Grocery Worker Hazard Pay, Black History Month, Localized Flooding and Landslides, BEDP 2021 Work Plan
Council passed a hazard pay ordinance for grocery workers, which will be discussed again during a special meeting on February 8, 2021. They also heard an update on a landslide in Seahurst Park and localized flooding in the Boulevard Park neighborhood, approved the 2021 work plan for the Business & Economic Development Partnership, and approved the Greensward Farms subdivision applcication. February was declared Black History Month in Burien.
Council passed a hazard pay ordinance for grocery workers, which will be discussed again during a special meeting on February 8, 2021. They also heard an update on a landslide in Seahurst Park and localized flooding in the Boulevard Park neighborhood, approved the 2021 work plan for the Business & Economic Development Partnership, and approved the Greensward Farms subdivision application. February was declared Black History Month in Burien.
Celebrating Black History Month
Burien City Council declared Black History Month in Burien. The proclamation acknowledged the Black Lives Matter Community Exhibit developed by the Highline Heritage Museum and scheduled to open on February 8, 2021. The exhibit was developed in partnership with community members, artists, business owners, high school and middle school employees.
Gaylloyd Sissòn, a member of the Burien Arts Commission and who helped create the exhibit, accepted the proclamation.
Introducing New and Promoted Employees
Several employees who had been promoted were introduced to Council.
- Lisa Aumann, promoted to Parks Maintenance Supervisor
- Bryennah Quander, promoted to Department Assistant
- Devin Chicras, promoted to Communications Specialist
- Ian Finan, promoted to Public Works Maintenance
- Justin DeWolfe, promoted to Maintenance Worker II
Update on Seahurst Park Landslide and Boulevard Park Flooding
The director of public works provided an overview of two environmental issues exacerbated by recent winter storms.
Seahurst Park Landslide
A few weeks ago, a landslide occurred on a hillside adjacent to the roadway that carries traffic into the park. The current slide is an area that experienced a slide in 2014. At that time, the City conducted a preliminary study to develop a solution. The estimated cost to stabilize the slope was approximately $300,000. The imminent risk in 2014 was the presence of infrastructure owned by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) in close vicinity to the slide. The City offered to work with the utility company on a stabilization project but they determined there was no immediate threat to their facilities. Since the slide has now progressed to the sidewalk, the City has determined a stabilization project is necessary to preserve the sole entrance into the park. The anticipated solution is a soldier pile retaining wall, but other options will be evaluated.
Staff are in talks with SPU about how to best collaborate on the project. Staff will bring back project details and cost estimates to Council at a future date.
Localized Flooding in Boulevard Park
Council discussed localized flooding that is affecting two homes in the Boulevard Park neighborhood. The public works director explained that the stormwater system affecting the two properties that have reported damage is privately owned and maintained. There appears to have been unpermitted activity at multiple locations along this private system that may have altered the flow of stormwater. City staff are working with the community adjacent to the stormwater system to assist with possible solutions.
Council expressed interest in hosting a future discussion on stormwater management as well as a report from local water and sewer districts on their plans for future capital investments and climate change mitigation strategies.
Greensward Farms Subdivision Approved by Council
Council approved the subdivision of Greensward Farms, three parcels of land totaling 4.23 acres located at the southeast corner of intersection of 1st Ave S and S 168th St. The parcels will now be subdivided into 17 single-family residential lots.
The subdivision applicant, Millennial Development, will be required to meet current standards governing stormwater management, tree retention, emergency access, right-of-way improvements, sidewalks, and recreation space in the new development.
Business and Economic Development Partnership 2021 Work Plan Approved
Council approved the 2021 work plan for the Business & Economic Development Partnership (BEDP), which includes implementation of a food truck pilot program, study of parking needs in downtown Burien, development of anti-displacement strategies for legacy businesses, and a Council-directed addition of a study of Burien’s minimum wage with a focus on large businesses.
They also discussed progress on their goals for 2020, including providing input into business attraction efforts, Ambaum and Boulevard Park subarea planning, and COVID-19 response. Several recommendations they made were approved by Council, including the implementation of mandatory dumpster locks and mandatory garbage service for businesses in downtown Burien.
Long-time BEDP members Dean Anderson, owner of Burien Toyota, and Matt Wendland, owner of Burien Press, were thanked for their eight years of dedicated service. BEDP bylaws state members can only serve two terms.
Grocery Worker Hazard Pay Approved, Special Meeting Called for February 8
After significant public comment and discussion, the Burien City Council passed an ordinance to require grocers pay their workers hazard pay during the pandemic. However, after the passing the ordinance, they later voted to hold a special meeting on February 8, 2021 at 7 p.m. to discuss, and make potential amendments, to the ordinance.
Ordinances are published in the city’s official newspaper the Friday after Council meetings and don’t go into effect until five days after publication.
Burien’s Contract with King County Sheriff’s Office to Be Debated
Council directed staff to place on a future agenda a discussion of Burien’s police services contract with King County Sheriff’s Office. The City of Seatac recently voted to give notice to King County that they are unhappy with their current police services contract with King County Sheriff’s Office. The SeaTac City Council and King County Executive’s Office will now engage in discussions on the future of the contract.