News

City Launches Clean Neighborhoods Initiative

This summer, the City of Ferndale is working with neighbors and businesses to clean up our streets and yards. Efforts will focus on abandoned and scrap vehicles in front yards that are visible to the public and overgrown underbrush that can be a hazard with the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

“Take the time to move that broken down car into a garage and give that yard a mow,” said Mayor Greg Hansen. “These efforts make a big impact on the safety and feel of our community. With the weather turning nice, it is an ideal time to walk through your neighborhood and pick up any trash you find. Exercise and helping your neighbors, the perfect summer activity!”

During the initial outbreak of COVID-19, the City suspended all non-essential functions but as the state begins to reopen, City government is returning to normal operations, including following up on citizen complaints. More information about vehicles in disrepair, yard maintenance requirements and how to file a complaint can be found on the city website here: https://www.cityofferndale.org/commdev/code-enforcement-2/

June 24, 2020

Ferndale Celebrates 125th Old Settlers Picnic Anniversary with Original Video Production

Whatcom Old Settlers Variety Show Available Online July 22nd

With the Old Settlers Weekend cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, the City of Ferndale and the Whatcom Old Settlers Association are releasing a video celebration of Ferndale’s history and culture. Dubbed the Whatcom Old Settlers Variety Show, this production includes a video tour of the historic Pioneer Village cabins, a concert from High Mountain String Band, interviews about Old Settlers Picnics of yesteryear, an inside look at the historic 2019 Paddle to Lummi event and an original radio drama set in 1932 Ferndale.

“We couldn’t let this historic landmark, the 125th anniversary of the Old Settlers Picnic, pass us by,” said Mayor Greg Hansen. “This is our opportunity to tell our story about the history of our community and celebrate the things that make Ferndale our special place by the river.”

“We are looking forward to next year when we can bring back the Old Settlers Weekend,” said Lynda Lucas, President of the Whatcom Old Settlers Association. “But in the meantime, we wanted to do something special to tide us over.”

The Whatcom Old Settlers Variety Show will be available to stream online at www.cityofferndale.org starting Weds. July 22nd.

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

June 22, 2020

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 to Friday, June 26, 2020 7am to 7pm

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 to Friday, June 26, 2020 7am to 7pm

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 Tuesday, June 23, 2020 to Friday, June 26, 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.

June 17, 2020

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, June 22, 2020, 7am to 5pm

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Monday, June 22, 2020, 7am to 5pm

Intersection of Slater Road and Rural Avenue

Drivers should expect delays as the traffic signals located at the intersection of Slater Road and Rural Avenue will be temporarily disconnected on Monday, June 22, 2020, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic. Road will remain open during nonworking hours. This work is to complete road improvements associated with a private development project.

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

June 17, 2020

Shutoffs for Utility Billing Suspended, Resources Available

Usually this week is when our team would be out doing utility shutoffs due to nonpayment. However, in light of COVID-19, we have suspended late payments and shutoffs for the Feb. 28th and April 30th bills. Making a payment today, even a partial payment, can ensure that the bill does not become unmanageable as we gradually return to normal operations.

If you need financial assistance with your utility bill, the Ferndale Community Service Cooperative​ has set up a fund to help residents. More details are available here: http://ferndalecsc.org/

June 17, 2020

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Friday, June 26, 2020, 8:30am to 7:30pm

Notice Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Friday, June 26, 2020, 8:30am to 7:30pm

Intersection at Grandview Road and Portal Way

Drivers should expect delays as the traffic signals located at the intersection of Grandview Road (SR 548) and Portal Way will be flashing on Friday, June 26, 2020, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM. 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.

June 16, 2020

Smith Road Closed Due to Flooding, Detour in Place

06/17/2020 UPDATE: The road has been repaired and reopened

W. Smith Road is closed due to water over the roadway, detour available through LaBounty Drive and Main Street. Please follow all traffic directions.

For questions, please contact Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.

June 12, 2020

Monday, June 15, 2020 City Council Remote Meeting Notice

The City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m.  (Note the time change from the regular starting time of 6:00 p.m.) on Monday, June 15, 2020 will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams, with staff and Councilmembers accessing the meeting from individual locations This complies with Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay at Home Order, which states, in part, that people should refrain from all public gatherings, including civic activities.

This is still an open public meeting as defined by the Open Public Meetings Act. The City will be using Microsoft Teams to livestream the council meeting. Members of the public do not need to download anything to view the proceedings. To join the meeting, click here.

Included in Monday’s meeting is a Public Hearing regarding the 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program. Members of the public may provide comment during the public hearing by one of the following methods:

  1. Email Public Works Director Kevin Renz prior to the meeting. (kevinrenz@cityofferndale.org)
  2. Phone in when the Mayor announces the opening of the public hearing. 360-685-2385
  3. In-person at 6594 Second Avenue. In-person attendance will be limited to 5 members of the public.

 The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15.

The public comment session at the opening of the meeting has been cancelled until further notice. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments to City Clerk Susan Duncan by emailing susanduncan@cityofferndale.org. Comments received prior to 4:00 p.m. Monday, June 15 will be included in the meeting record.

June 12, 2020