During their first July meeting after a summer hiatus, the Burien City Council discussed possible sites for temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness and discussed an ordinance to ban daytime camping on public land. The meeting followed several months of discussions about how to address immediate concerns around people living unsheltered in Burien.
City to Investigate Sites in Burien for Temporary Housing
The City Council discussed three possible sites that could host temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness. The site of the former Beverly Park Elementary School is owned by Highline Public Schools and was removed from consideration.
The City Council voted to direct city manager to investigate the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) site, and other King County sites for potential use as a temporary site for limited term housing in partnership with utilization of the $1 million from King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). The city manager has been directed to provide information on the use and limitations of the funding offer from King County, specifically for substance use disorder, treatment and recovery, mental health services, and property management requirements.
The City Council must approve a site location in order for the City of Burien to access the $1 million and 35 pallet homes offered by King County through the KCRHA. The City Council would also need to approve an interlocal agreement between the City and KCRHA, and pass zoning changes.
The funding, which would be managed by KCRHA, could pay for 24/7 staffing to provide case management, behavioral health support, and security.
If a site is selected, specific details of the management of the site would be worked out with KCRHA during the contracting phase. KCRHA would also lead any community engagement related to site selection.
City Council Discusses New Ordinance to Prohibit Daytime Camping on Public Property
The City Council directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would prohibit individuals to camp, occupy camp facilities, or use camp paraphernalia (such as tents) on public property between sunrise and sunset. They directed the draft ordinance be modeled after City of Bellevue’s law on unlawful camping. Prior to their vote, the City Council reviewed ordinances from six different cities in Washington, Oregon, and California. King County Sheriff’s Office stated that they could enforce any of the ordinances presented to the City Council.
The draft ordinance will include language about the necessity to offer available shelter space before pursuing criminal punishment.
Council Reports and City Manager Report
Councilmembers thanked City staff for installing speeding controls in the Boulevard Park neighborhood and making improvements to Southern Heights Park. The mayor reported on a meeting that she had with Rep. Tina Orwall, Sen. Karen Keiser, and representatives from Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) to discuss details of the new permanent supportive housing development that is currently under construction.
During his report, the city manager announced that Casey Stanley had been promoted to Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PaRCS) from Deputy Director.
Consent Agenda
The City Council approved on their consent agenda the donation of property adjacent to the north end of Salmon Creek Ravine, extending the size of the park.