PRPSC MINS 05-08-2006
City of Federal Way
City Council
PARKS, RECREATION, & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Monday May 8, 2006
6:00 p.m.
SUMMARY
In attendance: Council Committee members Chair Jeanne Burbidge, Deputy Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council member
Linda Kochmar, Derek Matheson, Interim City Manager, Pat Richardson, City Attorney, Brian Wilson, Deputy
Director Public Safety, Donna Hanson, Director PRCS, Steve Ikerd, Parks & Facilities Manager, B Sanders Park
Planner, Mary Jaenicke, Administrative Assistant.
Guests: Terry Slaton, Sally Hurst, Harrell Hurst, Jim Lessler, Kevin Morris, Barbara Reid, H. David Kaplan, Bob
Kellogg
Chair Burbidge called the meeting to order at 6:11p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Terry Slaton: Spoke regarding crime and public safety. He spoke in favor of a law establishing the English
language as official means to convey warnings of danger, trespassing etc. Mr. Slaton stated that we are getting too
diverse in our citizenry to supply posting of danger signs in six different languages. It needs one official notification.
He also spoke in favor of an ordinance requiring no caps, hats or hoods inside a store or facility.
Barbara Reid: Stated that she too is also in favor of English becoming the official language. She would hate to see
the United States become a divided country because of the language. This is an English speaking country and should
remain so. There is an obligation among immigrants to learn and speak the English language.
Kevin Morris: Spoke against a breed specific dangerous dog ordinance. He stated that one of the most pro-active
ways to minimize dog attacks is to have a place for dogs to run and socialize with other dogs. It is unfair to punish
the animal. It should be the owner that is punished.
Bob Kellogg: Stated that he worked in the insurance business and has seen a lot of dog claims. He has no sympathy
for dog owners with potentially vicious dogs. He spoke in favor of a breed specific Ordinance. There are some
breeds that are more vicious than others. He also stated that we need our own animal control officer. He would like
stronger enforcement of our laws.
H. David Kaplan: Stated that the City of Federal Way is lacking penalties on the owner if their dog attacks
somebody. These are cases of assaults and there should be fines or penalties accordingly. He also spoke in favor of
the Park Pals, this is the group of volunteers that have been working very hard to work with city staff, and keeping
French Lake Park clean. He is in favor of French Lake Park becoming an official off leash dog park.
COMMISSION COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF SUMMARY
Council members Kochmar and Ferrell moved to accept the April meeting minutes as written. Motion
passed.
BUSINESS ITEMS
2006 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan Update
Ms. Sanders gave a power point presentation on the 2006 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. The Park Plan is
updated every six years. Ms. Sanders explained that the purpose of updating the plan is to step back and look at our
entire park system and our recreation programs. This allows us to see where we’ve come from, evaluate where we
are now, and make decisions about where we want to go in the future. There are also two legal reasons for updating
the plan. They are 1) Growth Management Act passed in 1991. This requires cities to update their comp plan. The
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan is an optional element, but we choose to do it because it helps us guide our
activities. 2) The IAC is a state agency that provides grants related to parks. They require a park plan for most of
their grant programs. Ms. Sanders reviewed the public process that took place. There were two open houses, an on-
line survey and three stakeholder meetings. Ms. Sanders pointed out that when we last updated the plan in 2000, the
PARKS, RECREATION, & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Monday May 8, 2006 Summary
Page 2
total acreage was 826. We now own over 1,000 acres. We have had a 29% increase in acreage in only six years.
We do have an issue with aging parks; they don’t get as much attention and haven’t had as much reinvestment. Ms.
Sanders pointed out that we have a great land base, but because we have limited resources, we also have limited
maintenance. Through the various forms of public input five core values were identified. These Core Values were
based on themes or messages that were submitted over and over again. Ms. Sanders reviewed the core values with
the PRPS Committee. The Core Values are: 1. Improve Existing Facilities & Provide Multiple Functions in Parks.
2. Develop a walking community with an integrated City-wide system of sidewalks and trails. 3. Retain and improve
natural open spaces. 4. Create community gathering places and destinations. 5. Provide a balance of services for a
diverse population. This park plan is a planning document that is tied to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the
City’s 6-year Capital Improvement Plan. Ms. Sanders stated that they will be “fine tuning” this plan with the finance
department. Ms. Sanders reviewed the 6-year Capital Improvement Plan with the Committee. The Planning
Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission have approved the draft document at their meetings. Council
member Kochmar moved to recommend approval of the Draft Park Plan Update and forward the Ordinance
to full Council for first reading on June 6, 2006. Deputy Mayor Ferrell seconded. Motion passed. The
committee commended staff, volunteers and the Parks Commission for all of their hard work on this plan.
Community Center Update
Ms. Sanders presented a slide show of the construction project. Pictures of the swimming pool, mezzanine level and
gymnasium were shown. The project is about 45% complete and we are doing very well on the budget. A tour of
the site has been scheduled for June 1, for the Parks and Recreation Commission and Council. Council member
Kochmar asked if staff was going to be giving a power point presentation at the Council meeting. Ms. Sanders
answered that the direction staff was given was to make monthly presentations at the Council Committee.
Authorize Resolutions for IAC Grant Applications - 2006
Ms. Sanders has applied for three grants. 1) Camp Kilworth Nearshore Preservation – Acquisition. 2) Saghalie
Soccer Field Renovation. 3) West Hylebos Park Boardwalk Replacement. Council member Kochmar moved to
approval of authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding assistance from IAC for Camp Kilworth
Acquisition, Saghalie Soccer Field Renovation, and West Hylebos Boardwalk Replacement. Deputy Mayor
Ferrell seconded. Motion passed.
Park Maintenance Contract
Mr. Ikerd stated that Myers Master Lawn Care has been providing landscape maintenance services to eight city sites
for the past year. During the year the current owner became ill and sold his interest to his Manager. The name has
been changed to Omni Landscape Services, Inc. The services and price have not changed. The total amount of the
contract is $51,348.86 for a one year term. Council Member Kochmar moved approval to amend the
maintenance contract to reflect the new name Omni Landscape Services, Inc., and extend the term to April
30, 2007, and authorize the interim City Manager to execute the amendment. Deputy Mayor Ferrell
seconded. Motion passed.
DANGEROUS DOGS
Ms. Richardson presented several options to modify the code regarding dangerous dogs to the committee. The legal
department staff researched existing codes from the following cities: Auburn, Bellevue, Brier, Enumclaw, Kent
Kirkland, Lakewood, Mountlake Terrace, Renton, SeaTac, Tacoma, Tukwila, Yakima and King County. Ms.
Richardson reviewed the State Statute, the City of Federal Way’s existing code, and the codes from the cities that
were researched. Committee discussed the definition of dangerous dogs and which options they would like to add.
Deputy Mayor Ferrell and Council member Burbidge would like to add 1. Known propensity, tendency or
disposition to attack without provocation to cause injury or otherwise endanger humans and/or domestic animals. 2.
Bites without provocation. 3. Attacks without provocation. Council member Kochmar agreed, but also would like to
add specific breeds of dogs. Chair Burbidge stated that she had concerns about adding breed specific; any dog has
the potential to be vicious. A lot depends on how a dog has been raised or handled. Deputy Mayor Ferrell stated
that our experience is different than Auburns experience. He does not think it is appropriate to ban certain breeds of
dogs. Council member Kochmar stated that the City of Auburns ordinance originally was not breed specific, but
they changed it one year later. She does not want to give any opportunity for Federal Way citizens to be attacked.
Ms. Richardson explained that the state statute requires a severe injury. By adding bites without provocation and
attacks without provocation, we are not limiting it to a severe injury. The Committee continued to discuss amending
the existing Federal Way City Code, Chapter 4, Article IV on the following items: Definition of potentially
dangerous dogs, Exceptions to dangerous dogs determination, Notice of determination dangerous dogs, Ownership
requirements for dangerous dogs, Notice of violation for failure to comply with dangerous dog requirements, and
PARKS, RECREATION, & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Monday May 8, 2006 Summary
Page 3
Penalties for failure to comply when dog determined dangerous. Deputy Mayor Ferrell requested that this item not
be sent back to Council Committee in June, but go to the Full Council in June. The Committee requested that the
alternative options be readily available for the Full Council.
PUBLIC COMMENT
H. David Kaplan: Stated that a range of penalties for the owner of an animal that attacks has not been discussed.
Kevin Morris: Mr. Morris wanted to be sure that there would be another opportunity for Public comment on
dangerous dogs. He also wanted to be sure that it would be a fair and due process.
Bob Kellogg: Mr. Kellogg questioned the definition of vicious dog. He is concerned that the text says it requires a
severe bite. Does not believe we should define making the decision if it’s a vicious dog on whether or not it’s a
severe bite. Who is to determine what is severe? Chair Burbidge requested that staff provide more information and
research if there is an established definition of what a severe bite is.
ILA Use of Technical Rescue Trailer
Deputy Chief Brian Wilson reported that in 2003 the City purchased a trailer. The trailer is used for emergency
management and for response capabilities. The South King County Fire Department does have a technical rescue
team. This Interlocal Agreement would allow both the City and the Fire Department to be able to use this trailer in
an emergency. The Fire Department will maintain the maintenance, and they have a storage facility for the trailer.
Deputy Mayor Ferrell moved the approval of accepting the Interlocal Agreement – Use of Technical Rescue
Trailer and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Council member Kochmar seconded.
Motion passed.
ILA Between City of Fife, Washington and the City of Federal Way, Washington, for the Housing of Inmates
in the City of Fife Jail
Deputy Chief Brian Wilson stated that this is an Interlocal Agreement that has been very successful for the City of
Federal Way. They have provided outstanding service for us. The Fife City Jail is able to hold approximately 30
misdemeanor inmates at any given time. Staff successfully negotiated to stay away from a booking fee. The daily
rate will increase from $63 to $66 per day / per inmate for the 2006 year; and to $67 per day / per inmate starting
January 1, 2007. Council member Kochmar moved the approval of the Interlocal Agreement between the City
of Fife, Washington and the City of Federal Way, Washington, for the Housing of Inmates in the City of Fife
Jail, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement. Deputy Mayor Ferrell seconded. Motion
passed.
ILA Between Okanogan County, Washington and the City of Federal Way, Washington, for the Housing of
Inmates in the Okanogan County Jail
Deputy Chief Brian Wilson reported that the City of Federal Way has had a contract in the past with Okanogan
County. The contract has expired and needs to be renewed. Okanogan County’s daily rate is $42 without a booking
fee. Council member Kochmar moved the approval of the Interlocal Agreement between Okanogan County,
Washington and the City of Federal Way, Washington, for the Housing of Inmates in the Okanogan County
Jail, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement. Deputy Mayor Ferrell seconded. Motion
passed.
Proposed Ordinance to Add Crimes for Domestic Violence in the Presence of Children and for Domestic
Violence with Use of Strangulation
City Attorney Richardson reported that the City is involved in a pilot project involving domestic violence where
children are involved. The proposed ordinance that would amend the criminal code creates a separate crime for
domestic violence that is in the presence of children. It also creates a crime for domestic violence with the use of
strangulation. This happens frequently and is difficult to prosecute. This would add more emphasis to try and
address domestic violence. Deputy Mayor Ferrell moved the proposed Ordinance to second reading and
approval at the next regular meeting on June 20, 2006. Council member Kochmar seconded. Motion passed.
PENDING ITEMS
None
NEXT MEETING – June 12, 2006 6:00 p.m. in the Hylebos Conference Room
ADJOURNMENT - Meeting adjourned at 8:15p.m.