Proclamation, Police Explorers, H Line, Human Services ARPA, Legislative Agenda, Budget, B&O Tax
The Burien City Council adopted the mid-biennium budget update and discussed an increase to the business and occupation tax. They also discussed the Sunnydale Village operated by Burien Community Support Coalition at the Oasis Home Church. They issued a proclamation in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities and honored participants in the Burien and SeaTac Police Explorers Program. They also heard a presentation on the King County Metro H Line and how they are supporting public safety efforts near the Burien Transit Center. They also heard an update on the status of allocation of federal pandemic relief funding for human services programs. They discussed their state and federal legislative agendas.
City Council Celebrates People with Disabilities in Proclamation
The City Council issued a proclamation marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirming the City’s commitment to removing barriers for community members living with disabilities.
Police Explorers Program Participants Honored
The Burien City Council honored the current cohort of Police Explorers, a volunteer program for young adults ages 14 to 21, who are interested in the field of law enforcement. Chief Ted Boe recognized five explorers who were aging out of the program. Learn more about the Police Explorer Program.
Update on H Line and Safety at Burien Transit Center and Metro Transit Stops
Chris Arkills, intergovernmental affairs manager from King County Metro Transit presented an update and answered questions on progress being made to finish the final stages of the H Line, a RapidRide bus line that connects Burien to downtown Seattle. Chief Todd Morrell who serves as chief of Metro Transit Police Division within King County Sheriff’s Office presented updates on security and safety measures being taken at the Burien Transit Center and bus stops. They also shared information about a new program that places behavioral health workers at transit centers to assist people in need of services and basic survival supplies.
Federal Pandemic Relief Funding to Boost Vital Human Services Programs
Human Services Commission Chair and City staff presented an update on progress being made to allocate federal pandemic relief funding to support human services programs. Earlier this year, the City asked organizations to submit proposals that meet goals approved by the City Council in 2022. The Human Services Commission reviewed the applications and made funding allocations following a similar process to the Human Services General Fund allocation process. City staff have made progress on finalizing contracts with the selected providers.
Last year, the City Council approved $2.9 million of the federal pandemic relief funding to be designated for human services. The funding will support the following six below investment areas.
- Gang and Youth Violence Prevention/Intervention
- Homelessness Prevention/Intervention
- Food Access
- Mental Health and Counseling
- Neighborhood Cleanliness
- Housing Stability
City Council Discusses Federal and State Legislative Agenda
The City Council placed approval of the federal legislative agenda on next meeting consent agenda with an amendment to add opportunities to support for funding to address the law enforcement workforce shortage and municipal broadband grant funds for infrastructure development for high-speed internet in Boulevard Park.
They also placed approval of the state legislative agenda on the next meeting consent agenda. The City’s State lobbyist shared preview of state legislative session including possible impact of an initiative to repeal the climate commitment act and funding for transportation projects. The state legislative agenda was amended to add language that mirrors Association of Washington Cities priorities to address law enforcement shortage.
2024 Mid-biennial Budget Update Adopted
The Burien City Council adopted the 2023-2024 Mid-biennial budget and updated financial policies. The mid-biennial budget represents incremental increases to revenues and expenditures along with a few key enhancements. It also reflects allocation of federal pandemic recovery funds.
The General Fund budget remains balanced, using the City Manager Reserve to fund both one-time and ongoing services. They also placed on their next meeting’s consent agenda approval of the business and occupation tax ordinance to reflect new state law that changes definition of printing and publishing income.
Council Reports
During the Council Reports portion of the meeting, the following councilmembers provided updates:
- Councilmember Sarah Moore shared that she attended a meeting on prevention of gun violence.
- Councilmembers Cydney Moore and Stephanie Mora shared their perspectives of the December 1 clearing of the encampment at Ambaum Blvd SW and SW 120th St.
City Manager’s Report
During the City Manager’s Report portion of the meeting, the City Manager provided the following updates:
- Status of the clearing of an encampment on Ambaum Blvd SW and SW 120th St.
- Status of request sent to Oasis Home Church to apply for a temporary use permit to operate “Sunnydale Village”. He shared that without a permit, the City does not know current conditions inside the tent village.
- Advisory board applications opened on December 1 and will remain open through January 12, 2024.
- Councilmember Hugo Garcia will represent the City of Burien in a December 15 meeting hosted by the Port of Seattle to discuss has invited a new international market.
- City staff are working with King County Regional Homelessness Authority and other relevant agencies to establish a temporary emergency housing village and take steps to address zoning. He shared that City staff have met with staff from Kennedy High School last week and that staff are working on a community engagement plan.