New Maintenance Facility, Arts Commission, Welcoming Network, Salmon Habitat Plan
Council discussed progress on building a shared public works and parks maintenance facility, selected candidates to interview for membership on the Arts Commission, approved joining the Welcoming Network, discussed the WRIA-9 salmon habitat plan, and more.
Progress Made on Site Feasibility Analysis for New Maintenance Facility
Staff shared progress on preliminary design for a new shared maintenance facility for parks and public works departments and Highline Public Schools. City maintenance staff currently operate out of shipping containers, former houses, and other buildings dispersed throughout Burien. A new facility will create efficiencies and improve service to the Burien community.
Currently, the City is determining the requirements of a new facility and evaluating the feasibility of sites owned by Highline Public Schools. With the help of expert consultants, the project team is determining the estimated project cost so funding can be secured. Staff will present cost estimates and design parameters to council later this fall.
National Night Out Celebrations to be Held on August 3
Twenty-five neighborhood groups have signed up to host an official National Night Out celebration, including, for the first time, a celebration in Town Square Park for the residents of Burien’s downtown. Police, fire, and councilmembers have been invited to attend. National Night Out, held on the first Tuesday in August, is an annual event that brings together communities across the nation, and involves residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials.
Burien Climate Action Plan Survey Open through August 25
Community members are invited to take a survey to help prioritize strategies to reduce climate pollution and help protect our community from the worst impacts of climate change. The Burien Climate Action Plan survey is open from July 26 through August 25.
DESC to Hold Public Meeting on August 17
DESC is holding a virtual design meeting on Tuesday, August 17 from 6:30-7:30 pm. The virtual meeting will cover DESC Burien’s building design, features, amenities, and mural.
Seven Candidates to be Interviewed for Arts Commission
Council selected seven candidates to interview for open positions on the Arts Commission. The Arts Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on arts activities in Burien.
Council Discusses Vehicle Crossings Across “Indian Trail”
Council discussed whether to allow a private property owner to create a vehicle crossing across the pedestrian footpath called “Indian Trail” or “Sunlight Trail”. There are a few vehicle crossings that existed before a 1995 ordinance was passed to protect the trail. The trail has historical significance to local Puget Salish peoples.
Council directed staff to not pursue an amendment to the Burien Municipal Code to allow vehicle crossings to be built, citing the historical significance of the trail.
City of Burien Joins Welcoming Network
Council placed on the consent agenda approval of a resolution to join the Welcoming Network. The Welcoming Network brings together more than 200 nonprofits and local governments to build more inclusive and welcoming communities in the United States and abroad. Led by the nonprofit organization Welcoming America, the Welcoming Network is both a network and a movement, driven by the conviction that communities make better decisions when residents of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are meaningfully engaged.
Membership in this organization requires a resolution by the City Council describing the City’s commitment to these objectives and a fee of up to $500. The benefits include training, access to support resources, coaching and strategy sessions, and access to the Welcoming Network Toolkit.
Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed. Source.
Salmon Habitat Plan Moves Forward
Council placed on the consent agenda approval of an update to the WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan. City of Burien is among 17 local governments in the Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed (also known as Water Resource Inventory Area 9 or WRIA 9) who have partnered through an interlocal agreement to jointly fund the development and implementation of the WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan to address shared interest in and responsibility for long-term watershed planning and salmon recovery. The 2021 update includes new science, revised habitat goals and recovery strategies, an updated capital project list, and a monitoring and adaptive management plan.