DESC Supportive Housing, Compostables, Proclamations, New Advisory Board Members, Recology, COVID-19 Update
Council issued two proclamations, delayed the effective date of the compostables ordinance, discussed DESC supportive housing project, selected new advisory board and commission members, delayed discussion of the food truck pilot program, and approved funding for a stormwater study to address localized flooding in the Boulevard Park neighborhood.
Burien DESC Project Considered for Affordable Housing Demonstration Program
Council heard presentations from City of Burien staff and DESC on a proposal to build a supportive housing project in Burien that is affordable to people making 0-30% of the area median income as part of the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program. The first project accepted into the program was from Habitat for Humanity.
Council heard public comment and discussed the proposal in relation to criteria set in the demonstration program. DESC offered to give those with questions a tour of other facilities to answer any further questions.
Council placed approval of the inclusion of supportive housing project into the Affordable Housing Demonstration Program on the consent agenda for the April 19, 2021 meeting.
Compostable Food Serviceware Law Delayed Until July 1, 2022
The Burien City Council voted to delay the effective date of Ordinance 709 (BMC 8.57.030) to July 1, 2022, a law passed in 2019 restricting the retail use of non-compostable food serviceware products. While City staff and Zero Waste Washington have been conducting some outreach and technical assistance to help food services businesses prepare for the new law, more extensive outreach that was scheduled to occur in 2020 was limited by public health safety restrictions.
Restaurants and other food service businesses now have more time to research and procure products and prepare for compliance. Council voted to delay the effective date in recognition of the difficulties food service businesses have experienced in finding products because of increased demand caused by an increase in takeout dining and to give staff more time to conduct outreach and technical support for affected businesses.
The City of Burien is working with Discover Burien to create a purchasing cooperative to help businesses source and purchase more affordable products. Businesses can learn more about the law at burienwa.gov/compostables.
Congratulations to New Advisory Board and Commission Members!
Burien City Council selected new members to serve on City of Burien advisory boards and commissions. The Burien Airport Committee is still seeking one more person to serve in an open seat. Congratulations to the following people who were selected to serve:
Burien Airport Committee
- Jeff Harbaugh
- Holly Mouser
- Savannah Sly
- Javier Tordable
- Stephen Wydick
Business and Economic Development Partnership
- Garry M. Crane
- Kim Davis
- Robyn Desimone
- Luis Olivera
- Rosario Romero
Human Services Commission
- Janine Anzalota
- Mike Heinisch
Planning Commission
Proclamations Raise Awareness about Sexual Assault and Anti-Asian Hate Crimes
The Burien City Council issued a proclamation declaring April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. They urged the community to stand with survivors and take action to prevent sexual assault in our community.
Judge Regina Cahan, chair of King County Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Task Force, received the proclamation. Judge Cahan thanked the Burien City Council for recognizing survivors, stating “This issue faces so much stigma in our society and it shows that Burien is pretty aware of the need to focus on this issue and to be there and be supportive. It’s important for us to have this ongoing conversations to bring awareness and to support survivors.”
She also acknowledged that Burien is the home of Organization for Prostitution Survivors, a social service agency that serve survivors of the sex trade. Find more resources and information about prevention and for survivors of sexual assault.
The Burien City Council also issued a proclamation denouncing hate and hate-based violence against Asian and Pacific Islanders. Learn more about how to report harassment of a hate crime and resources for prevention.
Recology Provides Update on Services and Data Breach
Recology CleanScapes delivered their annual report detailing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They described measures they took to protect their employees with new safety procedures and reported a large increase in materials that were being discarded. They also detailed other performance metrics, such as the number of missed collections. They announced that the Burien Recology store will be re-opening in May. Recology also discussed the AFTS data breach, announcing that the criminal investigation uncovered that no personal data of Recology customers was compromised by the breach. They have terminated their contract with AFTS and are seeking a new payment processor.
Key Indicators to Determine King County’s Move to Next Phase of COVID-19 Reopening Plan
Fire Marshall and Assistant Chief Ray Pettigrew described the key indicators of COVID-19 activity that will determine whether King County will move to a different phase of the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery plan. Progress will be re-evaluated on April 12. Looking at current trends, it is not likely that King County will move to phase 4 at that time.
Current trends show that cases are rising among 18–24 year olds. While this group is less likely to experience more severe illness, the rise in cases means the virus has more chances to replicate, and could lead to an increased spread of new variants.
King County Fire District #2 has delivered approximately 1,300 vaccinations over the last two months with mobile units targeting populations who don’t have access to mass vaccination sites or health care provider-sponsored sites.
The community was urged to stay vigilant and keep taking basic safety measures including washing hands, avoiding crowds and keeping six feet apart, and wearing a mask.
New Recreation Coordinator to Focus on Youth Programs
Council was introduced to Zack Wenman, the new Recreation Coordinator for Youth Programs. Wenman worked for Bloodworks Northwest and served as both executive director and education director for the Sammamish Boys & Girls Club prior to coming to Burien. He will be responsible for implementing a new initiative focused on serving youth.