Front Row: Councilmembers Paul Shuey, Herb Porter, Kate Bishop and Ramon Llanos.
Back Row: Councilmembers Ryan O’Larey, Erin Gunter, Mayor Greg Hansen and Councilmember Ali Hawkinson
City Council Passes Unanimous Resolution in favor of Ferndale School Levy
Last night, the Ferndale City Council passed a unanimous resolution in favor of the Ferndale School District Programs and Operations Levy.
The resolution, introduced by Councilmembers Ryan O’Larey and Erin Gunter, strongly endorses an “approved” vote for the Levy because, “Voting to approve the replacement levy will continue to provide funding for the much-needed support staff, counselors, paraeducators, extracurricular activities, and so much more. Ferndale students benefit intellectually,emotionally, and physically when these are funded.”
Ballots are due Nov. 3rd, 2020 by 8PM. Voters are encouraged to utilize the convenient ballot drop box located in the parking lot adjacent to Ferndale City Hall and the Ferndale Library.
Today we honor our friends and neighbors, the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Tribe as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. We acknowledge the courage and resilience of those who have lived on this land since time immemorial and urge everyone to dig deep and explore history that has been ignored for far too long
The City is aware of the upcoming youth-led Black Lives Matters rally scheduled for July 31st. The City has not issued a permit for the event as Whatcom County is still in Phase 2 and gatherings over five people are not allowed, however the City has been in communication with the organizers.
For all who choose to participate, whether in support or opposition, the City strongly urges residents to practice social distancing, wear masks, obey all laws and most importantly, peacefully assemble.
“Our students have a civic right, and in my opinion, a responsibility to peacefully raise their voices and advocate for what they believe. As do all of our residents, no matter their beliefs or concerns. Wherever you stand, we are a community of neighbors. Ferndale can all agree to a respectful discourse without ugliness, intimidation or threats,” said Mayor Greg Hansen.
Ferndale Police will be on site to monitor the situation and will take action as necessary to protect the safety of the community and our residents.
Mayor Greg Hansen is grateful that the Governor has listened to our repeated requests to restart construction in a safe and responsible way and this is a good start. For full details of the safety requirements, please see the guidelines available here. For questions about individual projects, please see Community Development Director Haylie Miller at HaylieMiller@cityofferndale.org or 360-685-2367.
Mayor Greg Hansen Statement on Intalco Facility Closure:
“This news is simply heartbreaking. The smelter is part of the lifeblood of our community, and they have been putting food on the tables of Ferndale families for almost three generations. This closure will be a critical blow to our local economy in the midst of a difficult time.
We are Ferndale, we look after each other especially when things look the most grim.
I know that I will do everything in my power to breathe life back into this facility and fight like hell for all of our Ferndale families that find themselves out of work.”
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 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.”
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.
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.
