News

Ways to Help after the Winter Storm

With the weather finally getting a little warmer and the snow on pause, it is time to begin cleaning up after the winter weather. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Roads are still slick. Whether it is slush or refrozen ice, the roads will continue to be hazardous for the next several days. Go slow, give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and give everyone generous space, especially when turning.
  2. Clear Your Sidewalks. Per Ferndale Municipal Code, everyone is responsible for the sidewalks in front of their house and business. The snow on the sidewalks are a serious safety hazard and impede first responders trying to access homes and businesses. With the weather giving us a temporary break, now is the time to get out there with a shovel and clear those spaces for everyone’s safety.
  3. Clear your Storm Drains. As the snow melts, it is going to need to go somewhere, and that somewhere is down the storm drain. Make sure that your local storm drain is free from debris so that the melted snow can safely leave your neighborhood. Here’s a quick video to remind you what a storm drain looks like.
  4. Move Your Car. Public Works crews are plowing side streets now that our priority routes are secure. If possible, please park off the street. This allows our plows to access some of the narrower streets.
  5. No Private Plows on City Streets/Right of Way. Public Works takes every precaution possible not to damage our utilities, signs, fire hydrants and other structures. Private companies do not know where these things are and can cause serious damage to City infrastructure. If you do hire a private plow to clear your business parking lot or private street, do not stack the snow on sidewalks – see #2.
  6. Check in on your neighbors. We are small town and we shine best when we act like it. Check in on your neighbors, make sure they’ve got heat, groceries and can get in and out of their houses. This is a perfect opportunity to help each other clear sidewalks and get to know those around you.

We continue to work around the clock to deal with the aftermath of the snow storm. There may be some more snowfall in the forecast so if everyone can take this opportunity and pitch in, it will make it easier for the whole community.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our snow response, please call Communications Officer Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353.

February 13, 2019

Feb. 13th – City Hall on Two-Hour Delay

City Hall will be operating on a two hour delay today due to snow. Doors open for the public at 11am. Thank you to our public works crew who continues to work around the clock to clear the streets and keep the priority snow routes ope

February 13, 2019

Today’s Public Works and Planning Committees Cancelled, Finance Committee Still Scheduled

The Public Works and Planning committees are cancelled this morning, although at this point the Finance Committee meeting will still be held at 10:00 a.m.

The City Council meets on the Wednesday before each City Council meeting from 8am-11am in the City Hall conference room at 2095 Main Street. These meetings are to review materials and either forward items on to the full council or send them back to staff for further work. The public is welcome and invited to attend, please utilize the door to the conference room that faces the parking lot. The council committee agenda materials are posted online on the Monday before each meeting, you can find them here.

These committee meetings are an opportunity to explore issues in a less formal setting, however they are recorded and the minutes are taken. You can find recordings of all the committee meetings here.

February 12, 2019

UPDATE: City Hall CLOSED Feb. 12th

8:55am UPDATE: City Hall will be CLOSED today, Feb. 12th due to worsening conditions. Essential services (Public Works, Police) will continue to work through the winter weather.

City Hall will be operating on a two hour delay today due to snow. Doors open for the public at 11am. Thank you to our public works crew who continues to work around the clock to clear the streets and keep the priority snow routes open.

February 12, 2019

City Hall Open Today – Limited Services

City Hall will be open today during our normally scheduled business hours (9am-5pm) although customers should use caution when deciding whether to drive in this weather. Some city services may not be available due to personnel shortages. If you need a specific city service beyond utility payments, please call City Hall at (360) 384-4006 before making a trip in the snow. Safety first.

February 11, 2019

February 4th, 2019 Council Meeting Summary

Meeting Materials can be found here

 City Council Agenda Follow-Up February 4, 2019  
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL   Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Watson seconded, to excuse Councilmember Olson. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.  
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the consent agenda.  MOTION CARRIED 6-0.   APPROVED
DESIGN/ENGINEERING CONTRACT: Ferndale Terrace  The City has received grand funding for this project from the Department of Ecology for eligible expenditures up to $250,000. At this time, the contract calls for DOE eligible expenditures of approximately $177,000. The remainder of the design work will be funded via the City’s Transportation Benefit District, stormwater, water, and sanitary sewer funds. The proposed contract amount for design for this project is $510,202. Work to acquire the necessary right-of-way will not occur until the City secures additional funding for the construction portion of this project. Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Kennedy seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.         APPROVED
PRESENTATION OF 2019 WORK PLANS
Chief of Police Kevin Turner presented information on 2018 statistics, and provided the police department goals for 2019, including:
Department Accreditation
City Emergency Plan
Department Strategic Plan/Asset Management
Crime Mapping
Improve web page and social media presence
Body Worn Cameras  

City Clerk Susan Duncan presented the 2019 work plan for the City Clerk’s office, including the following:
Records Management and Human Resources items:
Records Inventory/Records Destruction
Scan & Toss Policy Development & Implementation
Personnel Policy Updates
Performance Evaluation Policy Development & Implementation
Union Negotiations for 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreements  

Communications Officer Riley Sweeney presented the work plan for Communications/Recreation, including:
Expand Communication Channels
Utility Rates & Infrastructure Communication
Recreation Events
Coordination of Star Park Picnic Shelter Construction
Certified Parks & Rec Professional Exam  
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. 		                        INFO ONLY
February 5, 2019

Water Trouble? Probably Frozen Pipes

Currently, the City is not doing any work on the water system so if you are experiencing disruptions in your water service, it is most likely the result of frozen pipes in your house and you need to call a plumber.

February 4, 2019