our community. You can reach him at (360) 685-2353 or by email by clicking here.

April 23, 2018

Summary of April 16th, 2018 Council Meeting

 

You can find all the related Agenda Documents here

City Council Agenda Follow-Up

April 16, 2018
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to excuse Councilmembers Olson and K. Hansen. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

  
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

  

APPROVED

 
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE INFO ONLY
PRESENTATION: Ferndale Community Bond Task Force INFO ONLY
PRESENTATION: Appeal Process INFO ONLY
ORDINANCE: Prohibited Parking

Modifications were proposed to the parking regulations outlined in Ferndale Municipal Code 10.08.05, to prohibit parking in front of residential mailboxes. This change gives the Police Department the authority to enforce a parking restriction in order to ensure uninterrupted mail delivery. Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the ordinance. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

  

 

APPROVED
MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

  

INFO ONLY
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.  
April 17, 2018