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Council confirms Lauren Mikulski as Ferndale mayor pro tem; Johnson outlines Rx Kids and human‑services priorities
Summary
Council voted to confirm Lauren Mikulski for a second term as mayor pro tem. Donnie Johnson, who had been recommended for the role, delivered a speech outlining priorities including a proposed Rx Kids enrollment that would use $280,000 in city surplus to unlock $750,000 in state funds.
The Ferndale City Council confirmed Lauren (Laura) Mikulski as mayor pro tem in a roll‑call vote. Council members called and recorded 'Yes' for the confirmation, and Mikulski will serve a second term in the position.
Earlier in the item the mayor had recommended council member Donnie Johnson for the ceremonial post; Johnson addressed the council at length after the nomination process. In his remarks Johnson described his priorities if selected — emphasizing human‑services investments and cross‑sector partnerships — and specifically said he would sponsor a resolution to enroll Ferndale in an 'Rx Kids' program using $280,000 of existing city surplus to unlock roughly $750,000 in additional state funding. He described the proposal as: "This isn't charity. It's investment." Johnson also proposed using available sanitation fund balance to purchase standardized trash bins for all residents and pledged collaboration on Kulik Center reactivation and small‑business improvement grants for downtown merchants.
Council discussion included appeals for improved communication across members and for bridging partisan or interpersonal divides to focus on service delivery. After discussion a motion to appoint Mikulski carried on a recorded 'Yes' vote by the council members called.
Why it matters: The mayor pro tem presides in the mayor’s absence and can represent the city at official events; the appointment also revealed policy priorities (Rx Kids, sanitation bins, human‑services partnerships) that could shape near‑term council proposals.
What happens next: Mikulski will serve as mayor pro tem; Johnson indicated he will pursue a resolution related to Rx Kids and seek colleagues' support for fundraising and outreach.
