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.