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News

Ferndale Court Judge Terrance Lewis Retires, Open House set for Oct. 15th

Judge Terrance Lewis

Ferndale Municipal Court Judge, the Honorable Terrance Lewis is retiring this year after seventeen years of service to our community. The Ferndale Municipal Court handles everything from traffic infractions to custody cases. Before his work for Ferndale, Judge Lewis served for eight years as the Deputy Prosecutor for Whatcom County.

“Judge Lewis brought a fair and compassionate presence to our court. He served the highest values of justice tempered with the belief that people can change for the better,” said Mayor Jon Mutchler. “He set the standard for public service.”

A retirement celebration and open house in honor of Judge Lewis will be held at the Ferndale Police Department (2220 Main Street) on October 15th, 4:00-5:45pm. Refreshments provided.

October 4, 2018

Participate in our City of Frightdale Halloween Contest

It’s time for our annual City of Frightdale Halloween Decorating Contest! Deck out your home for Halloween and send a picture to rileysweeney@cityofferndale.org by October 30th. Our judges, Councilmember Rebecca Xczar, NFL Star Jake Locker and Horizon Middle School Principal Faye Britt will pick three winners to receive Woods Coffee cards. We look forward to seeing your spooky decorations!

Thank you to Woods Coffee for sponsoring our contest. For more information, call Riley Sweeney at (360) 685-2353 or email him at rileysweeney@cityofferndale.org.

October 3, 2018

Summary of October 1st, 2018 Council Meeting

Meeting materials can be found here

 City Council Agenda Follow-Up

October 1, 2018
5:00 STUDY SESSION: 2019 Budget Forecast INFO ONLY
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL  
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

APPROVED

 
INTRODUCTION: Student Planning Commissioner/Ferndale Civics Youth Coalition INFO ONLY
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE

Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder presented an update on the following capital projects:

·         Washington Street, Main to Vista – Road is being graded in preparation for curb installation. Remaining work includes paving, installation of a speed table, restoration/landscaping, and striping. Paving was scheduled for Monday, October 1 but was delayed due to weather. Weather permitting, paving will occur Wednesday and Thursday, October 3 & 4. Project anticipated completion date is in two to three weeks.

·         Cherry Street and Pioneer Park Sidewalks – Cherry Street sidewalks are nearly complete, including storm drainage, ADA sidewalks/ramps, paving, & restoration. Remaining work includes hydroseeding. Pioneer Park sidewalks are stamped, and restoration needs to be completed.

  

 

 

 

 

INFO ONLY

 
PUBLIC HEARING: Shannon Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation Request

The owner of the property located on Shannon Avenue has constructed several improvements on the property adjacent to theirs, which is City property. The property in question is immediately adjacent to a hillside at the bottom of which is a stream. In addition, the City has an existing sewer line and storm drain pipe in the area. This parcel was retained by the city when the housing development was constructed for two basic reasons: 1.) to provide maintenance access should work on the sewer line be necessary; and 2.) to act as a vegetative buffer for the critical area. (steep slope and stream.)

The City has been involved in enforcement action attempting to have the property owner remove the improvements that have encroached on approximately 4,000 square feet of City property. The improvements impede the City’s ability to access the sewer line and storm drain pipe. In addition, current environmental and permitting regulations would not allow the gravel parking area to be constructed so close to the hillside and stream.

It is staff’s opinion that this parcel does not meet the criteria required to vacate City property and recommended denying the property owner’s request to allow her to purchase the property from the City.

 

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the vacation request as proposed.

 

Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to postpone the vacation process until the following can be addressed: 1.) Examine the potential of the City leasing the property to the owner instead of vacating it; 2.) Critical Areas/Environmental Issues; and 3.) Review of the lot line adjustment.

 

ON THE AMENDMENT: MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

ON THE MAIN, AMENDED MOTION: MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Xczar and K. Hansen opposed.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED AS AMENDED
DISCUSSION: Legoe Avenue Developer’s Agreement

The property owner is requesting an amendment of the developer’s agreement that was established in 2016. That agreement rezoned the two parcels for multifamily purposes, and also specified that twelve units could be built on the primary property, and did not allow for any units to be built on the smaller adjacent property. Since 2016, the property owner has pursued his proposed development; however, the road easement west of Legoe Avenue is owned by the Ferndale School District, which has indicated that the owner will be required to construct Primrose/Siddle Lane to full City standards. The costs of such a roadway is not sustainable for the property owner. The requested amendment to the developer’s agreement would allow the property owner to reduce his costs substantially through the construction of duplexes instead of fourplexes. Since duplexes utilize space less efficiently, the request is to change the number of units on the primary property to ten, and allow two units to be built on the smaller adjacent property. The requested amendment does not change the total number of units.

 

Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Kennedy seconded, to approve the amendment of the original developer’s agreement to allow one duplex on the smaller parcel with conditions as stipulated. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: FMC Modifications – Parking in the Right-of-Way

The Ferndale Police Department is the primary department regulating parking within the public right of way, through FMC 10.08. Currently, FMC 8.08.040 and FMC 10.08.060.D contradict each other in terms of how long a vehicle may park on a city street or right-of-way. The proposed ordinance changes FMC 8.08.040 to limit the time a vehicle can be parked on a city street or right-of-way from 72 hours to 24 hours, making it consistent with FMC 10.08.060D.

 

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: Temporary Outdoor Encampments

Religious organizations have played a primary role in providing care and resources to the homeless community, often in the form of temporary outdoor homeless encampments. RCW 35A.21.360 prevents local jurisdictions from banning such encampments entirely and limits the conditions that can be placed on the encampments to those related to public health and safety. The RCW also allows a jurisdiction to identify a process for such land uses. The proposed amendments to the Ferndale Municipal Code makes outdoor homeless encampments hosted by religious organizations a separate conditional use, and clarifies the specific requirements for the encampments. A public hearing was held on this item at the August 20, 2018 Council meeting, and the item was referred back to the Planning & Land Use Committee to address various concerns, such as clarifying definitions, zoning, responsibilities of the hosting agencies, restroom facilities, and permit fees.

 

Councilmember Olson moved, and Councilmember Watson seconded to approve the ordinance with the added condition that sharps containers be provided at sites.

MOTION CARRIED 6-0, Councilmember Kennedy abstaining.

  

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED

DISCUSSION: Water/Sewer Bills Payment Plan

In response to the impact on citizens of higher than expected summer utility bills, staff recommends adoption of the following temporary modification to utility bills payment/late fee/shut offs:

·         For water/sewer bills that have already gone out on August 31st of this year, we will not:

1.       Do any turn-offs

2.       Charge any late fees regardless of their outstanding balance.

 

·         The next round of utility bills will go out on October 31st and December 31st.

 

·         If a utility customer maintains their total outstanding utility bill at or below $200 (for the combined August 31st, October 31st and December 31st billings), the City will not charge any late fees and/or shut off their water.

·         Customers will have until February 19, 2019 to bring their balances to zero – if not, late fees will be charged, and water shut offs will occur.

 

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Olson seconded, to approve the payment plan as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.  

 

October 2, 2018

Traffic Impacts on Main Street and Vista Drive Oct. 3rd-4th, 7am-7pm

Traffic Impacts on Main Street and Vista Drive Oct. 3rd-4th, 7am-7pm

Crews will be paving at the intersection of Main Street and Washington Street, as well as Vista Drive and Washington Street, 7am-7pm on Oct. 3rd and 4th. Flaggers will direct and stop traffic as needed. This work is part of the Washington Street project. Please obey all traffic flaggers and utilize alternative routes if possible. Thank you for your patience.

Please be advised that after paving is done, Washington Street will remain closed for a period of time (up to a couple of weeks, weather dependent) to allow crews to complete work on the roadway. The City will provide an updated opening date soon.

For more information, please call Ferndale Public Works Department at 360-384-4006.

October 2, 2018

City Waives Late Fees, Shutoffs for August 2018 Bill

City Waives Late Fees, Shutoffs for August 2018 Bill

In light of the higher utility bills during the summer, the City is waiving late fees and suspending water shutoffs for the August 2018 bill. This means that utility customers have additional time to get caught up on their bill, if needed. Normal late fees and shutoffs will resume with the October 31st bill, which is due the middle of November.

The City appreciates the impact an unexpectedly high bill can have on a tight family budget and hopes that this one-time extended grace period will allow Ferndale residents the flexibility they need to adjust. The City urges residents not to use this as an opportunity to fall behind but rather to catch up and stay current with their utility bill.

For more information or for details on a specific utility bill, please call our utility clerk at (360) 384-4269 or email her by clicking here.

October 2, 2018

Traffic Impacts on Main Street and Vista Drive Friday, Sept. 28th

Traffic Impacts on Main Street and Vista Drive Friday, Sept. 28th

Traffic may be temporarily reduced to one-lane, alternating traffic as a result of work related to the Washington Street project on Friday, Sept. 28th. The impacts will occur at the intersection of Main Street and Washington Street, as well as Vista Drive and Washington Street. Delays may continue into next week at those locations. Please obey all traffic flaggers and utilize alternative routes if possible. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, please call Ferndale Public Works Department at 360-384-4006.

 

 

September 28, 2018

Missing Juvenile – Saylena Duran

 

Saylena has been located and returned home!

 

Any information regarding Saylena Duran’s whereabouts, please contact Detective Campos at the Ferndale Police Department at 360-483-5755 (Reference Case # 19F9633).

September 26, 2018

Over 500 Residents Attend “Meet Your First Responders”

Thank you to the over 500 residents who braved the rainy weather to join us for our Meet Your First Responders with Windermere Real Estate event last Sunday. We appreciate Windermere Real Estate for providing the food, and everyone who took the opportunity to engage with personnel from Whatcom County Fire District Seven and the Ferndale Police Department.

For more pictures, check out the Ferndale Police Department facebook page by clicking here.

September 26, 2018

September 17, 2018 Council Meeting Summary

Meeting materials can be found here

 City Council Agenda Follow-Up

September 17, 2018
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL  
PRESENTATION: Erika Nurenberg, Whatcom County Health Department INFO ONLY
PUBLIC COMMENT INFO ONLY
2018 RECREATION PROGRAM RECAP

Communications Officer/Recreation Coordinator Riley Sweeney and intern Annie Leete presented a summary of the 2018 parks events, which included:

·         Glow in the Dark Croquet

·         Wee One Nature Hunt

·         Food Truck Fridays

·         Yoga in the Park

·         Music in the Park (two different dates/bands)

·         The Great Ferndale Midsummer Mystery

·         Flicks in the Park (Games before the movie)

·         Field Games

·         Tie-Dye Your T-Shirt

·         Operation Splash Mob

  

 

 

 

 

 

INFO ONLY
CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember Taylor moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

APPROVED

 
INTRODUCTION: New SCOPE Officers

Chief of Police Kevin Turner introduced the new volunteer SCOPE (Senior Citizens on Patrol Enhancement) Officers. SCOPE Officers perform security checks on vacant homes, enforce disabled parking violations, assist during special events, & operate the radar reader board.

  

 

INFO ONLY
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS UPDATE

Associate Planner Haylie Miller provided updates on the following private projects:

·         Skyline Properties –  Long plat subdivision consisting of 5 single family parcels, located at the intersection of Vista & Thornton.

·         Campbell Short Plat – Mixed-use commercial short plat, located on Barrett Road.

·         Vista Springs Long Plat – Long plat, 8 proposed lots, located on the east side of Vista Drive.

  

 

INFO ONLY

 
PUBLIC HEARING: Complete Streets Program Ordinance

The Complete Streets Program is a process in which streets are designed considering uses other than just automobiles, such as pedestrians, bicycles, transit, etc. Aesthetics, the environment, and overall economic development are also considerations in this model.

Washington State and the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) have allocated significant grant funds to support jurisdictions with Complete Streets Ordinances.  In addition to adopting an ordinance, the City must be nominated to the TIB for this funding by one or more nominating agencies. Nominating agencies include WSDOT, WA Department of Commerce, the WA Department of Health, and Futurewise. The Transpo Group is assisting City Staff in developing a draft ordinance and completing the nomination process.

Councilmember Watson moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

  

 

 

 

 

APPROVED

 
PUBLIC HEARING: Multifamily Tax Exemption Ordinance

In the mid-1990’s Washington State established RCW 84.14 which allowed jurisdictions meeting certain size or planning requirements to waive property taxes on new or rehabilitated multifamily development in “Residential Targeted Areas” within Urban Centers for up to eight years. The program’s goal is to incentivize multifamily development in those areas where demand exists but residential units are not being built. At the September 12 Planning & Land Use Committee meeting, various decisions points were discussed and are reflected in the updated ordinance, as are concerns expressed by Whatcom County Fire District #7.

Councilmember Xczar moved, and Councilmember Taylor seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Watson and Olson opposed.

  

 

 

 

 

APPROVED
DISCUSSION: Water/Sewer Bills Payment Plan

In anticipation of funding the new Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant, on June 19, 2017, Council approved an ordinance increasing sewer connection fees by 25% for one year, increasing sewer rate fees by 3% for one year, and eliminating the summer discount beginning in 2018.

As the June/July 2018 bills have been distributed, and the City has received feedback from the public on the impact of the rate changes, Council is reexamining this issue, and exploring options to assist citizens in paying their bills.

Mayor Mutchler shared information regarding City plans to improve water service to citizens.

By general consensus, this item was sent back to the September 26, 2018 Finance & Administration Committee.

  

 

 

 

DISCUSSION ONLY
ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT: Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

The scope of services to be provided by Wilson Engineering and subconsultants covers design and bidding phase services for the proposed Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. This phase of the project will include developing a project report per DOH requirements, pilot study, plans, specifications, bid documents, and bidding the project. This includes all work associated with the construction of a building addition; two additional reverse osmosis treatment units, remineralization system, anti-scalant addition system, new/modified piping, electrical controls, and jib cranes. Approval is sought for the bid amount of $296,000 plus a 10% contingency.

Councilmember G. Hansen moved, and Councilmember Xczar seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 6-1, Councilmember Watson opposed.

  

 

 

 

APPROVED
ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT: Shop Well #2 Well House Project

The scope of services to be provided by Wilson Engineering and subconsultants covers design and bidding phase services for the proposed Shop Well #2 Well House Project. This phase of the project will include developing plans, specifications, and bid documents and bidding the project. This includes all work associated with the construction of a 1,000 gpm water supply well, piping connections to existing water transmission line, 10’X20” building, site improvements, retaining wall, electrical, controls, SCADA programming and additional miscellaneous items. Approval is sought for the bid amount of $120,412 plus a 10% contingency.

Councilmember Kennedy moved, and Councilmember G. Hansen seconded, to approve the agenda bill. MOTION CARRIED 5-2, Councilmembers Watson and Olson opposed.

  

 

 

 

APPROVED
ORDINANCE: Temporary Outdoor Encampments

By general consensus, this item was deferred to the October 1, 2018 Council meeting.

 DEFERRED TO OCTOBER 1
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.  

 

September 18, 2018

Pet Waste in our Parks

Stormwater Manager Paul Knippel, with a little help from a local husky Eska, shares the problems with pet waste in your parks. If you would like to pick up a doggie waste bag dispenser, they are available for free at City Hall (2095 Main Street) or at one of the waste bag dispensers on the map below. More information on ways to protect our local water system can be found in our stormwater section by clicking here.

 

September 18, 2018