Loading...
PRHSPSC MINS 08-11-2009 City of Federal Way City Council PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERV ICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE Tuesday, August 11, 2009 5:30 p.m. SUMMARY Committee Members in Attendance: Committee Chair Jeanne Burbidge and Committee members Mike Park and Jim Ferrell Council Members in Attendance: None Staff Members in Attendance: Amy Jo Pearsall, City Attorney, Interim Deputy Chief Neal, Ray Gross EOC Manager, Mary Hobday, Emergency Management Specialist, and Mary Jaenicke, Administrative Assistant II. Guests: Fred Konkell, Chair Parks Commission, John Wilde, citizen Chair Burbidge called the meeting to order at 5:32p.m. Public Comment: John Wilde spoke regarding Animal Control issues. He stated that where he lives there are several people breeding pit-bulls. Not all of them are friendly or licensed or tagged. He called the Federal Way Police Department to enforce the leash law because there was an unleashed pit-bull running loose. The Department stated that they could not help him, and forwarded him onto Animal Control. He wants to know whose job it is to enforce City Code. He stated that both agencies wanted him to ascertain whether the animal was vicious, which he is not going to do. He does not feel that there is a pre-emptive attempt. Many times when he calls animal control he gets a recording, and they are only available 9am-5pm. He stated that it is a level of service issue. Mr. Wilde is trying to get a copy of the contract that the City has with Animal Control. He will come back to this committee, and ask them to revisit the contract, and would like this issue put back on the agenda. Chair Burbidge has talked with the legal department, and has been told that staff is pursuing options on this issue, and will come back to Committee with more specifics and options. There is a concern with King County Animal Control, and their lack of response. There are budget issues, but the City does need to look at this issue. Interim Deputy Chief Neal stated that their main concern is the safety of citizens, organizations and businesses. Police officers do respond to animal issues quite often and some are more serious than others. They will respond as fast as they can if there is a report of a vicious dog or a dog bite. After they mitigate the issues it is turned over to Animal Control. Without more hours from the Animal Control Officers it is hard to enforce dogs off leashes on a daily basis. It is difficult to provide immediate services. John Wilde stated they he has little faith in violators being prosecuted. He would like a change in the code and make it criminal. Mr. Neal stated that there are two separate issues; law enforcement can take the appropriate action and put together a criminal case, the prosecution is another realm. Council member Ferrell stated that we are talking about two different things. 1) Laws on the book to prosecute. 2) Personnel and resources in place to address ongoing issues. Council member Ferrell is focused in on the animal control resources issue and our contract with them. Council member Park believes that it is time to revisit the Animal Control issue. Commission Comments: Fred Konkell, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission stated that they had a very productive meeting and recommendations were made for parks to have their playground equipment replaced due to deterioration. The Parks Commissioners took field trips to acquaint themselves with the parks, and the conditions of the play equipment at each park. APPROVAL OF SUMMARY Council member Park moved to approve the July meeting summary. Council member Ferrell seconded. Motion passed. BUSINESS ITEMS Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Ms. Hobday reported that the Annex pages were revised. They created a regional hazard mitigation working group which consisted of Public Works and Emergency Management. They also met with South King Fire, Lakehaven and PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE Tuesday August 11, 2009 Summary Page 2 Federal Way Schools. They are required to look for different mechanisms within the city that incorporates the concepts of the plan. Seven possible areas were identified. The plan will be reviewed on an annual basis. They are also required to provide a progress report on the initiatives from the last plan. The majority of the plans are not costly; they include city labor that is already funded. Six initiatives are being submitted with a focus on four areas: 1) Earthquakes 2) Hazardous material spills 3) Severe weather related hazards 4) Utility outages. Ms. Hobday stressed the fact that we are not obligated to complete these initiatives. It is more of a wish list of things that would make a difference. These are things that could be put into work plans and use labor or funds that we already have. Council member Park asked how the initiatives would be funded. Ms. Hobday stated that they would apply for grants or use city funds if they were available. Council member Park moved to approve the Resolution for adoption of the revised Hazard Mitigation Plan of King County, and forward to the September 15, 2009 City Council meeting for approval. Council member Ferrell seconded. Motion passed. Criminal Code Update Ms. Pearsall reported that this is a proposed Ordinance that includes the crime – Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in the Second Degree that was adopted by the state legislature. This amendment adds this crime to the Federal Way Revised Code. There was no discussion. Council member Park moved to approve the proposed Ordinance modifying FWRC 6.20.010. Council member Ferrell seconded. Motion Passed. Pending Items Festivals: Chair Burbidge would like staff to look at other comparable cities in terms of festivals, parades and events. She wants to know who initiates the event, plans the event, raises the funds, and carries out the event. What type of group is it? Is it a civic group, private non-profit, chambers, business association, or tourism, and what role do the cities play in the events. These events are important to a community, and she would like a discussion on how we can work successfully with these groups. Council member Park stated that he has spoken with the Han Woo Ri Festival Board President regarding the MLK Celebration event and they have approved the use of the 501c3 status. This has been communicated with Greg Fewins and Lynnette Hynden. There needs to be 10-12 citizens to volunteer for this event. He would also like one person from the Arts Commission, Diversity Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission to participate in the planning of the event. NEXT MEETING – September 8, 2009 5:30 p.m. in the Hylebos Conference Room ADJOURNMENT - Meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.