05-03-2022 - 05-03 16:06 Vivian AlexanderResponse to Ordinance
Presented on 4/18/22 at the Federal Way City Council General Meeting
Good evening Mayor Ferrel, Deputy Mayor Honda, Council President Kochmar, Council Members and
members of the Federal Way Community.
I am speaking tonight in reference to Council Bill 821 Reckless Use of Fentanyl in Public Places and Ordinance
of the City of Federal Way WA related to Public Exposure to Fentanyl smoke and adding new section to
Chapter 6.35 Federal Way Revised Code. The first reading took place on 4/19 at the Council meeting and
tonight a 2nd reading and vote to enact this ordinance is #9 on the agenda.
Many thoughtful questions were asked, on 4/19, by Council Members and some of the questions did not have
answers at that time. It is my opinion that until we have specific and provable answers to questions and
concerns related to timeliness of testing, timeliness of arrest, court appearance, and, sentencing that this will be
a feel good Ordinance only. I have no doubt that the Council is doing their best to address the safety of bus
drivers, riders, and other community members. The drug addicted individual must also be taken into
consideration in order to reduce the probability that he/she will be on another bus, or in another location,
presenting the same safety issue.
The City of Auburn opened a community court on May 27, 2021. This alternative, problem -solving court
differs from traditional courts by seeking to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants
that may contribute to further criminal activity. This is a collaboration between King County District Court and
the City of Auburn. I spoke to Kent Hay,
Outreach Program Administrator, City of Auburn, last week and he said that the court takes place every
Thursday from 1:30 — 3:30. These services are provided at the Auburn Consolidated Resource Center (ACRC).
The location is 2814 Auburn Way North.
On 12-11-2017, Judge Larsen, City of Federal Way, facilitated the United Response to Addiction and Mental
Illness seminar. Our own Deputy Mayor Honda attended this seminar. One panelist, Tony Morrison, New
Connections, said, "we need networks, partnerships and collaborations." Mr. Morrison said that we need
community courts and a quick response to individuals who need services. I think that an individual smoking
Fentanyl and endangering himself/herself and the community is such an individual.
I would like to learn more about the funding that Judge Larsen is to receive in order to implement the Sequential
Intercept Mapping Model (SIM). SIM — advancing community based solutions for Justice involved people with
mental and substance use disorders.
I recommend that the Federal Way City Council votes to suspend or votes no on Council Bill 821 at this time.
Sincerely,
Vivian Alexander