HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-2022 Council Minutes - RegularCITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers*
*remote attendance option available via zoom
September 6, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor
Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Erica Norton, and
Councilmember Jack Dovey.
Councilmember Jack Walsh remotely attended. Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Tran.
City staff in attendance: Interim City Administrator Brian Davis, City Attorney Ryan Call and City
Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. MAYOR'S EMERGEING ISSUES AND REPORT
Recent Community Events
Mayor Ferrell reported on recent events in the community including the Amazon Fresh
Ribbon cutting on August 11; Movies at Town Square Park on August 13; the Performing
Arts and Event Center 5th Anniversary on August 19; and the Annual Lions Club Car
Show on August 2.
Update on King County Landmarks Commission — Camp Kilworth
Mayor Ferrell reported the Landmarks Commission unanimously voted to approve the
application making Camp Kilworth the first Historic Landmark in Federal way.
Report on Licensing Requirements for Hotels and Motels
Interim City Administrator Brian Davis provided updated information from FWRC
12.35.070 on the standards of safety and operation as identified in licensing
requirements for permanent supportive and transitional housing, or emergency housing
and shelter. Included is a requirement for a written security and emergency plan;
prohibition of direct intake of residents without a referral; and the requirement to have a
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September 6, 2022
manager or operator on the premises at all times. Community Services Manager Sarah
Bridgeford provided additional information and answers to Council questions.
Council asked clarifying questions regarding violations and the process for revoking a
license after it is issued if there is a high volume of violations.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Rebecca Martin. the CEO of the Great Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber
is withdrawing their application for ARPA funds.
Mary Ehlis gave thanks to the many people involved in helping make Camp Kilworth a historical
landmark; she was appreciative of the hard work over the years to save the camp.
Nadiya Sheckler celebrated the designation of Camp Kilworth becoming a historical landmark, but
raised awareness that the buildings are still in need of restoration in order to truly preserve the site.
Dawn Meader McCausland gave thanks for the continued support of the camp and encouraged
volunteers and leaders to help with the upcoming challenge of fundraising and restoring the
buildings.
Suzanne Vargo celebrated this first historical landmark for Federal Way and encouraged citizens
to apply for more landmarks in Federal Way and was grateful to be a part of this process.
Council President Kochmar and Deputy Mayor Honda thanked Mary Ehlis and everyone
involved who worked for many years to save Camp Kilworth.
Jim Ross expressed concerns about the Eastwind Motel and illegal activity happening there. He
inquired to why a police report was not filed for a recent theft which included his property.
Mayor Ferrell asked staff to follow-up with Mr. Ross and provide an update at the next City
Council Meeting.
Geoffrey Tancredi advocated for Catrise Dennis and the positive results she is accomplishing
through her education program. Mr. Tancredi inquired how to go about requesting ARPA funding to
help Ms. Dennis' school.
Ken Blevens is frustrated the city does not do more to stand up to King County policies, and believes
spending should be focused on programs for addiction opposed to homelessness. He expressed
his disappointment with legislative decisions.
David Harrelson, with Federal Way Public Market, asked council to consider allocating ARPA funds
into the development of a public market.
Anne Michelle Hart advocated for a public market which could be used to help people build
businesses and learn valuable skills.
Rose Ratteray expressed her enthusiasm to be attending a council meeting in person again.
Betty Taylor raised awareness for gun violence and homicides taking place in Federal Way. She
will continue to advocate for this issue even if she is the only one.
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Greg McCann, Vice President of the Federal Way Public Market, requested ARPA funds for a
feasibility and site analysis for a public market. He believes this request fits the ARPA guidelines.
Josias Jean-Pierre expressed concern about the Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Way
Mirror are requesting ARPA funding. He also asked for a status update on a street to be named
after John Conna.
Juan Luis Juarez Ramos expressed concerns about increased drug use on Military Road and
shared a personal account of an armed man near the Chase Bank.
Anna Patrick shared information from a King County meeting regarding implementation plans for
the Restorative Community Pathways Program. She feels the city is being hit hard with regional
tax-exempt properties and the city should be pushing back.
Brenda Mbaau provided comments virtually to provide updates regarding the Virginia Mason
Franciscan Health Violence Prevention Initiative and the work they are doing with youth in the
community.
5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation: Constitution Week — September 17-23
Deputy Mayor Honda read and presented the proclamation to Sue Walker on behalf of
NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution), Lakota Chapter. Ms.
Walker thanked the Mayor and Council for recognizing the importance of the US
Constitution and the 235th anniversary of its signing. The US constitution the oldest still
in use in the world today; she encouraged everyone to celebrate this anniversary by
being better informed citizens.
b. Proclamation: National Recovery Month — September 2022
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson read and presented the proclamation to Jamie Lee,
Behavioral Health Provider Relations Specialist with King County Behavioral Health and
Recovery Division. Ms. Lee, a Federal Way resident, thanked the Mayor and Council
and spoke to the importance of recovery.
c. City of Federal Way Regional Labor Study
Dr. Ali Modarres, University of Washington -Tacoma, provided a high-level briefing of the
Workforce Analysis completed by the Center for Applied Urban Research. He was
pleased to report Federal Way, is an amazing location for labor development, due its
location and infrastructure such as the light rail.
He referenced the graphs included in the report which detail job change and growth;
industry growth/decline; worker earnings; and top growing industries. Dr. Modarres
suggested mixed use development would be key and medical technology would be an
ideal industry to attract. The Council thanked Dr. Modarres for his presentation and
information; they were interested in this data and requested more information at a future
Council Committee meeting to discuss further.
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September 6, 2022
Councilmember Walsh lost remote connection and dropped from the remainder of the
meeting.
d. Update from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Analyst
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Analyst Kia McGlone provided an update on her
progress in this new position over the last 6-months. She overviewed many
accomplishments including competing the Annual Title VI report to WSDOT; outreach
and community engagement with the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program; and a
positive community service engagement with the Sikh Community. She was also
pleased to announce the addition of the Language Line for city staff for translation
services of 255 languages available on a 24/7 demand.
Council thanked Ms. McGlone for her presentation and work for the city and in the
community.
e. Update regarding King County Grant for Small Business and Community Groups
Impacted by COVID-19
Community Services Manager Sarah Bridgeford provided an update on a previously
accepted grant from King County for $100,000 to mitigate losses from COVID-19 to
small businesses and social services. Ms. Bridgeford noted a contract will come before
Council prior to the end of the year with anticipated assistance to in -home childcare
providers in the 98003-zip code, and support for housing stability and utility assistance.
All funds will need to be spent by the end of the first quarter in 2023.
Council thanked Ms. Bridgeford for her presentation and asked clarifying questions
regarding the anticipated assistance.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO POSTPONE THE ARPA DISCUSSION [ITEM 8B] AS
NEW INFORMATION AND PRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE; COUNCILMEMBER
NORTON SECOND.
Councilmembers debated the desire to move forward with allocations yet also have all
Councilmembers in attendance to provide input. Council asked for a special work
session to address the ARPA discussions and allocations; final action will be brought
back to a regular Council meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER NORTON MOVED TO CONTINUE WITH THE COMMUNITY FUNDING
FROM ARPA. Motion dies as a current motion is pending.
Main Motion restated to postpone the ARPA discussion for a special meeting, with a
date to be determined, when all Councilmembers are in attendance.
Motion passed unanimously 5-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh excused
Councilmember Dovey yes
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September 6, 2022
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At 8:47 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would take a brief seven (7) minute recess;
the meeting was reconvened at 8:58 p.m.
6. COUNCIL COMMITTEE & REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): No report
provided.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Councilmember Dovey reported due to the
holiday, the next meeting will be held on September 12 at 5:00 p.m.
Finance, Economic Development, Regional Affairs Committee: No report provided.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no report.
Deputy Mayor & Regional Committees Report: Deputy Mayor Honda reported on AWC
trainings and meetings for elected officials. She would like to discuss the Youth Commission
requirements at a future meeting to support restarting the Commission after COVID; there is a
lack of applications that meet the current grade level and residency requirements. She reported
she will be attending various regional meetings including the Board of Health, the Domestic
Violence Task Force, and the PIC meeting.
Council President Report: Council President Kochmar had no report.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: August 9, 2022 Regular and Special Meetings
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEM A ON THE CONSENT
AGENDA; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0 as follows
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh excused
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Authorization of State Opioid Settlement Agreement
City Attorney Ryan Call requested Council authority to join a settlement through the state
with three primary opioid manufacturers. The state requires 90% of cities over 10,000
population approve the settlement which is approximately 178 cities. The settlement will
distribute money to the state; county and cities over the next 17-years to mitigate the
effects of opioid addiction.
Mr. Call answered Council's questions regarding the estimated amount coming to the
city and potential use of the funds. He noted some jurisdictions will look to pool money
together to support a regional response.
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COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF CITY PARTICIPATION IN
THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT NEGOTIATED BY THE WA AG WITH OPIOID
DISTRIBUTORS AND AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS;
SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously 5-0 as
follows
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
b. City Council ARPA Priorities
No action was taken on this item.
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh excused
Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson acknowledged Ethiopian New Year on September 11; she
invited the Council to a celebration with food and music at Genesee Park in Seattle.
Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Dovey, and Council President Kochmar had no report.
Deputy Mayor Honda congratulated the folks who worked on Camp Kilworth. She is excited for
the first Historical Landmark and suggested the Arts Commission incorporate heritage as part
of their work plan. She suggested the city contact King County to look into the Brooklake
property as a Historic Designation.
10.ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Attest:
S h nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 612VIU?1L
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September 6, 2022