The City of Ferndale hosted a community forum last night, November 19th, to both inform the community about projects and happenings coming in 2016 and to appeal for feedback from the community.
Over 100 people showed up at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center for the forum. They were treated to samples from soon-to-be neighbor Edaleen Dairy and cheesemaker Ferndale Farmstead. There were displays and staff on hand to answer questions from different city departments, the Ferndale Chamber and the Ferndale School District.
City staff gave attendees a survey to complete. If you were not able to attend, you are encouraged to download the survey, print, complete and send it to ATTN: Riley Sweeney, City of Ferndale, P.O. Box 936, Ferndale WA 98248.
City of Ferndale Communications Officer Riley Sweeney started off the evening by pointing out the dramatic growth happening in Ferndale. He also introduced to the audience the new city councilmembers and introduced Jon Mutchler to speak.
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Councilmember and soon-to-be Ferndale Mayor Jon Mutchler spoke briefly and took the opportunity to introduce attendees to the members of his family.
Sweeney then introduced Gary Smith, WorkSource Whatcom Center Manager and Northwest Workforce Council Regional Manager. Smith explained how a task force had been assembled across several organizations to create a cohesive plan to assist those Intalco workers expecting to be laid off in the upcoming months. They will be doing a lot to get the information and assistance directly to those impacted at the workplace.
Smith introduced representatives from the Employment Security Department, WorkSource Whatcom, the Washington State Labor Council and Northwest Workforce who each spoke briefly about how they are working to create the best options for impacted workers.
Ferndale Police and School Resource Officer Steve Gamage from the Ferndale Police department let the community know about a live tactical exercise that will be happening on the grounds of Eagleridge Elementary the afternoon of December 9th. This will be happening on a half-day so the kids will be already dismissed. Neighbors, staff and kids have all been informed to prevent undue concern when people see all the law enforcement vehicles on that day.
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Click for more informationMark Deebach spoke about the upcoming Maintenance and Operations Levy renewal that will be coming up to a vote February 2016.
Whatcom County Old Settlers Association President Al Gitts spoke about what they and the Ferndale Heritage Society do and how there are lots of opportunities for members of the community to participate. There is always a lot of work to put on the events and a lot of satisfaction to go around when they are done.
Ferndale Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder explained the different elements of the city infrastructure and programs that are Public Works’ responsibility for development and maintenance. Radder told about the long list of projects planned for 2016. Included were water main replacement projects, new sewer mains, upgrade sewage pump stations, remodel the Pioneer Park field house by the ball fields and several street improvement projects.
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Click for more informationFerndale Community Development Director Jori Burnett spoke about Ferndale as the “City of Opportunity,” a term coined by the Ferndale Record. Burnett explained how looking into the future requires looking at the past. “Ferndale is the fastest growing city in western Washington outside of King County,” said Burnett. “We expect to add about 7,000 more people by 2036.”
This means working to figure out how to manage the growth without changing what we enjoy about Ferndale. Burnett presented maps that explained where growth is being planned. Burnett pointed out that it is not just about where to put people but to plan for enabling people to be close to what they need.
Burnett told the audience there are $188,000,000 worth of various residential and commercial projects currently with permits in place with the city. These are potentially going to be built in the next twelve months. “We are the most dynamic city in Whatcom County,” said Burnett and “we are the only jurisdiction that has updated its Comprehensive Plan since the recession.” He also pointed out that public input is vital. Phone, email or mail comments to the Mayor, councilmembers and city staff.
Jori took a moment to point out how out-going Ferndale Mayor Gary Jensen had always worked to find and implement ways to make Ferndale a better place. He took the opportunity to then provide Jensen with a framed photo of Jensen as a young boy at a work site.
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Click for more informationSweeney spoke about the volunteer effort being assembled to build Star Park in just one week during the first week of June 2016. 80 to 100 volunteers are needed every day. Volunteer needs include not only workers who can cut, haul and assemble but also volunteers who can help with child care, food service, etc. Sign up sheets were handed out to the audience. You can also volunteer online by clicking here.
Audience members were invited to meet with staff members from the different organizations at the display tables to ask questions and provide comments.