Council MIN 01-08-2009 Special
~. Federal Way
City Council Special Meeting
January 8,2009
Federal Way City Council 30th District State Legislators
Federal Way Community Center, Senior Lounge
MINUTES
1. Welcome & Introductions
Mayor Dovey called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
Councilmembers present:
Mayor Dovey, Deputy Mayor Faison, Councilmembers Burbidge, Ferrell, Kochmar, and
Duclos. Councilmember Park was unable to attend.
City Staff present:
City Manager Neal Beets; Assistant City Manger Cary Roe; Assistant City Manager
Bryant Enge; Communications and Government Affairs Manager Linda Farmer, Human
Resources Director Mary McDougal; Finance Director Tho Kraus; Public Works Director
Marwan Salloum; City Attorney Pat Richardson; Deputy Director of Public Works Ken
Miller; Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty; Information Services Director
Mehdi Sadri; Director of Community Development Greg Fewins; Surface Water
Management Director Will Appleton; Police Chief Brian Wilson; Communication
Specialist Natalie Rees; and ICMA Fellow Scott Pingel
Also present: Representative Miloscia, Senator Eide, Representative Priest, City Lobbyist
Doug Levy and Joann Piquette
2. Discussion
Communications and Government Affairs Manager, Linda Farmer and State Lobbyist, Doug
Levy, provided an overview of how the City's 2009 Legislative Agenda was developed. The
following items, included in the 2009 agenda, were presented for discussion.
a. Look-alike Guns: Changing the State Assault Statute
Lead: Police Chief Brian Wilson
Chief Wilson relayed an incident in which a Federal Way officer encountered a look-
alike gun during a pursuit. Current laws do not treat crimes involving look-alike
weapons as serious offenses. The Association of Washington Cities (AWC),
Senator Eide and the King County Prosecutors Office all support changes to the
current laws regarding look-alike weapons.
City Council Special Meeting January 8, 2009
30th District State Legislators
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b. Funding Dumas Bay Seaweed Cleanup and Cause Issues
Lead: Ken Miller and Will Appleton
Mr. Levy discussed the Beach Management District and legislation developed this
year designed to have an ongoing source of dedicated funding for these types of
projects. The environmental community has been supportive. However, they are
nervous about harming beach areas and wildlife during cleanup efforts. Senator Eide
noted that funding sources could be problematic.
c. Triangle Project & Other Transportation Needs
Lead: Cary Roe
Assistant City Manager Cary Roe discussed the importance of the Triangle Project.
Funding of $113 million has been set aside for this project and the City wants to
make sure they do not loose it. This project is a moving target as far as the stimulus
package is involved. Senator Eide thanked Councilmember Burbidge for all the work
that she has done to forward this project. Mr. Levy discussed other transportation
projects and local needs that are still on the table.
d. Performing Arts Center
Lead: Neal Beets, Bryant Enge and Patrick Doherty
The Council approved the inclusion of this item on the legislative agenda earlier this
week with a 6-1 vote (Councilmember Ferrell dissenting). Senator Eide noted this is
not a normal year as far as budget appropriations, and many requests are in
jeopardy. The deadline to submit a project request is June 30, 2009. Mr. Beets
added the City must have a site before initiating any work on the project. The Council
will continue their discussion of this project at their annual retreat later this month.
e. Affordable Housing Funding
Lead: Patrick Doherty
The City will be working affordable housing strategies with the City of Seattle and
other local agencies. Discussions regarding the formation of a Southend Regional
Coalition for Housing (ARCH) are on the Council's agenda as well.
f. Infrastructure/Economic Stimulus Funding
Lead: Cary Roe
Mr. Roe commented on the challenges associated when multiple needs compete for
limited funding. He emphasized the importance of storm-water management in the
coming year.
3. Legislator Updates - 30th District
Senator Tracey Eide complimented the City and Mr. Levy for his tremendous work.
Representative Skip Priest cautioned about assuming projects that are costly and inefficient.
This year Legislature will be receptive to ideas that will help cities operate more efficiently.
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3dh District State Legislators
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Representative Mark Miloscia thanked the City and Mr. Levy for pushing forward with the
Quality Awards. He noted the importance of focusing on sustainability issues in the entire
budget.
Mayor Dovey shared his concerns about community colleges loosing funding.
4. Adjourn
Mayor Dovey adjourned the meeting at 9:04 a.m.
Attest: . ~ .
~A~
Natalie Rees, c~munications Specialist
Approved by Council: 2-3-2009
City Council Special Meeting January 8,2009
3dh District State Legislators
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