2019-02-05 Council MIN - Regular 1016, CITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
February 5, 2019 — 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 7:01 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
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD A BUSINESS ITEM TO
THE AGENDA FOR COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THE$100,000 ALLOCATION FROM THE STATE FOR
HOMELESSNESS; 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
Councilmember Tran spoke about celebration of the Lunar New Year tonight. He shared it is the
most important holiday in Vietnam; he wore traditional dress for this meeting in order to honor the
holiday.
a. Proclamation: Fcbruacy Blaek History Month due to inclement weather the proclamation
has been postponed to the February 19 City Council Meeting.
b. Proclamation: Toastmasters Week, February 3-9
Deputy Mayor Honda read and presented the proclamation to Christine Devine, Director of
District 32 Toastmasters,who thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers for the recognition
of"Toastmasters Week". She recognized the positive learning environment of the eleven
toastmaster clubs in Federal Way.
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c. Certificates of Appointment:
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - Councilmember Moore recognized Joann
Piquette, who was unable to attend tonight's meeting, for her re-appointment.
• Human Services Commission - Councilmember Johnson was pleased to invite
recently appointment Human Services Commissioners Cynthia Ricks-
Maccotan, Ken Stark, Mary Schultz, Jack Stanford, Jack Walsh, and Julie Hiller
to come forward to accept their certificates of appointment.
d. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
• Emergency Management Overview-Ray Gross, Emergency Manager Ray Gross
gave a brief report on the structure of Emergency Management including the
phases of EM in doing the greatest good for the greatest number. Three core
objectives are: Life/Safety; Protect Property; and Preserve and Protect the
Environment. Washington State is in Region X.
• Admission Tax Follow-Up - Finance Director Ade Ariwoola spoke regarding the
Admissions Tax and indicated no changes were recommended. Council thanked
Mr. Ariwoola and asked clarifying questions regarding nonprofit agencies.
• IRG Update/Land Use - Community Development Director Brian Davis briefed
council on the recent land use determination regarding IRG property and the
history of the property.The Use Process Decision of Greenline Warehouse A has
been granted indicating that the proposed use is allowed. It does not grant a
building permit. He indicated that minor amendments are required for the critical
area report including installing wetland buffer fencing and signage. He also
reminded the city would not issue any approvals to fill wetlands until all State,
Federal, or other agency permits are complete.
• Recap of Council Annual Retreat-The Council Retreat held on January 26 was a
great retreat where communication styles were evaluated and discussed;
upcoming changes to Councils Rules of Procedure will be brought back to Council
for future action.
• MLK Jr Event & Food Drive Report- Community Services Manager Jeff Watson
and three members of the Diversity Commission gave a report and thanked the
Mayor and Council for participating in this great event that supports the Multi-
Service Center and Senior Center.
• MLK Jr. Art Contest - Deputy Mayor Honda showed the audience the winning
project and thanked the students who participated in the contest.
• Police Recruitment - Chief of Police Andy Hwang reported on the effort to recruit
Federal Way residents for entry level Police Officer positions. An informational
meeting was held on January 19. Chief Hwang was pleased to see 40 individuals
attend the meeting and a total of 110 applicants were tested at Federal Way High
School for both physical agility and a written exam. He is optimistic the department
will hire off this list.
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• Mayor Ferrell reported on community events: Federal Way Mirror Open House
(1/24); PSE Transformer dedication (1/24); and the Mayor's Facebook Live Town
Hall (1/24).
e. Council Committee Reports
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee(FEDRAC)—Chair Duclos
indicated their January meeting agenda was robust due to cancelled meeting in
December. Many of those items are on the Consent Agenda for this meeting.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)— Chair Moore highlighted the banners in the
downtown corridor highlighting the PAC 12 Championships.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC)—Chair Koppang highlighted agenda items
including the Downtown Staircase and Future Redevelopment of the target sight in that
area-generations will be able to appreciate this area. Needs to be clearly understood that
zero general funds will be used-this will be funded by grants.
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee(PRHSPS)—Chair Johnson
indicated that the upcoming meeting will include discussion on the Park, Recreation, and
Open Space Plan a well as the proposed FUSION project.
Deputy Mayor Report reported on the recent Council Retreat speaking about their
discussions on communication styles, council rules, and ethics.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson attended the Highline Forum on January 23 and thanked
Yarden Weidenfeld, Senior Policy Advisor, for attending and representing Federal Way
interests.
4. CITIZEN COMMENT
TaShawna Nash spoke regarding her concerns about the building plans for Warehouse A located on
the former Weyerhaeuser property. She shared concerns regarding the size of the proposed structure
as well as the increased semi-truck traffic.
Bernedine Lund thanked Mayor Ferrell for his comments in relation to a bill proposed at senate
regarding the addition of an airport in Washington State by the year 2040.She also shared her review
of the warehouses proposed by Industrial Realty Group (IRG).
Peggy LaPorte spoke on behalf of the FUSION board of directors announcing that they have entered
into a purchase and sales agreement for the Econo Lodge; this would serve as a 22 room facility for
serving homeless families in emergency situations. The board has submitted a grant request to the
city for$40,000 to help with development costs however they will need additional funds.
Cheryl Hurst spoke on behalf of the Do the Right Thing non-profit and their upcoming diaper and wipe
drive. This year's goal is to collect 100,000 diapers and 60,000 wipes.
Betty Taylor declined the opportunity to speak.
Linda Kochmar declined the opportunity to speak.
Richard Pierson wants to find a better plan for the former Weyerhaeuser property and shared his
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dismay regarding the elimination of the forest buffer.
Jenny Ferguson urged council to implement a rental inspection program and shared her experience
with a landlord who was not accountable.
Ashley Cornier provided a rental inspection proposal and urged council to address this issue.
Joceyln Miller's friend read her written statement regarding issues she has had with her apartment
complex including mold and broken appliances. She urged the city to please pass the rental
inspection ordinance.
Lamont Styles spoke regarding several topics including small businesses, use of money saved from
withdrawing from SCORE, youth programs, and the proposal on the former Weyerhaeuser Campus.
Lynn Idahosa commended the Mayor and Council for recent use of social media to connect with the
people of Federal Way. She also spoke in favor of a rental inspection program.
Debra Hansen urged citizens to speak up and let their voices be heard. Citizens in other surrounding
cities have been able to save properties in their cities through collaboration.
Rachel Bell spoke in favor of the rental inspection program.She shared of the poor living conditions at
her apartment complex and the resistance from their landlord.
Allison Taylor shared concerns regarding the proposed $30 car tab initiative and the impact it could
have on Federal Way. She also spoke in support of Washington CAN and of a rental inspection
program.
Xel Delplo thanked the City of Federal Way for the Martin Luther King Jr. presentation and looks
forward to future ones. She also thanked the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for allowing Councilmember
Tran to wear his traditional attire to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Jack Walsh shared his concern there is not a crosswalk between the Best Buy and Joann Fabrics
complexes and it poses potential danger.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: January 15, 2019 Regular and Special Meeting
b. Vouchers— November 2018
c. Vouchers— December 2018
d. Monthly Financial Report— November 2018
e. Community Center AV System — Project Acceptance
f. APC UPS (Universal Power Supply) Replacement— Project Acceptance
g. Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) Exterior Signage Contract
h. Tourism Enhancement Grant Recommendation —January to June 2019
i. Federal Way Historical Society Funding
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH I ON THE CONSENT
AGENDA; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as
follows:
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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. Proposed Settlement Agreement Regarding the Garco Claim
City Attorney Ryan Call noted this proposed settlement agreement is in response to a claim
with Garco Construction who built the Performing Arts and Event Center. He indicated we had
counter claims and this will complete the settlement process.
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY AND GARCO CONSTRUCTION, INC.; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER DUCLOS. The motion passed unanimously as follows with Councilmember
Moore recused as they were donors to his campaign:
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore recused
Councilmember Johnson yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Tran yes
b. ADDED ITEM: Council discussion on $100,000 State Allocation for Homelessness in
Federal Way
Deputy Mayor Honda spoke to this item. She noted the Council previously approved a
distribution of$60,000 towards Hotel/Motel vouchers and$40,000 for predevelopment costs
for a shelter in Federal Way from the $100,000 state allocation in 2018 for homelessness.
Deputy Mayor was pleased to announce since that Council meeting,she was notified FUSION
now has a property under contract with an estimated closing date of June 1 for the purpose of
sheltering homeless. She has spoken to staff and understands there are questions regarding
timelines and recommendations; she would like Council to discuss options of modifying the
allocation split to provide more to predevelopment costs for the FUSION shelter.
Councilmembers asked staff clarifying questions regarding the process to date and responses
the city has received for the current allocations. Community Services Manager Jeff Watson
stated four agencies responded for the vouchers;one of which did not meet the criteria. Only
FUSION responded for the predevelopment allocation. Councilmembers noted concern with
the tight timeline in spending the money and retuning to the state with another modified
request.
Mr. Watson noted FUSION provided a letter of interest for the $40,000 and is currently
working on an application. He noted they are working on an accelerated schedule to ensure
the best opportunity to spend the funds by the deadline.
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO SUSPEND COUNCIL RULES AND EXTEND THE MEETING
PAST 10:00 P.M.; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. The motion passed
unanimously as follows:
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Johnson yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmembers continued to discuss the pros and cons of modifying the allocation split to
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award more money to FUSION for their proposed shelter and a smaller award to hotel/motel
vouchers within the timeframe.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and Councilmember Koppang are supportive of FUSION's
EconoLodge project, however, they stated they prefer to continue forward with the previous
decision due to the tight timeline.
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO REALLOCATE THE STATE FUNDING OF $100,000 TO
$60,000 TO FUSION FOR PREDEVELOPMENT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ECONOLODGE
PURCHASE AND $40,000 TO HOTEL/MOTEL VOUCHERS; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
DUCLOS. The motion passed 5-2 as follows:
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Koppang no
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson no Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Johnson yes Councilmember Duclos yes
Councilmember Tran yes
7. ORDINANCES
First Reading
a. Council Bill #753/ Granting the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit
Authority a Transit Way Agreement
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,WASHINGTON,GRANTING THE
CENTRAL PUGET SOUND REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY A TRANSIT WAY
AGREEMENT FOR THE NON-EXCLUSIVE USE OF CERTAIN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-
WAY FOR A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT WAY RELATED TO THE FEDERAL WAY LINK
EXTENSION PROJECT.
Sound Transit Liaison Tony Doucette provided a briefing on the proposed agreement
indicating it is essentially a franchise agreement allowing construction, operation, and
maintenance of a light rail transit system.The land use issues and development requirements
will be addressed separately.
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record.
COUNCILMEMBER KOPPANG MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO THE
FEBRUARY 19, 2019 COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND READING AND ENACTMENT;
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. The motion passed 6-1 as follows:
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Johnson yes Councilmember Duclos no
Councilmember Tran yes
8. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson stated the rental inspection ordinance put forward by
Washington CAN is very important; she whole-heartedly supports it.
Councilmember Johnson spoke regarding the proposed rental inspection program and believes
the three most important components are life safety, health, and accessibility. He wants to review
the grandfather clause as this will pertain to buildings constructed in the 1970s and earlier.
Councilmember Tran appreciated the Council Retreat and learning about the different
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communication styles and working together as a council. He shared an announcement that the
King County Public Health mobile medical and dental units will be in Federal Way on both
February 14 and 19. He expressed appreciation for being able to wear his traditional outfit for the
Lunar New Year celebration to honor his culture.
Councilmember Koppang appreciated the debate that occurred tonight. He remains committed to
support FUSION and hopes that the change in fund allocation will be fully utilized. He spoke about
the revitalization he has seen while traveling across the nation which inspires him for Federal Way
and its future.
Councilmember Moore agreed with Councilmember Koppang stating that he appreciated the
debate had this evening. He spoke regarding the retreat expressing his interest in the
communication styles. He thanked the Diversity Commission for their hard work preparing the
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and the 2019 Roger Freeman Award winner Sophia
Vazquez. He also appreciates Washington CAN as well the issues they fight for and is eager to
support the rental inspection ordinance.
Councilmember Duclos also supports a rental ordinance.She officially announced she will not run
for reelection after the expiration of her current term.
Deputy Mayor Honda also wants people to have safe and healthy living conditions but wants to be
sure Council considers the landlords as well.She expressed her excitement that the Econo Lodge
contract has been signed and there will be a family shelter in Federal Way in the coming months.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
• Potential Litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) not needed
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Attest:
a I taut
S '•h.:nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 9 -tok
Vvi,o
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January 15, 2019