[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6352790,"mediaKeyId","2222800-e10e2e3c8987ddf87f6ee76a1647cd6e","parentId",2222800,"title","Votes at a glance: Federal Way council approves EV code changes, T‑Mobile franchise, Teamsters contract and other items","audioSeconds",1959,"startMs",3656000,"endMs",5615000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222800-e10e2e3c8987ddf87f6ee76a1647cd6e&start=3656&end=5615","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222800-e10e2e3c8987ddf87f6ee76a1647cd6e/thumbnail_3656000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6352790/Federal-Way/King-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Federal-Way-council-approves-EV-code-changes-TMobile-franchise-Teamsters-contract-and-other-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352790-1209aa0573398cc1cee7939105bafdc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775179350&Signature=kUubEvf6hbPJgzRReIVfBjZ-F21WDJaDj85Utsgmc-XiqcPUCpriCDzf-JNVVJBpH0rAcjjVIHM6Xs5hdCoZjxDmopKllCmUQe9esNtOkhZnYPkrWs1TB1aNLyIP5Yi9wmuAf4azReAz8BQKG0gyuDNAYuGPt8VB-1cb9x3gC3k2AJt-XUWubzGTRmiJ1XLfvfYB5bY3Jdu2-etKH-TTz475VN6vOmrZxNJfL6mSy5lO8-4joC9~mm~Ky25UM1VJGB0Fv8xMHLuObm6~KSh9s-dG0EMf30tBDfBmu5sXkf2ESP7pCgOYOtx-rfGS9iAKH09~Akl~RSsIeiIS0Me7TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Federal Way, WA","date","2025-02-04T23:03:53Z","article","The Federal Way City Council passed multiple items unanimously at its Feb. 4 meeting, approving ordinances, agreements and a collective bargaining agreement. Key actions included new electric-vehicle code rules, a non‑exclusive T‑Mobile franchise, permit-timeline code updates to comply with state law, and a two‑year Teamsters contract for parks and public‑works maintenance employees.

Highlights

- Electric-vehicle code amendments (Council Bill 895): Council enacted amendments to the municipal code related to electric‑vehicle infrastructure and permitting. The ordinance added a new municipal chapter and amended multiple code sections.

- T‑Mobile West LLC franchise (Council Bill 896): Council granted a non‑exclusive franchise to T‑Mobile West LLC to occupy rights-of-way to construct and maintain telecommunications facilities in the city.

- Permit timeline and code changes (Council Bills 897 and 898): Council adopted code changes implementing state-mandated project-permit review processes and timelines under Senate Bill 5290, amending relevant titles in both the zoning and subdivision codes.

- Teamsters Local 763 collective bargaining agreement (2025–2026): The council authorized the mayor to execute a two‑year tentative agreement covering Parks and Public Works maintenance employees. The deal includes 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustments for both years, limited market wage adjustments, a shift-change pay increase, and a one‑time $1,000 “cleanup incentive” payment for members who supported encampment cleanups. The estimated 2025 cost of the contract is approximately $4.5 million; the 2026 cost is estimated at about $4.8 million.

- Attorney General’s Office Gun Violence Reduction Grant acceptance: Council accepted a $150,000 grant (the meeting packet indicated $150,000) to support gun-safety efforts; the city indicated $100,000 of that funding will be used to purchase electronic gun safes for a first-come, first-served giveaway and $50,000 will fund gun buyback events. Council discussed giving local vendors an opportunity to bid for safe purchases.

- Property acquisition resolution for conservation and future parks use: Council approved a resolution authorizing joint acquisition of a parcel near Steel Lake for conservation and future park use; funding will be shared between the surface-water utility and parks levy funds.

- Consent agenda items and other routine approvals: The council approved minutes, financial reports, vouchers, an agreement for Pierce Transit federal extra-duty police services, and authorization to acquire furnishings, fixtures and equipment for the joint-use operations facility.

Votes and formality: Most items were moved, seconded and adopted unanimously; several items were discussed in committee in advance and moved forward on one vote. No items failed at the Feb. 4 meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02/04/2025 Federal Way City Council - Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 4 meeting the Federal Way City Council unanimously approved several ordinances, a franchise, a labor contract and other routine items. The council also accepted a grant for gun-safety work and advanced a property-acquisition resolution for parks and conservation.","taxTitle","Federal Way, King County, Washington","taxId",2589,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6352795,"Federal Way council places liens after abating two derelict sites, discusses cameras and site security",378,3958000,4336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222800-e10e2e3c8987ddf87f6ee76a1647cd6e&start=3958&end=4336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222800-e10e2e3c8987ddf87f6ee76a1647cd6e/thumbnail_3958000.jpg","/articles/6352795/Federal-Way/King-County/Washington/Federal-Way-council-places-liens-after-abating-two-derelict-sites-discusses-cameras-and-site-security","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352795-cde81052062556c1995bbf21382c232a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775179350&Signature=BLOYyMm9uM1LRea4GYS~GAJOhdyxqX0TZfWsZ7zIbkYkl7e4LCnKDPX1XUCTKNO00oEMpfBp2dn8XcRsXzeU2AztcEyLi~pr99uHK-wCL5SdzW93pqk6pCxncMVCYSkgT9p4GUdmLBD~WoR37fqIIqpDm91hwZ2zLpBibe8sSDdmiQSGIvZokO4UyZInrk8HPWyYZe8oicWXCD7TDfD3pybR12vNLiP8q-DLtyw0OeXekLaNcXCGiKQKkjIgyAqXihnLKSTAZTkIHLQtGbOLuoyEcTlgwi-V3P1DnmuOVTZ~22eRhc4NptM1yj60DFfPFrjCGZ-tyc08xK7i5ybQDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Federal Way City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to place assessment liens on two properties where the city completed health- and safety-related abatements, and council members discussed using cameras and other measures to deter repeat dumping.

Two abatements and liens: Code Compliance Officer Curtis Richards told the council that staff completed abatements on a burned mobile home and a heavily contaminated site. The first property, at 3019 Southwest 370th Street, had a total abatement cost of $4,955.12, billed to Leyland Construction LLC for labor, dump fees and tax. The council approved placement of an assessment lien in that amount.

A larger abatement at 2647 South Star Lake Road cost $32,251.54. Curtis Richards said that BioDecon Solutions LLC performed the work; the company billed for biohazard labor ($5,605), dump fees ($7,967), supplies, sharps disposal, equipment rental, hazardous waste disposal, vehicle removal, installation of a gate and ecology blocks, and a change order to cover additional dumping discovered before the abatement finished. Council approved placing the $32,251.54 assessment lien on the property.

How the liens work: Richards and city staff described the abatement procedure—notice and order, followed by work when owners are unresponsive—and said liens are recorded against the property. Counsel and staff explained that the liens are treated similarly to tax liens when recorded with King County; interest and penalties would apply under the same processes as unpaid property obligations.

Preventing repeat dumping: Councilors pressed staff on steps to keep the Star Lake Road property clean. Council Member McDaniel asked whether the city would re-abate quickly if dumping resumed; Richards said staff would open another case and move through the notice-and-abate process. Council Member Wernell and Council Member Honda discussed the need for physical barriers and cameras. Public Works Director E.J. Walsh and staff suggested coordinating with Highline Water District (which holds an easement across the site) to secure access and to consider a temporary camera pole or a “Flock”-style plate-reading camera at a nearby light pole. City staff noted past attempts to lock gates had been defeated by vandals cutting locks, so more robust or monitored solutions were under consideration.

Votes and next steps: Council closed both public hearings and approved the liens by unanimous votes. Curtis Richards said staff will continue monitoring affected properties and will open new abatement actions if illegal dumping recurs. Council members asked staff to coordinate with Highline Water District and the police department to examine camera deployment options and lighting improvements at the site.

","City council approved assessment liens totaling about $37,206 for two properties after code abatements and discussed measures — including cameras and coordination with Highline Water District — to prevent recurring illegal dumping.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6352800,"Federal Way leaders, residents urge state lawmakers to oppose bill they say could limit clearing encampments",839,1549000,2388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2222800-e10e2e3c8987ddf87f6ee76a1647cd6e&start=1549&end=2388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2222800-e10e2e3c8987ddf87f6ee76a1647cd6e/thumbnail_1549000.jpg","/articles/6352800/Federal-Way/King-County/Washington/Federal-Way-leaders-residents-urge-state-lawmakers-to-oppose-bill-they-say-could-limit-clearing-encampments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6352800-1b80fa4dff5447c8cda8d65b73bf525f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775179350&Signature=S99LcueDcgr5klyDHw7HNrm2kTLwSXiSAzGOwD~PlPuc0NuRZbYra3JR6Ob6uytkmBUu8lLco6m2GsApyMKNrjkeOL3w3YsFMACKFgQYWBygtU0B~lnJO6K-2gs-SBCybhD~UPIT457GrseHofeobw--~cSAdOWjBFSUJGlVF8rLMw5ztuvqVSY66x10CEYZmvHCnncu8TrfwVnr8Vy8FOB4zpJP6y2Q~-Mc0dmICxROOGLys01l88l0b~18-zC31PDyWoa1GR4CNbfXUwrZRTmeHvZ-Yh8pRbtUXiYfRAdDSHznY2IBICJYeFdYUnwYZ1enesp1jWL7mCU4yqB0wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Farrell and members of the Federal Way City Council and several residents used the council meeting on Feb. 4 to press state lawmakers to oppose House Bill 1380 and to describe local public-safety and homelessness responses.

The issue surfaced during the public-comment period, where multiple speakers warned that HB 1380 would make it harder for cities to clear encampments on public property and could expose cities to litigation. Council members said they have already put the bill high on the city’s legislative agenda and that most South King County cities signed a letter opposing the measure.

Why it matters: Speakers said HB 1380’s language is vague and could deter cities from enforcing rules on sitting or sleeping on sidewalks and parks. Council members said that would limit what local governments can do to address visible street homelessness tied in many cases to public drug use and trespass.

Public comments at the meeting included a range of concerns. Anna Patrick, who identified herself as monitoring proposed legislation, said HB 1380 “will make it hard for us to clear camps on public property” and predicted the law would favor wealthier cities that can defend lawsuits. Another speaker warned that similar state laws had already prompted costly settlements elsewhere.

Council response: Mayor Farrell and Council President Coachemar said the city has made HB 1380 a top priority for its lobbyists. Coachemar said the city had circulated and signed a regional letter opposing the bill and will raise the matter with state legislators during Association of Washington Cities (AWC) legislative activities. Council Member Honda said “nearly every city in South King County” had signed the letter opposing 13-80 and that local elected officials were coordinating further action.

Local public-safety context: Several residents also praised recent police and community responses to drug-related public-safety issues. Susan Strong noted a Jan. 24 Federal Way Police special-operation drug sweep that resulted in eight arrests and the seizure of more than 100 suspected fentanyl pills and several grams of suspected methamphetamine. Jeffrey Cancredi and others urged stronger state penalties and expansion of treatment and drug-court options.

Homelessness services: Residents and city officials described local shelter and outreach work. Vivian Alexander, a long-time Federal Way resident, described a mayor-led visit to Auburn’s permanent supportive-housing and day-center operations and urged emulation of that model’s approach to dignity and accountability. Mayor Farrell praised Fusion’s cold-weather shelter at the Pete Anderson facility, saying the organization had “literally saved lives” by bringing people in during freezing nights and coordinating hotel vouchers when capacity approached its 20–24-bed limit.

Next steps: Council members said some will attend AWC legislative days and meet state legislators to urge opposition to HB 1380; staff and the city’s lobbyists have already placed the bill on the city’s top priorities list. No formal council ordinance or vote on HB 1380 took place at the Feb. 4 meeting.

Community reaction and caveats: Commenters expressed strong views about enforcement and treatment policy. Council leaders stressed they would press lawmakers for clearer, workable language to avoid unintended litigation. The city’s formal legislative outreach and any future council resolutions or letters were described as forthcoming.

","Public commenters and council members at the Feb. 4 Federal Way City Council meeting pressed state leaders to oppose House Bill 1380 and discussed local drug enforcement, praising a downtown drug operation and cold-weather shelter efforts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Federal Way council approves EV code changes, T‑Mobile franchise, Teamsters contract and other items

Federal Way council places liens after abating two derelict sites, discusses cameras and site security

Federal Way leaders, residents urge state lawmakers to oppose bill they say could limit clearing encampments