12-18-2023 Council Minutes - Special (Leg. Breakfast)CITY of
Federal Way
Centered on Opportunity
2024 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA BREAKFAST
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING SUMMARY
WITH 30TH DISTRICT STATE LEGISLATORS
Federal Way Community Center — Community Room
December 18, 2023 - 8:00 a.m.
1. Welcome and Introductions
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 7:44 a.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy
Mayor Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson (attended via Zoom),
Councilmember Paul McDaniel, Councilmember Hoang Tran, and Councilmember Jack
Walsh.
Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson and Councilmember Jack
Dovey.
Mayor Ferrell welcomed State Senator Claire Wilson and State Representative Jamila
Taylor representing the 30th District, along with Lobbyists Jim Hedrick and Luke Esser. State
Representative Kristine Reeves was unable to attend due to a meeting in Washington D.C.
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
2. Discussion of Priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session
a. Public Safety
Councilmember Walsh provided information along with Police Chief Andy Hwang on
the Council's Public Safety priorities. Topics included police pursuits, data on car
theft and property crime in the city and state, the need for mental health and addiction
resources. Additionally, Councilmember Walsh addressed parental/guardian
juvenile consent and support for King County "Guardian One".
b. Transportation
Deputy Mayor Honda provided information with Public Works Director EJ Walsh on
transportation priorities including the 373rd traffic roundabout, City Center Access
Project, SW 336th and SW 340th corridor project, and reprioritizing the Triangle
Project.
c. Capital Budget Request
Councilmember Hoang Tran provided information along with support from Parks
Director John Hutton on the capital budget request of 1.5M for two (2) turf fields at
Celebration Park, which would increase playability, tournament revenue, and
Federal Way City Council Legislative Breakfast Summary Page 1 of 2
December 18, 2023
decrease maintenance costs.
d. Local Control
Council President Kochmar spoke to the importance of retaining local control and
autonomy as the city plans for growth.
e. Condominium Liability and Housing Affordability
Council President Linda Kochmar spoke to the lack of affordability in the housing
market and lack of interest by developers and ask for support for liability reform along
with proactive tools that support density and generational living.
f. Other Initiatives
Councilmember Paul McDaniel spoke to other issues important to the Council which
include funding additional EV chargers in the city and NetZero Building incentives
for residential, commercial and government buildings for green building.
3. Response & Goals of Legislators to the Agenda
Senator Claire Wilson provided responses to the legislative items and noted pride in
representing the 30th District. Senator Wilson noted the Committees she sits on and the
programs she supports to address the root cause of many of the concerns and issues raised
including gun control, restorative justice, and social programs.
Representative Jamila Taylor noted the Committees she sits on and her new role in the
House of Representatives. Representative Taylor provided feedback on the Council's
legislative priorities and acknowledged the need for more regional beds to address
behavioral health issues and homelessness. She also spoke to addressing privacy and data
sharing, which effects all residents.
Senator Wilson and Representative Taylor thanked the Council for the invitation today and
look forward to continuing the conversation. The Mayor and Council thanked the legislators
for their collaboration.
4. Wrap -Up and Adjournment
State Lobbyist Jim Hedrick and Luke Esser shared their viewpoint of the dynamic 60-day
session. Mr. Hedrick believes balance will be the key to success with any proposed changes
to the pursuit laws, and noted major WSDOT cost overruns will affect and cause
reprioritization of transportation projects. Mr. Esser provided a recap of the substantial road
and highway project funding for City Center and FW Link Light Rail.
Mayor Ferrell adjourned the special meeting at 9:06 a.m.
Attest:
�Yip� &Az
ph nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council.
Legislative Breakfast/City Council Special Meeting Summary Page 2 of 2
December 5, 2023