❤️ Federal Way!

Great day for bird watching 🐦🦜

Hi all, local independent writer here! My mission is to keep citizens around here informed (I am from Sammamish). I've been recently writing recaps of city council meetings to bridge a gap I noticed in gov communications. Here are two articles I made regarding some highlights from the recent meeting!

Let me know if you have any feedback or things you want to see :)

Federal Way City Council Discusses Substance Abuse Treatment for Youth

The Federal Way City Council convened this week to address the pressing issue of youth substance abuse, focusing on a proposed treatment center that aims to provide secure withdrawal management and comprehensive care for young individuals. While the initiative has the potential to fill a critical gap in services, concerns about its location and operational accountability were raised by council members. The council heard from Michael Clark, COO for Emerald City Behavioral Health, who presented the vision for Emerald City Youth Services.

During the session, council members expressed the need for stringent accountability measures regarding the treatment center. One council member proposed the implementation of a "kill switch" mechanism that would allow the council to shut down the facility if it fails to meet established standards. Councilmember Paul McDaniel voiced concerns about building infrastructure that would require additional funds to maintain in the future.

“I will let you know that I will be looking at putting that in place. So if this does not go the right way, there will be a way to shut you guys down,” the council member emphasized.

The representative from the treatment center acknowledged these concerns, noting that their reimbursement would be jeopardized if the facility did not adhere to agreed-upon terms. According to Mr. Clark, King County acts as the managed care for itself and plays middleman, so Emerald City Behavioral Health would be partnering with King County, who would then reimburse them.

“Absolutely. And I'll say this, full transparency. If you should go back on the resolution that you do give us, then our reimbursement would go away anyways,” the treatment center representative responded.

The proposed facility is designed to accommodate 94 beds and aims to engage families in the treatment process. However, concerns were raised about its proximity to the Federal Way Community Center, which serves a vulnerable population. Councilmember Susan Honda noted that the building is almost done and anyone can move into it, as the property is already zoned for this.

Council members voiced apprehension about the potential disruption to the community, with Police Chief commenting on the implications of having such a large operation near a community hub. According to the Police Chief, the doors of the facility looked secure, but it was sounding like someone could just walk out.

“I certainly have some reservations. Because it is next to our Federal Way Community Center. We have a lot of vulnerable population, as you mentioned,” the Police Chief stated.

The treatment center aims to provide a structured environment where young people can receive immediate care and support. The facility is designed to be secure, with staff monitoring to prevent unauthorized exits. Mr. Clark stated that the facility would be locked down, and you would not make it to a door without a staff member being notified way before then.

The council's deliberations also highlighted the importance of community partnerships and the need for ongoing communication between the treatment center and local authorities. Councilmember Hoang Tran voiced his support for the project, stating that the agency will provide a very critical service to the community, especially to youth.

“Partnership for us means how do we serve,” the treatment center representative remarked, indicating a willingness to collaborate with the city to enhance service delivery.

Despite the discussions, a vote was taken during this meeting regarding the resolution for the treatment center, with the motion passing 4-3. The timeline for moving forward remains uncertain, with the treatment center indicating that they do not rely on immediate grant funding to open the facility.

Next steps will involve further negotiations and discussions to address community concerns and finalize operational plans. As the city council continues to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed treatment center, the focus will be on ensuring that the facility can effectively meet the needs of youth struggling with substance abuse while safeguarding the interests of the surrounding community.Federal Way City Council Discusses Substance Abuse Treatment for Youth

The Federal Way City Council convened this week to address the pressing issue of youth substance abuse, focusing on a proposed treatment center that aims to provide secure withdrawal management and comprehensive care for young individuals. While the initiative has the potential to fill a critical gap in services, concerns about its location and operational accountability were raised by council members. The council heard from Michael Clark, COO for Emerald City Behavioral Health, who presented the vision for Emerald City Youth Services.

---------------

Council Considers New Funding for Parks Project Management Position

In a recent council meeting, members discussed a proposal to fund a new position dedicated to parks project management through the parks levy account. This role aims to enhance the management of ongoing projects, secure funding, and oversee contractor hiring. However, concerns arose about the funding source and the position’s limited two-year guarantee.

During the meeting, John, a council staff member, emphasized the pressing need for this role, stating,

"We have some money to get started on the projects that are going and I believe you're going to see another presentation from me this evening about one of the types of projects we have."

According to staff, the position requires an individual well-versed in construction project management, contract development, plan review, and community outreach. The council also discussed the importance of finding someone skilled in grant writing and reporting.

The proposed position is expected to not only facilitate timely project completion but also assist in finding additional funding sources, including potential grants. Staff elaborated, > "This position will help in theory help abate that a little bit," indicating its intended impact on project management efficiency. The council also heard that the new hire would work closely with contractors to ensure projects stay on track and within budget.

However, several council members, including Council Member Honda, raised concerns regarding the sustainability of funding for this position, particularly from the parks levy account. Honda stated, > "I am concerned with taking money from this levy account for this position and only having a position guaranteed for two years." This sentiment was echoed by Councilor Delby, who questioned the role's efficacy in grant writing, suggesting that the workload would exceed the position's capacity. Councilmember Delby noted that the city hires people in the SWIM department through a similar funding process.

The council acknowledged the existing contract with a grant writer, which has recently expired, leading to discussions about its future. Staff confirmed that the city has approximately $1.3 million available in the parks levy for immediate projects, addressing concerns about the funding's availability. According to staff, the contract with the grant writer ended on March 31st, and the city is assessing whether or not to renew it.

The council ultimately voted to approve the proposal to hire a full-time capital projects manager funded by the King County Parks Levy. The motion passed with a vote of six to one, reflecting a mix of support and reservations from council members. Councilor McDaniel voted against the proposal, citing concerns about the financial implications of utilizing the levy account for this position. Councilmember McDaniel stated that he was not in favor of building infrastructure that would require additional funds to maintain in the future.

In conclusion, while the new parks project management position aims to tackle significant backlogs and improve project delivery, the discussion highlighted the complexity of funding sources and the need for strategic planning to ensure long-term sustainability. The council will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of this position in the context of ongoing projects and funding strategies. Council Considers New Funding for Parks Project Management Position

In a recent council meeting, members discussed a proposal to fund a new position dedicated to parks project management through the parks levy account. This role aims to enhance the management of ongoing projects, secure funding, and oversee contractor hiring. However, concerns arose about the funding source and the position’s limited two-year guarantee.

What do you think of the new bus loop replacing the old transit center? I think it is a huge downgrade.

First off, hardly any rain cover. Also similar bus routes like the 181 182 and 187 are no longer caught at the same bay...they are split up. This makes adapting to late buses difficult. Also the timing of these routes has changed and the 187 and 182 no longer stagger and are basically right on top of each other. Catching connections from the 577/578 to the 187 or 182 isn't going well

Been looking at a condo in the Lattitude Condos just curious what they are like. The unit seemed cute and nice but I'm pretty unfamiliar with federal way

was wondering what the story is with this place. was the owner just being funny or did they have beef with portage bay cafe?

May of 2024 I called them to check for availability and pricing. At that point they were named Life Storage. They told me it would be $87/month for a 10x15 unit. I asked them if it was a promotional offer. They said no. I asked if my monthly rate would be locked in or if it would potentially change. They said my monthly rate would not change. I decided to move in.

2-3 months later, the monthly rate more than doubles - from $87 to $182.50. Don't make the same mistake I did. Read reviews, make sure to do your research, and don't believe a single word they say unless you get it in writing first.

Considering how many thefts are reported here along with rats, I don't understand how they can possibly justify this price increase. Anyone else here have this experience with Extra Space Storage?

What’s up with the Weyerhaeuser Building? My partner walked around it yesterday, super beautiful. is it illegal to walk on the campus? what is the building even used for?

Like 30 cops and an armored vehicle heading down SW campus

Don’t have a real price limit, looking for many vegetarian/vegan options! Thanks!

found this wile walking thru the woods near joes creek. can anyone confirm that this tree stump is from beavers or is it man made

A big thank you to the city of Federal Way and their wonderful residents. What a great time. Here's an article from the Mirror.

https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/federal-way-celebrates-the-irish-with-annual-flag-raising/

I use to live in Federal Way till recently and now I’m trying to get my hands on 75in TV. I’ve always driven past the store but never went inside. Anyone here bought a TV from them and are the deals actually good?

There’s a helicopter flying over by fredmeyers in fed saying to stay inside our homes, describing a suspect, and I can’t hear what else, but no cop cars around that we can hear. Anyone know what’s going on?

Anyone know what's being built in place of the JBo? Is it just an updated JBo or a different restaurant?

Lad was flying around in circles announcing something above winco, probably looking for a suspect but didn’t think too much into it because its just another Wednesday in federal way

Any recommendations in the federal way area or near here?

I have a 6 month old looking for something close.

Thanks!

Hello everyone. I'm moving across country and will not be able to take my cat with me. I was hoping to have someone house him until I was able to pick him back up in a few months, but I don't know anyone who can. I then tried all the shelters in the area, and they're all full due to a hoarding issue. Does anyone know what else I can do with my cat? I really don't want to send him to anywhere he's locked in a cage or otherwise neglected, he very much needs love and attention.

Spotted a block north of the 312th walmart by neighbor twice now today. Doing my best to get a picture of it.

I've decided on selling my house here in the near future (ideally in the next couple months). In the past I've used friends of friends, or family recommended Realtors. I don't really know anyone local who owns a home that I can ask. Anyone have someone they've worked with before that kicked ass? Figured I'd ask here before cold calling a big broker type place. Thanks a ton!!

Hello everyone ! I currently live in the pavilion apartments in federal way /twin lakes , next to Arcadia and Glen park . My cat got out 3 days ago and has not returned , he is my everything , he is almost 8 years old and I’ve had him since he was 7 weeks old . He is my child , my favorite thing ever and I’m worried SICK TO MY STOMACH . Please help if you see him call me at (206) 822-0592 or email me at kayafloret@gmail.com . THERE IS A REWARD FOR HIS RETURN ‼️‼️‼️his name is chunky and he is very kind ! He loves booty pats . He will come to you if you get on his level and sweet talk him . Please please help I’ll give my kidney for him back .