02-21-2023 Council Minutes - RegularCITY OF
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Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers
February 21, 2023 — 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO -ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor
Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Hoang Tran, and
Councilmember Jack Walsh.
Councilmember Erica Norton attended remotely via Zoom; Councilmember Dovey was
excused.
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 EMERGING ISSUES AND REPORT
State of the City Address
Mayor Ferrell reported on the annual State of the City Address which was well attended at
the Performing Arts and Event Center on February 16. He was pleased to update the
community and thanked staff and community partners who provided information tables.
National League of Cities (NLC) Conference
The Mayor noted he would be attending the NLC Conference in Washington D.C. along
with several Councilmembers. The conference will be held March 26-29, and will be a good
opportunity to meet and discuss the city's priorities with federal legislators.
Sister City Trip — Spring 2023
Mayor Ferrell provided an update on the planning of the Sister Cities trip to Donghae, Korea
and Hachinohe, Japan. He noted this is the first time in over 20-years the city has sent a
delegation.
Upcoming Events
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 8
February 21, 2023
The Mayor reported on upcoming St. Patrick's Day Events on March 17, beginning with a
flag raising at City Hall at 9:00 a.m. He encouraged participation in the Annual March of
Diapers, diaper drive which benefits families in the community and the region. Collections
will be accepted at City Hall throughout the month, and the Twin Lakes Fred Myer on March
18. He thanked coordinator Cheryl Hurst and noted last year's diaper drive yielded over
10,000 diapers and 6,000 wipes.
Mayor Ferrell provided an update on multiple state bills the city is monitoring and have the
potential to impact the community regarding neighborhood zoning control and police
pursuits. He also provided an update on the Joint Maintenance and Operations facility for
Parks and Public Works; noting that after continued due diligence the Steel Lake Annex site
is no longer a viable option for placement of the facility. Council will continue to debate the
remaining options of expanding the current facility or locating near the intersection of South
320th Street and 1It Avenue South at the next Council meeting.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Katrina Dohn proposed a modified firework ban in Federal Way that would allow for fountain
style and ground fireworks, but continue to ban aerial and loud fireworks. She noted many non-
profit groups sell fireworks as a fundraiser and a total ban prevents selling in the city.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson requested this suggestion be discussed at the next Parks
Committee Meeting.
Geoffrey Tancredi talked about Project Blue, a relationship building model that unites
vulnerable youth and police. He referenced the program success in Los Angeles, California.
Mary Ehlis, the new Historical Society President, shared the Society is working to bring the
Heritage Center located at Steel Lake into compliance with the land deed. She noted the
Historical Society will be meeting March 9.
Susan Strong addressed the unhoused persons situation in Federal Way; in particular she
talked about the Red Lion Hotel and vehicles parked there questioning the city's regulations
related to parked vehicles.
Chief Hwang shared that the Police Department is looking into the matter. That particular
area is a private road and they are working to obtain a trespass letter from the owner.
Ken Blevens was pleased to hear the Steel Lake Annex was no longer the preferred location;
he does not support placing this facility on South 320th Street and 1It Avenue South in the middle
of town, and he referenced property available as a potential new location of the Joint
Maintenance Facility. He also expressed his support of a modified fireworks ban.
Jeremy Winzer advocated for better access to the Federal Way Community Center for youth.
He shared that a community center he visited in Arizona costs $5 a year or $1 a day.
Additional public comment that was accepted later in the meeting.
Trenise Rogers shared concern with the underrepresentation of black -owned businesses in the
city. She thanked outgoing DEI Analyst Kia McGlone for her important work at the city and with
the Diversity Commission and requested an update on the process of filling this position.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 8
February 21, 2023
Mayor Ferrell acknowledged Ms. McGlone's last day and thanked her for her phenomenal
job; he noted the job description is being reviewed and will be posted for a similar process
which will include staff, Council and community members.
5. PRESENTATIONS
a. State Legislative Update
Mayor Ferrell provided a legislative update earlier in the meeting.
6. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS)
Councilmember Walsh noted items on the Consent Agenda were passed through at the
February 14 Committee meeting; the next meeting will be March 14.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC)
No report was provided.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC)
Councilmember Tran noted he will be meeting with Council President Kochmar and Finance
Director Steve Groom for the State Auditor exit conference; he thanked the staff for their
continued excellence in financial reporting. The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 28 at
5:00 p.m.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson was pleased to report the Council recently interviewed LTAC
applicants and is looking forward to a full Committee. She also provided an update on the
WRIA-9 regional meeting.
Deputy Mayor & Regional Committees Report
Deputy Mayor Honda provided an update on her attendance at various regional meetings
including the Domestic Violence Task Force, Regional Transit Committee, and the Seattle -King
County Board of Health. She noted concern for the King County Regional Homelessness
Authority 5-year plan and would like to see more information provided. She also requested
information on a change in annexation compensation at the state level; Mayor Ferrell will have
staff look into this request and report back.
Council President Report
Council President Kochmar noted continued concern with state legislation regarding drug
possession. She asked for Council to be notified of upcoming state hearings where they would
be able to participate and testify.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: February 7, 2023 Regular and Special Meetings
b. Redondo Creek Culvert Replacement — 85% Status Report and Authorization to Bid
c. Fiber Optic Loop Project 85% Design and Authorization to Bid
d. Interlocal Agreement with WA Commerce — Climate
e. Interlocal Agreement with WA Commerce — Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update
f. Interlocal Agreement with WA Commerce — Housing Action Plan Implementation
g. Washington State Reference Network Agreement
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 8
February 21, 2023
h. Security Solutions Northwest, Inc. Retainage Release (AG #21-177)
Police Gate Replacement Retainage Release (AG #22-012)
Commercial Fence Corporation Retainage Release (AG #22-031)
k. Arts Commission 2023 Work Plan
I. Arts Commission 2023 Contract for Services
m. King County Youth and Amateur Sports Grant Acceptance
n. Community Fireworks Display for Red, White, and Blues Festival —pulled and
approved separately
o. Interlocal Agreement with DSHS, Respite in Community Settings pulled and
approved separately
Councilmember Walsh pulled item n/Community Fireworks Display for Red, White and Blues Festival.
Councilmember Tran pulled item o/Interlocal Agreement with DSHS, Respite in Community Settings in
order to recuse himself from the vote.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
ITEMS A THROUGH M; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. The motion
passed 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
Consent Item n:
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey excused
Councilmember Walsh noted there are some minor contract details which need to be worked out on
the contract language that does not affect the approval of this bid.
COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED TO ACCEPT THE BID FROM WESTERN DISPLAY
FIREWORKS, LTD FOR A COMMUNITY FIREWORK DISPLAY AS PRESENTED IN THE
AMOUNT OF $25,000 AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT FOR THE
SERVICES DETAILED IN THE BID; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON.
The motion passed 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Consent Item o'
Councilmember Tran recused himself from this item.
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey excused
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT;
SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed 5-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran recused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey excused
Councilmember Norton yes
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 8
February 21, 2023
Council President Kochmar was excused and left the meeting at 7:24 p.m.
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Former Target Building Demolition Bid Award
Public Works Director EJ Walsh provided information regarding the bid to demolish the
former Target building which was originally built in the 1970's and has long since been
in a deteriorating condition since the building was left unoccupied. The property
continues to be a nuisance with it being heavily vandalized and illegally occupied, over
the years.
The bid results came in lower than anticipated and will be funded by ARPA funds. He
also highlighted the contingency for this project was increased to 15% to cover any
unexpected or additional State or Federal requirements.
Director Walsh noted the Mayor and the Land Use Transportation Committee both
recommend bid acceptance.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED TO AWARD THE FORMER TARGET BUILDING
DEMOLITION TO SWOFFORD EXCAVATING, LLC, THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE,
RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $373,789.50 TOGETHER WITH A 15%
CONTINGENCY OF $56,068.43, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $429,857.93, AND
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; COUNCILMEMBER WALSH
SECOND. The motion passed 5-0.
Council President Kochmar excused Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey excused
Councilmember Norton yes
b. King County COVID-19 Pandemic Funding for PAEC
Contract Administrator Autumn Gressett presented the proposal for the King County
grant for one-time Covid funding related to unmet needs. She provided information on
the Arts4Youth program which brings live theater to students in K-12 in Federal Way
public schools. The Arts4Youth program also supports the educational outreach
requirement of New Market Tax Credits.
Councilmembers thanked Ms. Gressett for the presentation and noted their support for
the Youth programming that serves underprivileged students in the school district and
for the Resident Art Groups.
COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION
OF THE $50,000 FUNDING FROM KING COUNTY FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELIEF
FOR THE ARTS 4 YOUTH PROGRAM AT THE PERFORMING ARTS AND EVENT
CENTER; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey excused
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes
February 21, 2023
Page 5 of 8
c. Confirmation of Human Resources Director
City Administrator Brian Davis noted the City Council approved the creation of a Human
Resources Department and this is the request to confirm the current Human Resources
Manager Vanessa Audett as director.
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO CONFIRM THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF
VANESSA AUDETT AS HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN. The motion passed unanimously 5-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar excused Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey excused
Councilmember Norton yes
d. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Appointments
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON MOVED THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO
THE LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE: KRISTIN WELLS TO A VOTING POSITION #3
WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 31, 2023; ROSE EHL TO VOTING POSITION #4 WITH A
TERM TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 31, 2024; AND, KYLE CARPER TO A VOTING POSITION #5 WITH
A TERM TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 31, 2024; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion
passed unanimously 5-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
9. ORDINANCES
First Reading
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey excused
a. Council Bill #842/Mobile Food or Retail Vendors Code Amendments
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO
VARIOUS AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 19 (ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT);
AMENDING FWRC 19.05.130 DEFINITIONS; REPEALING FWRC 19.275.070; AND
ADDING NEW SECTIONS 19.210.080, 19.215.160, 19.220.150, 19.225.150,
190.230.170, 19.235.130, AND 19.240.190; AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 19.290
FWRC INCLUDING SECTIONS 19.290.010, 19.290.020, 19.290.030, 19.290.040,
19.290.050, 19.290.060, 19.290.070, 19.290.080. (AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 94-
209, 97-291, 09-593, 09-610, 12-716, 15-797, 18-844, 18-850, 22-932)
Associate Planner Evan Lewis provided a brief presentation for the code
amendment to address mobile food and retail vendors in the city and will clarify
standards. The code amendment included definitions, review processes and site
requirements. He noted following a public hearing at the Planning Commission, the
proposed ordinance was forwarded from Land Use Transportation Committee to
Council for final approval.
No public comment was received. City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance
title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVEDTO FORWARD THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO THE
MARCH 7, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND ENACTMENT; SECOND
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 8
February 21, 2023
BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed unanimously 5-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar excused Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey excused
Councilmember Norton yes
b. Council Bill #83811conic Signs Code Amendment
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, 09-610,
12-713, 14-778, 15-797, 20-898, 21-921, 22-932).
Community Development Director Keith Niven provided a recap of the previous
presentations made for this proposed sign code amendment to create an Iconic Sign
section and guideline. The process included a public hearing at the Planning
Commission and review by the Land Use and Transportation Committee (LUTC)
with a recommendation for approval. The Mayor also recommends approval.
Council thanked Director Niven for the presentation and asked clarifying questions
regarding other businesses located in the same complex and the approval process.
Director Niven clarified this section is additive to the current sign code for businesses
who meet the approved criteria, not replacing the current sign code requirements.
No public comment was received. City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the
ordinance title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO THE
MARCH 7, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND ENACTMENT. SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed 3-2 as follows:
Council President Kochmar excused Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda no Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey excused
Councilmember Norton no
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Walsh thanked the citizens for coming out and providing feedback.
Councilmember Tran and Councilmember Norton had no report.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson noted her excitement for appointing new Lodging Tax Advisory
Commissioner, and looks forward to working with the Committee and Economic Development
Director Carter.
Deputy Mayor Honda enjoyed the State of the City Address and thanked the community groups
for providing informational booths for the public. She provided information on upcoming events
in the community reported on the approaching Senior Health and Wellness Fair on May 11 at
the PAEC sponsored by the Senior Advisory Commission. She encouraged food and monetary
donations be made to the Federal Way Senior Center. She noted the progress on the Sister
Cities trip this coming Spring; she would like to see a non-profit group form to manage the task
of fundraising and planning these trips in the future.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 7 of 8
February 21, 2023
Councilmember Norton extended congratulations to Councilmember Assefa-Dawson for her
recent appointment.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council did not adjourn to executive session.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Attest:
p anie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 03-07-oV>5
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 8 of 8
February 21, 2023