09-19-2023 Council Minutes - RegularCITY OF
Federal Way
Centered on Opportunity
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
City Hall - Council Chambers
September 19, 2023 - 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Councilmember
Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Paul McDaniel, Councilmember Hoang Tran, and
Councilmember Jack Dovey (remote).
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.
Mayor Ferrell noted Councilmember Dovey is participating in the meeting remotely;
Councilmember Walsh is unable to attend the meeting and is excused.
3. MAYOR'S EMERGING ISSUES AND REPORT
Introduction & Swearing -In of New Police Officers Chief Andy Hwang introduced Officer
Laine McCann, Officer Catrina Fletcher, Officer William Mann, Officer Alejandra Jacobo,
Officer Trevor Funk, and Jail Transport Officer Amber Matlock, who are in various stages of
their field training program. Mayor Ferrell administered the oaths of office to and
congratulated each of them.
Community Center Update Parks Director John Hutton was pleased to announce the
leisure pool is open! He thanked the Mayor and Council for their attendance at the grand re-
opening event last Saturday.
Mayor Ferrell and Council noted how beautiful the pool and Community Center look and
encouraged families to stop by an check out the facility.
Day Center Update As requested at the previous City Council meeting, Mayor Ferrell asked
Community Development Director Keith Niven provide an update.
Director Niven read from a written update provided to Council on September 14 from
Community Services Manager Sarah Bridgeford and included information and statistics on
the Day Center usage.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 6
September 19, 2023
Recent Events Mayor Ferrell reported on recent events in the community including the well -
attended Kiwanis 32nd Annual Golf Tournament on September 8; the South King Fire Annual
9/11 recognition on September 11, thanking Chief Hwang for his touching remarks; and he
attended the Chamber Quarterly Update on September 13 where he enjoyed connecting
with the business leaders.
Upcoming Events Upcoming events in the community include the Wal-Mart Grand Re-
opening on Friday, September 22; the Taste of Federal Way at the Farmers Market on
September 23; and the Mayor's Day of Concern Food Drive on October 7 at the Twin Lakes
Fred Meyers.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Han Kirkland the Contract Manager for Waste Management provided an update on their annual
report and reported on opportunities to promote recycling in the community.
Rhianne Janovich with Waste Management provided a Summary Outreach Report on recycling
and waste reduction education.
George Houston, local pastor, expressed concerns regarding homelessness, drug use and
violent crimes; he proposed a symposium be held.
Alexandre Milsten provided information on medical debt and the negative consequences it can
have and shared solutions other organizations followed.
Jeremy Windzer expressed his gratitude for the diversity of the new hires sworn in tonight. He
continues to advocate for the youth in the community even when barriers are placed in front of
him.
Melissa Hamilton urged the City reclassify smash and grab crimes with a vehicle as a violent
crime as was done in Thurston County.
Mayor Ferrell reported that car theft in Federal Way has increased by 79% since this pursuit
law was passed. Washington is third highest in the nation behind California and Texas.
Susan Strong expressed concerns about homelessness, aggressive driving and academically
poor schools in Federal Way.
Robert Hicks lives on Steel Lake and shared worries about invasive water species taking over
the lake and the poor water quality.
Julie Vance is concerned about the pollution level of Steel Lake. Claiming that it is not safe
enough to recreate in.
Mary Ehlis with the Historical Society of Federal Way thanked the council for its continued
support and shared about their annual meeting and an upcoming event on October 7.
John and Deb Long live on Steel Lake and are dismayed by the water quality of Steel Lake.
Trenise Rogers. read a letter from the Federal Way Diversity Commission advocating for a
welcoming and safe community for all.
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September 19, 2023
Geoffrey Tancredi feels that the day center does not have redeeming value and that crime
emanates from it.
Ken Blevens believes that many of the homeless in Federal Way are coming from other
surrounding cities.
Craig Patrick extended an invite to council members and the community to come to a Stand -
Up Federal Way clean up taking place on September 30tn
Anna Patrick addressed housing in Federal Way; the City has one of the highest tax-exempt
properties in King County.
Mayor Ferrell asked Public Works Director, EJ Walsh, for a full presentation on Steel Lake
at the next council meeting.
5. PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation: Constitution Week September 17-23
Deputy Mayor Honda read and presented the proclamation to Sue Walker with the
Lakota Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ms. Walker thanked
the Mayor and Council and acknowledged the importance of the U.S. Constitution.
b. Arts Alive Recognition — Arts Commission
Arts and Events Coordinator Cassie Swan announced the results of the Juried Arts
Alive Show. She thanked the Arts Commission and the artists for their efforts. The
artwork is on display at the Performing Arts and Event Center until January.
6. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): No report was
provided.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Councilmember Dovey reported the next
meeting will be October 2 at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. He provided information on the
free financial literacy class held at the Community Center noting space is still available for
anyone wanting to participate.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): Councilmember
Tran reported there was no meeting in August and the next meeting will be September 26 at
5:00 p.m.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): No report was provided.
Deputy Mayor & Regional Committees Report: Deputy Mayor Honda provided information
on the monthly Senior Commission meeting and the recently added outreach meeting to be
held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Community Center. She provided information
on NLC Leadership opportunities and inquired about the 2024 Legislative Agenda.
Council President Report: Council President Kochmar noted her pride in the city as compared
to Seattle and other King County cities who have increasingly visible graffiti, litter, and
encampments. She thanked the staff for their hard work.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 6
September 19, 2023
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: September 5, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Limited License between the City of Kent and the City of Federal Way
c. 27th Ave SW at SW 344th St Compact Roundabout - Approval to Award
d. Authorization to Apply for Transportation Grant Funding
e. -I"_Mobile i s r- Smte Lease ,Agreemenk.,+ Park pulled
f. T-Mob'ie LLG S+te-Lease AgreemeRt BP-°?q l s pulled
g. Authorization to Add New Position to Public Works - Sr. Traffic Reviewer
h. King County Sheriffs Office Registered Sex Offender Cost Reimbursement
Agreement for 2023-2024
i. WASPC Funding for use of Force and Duty to Intervene Training
j. MOU with the Historical Society of Federal Way
k. Heritage Capital Project Grant Acceptance - Brooklake Community Center
I. Authorization to Apply for Local Parks Maintenance Grant for Saghalie Park
Council President Kochmar pulled items a and f, per staff request as they will come back through
Committee at a later date.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A
THROUGH D AND G THROUGH L; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The
motion passed 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh excused
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember McDaniel yes
8. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Resolution: Assessment Roll for Steel Lake Management District/APPROVED
RESOLUTION NO. 23-846
Mayor Ferrell opened the public hearing at 8:19 p.m.
Public Works Water Quality Specialist Dan Sternkopf provided an overview of the steps
and timeline required for reforming the Steel Lake Management District.
In response to previous public comment and concern with the health of Steel Lake,
Mayor Ferrell requested staff provide a status on the lake at the next meeting.
No public comment was received regarding the Lake Management District
Assessment Roll.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER MCDANIEL. The motion passed 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh excused
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey yes
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 6
September 19, 2023
Councilmember McDaniel yes
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh excused
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember McDaniel yes
9. ORDINANCES
Second Reading/Enactment
a. Council Bill #8611Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) Application
Deadline/APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 23-969
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON RELATING TO
MODIFYING THE CITY'S MULTIFAMILY DWELLING UNIT LIMITED PROPERTY TAX
EXEMPTION PROGRAM; AMENDING FWRC 3.30.010, 3.30.040, 3.30.050, AND
3.30.060.
(AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 03-438, 09-606 AND 23-964)
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN. The motion passed 5-1. McDaniel dissenting.
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember McDaniel no
10. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Tran provided no further report.
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh excused
Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember McDaniel noted he attended the first Financial Literacy class last Thursday.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson noted she is planning on attending the Thursday Financial
Literacy workshop.
Deputy Mayor Honda reported on her attendance at various regional meetings including the
King County Domestic Violence Task Force. She would like to see students and younger
generations attend 9/11 events in effort to relay the gravity of the events for our country. She
will be attending additional regional meetings including the Regional Transit Committee,
Seattle -King County Board of Health, and the South County Area Transportation Board
Meeting.
Councilmember Dovey thanked the staff and volunteers involved in the free financial literacy
class at the Community Center.
Council President Kochmar reminded all of American Idol winner lam Tongi and how proud
the city is of him and his success.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 5 of 6
September 19, 2023
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12. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Attest:
k"U2 4Lh&)
S h nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: /4031"3
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 6
September 19, 2023