2020-11-17 Council Minutes - SpecialCITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Remote Meeting
November 17, 2020 — 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting held remotely to order at 5:01 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia
Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Greg Baruso, Councilmember Hoang Tran, Councilmember
Leandra Craft, Councilmember Martin Moore, and Councilmember Linda Kochmar.
City staff in attendance: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION
a. Operating and Maintenance Facility (OMF) South & Tacoma Dome Link Extension
Schedule Update
Ryan Medlen, City Liaison to Sound Transit, introduced the Sound Transit representatives in
attendance that will provide an update on the OMF South and Tacoma Dome Link extension
projects.
Aaron Austin, Government and Community Relations Manager, thanked Council for the
briefing tonight. He noted Curvie Hawkins would be providing most of the presentation tonight.
Curvie Hawkins, Project Development Director, first provided information on the OMF South
project. He noted the Sound Transit Board will identify a preferred alternative in mid -2021.
Following that selection, the final EIS will be issued in early to mid -2022. He noted due to
Covid-19, these timelines may be adjusted. He also reminded Council of the need for the
facility and that it would bring 470 new living wage jobs to the area with an average annual
salary of $83,000.
The process began with 24 sites and has now been narrowed down to 3 sites, two of which
are located in Federal Way. The following sites are:
• Midway Landfill Alternative
• S336 th Street Alternative
• S344 th Street Alternative
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November 17, 2020
He further highlighted the public engagement opportunities for the project including
community briefings, email updates, and postcard mailings, and noted planned outreach for
DEIS publication in early 2021.
Mr. Hawkins also provided an update on the TDLE project and the South Federal Way Station
design refinements. The noted timeline includes a draft EIS issued in early 2022 and Sound
Transit Board will confirm or revise the preferred alternative in mid -2022.
He provided further information on the revenue loss projections due to the current recession,
and estimated $6 billion in reduced revenue through 2041. Sound Transit will continue
construction and timelines for all projects already under construction and a timeline of July
2021 to make realignment decisions. To manage affordability of the projects the Board may
take action to delay project completion, modify project scope, or secure new funding through
grants or funding partners.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Austin spoke regarding the affordability challenge due
to the economy and answered questions regarding Sound Transit's robust apprenticeship and
pre -apprenticeship jobs during the construction phase.
Councilmembers clearly stated their opposition to locating the OMF in Federal Way and
impacting local businesses and residents. They noted the only choice should be the Midway
Landfill site.
Mayor Ferrell and Council President Honda also strongly relayed their disappointment that
when the city requested Sound Transit, on multiple occasions, to notify property owners in the
proposed OMF sites of this meeting, Sound Transit declined to do so.
Public Comments:
Brian Nash, the Chair of Protect Federal Way, expressed concerns regarding the Sound
Transit Light Rail Extension and the OMF South site which if located in Federal Way will
negatively impact many residents and small businesses.
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the special meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Attest:
r
hanie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council 1-24011 ✓ 020
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November 17, 2020