Council MIN 04-18-2017 SpecialCITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
April 18, 2017 — 5:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge, Councilmember Lydia Assefa- Dawson,
Councilmember Bob Celski, Councilmember Susan Honda, Councilmember Mark Koppang, and
Councilmember Martin Moore.
City staff in attendance: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION
• Violence Prevention Steering Committee Report and Recommendations
Clerk's Note: Federal Way Violence Prevention Coalition Steering Committee report to the Mayor and
City Council is attached to these minutes as Exhibit A.
Violence Prevention Steering Committee Chair Doug Baxter introduced the members who were
present at tonight's meeting. The committee met twice a month for six months to bring forward
thoughtful recommendations. The following categories were reviewed:
• Primary Prevention- targeted at entire populations on a large scale to provide support
and education prior to issues
• Secondary Prevention — targeted at those populations in need to alleviate issues and
prevent further escalation
• Tertiary Prevention — utilizing treatment and rehabilitation to reduce reoccurrence
The committee held a public meeting on October 26, 2016 and gathered input from individuals who
were thoughtful and engaged citizens wanting to be proactive in the community. Key themes captured
at the meeting included better communication; access to youth programs; community education;
youth and young adult employment; and culturally relevant programs.
Mr. Baxter reported a survey was distributed in multiple languages and 387 responses were received.
Mr. Baxter reviewed many of the positive activities which are already happening within the city. He
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 1 of 4
April 18, 2017
also stated the forthcoming recommendations which address an actual need that has been identified.
The recommendations are a start of this process, and to assist with momentum the committee has
identified natural partners where possible.
He reviewed the ten (10) recommendations for action:
1. Bystander Awareness
2. Mentoring and Volunteerism
3. Social /Emotional Learning Expansion
4. One Stop Resource Center
5. Youth Employment
6. After School Programs
7. Restorative Justice Principles
8. Gun Storage
9. Youth Substance Use Treatment
10. City Staff time
In conclusion of Mr. Baxter's presentation, he noted the committee strongly recommends the city
make youth violence prevention a sustained priority; advocate for more resources; and utilize the
recommendations to apply for grants which would result in more resources.
Mayor Ferrell thanked Mr. Baxter and the Committee for all their hard work and research. He deferred
to Council, who agreed to take citizen comment next, prior to moving to Council discussion.
4. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION /QUESTIONS (moved to after Citizen Comment)
5. CITIZEN COMMENT
Jennifer Cox shared that she also works with CHI Franciscan Health Youth Violence Prevention
Initiative and her experience has shown that being proactive in the lives of youth and children as soon
as possible has the greatest impact.
Charissa Eggleston thanked the team for their hard work and reminded them that are not alone; that
there is a community behind them that wants to help make these changes happen.
Andre Bullard, Outreach Specialist with POP Program, shared that his team works with kids ages 12
to 24 and provides services as needed; including mentoring, employment assistance, and bus
passes.
Will Jimmerson, Jr., also part of the POP Program, indicated that they agree with the city motto
"Centered on Opportunity" and focus on creating opportunities for young men and women to achieve
their goals.
Evan Cook, also part of the POP Program, shared that he works with youth and try to be what he did
not have when he grew up. They teach the importance of sacrifice, accountability, and responsibility.
He feels the youth have been neglected and hopes for open minds as new strategies are developed
for our youth.
Jim Stiles is concerned that there is not more discussion about personal and community
responsibility. He shared that while good intensions are a start; there must be a way to to hold
programs and participants accountable.
Mike Niksich, President of Todd Beamer Booster Club, shared that by providing opportunities for kids
to participate in positive activities, personal responsibility will be developed. He believes society is the
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 2 of 4
April 18, 2017
problem and we all need to take accountability for the youth.
Mark Greene feels the city's level of involvement with the Chamber of Commerce is out of proportion
with its level of engagement with its citizens.
Betty Taylor is concerned about violence and drug use in apartment complexes and questioned what
we are going to stop it. She would like a solution to the problem for everyone, not just one core group.
Anteneh Tebeje, a nineteen year old Federal Way High School graduate, spoke to the importance of
midnight basketball and similar programs. He indicated that these programs keep kids around positive
energy and activities like this keep them safe.
Debbie Peterson shared that we all need to work together rather than point fingers and take sides.
The Committee listened to professionals, adults, and youth and used their input to create a great plan.
Dustin Morrison, Senior at Todd Beamer High School, shared that he did not want to lose any more
friends. He believes having programs will give youth a good place to be and role models to teach
them wrong from right.
Lawrence Garrett, Vice Chair of VPCSC, provided a point of clarification in regards to accountability of
programs. He shared that non - profit organizations are required to have a level of transparency that far
exceed what occurs in private institutions. He also shared that every recommendation of the plan is
tied to evidence -based research
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Council Assefa- Dawson expressed appreciation to Mr. Baxter and the committee for their hard work
as well as the presentation. She also thanked those who provided public comment. She shared that
she has raised three sons and this issue speaks to her heart. She especially appreciated how the
committee emphasized the strength of what is currently offered and the pieces that we need to add.
Moving forward she wants Federal Way to feel safe and be recognized as a safe place and break the
cycle for the future.
Councilmember Duclos thanked everyone for their work on this committee as it is a difficult issue
to address. She would also like to work with parents and families as they may also need
assistance. Some may not know how to parent, or be unable to be present as they work to
support their families. With the job market thinning out and the cost of living increasing there may
be additional circumstances also effecting the youth and the families in the community.
Councilmember Koppang thanked the Committee for their thoughtful look and review and feels this
committee worked diligently on recommendations that would be useful. He feels the new tag line of
"Centered on Opportunity" is a reflection of how the Council wants everyone to have a place and a
purpose. He will look for ways to implement these recommendations and give opportunities to all of
our citizens.
Councilmember Moore expressed his pride in the people on this committee and those in the room. He
feels there are great ideas and organizations and would like to see more collaboration. He is in favor
of more youth centered events, such as the basketball night at the Community Center. He feels the
city should further leverage the city website and social media.
Councilmember Honda thanked the committee for all of their hard work. She asked specific questions
of Mr. Baxter regarding feedback on unsafe areas. She would love to see an increase in after school
programs and would like to further explore a partnership with the school district to implement that type
of program for students. She noted the studies have shown that the most need for programs are for
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 3 of 4
April 18, 2017
time are between the end of the school day and early evening when parents are not yet home from
work. She also feels the need for good paying jobs and economic opportunities.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge thanked Mr. Baxter, the committee, and the entire community was in
attendance. She feels this report is very impressive in identifying existing needs and resources and
potential partnerships. The recommendations focus on community can build on as a larger effort of
support for the youth. She would like to continue the conversations and energy in pursuing the goals
identified.
Councilmember Celski agreed with his colleagues and their comments, and thanked the committee
for their hard work and effort to pull this report together. He also thanked everyone who spoke tonight
in support of our youth and our community. He feels society as a whole has lost the importance of
adults giving their time to support youth in activities such as youth sports which will increase their self -
worth and values. He would like to see more programs for kids in the community. He quoted King
County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg who said "Violence is an attempt to replace shame with pride ".
Mayor Ferrell thanked everyone for the important conversation tonight. Doug Baxter further noted the
committee made the decision to focus on 15 -24 year olds due to overwhelming scope. He also
clarified, the committee does not expect the city to create these things, but the hope is for the city to
partner with agencies to build opportunities and increase and build personal responsibility.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Attest:
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 05/02,2017
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 4 of 4
April 18, 2017