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2020-04-07 Council MIN - Regular AL CITY OF VZ*%L =:;� Federal Way CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Meeting held remotely via Zoom April 7, 2020 — 6:30 p.m. 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell,Council President Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Greg Baruso, Councilmember Hoang Tran, Councilmember Mark Koppang, Councilmember Martin Moore, and Councilmember Linda Kochmar. 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. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report Mayor Ferrell provided a brief report on the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Federal Way as of Saturday(04-04-2020)with 808 individuals tested; 129 positive results and 2 deaths. The Mayor asked for a moment in silence for our neighbors who lost their lives due to COVID-19. r Update on Covid-19 Response Emergency Manager Ray Gross provided an update for Council on the key issues and steps taken in response to the COVID-19/Coronavirus Public Health Crisis. He continues to meet with local partners and jurisdictions and noted vulnerable populations are at a higher risk including those with underlying health issues, and the homeless populations. Currently there have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among city staff, which represents diligence of the city departments breaking into smaller teams and rotating office time and working remotely. He reported the Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed cases and deaths in the United States. Mr. Gross noted based on projections,the peak has passed with a high of 24 Washington deaths in one day. He further noted, also based on projections, if social distancing and healthy habits continue early to mid-May should see signs of improvement towards a zero death model. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page I of 8 April 7, 2020 Mayor Ferrell thanked Mr. Gross for his update and noted he meets with senior management every Monday morning and following those meetings is the Outbreak Advisory Team meeting during which issues directly related to COVID-19 are discussed. He thanked those in our community who are helping including health care workers, first responders, grocery store workers, essential businesses, and our hard working city staff. He asked everyone to continue to follow public health recommendations to ensure a quick and speedy resolution. Mayor Ferrell highlighted actions taken by the city, including staff alternating work schedules to reduce the amount of individuals in the office. He assured citizens that City Hall is still operational and city staff are available during regular business hours and can be reached by email, electronic submittal or by phone. City facilities including the Community Center, Dumas Bay Centre, and the Performing Arts and Event Center will remain closed through May 4. Cancelled performances are currently being rescheduled. While all amenities including picnic shelters, playgrounds and bathrooms are closed, the city parks will remain open; visitors are asked to respect social distancing while using the grounds. He recently issued a Proclamation of Emergency to freeze residential late fees which will remain in effect for the duration of the moratorium on residential evictions ordered by Governor Inslee on March 18, 2020. Increased funding has been allocated to the Multi- Service Center who has seen a significant increase in families visiting the food bank. City staff will assist in delivering food to the food bank and may also play a role in the distribution of food to those in the community in need. Additional funds have been allocated to extended services at the Day Center and Reach Out Shelter. A proposed resolution on tonight's agenda for City Council consideration is seeking authorization of up to $300,000 in allocations to address basic needs of residents during the COVID-19 crisis. He also briefed Council on the need to address the basic needs of businesses during this time. The seven point strategy"Prosperity Beckons"will focus on recovery and re-opening of businesses, and also include future development of our communities' businesses. Included in this process will be creating a Community Continuity Taskforce comprised of community stakeholders and organizations and a Business Resiliency Taskforce in cooperation with the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Ferrell also reported he hosted a very successful Facebook Live Meeting on February 20. b. Council Committee Reports Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee PRH SRS Chair Kochmar noted the next meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 5:00 p.m. and will be held remotely). She referenced an email from FUSION requesting funding assistance. Land Use/Transportation Committee LUTC Chair Koppang reported on the Committee's first virtual meeting was held last night. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 8 April 7, 2020 He noted the agenda was limited to business items and included 30% design approvals. He thanked Council and staff for continuing to make the best of the situation by adapting to continue business as usual. Finance Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee FEDRAC Chair Tran reported the last meeting was held March 24, 2020 and was attended remotely. Items approved at Committee are on this Consent Agenda for Council approval. He announced the next meeting will be April 28, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Lodging Tax Adviso Committee LTAC Chair Assefa-Dawson had no report. She noted the March meeting was canceled and the next meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Regional Committees Report PIC Councilmember Moore noted the meeting scheduled for April 8 was canceled. Council President Repo Council President Honda highlighted the difference in roles for Councilmembers versus the Mayor. She noted the Council is working behind the scenes and are unable to hold additional meetings or social media outreach due to quorum constraints. She diiecled citizens to the the Council Facebook page to find updated information and encouraged citizens to contact Council Executive Assistant Jeri-Lynn Clark to get in contact with Councilmembers. She encourages citizens to continue to provide citizen comments in email form and she appreciates staff and their hard work to facilitate these remote meetings. 4. CITIZEN COMMENT An email letter from Robin O'Grady, FUSION Executive Director was accepted as citizen comment and read into the record by the City Clerk, later in the meeting. 5.. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes: March 17, 2020 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes b. Vouchers— February 2020 c. Monthly Financial Report January/February d. King County I-Net Agreement e. Purchase of Replacement Police Vehicle Laptops f. Purchase of New Police Vehicle Laptops g. Purchase of New Police Radios COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO APPROVE ITEMS A THROUGH G ON THE CONSENT AGENDA; COUNCILMEMBER MOORE SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 8 April 7, 2020 6. COUNCIL BUSINESS a. Confirmation of Thomas Fichtner as IT Director City Attorney Ryan Call noted the Mayor's appointment of Thomas Fichtner as IT Director needs to be confirmed by Council. He presented Mr. Fichtner's background and noted he began working for Federal Way back in 2003 as a temporary employee. Over these many years, Mr. Fichtner was worked his way up through the department and is currently a tremendous leader of the IT Department. Most recently, he and his staff have worked long hours to accomplish the current remote workforce and facilitate remote city meetings. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS FICHTNER AS THE IT DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. The Mayor and Council echoed their gratitude for Mr. Fichtner who is always available to help staff or Council; they also appreciate his friendly and personable manner when explaining technology. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Kochmar yes b. Resolution: Supporting Governor Inslee's Ban on Residential Evictions and Ratifying the Mayor's Proclamation of Emergency #20-02 Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Residential Tenant Late Fees/APPROVED RES#20-784 Human Services Manager Sarah Bridgeford presented background information on the proposed resolution. She noted the Mayor issued a Proclamation of Emergency enacting a moratorium on residential late fees in conjunction with Governor Inslee's Ban on Residential Evictions. Ms. Bridgeford cautioned renters need to be aware this is not rent forgiveness and the rent is still due; she encouraged residents to prioritize rent as a priority and look to utilizing services and programs to help offset loss of wages such as the food bank and other social services. Council thanked Ms. Bridgeford for her presentation and her hard work on behalf of the community, noting many people will not be able to pay their rent which is an issue for both renters and landlords who might not be able to absorb the payments. Council suggested landlords contact mortgage holders to see if payment arrangements can be made before missing a payment. Discussion also took place regarding business owners and commercial rent payments. Council President Honda asked if there could be a way to structure payments. Ms. Bridgeford agrees with this concept and said there might be cases where the landlord cannot absorb the payments. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 8 April 7, 2020 Councilmember Assefa-Dawson provided information regarding King County Housing, and Councilmember Kochmar encouraged citizens to apply for services through the State Employment Securities Department. COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Kochmar yes c. Resolution: Emergency Social Services Funding Proposal/APPROVED RES#20-785 Human Services Manager Sarah Bridgeford presented information regarding the proposed Resolution. Ms. Bridgeford noted this is a request to authorize up to$300,000 of Emergency Social Services Funding and includes the immediate use of an $88,500 allocation to assist with impact on resident's inability to meet basic needs such as housing and food. In addition to financial losses for residents there is the added stress of mental health, anxiety and increased isolation. Those experiencing homelessness are also affected by the pandemic as they often have serious or complex health issues and are unable to self-isolate or practice social distancing. This $300,000 in Emergency Social Services Funding is being requested from the General Fund, funded from the 2019 excess Fund Balance. The focus will be on the immediate crisis and shorter-term responses focusing on housing,food, homeless services and mental health services. This allocation is not included in the budget and the city is currently anticipating revenue shortfall and higher expenditures. This action will preclude use of these funds for other items. Agencies which have been allocated at total of$88,500 in Emergency Funding are: • Multi-Service Center Food Bank ($45,000) • Federal Way Senior Center Food Bank ($18,000) • Catholic Community Services Reach Out Shelter ($13,500) • Catholic Community Services Day Center ($12,000) She noted 242 new families accessed the food bank in the last month. The balance of the funds($211,500)will be used to address gaps in services and increased need. Ms. Bridgeford also spoke regarding possible use of CDBG funds which is more difficult to manage. She noted the the city wants to ensure its limited resources are being used in a fiscally responsible manner. She noted when time permits or the cost exceed the Mayor's signature authority of $20,000; all allocations will come to the City Council for consideration. Finance Director Ade Ariwoola stated the city is in a better position than most to help, however the city will not be able to fund other projects, if this is funded. Councilmember Tran spoke to update citizens on his local Department of Social and Health Services(DSHS)office and their assistance. Councilmembers again thanked Ms. Bridgeford for her wealth of information and presentations tonight. Councilmembers asked for eviction protection options and some supported the FUSION funding request. Ms. Bridgeford clarified her recommendations will be for unfunded gaps and Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page S of 8 April 7, 2020 increased needs in areas such as food banks and homelessness services. They are able to provide clear metrics and tracking regarding visits per day and extending hours at the Day Center and Reach Out Shelter. She cautioned against looking for outcomes and not out puts. She would like to make sure our partners are fully staffed and most of them will be out put measured. Mayor Ferrell thanked Sarah for her detailed plan and expertise. COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Kochmar yes Mayor Ferrell asked the City Clerk read an email letter into the record from Robin O'Grady, FUSION Executive Director (referenced earlier under Citizen Comment). Ms. O'Grady requested a direct allocation of$10,000. The Mayor, Council and Ms. Bridgeford discussed the letter. Ms. Bridgeford cautioned against moving forward without additional information or questions regarding a description of how the funds would be utilized. She would like to read the request and follow up with Ms. O'Grady with additional questions; this emergency funding does not authorize operational grants, which the request appears to be. Mayor Ferrell asked Ms. Bridgeford to research and then provide a recommendation back to him and the Council. d. Resolution: Temporarily Allowing Certain Signs to be Placed in front of Businesses/APPROVED RES#20-786 Community Development Director Brian Davis presented information on the proposed resolution which would allow signs to be posted outside of businesses as a way of additional advertising during this difficult business climate. This quick resolution will be used mainly by restaurants in the community whose dining areas are closed, but are still offering take-out and delivery. Certain restrictions are outlined in the Resolution; including signs cannot impede visibility, parking, or access to other businesses. Council thanked Mr. Davis for this presentation and asked the duration of the temporary resolution and if it could be extended, if needed. Mr. Davis noted it is currently set to expire at the end of the year, however it could be amended. COUNCILMEMBER KOPPANG MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Kochmar yes 7. ORDINANCES Second Reading/Enactment a. Council Bill #777 New Cin ular Wireless PCS LLC Franchise Ordinance/APPROVED ORD#20-888 Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 8 April 7, 2020 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, GRANTING NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC, ITS AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS A NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO OCCUPY THE RIGHTS-OF-WAY OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,WASHINGTON,WITHIN THE SPECIFIED FRANCHISE AREA FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONSTRUCTING, MAINTAINING, OPERATING, REPLACING, AND REPAIRING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK CONSISTING OF SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES IN, ACROSS, OVER, ALONG, UNDER, THROUGH AND BELOW THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY. City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record. COUNCILMEMBER KOPPANG MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE; COUNCILMEMBER MOORE SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Honda yes Councilmember Koppang yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Kochmar yes 8. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Assefa-Dawson commented on a great remote meeting and congratulated Thomas on his promotion. She thanked the Mayor for his support of the vulnerable populations being impacted by this virus. She is concerned with the increase in Domestic Violence and full shelters. She is appreciated Councilmember Tran's update on DSHS services for the community and she also noted King County Housing Authority is very active in serving the residents of the community. She thanked everyone out there who is doing their part to help during this difficult time. Councilmember Baruso echoed comments of Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and also congratulated Thomas. He specifically thanked staff, noting he has attended a lot of remote meetings and he feels this is one of the better ones. He encouraged citizens to support local businesses and restaurants who are struggling. He also strongly encouraged citizens to contact their mortgage and financial lenders to ask about payment option. He also asked citizens to complete their census. Councilmember Tran agreed this was a good meeting; he congratulated Thomas on his promotion and agreed this promotion was one of the Mayor's best decisions. He is pleased to hear reports of Washington cases slowing down compared to a few weeks ago and encouraged everyone to continue to practice social distancing and staying home. He thanked city staff specifically for their assistance and support. Councilmember Koppang noted Council reports are usually for reports on recent events and people they have met with;which has not been the case in the last few weeks. He appreciates the grocery working and front line services who are working for everyone in the community. He asked everyone to treat grocery workers with kindness and courtesy. He encouraged citizens to get outside and walk the neighborhood as we come back into the nice weather. He misses seeing everyone in person and would like to find a better way to accept citizen comments at meetings. Councilmember Moore thanked the citizens who have joined to watch the meeting or who are watching online. He extended appreciation to staff and Thomas who have worked to make this meeting run smoothly. He thanked Council President for communicating with each Councilmember individually and he thanked the Mayor for his leadership during this challenging Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 7 of 8 April 7, 2020 time. He is looking forward to continuing the conversation of creating a Financial Dashboard for the city which would enable citizens to dig deeper into the city finances. He also thanked citizens who are making masks. Councilmember Kochmar also thanked the hard working staff and those helping in the community. She wished everyone a Happy Easter and noted this important time for many in our community who will be celebrating differently this year. She really hopes even with government rules and regulations that help that is needed reaches those who need it the most. Council President Honda was also pleased to see everyone remotely and thanked staff specifically for working so hard on a successful meeting. She encouraged citizens to contact Councilmembers who can help connect them with staff or services. She reported the nation-wide event National Night Out, normally held in August has been rescheduled to October. She is working in conjunction with Betty Taylor to plan an event for Federal Way. She encouraged everyone to continue to follow the public health guidelines of social distancing and staying home to stay healthy. She congratulated Thomas who is always very patient and helpful. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Attest: SLWp nie Courtney City Clerk Approved by Council: p, _gpIZVE Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 8 of 8 April 7, 2020