Council MIN 01-06-2015 Special CITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
January 6, 2015 — 5:30 p.m.
www.cityoffederalwa y.corn
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the Special Meeting to order at the hour of 5:35 pm
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: Chief of Staff Brian Wilson, City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall and City Clerk
Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
H. David Kaplan led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION
a. Town Center III/Council Input-Discussion
Chief of Staff Brian Wilson gave a brief update on the Town Center III project including artistic
renderings of the possibilities for the project. He outlined a time-line for which a RFP/RFQ would be
put out for development of the 7.88 acres.
He also displayed renderings of the overall Town Center including Town Center I (PACC); Town
Center II (Town Square Park); Town Center III (former Target Property); and Town Center IV
(property adjacent to the Transit Center).
Specific to Town Center III, he stated the current market would support ideas such as residential,
pedestal housing; parking — underground and at grade; at or above market townhomes; and
lifestyle/retail/restaurants which would be 1500 sq ft each.
Councilmembers thanked Chief of Staff Wilson for the presentation and asked varying questions
regarding location of college campus in the area; number of housing units anticipated; neighboring
property owners; infrastructure/road development; mixed-use development and parking.
b. Economic Development Strategy
• Staff Presentation
Economic Development Director Tim Johnson gave a PowerPoint presentation to Council
outlining the city's first Economic Development Strategy. The strategy is entitled "Some Assembly
Required"—Shaping a High Performing Economy for Federal Way.
Mr. Johnson spoke to Economic Growth vs. Economic Development. Economic Growth can be
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January 6, 2014
measured through Increase in population; infusion of capital; harvesting of natural resources; and
changes in technology. Economic Development is seen as wealth; income;jobs;and investments. He
gave the Council a background based on before the recent recession and after. Many emerging
themes in Federal Way are Young Population; Quality of Life; Diverse and Skilled Labor Force and
the location of the city. Challenges the city faces are educational levels(25.4%of the population hold
a bachelor's degree or higher); Income levels; Jobs-Housing Balance and the departure of
Weyerhaeuser.
He stated the vision is"To Become the Premier Community in the Puget Sound"though step by step
obtainable goals and objectives. He noted some of the projects which are currently underway include
Downtown Re-Development; University Initiative; and Re-Branding efforts. He would like to see focus
on Business Expansion and Retention and Business Recruitment—potentially into the film industry.
In conclusion, Mr. Johnson stated the city is looking for the following outcomes: Diverse, Sustainable
&Globally Focused;An Economy Focused on the Future; Performance Matrix; Budget Conscientious;
and Involving Local, State, Regional, and National Stakeholders.
• Council Feedback/Discussion
Councilmembers thanked Director Johnson for the Economic Development Strategy and his
presentation this evening. They noted they have been looking forward to a plan for many years and
are excited to get moving. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of Mr. Johnson regarding
expanding the tax base in Federal Way; the reuse of the Weyerhaeuser; the possibility of attracting
diverse new industry to city.
4. CITIZEN COMMENT
Anthony Murrietta asked the Council to think about mobility within the city, and look at changing
and modifying current infrastructure/roads for future traffic relief.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council did not adjourn to Executive Session due to the length of the meeting.
• Potential Litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
• Property Acquisition pursuant to RCW 12.30.110(1)(b)
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Regular meeting at
6:58pm.
Attest:
Stephanie D. Courtney, CMC
City Clerk
Approved by Council:
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January 6, 2014
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