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Home My WebLink About08-10-2021 Council Minutes - RegularCIT Federal Way CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES August 10, 2021 — 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers & remote via Zoom 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:43 p.m. City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Greg Baruso, 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. Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Tran's absence. 3. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Ferrell asked those who had signed up for public comment at the special meeting but were unable to comment due to the length of the meeting, be allowed to comment at the beginning of the regular meeting. Council Concurred. Public Comment from Special Meeting: Gordon Bock questioned Council's plan for the potential negative economic impacts the City could face as a result of the Health through Housing Program. Dara Mandeville shared her displeasure that more of the community does not know about the Health through Housing Program; that background checks will not be required and the program will not be open to children and families. Susan Hastings raised several questions and comments around the Health through Housing initiative. She suggested a better course of action would be for King County to implement one of these housing programs to confirm success before implementing in multiple communities. Geoffrey Hastings expressed his fear that Federal Way could become the next Seattle in terms of the homeless crisis. He is bothered King County can implement programs within Federal Way without the City and referenced the documentaries "Seattle is Dying" and "The Fight for Seattle". Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 8 August 10, 2021 a. Proclamation: Liberation Day of Korea Mayor Ferrell was honored to present former Mayor Mike Park and Mr. Daniel King, President of the FW Korean American Association, with the Liberation of Korea Proclamation which acknowledges Korean Independence on August 15. Mr. Park and Mr. King were thankful for this honor and acknowledgement. b. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report National Night Out Recce: Mayor Ferrell reported on his attendance at various neighborhood events on August 3 for National Night Out. He enjoyed this community event and was pleased to see neighbors, Police, Fire and Councilmembers. COVID 19 Report: Deputy Chief Kyle Sumpter reminded people who are vaccinated to wear a mask at any time or when in groups or indoor locations. He reported on King County numbers of positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths. He noted Federal Way is at 114 and under the previous guidelines counties were to stay under 250 to remain in the current phase. Upcoming Events; Mayor Ferrell encouraged attendance at the next movie in Town Square Park on August 14 where the Disney movie Onward will begin at dusk. Attendees will need to bring chairs and come early for a good spot. He invited all to the 9/11 Flag Dedication Ceremony on September 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Town Center Steps between the Performing Arts and Event Center and the former Target location. This is the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and they will be honoring veterans and first responders with a new flag pole and Veterans Monument. Recent Events: Mayor Ferrell reported on the recent Black/African American Community Quarterly Meeting held on July 21; the successful Kiwanis Salmon Bake on July 23; and the Annual FUSION fundraising event on August 4. c. Council Committee Reports Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): Chair Kochmar reported the August meeting is canceled and the next meeting is scheduled in September. She shared a memory with Former Mayor Park when on a Sister City trip to sign the Sister City Agreement in Donghae, Korea. Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Chair Baruso reported the next meeting will be September 13 due to the Labor Day holiday closure. The August meeting has been canceled. Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): No update was provided. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson noted the August meeting has been canceled and the next meeting is scheduled for September 8 at 10:00 a.m. Regional Committees Report (PIC): Councilmember Moore noted the August PIC meeting was canceled and the next meeting is scheduled for September 8 at 7:00 p.m. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 8 August 10, 2021 Council President Report: Council President Honda noted August is the time the Council and staff takes a summer break from meetings. She shared Council is still available and can be contacted in many ways including via email, phone or their social media page. She noted the City Council will be hosting an in -person retreat on Saturday, October 9 at Dumas Bay Centre. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the rules regarding public comment into the record. Thea Oliphant -Wells (attended remotely) shared from her experience as a social worker how housing -first can be beneficial in helping people who struggle with substance abuse get help and access to resources. Bob Darrigen was pleased to learn about the Korean Community Garden and shared about the upcoming Lion's Club Car Show on August 28 from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. The event helps provide scholarships in the community as well as serves as a food drive to support MSC. Betty Taylor shared about an open house taking place at her apartment complex, located across from Town Square Park. She encouraged anyone looking for Senior Housing options to attend. Cheryl Hurst provided information about the People's Harm Reduction Alliance and items available for order on their website. She is concerned and was shocked at the amount of items available for order, specifically drug paraphernalia. Chris Naverette (attended remotely) asked Council to extend hazard pay for grocery workers as COVID-19 is still an active risk to workers. Lucia Faithfull (attended remotely) welcomes the purchase of the Extended Stay stating that it would be a resource for our unhoused neighbors. Email from Sarah Nelson with Stand -Up Federal Way read by the City Clerk proposing mitigation for the anticipated problems that will result from the Extended Stay no -barrier housing proposal. Email from Brenda MacRae read by the City Clerk in opposition of the Health through Housing Plan asking questions regarding the safety of those living in and near the proposed facilities. Email from Barbara Miller with Wayside United Church read by the City Clerk in support of the King County Health through Housing Plan noting its importance for displaced families. Email from Sam Rise read by the City Clerk in support of the King County Health through Housing Plan noting it will help individuals get back on their feet. Email from Archie Levine read by the City Clerk in support of the Health through Housing Plan noting homelessness is not a problem that can be fixed with more jails or hospital beds. Email from Joshua Fike read by the City Clerk in support of the King County Health through Housing Plan stating that housing -first models like this have the potential to help a lot of people. Email from Michael Kennish read by the City Clerk opposing the proposed King County Health through Housing Plan noting the plan needs a path to treatment as a condition for staying and armed security. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 8 August 10, 2021 Email from Lana Bostic read by the City Clerk in support of the King County Health through Housing Plan. 5. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes: July 20, 2021 Regular and Special Meetings b. Accounts Payable Vouchers 06/16/2021 — 07/15/2021 & Payroll Vouchers 06/01/2021 — 06/30/2021 c. Monthly Financial Report —June 2021 d. Tourism Enhancement Grant Recommendation for July — December 2021 e. Federal Way Community Center Slide Removal — Request for Bid f. Steel Lake Shop Video Security Enhancements — Request for Proposal g. Police Gate Replacements — City Hall — Request for Bid h. Avigilon Safe City Server RFQ Award COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH H ON THE CONSENT AGENDA; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Craft yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused 6. COUNCIL BUSINESS a. Settlement Agreement with Hillside Plaza, LLC City Attorney Ryan Call provided information on this agreement which clears an operating easement on the former Target property and Hillside Plaza. The Council previously authorized condemnation litigation after several years of negotiations stalled, however the parties continued to negation and have reached a settlement pending Council approval. Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Call for the information and his work on this issue. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows: Council President Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran excused Councilmember Craft yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Kochmar yes b. Proposed Settlement in the matter of Rich v. COFW City Attorney Ryan Call provided information on this proposed settlement regarding a car accident in a cross -walk. The Plaintiff alleges the city is jointly and severally liable for the accident which involved a minor child with medical bills over $100,000. All parties attended mediation and this settlement has been reached pending council approval. Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Call for his presentation. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 8 August 10, 2021 COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CRAFT. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Craft yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused c. Resolution: Authorization to Accept Grant Funding for Transportation Improvement Projects and Add Project 36-241 to the Capital Improvement Plan/Approved Reso. #21- 813 City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez provided a brief presentation regarding a draft resolution to execute an agreement to accept grant funding for transportation improvement projects and add Project 36241 to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Mr. Perez noted Council must authorize, by resolution new projects not currently listed in the approved budgets. Projects receiving grants are as follows: 288th Road Diet: Military Road to 34th Ave S — Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety • 16th Ave Trail: S 304th to S Dash Point Road — Safe Routes to Schools • S 348th: 9th Ave S to Pacific Hwy S Preservation (Add to CIP) — NHS Asset Management SW 356th: 15th Ave SW to 4th PI SW Preservation — Countywide Pavement Preservation, and • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control: City Center Phase 2 — Countywide — Large City Mr. Perez stated it is the Mayor's recommendation to approve the proposed resolution to accept grant funding and add project 36241 to the CIP. Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Perez for his presentation. COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Craft yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused d. Purchase of Litter Vacuum Public Works Director EJ Walsh provided information on the request to purchase a Litter Vacuum using unallocated Public Works Surface Water Management operations funds not to exceed $90,000. Per the direction from the Mayor and Council, in 2020 the Public Works Department began performing litter removal from the right of way. In addition, a city smart app was launched at the end of 2020 "Eyes on Federal Way" which allows the community to report issues, such as litter and debris directly to staff. Since the launch of this reporting app, the number of requests has significantly risen and Public Works staff is unable to keep up. He provided totals from 2017 through the first half of 2021 demonstrating the sharp increase. He noted with the access to the new app, the community's expectations have also increased. However, response time to litter requests Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 5 of 8 August 10, 2021 have more than doubled and response to non -litter requests has more than tripled. Response to these issues are important to address, however they are diverting staff from critical maintenance activities to address community requests. As the workload has continued to increase the departments are working to find increased efficiencies. This low speed, road legal litter vacuum vehicle will improve staff safety and will increase the amount of litter picked up in the right of way. Council thanked Mr. Walsh for the proposal and asked various clarifying questions. Mr Walsh added this can be used for other departments and large event clean-up. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PURCHASE A LITTER VACUUM FOR A PRICE NOT TO EXCEED $90,000; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CRAFT. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Craft yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused e. Staffing of Public Works Maintenance Operations Public Works Director EJ Walsh provided information regarding the creation and transfer of one (1) existing litter control position to operate out of the Solid Waste Utility (Fund 106) and the creation and transfer of one (1) existing litter control position to operation our of the Arterial Street Account (Fund 102) and backfill of the two (2) existing positions within the Streets Account (Fund 101). Mr. Walsh noted this request has no change in the number of positions funded by the General Fund; there in an increase by 1 FTE in Solid Waste Utility, and increase by 1 FTE within Arterial Street Account. Due to previous Public Works re -structuring and re- programming, both these funds can support one (1) additional FTE. He also cautioned this additional staffing will not provide sufficient resources to allow level of service response time to return to 2020 levels, as identified in the 2020 salary study comparable local cities have 33 Public Works Maintenance staff compared to Federal Way with 16. Council thanked Mr. Walsh for his presentation and asked clarifying questions. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF ONE EXISTING LITTER CONTROL POSITION TO OPERATE OUT OF THE SOLID WASTE UTILITY FUND AND THE TRANSFER OF ONE EXISTING LITTER CONTROL POSITION TO OPERATE OUT OF THE ARTERIAL STREET ACCOUNT AND TO CREATE TWO NEW POSITIONS TO BACKFILL THE POSITIONS BEING TRANSFERRED FROM THE STREET ACCOUNT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows: Council President Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran excused Councilmember Craft yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 8 August 10, 2021 f. Authorization to Apply for the National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Grants to Organizations Autumn Gressett, Community Relations Liaison/Contract Administrator for the Parks Department, provided information on this National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Grant (NEA ARP), Ms. Gressett noted that unlike other Arts Endowment funding programs that offer project -based support, Rescue Plan funds are intended to support day-to-day business expenses/operating costs, and not specific programmatic activities. If awarded the $150,000 grant, the funds will be credited to the Performing Arts and Event Center 2022/2023 Arts 4 Youth budget. This will assist in off -setting the Operating Account funded through General Fund. Council thanked Ms. Gressett for the presentation. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT AS PROPOSED; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Craft yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused 7. ORDINANCES Second Reading/Enactment a. Council Bill #810/Sunset of Hazard Pav for Grocery Workers due to COVID-19 Pandemic/Approved Ord. #21-920 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, SUNSETTING UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE NO 21-912, AS AMENDED BY 21-913, RELATING TO HAZARD PAY FOR GROCERY WORKERS IN RESPONSE TO THE EMERGENCY SITUATION CREATED BY COVID-19. City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record. Councilmember Moore stated he would be voting against this item and that the pandemic is not over and there is still increased risk for the grocery workers. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed 5-1 as follows: Council President Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran excused 8. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no report. Councilmember Craft yes Councilmember Moore no Councilmember Kochmar yes Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 7 of 8 August 10, 2021 Councilmember Baruso asked for continued diligence in regards to COVID-19 including wearing face coverings as the Delta variant is showing up in both vaccinated and not vaccinated people. He noted the hazard pay issue may be brought up again in the future. Councilmember Craft was glad for the participation in the study session and for those who participate in government. She hears and shares concerns with the increase in crime in the region as she regularly goes into the King County Courthouse where a staff member was recently assaulted. She believes the issue of housing is complex and asked for understanding and listening to all opinions to find a new solution to this very large issue. Councilmember Moore feels like he needs to protect grocery workers and front-line workers as the pandemic is not yet over and encourages the business community to do the same. He personally thanked the voters and is looking forward to getting a lot done in his last five months in office. Councilmember Kochmar provided information about a program the City of Auburn offers noting she would like to see a similar program in Federal Way to help with retraining workers. She referenced testimony earlier in public comment which requests the city enact a ban on impeding the right of way and public camping, along with other nuisance issues. She would like to see this researched by the City Attorney. Council President Honda reported on recent performances of the Rosebud Children's Theatre Conservatory and the programs they have for children and youth. She reminded everyone of the Repair Cafe which repairs broken household items, bikes, and electronics. She was pleased to report on the successful Kiwanis Salmon Bake where over 650 meals were sold and picked up: she is hopeful it will return to an in -person event next year. She referenced the email addresses (from the city website) where anyone can submit a letter for public comment at Council or Committee meetings. 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION •-- P-otentia4-N gatieR Pursuant to RGVV 42 30.1 -Ok--�)(i)-canceled 4---Qa14a�ve B@Fg imng pursuant to Cif VV 42 30 140(4)(b) canceled 10.ADJOURNMENT There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. Attest: Stephanie Courtney City Clerk Approved by Council M I orl / Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 8 of 8 August 10, 2021