Council MIN 01-06-2016 SpecialFEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
WITH 30TH DISTRICT STATE LEGISLATORS
Federal Way Community Center
January 6, 2016 — 8:00 a.m.
SUMMARY
1. Welcome, Introductions, and Meeting Overview
Mayor Ferrell welcomed everyone and called the Special Meeting to order at 8:06 a.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge,
Councilmember Lydia Assefa- Dawson, Councilmember Kelly Maloney, Councilmember
Susan Honda, Councilmember Mark Koppang, Councilmember Martin Moore, and
Councilmember Dini Duclos.
City staff in attendance: Chief of Staff Brian Wilson, Assistant City Attorney Ryan Call, and
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
Honored Guests: Senator Mark Miloscia, Representative Linda Kochmar, and
Representative Teri Hickel
Mayor Ferrell thanked everyone for coming and especially thanked both Liz Drake of the
Federal Way School Board and Dr. Tammy Campbell, Federal Way School District
Superintendent for attending this meeting.
2. Discussion of Priorities for the 2016 Legislative Session
A. Public Health and Environment
Deputy Mayor Burbidge noted increased airplane noise from the Sea -Tac Airport due to
changes in flight patterns and elevations has become a large impact on quality of life and
property values for many Federal Way residents. She referenced a recent Open House
held at City Hall where over 200 people were in attendance and voiced concerns to the
Port of Seattle officials and the FAA. Chief of Staff Brian Wilson also noted the city
continues to work on exploring the available options.
Legislators agreed this is part of a large issue in the region. Councilmembers are interested
in working together to seek ways to mitigate impacts the commercial aircraft are having on
residents and would be supportive of a joint resolution.
B. Economic Development
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January 6, 2016
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Councilmember Duclos spoke regarding the growth in Federal Way and the need for
increased tax incentives for the downtown, which may assist with creating livable wage
jobs for people to live and work in the city. She spoke to the difference between low income
housing and affordable housing.
Councilmember Maloney discussed the impacts of large multi - family projects coming on-
line within the city and the impacts which are currently and will be felt in the schools
servicing these complexes. Councilmember Assefa - Dawson gave additional insight as to
how the King County Housing Authority is working towards addressing these impacts. She
stated the county has increased the voucher system and Section 8 housing in other parts
of King County, including the eastside.
Community Development Director Michael Morales responded to comments regarding the
Housing Trust Fund and specific multi - family projects in the city. Dr. Tammy Campbell also
spoke briefly regarding planning and infrastructure the School District is developing in
response to the amount of new students coming into the schools because of these large
developments. She noted approximately 70 out of every 100 students is new to the school
district. Superintendent Campbell spoke to the need for increased funding to the Federal
Way School District, and will be supporting a facilities package in the future.
Councilmembers and Legislators further discussed the implications of the Growth
Management Act and the need for equity across King County. The panel also discussed
the need for an increased corporate business base and infrastructure improvements
needed in the downtown.
C. Transportation
• Work for unallocated money from the gas tax to improve the I- 5 /SR- 18 /SR-
161 interchange.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge noted the importance of focusing on jobs in Federal Way. Traffic
congestion is due in part to residents living in Federal Way and commuting outside the city.
She discussed the need for a ballot measure to bring Sound Transit Light Rail further south
and into the city. Councilmember Koppang agreed and also suggested evaluating assets
that are underutilized such as Park and Ride locations.
Representative Kochmar distributed information regarding the Transportation Revenue
Package. The package includes dollars for the triangle project which will alleviate some of
the traffic concerns and bring construction jobs to the area.
D. Community Development
• Eliminate the property tax exemption for projects financed through Housing
Trust Fund (HTF)
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting.
E. Public Records Reform
• Tools to resolve conflicts created by abusive and excessive requests
• Ability to charge for electronic records
Councilmember Moore stated transparency in government is a high priority; however the
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January 6, 2016
city supports regional and state efforts to look into tools to eliminate abusive requests and
enable cities to charge for electronic documents.
Mayor Ferrell noted abusive Public Records Requests are those that are very broad in
scope and may include language such as "every city document ". He stated these requests
have an impact on city FTE's and staff time.
F. Veterans Monument
• Seeking $50,000 in funding
Councilmember Honda reported on various groups within the city who have been actively
raising money for a Veterans Monument in the city. She feels a Veterans Monument will be
not only a place of reflection for Veterans past and present, but for families of Veterans.
She stated the Council is seeking legislative support of $50K as seed money for this project
which will be located at Town Square Park in downtown.
Representative Kochmar asked Mayor Ferrell to provide this request in writing to all three
of the Legislators present this morning.
3. Legislator Updates — 30th District Members
• Senator Mark Miloscia
• Representative Linda Kochmar
• Representative Terri Hickel
Legislators thanked the Mayor and Council for inviting them to the discussion this morning.
Each reported on the various committees they serve on and the issues they are working
on. Councilmembers also gave a brief wrap up and thanked the Legislators for attending
the meeting and for their continued support of Federal Way.
4. Wrap -Up & Adjournment
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Special Meeting at
9:20 a.m.
Attest:
4&IUlJ
h :nie D. Courtney, Ci C
C Clerk
Approved by Council: Q/ (g- a{j)(p
Federal Way City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
January 6, 2016