Council MIN 04-05-2011 Special� Federal Way
MINUTES
FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING / OPEN HOUSE
Council Chambers - City Hall
April 5, 2011
5:30 p.m.
www. cityoffederalway. com
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Priest called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Skip Priest, Deputy Mayor Duclos, Councilmember Jim
Ferrell, Councilmember Linda Kochmar, Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge and
Councilmember Roger Freeman.
Mayor Priest excused Councilmembers Dovey and Park.
Staff present: City Attorney Pat Richardson and City Clerk Carol McNeilly.
2. DRAFT RFQ/RFP FOR FORMER AMC THEATRE SITE REDEVELOPMENT
Community and Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty stated staff would be
presenting four items relating to the draft RFQ/RFP. Based on citizen input at recent
meetings, the first item to be discussed was should the property be developed or should it be
designated as a downtown park. The cost to develop a park is approximately $1 M per acre;
cost to develop a park on this site would be approximately $4M. Annual maintenance for a
park this size would be approximately $50K per year. The Council discussed the option of
development of the site versus designating it as a park. Council consensus was to develop
the site and include an open space/park.
Mr. Doherty reviewed the parameters of the draft vision and Council discussed the option of
setting height limits or a building preference (low-rise, mid-rise or high-rise) in the RFQ,
designating the type of park to be developed and inclusion of any special features.
Mr. Doherty reviewed the Park Design Guidelines from the former purchase and sale
agreement for this site. Mr. Doherty reviewed the timeline for publishing the draft RFQ/RFP.
Public Comment:
Roqer Flv4are thanked the Council for holding the meeting. He suggested developing a
convention center on the site as well as designating a Main Street in the downtown area.
Clara McArthur complimented Mr. Doherty on his presentation. She would like to see a park
developed on the site possibly in a horseshoe shape with a gazebo, surrounded by coffee
shops and retail space.
City Council Minutes — Apri15, 2011 Special Meeting Page 1 of 2
Lori Devore, Chair of Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber is looking
forward to mixed-use development on this site. She supports having a minimum height
requirement and letting the market dictate how high a development should be.
Peg Altman asked if the City currently has design standards. She would like to see a park with
a water feature as well as green space. She does not want to see a tavern or club; she would
love to see art included.
Barbara Reid stated we are a city of square boxes; she would like the future of this city to be
attractive. She does not want to see height limits set for the city.
Denise Yun stated she likes the idea of an ice skating rink. She inquired as to the cost to
develop and maintain a skating rink.
James Yoder, Steadfast Companies, the Commons Mall submitted written comments to the
Clerk to read that supports the redevelopment of this site.
Shervl Nevers submitted written comments for the Clerk to read into the record.
Ms. Nevers would like to see a downtown park developed on this site.
3. ADJOURNMfNT
Mayor Priest adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Attest:
� � �
Carol McNeilly, CMC City CI
Approved by Council: April 19, 2011
City Council Minutes — April S, 2011 Special Meeting Page 2 of 2