News

Mayor Greg Hansen Declares State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19

Mayor Greg Hansen Declares State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19

Mayor Greg Hansen issued a proclamation effective immediately declaring a state of emergency related to the COVID-19 virus outbreak.  This proclamation allows the City of Ferndale to modify policies and procedures so that the City can move quickly and efficiently to address the issues arising from this virus outbreak.  

“We have been operating under a state of emergency at various levels for over two weeks.  Issuing this proclamation now is really an administrative step to allow the City to be more responsive and effective at meeting this crisis,” said Hansen. “This declaration will allow the City to expedite the purchase of needed supplies, change rules related to the use of sick leave, utilize online options for public meetings, change hours of operation at City Hall, or institute flexible work schedules for employees who need it.”

This action matches the recent declarations of emergency at the County, State and Federal level. “Our priority is to maintain the City operations and services throughout this situation. Ferndale is a fierce community and we will meet this head on,” said Hansen.

“While declaring a state of emergency is alarming to many, we are in unprecedented times,” said Hansen.  “This is not just a public health crisis but a community-wide challenge. These will be difficult times for everybody in Ferndale, but I am especially concerned for our small businesses who are taking-on a particularly significant burden as they help our community combat this health emergency.”

To read the full proclamation, click here.

The Mayor urges the public to take the following steps to help support each other during this outbreak.

  • Check on your neighbors in a safe and responsible way. Are they getting the resources, childcare and support they need? Utilizing video chat is also a great option for connecting with friends and family
  • Donate blood. Blood supplies have hit emergency levels due to COVID-19 concerns.
  • Enjoy a meal and support your Ferndale restaurants by grabbing take-out or delivery outside in the sunshine. The city is working on a directory of Ferndale restaurants that will be available at www.cityofferndale.org/takeout
  • Buy a gift certificate from a Ferndale business. With less foot traffic, Ferndale businesses could use the support.
  • Be active. Enjoy the parks and trails throughout Ferndale. Activity is essential to your mental and physical health.
  • Make the most of the time. Learn a new skill or pick up a hobby, maintain a routine, do art or reconnect with your loved ones.
March 16, 2020

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, March 16, 2020 to Friday, March 20, 2020, 7am to 7pm

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, March 16, 2020 to Friday, March 20, 2020, 7am to 7pmN

Rural Avenue, between Slater Road and Wynn Road

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane traffic on Rural Avenue, between Slater Road and Wynn Road from Monday, March 16, 2020 to Friday, March 20, 2020, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. This work is to complete road improvements associated with a private development project. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic. Road will remain open during nonworking hours.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.

March 16, 2020

City Facilities to Remain Open

At this time, City Hall, the Police Station and Municipal Court will all remain open as normal. City Council will be held on March 16th, 2020. However, for the protection of the community and the employees of the city, members of the public are strongly encouraged to conduct their business online or over the phone rather than enter public facilities.

City staff is available via email (see directory here) or phone at (360) 384-4302.

For those experiencing flu-like symptoms or at high risk for infection from COVID-19, please do not enter public facilities. For more information on the City of Ferndale’s response to COVID-19, check out our information page here.

March 13, 2020

Special Meeting Notice – Financial Workshop

Special Meeting Notice – Financial Workshop

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FERNDALE CITY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that the Ferndale City Council will hold a special meeting for the purpose of holding a financial workshop on the topic of debt. The meeting will take place on March 16, 2020 at the City of Ferndale Council Chambers, located at 5694 Second Avenue. The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. This is an open public meeting as outlined by the Open Public Meetings Act.

March 13, 2020

City Solicits Feedback on Stormwater Management Plan

The City of Ferndale updates the Stormwater Management Plan as a response to specific special conditions within the “Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit” that authorizes the City of Ferndale to discharge stormwater to the waters of the State of Washington.

Per the Permit, this program summary will be updated each year and will be available to the public. Participation and comments are welcome and may be directed to City of Ferndale Stormwater staff stormwater@cityofferndale.org. Comment period begins March 1st, 2020 and ends March 31, 2020.

The draft plan can be found by clicking here or on our “What is Stormwater” page.

March 11, 2020

Recognizing Billy Frank Jr. Day

Today, March 9th, is Billy Frank Jr. Day.

Billy Frank Jr. was a lifelong advocate for tribal treaty rights and our beautiful ecosystem. His work lead to the instrumental Boldt Decision, which protects the tribes’ right to fish and led to essential work protecting salmon habitat and treaty rights throughout the country. Today, on his birthday, we recognize his work and our enduring relationship with our local tribes, the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Tribe.

Below is an illustrated interview with Billy Frank Jr. that talks about the connection between the Salmon and all the people who inhabit the pacific northwest.

March 9, 2020