The Burien City Council had a retreat on January 28, 2012 at the Environmental Science Center. These retreats are open to the public but most citizens do not know about them and the retreats are not broadcast or videotaped. However, it is important to know what is going on at them. For example at this last retreat, Jack Block put forth the idea that the City Council meetings should be changed from Monday to Tuesday or some other night of the week. The reason for the change that was given by Jack was that the City Staff needed more time to prepare for meetings. However, Mike Martin/City Manager told the Councilmembers that there was no need to change the meeting night and his staff could be ready on Mondays just as they have been ready for more than 11 years. Councilmember Lucy K. made it clear the she could not change the night of the meetings from Monday on her calendar due to other professional, business, community and personal commitments. One of the councilmembers attacked her for daring to say this.

So what is the change of the Monday night meeting really about? Well one of the councilmembers – maybe jokingly –said that it was so that some councilmembers could watch Monday night football. However, it is important to remember what happened in the last election cycle, Nov. 2011. Five of the city councilmembers joined together and held a fund raiser to defeat Lucy K. Why? Because she dared to question or voted against their pet projects-the annexation of Area Y, the problematic, badly run animal control program in Burien and against renewing the City Manager’s contract. She won the election by 64% of the vote. Citizens like her because she represents their vote on many issues. The four remaining Councilmembers who wanted her gone are still looking for ways to get rid of her voice and the citizens she represents. Changing the meeting night so that she can’t attend seems to be one way to eliminate her voice and vote. This Council is desperate to silence anyone who questions or speaks out against the annexation of Area Y. They forced Doug Moreland off of the Economic Development Partnership Advisory Board -because he and members of that group presented a report to the Council that stated the annexation of Area Y did not make good economic sense for the City of Burien in the long term. This is exactly what the Berk Report and what some members of the Boundary Review Board have also noted.

So if you are concerned that your citizen elected representative voice, Lucy K., will be silenced by this squeeze play of four Councilmembers, now is the time to email your new mayor. Brian Bennett-the man who ran on the ticket that he believes in quality animal control and animal rights. Email Brian Bennettbrianb@burienwa.gov about this issue. Better still write to Joan M., Rose C., Jack B. or Jerry R. who are pushing to have the meeting night changed for no apparent or emergency reason. Oh Jerry R. mentioned at this retreat that the only legacy that he wished to leave Burien is the annexation of Area Y. Interestingly, he failed to put that on his campaign flyers this last fall. because he was afraid that posting that statement might cost him the election to Debi Wagner. Stay tuned to TV tonight to see what new tricks are unfolding with these four councilmembers. But speak out or email, if you want your vote and voice represented on this Council.

- Roger DeLorm

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According to a notice sent out Wednesday morning, Feb. 1:

Amendments to Burien Zoning Code to revise definitions relating to impervious surface and schools; change review process for quasi-judicial land use decisions from Type 3 to Type 2; change review process for certain park and recreation facilities from Type 2 to Type 1; eliminate Type 1 review for auto repair in the CC zone; add minimum floor area requirement for mixed use in the CI zone; eliminate outdated and redundant references; establishing a process and requirements for legalization of non-conforming accessory dwelling units; eliminating requirement to maintain a database of significant trees; changing “wetland” to “stream” in a stream regulation; clarifying the location of stream buffers on property; establishing standards for increasing impervious surface coverage on sites where impervious surface coverage is already non-conforming; revising road capacity levels of service; establishing standards for community gardens; and, allowing options to preparing a parking study to determine parking requirements.

The specific proposed 2012 Zoning Code Amendments and project file is available for viewing at Burien City Hall during regular business hours.

Any person may submit written or oral comments or testimony at the public hearing, or may submit written comments prior to the hearing. Written comments may be submitted in person, via mail, e-mail or by facsimile. All documents submitted or requested as part of this application, including the City staff report are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours.

Scott Greenberg, AICP
Community Development Director
City of Burien
400 SW 152nd St, Suite 300
Burien, WA 98166

Phone: (206) 248-5519
E-Mail: scottg@burienwa.gov

A Burien Police sergeant responded to a call at the Burien Library late Thursday afternoon after a confrontation involving a large group of young males threatened to escalate in the lobby.

According to Sgt. Henry McLauchlan, the group of young males entered the lobby looking for another kid they knew.

After finding him there, words were exchanged, the one youth was harassed and then, apparently fearing that he would be attacked by the others, allegedly threw a punch at a young male in front of him.

The sergeant who responded to the call observed a young male running from the scene and onlookers pointed him out as being involved in the confrontation. When ordered by the sergeant to stop, the kid then ran and additional police assistance was summoned.

The situation was quickly defused and the running youth was quickly detained. No arrests have been made as of yet but the investigation continues.

One librarian estimated the crowd in the lobby before the police arrived at about 60.

McLauchlan said it is unknown if the incident involved gang members or was influenced by gang activity. That also remains under investigation.

He added that Burien police, who reduced disruptive behavior around the building last summer, will again increase their presence there.

PREVIOUSLY: A mob of about 60 young people reportedly got into a fight in the lobby of the Burien Library/City Hall Building at Town Square late Thursday afternoon.

Several Burien Police officers and King County Sheriff’s deputies responded to incident.

There was no immediate report of arrests or injuries.

More to come.

by Ralph Nichols

As Gordon Shaw departs from the Burien City Council today (Monday, Jan. 9), he looks back with conviction at his “major accomplishment” as a councilman – and warns of the costs of not annexing unincorporated North Highline.

“Helping get Mike Martin hired as city manager [in 2007] is the best thing I did,” Shaw told The B-Town Blog. “Overall, Mike is bringing forward-looking ideas to council members for their consideration and is putting Burien on sounder footing than it was before.”

Martin replaced former City Manager Gary Long and, said Shaw, “if I had the chance to do it over, I’d hire him again. The city council and city manager have a better working relationship today, and that’s good for Burien.”

Another key effort by Shaw during his eight years on the city council, which remains a work in progress, is the inclusion of Burien businesses in the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) under the flight path north of Sea-Tac International Airport.

This land, owned by the Port of Seattle, is in Burien. Shaw has been quietly working for development of an auto center there just off State Route 518. This would give car dealers on First Avenue South a lot more space that could become a sales magnet for the region.

Shaw called locating an auto center and other Burien businesses in NERA, where the Port will develop air cargo support services, “a vital link for economic development in Burien.

“I’m encouraged with the progress of discussions and believe the city and the Port will reach a mutually beneficial development agreement.”

Gordon Shaw getting dunked during a recent fundraiser.

Turning his attention to the major decision facing the city council as a new year begins – annexation – Shaw noted that “opponents of making the White Center area part of Burien are concerned about the cost.”

One of those opponents, Bob Edgar, defeated him in his bid for election to a third term on the city council last November.

“In the long run, and it won’t take that long,” Shaw said, “the costs to our city will be a lot more if we fail to annex North Highline – especially if Seattle ends up annexing the area – because of higher crime just north of Roxbury.”

Currently, criminal activity in this area of south Seattle, a consequence of limited police resources there due to budget constraints, spills over into White Center where it is largely contained by King County Sheriff’s deputies, he continued.

“But if Seattle ends up annexing the area, that crime will take root in White Center and spill into the existing North Burien, and that will cost Burien taxpayers a lot more as they pay more for increased police services without the additional North Highline tax base,” Shaw added.

“In my estimation, this would make it necessary for Burien to hire four or five additional police officers, which would cost the city about $600,000 to $750,000 including their cars and other equipment.”

Shaw agrees that the costs of annexation present a major challenge for Burien – especially with the threatened elimination of the state’s annexation sales tax credit – and said he still opposes annexation without state help.

“The city council entered into this annexation process with the understanding that state help was there, and without that assistance it just doesn’t make sense.”

He hopes, however, that the city will continue with the annexation process and then, if necessary, put the final step on hold while new funding sources are found to pay for bringing the area into Burien without increasing the tax burden on current residents.

Another key aspect of annexation that gets lost in the debate, Shaw added, is the available land in North Highline that would give Burien needed room for the development of additional commercial activity including light industry.

“These vacant areas are critical for the economic future of Burien. And this includes a lot more than just White Center. The South Park area with its developed infrastructure is a prime location for light industry,” he said. “But if we lose them now, they’re gone forever.”

Shaw, a lifelong Burien resident and businessman, joined the city council in January 2004 and served two terms. Before that, he was a long-time member of the city’s planning commission.

Our um, unofficial portrait of the 2012 Burien City Council.

A reception for New and Returning Burien City Councilmembers will be held Monday, Jan. 9 starting at 6:30 p.m., with an oath of office at 7 p.m. at City Hall, located at 400 SW 152nd Street.

This reception is a January tradition, meant to welcome newly elected members – in this case Bob Edgar, who defeated Gordon Shaw in November – as well as welcome back returning members Lucy Krakowiak, Gerald Robison, Rose Clark, Jack Block, Jr., Joan McGilton and Brian Bennett.

The public is invited to this free event.

According to the city’s website (rather incomplete but we chalk that up to a new council), here’s what your 2012 City Council will look like (in alphabetical order):

Deputy Mayor Brian Bennett
* Suburban Cities Association

Councilmember Jack Block, Jr.

Councilmember Rose Clark
* Des Moines Memorial Drive Advisory Committee
* South Correctional Entity

Bob Edgar (NEW)
Bob Edgar was elected in November to Burien City Council, Position 4. His term runs through 2015. He has been a Burien resident for over 20 years, and has been active as a citizen helping preserve the Salmon Creek Green Belt and Seahurst Park. He has been a board member of Shorewood on the Sound Community and Sustainable Burien, a member of Neighbors of Seahurst Park, and a committee member working on the Salmon Creek Neighborhood Plan and Burien Comprehensive Plan. He has a doctorate from Seattle University in Educational Leadership and a Master of Business Administration in Information Systems.

Lucy Krakowiak
Lucy Krakowiak won re-election to Position 2 on the Burien City Council, first elected in November 2003. Here new term runs through 2015. She has lived in Burien since 1988 and has had a local massage therapy business since 1994. She has been the chief organizer of Burien Clean Sweep and a member of the Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership Advisory Board. She also serves on the Suburban Cities Association Board of Directors, the King County Library System Board of Trustees and the King County Growth Management Planning Council.

Mayor Joan McGilton
* Water Resource Inventory Area 9
* King County Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee
* King County Council Regional Transit Committee
* South Central Area Caucus Group

Gerald Robison
Gerald F. (“Jerry”) Robison was appointed by the City Council in early 2011 for Position 6 and was elected to the position last November. Robison has been active in the North Highline area for many years, including service on the Burien Planning Commission as a member and vice chair. His other community activities have included the White Center Kiwanis, founding member of the North Highline Unincorporated Council; and President of the White Center Chamber of Commerce. He is an attorney with a private practice in the Highline area. Robison’s term on the City Council runs through 2015.

“To nominate a person(s), describe how the nominee contributes to the community and how these contributions are unique,” reads a note on the city’s website.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, and can be done online here, or via mail:

Burien City Hall
400 S.W. 152nd St., Ste. 300
Burien WA 98166

Please note that this will be the first year that the city is not giving out awards in conjunction with Discover Burien (we’re members), which will hold its own awards ceremony in March, 2012.

For information call Adriene Buckley at (206) 241-4647.

On the agenda for Monday night’s (Nov. 28) Burien City Council meeting (download the PDF packet here) is a second public hearing on revenue sources and expenditures for the 2011-12 mid-biennial budget, as well as transportation improvement, the comprehensive plan, SMP, re-visiting the King County Library System’s proposed consolidation of two libraries in White Center and much more.

The city will also introduce its new Economic Development Manager, Dan Trimble.

The meeting, which is free and open to the public, starts at 7 p.m. Monday night, Nov. 28th at the Burien City Hall at 400 SW 152nd Street.

Comments from the public are allowed so if you have thoughts on any of the city’s business, this would be the time and place to speak up.

Here’s the city’s public notice about the hearing:

The City of Burien will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 28, 2011, at approximately 7 p.m. for the purpose of: Receiving the publics’ comments on the 2011-2012 Mid-Biennial Budget review and amendments.

Here’s an abridged agenda (we left out some “typical” business items) – you can download the packet for Monday here (PDF file)

• Second Public Hearing on Revenue Sources and Expenditures for 2011-2012 Mid-Biennial Budget Review and Update.
• Presentation on Online Permitting.
• Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 325, Approving the 2012 through 2017 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program.
• Adopting the 2012 Property Tax Levy.
• Follow-Up to Council Questions Regarding 2011-12 Mid-Biennial Budget Modifications.
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 558, Amending the 2011-2012 Biennial Budget.
• Discussion Regarding 2011 Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments.
• Discussion Regarding Forming a Working Group for the Burien Shoreline Master Program.
• Letter to the King County Library System Board of Trustees.
• Review of Council Proposed Agenda Schedule.
• City Business.

For more information, visit the Burien City Council website here.

“Receiving the publics’ comments on revenue sources, including a possible up to a 1% increase in property tax revenue, and expenditures for the 2011-2012 Mid-Biennial Budget review and amendments.”

The hearing will be in the Burien Council Chambers at 400 SW 152nd Street, starting at approximately 7 p.m.

Copies of the 2011-2012 Mid-Biennial Budget Review are available and can be obtained by calling the Finance Department at (206) 439-3150.

Sign language and communication in alternate format can be arranged given sufficient notice. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at (206) 248-5517.

by Ralph Nichols

What impact, if any, does Burien City Councilman Gordon Shaw’s annual travel to New Zealand have on council business and his ability to represent city residents?

“None,” Mayor Joan McGilton told The B-Town Blog Oct. 25. “We all have things that we have to do. I was out for six weeks this summer for surgery. Did that hurt the council? No.”

Shaw is “absolutely up to speed when he returns” each year, she added.

McGilton responded to a recent Comment on The B-Town Blog by May B. Black, who said Shaw “misses at least 25% of the meetings and what is going on at the council … then it takes him another month to get back up to speed on the issues because he has been gone for so long.”

But Shaw stressed that these trips have “no effect” on council activity while he is in New Zealand during the first part of each year, and that “they do not affect me by being behind” when he gets back.

“I take a computer with me, I follow the meetings on the Internet, and I stay up on issues. I’m also in frequent email contact with the city.”

What really matters is how he represents Burien residents and what he accomplishes for the city in the long run, he said.

“Typically I’m gone for a month or two. Probably over the last eight years I’ve averaged six to eight weeks a year” away from council meetings,” Shaw said of his New Zealand trips. “That is one-sixth of a year, not 25 percent.”

He has owned property in New Zealand since 1991 when he was on the Planning Commission. “It was a big issue when I first ran for council. It was used against me in that campaign,” Shaw continued.

Since then, “the voters have basically known about me being gone. It’s up to them to decide whether the job I do for the city is worse” because of his travel “or is still worth their vote.”

City council meetings represent “only about one-third of the job I do for the city,” Shaw said. “The other two-thirds is being out and about in the community and working behind the scenes to get things done.”

A major goal for Shaw is opening the Northeast Redevelopment Area beneath Sea-Tac International Airport’s northern flight path to business activity.

“First we were told no retail sales would be allowed there, despite the fact that nobody sleeps in the businesses at night,” he said. “Then we were told no off ramp from [SR] 518 would be allowed for access there.

Now both barriers have been removed. “Those two things I did outside any meeting time at council,” Shaw said. “I also want to see an auto mall there, and we’re close to that. That’s all work that gets done by the relationships I’ve built up with the Port of Seattle.”

Asked if Shaw’s absence is disruptive to council business, City Manager Mike Martin also said it isn’t.

“The short answer is no,” Martin said. “In five years here, I can’t recall a time that having a person gone has slowed the council … not in the least.”

Dear Citizens and Voters of Burien;

I, Bob Edgar, am an active candidate for the Burien Council Position No.4. I am willing and eager to serve the citizens of Burien, if I am elected in the November election. I won the Primary Election for this position and I thank you for your votes. You will see me or one of my volunteers doorbelling in your neighborhood and around the city. I would appreciate your support and votes again in this November election.

Today, one of my family members received a political mailer from my opponent, Gordon Shaw. The intent of Mr. Shaw’s mailer was to mislead voters as to whether I was genuinely a candidate for the City Council Position. The flyer has, as its central theme, a letter that I have withdrawn from this election. Mr. Shaw, his campaign manager and treasurer are well aware that I am an active candidate in this election. They are also aware that I never withdrew from the election as it was not allowed under Washington State Law. They are further aware that the reason that I attempted to withdraw-even before the Primary Election-was for personal family and family health issues. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Here is a link to our story on Edgar’s re-entry into the race; here’s one on his attempt to withdraw)

Hopefully citizens and voters will not be mislead by this mailer.

As I previously stated in my letter to the B-Town Blog and the Highline Times, those family issues resolved themselves earlier than I and my family expected. I believe that Mr. Shaw’s campaign efforts to exploit my family health problems to imply that I am not a genuine candidate for this position are lacking in ethics and good manners. In my opinion, this flyer borders on attempted cheap political trickery with the intent confuse voters.

I will serve the citizens of Burien 100% of the time, if elected.

Thank you again for your support and vote.

- Bob Edgar

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a photo of Gordon Shaw’s direct mail piece that Mr. Edgar refers to in his letter:

Click image to see larger version.

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