2021-03-17 Planning Commission PacketCommissioners City Staff
Lawson Bronson, Chair Tim O’Neil, Vice-Chair Brian Davis, CD Director
Wayne Carlson Hope Elder E. Tina Piety, Administrative Assistant
Diana Noble-Gulliford Tom Medhurst 253-835-2601
Dale Couture Eric Olsen, Alternate www.cityoffederalway.com
Jae So, Alternate Anna Patrick, Alternate
K:\PLN Planning Commission\2021\Agenda\Agenda 03-17-21.docx
City of Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 17, 2021, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, Zoom Meeting
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Planning Commission Meeting of March 3, 2021
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
a. Discussion – Sound Transit DEIS Briefing
https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/documents-reports/operations-
maintenance-facility-south-draft-environmental-impact
6. STAFF BUSINESS
a. Director’s Report
7. NEXT MEETING
a. April 7, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Notice: Pursuant to Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, all in-person meetings are prohibited until further notice. The
Mayor and City Council encourage you use one of the following ways to participate in the meeting:
• Join here https://cityoffederalway.zoom.us/j/92039948345?pwd=b3RBOGdQeUw5ZEFQSi8rblhlZ0hRQT09
• Call in and listen to the live meeting (888) 788-0099 or 253-215-8782
• Public Comment may be submitted via email here, or sign up to provide live comments here
• Zoom meeting code 920 3994 8345 and passcode 431768
Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 March 3, 2021
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 3, 2021 City Hall
6:30 p.m. Zoom
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Lawson Bronson, Tim O’Neil, Wayne Carlson, Diana Noble-Gulliford, Hope
Elder, Dale Couture, Tom Medhurst, Eric Olsen, Jae So, and Anna Patrick. Commissioners absent: none.
City Staff present: CD Director Brian Davis, Senior Planner James Rogers, City Attorney Eric Rhoades,
and Administrative Assistant II Tina Piety.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bronson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
MINUTES
The February 17, 2021, minutes were approved as presented. Commissioner Carlson requested future
minutes be more inclusive.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Discussion, Preliminary Sound Transit Briefing – Planner Rogers delivered the staff report. It includes an
overview/update of the Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE), Tacoma Dome Link Extension (TDLE),
and Operations and Maintenance Facility South (OMFS) projects. The FWLE is 7.8 miles (from SeaTac
to Federal Way at 320th) and will have three stations (Kent/Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way).
The Federal Way Transit Center (FWTC) will be the end of the line until the TDLE is complete. The
FWLE is 25 percent complete and is projected to be complete (and service will begin) in 2024. Once
complete, there will be Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at the FWTC. Planner Rogers went over the
construction progress at the Star Lake Station, along I-5, and the FWTC. Commissioner Patrick asked
where will the storm drainage pond be located? Planner Rogers replied that stormwater facilities will be
located underground at the FWTC. He continued his presentation on the FWTC design, area layout,
parking, and pedestrian crossing. He noted there will be 35 percent total fewer pedestrian lane crossings.
A discussion was held regarding pedestrians crossing 320th. The Commissioners have several concerns.
Currently, the crossing will be at street level at the current intersection. Commissioner Patrick asked if a
pedestrian overpass has been considered? Planner Rogers and Director Davis responded that one has been
considered and the city would prefer an overpass; however, the city does not have the funds and Sound
Transit (ST) has determined that Federal Way does not meet the designated “need” for them to provide one.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 March 3, 2021
There is also the concern that an overpass will lead to crime. Commissioner O’Neil commented that trains
will be arriving every ten minutes and with the number of pedestrians expected, a street-level crossing does
not seem as safe as an overpass; especially concerning that residential development is being considered on
the mall property and the FWTC will be the “end of the line” until at least 2030 when the TDLE is planned
to begin service. Commissioners expressed they do not understand why ST will provide overpasses at other
new transit sites, but not Federal Way. Commissioners commented that they have been told ST will provide
funds for an additional stoplight and crosswalks for pedestrians. What is the status of this? Director Davis
and Planner Rogers responded that they are not aware of the specifics of this stoplight proposal. It could be
part of an entire connectivity plan and Public Works should be aware of it. Staff will consult with Public
Works and update the Commission. Commissioners commented that an additional stoplight would add to
the congestion and frustrations of those driving down 320th with little benefit. Director Davis assured the
Commissioners that the city shares many of the concerns that were raised and will continue to work with ST
for plans that are beneficial to the city.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford commented that an earlier plan showed an area for an additional 400
parking stalls; will these now be located in the FWTC? Planner Rogers responded that yes, space for an
additional 400 parking stalls will be added to the FWTC.
A discussion was held regarding TOD. Commissioner O’Neil asked if ST will sell the TOD property to
private developers. Planner Rogers replied that ST will sell to private developers. Commissioner Noble-
Gulliford asked if there will be development standards on the TOD property. Planner Rogers stated that
developers will have to comply with state, ST, and city standards for TOD. TOD will need to consider
(not an all-inclusive list):
• RCW 81.112.350
• City Center design standards
• Housing Action Plan
• Downton planning study
• Growth targets
Commissioners expressed concern about the loss of tax revenue to the city as a result of the TOD and
OMFS development; and what if the TOD is leased? Planner Rogers responded he is not fully
knowledgeable of the tax situation of these projects. He will research the issue and respond to the
Commissioners. Director Davis commented that the city has shared the concern regarding taxes for the
OMFS development and had financed a separate study/analysis of the economics of the proposed sites.
Staff will send this report to the Commissioners. Commissioner Noble-Gulliford asked if the TOD will be
required to have retail on the first floor. Planner Rogers replied that it will not be a requirement, but will
be encouraged.
Planner Rogers continued his presentation with the TDLE and Federal Way South Transit Center. The
TDLE is 10 miles (Federal Way to Tacoma) and will have four stations (Federal Way South, Fife, Portland
Avenue, and the Tacoma Dome). The Tacoma Dome Station will have links to other regional transit
options, including the Sounder and Amtrak trains, etc. Currently, construction is expected to start in 2025,
with service beginning in 2030.
The location of the South Station has not been determined; there are three alternatives. One is located on
I-5 south of 356th Street and the other two are along 316th Avenue South/Enchanted Parkway near South
352nd Street. Also, the alignment has not been determined; alternatives are along Enchanted Parkway or I-
5, with Enchanted Parkway being the preferred alignment and site. Again, construction is expected to start
Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 March 3, 2021
in 2025, with service beginning in 2030. Planner Rogers went over the proposed plans for the Federal Way
South Station. He then noted that the cost estimate for the TDLE preferred alternative has increased from
~$2.9 billion to ~$3.3 billion (10%). This is partially due to changes to stormwater facilities, station and
pedestrian circulation improvements, and guideway profile changes (surface to elevated). Commissioner
O’Neal comment that locating the Federal Way South Station on 352nd Street would do the most to
stimulate development and he recommends it be placed there. Commissioner Noble-Gulliford asked when
will the decision be made on the alignment and how will the BPA power lines be dealt with? Planner
Rogers replied the determination of the alignment will be done next year. He does not know how the BPA
power lines will be dealt with and will research the issue.
Planner Rogers finished his presentation by discussing the OMFS. There are three site alternatives (one in
Kent and two in Federal Way). It will provide fleet support 24/7/365 and will provide 470 good-paying
jobs. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) will be available on March 5, 2021; a comment
period ends on April 19, 2021. The preferred alternative will be selected in late 2021 and the Final EIS
and project selection will be done in mid-2022. The 2020 cost estimates of the potential OMFS sites has
increased, partially due to the following:
• Federal Way Sites: $759 million to $1.167 billion (+54%)
• Changes to stormwater facilities
• Refined site configuration and size (50% larger)
• Midway Landfill Site: $1.366 billion to $2.424 billion (+77%)
• Continual ground settlement issues
• Increased structural support
The COVID19 crisis has reduced ST’s revenues. As a result, ST won’t be able to meet proposed
deadlines without alternative revenue from state or federal sources. (Projects already in progress are
expected to meet their original timelines.) Through a process called realignment, ST will determine which
project timelines for voter-approved projects will need to change. The realignment process includes:
• January: review project evaluation
The Board held a workshop and provided realignment requirements and processes.
• February: discuss realignment approaches
Board is reviewing financial updates.
• March: define realignment approaches for public feedback
Board reviews financial updates; discusses public engagement plans.
• April: engage with the public and key stakeholders
Board asks what is important for them to consider before they make final realignment decisions.
• May: discuss realignment options
Board hears public engagement results and identifies priorities for a draft realignment plan.
• June: develop draft realignment plan
The Board outlines priorities and requirements for realigned plans and directs staff to prepare the final plan/
action for Board consideration in July.
• July: take realignment action.
Commissioner O’Neil asked if the estimated cost includes acquisition. Planner Rogers replied that it does,
but the main driver of the estimate for the Midway site is the cost to mitigate for the settlement of the
ground. ST will have to either remove and replace the soil or place pillars down to the stable soil and
build on the pillars. One of the Federal Way sites is most likely to be the preferred alternative. Director
Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 March 3, 2021
Davis commented that the cities of Federal Way and Kent prefer the Midway site. Commissioner Noble-
Gulliford commented that the FWTC will be the end of the line until the TDLE is complete, and to her, it
makes more sense to have the OMFS at Midway, which is further north. Commissioner Elder expressed
her concern over the funding and continuing this project in regards to many people working from home
due to COVID19. It has been said that many people will continue to work from home in the future. Will
there be enough ridership to make the project feasible? Planner Rogers responded that he agrees that
many people will be working from home in the future, but we don’t know that for sure. We have to make
decisions from the data we have.
Chair Bronson expressed his frustration with the process. He was an original stakeholder for the TDLE
and to him, ST is not listening to their recommendations. Commissioner Noble-Gulliford stated she is
following the progress of all the light-rail projects and noted that in the north they seem to be competing
for the same funding we are. Why is the Midway site a topic of their discussions? Director Davis replied
that he does not know and will look into it.
STAFF BUSINESS
Director’s Report – Director Davis apologized for missing the last meeting. Interviews will be held next
week for the Planning Manager. He wants the Commission to be more involved in planning issues and will
keep them informed of the issues. Sound Transit will make a presentation on the DEIS at the next meeting.
Staff will make a presentation on the Housing Action Plan Strategies at the next meeting and April 7th. The
public hearing for the Housing Action Plan will be on April 17th. Also, a presentation on growth targets
will be given on April 7th. Chair Bronson stated that according to the city code, recordings of Planning
Commission meetings will be kept by the city. Where can someone obtain the recordings? Director Davis
and Assistant Piety responded that the recordings are kept, but due to computer server space, IT needs to
keep them on a server that may not be accessed by other staff. Assistant Piety continued that if anyone
wants a recording, all they need do is make public records requests and the recording will be provided.
Commissioner O’Neil commented that one of his clients had a good experience working with the city.
Commissioner Patrick asked if the department is doing anything differently because of COVID19?
Director Davis replied the department has gone digital ahead of schedule due to COVID19. The
department is always working to improve our processes and welcomes any suggestions for improvement.
NEXT MEETING
March 17, 2021, 6:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:53 P.M.
K:\Planning Commission\2016\Meeting Summary 03-03-21.doc
Operations & Maintenance
Facility South Draft EIS
Federal Way Planning Commission
March 17, 2021
2
Agenda overview
•Welcome
•OMF South Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS) Findings
o Three site alternatives
o Draft EIS differentiating & key results
o Public outreach & environmental review
timeline
Operations and Maintenance
Facility South
4
•Included in ST3 Plan
•One of four OMFs planned for the
region
•Storage for 144 light rail vehicles
•Location and size supports light
rail expansion in multiple corridors
•Will create living-wage jobs for
over 470 people
Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) South
5
ST Operations and Maintenance Facilities
•Strategically located in the South Corridor to
help keep the entire Link Light Rail system
functioning
•Location no more than 1.5 miles south of
Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE) supports
efficient connection to the operating light rail
mainline when the OMF South opens
Siting the OMF South
6
Sound Transit Board identified
three sites for study in
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Draft EIS Evaluation Process
Prepare Draft EIS
24 sites
20 sites
6 sites
3 sites We are here:
Publication Date
March 2021
7
OMF South
Evaluating three sites in the Draft EIS
Midway Landfill
Alternative
South 336th Street
Alternative
South 344th Street
Alternative
Midway Landfill
South 336th St
South 344th St
8
OMF South Job Creation
OMF South will employ approximately 470 people
•Primarily union operations and maintenance jobs
•Training facility supports skilled jobs and potential for apprenticeship
training partnerships
•Essential jobs to keep transit system operating
Living wages and union jobs
•Wages at OMF South will be comparable to average wages at existing Central
OMF in Seattle
•Average wage for employees at existing OMF is over $40/hour or approx.
$83,000/year
9
OMF South Job Creation
New positions in the following job categories:
Vehicle Maintenance Light Rail Vehicle Operators
Light Rail Vehicle Cleaning Facilities Mechanical Maintenance
Track Maintenance Facilities Custodial
Signal Maintenance Facilities Landscaping
Traction Power Maintenance Facilities Electrical Maintenance
Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition Maintenance
Leads and Chiefs within each
category and Administrative
10
Environmental Review
•Draft EIS was prepared under State Environmental
Policy Act (SEPA), with Sound Transit as lead agency
•Analysis includes affected environment,impacts and
potential mitigation measures
•Project will comply with National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA), as applicable, following ST Board
identification of a preferred alternative
11
What is Studied During Environmental Review?
Transportation
•Regional and local traffic
•Non-motorized facilities
and modes
•Freight movement
•Construction traffic
•Transit
Natural environment
•Air quality and
greenhouse gas emissions
•Ecosystems and fish and
wildlife habitat
•Water resources
•Geology and soils
Built environment
•Acquisitions, displacements and relocations
•Construction impacts
•Cultural, historic and archaeological resources
•Economic effects
•Energy use
•Hazardous materials
•Impacts on low-income and minority
populations
•Land use
•Noise and vibration
•Parks resources
•Public services and utilities
•Visual resources
Three Site Alternatives –
Key Features
13
Common Features/Facilities Supported on Each Site
•Storage tracks for 144 vehicles
•Yard track and lead tracks connecting to the mainline
tracks
•Operations and maintenance building
•Maintenance of way (MOW) building
•Link system-wide storage (LSWS) building
•Yard area for outside storage
•Training Tracks
14
•In Kent, between S 246th
St and S 252nd St,and
between I-5 and SR 99
•Site footprint 68 acres
•Adjacent to FWLE (no
additional mainline tracks)
N
Midway Landfill Alternative
Existing Drainage
15
Landfill Site Preparation Options –Overview
•Buildings and tracks supported by 3.5-foot-thick
concrete platform (~35 acres) on ~700 drilled
shafts at 120 –180 feet deep
•Partial excavation, tracks supported by a 1-foot-
thick concrete slab over 3-foot-thick beam system
(~30 acres), buildings supported on ~110 drilled
shafts at ~ 140 feet deep
•Complete excavation/ replacement with
imported soil
Platform option
Hybrid option
Full Excavation option
Viewpoint: looking west
16
Mainline track* to Federal Way Alternatives
Terminus of
S. 344th St
Alternative
Mainline
Terminus of
S. 336th St
Alternative
Mainline
*Mainline track to be built
as part of TDLE
regardless of which OMF
South alternative is
selected
17
South 336th Street Alternative
N
•In Federal Way,
between S 336th St
and S 341st Place,
and between I-5 and
SR 99
•Site footprint 59 acres
•1.4 miles of
connecting mainline
track from FWLE
terminus that will be
part of TDLE
•One tail track design
option
18
South 344th Street Alternative
•In Federal Way, between S
336th St and S 344th St,and
between I-5 and 18th Place S
•Site footprint 65 acres
•1.8 miles of connecting mainline
track from Federal Way Link
Extension terminus that will be
part of TDLE
•Two tail track design options
N
Christian Faith Center
Walmart
Draft Environmental Impact Statement -
Site Comparisons & Differences
20
Comparison of Key Site Characteristics
14
20
Some results rounded from the Draft EIS.
1Includes GarageTown, comprised of ~60 owners.
21
Comparison of Key Site Characteristics
Some results rounded from the Draft EIS.
22
Comparison of Key Site Characteristics
Some results rounded from the Draft EIS.
23
Comparison of Key Site Characteristics
Some results rounded from the Draft EIS.
*These estimates are to be used for comparisons between alternatives only.
24
$2.2 –$2.8
$1.8 –$2.3
$1.7 -$2.1
$1.1 -$1.4 $1.1 -$1.4
0
1
2
3
Midway -
Platform
Midway - Hybrid Midway - Full
Excavation
South 336th
Street**
South 344th
Street**2019 $BConceptual Cost Estimate*
ST long range Financial Plan $1.183B
*Estimates are to be used for comparisons between alternatives only.
**Site only. Does not include TDLE related cost for extension of mainline to sites in Federal Way
2020 Conceptual Cost Estimate Range
Mainline Information for Federal
Way Sites
26
Comparison of Key Mainline Track Characteristics for Federal Way Sites*
*Mainline track to be built as part of TDLE regardless of which
OMF South alternative is selected
27
Comparison of Key Mainline Track Characteristics for Federal Way Sites*
1,800
*Mainline track to be built as part of TDLE regardless of
which OMF South alternative is selected
Public Outreach
&
Environmental Review Timeline
29
Mailer
Email listserv
Press releases
Commitment to accessibility and translation services
Print and online ads
Property owner briefings
Community listening sessions
Website
Social media
SEPA Register
Notifications
30
OMF South Environmental Review Milestones*
•3/5 SEPA Draft EIS
published
•3/5 –4/19 public
comment period
•3/24 & 3/30: online
public meetings &
hearings
March 2021
ST Board
identifies
Preferred
Alternative
Mid 2022 Mid/Late
2022
ST Board selects
project to be built
Final EIS issued
Public participation throughout
*Sound Transit Board decisions on realignment influenced by COVID -19 and increased
estimates may change these dates
Summer/
Fall 2021
31
Options to Participate and Comment
•Online open house and comment form: omfsouth.participate.online
•Online public meetings and hearings: March 24 (5:30-7:30pm) & March
30 (11:00am-1:00pm)
•Email: OMFSouthDEIS@soundtransit.org
•Voicemail: 206-257-2135
•Mail comment to: OMF South Project
c/o Hussein Rehmat, Environmental Planner
Sound Transit
401 S. Jackson St. Seattle, WA 98104
Thank you.
soundtransit.org