Council Roundup: October 21, 2019

Affordable Housing, Highline Medical Center, Burien Annex Community Center, Budget
Posted on 10/23/2019

Council pledged support for Highline Medical Center, heard an update on the Westmark Emerald Pointe property, appointed a new BEDP member, and discussed affordable housing and the 2020 budget.

Council Supports Highline Medical Center’s Bid to Perform Lifesaving Heart Procedure

The Highline Medical Center will be petitioning the State of Washington to allow the medical center permission to perform elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, formerly known as angioplasty with stent). Council granted the request to send a signed letter of support.

Westmark Emerald Pointe Project Update

Community Development Director Susan McLain provided an update on the history and current work on property adjacent to Seahurst Park owned by Westmark Emerald Pointe LLC. Learn more about the City’s efforts to monitor the project. 

Council Appoints Community Members to Advisory Board

Linda Akey was selected to serve on the Burien Economic Development Partnership (BEDP). The Burien Parks and Recreation Board is accepting applications for one opening.

Council Reviews 2020 Budget

Council discussed the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which pays for transportation, parks infrastructure, and stormwater projects. Revenue sources for this fund include grants, the voter-approved King County Parks Levy, and Transportation Benefit District fees. Some of the projects the CIP is set to fund include projects such as 1st Ave S improvement, pavement management program, stormwater projects, HVAC replacement for the Burien Community Center, and a master plan for Hilltop Park.
Council will discuss and revise the mid-biennium budget throughout the fall:

  • November 4: Second public hearing, introduction of property tax levy, introduction of the surface water management rates
  • November 18: Adoption of property tax levy, adoption of surface water management rates
  • December 2: Adoption of budget, including 2020 financial policies

New Affordable Housing Demonstration Program

Thara Johnson, senior planner, presented a proposed affordable housing demonstration program that the Burien Planning Commission recommended Council approve. 

The proposed ordinance includes consideration of different housing types, sets distance between projects, determines total number of projects and zones where projects could be located. Each project would be required to have at least two community meetings. Planning Commission and Council would both be involved in evaluating the projects and assessing if the projects are compatible in the neighborhood that they are proposed to be located in as well as ensuring public comment could be accepted during the process.

Council will take final action on whether to approve the program at their November 4, 2019 meeting.

Burien Annex Community Center Building Will be Assessed for Long-term Use

Council approved staff moving forward with hiring MENG Analysis to perform an inspection of the long-term operability of the Burien Annex Community Center. The inspection would include evaluation of the condition of the building, including energy systems. The results of the inspection will be presented to Council at a future date. Staff are also exploring whether the City’s insurance provider could provide the same services.

Council Approves 2020 State and Federal Legislative Agenda

Council approved 2020 state and federal legislative agendas.

Get Involved

The Council encourages Burien residents to understand the business of the City as well as discussions on specific topics that are brought before the City Council. There are several ways to follow the workings of the Council:

  • Attend the Monday night City Council meetings-in person, on Channel 21, or streamed online. See schedule of meetings.
  • Watch for scheduled public meetings or public hearings on specific projects and topics.

The Council is interested in hearing from residents and businesses. Ways to provide meaningful input include: