02-15-2022 Council Minutes - SpecialCIT
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers*
*remote attendance option available via zoom
February 15, 2021 — 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 5:02 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 Hoang Tran, Councilmember Jack Walsh, and Councilmember Jack Dovey.
City staff in attendance: City Attorney Ryan Call and City Clerk Stephanie Courtney
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute.
3. STUDY SESSION — AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) REPORT
Interim City Administrator Brian Davis presented history and background on the American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA) which was created to mitigate the economic impact of COVID; rebuild cities
financial stability; and recover and restore sustained fiscal health. ARPA funds are one-time funds
to match one-time expenses for prioritized citywide services over four years. He noted when
applying these funds, the city should avoid creating recurring obligations and audit refund risks.
Mr. Davis explained the city has calculated lost revenue and captured a list of potential uses along
with confirming Treasury eligibility rules. The Council will need to review the options and prioritize
the requests. He further noted the funds were received in May 2021 and the Treasury's Final Rule
was issued January 10, 2022. Included in the allowable expenses is standard allowance of $10
million for lost revenue; capital expenditure allowance for COVID-related health or economic
response; hazard premium pay for public employees; restoration of pre -pandemic employment;
expansion of broadband eligibility; and expansion of water and sewer remediation.
He provided priorities which have already had Council approval including the calculated lost
revenue; administrative grant -related costs; essential workers (grocery) hazard pay; and
broadband/infrastructure. The balance of the funds available can be used for public health &
economic impacts.
Mr. Davis overviewed the list of items which total the lost revenue amount of $14,512,696. Staff
recommendation is to continue to allocate lost revenue cautiously; maximize ARPA grand funds
with public safety; and pursue community assistance option.
Council thanked Mr. Davis for the presentation and information. Clarifying questions were asked
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February 15, 2022
regarding the Disaster Recovery System (technology) to which IT Director Thomas Fichtner
responded. Mr. Davis answered questions regarding the status of a process for community
assistance. He suggested one avenue could be to increase disbursements previously awarded to
agencies already receiving allocations.
Council requested staff to think out of the box in relation to creating programs or opportunities for
the youth and their desire to address gun violence. Additional items discussed were a Senior
Center; funding for the turf fields for Celebration Park; a possible "broken window" grant to assist
small business owners repair broken windows due to increased crime; and assistance to seniors
with rent or utility costs increasing.
Interim City Administrator Brian Davis asked Council to come to a consensus and provide direction
for staff. While there was some support for capital items which have an order or lead time, the
Council determined to further review of the list before making decisions during a future regular
meeting.
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the special meeting was adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
Attest:
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S p anie Courtney
City Clerk
Approved by Council: L)�J��'?�2+Z
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February 15, 2022