Your Government

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

Explore Ferndale with our Online Map Viewer

Curious what lies beneath your neighborhood? Explore our city with our Online Map Viewer. Our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist Brenna Sterling-Borgognoni works full-time to update and expand the information available the public through this resource.

Click Here to Access Online Map Viewer

Using our Online Map Viewer, you can explore where the water lines are located in your neighborhood, what upcoming public works projects are planned in your area and where exactly that property line is located.

These sort of tools allow the city to identify crime hot spots, locate neighborhood needs and plan for the future.

Toggle through the layers using the checkboxes on the right to discover new features. For more information on our Online Map Viewer, please call Brenna at (360) 685-2371 or email her by clicking here.

January 14, 2019

Town Meeting: Planning Ferndale’s Downtown Future



Town Meeting

A Visioning Workshop for a Ferndale City Center Plan

Pioneer Pavilion
2007 Cherry Street
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd, 2019 at 6pm

Western Washington University (in collaboration with the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ferndale) is holding a Visioning Workshop for the Downtown area. A town meeting will be held on January 23rd at 6PM in the Pioneer Pavilion. and we want your input!

We want the public’s thoughts on problems and opportunities in the Ferndale Downtown. Everything from transportation, character, habitat, parking, flood risk, parks and trails, the whole spread of options. There will be Children’s activities to bring the little ones.

WWU’s planning classes will use this feedback to propose solutions for the Downtown. The findings will be presented to the City Council and the Planning Commission later this year.

For more information, please contact Riley Sweeney, Communications Officer with the City of Ferndale at (360) 685-2353 or email him by clicking here.

January 14, 2019

Host an Event in Ferndale!

Whether you are planning a concert at our historic Pioneer Village, renting a park shelter for a family reunion or requesting to close Main Street for a festival with thousands of attendees, we are ready and excited to help you host your event in Ferndale.

We have recently updated our Parks Rentals and Special Events forms, merging them into one easy document and updating our park rental fees to make it easier than ever for your event team.

You can find the updated form and fees here. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Toni Segerman via email (click here) or phone at (360) 685-2369 with any questions.

January 11, 2019

Vacancies on Parks, Arts, and Planning Commissions

There are numerous ways residents of the City of Ferndale can participate to help enhance the community they live in. One such way is volunteering to serve on city advisory bodies that help forum public policy and make Ferndale a prosperous place to be.

We currently have an opening on the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board (PRTAB), the Arts Commission and there is anticipated to be an opening on the Planning Commission. If you are interested in serving on one of these bodies, please fill out the Boards and Commissions application and submit it to City Clerk Susan Duncan. You can find the application here.

All these meetings are open to the public. Appointments to these advisory bodies are made by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

For more information contact the City Clerk Susan Duncan
Email: susanduncan@cityofferndale.org
Phone: (360) 685-2354
Fax: (360) 384-1163

October 29, 2018

Ferndale Begins Search for New City Administrator

Ferndale Begins Search for New City Administrator

Greg Young

After fourteen years as City Administrator, Greg Young is concluding his service for Ferndale at the end of 2018. Mayor Jon Mutchler has decided not to renew his contract and has tapped Community Development Director Jori Burnett as an interim City Administrator while the City begins the search for a replacement.

“Mr. Young’s service has been exceptional, and he has served the city, including the last three mayors, faithfully and professionally,” said Mutchler. “It is time for a changing of the guard as we move our city forward to the next great chapter of Ferndale’s story.”

Young was hired in 2004 as City Administrator, under Mayor Jerry Landcastle and during his tenure has overseen the construction of a new police station, a new Ferndale library, and the drilling of a new deep well. He helped the city navigate both the Great Recession and the addition of over 5,000 new residents.

“I’m proud of the work I’ve done on behalf of the people of Ferndale,” said Young. “It was an honor and a privilege.”

“Greg and I had already begun the process of preparing Mr. Burnett for the move from planning to administration,” said Mutchler. “I have every confidence in Mr. Burnett’s abilities to manage this transition.”

October 19, 2018

Ferndale Court Judge Terrance Lewis Retires, Open House set for Oct. 15th

Judge Terrance Lewis

Ferndale Municipal Court Judge, the Honorable Terrance Lewis is retiring this year after seventeen years of service to our community. The Ferndale Municipal Court handles everything from traffic infractions to custody cases. Before his work for Ferndale, Judge Lewis served for eight years as the Deputy Prosecutor for Whatcom County.

“Judge Lewis brought a fair and compassionate presence to our court. He served the highest values of justice tempered with the belief that people can change for the better,” said Mayor Jon Mutchler. “He set the standard for public service.”

A retirement celebration and open house in honor of Judge Lewis will be held at the Ferndale Police Department (2220 Main Street) on October 15th, 4:00-5:45pm. Refreshments provided.

October 4, 2018

Summary of October 1st, 2018 Council Meeting

Meeting materials can be found here

 City Council Agenda Follow-Up

October 1, 2018
5:00 STUDY SESSION: 2019 Budget Forecast INFO ONLY
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL  
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

APPROVED

 
INTRODUCTION: Student Planning Commissioner/Ferndale Civics Youth Coalition INFO ONLY
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE

Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder presented an update on the following capital projects:

·         Washington Street, Main to Vista – Road is being graded in preparation for curb installation. Remaining work includes paving, installation of a speed table, restoration/landscaping, and striping. Paving was scheduled for Monday, October 1 but was delayed due to weather. Weather permitting, paving will occur Wednesday and Thursday, October 3 & 4. Project anticipated completion date is in two to three weeks.

·         Cherry Street and Pioneer Park Sidewalks – Cherry Street sidewalks are nearly complete, including storm drainage, ADA sidewalks/ramps, paving, & restoration. Remaining work includes hydroseeding. Pioneer Park sidewalks are stamped, and restoration needs to be completed.

  

 

 

 

 

INFO ONLY

 
PUBLIC HEARING: Shannon Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation Request

The owner of the property located on Shannon Avenue has constructed several improvements on the property adjacent to theirs, which is City property. The property in question is immediately adjacent to a hillside at the bottom of which is a stream. In addition, the City has an existing sewer line and storm drain pipe in the area. This parcel was retained by the city when the housing development was constructed for two basic reasons: 1.) to provide maintenance access should work on the sewer line be necessary; and 2.) to act as a vegetative buffer for the critical area. (steep slope and stream.)

The City has been involved in enforcement action attempting to have the property owner remove the improvements that have encroached on approximately 4,000 square feet of City property. The improvements impede the City’s ability to access the sewer line and storm drain pipe. In addition, current environmental and permitting regulations would not allow the gravel parking area to be constructed so close to the hillside and stream.

It is staff’s opinion that this parcel does not meet the criteria required to vacate City property and recommended denying the property owner’s request to allow her to purchase the property from the City.

 

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the vacation request as proposed.

 

Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to postpone the vacation process until the following can be addressed: 1.) Examine the potential of the City leasing the property to the owner instead of vacating it; 2.) Critical Areas/Environmental Issues; and 3.) Review of the lot line adjustment.

 

ON THE AMENDMENT: MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

ON THE MAIN, AMENDED MOTION: MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Xczar and K. Hansen opposed.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED AS AMENDED
DISCUSSION: Legoe Avenue Developer’s Agreement

The property owner is requesting an amendment of the developer’s agreement that was established in 2016. That agreement rezoned the two parcels for multifamily purposes, and also specified that twelve units could be built on the primary property, and did not allow for any units to be built on the smaller adjacent property. Since 2016, the property owner has pursued his proposed development; however, the road easement west of Legoe Avenue is owned by the Ferndale School District, which has indicated that the owner will be required to construct Primrose/Siddle Lane to full City standards. The costs of such a roadway is not sustainable for the property owner. The requested amendment to the developer’s agreement would allow the property owner to reduce his costs substantially through the construction of duplexes instead of fourplexes. Since duplexes utilize space less efficiently, the request is to change the number of units on the primary property to ten, and allow two units to be built on the smaller adjacent property. The requested amendment does not change the total number of units.

 

Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Kennedy seconded, to approve the amendment of the original developer’s agreement to allow one duplex on the smaller parcel with conditions as stipulated. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: FMC Modifications – Parking in the Right-of-Way

The Ferndale Police Department is the primary department regulating parking within the public right of way, through FMC 10.08. Currently, FMC 8.08.040 and FMC 10.08.060.D contradict each other in terms of how long a vehicle may park on a city street or right-of-way. The proposed ordinance changes FMC 8.08.040 to limit the time a vehicle can be parked on a city street or right-of-way from 72 hours to 24 hours, making it consistent with FMC 10.08.060D.

 

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

  

 

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: Temporary Outdoor Encampments

Religious organizations have played a primary role in providing care and resources to the homeless community, often in the form of temporary outdoor homeless encampments. RCW 35A.21.360 prevents local jurisdictions from banning such encampments entirely and limits the conditions that can be placed on the encampments to those related to public health and safety. The RCW also allows a jurisdiction to identify a process for such land uses. The proposed amendments to the Ferndale Municipal Code makes outdoor homeless encampments hosted by religious organizations a separate conditional use, and clarifies the specific requirements for the encampments. A public hearing was held on this item at the August 20, 2018 Council meeting, and the item was referred back to the Planning & Land Use Committee to address various concerns, such as clarifying definitions, zoning, responsibilities of the hosting agencies, restroom facilities, and permit fees.

 

Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Watson seconded to approve the ordinance with the added condition that sharps containers be provided at sites.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Councilmember Kennedy abstaining.

  

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED

DISCUSSION: Water/Sewer Bills Payment Plan

In response to the impact on citizens of higher than expected summer utility bills, staff recommends adoption of the following temporary modification to utility bills payment/late fee/shut offs:

·         For water/sewer bills that have already gone out on August 31st of this year, we will not:

1.       Do any turn-offs

2.       Charge any late fees regardless of their outstanding balance.

 

·         The next round of utility bills will go out on October 31st and December 31st.

 

·         If a utility customer maintains their total outstanding utility bill at or below $200 (for the combined August 31st, October 31st and December 31st billings), the City will not charge any late fees and/or shut off their water.

·         Customers will have until February 19, 2019 to bring their balances to zero – if not, late fees will be charged, and water shut offs will occur.

 

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Olson seconded, to approve the payment plan as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.  

 

October 2, 2018