The City of Burien recently mailed out a letter to approximately 1,250 business entities located or working in the North Highline annexation area, in an effort to provide the newly-annexed businesses with an overview of some of the opportunities available in Burien, such as the Taking Aim at Graffiti (TAG) program or the “pre-submittal meetings” offered by Community Development.

The letter also provided businesses with notice of some of their responsibilities, such as obtaining business licenses and updating their tax code on Department of Revenue forms.

Also, according to the city, as of April 1st, Comcast subscribers in the annexation area should be able to view Burien Channel 21 and Puget Sound Access on Channel 77 – and as we all know, nothing makes one feel more like part of a city than being able to watch live, exciting council meetings.

Here’s the text of the letter:

RE: City of Burien Annexation

Dear Business Owner,

I would like to welcome you to the City of Burien. As you probably know, on August 18, 2009, a majority of voting residents in the proposed annexation area, located in the southern portion of North Highline, chose to join the City of Burien. As a result, your business will officially be located in Burien as of April 1, 2010.

As a business new to Burien, your local opportunities and responsibilities will change on April 1. I encourage you to reach out and take advantage of some of our local resources. For example, Burien sponsors a Taking Aim at Graffiti (TAG) program, which provides graffiti removal to commercial properties – free of charge. Another City service you can take advantage of is the “pre-submittal meetings,” where you can meet with a City planner prior to expanding or moving your business. That way, you are aware of zoning & land use issues, parking, setbacks, signage and design criteria before you lease, buy or alter a new space.

There are also several local business organizations offering networking, collaboration and public input:

• Discover Burien: Steve Gilbert 620 SW 150th St. Burien, WA 98166 (206) 433-2882 www.discoverburien.com Promotional marketing. Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Burien City Hall 6:30 pm.
• Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce Nancy Hinthorne 14220 Interurban Ave. S. Tukwila, WA 98168 (206) 575-1333 www.swkcc.org Regional voice and business networking. Monthly meetings at various locations.
• Burien Business & Economic Development Partnership (BEDP) Dick Loman City of Burien Economic Development Manager (206) 248-5528 dickl@burienwa.gov Advisory Board to the Burien City Council. Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Burien City Hall 7:00 am.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC): I especially want to call your attention to our Small Business Development Center at Highline Community College. Experienced business professionals are available by appointment to confidentially work with you on expansion, marketing, or financial needs you may have – also free of charge. You may contact Zev Siegl at (206) 878-3710, ext. 5151 or zsiegl@highline.edu.

Burien Business License
In addition to new opportunities, there are also new responsibilities. A Burien Business License is required to do business within our City limits. Business licenses are valid August 1 – July 31. For the remainder of this business license year, from April 1 through July 31, the license fees will be waived for newly annexed businesses. However, starting August 1, 2010, owners of annexed businesses will be expected to comply with the licensing requirements. For more information, please refer to the Burien Municipal Code Chapter 5.05, available on our website at www.codepublishing.com/wa/burien, or call (206) 988-3714.

Burien Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax
The City of Burien collects a .05% business and occupation tax on gross receipts earned within the City. For example, a business with $100,000 in gross receipts would pay $50 in Burien B&O taxes. However, there is a threshold, which means that businesses with annual gross receipts of less than $100,000 are not subject to the tax. The tax is remitted quarterly and forms will be mailed to you. For more information, please refer to the Burien Municipal Code Chapter 3.11 or call (206) 988-3714.

State and Local Sales and Use Tax
The amount of state and local sales and use taxes you will be collecting and remitting through the Department of Revenue will not change, but the local reporting code will change so that Burien receives its share of the taxes. For taxes collected on or after April 1, 2010, the local code is 1734, instead of 1700. For more information, please contact the Washington Department of Revenue at www.dor.wa.gov.

Our goal is to assist and welcome our new businesses and residents during this transition. For additional information on how the annexation will affect business owners and residents, please visit our annexation section on the Burien website, www.burienwa.gov/annexation, or call the Burien Annexation Information Line at (206) 436-5555. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Mike Martin
City Manager

Here’s the actual letter:

The annexation of southern North Highline becomes official in just about two weeks (April 1st), and the mainstream media is starting to pick up on it.

With the annexation of this area, Burien will become the 21st largest city in Washington – just above Olympia – with a population of about 45,000. Currently the city ranks 31st in the state.

Seattle’s KING5 News just did a story on it, saying:

The city takes a big step forward on April 1, when it annexes 1,700 acres of unicorporated King County. Overnight, Burien’s population jumps by 14,500 people.

Voters approved the annexation last year by a 55% to 45% margin.

And this quote from City Manager Mike Martin:

“We pride ourselves in Burien for being responsive. We’re a small staff but we’re very responsive. So when people have problems they have somebody they can call.”

Here’s the video:

by Ralph Nichols

Burien’s Shoreline Master Program will be in the spotlight again tonight (Tuesday, March 9) when the Planning Commission meets at 7pm to continue working through the details of proposed revisions to the document.

Tonight’s meeting comes in the wake of recent requests by residents of Burien’s affected shoreline areas – Three Tree Point and Lake Burien – that the city council extend the time for planning commission review of public input before sending a final draft to the council.

A petition bearing the signatures of 401 shoreline residents requesting an extension of the review process was submitted by Carol Jacobsen to the city council at its March 1 meeting.

“We’re still confused about what’s going on,” Jacobsen told the council at that time. “We are requesting an extension of time for review of the Shoreline Master Program before the planning commission submits it to the city council.”

She said the shoreline residents want a six-month delay. Here’s a copy of her cover letter from the city’s public record:

But, Mayor Joan McGilton told The B-Town Blog last week, “The timing is up to the planning commission. Let the process move forward [at the planning commission]. The last thing the council needs to do is get involved inappropriately.”

Asked whether council members might consider setting aside the draft revised Shoreline Master Program for a month or two after receiving it from the planning commission, before proceeding with their review of the document, McGilton added, “That’s up to the council” to decide.

She said the council will look to city staff for advice on whether to proceed with their discussion of Shoreline Master Program revisions soon after receiving the draft document, or whether to postpone consideration for a few weeks.

Commenting on the possibility of a time extension, planning commission Chairman Joe Fitzgibbon said, “I think we’re just going to move through the document at the same pace as we are now. When we’re done we’ll forward it on to the council. It’s not going to take six months….

“I think people who saw us at our Feb. 23 meeting see how serious we are … I think at this point we’re doing a good job of taking into account all the ideas and concerns we’ve heard.”

The planning commission stopped receiving public testimony at that meeting, and began the process of working through citizen comments point by point.

Written comment is still being accepted, addressed to either the Burien Planning Commission or Senior City Planner David Johanson, at 400 SW 152nd St., Burien, WA, 98166, or by emailing DavidJ@burienwa.gov.

Although a general time frame for Shoreline Master Program review indicates the planning commission will complete its work by the end of March and forward the draft document to the city council, which then will adopt a final plan by July and submit it to the state Department of Ecology for final approval, Fitzgibbon suggested this is not a strict timetable.

The planning commission is “not trying to guess when we will finish,” he said. “We would like to finish soon, but we will take as long as it takes. We’re not looking at any date and saying, ‘that’s our deadline.’”

Requests for the city council to extend the time for planning commission review of the draft plan were repeated at their March 8 meeting.

Tades Kisielius, an attorney representing the Burien Marine Homeowners Association, urged the city council to add another public hearing to the process or to extend the time for planning commission review, noting that the petition with 400 signatures had made such a request.

There has been “no real substantive discussion … on significant regulations,” he said. These include a 65 foot setback from the average water line, non-conforming structures, and public access.

The homeowners want the planning commission to work out these and other concerns before the plan goes to the city council, Kisielius added.

Shoreline resident Dennis Reed said they wanted the opportunity to review a final planning commission draft that includes all changes before it is sent to the city council.

City Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak later asked City Manager Mike Martin to direct the planning commission to extend the review process – apparently overlooking the fact that such a request must come from the council and neither staff nor an individual council member.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien City Council members agreed on Monday night (March 8th) to consider a resolution expressing to residents of northern North Highline the city’s interest in eventually annexing this unincorporated area.

The formal resolution will include wording that declares “the Burien City Council intends to advance annexation in [north North Highline] as soon as reasonably possible after successfully completing the annexation [of south North Highline].”

This is the initial draft wording for the “Now therefore” conclusion of the proposed resolution that City Manager Mike Martin and council members agreed on during Monday night’s discussion of Burien’s possible annexation of the remaining North Highline unincorporated area.

Only Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak, who also opposed the annexation of south North Highline, demurred.

Burien council members will consider the resolution, which will be drafted by Martin, at their March 22 meeting.

Voters of south North Highline approved in August annexation by Burien. The annexation of that area becomes effective on April 1.

In the meantime, the city of Seattle has expressed renewed interest in annexing the north North Highline unincorporated area.

The proposed resolution is a response, in part, to requests by some north North Highline residents for a display of interest by Burien in their unincorporated area, to assure residents there that they have an alternative to annexation by Seattle.

Additional details will follow.

Arbor Lake is one, small, unhealthy lake.

Within the next few weeks, the City of Burien will annex this lake into the city. The lake’s health problems, in large part, come from its public access. A couple times per month, citizen scientists visit Arbor Lake to perform visual assessments of the environmental and physical conditions around the lake. The reports from those visits are not good. Currently, King County has a clean-up crew at Arbor Lake seven days per week. The crew reports that there is litter (bottles, cans, paper, plastics, paint cans, used condoms, needles, etc.), biological wastes (poop, vomit), damage to the park equipment and gang tagging daily to clean up. They worry that Burien will not have the financial resources to provide this seven day a week routine just to maintain the lake and surrounding area at its current level. The worst damage happens to the lake on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is a time at which Burien typically does not contract for park clean up.

Photo courtesy Arbor Lake area resident Colleen West.

A number of the neighbors around Arbor Lake say that they would never consider swimming in the lake because the water quality is so poor. Several drainage pipes empty into the lake and there is a lot of non-point pollution entering the lake. Arbor Lake is obviously infested with fecal coliform bacteria (E.coli) because of the amount of poop that is around the lake at times. Remember E.coli is that stuff that sickened and killed people who ate infected food. The major cause of this E.coli is not from birds. It is from humans and dogs pooping in and around the lake. During the summer, the lake has major infestations of invasive weeds that choke out the oxygen in the lake and make the water impossible to sustain any fish. At that time, the water is not healthy for the birds to use either.

Photo courtesy Arbor Lake area resident Colleen West.

The Native Plant society has attempted to help the lake by planting some native plants but clearly a great deal more needs to be done to help this small lake get back on the road to recovery. Most of the homes on the east side of the lake are heavily gated to protect the owners from public intrusion into their homes and property. No Trespassing signs are everywhere. The road running along the west side of the lake has had to be blockaded due to car racing and crimes. The King County Sheriff frequently has to visit the lake. Like Lake Hicks, Arbor Lake has fared poorly with public access. The City of Burien will be picking up a big financial bill, if it plans to care for and restore Arbor Lake.

Photo courtesy Arbor Lake area resident Colleen West.

What Burien really needs to provide for citizens is a swimming pool where they can learn to swim and enjoy the pleasure of water exercise. Most small lakes do not do well (water health wise) having heavy public access. Arbor Lake and Hicks Lake have not been able to meet the demands that the greater public has on them and perhaps that is not their real ecological purpose. These fragile bodies of freshwater are not sketchy line drawings on paper, art work, public swimming pools or public garbage cans. They are living, functioning natural systems that deserve respect, understanding, protection and care. Do not plan on having your kids swim in Arbor Lake soon for both your kids’ and the lake’s health.

– Chestine Edgar

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What better way to prepare for the March 14th “Cove to Clover” 5k fundraiser run than by crawling in the fundraiser Pub Crawl on Friday, March 12th, where participants can feel good about going from pub to pub to help benefit the Highline Area Food Bank?

That’s right – there just isn’t a better way, so be sure to mark your calendars for 6pm+ Friday March 12th for what is sure to make a “great excuse for your poor upcoming performance on Snake Hill, with only one day to recover.”

For a $10 donation, you’ll get a commemorative keepsake bib qualifying you for “crawl” specials (our fave is the $1 bag of chips at the Hobnobber!), along with a passport and a map. Your goal will be to collect visitation stamps on your passport from at least five of the 13 official crawl stops (see the list below, which includes specials at each). Your stamped passport will serve as your entry to the door prize drawing @ 11 pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

And if this Pub Crawl is anything like the now-legendary Brat Trot one from last October, be prepared for one of the best nights in Burien you’ve ever had; just be sure to have a designated driver or a safe way to get home if you plan to imbibe.

Keep in mind also that you need not drink alcohol at every pub – you can just ask to get your passport stamped!

Here are the details:

WHAT: The 2010 Cove to Clover Pub Crawl fundraiser benefiting the Highline Area Food Bank.

WHEN: Friday, March 12th beginning at 6pm.

WHERE: Starts at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub at 6pm, with an 11pm return time for prize drawings.

COST: $10 donation gets you a commemorative, keepsake bib, which you’ll wear proudly as you “crawl” from pub to pub.

INFO: From the C2C website:

PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!! PRE-PLAN YOUR RIDE HOME OR HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER

Enjoy “crawl specials” offered at each official stop.

You can also expect special entertainment on the route.

Collect at least 5 official crawl stamps and you’ll qualify for the door prize drawing at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub @ 11pm. (must be present to win).

All proceeds will benefit the Highline Area Food Bank.

Best Leprechaun Contest: Gift certificates to Mick Kelly’s for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50).

For you Normandy Parkers: Consider riding the free shuttle from Normandy Park’s Archery Bistro. Check in with them (website here) for the schedule and shuttle stops. While they are not an official crawl stop, we understand they will be offering a specials during and prior to the first run into Burien. You can park you car there and let them do the driving. You’ll also be able to purchase an official crawl number at Archery Bistro, in case you decide to make this your launching point.

Here are the 13 designated pub crawl stops – remember, you only have to get stamped at five of ‘em:

Specials:

• $3 Draft beer
• $4.50 House Wine
• Food Special

Specials:

• $2 PBR Tall Boys $2 Bacardi Silver Bottles
• $3 Giant Pizza by the Slice

Entertainment:

• Three Tree Point Blues Band 9P

Specials:

• Free Espresso Shot

Specials:

• Free Wine Taste
• Free Menu Taste

Specials:

• $3 House Beer
• $3 Apps off Happy Hour Menu

FILIBERTO’S

Specials:

• $2 Draft Beer
• 1/2 price Calamari and pizza

Entertainment:

• RLS Band

Specials:

• $2 Budweiser
• $1 Bag of Chips!

Specials:

• $5 House Margarita
• $5 Tacos (3 Beef or Chicken Tacos)

Entertainment:

• Live Mariachi Band at 6:30

Specials:

• $2 beer
• $4 sangiovese
• $1 Pizza slices

Specials:

• Sour Apple Jello Shots $2
• Irish Potato and Banger Stew $3

Entertainment:

• Cornerstone

Specials:

• $3 Alaskan Amber Pints

Specials:

• $2 Irish Nut Brown Ales
• Corned beef sliders

Specials:

• $6 Wine by the Glass

More info available at the Cove Clover Pub Crawl website.

And if you haven’t yet registered for the 5k run, click here.

Two costumed “Leprechauns,” along with two Cove to Clover organizers, “crashed” Monday night’s Burien City Council meeting to chide councilmembers to register for the March 14th 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank.

So far though, only one city employee has registered – councilmember Lucy Krakowiak, who was rewarded with a commemorative snake last night.

As we reported Feb. 25th, this friendly registration “challenge” is being thrown down to the City of Burien in an attempt to offset city fees that are being charged to stage the charitable, non-profit, local fundraising event that’s being organized by a 100% volunteer committee.

And now, some eight days after the challenge was first issued, there’s still only one city employee/councilmember registered.

Here are some pics taken at last night’s leprechaun crashing:

For more information on the March 14th Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race, including how you can register, click here to visit its website.

Looks like a consultant to the City of Burien has some temporary job openings for “door-to-door census taking” in March. According to a Craigslist Ad, this is NOT a federal census job – tt is an annexation census job for the City of Burien.

The pay is said to be $12 per hour, with flexible hours and a 3-5 week contract.

Interviews will be held on Friday, March 5th from 10:30am until 2pm.

From what we can tell, the job is actually for a consulting firm called Calm River, which says on its website:

Calm River Demographics focuses on providing comprehensive census, demographic and mapping solutions for cities, counties, non-profits, universities, libraries, healthcare and human service organizations.

Here’s the exact listing from the Craigslist Ad:

Temporary Job Openings in Burien, WA – $12 per Hour

The City of Burien is conducting a door-to-door census in March, 2010. Work hours are flexible and include evenings and weekends. Work will begin on March 11 and continue for 3-5 weeks.

Applicants must be willing to go door-to-door collecting basic census information and have their own transportation.

Applicants must be able to read a basic street map, have neat handwriting, be willing to pass a drug test and show proof of car insurance. All materials and supplies will be provided.

If you are interested please e-mail your resume to Richard Miller: Rick@CalmRiver.com

Interviews will be held on Friday, March 5th from 10:30 am until 2:00 pm. No telephone calls please.

Frequently asked questions:

How much do I get paid?
$12 an hour plus mileage (pays for your gas) and all the snacks you can eat. We also give you a vest, badge, pencils, and everything you need to work for free…

Can I work only the hours I want?
Yes – you can work only the days you want

How many hours a week can I work?
Up to 40!

What hours do we work?

• Weekdays – we start at 3:00 in the afternoon and work until about 7:30 or 8:00 pm
• Saturdays – we start at 10:30 in the morning and work until about 5:30 or 6:00 pm

Is this a Federal (United States) Census Job?
This is NOT a federal census job. It is an annexation census job for the City of Burien.

How do I apply?
Just e-mail Rick@CalmRiver.com with your contact information and a resume.

Location: Burien, WA

Compensation: $12 per Hour

This is a part-time job.

Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.

Please, no phone calls about this job!

Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Email: Rick@CalmRiver.com

For more area Job listings, check out our Jobs Page, which is continually updated with local employment listings.

The organizers of Cove to Clover, the 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank coming March 14th, are issuing a “friendly challenge” to the City of Burien, including councilmembers and city employees, to sign-up to offset city fees that are being charged to stage the event.

Fees that are not being charged by the other city involved in the race, Normandy Park.

Did we mention that this event is a fundraiser, and last year raised $12,000 for the Highline Area Food Bank?

And that John Nelson, the main organizer, is one of four recipients for the City of Burien’s 2010 Citizen Community Leader awards being presented March 6th?

And did we mention that the City of Normandy Park is NOT charging any city fees for the event, which starts at their Community Club, so they have not been challenged?

Oh yeah, I guess we did.

Here’s the “friendly challenge” language from the Cove to Clover website:

Burien City Council: You just got served!

Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council members,

Thanks for listening to my request last night to waive some fees for the race. I now understand that the fees can’t be waived and have been given some sage advice about how to offset these fees in future year.

However, for this year I have a proposal.

I happened to be at the NP Council Meeting when Rose Clark issued a friendly challenge to the Normandy Park Council to enter a team for the very worthy Relay for Life.

Since I’m new to this game, I’m stealing a play from your own playbook. From Normandy Park, I’m issuing my own friendly challenge to the Burien City Council and City Staff.

I’m challenging every member of the council to secure at least 2 registrations for the 2010 Cove to Clover. I especially encourage you to personally walk or run the race yourselves and to bring a new friend. It will be a lot of fun and I’d love to see our leaders all out there partaking in the goodness.

When you find a victim that is willing to register, make sure they enter “BTOWN” in the “Reg Code” field of the online or paper entry form to get official challenge credit. You can make an extra donation to the cause while registering which will also go to the challenge. You can pick up a paper form at Mick Kelly’s or register at www.covetoclover.com.

For your convenience, I setup a webpage to track the progress of the challenge (www.covetoclover.com/btown). It will be updated daily.

I know your team can do this and will have fun in the process.

Thanks for your consideration,
John Nelson

PS: Next year, we can get NP and Burien into a head-to-head competition but I’ve learned to take baby steps first.

Click here to see how much the City has raised so far (updated nightly).

[EDITOR'S NOTE: as of 6pm Thurs. Feb. 25th, the total amount raised by the City of Burien = $0.00].

To register and for all the race info, visit www.covetoclover.com.

It’ll be interesting to see if, and how, the City of Burien will respond…

• Will they suddenly find a way to waive the fees?
• Will city employees suddenly sign-up en masse?
• Will we see Mayor McGilton and Mike Martin running down SW 152nd?

We’ll keep ya posted…

This letter is in response to the article posted about Brian Bennett and the Shoreline Advisory Committee that he served on (read the original story here). In this article, Brian claims that he has his own higher priority for what should be the purpose of Shoreline Master Program. The State’s priorities are, “protection of the environment so that there is no net loss, enhancing public use on publicly owned shorelands while protecting private property and public safety and the coordination of shoreline development around the state to protect the shorelines.”

Perhaps his misunderstanding of what are the priorities for the Shoreline Master Program stem from the fact that he did not attend the 50% of the four critical writing meetings. And the last meeting he attended, he came unprepared without his document that was to be discussed. He was unaware of the functioning rules of the committee and did not know how to take citizen input at the meetings. Perhaps this is why citizens did not get heard at this level. These issues of attendance, not bringing your homework to the meeting and not knowing the operating rules are of importance when you are acting as the chair of the committee, as Brian was supposed to be doing.

Additionally, had Brian read the Appendices to the draft document he was reviewing, he would be able to answer the question he posed in the blog article, “How to create public access to Lake Burien without impacting property owners around the lake?” The consultants to the study noted that there is visual access to the lake from several streets. These points could be further enhanced by the city to provide visual public access points to the lake. Whether the city will pursue them is another question and the real one that he should be addressing as a councilmember. The City of Burien has a number of beautiful public access points to the city’s shorelines which they currently do not secure or protect adequately. Jim Branson has written a number of blogs about this problem with the city not being willing to spend any money on enforcement and protection of shorelines and parks. The city has a legal obligation to protect them under the Shoreline Master Program.

Lastly, the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center is a wonderful asset to the state, community, children and families. It requires high security for its clients. The last thing that they need is a public park next to them. This will breach their security. Brian knows that the Center has not put their land up for sale as of yet and they have clearly stated they do not want a public access next door to them. During the same time that the City of Burien issued a public statement that it was not seeking a public access to Lake Burien, behind closed doors, Brian directed the city manager to contact the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center to again try to buy their land. Ruth Dykeman repeated they were not interested. But still again in this latest article, Brian makes a public issue of wanting to buy their land again. This demonstrates a complete lack of respect for private property rights and does not follow the concept of transparent government practices. This councilmember needs to do his homework and brush up on the etiquette of good manners with regard to the property of others.

- Chestine Edgar

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]

Where do those puppies and kittens come from?

I asked at a local pet store, and they wouldn’t tell me.

According to the Humane Society, we should be skeptical of any claims that they don’t come from puppy mills (link here).

According to the American Kennel Club, you should buy a dog directly from the breeder, so you can inspect their premises and ask questions, instead of buying from a pet store (link here).

Better yet, you can get a mutt from the pound for one-tenth of the cost and save a life. Most pet stores agree that selling puppies and kittens is not the right thing to do.  The City of West Hollywood recently passed a law banning this practice (read the LA Times story here; link to the ordinance here as a PDF file).

Sign the petition and ask the City of Burien to take the lead in animal welfare:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-pet-store-puppies

- Jim Branson

So…what do YOU think? Should Burien outlaw the selling of puppies in local pet stores? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]

by Ralph Nichols

Concerned citizens who live along Burien’s two residential waterfront reaches – Three Tree Point and Lake Burien – will have yet another opportunity at 7pm this evening (Tuesday, Feb. 23) to comment on the draft update of the city’s Shoreline Master Program.

Public interest in this issue is so great – as is the level of concern among local shoreline residents who fear their property rights could be impacted by a revised plan – that the Burien Planning Commission, which will continue its review of the plan, will meet in the City Council chambers on the first floor of City Hall.

Almost 200 people, troubled primarily about the impact revised regulations – and public access to shorelines – will have on their property, crowded a smaller room for the Planning Commission two weeks ago.

But in the wake of that meeting, said several persons involved in the planning process, many of those commenting on the draft document were not well informed or were basing their concerns on “disinformation.”

Burien City Manager Mike Martin and Senior City Planner David Johanson recently sat down with The B-Town Blog to address what they said is misleading information circulating about provisions in the draft update of the Shoreline Master Program. Here are there responses to some common misperceptions:

Non-conforming structures on shoreline property cannot be rebuilt if damaged.

Martin: “That absolutely is not the case.”

New public access to these shoreline reaches is proposed.

Martin: “It does not do that. Period.”

Rights-of-way at the water’s edge can be taken over by the city.

Martin: “Contrary to what anyone may have heard, there is nothing in the document that gives the city new authority to take over any right-of-way.”

The Planning Commission will make the final decision to approve the shoreline plan.

Martin: “That absolutely is not true. The City Council will make the final decision.”

The Planning Commission is expected to deliberate on the public comment it has received, complete its review of the document, and forward a recommendation to the City Council by the end of March.

At least one public hearing will be held by the council while it considers the plan before taking final action. Once the city has adopted its updated Shoreline Management Program, it still must be reviewed and approved by the state Department of Ecology.

Because of widespread misconceptions about provisions in the draft plan, some Planning Commission members are encouraging concerned shoreline residents to read it first, and then ask questions and address specific concerns, rather than simply reacting to rumors about what purported new regulations would do to their property.

The draft shoreline plan is available on the city’s website http://burienwa.gov/index.aspx?NID=851.

Johanson noted that updating the city’s Shoreline Master Program is not a local option. “The state requires us to do this … over 200 jurisdictions [in Washington] are doing this.”

The state requires all cities and counties to periodically update their Shoreline Management Programs, which implement the Shoreline Management Act at the local level.

According to Ecology, local plans are based on state law and regulations, but “are tailored to the unique geographic, economic and environmental needs of each community.”

This is to improve and protect the health of Puget Sound and other waterways, improve water quality and salmon recovery, and enhance the state’s economy and tourism, Johanson added.

Information about the Shoreline Management Act and guidelines for local Shoreline Master Programs is available on Ecology’s website at http://www.ecy.wa.gov.

Burien was awarded a $117,000 state grant from Ecology for this project, which began with a comprehensive review of the current document by the Shoreline Advisory Committee. The committee then made recommendations and submitted that draft to the Planning Commission.

Martin stressed that the draft revisions give the city “no new rights or authority under its shoreline document.” This includes Lake Burien, which has no public access to its shoreline.

“The city does not have any more authority in this document to provide public access [to the lake] than at any time in the past,” he said.

Johanson said setbacks allowed in the proposed revised plan, in the event of reconstruction due to property damage, are “similar to those of other urban jurisdictions” in an attempt “to strike a balance between state objectives and the urban setting” where shorelines already are developed.

The draft plan would require a 65-foot setback from the average high water level, compared to a current setback of 20 feet along the Puget Sound shoreline. If adopted, those homes would be classified as non-conforming structures – but could be rebuilt on their existing footprint if damaged.

Johanson indicated that after the Planning Commission has finished taking public testimony, staff will compile a list of frequently asked questions together with clarifications and answers, and post this on the city’s website.

The next Shoreline Master Program Planning Commission meeting will take place tonight (Tues., Feb. 23rd) at 7pm in the main City Council Chambers meeting room on the first floor of the new city hall, located at 400 SW 152nd Street. Also, according to the city’s website, this meeting will be televised live on TBC 21 (The Burien Channel), live streamed on the City’s website here, and available via archived video on the website.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien building inspectors have granted temporary occupancy approval to Highline Medical Center’s new three-story Emergency Department and Patient Care Unit – leaving only one more permitting step before the $60 million addition can start receiving patients.

City Manager Mike Martin noted in his report for tonight’s (Monday, Feb. 22) council meeting:

“Temporary occupancy allows hospital personnel to enter the new facility for the purpose of setting up equipment, bringing in furniture and providing staff training while the contractors continue to complete final items needed to obtain a certificate of occupancy.

“All additional work needed to obtain final occupancy is expected to be completed by March 17,” Martin added. He said review and inspections have “involved hundreds of hours of staff time.”

The 79,607 square foot addition, which includes a parking garage for primary use by the Emergency Department, is scheduled to open to patients on April 13. The grand opening of the Emergency Department will be April 9-10 and will include a public open house.

Emergency staff will begin training in the new facility once the final occupancy permit is granted by the city.

With 27,000 square feet of floor space, the new Emergency Department triples the size of the existing 50-year-old emergency facility. The new department includes three triage rooms, 32 private examination rooms, two trauma bays, and its own diagnostic imaging area.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien City Council members will receive a briefing at tonight’s regular meeting (7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22) on the King County Library System’s (KCLS) process for siting libraries.

The presentation will be made by Bill Ptacek, director of the King County Library System, and Denise Siers, director of KCLS Public Services.

And odds are good that they will hear an earful during public comments at the beginning of the meeting from North Highline residents – many of whom will become Burien residents on April 1 – concerned about the future of the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries.

The Library Service Area Analysis will also be discussed at the KCLS Board of Trustees monthly meeting at 960 Newport Way NW in Issaquah on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 5 p.m. The document can be accessed here (as a PDF file).

That meeting will include the trustees’ quarterly public forum, during which library patrons can speak on matters of concern for more than the three minutes usually allowed for each person, and library siting is expected to be a key issue for discussion.

Funding for replacement or expansion of both the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries was part of a bond issue approved by King County voters in 2004, which is paying for new and renovated facilities throughout the KCLS service area.

That bond issue included construction of the new Burien library, which opened last June.

But Ptacek signaled last fall that he might be backing away from what library patrons voted for in 2004, when former King County Executive Kurt Triplett offered to sell Puget Sound Park to the KCLS.

Ptacek indicated at that time that the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries could be closed and consolidated in a new library building at the park site – a preliminary move that generated strong opposition from patrons served by the libraries in both communities.

Burien City Council members and City Manager Mike Martin strongly objected to a sale of the park because it is located in southern North Highline, which will be annexed by Burien on April 1. New county Executive Dow Constantine agreed and last month announced that Puget Sound Park will be transferred to the city as part of annexation.

Since then, however, the proposed KCLS Library Service Area Analysis has left White Center and Boulevard Park residents still ill at ease about the future of their community libraries.

Rachel Levine, a member of the White Center Library Guild, recently noted that the siting process is based too much on numbers and not enough on people. Her remarks pose a contrast to Ptacek’s statement in his director’s report for Tuesday’s meeting:

“It was a surprise to hear that the City of Seattle plans to pursue the annexation of the North Highline area. This would extend the current City limits all the way to 112th street. If this occurs, the Greenbridge Library would be in Seattle and the Boulevard Park and White Center libraries would be close to the boundary. Obviously this development would have a major impact on the service area analysis KCLS has planned for the area,” he wrote.

“We are meeting with the Burien City Council on February 22 to discuss library services in the North Highline area that will annex to Burien and will use that occasion to present the current draft of the Library Service Area Analysis Policy. KCLS will use that process before taking any action on library services in the area.”

Burien City Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak, who is also a member of the KCLS Board of Trustees, told the other council members on Feb. 8 that the library board will not be discussing the status of these two libraries until the question of which city, Seattle or Burien, annexes northern North Highline is resolved.

by Ralph Nichols

This week’s action by the King County Council that moves Burien’s planned park-and-ride transit center parking garage closer to reality also improves the possibility that the city may get a 10-screen cinema complex in Town Square.

The proposed multiplex, which would be located on the southwest corner of SW 150th St. and 4th Ave. SW, where the old city hall is located, would require the evening and weekend parking available at the 500-stall garage to be a viable attraction in Burien’s Town Square.

The transit center garage will be built on the northeast corner of SW 150th St. and 4th Ave. SW, across the intersection from the potential theater site. Additional theater parking would be available in the city’s municipal parking lot on SW 150th St. between 6th and 8th Ave. SW.

Los Angeles-based Galaxy Theater Group, whose 100-plus properties include a cinema and food court in Gig Harbor, would build and operate the cinema complex through an arrangement with Urban Partners, the private developer of Town Square.

Urban Partners proposed to the Burien City Council last fall that a multiplex theater, instead of a planned second condominium/retail complex, be built on the vacant Town Square parcel where the Burien/Interim Art Space was located.

The depressed housing and lending markets made it unlikely that a new condominium project could get started within the time frame required by their agreement with the city, principals of Urban Partners told council members.

Following this initial presentation to the City Council, Urban Partners, at the request of Galaxy Theater Group, recommended that the cinema complex be proposed instead for the Town Square parcel currently occupied by the old city hall to be closer to the transit parking garage.

And Galaxy has submitted to the city a preliminary building design configured to the shape of this parcel. It includes 10 screens, a food court – and a separate stage that community groups like Burien Little Theater could use for live productions.

Several council members expressed a strong interest in a stage for live public performances when Galaxy made its initial presentation to the city.

The proposed cinema complex, however, is far from a done deal. There is some concern among council members about building it instead of multi-family housing, as the original Town Square agreement called for, and about the long-term potential for success of such a theater in Burien.

Galaxy Theater Group says a cinema complex in Burien would be supported by a market area west of Interstate 5 from south Seattle to Federal Way with a population of 400,000.

City staff will have to review the proposed design and the City Council then must consider the Urban Partners-Galaxy Theater Group plan – which could include retail and office space – and approve it as an acceptable development alternative for Town Square before a cinema complex can become a reality there.

Should the City Council give a green light to the proposed cinema complex in the next few months, it could be built while the transit center parking garage is also under construction, with both opening at about the same time.

Meanwhile, one thing does seem certain, according to Dick Loman, Burien’s Economic Development Manager:

“We’re damn fortunate here to have this interest in continued development of downtown Burien as a major urban center. It’s exciting.”

by Ralph Nichols

A $20.5 million parking garage with 500 stalls, planned for the park-and-ride lot in downtown Burien, has moved a big step closer toward the start of construction.

The King County Council adopted unanimously on Feb. 16 an ordinance approving both a ground lease of the county-owned parking lot to Alliance Wasatch I, LLC, which will build the garage on that site, and a lease back to the county of the parking facility upon its completion.

“I’m excited to see signs of progress on this project because connecting people to transit is a critical part of maximizing our transit investments,” said King County Councilwoman Jan Drago, who represents Burien.

“This is one piece of a [Transit Oriented Development] package that the King County Council will be addressing to help bring smart, green development to the heart of Burien and [Council] District 8.”

The existing park-and-ride lot with 300-plus stalls on the northeast corner of SW 150th St. and 4th Ave. SW is adjacent to the new Burien Transit Center – the first part of a three-phase Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project in Burien. The transit center opened last June.

Temporary transit parking during construction of the garage may be located at the old BBC Dodge site at 1st Ave. S. and SW 148th St. An arrangement for this currently is being negotiated.

King County Executive Dow Constantine was authorized by the County Council to execute final details of both the ground and project leases, and to approve certain other provisions of the lease–leaseback transaction.

Burien Economic Development Manager Dick Loman noted that the ground lease, which is expected to be dated April 1, “is subject to receipt of legal documents from Sound Transit, the Federal Transportation Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy,” which are the county’s funding partners for the project.

After the County Council gives final approval to the project and the lease becomes effective, the developer will have 90 days to finalize construction financing and building permits.

Loman added that construction could begin by Labor Day, with project completion and the opening of the garage expected by July 2011.

He said the county “plans to exercise its option to purchase the parking facility upon completion.”

The final phase of Burien’s TOD – construction of approximately 100 affordable multi-family units around the outside of the five-story parking garage, with a sixth level underground – is expected to proceed after construction of the garage is completed as financing is available.

“Once the apartments are built, you won’t even know a parking garage is there,” Loman said. A lot of this housing is expected to be made available to new teachers in the Highline School District.

Retail and office space will be located on the ground level of the garage/apartment development.

A group of concerned shoreline property owners will be holding an informational/educational meeting on the city of Burien’s Shoreline Master Program plan this Saturday, Feb. 20th at 1pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, which is located at 435 SW 152nd St. in Burien.

According to a post on the Three Tree Point Yahoo Group:

Dave Douglas, Permit Coordinator for Waterfront Construction, will share his vast experience in dealing with Shoreline Management Plans in several other communities. Dave understands the politics, what has been most helpful for other communities, how regulations are made/negotiated, and he knows the state SMA chapter and verse. His observations and advice are invaluable for us as we go through this process with Burien. Our participation in this process is critical to ensure that our rights as shoreline property owners are protected.  Space at this meeting is limited so please RSVP to this email if you plan to come so we can get an idea of attendance.

It is also important to continue to show a presence at the Planning Commission (next meeting Feb 23rd) and City Council meetings (next meeting Feb 22nd). The Planning Commission meetings are intended to be working meetings for the members of the commission to actually incorporate our suggestions into the SMP using the matrix developed by David Johansson. This matrix includes many of the comments and suggestions that we have all made at previous meetings and in writing to the city and to the Planning Commission. They understand our concern and frustration at this plan and the process, so if we are given the opportunity to make comments we need to be respectful and brief. The time will come for further participation from us, but for now the Planning Commission needs to get this thing written to include our input so we have something to respond to.

There is limited space at Mick Kelly’s, and the organizers are asking folks to please RSVP by calling Carol Jacobson at (206) 246-8700 (leave a voicemail if she doesn’t pick up).

The City of Burien announced this week that the location of its Planning Commission Meetings is moving from the 3rd floor lobby to the 1st floor Meeting Room/Council Chambers at the Library/City Hall beginning Tuesday, Feb. 23rd.

It’s possible that this decision was made because of the recent turnout for the controversial Shoreline Master Program update meetings (some say 300 around 100 residents showed up).

The first Planning Commission meeting in the new location will be Tuesday, Feb. 23rd at 7pm.

According to the cityfolk:

Regular Planning Commission meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

This switch from the 3rd floor lobby will enable more people to comfortably attend the meetings.

The meetings will also be televised live on TBC 21 (The Burien Channel), live streamed and available via archived video at http://www.burienmedia.org.

Audio recordings of the January 12 and January 26 Planning Commission meetings are also available on our website at http://www.burienwa.gov/PlanningCommission under “Shoreline Master Program Update.”

The February 9th audio will be uploaded soon.

Normandy Park City Hall was evacuated and closed for most of Thursday, Jan. 28th, after a bomb threat was left on a city official’s voicemail Wednesday night claiming to blow up the building at “around Noon.”

According to a Normandy Park Police spokeswoman, the building went into “lockdown” mode around 10am this morning, when city hall was shut down and all employees were evacuated and sent home for the day.

After the evacuation, Port of Seattle Police brought in their bomb squad, which includes bomb-sniffing dogs, and checked the building for around an hour. Officers from the Des Moines Police Department also helped out.

No bomb was found.

However, city hall was shut down for the day, and it will not re-open until tomorrow.

As for the bomb threat itself, police say the caller ID was traced to Minnesota, and they’re considering it a hoax.

Burien’s Shoreline Master Program will not accomplish its goals without the active involvement of Burien residents.

The largest owner of shoreline property is the City of Burien, and city managers have chosen a hands-off approach to managing over 170 acres of shoreline parks.

One remedy for this would be a Park Ranger system—something that will never happen unless Burien citizens ask for it.

The first four goals of the Shoreline Master Program are:

1. The Shoreline Master Program shall result in no net loss of shoreline ecological functions and processes.
2. Regulation and management of Burien’s shorelines should be guided by ongoing and comprehensive science.
3. The City should be proactive in managing activities within the shoreline jurisdiction.
4. Implement an adaptive management approach to respond to changes and to ensure continued effectiveness.

The requirement of “no net loss of shoreline ecological functions and processes” is the same requirement we have always had since the Shoreline Management Act was passed 38 years ago. During those years, I have walked along the beach at least several thousand times, and I have witnessed gradual and continuing degradation. While I have not seen new bulkheads, and few if any new houses have been built near the shore in the last few decades, I have seen an increase in off-leash dogs, graffiti, vandalism, and trash. These types of shoreline degradation come from public parks with no enforcement of laws or park rules. The City has not been “proactive in managing activities within the shoreline jurisdiction.” They have been entirely inactive.

Every day, I witness people walking their dogs to the park, usually on a leash, and when they get to the sign that says “Obey Leash and Scoop Laws,” that’s when they let their dogs off leash. They usually don’t grab any blue bags from the dispenser. At Seattle beaches, it is a $500 fine to have your dog at the beach at all, so people drive to Burien to let their dogs run free, where they know the rules will never be enforced. I have three dogs, I live next to a Burien park, and I drive to Grandview or Westcrest to let my dogs run free, legally and safely. Since Burien’s incorporation in 1993, I’ll bet that not one single citation or arrest has ever been made for off-leash dogs, vandalism, graffiti, littering, or fires in Burien’s shoreline parks. If anyone from the City can provide documentation that proves me wrong, I would like to see it. I know that on my several thousand visits to the beach I have witnessed tens of thousands of violations of the rules, and never once have I seen any sort of enforcement officer asking anyone to change their ways. It is a small minority of park visitors that disregard the rules, but these same people come back day after day, inflicting damage on shorelines owned by all of us.

What would it cost for Burien to have a Park Ranger system? It might cost about $300,000 a year, or it might cost as little as $40,000 a year if the City hired a volunteer coordinator and implemented a volunteer Park Ranger system like the City of Kirkland has. With either a volunteer system or paid professionals, the emphasis could be on education and encouragement rather than strict enforcement and punishment. If the regular park abusers knew that someone was watching, and that enforcement was even a possibility, most of them would change their ways. Whatever the cost of a Park Ranger system, it has to be measured against the cost of having no enforcement at all. This daily abuse of our public spaces by a handful of miscreants costs all of us real money. The environmental degradation they cause is not some abstract concept. I can’t give you an exact dollar amount of the damage because government has not amassed the “ongoing and comprehensive science” the Shoreline Management Act requires. I do know that Burien citizens have suffered millions of dollars of lost property value. Many studies have shown that property values decrease up to 15% in areas with graffiti and vandalism, such as is currently allowed in our parks. Burien homes and businesses are worth billions of dollars, collectively, and even a 1% loss of property value would total millions of dollars. Not having a Park Ranger costs all of us real money. If the citizens of Burien require their government to comply with the Shoreline Management Act and “be proactive in managing activities within the shoreline jurisdiction,” then the environment and the citizens will benefit.

As a member of the ad hoc Shoreline Advisory Committee, I have attended about a dozen meetings over the last two years. It is my impression that the process of developing the Shoreline Master Program is merely a formality, a process the City is required to go through. No one in government or on the Shoreline Advisory Committee believes that the final document will actually result in “No net loss” as required by law. All this document will do is to create a new set of rules that gather dust on a shelf somewhere, ignored like the old rules have been for decades. Only when the citizens of Burien take this seriously and demand environmental protection will real change happen on our beaches. Please attend one of the upcoming meetings and ask that the City begin to enforce environmental regulation, for the benefit of us all.

- Jim Branson

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If you live near the water in Burien (or want better access to it), be it Puget Sound or a lake, you may want to consider attending some upcoming meetings both this Monday and Tuesday night at 7pm at City Hall, when the city will discuss its proposed Shoreline Master Program.

Many residents are concerned that the city is considering turning some of what is now private waterfront areas into public spaces, resulting in Burien’s own “Alki Beach” or “Green Lake,” while others are happy that the city may be trying to open waterfront spaces for public use.

Here are the details:

WHAT: City of Burien meetings on its proposed Shoreline Master Program

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 25th – regular City Council meeting at 7pm & Tuesday, Jan. 26th at 7pm – Planning Commission Meeting

WHERE: Burien City Hall, located at 400 SW 152nd Street.

INFO: Links to the City of Burien’s documents on this issue are available here. More info on the Shoreline Master Program available here.

Some info from the Three Tree Point Yahoo Group:

The Shoreline Master Program Plan, in its’ present form, places its’ “highest priority” on increasing “actual and visual” access to all shorelines within Burien, i.e. Lake Burien, Three Tree Point, etc. Our greatest concern is should an attempt be made to create a “Greenlake”, “Angle Lake”, “Alki” or “Redondo” atmosphere, the increased noise, litter, and congestion could not only cause havoc and significant irreparable damage to the long standing ecosystems of both Lake Burien’s waters and our Puget Sound’s shorelines, but could also lead to a spiked increase in crime, leading to tremendous environmental impact.

We hope that you’ll take the time to briefly familiarize yourself with “The Plan”, and share your thoughts and concerns with members of both the City Council and the Planning Committee, either by e-mail, phone, or if possible in person.

The most effective way to make our concerns and desires as citizens known is to stand side by side, in great numbers, so that collectively our voices may be heard.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Shoreline Master Program, you may access all information and discussion regarding the proposed plan at the following link:

www.burienwa.gov/Search.aspx?SearchString=Shoreline+Master+Prpgram

Once you are on the website page, scroll down until you see the Shoreline Advisory Committee link. Click on each individual meeting date here for meeting minutes, proposals and “consensus.”

If you wish to speak at any of the meetings, it is our understanding that you must “sign up” to be heard, prior to the start of any scheduled meeting. The cut-off time for signing up is unclear, and therefore we invite you to contact the Burien City Clerk, Monica Lusk at (206) 248-5517.

REVIEW PROCESS
The Burien Planning Commission will review the proposed advisory committee recommendation for the revised Shoreline Master Program and make a recommendation to the Burien City Council, which has the final decision on the revised Shoreline Master Program. The following meetings have been planned:

• January 25, 7:00 pm: – regular City Council Meeting
• January 26, 7:00 pm: – Planning Commission Meeting: Discussion and possible recommendation to City Council on proposed Shoreline Master Program (not a public hearing).
• February 9, 7:00 pm – 
Planning Commission Meeting: Discussion and recommendation to City Council on proposed Shoreline Master Program (not a public hearing).
• February and March: 
City Council Public Hearing, discussion and decision on proposed shoreline master program. Dates to be determined following Planning Commission recommendation.
• April through July: Washington State Department of Ecology Review and Public Process. Timeline is subject to change Please check the City web site for the most up to date information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the proposed Shoreline Master Program, please contact: City of Burien Dept. of Community Development (206) 248-5510

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this message, and we hope to see anyone who is able to attend the next City Council meeting on Monday, January 25th, City Hall, 7pm and the next Planning Commission meeting, Tuesday, January 26th, City Hall, 7pm.

And here’s some info from Burien’s website:

Under the state Shoreline Management Act, each city and county with “shorelines of the state” must adopt a Shoreline Master Program (SMP) that is based on state laws and rules while tailored to the specific geographic, economic and environmental needs of the community.

The City was awarded a $117,000 grant by the state Department of Ecology for this work. The City is nearing completion of an update of the SMP.

Among the tasks completed to date are a Shoreline Open House hosted by the City in May 2008, and a draft Burien Shoreline Inventory, Shoreline Analysis and Characterization, Restoration Plan and a Cumulative Impact Analysis. On Nov. 20th, more than 70 community members attended a second open house, circulating between stations that offered information about a variety of shoreline-related topics and asking individualized questions of staff and the consultant team. The open house was an excellent opportunity for the community to become familiar with what is proposed in the Shoreline Advisory Committee’s draft Shoreline Management Program.

The Burien Shoreline Advisory Committee met nine times throughout the process and has completed its primary task of recommending an updated shoreline master program to the Planning Commission. In turn, the Planning Commission will evaluate the document, conduct a public process and provide a recommendation to the City Council.

RELATED STORIES:

• City Of Burien Holding Open House On Shoreline Master Program Nov. 30th
• Burien Receives $117,600 Grant For Shoreline Master Program
• Deadline to Help Burien’s Shoreline Plan is Jan. 11th
• Should Lake Burien Get A Public Park? City Says “No”

January is “National Blood Donor Month,” and the city of Burien is holding a blood drive from 10am to 3pm Monday, Jan. 25th at City Hall, and they’re inviting all humans who have blood to donate.

With the recent bad news in Haiti and continued distress within our own community, giving blood is a great way to show that you care, because every time you donate, you’re not only helping your neighbors, you’re saving lives.

Plus, after you donate, sometimes you get a free cookie and orange juice.

Here are the details:

WHAT: City of Burien Blood Drive

WHEN: Monday, January 25th from 10am to 3pm (with a lunch break from Noon-1pm)

WHERE: Burien City Hall Multipurpose Room, 1st Floor

INFO: From a press release:

“Every day, we are grateful for the commitment of generous donors like you who give blood regularly to maintain a stable community blood supply.

And there is no better time to express our appreciation for your life-saving efforts than during National Blood Donor Month.

Every time you give blood, you’re not only helping local patients, you’re saving lives.

This month, we say thanks for continuing to support the cause, and ask those who have not previously donated, to start a new habit in 2010: giving the Gift of Life by becoming a blood donor.”

To reserve a time to donate blood, please contact Kathy Wetherbee at 206-439-3158 or by email kathyw@burienwa.gov.

by Ralph Nichols

Although Puget Sound Park no longer is under consideration as a potential site for a new King County library, White Center and Boulevard Park residents remain concerned about the future of their community libraries.

And little was said to ease their fears when the Planning Committee of the King County Library System (KCLS), chaired by library trustee Lucy Krakowiak, who is also a Burien City Councilwoman, met at the Burien Library on Thursday, Jan. 14.

Library system Director Bill Ptacek did tell those in attendance from the Highline area “the park is no longer an issue.” In November, the library system considered buying Puget Sound Park as the site for a new facility to consolidate White Center and Boulevard Park libraries.

But the planning committee also got their first look at a list of goals and metrics for a Library System Area Analysis that, Ptacek said, would help determine “the equitable distribution of library resources” throughout the library district.

This process will guide the trustees in identifying what is needed to provide good library service, rather than just responding to “who talks the loudest,” he added.

Board of trustees president Robert Spitzer later observed that if their goal system wide is to be “oriented toward consolidation,” then the most equitable approach would be to “build a 200,000 square foot library in the center of our service area.”

“There is a balance to be reached between efficiencies and meeting community needs,” Spitzer continued. That includes “considering the level of community involvement and access.”

Rachel Levine, a member of the White Center Library Guild, said the “metrics don’t mean anything if they don’t meet the needs” of these under-served communities.

Noting that the 2004 library bond issue, passed by voters throughout the library district, included funds for new or expanded library buildings in White Center and Boulevard Park, Levine asked, “Why should we wait for that new library with the money there?”

Ptacek said the metrics would be only the first step in a process for siting any new library. “The nature of the library business is changing, with outreach and technology,” he noted. “There is more to it than just four walls … it is old fashioned to look at a library building only.”

But, responded Levine, “Library buildings are important because that’s where it happens … we have a very proud history [at the White Center Library] and we intend to keep it.”

Highline residents will have an opportunity to address the library trustees during public comment at board meetings on Jan. 26 and Feb. 23. Both meetings begin at 5 p.m. at the library administration’s administrative offices at 960 Newport Way NW in Issaquah.

The February meeting includes the board’s quarterly public forum at which those speaking can take longer to make their points than the usual three minutes.

North Highline’s community libraries became an issue in November when word got out that former King County Executive Kurt Triplett had entered into an agreement that would sell Puget Sound Park at 1st Ave. S. and SW 126th St. to the library system.

The library system planned to use the park as the site for a new facility, where the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries then would be consolidated.

However, Burien objected to the sale of the park, which is in southern North Highline that will be annexed by the city on April 1. Two weeks ago, new King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that the county will cede the park to Burien as part of annexation.

The future of the two libraries, which is a library system and not a city issue, remains unresolved.

Before the Planning Committee meeting started, some in attendance criticized Ptacek and Krakowiak for sitting with their backs to the audience and indicating they would not introduce themselves. Introductions by the trustees and staff subsequently were made.

So…what do YOU think the King County Library System should do? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…

by Ralph Nichols

After beginning a condemnation process in September to seize ownership of a private parking lot on International Boulevard – for the private development of an envisioned city center – the SeaTac City Council appears ready to reverse course.

SeaTac council members entertained at their Jan. 12 meeting an ordinance, introduced by Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher, to rescind the earlier condemnation action against Park-N-Fly surface parking lot, which James and Doris Cassan have operated for almost 50 years.

Action on the ordinance to stop legal proceedings to condemn the Cassan’s property was delayed, however, when Councilman Ralph Shape, who supports condemnation, requested that it be held for consideration until the next council meeting.

Under council rules, that automatically ended discussion of Fisher’s proposed ordinance, which was moved to the agenda for the council’s Jan. 26 meeting.

John Houlihan Jr., an attorney representing the Cassans, later told The B-Town Blog that they “are hopeful that the council at its next meeting will take up the ordinance and repeal condemnation” of their property.

Meanwhile, companion bills to protect private property by restricting the use of eminent domain were introduced in the Legislature Monday – SB 6200 by Sen. Michael Carrell, R-Lakewood, and HB 2425 by Rep. Jay Rodne, R-North Bend – at the request of State Attorney General Rob McKenna.

They provide that private property may be taken by a public entity only for public use, that no public entity may take private property for economic development, and that that taking private property by a public entity for economic development or tax revenue enhancement does not constitute a public use.

SeaTac’s 2010 budget includes funding for the city’s lobbyist to oppose this proposed legislation in Olympia.

Houlihan said he believes the two bills address the use of eminent domain as applied by SeaTac in its earlier action to condemn the Park-N-Fly property. They also would amend the Community Redevelopment Act to prevent potential abuses through eminent domain to remedy “blight” through “condemnation.”

Earlier in their Jan. 12 meeting, following a public hearing, council members voted 6-1 to continue until May 15 a moratorium on development permits in the city’s proposed entertainment district.

Fisher argued for leaving in place that moratorium, which was imposed by city council in November, so a newly appointed ad hoc committee, which has yet to meet, can have time to review zoning in this area and propose changes to accommodate new development.

Initial reaction to Fisher’s proposed ordinance during the meeting indicates that on Jan. 26 the condemnation of the Cassan property may be rescinded by at least five votes. In addition to Fisher, Mayor Terry Anderson and Council members Tony Anderson, Rick Forschler and Pam Fernald indicated their support for reversing the prior action.

Shape argued that the council was bending to pressure from a public relations campaign orchestrated by the Cassans, and claimed they have taken no action to develop their Park-N-Fly property for an extended time.

But Houlihan disagreed, telling The B-Town Blog that most recently they submitted an application for a design revision in December.

The Cassans paid over $10 million in 2007 when they converted a long-term lease into ownership of the property. Before initiating the eminent domain process, the city offered them $8.6 million for the parking lot.

They have filed with the city plans for mixed use development of their property at 17400 International Blvd., including retail and a hotel.

The city, however, wants to build a parking garage on the parking lot site, and encourage private development of a city center entertainment district north of S. 176th St. and just east of Sound Transit’s airport light rail station.

Here’s a video report on this case, produced by the Evergreen Freedom Foundation:

And another one from Fox News:

The City of Burien is looking for residents of both B-Town and the to-be-annexed North Highline area to serve on advisory boards, which is a great way to become more involved with the city and give something back to your community, like your precious, helpful advice.

There is no pay, other than helping your city out, applications are being accepted through Feb. 19th, and the boards in need are the Arts Commission, Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Board.

Here are the details:

Apply for Openings on City Advisory Boards

Serving on a City advisory board is a great way to become involved with your city and give something back to your community. Burien residents and residents of the North Highline Annexation Area, which will become part of the City on April 1, are encouraged to apply for current openings on the Arts Commission, Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Board.

Application forms are available at Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd Street, Ste. 300, or on the City’s website at www.burienwa.gov/boards. Applications are being accepted through February 19, 2010.

For further information call Monica Lusk, city clerk, at 248-5517.

by Ralph Nichols

Finally, it’s official – Burien will annex unincorporated southern North Highline on April 1. City Council members voted 6-1 at their Jan. 11th meeting to establish the effective date.

Their action came after a delay of almost two months in setting an effective date, which occurred when the city learned in late November of an eleventh-hour maneuver by former King County Executive Kurt Triplett to sell Puget Sound Park in the unincorporated annexation area to the King County Library System.

New county Executive Dow Constantine announced on Jan. 6 that King County will not sell the five-acre park at 1st Ave. S. and SW 126th St. and, instead, will cede it to Burien as part of annexation.

Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak cast the lone no vote against setting a formal annexation date. Krakowiak has continued to oppose annexation even after residents of southern North Highline voted by a large margin on Aug. 18 to become part of Burien.

City Manager Mike Martin told council members before the vote, “This is the long-awaited resolution … I’m very pleased to bring it to you.”

He said setting an effective date “was not a matter of pulling it out of thin air.” Rather, annexation on April 1 “allows the maximum amount of revenue to be provided to the City from King County while allowing time for technical work needed to make the annexation effective.”

That work includes conducting a population census of the annexation area, contacting businesses there, and working out transition details with the state Department of Transportation.

During public comment, Burien resident Ed Dacy urged council members to use their influence to discourage any move by the King County Library System to close the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries – both of which are in the annexation area – and consolidate them in a new facility.

The library system earlier hoped to acquire Puget Sound Park as a location for a consolidated library – although the library board, on which Krakowiak also serves as a member, has not voted to close the two community libraries that soon will be within the City of Burien.

A 2004 bond issue passed by King County voters included funding for replacement or remodeling of both the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries. That money remains untouched in the library system’s capital budget.

The future of these library sites will be discussed by members of the King County Library System’s Planning Committee at 12 noon this Thursday, Jan. 14, in the second floor meeting room of the Burien Library. The committee will take comments from the public during the meeting.

The City of SeaTac announced Monday (Jan. 4th) that it has purchased a 4.23 acre chunk of land with commercial structures on it at 15247 International Blvd. for $12.7 million.

According to a press release, the property, which is located directly across the street from the new Tukwila Sound Transit Link light rail station, will be used to “construct public roads, open space and infrastructure as set forth in the Capital Improvement Plan for the Light Rail Station Area at S. 154th Street.”

The transaction closed Thursday, December 31, 2009.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the City of SeaTac,” said Mayor Ralph Shape. “The City was able to purchase a critical piece of property for future public use at $4 million less than a recent appraised value, and more than $6.4 million less than the current tax assessed value. At the same time the community will realize significant net operating income in the coming years from the current leases at the property.”

Fifteen tenants currently occupy 61,641 square feet of space at SeaTac Center, including Monte Carlo, Refugee Women’s Alliance, Pabla India Cuisine, and Pacific Highway Chiropractic.

In December 2006 the SeaTac City Council adopted the “South 154th Street Station Area Action Plan” which called for this area to be developed as a “vibrant, mixed use residential neighborhood that connects people of various backgrounds.”

The station area was envisioned to be pedestrian-oriented, visually pleasing, easily accessible, and integrated with the new light rail station across the street.

The adopted plan provided for the city to acquire property in order to build the required infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks. In May of 2009  the property went into foreclosure proceedings, and SeaTac worked through a commercial broker to ascertain the value of the land and the current tenant lease agreements.

The City of SeaTac will retain a third-party firm to manage the property.

by Ralph Nichols

Call her a Founding Mother. In fact, she was present before the “creation.”

Sally Nelson, a leader in the community effort that saw Burien finally become an incorporated city in 1993, is retiring from the city council after 16 years.

Nelson is the last “charter member” of the council still in office.

Although her term officially ends on Dec. 31, Nelson’s final regular meeting was Dec. 14.

“I wish you well,” she said in a parting comment to fellow council members and city residents prior to adjournment.

Now Nelson looks forward to a new year in which meetings are replaced with travel – trips to Mexico, Turkey, New York and Hawaii are on her itinerary – and volunteering at the Frye Art Museum on Seattle’s First Hill, where she can pursue her “passion for art” and teaching.

But while she no longer must devote large blocks of time to budgets, planning and zoning, downtown development, and other matters of local and regional policy – she has been Burien’s representative on the Suburban Cities Association and actively involved with the Puget Sound Regional Council – Nelson still will have a strong interest in city council actions.

“I hope they will approve and move forward on the [multiplex] movie theater” that has been proposed for Town Square,” she recently told The B-Town Blog. “I hope we can support the cinema … we have an entertainment gap in Burien.”

And, Nelson continued, “I’m hoping the council focuses on the redevelopment of [Southwest] 153rd St.” That project, she said, “should not be a cookie-cutter copy of 152nd, but should reflect “the diversity, the international nature” of businesses along this street.

Another concern she has for Burien’s future is the rising cost of police services. Burien is one of 12 cities that contract for police services with the King County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is not an issue of whether the sheriff’s office is doing a good job,” Nelson said. “I think King County is doing an excellent job.” Instead, it’s a matter of whether the guild that represents sheriff’s deputies is willing to rein in salary and benefit increases in its current contract.

She said a 5 percent-plus increase through 2012 is “not sustainable,” and if changes aren’t made, Burien will “have to look at alternatives.”

Nelson worked as a teacher and counselor in Kansas City and Alaska before moving to the Seattle area, where she “jumped from psychology to real estate. The many hats I wore became a good beginning for me to be what I consider to be an excellent council member, and a good negotiator….

“It is very helpful to have a broad range of experience” for someone when they begin serving on a city council,” she added. “

After serving a year as an interim member of the new Burien City Council, Nelson was elected to her first regular term in 1994. During her tenure, she was mayor from 2000 to 2002, and twice served as deputy mayor.

She initially ran “because it was a time of change for Burien, and I understood that reasons for incorporation were solid, valid reasons for change.

“King County wanted to continue to inundate Burien with high-density, low-income housing … essentially we had no control over our community.”

Nelson said she wanted be part of the new city council “to help shape the future of Burien. The future of Burien – that, to me, became the rallying cry.”

Looking back, her major regret as a council member is that “in these tough economic times, we couldn’t go forward with a bond issue to build a new community center.” Plans for that facility are on hold until the economy improves. But, this “is not due to the council’s lack of vision or commitment.”

On the other hand, she is “very proud of my two years as mayor when I led the effort to change 152nd from a four-lane to a two-lane, pedestrian-friendly street…. Town Center would not have happened without that project.”

Nelson also led the effort to get Skateboard Park located at SW 146th St. and 4th Ave. S. “The day of the ribbon cutting was a very proud day for me. It’s a good place for young people and teens.”

And she feels “good” about the $200 million in noise mitigation for Highline schools that Burien helped get from the Port of Seattle through the city’s involvement in the Airport Communities Coalition to secure concessions prior to construction of the third runway.

Beyond Burien, Nelson has been “a regional player” with the Suburban Cities Association, and a leader on the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Steering Committee of the National League of Cities, which is a “most coveted position….

“I hope someone on the council will take my place in doing that, in doing all those things that make a difference.”

by Ralph Nichols

The effective date for annexation is now all but official. At their next meeting on Nov. 23, Burien council members are expected to approve March 2 as the day that some 14,100 residents of the North Highline unincorporated area become residents of the city.

With the annexation of the southern part of North Highline, Burien will become the 21st largest city in Washington – just above Olympia – with a population of about 45,000. Currently the city ranks 31st in the state.

Burien City Manager Mike Martin recommended to the council members on Monday (Nov. 9) that March 2 be set as the effective date, the timing of which will allow the city to get the maximum amount of road tax revenue from King County.

“It’s finally before you,” Martin told the city council. “We’ve been waiting for this moment until the outcome of (Initiative) 1033 was known.

I-1033, which was soundly defeated in the Nov. 3 general election, would have established a baseline for spending by all levels of government in Washington and restricted how much new revenue they could spend each year.

Both Martin and council members had suggested that if I-1033 were to pass, its impact could delay the annexation process by Burien.

There was no detailed discussion of the annexation process at Monday’s meeting. However, some lawmakers did have questions about its impact on the city’s 2010 budget during a public hearing and review of adjustments to the city’s biennial budget and yearly property tax levy.

Almost 59 percent of North Highline voters approved annexation to Burien in the Aug. 18 primary election.

“The North Highline (Unincorporated Area) Council represents the people of North Highline and we are very happy to see annexation take place,” said Greg Duff, president of the council. “This is something that the people of North Highline have been hoping for for a long time.”

The annexation area extends north from South/Southwest 128th Street to a line that zigzags west to east along Southwest 112th Street in north Shorewood, South 116th Street, South 112th Street, and South 107th Street in Boulevard Park, ending at Tukwila. Much of Beverly Park and Boulevard Park, including the Rainier Golf and Country Club, will be absorbed by Burien.

Left in the remaining unincorporated area between the new Burien city limits and Seattle will be the North Highline fire station, Evergreen High School and Pool, and the Top Hat neighborhood.

Emphasizing the fact that he was speaking for himself only, and not for the council, Duff added, “Personally, I hope to see the rest of the area annexed eventually into Burien.”

$536,000 in Federal Stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are funding new construction on 4th Avenue SW between SW 156th and 153rd Streets in Burien, and should be completed by mid-December, according to Project Manager Brian Victor.

The construction is rebuilding the northbound lane of 4th Ave SW between SW 156th and 153rd Streets, adding new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, bike lanes and even street lights similar to the ones in Town Square.

There will be local access for area businesses and residences, but motorists are advised to avoid the construction area if possible.

Here’s the latest update on construction:

Construction is requiring intermittent closure of 4th Ave SW at various times of the day for heavy equipment.

Access to 4th Ave SW between said intersections will be limited to one lane during business hours; limited 2-way access will be provided after 5pm.

At SW 155th Street and 4th Ave SW, access will be restricted for eastbound and westbound; there will be NO WESTBOUND access from SW 155th Street to 4th Avenue SW for the next three to four weeks.

At SW 154th Street and 4th Avenue SW, access will be limited for eastbound and westbound traffic. Westbound access at this intersection will be closed intermittently during the day; limited access will be available in the evenings.

This phase of the project will continue for the next three to four weeks, with a projected completion time of mid-December.

As the City of Burien prepares to annex the North Highline “South Annexation Area,” most likely in March 2010, its Planning Commission is considering converting zoning designations there.

The first planning meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 10th at 7pm at Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd Street (Suite 300).

The second event will be a public hearing on the proposed conversion on Tuesday, Nov. 24th, at 7pm, also at Burien City Hall. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and/or submit written comments.

For more information:

• Link to the city’s page on annexation
• Link to information on the proposed conversion (PDF file)
• Zoning map with current designations (PDF file)
• Proposed zoning designations (PDF file)

Here are the full details from a press release issued by the city on Nov. 9th:

Zoning Conversion for North Highline “South Annexation Area”

The City of Burien continues it preparations to annex the North Highline “South Annexation Area” as approved by voters in August 2009. A required step is adoption of zoning for the area. The City of Burien Planning Commission is reviewing a proposal from the City’s Department of Community Development to convert the existing King County zoning designations to City of Burien designations. A more formal review of these designations would occur as part of the City’s scheduled planning process in 2010 and 2011.

The Burien Planning Commission will be taking its first look at the proposed conversion on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, at 7 p.m. at Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd Street (Suite 300). The Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed conversion on Tuesday, November 24th, at 7 p.m., also at Burien City Hall. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and/or submit written comments. The Planning Commission then will make a recommendation to the Burien City Council, which must adopt zoning for the annexation area prior to annexation in 2010.

Information on the proposed conversion, and zoning maps showing current County zoning and proposed City zoning are available online at burienwa.gov/annexation or by contacting Chip Davis, planner, at (206) 248-5501 or by Email at chipd@burienwa.gov.

Lots of interesting news this last week in the Burien area, from Day of the Dead to Election Day to the Day of a Massive Police Response in Tukwila and more.

Here are the stories we covered between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 2009:

UPDATE WED. 11/4/ 5pm: The second round of election returns has been released by King County Elections, and with between 28-30% of the votes counted, Dow Constantine still leads with 58%, Jack Block Jr. with 55% and 76% voting NO against Burien’s Transportation Benefit District (sidewalks & bike paths) proposal.

Also, Initiative 1033 is still failing with 67% voting “No,” and R-71 is still passing with 67% “Yes.”

Here are the updated results culled from the King County Elections website as of 4:19pm Wed., 11/4/09:

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 308,650 / 1,079,842 • 28.58%

• Susan Hutchison: 125,607 • 42.26%
• Dow Constantine: 171,006 • 57.53%
• Write-in: 621 • 0.21%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 308,650 / 1079842 • 28.58%

Initiative Measure No. 1033:

• YES: 92,654 • 33.28%
• NO: 185,721 • 66.72%

Referendum Measure No. 71:

• APPROVED: 202,125 • 66.59%
• REJECTED: 101,403 • 33.41%

CITY OF BURIEN:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5,006 / 16,617 • 30.13%

Council Position No. 1:

• Sue Blazak: 1,981 • 44.83%
• Jack Block, Jr.: 2,413 • 54.61%
• Write-in: 25 • 0.57%

Council Position No. 3:

• Joan McGilton: 3,214 • 97.01%
• Write-in: 99 • 2.99%

Council Position No. 5:

• Rose Clark: 3,212 • 96.69%
• Write-in: 110 • 3.31%

Council Position No. 7:

• Brian Bennett: 3,363 • 98.22%
• Write-in: 61 • 1.78%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5,006 / 16,617 • 30.13%

Transportation Benefit District No. 1 Proposition No. 1:

• YES: 958 • 23.50%
• NO: 3,118 • 76.50%

CITY OF NORMANDY PARK:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 1,553 / 4,676 • 33.21%

Council Position No. 2:

• Clarke Brant: 1,025 • 97.99%
• Write-in: 21 • 2.01%

Council Position No. 4:

• John L. Rankin: 972 • 96.05%
• Write-in: 40 • 3.95%

Council Position No. 6 short and full term:

• Marion Yoshino: 995 • 98.03%
• Write-in: 20 • 1.97%

Proposition No. 1:

• YES: 680 • 47.16%
• NO: 762 • 52.84%

HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 401:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 13,664 / 57,961 • 23.57%

Director District No. 2:

• Angelica M. Alvarez: 10,372 • 98.47%
• Write-in: 161 • 1.53%

Director District No. 3:

• Susan Goding: 10319 • 98.53%
• Write-in: 154 • 1.47%

KING COUNTY

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842 23.55%

Sheriff:

• Sue Rahr: 220,802 • 97.96%
• Write-in: 4,597 • 2.04%

Assessor unexpired 2-year term

• Graham Albertini: 52,192 • 20.91%
• Gene Lux: 12,175 • 4.88%
• Lloyd Hara: 82,864 • 33.20%
• Bob Rosenberger: 72,525 • 29.06%
• Bob Blanchard: 29,041 • 11.63%
• Write-in: 806 • 0.32%

Burien’s Mathison Park, located at 425 SW 144th Street, includes 5.3 acres of forested open space on the east side of town, with the only problem being that visitors could only experience the one acre initially developed and accessible.

Since August, the park has been undergoing some serious renovations, including 100+ goats munching brush away (see our video coverage here), and more recently some serious earthwork and grading to establish a new trail system and playground.

The expected completion date is December, and once open, visitors will be able to walk along meandering trails, enjoy views of Mount Rainier and learn about the park’s flora and fauna through a series of interpretive panels. Along the trail people can rest on a trailside bench or take in a view from several overlooks or picnic sites.

For the kids, the addition of a new playground will be a welcome enhancement.

An additional element of the project is the removal of substantial amounts of invasive plant species (thanks goats!) and the re-establishment of native plants, especially along the trail corridors. The final touches will include interpretive signage throughout the trail system.

Design of the park expansion was provided by KPG and the construction contractor is L.W. Sundstrom Inc.

Funding for this project has been provided by the State of Washington’s Wildlife and Recreation Program, the King County Youth Sports Facilities Grant program, along with City of Burien capital improvement program funds.

Here’s a sketch of the project siteplan (click to view full image):

With the deadline to mail ballots for the Nov. 3rd general election just days away, we here at The B-Town Blog have created our own online forum which consists of answers to five relevant questions we asked each candidate for the Burien City Council.

Here are the answers from candidates for Position #1 – Sue Blazak and Jack Block, Jr.

Please note that we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used are purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.

Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:

1.  What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Burien if you are elected to the council?  What qualifies you to lead this effort?

SUE BLAZAK: I will continue to advocate for a safe and sustainable Burien that is a great place to live, work, shop, and play. I am committed to the bright future I see for this city.

It has been an honor to serve the residents of Burien for the past four years as a councilmember and Deputy Mayor. I have drawn upon citizens’ input and my community service, education, and job experience to make tough decisions for Burien.  These include maintaining a balanced budget, improving public safety, major street improvements, revitalizing downtown, a new city hall, and a re-awakening of our arts and culture.

Our city doesn’t have the size of Seattle or Bellevue, yet we’re able to effectively compete for state and federal dollars for large capital projects.  This is because I and other councilmembers serve on regional committees to make sure our needs are addressed in the four-county planning process.  It’s imperative to be at the regional tables where decisions are being made. We also partner with other jurisdictions to strengthen our position, so that when opportunities arise, we are ready to act on them.  On regional transportation committees, I have worked to keep the Transit-oriented development on track, which will provide affordable housing and retail next to our new Transit Center.  I’ve expedited funding for improvements to commuter bus service.  And I will continue to work toward the critical extension of light rail to Burien.

I have also fostered relationships with representatives from medical and educational organizations toward the goal of establishing Burien as a “Wellness” center.  In addition to achieving improved comprehensive health and wellness services, this effort is leading to an educational pipeline for residents to improve job skills that will lead to family-wage job opportunities – all right here in Burien!

JACK BLOCK, JR.: I have two primary objectives: A. Restart Burien’s rebirth and revitalization efforts. Without a strong business core the city will be unable to derive enough tax revenue to fully fund essential services. B. Expand noise insulation efforts to offset the impact of third runway operations and also receive mitigation funding to offset the social and economic impacts placing a regional facility on our doorstep creates.

I believe the best measure of future success is past success.

A partial list of accomplishments during my 2003-2007 city council term:

• Made Burien’s government more accessible by televising work sessions;
• Opened four new parks, two in low income areas;
• Restored 1/2 mile Seahurst Park shoreline;
• Secured $50,000 in pre-kindergarten preparedness
• Brought my experience and contacts as an officer in the ILWU and Teamsters to negotiations, government relations, and outreach.
• Served as transportation coordinator for Burien’s Katrina efforts, overcoming logistical challenges to deliver supplies to the San Antonio Katrina evacuation facility.

I will meet Burien’s challenges: rebuild downtown; build a multi-service center with safe pedestrian and transit access; increase noise insulation efforts; obtain Port and Federal funding offsetting the 3rd Runway’s social and economic impacts; remove zoning restrictions that have created disincentives to rebuilding our older apartment buildings, causing slum-like conditions; and shift Police services from reaction to crime prevention.

2.  Burien tax revenue is down sharply. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?

SB: I will increase the focus on support for a more robust business community, retaining current businesses and exploring innovative ways to attract new businesses.  Our city has successfully partnered with other south King County jurisdictions in order to provide support to small businesses in our area.  The Chamber of Commerce has played an integral part in promoting Burien’s business community.  Discover Burien is the fabric that connects our businesses and community events.  The Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership provides feedback and advises the council on economic policies.  The Parks Department and Arts Groups play key roles in providing activities that enhance the vitality of downtown.  The wonderful folks who live and work in Burien, our great location and beautiful appearance – all are huge assets in supporting a vibrant economy.   Each of these must be encouraged along with increased volunteerism, creatively increasing police presence, effective code enforcement, realistically addressing downtown parking needs, and actively engaging in public/private dialogues to find innovative solutions.  Currently, this includes re-visiting the possibility of a multi-screen cinema as an anchor for Town Square as well careful planning for development of the Northeast Area of Burien impacted by the 3rd Runway.  Excellence in education, preserving precious natural resources, and pedestrian and bike friendly streets also play key roles in attracting and supporting a vibrant economy.

JB: This is the type of issue that conventional political wisdom tells officials to run from; to dodge and scramble better than the Seahawks backfield. But because I am not a conventional politician, I get things done. Like them or not, taxes are the way city services are funded. That said, I think our whole tax structure including the way Burien obtains tax revenues and other funding should be re-examined. We need to explore ways to fund city services that are not regressive (like utility and sales taxes, which hit lower and fixed income people hardest) and don’t burden one group over another. We also need to create a tax structure that is consistent and is independent of economic forces that the city has no control over. Taxing alternatives that I would discuss with our citizens include (note: these are proposals to start a discussion): Implementing a beverage tax on all beverage sales of $ .25 cents per drink. This type of levy would generate revenue from those outside Burien (50%) who patronize our restaurants and coffee shops. The revenue on an unnecessary but nice purchase could replace the tax our citizens pay for essential heat and light (utility taxes), the regressive B&O tax that burdens our small businesses, and could still provide enough additional revenue to restore cuts to city services and increase police protection.

Another alternative that I would examine is a rental unit licensing fee of $15 per unit a month, ($.50 cents per day). At present the biggest burden of Burien’s property tax levy falls on single family homeowners. Apartment dwellers use a tremendous amount of city services, yet such rental units are assessed at, and pay, only one-fourth the property tax of a single-family home. Revenue from this source should be dedicated towards police services and an additional code enforcement officer whose duty would be to inspect rental housing units for health and safety of residents.

3.  A lot of commercial space – including in the new Town Square – is vacant.  What will you do to position the city to encourage business growth and activity, both downtown and elsewhere?

SB: Using a quote in the B-Town Blog: “We have a trickle of new businesses coming in here,” Burien Economic Development Manager Dick Loman told The B-Town Blog recently. “We’re gradually filling up our vacant (commercial) spaces, and it’s happening in the worst economic climate in decades……You’d think it would be very quiet, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s very amazing and we’re very fortunate to have this happening.”

I am working to enhance this “trickle.” These tough economic times require the city of Burien to re-evaluate how we do business.  Talking with business owners, there is much work to be done.  Areas of focus include re-evaluating our commercial and mixed use zoning, creatively planning for the Northeast Re-development Area, integrating our new annexed businesses and residents, realistically assessing our parking needs, continually improving our customer service and developing innovative partnerships such as the Wellness Cluster.

Continued updating of policies and procedures to ensure the most efficient and practical system is a wise investment in keeping a vibrant downtown.  Our staff is constantly looking at ways to improve customer service.  We are eager to work with businesses and other jurisdictions to get more done with less.  We have successfully partnered with surrounding cities on emergency preparedness, stream restoration of Miller Creek, and with King County on the Transit-oriented development.  We have a reputation as a can-do city which will help us through these tough times.

JB: Burien has too many empty storefronts; economic development efforts must be refocused. We must shift Burien’s economic development efforts to attract and retain small businesses, the lifeblood of a healthy community, by showcasing Burien’s competitive advantages: low rent and an ample, educated workforce. Filling empty storefronts helps all business prosper and also meets Burien’s sustainability goals – Burien residents shop in Burien rather than Southcenter.

We need to restore confidence in Burien’s ability to complete large projects.   Burien’s current leaders have mismanaged stalled projects such as 1st Avenue and Town Square; I will finish them. With the recession, Town Square is a special challenge.  Burien could establish a housing authority, leveraging lower interest rates and ability to attract HUD funding to complete the project and increase downtown parking. Burien could then sell completed condominiums at both market and senior rates, attracting downtown residents and boosting the business district.

4.  What kind of development would you like to see in the Northeast Redevelopment Area?

SB: I support development that is of the best and highest use for the residents of Burien.   This area has been one of Burien’s priorities since incorporation in 1993.  Currently, the City of Burien, working with the Port of Seattle, is preparing a strategy for redevelopment of the area.  The goal is to transform these acres of residential, vacant, public and small commercial land, which have been negatively impacted by the 3rd runway, to uses that are more compatible with Sea-Tac Airport operations and existing and planned surrounding land uses.  One of the goals of the strategy is to include flexible and market-responsive scenarios with policies and regulations to guide long-term development in this area.  A public workshop and stakeholder meetings were held in the fall of 2008.  Those sessions provided feedback that included a desire for public open space, retail, commercial, industrial and improved roads within the area.  At our most recent council meeting, there was also a proposal for a creative blend of residential and small businesses as a transition to more commercial and industrial uses.  Starting with this input, I will advocate for re-development that is smart, compatible, and appropriate for our city.

JB: I feel that two types of development would be ideal in the NERA area: an auto mall that allows our auto dealers to expand and prosper, while directing customers and their traffic to one area; and distribution-oriented businesses with a high ratio of employees to revenues, such as the ‘Boeing Parts Distribution Center’. A crucial component to any future NERA development is the construction of new off-ramps at the 518-Des Moines Way interchange. When I served Burien on the City Council 2003-2007, I championed this item for Burien’s 2006 legislative agenda. The city council is just now getting around, 3 years later, to making this issue a priority.

5.  Do you support taking steps to annex the rest of North Highline after the current annexation process is completed?  Why or why not?

SB: Burien has moved carefully on annexation, taking years to collect and review data as well as seek extensive public input.  I believe we have taken a manageable step in moving forward with the annexation of the southern portion of the North Highline annexation area.  Now we need to thoroughly assess the needs of our new and current residents and give ourselves time to get comfortable with this growth.  There are a number of nuts and bolts pieces, such as staffing, looking at zoning, etc. that will take time to process.  I believe that we need to work through these priorities and ensure that Burien’s public services provide effective support for the needs of our residents and businesses before considering further annexation.

JB: I am a supporter of annexation. However, I feel that the present council botched the recent North Highline annexation. Due to taxing authority differences between the county and a city, King County is currently running a nearly $8 million annual deficit serving the North Highline area. This put the city of Burien in an outstanding bargaining position that Burien failed to capitalize on. As a consequence, King County will be able to walk away from millions of dollars of capital projects that they failed to complete, leaving them for you and me to pay for.

Before the City of Burien proceeds with any future consideration of annexation, it must ensure that services are provided to Burien’s present citizens and those of the newly incorporated area first. I do not think that we should consider additional annexation for at least another 5-7 years. Future annexation must be contingent on the county providing incentives and offset funding.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien City Council members were presented with dismal sales tax figures from City Manager Mike Martin at the beginning of their meeting last Monday, Oct. 5th.

Through July, the city’s sales tax revenue for the year to date was down 16.2 percent compared with the same time frame in 2008, Martin reported. For July 2009, compared with July 2008, it was down 19.7 percent.

The data reflect a 14.3 percent decline in retail trade in the city, a 47 percent decline in construction-related purchases, and a 10.6 percent in accommodations and food service.

But this does not make Burien unusual. “We’re pretty much on par with our neighbors,” he observed.

NORTHEAST REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Council members heard a presentation by Scott Greenberg, Community Development Director, on proposed revisions for the city’s Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) that, if adopted, will amend the Burien Comprehensive Plan and certain zoning designations within this area.

The NERA, located north of Sea-Tac International Airport between 8th Ave. S., S. 138th St., and Des Moines Memorial Dr., is an area that both the city and Port of Seattle, which owns much of the property there, hope is developed for business and commercial activity.

Alternative 1 in this proposal would change the existing Special Planning Area 4 designation to Airport Industrial and Professional Residential. In both areas, the current two-acre minimum for redevelopment would be eliminated.

Potential uses, according to Greenberg, include technological, light manufacturing, light industrial and offices. Auto sales and other commercial uses would be allowed in the south paort of the Airport Industrial zone.

The Professional Residential would allow for new single-family developments as well as small offices, retail uses and art studios.

Alternative 2 would include the same zoning changes, but would not include auto sales and other commercial uses.

Alternative 3 would leave the current NERA zoning unchanged.

These proposals will be introduced at the Tuesday, Oct. 13th meeting of the Burien Planning Commission at 7 p.m. in City Hall. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, a joint hearing with a hearing examiner and the planning commission will consider the proposed comprehensive plan amendments and proposed zoning changes.

Liz Ockwell, an assistant city planner, detailed for council members proposed zoning code amendments relating to land use, garages, slope, parking and landscaping for new developments.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien City Council members sharply rebuked Initiative 1033 at their meeting Monday night (Oct. 5th) and voted 3-1 to oppose the tax-limitation measure that appears on the November ballot.

Mayor Joan McGilton and Councilwomen Kathy Keene and Lucy Krakowiak voted to oppose I-1033. Councilman Gordon Shaw voted no. Although he offered no comment before casting his vote at this week’s meeting, Shaw spoke in support of I-1033 at their Sept. 28 session.

Deputy Mayor Sue Blazak and Councilwomen Rose Clark and Sally Nelson were absent.

According to the ballot measure summary, I-1033:

“…would limit growth in state revenues … and limit growth in county and city revenues. The limit would be adjusted based on annual growth in inflation and population…. The limit would exclude voter-approved revenue increases. Revenues above the limit would reduce property tax levies.”

“I’m very concerned,” McGilton said in reference to I-1033.

Keene said, “This initiative raises grave concerns for me, not only because of what it will do to our city but what it will do to the school district, the county and the state…

“It’s ill conceived in my humble opinion. There’s going to be some draconian cuts on all sides” if I-1033 passes.

She added that while “proponents say it eliminates waste in city government, I don’t see the waste that those who haven’t read the (city) budget see in it.”

Tim Eyman, the primary sponsor of I-1033, the latest in a series of statewide tax-limitation initiatives he has placed before Washington voters, disagreed with the opposing arguments.

I-1033 is intended to produce greater “fiscal discipline” on the part of local and state governments, he told The B-Town Blog. “They’ve got to have it now” in the midst of the current recession. “Now’s the most critical time, and they’re arguing that this is the worst time.

“The only way they can take more money (under this initiative) is to ask the people’s permission, not by making the economy worse by raising taxes.”

Eyman added that if government thinks it has it tough in the current economy, government needs to remember what it’s like to be a taxpayer. “Government is the most dangerous now because they’re thinking from their perspective. Desperately needed is fiscal discipline.”

by Ralph Nichols

Aquí se habla español.

Translation: “Spanish spoken here.”

And these words could be a message from the City of Burien to the members of its growing Spanish-speaking community.

That’s because Burien recently added a Spanish-language phone line for people who call city hall (the direct # is 206-436-5556).

Here’s an audio sample of it (click the “Play” button below):

[display_podcast]

“If it’s well publicized, I think it will prove to be very useful and be well received by Latino residents,” says Spanish translator Kenneth Barger – the “voice” of the Spanish line.

This line can help bring members of the Latino community into the “mainstream” of the larger local community, Barger says, especially “if it is part of a broader effort, as is the case with the translated documents available in Burien, the [city’s] new radio station with Spanish material, and the bilingual newsletter.

“Of particular importance is the practical information for emergencies, crime prevention, and so forth” that the line offers Spanish-speaking residents, “because a community is only safe when all of its members are safe.

The Spanish line is available both to people who call the city’s 24/7 information line (206-241-4647, or directly at 206-436-5556) and press “2” at the prompt, and those who call city hall during business hours and request certain information in Spanish.

The line’s five Spanish-language information categories are:

1. Business licenses
2. Permits
3. Reduced cable television rates
4. How to file a citizen-action reques
5. Community information, which includes:
   1. Emergency preparedness
   2. Free Burien shuttle
   3. English-Spanish conversational group
   4. Crime prevention Block Watch
   5. Citizenship/naturalization preparedness
   6. Pets

Carolyn Towle, a city accountant who also manages its communications systems, said the idea for a Spanish line originated with the city’s Communications Committee.

Last spring, says Towle, she was approached by members of the city’s Communication’s Committee, who suggested that answers in Spanish be provided for commonly asked questions received at the front desk.

At that time, she had to say no. The city’s existing communications technology could not support the system they wanted for it. But upgrades made as part of the move into the new Burien City Hall/Library building last June made it possible.

“I went back after the move and said, ‘OK, we’ve got the technology now and I’d like to move forward with it,’” Towle says. Next, “I want to the gals at the front desk and they put together a two-page list, a script, of the frequently asked questions” they wanted answered in Spanish.

They then talked with Steve Botkin, a public relations consultant for the city, who provided ideas for the Spanish line including incorporating it with Burien’s public radio station (540 AM).

“This line is for information only,” Towle notes. “There is no voice mail for callers to leave messages for city staff.”

Barger adds, “This part of the county has an even greater Latino population than elsewhere in the state, so if anyone is going to offer such a service, it’s great that it’s here. This sort of welcoming gesture makes people feel more a part of the community, which makes the whole community stronger.”

4Culture, the cultural development agency serving King County, recently announced federal stimulus funding awards totaling $250,000 to preserve jobs at 40 arts and cultural organizations throughout the region, including both a $7,500 grant to Burien’s Hi-Liners and $2,500 to the city.

The federal funds will help organizations extend or restore threatened salaried and contract jobs, ranging from executive directors and curators, to marketing managers, to actors and artists.

“The recession has deeply impacted non-profit cultural organizations of all sizes and disciplines,” said Jim Kelly, Executive Director of 4Culture, “However, the applications we reviewed demonstrate that arts managers are resilient, creative, and determined to continue programs in the service of their missions.” 4Culture will distribute the federal funds throughout the County to a diverse range of organizations and communities including:

Auburn Symphony Orchestra	Auburn	$10,000
City of Auburn Arts Commission	Auburn	$5,000
Bellevue Arts Museum	Bellevue	$10,000
City of Bellevue Parks & Community Services	Bellevue	$3,000
Music Works Northwest	Bellevue	$4,000
Attic Theatre, The	Bothell	$5,000
Northshore Performing Arts Center	Bothell	$5,000
City of Burien	Burien	$2,500
Hi-Liners, The	Burien	$7,500
City of Des Moines Arts Commission	Des Moines	$7,500
Duvall Cultural Commission	Duvall	$6,500
Fall City Arts	Fall City	$5,000
Centerstage Theatre	Federal Way	$7,500
Federal Way Symphony	Federal Way	$6,500
City of Kent	Kent	$6,500
City of Kirkland Cultural Council	Kirkland	$6,500
Kirkland Arts Center	Kirkland	$7,500
Kirkland Performance Center	Kirkland	$5,000
Studio East	Kirkland	$8,500
SecondStory Repertory	Redmond	$7,500
Evergreen City Ballet	Renton	$5,000
Arcade (NW Architectural League)	Seattle	$7,500
Arts and Visually Impaired Audiences	Seattle	$3,500
Degenerate Art Ensemble	Seattle	$3,000
Early Music Guild	Seattle	$7,500
Giant Magnet (formerly Seattle Int. Children’s Festival)	Seattle	$7,500
Langston Hughes PAC	Seattle	$5,000
Northwest Film Forum	Seattle	$7,500
Seattle International Film Festival	Seattle	$5,000
Seattle Music Partners	Seattle	$5,000
Seattle Public Theatre	Seattle	$7,500
Seattle Scenic Studios	Seattle	$7,500
Suyama Space (Space.City)	Seattle	$3,000
Theatre Puget Sound	Seattle	$7,500
Town Hall	Seattle	$7,500
Washington Lawyers for the Arts	Seattle	$7,500
Choir of the Sound	Shoreline	$5,000
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council	Shoreline	$6,500
Vashon Allied Arts	Vashon	$7,500
ArtsWest	West Seattle	$7,500

Earlier this year, 4Culture applied for and received the maximum award of $250,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to re-grant to King County arts and cultural organizations to support art jobs. The NEA had $50 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to distribute nationwide.

Cumulatively, over $1.2 Million dollars will help preserve jobs at nearly 100 organizations statewide through the NEA appropriations. The Washington State Arts Commission received ARRA funds to distribute state-wide, and over the summer announced awards totaling $285,000 to 24 arts organizations, including six in Seattle. In early September, the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs (SOACA) announced another $250,000 in ARRA funds to 22 Seattle-based arts organizations. SOACA and 4Culture were two of only sixteen local arts agencies nation-wide that received ARRA funds to sub-grant to constituents. The NEA also awarded grants totaling $450,000 directly to 12 Seattle arts organizations.

An arts organization can only receive ARRA-appropriated NEA jobs funding from one source. With all three regional public funding entities receiving ARRA dollars, WSAC, 4Culture and SOACA devised an application process that would ensure that arts organizations wouldn’t have to submit multiple applications if they were eligible to apply to more than one agency. 4Culture was the final agency to undergo a panel process, and received 99 applications from organizations throughout King County. Proposals were evaluated on the significance of the position(s) to the mission and core services of the organization, the potential of the position(s) to have an immediate impact, and the organization’s ability to manage the funds.

According to their website:

4Culture is a unique integration of the arts, heritage, preservation and public art; committed to advancing community through culture. Public exhibitions and performances, public art, preservation of significant sites and interpretation of local history deepen our connections to the places in which we live and work. 4Culture stimulates cultural activity and enhances the assets that distinguish a community as vibrant, unique and authentic.