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Resident urges Federal Way to enforce ordinance 94‑217 and treat arts funding as essential
Summary
Karen Bgato, a long‑time Twin Lakes resident, told the committee that ordinance 94‑217 requires a 2% allocation for the arts that extends to repairs and renovations and said the state auditor found noncompliance; she urged a larger study committee and a formal study session.
During public comment at the May 26 committee meeting, Karen Bgato identified herself as a 30‑year Twin Lakes resident and asked the committee to revisit ordinance 94‑217 and how the city allocates a 2% requirement for the arts.
"I want you to understand that that ordinance has not only new construction for 2% for the arts. It has repair, renovation, and remodel," Bgato said, and she cited a letter from the state auditor indicating the city did not comply with the ordinance’s requirements to set funds aside. "The city did not set funds aside. We provide recommendations to the city to properly set funds aside for the arts and public places as required by ordinance 94‑217."
Bgato told the committee the ordinance rewrite was not taken to a vote and offered to participate in a larger committee or a study session to bring the policy up to date. "Art is not a luxury. Art is not just something you do when you got a free couple bucks. It employs people around Federal Way," she said.
The committee did not take action on the request at the meeting; Chair Linda Coachmar said staff attorney Ryan Call may present the ordinance details at a future FedRack meeting when available.
