Council MIN 09-19-2017 RegularCITY OF
4.,
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
September 19, 2017 — 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.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: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell asked Boy Scout Troop #329 to lead the flag salute.
3. PRESENTATIONS
a. Ceremonial Swearing -In of Newly Promoted Officers
Police Chief Andy Hwang provided background on the following officers recently promoted. He was
proud to say these promotions are well deserved as these officers have demonstrated consistent
abilities and the respect of their peers. He introduced the following officers:
• Keith D. Schmidt promoted to Lieutenant;
• Mike H. Wedel promoted to Lieutenant;
• Eric D. Davis selected as a Corporal;
• Shawn A. Daniels selected as a Corporal.
Mayor Ferrell administered the oaths of office and congratulated each officer.
b. Presentation to Federal Way Target Store of a Citizen Thank You Banner
Betty Taylor was pleased to thank the Federal Way Target Store for the donations made to the Town
Square Park National Night out event in August. The store donated the food for the event feeding
over 300 people. Councilmember Honda also thanked the Federal Way School District who also
supported the event. Ms. Taylor presented a citizen signed thank you banner to Target Store
representative Jessica Kingery. Ms. Kingery, the HR Manager at the Federal Way store, thanked the
community for the banner and stated the store is very supportive of this community and the Police
Department.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 8
September 19, 2017
Mayor Ferrell also thanked Betty Taylor and City Council Executive Assistant Jeri -Lynn Clark for
their work on the lei project (leis made with personal items for the homeless). He noted many of
the leis have been sent to the Houston area to support the disaster recovery efforts.
c. Proclamation: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Deputy Mayor Burbidge read and presented the proclamation declaring Domestic Violence
Awareness Month for the month of October 2017 to Federal Way DV Task Force Members Janet
Chance, Councilmember Susan Honda, DV Advocate Cathy Williams, Deputy Police Chief Kyle
Sumpter and Police Chief Andy Hwang.
Ms. Chance thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation; she is proud to be a part of this
important group bringing attention to problems in our society. The Task Force is currently working on
brochures aimed at stopping dating violence for middle and high school students.
Deputy Chief Sumpter thanked the Council for this proclamation, recognizing the victims of these
horrible crimes.
d. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
• Performing Arts & Event Center Grand Opening Gala Fundraiser
Executive Director Theresa Yvonne reported the Grand Opening Gala Event held on September 9
was a huge success and raised over $18,000 for the Arts for Youth Program. She thanked those that
attended the event.
• Report on the Mayor's Day of Concern — Food Drive (9/16)
Community Services Manager Jeff Watson reported on the Mayor's Day of Concern Food Drive which
was held on September 16 at various local grocery stores. He specifically thanked the the community
partners who assisted with the collection including Twin Lakes Fred Meyers; Grocery Outlet; Wal -Mart
(16th) ; Wal -Mart (314th); and curbside collection from Waste Management.
He noted there was a dramatic increase in collection numbers from Waste Management who picked
up nearly 12,000 pounds of donations. He thanked Council Executive Assistant Jeri -Lynn Clark for
her organization of the event and the Mayor, Councilmembers, staff, and community volunteers who
staffed the collection sites.
• Community Events
Mayor Ferrell reported on the grand opening of the anticipated Federal Way Chick -fil -A store on
September 14. He thanked the Police Department for their preplanning efforts and traffic planning in
anticipation of this opening.
He thanked Senior Advisor Yarden Weidenfeld who has been assisting with the 25th Anniversary of
the Korean Community Meeting event which will be held at the Performing Arts and Event Center on
September 21. He further reported on the "Safe at Home" Disaster Preparedness Event at the Super
Wal -Mart and sponsored by Puget Sound Energy on September 16; the recent Symphony Blues
Festival held on September 16; and noted he attended the 7th Annual Pay it Forward Breakfast at the
Christian Faith Center on September 19.
Mayor Ferrell also thanked the staff who attended and participated in the recent FEMA training in
Emmitsburg, Maryland where the city's disaster planning was tested through various tabletop
exercises. He feels the city is in a strong position with its disaster planning.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 8
September 19, 2017
4. CITIZEN COMMENT
Grace Nash, ten year -old daughter of TaShawna Nash, lives in the Northlake neighborhood and does
not want trees cut down to have large warehouses built. She additionally expressed concerns about
trucks, traffic, and the loss of walking trails. She asked City Council to deny the building permits.
Bob Woolley reminded Council that for the past five years Lake Jeane has been in the throes of toxic
conditions. On August 1 they had a toxic bloom and they have had eight other blooms during the
remainder of the month. The Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club has been informed but not taken any
action despite holding the appropriate permits.
H. David Kaplan shared the history of the arts in Federal Way and his contribution throughout the
years. He is pleased with the Performing Arts and Event Center and the performance schedule thus
far.
Mary L. Ehlis spoke of Camp Kilworth, and provided a history of the property highlighting the
contribution it has been to the city and surrounding area as well as the ongoing struggle to preserve
land. She shared that she and the community have questions regarding the current status of the
property and its future. She asked for answers and direction.
Mayor Ferrell indicated that staff and Councilmembers are currently researching the status of
the property and will update to the community once they have answers. He asked Ms. Ehlis to
report any activity on the Camp Kilworth property to Community Development Director Brian
Davis and indicated that an update will be given at the next City Council Meeting.
Rodney Simpson is with Washington Can and shared that he has endured landlord issues such as
increased rent and substandard living conditions. He is asking for help through policies and the
strengthening of tenant rights by elected officials.
Mayor Ferrell asked Human Services Manager Jeff Watson to meet with Mr. Simpson.
Bryan Gilderoywith the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union called on the council to
create a strong rental inspection program to hold landlords accountable and keep renters safe.
Stephanie Bucari spoke as an advocate for Washington Can and asked for a rental inspection
program to be developed. She has had first hand experiences and now works in property
management and sees how often the physical conditions of the rentals are not maintained, renters do
not get responses from property management.
Vivian Spence explained landlords are not taking care of their tenants and shared some of her
ongoing concerns and issues. She asked council to pass legislation and provided over 200 postcards
signed by members of the community in support of a rental inspection ordinance. It requests a healthy
housing code, pro- active enforcement, and guidelines regarding the increase of rent on substandard
units.
Suzanne Vargo provided Mayor Ferrell and Council with a hand out and spoke regarding a wetland
violation which she reported and feels that there has not been appropriate action taken. She is
concerned that there is a conflict of interest and wants State Ecology to take over this restoration
process.
Mayor Ferrell asked Community Development Director Brian Davis to update the Council on
the situation. He reported staff is working with the property owner towards restoration and
currently waiting on a wetland biologist report before being able to move forward with plans.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 8
September 19, 2017
Additional information will be provided at the next City Council meeting.
Letter read into the record by the City Clerk from: Sarah (no last name provided) expressed
dissatisfaction with how she and her homeless family were treated when moved out of the woods on
South 336th.
Letter read into the record by the City Clerk from: Paul McDaniel asked two financial questions to
which he requested a written response from the mayor. One is regarding the New Market Tax Credits
associated with the Performing Arts and Event Center and the other about the Federal Way Chamber.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: September 5, 2017 Special and Regular Meetings
b. Interagency Agreement Between Washington State Patrol and the Federal Way Police
Department on Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections
c. Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET) / U.S. Department of Justice, Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) HIDTA Task Force Agreements
d. King County Registered Sex Offender Cost Reimbursement Agreement
e. Authorization to Accept 2017 King County Flood Control District Flood Reduction Grant
f. RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Grant Funding for Transportation Improvement Projects —
Authorization to Accept NHS Grant Funding /APPROVED RESO #17 -725
RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Grant Funding for Transportation Improvement Projects —
Authorization to Accept Emergency Relief Program Grant Funding /APPROVED RESO
#17 -726
h. 21st Ave S Pedestrian Connection — S 314th St to S 316th St (Grand Staircase) — 30%
Design Status Report — Pulled and approved separately
i. Authorization to Apply for and Accept King County Grant Funding in Support of Local
Food Waste Prevention Projects
g.
Councilmember Honda pulled Consent Agenda Item (h)/ 21st Ave S Pedestrian Connection — S 314th
St to S 316th St (Grand Staircase) — 30% Design Status Report.
DEPUTY MAYOR BURBIDGE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
PRESENTED; COUNCILMEMBER MOORE SECOND. The motion passed unanimously 7 -0 as
follows:
Deputy Mayor Burbidge yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Celski yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Honda yes
Item h /21st Ave S Pedestrian Connection — S 314th St to S 316th St (Grand Staircase) — 30% Design
Status Report.
Councilmember Honda raised questions regarding the timeline and funding for the grand staircase
project. Public Works Director Marwan Salloum and Deputy Public Works Director EJ Walsh
addressed the concerns.
DEPUTY MAYOR BURBIDGE MOVED APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM H /21ST AVE S
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION — S 314TH ST TO S 316TH ST (GRAND STAIRCASE) — 30%
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 8
September 19, 2017
DESIGN STATUS REPORT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CELSKI. The motion passed
unanimously 7 -0 as follows:
Deputy Mayor Burbidge yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Celski yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Honda yes
6. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Resolution /Federal Way School District #210 Prop #1 /APPROVED RESO #17 -727
Mayor Ferrell briefly reviewed the format of the Public Hearing including a briefing from the School
District, equal time for comments in support and against the proposition, followed by general citizen
comments and Council discussion.
• School District Presentation
Federal Way School District Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell spoke along with School Board
President Board President Geoffery McAnalloy. Dr. Campbell and Mr. McAnalloy spoke to the dire
needs of the district buildings where many issues are safety concerns for the students /scholars
attending these schools. They carefully outlined various schools with the aid of student /scholar
testimony describing their current learning conditions.
Dr. Campbell stated this process began over a year ago with school visits and evaluations by
parents, teachers and community members. Each building was rated and placed on the scale for
update and renovation schedule. She also restated this in not a not a tax increase; rather a $450
million bond that will maintain taxes at the current level.
• Pro Committee Statement
Greg Baruso, spoke on behalf of the Pro Committee. He urges support and passage of the school
district bond measure for improved classrooms for our students and children. Renovations cannot be
put off any longer. He feels great schools mean a great community.
• Con Committee Statement
No statement was submitted to the King County Voters Guide for a Con Committee. Mayor Ferrell
called for comments from the audience in opposition of the bond; no comments were received.
• Citizen Comment
Susie Horan, a member of the review committee, spoke in support of the bond. She noted her
children attended Nautilus Elementary in the 80's and the school is relatively the same state currently.
The schools need updating for the learning environment and the students to have a positive outcome.
Allison Taylor, 5th generation teacher stated there is nothing more important that our children and
students. She urges support of the bond.
Councilmember Duclos clarified the use of portables and that this bond will maintain current levels
and not increase taxes.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 5 of 8
September 19, 2017
H. David Kaplan, spoke in concern on how the schools have been disregarded for so long to be in this
current state. He was appalled at the presentation and feels it is essential to support this measure.
Betty Taylor (no pink sheet), was concerned there was not more citizen comments speaking in
support of this issue. She is concerned with mold in the schools; she urges support of this bond
measure.
• Council Discussion
Councilmember Moore thanked those who spoke this evening and Councilmember Koppang for
requesting this be added this to the Council Agenda. As a product of the Federal Way Public Schools,
he values a partnership between the city and school district.
Councilmember Celski thanked everyone for the comments and presentations; he asked various
questions regarding the estimated change in taxpayer obligation. Dr. Campbell also clarified bonds
are for building and levies are for learning.
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson thanked the district for the presentation noting her children are
products of the Federal Way School District. She supports this bond and looks forward to the schools
being rebuilt.
Councilmember Koppang feels the Council was elected to be leaders in the city and wants to see the
schools be the best they can be. He is supportive of this bond measure.
Councilmember Duclos is supportive of the bond as improved schools will attract more young families
to the community. She appreciated the clarification that this is not a tax increase.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge thanked everyone who presented and gave testimony tonight. Her family
chose to move here 48 years ago and have always supported the schools noting the connection
between thriving schools make a thriving community.
Councilmember Honda thanked Dr. Campbell for her thorough presentation and questioned the
timeline for Decatur High School renovations. She is concerned with current learning conditions. In
response to the question, Dr. Campbell also stated if this bond does not pass they will re -run it. These
improvements are needed.
Additional Citizen Comment:
Patricia Shultz thanked the presenters tonight and stated she misunderstood what the bond was
for. She feels there might be other voters such as herself that are misinformed on the poor state
of the schools.
DEPUTY MAYOR BURBIDGE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING; COUNCILMEMBER
ASSEFA - DAWSON SECOND. The motion passed unanimously 7 -0 as follows:
Deputy Mayor Burbidge yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Celski yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Honda yes
DEPUTY MAYOR BURBIDGE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PREPARED RESOLUTION IN
SUPPORT OF THE FEDERAL WAY SCHOOL DISTRICT #210 BALLOT PROPOSITION #1;
COUNCILMEMBER MOORE SECOND.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 8
September 19, 2017
Councilmember Celski thanked everyone for their input on this issue. When researching this issue, he
found out that King County property owners are paying much higher amounts in taxes. He feels it is
up to each voter to decide. Councilmember Honda also noted older schools do not necessarily mean
poor or failing schools; education is more than a new building.
The main motion passed unanimously 7 -0 as follows:
Deputy Mayor Burbidge yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Celski yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Honda yes
7. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Duclos announced the next Finance, Economic Development and Regional Affairs
Committee (FEDRAC) meeting will be held September 26 at 4:30 p.m.
Councilmember Moore thanked the Council for their unanimous stand for our schools. He also
thanked the Washington Can Group for their attendance. They came to the Parks, Recreation,
Human Services, and Public Safety Committee to start this dialog and he is interested in looking at
mechanisms to keep landlords accountable.
Councilmember Koppang shared his experience at the 9 -11 Memorial which took place at the South
King County Fire and Rescue Station 64 on South 320th Street. He reported that Centerstage has
tripled their number of season ticket holders; he emphasized the PAEC is phenomenal and
Centerstage continues to have support. He attended the Quiet and Healthy Skies Task Force and is
impressed with their approach and dedication.
Councilmember Honda thanked the Federal Way Domestic Violence Task Force that meets monthly
as well as appreciation to individuals who work daily to help victims escape their situation. The
Mothers and Children Homeless Initiative continues to meet and is working with Mary's Place out of
Seattle. Camp Kilworth is very important to her family as is the Boy Scouts. She would like the city to
purchase the property and use it for the youth of Federal Way as well as both King and Pierce
Counties. She brought attention to the Arts Alive Exhibit in the hallways outside the Council Chambers
and asked everyone to take the time to vote. She reiterated that the National Night Out comment she
made at the previous council meeting was accurate and she looks forward to future events.
COUNCILMEMBER MOORE MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING PAST 10:00 P.M.; DEPUTY
MAYOR BURBIDGE SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Deputy Mayor Burbidge yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Celski yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Honda yes
Councilmember Celski spoke regarding the historical PAEC Gala and Fundraiser. He thanked
Theresa Yvonne for her leadership and for putting on a great first event. He also expressed
appreciation for Public Works Deputy Director EJ Walsh and his tremendous work in taking over
reigns in the construction of the facility. He also thanked Public Works Director Marwan Salloum,
Deputy Director Desiree Winkler, and Mr. Walsh for their leadership within their department. Council
passed motions to accept approximately $2 million in projects which is evidence of the good work
being done. The first annual Federal Way Symphony's Blues Festival took place and was a lot of fun.
The next Land Use and Transportation Committee (LUTC) meeting is scheduled for Monday, October
2 in Council Chambers.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 7 of 8
September 19, 2017
Councilmember Assefa- Dawson announced the upcoming Chili Cook off at the Farmers Market on
Saturday, September 23. A documentary film screening of "Homestretch" will take place at the library
on September 27 at 6:30 p.m. This film follows three homeless youth and their fight to stay in school.
The We Love Our City Event is taking place on October 1 at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and
volunteer; meet at Journey Church on S 320th Street. She shared findings from a Seattle Times article
indicating that those living in South King County live 14 years less than those on the Eastside. She
questioned how that can be turned around. There has been a common theme regarding
homelessness and housing and she wants to help give people the tools they need to change their
future.
Deputy Mayor Burbidge attended the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATb) meeting and
learned King County Metro is working on their fares attempting to simplify the schedule. She also
shared that Centerstage will have their season opening performance on September 22. She
thoroughly enjoyed the PAEC Gala and grand opening as well an additional concert which was on the
following day.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Regular Meeting at 10:10
p.m.
Attest:
St- ph.nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 10 - 03-210
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 8 of 8
September 19, 2017