03-02-2021 Council Minutes - RegularCIT
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Remote Meeting
March 2, 2021 — 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting held remotely to order at 6:31 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, 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. Port of Seattle — South County Fund Update
Alison Beason, Port of Seattle External Relations and Andy Gregory, Office of Equity,
Diversity and Inclusion, presented information on the Economic Recovery Program and
the Environmental Grants Program.
The Economic Recovery Program received twenty-seven proposals and recommended
funding for ten proposals for a total award of $981,881. El Centro de la Raza was
awarded $99,985 for construction and workforce development. This program provides
extensive outreach, education, and referrals for Latinos and other multi -cultural program
participants to relevant pre -apprenticeship programs in port -related industries in order
to obtain permanent employment. The Economic Recovery Program also funded
African Community Housing & Development ($99,902); Asian Counseling & Referral
Services ($100,000); Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (($100,000); Puget
Sound Welcome Back Center ($90,839); and Washington Maritime Blue ($99,995).
Additional information was provided regarding the sixteen proposals submitted and
fourteen recommendations for funding in the Environmental Grants Program. Four local
projects were funded including the Federal Way Korean Garden ($20,000); Senior
Center Community Garden ($9,000); South King County Community Stewardship
Project supporting Tukwila, Burien, Des Moines, and Federal Way ($10,902); and Soil
and Water Stewardship Training serving Federal Way, Burien, and Tukwila ($15,000).
Council thanked Mr. Gregory and Ms. Beason for the information, community support,
and investment in south King County. They also noted there will be additional outreach
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March 2, 2021
and counseling to assist those agencies with barriers to applying for these grants and
applications not funded in the first round. Ms. Beason and Mr. Gregory noted a new
round of grants will open this summer 2021 for the Economic Recovery Program and in
the fall of 2021 for Environmental Grants.
b. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
• State of the City Address
Mayor Ferrell presented the annual State of the City Address virtually on April
25 which was carried live on Government Access Channel 21, the city YouTube
channel and the Mayor's Facebook page. This year was a stark contrast to last
year's speech which was presented in -person at the Performing Arts & Event
Center to over 700 attendees before the COVID-19 pandemic began. He noted
the state of the city is strong and encouraged citizens watch the speech. He
thanked IT Director Thomas Fitchner as well as the IT department and Mayor's
Office staff for all of their hard work on this event.
• Covid-19 Update
Emergency Manager Ray Gross presented updated information on current
phases and vaccine distribution in the region. He attended a virtual meeting with
the King County Board of Health Director Patty Hayes who noted King County
ranks just below the Honolulu area and hospitals are in fairly good shape in
handling the pandemic as of late.
He provided specific information on the percentages of residents who have had
at least one dose of the vaccine. He also noted as additional vaccine locations
come on line, the increase in those vaccinated will also grow. He noted Lumen
Field will be facilitating a large amount of vaccines for the region. CHI Franciscan
will be using the Community Center and the Performing Arts & Event Center for
vaccine distribution.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Gross for his update and noted Governor Inslee
has recently included teachers and caregivers in the current vaccination phase.
• City Council Retreat Recap
Mayor Ferrell reported the Council held a virtual retreat on February 27 and
deferred to Council President for a report.
Council President Honda indicated the retreat was very productive in addressing
communication and team building with Councilmembers. She noted the Council
will be having two additional retreats this year, hopefully in -person. One retreat
will cover Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training and a final retreat will focus on
Council goals and future direction.
c. Council Committee Reports
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): Chair Kochmar
reported the next meeting will be March 9 at 5:00 p.m. She reviewed the items on the next
agenda and thanked the applicants who applied for the Human Services Commission.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 7
March 2, 2021
Land Use/Transportation Committee LUTC): Chair Baruso reported on the Committee
meeting held on March 1 and noted the items which were moved forward to the March 16
City Council meeting as well as the Sound Transit Ordinance on the current Council agenda.
He noted the next meeting is April 4 at 5:00 p.m. on Zoom.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): Chair Tran
reported on the Committee meeting held on February 23 and items on the current Council
agenda. He noted there was a good discussion regarding the City's Utility Tax Rebate
Program and the Committee has tasked the Senior Advisory Commission with reviewing
and providing input. The next meeting will be March 23 at 5:00 p.m.
Lod -sing Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Chair Assefa-Dawson announced the next
meeting will be held Wednesday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. The Committee will be
discussing a Washington State University study on tourism in Federal Way.
Regional Committees Report (PIC): Councilmember Moore thanked his Council colleagues
for also attending the meeting and reported the next meeting will be March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Council President Report: Council President Honda reported on educational opportunities
for current Councilmembers. She noted Sound Transit will be attending a Federal Way City
Council Special Meeting on March 16 to discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Study for
the Operation and Maintenance Facility (OMF) South. She encouraged citizens to voice
their concerns. She also wished the City of Federal Way a Happy Birthday.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Julie Vance, lifelong resident of Federal Way, reported concerns with the increase in trash at bus
stops and homelessness throughout the city. She would like to know what steps citizens can take
to clean up the city.
Trenice Rogers, Diversity Commissioner, spoke to thank Councilmembers for submitting their
videos for student classrooms to celebrate Black History Month. She also noted her concern
regarding the notable increase in trash and vagrancy at bus shelters and in the homeless
encampments in the cities; she supports the comments made by Ms. Vance.
Cynthia Ricks-M_accotan spoke in support of the city's response and resiliency over the past year
in dealing with a pandemic noting how the community came together to assist the most. While not
perfect, she is very proud of Federal Way's response.
Mayor Ferrell spoke to constitutional issue of begging and has asked Public Works Director EJ
Walsh to comment and reach out to King County Metro for an update on the cleaning schedule
of the bus stops.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: February 16, 2021 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes; February 23, 2021
Special Meeting Minutes
b. AP Vouchers (1/16/2021—2/15/2021); Payroll Vouchers (1/1/2021 — 1/31/2021)
c. Monthly Financial Report — Final December 2020
d. Historical Society of Federal Way Funding
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 7
March 2, 2021
COUNCILMEMBER HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH D ON THE
CONSENT AGENDA; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO. The motion passed
unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes Councilmember Craft yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes Councilmember Kochmar yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
6. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Federal Way Link Extension Development Agreement Alteration No. 2
Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Ryan Medlen, Sound Transit Liaison provided information on the proposed changes.
Council thanked for the presentation and asked clarifying questions.
In response to a Council question, Mr. Medlen clarified a secondary issue regarding the
Operations and Maintenance Facility South. He noted official comments for the DEIS
for the Sound Transit OMF-South site need to be made at a Sound Transit Board
Meeting or made to Sound Transit directly. Sound Transit Representatives will be
presenting at the next Council Meeting on March 16, however official comments for their
record have to be made at their meetings.
No public comments were received.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOORE The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Kochmar yes
Mayor Ferrell noted action on this item will take place later in the agenda under
Ordinances.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Human Services Commission Appointments
COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR MOVED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO
THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION: KATHERINE FESTA, JACK WALSH AND SOFIA
MAYO TO VOTING MEMBERS WITH TERMS TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2024; BETTY TAYLOR
AS A VOTING MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2023; JOSEPH FRANCO
AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2024; ERIC OWEN
AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2023; AND GRACE
SSEBUGWAWO NAMAGGA AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE
JANUARY 31, 2022. SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE. The motion passed unanimously
as follows:
Council President Honda yes Councilmember Craft yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Kochmar yes
Councilmember Tran yes
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March 2, 2021
b. WSDOT Traffic Busters Agreement Update
Rick Perez, City Traffic Engineer presented the background on this agreement. He
noted the proposed interagency agreement is for a fiber optic cable network for sharing
traffic data.
Mayor thanked Mr. Perez for the presentation.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT AND
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Kochmar yes
c. Asbestos Removal Nuisance Property Contract at 29604 18th Ave South
Nick Ruiz, Code Compliance Officer, provided the background on this vacant property
which has experienced multiple fires, vagrancy and squatters. He noted per regulations
the property was inspected for asbestos prior to demolition. Upon finding asbestos on
the property, the city has moved forward for the asbestos clean-up so the abatement of
the property and demolition of the structure can move forward.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Ruiz confirmed city staff was not exposed to the
asbestos on the property, which was found inside the remaining structure.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED CONTRACT WITH
AMERICAN ABATEMENT AND DEMO LLC TO REMOVE ASBESTOS AND AUTHORIZE THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-
DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Kochmar yes
d. Resolution: NCPA Cooperative Purchasing Contract/Approved Reso. #21-805
IT Director Thomas Fichtner provided information on this cooperative purchasing
contract which will allow the city more options for purchasing, which will in turn save
money.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Kochmar yes
e. Resolution: Texas DIR Cooperative Purchasing ContracVApprovedReso. #21-806
IT Director Thomas Fichtner provided information on this cooperative purchasing
contract, similar to the previous contract, noting this agreement will also allow the city
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March 2, 2021
more options for purchasing and saving money.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes Councilmember Craft yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes Councilmember Kochmar yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
8. ORDINANCES
First & Second Reading/Enactment
a. Council Bill #799/ Federal Way Link Extension Development Agreement
Alteration No. 2 (Approved Ord. #21-908
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON,
APPROVING A CHANGE TO THE FEDERAL WAY LINK EXTENSION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
FEDERAL WAY AND SOUND TRANSIT.
Information on this item was presented at the public hearing earlier in the
meeting by Mr. Medlen. Council had no additional questions.
No public comments were received.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED TO SUSPEND COUNCIL RULE 2.2(H) TO ALLOW
FIRST READING AND ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE IN ONE MEETING; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Kochmar yes
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE;
SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER TRAN. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Kochmar yes
Second Reading/Enactment
b. Council Bill # 798JSpeed Limit Ordinance AmendmerVApproved Ord.
#21-909
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Federal Way, Washington, relating to speed
limits; amending FWRC 8.30.040. (Amending Ordinance Nos. 90-29, 92-145,
93-177, 96-259, 00-364, 03-449, 10-668, 10-669, 10-675, 13-740, 15-807,
and 17-832).
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE;
SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER TRAN. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 7
March 2, 2021
Council President Honda
yes Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson
yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes Councilmember Kochmar yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no report.
Councilmember Baruso acknowledged Women's History Month and would like to celebrate their
achievements. He specifically thanked the important women in his life: his wife and mother.
Councilmember Tran referenced recent false reports of DSHS requiring a fee for services; he asked
everyone to beware. He also encouraged everyone to continue to be vigilant with social distancing,
handwashing and wearing a face covering as less than 15% of the population has been vaccinated.
Councilmember Craft is proud to support and encourage support of local women -owned business
and encouraged learning about notable women in history. She is concerned with the increase in
crimes against Asian Americans and offered her assistance to anyone who needs help with
reporting these crimes.
Councilmember Moore thanked the Diversity Commission for their work recording Councilmembers
reading books for students to celebrate Black History Month. He also acknowledged Women's
History Month and encouraged everyone to support women -owned businesses.
Councilmember Kochmar had no report however she noted she will be happy when businesses
and schools can reopen.
Council President Honda reported the city is hosting a Shred Event on March 3 at City Hall from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be socially distanced and it is limited to two boxes or three
bags of paper. She also noted tomorrow is Girls' Day in the Japanese culture and she celebrates
her daughter and granddaughter. She noted the Council will be acknowledging Women in Public
Office at the next Council meeting.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
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11.ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Attest:
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SW ph nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 0-lvwl
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 7 of 7
March 2, 2021