03-01-2022 Council Minutes - RegularCIT
Federal Way
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Hall — Council Chambers
March 1, 2022 — 6:30 p.m.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:33 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: Interim City Administrator Brian Davis, City Attorney Ryan Call and
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Judge Dave Larson led the flag salute.
Mayor Ferrell noted Councilmember Tran was connected via Zoom for the meeting.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD ITEM 6G TO
COUNCIL BUSINESS DESIGNATING RIVNE, UKRAINE AS A SISTER CITY; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton yes
3. PRESENTATIONS
a. Ceremonial Swearing in of Judge Brad Bales
Municipal Court Judge Brad Bales was sworn in by Judge David Larson. Judge Bales
thanked his friends and family who were in attendance and highlighted his previous
experience noting he looks forward to serving the community. Mayor Ferrell and the Council
congratulated him and thanked him for his service.
b. Recognition of South King Fire and Rescue Chief Pennington
Mayor Ferrell read and presented South King Fire and Rescue Chief Vic Pennington a
Certificate of Recognition for his over 40 years of service to the community. Chief
Pennington thanked the Mayor and Council and noted his appreciation for this honor. He
attributes many successes to the partnerships and relationships he built over the years.
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c. Proclamation: March - Women's History Month/Celebrating Women in Politics Day
Council President Kochmar, Deputy Mayor Honda, Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and
Councilmember Norton jointly read and presented the proclamation honoring both Women's
History Month and Celebrating Women in Public Office. Invited to accept the proclamation
were Senator Claire Wilson; Representative Jamila Taylor; School Board Member Trudy
Davis; School Board Member Lukisha Phillips; School Board Member Dr. Jennifer Jones;
Lakehaven Utility District Commissioner Laura Belvin; and South King Fire and Rescue Fire
Commissioner Caroline Vadino.
Commissioner Laura Belvin thanked the Council for this acknowledgement of women in
public office. Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce CEO Rebecca Martin thanked
those who work in public office for their work and the important partnerships which are
created.
At 6:53 Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would take a brief recess for approximately fifteen
minutes. Mayor Ferrell resumed the meeting at 7:08 p.m.
d. Mayor's Emerging Issues and Report
Mayor Ferrell reflected on raising the Ukrainian Flag last Friday at City Hall in support of the
Ukrainian community and those in the Ukraine fighting for their country. He reported he
recently talked with the Mayor of Rivne, Ukraine. The Mayor referenced the item added to
the agenda regarding designating Rivne, Ukraine a Sister City to Federal Way.
Report on Mayor's State of the City Address
Mayor Ferrell reported his State of the City Address (pre-recorded at various locations
throughout the city) was posted to his Facebook page, the city website as well as posted
on the city's YouTube Channel and played on Government Access Channel 21 on February
24. He thanked the Mayor's office staff, IT Director Thomas Fichtner, and IT staff for their
work on this project.
Report on City Council Retreat
He briefly reported on his attendance at the City Council Retreat held on Saturday, February
26 and thanked the Council for their leadership and partnership. He thanked city staff who
attended and the facilitator Andrew Ballard. He also noted the Council Retreat video was
also posted to the city YouTube Channel and was viewable on Channel 21.
Chamber Quarterly Update
The next Chamber Quarterly Update will take place Wednesday, March 9.
St. Patrick's Day Flag Raising
Mayor Ferrell invited Craig Patrick to report on the St. Patrick's Flag Raising Event
scheduled for March 17 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Mr. Patrick noted he is very excited for this
family -friendly event which will raise the Irish Flag at City Hall. He provided details on the
event and encouraged residents to attend.
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Public Safety Update
In response to a request at the February 15 City Council meeting, Chief of Police Andy
Hwang provided a brief update including crime statistics and trends in the city. He included
the departments plan for addressing crime which is primarily focused in the Pacific Highway
South/HWY 99 corridor. He discussed some of the newer challenges law enforcement faces
with recent laws and regulations passed at the state. He encouraged Council and residents
to contact their state representative and let them know how they feel about these laws.
e. Council Committee Reports
Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS):
Councilmember Walsh reported the next meeting will be March 8.
Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Councilmember Dovey reported the next
LUTC meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 7 in -person in Council Chambers.
Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC):
Councilmember Tran reported the Committee met on February 22 and forwarded items to
the Consent Agenda for Council approval. He was appreciative of Finance Director Groom's
investment update presented at Committee. He noted the next meeting is March 22 at 5:00
p.m. in Council Chambers.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no
report.
Deputy Mayor and Regional Committees Report: Deputy Mayor Honda reported the
upcoming PIC meeting will be March 9 via Zoom. She provided an update on the Board of
Health issue regarding the bicycle helmet regulations. She reported on the Council retreat
which had a very busy agenda covering many important issues. She thanked Council and
staff for their participation and would like Council input on the vision statement and goals.
Council President Report: Council President Kochmar provided update on the Council
Retreat and the outcomes Council is looking to address including drug use and theft,
community organizations, broadband study, families pushed into homelessness, and rent
increases. She also noted ideas that were brought up included GPS locators for vehicles,
broken window grants, bus security, zoning for the downtown and how to encourage
development similar to Point Ruston and Kent Station.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Helen Kubrik provided feedback on the February 16 Planning Commission meeting. She is concerned
the Council is delegating its authority to the Community Development Director and Hearing Examiner
for Plat approvals and alterations. She believes there are flaws in the system and the applicant should
provide more information.
Jeffory Tancori referenced information regarding action taken in May of 2021 by India in response to
the Delta Covid variant; where they enacted an aggressive house to house test and treatment in their
most populated areas. He believes the United States could have saved lives if they followed this same
example.
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Susan Strong, long-time resident of Federal Way, was pleased to see the Ukrainian Flag raised in
support of the Ukrainian -American community.
Jane Sidlow expressed concern with final approval processes at the city and asked questions regarding
the proposed development on the former Bally's site (1st Ave S). She attended a meeting with the
developers and has more questions following the meeting; she is untrusting of the process she has
experienced to date.
Anna Patrick provided information on the 8th Annual March of Diapers, diaper and wipe drive which is
currently collecting at City Hall and throughout the community. She encouraged donations and
referenced the website (www.marchofdiapers.com) and their Facebook page for a map.
Trenise Rogers thanked Chief Pennington for his service and acknowledged the outreach and
recruitment process the fire department follows. She shared a personal story of her daughter being
victimized by theft and the struggle she has faced; she thanked a Federal Way Officer who was helpful
and supportive, yet she would like to see more assistance to the victims of crimes. She inquired as to
the status of renaming a public street in honor of John Conna.
Ken Blevens requested the city no longer require masks in public meetings; he also shared his ongoing
concerns with the school district.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: February 15, 2022 Regular and Special Meeting Minutes
b. Monthly Financial Report — December 2021
c. AP Vouchers 01 /16/2022 — 02/15/2022 & Payroll Vouchers 01 /01 /2022 — 01 /31 /2022
d. Request for Proposals — City of Federal Way Broadband Planning Study
e. Bid Acceptance 21-012 FWCC Slide Replacement and Fund Project with ARPA
Allocation
f. Purchase of Endpoint Security Software
g. Purchase of Snow and Ice Removal Equipment
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS A THROUGH G ON THE
CONSENT AGENDA; SECOND BY ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson
yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
6. COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Monetary Retention Incentive for City Employees (continued from February 15, 2022
meeting)
Interim City Administrator Brian Davis provided a follow-up presentation with additional
information and options as requested at the February 15 regular meeting. He provided
four (4) options from feedback received at the January 20 PRHSPSC Meeting; the
February 15 Regular City Council Meeting; and the February 22 FEDRAC Meeting.
He noted the retention incentive is a qualifiable expense for ARPA funds and would be
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March 1, 2022
paid out to regular staff who meet the employment requirements in two payments at the
end of 2022 and 2023. He explained senior -level positions often with many years of
service and knowledge are the most difficult to recruit for/replace in a competitive job
market. In order to be effective, the retention incentive would need to be attractive to
senior level staff as well.
The options presented included:
• Option 1: 2.5% of base salary ($1,888,924 plus $209,000 longevity incentive)
• Option 2: $2,500 flat rate ($1,845,000 plus $209,000 longevity incentive)
• Option 1 $3,000 flat rate ($2,214,000 plus $209,000 longevity incentive)
• Option 4: $5,000 flat rate ($3,690,000 plus $209,000 longevity incentive)
Mr. Davis clarified, as noted in the presentation materials, each of these options include
a $500 longevity bonus for employees who have been employed for 5 years of service.
Interim Administrator Davis noted the Mayor's recommendation is Option 1 (2.5% of
base salary with $500 longevity bonus.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF OPTION 4: A FLAT -RATE
RETENTION OF $5,000 FOR ALL REGULAR FULL AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES HIRED
BEFORE JULY 1 IN THE YEAR OF THE INCENTIVE WITH PAYOUTS IN DECEMBER 2022 AND
DECEMBER 2023 WITH A $500 LONGEVITY BONUS FOR EMPLOYEES WITH MORE THAN FIVE
YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY AS OF JANUARY 1 OF THE YEAR IN QUESTION.
SECOND BY NORTON.
Council thanked Mr. Davis for the presentation and asked clarifying questions.
Deputy Mayor Honda, Councilmember Assefa-Dawson and Councilmember Norton spoke
in support of a flat -rate incentive as an equal incentive for all staff who are contributing to
the welfare of the community.
Councilmember Dovey supports the staff recommendation of a percentage retention
incentive of base salary option. He would rather re-evaluate and have the option of adding
additional funds at a later date over approving a flat -rate at this time.
Council discussed pro -rating the incentive for newer employees.
COUNCILMEMBER NORTON MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO PRORATE THE AMOUNT
FOR EMPLOYEES HIRED AFTER JULY 1; SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR.
The amendment carries 5-2 as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh no
Councilmember Dovey no
Councilmember Walsh noted he favors the percentage incentive as recommended by staff;
however, he will support the motion. Councilmember Tran does not believe ARPA money
should be used for staff incentive, however, he will support the motion.
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March 1, 2022
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Council President Kochmar thanked the Councilmembers for their points of view and input.
She supports the motion for the staff who have worked diligently through COVID to make
sure they are aware they are valued and appreciated.
Main motion as amended passed 6-1 as follows
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey no
Interim City Administrator Brian Davis thanked the Mayor and Council. He appreciates the
hard work of staff and appreciates that while the Council may have had discussions on how
to implement this incentive, there was clear unity of support for staff.
Mayor Ferrell asked to take item 6g out of order as there were school -aged children in attendance
for this item.
ADDED ITEM 6g. Sister City of Rivne, Ukraine/Approved Resolution #22-821
Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Affairs Officer Steve McNey presented information
regarding recognizing Rivne, Ukraine as a Sister City of Federal Way.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. McNey for the presentation and asked clarifying questions
regarding the Sister City program and the city's other Sister Cities in Korea and Japan.
Mr. McNey introduced Oleksander Chubay, a former Councilmember from Rivne who was
visiting Federal Way (who spoke with the assistance of a translator) and Albina Terpetska,
Ukrainian Community Representative who thanked the city for their support. Mr. McNey
also introduced Valeriy Goloborokdko, Honorary Consul of Ukraine who appeared virtually
via Zoom to thank the Mayor and Council for this Sister City Resolution and looks forward
to partnering together to benefit both cities.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER WALSH. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson
yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton briefly left Council Chambers.
b. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Appointment
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON MOVED TO APPOINT MIKE DUNWIDDIE VOTING
MEMBER OF THE LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE OCTOBER
31, 2023; SECOND BY DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA.
Deputy Mayor Honda thanked Mike Dunwiddie for his many years of service and promotion
events in the city through the management of the King County Aquatics Center in the last
32 years.
The motion passed 6-0 as follows:
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March 1, 2022
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton not present
c. Arts Commission Appointments
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO THE
ARTS COMISSION: JAMES MORGESE AS A VOTING MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE
DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND JAN BARBER AS A VOTING MEMBER WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE
DECEMBER 31, 2024; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY. The motion passed 6-0 as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton not present
d. Senior Advisory Commission Appointment
DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO APPOINT TAMMY DZIAK AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER
OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSON WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE AUGUST 31, 2024;
SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR.
Councilmember Norton returned to Council Chambers.
The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
e. Youth Commission Appointment
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
COUNCILMEMBER WALSH MOVED TO APPOINT BRYAN AGUILAR-CAMPOS AS A VOTING
MEMBER OF THE YOUTH COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE AUGUST 31, 2023; SECOND
BY COUNCILEMBMER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
f. Steel Lake Management District Committee Appointments
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED TO APPOINT MARK SABOL, MARGARET REYHNER, TOM
DEZUTTER, AND JEREMY BENSON AS VOTING MEMBERS OF THE STEEL LAKE
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT COMMITTEE WITH TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2023;
SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar yes
Deputy Mayor Honda yes
CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes
Councilmember Norton yes
Councilmember Tran yes
Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Dovey yes
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7. ORDINANCES
Second Reading/Enactment
a. Ordinance: Council Bill #812/Amending Title 19 of the FWRC regarding Public
Transportation Facilities/Approved Ordinance #22-930
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION FACILITES; AMENDING FWRC 19.05.120, 19.05.200, AND 19.105.020;
AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS TO CHAPTERS 19.225 AND 19.240 FWRC. (Amending
Ordinance Nos. 17-834, 15-804, 09-630, 09-610, 09-593, and 97-295)
City Clerk Stephanie Courtney read the ordinance title into the record
COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE; SECOND BY
COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed unanimously as follows:
Council President Kochmar
yes Councilmember Tran yes
Deputy Mayor Honda
yes Councilmember Walsh yes
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson
yes Councilmember Dovey yes
Councilmember Norton
yes
8. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no report and thanked everyone for a great meeting.
Councilmember Norton noted she along with many volunteers have been meeting for litter pick-up a
few hours every couple of weeks to clean up the city. She asked anyone who is interested in joining
them to please contact her.
Councilmember Tran had no report.
Councilmember Walsh asked everyone to Save the Date of April 23 for Parks Appreciation Day
noting neighbors will come together that day to beautify the wonderful parks in the city. Typically,
events occur between 9:00 a.m. and noon.
Councilmember Dovey expressed appreciation to Councilmember Norton and Councilmember
Walsh's encouragement of litter pick-up and community engagement; he would like to advocate for
citizens to jump in and help.
Deputy Mayor Honda thanked all for the donations for the Senior Center and she also noted support
for the Diaper Drive which includes a collection point at City Hall. She was happy the annual Salmon
Bake event will be back to an in -person event this y ear. It will be held the fourth Friday in July at
Steel Lake Park.
Council President Kochmar thanked Councilmember Norton and Councilmember Walsh for noting the
clean-up efforts; she also reminded neighbors to clean out storm drains and ditches. She asked for
anyone who would like to donate to the Ukrainian community donate to World Vision and be mindful
of fake donation campaigns and scams. She reported back on the discussion with the School Board
for joint meetings. She noted March 15 will be the Multi -Services Center Annual Crab Feed.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
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10. ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Attest:
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S e h nie Courtney IJ
Ciy Clerk
Approved by Council: 03-1-u2
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March 1, 2022