Council MIN 09-02-1997 Special
FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Council Chambers - City Hall
September 2, 1997 - 5:00 p.m.
MINUTES
I.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Priest opened the special meeting of the Federal Way City Council at 5:00 p.m., in Council
Chambers, City Hall, Federal Way, Washington.
City Council present: Mayor Mah1on "Skip" Priest, Deputy Mayor Hope Elder; Councilmembers
Michael Park, Mary Gates, Ron Gintz and Phil Watkins and Jack Dovey.
City Staff present: City Manager Ken Nyberg, Deputy City Manager Philip Keightley, City
Attorney Londi Lindell, Assistant City Attorney Bob Sterbank, Management Services Director
Iwen Wang, Public Works Director Cary Roe, Community Development Services Director Greg
Moore and Deputy City Clerk Bob Baker.
II.
CITIZEN COMMENT
District Commission candidate Bill Linehan spoke in favor of a full public discussion on all issues
relative to the District. "Real issues" should be aired and dealt with by affecting change.
Peg Altman spoke against any merger between the City and District. She stated Federal Way
does not need more consolidation of power. She is concerned with the reasons City Council and
staff are interested in a takeover. She also voiced her concern with the "lack of public process."
She spoke in favor of Council and Commissioners hearing ITom the public on this issues.
H. David Kaplan gave a profound thank you to Councilmembers Gintz and Watkins for attending
the City/Lakehaven liaison committee meetings. He stated the French Lake property irritates him
as issues surrounding it have gone on forever. He spoke in favor of getting organized.
Jerry Burke spoke with concern of his perception public comment is "not allowed" at some
meetings. He also voiced concern the president of the L. U. D. Is not present any of the
meetings. He noted the employees of the District are good and dedicated people. Finally, he
remarked the District's direction (leadership) has been terrible.
District Commission candidate Edward Stewart is of the opinion, "ifit ain't broken, don't fix it."
He spoke against the merger of the District and City staffs. He remarked the City is just looking
for a new tax base as they are behind budget with Celebration Park.
ORIGINAL
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES - PAGE 2
District Commission candidate Ken Glasby stated this whole thing is about politics. With help to
the commissioners and partnering between our two entities, the problems and attitudes of the
people will change,
Joel Marks admonished the Council to "be cautious." He stated Roger Brown should be re-hired
as he did an outstanding job as General Manager. Mr. Marks believes the firing of Mr. Brown has
cascaded events to bring us where we now stand.
Mayor Priest thanked all for the comments.
III.
COMMISSIONERS STATEMENTS
Commissioner Bev Tweddle made opening remarks. She explained the duties and mission of
Lakehaven and thanked the long-term, dedicated employees for their determination and
professionalism. Effective teamwork brought about effective enhancements. She noted the
comprehensive plan should be ready for the City to review in late 1998. Finally, she made two
suggestions: I) allow one City Councilmember to participate, in an ex-officio capacity, in the
recruitment process of the new general manager for Lakehaven; and 2) increase the liaison
committee meetings &om quarterly to monthly.
Commissioner Mark Miloscia thanked the Council for the invitation to meet in Council Chambers
and stated we need to "keep the talks alive." Mr. Miloscia spoke of such issues as manganese
removal, new wells being brought on line and not knowing weather or know disinfection of those
lines are necessary yet. He stated a waiver may be obtainable if portions of the system are
isolateable.
Questions and answers were exchanged between Councilmembers and Commissioners.
Management Services Director Iwen Wang made a presentation concerning the District's capital
financing policies and practices.
Gary Atkin thanked the City Manager and stafffor their dedication to this process. He stated that
Iwen's report made it appear as if the District is not "doing too badly." He stated her view of
their budget was very objective and the goals of the District are sound.
Bev Tweddle stated her philosophy is that the rates charged ought not be used to fund capital
facilities. "Growth should pay for growth."
Gary stated improvements can be made if necessary. Project monies roll &om year to year, even
ifthe project doesn't take place in the current year.
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES - PAGE 3
Question and answers revealed the following:
I) Rate increases cover all projected costs, to pipeline 5, through the year 2000, with
the exception of manganese removal;
connection charges are to pay for pipeline 5 as it evolves; growth will pay for
growth and supply will equal demand;
the District will recover from depreciation by 1998; the total to be recovered is not
yet known, is being researched and will be relayed to City staff upon learning the
figure;
the total cost of depreciation is $4 million per year;
the comprehensive plan would address the issue of the number of feet of pipe to be
laid in 1998;
some pieces of "the pipe" are 40+/-.
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Mayor Priest thanked everyone for coming and reminded everyone of the importance of public
discussion. He noted this item will probably appear on the September 16, 1997, regular City
Council agenda.
IV.
ADJOURNMENT
Having no other business to come before the Council for this special meeting, it was adjourned at
6:43 p.m.
Rt-huJ- H. fðo..kv, -
Robert H. Baker
Deputy City Clerk