Ferndale City Council

**Katie Radder, on project documentation challenges:** "There's no, there's no accurate way to determine what's there, you know. So you take the institutional knowledge that are operations folks, you know Beau and Jim's guys have." **Katie Radder, on concrete maintenance:** "We we laugh because you know, there's three things that you can depend on in life, death, taxes and concrete cracking." **Anonymous speaker, on police accountability:** "Did Chief Huffman prematurely close a criminal investigation to protect one of his brothers in blue?" **Jesse Ashbaugh, on code amendments:** "Housekeeping items, if I might say. There's two different topics we're talking about tonight." **Council Member Mutchler, on performance venue ideas:** "What if we were to design something that's more of this type of simplicity?" **Katie Radder, on Ferndale Terrace residents:** "The residents have been amazing. So thank them for their patience and their diligence, because if we're tired of it, they have

# Meeting Overview The Ferndale City Council convened for its regular Tuesday meeting on February 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the City Hall Annex Council Chambers. Mayor Greg Hansen presided over a streamlined session focused primarily on infrastructure updates and routine administrative matters. The meeting was notable for a detailed capital projects presentation that spanned nearly six months of work, providing Council with a comprehensive overview of the city's major infrastructure investments. The evening also featured a public hearing on municipal code amendments—technical corrections that reflected the Council's 2023 decision to transfer certain decision-making authority to the Hearing Examiner. Present were Council members Herb Porter, Ali Hawkinson, Erin Gunter, Robert Pinkley, and Jon Mutchler (who arrived shortly after the meeting began). Council member Ryan O'Leary was excused, while Council member McKenna Pinto-Gonzalez's absence was noted but not formally addressed until later in the meeting. ## Serious Allegations Against Police Chief The meeting's most dramatic moment came during public comment when an unidentified speaker made explosive allegations against Ferndale Police Chief Matt Huffman, accusing him of interfering in a criminal investigation to protect another law enforcement officer. The speaker detailed a complex series of events involving Chief Funk from Blaine Police Department, who was allegedly under investigation by Ferndale PD for official misconduct. According to the testimony, at 10:54 PM on October 16th, the speaker emailed Chief Funk pointing out his conflict of interest in investigating a death threat case since he was simultaneously being investigated by Ferndale Police. "I told Chief Funk that he needed to refer the case out due to his conflict of interest," the speaker stated. "I informed Funk in that same email that I would be filing a complaint with the CJTC to ask for his decertification because of his conflict and his refusal to refer the case out." The speaker then described what they characterized as suspicious coordination between the two chiefs: "Hours later, the very next morning at 7:15 AM, Funk texted Chief Matt Huffman and asked for a phone call. What did he talk about on that call? Immediately after that call, Huffman emailed 5 sergeants and Officer Hart, directing them to prioritize the criminal official misconduct investigation into Funk." The allegations raised serious questions about potential interference in a criminal investigation. "Do all suspects of crimes in Ferndale get direct access to Chief Huffman, or is it just the brothers in blue?" the speaker asked pointedly. They also questioned why there was no body camera record of the call between the chiefs and why Chief Funk's text messages to Huffman had allegedly disappeared from Funk's phone while remaining on Huffman's. Perhaps most significantly, the speaker revealed that "one of the five sergeants copied on that email left the force weeks later," questioning whether this departure was connected to witnessing something inappropriate. The speaker concluded with a stark assessment: "I now realize that the people sworn to protect us protected their own. There must be consequences. There must be justice and I will not stop until there is." The Council received this testimony in silence, following their standard practice of not responding to public comments during the meeting. However, the gravity of the allegations—involving potential obstruction of justice, destruction of public records, and professional misconduct—hung over the remainder of the session. ## Comprehensive Capital Projects Update Public Works Project Manager Katie Radder delivered an extensive update covering six months of construction activity, presenting it in chronological order rather than her usual project-by-project format. "This is the last time I'm going to do that because it was a terrible idea," she quipped, drawing light laughter from Council while explaining the extra effort required to organize the presentation chronologically. ### Ferndale Terrace: A Complex and Challenging Project The Ferndale Terrace reconstruction project dominated much of Radder's presentation, revealing the complexity of upgrading infrastructure in an older neighborhood. "Ferndale Terrace is a pretty tricky project," Radder explained. "During the course of this project, there were a lot of underground utilities in that road that we did not know about, made it very tricky." The project, which began in earnest last August, required extensive sewer work with over 60 connections to existing homes. What made the project particularly challenging was the unusual configuration of the original 1950s-era sewer system. "Normally, sewer runs out of your house and it goes 90 degrees into the main," Radder explained. "These ran out of the house and then they ran up the street, down the street. There was no rhyme or reason to it." The contractor demonstrated remarkable commitment to completing the work in 2025, at one point deploying six crews simultaneously—two underground crews and four concrete crews—on what Radder described as "a very small job site for that amount of work to occur at one time." Despite these efforts, weather ultimately forced the project into 2026. "We were a week away from getting our kind of what we needed to get done without having to move it into 2026," Radder noted with evident frustration. The city exercised its option to extend temporary construction easements through April, making additional payments to property owners to complete the remaining work. The project included innovative stormwater management features required by a Department of Ecology grant. Five infiltration trenches were installed under sidewalks, designed as "big bathtubs filled with green rock" that allow sediment and toxins to settle out before stormwater continues through the system. Mayor Hansen noted positive feedback from residents: "I've had the opportunity to talk with quite a number of residents along Ferndale Terrace as well, and I've not heard anybody complain. By and large, they were exactly what you've said. Contractors were fantastic to work with." ### Thornton to Newkirk Water Line: Engineering Innovation One of the project highlights was the successful boring under Interstate 5 for the new water transmission line. The operation required drilling approximately 18-20 feet below the freeway surface using a 20-inch casing pipe to accommodate two 12-inch transmission lines. Radder described the technical complexity: "What they do is they drill through using the drill head. Once they get through to the other side, they'll pull the casing pipe through back through with them as they retract the drill head." The contractor proposed a cost-effective modification that improved the final product. Rather than using traditional steel pipe connections that create potential failure points, they extended the flexible HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe to eliminate joints under the freeway. "Anytime you put a fitting on a water main, they have the potential to move around and shift and blow apart just because of the pressure," Radder explained. The project was completed just before Christmas, with the new water line activated on December 23rd. ### Infrastructure Documentation Challenges Council member Gunter raised important questions about utility location accuracy, prompting a detailed discussion about the challenges of working with infrastructure installed decades ago. "Are we as good? Were there a time in our past when we weren't documenting very well and so therefore, it makes it hard for the location?" he asked. Radder acknowledged that documentation quality varied significantly by era. "I think as of maybe the early 2000s, you were getting actual as-builts and putting things down on paper," she said. For older projects like Ferndale Terrace, built in the 1950s, "there's one, there's two drawings. One is water and sewer and it's the plat and then there's these sketchy little lines on there." The city has invested in better technology to address these challenges, purchasing a GPS unit accurate to within one-hundredth of an inch to create better documentation for future projects. ### Looking Ahead: 2026 Project Schedule Radder outlined an ambitious 2026 schedule. The city plans to complete Ferndale Terrace by April, finish contractual items on the Thornton-Newkirk project, and advance Main Street improvements through right-of-way acquisition and federal permitting processes. Most ambitiously, the city hopes to begin construction on the Portal Way interchange roundabout project in June. "That's a very, very aggressive schedule," Radder acknowledged, noting the complexity of coordinating with WSDOT and managing multiple permitting requirements. ## Municipal Code Housekeeping Senior Planner Jesse Ashbaugh presented routine amendments to three chapters of the Ferndale Municipal Code, marking his return to in-person presentations. "It's been a while since I've stood at this podium. I was thinking about it and I might have been prior to COVID," he noted. The amendments addressed clerical errors that arose from the Council's 2023 decision to transfer final decision-making authority for Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) from the City Council to the Hearing Examiner. While the main PUD code was updated, references in other sections still incorrectly indicated City Council final authority. "When we made those revisions to the code back then, we missed some things in the code that have come to light and we're here tonight to fix those items that were left in the code," Ashbaugh explained. A separate amendment corrected building code enforcement language that was accidentally reverted during routine 2024 updates adopting new building codes. Council member Porter noted the straightforward nature of the changes: "They all look pretty straight forward. Like you said, they're mainly just clearing up some language and stuff that got overlooked the first time." The public hearing drew no testimony, and Council unanimously approved the amendments. ## Fire District 7 Expansion Council member Porter reported on Fire District 7's administrative expansion, moving operations to the former Unity Medical Center building at the end of 3rd Street. The facility will become Station 47, while the current headquarters at Station 41 will become a fully staffed fire station. "They've converted some of the volunteer firemen to full-time firefighters. They've added a few cadets and there's a new class coming up of new recruits to become future firefighters," Porter explained. The district's unique rehabilitation vehicle—"the only unit north of Seattle that has anything like that"—will be stationed at the new facility. Porter described the specialized equipment: "It's got all these oxygen tanks that firefighters can swap out. There's even a little toilet in there if you need to use it. It's got food, it's got all kinds of stuff." ## Creative Solutions for Performance Venue Council member Mutchler presented a creative alternative approach to the previously discussed Pioneer Park performance venue, showing a photo of the simple covered shelter at Star Park. "What if we were to design something that's more of this type of simplicity?" he asked. His concept would create a raised platform suitable for performances while doubling as covered picnic space. "It would be designed to look more like it fits the park. It would be raised off the ground say a couple feet, so it would be just enough to be an adequate platform for performances." The idea represents a scaled-back alternative to earlier proposals that Council found too expensive. "So I plan to bring this vision at our retreat tomorrow that we find an affordable way to be able to have continuous music in the park like we've had every year," Mutchler explained. ## Administrative Updates and Recognition Administrative Services Director Susan Duncan announced the city's 13th consecutive Well City Award, which saves approximately $30,000 annually in insurance premiums while demonstrating commitment to employee health and well-being. Finance Director Daniel Ingham reported successful completion of the 2024 audit with no findings or management letters—a clean audit that speaks to the city's financial management practices. City Administrator Jori Burnett outlined upcoming advocacy trips to Olympia and Washington, D.C., covering topics from school funding to Interstate 5 safety improvements. The advocacy agenda included requests for continued funding for Thornton Village, discussions of permitting reform, and proposals for variable speed controls on I-5 to address the recurring traffic safety concerns. ## Civic Engagement Opportunities Communication Officer Megan Junemann reminded residents about ongoing civic engagement opportunities, including a photo contest on the city's Facebook page and an upcoming Hearts for Hygiene trivia event at Fringe Brewing on February 22nd. Council member Hawkinson announced the event details: "The cost to participate in trivia is $5 per person or a donation of a new unopened hygiene supply. So yeah, show up, win some prizes, meet some people, and maybe learn something." Council member Gunter reminded parents about kindergarten registration for children turning five before September 1st. ## Closing and What's Ahead The meeting concluded at approximately 8:00 PM with a motion to adjourn. The next day would bring a Council retreat focused on strategic planning and priority setting for 2026. The session ended on a collegial note, with appreciation expressed for staff presentations and updates. However, the serious allegations made during public comment regarding potential police misconduct remained unaddressed publicly, representing a significant issue that may require future Council attention. The contrast between the routine business of municipal governance and the explosive allegations of the evening highlighted both the everyday work of city government and the occasional dramatic moments that can arise when citizens bring forward concerns about official conduct and accountability.

### Meeting Overview The Ferndale City Council met on February 17, 2026, with Council Member O'Leary excused and Council Member Mutchler arriving later. The meeting focused on a comprehensive capital projects update and the approval of routine municipal code amendments to correct clerical errors. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Planned Unit Development (PUD):** A type of development that allows for flexible design and mixed uses within a single project, subject to special review processes. **Hearing Examiner:** An appointed official who conducts public hearings and makes decisions on certain land use applications, serving as an independent decision-maker for development proposals. **Eminent Domain:** The government's legal power to acquire private property for public use, typically with compensation to the property owner. **Right-of-Way Acquisition:** The process of obtaining legal authority to use private property for public infrastructure projects like roads, utilities, or other public improvements. **Scrivener's Error:** A clerical mistake in legal documents that does not reflect the intended meaning or decision of the drafters. **Infiltration Trenches:** Stormwater management features that filter pollutants and sediments from runoff before it enters the storm system. **Directional Drilling:** A construction technique that allows utilities to be installed underground by drilling horizontally beneath obstacles like freeways. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Greg Hansen | Mayor | | Katie Radder | Public Works Project Manager | | Jesse Ashbaugh | Senior Planner | | Michael Cerbone | Community Development Director | | Jori Burnett | City Administrator | | Susan Duncan | Administrative Services Director | ### Background Context Ferndale is actively managing multiple major infrastructure projects while maintaining its development review processes. The city has been working to modernize its administrative procedures, including transferring certain decision-making authority from the City Council to the Hearing Examiner for efficiency. The capital projects represent significant investments in the community's infrastructure, including road improvements, water system upgrades, and stormwater management facilities. The municipal code amendments reflect the city's ongoing efforts to ensure its regulations are clear and consistent. ### What Happened — The Short Version Katie Radder provided a comprehensive update on capital projects spanning from August 2025 through February 2026. Major highlights included the near-completion of the Ferndale Terrace project (with final work delayed until spring weather), completion of the Thornton to Newkirk Water Line project, and ongoing planning for the Main Street and Portal Way interchange projects. The Council then held a public hearing on municipal code amendments to correct clerical errors related to Hearing Examiner authority and building code enforcement. The amendments passed unanimously after a brief public hearing with no public testimony. ### What to Watch Next - Final completion of Ferndale Terrace project work scheduled for March/April 2026 - Portal Way interchange project construction planned to begin in June 2026 - Main Street project right-of-way acquisition and permitting process continuing - Council retreat scheduled for February 18, 2026 ---

**Q:** Who provided the capital projects update to the Council? **A:** Katie Radder, Public Works Project Manager **Q:** When was the last capital projects update given to Council? **A:** August 18, 2025 **Q:** Which project was described as being "one week away" from completion in 2025? **A:** Ferndale Terrace project **Q:** What happened at the metalworks park that required warranty work? **A:** A person had a medical emergency and crashed their car into the park during a softball game **Q:** How deep does the new water line run beneath Interstate 5? **A:** Approximately 18 to 20 feet below the freeway surface **Q:** What is the diameter of the casing pipe used for the I-5 boring? **A:** 20 inches **Q:** What grant did the city receive that required enhanced stormwater treatment on Ferndale Terrace? **A:** A grant from the Department of Ecology **Q:** How many infiltration trenches were installed on Ferndale Terrace? **A:** Five infiltration trenches **Q:** When was the Thornton to Newkirk Water Line activated? **A:** December 23, 2025 **Q:** What is the current status of the Ferndale Terrace project? **A:** Work suspended until spring weather permits landscaping and final asphalt work **Q:** How many properties require right-of-way acquisition for the Main Street project? **A:** Approximately 40 properties **Q:** Who was recently promoted to Senior Planner? **A:** Jesse Ashbaugh **Q:** What vote was required to approve the municipal code amendments? **A:** The amendments passed unanimously **Q:** Which council member was excused from the meeting? **A:** Council Member O'Leary **Q:** What time did the public hearing open and close? **A:** Opened at 5:53 PM and closed at 5:53 PM **Q:** How many years has the city received the "Well City" award consecutively? **A:** 13 consecutive years **Q:** What cost savings does the Well City award provide annually? **A:** A little over $30,000 per year in insurance premium savings **Q:** When is the Portal Way interchange construction planned to begin? **A:** June 2026 **Q:** What is the projected completion timeline for Main Street project bidding? **A:** Late 2026 or early 2027 **Q:** Who handles the city's utility location services? **A:** A dedicated utility locator working with operational staff ---