Council MIN 09-02-2014 SpecialCITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINTUES
Council Chambers - City Hall
September 2, 2014 — 5:30 p.m.
www.cityoffederalway.com
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the special meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge, Councilmember Lydia
Assefa- Dawson, Councilmember Kelly Maloney, Councilmember Susan Honda, Councilmember Bob
Celski, Councilmember Martin Moore and Councilmember Dini Duclos.
City staff in attendance: Interim City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall and Deputy City Clerk Stephanie
Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Interim Community Development Director Larry Frazier led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION
• Comprehensive Plan /Critical Areas Ordinance Update
Interim Community Development Director Larry Frazier introduced staff and gave a brief overview of
the presentations for this evenings meeting regarding the 2015 Major Comprehensive Plan Update
and the Critical Areas Ordinance Update.
a. Staff Presentation
Principal Planner Margaret Clark noted by June 2015 the Growth Management Act (GMA) requires
the city to complete a major update to our Comprehensive Plan; these updates occur every eight
years. She stated the purpose of the briefing is to provide information on the requirements; timeline
and current status; and policy issues.
She reviewed the existing Comprehensive Plan including the 7 required elements and the 5
discretionary elements of our plan. She highlighted the Comp Plan Surveywhich was available on the
website for citizen input. She concluded the update will address public policy through Land Use;
Housing; Vision for the Downtown; Economic Development; and Transportation.
Council thanked Ms. Clark for her presentation and asking clarifying questions.
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 1 of 2
September 2, 2014
Senior Planner Matt Herrera reviewed the Critical Areas Ordinance Update. He stated the Growth
Management Act also requires cities to update their Critical Areas Ordinances on the same 8 -year
Comprehensive Plan update timeline. He reported critical are wetlands; aquifer recharge areas; fish
and wildlife habitat conservation areas; frequently flooded areas; and geologically hazardous areas.
Mr. Herrera explained the "Best Available Science" (BAS) requirement and the public participation
effort thus far. He stated staff will begin drafting the code amendments following the BAS review by
the city's environmental consultant and public workshops /stakeholder interviews. He anticipates an
adoption process to begin in Spring 2015.
b. Council Discussion
Council thanked staff and asked clarifying questions regarding changes in policies which make
obtaining outside information, previously available, more difficult. Staff welcomed the input from
Councilmembers.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:35pm, Mayor Ferrell adjourned to Executive Session for approximately 15 minutes.
• Evaluate the Qualifications of an Application for Public Employment/Pursuant to RCW
42.30.110(g)
Council returned to Chambers at 6:43pm.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Having nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Special Meeting at 6:43pm.
Attest:
Stph nle Courtney, CMC, e ty ity Clerk
Approved by Council:
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 2 of 2
September 2, 2014