Council MIN 05-12-2016 SpecialFederal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
May 12, 2016 — 7:00 p.m.
www cityoffederalway. com
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge, 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
State Representative Linda Kochmar led the flag salute.
Mayor Ferrell asked for a moment of silence to honor the victims of the recent violence.
3. PRESENTATION
• Public Safety — Chief of Police Andy Hwang
Chief of Police Andy Hwang greeted the Mayor and City Council and introduced members of his
staff which were present this evening, including Support Services Manager /Public Information
Officer Cathy Schrock; Deputy Chief Steve Neal; Commander Brett Hatfield; and Deputy Chief
Kyle Sumpter.
Chief Hwang noted he would be giving a brief update on crime statistics and trends regarding
strategies for reducing gun crimes. Chief Hwang reported the three homicides which occurred
between Monday, May 9th, 2016 and Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 and highlighted the locations on a
city map.
The Police Department is recommending residents take extra safety precautions including:
• Avoid going out on foot late at night, especially in secluded areas such as trails.
• When out after dark, stay in groups.
• If you see someone or something suspicious, call 911 and report it.
• Continue to take standard precautions including keeping doors locked.
Chief Hwang further reviewed historical crime statistics including homicides and crimes involving
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firearms. He noted from the information pulled, there is an uptick in crimes using firearms.
Chief Hwang noted in addition to partnering with Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies to
Identify connections between inter - jurisdictional gun crimes; the department is also working with
the King County Prosecutor's Office; Suburban King County Coordinating Council on Gangs;
Public Health agencies and Multi- Family housing organizations to help reduce crime on or near
properties.
He further noted the department notified media with each incident in order to inform the public
and has prioritized all of the department's resources to capture these offenders. Personnel has
been re- allocated to increase staffing in the detectives unit and re- tasked uniformed personnel to
focus on reducing gun crimes. The department also has ongoing juvenile delinquency prevention
programs which include: School Resource Officers; Commons Mall Officers; Special Operations
Unit; Traffic School & Safety Programs; Explorer Scout Post; Youth Policy Academy and Positive
Ticket Program.
Above all, Police Chief Hwang noted it is important for citizens to be diligent and if they see
something to say something and report it. A reward is being currently being offered for
information on the Gutierrez case through Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound. He shared the
deepest sympathies of the Police Department to the families and loves ones of those affected by
these crimes. He concluded by stating there is nothing more important to the men and women of
the Police Department than to solve these crimes and provide closure to the families and the
community.
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Heidi Gutierrez, mother of victim Adam Gutierrez, noted this was a senseless crime. This is a
people and an evil issue and not a gun issue. Her son was a sweet person and did not deserve
this. She invited everyone to a vigil tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. for Adam at the place where he
was shot.
Javier Gutierrez, father of victim Adam Gutierrez, shared his son was an exceptional man who
served in the Navy and was in college to be an engineer. He was set to graduate in 14 months
and start a family with his wife. As a longtime resident of Federal Way for 23 years, he feels this
beautiful community has increasing crime and population; he wants the citizens to come together
and get involved in our community.
Cindy Jarvis loves Federal Way and would like to see the city freeze current projects and direct
those funds to strengthen the Police Force. She feels the department is short- handed and wants
Federal Way to be a safe place again. She suggested the city freeze the Performing Arts and
Event Center construction and reevaluate the current spending.
Scott Angell encouraged the community to get involved in working together. Citizens can make a
difference in our communities by working with Home Owners Associations and expanding the
Safe City Program to keep Federal Way beautiful.
Mathew Jarvis stated he feels the community has been given lip service for years about public
safety and would like the city to put additional funding into the Police Department. He highlighted
the difference in officers to that in the City of Everett. His family personally donated money to the
Crimestoppers Reward and would like the city to do the same.
Margaret Jordan feels the quality of life is going down in Federal Way and there are too many
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Section 8 Multi - Family Housing complexes. She noted she researched one such property on the
south end of town which receives 40 calls for service a month and that 20 calls are made from
another complex. She would like the city to attract more quality homeowners and tax payers.
Fred Krahnen (comment read into the record by the Mayor) noted his grandson was murdered
last night and wants to know what the city plans to do in response.
Susan Toohey thanked the brave and courageous police officers who go into these situations and
protect us. She feels the department needs more help and would like to see the city expand the
police force. She also noted she volunteers with organizations in the community with the
homeless and is concerned when children are involved.
Jerold McGlothlin, President of Puget Sound Crimestoppers and also a community member,
encouraged citizens to get out in the community and get involved and to say something if they
see something. Crimestoppers is 100% anonymous and will pay out reward money.
Kathleen Dynes thanked those that have put up reward money and feels the city should also put
up money. She is concerned with 14 year olds that have guns in their backpacks at schools as
well as Section 8 multi - family housing. She would like to know if there are security and
background checks done on residents and if so, how many residents have guns or concealed
weapons permits.
Richard Rainey, friend of the Gutierrez family, stated the community lost a wonderful man and
wants answers as to how the city will manage all the high density housing. He would like to hear
solutions and not temporary fixes.
Melinda Ruiz, longtime resident of Federal Way, is concerned as others over the recent crime
wave. She volunteers and works in the community and wants citizens to trust the hard work of the
Police Department. She recently had a need to utilize the Police Department and was impressed
with the time and effort they took.
James Barrier spoke to the quality of Mr. Gutierrez, who held the door for him this evening as
they both entered the building. He noted the loss of Mr. Gutierrez's son is a loss to the
community. He thanked the Council for having this meeting and feels there are no easy answers
to crime. He asked if the department spending has been reduced over the years. Mayor Ferrell
noted the Police Department spending has increased.
Harry Larsen is concerned with pan - handling in the city and while it is free speech it feels it is a
disgrace to the city. He volunteered to hold signs discouraging giving to panhandlers.
Doug Oslby as a longtime resident is concerned over the traffic in the city and the decline of the
neighborhoods, specifically drug dealing in his neighborhood. He would like to see the city do
something about it.
Kiera Brooks noted panhandlers beg because people give them something; she discouraged
people from giving to panhandlers as she feels it makes the problem worse. She noted that the
Multi- Service Center will help those in need. She asked what the projected increase in crime is
for the Section 8 housing one in on 320th Street.
Lisa Ludwig, an Aktion Club member, she noted she had to move because someone was bullying
her.
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Elizabeth Kari asked for more specifics on the investigation of the current crimes and if the city is
close to identifying the criminals responsible or has a theory on the crimes. She also does not feel
people should be disparaging Section 8 housing simply because people are poor.
Mayor Ferrell spoke briefly on the process of ongoing investigations and how details are not
shared at this point so that future prosecution is not jeopardized. Chief Hwang also
emphasized he was deliberately general as it is not appropriate to share details of the cases
at this point of the investigations.
Saudia Sanders feels parents need to take charge and educate their kids. This is not a Section 8
problem: she currently works two jobs and goes to Highline College. She asked people to not to
bring discriminations to the table but make this a time to stand together; Federal Way will be safe
again if the community stands together.
Darlene Coleman agreed with the previous speaker in that the community needs to stand
together and not separate and blame. She feels the community needs to rally around the youth
which takes more than one family. She also does not feel people should target low income or
Section 8 housing.
Dion Schell moved his family here from the Eastside and is involved in the community and with
youth. He has 5 children and currently volunteers at the schools; he wants to make his city great
and he does not see apartment complexes as the problem. He encouraged the community to get
out and make a difference and make it a great city, instead of leaving. He would like to see
everyone be more open, engaging and welcoming to new families.
Alisha Albritton stated she is a person with disabilities who uses Section 8 housing and works
very hard to retain her job.
Libby Ray moved here in 1968 and feels the schools are over - crowded and asked the Council to
look into putting a moratorium on multi - family housing. She believes kids are falling through the
cracks in the system because the schools are not fully staffed or equipped to handle this amount
of children.
Kyle Wall stated he grew up in Federal Way; went to college and came back after college. He
feels people do not stay in the city and he would like to see that change; to have people fight for
the community. He wants people to be a part of the change and the solution to make the city a
better place for everyone.
Lu Joslin- Lester, longtime resident, stated she has volunteered for the city and wants to see
people work to promote how great the city can be again. She would also like to see more
cooperation and funding for the police department and for residents to volunteer and get involved
in the community.
Skylar "SkyMan" Nichols feels citizens need to stand up and not be scared. He also does not like
to hear people blame Section 8 housing. He feels the community can come together and let the
officials know that they care and that they support them and the Police Department.
Greg Vicars, longtime resident of 38 years encouraged citizens to not be divided. He asked the
city and community to join together and create a task force and to look at actionable items that
can help take back our city.
Mayor Ferrell briefly spoke about the fact that a task force is in the planning stages and that
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this is an idea members of the City Council and community have been discussing.
Carol Frayley thanked the Council and the Police Department for their efforts and feels they need
state legislative representative to work on strengthening the laws. She feels until they start
making criminals responsible, regardless of age, it will continue to be an issue. She urged the
judicial and legislative branches to write stronger laws.
Mayor Ferrell noted Councilmember Asseffa- Dawson is currently out of the county and her
absence is excused.
Valerie Rhodes grew up here and feels we are reactive to problems and the school district and
Police Department lack proper funding for the amount of apartment complexes and homeless.
She would like to see the city and school district to be more proactive.
Kevin Butler encouraged people to get out and meet their neighbors, to be active in the
community and know when you see something that is out of the ordinary for your neighborhood.
He feels the community should support and help the Police Department be vigilant.
Shameem Heyliger shared that this is a community issue, not an economic issue. She has four
boys from the ages six to seventeen and does not want to get "that" phone call. She called for the
community to come together even though she is not sure exactly what it will take.
Julianne Frink feels it is unfair to slander people who use Section 8 housing. She feels there is
not be a direct connection between bad people and the people who are low income. She feels
that crime and the criminals need to be the focus.
Nick Vanaatter feels the smaller crimes are not being prosecuted and believes this feeds the
larger problem and that petty crimes are happening to support drug habits.
Jodi Anderson feels the Police Department is not adequately staffed and wants more officers on
the street. She referenced the overflow of people currently at City Hall tonight shows the
community cares and wants to be involved. She supports a stakeholder group with ongoing
dialog.
Donald Barovic noted the current events and loss of a child is a tragic event. He feels the city has
outgrown its current service levels and needs to work with neighboring agencies.
Betty Taylor repeated the Pledge of Allegiance and believes that God is the only answer.
Jennie Hills spoke regarding her concerns with domestic violence, speeding cars and unattended
children in her apartment complex.
Dee Barnes, longtime resident, stated kids are not being supported and without parents taking
responsibility and teaching kids the problem will continue. She believes it is an "America issue"
and not specific to just Federal Way. She is also concerned over the amount of drugs in the
middle schools. She does not feel Section 8 is the problem.
Bobby Jennings spoke in concern over crime increasing once kids are out of schools and have
nothing to do. He also feels that criminals breed more criminals and love breeds love.
Heidi Guttierrez spoke to restate she is not against low income and Section 8 housing although
she is concerned about overcrowding the community.
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Mayor Ferrell called for additional public comments.
Colleen Corniels asked if we any closer tonight than we were this morning at solving these
crimes.
Shelia Warren (did not fill out a comment sheet) is resident of Federal Way who moved here from
a much higher crime area of Chicago. She does not want to see firearms, drugs and bullying and
wants the community to stand up and when they see something, say something. She feels there
is a good police presence and the community needs to step up.
State Representative Linda Kochmar spoke about the beauty of Federal Way and asked the
community to help her create a bill which she will sponsor which makes criminals accountable no
matter what the age. She was pleased with the turnout at tonight's meeting and knows how
passionate the community is.
Allison Johnson moved here from California 3 years ago. She feels the Police Department is
doing an adequate job; however she would like to see a sign -up sheet for citizens to volunteer.
She would like to see more community involvement.
Ester Patrick, (did not compete a comment sheet) has lived here for 31 years and she does not
want to live in a Police State with violence and gang activity; she wants to live in a safe
environment.
Venterence Smith (did not compete a comment sheet) thanked the Police Department and noted
every time they needed help they were there. She feels no one could have prevented what
happened Monday night and that Federal Way is still a nice place to live. They also want the city
to do something about 333rd Street which may include speed bumps.
5. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Mayor Ferrell asked Chief Hwang to report on the standards for the level of officers and regarding
gang activity in the city. Chief Hwang noted the standards are per thousand people currently the
city has consistently maintained 1.4 officers per 1,000 people. The need will vary from community
depending on many different factors. Chief Hwang also reported there are gang members
currently living in the city; however with their transient behavior it is difficult to quantify and track.
The department is very proactive in not allowing gangs to claim territory and getting a foothold.
He strongly feels criminals move frequently between jurisdictions.
Mayor Ferrell asked Chief of Staff Brian Wilson to speak to the multifamily housing inventory in
the city. Chief of Staff Wilson noted currently the city is looking at the current inventory which
represents 7% of the housing in Federal Way. The city is looking at design standards and working
to address concerns while still meeting community needs and Growth Management
Requirements.
Mayor Ferrell further asked Chief Hwang to explain the departments working relationship with
multifamily housing management. Chief Hwang noted the Crime Analyst division of the
department includes two staff members who work closely with apartment managers and property
management staff.
Councilmembers each expressed their sincere condolences to the families which are both
present and who were unable to come tonight. They also spoke to thank the extraordinary
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amount of citizens who spoke tonight and who want to work together to better the community.
Councilmember Maloney also noted these crimes were random and senseless acts. She wants to
see the city be proactive to find solutions to the root causes to these issues and continues to
support the formation of a community coalition with citizens and community stakeholders to come
up with a multi - pronged approach to these issues.
Councilmember Duclos wants more trained officers and to take control of our city. She feels this
should be discussed during the budget meetings.
Councilmember Honda would also like to hire more officers and asked if we are having a problem
getting good people for vacant positions and was pleased to see the community is willing to come
together to make Federal Way better.
Chief Hwang responded the department has high standards for entry level and lateral
positions.
Councilmember Koppang has been encouraged by the welcoming nature of our community. He
stated that we are forced to look at solutions and taking action that will be a benefit to our
community.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge has lived in the community for 47 years and continues to be optimistic
about our city. Success is not easy and not without effort. Passion and the willingness to step
forward and working together on solutions and stepping up will lead to success.
Councilmember Moore stated he is focused on action and results, and would also like to see
increased police force. He is looking forward to working on this issue and being a part of the
solution.
Mayor Ferrell thanked everyone for taking the time to attend tonight and listen to fellow citizens
comments. He noted the city has a great Police Department and this evening has resulted in
great conversation and direction.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Special Meeting at 9:53
p.m.
Attest:
Step thanlie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 06 -07 -2016
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