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City of Ferndale Response to COVID-19 with Mayor Hansen

Mayor Greg Hansen shares some of the City’s actions to protect our community from COVID-19 and offers three ways you can help. For more information and resources available during this difficult time check out cityofferndale.org/covid19 or the Whatcom County page at whatcomcovid.com.

Spanish language version available below with Councilmember Herb Porter.

Complete text:

Hello Neighbors,

My name is Greg Hansen, and I’m the Mayor of Ferndale. Today, I am going to share with you some of the things we are working on as a City to keep all of us safe during this pandemic and what you can do to help.

Like many other communities around the world, we have closed public spaces to help slow the spread of this disease. This includes closing City Hall, the Police Station, our municipal court and our playgrounds. For the safety of our staff and others, we’ve empowered city employees to work remotely whenever possible. Despite the crisis, the work of the City continues and we are reachable by phone, email or through our website.

As you know, the state and county have enacted measures to close schools, bars, restaurants, libraries and other public places, and yesterday, the Governor issued an order to shelter in place.We know this is hard but these necessary steps that could save literally thousands of lives.

For those of you worried about your utility bills, rest assured, we are not doing shutoffs or charging late fees for the Feb. 28th bill. The next utility bill does not go out until April 30th and we are working to see what solutions are available then. We understand that people are struggling, and this is what we are able to do right now to help.

For families and businesses needing economic support, there is an ever-growing list of resources available. We have linked it in the description of this video.

For those of you worried about your building permit deadlines, please contact our community development staff who are ready to provide you the flexibility needed during this time.

The City is working closely with our neighboring communities. The County has established a Unified Command at the County Emergency Operations Center so that all first responders, medical professionals and public information officers in our area can work together seamlessly. We are proud to be part of this dedicated team working around the clock to protect our community.

Ferndale has always met challenges head on.  When there’s a big crisis, we always rise to meet it because that is what we do. We are Ferndale, and we look out for each other. That’s why we need your help. Here are the three things we need everyone in Ferndale to do.

First, stop the spread. That means staying home if you are sick, avoiding gathering in groups, limit trips to the grocery store and wash your hands with hot water and soap. This will help stop the spread of the disease.

But we also need to stop the spreading of misinformation.  In a crisis, bad information can make a challenging situation even worse. Please be prudent about what you share. Whatcom County has established a single website for all COVID related information, it is whatcomcovid.com. For Ferndale-specific details, please go to www.cityofferndale.org/covid19.

Second, support your Ferndale businesses. Whenever possible, shop Ferndale. We’ve assembled a list of restaurants providing takeout in our city at www.cityofferndale.org/takeout. Pick up some food and tip well, it really does help.  A number of other local businesses are modifying their operation to facilitate convenient pick up and deserve our support.  

Finally, look after each other. Call your elderly relatives, keep active as best you can and make sure that your neighbors have the help they need. I know that when we work together and take care of each other, we are stronger than any virus.

As always, we are here to help. If you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to call or email.  Thank you.

Mayor Greg Hansen Declares State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19

Mayor Greg Hansen Declares State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19

Mayor Greg Hansen issued a proclamation effective immediately declaring a state of emergency related to the COVID-19 virus outbreak.  This proclamation allows the City of Ferndale to modify policies and procedures so that the City can move quickly and efficiently to address the issues arising from this virus outbreak.  

“We have been operating under a state of emergency at various levels for over two weeks.  Issuing this proclamation now is really an administrative step to allow the City to be more responsive and effective at meeting this crisis,” said Hansen. “This declaration will allow the City to expedite the purchase of needed supplies, change rules related to the use of sick leave, utilize online options for public meetings, change hours of operation at City Hall, or institute flexible work schedules for employees who need it.”

This action matches the recent declarations of emergency at the County, State and Federal level. “Our priority is to maintain the City operations and services throughout this situation. Ferndale is a fierce community and we will meet this head on,” said Hansen.

“While declaring a state of emergency is alarming to many, we are in unprecedented times,” said Hansen.  “This is not just a public health crisis but a community-wide challenge. These will be difficult times for everybody in Ferndale, but I am especially concerned for our small businesses who are taking-on a particularly significant burden as they help our community combat this health emergency.”

To read the full proclamation, click here.

The Mayor urges the public to take the following steps to help support each other during this outbreak.

  • Check on your neighbors in a safe and responsible way. Are they getting the resources, childcare and support they need? Utilizing video chat is also a great option for connecting with friends and family
  • Donate blood. Blood supplies have hit emergency levels due to COVID-19 concerns.
  • Enjoy a meal and support your Ferndale restaurants by grabbing take-out or delivery outside in the sunshine. The city is working on a directory of Ferndale restaurants that will be available at www.cityofferndale.org/takeout
  • Buy a gift certificate from a Ferndale business. With less foot traffic, Ferndale businesses could use the support.
  • Be active. Enjoy the parks and trails throughout Ferndale. Activity is essential to your mental and physical health.
  • Make the most of the time. Learn a new skill or pick up a hobby, maintain a routine, do art or reconnect with your loved ones.

Video and Pictures from Nov. 19th Citywide Community Meeting

From left to right, Councilmembers Elect Herb Porter, Ramon Llamos, Ryan O’Larey, Erin Gunter and Ali Hawkinson, Mayor Elect Greg Hansen

Over 160 residents joined us for our Citywide Community Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19th to get an inside scoop on what is happening in Ferndale in 2020 and to meet their newly elected officials. You can find the video of the program below and pictures of the event on the City’s facebook page.

Flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Chief Michael Knapp

Proclamation on the Death of Former Police Chief Michael Knapp

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Michael Knapp, former police chief of the City of Ferndale who was fatally injured in the line of duty while serving the City of Lynden, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the City of Ferndale and the laws of the United States of America, that until the date of his internment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at city hall and all public buildings and grounds.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of November, in the year two thousand nineteen.

Mayor Jon Mutchler, City of Ferndale

UPDATE: Prior to issuing this proclamation, the City sought, and received, authorization from the Governor for this action. It was granted on the condition the mayor make a proclamation.

Mayoral Proclamation: May 7th-11th is Teacher Appreciation Week

Mayoral Proclamation

WHEREAS, teachers inspire the next generation and make it possible for kids to realize their potential; and

WHEREAS, teachers open up the world for students and provide the tools for every student to achieve their best lives and futures; and

WHEREAS, teachers dedicate their lives to students and families by working long hours preparing lessons, correcting papers, and planning for growth opportunities; and

WHEREAS, in the City of Ferndale alone, there are approximately 300 teachers employed by the Ferndale School District; and

WHEREAS, it is an honor to recognize teachers and to observe their dedication.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Jon Mutchler, Mayor of the City of Ferndale, do hereby proclaim the May 7th-11th, 2018 as:

 

‘Teacher Appreciation Week’

in the City of Ferndale, Washington and I urge all people in our City to join me in this special observance.

Crissy Ford and Rachel Pringle to Receive Mayor’s Citizenship Award

Rachel Pringle and Crissy Ford backstage at FHS

In recognition for their years of service to the children and arts community of Ferndale, Crissy Ford and Rachel Pringle will receive the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship this year. The award recognizes those members of the Ferndale community is a new tradition to recognize members of the community for their extraordinary commitment to the betterment of our city.

Ford and Pringle have brought joy, delight and enchantment to the city in their role as theater directors with the Ferndale School District. They have put in the long hours, worked exhausting schedules and managed threadbare budgets to create incredible experiences for performers and attendees alike. Their work includes shows with the Summer Youth Theater (Honk, The Wizard of Oz, The Music Man), Skyline Elementary (Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland), Vista and Horizon Middle School (Into the Woods, The Music Man, Once Upon a Mattress, Oklahoma, Little Mermaid, Bye Bye Birdie), Ferndale High School (Guys and Dolls, Cinderella), the Ferndale’s Got Talent fundraiser and more.

Currently, they are directing the upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof, showing February 22nd through March 3rd at the Ferndale High School auditorium.

On behalf of a grateful community, the Mayor recognizes their dedication to inspiring the next generation of performers. The award will be presented to Ford and Pringle at the start of the next City Council meeting, February 5th, 6pm at the City Annex (5694 Second Avenue).

They will be the second annual recipients of the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship. In 2017, the award was presented to Jeff Callender.

Celebrating Dr. King’s Life and Legacy

Celebrating Dr. King’s Life and Legacy

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of MLK this Monday. His message is found in the genesis of our nation’s founding, that all are created equal. We embrace that as a city and community and to help remember and reaffirm that message we post here Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech. Watch it with your family, have those sometimes challenging discussions and look for ways that you can advance that dream even farther than he hoped.