2020-04-21 Council Minutes - Regular * Federal Way
CITY OF
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CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Meeting held remotely via Zoom
April 21, 2020 — 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting held remotely to order at 6:30 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. Proclamation: Sexual Assault Awareness Month —April 2020
Council President Honda and Councilmember Assefa-Dawson jointly read the
proclamation and invited Paola Fernandez, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
(KCSARC) Bilingual Case Manager to give remarks regarding Sexual Assault Awareness
Month.
Ms. Fernandez thanked the Mayor and Council for this proclamation and noted the
important work KCSARC does for the community.The proclamation will be mailed to King
County Sexual Assault Resource Center.
b. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
COVID-19 Response and Update
Emergency Manager Ray Gross provided a COVID-19 update. He noted the need for
increased testing and tracking, as stated by the Governor. He stated the Mayor and
Management Team began meeting in early March as an Outbreak Advisory Team to
discuss specific city issues related to COVID-19. Mr. Gross also works cooperatively
with regional partners including the hospital, fire department, and school district.
Currently the focus is on economic concerns and social services.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Gross for his presentation and asked various clarifying
questions regarding testing in Federal Way, and results of Day Center testing.
Questions were also raised about upcoming summer activities; the Mayor noted
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April 21, 2020
decisions regarding city-sponsored summer activities will occur in early May following
the Governor's updated guidelines.
• Financial Report
Finance Director Ade Ariwoola provided a financial update regarding the impact of
Covid-19 on city facilities including the Community Center (FWCC), Dumas Bay
Centre(DBC), and the Performing Arts and Event Center(PAEC) as well as the city's
financial strength.
Mr. Ariwoola also provided specific information regarding revenue shortfalls and the
impact on hotel/motel revenue. He indicated other funds will need to cover the impact
on the General Fund: the approximate impact through the end of March is—$326,748
for the three city facilities (FWCC, DBC, and PAEC).
He stated March sales tax is reported to the state, which in turn pays the taxing
authority in the month following. The city will receive March sales tax payments in May.
He stated the city's debt service must be paid and will come from General Fund.
REET Funds will be affected and subsequently reduced as a result of the construction
industry stoppage.
Mr.Ariwoola noted that while the stay home measures affect many businesses,those
that remain open such as grocery retailers, home improvement stores, and other
retailers and restaurants either partially open or open in conjunction with online sales
have been busy.
He forecasted the city may lose up to to $3M in sales tax in 2020 and support for
Dumas Bay and the Community Center may exceed $1.2M in 2020. The city has a
contingency reserve of$1 M and SCORE savings projections of$2.1 M. Other factors
include the city's individual fund reserves and a pending Supreme Court case on utility
tax.
Director Ariwoola noted he is monitoring the situation and more information will be
available in May. He also advised deliberate and calculated decisions based on facts
and avoiding quick reactions.
Councilmembers thanked Mr.Ariwoola forthe information provided and asked multiple
clarifying questions. Mayor Ferrell noted Mr. Ariwoola would be providing a financial
update or check in at each Council meeting.
• Report on Faith Community Zoom Conference (April 14)
Mayor Ferrell reported he met with over 50 pastors and faith leaders through a Zoom
meeting and was able to discuss community needs and hear what the faith leaders
are doing in the community. He thanked Shelley Pauls for this suggestion and
assisting in the process to bring everyone together.
• Report on Letter of Support on House Resolution 6467 regarding the
Coronavirus Community Relief Act
The letter of support regarding House Resolution 6467 was referenced during the
Financial Update.
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April 21, 2020
c. Council Committee Reports
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee PRHSPS
Chair Kochmar reported on the items under consideration on the Consent Agenda
went through the Parks Committee. She announced the next meeting is scheduled for
May 12 at 5:00 p.m. While she hopes it will be an in-person meeting; it may be held
remotely via Zoom.
Land Use/Transportation Committee LLUTCJ
Chair Koppang reported on the items on the Consent Agenda which were discussed
at the Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting.The next committee meeting
is scheduled for Monday, May 4 at 5:00 p.m. and will be held virtually.
Finance Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee FEDRAC
Chair Tran had no committee report. He announced the next meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday, April 28 at 5:00 p.m. and will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
Lod ing Tax Advisory Committee LTAC
Chair Assefa-Dawson reported the most recent LTAC meeting discussed items
including signage and the high vacancy rate of hotels and motels. She noted the next
meeting will be Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. and will be held virtually.
Regional Committees Report PIC
Councilmember Moore noted the Sound Cities Association meeting scheduled for
April 8 was canceled. He appreciates the regular updates he receives from Deanna
Dawson, Sound Cities Association Executive Director.
Council President Repo
Council President Honda reported on a new civics project the Council is working on.
She noted each Councilmember will select one issue that is important to them and will
discussing the issue on video. These videos will then be posted to the City Council
Facebook page and hopefully Channel 21. She feels Council is remaining engaged
with citizens throughout this stay home order and encouraged citizens to reach out via
phone or email to contact with them. She also reported on a call—in meeting with the
Board or Health.
4. CITIZEN COMMENT
Cynthia Ricks-Maccotan shared instructions on how citizens can send thank you notes to healthcare
workers at St. Francis Hospital. Ms. Ricks-Maccotan was also wondering if there is a way for the City
and the School District to partner in order to allow some of the programming the School District
cannot do online to be aired through Channel 21.
The City Clerk read a letter from Frank Fields requesting testing and protective gear for senior citizens
in the city.
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April 21, 2020
Mayor Ferrell noted Emergency Manager Ray Gross responded to Mr. Fields earlier
this week. Mr. Gross noted COVID-19 testing does not fall under the city's authority.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: April 7, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Amendment No. 1 to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Program FY 2017
c. Cultural Relief Fund Application
d. Lease of Old Target Parking Lot to Waste Management of Washington, Inc.
e. Purchase Park Traffic Gates
f. 2019 Emergency Management Performance Grant Award
g. SW 320th Street Preservation — 30% Design Status
h. SW 356th Street Preservation —30% Design Status
i. 2020 Pavement Repair Project Bid Award
j. Acceptance of Professional Services Contract for Housing Action Plan
Councilmember Koppang pulled item a for further discussion.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO APPROVE ITEMS A THROUGH D,AND F THROUGH
J ON THE CONSENT AGENDA; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON 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
Item e— Purchase Park Traffic Gates:
Councilmember Koppang inquired as to the reason behind closing off the parking,specifically
at Celebration Park when the parking itself is often under-utilized and has been used by
neighboring SHAG residents.
Parks Director Hutton noted the gates are to help with undesirable behavior after hours; the
gates would deter people from being in the park after the parks have closed.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM E AS
PRESENTED; COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR 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
6. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Payment of Judgement in the Hunter Case
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April 21, 2020
City Attorney Ryan Call briefly updated the council on this matter. He noted the original
decision on July 17, 2018. This decision was appealed by the city to the 9th Circuit Appeals
Court;where the verdict was upheld the ruling in favor of the plaintiff on March 11, 2020. This
amount includes general and punitive damages, attorney's fees and penalties for the plaintiff.
The$655,117 court ordered judgement and $24,066 interest will be paid from the Risk Fund
that is reserved for large claims.
Mr. Call answered various questions regarding the insurance coverage for this case and the
recent change to current insurance through Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA).
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF THE JUDGEMENT WITH
COURT IMPOSED INTEREST AND ASSOCIATED ATTORNEYS' FEES RELATED TO THE
HUNTER CASE; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON 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
7. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Kochmar spoke in concern over our neighboring smaller cities and would like to see
Federal Way lend a hand in any way they can. She also inquired regarding the non-city-sponsored
summer activities and they were to be included in the discussions the mayor anticipates. She would
like to support front line workers and suggested the Council pool resources together to create a box to
donate to St. Joseph's on behalf of Federal Way.
Councilmember Moore shared his thoughts on the challenging times and focusing on being grateful.
He is looking forward to participating in the phased process of opening Washington State while
keeping public health and safety in mind.
Councilmember Koppang noted that while we are all in the same storm, we are not in the same boat
as some families are facing hardships and unemployment. He indicated the importance of being
careful but noted this can err on the side of caution causing greater harm. He is looking forward to
getting back to normal and engaging with the community.
Councilmember Tran shared his experiences during the stay at home order and expressed his desire
for everyone to stay home and safe.
Councilmember Baruso thanked everyone for a great meeting and commended staff for all their hard
work. He also thanked the grocery store workers who are essential and working hard every day. He
provided information for citizens to connect with real updates and information directly from the
Washington State Department of Health. He cautioned against the misinformation that circles around,
especially on social media. He encouraged everyone to stay safe and healthy.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson felt it was great to see everyone's faces on screen.She thanked Bill
Vadino and Tim Johnson for their weekly reports on what is happening in the region. She was
pleased to be able to see meet her son briefly and feel a little bit of normalcy. She feels disconnected
from people working and living alone. She is thankful to help many in her daily job and reminded
everyone to practice self-care.
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April 21, 2020
Council President Honda reported on attending many different webinars and zoom meetings over the
last few weeks. She is confident Federal Way will survive this pandemic and some of our smaller
cities will need assistance. She encouraged everyone to stay connected and to view the Council
Facebook page which is updated regularly. She also noted the Chamber of Commerce recently
started a new Facebook Page, "Open for Business", which promotes open businesses and
restaurants. She also feels there will be an increase in seeing people wearing masks which will also
help along with social distancing ease the restrictions on businesses. She thanked staff members
Jeri-Lynn Clark, Thomas Fitchner, and Stephanie Courtney for their hard work on these remote
meetings.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m,
Attest:
h nie Courtney
City Clerkmw w
Approved by Council: 05-106t2V20
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April 21, 2020