PRHSPSC MINS 03-25-2002
City of Federal Way
City Council
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Monday, March 25, 2002
12:00 p.m.
SUMMARY
In attendance: Council Committee members Chair Linda Kochmar, Mary Gates and Michael Park, Mayor Jeanne
Burbidge. Staff: Donna Hanson, Assistant City Manager, Anne Kirkpatrick, Chief of Public Safety, Bob Sterbank,
City Attorney, Pat Richardson, Deputy City Attorney, Kelli O’Donnell, CDBG Coordinator, Jennifer Schroder,
Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, Mary Faber, Superintendent of Recreation and Cultural
Services, Leslie Ryan-Connelly, SWM Water Quality Specialist, and Mary Jaenicke, Parks and Recreation
Administrative Assistant.
Guests: Len Zickler, Vice-Chair Parks and Recreation Commission, Donna Welch, Chair Arts Commission,
Karen Pettingell, Chair Human Services Commission, Tom Dugan, Oxford House representative, Joann Piquette,
Federal Way Coalition of Performing Arts, Janice Hougen Compass Center and Twin Lakes residents: Bonnie
Massey, Myla Montgomery, Faith Noble, Judy and Larry Brooks, Judith Adams and Judy Carlson.
Chair Kochmar called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
Council Member Park moved to amend the agenda. Business item D has been changed to Second Amendment to
the Yakima County Jail Interlocal Agreement. Chair Kochmar seconded. Motion Passed.
PUBLIC FORUM
Judy Carlson asked why the tapes of the City Council meetings are not being played on the City’s TV channel.
Sterbank stated he would check with Mehdi Sadri, whom is the Information Systems Manager for the City.
Myla Montgomery stated that at the last Council meeting they were told the City would have answers to the
questions that were submitted. Sterbank responded that they are still in the midst of reviewing the questions, and
are in the process of preparing answers. Sterbank also noted that he had received a letter today from Phil
Talmadge, a lawyer representing the Twin Lakes Home Owners Association. Sterbank needs to review that letter,
and review the questions that they have received, and make a determination of whether it is appropriate to continue
to answer questions in the public forum, or to confine the discussion from lawyer to lawyer because of the letter
received. Sterbank will be meeting with the City Manager, to discuss this issue. Sterbank stated he would either
have a response to the questions that have been asked, or there may be another response in light of the letter
received from Mr. Talmadge.
Montgomery asked why the City doesn’t do a reasonable accommodation analysis. Sterbank answered the City’s
decision on the reasonable accommodation is the August 3, 2001 letter from the Community Development
Department. It is a letter from Deb Barker. Montgomery stated the letter did not look like an analysis; it looked
more like a statement. Council member Park stated that we would need to review the letter from Mr. Talmadge,
and decide whether or not it is appropriate to communicate with each individual resident. Park stated that at this
time Sterbank would review the letter and determine later on.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Karen Pettingell, Chair of the Human Services Commission stated that the commission is having an open hearing
on Special CDBG grants. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 7:00pm in Council Chambers.
After this meeting the recommendations will be brought to the Parks, Recreation, Human Services, and Public
Safety Committee.
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES
& PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Monday, March 25 Summary
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APPROVAL OF SUMMARY
Council member Gates and Council member Park approved the February 11 meeting minutes as revised.
BUSINESS ITEMS
Oxford House South Update
Kelli O’Donnell introduced Janice Hougen from the Compass Center. Janice was invited to give a brief update on
the Oxford House. They held a community meeting in February, with 30-40 attendees. The meeting became a
question and answer meeting. After that meeting, Hougen contacted the Twin Lakes Home Owners Association to
schedule another meeting. At this point the Association is not willing to have another meeting with the Compass
Center. Hougen stated they are not sure if they should go forward with another meeting without representation of
the neighborhood group. Because they may not have another meeting, they are trying to figure out the best way to
distribute requested information. There has not been an advisory board put together due to the lack of volunteers.
They are doing construction on the house, and hope to have that completed in mid May. Once construction is
finished, they will begin the process of moving people into the house.
Skate Park 2% for Art – Artist Recommendation
Mary Faber introduced Donna Welch, Chair of the Arts Commission. Welch stated that the panel is
recommending Andrew Carson as the artist for the Skate Park 2% for Art project. Mr. Carson has a Fine Arts
degree from the University of Washington. He has done numerous art installations around the country and the
state. In March, a selection panel reviewed the artist submittals. The panel consisted of Regina Bigler, Vice-Chair
of the Arts Commission and a local artist, H. David Kaplan, and Derek Chan a local teenager. Everyone was in
unanimous approval of this artist. Faber showed slides of his work. Park asked if the space at the Skate Park was
large enough for the artwork. Faber stated that the space is appropriate. Faber stated that the budget for the project
is $10,840. The funding sources for the project includes 2% for Art from the Skate Park project of $3,840 and
$7,000 from the Arts Commission 2002 budget. Gates moved to authorize the Arts Commission to proceed
with establishing a contract with the recommended artist, not to exceed $10,840 for the Skate Park project.
Forward to full Council with a “Do Pass” at the April 2 Council meeting. Park seconded. Motion Passed.
Aquatic Land Enhancement Account (ALEA) Final Design
Mary Faber introduced Collie Hough-Beck from Hough, Beck & Baird. Collie has helped in designing the project.
Collie gave a presentation on the Dumas Bay Centre Project. She stated that the City of Federal Way was awarded
one of sixteen grants given in the State of Washington. ALEA is a program that provides a 50% match for projects
that include the purchase, improvement, or protection of aquatic lands for public purposes and for providing and
improving access to such lands. The purpose of the project is to remove the asphalt, which has been used
previously as a parking lot, and return to native plant material and enhance the fish habitat. Collie stated that the
area has high quality eel grass beds. Phase I will include crushed stone walkways, and native gardens. The master
plan identifies areas for art, and retains 90% of the existing trees. The plan includes plants that require minimal
maintenance, and can make it on their own without irrigation. Council member Park asked if the budget of
$516,822.82 was for Phase I only. Faber stated that this is correct. Council member Gates asked if getting rid of
the asphalt and adding the planting was the main issue. Faber stated that the surface water from the asphalt runs
right down the slope and into the Bay. The primary focus of the project in addition to creating a park is to restore
and improve the habitat. Council member Park moved to forward to council to approve the final design of the
Dumas Bay Restoration Project and move forward to the April 2 Council meeting under consent. Gates
seconded. Motion passed.
Chair Kochmar asked if the Gazebo would be removed. Faber stated the Gazebo would remain. Chair Kochmar
also requested that there be a small presentation at the April 2 Council meeting.
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES
& PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Monday, March 25 Summary
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Second Amendment to the Yakima County Jail Interlocal Agreement
Chief Kirkpatrick stated that this is a second amendment to the original contract, which was entered into on
December of 2000. In March of 2001 they amended the original contract to reduce the daily rate for inmates. The
amended contract reduces the daily rate for inmates from $50 to $46 per day; depending upon how many people
they have in jail. They would like to extend this contract to December 31, 2002. They have added a clause to
Section 13. With the addition of this clause, the contract will allow Federal Way prisoners who are in the Yakima
County jail to be eligible to work on correction detail under the direct supervision of a corrections officer. Council
member Gates asked what the average number of inmates we have is. Hanson stated we have 10-12 inmates per
day at the Yakima County Jail. Chair Kochmar asked if this would reduce our rates. Kirkpatrick stated it might
reduce our rates. Council member Park moved to approve and accept this request for amendment between
the City of Federal Way and Yakima County for the housing of inmates, and forward to full Council for
consideration at its April 2 meeting. Gates seconded Motion Passed.
2002 BULLETPROOF VEST PARTNERSHIP GRANT
The purpose of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act is to provide funding for 50% of the cost of bulletproof vests.
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 will provide funding for three more years. The Public Safety
department does intend to apply for this grant again. Council member Park asked what the typical lifespan of the
vests are. Chief Kirkpatrick stated that the vests last for 5 years and they are $500 a piece. All law enforcement
officers are required to wear a vest while in uniform. Council member Gates asked if they had replacements in
reserve for the vests. Chief Kirkpatrick stated that they do, and that the K-9 unit dog will get a vest too.
PARKS COMMISSION 2002/2003 WORK PLAN
Len Zickler, Vice-Chair of the Parks Commission was introduced. Jennifer Schroder presented and reviewed the
work plan. Schroder stated that the commission is very active at this time updating the Parks 6-year CIP. They
have held a public meeting to gather information on the 6-year CIP. The Parks Commission will be very pro-
active in reviewing every planning area. The Parks comprehensive plan is divided into 11 planning areas. The
commission will review the planning area, and analyze if each area is being met with a park. If not, the
commission would look at where would be some probable locations for acquisition. Another item is analyzing the
cost benefit of installing artificial turf at existing sports fields. The commission may be able to increase fields,
without having to buy land. Another item in the work plan is reviewing the Recreation Programs and Services. In
the past, the Parks Commission has primarily been focused in working on the Capital side. This year the
commission would like to look at the recreation side, and review what types of programs and services are being
offered. Vice-Chair Zickler commended the Council on their recent Park Commissioner appointments. He stated
that this commission has people that are very willing to work hard on this aggressive work plan. Council member
Gates moved to recommend to Council a “do pass” to accept the Parks Commission 2002/2003 work plan as
submitted, and to place this item before Council on April 2. Park seconded. Motion Passed.
Council member Gates thanked the Parks Commission for their hard work. In reference to item number seven on
the work plan, Council member Gates asked that the commission become aware with the new census data and how
our neighborhoods may be changing, and whether our Parks programming is adapting to these changes. Ask
citizens what it is they are not seeing in the recreation program for this quarter.
REGIONAL OFF LEASH DOG AREA RECOMMENDATION
In October of 2000, the Parks Commission held public meetings and made a recommendation that this item be
looked at as a regional park. The major concern is the size of area that is needed for an Off Leash park to be
successful. Schroder has been participating with neighboring cities regarding an Off Leash Dog Area. King
County Director Craig Larson, and King County Animal Control have also participated in these meetings. The
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES
& PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Monday, March 25 Summary
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location needs to be conveniently located. King County is willing to evaluate many of their large sites in South
King County. Grandview Park, is located in SeaTac, and is a King County Park. This is a site that is currently
under review as a potential site for an Off Leash Park. King County Animal Control will recommend a $1-$2
surcharge to fund the ongoing operation of the off leash parks. Schroder stated there would possibly be some one-
time funding needed to get the park going. The next phase is to see if Council is still interested in staff
participating in these task force meetings, and to get a more specific idea of what would be the cost for this type of
area. There would also be a public meeting held jointly with the participating cities to see if the public is still
supportive of an Off Leash Dog Area. Council member Gates moved to recommend to council on April 2, to
continue the city’s participation to work with the South King County Task Force to evaluate sites and to
develop a regional OLA funding plan for maintenance, operation and development. Park seconded. Motion
Passed.
INSTALL OF SPORTS LIGHTING AT SACAJAWEA PARK, FINAL ACCEPTANCE AND RETAINAGE
RELEASE
Schroder stated that prior to the release of retainage on any Public works project, the City Council must accept the
work as complete to meet State Department of Revenue and Department o f Labor and Industries requirements.
The final cost of the installation of the sports field lighting at the Sacajawea Park soccer fields is $30,491.20. The
contractor is Rakoz Electric. The final cost is equal to the contract amount of $30,491.20, including sales tax.
Council member Park moved to accept the Sports Lighting at Sacajawea Park installation contract as
complete and authorize staff to release the retainage, and place this item before Council on April 2. The
amount of retainage to release to Rakoz Electric is $1401. Gates seconded. Motion passed.
PENDING ITEMS
WORK RELEASE PROGRAM REVIEW
Chief Kirkpatrick stated that staffing for this type of program would be a budgetary item for the 2003/2004
budgets. They will do an analysis of what it would take to do a work release program. Staff is required to
supervise. Council member Park stated that he thinks this is a good program. In the long run we could save a lot
of tax dollars. Kirkpatrick stated she would put a proposal together so Council would be aware of what it means
in terms of staffing, the kind of work that would be available, and how much money would be saved. Kirkpatrick
did caution that it is possible to run into organized labor issues if you replace workers with prisoners.
NEXT MEETING
April 8, 2002
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.