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Federal Way council debates in‑person attendance, time limits for remarks and proclamations at retreat
Summary
Council members at the Feb. 7 retreat debated tightening in‑person attendance rules and defining 'infrequent' remote participation, considered adding timers for council remarks and discussed whether to limit or reschedule proclamations; staff said state law allows remote participation but councils may define local expectations.
At a Feb. 7 retreat, Federal Way council members spent extended time debating council rules for attendance and speaking time, including whether to tighten remote‑participation standards and to add timers to the dais.
The discussion opened with council staff noting the state law that removes a seat after three unexcused absences and with several council members urging clearer language in the council rules about what counts as "infrequent" remote participation. "Zoom is useful, but it shouldn't be every meeting," one council member said, arguing that the body should expect members to be present whenever reasonably possible.
Members also discussed time limits for council remarks and public comment. Multiple council members defended keeping the standard three‑minute limit for members of the public, saying it is an established expectation and an important opportunity for residents. "I would not support cutting it down because they hire us and they fire us," one councilor said of public commenters. Several members expressed support for measures aimed at keeping debate efficient rather than preventing members from speaking — for example, adding visible timers on the council dais so speakers can self‑police.
The council also explored narrowing how proclamations are handled. One councilor proposed holding proclamations at separate special meetings or earlier in the evening to maintain their ceremonial value and keep regular meetings on schedule. Staff said the city could write rules that limit the number or timing of proclamations, and members discussed requiring multiple cosponsors before placing a proclamation on a regular meeting agenda.
Mayor and staff said legal counsel had confirmed the council may adopt local guidance about remote attendance and time limits while complying with state open‑meeting requirements. Council members asked staff to draft clearer language and to return with recommended rule changes to be considered in committee and at a future council meeting.
The retreat did not produce an immediate formal ordinance; council members directed staff to prepare options for committee review and possible amendment to the council rules.
