2020-05-05 Council Minutes - RegularY OF
,� Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Meeting
May 5, 2020 — 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting held remotely to order at 6:32 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
Red, White and Blues Festival — July 4
Mayor Ferrell was disappointed to announce that after much thought and consultation
the city has canceled the Red, White and Blues Festival for this year. He discussed
this at length with Parks Director John Hutton and noted neighboring cities are also
canceling their celebrations. This decision was made in an effort to ensure the safety
of staff and citizens by following social distancing and large gathering restrictions
under the Governor's Order. Personal fireworks are still prohibited inside city limits.
City Financial Update/Report
Finance Director Ade Ariwoola presented an update to Council regarding the city
facilities (Dumas Bay Centre, Federal Way Community Center and the Performing
Arts & Event Center). He reported on the financial impact of the temporary closures of
these facilities due to COVID-19. Mayor Ferrell has authorized the temporary
reduction of full-time employees (FTEs) in each facility.
Mr. Ariwoola reported on sales tax activities and projections using the most recent
numbers available. He restated the additional financial support necessary for these
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page I of 6
May 5, 2020
facilities will be increased as long as they remain closed and there are no revenues
captured; through at least June.
Councilmembers thanked the Mayor for acting quickly in light of the reduced
revenues.
Public Safety Presentation
Chief of Police Andy Hwang provided a COVID-19 Pandemic Response Plan and
Public Safety Report. Chief Hwang reported on operational changes the department
has implemented to keep officers and staff safe including the modification of
procedures for responding to calls -for -service, social distancing, front lobby availability,
and staff briefings.
Chief Hwang stated other changes have been made to limit close contact by
individuals indoors and that non-essential employees are working remotely. School
Resource Officers and Mall Officers have been temporarily reassigned due to closures
and the department has temporality suspended the volunteer program.
All police community events have been cancelled, no visitors are allowed at any of the
stations, ride -a -longs and trainings have been canceled, and crime prevention
programs are on hold. A voluntary quarantine option for City/Police employees has
been set up if an exposed staff member requests.
The Chief reported March calls -for -service are down 7% and the crime rate is down
10% while domestic calls were up 13%. April calls -for -service are down 22% and
domestic calls were down 2%. He also noted firearm purchases were up significantly in
March. Chief Hwang also provided data from the National Incident -Based Reporting
System (NIBRS) crimes statistics and per capita crime data for the range of 2013
through 2020.
He also specifically addressed the recent increase in gun violence in the Westway
Neighborhood and highlighted both the short and long-term efforts being implemented
to address the problem in this specific neighborhood.
The Mayor and Council thanked Chief Hwang for his presentation and asked various
clarifying questions regarding the information and data provided.
Extension of Building Permits Beyond 180 Days
Community Development Director Brian Davis noted in response to an inquiry from
Councilmembers Koppang and Moore, the city has acknowledged building permits will
be extended beyond the standard 180 day time limit. This extension is consistent with
neighboring cities and is in response to current COVID-19 pandemic.
b. Council Committee Reports
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS)
Chair Kochmar reported next meeting is May 12 at 5:00 p.m. and will be held
remotely via Zoom with noted items to be discussed.
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May 5, 2020
Land Use/Transportation Committee LUTC
Chair Koppang reported the next meeting is June 1 and while he would prefer
the meeting in to be held in person, be believes it might be remote.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC)
Chair Tran reported the next meeting is May 26 at 5:00 p.m. and reported on
topics to be discussed.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAQ
Chair Assefa-Dawson reported the next meeting is Wednesday, May 13 at
10:00 a.m. and the meeting will be held remotely via Zoom.
Regional Committees Report PIC
Councilmember Moore provided no report. He thanked Executive Director
Deanna Dawson for continuing to keep the Council up to date on regional
issues.
Council President Repor#
Council President Honda reported on the City Council recent Civics Project
where they each individually recorded a video about an important issue in the
community. These short videos will be posted on the Council Facebook page
soon. She further reported on multiple webinars and remote meetings she has
attending covering various COVID-19 issues.
4. CITIZEN COMMENT
Betty Taylor (provided comments via phone call) urged the Council to consider an alternate
plan for National Night Out which has been officially rescheduled to October. She would like
to see a modified event with social distancing held at Town Square Park for those residents
who do not have a traditional neighborhood event.
Mayor Ferrell asked Chief Hwang to comment on National Night Out plans. Chief Hwang
noted it is too early to make plans with current restrictions in place. He noted if restrictions
begin to lighten he believes the October timeframe could be realistic even though the
weather is less cooperative at that time of year.
The City Clerk read a letter from Julien Loh, Local Government Affairs Manager for Puget Sound
Energy. Mr. Loh provided information for PSE services and stated services would not be
disconnected during this time for non-payment.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Monthly Financial Report — March 2020
c. Vouchers — March 2020
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 6
May 5, 2020
d. Resolution: Fee Schedule Amendment regarding Small Wireless/APPROVED
RESO #20-787
e. Resolution: Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network Operator Interlocal
Cooperation Agreement/APPROVED RESO #20-788
f. Valley Communications Memorandum of Understanding — PSERN
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH F ON THE
CONSENT AGENDA; COUNCILMEMBER KOPPANG SECOND. The motion passed
unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Kochmar
yes
6. COUNCIL BUSINESS
Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Tran yes
a. Council letter to Governor Inslee regarding a plan to reopen businesses
Policy Advisor Bill Vadino briefed the Council on the recent updates regarding
Governor Inslee's four phase reopening plan. He referenced a draft letter requesting
the Governor consider careful acceleration of reopening our state's economy if the
public health data continues to show positive improvement.
The draft letter praises efforts made to date and offers input from Federal Way's
diverse community of sole proprietors, small businesses owners, and entrepreneurs
from a city where more than 120 languages are spoken. The desired result is a
collaboration that will allow these owners to provide insight to help businesses reopen
sooner than projected.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Vadino for his work on the letter and asked clarifying
questions regarding the importance of the business community and the Federal Way
Chamber of Commerce involvement. Minor changes to the letter were suggested.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO SEND A LETTER TO GOVERNOR INSLEE
REGARDING A PLAN TO REOPEN BUSINESSES IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON AS
DISCUSSED; 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
b. Project 610: Planning for New Joint Use Operations Facility
Public Works Director EJ Walsh provided a presentation regarding the need for a
Joint Use Operations Facility for Park and Public Works. This item was discussed
most recently at the last Finance, Economic Development and Regional Affairs
Committee when it was forwarded to Council for discussion.
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May 5, 2020
Mr. Walsh provided a background on this facility and the need for improvements
which have been discussed multiple times over the years as far back as 2008. He
believes the current facility is sub -standard for many reasons including available
space, safety issues, and ability to properly secure vehicles and equipment.
This project was discussed and included as a part of the Surface Water Management
(SWM) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning last summer with direction given
that if the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) Funds were available this project would
move forward. He noted REET funding is restricted funding and can only be used for
Capital Projects; this phase of the project would utilize $250,000 of 2019 REET funds.
The scope of work includes a feasibility study to confirm space and sizing needs,
review of available property locations, and cost estimating. Also included in this phase
is preliminary engineering with detailed cost estimates.
Mr. Walsh provided the next steps of the project including additional presentations to
Council for review and approval of future phases. In response to questions, Mr.
Walsh noted an estimated completion date for the entire project is 2024.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Walsh for his presentation and asked various questions
regarding staff safety at the current facility, locations suggestions in relation to Steel
Lake Park and Ball Fields, estimated acreage needed for a facility, and if the former
Target property could be utilized for this need.
In response to this presentation and questions raised, Mayor Ferrell noted he will
have a team of inspectors at the property to determine if there are safety hazards for
staff. If needed, staff will be moved to a temporary facility or location.
Councilmembers also expressed concern in authorizing spending funds during this
unprecedented and evolving economic downturn due to COVID-19. Mr. Walsh
clarified this study would only utilize 2019 restricted REET Funds and not General
Fund money.
Mr. Walsh also clarified this action is not to build a. building or select a location. This
action is to begin the process to study what is needed and what is available. All other
actions will come back to Council for approval at a later date.
Council agreed a facility to accommodate staff and equipment is needed. However,
the urgency of addressing staff safety should first be addressed and cannot wait until
2024 for a new facility. The Mayor agreed and re -stated he will have inspectors on
site followed by a report at the next Council meeting.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO APPROVE THE USE OF 2019 REET
FUNDING TO BEGIN THE PLANNING OF PROJECT 610: PLANNING FOR ANEW JOINT
USE OPERATIONS FACILITY; COUNCILMEMBER KOPPANG SECOND. The motion
passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Kochmar
yes
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes
May S, 2020
Councilmember Koppang yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Page 5 of 6
7. COUNCIL REPORTS
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson stated she had no report however she appreciates this meeting
and feels the remote meetings have been productive. She thanked all the non-profit
organizations who are meeting the needs of our vulnerable populations and also thanked PSE for
their assistance to residents during this difficult time.
Councilmember Baruso thanked the staff for another great meeting and reported May is Pacific
Islanders Month acknowledging many great contributions to our community and region. He also
echoed comments about supporting small businesses and noted with good weather and home
improvement projects there are many smaller stores in the community to support.
Councilmember Tran thanked everyone for another great meeting and wished is colleagues on
the Council and all the mothers at home a very happy Mother's Day.
Councilmember Koppang shared some encouragement to everyone during this time stating that
often hard times lead to transformation. He appreciates the efforts made by the community and
specifically noting the efforts of both nurses and teachers.
Councilmember Moore expressed this appreciation to Council President Honda and her
leadership in maintaining contact and keeping the Council informed during this time. He was
pleased to be a part of the Council Civics lesson and looks forward to providing more information
to the constituents through a Council Newsletter. He also thanked nurses and teachers.
Councilmember Kochmar expressed appreciation to Executive Assistant Jeri -Lynn Clark for
delivering the City Council's treat bags to the hospital in recognition of their efforts for the
community; she also thanked her colleagues for their donations. She thanked Councilmember
Tran for remembering mothers and also wished everyone a happy Mother's Day. She reported
President Trump met with representatives for the Navajo Nation today and proclaimed May 5,
2020 as National Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives Awareness Day.
Council President Honda thanked a high school who made and donated 200 youth masks to the
School District to help keep youth safe. She was pleased to report she has been appointed to the
AWC Large City Advisory Committee and while this year's annual conference has been canceled,
she has been attending many trainings and meetings remotely. She attended the SCA Caucus
for the Board of Health with the Director of Public Health Patty Hayes. She noted the Chamber
will be holding a legislative round table for businesses on Thursday, May 7; those who are
interested need to pre -register with the Chamber.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
Attest:
Stephanie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: Q'rj I 1q I U2V
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May 5, 2020