Ferndale City Council

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION

Department Prepared By: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE

AGENDA BILL #19-08-009

TITLE: Denouncing White Supremacy Resolution

Ordinance Resolution Motion Info Only Discussion

Date Council Action Requested: August 19, 2019

Prepared by: Susan Duncan, City Clerk Reviewed By: Date: 8/14/2019
SUBJECT: Committee: P&LU PW&U F&A
Mayor X
Resolution Denouncing White Supremacy City Administrator X
City Clerk’s Office X
Community Development Dept
Public Works Department
City Attorney’s Office
Finance Department X
Police Department
Board/Commission
Hearings Examiner
ACTION REQUESTED: VOTE NEEDED TO PASS:

SUMMARY: Please see staff report.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS/ISSUES: Finance & Administration Committee members forwarded this item to the full
Council for further discussion.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Approval of AB #19-08-009.

ATTACHMENTS:
Staff Report
Resolution

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 City of Ferndale

CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

MEETING DATE: August 19th, 2019 AGENDA BILL #__________

SUBJECT: Resolution Condemning White Supremacy

DATE: 8/17/19

FROM: Riley Sweeney

PRESENTATION BY: Rebecca Xczar

BACKGROUND: Recently, a number of neo-nazi recruitment flyers for the organization

“Patriot Front” were found posted in downtown Ferndale. In the following weeks, more
white supremacist activity was reported in Bellingham and then farther down the I-5
corridor.

In response to this, Councilmember Xczar worked with city staff to develop a resolution
that clearly stated our opposition to white supremacy, neo-nazi groups and racism to
clearly illustrate our opposition to this effort and all efforts to foment bigotry in Ferndale.

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 RESOLUTION #

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE,

WASHINGTON, REJECTING WHITE SUPREMACY AND ESTABLISHING
FERNDALE AS A WELCOMING CITY

WHEREAS, Ferndale recently discovered Neo-Nazi recruitment flyers posted

in our downtown; and

WHEREAS, opposing racism and white supremacy requires continual effort

and vigilance; and

WHEREAS, communities must take a strong and united stand against

hateful and divisive rhetoric to ensure it does not become common and
accepted in our community; and

WHEREAS, knowing that these Neo-Nazi activities are occurring in our

community compels the Council and Administration to speak with one voice;
and

WHEREAS, nationally, hate crimes and white supremacist activities have

dramatically increased in recent years; and

WHEREAS, action by the City clearly defines the principles and values of our
community; and

WHEREAS, zero is the acceptable amount of white supremacist activity and

racism in Ferndale; and

WHEREAS, illustrating and memorializing our community values is one of

the key purposes of a resolution; and

WHEREAS, striving to be a more inclusive community benefits the City as a

whole;

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE DO

RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. That we affirm that Ferndale is a welcoming community to all

people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or country of origin.
We stand united against racist, xenophobic groups that promote bigotry and

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hatred. We reject all forms of racism and white supremacy and speak out
against anyone who wishes to divide us by prejudice.

Section 2. Furthermore, we resolve to put words into action and work

actively to identify ways in which the diversity of Ferndale can be supported
and celebrated.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ferndale in

regular session this 19th day of August, 2019.

ATTEST:

Jon Mutchler, MAYOR Susan Duncan, CMC, CITY CLERK

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