Council MIN 02-11-2016 SpecialCITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Council Chambers - City Hall
February 11, 2016 — 6:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the Special Meeting to order at 6:02 p.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, City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall, and City Clerk
Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Norma Blanchard led the flag salute.
3. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Ferrell welcomed and thanked everyone who are present tonight and those that have reached
out via phone and email, for getting involved in the environmental review process for the proposed
Methanol plant on the Tacoma Tide Flats, just 2.5 miles from Federal Way. He noted the purpose of
tonight's meeting is to gather information and citizen input as the basis for the city's position on the
proposed plant, and to engage in the environmental review and permitting process in a substantive
manner.
The Mayor noted the presentations tonight are not all inclusive of all the potential impacts or list of
options to be considered. Staff has been working to review and research the information available and
work with other agencies and organizations involved in this process.
Due to amount of citizen comment forms already turned in for this evening, and in effort to hear all
those who wish to speak, he asked Council if they would like to amend Council Rules for this meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER MALONEY MOVED TO SUSPEND CITY COUNCIL RULE 5.1 WHICH
NORMALLY ALLOWS A THREE MINUTE LIMIT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT DUE TO THE NUMBER
OF PEOPLE HERE TONIGHT CHANGING THE 3 MINUTE LIMIT TO A 2 MINUTE LIMIT SO THAT
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February 11, 2016
EVERYONE WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO BE HEARD; COUNCILMEMBER MOORE SECOND. The
motion passed unanimously as follows:
Deputy Mayor Burbidge yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Maloney yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Honda yes
Mayor Ferrell reminded those in attendance this meeting was being televised and will be available
on the website and YouTube channel.
a. Potential Safety and Resource Concerns Regarding Proposed Methanol
Plant within the City of Tacoma
Community Development Director Michael Morales gave a brief background, process and the city's
role to date regarding the proposed Methanol plant in the Port of Tacoma. The property is 125 acre
site located 2.5 miles from the city border. Scoping of the EIS has been partially completed, and
Public Meetings have been taking place in Tacoma of which many residents and Councilmembers
have attended and given testimony. The comment period will close March 4th.
City of Federal Way wants the Port and City of Tacoma to recognize our city is located within the
impact area. The city is concerned with the lack of outreach from Tacoma on this large project. Points
to consider in the EIS Scope and Report include:
• Past Industrial Impacts and Mitigation Efforts
• International Safety Records of the Company (and its Principals)
• Heath Risks
• Risk for Disaster during Construction and Operation
• Disaster Planning and Posting of Surety Bonds
• Pipeline Safety
• Tourism Impacts to the Region
• Natural Resources during Construction and Operation (plumes, water temperatures, dredging
impacts, shellfish, salmon and other marine life, odor, water supply — drought and senior water
rights /capacity)
• Cost Benefit Analysis during Construction and Operation
• Traffic Impacts during construction (vehicles, school zones, access to the site)
• Examination of Other Alternatives (methods, geography)
• Economic Stability
• Environmental Justice
Mr. Morales also reported a similar project proposed for the City of Kalama which began its scoping in
2014 and to his knowledge the EIS has not been released. He would like to see that project
information be released so that we can review it as it relates to the project in Tacoma. Overall,
Federal Way has many concerns with this proposed project locating at the city's backdoor, and he
feels the process, information and notification to date, has been inadequate.
Mayor Ferrell thanked Mr. Morales for the information and his presentation.
b. Pending Legislation
Mayor Ferrell introduced Mr. M.J. Durkin, a lobbyist for the city. Mr. Durkin updated everyone on
Legislation efforts which have been drafted. He specifically mentioned House Bill #2980 which would
prohibit the siting of certain new facilities that would jeopardize air quality in areas that have recently
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failed to meet air quality standards; and Senate Bill #6650 which would eliminate the manufacturing
machinery and equipment exemption for methanol manufactured in part from liquid natural gas or
compressed natural gas. He noted this is a hot topic and there may be movement on either of these in
the coming days.
c. Council Options
City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall referred to the draft Resolution which the Council has before them.
She noted this Resolution is to is to state the city's position and provide comments on Tacoma's
scoping process. She read directly from the Resolution which outlines the Tacoma project located
on 125 acres; and she noted this is not in response to any pending legislation.
Section 2 of the Resolution lists issues the City would like included into the EIS Scope of Work by
the City of Tacoma. These issues include:
• Consideration of off -site impacts that extend into the City of Federal Way;
• Environmental impacts, safety records and mitigation measures for other methanol facilities,
on an international basis for the methanol industry and the principals involved with the
Tacoma project;
• Public health risks of exposure to methanol pollutants, including air quality, water quality and
usage, soil leeching, and industrial accidents;
• Workplace safety risks for employees of the methanol plant and neighboring industrial users
of the Port of Tacoma;
• Risk analysis for industrial accidents and impact of man -made or natural disasters, both
during construction and operation;
• Pipeline safety, during construction and operation;
• Short and long term impacts on natural resources during construction and operation;
• Cost - benefit analysis during construction and operation; and
• Environmental justice issues related to economically distressed communities, minority
communities, and efforts to address language and cultural barriers to the participation of these
communities in the process.
Ms. Pearsall also noted this list is not all inclusive, rather a beginning point from which to expand
from as the project is fully examined.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Beth Ann Wheeler -Ruich spoke in opposition to the Methanol Plant; she feels the whole
process seems ominous with all the impacts to our society.
Lou Paulsen, Federal Way resident, noted he negotiated this project process and feels the
process should continue. He encouraged anyone to attend the next briefing on the project and
noted he is available to discuss and answer any questions with the Council.
Mark Spaur stated the project is in the early stages and feels this project is creating jobs in
Federal Way. He believes this is a green project and use less energy and be done safely and
with low emissions.
Jim Stiles, longtime resident of Federal Way, noted this is not a paper mill or a smelter. He
encouraged transparency and would like to get more information.
Lawson E. Bronson, longtime resident of Federal Way, feels the Port has a fiduciary
responsibility to see this property used. He feels the City of Tacoma should continue with its
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process.
Sally Radford, resident of Tacoma, stated she is extremely concerned about this project and
the lack of information to the citizens. She does not want to see the city become a wasteland,
and encouraged Federal Way to reach out to other neighboring cities.
Janna Stewart stated she attended the recent public meeting held in Tacoma. She agrees
with real estate professionals who estimate an 11% reduction in property values. She
appreciates Federal Way looking at the process.
Doug Craig questioned what harmful products will be released into the air and what types of
by- products will need to be disposed of from the proposed plant.
Donna Waterss feels the Port Commissioners made reckless decisions regarding this project.
The lands and air belong to the people; she is against the project and feels the environment
should be protected.
Graham Evans questioned the decision to build the world's largest methanol plant in an
earthquake zone and lava flow. He doesn't feel this is a strategic fit. He also questioned the
water consumption for the plant and for the Tacoma Public Water customers.
Michael LeFounier, Tacoma resident, thanked Councilmember Maloney and Councilmember
Honda for their presence at the Tacoma meeting last night. He read from a 2009 report that
predicted the water demand will increase over 20 years. If built, the day it is turned on, that
plant will utilize that increase in water. He is against giving away our region's most precious
resource.
Charles Creso feels neighbors were not given notice of this project, and the Port
Commissioners did not act with due diligence. He is strongly against this project.
Dana Morrison, citizen of Tacoma for 26 years and recently moved to Federal Way, feels
there have been many highly informed citizens and educated speakers speaking against this
project; and she does not believe it is all "emotion ". She is against the project and urges more
transparency from the Port and the City of Tacoma; she thanked Mr. Morales for his earlier
presentation.
Carole Sue Braaten, Fife resident, researched the project and has found there is a large gap
in our SEPA laws. She feels this project is so large it can hurt a lot of people.
Roxy Murray recently purchased a house in the area, and is upset about the potential pollution
impacts on families. She encouraged everyone to attend the Hearing on February 16th and
give testimony; she thanked Director Morales for this thorough report.
Yvonne McCarty lives a couple hundred feet above the site and she and her family are
longtime residents of the area. She feels betrayed by those making the decision and is
strongly opposed to the project. She thanked the Mayor and Council for their support tonight
and invited everyone to come and speak at the next open house for the project at her
daughter's school, Meeker Middle School in Tacoma, on February 16tH
Leah Boehm Brady, opposed to the project, thanked the Council for their quick action and
what they have accomplished in a week. She urged Council to pass the proposed Resolution.
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Mark Brady, opposed to the project, found out about the meeting in Tacoma and couldn't get
into the room or the overflow room. He thanked Councilmembers Honda and Maloney for
speaking against the project, and for the Mayor for leading this opposition.
Earnest Thompson spoke in opposition to the project and noted this is blatantly against the
working class. He referred to comments made by a Biochemical Engineer discussing the
impacts if there were an explosion at this type of plant. He feels the people should fight the
proposal until it is dead.
Margarita Andreeva, resident of downtown Tacoma, is opposed to the project. She worked all
her life to buy a house which is now located close to this proposed plant. She listed recent
accidents and incidents from these types of manufacturing plants across the world.
Diana Noble- Gulliford feels this project is a huge issue and she is focused on the lack of
safety. She read from Safety Committee minutes from May 2014 and other newspaper articles
and reports. She appreciates clean air and wants to be on record as against this project.
Adam Martin stated the pure number of individuals speaking out on this project tonight and in
Tacoma demonstrates a wide spread concern with the project. He feels the Port of Tacoma
has a different perspective of transparency.
Barbara Nelson spoke in opposition to the project. She has lived in Federal Way for 33 years
and loves the Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest. She is against the idea of polluting our
environment to produce more plastics for China.
Julia Galleher distributed a map and noted she is a longtime Real Estate Broker. She is
concerned with property values in the area and the "blast zone ". She also spoke against
China's human rights violations; she is highly opposed to the project.
Jason Holland thanked the Councilmembers for speaking at the recent Tacoma meeting. He
enjoys living and working in Tacoma and is concerned with the impacts of this plant and the
implications if there were an earthquake.
Nichole Booker, resident of Tacoma, near the Federal Way border. She is opposed to the
project and is concerned. She urged everyone in the surrounding areas to also voice concern.
Bill Fuller is longtime resident and Fire Commissioner for South King Fire and Rescue
(SKFR). He is concerned with the project safety. As the largest proposed methanol plant in
the world SKFR will continue to monitor the progress of this project and the EIS.
Letter read into the record from Shannan St. Clair who is strongly opposed to this project. She
would like to see the environmental and health issues that would come with this plant
addressed and is concerned over decrease in property values.
Letter read into the record from Eric Arndt, is strongly opposed to the project. He feels millions
of dollars has been spent to clean up the Port; and is concerned over using limited natural
resources. He urged the government leaders to do what is right for the people.
Representative Linda Kochmar and Representative Teri Hickel spoke briefly and thanked everyone
for attending this meeting. They are also concerned with this project and are working on legislation in
Olympia. They thanked the Mayor and Council for holding this Public Hearing and giving the citizens a
voice.
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5. COUNCIL DISCUSSION /POTENTIAL ACTION
COUNCILMEMBER DUCLOS MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AS PRESENTED;
COUNCILMEMBER MALONEY SECOND.
Councilmember Duclos thanked everyone for attending this meeting and noted we have pristine
waters in this region. She also noted it reminds her of Asarco and the fact that boundaries are only on
a map, gas doesn't care about boundaries. She supports the Resolution.
Councilmember Maloney appreciates everyone coming tonight and is overwhelmed with the emotion
of the comments tonight. She thanked both Representative Kochmar and Representative Hickel for
their work on the bills. She thanked Federal Way residents for bringing this into sharp focus;
specifically Leah Boehm Brady, Mark Brady and Diana Noble - Gulliford. She is opposed to this project
and will be supporting this Resolution.
Councilmember Honda thanked everyone for coming; she attended the meeting last night in Tacoma
and noted the next open house is scheduled the same night as the next City Council meeting. She
feels this process needs more transparency from the Port and more information given to citizens and
neighboring cities. She is supportive of the Resolution.
Councilmember Assfa- Dawson thanked everyone for attending the meeting with an incredible turnout.
She thanked the staff and citizens for the information and data presented and for empowering Council
to make decisions on their behalf. She believes they should have a united front, and supports the
Resolution.
Councilmember Moore stated the citizens of Federal Way are being heard loud and clear. He agrees
there is not enough information on this project and feels this will damage quality of life and impact
families and kids for generations. Tacoma has done a lot to restore the area and he questions the
responsibility of a cleanup if needed. He thanked Councilmembers Maloney and Honda for speaking
up and the city staff for putting the information and this meeting together. He supports the Resolution.
Councilmember Koppang, feels public safety is a key issue with this project, and to make decisions to
regarding public safety should not be done lightly. He thanked everyone for the information tonight,
and we will continue to learn more about this project. He feels it is very important to realize this is not
the only business that can come to the Port of Tacoma, there might be future opportunities to support
at this location rather than this project.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge thanked each person for being here and the testimony given. She
commended citizens for their research and sharing their concerns over what is proposed in our
neighborhoods, as this is not a distant project. She stated she raised her children and lived here for
over 45 years and takes the responsibility to maintain and improve the quality of life in Federal Way
very seriously.
Main Motion passed unanimously as follows:
Deputy Mayor Burbidge yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Maloney yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Honda yes
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February 1I, 2016
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further to come before the Federal Way City Council, Mayor Ferrell adjourned
the Special Meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Attest:
St - a ie D. Courtney, C
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 03/01/2016
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February 11, 2016