Federal Way council clears consent items, delays public-art award and reviews transit, lease items
January 07, 2026 | Federal Way, King County, Washington
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The City Council passed the bulk of its consent agenda Jan. 6 but pulled several items for separate discussion. The body approved routine minutes, vouchers and contract amendments en masse and addressed pulled items in business session.
Item L: Downtown police substation lease
Council debated whether the downtown substation should offer public access hours or be a staffed facility. Councilmember Honda asked staff to explore shared space options with Sound Transit and to consider a phone or limited hours so downtown riders can access police services without calling 911. The lease was approved unanimously, with staff agreeing to follow up on access and signage.
Item 5b: Joint operations & maintenance (O&M) facility public art
Staff presented three finalists for a $175,000 public-art allocation tied to the O&M facility. One proposal—a large interactive "Sasquatch" park—was judged nonresponsive and over-budget; staff and an advisory committee recommended a seasonal, crew-themed installation. Several councilmembers asked to see larger prints and canvases of the proposals before final action. The council voted 6–1 to delay the award to the next meeting and directed staff to circulate the artists’ materials publicly.
Item 7d: King County Metro interlocal agreement
Staff explained three edits received from King County (corrected bus pad count from 14 to 15, self-insurance language, and an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2027). The agreement funds enlarged ADA-compliant bus pads (no shelters). Council approved the interlocal agreement unanimously.
What’s next: The art award was delayed to the next meeting to allow council members and the public to review artist materials; staff will return with the recommended award or alternative options. Staff will also follow up on the downtown substation access questions and report back.
Item L: Downtown police substation lease
Council debated whether the downtown substation should offer public access hours or be a staffed facility. Councilmember Honda asked staff to explore shared space options with Sound Transit and to consider a phone or limited hours so downtown riders can access police services without calling 911. The lease was approved unanimously, with staff agreeing to follow up on access and signage.
Item 5b: Joint operations & maintenance (O&M) facility public art
Staff presented three finalists for a $175,000 public-art allocation tied to the O&M facility. One proposal—a large interactive "Sasquatch" park—was judged nonresponsive and over-budget; staff and an advisory committee recommended a seasonal, crew-themed installation. Several councilmembers asked to see larger prints and canvases of the proposals before final action. The council voted 6–1 to delay the award to the next meeting and directed staff to circulate the artists’ materials publicly.
Item 7d: King County Metro interlocal agreement
Staff explained three edits received from King County (corrected bus pad count from 14 to 15, self-insurance language, and an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2027). The agreement funds enlarged ADA-compliant bus pads (no shelters). Council approved the interlocal agreement unanimously.
What’s next: The art award was delayed to the next meeting to allow council members and the public to review artist materials; staff will return with the recommended award or alternative options. Staff will also follow up on the downtown substation access questions and report back.
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