01-03-2023 Council Minutes - Regular,� Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers
January 3, 2023 — 6:30 p.m.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor Susan Honda,
Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, and Councilmember Jack Dovey. Councilmember Erica
Norton and Councilmember Jack Walsh participated remotely via zoom.
Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Hoang Tran.
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.
3. MAYOR'S KEY TO THE CITY — BOB ROEGNER
Mayor Ferrell presented the Key to the City to Bob Roegner praising him for his dedication to
local government, the community, and his passion for local politics. The Mayor highlighted Mr.
Roegner's efforts over the last fifteen years and noted this recognition is on behalf of a grateful
community. Chamber CEO Rebecca Martin, State Representative Kristine Reeves, Sound
Publishing Publisher Rudi Alcott, and former Federal Way Mayor and Councilmember Mike
Park all provided their praises and thanked him for his service and for the impact he has had
on the community.
At 6:51 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would take a brief recess for a reception to
honor Bob Roegner. The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
4. MAYOR'S EMERGING ISSUES AND REPORT
Mayor Ferrell announced the State of the City Address to be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday,
February 16 at the Performing Arts and Event Center and invited all to attend; doors open at
5:30 p.m.
He reported the City Council Annual Retreat will be held at Dumas Bay Centre on Saturday,
January 21 beginning at 8:00 a.m. The event is open to the public and will center on downtown
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January 3, 2023
development discussions.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Event and Food Drive will be January 14 at the
Performing Arts & Event Center beginning at 11:00 a.m. The community is invited to attend and
participate.
He announced he will be addressing the Chamber of Commerce on January 4 at the Performing
Arts and Event Center, and noted his office is working on details for an upcoming Sister City
trip to Donghae, Korea and Hachinohe, Japan in 2023.
Mayor Ferrell was pleased to introduce new employees: Economic Development Director Tanja
Carter and Emergency Manager Kevin Pelley.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Alex MiIsten spoke regarding Portugal and what he believes is a potential solution to drug crime.
Portugal's approach includes decriminalization of minor drug possession and voluntary
treatment programs.
Geoffrey Tancredi addressed subsidized housing in Federal Way and expressed a desire to
see these King County housing programs offer better pathways to home ownership, such as
rent -to -own opportunities.
Susan Strong requested that an update on the new shopping cart regulations and enforcement.
Mayor Ferrell asked City Administrator Brian Davis to present a report at the next Council
meeting on the status Shopping Cart regulations and enforcement.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation: Korean American Day in Washington
Council President Kochmar and Deputy Mayor Honda read and presented the proclamation
acknowledging January 13 as Korean American Day to former Mayor Mike Park.
Mr. Park thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation and introduced individuals
from the Federal Way Korean Community who are with him to accept the proclamation in
honor of Korean American Day.
7. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): Councilmember
Walsh noted the next meeting will be January 10 in Council Chambers.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Councilmember Dovey reported the January
meeting was rescheduled due to the holiday and will be held next Monday, January 9 at 5:00
p. M.
Finance, Economic Development, Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): no report
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January 3, 2023
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson noted the next
meeting is Wednesday, January 14. She thanked City Administrator Brian Davis and Finance
Director Steve Groom for assisting the Committee as new Economic Development Director was
hired; she looks forward to working with Ms. Carter.
Deputy Mayor & Regional Committees Report: Deputy Mayor Honda provided information
on the Council Retreat which will be held on Saturday, January 21 beginning at 8:00 a.m. The
retreat agenda includes discussion on Council Rules of Procedure and Downtown
Development; the public is encouraged to attend.
Council President Report: Council President Kochmar welcomed the new Emergency
Manager and is excited for the Ms. Carter to work on the downtown vision. She invited everyone
to the retreat and cautioned anyone who is ill to please stay home.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: December 6, 2022 Regular and Special Meeting
b. S 288th St Road Diet — 85% Design Status Report (Phase 1 and 2) and Bid
Authorization (Phase 1)
c. SW Dash Point Rd & 47 Ave SW Compact Roundabout - Request for Additional
Funds
d. Pacific Highway Non -Motorized Corridor— 85% Design Report
e. Citywide Pedestrian Safety Improvements - 85% Design Status Report and
Authorization to Bid
f. 2020-2021 Neighborhood Traffic Safety (NTS) Program - Project Acceptance
g. Military Road S Preservation Project - 85% Design Status Report and Authorization to
Bid
h. 21st Ave S & S 320th Street Signalization and Pedestrian Improvements - 85%
Design Report
Demolition of Former Target Building — Authorization to Bid
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL ITEMS A THROUGH I ON THE
CONSENT AGENDA; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER Dovey. The motion passed 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Confirmation of Community Development Director— Keith Niven
City Administrator Brian Davis provided background and experience for the Mayor's
appointment of Keith Niven as Community Development Director. Mayor Ferrell was
pleased to offer this appointment with Mr. Niven's long history of experience in planning and
economic development over the last 20-years.
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January 3, 2023
Council noted their support of Mr. Niven and look forward to working with him in this new
role.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO CONFIRM THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF
KEITH NIVEN AS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
b. Arts Commission Appointment
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON MOVED TO APPOINT KENNY BYRNE AS A VOTING
MEMBER OF THE ARTS COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2025;
SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR. The motion passed,lunanimously 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
c. Human Services Commission Appointments
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON MOVED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS
TO THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION: BETTY TAYLOR, KATHY SCANLON, AND VIVIAN
ALEXANDER AS VOTING MEMBERS WITH TERMS TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2026; AND
ELIZABETH HUGHES AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31,
2024; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
d. Senior Advisory Commission Appointments
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO APPOINTMENT DEBBIE HARVEY TO THE SENIOR
ADVISORY COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE ON AUGUST 31, 2025; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
10. ORDINANCES
First Reading
a. Council Bill #835/Ordinance: Establishina a Procurement Standard related to
Compost Products used in Government -Funded Projects and Maintenance (per
HB1799 Organics Management Law)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON
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January 3, 2023
RELATING TO PROCUREMENT OF COMPOST PRODUCTS.
Public Works Education and Outreach Supervisor Colleen Minion provided
information on House Bill 1799 which passed in 2022. The proposed ordinance
before Council addresses the regulations and requirements adopted by the state
regarding efforts to reduce methane emissions by diverting organics from landfills.
In addition to the new requirements, the city must also comply with reporting every
two years.
The Council thanked Ms. Minion for her presentation. No public comment was
received.
The City Clerk read the ordinance title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO THE
JANUARY 17, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND ENACTMENT;
SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as
follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
b. Council Bill #8361Or6nance: Chapter 8.43 Establishinq Weiqht and Load
Regulations within the City
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON,
RELATING TO WEIGHT AND LOAD REGULATIONS; AMENDING FWRC
8.40.030 DESIGNATED VEHICLE ROUTES; AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER
8.43 FWRC, WEIGHT AND LOAD REGULATIONS, INCLUDING SECTIONS
8.43.010,8.43.020, AND 8.43.030. (Amending Ordinance Nos. 00-365,91-103,
and Resolution No. 09-539).
Public Works Development Services Manager Cole Elliott provided information on
the proposed ordinance which establishes weight and load regulations in the city.
He noted the city has experienced an increase in oversized and overweight loads
traveling through the city in recent years.
The Council thanked Mr. Elliott for the presentation and asked clarifying questions
regarding the process and regulations. No public comments were received.
The City Clerk read the ordinance title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO THE
JANUARY 17, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND ENACTMENT;
SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as
follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
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January 3, 2023
Page 5 of 8
c. Council Bill #837/Ordinance: Planning Commission Code Amendments
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON,
RELATING TO THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION; AMENDING FWRC
2.90.020 AND REPEALING FWRC 2.90.030. (Amending Ordinance Nos. 90-43
and 96-272.)
Community Development Director Keith Niven provided a report on the proposed
code amendment relating to the Planning Commission. The two substantial changes
include allowing alternates to serve as a voting member in order to meet quorum,
and to change the resident requirement from property owners to only residents.
Council thanked Mr. Niven for the presentation and asked clarifying questions
regarding changing the alternate role for the Commission and how the alternate
would be selected to fill the role. City Attorney Ryan Call stated his office is currently
working on a code amendment to more standardize the Commissions which would
also include a similar change to alternate roles.
Council continued to debate this issue and City Attorney Call stated the overall
update to other Commissions would happen in early 2023.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO THE
JANUARY 17, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND ENACTMENT;
SECOND BY DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
d. Council Bill #838/Ordinance: Iconic Sign Code Amendments
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON,
RELATING TO ICONIC SIGNS; AMENDING FWRC 19.05.190, AND ADDING
A NEW SECTION FWRC 19.140.135 (Amending Ordinance Nos. 08-585, 09-
593, 09-605, 09-6.10, 12-713, 14-778, 15-797, 20-898, 21-921, 22-932)
Community Development Director Keith Niven provided a report on the proposed
code amendment relating to creating an iconic sign provision for the City Center
area. He noted this proposal is in response to the city's Comprehensive Plan which
includes goals to create an identifiable sense of a downtown or urban center with
distinct and unique building types and special features.
Mr. Niven provided the criteria that would be required prior to approval of an iconic
sign which includes the business being regionally significant, the sign being
appropriately scaled with the building, and meeting the goals and/or policies of the
comprehensive plan.
Council thanked Mr. Niven for the presentation and debated the merits of allowing
signs outside of the current sign code, which was drastically reworked many years
ago. Council expressed concerns with once again allowing pole signs, and the
limited number of businesses that would meet twenty-year regionally significant
criteria. It was suggested the iconic signs be redirected towards signs that would
mark downtown public spaces or areas rather than businesses.
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January 3, 2023
In addition to the discussion on the signs themselves, Council requested additional
information on the approval process and suggested the process include public input.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO SEND THIS ORDINANCE BACK TO THE LAND
USE/TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER EVALUATION; DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA
SECOND.
Councilmember Dovey questioned if there was a timeline needed for this proposal.
City Administrator Brian Davis responded and requested additional direction for staff
to research, prior to future discussions.
Mayor Ferrell asked to include Economic Development Director Tanja Carter in the
discussion, as the iconic sign code is meant to be a playmaker for the downtown
and create a destination and not just a pass -through community.
The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
e. Council Bill #839/Ordinance: Creation of a Human Resources Department
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON,
RELATING TO THE CREATION OF A HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT;
AMENDING FWRC 2.11.040; AND ADDING NEW SECTION 2.18 TO TITLE 2.
(Amending Ordinance Nos. 14-766 and 10-666).
City Administrator Brian Davis noted this ordinance is to create a Human Resources
Department which is responsible for many important functions including recruitment
and hiring, labor relations, insurance and retirement management, and employee
training and development. He noted the intention is for the Council to authorize the
creation of the department at which time the current Manager Vanessa Audett would.
be appointed as the Human Resource Director.
Mayor Ferrell clarified there is no budget impact as Ms. Audett's salary currently
reflects a Director level. Council requested other divisions be evaluated and
referenced the previous transition of the IT Department last year.
No public comment was received. The City Clerk read the ordinance title into the
record.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO
THE JANUARY 17, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND
ENACTMENT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY. The motion passed unanimously 6-0 as
follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
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January 3, 2023
Page 7 of 8
11. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson is looking forward to a great 2023 for the council, the city, and the
community.
Councilmember Norton wished everyone a happy new year and reported she will be back in -person
at the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Walsh wished everyone a happy new year.
Councilmember Dovey wished a happy new year and is glad to see the changes in staff and looks
forward to working with them.
Deputy Mayor Honda thanked Public Works, Police and Fire Department staff who worked to keep
the roads clear and safe during the recent unprecedented and dangerous ice storm. She provided
information regarding King County being one of fifteen counties selected nationwide for a Health and
Wellness Study, which will shape national policies and programs. She reported the Board of Health
will hold its first meeting of the year in two weeks with the new expanded members from the
community. She extended a Happy New Year from Councilmember Tran.
Council President Kochmar thanked all those who donated over the holidays and acknowledged the
assistance the city provided to the Multi -Service Center. She thanked Council Executive Assistant
Amy Glandon for coordinating the staff donations to the senior living facility. She thanked the police
officers for the difficult issues they deal with, especially over this last holiday. She thanked her
colleagues on the Council for working together and is looking forward to a new year.
Mayor Ferrell shared a story about his experience with the ice storm. Deputy Mayor Honda thanked
FUSION and Community Services Manager Sarah Bridgeford for their assistance in housing the
homeless; Council President Kochmar thanked the Multi -Service Center for their assistance as well.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
• g-j)ursuantto RGV4' 30 ' 40(4)(b) _ canceled- no longer needed
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Attest:
taft�_tL"M_
S h nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 0(10JU7 j'
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January 3, 2023