05-10-2022 PRHSPSC MINSK:\PRHSPS Committee\2022\05-10-2022 Minutes.doc
City of Federal Way
City Council
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
5:00 p.m.
SUMMARY
Committee Members Present: Council members Assefa-Dawson and Norton
Committee Member Present Via Zoom: Chair Walsh
Council Member Present: Council President Kochmar
Council Member Present Via Zoom: Deputy Mayor Honda
Staff Members Present: Joanna Eide, Assistant City Attorney, Autumn Gressett, Contract
Administrator, John Hutton, Parks Director and Mary Jaenicke, Administrative Assistant II.
Guests: Brian Hoffman, General Manager of Spectra, Lamont Styles, Rugged Genius Media and
Winston Bell, Executive Director of Game of Life.
Committee member Assefa-Dawson called the meeting to order at 5:00pm
BUSINESS ITEMS
Public Comment: None
Approval of Minutes
Chair Walsh motioned to approve the April 12, 2022 minutes as written. Committee member
Norton seconded. Motion passed.
Access to City Facilities for Select Community Groups
Lamont Styles presented the background information. Rugged Genius is a locally based media group that
is focused on changing the culture of modern-day media through teaching youth about the different
aspects of media and how to create and build a positive narrative. Mr. Styles stated that Rugged Genius
had a show at the Knutzen Family Theatre (KFT). The show was successful, very well attended and they
were asked when they would do a show again. Mr. Styles spoke about the contract that Centerstage has
with the City to manage Knutzen Family Theatre and they want that same opportunity. They would also
like to have access to City facilities and partner with community-based organizations. Committee
member Norton asked Mr. Styles what specifically are they’re asking for. They would like access to the
classrooms and gym at the Community Center and theater space at KFT. Mr. Styles stated that they can
fill any space that is available. Deputy Mayor Honda explained that Centerstage had a management
contract agreement with KFT. It wasn’t just for their use of the Theater; it was to manage the Theater.
Council President Kochmar and Deputy Mayor Honda stated that they need to be fair and equitable with
all groups. Winston Bell stated that they have formal partnerships with the School District and they will
be doing two Saturday dance classes for the district. Mr. Bell’s is also leading an emotional fitness
therapeutic class for them. Mr. Bell spoke about their partnerships that they have in the community. They
are looking for a permanent space to serve the young people in the community. Staff Hutton clarified that
Centerstage still has a management contract partnership with the City. The City does have the ability to
rent space that Centerstage is not using. Centerstage is responsible for providing tech support for any
group that rents the Theatre. A long discussion was held regarding programming opportunities at the
city’s facilities. The committee requested that they put together a proposal in writing to present to the
City Council that includes information on what they would like to use and when they would like to use it.
Report on PAEC Operations
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Summary
Page 2
Staff Gressett provided an update on the Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) for the months of
March and April. The building is up and running and building usage is steadily increasing. The resident
art groups are back in the building. Other events held included the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Golden Girls
Puppet Parody Show, a Celebration of Life and a wedding. They are starting to move forward on the
update to the art landscape project and several building maintenance issues. Council and the Committee
asked questions regarding Financials, the landscaping, the Tacoma Ballet, parking and the possibility of
giving tickets at a discount.
Sacajawea Park – PSE Easement for Guy Wires
Staff Hutton provided the background information. The Public Works Department is working to
construct the Pacific Highway S Non-Motorized Corridor Project. Because of the expansion, utilities will
need to be relocated. This will require PSE to move to power poles within the Right-of-Way (ROW). The
poles will stay in the ROW, but the guy wires that support the poles will be in a very small area of Parks
Department Property in Sacajawea Park. There will be no impact to the Park. Chair Walsh moved to
forward the proposed easement to the May 17, 2022 consent agenda for approval. Committee
member Norton seconded. Motion passed.
Other Business
None
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
June 14 2022
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.