Ferndale City Council Committees
The Ferndale City Council held its regular committee meetings on April 1, 2026, covering three key areas of city business. The Public Works & Utilities Committee unanimously approved a $183,821 contract supplement for the Main Street Improvement Project design work, bringing the total authorized expenditure to $1.306 million. This supplement addresses additional scope items discovered during design, including fish passage requirements and utility coordination, for a project funded primarily through federal and state grants totaling $4.25 million. The Planning & Land Use Committee received an extensive briefing on the proposed comprehensive plan update, focusing on zoning and future zoning changes required to accommodate 20 years of projected growth. Director Michael Cerbone outlined the substantial changes needed to meet state housing mandates, including significant increases in multifamily zoning and mixed-use development throughout the city and urban growth area. The committee discussed concerns about transitions between different zone types, particularly regarding height differences and buffering requirements between mixed-use zones and single-family residential areas. The Finance & Administration Committee processed routine monthly claims for February and March 2026, with Chair Porter asking clarifying questions about a $32,150 settlement payment related to public records request litigation and a $600 state dues payment. The committee also reviewed a $6,048 wellness grant payment for police department services.
**Public Works & Utilities Committee:** - **Approved:** Contract supplement for Main Street Improvement Project design ($183,821) - Vote: 3-0 - **Staff Recommendation:** Approval - **Council Action:** Approved for consent agenda - **Key Details:** Increases total contract to $1.306 million for engineering services from Barrett Road to Old Settler Drive **Planning & Land Use Committee:** - **Action:** Informational briefing only, no formal votes taken …
- **April 6, 2026:** Public hearing on comprehensive plan zoning and future zoning before full City Council - **April 20, 2026:** Work session to discuss public testimony received at the hearing - **Future:** Final public h…