Council MIN 02-04-2017 Special - Annual Retreat44CITY OF
...k. Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
2017 Annual Council Retreat/Special Meeting Minutes
Dumas Bay Centre
February 4, 2017 — 9:00 a.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge, Councilmember Lydia
Assefa- Dawson, Councilmember Bob Celski, Councilmember Susan Honda, Councilmember Mark
Koppang, Councilmember Martin Moore, and Councilmember Dini Duclos.
City staff in attendance: Acting City Attorney Mark Orthmann, Acting City Attorney Ryan Call, Finance
Director Ade Ariwoola, Chief of Police Andy Hwang, Community Development Director Brian Davis,
Public Works Deputy Director EJ Walsh, Community Services Manager Jeff Watson, Parks and
Recreation Director John Hutton, PAEC Operations Manager Marlette Buchanan, Public Works
Director Marwan Salloum, Dumas Bay Manager Rob Ettinger, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director
Steve Ikerd, Senior Advisor Steve McNey, PAEC Executive Director Theresa Yvonne, IT Manager
Thomas Fichtner, Economic Development Director Tim Johnson, Senior Policy Advisor Yarden
Weidenfeld, Executive Assistant Jeri -Lynn Clark, Office Manager Kathy Arndt, and Deputy City Clerk
Jennifer Marshall.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. WELCOME — MAYOR FERRELL & DEPUTY MAYOR BURBIDGE
Mayor Ferrell welcomed Council, staff, and residents to the retreat and thanked Parks and Recreation
Director John Hutton and his team for the preparations.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge concurred with Mayor Ferrell's comments and acknowledged Federal Way
has a strong tradition of welcoming the public to the Council Retreats: public input and participation
offers a unique perspective.
4. COUNCIL VISION AND EXPECTATIONS FOR RETREAT
Councilmember Honda shared that she was excited to be in attendance and happy to see community
members in attendance. She prefers the retreat be more of a work session rather than a business
meeting.
Councilmember Duclos agreed that the Council Retreat should be different than a study session; she
would prefer it be team building and a goal setting exercise to guide the Council through the year.
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes Page 1 of 8
February 4, 2017
CouncilmemberAssefa - Dawson indicated she would like sustainable revenue generation as a focus
of this retreat.
Councilmember Celski also thanked all in attendance and indicated that the Council looked forward to
receiving input. He also shared his vision for the City: safe, livable, and economically advantaged.
Councilmember Koppang shared his eagerness to hear the important conversations that would result
from the discussion. He believes city is accomplishing great things and looks forward to ongoing
vigilant and strategic planning.
Councilmember Moore expressed gratitude to all in attendance as well as for the beautiful and
historical venue. He shared interest in the upcoming conversations and in improving how progress is
tracked.
5. PERFORMING ARTS & EVENT CENTER (PAEC)
a. Construction Update
Deputy Director EJ Walsh provided a virtual tour of the Performing Arts and Events Center (PAEC)
highlighting the work that has been completed and outlining the remaining work. As of the end of
January, sixty -two percent of the work is done and the building is on schedule to be completed the
Summer of 2017.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding the large retaining wall, the energy draw this building will
have, the utilization of apprenticeships, and what it means to be certified silver by Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Mr. Walsh addressed each inquiry.
b. Financing Update
• New Markets Tax Credits
Economic Development Director Tim Johnson provided an update on the New Markets Tax Credits
(NMTC) and summarized the process moving forward. Mr. Johnson outlined specific options for
moving ahead as well as associated timelines.
Council asked questions regarding potential complications of being a Code City rather than a Charter
City and if both Chase and Capital One will work together.
Finance Director Ade Ariwoola followed and explained the Interfund Loan has not yet been drawn
down and likely will not until the beginning of March. This has shown potential investors that the city is
on solid financial ground and has the capacity to complete this project. He further outlined that there
are three remaining funding sources: the Hotel Pad, Naming Rights, and NMTC.
Through Council discussion it was clarified that there is a potential grant from the state which could be
used for fixtures; however, not for construction costs.
• Programming
Performing Arts and Event Center Executive Director Theresa Yvonne indicated the 2% for Arts
Public Artwork installation will begin in June and will be completed in August of this year. She shared
the Culinary Institute (Native America Food Traditions) will be phased in over three years beginning
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes Page 2 of 8
February 4, 2017
with workshops and lectures which will be followed with a finishing school and a Culinary Institute.
She also outlined the staff needed to run the facility and provided an anticipated timeline. The Grand
Opening is expected in August of 2017 with the Tacoma City Ballet having their first performance in
December.
Council discussion centered on staffing levels, contracts for performances, and resident groups.
6. INDUSTRIAL REALITY GROUP (IRG) PROPERTY UPDATE
a. 40 Acre Effort
Public Works Director Marwan Salloum provided an update in regards to the feasibility of acquiring
property along the shoreline of North Lake. The presentation covered three major components:
• Identifying land to acquire and assessing the associated value.
• Identifying and securing funds.
• Determining Industrial Realty Group's (IRG) interest in selling.
Without formal assessment or appraisal, 53.8 acres of land between Weyerhaeuser Way and North
Lake have been identified with a Prorated Taxable Amount estimated from King County Appraiser's
information at $8.6 million. Conversations have ensued with IRG Representative Tom Messmer who
currently has indicated IRG is not interested in selling the land. Mr. Salloum's recommendation is to
move ahead with the grant submittal to King County. If awarded, the city would be allotted two years
to purchase the property.
Senior Policy Advisor Yarden Weidenfeld outlined his efforts of working with the "Save Weyerhaeuser
Campus Conservation Committee" (SWCCC) since January 2017. He has participated in meetings
and discussions with Council, individuals from the SWCCC, representatives from Forterra, and
representatives from Trust for Public Land.
7. REBRANDING INITIATIVE (moved to after Public Comment)
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
Lori Seachrist thanked Mayor Ferrell and Council as well as support staff for their dedication and hard
work. She believes the next step is to support the Mayor's $1 million grant application proposal. She
anticipates the grant will garner much needed attention from neighboring entities and higher level
government.
Betty Taylor questioned if Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) is going to be affordable for the
citizens of Federal Way and if there will be a citizen discount. She also asked if the performances at
the PAEC will be enough of a draw to sell out the venue.
Richard Pierson thanked the city for working to protect both the environment and public access at
North Lake. He is elated about commitment to find funding sources and the proposed King County
Grant application.
At 11:05 a.m. Mayor Ferrell announced a ten minute recess.
Mayor Ferrell reconvened the meeting at 11:19 a.m.
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes Page 3 of 8
February 4, 2017
7. REBRANDING INITIATIVE (moved from before Public Comment)
Senior Advisor Steve McNey provided an update on the Rebranding Initiative and presented two
options for the city logo along with a new tagline of "Centered on Opportunity ". One logo is a patriotic
medallion shaped logo while the second is a diamond shape with historical and modern overtones.
Questions were asked by and feedback was gathered from the Council regarding the proposed logos.
Consideration was given to keeping the current logo along with the new tagline as well as the cost
associated with implementing a new logo. Councilmembers shared that the rebranding of the city is
occurring every day with the ongoing redevelopment process but they would also like to project a new
image to those outside the city.
9. UNIVERSITY INITIATIVE
Due to time constraints, Mayor Ferrell provided a very brief overview of this topic indicating the
University Initiative is moving ahead. There are currently two committees; one is working on site
location and the other is researching what will be offered academically.
10. MULTI - FAMILY HOUSING
a. Staff Update on Progress
Mayor Ferrell introduced the topic indicating that this moratorium is in effect due to the potential
impacts to schools and roads as a result of increased large multi - family developments. This
moratorium has allowed time for staff to research and propose possible code amendments.
Community Development Director Brian Davis reviewed the timeline and history stating staff
anticipates an ordinance will be brought before Council in May of this year. Principal Planner Margaret
Clark presented responses to questions from the October 18, 2016 City Council Meeting. Mr. Davis
concluded the presentation by providing an overview of the recommended text amendments including
a requirement for underground parking, adjustment to parking ratio requirements, and enforcement of
minimum private open space per unit.
b. Council Discussion on Goals and Priorities
Councilmembers asked questions regarding the protection of view corridors, ensuring Section 8
discrimination does not occur, requiring background checks, and availability of play structures. After
responding to inquiries from Council, Mr. Davis indicated that the text amendments may not solve
every concern but will be a large step in the right direction.
At 12:31 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced a twenty minute lunch recess.
Mayor Ferrell reconvened the meeting at 12:58 p.m.
HOMELESSNESS
a. Day Center Status
Mayor Ferrell indicated that the Day Center is open and functional, and that services have been
expanded permitting children and families to use the shower and laundry facilities at certain times. He
introduced Councilmember Susan Honda and Sharry Edwards as co- chairs of the Homeless Mothers
and Children Initiative.
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes Page 4 of 8
February 4, 2017
b. Homeless Mothers & Children Initiative
Councilmember Susan Honda and Sharry Edwards expressed their eagerness to lead this initiative
and shared their two - pronged purpose:
• Find emergency shelter for women and children.
• Work with providers to reduce the overlapping of services.
Currently Reach Out has two shelters open six months per year; one shelters men and the other
shelters women, neither accept children. New Hope Christian Fellowship has an emergency shelter
program in place which takes families and couples. Councilmember Honda indicated that it is her goal
to have shelter for homeless mothers and children every night, not just selected evenings. Ms.
Edwards shared the Federal Way School District has emphasized the impact that lack of shelter can
have on the students.
The Councilmembers thanked Councilmember Honda and Ms. Edwards for their service and asked
questions regarding the vision for the outcome of this initiative as well as if prioritization will be given
to Federal Way residents and if schools could be used as shelter.
Mayor Ferrell introduced Community Services Manager Jeff Watson and CDBG /Human Services
Coordinator Sarah Bridgeford who provided an overview of the steps being taken by city staff.
Currently staff is working to secure an agreement with New Hope Christian Fellowship in regards to
cold weather emergency shelter. If the Homeless Mothers and Children Initiative continues to move
forward to provide ongoing shelter, not only during extreme weather conditions, a separate agreement
will need to be developed. Concerns were expressed regarding the capacity and availability of
volunteers in a longer term versus intermittent basis.
Ms. Bridgeford also reported the Day Center opened on December 6 and the number served has
increased to almost 40 individuals per day. Their official hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m.; children are permitted after hours. Those who visit are being made part of a community
and receiving support from various organizations that are on site.
c. Next Steps — Future, Path Forward, Where do we want to go?
Mr. Watson again outlined that the initial agreement is for an extreme weather shelter while the next
steps could be towards a nightly shelter for homeless women and children. Staff is receiving quarterly
reports from the Day Shelter and looking to supplement the data with information other than solely the
number of individuals served.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Watson and Ms. Bridgeford for their ongoing efforts and asked
questions regarding the One Night Count (results will be provided in April or early May), the change in
the model of Federal funding, and how to get ahead of the situation rather than continuing in a
perpetual triage approach.
11. REVENUE OPTIONS - BUDGET
a. Transportation Benefit District (TBD) — Impacts of Sound Transit 3 (ST3)
Finance Director Ade Ariwoola provided and reviewed an informational sheet received from Sound
Transit. He highlighted the implementation dates and estimated additional fee per year (based on
median numbers) as follows:
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes Page 5 of 8
February 4, 2017
• January 1, 2017 - Property Tax Increase, $47 per year
• March 1, 2017 - Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) Increases for vehicle registration,
$43 per year
• April 1, 2017 - Sales and Use Tax Increase, $79 per year
If the Tax Benefit District (TBD) is not enacted by Council or another revenue source is not found, the
city will not be able to fund the new police officers. Mr. Ariwoola discussed the impacts of fees
collected one a year (with higher impacts on families) to those fees collected throughout the year
which have the same net effect.
b. Short-Term v. Long -Term
c. Options
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Ariwoola for the information and discussed options such as a utility tax
inclusive of Tacoma Utilities that serves a portion of Federal Way or the COPS Grant which is a 3-
year grant though continued funding would be of concern. Concerns were expressed over future
budgets as the need for services continue to expand.
d. Needs
Deputy Mayor Burbidge provided a summary of the City's Proposed Budget Priorities for the 2017-
2018 Biennial Budget as developed by City Council. They are summarized as follows:
• Safety: I want to be safe where I live work, and play. (PHSPS)
• Economic Growth /Enhancement: I want my city to grow by bringing new businesses
into the city and by enhancing the value of existing businesses. (FEDRAC)
• Community Building: I want a sense of community and communications with others.
(PHSPS)
• Clean and Green Environment: I want to live, learn, work, and play in a clean
environment in harmony with nature. (LUTC /PHSPS)
• Infrastructure Enhancement and Growth: I want well- maintained city facilities and
infrastructure that keep up with growth and technology. (LUTC)
• Responsible Government: I want a city government that is responsible, responsive,
and open to its residences and businesses. (FEDRAC)
Councilmembers emphasized these priorities provide a high level overview with subsections that are
more specific. Discussion ensued resulting in confirmation that these priorities make up the backbone
of the city. Consideration was given to providing a progress report based on these topics to keep
Council accountable. These goals were casually assigned to the Council Committees (noted above)
for Councilmembers to introduce to staff and attempt to keep as a focal point.
12. LONG -RANGE PLANS FACILITIES
a. Dumas Bay
Parks and Recreation Director John Hutton presented a brief presentation regarding the Dumas Bay
Centre. The Centre was purchased in July of 1993 and currently employs three full time employees
with the current revenue for 2017 at $734,000. He noted steadily increasing annual revenues, positive
customer feedback, and an accounting of improvements made possible through Council approval.
He discussed the staff's vision for the future of this facility.
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes Page 6 of 8
February 4, 2017
b. Brooklake
Parks and Recreation Director John Hutton provided overview of Brooklake Community Center
including the current state and outlined its potential. Currently it serves as backup for the emergency
shelter for the Homeless Women and Children Initiative. There has been much interest expressed in
the property with ideas to create a historical preservation interpretive center, rental event space,
recreation classes, or a surface water salmon habitat interpretive center. The structure is in need of
repairs and will be assessed to determine life- expectancy. Recommendations for improvements will
be made before moving forward.
c. Vision
Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for the Dumas Bay Centre and the level of service
provided by staff. They also shared their visions for the future of Dumas Bay which included a
transformation of the building to allow for weddings /events or converting it to a five -star facility.
Discussion followed regarding zoning as well as the current types of groups who prefer the quiet and
serene environment of the existing facility.
Councilmembers also shared their visions for the Brooklake Community Center including partnering
with the Historical Society to create a museum, making it into a regional interpretive /educational
center to teach about wetlands by partnering with Sierra Club, and school districts. They feel
Brooklake has the potential to be a regional asset.
At 2:42 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced a ten minute recess.
Meeting reconvened at 2:56 p.m.
13. PUBLIC COMMENT
Diana Noble - Gulliford shared some of the history of the Dumas Bay Centre highlighting Father
Hylebos and expressed interest in the Brooklake Center on behalf of the Historical Society. She also
commented on the multi - family housing moratorium and the current school impact fees of over $9,000
per unit.
14. ENHANCING COMMUNICATION
a. Goals & Objectives
Councilmember Moore introduced this topic indicating that he wants to increase transparency in the
budget process and overall. He explained that transparency includes easily accessible information
and attempts to increase openness. He requested support to create a taskforce to enhance
transparency and increase the city's online presence.
b. Options available
Council discussion ensued with consideration to the impact this will have on staff workloads as well as
what is currently being done towards providing transparency. Councilmember Duclos indicated it
could be a subcommittee the Finance, Economic Development, and Regional Affairs Committee
(FEDRAC) and Council also stated that an increased social media presence should be incorporated
into this process.
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes Page 7 of 8
February 4, 2017
15. WRAP -UP
a. Closing Comments by Mayor, Deputy Mayor and City Council
Councilmember Moore shared that he enjoyed the retreat and the ability to have a conversation with
fewer constraints. He expressed appreciation for staff's attendance as well as the hospitality of
Dumas Bay. He is looking forward to accomplishing a lot this year.
Councilmember Koppang thanked the citizens who were in attendance siting their commitment and
interest in their city. He expressed appreciation for the time and energy spent and looks forward to
continued dialogue.
Councilmember Celski expressed gratitude for the Council being open and respectful to each other as
ideas were brought forward in an attempt to achieve goals on behalf of the citizens. He felt the retreat
further helped him to get current on the issues.
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson thanked Council, staff, and the citizens for their attendance and
participation. She would like future conversations to include how to make the city a welcoming and
inviting city and how to engage our youth. She indicated that this could perhaps be included in the
multi - family work that is ongoing.
Councilmember Duclos also thanked all those in attendance. She would like the next retreat to be
more focused on developing visions rather than discussing the same issues as are addressed at
formal Council Meetings. She wants Council to dream big, assign out, and report back.
Councilmember Honda recognized Jeff Watson and Sarah Bridgeford for all their help with the
Homeless Women and Children's Initiative. She concurred with Councilmember Duclos in that she
does not want retreats to be just another business meeting but instead include vision boards and
collaboration.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge found the interactive nature of the retreat very helpful. She further shared that
she is intrigued with idea of future retreats having more of a visioning focus and considered having a
second retreat this year as there would be real value even if it was more informal.
Mayor Ferrell indicated that the retreat included great discussion. He expressed that it is his honor to
work with all of Council and staff. He appreciates staff's efforts every day on behalf of the people and
the citizens in attendance.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Special Meeting at 3:27p.m.
Attest:
ed by Council: 03/07/2017
City of Federal Way Council Retreat Minutes
February 4, 2017
Page 8 of 8