11-15-2022 Council Minutes - Special'k CIT
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Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
City Hall - Council Chambers
November 15, 2022 - 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar,
Councilmember Hoang Tran, Councilmember Jack Walsh, and Councilmember Jack Dovey.
Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, and Councilmember Erica
Norton participated remotely via zoom.
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. STUDY SESSION
a. Discussion on Downtown: Town Center 3 (TC3) Request for Proposal Process
Planning Manager Keith Niven and Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen presented information
on the Federal Way Town Center 3 (TC3) Master Plan progress. For reference Mr. Niven
noted this property is one of four designated areas of land in the downtown area. TC1 refers
to the Performing Arts and Event Center; TC2 is Town Square Park; TC3 is the site currently
being discussed which includes the former Target Property; and TC4 is additional Sound
Transit parking.
The project goal and process were discussed to develop a plan for TC3 that was informed
by conversations with the community and the economic realities of the development market
in Federal Way. Outreach on this process included multiple presentations at community
events, the Chamber of Commerce, and city Commissions and Committees where the
community was asked for their visions of this space.
Mr. Niven noted a Downtown Ad Hoc Committee was formed with participation of three
Councilmembers for input on the process. After meeting with developers, ongoing research,
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November 15, 2022
and discussion with consultants the preferred alternative is to create six (6) smaller parcels
to accommodate residential units with ground floor retail, a hotel or event space, office
space and a Civic Pavilion and People's Plaza; each development would include parking.
Mr. Niven provided the next steps of issuing the RFP in December which will remain open
through next Spring for a first review in early February. He outlined the information the RFPs
will be asked to include and what would happen if proposals are not submitted for all
available parcels.
The RFP review process will include the Downtown Ad Hoc Committee and interview. The
Mayor's and Land Use Transportation Committee recommendation will be requested prior
to seeking a Letter of Intent to Award from the City Council.
Council thanked Mr. Niven and Ms. Skadsen for the work throughout this process and the
presentation and information this evening. Clarifying questions were asked regarding the
residential spaces, the impact or connection and timing of the Sound Transit TOD property;
if the intent is to lease or sell the property of each parcel to a developer, and the amount of
investment already made in this area with previous development of the PAEC and Town
Square Park.
Additional discussion centered on creating an open and inviting area with connectivity to
the area below. Council requested an estimate of the possible number of residential units
in the downtown including Sound Transit property and possible redevelopment of the
Commons Mall. Council also discussed the need for open green space and park land; in
response, staff noted a park impact fee is being discussed which would provide more
meaningful spaces.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Michelle Hart, spoke on behalf of the Federal Way Public Market Board in support of providing
more public space for the community which allows for better mental health in densely populated
areas, and supports a Public Market space for these reasons.
In response to additional questions, Ms. Skadsen provided an overview of the community
engagement statistics both in person and via the Engage website. IT Director Thomas
Fichtner responded to questions regarding the need and plan for broadband and internet
connectivity in the downtown, referencing the current broadband planning study which will
help inform the Council on the needs and gaps.
Mayor Ferrell thanked Keith and Chaney for their time and effort spent on this project
including attending and engaging with the community at multiple city events.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 5:56 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council was recessing to Executive Session for the
purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining Pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) for
approximately thirty (30) minutes.
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6. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the special meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Attest:
S p nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 10�'0040n-
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November 15, 2022