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