News

September 17, 2018

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

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

APPROVED

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.

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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.

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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

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

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.

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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

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

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