PRHSPSC MINS 08-14-2007
City of Federal Way
City Council
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERV ICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Tuesday August 14, 2007
5:00 p.m.
SUMMARY
In attendance: Council Committee members Chair Jeanne Burbidge, Deputy Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council member
Linda Kochmar; Jenni Snell, City Attorney, Chief Brian Wilson, Deputy Chief Hwang, Acting Commander Shupp,
Commander Sumpter, Jail Coordinator Jason Wilson, Public Safety Department, Donna Hanson, Director PRCS,
Angelina Allen-Mpyisi Human Services Manager, Kelli O’Donnell, Human Services, Lynette Allen, Administrative
Assistant II.
Guests: Nathan Brown Federal Way Senior Center, Doug Johnson Federal Way Community Caregiving Network,
Human Services Commissioner Robert Wroblewski
Chair Burbidge called the meeting to order at 5:06p.m.
It was agreed that the meetings will start at 5:15pm
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
COMMISSION COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF SUMMARY
Deputy Mayor Ferrell moved to approve the July 10 meeting minutes as written, Council member Kochmar
seconded. Motion passed.
BUSINESS ITEMS
2007-2008 Community Development Block Grant Program
Ms. O’Donnell provided the background information. Ms. O’Donnell stated that all of the public service projects
that were funded for 2007-2008 are performing adequately. They are proposing to continue those contracts thru
2008. An estimated total of funds to be available for 2008 are $558,345. Five applications for the Capital Projects
were submitted. The applications were reviewed by the Human Services Commission. Ms. O’Donnell reviewed
those applications with the Committee. The Capital Projects are the Kings Court Community Building Renovation
and the Multi-Service Center. Ms. O’Donnell also reviewed the contingency projects. Commissioner Wroblewski
stated that the Human Services Commission was in support of these programs. Chair Burbidge recused herself; she
is involved with the Boys and Girls Club. Council member Kochmar moved to finalize the recommendation for
the 2008 Community Development Block Grant Program, as presented that includes: Proposed funding levels
for the 2008 CDBG Capital Projects and Public Service Projects: Conditions of Funding; a Contingency Plan
should funding increase or decrease; and, the 2008 Planning and Administration Budget. It is further moved
that the City Manager or his designee be authorized to enter into the required agreements to carry out
Federal Way’s 2008 CDBG program. Deputy Mayor Ferrell seconded. Motion passed.
Capacity Partnership Program – Status Report
Ms. Allen-Mpyisi introduced Nathan Brown Executive Director of the Federal Way Senior Center and Doug
Johnson, Board President of the Federal Way Community Caregiving Network. They are both recipients of the
program. Mr. Johnson stated that this has been a wonderful experience, and the Caregiving Network has gained a
great deal from this project. When they started the project, the Network was trying to understand how they could
grow and support the community. They were provided with outstanding resources. Mr. Johnson stated that they
came to the conclusion that the board would have to split into an operations group and a governing board. This is in
progress, and going well. In the long-term this is going to be a great benefit to the City. Mr. Brown has been in his
position for six months. He stated that if it had not been for the Capacity Partnership Program he would not have
PARKS, RECREATION, & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Tuesday August 14, 2007 Summary
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taken the job. He stated that the Federal Way Senior Center was at a crossroads and needed to change. The
volunteer staff at the Center was aware of this, and wanted to change. With the help of the program, the By-Laws
have been redone; the accounting structure has also been redone. They are also starting to work on a long range
planning program. Council member Kochmar asked where the Federal Way Senior Center was going to go. Mr.
Brown stated that they were trying to revitalize themselves and prepare for the “Baby boomer seniors”. The center is
set on 5-acres of land, and has a very good relationship with the homeowners. Mr. Johnson stated that there is a
huge need for additional shelters for the homeless. Council member Kochmar requested that this item be added to
pending items. Chair Burbidge said they would like significant updates. Chief Wilson said that this is an
opportunity to partner with other agencies to build more shelters.
Second Amendment of the Interlocal Agreement and Professional Services Contract for the Capacity
Partnership Program
Ms. Allen-Mpyisi provided the background information. She stated that both of these contracts expire this year. In
regards to the Interlocal Agreement, Tukwila will be involved with the partnership through the end of September.
They do not have additional resources to put in for a second year. The City of Burien wants to remain a partner, and
they are adding additional resources. With the Professional Services Contract, they would like to continue working
with Liz Heath because she has been with the program since inception, and has done really well. Deputy Mayor
Ferrell moved to authorize the City Manager to approve the amended Interlocal Agreement and Professional
Services Contract in support of the Capacity Partnership Program. Council member Kochmar seconded.
Motion Passed.
Proposed Ordinance to Amend the Criminal Enforcement Penalty Provisions of FWCC Chapter 1, Article III
and Chapter 22, Article I.
Ms. Snell provided the background information. The legal Department reviewed the code and discovered that the
FWCC was different than the state law with respect to the penalties for certain misdemeanors. Deputy Mayor Ferrell
asked if the Court had ever imposed our current fines. Ms. Snell answered that it is her understanding that this has
not happened. Deputy Mayor Ferrell moved to recommend approval of the proposed Ordinance and forward
to full Council for the first reading at the September 4, 2007 meeting. Council member Kochmar seconded,
motion passed.
Proposed Ordinance to Amend the Criminal Code of the City Of Federal Way to Reflect Recent Legislative
Changes
Ms. Snell provided the background information. The statute has changed, and it is no longer a crime to fail to sign a
non-traffic infraction. The Disorderly Conduct statute has also changed. The statute has changed to include fighting
or tumultuous conduct in or around funeral activities. Deputy Mayor Ferrell moved to recommend approval of
the proposed Ordinance and forward to full Council for the first reading at the September 4, 2007 meeting.
Council member Kochmar seconded, motion passed.
Proposed Ordinance to Add a new Section to Chapter 1, Article III of the Federal Way City Code (FWCC) to
Authorize Enforcement of Code Provisions be Civil Infraction
Ms. Snell provided the background information. The code has been setup very clearly to articulate that any
violation of the code is a crime. There are a lot of code enforcement violations where it would be easier to enforce
as a Civil Infraction. Ongoing non-compliance would eventually trigger criminal liability. This will provide code
enforcement more flexibility. There was a lot of discussion concerning with only giving civil infractions when a
criminal action is necessary. When would the officer know to do civil or criminal infraction? Ms. Snell answered
that this would be left to the discretion of the officer. The Committee agreed that they would like it more defined on
when it would be civil and when it would be criminal. Deputy Mayor Ferrell also asked that Code Compliance
provide some examples on why they think this is important. The Committee would like this item to come back to the
September PRHS&PS meeting with clarification. Deputy Mayor Ferrell moved to approve option 2, which is to
suggest modifications to the proposed Ordinance and provide direction to staff. Council member Kochmar
seconded, motion passed.
Red Light Photo Enforcement
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Chief Brian Wilson and Acting Commander Connie Shupp (AC Shupp) presented the Red Light Photo Enforcement
Pilot Program. Chief Wilson talked about what the Public Safety Department has done since this program was
originally brought to the PR&PS Committee six months ago. Committee wanted more information on public
opinion. Chief Wilson stated that they gained a great deal of information from the surveys that were conducted.
Chief Wilson said that the main reason for the Red Light Enforcement is to enhance citizen safety, reduce the speed
of vehicles coming into intersections, enhance citizen compliance and impact the efficiency of traffic flow.
Improved traffic flow is an issue that is consistently raised. AC Shupp reviewed the surveys and their outcomes.
There were a total of 582 people that participated in one of the available surveys. AC Shupp stated that most people
need to be educated about how the system works. Chief Wilson stated that there have been concerns from citizens
about revenue; is this just a revenue making idea for the city? He stated that the Department has no revenue attached
to this program. The goal of this project is zero revenue – which equates to total compliance with the citizens. If
there is revenue generated from this program, this is an indication of the extent of the problem at the two
intersections. The goal is getting enhanced compliance at those intersections. Chief Wilson has spoken to City
Manager Neal Beets regarding where the revenue should be re-invested into. The goal would be to re-invest in
traffic safety and traffic related issues. This is a pilot project that would be limited to two intersections. After one
year, a decision would be made on whether or not to continue this program. Council member Kochmar asked to add
to the motion that if any revenue were received from this program that it goes back into traffic. The committee was
very appreciative of the presentation and all of the hard work and research that has gone into this for the past six
months. Council member Kochmar moved to accept the proposal of adopting 1 year Pilot Program for red
light photo enforcement in the City Of Federal Way, and if revenue is made, it is recommended it go back into
traffic enforcement. Deputy Mayor Ferrell seconded. Motion passed.
Less Lethal Weapon System for Patrol, 40mm Launcher
Chief Wilson presented. This tool has been successfully used by the SWAT team. This is a less lethal force option
that is available to the tactical team. This weapon has many capabilities. It is used to deploy gas, and has the
capability to use a sponge round, which can stun someone in a less lethal capacity. The Department is consistently
looking at less lethal force options that are well rounded and have a great deal of success. The plan is to train
officers on patrol. This is a less lethal tool that is very distinguishable from any other type of firearm. Chief Wilson
has authorized the purchase of these weapons. They will be outfitting the patrol squad, and training the officers with
these weapons. It gives them one more less lethal option.
Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP) FFY 06 Grant
Chief Wilson presented. This is a grant that is for the bomb unit. They are asking for approval to accept funding for
a bomb disposal unit in order to maintain their Nationally Accredited status, as a bomb disposal unit. There are over
400 officially sanctioned bomb units across the country, and the City Of Federal Way is one of those units. By 2009
all certified bomb units are to have robot capabilities. This unit is valued at over $200,000. Deputy Mayor Ferrell
moved to accept the funding provided bu the King County Sheriff’s Office and the LETPP FFY 06 Grant to
fund a Bomb Robot. Council member Kochmar seconded. Motion passed.
BearCat Aromored Vehicle for the Valley Special Response Team
Chief Wilson presented. The Department is an active participant in the Valley Special Response Team (SRT). There
are six agencies that are a part of the SRT. For the last 3 years Commander Sumpter has been the lead Commander
of this group. There are 2 assets that are shared by the agencies. They are armored personnel carriers. These
carriers are safety related for the personnel. One of the carriers is older and has had many maintenance problems.
There is a proposal that all six jurisdictions are applying to use asset drug forfeiture funds to fund a replacement
vehicle. Our share would be approximately $48,000. The Department does have the Federal asset forfeiture funds
to pay for this. This is an officer safety issue. Council member Kochmar moved approval of the purchase of a
BearCat Armored Vehicle for the Valley Special Response Team. Deputy Mayor Ferrell seconded. Motion
passed. Deputy Mayor Ferrell asked where the vehicle would be stored. Chief Wilson answered that it would be
stored in the most strategic spot available so that all agencies would have quick access to it. It will be in a secure
facility.
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Long Term Jail Options
Chief Brian Wilson and Jail Coordinator Jason Wilson presented the Long Term Jail Options. Chief Wilson
informed the Committee that the jail issues are increasing and the Department is looking at options. Jason Wilson
presented a PowerPoint presentation. The Jail Options Committee has been looking at two main issues; there is not
enough bed space in King County to book and house misdemeanor arrestees and we are competing with multiple
agencies across the state for what little bed space is available. At this time Fife City Jail is the primary location for
new bookings. This is only a 30 day facility. We house about 12-18 inmates there daily. Mr. Wilson reviewed what
other jails that the Department uses to house inmates. The Committee has determined that the following ideas are
their most feasible options: Build a Valley Com model jail, Build a jail with Auburn, or Build a stand alone facility
in Federal Way. Mr. Wilson reviewed each option with the Committee. Deputy Mayor Ferrell stated that there is a
great deal of merit to the Score Facility, but he would like to look into the City Of Federal Way getting its own jail.
Chief Wilson stated that it is preliminary for the Public Safety Department to make a recommendation, because there
are so many variables. They wanted to inform the Council Committee what they are considering. Deputy Mayor
Ferrell stated that he would like to know how the members of SCORE would pay for the facility vs. how much it
would cost the City Of Federal Way to house our own prisoners in our own facility. Operational costs would also
need to be reviewed.
NEXT MEETING – September 11, 2007 5:15 p.m. in the Hylebos Conference Room
ADJOURNMENT - Meeting adjourned at 7:30p.m.