The Ferndale City Council on July 14 approved several routine and project items but postponed two higher-profile governance items for additional review.

In formal votes the council adopted a resolution vacating the unimproved north–south alley between East Breckenridge Street and Rosewood Street (adjacent to Lots 28–37 east of Hilton Road); approved final payments and a contract modification for Martin Road Park improvements; and passed the consent agenda after pulling one special-event permit for separate review. The council also approved two appointments to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and rejected one appointment.

The council voted to postpone two high-attention items to the Aug. 11 meeting: (1) consideration of adopting revised council rules and procedures that would align more closely with Robert's Rules of Order, and (2) a proposed restructuring of the city communications function that would create a communications manager role and two specialist positions. Staff said both items require follow-up and further direction from council.

Why it matters: The alley vacation clears title for an upcoming privately-led development and reserves public utility easements; the Martin Road Park contract modification covers added work tied to poor subsurface conditions at the site; and the communications reorganization and revised rules could change how the council conducts meetings and how residents receive information if adopted.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution to vacate north–south alley (Breckenridge–Rosewood): adopted (voice or roll-call; motion carried). The staff presentation said the alley is unimproved and the city will reserve an easement for utilities.
- Contract modification #1 and final payment to DMC Consultants Inc., Martin Road Park: adopted by roll call; net increase reported of $28,586.06 over the original contracted amount to address subsurface drainage issues.
- Consent agenda (multiple routine items including renewal of insurance, technology licenses, event permits, personnel backfills): adopted with the exception of the DIY Street Fair special-event permit (item 7g), which council moved off the consent agenda and postponed for further consideration.
- Appointments to the Downtown Development Authority: two mayoral appointments were confirmed (Erin Cambron and Derek Warenka); a third nominee (Sarah Van Wormer) failed to secure council approval.
- Postpone adoption of revised Council Rules and Procedures to Aug. 11: motion to postpone carried (voice vote), item continued to a future meeting for additional review and member feedback.
- Postpone communications staffing-level decision to Aug. 11: motion to postpone carried by roll call; staff directed to provide more benchmarking, outsourcing cost comparisons and a clearer work plan prior to next vote.

What council asked staff to do next: Staff was directed to return the revised rules and the communications staffing proposal with council feedback incorporated and with specific follow-up items: clearer benchmarking and outsourcing cost comparisons for communications; and any redline changes and clarifying language about meeting time limits and public comment procedure for the rules revision.

The council also instructed staff to report back on the DIY Street Fair organizer's request (music until 10 p.m.) and to continue regular reporting on special-event revenues and costs so the public sees net impacts.

Ending: Council members emphasized they wanted more time to review both the procedural and staffing proposals; both items are scheduled for further consideration at the Aug. 11 meeting. For immediate operational matters, the council approved the park contract payments and a series of routine items so city operations could continue.