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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-01-2022 Council Minutes - RegularCIT Federal Way CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES City Hall — Council Chambers March 1, 2022 — 6:30 p.m. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Erica Norton, Councilmember Hoang Tran, Councilmember Jack Walsh, and Councilmember Jack Dovey. City staff in attendance: Interim City Administrator Brian Davis, City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Judge Dave Larson led the flag salute. Mayor Ferrell noted Councilmember Tran was connected via Zoom for the meeting. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD ITEM 6G TO COUNCIL BUSINESS DESIGNATING RIVNE, UKRAINE AS A SISTER CITY; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes Councilmember Norton yes 3. PRESENTATIONS a. Ceremonial Swearing in of Judge Brad Bales Municipal Court Judge Brad Bales was sworn in by Judge David Larson. Judge Bales thanked his friends and family who were in attendance and highlighted his previous experience noting he looks forward to serving the community. Mayor Ferrell and the Council congratulated him and thanked him for his service. b. Recognition of South King Fire and Rescue Chief Pennington Mayor Ferrell read and presented South King Fire and Rescue Chief Vic Pennington a Certificate of Recognition for his over 40 years of service to the community. Chief Pennington thanked the Mayor and Council and noted his appreciation for this honor. He attributes many successes to the partnerships and relationships he built over the years. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 9 March 1, 2022 c. Proclamation: March - Women's History Month/Celebrating Women in Politics Day Council President Kochmar, Deputy Mayor Honda, Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and Councilmember Norton jointly read and presented the proclamation honoring both Women's History Month and Celebrating Women in Public Office. Invited to accept the proclamation were Senator Claire Wilson; Representative Jamila Taylor; School Board Member Trudy Davis; School Board Member Lukisha Phillips; School Board Member Dr. Jennifer Jones; Lakehaven Utility District Commissioner Laura Belvin; and South King Fire and Rescue Fire Commissioner Caroline Vadino. Commissioner Laura Belvin thanked the Council for this acknowledgement of women in public office. Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce CEO Rebecca Martin thanked those who work in public office for their work and the important partnerships which are created. At 6:53 Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would take a brief recess for approximately fifteen minutes. Mayor Ferrell resumed the meeting at 7:08 p.m. d. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report Mayor Ferrell reflected on raising the Ukrainian Flag last Friday at City Hall in support of the Ukrainian community and those in the Ukraine fighting for their country. He reported he recently talked with the Mayor of Rivne, Ukraine. The Mayor referenced the item added to the agenda regarding designating Rivne, Ukraine a Sister City to Federal Way. Report on Mayor's State of the City Address Mayor Ferrell reported his State of the City Address (pre-recorded at various locations throughout the city) was posted to his Facebook page, the city website as well as posted on the city's YouTube Channel and played on Government Access Channel 21 on February 24. He thanked the Mayor's office staff, IT Director Thomas Fichtner, and IT staff for their work on this project. Report on City Council Retreat He briefly reported on his attendance at the City Council Retreat held on Saturday, February 26 and thanked the Council for their leadership and partnership. He thanked city staff who attended and the facilitator Andrew Ballard. He also noted the Council Retreat video was also posted to the city YouTube Channel and was viewable on Channel 21. Chamber Quarterly Update The next Chamber Quarterly Update will take place Wednesday, March 9. St. Patrick's Day Flag Raising Mayor Ferrell invited Craig Patrick to report on the St. Patrick's Flag Raising Event scheduled for March 17 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Mr. Patrick noted he is very excited for this family -friendly event which will raise the Irish Flag at City Hall. He provided details on the event and encouraged residents to attend. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 9 March 1, 2022 Public Safety Update In response to a request at the February 15 City Council meeting, Chief of Police Andy Hwang provided a brief update including crime statistics and trends in the city. He included the departments plan for addressing crime which is primarily focused in the Pacific Highway South/HWY 99 corridor. He discussed some of the newer challenges law enforcement faces with recent laws and regulations passed at the state. He encouraged Council and residents to contact their state representative and let them know how they feel about these laws. e. Council Committee Reports Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): Councilmember Walsh reported the next meeting will be March 8. Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Councilmember Dovey reported the next LUTC meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 7 in -person in Council Chambers. Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): Councilmember Tran reported the Committee met on February 22 and forwarded items to the Consent Agenda for Council approval. He was appreciative of Finance Director Groom's investment update presented at Committee. He noted the next meeting is March 22 at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no report. Deputy Mayor and Regional Committees Report: Deputy Mayor Honda reported the upcoming PIC meeting will be March 9 via Zoom. She provided an update on the Board of Health issue regarding the bicycle helmet regulations. She reported on the Council retreat which had a very busy agenda covering many important issues. She thanked Council and staff for their participation and would like Council input on the vision statement and goals. Council President Report: Council President Kochmar provided update on the Council Retreat and the outcomes Council is looking to address including drug use and theft, community organizations, broadband study, families pushed into homelessness, and rent increases. She also noted ideas that were brought up included GPS locators for vehicles, broken window grants, bus security, zoning for the downtown and how to encourage development similar to Point Ruston and Kent Station. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Helen Kubrik provided feedback on the February 16 Planning Commission meeting. She is concerned the Council is delegating its authority to the Community Development Director and Hearing Examiner for Plat approvals and alterations. She believes there are flaws in the system and the applicant should provide more information. Jeffory Tancori referenced information regarding action taken in May of 2021 by India in response to the Delta Covid variant; where they enacted an aggressive house to house test and treatment in their most populated areas. He believes the United States could have saved lives if they followed this same example. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 9 March 1, 2022 Susan Strong, long-time resident of Federal Way, was pleased to see the Ukrainian Flag raised in support of the Ukrainian -American community. Jane Sidlow expressed concern with final approval processes at the city and asked questions regarding the proposed development on the former Bally's site (1st Ave S). She attended a meeting with the developers and has more questions following the meeting; she is untrusting of the process she has experienced to date. Anna Patrick provided information on the 8th Annual March of Diapers, diaper and wipe drive which is currently collecting at City Hall and throughout the community. She encouraged donations and referenced the website (www.marchofdiapers.com) and their Facebook page for a map. Trenise Rogers thanked Chief Pennington for his service and acknowledged the outreach and recruitment process the fire department follows. She shared a personal story of her daughter being victimized by theft and the struggle she has faced; she thanked a Federal Way Officer who was helpful and supportive, yet she would like to see more assistance to the victims of crimes. She inquired as to the status of renaming a public street in honor of John Conna. Ken Blevens requested the city no longer require masks in public meetings; he also shared his ongoing concerns with the school district. 5. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes: February 15, 2022 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes b. Monthly Financial Report — December 2021 c. AP Vouchers 01 /16/2022 — 02/15/2022 & Payroll Vouchers 01 /01 /2022 — 01 /31 /2022 d. Request for Proposals — City of Federal Way Broadband Planning Study e. Bid Acceptance 21-012 FWCC Slide Replacement and Fund Project with ARPA Allocation f. Purchase of Endpoint Security Software g. Purchase of Snow and Ice Removal Equipment COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH G ON THE CONSENT AGENDA; SECOND BY ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes Councilmember Norton yes 6. COUNCIL BUSINESS a. Monetary Retention Incentive for City Employees (continued from February 15, 2022 meeting) Interim City Administrator Brian Davis provided a follow-up presentation with additional information and options as requested at the February 15 regular meeting. He provided four (4) options from feedback received at the January 20 PRHSPSC Meeting; the February 15 Regular City Council Meeting; and the February 22 FEDRAC Meeting. He noted the retention incentive is a qualifiable expense for ARPA funds and would be Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 9 March 1, 2022 paid out to regular staff who meet the employment requirements in two payments at the end of 2022 and 2023. He explained senior -level positions often with many years of service and knowledge are the most difficult to recruit for/replace in a competitive job market. In order to be effective, the retention incentive would need to be attractive to senior level staff as well. The options presented included: • Option 1: 2.5% of base salary ($1,888,924 plus $209,000 longevity incentive) • Option 2: $2,500 flat rate ($1,845,000 plus $209,000 longevity incentive) • Option 1 $3,000 flat rate ($2,214,000 plus $209,000 longevity incentive) • Option 4: $5,000 flat rate ($3,690,000 plus $209,000 longevity incentive) Mr. Davis clarified, as noted in the presentation materials, each of these options include a $500 longevity bonus for employees who have been employed for 5 years of service. Interim Administrator Davis noted the Mayor's recommendation is Option 1 (2.5% of base salary with $500 longevity bonus.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF OPTION 4: A FLAT -RATE RETENTION OF $5,000 FOR ALL REGULAR FULL AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES HIRED BEFORE JULY 1 IN THE YEAR OF THE INCENTIVE WITH PAYOUTS IN DECEMBER 2022 AND DECEMBER 2023 WITH A $500 LONGEVITY BONUS FOR EMPLOYEES WITH MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY AS OF JANUARY 1 OF THE YEAR IN QUESTION. SECOND BY NORTON. Council thanked Mr. Davis for the presentation and asked clarifying questions. Deputy Mayor Honda, Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and Councilmember Norton spoke in support of a flat -rate incentive as an equal incentive for all staff who are contributing to the welfare of the community. Councilmember Dovey supports the staff recommendation of a percentage retention incentive of base salary option. He would rather re-evaluate and have the option of adding additional funds at a later date over approving a flat -rate at this time. Council discussed pro -rating the incentive for newer employees. COUNCILMEMBER NORTON MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO PRORATE THE AMOUNT FOR EMPLOYEES HIRED AFTER JULY 1; SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR. The amendment carries 5-2 as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh no Councilmember Dovey no Councilmember Walsh noted he favors the percentage incentive as recommended by staff; however, he will support the motion. Councilmember Tran does not believe ARPA money should be used for staff incentive, however, he will support the motion. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes March 1, 2022 Page 5 of 9 Council President Kochmar thanked the Councilmembers for their points of view and input. She supports the motion for the staff who have worked diligently through COVID to make sure they are aware they are valued and appreciated. Main motion as amended passed 6-1 as follows Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey no Interim City Administrator Brian Davis thanked the Mayor and Council. He appreciates the hard work of staff and appreciates that while the Council may have had discussions on how to implement this incentive, there was clear unity of support for staff. Mayor Ferrell asked to take item 6g out of order as there were school -aged children in attendance for this item. ADDED ITEM 6g. Sister City of Rivne, Ukraine/Approved Resolution #22-821 Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Affairs Officer Steve McNey presented information regarding recognizing Rivne, Ukraine as a Sister City of Federal Way. Councilmembers thanked Mr. McNey for the presentation and asked clarifying questions regarding the Sister City program and the city's other Sister Cities in Korea and Japan. Mr. McNey introduced Oleksander Chubay, a former Councilmember from Rivne who was visiting Federal Way (who spoke with the assistance of a translator) and Albina Terpetska, Ukrainian Community Representative who thanked the city for their support. Mr. McNey also introduced Valeriy Goloborokdko, Honorary Consul of Ukraine who appeared virtually via Zoom to thank the Mayor and Council for this Sister City Resolution and looks forward to partnering together to benefit both cities. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey yes Councilmember Norton briefly left Council Chambers. b. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Appointment COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON MOVED TO APPOINT MIKE DUNWIDDIE VOTING MEMBER OF THE LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 31, 2023; SECOND BY DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA. Deputy Mayor Honda thanked Mike Dunwiddie for his many years of service and promotion events in the city through the management of the King County Aquatics Center in the last 32 years. The motion passed 6-0 as follows: Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 9 March 1, 2022 Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton not present c. Arts Commission Appointments Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey yes COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARTS COMISSION: JAMES MORGESE AS A VOTING MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND JAN BARBER AS A VOTING MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2024; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY. The motion passed 6-0 as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes Councilmember Norton not present d. Senior Advisory Commission Appointment DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO APPOINT TAMMY DZIAK AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSON WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE AUGUST 31, 2024; SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR. Councilmember Norton returned to Council Chambers. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton yes e. Youth Commission Appointment Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey yes COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED TO APPOINT BRYAN AGUILAR-CAMPOS AS A VOTING MEMBER OF THE YOUTH COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE AUGUST 31, 2023; SECOND BY COUNCILEMBMER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey yes f. Steel Lake Management District Committee Appointments COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO APPOINT MARK SABOL, MARGARET REYHNER, TOM DEZUTTER, AND JEREMY BENSON AS VOTING MEMBERS OF THE STEEL LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT COMMITTEE WITH TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2023; SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey yes Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 7 of 9 March 1, 2022 7. ORDINANCES Second Reading/Enactment a. Ordinance: Council Bill #812/Amending Title 19 of the FWRC regarding Public Transportation Facilities/Approved Ordinance #22-930 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FACILITES; AMENDING FWRC 19.05.120, 19.05.200, AND 19.105.020; AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS TO CHAPTERS 19.225 AND 19.240 FWRC. (Amending Ordinance Nos. 17-834, 15-804, 09-630, 09-610, 09-593, and 97-295) City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes Councilmember Norton yes 8. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no report and thanked everyone for a great meeting. Councilmember Norton noted she along with many volunteers have been meeting for litter pick-up a few hours every couple of weeks to clean up the city. She asked anyone who is interested in joining them to please contact her. Councilmember Tran had no report. Councilmember Walsh asked everyone to Save the Date of April 23 for Parks Appreciation Day noting neighbors will come together that day to beautify the wonderful parks in the city. Typically, events occur between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Councilmember Dovey expressed appreciation to Councilmember Norton and Councilmember Walsh's encouragement of litter pick-up and community engagement; he would like to advocate for citizens to jump in and help. Deputy Mayor Honda thanked all for the donations for the Senior Center and she also noted support for the Diaper Drive which includes a collection point at City Hall. She was happy the annual Salmon Bake event will be back to an in -person event this y ear. It will be held the fourth Friday in July at Steel Lake Park. Council President Kochmar thanked Councilmember Norton and Councilmember Walsh for noting the clean-up efforts; she also reminded neighbors to clean out storm drains and ditches. She asked for anyone who would like to donate to the Ukrainian community donate to World Vision and be mindful of fake donation campaigns and scams. She reported back on the discussion with the School Board for joint meetings. She noted March 15 will be the Multi -Services Center Annual Crab Feed. 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION -- + - wITStGITii77ft A.ifeta� .TANSn;7f:T0 __9_ 9 _ .I Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 8 of 9 March 1, 2022 10. ADJOURNMENT There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Attest: qAW&A�� S e h nie Courtney IJ Ciy Clerk Approved by Council: 03-1-u2 Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 9 of 9 March 1, 2022