2020-12-01 Council Minutes - SpecialCITY OF
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Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Remote Meeting
December 1, 2020 — 5:00 p.m.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting held remotely to order at 5:03 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia
Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Greg Baruso, Councilmember Hoang Tran, Councilmember
Leandra Craft, and Councilmember Linda Kochmar.
City staff in attendance: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
Councilmember Martin Moore joined the meeting at 5:14 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION
a. Citywide Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update
Deputy Public Works Director Desiree Winkler introduced City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez,
Senior Traffic Engineer Jason Kennedy, Sound Transit Liaison Ryan Medlen, and Senior
Capital Engineer Christine Mullen. She further noted stakeholders and Planning
Commissioners have been involved in this process and might comment later in the meeting.
Ms. Winkler noted the presentation will include information on the Pedestrian/Bike Master
Plan, status of implementation, downtown walkability, and ongoing and upcoming projects.
Mr. Perez noted that rather than implement bike lanes on all arterials in the city as approved in
1995, a Non -Motorized Plan was developed and incorporated into the 1998 Comprehensive
Plan. In 2014 the Bike and Pedestrian Plan was expanded to attract potential users and the
Greenway concept began.
Mr. Kennedy provided information regarding implementation with each project includes Safe
Routes to Schools in coordination with Federal Way Public Schools, most recently an ADA
Transition Plan was adopted which helps deficient facilities come up to code.
Mr. Medlen spoke regarding the benefits of non -motorized transportation in the downtown
core and referenced the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the city's participation in the new
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 1 of 2
December 1, 2020
advocacy group Leafline Coalition. He noted a walkable environment allows people to interact
with more businesses and activities with fewer trips.
Ms. Mullen provided information on projects which have been competitive in receiving grant
funding, as the projects tie in regional connectivity. She also provided more details on
completed projects, current projects and upcoming projects.
Staff also provided information on the downtown area and Pacific Highway non -motorized
corridor. Mr. Perez answered questions regarding the S 288th Street Road Diet (i.e. re-
channelization) and how road diets in general can affect car traffic. He noted each road and
intersection are analyzed and not every area would qualify, however road diets are to lessen
traffic and not further impact traffic negatively.
Council thanked Public Works staff for the presentation and asked clarifying questions
regarding funding and school zone safety.
Public Comment:
Mike Benzien from Federal Way Public Schools thanked the City for its commitment to
non -motorized improvements in the community. Mr. Benzien expressed that the school
district sees the benefits of a trail but the plan does present concerns for the safety of
students at Federal Way High School.
Stevan Gorcester, who serves on the nonmotorized committee for this project, expressed
that he believes Federal Way is behind in the area of non -motorized infrastructure when
compared to some other cities.
Wayne Carlson shared his excitement for these plans. He also concurred that there is a
lack of non -motorized accessibility within the City.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Potential Litigation Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
At 5:55 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would be recessing into Executive
Session for the purpose of discussing issues related to potential litigation pursuant to
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) approximately thirty minutes.
5. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the special meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Attest:
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t phanie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 6i-V5.20?.i
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December 1, 2020