02-01-2022 Council Minutes - RegularCITY OF
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers*
*Remote attendance option available via Zoom
February 1, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Mayor
Susan Honda, Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Councilmember Erica Norton,
Councilmember Jack Walsh, and Councilmember Jack Dovey.
City staff in attendance: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney
Mayor Ferrell announced excused Councilmember Hoang Tran.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO POSTPONE ITEM 7A INDEFINITELY; SECOND
BY COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY. The motion passed unanimously 6-0.
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
3. MAYOR'S KEY TO THE CITY — FORMER COUNCILMEMBER MARK KOPPANG
Mayor Ferrell welcomed former City Councilmember Mark Koppang back to Council Chambers.
He presented him with the Mayor's Key to the City for his work in the community both as a
volunteer and as a Councilmember.
Former Councilmember Koppang thanked the Mayor for this honor and noted Federal Way
always feel like home. While no longer located in the city due to a relocation for his career, he
stays connected through social media and other news outlets. He is extremely proud of the
changes he was a part of while on the Council and the changes coming to further develop the
downtown. He encouraged everyone to act with intentional kindness and looks forward to
watching Federal Way's bright future.
At 6:46 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would recess for a brief reception honoring
former City Councilmember Mark Koppang. The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
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February 1, 2022
4. PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation: Black History Month — February 2022
Councilmember Norton and Councilmember Assefa-Dawson read and presented the
proclamation to Tirzah Idahosa with the Federal Way Black Collective; Trenise Rogers,
Chair of the Diversity Commission; and Maisha Barnett on behalf of the Barnett/Conna
Family.
Ms. Idahosa thanked the Council for the proclamation and requested actions be taken to
acknowledge the Black and African Diaspora Community. She would like to Mr. Conna
recognized by naming a school, park or street named after him. Ms. Rogers thanked the
Mayor and Council and yielded her time to Ms. Barnett.
Ms. Barnett accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Barnett/Conna family. She spoke to
the deep history of her family who settled in Federal Way, owned land, and were successful
in various business endeavors.
Council President Kochmar thanked Diana Noble Gulliford and Jerry Knutzen of the Federal
Way Historical Society for bringing this idea forward.
b. Municipal Court/Community Court Update
Judge Dave Larson was unavailable and presented his update later in the meeting.
c. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
V Judicial Vacancy & Appointment Process for Municipal Court Judge:
Human Resource Manager Vanessa Audett presented background on the Municipal Court
Judges, noting the last three elections the Judges have run unopposed on the ballot,
including most recently in November 2021. This is an appointment to fill the unexpired term
of Judge Robertson through December 31, 2025.
She provided the advertisement and press releases issued regarding the vacancy, and
stated she screened the applications based on a criteria of criminal law experience, judicial
experience, King County residency requirements, and the King County Bar Association
Rating. She then invited the top candidates to interview with a panel which included
Councilmembers, professionals in the field, and community representation.
Ms. Audett reported the selection panel included Council President Kochmar, Deputy Mayor
Honda, Retired Pierce County Superior Judge Jack Nevin, Pierce County Prosecuting
Attorney Mary Robnett, Criminal Defense Attorney Todd Howard, Hart Insurance Agency
President Dan Papke, Direction of Everyone Can Win Consulting and Director of
Operations, Game of Life Winston Bell, and herself as the facilitator of this panel.
She provided details on the panel discussion including the commitment to community
interest in diversity and advancing the most qualified applicants. Mr. Bales was
recommended unanimously as the first choice for the appointment by the panel with a 7-0
vote.
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February 1, 2022
Mayor Ferrell interviewed the top candidates following the panel interview, and agreed with
the panel recommendation, selecting Mr. Bales as the most qualified. Ms. Audett provided
Mr. Bales professional background and experience which led to his appointment.
Councilmembers thanked Ms. Audett and asked clarifying questions of the process
• Municipal Court/Community Court Update:
Municipal Court Judge David Larson joined the meeting and spoke to the lack of media
coverage of the judicial vacancy. He noted the importance of the judicial branch of
government maintain integrity and independence, which he believes was at the center of
the process.
Judge Larson provided an update on the court and making sense of the intersection of
behavior health and criminal justice. He provided feedback on the Peer Navigators Program
and how it helps people navigate the system and be successful with the steps they are
required to take.
The judge also spoke about the Sequential Intercept Model which includes community -
based police, courts/jails, courts post disposition, jails and probation. He noted the current
fragmented approach does not always lead to success and each step is often competing
for limited funds. He supports a regional solution and regional resource networks to best
use the resources for the best results. Stakeholders in this process include law
enforcement, courts, jails, probation, peer navigators, treatment facilities, treatment
agencies, social service agencies and community -based programs.
Judge Larson provided the status of partners and programs for each of the five intercept
models. He further discussed adding diversion programs and the current approach of Crime
— Punitive — Therapeutic compared to the proposed approach of Crime — Therapeutic —
Punitive.
Councilmembers thanked Judge Larson for the presentation and asked questions regarding
funding for Community Court and if the Intercept Model connects to the Restorative
Community Pathways (RCP) program. Questions were also raised about the peer navigator
program and the steps needed to become a peer navigator.
• Recent Community Events
Mayor Ferrell reported on Retail Safety Summit Recap that took place on January 20 via
Zoom with over 900 participants on the call. He believes it was a helpful meeting; the city
and police department are working with the retail association and business community to
address organized retail theft. He thanked Michelle Roy and her team who led the meeting.
• Upcoming Events
Mayor Ferrell reported the City Council Retreat is scheduled for February 26 at Dumas
Bay Centre 8:30 a.m.
He also invited all to attend the Mayor's State of the City Address on Channel 21 and
YouTube pm Thursday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m.
d. Council Committee Reports
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February 1, 2022
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): Councilmember
Walsh reported the next meeting will be February 8.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Councilmember Dovey reported the next
meeting will be Monday, February 7.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): No report was
provided.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson reported the
next meeting is canceled due to lack of a quorum and the Committee is working to fill vacancies.
Regional Committees Report (PIC): Deputy Mayor Honda reported the next meeting of the
PIC (Public Issues Committee) Committee of Sound Cities Association will be February 9 at
7:00 p.m. She noted the items to be discussed and encouraged councilmembers to attend the
meeting which includes all other cities other than Seattle.
Deputy Mayor Report: Deputy Mayor Honda reported the Executive Assistant to Council
position has been filled and she is excited to welcome Amy Glandon who will begin on Monday.
Council President Report: Council President Kochmar reported the next FEDRAC meeting
will be February 22, 2022.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Cheryl Hurst, on behalf of Do the Right Thing, shared about the upcoming 8th annual March of
Diapers.
Sarah Nelson requested that the Council Rules of Procedure be amended to add that those
giving comment state their interest in Federal Way. She also asked that written comments
continue to be read at the meetings.
Jacquelyn Copley expressed concern about crime in Federal Way and voiced her desire to
have written comments continue to be read at the Council Meetings.
Ken Blevens does not feel that crime is lessening in the city. He shared his desire to do better
to compassionately but firmly address the homelessness and drug addiction issues in Federal
Way.
Bob Drake distributed photos and information to the City Council. Mr. Drake spoke about
shooting that took place at Uptown Park Apartments on January 31 and advocated to better
fund our police department.
❑ara Mandeville is wondering when the 2021 crime statistics for Federal Way will be released.
She also expressed frustrations regarding the Eyes on Federal Way application and is
concerned over staff wasting time adding entries to the app.
Savelie Makasini works as a youth navigator at the Pacific Islander Community Association
working with youth from Federal Way, Auburn, Kent and Renton. He shared about the work
that their program does to help youth.
Calson Tommy Tiweyonq, a youth organizer for Pacific Away Finders, shared the ways that
pausing the RCP Program will negatively impact their program.
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February 1, 2022
Helen Kubik spoke regarding the Special City Council Meeting held January 18th stating that
she would like to see improvements as the Commons Mall before we consider a pedestrian
bridge to connect the light rail station to the mall.
Pat Montgomery spoke in favor of the RCP programs stating that they are too important to not
consider consensus amongst all stakeholders.
Ay Amusre clarified the issues Judge Larson is describing and the RCP Programs are two
separate matters.
Ron Tabor thanked Judge Larson for his insight and recommendations regarding the
Sequential Intercept Model. Mr. Taylor would like to see some sort of recognition of John Conna
in the form of a street name, park or something along those line in Federal Way.
Betty Taylor advocated on behalf of her deceased grandson, Ezra, for better accountability in
our judicial system to address gun violence.
Anna Patrick shared her disappointment with King County and feels a pause in the RCP
program while questions are answered would be beneficial.
Denise Yun expressed elected officials should talk to at risk youth and not wait for an invitation.
She also stated Federal Way is very diverse and feels positions within the City should reflect
this.
Tirzah Idahosa addressed the RCP program recognizing while it may not be perfect but it is
doing something to help the community. Ms. Idahosa stated a desire to see City Council do
more through action.
Saudia Abduella asked council to expand the eligibility of diversion programs. She also
expressed a desire to pause the appointment of the new court judge in order to widen the
search for a candidate.
Sai Samineni requested council vote to re -appoint Cynthia Ricks-Maccotan to the Human
Services Commission. Ms. Samineni also expressed opposition for the Sequential Intercept
Model.
Lyn Idahosa is saddened that youth are attending and speaking to what they need but it seems
their voices are not being heard. She also advocated to keep the DEI position in the City budget.
❑r. Timmie Foster requested that Council hold off on appointing a new judge and focus more
on diversity and inclusion on that role.
At 9:21 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would take a brief recess. He reconvened
the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Emails from Joan Tornow and Jacquelyn Harris read by the City Clerk opposing the process
and judicial appointment.
Email from Carlecia Bell read by the City Clerk in opposition of pausing the Restorative
Community Pathways Program.
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February 1, 2022
A joint letter received from the Federal Way Black Collective read by the City Clerk questioning
the process and requesting a pause in the appointment of a new Municipal Court Judge. The
letter was supported by twenty named individuals.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: January 18, 2022 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes
b. Monthly Financial Report — November 2021
c. AP Vouchers 11/16/2021 — 12/15/2021 & Payroll Vouchers 11/01/2021 - 11/30/2021
d. AP Vouchers 12/16/2021 — 01/15/2022 & Payroll Vouchers 12/01/2021 - 12/31/2021
e. Procurement of Municipal Court Software
f. Resolution: 2022 Fee Schedule Revision/APPROVED RESO #22-820
g. Steel Lake Maintenance Facility Fencing Proposal Acceptance
h. Request for Proposals — Dumas Bay Centre Catering Services
Purchase of Police Vehicle Laptops
Purchase of Cradle Points for the Police Department
k. Purchase of Portable Handheld Radios for the Police Department
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH K ON
THE CONSENT AGENDA; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed 6-
0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
•
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
Clerk's Note: this item was pulled and tabled indefinitely at the top of the meeting. No further
action was taken.
b. Council Confirmation of Mayoral Appointment of Municipal Court Judge
Intergovernmental Relations & Public Affairs Officer Steve McNey provided Mr. Bales'
background as a Senior Prosecutor for the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office,
a Special Assistant United States Attorney for a temporary assignment prosecuting
felony firearm cases in the U.S. District Court, and a Felony Trial Judge for the United
States Army Reserves. Mr. McNey noted Mr. Bales comes highly recommended and is
very well qualified.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF BRADFORD
BALES AS A MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE; SECOND BY DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA.
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson appreciates Mr. Bales' qualifications yet is concerned
with the community concern over lack of representation of the Black and Brown
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February 1, 2022
Communities. She would like to see the position re -opened and further advertised to
provide an opportunity for additional candidates.
Deputy Mayor Honda noted she sat on the diverse interview panel and supports the
recommendation and the Mayor's appointment. She further noted this judicial seat -has
been on the ballot unopposed for the last three election cycles, since 2009, most
recently in November.
The main motion passed 5-1 as follows; Councilmember Assefa-Dawson dissenting.
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran absent
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson no Councilmemberpovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Mr. Bales thanked the Mayor and Council for the process and the appointment. He looks
forward to being sworn in on February 22. He desires to ensure trust in the judicial
system and will bring his 25 years of experience to this position.
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING PAST 10:00 P.M. TO NO LATER
THAN 11:00 P.M.; SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR. The motion passed 5-1 as
follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton no
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
c. Confirmation of Independent Salary Commission Appointment
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF GREG
BARUSO TO THE INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmemberpovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
d. Resolution: Amending City Council Rules of Procedure
City Attorney Ryan Cali provided proposed changes to the Council Rules of Procedure
as requested by Council. He noted the changes include the process for which letters
and emails are read by the City Clerk at the meeting and updating the term "Citizen
Comment" to a more inclusive term of "Public Comment".
Mr. Call stated in effort to streamline the meetings and ensure business is handled at a
reasonable hour, the rules would be updated to direct the City Clerk to transmit the
emails (or letters) to the Mayor and City Council and also include them into the final
record. Upon research of this process, it was determined no other local city or
jurisdiction provides for reading letters or emails at the meeting. With the meeting now
required to offer a remote attendance option, the public is offered the ability to call into
the meeting to provide "live" comments.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Call for his presentation and noted this item was
discussed at the Finance, Economic Development and Regional Affairs Committee.
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February 1, 2022
Council supports the policy change for reading emails at the meetings, however
discussion centered on the change from the term "citizen".
After much discussion regarding use of terms public, citizen or resident comment, it was
also suggested to ask commenters provide the city of residence.
Council concurred they would like to have further discussion regarding the terms public
versus citizen; potentially requesting city of residence and amending the policy to
include written letters or emails in the official record rather than read them aloud at the
meeting.
Mr. Call affirmed he will bring these issues back for discussion at the retreat.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE COUNCIL
RETREAT; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER NORTON. The motion passed unanimously as
follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
Councilmember Tran excused
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
Clerk's Note: this interview was not held and will be rescheduled to a future date. No action was
taken.
f. Human Services Commission Appointments
COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO THE HUMAN
SERVICES COMMISSION AS VOTING MEMBER WITH TERMS TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2025:
CYNTHIA RICKS-MACCOTAN TO A VOTING POSITION 4, KEN STARK TO A VOTING POSITION
5, MARY SCHULTZ TO A VOTING POSITION 6; AND AARON WALSH TO THE UNEXPIRED
TERM IN POSITION 3 THROUGH 01/31/2024; SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR.
The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran excused
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
g. Planning Commission Appointment
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO APPOINT VICKIE CHYNOWETH TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 30,
2024; SECOND BY DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran absent
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
8. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson reported on her recent trip to Ethiopia which was an incredible
experience and she was honored she had the opportunity to go. She was made aware of many issues
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February 1, 2022
such as other countries not having the ADA requirements and accessibility as the United States. She
is looking forward to her son getting married and celebrating with family.
Councilmember Norton and Councilmember Walsh provided no report.
Councilmember Dovey suggested more conversations with Judge Larson and noted he came across
a city in Florida who are adding GPS devices to the most commonly stolen cars to assist families who
are most likely to be impacted by stolen vehicles.
Deputy Mayor Honda reported she attended along with Councilmember Norton the PSRC Newly
Elected Training and the MRSC Conflict Resolution Skills Center. She found both very informative
and interesting. She reported on attending the Domestic Violence Forum and Board of Health
meetings. She is looking forward to the new Executive Assistant starting on Monday, and was also
happy to announce she is a grandparent again. She requested a report from the Chief at the next
PRHSPS meeting regarding the recent shooting.
Council President Kochmar thanked everyone who attended the meeting and provided testimony; the
Council does hear everyone and they are doing the best they can for the entire city. She met with
Congressman Adam Smith and is looking forward to a trip to Washington D.C. where she is planning
on asking for $8 million for turf fields. She continues to support asking the School District to resume
meetings in Council Chambers so that the public can participate. She wished everyone a Happy Lunar
New Year.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Attest:
r
St p anie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: e`ZI BSI��
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February 1, 2022