BURIEN BUSINESS and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

(BEDP)

 

MEETING MINUTES

Date: July 23, 2004

Time:  7:00 – 8:30 AM

 

 

 

Members Present:  Doug Moreland, David Elliott, Dean Parkins, Bob Ewing, Nancy Damon, John Roberts, Ryan Warnes, Debra George, Tom Gehl

 

Absentees:    Mark Minium

 

Excused Absentees:  Kevin Fitz, Kris Jensen, Harvey Aulgur

 

Staff:  Gary Long, City Manager, Dick Loman, Economic Development Manager, Joline Wright, Economic Development Assistant and Linda Gorton, Director, Finance & Admin. Services

 

Guests:  Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak

 

Call to Order:  Meeting opened at 7:00 a.m. by Chair Dean Parkins.

 

Minutes:   Doug Moreland moved to approve the minutes; John Roberts seconded the motion.  Motion passed and minutes were approved.

 

Chair’s Report:

 

Burr Stewart, Strategic Planning Manager, Port of Seattle, was unable to attend this meeting; rescheduled to attend the August 13 meeting.

 

Letter was sent to Chad Campbell asking for his resignation.  Just a reminder to members, if plan on being absent, please contact Dean Parkins or Joline.

 

City Manager’s Report:  Gary Long

 

The City Council passed a resolution to support the library levy.  Gary would like everyone’s help in getting this levy passed.

 

The housing tax abatement is in the public hearing process.   The City Council will be looking at this at the 2nd business meeting in September. 

 

An ice cream social is planned on August 4 for the Town Square community meeting.  This meeting will cover the Town Square Public Space Study. 

 

The City Council approved the docket to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.  There are property issues in the Northeast Planning Area that Gary would like to see BEPD involved in.

 

Repair is underway on 8th SW and the bids have been approved for Sylvester, which will  be starting in the next two weeks.

 

Discover Burien Report – Debra George

 

·        The Salvation Army will be having their grand opening on August 12 at 10 a.m.  They are located next to Herr Lumber.

·        August 4 is the City of Burien Town Square Public Space Study community meeting.  Free hot dogs will be served and an ice cream social is planned.

·        August 7 - Classy Chassis Show

·        August 14 – MicroBrew Fest/Bachelor Auction

·        August 20/21 – Vintage Tag Sale in Old Burien

 

Discussion on Ten-Year Property Tax Exemption – Linda Gorton

 

Linda explained that in 1995 the State Legislature passed the Ten Year Tax Abatement Program allowing cities additional incentives to increase housing in urban areas.  It is one of the tools cities can use to ensure their housing policies are implemented.  Benefits of the program include helping cities revitalize their urban core.  Increasing housing in a city’s urban core is an important element in creating a viable commercial downtown.  It anchors existing businesses and may attract retail, office and additional housing in the downtown area.  Eleven other cities have taken the necessary steps to implement the Ten Year Tax Abatement Program.  An ordinance adopting this as one of the tools the city may use to encourage housing in Burien’s downtown will be on the September City Council agenda.

 

Dean Parkins asked Linda to give a summary of government accounting.  Linda explained fund accounting, the type of accounting used by governments.  Burien has three different types of funds:

            General Operating Fund – This fund supports the general operations of the City government.  These include public safety, planning and community development, code enforcement, parks, recreation, and cultural activities, and general administration.  Taxes account for 87% of General Fund revenue.   Sales tax (37%), property tax (30%), utility tax (12%), gambling tax (5%) and business and occupation tax (3%).

            Special Revenue Fund – Special Revenue funds account for revenue sources that are restricted to expenditures for specified purposes.  The primary special revenue funds in Burien are the Street fund, Surface Water Management fund, cumulative reserve fund and public works reserve fund.  Real Estate Excise taxes help to fund these uses.

            Capital Project Fund – These funds are used to account for capital projects i.e. Town Square and 1st Avenue S.

 

Round the Table:

 

Tom Gehl – The tenant operating Ken’s Kitchen is remodeling the establishment.

 

Nancy Damon – The chamber has moved to 14220 Interurban South.

 

Dick Loman – The NEST Study is almost complete.  Tom Boydell will be making a presentation at the August 9 Council meeting.

 

Doug Moreland – Hearing good news from the Old Burien area.  The area has some newer shops and hearing from people it is a good reason to come to Burien.  Debra George added that the Tin Shop is being renovated and Kirk’s Feed Store has sold to Natural Pet Pantry.

 

Adjourned:  8:30 am.  Tom Gehl made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Ryan Warnes seconded.

 

Next Meeting:  August 13, 2004, 7:00 a.m.