Council MIN 04-28-2014 Special Mtg/Study SessionCITY OF
Federal Way
MINUTES
FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING / STUDY SESSION
Council Chambers - City Hall
April 28, 2014
5:30 p.m.
www.cityoffederalway.co m
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge,
Councilmember LydiaAssefa- Dawson, Councilmember Kelly Maloney, Councilmember Bob
Celski, Councilmember Martin Moore and Councilmember Dini Duclos. Mayor Ferrell excused
Councilmember Susan Honda.
City staff in attendance: Assistant City Attorney Peter Beckwith and City Clerk Carol McNeilly
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Deputy Mayor Burbidge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. SOUND TRANSIT ALIGNMENT
Mayor Ferrell reviewed the format and purpose of this evening's meeting. He spoke to the
importance of having an open discussion on the Sound Transit alignment and inviting
representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Highline Community College to
participate.
Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Highline Community College and the City
Council introduced themselves.
Bob Roegner, representing the Chamber of Commerce stated their goal is to gain more
information on the topic and report back to their board. He also asked that City Staff provide a
presentation to the full Chamber Board.
• Sound Transit Presentation
Sound Transit Representative Cathal Ridge provided a PowerPoint presentation and
reviewed the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) alternatives for alignment. The
project starts at Angle Lake Station in SeaTac — S. 2001h Street (under construction) and
will extend down to the Federal Way Transit Center. Current funding provides connection
to Highline Community College but no further.
The alignment options are: along SR -99 and along Interstate 5. There are currently 4
alternatives and 14 design options.
City Council Minutes — April 28, 2014 Special Meeting Page 1 of 4
The development process includes an analysis of alternatives, a draft EIS and then final
EIS. The process started in 2012 with early scoping and public comment periods. They
are now at the stage of developing conceptual designs. They anticipate developing and
publishing the draft EIS in late 2014 /early 2015. AT that time, there will be a 45 -day
comment period for the draft EIS. In 2016, the Sound Transit Board with select a project.
Mr. Ridge reviewed the purpose of the EIS process and what items /areas are studied
during the EIS. He also reviewed the Record of Decision (ROD) which identifies the
project to be built, includes responses to comments, and identifies mitigation measures.
The Council and members of the Chamber of Commerce asked clarifying questions of Mr.
Ridge.
Councilmember Maloney inquired if Sound Transit planned on working in conjunction with
the City as well as potential investors /developers in regards to the alignment of this project
as the City is working towards development of the downtown core. She expressed the
importance of identifying the alignment in a timely manner so it does not interfere with
development. Mr. Ridge stated Sound Transit would work in a collaborative manner with
the City and potential investors /developers.
Councilmember Duclos inquired when funding for the extension to Federal Way would be
available. Mr. Ridge stated he did not have an answer to that question, however, to be
eligible for Federal Funding an EIS is required.
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson feels the SR99 would have more impacts on businesses
and residents and inquired if the public would be surveyed regarding potential ridership
use and alignment. Mr. Ridge stated public comment would be collected regarding
alignment and impacts will be reviewed as part of the EIS.
Patti Mullen inquired if the EIS considers the plans WSDOT created for 509. Mr. Ridger
stated their plans allow for the full build out of the 509 project.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge shared her understanding of the scope of expansions planned for
the roadway. Mr. Ridge noted Sound Transit will work with WSDOT to ensure
communication on their projects.
Councilmember Moore asked what the plan for parking would be. Mr. Ridge stated
parking would be provided at the station area. He was not able to provide an exact
number of stalls.
Highline Community College President Jack Bermingham asked how Sound Transit
factors in impact and opportunities of people in the south end. He feels more people
would utilize the service along Hwy. 99 (versus Interstate 5) and inquired if the
transportation of people is conducive to commerce, economic activity, and lifestyle and not
simply getting people from one single point to another. Mr. Ridge stated the data collected
should provide economic models and ridership trends This information will be better
understood closer to the time of construction when based on actual data rather than
projected data.
Councilmember Maloney stated when the City speaks of economic development they are
referring to prosperity for the residents of Federal Way.
Councilmember Duclos inquired if it would be possible to create a blended alignment
between both SR 99 and 1 -5 to meet the needs of both the City and Highline Community
College. Mr. Ridge replied there isn't room to create a light rail link between the two
alignments without substantial residential impacts.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge stated much depends on what is trying to be accomplished with
the development of light rail in the City and feels it is important to consider all options and
possibly consider additional light rail stations.
City Council Minutes — April 28, 2014 Special Meeting Page 2 of 4
Councilmember Moore asked about the plans to address funding for development. Sound
Transit Representative Chelsea Levy responded that Sound Transit is in the process of
updating their Long Range Plan which should be completed by the end of the year. This
Plan would include projects for Sound Transit to present to the voters.\
• City Staff Presentation
City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez provided a PowerPoint presentation which summarized
Councils action from May 2006 where they approved a letter supporting the 1 -5 alignment
north of S 320th Street, but allowing for SR 99 alignment or 1 -5 alignment south of S 320th
Street. This was developed in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce.
City staff currently participates in an interagency consulting team with Sound Transit
and they are reviewing and commenting on Sound Transit's work products as they are
produced. The City is attempting to stay involved and up to date as the process moves
forward.
The City provided written comments to Sound Transit in a scoping letter last year. Mr.
Perez discussed the pros and cons with the alignment options (elevated, street level,
etc.) He also reviewed the right -of -way acquisition impacts for the alignment options
and the economic development impacts associated with each. Mr. Perez stated Sound
Transit agrees that all potential widening of existing roadways (added lanes, etc.) are
important when considering alignment as most of the impacts will occur in residential
areas.
Concerning economic development impacts, Mr. Perez explained the impact area is
often constrained to less than a half mile radius from the station based on walking
routes and other factors.
Chamber of Commerce Comments
Mr. Roegner stated he learned tonight that the timeline allows for a closer look at the
issues over the next several months. He feels much of what is being focused on are
the short term impacts of light rail development. He encouraged everyone to think
long term as well. He also noted concerns about projects already completed along
SR -99 will not be as much of a conflict for Sound Transit as previously believed.
Highline Community College Comments
Dan Altmayer inquired what factors were considered in 2006 when the Council sent a
letter to Sound Transit regarding the preferred alignment. Mayor Ferrell responded
speed, cost, and economic impacts /opportunities were primary factors.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge added that economic development would most likely focus
mainly at or around the stations. She believed the intent of the preferred alignment at its
earliest phase was to bring the speed of the 1 -5 alignment together with bringing the
stations toward SR SR99 to link the areas.
Dr. Bermingham stated Highline is a destination within the area and he would like to see
a station near the college. Mayor Ferrell noted Highline is slated to get a station. One
issue with the SR99 alignment is that it will need to be elevated or else have to stop for
traffic. The 1 -5 alignment will be less expensive. The question is where the Highline
station should be located.
Councilmembers Duclos and Maloney spoke in support of keeping the dialogue open on
this topic and identifying the common goals of each agency which all seem to revolve
around the best interest of the citizens and community
City Council Minutes — April 28, 2014 Special Meeting Page 3 of 4
Councilmember Moore feels it is important to riders to be able to move quickly on light rail
rather than having to stop numerous times. He thanked the organizations represented
this evening for participating in this meeting.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was provided.
5. COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council discussion occurred throughout the meeting as captured in item 3.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ferrell adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m.
Attest:
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Carol McNeilly, CIVIC, City Jerk
Approved by Council: May 20, 201
City Council Minutes — April 28, 2014 Special Meeting Page 4 of 4