BURIEN BUSINESS and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

(BEDP)

 

MEETING MINUTES

Date: September 10, 2004

Time:  7:00 – 8:30 AM

 

 

 

Members Present:  David Elliott, Dean Parkins, Bob Ewing, Nancy Damon, John Roberts, Harvey Aulgur, Ryan Warnes, Debra George, Tom Gehl, Kevin Fitz, Kris Jensen

 

Absentees:   Mark Minium

 

Excused Absentees:  Doug Moreland, Barbara Blackshear-Haley

 

Staff:  Gary Long, City Manager; Dick Loman, Economic Development Manager; Joline Wright, Economic Development Assistant; Scott Greenberg, Community Development-Planning Director; David Cline, Assistant to the City Manager, Scott Kimerer, Police Chief; Steve Clark, Public Works Director.

 

Guests:  Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak

 

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

 

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

 

Chair’s Report:

 

 

City Manager’s Report:  Gary Long

 

Gary attended the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Gregory Heights Elementary School on September 9.  This is the first of four schools to be dedicated. 

 

The City Council, Legislators and Staff are lobbying for the Seahurst Seawall Removal Project and hope to have approval for a project this fall. 

 

Focus is on the final elements of Town Square agreement, which should be ready to be acted on by the Council on October 4.

 

The airport/relationship issues being worked out; moving in a positive direction.  Anyone having problems or concerns with the truck hauling for the third runway can find contact information on the City’s website under www.ci.burien.wa.us/community development/ community development news/ Dirt Haul Contact Phone Numbers.

 

Discover Burien Report – Debra George

 

Dean Parkins reported that at the last steering committee there were positive comments on how the gas line construction was handled on 1st Avenue.

 

Debra George reminded everyone of the following events:

·        The Farmers Market will be operating until October 7.

·        The Burien Art Walk is this Saturday, September 11.

·        Sal’s Deli celebrating their 35th Anniversary on Saturday, September 11 from

11 am to 6 pm

·        Octoberfest is in three weeks starting October 1

 

LID Update – Dick Loman

 

Public Works has satisfied the concerns of the Safeway Plaza and will be receiving paperwork from the corporate office in California.  Steve Clark thanked everyone on the Partnership for their help in getting signatures for this important LID.

 

Discussion on Annexation – Scott Greenberg

 

In response to the GMA (Growth Management Act), countywide planning policies were developed to work towards eliminating unincorporated areas between cities.  The North Highline Area, which includes White Center and Boulevard Park, is one of the largest of these unincorporated urban areas.  Scott Greenberg explained that in addition to GMA policies supporting annexation or incorporation of urbanized areas, it is the responsibility of the City of Burien to define a border that assures adequate fire services for residents in the north end of the City.  The need also exists to work with utility service providers to assume adequate and affordable water and sewer services.  Scott distributed material (see attached) showing annexation options including options for fire and water districts, and sewer districts.  The timeline is as follows:

·        December 2004: Draft operational and capital studies completed; study of alternatives for funding fire services also completed.

·        First Quarter 2005: Final operational and capital studies completed.

·        First Quarter 2005: City Council direction on annexation issues.

·        2005: Possible Comprehensive Plan amendments related to annexation boundaries and/or policies.

·        2005: Annexation discussions with special districts, North Highline Unincorporated Area Council and area residents.

·        2006: City Council go/no decision on annexation.

·        2006: Annexation election held in area to be annexed.

 

Partnership members questioned the public process for the annexation.  Members are concerned the public does not know what is going on and an option mentioned would be to choose a method that would require a vote.  Gary Long explained that elected city officials are responsible for the decision.  Ryan Warnes suggested members attend the council meetings to give their input.

 

Another question directed to Gary Long is why is Tukwila not in this process?  Gary said that Tukwila has no reason to go north and Sea-Tac does not want to participate.  Another option that could be looked at is to fund a fire station without changing our borders.

 

Scott Kimerer, Police Chief, gave the Partnership some facts regarding police services.  The crime rate in the north highline area is lower than in Burien, but significantly higher in Seattle.  If annexed, north highline area may be impacted by higher crime rate with no increase in police resources.  One of the options is to incorporate; if Seattle takes this area it would be a public safety impact on Burien.

 

Discussion on Ten Year Housing Tax Abatement - David Cline

 

David Cline attended the Partnership meeting for members input regarding the tax abatement.  There will be a public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed Ordinance No. 413 (see attached) amending the zoning code to add Chapter 19.45 - Urban Center Development (10 Year Multi-Family Tax Exemption) on Monday, September 13.  If Council directs, adoption of this ordinance will be at Council meeting scheduled for September 20.

 

The Planning Commission and Staff recommend Ordinance 413 designating the boundary of the Downtown Commercial Zone only; have design guidelines already for this area.

 

David Elliott moved to recommend the adoption of the Ten Year Tax Abatement with a periodic review period and sunset clause added; John Roberts seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

 

Round the Table:

 

Tom Gehl – Tom asked how negotiations were going with ESD.  Gary said they met on September 9 and continuing the due diligence.  EDS still wants to see how they can be part of Town Square.

 

Bob Ewing – Bob thanked David Cline and Scott Greenberg for bringing information to the Partnership.  City Staff getting innovative, need to look for alternative ways of getting things done.

 

Gary Long – Gary commented he valued the Partnership’s input and appreciated putting things out on the table for discussion.

 

Harvey Aulgur – Harvey has noticed more street people lately.  Sound on Wheels had to lock their dumpsters to keep people of sleeping in them.  Noticed shopping carts being used for chairs and tables.

 

John Roberts – When changes occur it is good for some and not others.  The way to reduce the fear of change is to get everyone on the same page.  Communication is very important during changes.

 

Nancy Damon – Today, September 10 is the membership luncheon in the auditorium at SeaTac Airport.  Mark Reis, replacement for Gina Marie Lindsey, Port of Seattle, is the guest speaker.  September 16 is the grand opening of the Chamber’s new office from 4-6 p.m.

 

Dick Loman – Spirit of Halloween has leased the Gottschalks building through November and is now open. 

 

Adjourned:  8:30 am. 

 

Next Meeting:  September 24, 2004, 7:00 a.m.