The Burien City Council hosted a reception to honor outgoing councilmembers and to welcome incoming councilmembers. They also heard a presentation on the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan and discussed new revenue options to address a forecasted revenue gap.
City Council Honors Outgoing Councilmembers, Welcomes New Councilmembers
The City Council presented proclamations and a key to the city to Mayor Sofia Aragon and Councilmember Cydney Moore.
Linda Akey, Alex Andrade, and Kevin Schilling, who won council positions in the recent election, took their oaths of office.
Both incoming and outgoing councilmembers were celebrated at a special reception prior to the regular meeting.
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan Presented
City Council heard the first of a series of scheduled presentations on the updated Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The City sought feedback on the elements of the plan through the Shape Your City initiative.
The purpose of the PROS plan is to guide the future of Burien’s parks, recreation, and open space planning and capital project prioritization over the next six years. The plan includes an overview of community input, system analysis, themes and goals, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) prioritization. It provides recommendations to support a wholistic system and provide opportunities for enhancements to the current system.
The planning process identified the following opportunities:
- Parks and Recreation Centers are critical infrastructure for positive health outcomes.
- Providing recreation and educational opportunities is a community-wide effort.
- Integration of public art and representation bolster community ownership.
Challenges include:
- Climate change leading to dire health and economic consequences.
- Maintenance and funding limitations could impact system expansions.
- The need for equitable access to safe parks and open spaces.
The plan proposes that capital improvement projects be prioritized using metrics that consider equity, existing conditions, level of service, and opportunities.
City Council Discusses Revenue Options to Address Forecasted Revenue Gap
The City Council discussed options to raise revenues to address a forecasted revenue gap. They directed staff bring back legislation to review both council and voter-approved revenue options.
Council Reports
During the Council Reports portion of the meeting, the following councilmembers provided updates:
- Deputy Mayor Schilling reported on his attendance of a Sound Cities Association meeting to approve funds to operate their organization.
- Mayor Aragon recommended the City Council sign a letter of support for Sound Cities Association’s ask for federal funding for new helicopters for the King County Sheriff’s Office.
City Manager’s Report
During the City Manager’s Report portion of the meeting, the City Manager provided the following updates:
- Shape Your City open house occurred on December 6. Community members who were unable to attend can still provide feedback through January 5, 2024 in an online engagement activity.
- Kinect@Burien has applied for Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE). City staff confirmed receipt the application.
- Recruitment for advisory boards continues, with applications due January 12, 2024.
- Progress is being made to establish a temporary emergency housing village. City staff are meeting with staff from King County Regional Homelessness Authority, City of Seattle, and King County.
- Communication has resumed with Oasis Home Church and Burien Community Support Coalition regarding Sunnydale Village.
- King County is issuing a request for proposals for cities to site, construct, operate, and/or develop projects that benefit people living unsheltered and mitigate the negative impacts of living unsheltered, such as, day centers, hygiene services, sanctioned encampments, and shelter within the city for serving unsheltered individuals or families. Up to $5 million in funding is available to pay for or reimburse eligible costs incurred from the contract start date through December 31, 2026. The City Council gave staff direction to proceed with an application in partnership with Mary’s Place to support their Burien Affordable Housing and Shelter Development Project.
Consent Agenda
The City Council approved the following on their consent agenda:
- Federal and state legislative agendas
- Ordinance No. 833, Amending BMC 3.11.078 - Printing and Publishing Income for Local Business and Occupation Tax