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:

by Mark Neuman

We touched base this week with friend of The B-Town blog, Burien’s first mayor, Dr. Arun Jhaveri, and he’s as busy as ever.

He’s planning a trip to Copenhagen this month, interviewing for a position on the Metropolitan King County Council this week, and just recently accepted a position as Executive Advisor with One Million Lights, a Palo Alto-based group determined to bring light to the world.

Literally.

“Two billion people in this world of a little over six billion, one third of the world’s population, do not have electricity,” Dr. Jhaveri said.

One Million Lights, a year-old non-profit group, “provides rechargeable solar handheld lights to poor children and adults in developing countries,” he told us. “They can use these in lieu of kerosene lamps, particularly at night so children can study in their huts.

“These solar batteries last forever. And the children don’t have to be exposed to the (kerosene) fumes or the fire hazard while they do their homework.”

The organization has delivered 30,000 lights worldwide with a goal of one million.

Anna Sidana, One Million Lights’ founder and CEO, is “thrilled to have someone of Arun’s caliber on our board of advisors. He brings depth of knowledge and contacts that are invaluable to us.”

Dr. Jhaveri recently announced his interest in filling the seat left vacant when King County Councilmember Dow Constantine took over as County Executive.

“I meet Thursday afternoon (December 3) with the advisory committee for an interview,” he said. The committee will recommend “three or four candidates” to the eight sitting members of the council, who hope to make a final selection by December 14.

“I am interested only in an interim one-year term,” Dr. Jhaveri said. “I am not interested in campaign financing or running for election (beyond 2010). I want to focus my attention on helping the council on the priorities such as the budget and county services.”

Dr. Jhaveri is planning on attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen December 7 through 18.

“If things move forward with respect to the vacancy on the council, I might have to cancel or postpone my trip to Copenhagen.”

Dr. Jhaveri was recently in Washington D.C. signing copies of his new book, “Carbon Reduction: Policies, Strategies and Technologies” (Fairmont Press, Georgia) which he co-authored with long time colleague and fellow engineer, Dr. Stephen Roosa.

“The book is something I believe in. There is a lot of interest in it.” Dr. Jhaveri’s book can be ordered through Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble’s website.

For more information on One Million Lights and how to offer help, here is their website: www.onemillionlights.org

And here’s a video:

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• From Bombay To Burien: Meet Dr. Arun Jhaveri
• Dr. Arun Jhaveri: From Bombay To Burien To…Obama?

State Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Normandy Park) will be holding a “Telephone Town Hall” on Tuesday, Nov. 17th from 6pm to 7pm, and to participate, you don’t have to drive anywhere in the rain at night or find a parking space – all you have to do is call a toll-free 1-877 number.

Similar to a traditional town hall, this “teleforum” will serve as a forum to bring up questions, comments and concerns about the 33rd district and topics related to the Washington state Legislature. By utilizing this new technology, participants can take part in the discussion from the comfort of their own homes.

Many residents of the 33rd district will receive a call that evening inviting them to stay on the line and join the conversation.

if for some reason you do not receive the call directly by 6:10pm Nov. 17th., you can just phone in that evening by dialing toll-free (877) 229-8493, PIN code: 15263.

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 Jim Branson

Despite the city’s own ordinance against graffiti, the graffiti on this “Welcome to Burien” sign located in Olde Burien has been there for nearly three months.

Here’s a photo that was posted on The B-town Blog on July 19th:

Here’s another photo of the same sign, taken just last week:

Ironically, Burien’s own ordinance (see below or download the PDF here) says it saves money and effort by cleaning up graffiti quickly, before it attracts more graffiti and makes more work.

Why, then, is the City of Burien inviting more vandalism and crime by leaving this graffiti up on its very own sign, in violation of its very own ordinance, which stipulates removal “within 5 days”?

From the City’s municipal code:

CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO. 488

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF GRAFFITI; AMENDING CHAPTER 8.55 OF THE BURIEN MUNICIPAL CODE; AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF GRAFFITI AND SHORTENING THE TIME PERIOD FOR GRAFFITI REMOV AL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

WHEREAS, in 1999 the City Council of the City of Burien adopted Ordinance No. 270 (codified at Chapter 8.55 BMC) establishing new requirements for removal of graffiti found upon public and private property in the City of Burien, and

WHEREAS, the graffiti removal regulations currently provide that all graffiti upon public or private property that is visible from a public road or right of way shall be removed by the property within ten five days of notice given by the City, and

WHREAS, the graffiti removal regulations do not specifically prohibit the use of very hard and sharp objects to etch words, designs, and other markings on glass or other surfaces which is a relatively new type of graffiti, and

WHEREAS, the City finds that, graffiti on fences, walls, glass, buildings and other structures attracts more graffiti and invites additional vandalism and crime; unabated graffiti sends a message that the community is not concerned about the appearance of its business districts and neighborhoods; the presence of graffiti generates neighborhood fear and instability, signals an increase in crime, lowers property values, hurts business revenue, is economically detrimental to the City, and is a sign of urban decay; the National Crime Prevention Council reports that studies have determined that if vandalism and graffiti is repaired or removed within 24 – 48 hours, there is little recurrence; by covering graffiti as soon as possible, the vandal is deprived of the effort and time it took to vandalize or tag property; that expeditious graffiti removal is the best deterrent to future incidents; that a quick removal response by property owners is the key to successfully combating graffiti; unless the City acts to remove graffiti from public and private property, the graffiti tends to remain and other properties then become the target of graffiti; and, entire neighborhoods are affected and become less desirable places in which to be, all to the detriment of the health, safety and welfare of the City and its residents, and

WHEREAS, the Council finds that graffiti is a public nuisance, and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that amending Chapter 8.55 BMC to establish a shorter period to remove graffiti and to prohibit the etching as a form of graffiti will help prevent the spread of graffiti vandalism and will support the City’s program for the prevention and removal of graffiti, and

WHEREAS, the City Council intends, through the adoption of this Ordinance, to provide additional enforcement tools to protect public and private property from acts of graffiti vandalism and defacement, all in support of the general health, safety and welfare of the City and its residents;

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Amendment of BMC 8.55.010 (Definitions). Section 8.55.010 of the Burien Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
8.55.010 Definitions.

(1) “Graffiti” means the defacing, damaging or destroying by etching, spraying of paint or marking of ink, chalk, dye or other similar substances on public or private buildings, structures, places and properties.

2) “Graffiti abatement procedure” means the abatement procedure which identifies graffiti, issues notice to the landowner to abate the graffiti, and cures in absence of response.

(3) “Private contractor” means any person with whom the city shall have duly contracted to remove graffiti.

Section 2. Amendment of Section 8.55.040 (Graffiti – Notice of removal). Section 8.55.040 of the Burien Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

8.55.040Graffiti – Notice of removal.

(1) Whenever the city manager, or designee, determines that graffiti exists on any public or private buildings, structures, and places which are visible to any person utilizing any public road, parkway, alley, sidewalk or other right-of-way within the city and when weather conditions permit the painting of exterior surfaces, the city manager or designee shall cause a notice to be issued to abate such nuisance. The property owner shall have 10 5 business days after the date of the notice to remove the graffiti or the same will be subject to abatement by the city.

(2) The notice to abate graffiti pursuant to this section shall cause a written notice to be served upon the owner(s) of the affected premises, as such owners’ name and address appears on the last property tax assessment rolls of King County, Washington. If there is no known address for the owner, the notice shall be sent in care of the property address. The notice required by this section may be served in any one of the following manners:

(a) By personal service on the owner, occupant or manager of the property;

(b) By U.S. first class mail, or registered or certified mail addressed to the owner at the last known address of said owner. If this address is unknown, the notice will be sent to the property address.

If notice is served by U.S. first class mail, notice shall be deemed to have been received three (3) days after depositing such notice, postage prepaid, in the United States mail in a properly address envelope.

Section 3. Severability. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, be declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid for any reason, or should any portion of this ordinance be pre-empted by state or federal law or regulation, such decision or pre-emption shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to other persons or circumstances.

Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be published in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force five (5) days after the date of publication.

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT A REGULAR MEETING THEREOF ON THE 21ST DAY OF JULY, 2008, AND SIGNED IN AUTHENTICATION OF ITS PASSAGE THIS 21ST DAY OF JULY, 2008.

ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
______________________________
Monica Lusk, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
______________________________ Christopher Bacha, Kenyon Disend, PLLC Interim City Attorney

So then…WHEREAS, the City of Burien has chosen to ignore its very own ordinance on its very own property…

THEREFORE whatever shall we, as its residents, do…?

Please take our Poll or Comment below…

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

If you’ve not yet voted and mailed your ballot, remember, tomorrow – Tuesday, August 18, primary election day – is the deadline to do so. And if you live in the southern part of the North Highline unincorporated area, voting in King County’s first all mail-in election carries added significance. Your vote will help decide whether this area becomes part of the city of Burien.

If a majority of these voters says yes to annexation, Burien’s population will increase by some 14,100 residents with the addition of an area from South/Southwest 128th Street north to a zigzag line that extends 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 Burien and Seattle will be the North Highline fire station, Evergreen High School and Pool, and the Top Hat neighborhood.

And if annexation is approved – growing Burien by 44% and making it the 21st largest city in Washington with a population of approximately 45,900 (surpassing Olympia in population) – what happens next?

The first public action will be a special City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m., “to discuss the path forward, to determine how in general to do this whole thing,” says Burien City Manager Mike Martin. “In the next few weeks we will be hiring staff and taking inventories of capital needs (in the unincorporated area). We will need to start figuring out planning and zoning issues up there.”

At that council meeting, “we will bring a resolution to modify the municipal code so North Highline residents in the new annexation area can serve on city advisory boards and commissions now” – through the regular appointment process as positions become open. “This is kind of a big deal,” Martin says. “It will give folks in that area a direct say in advising the city council.”

He adds, “We want (the annexation process) to be seamless.” That is “the overarching theme … we don’t want people to be jolted by this, either the new residents or existing city residents.”

Another initial step, says Mayor Joan McGilton, is a citywide “visioning project. We need to ask those residents and existing residents what the new 45,000 population city should look like.”

“Even if annexation is approved on Tuesday, this area of North Highline will not become part of Burien on Wednesday,” Martin notes emphatically. The process of bringing the unincorporated area into the city will take several months, with annexation becoming official sometime in late winter at the earliest.

City staff already “has taken a cursory look at a lot of these things. We’re not operating in the dark,” he says. “But not a lot will be involved until voters say yes. We wouldn’t want to have spent a lot of time if voters told us they didn’t want to become part of Burien.”

The city’s primary focus on bringing the annexed area into Burien will be planning and zoning, streets and storm drains, and code enforcement, as well as adding staff to work on these matters. In addition, Burien, which adopted a two-year budget for the first time this year, will need to modify it for 2010 to allow for both increased revenue and spending.

The city’s contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office will be modified to hire more deputies as city police officers, many of whom already work in North Highline. All special districts – fire, water, sewer, library, and Highline schools – will continue to provide services in the newly annexed area without interruption or change.

And when the annexed area finally is inside the city, what then? Will Burien consider annexing the remaining North Highline unincorporated area between its new northern city limit and Seattle?

There is, says McGilton, “definite interest on the part of four current council members … to aggressively look at that. Two council members say the city has done as much as it needs to do. My personal preference (if the current annexation proposal is approved) is to settle in and then look at it. I’m a phase one, phase two person … if this is a success, then than will give us credibility to move on north.”

State law requires a simple majority vote of residents in an area designated for annexation before the merger can take effect. Residents of the annexing city do not vote on the question.

by Stephen Lamphear

Following in the steps of the likes of Seattle City Attorney Tom Carr, the city of Burien is preparing to reduce its responsiveness to public records requests.

Here’s a screenshot of “Ordinance 517” on pages 121 – 123 of the last week’s council packet (from http://burienwa.gov/archives/30/081709a.pdf):

(click here to see full version of Ordinance 517)

The proposed change will eliminate:

• The requirement to respond within 5 days by providing or denying requests
• The requirement to state a timeframe for response
• The requirement to provide partially discloseable documents by redacting exempt portions
• The requirement to seek clarification if request is unclear
• The requirement to provide a statement why a request is denied

The city’s proposal addresses internal processes while totally eliminating responsiveness to the public. The proposed ordinance is totally outside the spirit of the public records access law – a law that was enacted by an initiative of the people.

Where is that “transparency” we so often hear from the likes of Rose Clark and Joan McGilton?

We need to loudly oppose the city’s retrenchment into secrecy.

– Stephen

(Stephen Lamphear is a longtime Burien resident and former City Councilmember.)

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We welcome all opinions, and publish pertinent ones at our discretion. As always, all Readers are encouraged to either email us their thoughts, or Comment below. What do YOU think of "Ordinance 517"?]

by Scott Schaefer

Here are notes from Monday night’s (July 20th) Burien City Council Study Session (PDF agenda here, streaming video link here):

Both Mayor Joan McGilton and Councilmember Kathy Keene were absent, but with five councilmembers remaining there was enough for a quorum, so Deputy Mayor Sue Blazak ran the meeting.

STEVE ROEHMER, BURIEN PARKS OPERATION & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER:
Roehmer presented a Powerpoint about the new “Urban Forestry Plan” and outlined the Desired Outcomes:

• Hire consultant for assessment & plan deve. Eagle Landing Park, Seahurst, Salmon Creek
• Establish & implement an associated invasives removal program
• Conduct tree plantings
• Provide for public input and access to resources developed
• Complete plan by Dec. 2009

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

• Involve all stakeholders, including volunteers
• Facilitate w/proven professionals (has already hired Seattle Urban Nature)
• Develop management & restoration priorities adaptable to budget & operational realities
• Inventory of existing habitat types, tree density & % cover by species type
• Locations of invasive species
• GIS data layers
• Vegetative Management Plan & habitat mapping (for Eagle Land Pk & Salmon Creek)0, approx 100 acres being targeted

KEY PLANNING COMPONENTS:

• Site location & context
• Forest assessment methodology
• Property-wide results & findings, including details inventory of species & habitat types
• Zone specific results & management recommendations
• Short & long term by zone & flexible

Most focus appears to be aimed at Eagle Landing Park, and Roehmer said that all details gathered “will be accessible online.”

Councimember Lucy Krakowiak expressed her excitement and thanked him, recommending Dottie Harper Park be included as well.

Vote was 4-1 to approve the Urban Forestry Plan.

PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ORD. #516 ON THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT:
Jenn Ramirez Robson, Management Analyst, presented the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) proposal. The TBD would be created solely for improvement of transportation in Burien, and a $25 license fee would be put on the Nov. 3rd ballot.

This tax would apply only to current residents, not annexed ones, for bicycle & pedestrian improvements for two areas of  Burien:

1. 8th Avenue South (S. 128th Street to S. 136th Street), next to Cedarhurst School; currently no sidewalk there.
2. SW and S. 136th Street (from Ambaum Boulevard to 1st Ave South and 1st Ave South to Des Moines Memorial Drive): bike lanes on both sides, make sidewalk ADA compliant.

Robson said that in 2004 over 400 residents participated in a process that recommended a Bicycles Facilities Plan, with over 20 high-priority pedestrian and bike projects identified.

According to the 2008 Burien Community Survey, a “majority of respondents” felt there is a need for more sidewalks and bike paths in their neighborhoods.

Aso of July 2008, the state of Washington allows cities to designate a TBD to fund transportation improvements.

The City Council would create a TBD, which would be funded via the $25 fee for 2 years; if not approved Nov. 3rd, said TBD is dissolved.

Timeline would be:

• Aug. 3rd TBD meeting to place ballot measure on Nov. 3rd ballot for Aug. 11th deadline
• Nov. 3rd election within current Burien boundaries vote on $25 fee for 2 year TBD program.

At 7:25pm the public hearing was opened for comment; here are some highlights of citizen comments:

Bruce Rambau suggested a “wheels tax” on Burien city employees’ salaries; he then asked how many city employees actually live in Burien;’ “why not make everyone who comes here to work pay for the upkeep of the roads?” “I don’t think it would be that offensive…if you wanna play you gotta pay.”

Don Warren spoke about how he worked on the original bikes & pedestrian plan as well as helped identify areas that Robson presented earlier. He thought that taxing people in cars for benefit of bikes & pedestrians “isn’t the best idea”; other ways would be to tox just those who use it. He supports the two projects, but to have a TBD assessment during “tough times” might not be popular, this is not a “must have” project but “it’d be nice to have.”

Chestine Edgar referenced the 2008 study and said “only 20% identified bike paths as a critical issue.” Edgar frequently challenged the report, saying “or perhaps I read it incorrectly.” She also felt that the information in the agenda was not complete, and proceeded to listed five changes. She also referenced recent cost overruns on construction on First Ave South and SW 152nd. “This city has some really large bills that it has to pay”; “including a $14 million bill to Westmark – how will that be paid?” Spoke about annexation, which will run $3 million in the red, with no cost breakdowns; “I am concerned when I see these proposals come forth, there is no real analysis of the costs and whether we can afford it.”

Roger Dorn agreed with Edgar and spoke of how he has to maintain the sidewalk in front of his house in Sumner. “Why should residents be taxed for this?” “I’m personally tired of being taxed more and more.”

Joe Fitzgibbon spoke in support, thinks $25 fee is reasonable request, works out to less than .7 cents per day per vehicle. Kids will be safe walking to school, families without cars will be safer & people who do have cars may leave them behind to ride their bikes.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT FROM MIKE MARTIN:

• Visited Water Dist. 20 reservoir which serves the North Highline area.
• On 7/14 city staff hosted an Annexation Open House; they’re now seeing a “tapering off” of attendees (was 60-70 per forum), not sure how to interpret that (EDITOR’S IDEA: bring back crummy weather dude, it’s summer!). Wed. 7/29 6:30pm is the next forum at city hall mostly “for our own residents.”
• A couple weeks ago when power was lost in the downtown area, the communication between Burien & City Light was done “poorly”l turns out that Burien wasn’t on a “special list” of agencies that get phone calls from them; Martin also felt that City Light was “unapologetic about it.” “In the future we’ll have a lot better direct communication, but now that we have a low-watt radio station (540AM) which should help get informationout, 85% of our residents could get that communication.” “I’m pleased to report that incrementally we’re improving communication issues…”
• Vandalism in the new Town Square Park on four pieces of art that were damaged or stolen; the city is still trying to figure out what their response will be to that. “We have a number of issues with the new park and the B/ IAS park also”; “We want to have a lot more public art.”
• The 4th of July was “the best in the three years I’ve been here” and while there were still illegal fireworks, it wasn’t as bad as previous years; Martin attributes this to getting the word out that fireworks are illegal in city, and that police can give out citations. He also spoke about how the city “strategically irrigated our parks in the evening”; “we were pleased about that and I hope it continues.”
• Jan Vogee was cited for winning an award for helping develop elecrical code by the Washington Associaciton of Building Officials.

Councilmember Gordon Shaw spoke:

• He mentioned that the Water Dist. 20 tour would’ve “been nice to visit” but that he wasn’t told about it. “Hopefully sometime later that will be made part of Burien.”
• With regard to the low watt radio station, Shaw, apparently never having tuned it in, asked “What is on it when there’s no emergency?”; Martin replied that there’s a 20 minute loop of announcements that can be altered via computer.

Rose Clark spoke about:

• A residents’ letter regarding Port of Seattle 3rd runway noise monitoring. She wants the city council to “write a letter to the Port asking that a noise monitor be placed in this neighborhood.”

STEPHANIE JEWETT, CITY PLANNER:
Jewett spoke about a zoning map for a subdivision of 8 homes which would remove all buildings on the lot.

5-0 was vote to approve it.

TBD public comments were then discussed:

• Sally Nelson talked about cost overruns and how they’d be addressed; Marting replied that contingency funds are “built into the TBD estimates”;
• Shaw thinks some of the funding may come from federal stimulus funding
• Martin said that’s “very unlikely”
• Shaw then cited that 21st Ave SW has much less sidewalk than SW 136th and that there may be other places where this money could be used; he then expressed that he’s opposed to the TBD.
• Blazak then said she supports the idea, was involved in planning process, and this is one of the reasons she wanted to be on the city council.
• Krakowiak also supports the TBD.

Vote was 4-1 approving the TBD. It appears that the next steps will be:

• Aug. 3rd TBD meeting to place ballot measure on Nov. 3rd ballot for Aug. 11th deadline.
• Nov. 3rd election within current Burien boundaries vote on $25 fee for 2 year TBD program.

by Gina Bourdage

Here are notes from Monday night’s (May 11th) Burien City Council meeting (PDF agenda here, streaming video link here):

RESIDENTIAL CONCERNS:
An alley behind St. Vincent de Paul is up to homeowners to maintain and one resident expressed concern over lack of lighting provided by the city.  Peter Arends voiced his concern with past muggings, vandalism and theft that occurs in the alley due to its dark secluded atmosphere.

BURIEN POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT ON CRIME RATES:
Scott Kimmer, Burien Chief of Police, reported that Burien had a drop in overall crime by 12% over last year. Nationally there has been a decrease across the board, however the average for other communities is around 2-3%.

“The goal is to reduce crime and fear of crime,” said Kimmer. “We want residents to feel comfortable in their community.”

Violent crimes against people rank in the middle and property crimes are second to lowest in the area in comparison. Some crimes that are seeing a significant downturn are:

• Burglary down -6%
• Robbery down -14%
• Theft down -11%
• Vehicle theft down -36%

Traffic safety is a priority for the city of Burien, and with heightened patrols and red light cameras recently installed along First Ave South a reduction of violations is expected to appear in future reports.

Misdemeanor crimes, on the other hand, are up +14%, as are general misdemeanor crimes like vandalism, alcohol-related issues, property damage, family disturbances, trespassing, minor assaults, etc. Chief Kimmer equates the increase in this area to current state of economy and increased stress at home.

Very notably, complaints against officers are down to three total formal complaints for 9,383 dispatched calls for service.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We'll be posting a more in-depth story on Burien crime statistics very soon, so check back here shortly!]

CITY MANAGER MIKE MARTIN AGREES TO AN AMENDED CONTRACT:
City manager Mike Martin has signed an amended contract for employment due to his drunk driving charge that was issued from May 6th. There is no room for additional occurrences, and a monitoring device will be installed on the ignition of Mr. Martin’s vehicle.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We'll be posting a story on this issue very soon, which will include the amended contract in its entirety - so check back here shortly!]

FINANCIAL REPORTS: BURIEN LOOKING AT BUDGET CUTS:
A complete report of the 2009-2010 budget is available on the city of Burien’s website, however the blog was provided a breakdown of what the cuts mean and how residents should understand the changes that are currently being discussed at city council meetings:

CITY OF BURIEN BUDGET DEFICIT:
We have been keenly aware of the financial impacts of the economic downturn on the Puget Sound Region and observant of its impact on Burien. Our goal has been to avoid the need for deep cuts that would cause a significant effect. Last fall we budgeted for the economic downturn, however, the recession we thought would end by the third quarter 2009, looks like it may last well into 2010. While we were prepared for lower revenues through mid-2009 we did not anticipate these conditions lasting into 2010. Burien’s sales tax is down more than 9% year-to-date (YTD), our real estate excise tax is down 78% YTD and local unemployment has doubled in the last year. Add to the problem, an increase in salary and benefit costs in our contract for police services w/King County and litigation legal expenses.

Council has reviewed but not taken action on a 3-prong solution to the projected deficit in the current biennial (2-year) budget. No new taxes are proposed but instead staff has recommended reducing expense budgets, re-directing revenue from transportation capital projects to general fund operations and using discretionary fund balance (prior years’ cumulative savings) to close the gap.

The city of Burien will be making the big move to its new digs this coming weekend, with plans to open its new city hall on Tuesday, May 19th.

This will be the first phase opening of the Burien Town Square project.

City Hall will be closed Monday, May 18th and will then reopen on Tuesday, May 19th.

The new Urban Partners condominium and retail building will welcome its first occupants in late spring. The King County Regional Library and Town Square Park also will be opening around the same time.

The Burien Town Square Grand Opening celebration will be held on Saturday, June 13. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 10 a.m. followed by tours of the City Hall, library and City park. Urban Partners also will be conducting tours of the condominiums. The festivities will include live entertainment and refreshments.

by Gina Bourdage

Here are notes from Monday night’s (April 6th) Burien City Council meeting (link to PDF agenda here):

LEVY SUPPORTS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES:
A recent survey found that 50% of homeless men in our area are veterans. In 2005, the Veterans and Human Services levy was passed to generate funding to veterans, military personnel and their families housing and support services. The levy approved $13.3 million dollars dedicated  to help both veterans and residents in need of human services.

Two citizen boards were appointed to allocate the funds to reach specific goals within the program.

Sadikifu Akina-James from the King County of Veterans Affairs broke down the five strategies within the program;

• Enhancing services and access for veterans
• Ending homelessness through outreach, prevention, permanent supportive housing and employment
• Increasing access to behavioral health services
• Strengthening families at risk
• Increasing effectiveness of resource management and evaluation
• Beginning in 2005 the levy will remain until 2011.

For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov

CITY MANAGER MIKE MARTIN’S NEWS FLASH:
Wednesday, April 8th at Dottie Harper Park the city will celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in memory of former mayor Dottie Harper. Bring your family and celebrate the holiday starting at Noon.

Burien is proceeding with low watt radio project for emergency broadcasts. In the case of emergency tune to AM 540. The project is projected to be complete by the end of April 2009.

After discovering that the City of Seattle is the only city with laws extending beyond the State of Washington, Burien is now looking into developing or adopting new requirements to set a higher standard for renters in the Burien area [EDITOR'S NOTE: This was an issue brought to the City Council meeting a few weeks ago by a concerned resident who wanted to be heard and it looks like the city is truly listening. It pays to speak up!].

Disputes over Puget Sound Park, located in the northern part of North Highline, cause the areas fate to up for discussion. The City of Seattle wants to sell and build low income housing and just about everyone else wants to keep the area a community park. White Center councils are not in favor of the proposed transition. A public review meeting is set for April 22nd from 4-6pm at 1000 Oaksdale Ave SW in Renton. Everyone is encouraged to attend and voice their opinion.

“Because we are so close to annexation we don’t feel this is a good idea to be making this sort of decision.” – City Manager Mike Martin

NEW SUBDIVISION AT 13032 AMBAUM BLVD. SW:
The council approved preliminary proposal 291, granting use of land in the neighborhood of 132nd to be developed into single family homes. Currently the lot is wooded and unused. The proposal includes six subdivisions, including a five-foot sidewalk and a storm water run off which current residents would be able to access to prevent drainage issues.

SEAHURST PARK AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT:
Seahurst Park Master Plan presented a restoration project including restoration efforts to return the area to a more natural environment, improve access to trails and improve natural seawall . Several options for direction area were proposed and are available at www.burienwa.gov/index.asp?NID=311.

Currently the Parks Department is seeking funding to move forward.

LIVING ROAD OF REMEMBRANCE:
Preservation efforts for Des Moines Memorial Drive and creation of a new memorial park were proposed. The NE corner of South 136th and Des Moines Way South is one suggestion for the location of a new memorial park which would include a memorial wall, seating area and more. Improvement plans would include the current memorial wall at Sunnydale Elementary, but expansion is not likely due to space restrictions.

The current wall does not include all of the Highline residents that died in World War I. The restoration project, with the help of Highline Historical Society, would include all of those names which have been compiled.

The city of Seatac would take on the majority of the cost for the new park. Some fundraising will have to be done to supplement the cost. The Burien City Council supported the efforts.

The restoration committee hopes to have the project complete by 2012. For more information visit www.roadofremembrance.org

BURIEN TO REFUND TAXES:
Due to an oversight in the wording of the Business and Operations tax bill the City of Burien collected too much in taxes from some business owners. In all about 35 people were effected to a total of $900.

The City is planning on refunding the $900 and correcting the wording of the tax measure to prevent future issues.

“It’s not only a legal, but a moral obligation to refund the money.” said council member Kathy Keene.

STUDENTS TO MAKE SCULPTURE FOR ART PARK:
A recent arts commission meeting proposed installation of a sculpture with a fish and a revolving eagle above the fish, made by the Puget Sound Skills center students and designed by a welding instructor.

The sculpture would be included in the BIAS Interum Art Space.

The city council’s next regular meeting will be held at 7pm on Monday, April 13th.

by Gina Bourdage

Here are notes from Monday night’s (Mar. 23rd) Burien City Council meeting (link to PDF agenda here):

SPRING CLEANING
The City of Burien has a lot of improvements underway – everything from the restrooms to the city’s website is getting a little “spring cleaning.”

NEW CITY NEWSLETTER
The city releases a printed newsletter every quarter on recent achievements, goals and upcoming events. Now there is a solution to fill the time between the months of waiting for the next quarter to roll around: a monthly eNewsletter that can be subscribed to by visiting the City of Burien’s website at www.burienwa.gov . You can also keep an eye out for your newly tech-savvy city on social networking sites, blogs and twitter for up-to-the-minute Burien information (or you can always visit your favorite blog, which has been doing this for well over a year: www.b-townblog.com). Read our story on the city’s new newsletter here.

CALL FOR ARTISTS
Burien is currently looking for artists to display artwork in local business storefronts, in a continued effort to beautify the city as well as make it a welcome spot for a diverse and more deeply cultural community. For more information contact Gina Kallman at Moshier Arts Center: 206-988-3713.

VIADUCT REPLACEMENT
The topic of replacement options for the Seattle Viaduct has been an intense one. No matter which neighborhood you live in, this topic affects us all (especially us 509/99 users who love to get downtown quickly). The City of Burien reviewed their stance last night, suggesting they draft a letter pointing out their general concerns for the impacts made to residents in our community and neither taking a pro or con vote on the matter in general, until their specific issues are addresses.

“I don’t think there is any way I could support this,” said councilmember Gordon Shaw. “My belief is that reducing the capacity does not create a viable alternative. They ought to go with a bigger tunnel if they are going with a tunnel. The current bored tunnel solution is not a solution.“

BURIEN AUTO DEALERS
With the visible decline of major auto dealers in our area in the recent months (see our coverage on Burien Nissan, which we first reported on March 13th), the city has received expressed interest from local dealership owners in the creation of an auto mall in the northeast neighborhood of Burien. Three years ago, auto sales accounted for 25% of sales tax revenue; however, due to the current economic climate the city is only seeing a 3% return in sales tax this year. The creation of an auto mall is one option for driving auto dealers back to Burien.

COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION PLAN
Highline Medical Center and the staff of the City of Burien will be participating in King County’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program. The program is aimed at increasing the number of ride share participants and promoting alternative methods of transportation for employers with more than 100 employees that arrive between the hours of 6am-9am. Finding alternative ways to get to work significantly decreases the negative effects on the environment. King County has taken steps to make the program easier to follow by setting measurable goals and tracking the progress. For more information visit www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/alts/employer/index.htm.

COUNCILMEMBERS LEARN IN DC
On a recent trip to Washington DC, Burien City Councilmembers learned about how Federal Government is distributing funds to business and states in need. Through this process, steps have been developed to track the spending and make each recipient accountable for spending decisions through a public website at www.recovery.gov, allowing the public to see how their tax dollars are being spent.

ANNEXATION BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD MEETING
Members of the Burien City Council may be attending a public hearing held by the Washington State Boundary Review Board for the purpose of considering proposed annexation to the City of Burien of an area known as “North Highline” on Monday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m. at Riverside Residence Inn, 11244 Tukwila International Blvd, Seattle, 98168. The hearing room/building is located behind the main building of the Inn.

The city council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, April 6th.

by Janet Grella

Wednesday (March 18th) marked a new era in the City of Burien’s ongoing effort to upgrade their communications system with residents.

Approximately 1,800 citizens received the city’s first-ever online monthly newsletter.

By email.

All residents will continue to receive the quarterly, printed newsletter via snailmail.

If you are interested in receiving the online newsletter email your interest to cityofburien@burien.wa.gov or call 206-241-4647.

Steve Botkin, Communication Consultant to the City of Burien, tells BTB that this is just the beginning of an upgraded communications plan for Burien, which will soon include a low-watt AM radio station as well as using Twitter.

Hey, did I mention that we’ve been sending out a Weekly Events Newsletter for about a year now?

You can subscribe to it here.

We’re also on Twitter as well as Facebook, and we’re anxiously awaiting for the day we can “friend” Burien.

The Puget Sound Business Journal reports that the area will be on the receiving end of $40.4 million in funding from the recent federal stimulus package, with $3.8 million going towards “Phase IIA” improvements on First Avenue between Southwest 192nd Street and Southwest 200th Street.

According to the PSBJ, the Puget Sound Regional Council decided on Thursday how to dole out $78 million in federal stimulus dollars.

The agency’s Executive Board voted to approve a list of projects in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

Read the full story here.

View Larger Map

by Gina Bourdage

Notes from Monday night’s Burien City Council meeting (Feb. 9th):

LAKE-TO-SOUND TRAIL
King County Council Chair Julia Patterson and her team presented the 17-mile Lake-To-Sound Trail that would begin in Renton, end at Puget Sound in Des Moines and wind its way through Tukwila, Burien and SeaTac. The proposed trail would connect the Cedar River Trail, Green River Trail, Westside Trail and the Des Moines Creek Trail, making its way along the light rail station in Tukwila and then over to Burien and possibly along Des Moines Memorial Drive.

Voters have already approved a levy that would contribute $705,000 over the next year as well as $3.75 million over the next five years, pledged from the King County Parks expansion levy in 2007. Deputy Mayor Rose Clark said:

“I can’t tell you how long I have wanted a trail in Burien like this one.”

Council Chair Patterson has already made visits to Washington DC asking for measures to be included in upcoming stimulus budgets for the Lake-To-Sound Trail. According to Patterson, DC is listening to any proposals that would open up jobs for local residents and this project would do just that.

Here’s a map of the proposed trail, which starts in Renton and ends in Des Moines:

DISCOVER BURIEN
Executive Director of Discover Burien Patty Sader presented promotional efforts put forth from the Discover Burien team building community awareness for local businesses. Large banners reminding the community to shop local, a restaurant guide brochure, newsletters and welcome wagon bags given to each new business that opens in the Burien community.

Coming up with ideas business and residents alike can do to overcome tough economic times, Sader brought to light the average of 10-12 business that applied for licenses despite the odds. With 147 new business owners in Burien a light of hope and perseverance shines in what could be seen as a dark financial time.

CITY LIGHT PLANNED POWER OUTAGE
The City Council addressed the City Light project that had proposed to shut power off to many businesses along 152nd Monday February 9th for 8 hours in the middle of the day. With a vehement protest from the business along this main stretch of Burien, City Light agreed to move the scheduled power outage to late Thursday February 12th overnight. Power is scheduled to be restored after the electricity to the new city library and city hall building has been installed approximately 6 am.

ANNEXATION UPDATE
On Monday the Seattle City Council voted 8 to 1 against Burien’s memo proposed to split and adopt the North Highline neighborhoods.

Council Member Gordon Shaw said:

“The current proposal will save money in the long run.”

“I think it’s an ideal situation for Burien to finally be in an adversarial position. It’s good for Burien to not have opposition.”

BREAKING NEWS 7:15pm 1/26/09: Longtime Burien resident and former City Councilmember Stephen Lamphear filed the following Initiative against the annexation of North Highline with the City of Burien Monday (Jan. 26th):

Filed with the Burien City Clerk today at 3 pm.

The language is self-explanatory.

Next action would be to file for an Injunction with the Superior Court to prohibit Burien from acting while petition signatures are gathered.

I now have 120 days to collect signatures; if we get enough, then this will go on the ballot for Burien residents to vote on.

In case you can’t read the scan of the initiative above, the exact wording is:

NOTICE OF INITIATIVE PETITION

TO: Burien City Clerk

Pursuant to statute, the undersigned hereby gives notice of filing an Initiative Petition to the People of the City of Burien, Washington, to wit:

Shall the City Council of the City of Burien be prohibited from entering into any memorandum of understanding or any other form of agreement with the City of Seattle and/or any other municipal jurisdiction and/or any other party or parites for the purposes of annexation the legal result of which would be any form of partitioning of the King County unincorporated urban area generally known as the North Highline Unincorporated Area; and further, shall the City Council of the City of Burien be prohibited from authorizing any annexation plan or proposal to be filed with the Boundary Review Board the legal result of which would be any form of partitioning of the King County unincorporated urban area generally known as the North Highline Unincorporated Area?

YES

NO

Signed this 26th Day of January, 2009:

Stephen Lamphear

We were the first to speak with Mr. Lamphear about this, and here are a few choice quotes:

“I did this before in 1995 when Burien tried to adopt a utility tax that was not beneficial to lower income residents – I filed against that, got signatures, and got 21% of voters to sign.”

“My feeling is that if you see something that needs to be done, then it is your job to do it…”

Lamphear, a City Councilmember for eight years (from 1998-2005; he was defeated by Rose Clark), is currently a private citizen who is self-employed as a tax preparer.

He has a somewhat tumultuous relationship with current councilmembers, citing that six members opposed his election once and four another time.

Lamphear plans to speak at tonight’s City Council meeting (which starts at 7pm at the ERAC Center, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW near Hi-Line Lanes and Azteca), so it could make for an interesting evening.

We’ll post further information as it develops, including reaction from current City Councilmembers.

So…what do you think of this development? Please comment below, or email us.

The City of Burien is seeking volunteers to serve on one of four Advisory Boards:

• Arts Commission
• Business and Economic Development Partnership
• Parks & Recreation Board
• Planning Commission

All appointments are made by the City Council and are for four-year terms (ad-hoc committee appointments are for the duration of the study or special purpose).

Applications are being accepted through February 13, 2009, and here’s how to get in on the action:

• Apply online by visiting the city’s website here.
• You can also fill out an Online Application Form.
• You can download an Advisory Board Application and mail it to:

Citizen Advisory Board
City of Burien
15811 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Suite C
Burien, WA 98166

• If you prefer the “real world” in-person method, you can pick up an application at:

Burien City Hall
15811 Ambaum Blvd. SW
Burien, WA 98166

Further information about Burien’s citizen advisory boards is available by contacting:

Monica Lusk
City Clerk
(206) 248-5517
MONICAL@burienwa.gov

It plays a huge role as part of Burien’s “secret passageway” to downtown Seattle, and it often allows one to get into town within 15-20 minutes.

We’re speaking of course about the Alaskan Way Viaduct, which will be the topic of a public meeting on Monday, Dec. 15th, from 5pm to 7:30pm in downtown Seattle.

Everyone has an opinion on how best to deal this aging behemoth, and this meeting will be a good opportunity to not only learn about the final options for replacing the viaduct and seawall, it’ll give you a chance to speak your mind and propose your amazing ideas.

There will be a presentation, question and answer session, and opportunity for public comment on scenarios being considered. No word yet on what kind of donuts will be served.

According to a press release we received:

WSDOT, King County and the City of Seattle want to hear from you.

You can learn more about the options or provide comments at www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.

WHAT: Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall public meeting/discussion

WHEN: Dec. 15, 2008, 5pm-7:30pm

WHERE: Town Hall Great Hall, located at 1119 Eighth Avenue in downtown Seattle

INFO: 1-888-AWV-LINE or viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov

View Larger Map

Burien City Councilperson Lucy Krakowiak tells us that the hot topic of Annexation will be on the agenda at tonight’s Burien City Council meeting.

And guess what – you, the public, are invited to show up and comment.

Here’s the official language for tonight’s meeting:

“Discussion and possible action on proposed resolution calling for annexation by election of a portion of the North Highline Unincorporated Area.

Burien voted on a partial option (14,000 people) earlier this year but withdrew it from the Boundary Review Board waiting for King County to approve ammended County Wide Planning Policies with regard to annexation.

These CPPs were scheduled to be adopted 10/6. Therefore, the City of Burien will re-visit and re-vote.  This is scheduled to occur on Monday 10/13.

This is a study session.

I specifically requested that citizens wanting to speak to council be recognized and allowed to comment regarding this item during next week’s meeting due to the unusual possible action at a study session.”

It’s election season, and the stakes are higher than they’ve been in years – so don’t forget to register to vote for the Nov. 4th election (you have until this Saturday, Oct. 4th to register online; Oct. 20th if you’re a new/first-time Voter).

More info from the King County Elections website:

King County will mail military, oversea and out of state ballots on Oct. 3 and all other absentee ballots from Oct. 15 through 17.

Voters can confirm their registration information is up-to-date by using King County’s “Your Voter Guide” www.kingcounty.gov/elections or by calling 206-296-VOTE (8683).

King County Elections will have convenient voter registration hours on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New voters in Washington State have until Monday, Oct. 20 to register but must visit election headquarters at 919 SW Grady Way in Renton (map below).

King County is reaching out to voters on the move whose addresses frequently change including college students, new homeowners, personal mailbox users, and homeless residents by establishing partnerships with organizations that work directly with these voters. These partnerships will play a vital role in the grassroots efforts to encourage voters to update their information when they move.

Register to vote online at https://wei.secstate.wa.gov/osos/secure/pages/Onlinevoterregistration.aspx.

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B-Town Blog’s Mark Neuman filed this late-night missive with Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer around 11pm Thurs. night:

Scott -

Got back, about an hour ago, from the City of Burien’s community meeting at Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church earlier tonight (Thurs., Aug. 28). Topic: proposed annexation of North Highline and the temporary withdrawal of the City of Burien’s request to pursue said annexation.

About 45 people attended, and one could reasonably assume that a goodly portion of the attendees (this correspondent included) would have preferred to view, live, the televised acceptance speech of Senator Obama. Must rely on delayed broadcast for that.

About half of those in attendance were Boulevard Park residents, and about half of those are home owners. As noted by one attendee, most everyone there was Caucasian and not exactly springing from the younger side of life.

But all were earnest, many were skeptical, and few were without opinion.

While this was only my second meeting regarding the annexation proposal, I believe I came away with some accurate observations:

Burien City Manager Mike Martin is a very decent fellow, with a reserve of patience greater than that which most folks, myself included, would likely muster and maintain in assemblages such as tonight’s.

“This annexation, if approved, will be revenue neutral,” Mike said. “This move would not make a dime for Burien, nor cost Burien a dime. In that sense, financially, annexation as proposed would be a wash.”

Mike said this several times, not because he is a repetitive person, or one who forgets what he just said, or loves the sound of his voice.

The reason Mike said this more than once is because it is the truth and because some in the audience either weren’t listening or suffer from CDS (Chronic Disbelief Syndrome).

With respect to emergency services, I think it’s pretty clear that the King County Sheriff’s Office works quite smoothly with local police departments.

And for Pete’s sake, does anyone really think the good men and women of any Fire Department would indeed fail to respond to an emergency because it’s occurring a block or two beyond a city boundary? Of course this won’t be allowed to happen.

The only things that should be left to helplessly smolder are the scare tactics of some and the ignorant fears of a few others.

Scott, I know you were looking for a Wake ‘Em Up in The Morning Headline, but frankly, I think the temporary withdrawal of the annexation request is a wise, brief and prudent move.

Perhaps the headline for this report should be: Extra! Extra! Sometimes Truth is Dull.

Well, gotta go, Scottso. Somewhere sits a PBS station ready to roll tape on Barack and Michelle and those two cute kids of theirs.

We just got an exclusive response from Burien Mayor Joan McGilton on this entire annexation withdrawal issue, and here’s the latest:

First, a snippet from Seattle Councilmember Richard Conlin as quoted on another Seattle-based blog:

“…unless Burien is prepared to make significant change in its proposal…” 

Mayor Joan’s reaction to Mr. Conlin’s statement:

“Burien has consistently acknowledged the role Seattle has in the proposed annexation of the North Highline Area. Seattle chooses to not negotiate directly with Burien.  The City of Seattle’s Position Statement filed with the Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County filed on August 18, 2008 clearly misinterprets Burien actions to move forward with annexation.

In the best interests of all parties, Burien chooses to withdraw its current request so that the Boundary Review Board can focus on the merits of annexation rather than on the procedural and legal issues.

Burien wishes to take the “high road” and have our neighbors to the north ask the probing questions so that when this comes to a vote, they are truly informed of the actions that are in their best interest as a community.”

We’ll have a full report from tonight’s Annexation Open House, which will surely provide more quotes and controversy in this ongoing political chess match of words, so please check back later or subscribe to our RSS feed for up-to-date news.

 

Just got off the phone with Gordon Shaw, Burien native and City Councilmember, who offered up this exclusive, yet rather fiery quote about the North Highline/White Center annexation withdrawal political game currently being played out between Burien and Seattle:

“The efforts Burien has made so far have been stymied by Seattle and King County to a certain degree because of preference for Seattle to annex North Highline.

But clearly Seattle is not ready to do it.

To oppose Burien’s annexation efforts on the substance of annexation is one thing, but to oppose it on procedure that we all know is going to change in 30 days is bullshit!” 

For more fiery talk, including what’s sure to be a lively interactive question and answer session, you can come to tonight’s Annexation Open House at 6:30pm at Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church (see map below).

It appears that the political war of words is just starting folks, so stay tuned.

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UPDATE 8/28/10:30am: Tonight’s Annexation Open House is still scheduled to occur starting at 6:30pm at Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church (located at 1822 South 128th Street in SeaTac), despite the fact that Burien is temporarily withdrawing its annexation request.

Here’s a quote from Jenn Ramirez-Robinson, Management Analyst at the Burien City Manager’s Office:

“In brief, the City of Burien has withdrawn its current request to annex a portion of North Highline but plans to re-file later this year.

We are still committed to the annexation process and will continue to do educational open houses in the North Highline Area, including the Open House tonight at 6:30 PM at the Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church.”

We are currently investigating why the city is withdrawing now, only to re-file “later this year.”

Rest assured, tonight’s Open House should be even more interesting, especially with this latest development.

Here’s the press release from the City of Burien website:

Burien Withdraws North Highline Annexation Request

The City of Burien has notified the Boundary Review Board of King County that it is withdrawing its current request to annex the southern portion of the North Highline unincorporated area.  The City plans to re-file an annexation request later this year after completion of a new round of negotiations with King County and the cities of SeaTac and Seattle regarding the proposed annexation boundary.

The Burien City Council authorized submittal of the “Notice of Intent” to annex part of North Highline in May 2008.  The Notice of Intent was filed with the Boundary Review Board in late June after the approval of new countywide planning policies allowing the annexation request to proceed.  The timing of Burien’s filing was challenged by the City of Seattle and the North Highline Fire District on legal grounds.

“In the interest of having the community and the Boundary Review Board focus on the merits of annexation rather than upon procedural and legal issues, we believe that it is in the best interest of the parties for the City to withdraw its current Notice of Intent,” said Mike Martin, Burien’s city manager.

The delay in the annexation process allows the cities and County to meet to discuss substantive issues related to annexation, including providing adequate urban services within annexed portions of North Highline and any remaining unincorporated area.

“We’ve tried to get Seattle to the table for almost a year to resolve these issues but they have been  unwilling to meet with us,” Martin explained.  “For whatever reason, they’ve changed their mind now and  appear willing to talk. We wish for the sake of the North Highline residents Seattle would have come to that conclusion sooner, but better late than never.”

Now, for the first time, Burien is able to consider the specific and detailed concerns of the North Highline Fire District that were filed with the Boundary Review Board.  While the City of Burien has no authority over the current or future operations of the fire district, “we will encourage the North Highline and Burien/Normandy Park fire districts to resolve their differences in the interest of providing quality services in the areas they serve,” said Martin.

The City has offered to start negotiations immediately, with the goal of reaching a successful resolution of issues by the end of the year.  Martin added, “Our City values trust, integrity, communication and collaboration.  It is in this spirit that we are ready to take one step back in order to help our neighbors in North Highline move many steps forward.”

The City of Burien will be holding a series of informational open houses, at various locations, to answer questions about what annexation will mean for the people within the proposed annexation area.

This is a great opportunity for area residents to investigate what the City of Burien’s plans are, ask questions of city officials and determine the impact that annexation might have on your lives.

The first open house is coming up Thursday, Aug. 28th:

WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 2008 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church, 1822 South 128th Street

Format:

• There will be a presentation followed by a Question and Answer session.
• Refreshments will be provided.
• Supervised play activities for children will be available
• Interpreter services can be arranged if requested in advance

Download a pdf version of the flyer for the Open House.

More info at the City of Burien website.

MAP:

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The Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County will be holding a meeting on the proposed annexation of the “North Highline” area on Tues, Sept. 2nd at 7pm at Riverside Residences Inn, 11244 Tukwila International Blvd in Seattle (see map below).

As always, the meeting is open to the public.

There proposed annexation area can be seen here:

Here’s the official notice via the King County website:

WASHINGTON STATE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD FOR KING COUNTY

YESLER BUILDING, ROOM 240		400 YESLER WAY		SEATTLE , WA 98104
PHONE: 206.296.6800			TTY: 206.296.1024

CITY OF BURIEN – NORTH HIGHLINE ANNEXATION – FILE NO. 2281

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the WASHINGTON STATE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD FOR KING COUNTY will hold a public hearing at the hour of 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. If required Thursday, September 4, 2008 has also been set aside. The hearing will take place at the Riverside Residences Inn, 11244 Tukwila International Blvd, Seattle, WA. The Hearing Room/Building is located behind the main building of the Inn. The purpose of the hearing is to consider proposed annexation to the City of Burien of an area known as “North Highline” all in King County, Washington.

To reclassify certain Real Property lying northerly of the City of Burien and the City of Sea-Tac City Limits, lying easterly of the City of Seattle City Limits, lying westerly of the City of Tukwila City Limits, lying southerly of SW ll2th St., SW 116th St., South 107th St, and described as all or portions of Section 1 and Section 2, Township 23N. Range 3E and Sections 4 through 9, Township 23N, Range 4E, W.M., all in King County, Washington.

A COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS ON FILE AND AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD.

The Boundary Review Board conducts all meetings and hearings in locations that are wheelchair accessible. Any person requiring other disability accommodations or special assistance should contact the Boundary Review Board staff at least two business days prior to the meeting.

The Boundary Review Board telephone is 206-296-6800. For TTY telephone services. please call 711.

Each request for accommodations or assistance will be considered individually according to the type of request, the availability of resources and the financial ability of the Board to provide the requested services or equipment.

DATED at Seattle, Washington, this 21st day of July 2008.

WASHINGTON STATE BOUNDARY
REVIEW BOARD FOR KING COUNTY

Lenora Blauman
Executive Secretary

Map to Riverside Residences Inn:

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Hope everyone had a great, relaxing Memorial Day weekend.

We spent it doing some serious spring cleaning, clearing crap our of our garage and over-filling our recycling container, only to realize that pickup isn’t until next week.

Ding dang.

In the spirit of spring cleaning, here’s a photo of the same being done recently on the streets of B-Town near our office, with a huge cloud of dust behind it:

Which begs the question: why the flip did this street cleaner make the street dirtier?

Police are asking that if you’ve seen the man in the picture to the left, please call 911 immediately.

He is the suspect in a stabbing last Sunday that sent two people to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Eusebio Hernandez-Espinoza, 41, is the man police believe attacked his estranged wife and another man in the 100 block of Eighth Avenue in Seattle’s Central District.

Hernandez-Espinoza and his wife had befriended the man at a Burien bar before the 4:20 a.m. stabbing (NOTE: we do not know which bar but the fact that it was Burien indicates that he may hang out here).

Officers say the three returned to a Central District apartment, where Hernandez-Espinoza stabbed them numerous times. The man collapsed at the intersection of Yesler and Broadway; police found the female collapsed in the apartment doorway.

Police say Hernandez-Espinoza, who is also known as Nelson Hernandez, may be driving a white pickup truck with a brown or black canopy and Idaho license plates. He has black hair, brown eyes is 5-foot-7 with a medium build.

Police believe Hernandez-Espinoza may be armed.

“That’s why we’re asking people not to approach him,” spokesman Jeff Kappel said. “We want people to watch him from a safe distance and call us to come get him.”

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I

Recently we reported about a major drug bust that resulted in:

• Several arrests
• Seizure of about 40 pounds of cocaine
• A pound of heroin
• Guns
• Methamphetamine
• About $240,000 in cash

Which was headquartered at the “El Flamingo” restaurant, which was reported as being “in Burien” according to authorities and the subsequent sheep-like press coverage (oops…including us…).

Well folks, guess what – this restaurant is NOT in Burien!

It’s actually outside the Burien city limits, in the Boulevard Park neighborhood, technically located in unincorporated King County at 1841 South 120th Street (across from Wayne’s World Tavern and near the Boulevard Park Library). We found the ding-dang place Sunday (that’s right – we were driving Mom around to various crime scenes) and took this photo:

Burien city limits are thus:

Here’s where the El Flamingo Restaurant is actually located:

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As you can see, this den of drugs, guns, cash and shady characters is not, was not, and never was “in Burien.”

Bah.

So, what can we, as proud Burienites, do to quell this common misperception about our lovely city?

Here are some suggestions, courtesy the B-Town Blog (city councilmembers, feel free to propose these as your own at the next meeting):

1. Post numerous, very large “You Are Now Leaving Burien” signs near sketchy neighborhoods:

2. Within said sketchy, still un-annexed neighborhoods, post these signs everywhere:

3. Like cops do at murder scenes, do a giant chalk outline around the actual Burien city limits:

4. Install ginormous, powerful Invisible Fences (the kind that shock dogs if they stray) and require all police and media members to wear collars 24/7, so that whenever they enter or leave Burien’s city limits they get zapped. Rest assured, nobody will ever forget where Burien starts or ends:

So…have any of your own ideas?

Post ‘em in Comments below, and check back often, as we’ll surely be adding to this list…