2018-05-15 Council MIN - Special41kibb, CITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
May 15, 2018 — 5:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:34 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. STUDY SESSION: SOUND TRANSIT TACOMA DOME LINK EXTENSION
BRIEFING
Deputy Public Works Director EJ Walsh introduced Sound Transit South Corridor Government
and Community Relations Officer Austin Neilson and Tacoma Dome Link Extension Project
Manager Sue Comis who presented information on the Tacoma Dome Link Extension Project.
This portion of the Light Rail will connect the Federal Way 320th Station to the Tacoma Dome
by way of Fife.
Ms. Comis and Mr. Neilson briefed Council on the overall increasing need of mass transit
systems in the region. System expansion includes link light rail connecting Tacoma, Everett,
Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Ballard, and West Seattle; Tacoma Link extensions to Hilltop
and Tacoma Community College; South Sound Commuter Rail improvements and
extensions; and adding additional rapid transit bus service across the region.
The Tacoma Dome Link Extension (Federal Way Transit Center to Tacoma Dome) will
include 9.7 miles; 4 stations; and 2 parking garages. Projected daily riders by 2040 are 27,000
to 37,000 with an estimated cost of $1.85 to $2.03 billion (2014 dollars). Sound Transit will
locate an operations and maintenance facility in the corridor which will cost an additional
$501.33 to $537.13 million (2014 dollars).
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 1 of 2
May 15, 2018
The project is currently in the Planning Phase (2018-2022). During this timeframe, Sound
Transit will work to develop route alternatives; environmental review; draft environmental
impact study (EIS); final EIS; and a determination on final project by the Sound Transit Board.
Sound Transit is creating separate partnering agreements for Federal Way, Milton, Fife and
Tacoma which will include:
• commitments on collaborative community engagement to build consensus
• shared environmental review documents
• streamlined permit review and processing
• designated representatives
• scope, schedule and budget
• project definition
• station planning activities
Ms. Comis and Mr. Neilson encouraged public involvement through contacting Sound Transit
via email, phone call to the project line, attending an open house, participating in
neighborhood briefings or responding to online surveys on the project website or through
social media (www.soundtransit.org/tdlink).
The Mayor and Councilmembers thanked Mr. Neilson and Ms. Comis for the presentation.
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the BPA powerlines and issues
regarding the Tight rail clearance needed to pass under the lines, and who would cover those
costs if modifications are required. Additional questions were asked regarding the size and
scope of the maintenance and operations facility; loss of tax revenue from local businesses
unable to relocate in the city; and if there is a funding shortfall, how the remaining projects
would be prioritized. Ms. Comis addressed each concern.
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; Mayor Ferrell adjourned the special meeting at 6:24 p.m.
p.m.
Attest:
Approved by Council: Q(p-05-ZQ1t
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 2 of 2
May 15, 2018