08-10-2021 Council Minutes - Special,� Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
August 10, 2021 — 5:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers & remote via Zoom
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Susan Honda, Councilmember
Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Greg Baruso, Councilmember Leandra Craft,
Councilmember Martin Moore, and Councilmember Linda Kochmar.
City staff in attendance: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
Mayor Ferrell excused Councilmember Tran's absence.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION — KING COUNTY HEALTH THROUGH HOUSING
Mark Ellerbook, Division Director, introduced Leo Flor, Director of the King County Department of
Community and Human Services, and thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing them to
present information regarding the Health through Housing (HTH) Program.
Mr. Flor presented background on this King County program. The program attempts to address
the regional homeless crisis; he noted studies locally and nationally show the majority of
individuals who have substance abuse will decrease their use and find care; that recovery
programs are more effective when individuals are housed.
He spoke to the benefits of single room housing over congregate shelters noting this program will
attempt to address the over 6,000 people who currently sleep outside in King County. Purchasing
existing facilities such as hotel properties will be less expensive and allows the program to house
people within a shorter timeframe.
In addition to properties in Seattle, there are now HTH locations in Federal Way, Redmond,
Renton, and Auburn. Tenants will be required to pay 30% of their income to live in the facility. The
HTH Program will fund site acquisition, building operation and on -site staffing 24/7 including case
management for behavioral health, employment and other housing services.
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Mr. Flor and Mr. Ellerbrook answered the City Council's clarifying questions about the program,
including rules and regulations for drug and alcohol use, occupancy of local referrals (Federal
Way residents), and how the provider will be selected.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Flor and Mr. Ellerbrook for the information and voiced concern with
the lack of housing for homeless youth and the confirmation that background checks for serious
or sexual offenses would not be done on prospective residents. It was also noted a school is
located in close proximity to the Extended Stay location.
Mr. Flor stated it is not a current policy to house adults and minors in the same facility or to
require background checks, although case management is aware of individuals and their
backgrounds. Additional questions were asked about the coordinated entry program, case
management, the good -neighbor policy, and at what age young adults are considered adult
population and eligible for housing at this location.
Council suggested continued outreach and dialogue by King County with the community through
open houses and community forums.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the rules regarding public comment into the record.
Erica Norton spoke in opposition of King County Health Through Housing (HTH) sharing her opinion
it will provide permanent housing to those who have no intention of getting clean or sober. She asked
Council to not allow this housing in Federal Way.
Jack Walsh expressed concerned this topic was not included on the Regular Meeting agenda when
he believes there would be additional community involvement. Mr. Walsh shared from Federal Way
Resolution 17-724 regarding safe injection sites and requested Council pass a similar resolution
against this housing.
Anna Patrick shared concerns regarding HTH including possible impacts on community members,
businesses and concerns with the integrity of the available data. She believes this is a bad idea for
the community.
Cheryl tiurst expressed frustration about the number of homeless children within the Federal Way
School District and suggested more be done to aid them and their families rather than focusing on
the current demographic.
Geoffrey Tancredi questioned if Washington State leaders would consider this if it was proposed in
their own neighborhoods.
Ken Blevens spoke to an online petition by Stand -Up Federal Way requesting a ban on public
camping and asked the Council to take a strong stance on this issue. He shared his experience
talking to many homeless individuals in the community.
Jaiquelyn Copely shared she does not feel Federal Way officials are activity representing citizens.
She is concerned with the number of homeless children and youth which this program would not
include.
Allison Fine agreed that it would be ideal to see the housing filled with those from Federal Way as
opposed to other cities. Ms. Fine noted that whether it be housing or incarceration the tax payers will
pay the costs. She further noted this is a King County program and concerned comments should also
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be directed at King County Council.
Due to the length of the meeting and the need for the City Council to discuss matters in Executive
Session, Mayor Ferrell asked for those in person and remote attend the regular meeting to provide
public comments.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:15 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would recess into executive session for the
purpose of discussing potential litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) and collective bargaining
pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) for approximately 20 minutes.
• Potential Litigation Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
• Collective Bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b)
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the special meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Attest:
Stepp nie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: 10-7 �Y
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