Ferndale Mayor Greg Hansen provides an update on the City’s actions and preparedness planning for the upcoming severe weather, comments on work and efforts the last couple of weeks after the recent flood, and provides suggestions for how you can best prepare yourselves and help your neighbors.
Thursday, November 25, 2021
In looking at the developing forecast for heavy rains and a rising river, Mayor Greg Hansen issued a statement today, “City staff and Public Works crews are on standby today and in the days to follow with all available resources ready to respond if river levels make this necessary. I encourage individuals to also do what they can to prepare themselves and to help their neighbors. If you are within a flood area, be prepared to secure your vehicles and belongings. Ferndale residents can also help by cleaning leaves and other debris from around the storm drains near your home. Please check on your neighbors. Watch for road closure notices before leaving home, and be patient with each other as this weather evolves. We will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates as they become available through our website and Facebook page.”
MIRACLE FOOD NETWORK
http://www.miraclefoodnetwork.org/
The Miracle Food Network is located at 5611 Third Avenue, Ferndale (in Pioneer Center) and will accept food donations, either fresh or shelf stable items, between 10am and 1pm Monday through Friday.
FERNDALE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
(360) 380-2200
http://ferndalecsc.org/resource-center
The Ferndale Community Resource Center is coordinating volunteer efforts and donations right here in Ferndale. If you need help or can provide help, please visit their facebook page or call (360) 380-2200 and leave a message so they can connect you to the correct resource. They will also be coordinating efforts with Samaratins Purse, a non-profit organization that may be able to assist in the cleanup of structures.
WHATCOM COUNTY DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
(360) 788-5311
The Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management is collecting contact information from those who need assistance and is also collecting information and reports of storm and flood damage. Please call (360) 788-5311 to report storm damage and be sure to leave your name, address and contact information, including phone number. This information will be used to seek federal disaster relief funds and assistance.
FOR VOLUNTEERS: The Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management is accepting calls from volunteers who wish to aid in cleanup efforts. Please call them at (360) 676-6681 to offer your help. Callers should provide their names, contact information and capability for volunteer efforts (i.e. cleanup, carpenter, electrician, general all-around, etc.).
CITY OF FERNDALE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
(360) 384-4006
If your structure has suffered damage and you are located within Ferndale City limits, please contact the City Community Development. Director Michael Cerbone can assist you in determining permitting requirements can also assist in determining which permits be fast-tracked. That telephone number is (360) 384-4006 or email him directly at MichaelCerbone@cityofferndale.org
CITY OF FERNDALE
(360) 384-4006
Unsure who to turn to? Please feel free to call City Hall during normal business hours at (360) 384-4006, and we will do our best to assist you.
FERNDALE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
(360) 380-2200
http://ferndalecsc.org/resource-center
The Ferndale Community Resource Center is coordinating volunteer efforts and donations right here in Ferndale. If you need help or can provide help, please visit their facebook page or call (360) 380-2200 and leave a message so they can connect you to the correct resource.
WHATCOM COUNTY DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
(360) 788-5311
The Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management is collecting contact information from those who need assistance and is also collecting information and reports of storm and flood damage. Please call (360) 788-5311 to report storm damage and be sure to leave your name, address and contact information, including phone number. This information will be used to seek federal disaster relief funds and assistance.
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.
Due to excessive water and debris over the road, Public Works crews have closed Main Street east of Barrett road until further notice. Please abide by road closed signs, as these closures are for public safety!
Ferndale residents are encouraged to stay home today due to dangerous weather conditions. While City facilities are not closed, staff resources are devoted to the flood fight, so the public is encouraged to conduct all City business remotely if possible. Thank you, and everyone please stay safe out there!
The City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021 (note the time change from the regular start time of 6:00 p.m.) will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams, with staff and Councilmembers accessing the meeting from individual locations. This complies with Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, as extended until further notice.
This is still an open public meeting as defined by the Open Public Meetings Act. The City will be using Microsoft Teams to livestream the council meeting. Members of the public do not need to download anything to view the proceedings. To join the meeting, click here.
Included in Monday’s meeting are two public hearings. (2022 Preliminary Budget and 2022 Property Tax) Members of the public who wish to provide comment for either of the public hearings may do so by one of the following methods:
Members of the public who wish to submit comments on items not on the agenda are encouraged to submit written comments to City Clerk Susan Duncan by emailing susanduncan@cityofferndale.org. Comments received prior to 4:30 p.m. Monday, November 15, 2021 will be read during the public comment period of the meeting and included in the meeting record. For more details on submitting public comments for a remote meeting click here.
The next meeting of the Equity Advisory Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, November 9, 2021, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams, with staff and committee members accessing the meeting from individual locations. This complies with Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, as extended until further notice.
This is still an open public meeting as defined by the Open Public Meetings Act, and members of the public are invited to attend and observe. For information on how to access the meeting, email susanduncan@cityofferndale.org
Notice of Traffic Revisions and Possible Delays: Tuesday, November 9th 2021 thru Friday, November 12th, 2021
Vista Drive, between Robyn Drive and Lincoln Drive
Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane traffic on Vista Drive between Robyn Drive and Lincoln Drive on Tuesday, November 9th thru Friday, November 12th, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic. Road will remain open during nonworking hours. This work is to complete road improvements associated with a private development project.
If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Ferndale Public Works Department at (360) 384-4006.
