04-18-2023 Council Minutes - RegularCIT
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Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers
April 18, 2023 — 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor
Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Hoang Tran,
Councilmember Jack Walsh, and Councilmember Jack Dovey.
Councilmember Erica Norton attended remotely.
City staff in attendance: City Administrator Brian Davis, City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk
Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Boy Scouts Troup 307 presented the colors and led the flag salute
3. MAYOR'S EMERGING ISSUES AND REPORT
Police Chief Andy Hwang provided details on the Washington crime data and national trends; the
2022 Federal Way crime statistics; and a follow-up report regarding a recent third -party
independent investigation on the department's National Incident -Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
reporting data following a citizen complaint alleging misreporting by police officers and department
staff.
Chief Hwang opined that 80% of crime has a nexus to drugs and the increases in criminal activity
in the community is a direct result of changes to the state drug laws. He stated the third -party
investigation focused on the FBI voluntary reporting system (NIBRS) which is a very complex
system. The result of the independent investigation determined there was no fraud found and the
department was not intentionally manipulating reporting numbers.
Council thanked Chief Hwang for his presentation and asked clarifying questions regarding crime
rates in neighboring jurisdictions, increase in auto theft, and the report of increased response times
following additional officers added to the department.
Mayor Ferrell and Councilmembers stated continued concern with the state legislature's difficulty
in approving a fix to the Blake decision which expires in July. The Mayor stated the next Council
agenda will address a local fix, should the legislature fail to act by the end of the regular session.
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April 18, 2023
Mayor Ferrell provided details of the upcoming Sister Cities Trip to Donghae, South Korea and
Hachinohe, Japan on April 21 through 29. This is the first time in over a decade the city is sending
a delegation representing the city.
The Mayor further reported on attending various regional meetings and events including the Seattle
Chamber Economic Forecast meeting on April 11; the US Conference of Mayors Seattle meeting
on April 11; and the grand opening of La Michoacana, a new ice cream store next to Billy McHale's
Restaurant on April 8.
He also noted the following upcoming community events: grand re -opening and ribbon cutting for
Hampton Inn & Suites on April 19; ribbon cutting for the new Grocery Outlet Bargain Market on
Thursday, April 20 at 11:00 a.m.; Earth Day Community Litter Clean -Up Event on Saturday, April
22 at 10:00 a.m. at Panther Lake Elementary School; opening day for the Farmer's Market on
Saturday, May 13 at The Commons; and the Touch -A -Truck Event on Saturday, May 20 at the new
location of Wild Waves.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Anna Patrick expressed a desire for the City Council to do more to address the drug crisis, crime
data reporting accuracy, and impact fees on housing.
Jan Barber promoted a Lion's Club breakfast fundraiser being held on April 22 at Jimmy Mac's
Roadhouse. She also noted there will be Make Music Federal Way events held on June 21 and 24.
Susan Strong highlighted the success of the Shopping Cart Ordinance so far expressing the need
for addiction rehabilitation and mental health facilities in Federal Way.
Nancy Justice reported that Standup Federal Way picked up 24 shopping carts and returned them
to businesses. She will be volunteering at the Parks Appreciation event and asked about a three
strikes ordinance.
David Detzler talked about the importance of scouting the learning opportunities that it provides.
He shared about a Field Day taking place on Saturday, May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. behind
St. Luke's Church.
Robert Drake discussed a complaint given to members of Council prepared by citizens concerned
about the accuracy of NIBRS reporting to the FBI.
5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Ceremonial Swearing -In of New Federal Way Police Officers
Police Chief Hwang introduced and provided background information on new members
of the Federal Way Police Department. Mayor Ferrell administered the Oath of Office to
Officers David Pollock, Adnan Ihsan, and David Agapov and offered his congratulations.
b. Port of Seattle South King County Community Impact Fund Environment and
Sustainability Grants for 2023
Port of Seattle Environmental Grants Program Coordinator Ilays Aden provided a
presentation outlining local projects the Port grant program supports. She noted the
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 6
April 18, 2023
Impact Fund, launched by the Port of Seattle in 2019, funds one-year projects for up to
$20,000 and multi -year projects up to $60,000. Currently funded programs include the
Federal Way Korean Association; the African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program;
and the Tilth Alliance.
Council thanked Ms. Aden for the presentation and the program support in the
community.
6. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS)
Councilmember Walsh provided a reminder of Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 22
beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Blueberry Park or Town Square Park. He reported on the previous
Committee meeting and noted the next meeting will be May 9. He congratulated Federal Way
student lam Tongi for his continued success on American Idol.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC)
Councilmember Dovey reported the next LUTC meeting will be May 1. He noted the 60th Annual
Marine Hill Parade will be held on May 20.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC)
Councilmember Tran reported the next FEDRAC meeting will be April 25 at 5:00 p.m.; he thanked
Councilmember Dovey for chairing the meeting on his behalf.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson reported on a robust LTAC meeting last week, and announced
the Hampton Inn ribbon -cutting ceremony Wednesday, April 19. The next meeting will be May 10
at 10:00 a.m.
Deputy Mayor & Regional Committees Report
Deputy Mayor Honda noted the AWC Annual Conference is June 20-23; early registration
guarantees the preferred hotel. She reported on her attendance at various regional meetings
including South County Area Transportation Board Meeting where the new CEO of Sound Transit
and General Manager of Metro were introduced. She relayed updates on the FW Link Extension,
Sound Transit OMF project, and the issue of safety on buses and trains. She provided additional
reports from the PIC meeting, Regional Transit Committee, and Board of Health. She thanked
Emergency Manager Kevin Pelley and Mayor Ferrell for their close attention and action in regards
to the Tide Flats fire.
Council President Report
Council President Kochmar noted she will be meeting with school board members along with
Deputy Mayor Honda on April 19 where they will discuss school impact fees. She will be attending
multiple events on Saturday, April 22 including the Make Music fundraising breakfast, the National
Little League opening day, and the Parks Appreciation event. She will also be attending a Master
Builders Association meeting on April 26. She offered to discuss the question of NIBRS reporting
with anyone who is interested as she believes this is an honest disagreement on numbers.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: April 4, 2023 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes
b. Resolution: Intent to Renew the Steel Lake Management District (SLMD) Number 1
and Setting of a Public Hearing Date of June 6, 2023/APPROVED RESO NO. 23-838
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 6
April 18, 2023
c. Pollution Prevention Assistance Partnership- Authorization to Apply for Interagency
Agreement
d. 21st Ave S and S 320th Street Signalization and Pedestrian Improvements -
Authorization to Bid
e. Authorization to Accept Conservation Futures Tax Levy (CFT) Grant
f. Dish Wireless LLC Site Lease Agreement — Lakota Park
g. 2023 Diversity Commission Work Plan
h. Fiscal Year 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program — Grant
Award Acceptance Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A
THROUGH H; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed unanimously as
follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. TC-3 Letter of Intent to Award and Initiation of Development Agreement
Community Development Director Keith Niven presented background information on the
city -owned TC-3 property which includes the former Target property. In response to a
Request for Proposal (RFP); the city received six (6) proposals which were evaluated and
vetted, including an interview process.
Director Niven reported many of the proposals were similar in nature and contained quality
element. The proposal from OneTrent stood out by including owner properties in the
residential mix. Staff is seeking City Council authorization for the Mayor to execute the
Letter of Intent to Award with OneTrent and authorize the initiation of a development
agreement.
In discussing the rendering of the possible uses, Mayor Ferrell was pleased to also note
Congressman Adam Smith has included $2.5 million dollars in funding for public gathering
space on his list of fifteen requests. Mr. Niven clarified the next step is to negotiate with the
developer on the specifics wants of the project.
Council thanked Director Niven for his presentation and thanked him and staff for the many
hours they have put to this transformational project. Various questions and requests were
noted including the types of materials used for the structures, the size of the public meeting
space, and the possibility of engaging with the Youth Commission.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE LETTER OF
INTENT TO AWARD AND ASSOCIATED AGREEMENT WITH ONETRENT, AND AUTHORIZE
INITIATION OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS; 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 Councilmemberpovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 6
April 18, 2023
b. Repair of Opticom Pre-Emption System
Public Works Director EJ Walsh provided information on the request to repair the Opticom
Pre-Emption System which is used by emergency vehicles to clear intersections. He noted
the system was originally installed in the late 1990's and currently has signs of significant
failures in key intersections. A non-functioning Opticom will negatively impact response
times and increase the likelihood of emergency vehicle collisions.
Director Walsh noted the repair cost is $85,000; Finance Director Steve Groom spoke to
the budget amendment and the four criteria which this item meets.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO HAVE REPAIRS TO THE
OPTICOM PRE-EMPTION SYSTEM COMPLETED; 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
c. Youth Commission Appointment
COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED TO APPOINT WINSTON NGUYEN TO THE YOUTH
COMMISSION AS A VOTING MEMBER FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE AUGUST 31, 2025; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY. 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
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Dovey noted concern that it appeared as if a group of people were using power outlets
on the light poles. He also referenced local individuals who offer financial management and financial
literacy programs in the city, and he would like to find a way to address stolen vehicles.
Councilmember Walsh encouraged attendance at Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday from 9:00
a.m. to noon at both the Blueberry Farm and Town Square Park.
Councilmember Tran and Councilmember Norton had no reports.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson will be traveling to the sister cities; she appreciates the many trips
they have made to Federal Way and is looking forward to visiting their communities and learning.
Deputy Mayor Honda addressed comments made earlier in the meeting which felt personal; she
recalled the timeline of events regarding when the NIBRS complaint was filed and who it was
forwarded to. She clarified the third -party investigator, hired by the city, did not involve the Council in
their investigation. She thanked the non -profits in the city for all their work and will be attending the
Make Music Federal Way breakfast fundraiser on Saturday at Jimmy Mac's. She also highlighted the
Christian Faith Center Academy fundraiser on Friday, April 28 which supports the school. She would
like to see a community calendar published which would include city and community events; she
congratulated student lam Tongi on American Idol and urged the community to vote for him.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 5 of 6
April 18, 2023
Council President Kochmar provided information on the NIBRS reporting system and stated often
times the crime that is reported in an initial 911 call, can be somewhat different than what the crime
actually turns out to be. She wishes those who are traveling good luck as they head to Korea and
Japan; be safe and come home safe.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
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11. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Attest:
St ha ie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 015-02,-M3
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 6
April 18, 2023