01-18-2022 Council Minutes - SpecialCITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers*
*remote attendance was available via Zoom
January 18, 2022 — 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor
Susan Honda, Councilmember Erica Norton, Councilmember Hoang Tran, Councilmember
Jack Walsh, and Councilmember Jack Dovey.
City staff in attendance: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney
Mayor Ferrell excused the absence of Councilmember Assefa-Dawson who is traveling out of
the country and unable to attend the meeting.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Downtown Federal Way -Redevelopment of TC3, 21 st Ave Sand Beyond
• Massing Analysis for Downtown
• Redevelopment Plan for TC3
• 21 st Ave crossing of S 320th Street — feasibility and traffic modeling; and
• Policy and Code Update
Community Development Director Brian Davis stated the Council has previously set aside
$100,000 for downtown redevelopment. After discussing with the Council he believed the
current plan is consistent with the direction proposed. He believes the better and most
effective use of this money is to begin to take the first step of this plan which will transform
a portion of the downtown that will help create an identifiable downtown that is pedestrian
friendly and allows residents to live, work, and shop.
Director Davis introduced Planning Manager Keith Niven and Associate Planner Chaney
Skadsen who would both be presenting a portion of the presentation.
Mr. Niven presented information on the history of downtowns and how the concept of
downtowns has shifted over the years. He shared information on what amenities should be
accessible in order to create a beloved and vibrant downtown.
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January 18, 2022
Mr. Niven outlined the items staff is requesting direction on from the Council. Should the
RFP for TC-3 (former Target property) which is already funded, proceed? Does the Council
support engaging in a feasibility study and traffic modeling to determine if there is a
reasonable non -motorized solution for crossing South 320th Street with an additional cost
$150,000 to the already allocated $100,000? Mr. Niven provided details on a proposed
"dip" in South 320th Street to allow for a bridge to cross the multi -lane road in a pedestrian -
friendly manner.
Ms. Skadsen providing further information on the downtown area with a massing diagram
which illustrated the possibilities of the area including TC3 and the new Dip on South 320th
Street. Improvements to the area were also illustrated including street character and
pedestrian circulation. She noted TC3 is an opportunity to set the bar and spur
improvements for redevelopment in downtown.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Davis, Mr. Niven, and Ms. Skadsen for the information and
while very excited for opportunities in the downtown many noted a reluctance to move
forward without public input. Questions were raised on the development of the TC3 property
and clarification was asked regarding the entire downtown area, including the Mall and the
Belmore Park neighborhood to the south of the Mall property.
Mr. Niven noted this proposal is purposely small in scope in order to focus and create
actionable changes in the downtown. While there is an overall vision for the entire downtown
area, creating larger changes is much more difficult with variables including multiple
properties owners and current properties which are in transition due to the construction of
the light rail station.
Councilmembers inquired about non -motorized crossings, the cost of hiring consultants
who are subject matter experts in real estate redevelopment, and the property descriptions
for the terms TC3. Staff explained TC refers to Town Center and the number illustrates the
project or area, which includes TC1-4.
Director Davis responded to questions regarding the possible redevelopment of the
Commons Mall and discussions the city has had with mall ownership. Further discussions
included questions regarding height of future development, density, and use. Drainage
concerns for a "dip" road were also noted, which staff assured a drainage study would be
included in the feasibility study.
Council further asked questions regarding incentives for development and if the current
zoning is too restrictive. While they would like to see improvements made to the downtown
area, they would like to see public input before moving forward. The creation of a downtown
stakeholder group was also discussed.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:00 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would recess to Executive Session for the
purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining (RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) and Property Acquisition
(RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) for approximately twenty (20) minutes.
a. Collective Bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b)
b. Property Acquisition pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(b)
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January 18, 2022
5. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the special meeting was adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
Attest:
St' hai ie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: A-1-gon'
Federal Way City Council Special Minutes Page 3 of 3
January 18, 2022