Ferndale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ferndale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Bike Lane Delineators and Street Amenities Purchase
At least 60 new Cassidy-style trash receptacles will be bought for downtown, capped at $55,000.
Backfill of Retirement and HR Specialist Position
The city's Retirement and HR Specialist leaves November 13, and HR asked the council to approve filling the seat right away. Roughly two-thirds of the position's cost is covered by the Ferndale Employees' Retirement system, so the hit to the general budget is limited.
Ferndale centennial celebration and task force
Ferndale turns 100 in 2027, and the city is opening applications for a centennial task force starting November 10, with a December 1 deadline. Members will be announced December 14 and the group will plan community celebrations.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month proclamation
Council declared November Lung Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting that screening for high-risk people can cut lung cancer deaths dramatically and urging residents to learn about early detection.
Business renovation trial program
A trial program to support business renovations was discussed, which could affect downtown accessibility standards. No action was taken.
Audit support services contract expansion
The city is spending up to $240,000 with Watson & Yates for audit help while transitioning to a new finance director — a $148,880 increase, but expected to be absorbed in the department budget.
Winter operations and road salt supply
Council approved up to $123,609 in road salt plus $125,000 in snow removal equipment to stock up for the 2026-2027 winter, after last season required higher-than-average salt use.
DIY Street Fair and Fall Festival events
Council approved the permit for the DIY Street Fair (Sept. 25-27) with downtown street closures, and a one-day liquor license for the Oct. 3 Fall Festival at Martin Road Park, with proceeds going back into park programming.
Open Burning Ordinance Concerns
A resident since 1977 asked the council to restrict wood-burning fires to smokeless or propane pits, saying smoke from neighbors' backyard fires forces her to keep windows closed.
Stalled 2024-approved development projects
Of the projects the Commission approved in 2024, several have seen no activity — one is for sale, one for lease, and one's building permits expired — raising questions about how to move approved development from paper to construction.