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EVACUATION NOTICE

EVACUATION NOTICE

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Ferndale is STRONGLY encouraging and requesting the voluntary evacuation of all residents and businesses in the area south of Main Street between 4th Avenue and the Nooksack River, effective immediately.  The Nooksack River has not yet reached its crest, and the potential exists for the river to breach the existing levee.  Residents and businesses are encouraged to secure and then evacuate their properties; the City will inform the public when it is safe to return.  All residents outside of the voluntary evacuation area are requested to avoid any unnecessary trips and to stay off the roadways, in order for emergency and first responders to effectively respond to the emergency.

Evacuees should exit to the north and Main Street to leave the area.  Temporary shelter is now available at the Ferndale High School cafeteria, which can be accessed off Golden Eagle Drive or Shuksan Drive from Vista Drive or Washington Street.  More to come on more shelter options as information becomes available.  For questions, please call Ferndale City Hall at (360) 384-4006.

Now Accepting Applications for City Council Vacancy

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

Applications are now being accepted to fill a vacancy on the Ferndale City Council due to the resignation of Councilmember Ramon Llanos.

The vacant seat will be on the November 2021 ballot as a new 4-year term; therefore, the appointed Councilmember will serve only until the November 2021 election is certified, at which point the candidate who prevails in the election will take office and serve for the rest of 2021.

Applicants should plan to attend the January 4, 2021 regular City Council meeting, during which they will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and be briefly interviewed by current Councilmembers. The selected applicant will be sworn in that evening and will begin to serve immediately. For instructions and an application packet, please click here. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 7.

October 8th – City Phones

Updated 10/8 at 3:25 p.m.: Phones are back up and working. Thank you for your patience.

The City is aware of a connectivity issue that is impacting all City phones. We are working diligently to resolve the issue and the City will post an update as soon as the problem is fixed. Emergency services are still available by dialing 9-1-1. Thank you for your patience.

thank you for your patience

Joint Statement from the Ferndale Police Department and Ferndale School District

Joint Statement from Ferndale Police Department and Ferndale School District 

(Ferndale, WA) — On October 3, 2024, the Ferndale School District, Ferndale Police Department, and local authorities responded to an anonymous report of a potential bomb threat at Ferndale High School. While swift action was taken immediately out of an abundance of caution, no credible threat has been identified at this time. All students and staff were safely evacuated, and law enforcement conducted a thorough investigation of the premises.  

It is important to note that this incident may be related to a nationwide “swatting” effort. Swatting involves the false reporting of a serious emergency, such as a bomb threat, with the intent to cause disruption and fear. Until the investigation is complete, it remains unknown if today’s threat is connected to this nationwide “swatting” effort. The Ferndale School District, Ferndale Police Department, and City of Ferndale are closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with all agencies involved.  

We want to reassure our community that the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. Our teams responded quickly, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone. Additional counselors will be available to any students or staff who may need support in the wake of this event.  

We understand that these situations can cause concern and anxiety, and we appreciate the cooperation of our students, families, and staff. Your patience as we prioritize safety and fully investigate this incident is greatly appreciated.  

If you have any further questions or need additional information, please contact the Ferndale School District or the City of Ferndale.    

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Contacts: 

Communications & Community Relations Officer for the City of Ferndale: meganjuenemann@cityofferndale.org      

Executive Director of Communications for the Ferndale School District: celina.rodriguez@ferndalesd.org  

Road Closures: Shuksan Dr and Golden Eagle Dr at Ferndale High School

10/3/24

The City is aware of an ongoing evacuation at Ferndale High School and is working closely with the School District, Whatcom County Sheriff, and other partners. To allow proper evaluation from law enforcement, please refrain from coming to Campus. Golden Eagle Drive and Shuksan Drive have been closed to non-emergency personnel. 

Notice of Traffic Revision and Possible Delays: Thursday, October 3rd

Barrett Rd will be CLOSED to through traffic near 5440 Barrett Rd on Thursday, October 3rd

Expect longer commute times as Barrett Rd will be CLOSED to through traffic near 5440 Barrett Rd. (near the U-Haul Storage Units) on Thursday, October 3rd. Through traffic will detour via Main St, Smith Rd, and LaBounty Dr. Local traffic will be directed by flaggers. The closure is in effect from 7:00am to 7:00pm. The closure is expected to take one day.

This work is associated with a private development project.

Request for Qualifications – Attorney Representation for Indigent Defendants (Public Defense)

The City of Ferndale provides publicly funded attorney representation to indigent defendants with a right to counsel at City expense.

The City of Ferndale currently has one Public Defender who fills the position at 100% of a full-time caseload, or approximately 260 cases per year, and is seeking one position at 50% of a full-time caseload, or approximately 130 cases per year, pro-rated based on the contract’s start date.  Alternative divisions of caseload and/or number of positions may be considered in order to achieve 1.5 total positions. The City anticipates that one or both contracts will be extended for multiple years, and that the half-time position may increase over time with overall City case volume.

Annual compensation for a full-time caseload ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience.  Half-time contracts are pro-rated based on the percentage of the full-time caseload, beginning at $60,000.  Contractors are responsible for all overhead such as support staff, rent, and other costs of doing business.  If interested, follow the application procedures below.

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified applicant must:

  • Be a licensed member of good standing with the Washington State Bar
  • Meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense 14.3
  • Demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense
  • Possess experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals experiencing state intervention in their lives, and a willingness to challenge the City on issues of bias and prejudice.
  • Provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental advocacy throughout the case
  • Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress

Preferred Qualifications

The City will prefer applicants who:

  • Are physically located within Whatcom County
  • Have the capacity to support additional caseload and compensation to reflect anticipated State caseload limitations.

Applications will be accepted until October 18, 2024. To apply, email a letter of interest identifying your qualifications, a resume, and a writing sample.

Letters of interest should describe the applicant’s current contracts for public defense or other representation as well as existing caseload, specifying the number and type of cases currently carried, including private practice commitments, if any.

Email Materials to:

Susan Duncan – City Clerk:  susanduncan@cityofferndale.org

Please address any questions to Susan Duncan at the above email address.

The City of Ferndale reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the City of Ferndale to contract for the services specified here.