02-03-2024 Council Minutes - Special (Retreat)CITY of
Federal Way
Centered on Opportunity
2024 CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL RETREAT
SPECIAL MEETING SUMMARY
Dumas Bay Centre
February 3, 2024 — 8:00 a.m.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar,
Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Paul McDaniel, Councilmember
Susan Honda, Councilmember Jack Walsh, and Councilmember Jack Dovey.
City staff in attendance: City Administrator Brian Davis, City Attorney Ryan Call, and City
Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Tran.
3. Welcome and Introductions
Mayor Ferrell and Council President Kochmar welcomed everyone.
4. Review of Council Rules of Procedure
City Attorney Ryan Call provided information on two topics previously raised. He
overviewed proposed language which would allow reading abbreviated ordinance titles
into the record at Council meetings.
City Attorney Call also lead a discussion on attendance from remote locations, absences,
and other issues regarding the City Council current attendance rules.
Council consensus was to have the City Attorney bring forward a resolution at the next
regular meeting.
5. Council Goals
Council discussed goals that were set in 2020 and identified how they currently apply. In
response to questions, Economic Development Director Tanja Carter provided
suggestions including a pivot from "tech hub" to "health care continuum". Discussion
centered on setting goals that can be tied to budgeting for greater success.
After thorough discussion, Council consensus was to schedule a study session for further
discussion and review.
Federal Way City Council Annual Retreat Summary Page 1 of 3
February 3, 2024
6. Downtown Update
a. Town Center 3 (TC3)
b. Federal Way Link Extension
c. Commons Mall
Community Development Director Niven provided a review of the 2023 accomplishments
and challenges in the downtown. Information was presented regarding a TC-3 Land Plan
and development agreement, architectural guidelines, and view protection.
Council asked clarifying questions regarding parking, employment targets, connectivity,
and light -rail transit -oriented development.
7. Morning Break
At 10:03 a.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would recess for a morning break for
approximately 12 minutes. Councilmember Assefa-Dawson left the meeting at 10:15 a.m.
Mayor Ferrell reconvened the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
8. Downtown Update Continued
Director Niven shared a second presentation overviewing downtown goals for 2024.
Included in these are finishing the development agreement with the TC3 developer, a
potential pedestrian overpass, and addressing the parking need. Additional possibilities
for downtown include a community space and future relocation of City Hall, Municipal
Court and the Police Department.
Public Works Director EJ Walsh provided answers to acceptable levels of service and
traffic modeling questions. A needs assessment was suggested for the current City Hall
to ascertain a timeline of actual need. Director Niven provided an update on possible
Commons Mall re -development; Director Walsh provided a high-level project update on
South Transit Light Rail and the Federal Way Transit Center.
Council provided input and continued discussions on their vision and desire for the
downtown area. Council thanked Director Niven and Director Walsh for the information
and look forward to discussing these topics at a future study session and Council
Committee.
9. Lunch Break
At 11:49 a.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would recess for a lunch break for
approximately 45 minutes.
Mayor Ferrell reconvened the meeting at 12:30 p.m. and excused Councilmember Assefa-
Dawson from the remainder of the meeting.
10. Capital Finance
a. Existing Debt
b. Maintenance and Operations Facility
c. Town Center 3 (TC3)
d. 320th "Dip" Crossing
e. Tax Increment Financing
Federal Way City Council Annual Retreat Summary Page 2 of 3
February 3, 2024
City Administrator Brian Davis provided information on the city's existing debt and
clarification between personal debt and city dept. He provided a definition for "callable
debt" and identified what portion of the current debt falls in that category. He included
comparisons with other cities and Finance Director Steve Groom answered additional
Council questions regarding debt capacity and the ability to repay.
Administrator Davis provided information on the funding sources of the Joint Maintenance
and Operations Facility and the two funding options which include Level Debt Service
(borrowing from future development) or Backloaded Debt Service (interest only
payments).
Councilmembers raised questions regarding current pending legislation regarding Tax
Increment Area Financing (TIF) and the impact it could have.
Council President Kochmar left the meeting briefly at 1:43 p.m. and returned at 1:51 p.m.
12. Joint Use Operations and Maintenance Facility Update
Public Works Director EJ Walsh presented and update on the Joint Use Operations and
Maintenance Facility including the status of land acquisition and the design status and
schedule. He noted of the 12 parcels to be acquired, all have executed purchase and sale
agreements. Director Walsh noted 30% design approval will come to the Land Use and
Transportation Committee in February and the building permit submission by March 15.
Director Walsh also provided information on the suggestion to relocate Public Works,
Parks and one small department from City Hall to an expanded version of the facility. This
would require additional parking and resizing of amenities including conference rooms and
restrooms. Expansion of the project would incur additional costs for infrastructure; design;
construction; and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E).
Director Walsh included advantage and disadvantages for expanding the project. Council
thanked Director Walsh for the information and requested more information with further
discussion at a City Council Study Session.
13. Closing Remarks
14. Adjourn
There being nothing further on the agenda, Mayor Ferrell adjourned the special meeting at
2:22 p.m.
Attest:
Siiphalnie Courtney, CM
City Clerk
Approved by Council: f)3'ao-90aq
Federal Way City Council Annual Retreat Summary Page 3 of 3
February 3, 2024