News | Page 56 | City of Ferndale

Explore Historic Pioneer Village Through New Online Story Map

Ferndale is home to the largest collection of slab cedar houses in the United States and now that collection can be explored from the home thanks to a new online tool. The City of Ferndale has built a story map that allows visitors to view pictures of the cabins and explore their original locations around Whatcom County. The story map interfaces with the City’s mapping system and can be found at www.cityofferndale.org/maps.

The slab cedar houses were some of the first buildings that pioneers constructed in the Pacific Northwest and have been meticulously maintained and restored by the Old Settlers Association and Ferndale Heritage Society over the last hundred years. Visitors can see them in person and take a guided tour Tuesday through Sunday from 11am-4pm at the Pioneer Village at 2000 Cherry St. in Ferndale.

June 19, 2019

Council Meeting Summary for June 17th, 2019

Click here to access Agenda materials

City Council Agenda Follow-Up June 17, 2019
APPROVAL OF AGENDA	APPROVED
PUBLIC COMMENT	INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Taylor moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.	APPROVED
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Brian Enslow City Lobbyist Brian Enslow presented an update from the 2019 Legislative Session, including an overview of the 2019 operating budget. Session priorities for Ferndale included:	INFO ONLY
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE: Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder presented updates on the following capital projects: First Avenue Pedestrian Improvements – the project is currently out to bid, with a bid opening date of June 27. Construction is anticipated to begin in August.Ferndale Terrace – the project is currently in the design phase.Nordic to Scout Waterline – the project is currently in the design phase, and BNSF permitting is in process. Pump Station #19 Decommissioning – currently coordinating easement language and terms with the property owner and will soon be beginning the design phase.Thornton Overpass – currently getting close to finishing with right-of-way acquisition.	INFO ONLY
PRESENTATION: Shoreline Master Program Community Development Director Haylie Miller presented an overview of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The SMP is regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The existing version was written between 2000 and 2006, though it was not adopted by Ecology until 2010. A minor update to the Critical Areas portion was revised in May 2017 in order to comply with the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance update. The City is required to conduct a periodic review of its SMP by June 2020 in order to comply with State guidelines.	INFO ONLY
ORDINANCE: Kope Road Vacation On April 5, 2019, the Lummi Nation submitted a request to vacate a portion of Kope Road. The request complied with the procedures set forth in Ferndale Municipal Code 12.37, Road Vacations. A public hearing was held on May 20, 2019, consistent with the requirements of FMC 12.37, providing citizens with the opportunity to provide testimony regarding the vacation. Following the public hearing Council agreed to proceed with valuing the property. An appraisal set the value of the land at $114,000.00. It is staff’s belief that the public benefit criteria as defined in FMC 12.37 has been met, and the vacation will mutually benefit both the City and the Lummi Nation. Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to send the item back to the Planning & Land Use Committee for further discussion. MOTION FAILED 3-4, Councilmembers Olson, G. Hansen and Jensen in favor. Councilmember K. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-1, Councilmember Olson opposed and Councilmember Taylor abstaining.	APPROVED
ORDINANCE: Multifamily Tax Exemption Time Frame Extension The City Council adopted the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program in September of 2018. The program allows property owners within the residential target area to waive property taxes associated with eligible multifamily residential development for a period of eight years. The residential targeted area designation consists of the Urban Residential and City Center zones, as well as the Griffintown neighborhood. The City Council initially expressed support for a sunset date to encourage applicants to move forward with the projects within a short timeframe. The program currently has a sunset date of December 31, 2020, allowing two years for applicants to submit building permits. This date ties eligibility to building permits (rather than Site Plan approval, etc.) Further, construction of new multifamily housing must be completed within three years from the date of approval of the application, as described in FMC 3.38.080, or within an extension authorized under the chapter. Staff believes that MFTE applications will be submitted soon for at least three new developments. The program currently requires building permits to be submitted by December 31, 2020. That deadline may be feasible; however, on average, most projects take two years or more from the initial permit submittal to the submittal of building permits. Staff recommends extending the application deadline by one year to December 31, 2021. Councilmember Xczar moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTIN CARRIED 6-1, Councilmember Olson opposed.	APPROVED
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RCW 42.30.110(i) Following the executive session, Councilmember Jensen moved, and Councilmember Olson seconded, to approve the settlement agreement and release between the City of Ferndale and Greg Young as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.	SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT APPROVED
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

June 18, 2019

Announcing the Great Ferndale Alien Abduction!

Ferndale Launches Citywide Scavenger Hunt for the Month of July

Aliens have landed in Ferndale and are leaving strange symbols scattered throughout the city. That’s the hook for “The Great Ferndale Alien Abduction”, an annual scavenger hunt held during the month of July.

Participants follow clues to find banners hidden throughout the city while also partaking in community events, meeting their neighbors or volunteering to score additional points. The high scoring teams receive cash prizes and the first-place winner gets to ride in a city dump truck in the Old Settlers Parade. Everyone is welcome to participate, it is free to play.

“This is a great opportunity to explore your city, get some fresh air and discover some new ways to have fun,” said Recreation Coordinator Riley Sweeney. This scavenger hunt is the third annual iteration of this event, similar to last year’s “Great Ferndale Midsummer Mystery”.

For more information and to download a scorecard, go to www.cityofferndale.org/aliens. More information about the City’s parks activities can be found at www.ferndaleparks.com.

June 17, 2019

Finance Workshop June 17th, 5:30pm in the Council Chambers

Curious about the city finances? City Finance Director Sirke Salminen will be hosting a series of finance workshops before city council meetings. The next one is June 17th, at 5:30pm at the City Annex (5694 Second Avenue). These meetings will be open to the public and intended to help everyone better understand how your city manages public funds.

This upcoming workshop will focus on the city budgeting process and calendar.

June 14, 2019

Invitation to Bid: First Ave and Main St Intersection Improvements Project

INVITATION TO BID

FOR

FIRST AVE. AND MAIN ST. INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

City Project No. ST2019-01

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by CITY OF FERNDALE that sealed bid proposals will be received by the City of Ferndale at Ferndale City Hall, located at 2095 Main Street, Ferndale, Washington, 98248, (360) 384-4006, until 2 PM on Thursday, June 27, 2019, and will then and there be opened and publicly read for the First Ave. and Main St. Intersection Improvements Project.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This contract provides for the reconfiguration of existing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of First Avenue and Main Street in Ferndale, WA. Work will include removal and replacement of cement concrete sidewalk, curb and ADA ramps; removal of existing signal arms, cabinets and related facilities; concrete flatwork; HMA paving; permanent signage installation; striping; and other work in accordance with the Contract Plans, Special Provisions, the Standard Specifications, including the amendments thereto, and Standard Plans.

Bid Guaranty

All bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check, or surety bond in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of such bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond and payment bond both in an amount of 100 percent (100%) of the contract price within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to the City of Ferndale. All bidders and subcontractors shall have a contractor’s license to work in the State of Washington and a City of Ferndale Business License before starting work. All work performed on this project will be subject to prevailing state wage rates.

Project Documents

Maps, plans, and specifications may be obtained from the Ferndale Public Works Department, located at Ferndale City Hall upon payment in the amount of $30 for specifications and plan sets. Informational copies of maps, plans and specifications are on file for inspection at 2095 Main Street, Ferndale, Washington 98248. An electronic version of the project plans and specifications are available for download on the City of Ferndale website here. If you download the bid documents, you are required to contact the Cityvia email at public-works@cityofferndale.org to be added to the planholders’ list.

Pre-Bid Conference

Bidders, prior to submittal of a bid, may attend a pre-bid conference with the Project Engineer. The meeting will start on June 20, 2019 at 2 PM at the Ferndale City Hall, 2095 Main Street, Ferndale, Washington 98248. A jobsite visit may follow upon request.

The City of Ferndale in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex in consideration for an award.

The City of Ferndale is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Minority and Women-Owned firms are encouraged to submit bids.

Susan Duncan

City Clerk – City of Ferndale

Ferndale Record – Published June 12 and 19, 2019

June 12, 2019

June 3rd, 2019 Council Meeting Summary

Agenda Materials Found Here

City Council Agenda Follow-Up June 3, 2019
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Mutchler announced that the scheduled Executive Session was cancelled. Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda as amended. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.	APPROVED AS AMENDED
PUBLIC COMMENT	INFO ONLY
PRESENTATION: Ferndale Civics Youth Council Ferndale High School ASB President Leah Kessen & Vice President Alex Faria shared their experiences with the Ferndale Civics Youth Council.	INFO ONLY
PRESENTATION: Building Official/Building Inspector Building Official Kyle Huebner introduced Craig Stephenson from the International Code Council, and presented information about the 2015 Existing Building Code.	INFO ONLY
INTERVIEWS OF CANDIDATES FOR SEATS #5 AND #7 The resignations of Councilmembers Fred Kennedy and Cathy Watson left two vacant seats on Council. The Ferndale City Council must fill those vacancies within 90 days, or the Whatcom County Council may do so. Per the direction of the Finance & Administration Committee on May 15, staff advertised the vacancies, with a closing date of May 30, 2019. The following people applied, and were each given two minutes to introduce themselves and give a brief statement to Council: Bobbi FergusonDean WithrowGary JensenConnie FariaStephanie ManningJames GrovesCarol Bersch	INFO ONLY
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RCW 42.30.100(h) (Seat #7) Council adjourned to executive session to discuss the qualifications of the applicants for the open council seats.
VOTING AND SWEARING IN OF COUNCIL SEAT #7 Following Executive Session, Mayor Mutchler opened nominations for Seat #7. Councilmember Taylor nominated Gary Jensen. Councilmember Olson nominated Carol Bersch. Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to suspend the Council rules of procedure regarding voting method and vote by simultaneous paper ballots. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Carol Bersch received 3 votes. (Councilmembers Xczar, Olson and K. Hansen) Gary Jensen received 2 votes. (Councilmembers G. Hansen and Taylor) Councilmember Carol Bersch was sworn in and took her place at Seat #7.	CAROL BERSCH APPOINTED TO SEAT #7
EXECUTIVE SESSION: RCW 42.30.100(h) (Seat #5) Council had the option of adjourning to a second executive session with the newly-appointed Councilmember Bersch included, so she would be able to take part in the discussion of the qualifications of the applicants for Seat #5. By general consensus, the second executive session was cancelled.
VOTING AND SWEARING IN OF COUNCIL SEAT #5 Mayor Mutchler opened nominations for Seat #5. Councilmember G. Hansen nominated Gary Jensen. Seeing no further nominations, Mayor Mutchler closed nominations and by unanimous consent, Gary Jensen was appointed to Seat #5. Councilmember Gary Jensen was sworn in and took his place at Seat #5.	GARY JENSEN APPOINTED TO SEAT #5
COUNCIL COMMITTEE & LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS The following Committee and Liaison vacancies were filled: Public Works & Utilities Committee: Councilmembers Jensen and Xczar Planning & Land Use Committee: Councilmember Bersch Whatcom Transportation Authority: Councilmember Taylor Whatcom County Fire District #7: Councilmember Jensen Ferndale Heritage Society: Councilmember Bersch Senior Center: Councilmember Bersch	INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Olson seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.	APPROVED
PUBLIC HEARING: Puget Sound Energy Franchise Agreement Ordinance Pursuant to FMC 5.40, staff recommends renewing the Puget Sound Energy Franchise Agreement. While the City has latitude over some aspects of franchise agreements, other items are governed by State and Federal regulations. The City has worked to ensure that provisions of the agreement provide adequate protection of the public Right-of-Way and the City’s ability to require movement of utilities consistent with City needs. A public hearing is required prior to adoption of the franchise agreement ordinance. Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.	APPROVED
PUBLIC HEARING: Comcast Franchise Agreement Ordinance Pursuant to FMC 5.40, staff recommends adopting the Comcast Franchise Agreement. While the City has latitude over some aspects of franchise agreements, other items are governed by State and Federal regulations. The City has worked to ensure that provisions of the agreement provide adequate protection of the public Right-of-Way and the City’s ability to require movement of utilities consistent with City needs. A public hearing is required prior to adoption of the franchise agreement ordinance. Councilmember Taylor moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.	APPROVED
PUBLIC HEARING: Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Resolution Pursuant to RCW 35.77.010, the City is required to adopt a revised and extended comprehensive transportation program before July 1^st of each year. The program must then be submitted within 30 days to the Secretary of Transportation. With the City’s major focus being the Thornton Street Overcrossing Project, the 2020 – 2025 TIP is substantially similar to previous years with no additional projects and limited modifications to timeline, funding, and expenditure levels. A public hearing is required prior to adoption of the TIP. Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.	APPROVED
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

June 5, 2019

WWU Presents Final Plan for Ferndale City Center

Western Washington University (in collaboration with the City of Ferndale) held a Visioning Workshop for the Downtown area in January. The students received input from the community related to downtown uses, building design, environmental considerations, transportation options, trails and more. Since this meeting the students have worked hard to propose concepts and solutions to improve the Downtown area.

The most recent WWU course narrowed down the concepts into one Downtown Master plan. The final version is almost ready to share!

The final presentation will occur on June 5^th at 6PM in the Pioneer Pavilion. All are encouraged to attend and to provide feedback.

For more information, please call Community Development Director Haylie Miller at (360) 685-2367.

June 3, 2019

Curious about the New City Well?

Public Works Director Kevin Renz and Public Utilities Superintendent Mike Olinger share the latest on the new city well and our reverse osmosis system.

May 31, 2019

Police Arrest Assistant Wrestling Coach for Sexual Assault

On May 23^rd, 2019, the Ferndale Police Department received a report regarding an allegation of a sexual relationship between at 15-year-old female student from Ferndale High School and a 20-year-old adult male who works part-time as a wrestling coach for the Ferndale School District.

During the investigation, in addition to the original victim, two other victims came forward. At this point in the investigation there is no indication that any of the incidents occurred on school grounds.

The 20-year-old part-time coach was identified as Dalton J Cristelli (04/26/1999) of Ferndale, Washington. He was contacted and booked into Whatcom County Jail. He is no longer employed by the Ferndale School District.

Ferndale Police Department established probable cause for the following charges:

Rape of a Child in the 3^rd Degree: In March of 2019 Cristelli (age 19 at the time) had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old female student. The difference in age between the two is over 48 months.

Rape in the 3^rd Degree: In the spring of 2016, Cristelli had non-consensual sexual intercourse with a female who was the age of 15 or 16 at the time.

Rape in the 2^nd Degree: Approximately 3 to 5 years ago, Cristelli had sexual intercourse with a female victim who was incapable of consent.

This is an ongoing investigation. Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victims at the time of the incidents, no further information is expected to be released.

All press inquiries contact Communications Officer Riley Sweeney (360) 685-2353 or rileysweeney@cityofferndale.org

May 30, 2019

Notice of a Potential Quorum

Notice is hereby given that one or more members of the Ferndale City Council may attend the following meeting:

Town Meeting – WWU Presentation: Ferndale City Center Final Plan

Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 6:00 p.m.

Pioneer Pavilion

2007 Cherry Street Ferndale, WA

The purpose of the meeting is to present WWU students’ final City Center plan, which incorporates the community input received during the January 23, 2019 Town Meeting.

This is an Open Public Meeting as outlined by the Open Public Meetings Act, and members of the public are invited to attend and observe.

Susan Duncan, City Clerk

City of Ferndale