Planning Commission MINS 05-17-2017CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
May 17, 2017 City Hall
6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers VE
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Lawson Bronson, Tom Medhurst, Hope Elder, Wayne Carlson and Diana Noble-
Gulliford, Tim O'Neil, Dawn Meader McCausland, and Dale Couture. Commissioners absent: Anthony
Murrietta (excused). City Staff present: Planning Manager Robert "Doc" Jensen, Senior Planner David
Van De Weghe, Deputy City Attorney Mark Orthmann, and Administrative Assistant Tina Piety.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bronson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of April 19, 2017, were approved as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Planning Manager Hansen informed the Commission that the council passed the proposed amendments
for multifamily housing. The ordinance will become effective on May 24`I' and the moratorium ends on
June 6'h. The city will not accept multifamily housing applications until the moratorium has ended.
Planning Manager Hansen went on to say that the council made a few changes to the ordinance regarding
parking.
The Commission discussed the Sound Transit Stakeholder Meeting on the Federal Way link rail
extension. Planning Manager Hansen noted that Sound Transit concentrated on what the stations will look
like. They talked about South 320`h and how traffic will be dealt with. Also, it was acknowledged that
even with the additional parking facility, there will not be enough parking. Staff will discuss remedies
with Sound Transit.
Commissioner O'Neil commented the project is likely to bring increased foot -traffic and he is concerned
about crossing 320"'. Planning Manager stated that staff is also concerned with this issue and intend to
address it. Commissioners discussed the EIS.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford commented that she felt Sound Transit did not provide enough
information for people to understand the scope of the entire project. We need more specific information
regarding the project site and the proposed layout. Staff concurs that more specific information is needed
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and will be discussing this with Sound Transit. Chair Bronson would like information on the alignment of
the rails after the Federal Way transit station. Planning Manager Hansen responded that he can provide a
preliminary map.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford made the following statement. She does her best to serve the people of
Federal Way as part of the Planning Commission. She is the President of the Federal Way Historical
Society and commented that the historical society does not benefit from this proposed ordinance. Property
owners can benefit through a tax reduction and grants offered for historic preservation. She asked if
anyone objects to her taking part in the discussion and vote. If yes, she will recuse herself. There were no
objections. Commissioner Hope stated she feels it is advantageous to have someone with her background
and knowledge to help guide us.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Public Hearing — Proposed Text Amendments to FWRC Related to Protection and Preservation
of Landmarks
Senior Planner Van De Weghe delivered the staff presentation. He went over the sections of the
ordinance, the proposed interlocal partnership with King County, the proposed process, and the Planning
Commission action options. The Mayor recommends adoption of the ordinance. Chair Bronson opened
the meeting to public testimony.
Dana Halloway, Federal Way resident — She is in favor of the proposed ordinance. The city
incorporated in 1990 and it is time to have such an ordinance. Many of the historical properties are on
the verge of being lost. If we don't preserve our heritage, we will just be a bunch of strip malls
between Seattle and Tacoma. Our city is more than that.
Jerry Knutzen, Federal Way Historical Society Vice -President — He has lived in Federal Way since
1947 (he remembers before it was called Federal Way). The historical society has been in favor of
such an ordnance for many years. He stated we need to maintain and retain our historical places. Most
of what we have are photographs, but there are some historic structures that need to be saved. He
lives in the Buenna area, which was platted as a city in 1895. He told the Commissioners about a
number of historic structures. He strongly encourages the passage of the proposed ordinance.
Ron Smith, Federal Way resident — He stated his wife loves old things. About 30 years ago they were
looking for a place to live and came across this old house overlooking the water and his wife
commented she would love to live there. They purchased the house. As far as he knows, they have the
oldest intact house in the area and have been careful to maintain its integrity. The only change to the
outside is a recent deck. He is in favor of the proposed ordinance.
Doug Peffer, past president of the Federal Way Historical Society — He was involved with moving
the historical cabins and other projects. He is in favor of the proposed ordinance. He questions
dealing with King County because it could leave open the possibility of certain buildings be sold to a
developer, who would not care about the historical value. The city should review this possibility. It
happened with the destruction of the old Redondo General Store. No one knows how the developer
received approval for a demolition permit. People need to put strict controls on historic places, or they
will be gone (most of what Federal Way had is gone).
Jason Ludwig, Federal Way resident — He is also with the historical society, but is not speaking from
that perspective tonight. He spoke of living in Phoenix, Arizona for many years (has been in Federal
Way for three years). Phoenix (which was incorporated in 188 1) adopted a preservation ordinance
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only two years ago and has destroyed most of their historical buildings. Development trends go
through phases and the phase during much of the destruction of historic structures was strip malls; as
a result, Phoenix is a land of strip malls. He is enthralled by Federal Way's sense of history and the
civic pride in our history. Saving history is an uphill battle unless it is protected by such an ordinance.
Don't repeat Phoenix's mistake.
Karen Meador, Auburn resident — She works for the historical society. Federal Way is a rare
exception to cities that are built on the water because we are built on roads. Military Road, 99 (Pacific
Highway South) and I-5 are all located in Federal way. They were all cutting edge for their time;
representing a new era in the American experiment. Many of Federal Way's historic properties are
close to these important roads (Brooklake, historic cabins, Steel Lake Annex, etc.). It is hard to find
history so accessible. Heritage properties provide communities with unique buildings suitable for
different types of uses (tourist destinations, event centers, meeting centers, etc.). They provide
Federal Way with a unique identity and distinctive character. She urged the Commissioners
recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance. The only city in the US named for a federal highway
is deserving of a historic preservation ordinance. It will help preserve Federal Way's unique blend of
historic highways, varied architecture, great scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and heritage.
Dorothy Bird, Federal Way resident — She has lived here for six years. This is a unique locality (not
farmland but a bog), developed in a way that is different. She is very glad she came here.
Marty Dickerson Auburn resident — He is involved with the historical society. He purchased an old
abandoned store last year on Military Road. He has had a lot of interaction with people who have
grown up in the area. Many people stop and ask what will happen with the store. They are cleaning
and up and saving what they can. They want to preserve this bit of history. He supports Federal Way
adopting the proposed ordinance.
Suzanne Vargo, Federal Way resident — She has lived and walked all over Federal Way. She
volunteers for the Auburn museum. There are strong roots throughout Federal Way and to lose these
would be to lose a part of all of us. Federal Way is unique and we should preserve that.
Chair Bronson closed the public testimony.
Commissioner Carlson stated that staff did a great job and he supports the ordinance.
Vice -Chair Medhurst asked how many sites the Federal Way Historical Society considers to be heritage
properties that would qualify for this. Commissioner Noble-Gulliford relied that there are probable
between 50 — 100 properties. It depends on what the community deems is important.
Vice -Chair Medhurst asked if there is a priority for the applications, or will we see hundreds the first year.
He assumes the Federal Way Historical Society will reach out to property owners to encourage them to
apply to preserve their property. His concern is that King County staff will be overwhelmed, resulting in
delays. Senior Planner Van De Weghe replied he will have to check with King County. It will depend
upon the property owner if they choose to apply or not. A historical property survey of the city should be
done. If the ordinance and interlocal are approved, city staff will work with King County on a survey.
Commissioner Elder commented that recently Brooklake was declared unsafe. If she were to nominate
them and they are accepted as a historical property, but if the city does not have the money to repair it, is
there anything that can be done. Senior Planner David Van De Weghe replied once a property is
determined to be a historical site, it can qualify for grants.
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Commissioner Couture asked if a property has been determined to be a historical site, will the owner be
told how they can improve the property. Senior Planner Van De Weghe replied yes, the city will provide
that information.
Commissioners expressed concern whether King County will have adequate staff to handle the additional
work load. Senior Planner Van De Weghe replied he will have to check with King County.
Carlson moved recommending adoption ordinance as presented by staff (Commissioner Noble-Gulliford
seconded). There were no further comments and the motion passed (unanimously).
Chair Bronson closed the public hearing.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 P.M.
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