2018-02-06 Council MIN - RegularFederal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
February 6, 2018 — 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia
Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Jesse Johnson, Councilmember Hoang Tran, 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 led the flag salute.
3. PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation: 20th Anniversary of the Federal Way Mirror
Deputy Mayor Honda read and presented the 20th Anniversary Proclamation to the Federal
Way Mirror Publisher Andy Hobbs. Mr. Hobbs thanked the Mayor and Council for the
acknowledgement, and are proud to be a part of this community for so many years.
b. Proclamation: Black History Month — February 2018
Councilmember Johnson read and presented the Black History Month Proclamation to
Charissa Eggleston and Winston Bell with the Federal Way Youth Action Team; they thanked
the Mayor and Council.
c. Proclamation: Toastmasters International Week — February 4-10
Deputy Mayor Honda read and presented Don Everly-Smith the Toastmasters International
Week proclamation. Mr. Everly spoke to the importance of public speaking and invited the
community to the next upcoming event.
d. Moody's Annual Credit Overview
Finance Director Ade Ariwoola presented a brief PowerPoint presentation regarding the city's
current credit rating. He noted the importance of this rating and that Federal Way has
maintained a very good credit position which is slightly stronger than the median of cities
nationwide.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 5
February 6, 2018
e. Performing Arts & Event Center Construction Report
Finance Director Ade Ariwoola also presented an update to Council regarding the Performing
Arts and Event Center Construction. He reviewed the funding sources and expenditures as
well as the timing for retainage release.
f. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
• Officer Frank Martin Benefit Dinner
Mayor Ferrell reported he will be attending a benefit dinner for Federal Way Police
Officer Frank Martin on February 10. He asked Cheryl Hurst to provide additional
details; Ms. Hurst noted the event benefits the family and will be held at the
Performing Arts & Event Center on Saturday, February 10 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Introduction of Communications Coordinator Tyler Hemstreet
Mayor Ferrell introduced new employee Tyler Hemstreet, Communications
Coordinator. Mr. Hemstreet shared his background and noted he is looking forward to
great things at the city.
• Mayor's State of the City Address — A New Tradition
The Mayor reported on the very successful State of the City Address held at the
Performing Arts and Event Center on January 22. He noted for the first time, this event
was free and was open to the public and was very well attended by staff and the
community.
• 2018 City Council Retreat Report
Mayor Ferrell reported he and the Council participated in a very successful retreat. He
feels the dialog and discussions were positive and he enjoyed this retreat and its
format.
• Federal Economic Development Program/Opportunity Zones — Tim Johnson
Economic Development Director Tim Johnson updated Council on a new federal
program he feels is beneficial. The "Opportunity Zones" program was established by
Congress in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act to encourage long-term investments in low-
income urban and rural communities nationwide. This will provide tax incentives to
investors to re -invest unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds that are
dedicated to investing into proposed community and economic development projects.
Mr. Johnson noted this is just a preliminary briefing, the rules and regulations
associated with this program have not yet been finalized by the US Treasury
Department. Council asked various questions of Mr. Johnson and thanked him for
this information.
• Renewed Pivotal Partnership with the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Ferrell reported the city has recently renewed its pivotal partnership with the
Federal Way Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to working with the Chamber
and the business community.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 5
February 6. 2018
• Addition of a new ballot box in Federal Way
He reported King County Elections is currently seeking a location for a second ballot
box in Federal Way due to the high use and demand on the box located at City Hall.
• Report on HMCI Luncheon
Senior Advisor Yarden Weidenfeld reported on a very successful follow up meeting
with community and faith based partners regarding the Homeless Mothers and
Children Initiative (HMCI). The meeting held on January 31 at City Hall was well
attended with positive outcomes.
4. CITIZEN COMMENT
Mia Franklin observed that tenants do not know their rights and as a result live in unsafe conditions.
She requested quality tenant rights through a rental inspection ordinance.
Anna Patrick spoke regarding New Hope Church providing service to homeless without prior
notification to neighbors. She highlighted the negative impacts this has had, and is having, on the
community.
Michel Warnke shared his high opinion of the City of Federal Way highlighting the responsiveness of
first responders, the quality service at the food bank, and professionalism of the Mayor and City
Council.
Dana Holloway asked the City to support the State proposal for an impact study of the SeaTac Airport
which is supported by Representative Mike Pellicciotti and Representative Tina Orwall. If this budget
proviso passes, the City would need to provide $50,000 in matching funds as would neighboring
jurisdictions.
Mr. Patrick of Policy Advisor of Springwood Society shared support for the Women and Children's
Shelter while opposing the unintended consequences. He requested $5,000 provide security systems
and patrols as well as mental health resources for those neighbors affected by the church's choice.
Mayor Ferrell requested Chief of Police Andy Hwang speak regarding the encampment
located near New Hope Church and the ongoing efforts to disperse this unlawful camp.
Mike Roberts expressed his concerns and fears regarding the shelter open at the New Hope Church.
He welcomes the shelter as long as they conduct background checks to determine that they are not
welcoming criminals into their neighborhood.
Jackie Muth spoke on behalf of the businesses adjacent to the Day Center sharing the daily concerns
and frustrations they encounter. The Police are responsive but the daily challenges are not changing
and they are losing business. She asked that the shelter be held accountable.
Debbie Peterson reported she and her family have experienced a housing crisis which has resulted in
her looking into the Landlord -Tenant Act as well as what can be done on the jurisdictional levels. She
asked the city to pass a rental inspection ordinance.
Allison Taylor indicated that the Day Center and shelters will always be in someone's backyard. She
asked more people to "come to the table" to help discover new ways to mitigate these issues.
Federal Way' City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 5
February 6, 2018
Suzanne Vargo shared concerns with Industrial Realty Group removing the mid -canopy and
underbrush. She requested the Friends of Hylebos be reinstated and Camp Kilworth be designated as
open space.
Leah Naccarato questioned the terms and presumptions used in discussions regarding the
homelessness individuals and property ownership.
Letter read by City Clerk from Sharry Edwards, Co -Chair of Homeless Mothers and Children's
Initiative (HMCI), regarding the challenge of finding both financial backing and a location for mothers
and children in need. She asked those with concerns to consider assisting by providing financial
assistance or volunteering to serve/find another location.
Letter read by City Clerk from Paul McDaniel regarding the city budget; specifically the Performing
Arts and Event Center, proposed hotel, and Federal Way Community Center.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: January 16, 2018 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes
b. Monthly Financial Report — Preliminary December 2017
c. Vouchers — December 2017
d. Tourism Enhancement Grant Requests — June 2018
e. Washington State Archives Public Records Grant Application
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED;
COUNCILMEMBER MOORE SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Johnson yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Tran yes
6. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Arts Commission Appointments
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED TO APPOINT DANIEL HERSHMAN; JAMES STILES,
MARY BLACKER, VICKIE CHYNOWETH AND IVETA FELZENBERG TO VOTING POSITIONS
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020; ALYSON SOMA TO AN UNEXPIRED VOTING POSITION
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2018; AND KAREN BRUGATO TO AN ALTERNATE POSITION
EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2020; COUNCILMEMBER KOPPANG SECOND. The motion passed
unanimously as follows:
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Johnson yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Federal Way Citi' Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of S
February 6, 2018
7. COUNCIL REPORTS
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson expressed her thoughts and concerns surrounding homelessness.
She appreciates the citizen comments; especially those that expressed their concerns and their
willingness to help.
Councilmember Johnson agreed with Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and reported homelessness
was identified as a Council priority during the City Council Retreat. He spoke about Black History
Month and the community's powerful example of having a black female representative in Olympia and
the youngest black councilmember in the state
Councilmember Tran had no report.
Councilmember Koppang expressed the importance of public comment and noted that those who
shared were heard. He thanked all the unsung heroes and expressed commitment to work with the
Council to find solutions in partnership with the community.
Councilmember Moore shared his appreciation of Councilmember Johnson and the work they have
been able to do together. Everyone has the right to a quality living space and supports walking
together towards a solution. He appreciated the Council Retreat and supports their vision to be the
most inclusive, responsive, and safe city in the region.
Councilmember Duclos spoke regarding the LEAN Technique which improved staff productivity and
morale while she worked at the Multi -Service Center. The Council Retreat was her favorite one yet as
they were able to brainstorm and work together. This will result in a report that can be provided to
Council Committees and Citizen Commissions to ensure we are supporting the same goals.
Deputy Mayor Honda reported on the Homeless Mothers and Children's Luncheon. It was well
attended and facilitated a better understanding of what each organization is doing and how they can
better coordinate their efforts. She thanked the Mayor and City Council for their participation and
engagement in the Council Retreat. She also thanked staff for their help, recognizing that their
support was essential to their success. She highlighted the upcoming Olympics sharing that two
speed skaters are from Federal Way: J.R. Celski and Aaron Tran.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:33 p.m.
Attest:
gnatL
Sh. nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: Da x .�t8
Federal War City Council Regular Minutes
February 6, 201N
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