BURIEN BUSINESS and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
(BEDP)
MEETING MINUTES
Date: November 14 , 2003
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 AM
Members Present: Chad Campbell, Lucy Krakowiak, Doug Moreland, Kevin Fitz, Debra George, Harvey Aulgur, David Elliott, Dean Parkins, Bob Ewing, Nancy Damon, Mark Minium and Ryan Warnes
Absentees: Kris Jensen, John Roberts, and Tom Gehl
Staff: Gary Long, City Manager, Dick Loman, Ecomonic Development Manager, Joline Wright, Economic Development Assistant, Pat Smith, Community Development Planner, David Cline, Senior Management Analyst and Stephen Clark, Public Works Director
Guests: Councilmembers Joan McGilton, Kevin James, and Clare Gallagher, Port of Seattle
Minutes: Doug Moreland moved to approve the minutes; Ryan Warnes seconded the motion. Motion passed and minutes were approved.
Chair’s Report:
Lucy Krakowiak reported that at the end of December she will be making the transition from BEDP Chairperson to Councilmember. Dean Parkins, Vice Chair, will act as Chair until group selects replacement.
City Manager’s Report:
Gary reported meetings have been held with Urban Partners, LLC, the Town Square Developer. Currently working on the MOU (Memo of Understanding), which should be ready to go to Council on December 1. This agreement is for a period of 6 months, with two, 3 month extensions, if needed.
The Transportation General Fund took another hit this week with the loss of License Fee revenues of $2M. There was also ruling by the Supreme Court that Seattle City Light cannot charge for street lights in utility bills for lights. Street lights in Burien will remain billed by water and sewer districts.
U.S. Senate approved transportation funding for $2 million for SR518/509. Local match of 20% is now a problem in Burien’s transportation budget due to losses from vehicle license fee.
The City Council is debating on how to pay for underground utility lines on 1st Avenue S. One of the options is what Seattle has done, which is the cost included in everyone’s rates. A public hearing is planned for December 1, preceded by a workshop on November 24. Gary encourages members of the Partnership to attend both sessions.
The court ruling on the motor vehicle tabs will take about $2 million out of the Transportation CIP.
Discover Burien Report – Debra George
Debra distributed the November Discover Burien Newsletter. She reported that Discover Burien is currently working on the schedule for the 2004 events. Holidays lights are being put up and should be done by the weekend.
Debra reported the Economic Development Committee has decided to wait on the LID for 1st Avenue South until who pays for the underground wiring is resolved.
Demographics and Community Outreach Task Force – David Cline
David Cline distributed a condensed version of the Community Profile highlighting the statistics of the Burien community (see attached). A Community Outreach Task Force has been formed to study the trends in the community and how the City can provide services. David reported that the Outreach Task Force recommendations, which will be going to the City Council on November 24 are:
· City of Burien to continue to convene service providers on a regular basis and figure out how to link to the business community.
· Spanish outreach efforts – e.g. translation. Recognize the Spanish language is a big issue and how to communicate.
· Cross-Cultural Program – specific programs – academic cultural exchange; arts; math and science.
There will be a Latino Outreach Task Force held at Seahurst on Tuesday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to attend needs to contact David Cline at (206)
439-3165 or davidc@ci.burien.wa.us
BEDP Work Program
#8 – Economic Development Element – The Partnership reviewed the latest draft of the Economic Development Element with changes recommended by the Planning Commission. Pat Smith reported that the Planning Commission’s main goal was to make the document as positive as possible and to attract businesses looking to locate in Burien.
Bob Ewing felt there were a few places where some editing could be made. Pat Smith and Bob will work together on this.
Bob Ewing moved that the Partnership recommend adoption of this Economic Development Element by the City Council; Chad Campbell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
152nd Street Update – Steve Clark, Public Works Director
Steve Clark reported that the SW 152nd Street project is currently in its final stages of construction with the contractor completing the final remaining punch list items on the project to allow the project to be accepted. The project is currently approximately $160,000 under budget including change orders and should finish approximately $150,000 under budget. (Steve’s complete report attached)
1st Avenue LID Update – Steve Clark
Steve Clark updated the Partnership on the 1st Avenue South Corridor Improvement Project. He distributed Proposed Local Improvement District (LID) Information, which answered questions like: Why reconstruct 1st Avenue South?; What is the project goal?; What will the project provide?. His report also showed the cost of the project and where the money will come from. (See attached) The proposed 1st Avenue South LID is to be initiated by a petition of the property owners. Property owners will be asked to consider signing the LID petition. (See attached)
On November 24, from 6-7 pm, Council will be holding an open house for property owners and residents and a Public Hearing on December 1. Gary Long suggested attending the November 24 Council Open House as well as the December 1 public hearing.
Round the Table:
Mark Minium – Receiving several calls concerning the 1st Avenue project. With the economic downturn he feels businesses keep getting negative hits and hard to keep positive. Concerned about the community.
Bob Ewing – Our primary role is to attract businesses.
David Elliott – A positive attitude needs to be followed through into Town Square and 1st Avenue South.
Doug Moreland – This is a window of opportunity to fashion an approach that will work in the future. This is very important to Burien economically.
Lucy Krakowiak – Now that SW 152nd Street construction is being finalized the storefronts need to be addressed.
Chad Campbell – Underground an important part of the reconstruction – direct benefits. We need to keep in mind the indirect benefits not just for the businesses but the entire city.
Next Meeting: December 12, 2003, 7:00 a.m.
Adjourned: 8:30 am.