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News

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

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