The Seattle Times is reporting that Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council have decided to delay an annexation of the White Center area until at least 2011 because paying for services there would be so expensive.
According to the Times:
Annexing the area, part of the North Highline annexation area, could cost Seattle $12.6 million a year more than it would generate in new taxes, plus $8.7 million in one-time costs, according to a preliminary analysis by the city Budget Office. The area has about 20,000 residents.
With the city facing a $50 million shortfall in its general fund, the mayor decided to withdraw his earlier recommendation and campaign promise that residents of that area vote this fall on whether they want to join Seattle.
An analysis was presented Friday (March 19) to the council’s Regional Development and Sustainability Committee, and reports are that council members said the presentation was the first real cost estimate they had seen.
We’ll see how the City of Burien responds to this news. Keep in mind that Burien’s annexation of southern North Highline goes into effect April 1st.
Read the Times full story here.
It was an election that didn’t get much attention, but it happened Tuesday (March 16), and on Wednesday (March 17), the King Conservation District announced results of its public election for board of supervisor position.
From our estimates, only 4,232 registered voters bothered to vote in this election.
Here’s the release from the King Conservation District:
Max Prinsen of Renton has been elected to a three-year term as a member of the King Conservation District (King CD) board of supervisors following a final canvassing of votes cast in the district-wide election held March 16, 2010.
The final vote tallies for elected board position included:
- Prinsen (1,772)
- Mara Heiman of Auburn (1,488)
- Mary Embleton of Seattle (519)
- Kirk Prindle of Seattle (402)
- Teri Herrera of Redmond (51)
The unofficial election results will be certified by the Washington Conservation Commission at its business meeting in May. Prinsen will be sworn in at the June 14th King CD board meeting.
The 2010 vote total of 4,232 marked a major increase over the 2,757 ballots cast in the 2009 election and reflects successively larger turnouts in King CD elections over the past five years, according to Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Knutsen.
“The higher level of activity at the polls this year can be attributed to increased interest in the King CD, including our voluntary conservation and stewardship efforts with private landowners, and enthusiastic campaign efforts by candidates,” said Knutsen.
King CD, working with Bellevue-based election administrator Election Trust, provided seven polling locations across the district (which includes most of King County). The election is held in accordance with Washington Revised Code RCW 89.08.
The all-volunteer, five-member board includes three elected members and two who are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. All supervisors serve three-year terms. As public officials, their responsibility is to ensure that the King CD meets its legal and public trust obligations.
The board of supervisors conducts regular public meetings to oversee the district’s budget and provideguidance and oversight to district staff.
Supervisors are expected to help identify critical resource conservation needs in their district, communicate with the public and seek feedback about conservation programs from district residents.
The King CD provides information and technical assistance programs that are available to all landowners within the district’s boundaries on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis. It is hands-on, site specific, action and results oriented; and it initiates community outreach activities that include workshops, education programs, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.
As one of 47 conservation districts in the state, the King CD is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission.
For more information on the King Conservation District, visit www.kingcd.org.
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:
| Mar |
| 16 |
| 7:00 pm |
The City of Burien will be holding “Planning Commission special meeting” on the Shoreline Master Program this Tuesday night (Mar. 16th) at 7pm at city hall.
If you are at all concerned or interested in what plan the city is developing for its shoreline and waterfront, you should attend.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Shoreline Master Program Planning Commission special meeting.
WHEN: March 16, 2010 beginning at 7pm.
WHERE: Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd Street, 1st Floor, Multipurpose Room/City Council Chamber; Burien, WA 98166
CONTACT: (206) 248-5510 or via Email
INFO: According to the city’s website:
To continue working on Shoreline Master Program update.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Will Burien’s Shoreline Master Program Timeline Be Extended?
- LETTER: Response To Councimember Brian Bennett’s Lake Burien Stance
- Burien Residents Air Concerns At Packed Shoreline Program Meeting
- Councilmember Brian Bennett: Open “Limited Secure Access” To Lake Burien
- Shoreline Master Program Meeting Tonight; Some Misinformation Debunked
- Educational Meeting On City’s Shoreline Program Is Saturday At Mick Kelly’s
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Burien’s Shoreline Master Program Requires Citizen Involvement
| Mar |
| 23 |
| 1:00 pm |
The next Port of Seattle Commission meeting, scheduled for 1pm on Tuesday, March 23rd at the Cove in Normandy Park, will also include a staff update on the Part 150 Airport Noise Study.
The Commission will be taking public comment, so gather your thoughts about SeaTac Airport noise and show up, ready to talk.
In addition, on Wednesday, March 24, the members of the Highline Forum will also discuss the Part 150 Noise Study at SeaTac City Hall’s Council Chambers (4800 South 188th Street.) The meeting begins at 2:30pm and the public is invited to observe.
The Highline Forum includes the southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way, and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Port of Seattle Commission Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, March 23 beginning at 1pm
WHERE: The Cove in Normandy Park – 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
INFO: From a press release:
March 23 Port Commission Meeting in Normandy Park to include Part 150 Noise Study Update
Part 150 Study also a Discussion Item at March 24 Highline Forum
The Port of Seattle Commission will be holding their March 23 regular meeting at the Cove in Normandy Park – 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive. The agenda includes a staff update on the Part 150 Study and the Commission will be taking public comment. Meeting starts at 1 p.m.
On March 24, the members of the Highline Forum will also discuss the Part 150 Noise Study at SeaTac City Hall’s Council Chambers – 4800 South 188th Street. The meeting begins at 2:30 and the public is invited to observe. The Highline Forum includes the southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way, and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.
For your convenience, please visit the dedicated Part 150 Web site (http://www.airportsites.net/SEA-Part150/) that has been established as the single location for all documentation connected to the study.
Recently, King County Executive Dow Constantine spoke about his “Blueprint For Reform” in a speech to the King County Council where he laid out “a host of immediate and long-term challenges.”
He challenged the Council and the public to:
- invest… in a 21st century transportation infrastructure,
- protect… our health and the most vulnerable in our communities,
- maintain… excellence in public safety and justice for all,
- and partner… with our cities and regional governments, [and] business and labor leaders, to focus on creating jobs and opportunity.
Next, referring to his draft of the first-ever King County Strategic Plan, he cited four elements of his reform:
- Service excellence
- A quality workforce
- Wise financial stewardship
- A robust public engagement
And now, a public Opinionnaire® Survey through SocialCapitalReview.org has been issued about his “Blueprint for Reform,” where citizens are being asked to take a survey online here.
According to a press release from SocialCapitalReview.org:
One of the under-reported items of the Executive’s “blueprint for reform” is the element for “robust public engagement”. We focus on this element of reform at our new Social Capital Review blog and are highlighting a special online survey to gage the public’s reaction to specific quotations from his speech.
The special Opinionnaire® survey was created by the Forum Foundation “in the spirit of public service to the citizens of King County”. It is based on the same tools used by the Countywide Community Forums — an existing public engagement program from the King County Auditor’s Office that has been used since 2008 for critical feedback from anyone who lives or works in the county.
Registration of King County Citizen Councilors is at CommunityForums.org.
So, if you could spare a few minutes, and like to have your opinion heard, we encourage you to take the survey by clicking here.
by Workers demonstrated in front of the Burien Fred Meyer on Wednesday (March 10) over what they consider an “unfair wage standard” being practiced by the grocery store.
While demonstrators were not interested in formal comment or going on record with The B-Town Blog, they provided us with an official flier outlining the reason for their demonstration which we have copied below:
“Shame On Fred Meyer” for discrimination of the American Way of Life
A rat is a contractor that does not pay all of its employees on all jobs the Area Standards Wages, including wither providing or making payments for family healthcare and pension benefits.
Shame On Fred Meyer for contributing to the erosion of Area Standards for Puget Sound and area carpenter craft workers.
The Pacific NW Regional Council of Carpenters has a labor dispute with Marquise Drywall which is a slated to perform work for BooCo Construction Company. Marquise Drywall does not meet area labor standards, including providing or fully paying for family health care and pension for all its carpenter craft employees on all of its projects. BooCo Construction is the General Contractor for the Fred Meyer remodel project in Lynwood, Washington.
The Pacific NW Regional Council of Carpenters objects to substandard wage employers like Marquise Drywall working in the community. In our opinion the community ends up paying the tab for employee health care and low wages tend to lower general community standards, thereby encouraging crime and their social ills.
The Pacific NW Regional Council of Carpenters believes that Fred Meyer has an obligation to the community to see that area labor standards are met for construction work performed on their projects. They should not be allowed to insulate themselves behinds “independent” contractors.
We attempted to contact William Mercer, Project Manager for Fred Meyer/Kroger, but were unable to reach him for official comment. He was encouraged to leave comments on our blog for his side of the story.
This demonstration is being organized by the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters and their Carpenters Union.
They do note that they are NOT urging any workers to refuse work or refuse to deliver goods.
| Mar |
| 9 |
| 7:00 pm |
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:
Click to see larger image.
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.
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].”
The green "Area Y" section is what Burien might go after.
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.
| Mar | Apr |
| 12 | 25 |
The City of Burien will be conducting a special census of the newly-annexed southern portion of the North Highline area between March 12th and April 25th.
This area, which contains approximately 14,100 residents, officially becomes part of Burien April 1st. Residents approved annexation during the August 18, 2009 election.
As part of the annexation process, the City is required to conduct a special census of all housing units. Households in the annexation area will be visited by a census worker wearing a fluorescent vest and a City of Burien identification badge between March 12 and April 25, 2010.
The only information required in this census is the names of all individuals residing in a household. Annexation residents may also provide this census information directly, at any time after March 12th, by calling the Burien Census Hotline (available 24 hours a day) at 1-800-635-6594.
From what we understand, this work is actually being contracted through a company called Calm River, which, according to their 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.
This company was scheduled to interview potential applicants last Friday last week (see our previous post here).
According to the city:
Any information provided will be held confidential. Cooperating with this special annexation census ensures that the City of Burien receives a full share of state funds allotted for essential public services.
This special annexation census is in addition to the U.S. Census conducted by the federal Census Bureau later this spring in which residents will receive a 10-question census form in the mail. More information about the federal census is available at http://2010.census.gov.
Residents should be aware that neither census will require them to provide their social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account information or pay any fees. Residents should not provide such details to anyone who claims to be a census worker and asks for this kind of information. Legitimate census workers will have identification badges with a phone number that residents can call if they would like to verify their identities.
Residents may contact the City at (206) 241-4647 with questions or concerns.
by Mark Neuman
The gavel came down hard last night (Thursday, March 4) in a spirited meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council in White Center.
The prospect of annexation with either Seattle or Burien focused the minds of the approximately 50 citizen attendees at the meeting, held at the headquarters station of the North Highline Fire District on SW 112th Street.
“You’ve had your chance to speak, and the public comment period is over,” council president Gregory Duff told one member of the audience as he hit the table twice with his gavel. That audience member at least three times tried to question invited speakers who were officially addressing the council.
Some attendees, almost all residents of North Highline, voiced dissatisfaction that the public comment portion of the meeting preceded the arrival of Kenny Pittman, Senior Policy Analyst for the City of Seattle.
Twenty citizens addressed the council during the comment period, all speaking about the annexation issue.
Fifteen spoke in favor of annexation with Seattle, three in favor of joining Burien, and two spoke in general terms without clearly stating a preference.
Barbara Dobkin favors annexation with Burien.
“I can call (King County Deputy Sheriff) Jeff Hancock on his cell phone, and he answers it,” Dobkin told the council. “There was a house fire a few doors down from me recently and the fire department was there in about two minutes. I see the high density of Seattle. I don’t want White Center to look like Delridge.”
Liz Giba, of a group called “People for Burien”, addressed the council.
“I would like to have an educated vote,” Giba said. “Seattle will focus on their affluent neighborhoods.”
The green portion of this map is the area of White Center that could be annexed by either Seattle or Burien.
Mercedes D’Antona has lived in White Center for about five years. She told the council:
“I get a little emotional about annexation. I am Hispanic. Seattle is a huge, humongous beast. Seattle has huge demand (on its services). We would not benefit. I like the laid back lifestyle we have here. I do not want to be suffocated.”
Brad Truesdell, a twelve-year resident of White Center said “Seattle is the best choice. They have three times the gang unit” than is currently available.
Truesdell, who envisions Ambaum Boulevard blossoming from time to time into a “multicultural open air mall,” said that White Center, once annexed with Seattle “could become the real International District of Seattle.”
Stephanie Dotson, who opposes annexation with Burien, told the council: “I have lived here forever. I find it extremely distressing that this council and audience have very few people of color.”
Mark Ufkes, who heads the White Center Homeowners Association, illustrated with placards that Seattle’s list of services to the public exceeds services provided by Burien.
“All we want is a chance to vote (on annexation),” Ufkes told the council.
One man who did not address the council was Gill Loring, a homeowner in White Center since 1998. He told The White Center Blog following the meeting that he favors annexation with Burien.
The newest member of the King County Council, Jan Drago, said at the meeting she will “not oppose” North Highline annexation. Drago recently completed four terms as a member of the Seattle City Council.
Pittman, of the City of Seattle, said North Highline District firefighters who might be temporarily displaced in the event of an annexation with Seattle would immediately go to the top of a re-hire list for firefighter jobs that open up at any fire station in Seattle.
King County Deputy Sheriff Jeff Hancock introduced nine members of the Sheriff’s gang unit. They reported that during 2009, the number of street gangs attempting to do business in and near North Highline was reduced from 21 to 15.
More information on the NHUAC is available at their website.
(Graphic courtesy North Highline Unincorporated Area Councils website)
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
[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...]
| Apr |
| 9 |
Every year, Members of Congress are allowed to display one piece of artwork by a high school student from their district in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Congressman Adam Smith, who represents Washington’s 9th Congressional District (which includes Burien), is holding an annual judged art competition to select which local art receives this honor, with a deadline of April 9th.
The selected student will win prizes and be invited to attend the national reception for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, 2010 in Washington, DC. two round-trip airline tickets are donated for travel to DC. The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Prizes also include a scholarship to the Savannah Collage of Art and Design.
If you have any questions or want to receive electronic updates about Rep. Adam Smith’s Congressional Art Contest please contact Ms. Debra Entenman (253) 593-6600 or email: Debra.Entenman@mail.house.gov.
For contest guidelines, please download the forms from Adam’s website here.
2010 Congressional Arts Competition:
The Congressional Arts Competition allows each Member of Congress to display one piece of artwork, created by a high school student in their district, in the Capitol for one year.
Entries for the 9th Congressional District Art Contest are due by 5:00 PM on Friday April 9, 2010. All submissions should be sent to:
Congressman Adam Smith
2209 Pacific Avenue, Suite B
Tacoma, Washington 98402Additionally, during the month of April, most entries will be on display at Tacoma Art Museum (1701 Pacific Avenue). However, please be advised that due to space limitations it may not be possible to display all entries.
The winner of the competition will be announced at the Art Exhibition and Reception on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:00 pm at The Tacoma Art Museum.
The winning student will win prizes and be invited to attend the national reception for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 17, 2010 in Washington, DC. Three round-trip airline tickets are donated for travel to DC. The winning entry will be displayed in the Cannon tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year.
2010 Congressional Art Competition Guidelines:The competition is open to high school students only. Exceptions will be made for schools that have 7th through 12th grades on one campus. Each Member’s office can choose whether or not to include 7th and 8th grades in the art competition if there are schools in its district that fit these criteria. Additionally, official resources are to be used only to the extent authorized by the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
In order to allow artwork to hang in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol, the following restrictions are enforced:
- Artwork must be two dimensional;
- Each piece can be no larger than 28”x28”x 4” (28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep) including the frame. Artwork cannot weigh more than 15 lbs;
- Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo (not the student’s own), painting, graphic, advertisement, or any other work produced by another person is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing);
- Artwork must arrive in Washington by May 24, 2010 for inclusion in the exhibition.
- Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to the students earlier. Students should, therefore, submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.
Last year's Congressional art contest winner Arunan Mukphrom with Congressman Adam Smith at his office in Washington DC. The winning artist and their family were invited to Washington, D.C. to see their artwork hung in the Capitol.
Artwork accepted mediums are as follows:
- Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
- Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers
- Collage: must be two dimensional
- Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
- Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
- Computer-generated art
- Photography
Paper Work:
A typed and securely affixed large label must be applied to the back of each piece. Also provide a typed copy of the Student Release form, signed by both the teacher and the student, must be attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece.
The winning artist’s student release form along with the Member Approval form should be sent to DC via fax to 202.225.3012, attn: 2010 Art Competition, as soon as you have chosen a winning artwork .
Release forms and Member Approval forms must be received by May 28th. This will allow us to determine if more information is required from the student before actually receiving the artwork.
The final decision regarding the suitability of all artwork for the 2010 Congressional Art Competition exhibition in the Capitol will be made by a panel of qualified persons chaired by the Architect of the Capitol.
Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission.
In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.
It is necessary that all artwork be reviewed by the panel chaired by the Architect of the Capitol and any portion not in consonance with the Commission’s policy will be omitted from the exhibit.
Framing Guidelines:
High School students in Washington's District 9 are eligible.
Framing guidelines apply only to the ONE winning artist/artwork that will be sent to Washington, DC.
All artwork must be framed. Frames should be kept as simple and sturdy as possible.
Metal frames are recommended. No “snap on” frames with glass are to be used.
All artwork must be protected by Plexiglas or glass. Plexiglas is preferred. If glass is used, special packing and shipping arrangements are encouraged to ensure that the work is not damaged if the glass breaks.
All works, including frame, should be no larger than 28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, to the outside of the frame, and 15 lbs. in weight. Please double check the size before sending the entry to Washington, DC. Due to wide participation of Member offices, framed work larger than the specified dimensions will be turned away.
Matting can enhance or detract from a work of art and should be carefully prepared.
Use sturdy picture hangers on the back of the frame. Two sturdy eye hooks should be attached at the top right and left sides of the back of the work for hanging in order to prevent the work from leaning forward or hanging unevenly. Do not put wire between the hooks for hanging; these will be added when the artwork is hung in the Capitol.
Do not attach labels, ribbons, etc. to the front of the piece or underneath the glass or Plexiglas.
If the artwork is abstract in design, please indicate on the backside which side is “up” with arrows.
As directed by the House Oversight and Standards of Official Conduct Committees, each district winner is responsible for framing his or her own entry. Any hardship case should be assisted at the district level; works can no longer be framed by the Architect of the Capitol.
A typed copy of the Student Information & Release Form must be securely attached to the back of the artwork.
More information on this art competition is available at Adam Smith’s website.
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:
"Leprechaun" Ashley Fosberg enters council chambers Monday night.
Cove to Clover organizers Mick Purdy, Kristen Kerns, Ashley Fosberg and John Nelson await their turn to speak.
John Nelson cheers the fact that one city employee has registered. BTW, we're sure that the misspelled sign John's holding was just a typo. Right John?
Ashely Fosberg, Kristen Kerns and John Nelson are all smiles in front of council.
As Jack Block Jr. looks on, councilmember Lucy Krakowiak laughs at her reward of a "snake."
For more information on the March 14th Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race, including how you can register, click here to visit its website.
On Monday (Mar. 1st), Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large published a followup article that is basically a reaction to him being confronted by Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, Councilmember Kathy Keene and City Manager Mike Martin over Burien’s desire to annex the remaining portions of White Center.
The encounter came after Large published a column on Feb. 3rd extolling how White Center is “the right fit” for Seattle.
Councilmember Keene then sent us a copy of a letter she sent The Times, where she strongly refuted Large and claimed that Burien would be a better fit for White Center (read Keene’s letter here).
In Large’s latest column, he starts out by saying:
Burien is getting feisty.
The small city is not counting itself out as a home to the northern neighborhoods of North Highline.
So now, “feisty” Burien has struck back, and the columnist has printed our cityfolk’s claims, stating that “Burien knows what it wants” – read his full column here.
We wonder what will happen next in this political opinion-shaping chess match…stay tuned.
As a resident of the Shorewood community, I strongly object to having an “Adult Entertainment” zone bordering our Shorewood neighborhood, including two public schools (Cascade and Evergreen) and a private Montessori school, as well as the White Center King County Library. I have contacted Joan McGilton, mayor of Burien, for an explanation, but she did not seem to be clear on the designation and suggested I contact Mike Martin for clarification.
If the Highline Times story is accurate, then I want to know why this particular area was selected and why we need an Adult Entertainment zone in Burien in the first place. Is there any other area in Burien that is currently zoned Adult Entertainment? Does this mean that topless barista coffee stands and “deju vu nightclubs” will be allowed to operate in this two block area? I sincerely hope this is not the case and would appreciate clarification on this zoning change as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Moormeier
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On Thursday (Feb. 25), former South Seattle Community College teacher and King County webmaster Sabra Schneider threw her hat into the 2010 election ring, announcing that she’ll be seeking the 34th District House Seat (Pos. #2) being vacated by current Rep. Sharon Nelson.
So far, Schneider will be facing Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy, owner of the Triangle Pub in White Center. The filing deadline is June 11th, and the primary is Aug. 17th.
Schneider has most recently worked as Webmaster for kingcounty.gov, and according to an interview with The Seattle P-I, where she was named “Geek of the Week“:
…my job involves everything to do with the front end. I write, design, edit, lightly code, manage projects, give advice (sometimes good) and coordinate social media. It’s a surprisingly awesome job, bringing government information to citizens using technology. I’ve always been passionate about intersection of public work and technology and feel lucky to work in a place that encourages innovation.
I also teach communications at South Seattle Community College and have been faculty there for more than 10 years.
Here’s Schneider’s press release in all its glory:
SABRA SCHNEIDER TO SEEK 34th DISTRICT HOUSE SEAT
Today, former South Seattle Community College teacher Sabra Schneider announced her intention to seek the 34th District House Seat being vacated by current Representative Sharon Nelson. Schneider, a resident of Arbor Heights in West Seattle, currently manages online communications for King County.
“Now more than ever, we need legislators who will make education and family wage jobs a priority in Olympia” said Sabra, 36. “My background in government communications coupled with a decade of teaching the work force of the future makes me uniquely qualified to take on the challenges facing citizens across the 34th District and across our state.”
Sabra Schneider has been a leader in King County’s efforts to increase efficiency and transparency through the innovative use of technology and community partnerships. Sabra has been instrumental in emergency communications, working closely with other local governments to ensure citizens have the most up-to-date information, during the most critical times. A strong proponent of transparency and accountability in government, Sabra is currently helping to organize the Open Government Northwest conference at the end of March.
Prior to serving in King County government, Sabra worked for 10 years as a teacher at South Seattle Community College (SSCC) in West Seattle where she developed a two year degree program in computing technologies. The program has helped graduates go on to family-wage jobs in technology careers. While at SSCC, Sabra also worked with the Seattle Jobs Initiative to build and deliver a fast-track technology program for low-income job seekers.
As a 15-year union member, fighting on behalf of working class families in the 34th District will be a top priority for Sabra in the legislature. Sabra helped bargain the current contract enjoyed by members of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 17. While working at South Seattle Community College, Sabra was a member of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1789.
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
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Burien residents had their final opportunity on Tuesday night (Feb. 23rd) to voice to the Burien Planning Commission their opinions and concerns about proposed rule revisions in the draft update of the city’s Shoreline Master Program.
Written comment still will be 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.
Concerned citizens will also have opportunities to speak out on the draft plan at public hearings, which will be scheduled later, conducted by the Burien City Council and the state Department of Ecology.
After hearing the last of the public testimony Tuesday evening, Planning Commission members began the process of working their way through a detailed summary of earlier comments by shoreline-area residents and draft responses prepared by city staff and consultants.
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 their reactions:
Non-conforming structures on shoreline property cannot be rebuilt if damaged.
Martin: “That absolutely is not the case.”
Turnout was so high at the last meeting that Tuesday night's Shoreline Master Program meet was moved to city council chambers.
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 at 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.
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…
Loading ...[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...]
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.
Former Burien City Councilmember Sue Blazak, along with Highline College Vice President of Administration Larry Yok, were appointed Monday (Feb. 22nd) along with 26 others to a new Regional Transit Task Force that will advise on the future of King County Metro Transit services.
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the 28 regional and community leaders in a press release on the King County website:
“I’ve asked this cross-section of regional leaders and transit users to engage in a discussion about how we can best deliver transit service for all parts of the county within the resources we have,” said Executive Constantine. “I deliberately sought a group of people who are willing to put aside political divisions and think creatively about how to plan a transit system that will serve us well in the future.”
Constantine said the conversation will include development of a comprehensive vision for what the regional transit system should look like in the future as well as criteria for systematically growing or reducing the transit system, depending on the revenues available.
Sue Blazak
The geographically balanced 28-member task force includes a mix of elected officials and representatives of business, labor, education, and human service agencies, along with riders.
“Our goal was to pull together a task force that was diverse and represented the broad perspectives across our county—from students to elderly people, from business to labor, from Seattle to Maple Valley, and more,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, sponsor of the motion creating the panel. “The Regional Transit Task Force is charged with developing a regional vision to shape our transit system for the future and address the revenue shortfalls Metro faces. I think these individuals, with input from the larger community, are up to that task.”
The task force is being asked to develop policy options for discussion by July and to adopt final policy recommendations by September 2010.
Here’s the full list of 28 appointees:
|
REGIONAL TRANSIT TASK FORCE |
||
| CATEGORY | NAME | REPRESENTING |
| Accessible services | Jane Kuechle | AtWork |
| Economic development | Kate Joncas | West – Downtown Seattle Assoc |
| Economic development | Christine Hoffman | East – Redmond Chamber |
| Economic development | Tom Pierson | South – Federal Way Chamber |
| Education | Larry Yok | South – Highline Comm. College |
| Education | Josh Kavanagh | West – Univ. of Washington |
| Elected official | Suzette Cooke | South – Kent |
| Elected official | Noel Gerken | South – Maple Valley |
| Elected official | Tom Rasmussen | West – Seattle |
| Elected official | Chris Eggen | West – Shoreline |
| Elected official | Grant Degginger | East – Bellevue |
| Elected official | Fred Butler | East – Issaquah |
| Environmental | Rob Johnson | Transportation Choices Coalition |
| Environmental | Chuck Ayers | Cascade Bicycle Club |
| Good government | James Kelly | Urban League of Metro. Seattle |
| Organized labor | Carl Jackson | Amalgamated Transit Union |
| Organized labor | David Freiboth | King County Labor Council |
| Puget Sound Regional Council | Bob Drewel | PSRC |
| Riders | Sue Blazak | South |
| Riders | Carla Saulter | West |
| Riders | Shiv Batra | East |
| Social services | Estela Ortega | West – El Centro de la Raza |
| Social services | Lynn Moody | East – Hopelink |
| Trip reduction | Liz Warman | South – The Boeing Company |
| Trip reduction | Jim Stanton | East – Microsoft |
| Transportation expert | Steve Marshall | Cascadia Center |
| Transportation expert | Jared Smith | Parsons Brinckerhoff |
| Transit Advisory Committee | Ed Miller | Transit Advisory Committee |
by 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.
A multiplex run by Galaxy Theaters may be built where the old city hall building sits.
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.”
Working at Sea-Tac for 35 years, I have firsthand knowledge of airport operations and STITA Taxi. Knowing STITA’s reputation, I thought they would surely be chosen for the new contract for the taxi concession. I was astonished to hear the Port’s decision. The structure of the RFP caused a bidding war, and the Port plans to award the contract to the highest bidder, Yellow Cab. How could they base their decision purely on money and not reputation and quality of service?
Shuttle Express and STITA operate within a few feet of each other so I know their operations and service level. STITA taxi owners maintain their vehicles and have invested in a green fleet, all while making a living wage. And, STITA provides good service, much better than any other taxi service in Seattle.
As a competitor, it would be to my advantage to say nothing and compete against a lesser provider. But I can’t watch this play out without saying something about the Port’s injustice to STITA, and more importantly to you, the traveling public. I have no issue with the Port opening the concession to competitive bid, but its selection based on who will pay the most money rather than service and safety is wrong.
Jim Sherrell is the Owner of Shuttle Express.
More money for the Port may sound good, but in reality the over-inflated fees that Yellow agreed to pay the Port are way off base. There is no way Yellow can use the minuscule taxi fees to fund reservations, dispatch, accounting, marketing, safe vehicles, insurance, advertising AND also pay the Port an exorbitant fee to use the taxi curb. What expenses will the Yellow taxi drivers have to cut to still be able to put bread on the table? Will you feel safe when you climb into that taxi knowing they cannot meet their financial obligations and still make a living?
So why would the Port prioritize getting more money above safety, service and other important factors? What seems obvious is the Port wants more money. Who is eventually going to pay the Port more money? Sure, first it will be the poor taxi drivers. Next, the taxi drivers will ask regulators to allow increased fees. In the end, YOU, the traveling public will be paying the difference with higher taxi fares.
Now ask yourself, is the Port operating in the interest of the traveling public, or is it merely trying to squeeze more money from taxi drivers and you, the passengers?
Will the publicly elected Port of Seattle Commissioners recognize this flawed RFP bid for what it is and correct this radical mistake? My experience during the last thirty-plus years tells me that when the Port Commissioners know the facts and hear from their voters, they will make the correct decision to award the RFP fairly, based on service and safety for the traveling public rather than strictly money from fees.
It’s up to you, the traveling public, to let the Commissioners know your feelings on the issue to have it corrected: www.portseattle.org.
- Jim Sherrell
Owner, Shuttle Express(Jim Sherrell is the owner of Shuttle Express, serving the Seattle region since 1979)
[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...]
| Feb |
| 20 |
| 1:00 pm |
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).
| Feb |
| 23 |
| 7:00 pm |
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.
On Wednesday (Feb. 27th), STITA and Farwest taxi companies sent letters to Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag and Attorney General Rob McKenna, urging an investigation into the Port of Seattle.
This follows a recent, fast-paced rash of two lawsuits filed against the Port for its alleged mishandling of switching cab vendors over from STITA to Yellow Cab (read our previous coverage here).
The letter to the State Auditor asks him to investigate the Port’s handing of the entire on-demand taxicab RFP (Request For Proposal) process, which resulted in the two recent lawsuits.
The letter to Attorney General McKenna requests not only for an investigation of the Port, but also of lobbyist Chris Van Dyk, who is accused of collusion in the RFP process.
“It’s time for the auditor and the attorney general to step in,” said STITA spokesperson Jesse Buttar in a statement. “We hope they will take a careful look at the allegations against the Port.”
We got in touch with Perry Cooper, Media Officer for the Port, who said:
“Understand we have just received this and will review our records again…
We have reviewed our approach continually throughout a thoughtful and thorough RFP and bidding process.
We are aware of no facts that would support allegations of collusion.
At no time during the process did anyone file an official complaint.
We were not aware of these allegations until the suit was filed.”
Both letters are enclosed below, and are available also for download here (both as PDF files):
- Letter to State Auditor Sonntag (PDF File)
- Letter to Attorney General McKenna (PDF File)
On Wednesday (Feb. 17th), King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that he will vow to continue pursuing federal funding for replacement of the county’s South Park Bridge.
Constantine will need to do this because the latest round of federal stimulus money grants does NOT include any for this bridge, which is now scheduled to be closed down at the end of June.
According to Publicola:
“The latest round of TIGER (federal stimulus money) grants … includes $30 million in funding for the $200 million Mercer project … they skipped over a request from King County to replace the deteriorating South Park Bridge, which links South Park and White Center to the Duwamish industrial area and downtown Seattle across the Duwamish River.”
“I am very disappointed for the people of King County that our application for federal stimulus funding to replace the South Park Bridge was not approved,” Constantine said in a statement.
Constantine also added:
“While the bridge competed against a lot of other worthy projects, replacing this key transportation link is imperative to the economic health of affordable, diverse neighborhoods and the hundreds of industrial businesses that depend on direct vehicular access to State Route 99 and Interstate 5. It may not be a glamorous or high-profile project, but it’s one that is vitally important to our economy and our society.”
“I am determined to pursue funding for this project through future TIGER grant cycles, the jobs bill, other federal appropriations, and the state Legislature. I thank Senator Patty Murray and the Washington delegation for their unwavering support of federal funding for this project. It’s my hope that their hard work will keep the South Park Bridge near the top of the list in future funding cycles.”
“I will also keep working with the King County Council to explore funding options that can provide a local match to federal funding opportunities for this and other unfunded projects around the county.”
“Under the Road Services Division budget adopted by the Council last fall, the bridge is scheduled to be closed at the end of June, and eventually removed.”
And not to be out-disappointed, Councilmember Jan Drago released the following statement Wed. afternoon:
“I was disappointed to learn that the South Park Bridge project did not receive any federal stimulus grant money. While I am glad to see that the hard work and coordination at all levels of government did reap some rewards by way of $30 million in federal dollars for the Mercer Street project—a critical regional connection that will bring much needed jobs and economic stimulus to our area—we have scores of other infrastructure projects in King County and throughout the Puget Sound region that lack funding.
“I look forward to working with the King County Executive, my fellow Councilmembers, the city of Seattle and our state and federal leaders on solutions for the South Park Bridge project that will protect the safety of all drivers, and provide freight capacity for the Duwamish area.”
King County Councilmember Drago represents the communities of West Seattle, North Highline, Vashon and Maury islands, Burien, Normandy Park, SoDo, International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, West Beacon Hill, and portions of SeaTac, Tukwila and West Hill.
Thursday’s update from King County Elections on Proposition 1 – the King County Library System “Library Levy,” has increased its “Yes” lead to 3.5%, up from 2.26% yesterday:
KING COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT”
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 224,563 / 647,133 • 34.70%
Proposition No. 1:
- YES: 115,269 • 51.75%
- NO: 107,477 • 48.25%
We’ll post further results as they are released (usually weekdays around 4pm), and the final tally won’t be official until Feb. 24th.
The language for Prop. 1, according to the Voter’s Pamphlet:
The Board of Directors of the King County Rural Library District adopted Resolution No. 2009-11 concerning an increase in the District’s regular property tax levy. In order to provide continued funding for the normal operation and maintenance of the King County library system, this proposition would authorize the District to restore regular property tax levy rate to $0.50 per thousand dollars of assessed value for collection in 2011, and to increase the levy in each year thereafter as allowed by chapter 84.55 RCW. Should this proposition be approved?
Last week (Wed., Feb. 3rd), Seattle Times Columnist Jerry Large wrote an editorial explaining why he thinks White Center would be a “good fit” for Seattle, and vice versa (link here) – an issue that has reared its head ever since new Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said that he’d like to annex the area.
Of course, numerous folks around these parts think differently from both Large and McGinn (hey, weren’t they in a band together in the 60s?), including Burien City Councilmember Kathy Keene, who read Large’s column, then emailed us her response to him:
“Needless to say I do NOT agree and wrote the following letter to Mr. Large, to which he responded.”
Here’s the email dialogue she had with Mr. Large, which we print below with her permission:
From: Kathleen Keene
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 10:21 AM
To: Jerry Large
Subject: Article on White CenterDear Jerry,
I want to comment on your article last week on White Center.
Before I go any farther, let me introduce myself: I am a 23 year resident of the area (a veritable newcomer by most standards), and a 19 year Commissioner at Water District 20. We provide water to a very large portion of North Highline, in fact, the remaining unincorporated area east of 509 down to the Seattle city limits in South Park is in our service area. I also am in my first term on the Burien City Council.
As a small local government, Burien offers the residents in North Highline something Seattle will NEVER be able to: POWER TO THEIR VOICES! In Burien they will be 18,000 of 45 000, in Seattle they’ll be 18,000 of what? 600,000? Tell me how much power that gives them. In Burien we hold our Council meetings Monday at 7 PM, Seattle’s are 3:00, how many working folks can make those meetings? As an added bonus we’re a hop, skip and a jump from White Center, two jumps for Blvd Park, and the parking is FREE.
I would love to invite you to Burien and show you around. A Burien annexation of this entire area is a reuniting of a neighborhood that was one neighborhood for many many years. These folks are our brothers and sisters, our moms and dads, our cousins, our best friends. They shop in Burien. Like Burien, they are home owners and shop keepers, many have lived here for generations. I grew up in the little fishing village of Ballard. This area reminds me of my childhood – stable neighborhoods, generational families, extended families, a deep pride of community.
An annexation to Burien also ensures a continuation of the same services they now enjoy:
Libraries-currently the people of NH are part of the KCLS. If they become Seattle residents they lose that. The county may close down the White Center and Blvd Park libraries due to loss of tax revenue. It took Seattle 100 years to build a library in South Park, how long before they will build a replacement library in this area??? There are 8-10,000 people a month that use the White Center Library. I don’t have the figures for Blvd Park, but I do know it is also is the heart of their community. These facilities are a vital part of the human infrastructure of the area.
Speaking of infrastructure, the water distribution system in Water District 20’s boundaries are heads and shoulders above Seattle’s. Our system is almost totally rebuilt. We don’t wait for a pipe to break 3 times before we replace it; we are proactive. We don’t have the accidents like the Ravenna area has had recently. Approx. 35 years ago old WD 61 became a direct service customer of Seattle water; this area includes White Center, North Shorewood, Salmon Creek and the NW corner of Burien. A majority of that systems has not been touched since. The rate payers have no say in their rates and they pay a 10% out of service fee. (You pay, a 14% utility tax on your bill I believe) WD 20 and Burien have no utility taxes. By reuniting the entire area we can hopefully give all these folks back control of their water system and rates.
Another cost savings for the unincorporated area is their sewers. The western area is served by SW Suburban Sewer District (SWSSD), which has its own sewer treatment plants. We do NOT have to pay for Brightwater… look at your sewer bill, there is most likely a charge of $40 + to pay off the county bonds, which, I believe are 40 year bonds. I have been told that will probably go up to around $50/month. If this area becomes part of Seattle, I believe they will have to pay those rates because of the bond covenants, even if they remain in SWSSD.
Fire – Fire District 11 will go away and the entire area will be served by FD 2. The existing fire fighters will become FD 2 personnel. They know the area, which is helpful when every minute counts. When Burien was deciding on the boundaries of Phase 1 we included the fire station on 112th which serves this area now. Seattle was adamant that they needed that station to serve the area and parts of south Seattle. In a spirit of cooperation we honored their request. When the Seattle City Council was getting their briefing they were told this station isn’t adequate and White Center will be covered by the station in West Seattle…. I wonder how that will affect the response time? I wonder why we gave it up.
Police – If the area becomes part of Burien they will have the same police officers they have now, there will be a seamless transition. Our Sheriffs have been very effective dealing with crime in this area. So what happens to these officers if Seattle annexes? I realize they have the option to hire those that currently work there but there are issues of seniority, pay, benefits etc.
Debt-Burien has no debt, Seattle has many levy and bond measures that have to be paid. The new residents will be responsible for helping to pay for this debt since they now “enjoy the benefits”.
The focus of your article was on the social services and how the non profits could “help the people”. As you can see from what I’ve written there are many other aspects to consider. It is true Burien does not have the deep pockets of Seattle, but we do work well with the various support and non profit groups that work in our city. We look forward to working with the non profits you mentioned as well. Since these folks are receiving grant money from private agencies that money can also continue to flow into the area.
We are a small and nimble city, it is in our combined best interests to see that this area thrives. By having a government close by I anticipate the downtown core of White Center begin to fill up with new business run by the residents. As you pointed out there is a vibrancy in the area you don’t often see. That needs to be nurtured. Check into the B&O taxes Seattle charges, as well as space taxes, head tax, business license fees etc. These are a burden to beginning/small businesses. Burien doesn’t charge as much in B&O nor do we have any of those other ancillary taxes. We are a business friendly city and value the leadership and ideas they contribute to our community.
Again, I invite you back to the area, come on down to Burien some Monday evening and see our Council in action, walk around our downtown core and see what we have done – it was not done in a vacuum – the residents of Burien were very actively involved. This is the way we do business here – with the involvement and support of our residents. This is the power we offer to the remainder of the unincorporated area. Doubts? Come watch us as we begin this process with the area that will become part of Burien in April. I admit it will take some time; these folks have been ignored, neglected, abused, and dictated to for too many years. They aren’t quite sure of their voice yet, but given time they will gain confidence and bring a new vibrancy to our city…. we will all be a better place. I look forward to including the remainder of the area – what a great city we will be!
Thank you for your time,
Kathy Keene—– Original Message —–
From: Jerry Large
To: Kathleen Keene
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 1:25 PM
Subject: RE: Article on White CenterDear Kathy,
Thanks for the note. I’d love to visit with you about White Center and Burien. I’ll be away next week, but I can come down after that. I have deadlines on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you let me know a couple of times that would work with your schedule, we can find one that works.
Jerry
Jerry Large
Columnist
The Seattle Times
Also, Thursday morning Crosscut published another editorial about why White Center should join Seattle, this one penned by Jordan Royer. And yes, he’s the son of former Seattle Mayor Charlie Royer – read it here.
So…what do YOU think of this issue? Should Seattle be allowed to annex White Center? Or should Burien go for it? Please take our Poll below, or leave a Comment…
Loading ...King County Elections released an update for Tuesday’s election results, and it looks like Proposition 1, the King County Library System “Library Levy,” has increased its “Yes” lead to 2.26%, up from just over 1%; as of 4:15pm Wednesday, Feb. 10th, the totals are:
KING COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters:
200,780/647,133 31.03%Proposition No. 1
- YES: 101,858 • 51.13%
- NO: 97,344 • 48.87%
We’ll post further results as they are released (usually weekdays around 4pm), and the final tally won’t be official until Feb. 24th.
The language for Prop. 1, according to the Voter’s Pamphlet:
The Board of Directors of the King County Rural Library District adopted Resolution No. 2009-11 concerning an increase in the District’s regular property tax levy. In order to provide continued funding for the normal operation and maintenance of the King County library system, this proposition would authorize the District to restore regular property tax levy rate to $0.50 per thousand dollars of assessed value for collection in 2011, and to increase the levy in each year thereafter as allowed by chapter 84.55 RCW. Should this proposition be approved?
It’s Election Night in Washington, the mailed votes are being counted, and, as of 8:12pm, the totals for Proposition 1, the King County Library System “Library Levy,” were:
KING COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * 182002 / 647133 28.12%
Proposition No. 1
- YES: 91,215 50.51%
- NO: 89,359 49.49%
We’ll post further results on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 10th), and the final tally won’t be official until Feb. 24th.
The language for Prop. 1, according to the Voter’s Pamphlet:
The Board of Directors of the King County Rural Library District adopted Resolution No. 2009-11 concerning an increase in the District’s regular property tax levy. In order to provide continued funding for the normal operation and maintenance of the King County library system, this proposition would authorize the District to restore regular property tax levy rate to $0.50 per thousand dollars of assessed value for collection in 2011, and to increase the levy in each year thereafter as allowed by chapter 84.55 RCW. Should this proposition be approved?
A preliminary state audit questions the Port of Seattle’s contract with the nonprofit “Port Jobs” program, and Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) is sponsoring a bill that will make sure the program continues.
Since 1993, the private, nonprofit “Port Jobs” program has successfully matched job seekers with employers, as well as provided continuing education and job training opportunities.
“In the past decade, over 14,000 job seekers in South King County have turned to the services of Port Jobs,” Upthegrove said. “And employers know that when a candidate is referred to them through Port Jobs, that person’s qualifications have been thoroughly vetted.”
Rep. Dave Upthegrove
Upthegrove is sponsoring House Bill 2651, which specifically authorizes ports to support job placement and training programs that are operated by nonprofit entities. State law already authorizes port districts to contract with nonprofits for economic development. At issue is whether economic development encompasses workforce development.
“Port Jobs has connected thousands of job seekers with employers at Sea-Tac Airport, and to apprenticeships in the skilled construction trades. In this economy, we are doing everything we can to get people to work, and to help them stay employed once they get there,” said Heather Worthley, Executive Director of Port Jobs. “Representative Upthegrove’s bill, if passed, will make it crystal clear that the Port of Seattle has the Legislature’s backing to continue to fund this important work.”
The bill passed out of committee in the House and is awaiting possible action on the House floor. Upthegrove is pushing to ensure that the measure passes the House before the February 16 cutoff deadline for House bills.
“Our focus this year in Olympia is to create jobs and improve our economy, and this bill is all about jobs,” Upthegrove said.
Under the proposed legislation, Port Jobs would be required to submit an annual report to the Port of Seattle detailing the number of successful job placements. In 2009, Port Jobs placed more than 500 people through its Airport Jobs office.
From the Port Jobs website:
Port Jobs is not-for-profit action tank that develops practical programs and supports public policies that increase access to living wage jobs, fostering a more vibrant and equitable economy for residents of and businesses in Seattle and King County. We make good jobs easier to get and good employees easier to find, primarily in the port-related economy.
A 501(c)(3) organization, Port Jobs: engages in innovative research to increase shared knowledge; creates powerful partnerships in key action areas; and develops practical programs that provide important services to jobseekers, employers and our local community.
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The Port of Seattle Commission released a draft of its memorandum of agreement (download PDF here) with the State of Washington Monday (Feb. 1st) detailing its contribution to the proposed bored tunnel project that would replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Public testimony and comment are being sought by the commission prior to their vote.
The memorandum spells out the port’s intent to make an investment in this program, which is not to exceed $300 million during construction of the Viaduct Replacement Program. The port’s contribution will be linked to improvements that promote freight mobility and access to port facilities. Freight, cruise, agriculture, daily commuters and neighborhoods depend on this vital traffic corridor every day, and the corridor is essential to our regional economy.
The port commission is asking for your input before they make a decision on the MOA. There are several ways in which you can comment over the next two weeks:
- E-mail comments to Viaduct MOA Comments: viaduct@portseattle.org
- Mail comments must be received by close of business Monday, February 8, to:
Viaduct MOA Comments
Attn: Christine Lee, Regional Transportation
PO Box 1209
Seattle, WA 98111
Public testimony can be provided at two upcoming Commission meetings:
- Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, 1:00 p.m., (MOA item will come up around 2:30p.m.) at Aviation High School, 615 South 200th St. in Des Moines
- Tuesday, Feb. 9th, 1:00 p.m., Port Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way in Seattle
The commission is expected to make a decision on the MOA, following public comments, at their February 9th meeting.
We’re not quite to the point of voting over the internet, but last week, King County Elections announced that it is now offering audio versions of its voters’ pamphlet at its website, meaning you can now rock out to ballot descriptions on your iPod.
Voters can now download the King County voters’ pamphlet as a FREE MP3 file or do air guitar to to it online. King County Elections has provided a limited number of audio recordings of voters’ pamphlets in the past, but now this feature is available for everyone, 24/7/365 at their website.
“We’re trying to improve services to voters who need them in order to vote privately and independently,” said Sandy McConnell, Elections Operations Manager. “This new service also provides convenience to many voters who prefer to listen to an audio version of their pamphlet.”
The audio voters’ pamphlets, along with the text versions, are located on the Elections website here. Audio ballots are also available to support voting at all three accessible voting centers.
Here are direct links to the rockin’ MP3s, with pertinent ones boldfaced:
A Letter from the Director- Ballot drop boxes and accessible voting centers
- Voter information
- Reading your voters’ pamphlet
- City of Renton Proposition No. 1
- King County Rural Library District, Proposition No. 1
- Seattle School District No. 1, Proposition No. 1
- Seattle School District No. 1, Proposition No. 2
- Federal Way School District No. 210, Proposition No. 1
- Vashon Island School District No. 402, Proposition No. 1
- Tukwila School District No. 406, Proposition No. 1
Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 9th.
Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) filed a bill this week that would allow the Port of Seattle to continue to lease land to the Highline-area Little League organization at a steeply discounted rate for use as Little League baseball fields.
The measure authorizes “airport operators” to make airport property available for public recreation and other community uses at less than market value.
“I grew up playing Highline Little League baseball on these exact ball fields,” Upthegrove said. “Today, south county children continue this tradition only because of the extremely affordable lease rates the Port extends to the City of Burien. With local governments currently strapped for cash, a hike in the lease rates could put the future of these fields at risk.”
Photo of Rep. Dave Upthegrove, circa 1980, playing Little League baseball on a south King County ball field.
The ball fields in question are located in the second runway “buyout area” near SeaTac Airport, a neighborhood dotted with boarded-up residences. Federal law specifies how close a residence can be to an airport runway, and over the years the Port of Seattle has had to “buy out” home and business owners to keep them out of the prohibited zone. The recreational and athletic fields, however, continue to enjoy active use and are permitted within the zone.
“The lease rate has recently been called into question by the State Auditor. My aim is to ensure that our state law is consistent with federal law, which actually permits these kinds of arrangements between airport operators and organizations like Little League,” Upthegrove added.
Rep. Dave Upthegrove, circa 2009.
“Little League sports provide affordable recreation for so many children while teaching the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. We need to ensure that these Highline ball fields remain available for the community.”
The bill number is House Bill 3007, and it’s scheduled for a public hearing in the House Local Government and Housing Committee on Monday, Feb. 1st at 1:30 p.m.
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:
- The Shoreline Master Program shall result in no net loss of shoreline ecological functions and processes.
- Regulation and management of Burien’s shorelines should be guided by ongoing and comprehensive science.
- The City should be proactive in managing activities within the shoreline jurisdiction.
- 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
[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...]
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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) 248-5510Thank 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”
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Former Washington Gov. Al Rosellini, who celebrated his 100th birthday Thursday (Jan. 21st), will be the guest of honor at Burien’s Kennedy Catholic High School this Sunday, Jan. 24 at a 3pm Italian dinner to raise funds for a scholarship named after him.
The “Governor Albert D. Rosellini Scholarship” benefits deserving students at Kennedy Catholic, where two of his great-grandchildren are students, and which all four of his grandchildren attended, according to Joe Faccone of the school’s Advancement Department.
Sponsored by the school and Sons of Italy Lodge 1390, the event starts at 3 p.m. with a reception in the cafeteria of the school, which is located at 140 South 140th Street. A dinner featuring traditional Italian fare will be served at 4 p.m., with a program celebrating the former governor’s centennial at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $50, and can be purchased at the door.
An invocation will be given by Oratorian Father Clarence Jones, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Seattle, the Rosellini family’s native parish.
Gov. Rosellini, who served two terms from 1957 to 1965, noted in a 2008 letter to the Kennedy Catholic community that he has strong ties with the school in addition to the fact that his offspring went there. He met President John F. Kennedy, the school’s namesake, on several occasions and in 1962 was selected chair of the U.S. governors to represent their collective concerns to the president.
“Then in 1964, shortly after his tragic passing, I was pleased to learn that the first high school in the nation to bear his name was going to be the new Catholic high school in Seattle,” the governor wrote.
For more information, or to donate to the scholarship fund, call 206-246-0500.
