2019-02-19 Council MIN - Special CITY OF
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Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers - City Hall
February 19, 2019 — 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:03 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 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 BRIEFING—OPERATIONS&MAINTENANCE
FACILITY - SOUTH (OMF) SITE
• Staff Introduction
Sound Transit Staff Liaison Tony Doucette introduced himself and the individuals in
attendance from Sound Transit: Curvie Hawkins, Project Development Director for the
Tacoma Dome Link Extension; Austin Neilson, Government & Community Relations Officer
for the South Corridor; Paul Bennett, Project Engineering Director; and Sue Comis, Transit
Development Manager.
• Sound Transit Presentation
Sound Transit Representative Austin Neilson overviewed the Tacoma Dome Link Extension
(TDLE) project which will connect the Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE)terminal south to
the Tacoma Dome.
Curvie Hawkins overviewed Operations and Maintenance Facility, highlighting their
importance as they are used to store and maintain vehicles in the light rail system . The
current facility is one of four OMFs planned for the region and scoping for a site is in process.
He overviewed site requirements including the ability to accommodate over 130 light rail cars,
over 30 acres based on site conditions, and ability to connect with FWLE.
The work towards identifying an optimal site for the OMF-South began in April of 2018 and is
ongoing. There is currently one OMF located south of Seattle and one under construction in
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February 19, 2019
Bellevue. Originally twenty-four sites were identified for the south facility and those have been
narrowed to six potential sites:
1. S 240th Street and State Route 99
2. Midway Landfill and Interstate 5
3. Midway Landfill and State Route 99
4. S 316th Street and Military Road
5. S 336th Street and Interstate 5
6. S 344th Street and Interstate 5
Mr. Hawkins overviewed the advantages and disadvantages of each site highlighting there is
no perfect site. Sound Transit is expecting to receive comments and open public dialogue
during open houses.The public comment period has been expanded opening today(February
19, 2019)and is accepted comments through April 1,2019.The next local open house will be
March 12 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, and March 20 at Highline
College. He noted this is a necessary project; there cannot be a light rail system without
operations and maintenance facilities.
• Council Discussion/Questions
Council asked questions regarding the disruption and displacement of businesses and
mitigation of traffic flow issues during construction as well as the impact on city infrastructure.
Mr. Bennett indicated that any affected city infrastructure will be replaced to meet city codes.
Sound Transit will work with both the Public Works and Community Development
Departments to minimize the impact, but there will be an impact.
Discussion continued regarding the potential impacts of the station on the surrounding area.
Mr. Bennett stated that electric vehicles are used which results in minimal sound or air
pollution. He also indicated Council has been invited to visit the OFM located in south Seattle
during the day or night to see the operations directly.
Councilmembers expressed the desire to minimize the impact to Federal Way citizens and
businesses and understand that the Midway Landfill would have less of an impact on these
two components.
4. CITIZEN COMMENT
Brad Thorson, developer of Garage Town Federal Way, shared the specifics of the development
which has 67 storage condominiums for large sized items. This property is assessed at$12.5 million
and generates $140,000 of annual tax dollars. Due to a significant elevation change on his property
and wetlands he is surprised to find it as an option presented tonight. He asked Sound Transit to look
closer at the property before keeping it as an option.
Jasmine Donovan shared her family opened the family business south of Seattle in Kent. She
believes the Midway Landfill is the obvious choice as it is a currently blighted property. By
transforming this property Sound Transit could contribute local jobs and invest in the communities and
not tear down those already built.
Bob Klein shared the history of Ellenos Yogurt locating to Federal Way. They found the Baden
Building and invested millions of dollars into the infrastructure and facility. They signed a 15 year
lease and plan to invest millions more in the next years. He supports locating the project in the
Midway Landfill.
Peter Barbin, captain with Alaska Airlines, bought a garage at Garage Town Federal Way which has
been a great solution for him. He shared this is a community of retirees and hobbyists. He does not
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February 19, 2019
know of another facility where he could relocate with his current situation; he would have to move out
of state. He supports locating the OFM at the landfill.
Ken Broyles is a Garage Town owner which he purchased over eight years ago. He likes where he
lives and spending time at the garage with his grandsons. He supports the Midway Landfill location.
Patty Haigh, owner of Baden Building where Ellenos is located,wants to stay in Federal Way and be
an important part of the community. She requested Sound Transit look at the landfill as it seems like
the perfect location.
Russ Hibbard, owner and president of Northwest Equipment Sales, has lived in Federal Way his
whole life and raised his children here. He purchased his business and building in 2003 and supports
ten employees and their families. Moving would have a devastating effect on his business; he
believes the Midway Landfill site should be used.
Mia Franklin shared concerns regarding Sound Transit potentially moving in behind her home.She is
concerned with the noise level, safety issues, and the impact to her property value. She would hope
that if there is a solution that displaces fewer businesses, that option would be selected.
Mayor Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Honda, and Councilmembers thanked Sound Transit and the public for
their attendance tonight.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:23 p.m. Mayor Ferrell adjourned into Executive Session for the purpose of Collective Bargaining
pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b)for approximately thirty (30) minutes.
• Collective Bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b)
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the Special Meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
Attest:
-
/ / r
r.hz nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: C -0510i91
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February 19, 2019