Council MIN 04-03-2012 SpecialCITY OF
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MINUTES :
FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Council Chambers - City Hail
April 3, 2012
5:15 p.m.
www. cityoffederalway. com
1. CALL ME�TING TO ORDER
Mayor Priest called the meeting to order at 5:16 pm.
Elected Officials present: Mayor Skip Priest, Deputy Mayor Jim Ferrell, Councilmember Susan
Honda, Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge, Councilmember Bob Celski, Councilmernber Roger
Freeman and Councilmember Dini Duclos. Councilmember Linda Kochmar arrived at 5:24
pm•
City staff present: City Attorney Pat Richardson and City Clerk Carol McNeilly.
2. DISCUSS APPOINTMENT TO THE INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
On March 20, 2012 the Council interviewed an applicant for the Independent Salary
Commission. The Council discussed the appointment which is scheduled for action at the
April 3, 2012 Regular Meeting. Councilmember Kochmar recused herself from this discussion.
3. CIVIC CENTER DEVELOPMENT
Mayor Priest stated the City owns eight acres in the heart of downtown, the former AMC
Theatre Sifie and the former Toys R Us site. These properties are economic development
tools that present the opportunity to catalyze the kind of development that will transform the
City Center into a destination for retail, entertainment, and a goad source of jobs for the
economy. Tonight's presentation is the beginning of a thorough review to move forward in a
thoughtful and well-researched way.
Community and Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty reviewed the history of the
Performing Arts and Conference Center (PACC). In 2008 the City conducted a citizen's survey
in which 62% of respondents stated they would support use of city funds to develop a
Performing Arts Center in the downtown core. At the 2009 City Council Retreat, the idea of a
joint Performing Arts and Conference Center was discussed and staff hired Webb
Management to conduct a feasibility study and space analysis. Mr. Doherty reviewed key
elements and components of that study. LNM Archite�ts was contracted in 2009 to conduct a
siting analysis. The Toys R Us site was one of the top sites identified. In December 2010 the
city purchased the property with a$5M state grant. LMN Architects also provided the city with
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initial programming, spatial analysis and cost estimates. Mr. Doherty reviewed the project
development cost estimates provided by LMN Architects as well as estimate� developed by
Westlake Architects based on their work developing the Lone Tree Cultural Arts Center. Mr.
Doherty reviewed various financing options for development of a PACC.
The likely costs of developing and operating the PACC would be too high for the City to
support on its own. Staff is proposing to explore a public-private partnership for development
of a PACC. The project would consist of a PACC and hotel with restauranUcatering.
a. RFQ/RFP - Civic Center:
Staff has prepared a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in order to seek a private-sector
partner for joint venture development of a Performing Arts and Conference Center (PACC).
Mr. Doherty highlighted key points of the RFQ which include components of the conference
center, project vision and principles, and the tentative RFQ schedule.
b. AMC Theatre Site Update:
Community and Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty stated Arcadd, Inc.
remains in contact with the City, providing updates on the financing for their proposed
project. They stated they plan to return to Council with earnest money and a new purchase
and sale agreement for the site.
Mr. Doherty reviewed and alternative development concept that was presented at the 2012
Council Retreat which includes a park and restauranUretail development.
The Council asked clarifying questions of Mr. Doherty regarding comparison of
development cost alternatives, financing options, proposed edits to the RFQ — specifically
revising the reference to a major new proposal under the "About Federal Way City Cente►"
section.
c. Public Comment:
Brian Davenport requested that the facility have an appropriately-sized orchestra pit and
encouraged the city to research what types of groups/organizations will be using the venue
and identifying their needs to aid in development.
Maureen Hathawav spoke in support of developing a PACC and shared statistical research
and reference materials regarding cultural arts revenues and facility development to the
CounciL
David Bauch stated a PACC needs to have a key organization that is financially viable to
anchor the venue.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSiON
The Council adjourned to executive session at 6:46 pm to discuss potential litigation pursuant
to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 14 minutes. The Council adjournedfrom executive
session at 7:02 pm.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Priest adjourned the meeting at 7:02 pm.
City Council Minutes — Apri13, 2012 Special Meeting Page 2 of 3
Attest:
Ca�,e--�..Y
Carol McNeilly, CMC, 'ity Cierk
Approved by Council: April 17, 2012
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