07-20-2021 Council Minutes - RegularCIT
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 20, 2021 - 6:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers & remote via Zoom
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting 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. Best Starts for Kids Presentation
Sheila Ater Capestany, King County Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth provided
information on the current Best Starts for Kids Levy which awarded approximately $3.1 M to
programs and partners in Federal Way. The levy specifically funded 654 programs, 360+
partners, 7,000 hours of TA, and 500,000 children, youth and caregivers served; and 24,000
health care providers, child care providers and community health workers served.
Ms. Capestany noted the current proposal is to maintain the current levy strategies and build
to deepen investments in school age children, youth and young adults. Additional new
investments include child care subsidy program, child care workers wage enhancement
project, and capital projects for children and youth serving organizations. She noted the Best
Starts for Kids (BSK) is a 6-year property tax levy which is 19 cents per $1000 assessed
value and an average cost of $114 for a $600K home.
Council thanks Ms. Capestany for the presentation and asked various questions regarding
child care subsidy, capital project funding for building or expanding day care centers, and
what programs the city would lose if this program was not continued.
b. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
• New Finance Director
Mayor Ferrell was please to introduce Steve Groom as the new Finance Director
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July 20, 2021
following retiring Finance Director Ade Ariwoola. Director Ariwoola provided a brief
background for Mr. Groom who spoke to thank the Mayor and Council for the
appointment and is looking forward to working with the City Council and staff.
• COVID Report
Policy Advisor Bill Vadino provided information from the Seattle -King County
Health Department briefing which noted the testing numbers for King County are
holding and the vaccination rate for South King County is 67.8% who have at least
had one dose. He provided additional information regarding the Delta variant
which is showing up across the country. The best defense against COVID is
vaccination and those who are unvaccinated should continue to wear a face
covering.
• Woodbridge Building B Follow -Up
Community Development Director Brian Davis provided follow-up answers to
questions raised at the last City Council meeting. He reiterated the appeal period
has not yet closed so he is limited in the depth of this discussion. Mayor Ferrell
asked Mr. Davis to provide this written response to the individual who raised the
questions.
e Neighborhood Connection Meeting
Mayor Ferrell reported on the first Neighborhood Connection Meeting following
COVID restrictions that took place at the Community Center on July 15. He
reported a large community turn out where updates were provided by many of the
city department Directors, Police Chief, and King County Health through Housing.
He acknowledged a healthy public comment portion, and thanked everyone who
attended and provided comments. The IT department is working on combining the
footage of three cameras into one segment and it will be loaded to the city's
YouTube Channel and incorporated into the government channel 21 programming.
• Upcoming Community Events
Mayor Ferrell reported on various upcoming events including the Black/African
American Community Quarterly Meeting on July 21 via Zoom at 6:30 p.m.; Kiwanis
Salmon Bake — Curbside Pickup this Friday on July 23; Movies in the Park at
Town Square — Saturday, July 24: Aladdin (2019); and on August 14: Onward.
Movies begin at dusk approximately 9:15 p.m.
• National Night Out
Mayor Ferrell and Chief Andy Hwang spoke to the National Night Out event on
August 3 at various communities throughout the city. Chief Hwang noted last
year's event was
interested in havi
Lindsey Sperry in
Departments alon
city.
g
canceled due to COVID restrictions. He encouraged anyone
ng the police department visit their neighborhood to contact
the Police Department to get registered. Police and Fire
with Elected Officials will all be visiting various areas of the
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July 20, 2021
Page 2 of 10
c. Council Committee Reports
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee [PRHSPS] Chair
Kochmar reported the August meeting has been canceled and one item is on the
Council Agenda regarding bids for homeless camp cleanup services.
Mayor Ferrell congratulated two Federal Way National Little League teams who
competed at the state level along with their families and coaches. He was also
impressed with the turfed fields the players utilized in Lynnwood.
Land Use/Transportation Committee [LUTC] Chair Barsuo reported the last
meeting was held on July 12 at City Hall, which was the first in -person meeting
since COVID restrictions began. All items passed committee are on the Council
Agenda for final approval. The next meeting will be August 2.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC) Chair
Tran reported the next meeting will be July 27 at 5:00 p.m. and be held in person
at City Hall with a remote option. He is looking forward to working with the new
Finance Director.
Lodpinp Tax Advisory Committee(LTAC) Councilmember Assefa-Dawson
reported on the last meeting and approval of Tourism Enhancement Grants. She
further reported on items the Committee is working on and a disruption at the last
meeting via zoom and thanked city IT staff for assisting with the issue. The August
meeting has been canceled; the next regular meeting will be in September.
Regional Committees Report (PIC) Councilmember Moore reported on regional
issues discussed at the last PIC meeting.
Council President Report Council President Honda announced the Council would
be holding an in -person retreat at Dumas Bay Centre on Saturday, October 9. She
reminded everyone of August's Council schedule and only one Council meeting on
August 10. She further reported on her attendance at various regional meetings
including South King County Transportation Board. She is continued to be
concerned about Sound Transit and the proposed cut back in projects as they also
received Federal COVID relief money. She thanked everyone who attended or
reached out to Council regarding the Neighborhood Connection meeting on July
15 and restated the Extended Stay Hotel purchase is not a Council decision and
they are asking the same questions citizens are asking; she is hopeful King
County will provide more information.
Mayor noted the city received a response from the City Council letter to the chair of the Sound
Transit Board which acknowledged the city's letter and position that a station without a garage is
not a completed station.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk read the rules regarding public comment into the record.
Jack Dover reflected on a recent conversation
Federal Way. He reported they asked the city
belongings so that homeless individuals coul
d
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July 20, 2021
Page 3 of 10
Ken Blevens shared his continued concern regarding the homeless issue in the city. He is
disappointed that neither he nor his citizen group have not been contacted by the Mayor or Council to
discuss solutions or opportunities to improve the city. Mr. Blevens also shared some of his
observations from visiting encampments around the City.
Allison Fine congratulated Councilmembers Craft and Baruso on their first in -person meeting, she
thanked City Clerk, Stephanie Courtney, for her work throughout Covid and also commended the
police department for an interaction she witnessed between officers and an individual having a
mental health crisis. Ms. Fine also urged citizens to make their voices heard to Sound Transit around
the Light Rail construction.
J. Murphy shared thoughts and reflections in relation to the recent Neighborhood Connection
Meeting.
Jim Ross spoke in opposition to the Extended Stay Hotel purchase by King County and the Health
through Housing program. Mr. Ross believes this program is creating, in -effect safe injection sites in
the city's downtown and believes the Council should take a stand against this program.
Janis Clark, founder of Safe Homes, shared about the non -profits recent grant from Seattle Public
Schools and shared her desire to duplicate their work in Federal Way.
Jack Walsh reflected on his disappointment in the Mirror's depiction of the Neighborhood Connection
Meeting particularly around the Extended Stay topic. Mr. Walsh also urged the Mayor and Council to
request the Governor initiate a special session to address the new policing legislation.
Betty Tam passionately shared about the new 55 and older community she is living in, Tradition
Apartments, and promoted their upcoming open house on August 11th. She also shared about
National Night Out coming up on August 3rd and her excitement for its return to Town Square Park
next year.
Cynthia Rick-Maccotan_ congratulated Councilmembers Craft and Baruso on their first in -person
meeting. She also addressed youth violence in the community and shared how Best Start Kids has
benefited numerous organizations around Federal Way.
Dara Mandeville sought more information about the shelter program and purchase of the Extended
Stay Hotel for use as a King County Shelter. She feels there is a lot of speculation out there, but
would like more transparency and clarification from the City.
Mayor Ferrell asked Brian Davis to speak to recent legislation regarding this project. Community
Development Director Brain Davis reported that House Bill 2020 (HB 2020) states the city cannot
prohibit this. Mayor Ferrell clarified this is not a city project.
Jane Sidl❑ shared her passion for the city and her disappointment regarding the recent policing laws.
She echoed another commenter stating that the Mayor and Council should fight back for better
solutions.
Nancy Justice shared her opinion that housing programs should be an incentive for addicts to get
help and feels the legislature should address the need for recovery programs in conjunction with
housing.
David Vanvleet voiced concerns that a portion of the population is without proper representation at
the local, county and state level. He stated his continued opposition to the County's needle program
and referenced Orange County California and the actions taken to end needle distribution there.
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 10
July 20, 2021
Kristine Arriola addressed the task force established in 2017 in order to make recommendations to
Council regarding homelessness. Ms. Arriola raised several questions around what the city has done
to address the recommendations of this task force.
Cortnev Freeman complained about a nuisance noise in her neighborhood.
Email from Amanda Jones read by the City Clerk regarding a social media post by Chief Hwang
regarding new policing legislation.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: July 6, 2021 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes
b. Second Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Auburn and the
City of Federal Way for Office Space for the PSATT Office
c. RFB Roofing Replacement for Saghalie Restroom Buildings and Steel Lake Annex
Barn
d. Celebration Softball Complex 2022 RFP
e. SW Dash Point Road & 47' Ave SW Compact Roundabout Bid Award
f. Authorization to Apply for Transportation Grant
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH F ON THE
CONSENT AGENDA; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE. The motion passed
unanimously as follows:
Council President Honda yes Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Baruso yes Councilmember Kochmar yes
Councilmember Tran yes
6. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Resolution: Declaring Town Center 4 as Surplus Property/APPROVED RESO 21-812
Mayor Ferrell opened the public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
Ryan Medlen, City Liaison to Sound Transit, provided a brief report on this property which
would be sold at fair market value by an independent appraiser. Council thanked Mr.
Medlen for the presentation and asked various questions including how many new parking
spaces will be added and if the garage will be closed during construction.
No public comments were received.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING;
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. 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
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July 20, 2021
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION;
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND. The motion passed unanimously as
follows:
Council President Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Draft Housing Action Plan
Councilmember Craft yes
Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Kochmar yes
Mayor Ferrell noted the presentation on the Draft Housing Action Plan was presented at
the Study Session prior to the regular meeting. He noted Associate Planner Cheney
Skadsen was available to answer any additional questions.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO CONDUCT AN OPEN
HOUSE REGARDING THE HOUSING ACTION PLAN, EVALUATE AND INCORPORATE
ANY PUBLIC INPUT AS APPROPRIATE, AND RETURN TO COUNCIL COMMITTEE
FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION AND ACTION; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
BARUSO.
Council thanked Ms. Skadsen and the staff who worked on the draft plan, which is
available on the city website. Mayor and Council agreed there is value in hosting an in -
person open house for the public and development community the opportunity to offer
meaningful feedback as most of the public outreach was during the pandemic and held
remotely.
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
b. Authorization to Award Pavement Repair Contract
Public Works Deputy Director Desiree Winkler presented background information on the
2021 Pavement Repair Project and the details of the lowest responsive responsible
bidder. She noted "patching" is a cost-effective way to extend pavement life. They went
out to bid via the PW small works roster process and received four (4) bids. In order to
keep the project under the small works limit the schedule A was removed. She further
provided the funding brake down for the project.
Council thanked Ms. Winkler for the presentation.
COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO MOVED TO AWARD THE 2021 PAVEMENT REPAIR
PROJECT TO MILES RESOURCES, LLC, THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE,
RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $298,823.09 WITH A 5%
CONTINGENCY OF $14,941.15 FOR A TOTAL OF $313,764.24, AND TO TRANSFER
$180,000 FROM THE 102 ARTERIAL STREET FUND TO THIS PROJECT; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER TRAN. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 6 of 10
July 20, 2021
Council President Honda
yes Councilmember Craft yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes Councilmember Moore yes
Councilmember Baruso
yes Councilmember Kochmar yes
Councilmember Tran
yes
c. Acceptance of the US Small Business Administration Shuttered Venue Operators
Grant for the Performing Arts and Events
Economic Development Director Tim Johnson provided information regarding this grant
award. Mr. Johnson thanked Autumn Gressett and Spectra Manager Brian Hoffman for
their work and efforts for the Performing Arts and Event Center.
Council thanked Mr. Johnson and asked clarifying questions which Mr. Johnson and Mr.
Ariwoola addressed.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED TO ACCEPT $354,045.60 IN FUNDING FROM THE
US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SHUTTERED VENUE OPERATORS
GRANT FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND EVENT CENTER AS PROPOSED;
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
d. Authorization to use Red -Light Camera Fund Reserves to purchase and implement
Body Worn Camera (BWC) program
Finance Director Ade Ariwoola provided information on the use of ARPA funding to
replace lost revenue. He provided detailed information and projections on both lost
revenue and expected future funding. He further provided analysis of the city's challenges
for the Police Body Camera program, Maintenance yard, future police cars, and non -
represented employees salary. He provided projection for the BWC program including the
additional staff needed to support the program.
Mr. Ariwoola presented estimates for the full first year of the program ($942,761) and
years 2-5 ($2,983,216) which totals $3,925,977. He further noted an additional allocation
from Red -Light Reserves of $40,000 to fund c-curbing on Pacific Hwy S due to multiple
deadly collisions in the south portion of the city.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED USE OF
GENERAL FUND AND RED-LIGHT RESERVES TO FUND THE POLICE BODY
CAMERA PROGRAM AS PROPOSED; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR.
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
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED TO APPROPRIATE $40,000 FOR C-CURBING AS
PROPOSED; COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON SECOND.
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July 20, 2021
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
e. Special Emphasis Patrol Funding
Deputy Chief Neal presented information regarding creating a Special Emphasis Patrol to
address the recent increase in violent gun crimes along the Pacific Highway Corridor and
add directed patrols to these areas and neighborhoods. The increased patrols will be
dedicated to four (4) officers per day, on eight (8) hour shifts for 90 days. Chief Neal
clarified this special patrol will not be pulled off and sent to other areas of the city, as
routinely happens with regular shifts.
Council thanked Chief Neal for the proposal and agreed to the need for increased
policing. Council asked various clarifying questions including police overtime, specific
issues with an identified problem motel, and if this can be addressed in 90 days, or will it
be asked to be continued.
COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL
APPROPRIATION FUNDING OF $216,000 TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, FOR
EMPHASIS PATROLS, TO HELP DETER THE INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME;
SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BARUSO. 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
f. Authorization to Bid for Homeless Camp Cleanup
John Hutton, Parks Director spoke briefly to ask for permission to go out to bid to
ascertain current cost for cleaning up homeless camps by a licensed contractor. This will
provide the city with a formal bid to see actual costs and will also provide the possibility of
quicker turnaround of cleaning up effected properties without pulling staff from their job
responsibilities.
Council thanked Mr. Hutton for the information and asked various .questions regarding
costs and clean up to park and private properties.
COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO REQUEST BIDS
FOR HOMELESS CAMP CLEANUPS; 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
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes
July 20, 2021
Page 8 of 10
Mayor Ferrell reported staff was notified earlier today that the grant will not cover the
purchase of a van for the program, which was the main reason staff applied for the grant.
No action needed on this item.
8. ORDINANCES
First Reading
a. Council Bill #810/Sunset of Hazard Pay for Grocery Workers due to COVID-19
Pandemic
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, SUNSETTING
UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE NO 21-912, AS AMENDED BY 21-913, RELATING TO
HAZARD PAY FOR GROCERY WORKERS IN RESPONSE TO THE ENERGENCY
SITUATION CREATED BY COVID-19.
Government and Communications Coordinator Steve McNey provided the opportunity for
any additional questions on sunsetting of this ordinance which was discussed at the last City
Council meeting. Mr. McNey restated the grant program for the grocery businesses is still
active and the requirement for hazard pay for workers will sunset per this ordinance.
No public comment was received.
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HONDA MOVED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED
ORDINANCE TO THE AUGUST 10, 2021 COUNCIL MEETING FOR SECOND
READING AND ENACTMENT; 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
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Kochmar announced the 65th Annual Kiwanis Salmon Bake on July 23. She also
shared that she will be doing an after-hours ride along with the police. Lastly, she gave a public
service announcement — please do not give money to those begging and provided a story regarding
this.
Councilmember Moore thanked the residents who came to the Neighborhood Connection meeting
and who attend the City Council meeting, he understands their frustrations. He suggested having a
Study Session to identify what to do and how to come up with a compromise for the shelter program;
we need to be solution -oriented community. He congratulated Councilmembers Craft and Baruso for
their first time in Council Chambers.
Councilmember Craft gave thanks to all for the warm welcome. She thanked all the residents who
participated in the neighborhood meeting last week and who attended tonight's meeting; She shared
Council has been asking questions of King County and their Health Through Housing Program. In
her other job, she works with shelters in King County and some of our Federal Way youth are in
shelters in Redmond, Tukwila and Auburn as there aren't' resources in Federal Way.
Councilmember Tran provided no report but used the opportunity to thank the Mayor, members of
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 9 of 10
July 20, 2021
Council and the public who reached out as he and his family grieved the passing of his sister.
Councilmember Baruso thanked everyone on Council and the Mayor for welcoming him and
Councilmember Craft to the dais. In light of his upcoming retirement, he thanked Ade Ariwoola for all
his service and dedication to the city. He reflected on his police ride along that took place the night
before.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson offered her condolences and prayers for Councilmember Tran.
Remarks during public comment regarding lockers for homeless individuals resonated with her and
she thinks it's a great idea. She thanked Ade Ariwoola for his service to the city and congratulated
him on his retirement.
Council President Honda shared information regarding the auction which is a part of the upcoming
Kiwanis Salmon Bake; all proceeds support programs and children in Federal Way. The Mayor and
Council President Honda will be talking about a presentation on Health Through Housing and what
the program is and what it does. She thanked Ade Ariwoola for his service and she will be attending
his retirement party next week.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Attest:
" d4��
h nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 0811012021
Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 10 of 10
July 20, 2021