Your Government

September 17, 2018 Council Meeting Summary

Meeting materials can be found here

 City Council Agenda Follow-Up

September 17, 2018
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL  
PRESENTATION: Erika Nurenberg, Whatcom County Health Department INFO ONLY
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
2018 RECREATION PROGRAM RECAP

Communications Officer/Recreation Coordinator Riley Sweeney and intern Annie Leete presented a summary of the 2018 parks events, which included:

·         Glow in the Dark Croquet

·         Wee One Nature Hunt

·         Food Truck Fridays

·         Yoga in the Park

·         Music in the Park (two different dates/bands)

·         The Great Ferndale Midsummer Mystery

·         Flicks in the Park (Games before the movie)

·         Field Games

·         Tie-Dye Your T-Shirt

·         Operation Splash Mob

  

 

 

 

 

 

INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

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

  

APPROVED

 
INTRODUCTION: New SCOPE Officers

Chief of Police Kevin Turner introduced the new volunteer SCOPE (Senior Citizens on Patrol Enhancement) Officers. SCOPE Officers perform security checks on vacant homes, enforce disabled parking violations, assist during special events, & operate the radar reader board.

  

 

INFO ONLY
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS UPDATE

Associate Planner Haylie Miller provided updates on the following private projects:

·         Skyline Properties –  Long plat subdivision consisting of 5 single family parcels, located at the intersection of Vista & Thornton.

·         Campbell Short Plat – Mixed-use commercial short plat, located on Barrett Road.

·         Vista Springs Long Plat – Long plat, 8 proposed lots, located on the east side of Vista Drive.

  

 

INFO ONLY

 
PUBLIC HEARING: Complete Streets Program Ordinance

The Complete Streets Program is a process in which streets are designed considering uses other than just automobiles, such as pedestrians, bicycles, transit, etc. Aesthetics, the environment, and overall economic development are also considerations in this model.

Washington State and the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) have allocated significant grant funds to support jurisdictions with Complete Streets Ordinances.  In addition to adopting an ordinance, the City must be nominated to the TIB for this funding by one or more nominating agencies. Nominating agencies include WSDOT, WA Department of Commerce, the WA Department of Health, and Futurewise. The Transpo Group is assisting City Staff in developing a draft ordinance and completing the nomination process.

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

  

 

 

 

 

APPROVED

 
PUBLIC HEARING: Multifamily Tax Exemption Ordinance

In the mid-1990’s Washington State established RCW 84.14 which allowed jurisdictions meeting certain size or planning requirements to waive property taxes on new or rehabilitated multifamily development in “Residential Targeted Areas” within Urban Centers for up to eight years. The program’s goal is to incentivize multifamily development in those areas where demand exists but residential units are not being built. At the September 12 Planning & Land Use Committee meeting, various decisions points were discussed and are reflected in the updated ordinance, as are concerns expressed by Whatcom County Fire District #7.

Councilmember Xczar moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Watson and Olson opposed.

  

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
DISCUSSION: Water/Sewer Bills Payment Plan

In anticipation of funding the new Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant, on June 19, 2017, Council approved an ordinance increasing sewer connection fees by 25% for one year, increasing sewer rate fees by 3% for one year, and eliminating the summer discount beginning in 2018.

As the June/July 2018 bills have been distributed, and the City has received feedback from the public on the impact of the rate changes, Council is reexamining this issue, and exploring options to assist citizens in paying their bills.

Mayor Mutchler shared information regarding City plans to improve water service to citizens.

By general consensus, this item was sent back to the September 26, 2018 Finance & Administration Committee.

  

 

 

 

DISCUSSION ONLY
ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT: Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

The scope of services to be provided by Wilson Engineering and subconsultants covers design and bidding phase services for the proposed Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. This phase of the project will include developing a project report per DOH requirements, pilot study, plans, specifications, bid documents, and bidding the project. This includes all work associated with the construction of a building addition; two additional reverse osmosis treatment units, remineralization system, anti-scalant addition system, new/modified piping, electrical controls, and jib cranes. Approval is sought for the bid amount of $296,000 plus a 10% contingency.

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 6-1, Councilmember Watson opposed.

  

 

 

 

APPROVED
ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT: Shop Well #2 Well House Project

The scope of services to be provided by Wilson Engineering and subconsultants covers design and bidding phase services for the proposed Shop Well #2 Well House Project. This phase of the project will include developing plans, specifications, and bid documents and bidding the project. This includes all work associated with the construction of a 1,000 gpm water supply well, piping connections to existing water transmission line, 10’X20” building, site improvements, retaining wall, electrical, controls, SCADA programming and additional miscellaneous items. Approval is sought for the bid amount of $120,412 plus a 10% contingency.

Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Watson and Olson opposed.

  

 

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: Temporary Outdoor Encampments

By general consensus, this item was deferred to the October 1, 2018 Council meeting.

 DEFERRED TO OCTOBER 1
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.  

 

September 18, 2018

Summary of July 16th, 2018 Council Meeting

You can find all related Agenda documents here

City Council Agenda Follow-Up

July 16, 2018
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL  
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
BREWING OVER CITY BUSINESS

Brewing Over City Business is a pilot program to increase transparency and civic participation. It is made possible by a generous donation from Woods Coffee and support from the Whatcom Community Foundation as part of the Project Neighborly initiative.  First-time attendees to a Ferndale City Council meeting sign up at the beginning of the meeting to receive a free $10 Woods Coffee card. When the meeting is over, those who signed up will receive their card. Students who are attending the meeting as a class requirement are not eligible.

  

 

 

INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

  

APPROVED

 
THORNTON OVERCROSSING PROJECT UPDATE

Current status: Design is 60% complete, BNSF comments are being addressed, and right-of-way acquisition and environmental permitting are underway.

Estimated timetable: Design anticipated to be completed by the end of 2018. Right-of-way acquisition and environmental permitting is expected to be completed in June 2019. Advertisement for bids to be in July 2019.

Construction pre-load is anticipated to begin in September 2019, with the expectation that it will take approximately 18 months.

Bridge & road construction is expected to begin in April 2021, and should take approximately 20 months, with completion expected by January 2023.

  

 

 

 

INFO ONLY
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS UPDATE

Associate Planner Haylie Miller presented updates on the following private development projects:

·         Taco Bell – the existing Denny’s building will be demolished and replaced with a smaller building with a drive-through. Construction is expected to begin within the next two or three months.

·         LaBounty Apartments – 150 unit complex consisting of 5 buildings with 30 units each. This is a 9-acre site, located west of the existing Labounty Place Apartments. Groundbreaking is expected to be in approximately one year.

·         Third Avenue Duplexes – Two duplexes, located across from Ferndale Grain. They are almost complete and ready for occupancy.

  

 

 

 

 

 INFO ONLY
ORDINANCE: Modifications to FMC 6.02 – Animal Control Enforcement

The City has a contract with the Whatcom Humane Society for animal control services. They have informed staff that the Ferndale Municipal Code does not grant specific authority to confiscate prohibited domestic fowl such as roosters, peacocks, and guinea fowl. While those types of fowl are prohibited according to FMC 6.02.207, the existing language is insufficient to allow Animal Control to confiscate the animals if found to be in the possession of a property owner or roaming at large.  The additional proposed language states that prohibited fowl are subject to confiscation, and will suffice to grant Animal Control that authority.

Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Watson seconded, to approve the agenda bill.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

 

  

 

 

 

APPROVED

 
MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only. Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Kennedy seconded, to excuse Councilmember K. Hansen’s absence. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

  

 

INFO ONLY
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m.  

 

July 17, 2018

Attend Your First City Council Meeting and Receive a Free Coffee Card

The City of Ferndale wants you to attend a City Council meeting and share what you learned with a neighbor. Come see local politics in action and learn more about what is happening in your city and you could receive a $10 gift card to Woods Coffee as part of our “Brewing over City Business” program.

If this is your first time attending a City Council meeting, you live in Ferndale and are not a student, sign up at the beginning of the meeting to receive a free coffee card. Once the meeting is gaveled close, you will receive the gift card. The City urges you to find a friend, a neighbor or family member and invite them out to coffee and share your experiences.

Democracy is not a spectator sport, and our hope is that this will inspire everyone to engage with their local government and have a better understanding of how the City operates. This is a pilot program to increase transparency and civic participation.

“Brewing over City Business” is made possible thanks to a generous donation from Woods Coffee and support from the Whatcom Community Foundation as part of the Project Neighborly initiative. No city funds were expended to make this happen.

For more information or questions, please contact Communications Officer Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353 or rileysweeney@cityofferndale.org.

July 9, 2018

Councilmember Cathy Watson Receives Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership

Councilmember Cathy Watson Receives Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership

This month, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) awarded Councilmember Cathy Watson an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership in recognition of her service, leadership and educational achievements. The program recognizes,  “Mayors and councilmembers who continue to strive for excellence by attending conferences and trainings, serving their community, and further developing leadership skills.”

Watson, who has been on the City Council since 2012, serves as the Chairperson of the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Board of Directors, is the council liaison to the Ferndale Arts Commission and Ferndale Senior Center, and volunteers with a number of community organizations including the Ferndale Auxillary Communication Service and teaching school children robotics at the Ferndale Library.

“Every member of Council works hard to ensure we keep up with latest rules, regulations, and best practices, and this AWC program has a been a wonderful way to set learning and leadership goals for myself,” said Watson.

City officials receive the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership after earning 60 credits  AWC trainings and demonstrating community service.

May 25, 2018

Summary of May 21st, 2018 Council Meeting

You can find all the related Agenda Documents here

City Council Agenda Follow-Up

May 21, 2018

  
STUDY SESSION: Capital Project Funding INFO ONLY
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL  
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

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

  

APPROVED

 
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE INFO ONLY
PUBLIC HEARING: Washington Street Condemnation Ordinance

The Washington Street Improvement Project (Main Street to Vista Drive) is part of the City’s 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program. Funding for this project has been secured, and a contract has been awarded for the work. Although the City has made a good faith effort to acquire the necessary right-of-way interests for the subject parcel, a final agreement has not been reached. In order to construct the project and meet the City’s financial and contractual obligation for completion of the project, it is necessary to obtain clear property rights. Time is of the essence, and the only alternative available for acquisition of clear property rights needed for the construction of the project may be by eminent domain.

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember K. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 6-1, Councilmember Taylor opposed.

  

 

 

 

 

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. This item was referred back to the Planning & Land Use Committee at the last meeting. Changes have been made to the original ordinance to clarify that the City’s proposed code change is based upon the language of the applicable RCW and is intended to provide additional clarity for the City and church groups, where the City retains its responsibility to identify reasonable life-safety measures for the temporary housing of homeless and near-homeless people. Additionally, the 10-day limitation was removed.

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Councilmember Kennedy abstaining.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
RESOLUTION: Gun Safety Awareness Day

A proposal was brought to the Finance & Administration Committee by Councilmember Kate Hansen to promote gun & firearms awareness during the weekend of June 1 -3, and to declare June 2nd “Wear Orange for Gun Safety Day.”

Councilmember K. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Watson seconded, to approve the agenda bill.

Councilmember Taylor moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to amend the motion to add language to the first “Whereas,” citing the source of the information. On the amendment: MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Olson & Kennedy opposed.

On the main, amended motion:  MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Olson & Kennedy opposed.

 

  

 

APPROVED AS AMENDED

 
MAYOR REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS

Information only.

  

INFO ONLY
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.  
May 22, 2018