BURIEN BUSINESS and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
(BEDP)
MEETING MINUTES
Date: April 23, 2004
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 AM
Members Present: Doug Moreland, Kevin Fitz, David Elliott, Dean Parkins, Mark Minium, Tom Gehl, Debra George, Harvey Aulgur, Bob Ewing, Nancy Damon, John Roberts, Kris Jensen, Ryan Warnes
Absentees: Chad Campbell
Excused Absentees:
Staff: Gary Long, City Manager; Dick Loman, Ecomonic Development Manager; Joline Wright, Economic Development Assistant; and David Johanson, Senior Planner.
Guests: Councilmembers Lucy Krakowiak and Joan McGilton; Police Chief Scott Kimerer, Henry McLauchlan and Roy Galusha, Burien Police Department; and Clare Gallagher, Port of Seattle.
Minutes: Mark Minium moved to approve the minutes; Ryan Warnes seconded the motion. Motion passed and minutes were approved.
Chair’s Report:
The Historical Society awarded Jean Pfeifer the Founder’s Award at a silent auction and dinner held last night at the Rainier Country Club. Jean was one of the first active members in the BEDP.
City Manager’s Report: Gary Long
The Town Square Public Forum on April 15 turned out well and was very positive. June 1st is the end of the six month MOU Agreement, but will be renewed for possibility another six months as the developer still has lease issues to work through. On the public level the three items that will need Council’s decision are:
· Community Redevelopment Agency – this will be considered by the Council, Planning Commission and others. BEDP’s recommendations and advice will go to Council.
· Ten year tax on housing element – Council will need to make a decision.
· The new street grid – needs to become a downtown policy – Council decision.
The City’s Quarterly Work Program is done and Gary will bring to the next BEDP meeting. Dean Parkins distributed a list of the BEDP Work Program Goals and Priorities asking for team leaders for each item. Gary and Dean decided to meet before the next BEDP meeting to discuss the work program.
Discover Burien Report – Debra George
Members were reminded of Clean Sweep on April 24. The check-in time is
7:45-8:00 a.m.
Other events coming up:
Spring Stroll – Art Walk – May 1. There will be 23 business participating and 24 artists will be displaying their work.
Farmer’s Market – Starting May 13.
A new Salvation Army Thrift Store is opening on 1st Avenue, across from the Nissan dealership.
LID Update – Dick Loman
The latest report on the LID is as follows:
Total 63 acres = 100%
Need 32 acres = 52%
Goal is 38 acres
Have on this date 14 acres, which is 22.12%
Steve Clark is making progress with Powell on the Safeway and Albertson properties. Dick thanked Ryan Warnes for re-producing the three Lindstrom petitions. Ryan reported that BBC Dodge is purchasing it’s property from Chrysler and the new ownership will be signing the LID within a couple of weeks.
Final Review of “Doing Business in Burien” Brochure – Dick Loman
The “Doing Business in Burien” was presented to the Planning Commission for their review. The Commission made a couple of minor edits and complemented everyone on the work done. They suggested adding the Highline Community College’s information on their Occupational Skills classes and other information under Business Resources. Joline has contacted the college and when this information is added the brochure will be available to people opening a new business.
Commercial Zoning – David Johanson
In response to concerns and questions at the last BEDP meeting, regarding commercial zoning, David Johanson presented some background information. He distributed the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezone Handout (see attached), which describes the process and schedule for considering annual amendments including rezones. His handouts also included the Urban Center Boundary and the Comp Plan Amendment Criteria (see attached). The city just went through a backlog and did a major look at the Comprehensive Plan. The state requires this once every 7-10 years and all zoning requests are looked at in connection with how they fit with the plan. Additional information from David is the city has 23% vacant or underutilized commercial property available.
Discuss False Alarm Policy – Henry McLauchlan
Preceding Henry’s presentation Chief of Police, Scott Kimerer, reported to the Partnership that 2003 was a very good year. Crime was down giving officers time to work on other issues.
False alarms are a serious issue with businesses and in residential areas. Henry reported that at least 1,000 times a year the police are dispatched by alarm companies. More efficient programs are being looked at i.e. Tacoma and Seattle no longer ticket the customer, they fine the alarm company. Another option is the Verified Response Alarm Policy (see attached), which requires the alarm company to provide an eyewitness to confirm there is an actual criminal act before the police are called. Silent alarms / panic alarms, which need to actually be pushed, will continue to be handled as a high priority.
The city is looking for advice from the Partnership and a formal recommendation as to:
· What do you think will work?
· What kind of process or education does the Partnership recommend?
Motion made by Doug Moreland to recommend to City Council the Verified Response Alarm Policy; motion seconded by Harvey Aulgur. Motion passed unanimously.
Before the next BEDP meeting Gary Long will have a sketch for the community education.
Roy Galusha, Burien Police Department, offered his services to anyone who would like him to come to their business and recommend ways to help prevent break-ins and thefts. Roy can be contacted at 206-296-3370.
Round the Table:
Nancy Damon - The Highline Funds for Excellence will be held May 21.
Debra George – Clean Sweep April 24, 8:00 a.m.
Bob Ewing – Bob liked the idea of the team leader assignments for the work program. This is a good start for getting these priorities accomplished.
Doug Moreland – The grid, renewal and the tax abatement are going to be huge issues for the city.
David Elliott – Would like to see the Annexation Review Process on the next agenda. Gary will bring the report that went to Council to the next meeting.
Scott Kimerer – Announced a possibility of a grocery store strike May l, which would include QFC, Safeway and Fred Meyer.
Clare Gallagher – Advised the membership of the Airport Community Meeting on May 13, 4-7 p.m. at the Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church.
Adjourned: 8:30 am. David Elliott made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Ryan Warnes seconded.
Next Meeting: May 14, 2004, 7:00 a.m.