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City News

Thornton Street Electric System Relocation Project Starts July 15th

Here is a notice from our partners at Puget Sound Energy about an upcoming project starting July 15th that will impact Ferndale residents.

Thornton Street electric system relocation project

In conjunction with the City of Ferndale’s Thornton Street overpass project and in an ongoing effort to deliver safe and reliable energy to the Ferndale-area, Puget Sound Energy electric crews will be working along Thornton Street to relocate select utility poles, upgrade related electric equipment and underground a section of the existing overhead electric wire. Due to the complexity of the work and for the safety of our crew, we may need to take a planned power outage towards the end of the project which might impact your residence or business. Please see below for project details.

Project details
Who:   Electric crews from PSE and Potelco and underground trenching crews from Power X
What:     Replacing select utility poles, upgrading related electric equipment and undergrounding electric wire
Where:   Thornton Street between Snowden Drive and Interstate 5, Ferndale  
               (please refer to map above for approximate project route)
When:    Work is expected to begin the week of July 15 and is anticipated to last into late August

  • Project dates & duration could vary based on inclement weather and emergency crew assignments
  • Typical daytime work hours are approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you can expect

  • To prepare for this work, crews were in the area surveying the project route and marking current underground utilities with brightly colored paint or flags
  • Signs and traffic control flaggers will guide vehicles and pedestrians safely through the work zone
  • There will likely be noise from trucks and heavy machinery during working hours
  • As a part of this work, some customers may experience an interruption in electric service. We will notify those impacted customers directly prior to beginning any work requiring a planned power outage in person, by mail, email or door hanger and we will work closely with businesses to schedule any interruption of service outside of business hours
  • Once work is complete, crews will go back over the work zone and clear any remaining debris

For more information regarding the Thornton Street overpass project, please visit the City’s website: https://www.cityofferndale.org/public-works-department/capital-projects/thornton-railroad-overcrossing-project/.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to complete this project. We aim to cause as little disruption as possible. If you have any questions regarding PSE’s portion of this project, please contact me and reference job number 101110819.

Sincerely,
Jane Major, PSE Project Manager
360-791-2748 | jane.major@pse.com

July 11, 2019

Councilmember Greg Hansen Receives Certificate of Municipal Leadership

Councilmember Greg Hansen

This month, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) awarded Councilmember Greg Hansen a Certificate of Municipal Leadership in recognition of his 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.”

Hansen, who has been on the City Council since 2016, serves as the council liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, Ferndale Community Coalition, represents the council on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. For his day job, he teaches Hospitality and Tourism Management and Business Administration at Whatcom Community College.

“This program provides a fantastic grounding in the best practices for any city, large or small. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from some of the best people in the state.” said Hansen. “That said, interacting with my peers across the state reinforced my belief that we are well ahead of the curve here in Ferndale on so many issues.”

City officials receive the Certificate of Municipal Leadership after earning 30 credits  AWC trainings and demonstrating community service.

July 10, 2019

Origins of Griffintown Park

Have you ever wondered how Griffintown Park, the long, skinny park on Second Avenue, got its name?

It once belonged to a Civil War veteran named Augustus Griffin (1826-1909) who sailed up the Nooksack with his wife Harriet and ten year old daughter Jennie to purchase a 400 acre plot.

His plan was to own the land when the railroad came through— one of many get rich quick schemes throughout his colorful life. The area quickly gained the name, “Griffintown”, however he was unable to hold it.

With his health failing, he gave away much of his land holdings to needy families and the railroad. He moved to Bellingham in 1902 where Harriet taught school. For more information about Ferndale’s  unique and colorful history, visit Pioneer Park starting May 15th and take a tour with the Ferndale Heritage Society.

July 2, 2019

Seeking Grant Applications for 2020 Tourism Activities

Seeking Grant Applications for 2020 Tourism Activities

Do you have a good idea for some tourism-related activities? We are now accepting applications for our Hotel-Motel Grant Program!

This program uses funds collected when people stay at local hotels, motels or RV parks to help encourage additional tourism in Ferndale.

Funding from the program may be used, directly by local jurisdictions, or indirectly through a convention and visitors bureau or destination marketing organization, for the marketing and operations of special events and festivals and to support the operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned by nonprofit organizations described under section 501(c)(3) and section 501(c)(6) of the internal revenue code of 1986, as amended.

The Hotel-Motel Grant Program is managed by the Communications Officer, and recommendations on funding are made by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to the City Council, which has final say over allocation of funding.

DEADLINE IS JULY 29th, 2019. No exceptions. You can find the application here.

If you have questions, please contact Communications Officer Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353 or by e-mail.

Note – the application has been updated from previous years to reduce the paperwork burden, please read through the new requirements if you are a returning applicant.

July 1, 2019

Ferndale Completes New Mural in Downtown

Artist Brenda Goddard-Laurence and her helper Ron Kino

Ferndale Completes New Mural in Downtown

The Ferndale Arts Commission’s Downtown Mural Project has a newly completed piece of art, titled “Spirit of Kulshan”. Visitors to downtown Ferndale will get to enjoy a sweeping landscape from Brenda Goddard-Laurence, of Brenda Goddard Designs, on the side of 5685 3rd Ave, adjacent to Luxe Thai.

While last summer’s Downtown Mural Project at the City Annex was painted with volunteers, this new mural is the first commissioned piece. This mural was funded in collaboration with the Ferndale Arts Commission and the building owners, Ted and Dale Schrader who are also the owners of the Subway at 5675 3rd Ave.

“Adding art is an essential part of making Ferndale’s downtown the incredible, vibrant place we all want it to be,” said Councilmember Rebecca Xczar, who organized the project on behalf of the Arts Commission. They are planning to install at least one more commissioned mural this summer.

The Arts Commission is also coordinating a volunteer alley mural project, funded by a Project Neighborly grant from Whatcom Community Foundation and are looking for volunteers. The installation will occur July 13th and 14th, those who want to help with the painting can sign up on the city website at www.cityofferndale.org/murals.

June 27, 2019

Traffic Impacts on Ferndale Road June 19th – July 5th

Impacted Area

Repairs begin this Wednesday, June 19th on the Ferndale levee adjacent to Star Park and will contiune for approximately two weeks. During this time, traffic will be impacted on Ferndale Road, with delays and closures anticipated.

Access to Star Park from the north should remain unaffected.

Residents are advised to utilize alternative routes if possible during this time. For more information, please call Ferndale Public Works at (360) 384-4006.

June 25, 2019