Loading...
04-05-2022 Council Minutes - RegularCITY OF FederalWay CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES City Hall — Council Chambers* *remote attendance option available via zoom April 5, 2022 — 6:30 p.m. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Ferrell called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. City officials in attendance: Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Deputy Susan Mayor 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 Mayor Ferrell led the flag salute. 3. MAYOR EMERGING ISSUES AND REPORT • State Legislative Report State Senator Claire Wilson, State Representative Jamila Taylor, and State Representative Jesse Johnson presented a summary of the legislative session. They highlighted the strides made and funding received for the 30th District including workforce development and economic recovery. They noted $9.1 million of investment is going into the community to address behavioral health, youth programs. Funding has been secured to preserve the Camp Kilworth property which is a 25-acre property for an outdoor environmental education center. Additional funded budget requests include items supporting public Safety, court and legal services, and transportation. The State Delegation spoke to highlight the 2022 Federal Way City Council Legislative Priorities and how they intersected with funded items including $11 million in therapeutic interventions. Representative Taylor noted the state is allocating $50 million to fund resentencing, and return of legal financial obligations paid by individuals regarding the Blake Decision; those costs are not being pushed back to the local jurisdictions. Representative Johnson spoke to the clarification made regarding "Use of Force" and the added definitions of "physical force" and "deadly force": reasonable force is not Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 of 9 April5, 2022 excessive. He provided information regarding House Bill 2037 and use of reasonable force if someone is attempting to flee, or when encountering a severe mental health issue. HB2037 allows an officer to stop someone using reasonable force if they are attempting to flee, and use of reasonable force if also allowable when encountering a severe mental health issue. Senator Wilson spoke to the importance of supporting kids, families and homeless youth and foster youth in the area of behavioral health. She referenced a statewide plan to access healthcare and additional beds for children with severe health care needs. The delegation was pleased to report the bi-partisan work on funding these needed issues for our community. Mayor Ferrell thanked Senator Wilson, Representative Taylor and Representative Johnson for their presentation. He also thanked the city contract lobbyists Luke Hedrick and Jim Esser, noting a written report has been forwarded to the Council. Report on State and Federal Grant Opportunities for Drug Prevention and Illegal Encampment Cleanup Interim City Administrator Brian Davis provided follow-up information regarding Councilmember Norton's inquiry regarding two grants and potential opportunities for funding for drug prevention and illegal encampments. Mr. Davis reported deadline has passed for the federal grant which might pair well with the School District as it aligns with treatment options for school aged children; staff will continue to monitor for a potential 2023 opportunity. He further reported the state grant, though the Department of Ecology, for encampment cleanup has yet to release an application. Staff will also continue to monitor. The Mayor thanked Mr. Davis for the report and Councilmember Norton for bringing these grants to the attention of staff. General Updates Mayor Ferrell reported he attended The Mayors' Concert for Ukraine & Refugees Worldwide with the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall on Monday, April 4. He was pleased to attend along with thirty-four mayors in the region. Donations can be made at SeattleRefugeeFund.org which benefits Ukraine and Refugees Worldwide. He thanked Fred Meyer for hosting the Diaper Drive for the second year in a row. The event collected 10,659 diapers and 6,624 wipes with the support of Michael Williamson and his team at Fred Meyer, Councilmembers and employees who volunteered their time. He thanked Cheryl Hurst and Do the Right Thing for another incredible success. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Alexandre Milsten, a Federal Way student, provided his comments and thoughts on city zoning policies. Geoffrey Tancredi, 25-year resident opposes any mobile van that distributes drugs. He believes treatment should be tracked and monitored closely through a treatment facility. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 2 of 9 April5, 2022 Mayor Ferrell asked Community Development Director and Interim City Administrator Brian Davis provide information on this issue. Following Mr. Davis' comment, the Mayor offered Senator Claire Wilson the opportunity to speak on this issue. Ron Hamblin. 32-year resident, spoke in concern regarding fence height and line of sight to a neighboring property. He provided photos for the Council to review. Susan Strong, 40-year resident, provided her thoughts regarding methadone and believes there are better options than a mobile van 6-days a week. Mark Czaplewski. resident, shared personal stories of his youth and his poor choices. He shared his belief knowing consequences curbed him from greater wrongdoing. He is opposed to a mobile methadone van. Lamont Styles, 20-year resident, is solution -oriented and he believes in order to help the drug addiction epidemic you need to tap into why people are doing drugs. He would like to see more support for the youth and provided information on his business, which provides scholarships based on essay applications. Elizabeth Serredio, 20-year resident, believes crime has grown exponentially. She is concerned for the shoplifting and the drug addicted homeless. She questioned if the eastside is also siting hotels for the homeless and does not support a mobile methadone clinic. Jinn Ross, 62-year resident, requested print outs of presentations which are difficult to read on screen during the meeting. He expressed displeasure regarding shopping carts all over town and is opposed to allowing a methadone van in the city. John Wilde does not support a mobile Methadone clinic. He asked the Council to listen and support the police and the homeowners, and not just the people that need treatment. Anna Patrick provided her thoughts comparing the homelessness issue to a fast spreading cancer. She does not support the disparity between programs that are pushed on South King County and not found on the eastside. She is opposed to allowing a mobile methadone van and would like to see a regional approach to these issues before it continues to spread. Paul McDaniel, over 20-year resident, shared concerns regarding state legislation that passed hindering law enforcement while garbage, shopping carts and drug addicts litter the streets. He is opposed to allowing a mobile methadone van, and would like the politicians to have the residents' best interests in mind. Nancy Justice spoke in opposition to allowing a mobile methadone clinic. She would like to hear more about solutions and how to cut down the criminal element. She understands methadone is not a cure but instead a life-long treatment and feels there are better alternatives. Jane Sidlo shared concerns from the Land Use Committee and believes the City Council should be involved in plat approvals and not delegate their authority. She is concerned with the methadone van and the involvement by Senator Wilson and King County. Jacquelyn Copley, city resident, shared feeling consistently caught off -guard by copious amounts of legislation pushed on residents such as HB1220. She would like to see more mentor programs for youth and is frustrated by the lack of response she has received from King County Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 3 of 9 April 5, 2022 regarding RCP. She is tired of being blind -sided. Ken Blevens shared his frustration from legislation that has been passed at the state level allowing lawlessness and the decriminalization of drugs. He would like to a see theft of retail shopping carts prosecuted and provided suggestions to aid in this process. He would like to see more solutions. Dara Mandeville shared her frustration that state representatives voted against the police and the city remains unsafe. She researched methadone clinics and shared the information she gathered after speaking with local providers. She urged opposition to the mobile methadone van. She also shared concerns with shopping cart theft in the city and provided a report on recent citizen clean-up effort. Kevin Morris is tired of Federal Way being the Sanitation Department of King County. He asked the Council to listen to what everyone has said tonight. Barbara Kuehne, 5-year resident, feels the city has deteriorated and is frustrated by seeing people sleeping on sidewalks and bus stops. She shared concerns that young children witness this and it will become the next generations normal. Denise Yun shared her personal experience of trauma and domestic violence. She thanked the police who saved her life and spoke to getting her life back on track. She also shared her experience as a detox nurse, and asked the city to identify the number of people who need services. Lynne Moore provided written comments supporting finding options for unhoused individuals. Helen Kubik provided written comments noting the difference between condominium complexes and apartment complexes. All written comments were forwarded to the Mayor and Council prior to the meeting. At 8:22 p.m. Mayor Ferrell announced the Council would take a brief recess for approximately 10 minutes. The meeting was reconvened at 8:34 p.m. 5. PRESENTATIONS a. Proclamation: Sexual Assault Awareness Month/April 2022 Deputy Mayor Honda read and presented the proclamation to Matty Nelson, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KSCARC). Ms. Nelson is a Federal Way resident and thanked the Mayor and Council for this acknowledgement. She provided information on advocacy in King County and Federal Way noting they had served over 5,000 people in 2021. She is thankful for the collaboration with the Police and Law Departments and connecting survivors to services. b. South King County Community Impact Fund Update Sam Cho, Port of Seattle Commissioner thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing this presentation highlighting the Community Impact Fund. He highlighted the Korean - American Association and the community garden project which has received funding. Andy Gregory, Senior Program Manager Community Engagement and Ilays Aden, Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 4 of 9 April5, 2022 Environmental Program Coordinator shared updates on funded projects, awarding 18 organizations just shy of $690,000 in funding to programs in the Airport Communities. Mayor Ferrell thanked the Port for the presentation. c. National League of Cities (NLC) Conference Report Council President Kochmar, Deputy Mayor Honda and Councilmember Assefa-Dawson reported on their recent visit to Washington DC to lobby for the city and attend the National League of Cities Annual Conference. Council President Honda reported the priorities they lobbied included broadband funding, senior banking and technology, and a $2 million allocation for turf fields at Celebration Park. Councilmember Assefa-Dawson reported on her choice of classes at the conference which provided training on homelessness and affordable' housing. She noted this is a common issue for cities across the nation and it was valuable to hear ideas from other cities looking towards a regional response. Deputy Mayor Honda reported on training related to ARPA and Economic Development. She enjoys networking with other cities across the nation and noted there was a large contingent from King County jurisdictions in attendance. She thanked Economic Development Director Tim Johnson for his guidance and connections while in DC. 6. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS Parks/Recreation/Human Services/Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS): Chair Walsh reported the next meeting is April 12 at 5:00 p.m. Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC): Chair Dovey reported the next meeting is May 2; he noted items discussed on the Committee meeting last night which will be forwarded to the next Council meeting. Finance, Economic Development Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC): Chair Tran reported on the previous meeting held on March 22 and the items on tonight's agenda for final review and approval. He noted the next meeting will be April 26 at 5:00 p.m. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC): Councilmember Assefa-Dawson noted the city has not received a response regarding hosting the Invictus Games. She also stated there are currently two vacancies on the LTAC and would like a representative from LTAC be invited to the interview panel for the Economic Development Manger interviews. She stated there is not currently a Committee scheduled due to lack of a quorum. Deputy Mayor and Regional Committees Report: Deputy Mayor Honda encouraged Councilmembers review ARPA funding requests, and noted she was told the Federal Way School District received $42M in ARPA funding. She reported on her attendance at various regional meetings including the Seattle -King County Board of Health, Korean Quarterly Meeting, K4C Meeting, KCSARC meeting, and AWC training. She reported the Senior Advisory Commission is working on a Wellness Fair scheduled for May 2023. Council President Report: Council President Kochmar like to see a review of shopping carts on the next Parks Committee agenda; and also requested a report on the Extended Stay Hotel. She noted her excitement to hear Dick's Drive -In is planning on locating in the city. Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 5 of 9 April 5, 2022 7. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes: March 15, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes b. Monthly Financial Report — February 2022 c. A/P Vouchers 02/16/2022 - 03/15/2022 & Payroll Vouchers 02/01/2022-02/28/2022 d. 2022 Highline College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Interagency Agreement e. Spectra Venue Management 2021 Incentive Fee COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A-E AS PRESENTED; 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 Councilmemberpovey yes Councilmember Norton yes 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS a. Assessment Lien for Abatement at 30601 1 st Place SW Code Compliance Officer Curtis Moser presented information and the history of the property located at 30601 11t Place SW, noting the city previously cleaned up this property in 2020 and filed a lien. The property, as depicted in the photos provided, was out of compliance again and after repeated attempts with the property owner and occupants, the city abated the property in the amount of $4,320.34. Mr. Moser provided a breakdown of the costs incurred. Council thanked Mr. Moser for his presentation and asking clarifying questions on if the occupants were offered services and when/if the first, and larger lien, would be paid. Community Development Director Brian Davis noted the property owner is now deceased and if the property tax is not paid, the property would be foreclosed, all liens would be satisfied upon the sale of the property. Mr. Moser noted SOU offered services to the multiple occupants of the home, and all services were declined. City Attorney Call clarified the city is obligated to attempt to collect this debt. COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED TAX LIEN IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,320.34 on PROPERTY LOCATED AT 30601 1ST PLACE SW; 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 b. Grant Acceptance of $10,000 from King County for a Veterans Committee Project to Recognize Gold Star Families Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes April 5, 2022 Page 6 of 9 Steve McNey, Intergovernmental & Public Affairs Officer provided a brief background and details on this grant opportunities from King County and County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. This grant will be utilized by the city's Veterans Committee for a recognition of Gold Star Families. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF THE $10,000 GRANT FROM KING COUNTY FOR A VETERANS COMMITTEE PROJECT TO RECOGNIZE GOLD STAR FAMILIES; SECOND BY DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA. 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 c. Grant Acceptance of $100,000 from King County for a Grant Program for Small Business and Community Groups Impacted by COVID-19 Steve McNey, Intergovernmental & Public Affairs Officer noted this second grant from King County and County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer in the amount of $100,000. This grant will assist small businesses in recovery due to impacts of COVID, either due to closures or reduction in business. The funds need to be used by the end of this year. Mr. McNey reported a proposed program will come back to Council to determine how to allocate the funds. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF THE $100,000 GRANT FROM KING COUNTY FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS IMPACTED BY COVID- 19 PANDEMIC; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER TRAN Council would like to be included in the scope of work; it was suggested a scope of work go through FEDRAC to be discussed. 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 d. Appointment of Senior Advisory Commissioner —Alternate to Voting Member Deputy Mayor Honda noted due to resignation of a Commissioner the current recommendation is to move an alternate member, previously interviewed, to a voting position to fill the unexpired term. DEPUTY MAYOR HONDA MOVED TO APPOINT TAMMY DZIAK AS A VOTING MEMBER OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE AUGUST 31, 2024; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER DOVEY. The motion passed unanimously as follows: Council President Kochmar yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes CouncilmemberAssefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton yes Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes April 5, 2022 Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey yes Page 7 of 9 e. Resolution: City of Federal Way Investment Policy/APPROVED RES. NO. 22-827 Finance Director Steve Groom presented information which was also presented at the Finance Committee meeting (FEDRAC) regarding updating the city's Investment Policy. Mr. Groom noted the purpose of the policy is to provide City Council guidance to staff, assure taxpayers of safety, and document an increasingly well -managed city. He provided detailed information as to where the investments are and the safekeeping measures in place. Primary investments are U.S. Treasuries, Agencies, State of Washington Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP), and Corporate Notes. Director Groom will provide a monthly report to Council and Auditors compare activity to policy for review. Councilmembers thanked Mr. Groom for the report and asked clarifying questions regarding how much of a reduction in the LGIP is anticipated and if there is a commission or transaction fee included. Council President Kochmar stated she is uncomfortable with this as the revenue for next year is unknown; she stated she would be recusing herself from this vote. COUNCILMEMBER TRAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed 5-1; Kochmar recused, Norton no. Council President Kochmar recused Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Norton no 9. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Assefa-Dawson had no report. Councilmember Tran yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Dovey yes Councilmember Norton asked if a study session is planned for an ARPA discussion. Interim City Administrator Brian Davis noted a discussion is a good idea and he will forward the list of requests to Council. He suggested including the new Economic Development Manager, once that position is filled. Councilmember Tran had no report. Councilmember Walsh noted Saturday, April 23 is Parks Appreciation Day and encouraged everyone to come and help out at the Blueberry Farm Park and the Hylebos Wetlands Park. He suggested wearing work clothes and bringing tools or equipment to work alongside other volunteers and Councilmembers to shine up these parks. He supports a shopping cart discussion at the May Parks Committee Meeting (PRHSPS). COUNCIL PRESIDENT KOCHMAR MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING PAST 10:00 P.M.; SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ASSEFA-DAWSON. The motion passed 6-1 as follows; Norton no. Council President Kochmar yes Councilmember Tran yes Deputy Mayor Honda yes Councilmember Walsh yes Councilmember Assefa-Dawson yes Councilmember Dovey yes Councilmember Norton no Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 8 of 9 April 5, 2022 Councilmember Dovey reported he received a petition of 260 signatures regarding 376th Way and Milton Road concerns; he will work with staff to add this item to a Land Use Committee agenda so staff can brief Council on the issue. Deputy Mayor Honda reported the South King County Tool Library is holding a Repair Cafe on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. She noted there are wonderful "fixers" in attendance who can repair nearly anything. She further reported the Federal Way Soroptimist luncheon fundraiser will be April 23 and a drive -up event; you can pre -order one of two lunch choices for pick-up at Heritage Bank following the Parks Appreciation Day. She thanked Police Officers for what they do to keep everyone safe and noted it has been difficult for law enforcement over the last few weeks. Council President Kochmar had no report. 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION a Sale oF Lease ofT,per#yy-PursuaR{ to RGW 42.30 110(i)(r) -canceled 11. ADJOURNMENT There being nothing further on the agenda; the regular meeting was adjourned at 10 :03 p.m. Attest: SLZphnie Courtney, CN4CJ City Clerk Approved by Council: by'l�'tio2Z Federal Way City Council Regular Minutes Page 9 of 9 April5, 2022