04-16-2024 Council Minutes - RegularCITY OF
Federal Way
Centered on Opportunity
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers
April 16, 2024 — 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.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.
Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Hoang Tran from the meeting.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. CEREMONIES & RECOGNITION
a. Proclamation: Black Wellness Week — April 15 through 19
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson read and presented the proclamation to CEO Keith
Blocker and Founder Christina Blocker of Momentum Professional Strategy Partners.
They shared personal stories along with Terrance Hamilton and thanked Council for
acknowledging the importance of healthcare access for the most impacted
communities.
4. MAYOR'S EMERGING ISSUES AND REPORT
Mayor Ferrell referenced recent tragic events and asked Acting Police Chief Sumpter provide
information on the newly created Violent Crime Task Force. Chief Sumpter noted per the
mayor's direction, an internal team has been created with officers from various roles including
detective, patrol and traffic. This will allow for greater oversight and sharing of information
internally and with outside agency partners to create more successful outcomes in policing.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 6
April 16, 2024
Mayor Ferrell acknowledged Parks Director John Hutton who introduced Senior Service
Coordinator David Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt presented information on senior programs offered
through the Federal Way Community Center. Both members and non-members can participate
in a number of activities, fitness classes, and aquatic programs along with a dedicated senior
lounge where seniors can participate in safety classes, financial advice classes, social
activities and shared meals. Mr. Schmidt was also proud to highlight the regional, domestic
and international travel opportunities organized by staff and often partner with other senior
centers for the best pricing.
Council thanked Director Hutton and Mr. Schmidt for the information and asked clarifying
questions regarding scholarship opportunities for lower -income seniors, capacity at the center
for senior programs, and how seniors can learn more or register for these classes and
activities.
Mayor Ferrell invited Cheryl Hurst to report on the recent diaper drive. Ms. Hurst noted the
tenth annual collection drive was successful. She acknowledged the work of volunteers over
the last ten years and those who have donated goods or money and have collected nearly 4
million diapers. A benefit gala is scheduled for June 8 at the Federal Way Community to raise
funds for the new Diaper Bank.
Mayor Ferrell reported on the FUSION Groundbreaking and the Federal Way Korean American
Association Open House on April 11. He had the opportunity to visit Sequoyah Middle School
and teach four one -hour classes to students, and found a new appreciation for teachers. The
Mayor noted many upcoming events in the community including the Federal Way Little League
Jamboree and Parks Appreciation Day on April 20; the annual Hooked on Fishing event on
May 4; and the opening day of the Federal Way Farmer's Market on Saturday, May 11.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Walker shared a maple tree metaphor relating to the development of the downtown area
and is concerned the current park will not be sufficient green space for the growth expected in
that area.
Ann Blevens questioned a sign she saw in the area of S 304th Street and Pacific Highway
South near 16th Avenue South; she asked for information if city action is expected in the area.
Susan Strong shared about properly replacing her American Flag and the steps to take when
retiring a flag.
Anna Patrick is reviewing records on grant funding to the Federal Way Youth Action Team and
is concerned the proper procedures were not followed. She raised concerns regarding the
police department NIBRS reporting.
Mayor. Ferrell asked Acting Chief Sumpter to respond and he clarified the department
does not initially report the highest 'possible' crime committed, but the highest 'provable'
crime. He also noted reporting numbers can change as more information is collected and
cases evolve.
Saleern Krichi expressed support of allocating funds to SKHHP. He is originally from Florida
and experiences a lingering feeling of uneasiness when working and living in Federal Way.
Trenise Rogers acknowledged Black Wellness Week and read a news article from Tacoma
Weekly referencing Mr. and Mrs. Blocker who accepted the proclamation from the City Council
earlier in the meeting
Betty advocated for gun violence prevention and victims and families of gun violence.
She hopes for justice for her grandson who died from gun violence.
Ken Blevens shared concerns regarding a large group of homeless congregating in the area
near H-Mart. He suggested the city add a Homeless Coordinator position to city staff.
6. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks/ Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): Councilmember
Walsh reported on the April 9 committee meeting; he thanked Councilmember Assefa-Dawson
for chairing the meeting as he attended remotely. He encouraged volunteering at the annual
Parks Appreciation Day at the Blueberry Farm Park and Saghalie Park on Saturday, April 20.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Councilmember Dovey reported the next
meeting will be May 6 at 5:00 p.m. and parking of recreational vehicles will be discussed.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): No report was
provided.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson noted the next
meeting will review Tourism Enhancement Grant applications.
Regional Committees Report: Councilmember Honda reported on her attendance at various
regional meetings including South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) and a
Caseload and Emergency Medical Levy coming in 2025. She attended the Chamber luncheon
and noted work parties are forming for the Camp Kilworth site now owned by the YMCA and
Forterra in April and May. She attended and enjoyed the Sikh community spring harvest
celebration of Vaisakhi at the IRG campus along with a high school guide.
Council President Report: Council President Kochmar encouraged the community to visit
Camp Kilworth and the beautiful property and trails. She will be attending the Chopped Charity
Challenge at Federal Way High School that supports the Bridge a Gap (BAG) program. The
BAG program provides a backpack of food for students over the weekends.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: April 2, 2024 Special and Regular Meetings
b. Street Light Infill - Approval to Award
c. Fiber Optic Loop (S 317 Street to S 272 Street) - Approval to Bid
d. Former Target Building Demolition - Project Acceptance
e. Authorization to Apply for Transportation Grants
f. Accept Transportation Grant and Authorize the Execution of the Associated
Agreements — SR 99 at FWHS Pedestrian Improvements (Design & Construction)
g. Washington State Department of Commerce Planning Grant and Interagency
Agreement
h. Joint Use Operations and Maintenance Facility - 85% Design Report and
Authorization to Bid
Joint Use Operations and Maintenance Facility Frontage Improvements - 85% Design
Report, Transfer Capital Improvement Funds, and Authorization to Bid
RESOLUTION: Authorizing the Allocation of Funds in Accordance with 2023 South
King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) Housing Capital
Fund/Resolution #24-855
k. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Memorandum of Understanding between
Seattle Police Department (SPD) and FWPD
I. Parks Signage Contract Amendment
m. Electrical Line & Fiber Optic Easement on Lakota Park Property
n. Department of Commerce Grant Acceptance — Celebration Park Field 8 Turf
o. RESOLUTION: Celebration Park Field 8 Artificial Turf Funding/Resolution #24-
856
p. MOU with the Historical Society of Federal Way — Amendment 2
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
(A) THROUGH (P); SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed
unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember McDaniel yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Honda yes
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Port of Seattle Economic Development Grant
Economic Development Director Tanja Carter provided information on the Port of Seattle
Economic Development Grant sharing outcomes from last year and the outreach
program for business retention. In response to Council question she clarified the grant
amount is based on population and the city qualifies for the maximum grant amount
$60,000 with a $30,000 match that can include in -kind costs.
Council thanked Director Carter for the presentation and asked additional clarifying
questions regarding the efficacy of the mobile police trailers and the request for increased
street light improvements in residential and commercial areas of the city.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO APPLY FOR THE 2024
PORT OF SEATTLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT. SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
WALSH. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember McDaniel
yes
Councilmember Honda
yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
b. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Grant
Economic Development Director Tanja Carter referenced the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) the city's grant writer Arianna Garofalo is currently
preparing. Ms. Garofalo joined the meeting remotely by Zoom and spoke to the specifics
of the grant and the programs that meet the criteria to be funded with the $147,860 grant.
Director Carter and Ms. Garofalo spoke to the Clean Tech Innovation Corridor (CTIC)
project which could create green jobs and job pipeline for a sustainable mobile campus
and active learning center.
Council asked additional questions regarding the scope of the Clean Tech Innovation
Corridor project, the city's role, and methodology of identifying potential students for the
active learning center. It was clarified this federal grant from the Department of Energy is
a planning grant that would cover a consultant to complete a needs assessment,
discovery and report.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO APPLY FOR THE
2024 ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember McDaniel
yes
Councilmember Honda
yes
9. ORDINANCE
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
Second Reading/Enactment
a. Council Bill #876/Authorizing the Execution of the Town Center 3 (TC-3)
Development Agreement/ APPROVED ORDINANCE #24-984
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO
ENTERING INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH TRENT DEVELOPMENT INC.
FOR THE TC-3 PROPERTIES PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 19.85
FEDERAL WAY REVISED CODE.
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember McDaniel yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Honda yes
b. Council Bill #877/Tax Increment Financing/APPROVED ORDINANCE #24-985
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, DESIGNATING THE
DOWNTOWN TAX INCREMENT AREA; SETTING A SUNSET DATE FOR THE
INCREMENT AREA; IDENTIFYING THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS TO BE FINANCED;
IMPOSING A DEADLINE FOR COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION; INDICATING THE
CITY'S INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS TO FINANCE PUBLIC PROJECTS; PROVIDING THAT
THE INCREMENT AREA WILL TAKE EFFECT JUNE 1, 2024; AND PROVIDING FOR
RELATED MATTERS.
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE; SECOND
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember McDaniel
yes
Councilmember Honda
yes
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Dovey referenced an article regarding squatters and property owners' rights;
he would like to see if there is anything the city can do at the local level.
Councilmember Walsh noted no formal report, although remarked after traveling it is good to
be home and he appreciates the community and opportunities in Federal Way.
Councilmember Honda congratulated the FUSION Boutique who are celebrating ten years;
the boutique is fully volunteer run. She will be attending the Chopped fundraiser event at
Federal Way High School for the Bridging a Gap program. She reported on the recent joint
service club meeting and attended an informational meeting regarding the Federal Way Public
Market.
Councilmember McDaniel shared a positive story regarding young kids who are dedicated to
their sport and become successful. He also shared a negative experience when recently
visiting a neighboring city; he is proud our police department does a better job. He has attended
recent citizen commission meetings and is planning on attending more in the future.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and Council President had no further report.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
I ffir, M -
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Attest:
S44plianie Courtney, CM PRO
City Clerk 0
Approved by Council: 05-07--90a4