Council MIN 01-07-2010 Special - 30th District State Legislators«:
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City Councii Special Meeting
with 30 District State Legislators
January 7, 2010
Federal Way Community Center, Forest Lounge
MEETING MINUTES
Councilmembers present.
Mayor Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor Dini Duclos, Councilmembers Jeanne
Burbidge, Jack Dovey, Jim Ferrell, Roger Freeman, and Michael Park.
Legislafors present:
Representative Mark Miloscia, Senator Tracey Eide, and Representative Skip Priest
City Staff present
City Manager/Police Chief Brian Wilson, City Attorney Pat Richardson,
Communications and Government Affairs Manager Linda Farmer, Finance Director
Tho Kraus, Community Development Director Greg Fewins, Parks Department and
Public Works Director Cary Roe, Human Resources Director Mary McDougal,
Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty, Public Works Deputy Director Ken
Miller, Human Services Manager Lynnette Hynden, Parks and Facilities Manager
Steve Ikerd, and Communications Specialist Natalie Rees
Also present:
City Lobbyist Doug Levy and Federal Way Mirror Reporter Jacinda Howard
I. Welcome and Introductions
Mayor Kochmar welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Roger Freeman
as the newly-elected Council member.
She thanked the legislators for their work during 2009, especially for their help in
support of changing the State assault statute regarding look-alike guns; and for their
dedicated efforts to secure funding for numerous issues, including saltwater cleanup,
the Performing Arts and Convention Center, the Triangle Project, Local Improvement
Financing Tools (LIFT), and other transportation needs. The mayor offered Federal
Way's help to legislators whenever it was needed.
Council Minutes - January 7, 2010 Special Meeting Page 1 of 4
30`�' District State Legislators
II. Brief overview: Development of 2010 Leqislative Aqenda;
Review of packets
Communications and Government Affairs Manager Farmer provided an overview of
how Federal Way's 2010 Legislative Agenda was developed. She noted that a
"tracking" category has been added this year so that progress on important projects
and issues with regard to funding, economic development, transportation,land use,
and law enforcement can be monitored.
III. Open discussion of top Priorities for the 2010 Leqislative Session
• Increased funding for economic development
City Manager/Police Chief Wilson reiterated that 4 out of the 5 top City
Council goals for 2009 involved increasing economic development
opportunities in Federal Way. One of those goals, a Performing Arts and
Conference Center (PACC), is at the forefront because the City believes it
would be an economic driver for development of the downtown core. In 2010,
the City will actively pursue an initiative that would extend and re-purpose
King County-only taxes currently dedicated to financing Safeco Field and
Qwest Field. We could utilize these funds for economic development — with
the PACC project as a particular goal.
The City recognizes that the legislative session coming up will be a tough one
because of extreme budget difficulties. But the Council is also aware of the
importance of creating jobs and incubating new businesses.
Deputy Mayor Duclos assured legislators that the entire Council is firmly
behind economic development. Councilmember povey mentioned a medical
incubator program the City is working on with enterpriseSeattle in an effort to
bring businesses into the state that have never been here before. He also
spoke about the new World Sand Sculpture Championship event coming next
September, which should bring thousands of tourists into the city from all over
the world. Councilmember Park noted that the City's recent designation as a
regional center for foreign investment has the potential as a great source for
capital investment in the City Center.
Senator Eide spoke of her dedication to stimulating business as well, saying
she gave up a seat on the Education Committee so that she could join the
Senate Economic Development Committee. She is very interested in the idea
of creating something new — not trying to steal companies away from another
city (thereby devastating that city). She applauds Federal Way's efforts to
incubate new businesses.
Council Minutes - January 7, 2010 Special Meeting Page 2 of 4
30` District State Legislators
Transportation Needs
Parks Director/Public Works Director Roe noted the importance of finding
alternative sources of revenue for transportation other than the gas tax. The
City has a number of key transportation needs:
a) The Triangle Project is not fully funded, and in fact, the final phases of
the project would have the most impact.
b} The I-5/320 Interchange project is important. The bridge needs
widening, and there are safety issues, i.e. earthquake remediation.
The PSRC grant will help with ramp improvements, but there is a
funding gap.
c) The Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) needs additional funding.
Doug Levy mentioned reports of a possibility it could be absorbed into
WSDOT.
Director Roe also noted the growing importance of emphasizing the
Commute Trip Reduction program.
Stormwater funding to carry out NPDES Phase II obligations
Parks Director/Public Works Director Roe stated that Federal Way is a Phase
II city: Even though our City is young, a big chunk of our infrastructure is
dated. ESHB 1614 could really help local governments address stormwater
issues. The City could use its share of the revenue on projects that would
enhance water quality for new road projects, on projects designed to assess
and repair surface water infrastructure, and on public education and outreach.
Representative Priest commented that the legislation may be a bit
questionable. Representative Miloscia agreed, saying it would need a big
Senate push to pass.
• Preserve auto theft funding
City Manager/Police Chief Wilson discussed the 60% success rate of the auto
theft prevention authority. In 2009, the Legislature reduced funding from $14
million to just under $6 million. The City wants to preserve this funding and
ensure against further cuts to a program that has helped local law
enforcement achieve significant success in the fight against vehicle thefts,
which lead to other criminal behavior.
• Legislator Updates — Key 2010 initiatives
Senator Tracey Eide noted that this year's session will be centered on one
thing: the budget. And how to find revenue streams. The State is looking at a
huge deficit in billions of dollars. Last year's session was the most difficult
she'd ever experienced. She expects this session to be even more so.
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Representative Skip Priest echoed the Senator's comments regarding the
budget and the difficult path ahead. He intends to focus some of his attention
on the annexation issue this year. He thanked City Manager/Police Chief
Wilson and the law enforcement family for their great work on the auto theft
issue. He noted that it was great to see such good stewardship of the funding
allocated to this legislation.
Representative Mark Miloscia thanked City staff for all
work and support. He also noted that the budget problems
stage this session. His particular goals are long term: a)
government - get back on track; b) Sustainability and job
keys to success, c) Living wage jobs all across the board,
and d) Housing bills to aid homelessness
of their hard
will take center
Performance in
creation — the
top to bottom;
Representative Priest mentioned the health care bills: no one is sure how
this will impact everything else. He wanted to thank Councilmembers and
staff for taking innovative steps with regard to economic development.
Senator Eide mentioned that Washington State is in the top 5 in the nation
for creating new businesses. It's something to be proud of.
V. Wrap-up/Adiourn
Mayor Kochmar stated that City Councilmembers had been entrusted by Federal Way
citizens with the well-being of this community and take that responsibility very
seriously. She thanked the legislators for all of their help in working toward the City's
goals each legislative session. She also expressed appreciation to the City's
employees for their hard work and dedication.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 a.m.
Attest:
Nata ie Rees
Approved by Council: January 19, 2010
Council Minutes - January 7, 2010 Special Meeting Page 4 of 4
30` District State Legislators