Urban Center Plan, Climate Action Plan, Enhanced Services Facilities, New Advisory Board Members
Council discussed an arts and cultural district in Burien, selected new advisory board members, heard an update on the urban center plan, extended a moratorium on the siting of enhanced services facilities in Burien, discussed a climate action plan, and more.
Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry in the City of Burien
Council issued a proclamation naming September 21, 2019 as Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry in the city of Burien.
Arts and Cultural District in Burien
A group of Burien arts supporters, including Andrea Reay, president and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, Shelli Park, former Burien Arts Commissioner, and Eric Dickman and Maggie Larrick from the Burien Actor’s Theatre, presented on a proposal for a state-designated arts and cultural district in Burien. The group is just beginning to gather the information needed to submit an application and will return to Council with more information.
New Community Development Director
Council was introduced to Susan McClain, who was hired as the City’s new community development director. Her first day was August 19, 2019.
Campaign Season Signs
In response to recent news of campaign signs being defaced or stolen, City Manager Brian J. Wilson stated a reminder that the theft and defacement of campaign signs is a crime and will be prosecuted.
Back to School Resource Fair
The Highline Schools Foundation, in partnership with the City of Burien and many sponsors, hosted Burien’s first back to school resource fair. More than 1,800 backpacks with supplies were distributed in less than 90 minutes. Services such as free haircuts and immunizations were also provided. The City will partner again with the Highline Schools Foundation and the Highline School District to offer the fair again next year.
1st Ave S Improvements
Maiya Andrews, public works director, provided an update on the status of the federal and state funding needed to complete planned improvements to the north end of 1st Ave S.
New Arts Commission and Parks & Recreation Board Members Selected
Crystal Daily was appointed to the Arts Commission and Irene Segovia was appointed to the Parks & Recreation Board.
Urban Center Plan
Thara Johnson, senior long-range planner, provided an update on the urban center plan process. Council discussed changes they would like to see in the urban center plan before it comes back to Council for further discussion in the fall.
Rezone Requests Approved
Council approved amendments to the zoning map. Council is required by law to review and provide final approval or denial of rezone requests.
Enhanced Services Facilities Moratorium Extended
Council approved an extension of a moratorium on the filing of applications for enhanced services facilities in Burien. The extension will allow City staff and the Planning Commission do more work in preparation for a Council discussion on changes to the zoning code, including definitions from new Washington State law, that will help identify where they could be located if an organization chooses to apply for a permit to site one in Burien.
Community Development Block Grant
The City of Burien is a Joint Agreement City with the King County Community Development Grant (CDBG) Consortium, a group of cities in King County that work together to manage federal funds received through the federal CDBG program. The City is expected to receive approximately $277,775 in 2020 from CDBG funds. These funds contribute to the planning and administration of human services and capital projects that serve low-moderate income Burien residents. Council approves the types of programs and activities that receive the funding. City staff presented their proposal to Council, and a public hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2019. For 2020, the City proposed to use the funding for the following projects:
- $47,892 for continued use for staff salaries/benefits to administer the City's CDBG program.
- $47,892 for continued support of Southwest Youth and Family Services New Futures program at the Alcove at Seahurst Apartments.
- $181,991 for capital projects, including $45,000 for micro-enterprise support.
The City proposed two options for the remainder $136,991:
- Option 1. Burien Community Center HVAC Replacement project for $136,991 is proposed if the King County Veterans, Seniors, Human Services Levy grant that the City previously applied for is awarded for this project. The levy funds would be combined with the CDBG funds to help pay for the replacement of the oldest of two HVAC systems at the Burien Community Center, which has exceeded its life expectancy. The levy grant results are expected to be known by the end of August.
- Option 2. Hilltop Park Improvements project for $136,991 is proposed if the King County Levy grant is not awarded to the City for the Burien Community Center HVAC replacement project. This project would be for design and construction of new play equipment at this underserved park. In order to complete this project, the 2020 funding of $136,991 would need to be combined with estimated 2021 CDBG capital funding of $137,000. A Master Plan for the park would be conducted in 2020 with City funds.
Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050
Council approved a letter documenting Council comments on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Vision 2050 be sent to PSRC.
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
Maiya Andrews, public works director, provided information and examples of climate action plans from nearby communities, including Redmond, Kirkland, and Shoreline. All the plans general followed the Local Governments for Sustainability’s Five Milestones for Climate Mitigation Process, which includes developing baseline inventory and forecasts, establishing reduction targets, developing a climate action plan, implementing policies and measures, and monitoring and verifying results.
All three cities recommended action strategies in the following areas of focus: mobility and transportation, buildings and energy, waste and recycling, natural resources, and education. All three cities have staff dedicated to environmental programs. Dedicated staff or consultants collected the data, drafted the action plans, and monitored results.
Andrews detailed work the City is already doing that fit within strategies these cities have adopted. Council directed staff to develop options that included the amount of staff time and cost of addressing climate change.
Burien Airport Committee
Council is signed two letters directed to the Port of Seattle Commission and Director of Aviation Lance Lyttle detailing concerns about the impact of Port operations on the Burien community.