BURIEN BUSINESS and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

(BEDP)

MEETING MINUTES

Date: December 12, 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, Ryan Warnes, Kris Jensen and Tom Gehl

Absentees: John Roberts

Staff: Gary Long, City Manager, Dick Loman, Ecomonic Development Manager, Joline Wright, Economic Development Assistant, and Stephen Clark, Public Works Director

Guests: Councilmembers Joan McGilton

Call to Order: Meeting opened at 7:00 a.m. by Chair Lucy Krakowiak.

Minutes: Dean Parkins moved to approve the minutes; Nancy Damon seconded the motion. Motion passed and minutes were approved.

Chair’s Report:

Lucy reminded everyone that this was the last BEDP meeting for the year 2003. She emphasized that the focus of today’s meeting will be coming up with constructive suggestions on the 1^st Avenue South Phase 1 undergrounding.

City Manager’s Report:

Gary Long thanked the Partnership for a very productive year.

Gary reported, that with the loss of revenue, the ability to match Federal grants is very limited. He said the 2^nd Phase of lst Avenue South is off the table. The City will try to preserve as much of the scope as possible on 1^st Avenue South.

Gary asked the Partnership to send him an e-mail with feedback on the work program. City staff will have first draft of the 2004 Work Program by December 18. The priorities for 2004 are:

- Economic Development Element

- Re-zoning airport impacted areas

- Town Square development

Other items regarding funding:

- Teen health program in County budget.

- County will maintain funding for Senior Center

- $300,000 on the table to acquire 20 acres of wetlands on Des Moines Memorial Drive.

- $2.1 million for 509/518.

- $100,000 of EDA money for down payment on Senior Center property.

Gary reported that Marsha would be doing a thank you letter to the Federal delegation.

Discover Burien Report – Debra George

Debra invited everyone to Discover Burien’s Open House on Wednesday, December 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Discover Burien Office.

The 2004 calendar of events will probably be going to press the 2^nd week in January.

Debra reported that The CouldBee Shop currently has six tenants. In addition, an art gallery will be opening on Saturday, December 13.

Debra advised that new businesses are moving in on a regular basis. There is a new landscaping business on 153^rd; the Silver Swan is now Ken’s Kitchen; and a new ice cream shop is coming to Olde Burien.

1^st Avenue LID – Steve Clark

Steve advised the partnership that the LID (Local Improvement District) paper work has been circulated. Need over 50% signatures on the petition. He said property owners are waiting to see what happens with City Council regarding the cost of utility conversion.

1^st Avenue – Seattle City Light underground issue – Steve Clark

Steve distributed a presentation he gave on the 1^st Avenue South Phase 1 at a public hearing on December 1 (see attached).

On November 24, 2003, a Community Meeting was held. Considering a flat rate was one of the topics. The two options with a flat rate were: Option 1: $1.38 per month (All), or Option 2: $1.00 (Res.) and $3.19 (Non-res). These funding options will be presented to City Council on Monday, December 15.

During the discussion on the funding options, the partnership expressed some concerns and questions:

Puget Sound Energy vs. Seattle City Light Conversion Rates
Can a Flat Rate be charged?
Can we underground City as a whole starting at 1^st Avenue South?
How are utility rates regulated?
What conversion projects are planned for the future and what will be the impact on rates?
What will business and residences pay?
Is the flat rate more equitable?
Can we establish a combined flat and kWh rate?
What are the costs to businesses of connecting to the undergrounded utilities on 1^st Avenue South.
What are the total costs to businesses?

Doug Moreland moved to recommend City Council to adopt Option No. 2: $1.00 (Res.) and $3.19 (Non-Res); Ryan Warnes seconded. Motion did not pass on a vote 5-yes; 7-no.

Ryan Warnes moved to recommend postponing the City Council ~~the~~ vote, but if the ~~Partnership~~ Council needs to act ~~upon~~, recommend Option 2 ($1.00 (Res.) and $3.19 (Non-res.); David Elliott seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

The Partnership would like answers to the concerns that were presented. Gary Long will give the members what the City has by January 9. It was decided that Lucy would present the BEDP motion and concerns to the City Council at the meeting on Monday 12/15/03.

Round the Table:

Doug Moreland – The Highline Math Club entered competition and came in as one of the top 12 math teams in the state. He would like to see more publicity on awards like this.

Mark Minium – Thanked the Partnership for their hard work for the year. Mark also reminded the Partnership of the Highline Step Program. This is a program that puts high school students to work in local businesses where they learn valuable skills and earn credit towards graduation.

Debra George – Want to remind everyone of Discover Burien’s Open House on Wednesday, December 17.

Gary Long – Thanked everyone on the Partnership especially Discover Burien for their hard work.

Nancy Damon - Adam Smith will be speaking at the Small Business Advisory Council at 7:30-9:00 a.m. in Fife on December 19. Please call Nancy for location. The SWKC Holiday Lunch is today, December 12 at the Hilton.

Kevin Fitz – Thanked Lucy for doing a good job as Chairperson and wished her good luck on her term as a new Councilmember. Kevin added that businesses make a huge contribution to this community.

Next Meeting: January 9, 2004, 7:00 a.m.

Adjourned: 8:30 am.