2020-04-07 Council MIN - Regular AL CITY OF
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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