BURIEN BUSINESS and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
(BEDP)
MEETING MINUTES
Date: February 11 , 2005
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 AM
Members Present: David Elliott, Dean Parkins, Kevin Fitz, Doug Moreland,
John Roberts, Debra George, Barbara Blackshear-Haley, Harvey Aulgur, Ryan Warnes, Kris Jensen, Bob Ewing
Absentees: Mark Minium, Tom Gehl
Excused Absentees: Nancy Damon
Staff: Gary Long, City Manager; Dick Loman, Economic Development Manager; Joline Wright, Economic Development Assistant; Scott Greenberg, Community Development Director
Guests: Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak; Jim Hughes, Sal’s Deli; and Gayle Collins, Page 2 Book Exchange
Minutes: Minutes were corrected to include Dean Parkins attending the voluntary group meeting on January 21; corrected the name of one of the elementary schools mentioned to Sunnydale; and changed the last sentence in Doug Moreland’s comments to read “We need to do the right thing, be careful and do a critical analysis of the economics”. David Elliott moved to approve the corrected minutes; Doug Moreland seconded the motion. Motion passed and minutes were approved.
Chair’s Report: Dean Parkins
Dean introduced guests; Lucy Krakowiak, Jim Hughes and Gayle Collins.
City Manager’s Report: Gary Long
Town Square - Gary reported the City is in the last stage of pulling the real estate together; approximately 60-90 days away from all deals final. The Eminent Domain ordinance on the Strobel property went through at the Monday night Council meeting. The meeting on Thursday with the Strobels was productive; hope to have something worked out over the next few weeks.
There is a financial gap for streets. The infrastructure will cost $5-8 million. This will be a state/federal grant effort. Doug Moreland asked “What is the impact on Town Square if the City does not receive the grant for streets?’’ Gary answered this could mean the City would delay a portion of the streets; make some budget reductions at City Hall / Public Space; or some portions of the project will be delayed until funding becomes available. Gary feels, however, that over the next 3-4 years the City will assemble the money. The City has very good legislature support.
The City and the Port are working on two airports issues; NERA buy-out and Port of Seattle and redevelopment of Lora Lake properties. Options the City and Port are discussing are:
· $5 Million Redevelopment Fund: To assist in the buyout and redevelopment of all of these noise-impacted properties, Burien is proposing a redevelopment fund where the state provides funding to buy properties in the impacted areas from current owners who wish to sell their property.
· Strategy for redevelopment initiatives. The City could provide consulting and technical support to property owners who wish to initiate redevelopment by themselves or in business partnership with other adjacent land owners. (see attached)
The FAA recently took a different position; 800 feet in the center of the transition zone will have no development if the FAA prevails. Mark Reis, Managing Director of
Sea-Tac Airport, met with the FAA to find out why the change. The FAA may give in and allow some development.
Bill Crossman from Highline School system gave a presentation at the Discover Burien meeting on Wednesday concerning the plans for major school curriculum redesign. Gary suggested a task force to focus on working with the school district; need specific planning. The working relationship with the school district is still a challenge. The school closures are another issue impacting the community.
Barbara Blackshear-Haley said it is a requirement to have a public meeting before the Board makes a discussion to close schools. The public hearing notices are published on the website www.hsd401.org. Next Wednesday, February 16 a meeting will be held at Valleyview; March 9 – Sunnydale; March 23 – Salmon Creek; and April 6 – Olympic. Barbara also advised the boundary change recommendations went forward on Wednesday. The school board will make the final decision on the changes by the end of April.
John Roberts offered to take the lead with Barbara and work with a group of people from Discover Burien to move forward on discussing properties and opportunities. Gary said there will be a discussion with the Council at the next Study Session regarding the lease for the Senior Center and he would like to have a conversion about school closures. Gary will give John a list of concerns that he and Barbara can work with. Gary encouraged the Partnership and Discover Burien to attend the Study Session on February 28th.
Another item Gary asked the Partnership to work on is Business License revenue; how do we use it and how we get Discover Burien permanent funding sources. The cost of business licenses have not been adjusted since 1999. Dean Parkins mentioned that this item had been added to the 2005 BEDP Work Program Priorities list.
Discover Burien Report – Debra George
Debra reported Clean Sweep will be on April 30 this year. Discover Burien has sent out flyers to Block Watch captains to encourage the neighborhoods to get more involved. Volunteers are still needed and she circulated a signup sheet. There will be three dumpster setups in the community; the central location will be behind the Gottschalks Building. Debra is working on having hazardous waste picked up; this would be behind the Gottschalks Building also. The Teen Program at Parks will be in charge of games, etc. Dick Loman thought having the teens distribute posters / flyers would be a good way to get them involved. The Fire Station will still be the gathering place for everyone and continue to have support from the Port of Seattle.
Invitations are going out today for the Annual Dinner / Silent Auction on March 5 from 6-11 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. The West Seattle Big Band will be the entertainment with the awards ceremony starting at 8:15 p.m.
New event calendars for 2005 are being distributed.
Request for Business Leadership Support – Gary Long
Gary asked the Partnership for a letter supporting the City of Burien and the Port’s request for $6 million in federal funding for a joint proposal to make SR518 corridor improvements. Doug Moreland moved that BEDP approve a letter of support for the SR518 corridor improvements; David Elliott seconded. Motion passed.
The Cities of Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Renton have formed a collation to request an east-west high capacity transit connection in the second phase of the Sound Transit Plan. The City needs to do some effective lobbying and need a letter of support – need the business community an advocate. Gary and Dean will be together a draft letter. Harvey Aulgur moved to approve a support letter; Ryan Warnes seconded.
The $5 million airport redevelopment fund will be a request to the state legislature. The City needs business endorsements. This fund will be used to offer to purchase land at fair market value, then sell after two acres are accumulated. Working with some of the large parcel owners to see if they want to develop LLC. PSRC will be doing a draft support letter today. John Roberts moved to approve a support letter; Kevin Fitz seconded. Motion passed.
General Annexation Discussion – Doug Moreland
On Friday, February 4, the Annexation Sub-Committee met with Berk & Associates, City consultants on the Annexation Study. The items discussed were impact on fire services; impact on police services; need for additional economic development information; and need for additional capital facility information.
Some of the highlights of the BEDP discussion were:
· The difference from Seattle to Burien – Seattle is different than any other jurisdiction in the state; i.e. difference programs, etc. Need to explore this with Seattle.
· Figures in the report are Burien’s not King County’s.
· Growing discussion in North Highline to stay just the way they are.
· Some disconnect that is supposed to exist with the interested parties - cannot believe that Tukwila and SeaTac do not have some impact on this issue.
· That in any annexation study, there are assumptions being made about Seattle's interest and abilities regarding this area. We need to be sure to explore with Seattle what the facts are. Scott Greenberg agreed.
The City will be meeting again with the Seattle Mayor’s office. Scott Greenberg advised that the Seattle issue is huge and has to be clarified.
Scott distributed a White Center Business District Analysis and Revitalization Plan done in September 2002 by the County. The questions here are:
· What are the final alternatives?
· What are the economics opportunities?
· Capital need issues?
Round the Table:
Harvey Aulgur – Maybe we should start building our own fire station.
Debra George – The latest update on available space on SW 152nd is 5 spaces; four years ago there were 22 empty spaces. Discover Burien receives calls every day inquiring about downtown space.
There was a robbery at Poggi Bonsi recently; clerk was held at gun point. A community meeting is going to be held on Wednesday, February 16, with Henry McLauchlan from the Burien Police Department.
E.B. Foote Winery has agreed to have a booth at the Farmer’s Market.
Bob Ewing – During the process of the Economic Development Element there was discussion on getting data on businesses starting and sales. This information is needed and would be very helpful.
Bob said he supported everything that the Partnership did at the meeting today, however, three letters were supported without even seeing them; this is not a good policy.
John Roberts – Change, communications and relations very important for a lot of growth. Links with the business community, the school district and the City; nice to see everyone working together.
Gary Long – SW King County Chamber luncheon is today at the Rainier Golf Club. Gary encourages more BEDP participation.
Adjourned: 8:30 am.
Next Meeting: February 25, 2005, 7:00 a.m.