CM Sarah Moore

10/26/2026

Hello from Mayor Sarah,

In a recent call with a fellow Councilmember, we discussed the timeline for getting new ideas and actions in front of the council. While there is no right or wrong time to bring up an important new issue, it helps to recognize that there is an essential calendar for a city, which focuses on different types of work at different times of year.

Fall and early winter: work to fulfill state mandated December 31 budget and zoning deadlines

Late winter and spring: committee, commission and council role assignments, potential interactions with the legislative process, review council rules

Late spring and summer: touch-bases with the work our commissions and partners do, typically no meeting in August

Early fall - thoroughly review budget and zoning to prepare for those deadlines

As a gardener, this seasonality makes sense to me, but just as with gardening, knowing the seasonal cycle of a city does not mean I don’t get impatient to get things done. But for the next couple of months, it will be all hands on deck just to complete the essentials of turning in a balanced budget and making a wise hiring decision for a new City Manager.

After returning from a summer recess and reviewing Burien’s budget and zoning needs in September, every meeting between now and the end of the year will be an intentional step toward completing 2026 with all of our necessary year-end tasks accomplished.

PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

We will have two presentations.

A. 2026 Third Quarter Financial Report – Budget-to-Actual Update

Cities are required to review their budgets quarterly, in order to spot trends and avoid ending the year out of balance. With a tight budget, this is more important than ever. Both revenue and expenses are below budget for this time of year, which means staff will continue to carefully watch expenses.

B.2027–2032 Capital Improvement Program and Preliminary 2027–2028 Other Funds Budget

Capital improvements are their own part of the budget, using funds with sources held for just those projects. We receive a share of King County Parks Levy funds which will help bring some projects to completion and give us the seed money to start others. We will also discuss how to bring additional resources into play to supplement our slim budget, as we review over $91 million dollars of deferred public works projects we should be planning for by the year 2032.

This topic includes discussion of two capital bonds, one expiring this year and one in 2030, and a request for guidance on whether to investigate a new bond to help pay for some necessary infrastructure maintenance.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Please plan to sign up before the meeting begins at 5:30.

You can sign up to provide public comment by one of the following methods:
Public Comment Form (linked in the comments below)
Call City Hall at (206) 241-4647
Email [email protected]
In-Person with City Hall front counter staff from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the council meeting (doors open at 5 p.m.)

You will still have up to 2 minutes to speak, and will still be asked to give your name and whether you live in Burien (optional). Depending on the number of speakers signed up, council may choose to reduce speaking time. Most people can speak about 120 - 150 words per minute. I recommend having a 150 word and a 300 word script, and get your big points into the first 100 words.

COUNCIL REPORTS

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CITY MANAGER REPORT

CONSENT AGENDA

BUSINESS AGENDA

A. Introduction to Ordinance No. 906, Tree Code Cleanup

This topic and the one below it were introduced at our October 12th meeting, and will be an opportunity to vote on material we have already been introduced to. Per last meeting’s notes: Burien passed its first Ordinance regarding trees on private property in 2022. The ordinance was well communicated, and is largely supported by the community. However, at the four year mark, staff have identified some areas for improvement, and will present updates on how it has worked, and their suggested changes, including exemptions for trees damaged by storms, some exemptions for utility projects, and additional protections for exceptional trees (those above a certain size set for their species).

B. Introduction to Ordinance No. 909, Street Trees and Trees on City Property

We will also discuss some changes to the code around trees on public property. The Port of Seattle recently required Burien to remove five trees in the beloved Matthison Park, and while the proposed new codes would not have prevented this, they would have imposed a greater responsibility on the Port for the replacement and maintenance of new trees, and will strengthen our position in any future situations of this nature.

C. Introduction of Ordinance No. 896, 2026 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendments

In early 2026, Council voted to ask city staff and the Planning Commission to review four elements of our Comprehensive Plan - the plan that determines how Burien can meet its anticipated growth projections for the year 2044.

These elements had to do with ensuring that we have enough areas capable of being used for emergency housing and shelter, adjusting a small number of zoning designations and map boundaries, examining whether different areas have land uses compatible with their proximity to Seatac Airport, and adding a tsunami section and some rephrasing in the sustainability section.

D. Introduction of Ordinance No. 902, Neighborhood Business Zoning Code Amendments (North of NERA)

City planning staff and the Planning Commission have been discussing the proposed rezoning of this neighborhood, and after a preliminary briefing on October 12th, it is council’s turn to review and vote on the zoning that has been proposed. This neighborhood, to the west of North SeaTac Park between 128th and 138th, is a quiet residential area that is already heavily impacted by airplane noise, which is expected to increase substantially in the coming decade and beyond.

The city has difficult decisions to make about the neighborhood, and as it increases housing density in other areas, the airport impacts here make increasing density an incompatible option. The neighborhood was designated for future light industrial uses, but in response to concerns of residents, the allowed uses in that neighborhood have been modified until they are now much different than what would generally be recognized as an industrial area.

The planning process has moved forward with the intention of supporting current residents to remain in the neighborhood, allowing modifications and ADU additions to current homes, and directing business uses towards those suited to neighborhoods.

Burien has some long term work and thought we must invest in this neighborhood, both in terms of its land use, and in terms of the Port’s responsibility toward residents if noise levels pass certain thresholds.

E. Introduction and Approval of Ordinance No. 911, Detention Center Moratorium

The Burien Municipal Code does not currently regulate detention centers in any zoning districts, and this means that if one were proposed, the Community Development Director would face a process for determining whether it was an allowed use - a process that could end up with the city being required to allow a detention center. At the regular meeting on October 12, Council provided direction to staff to prepare an emergency moratorium for privately operated detention centers. A moratorium is temporary. This one is drafted to be in effect for six months, during which the city would work on permanent regulations regarding detention centers.

The moratorium is drafted as an emergency moratorium so that it can go into effect immediately. To do so, at least a majority plus one (5 Councilmembers) must vote in favor of it.

Following a successful adoption of an emergency moratorium, the city must hold a public hearing at the next regular business meeting, November 9th.

F. Introduction to Ordinance No. 910, Special Activities Licenses Code Amendments

This proposed ordinance aligns the fees that the city charges door to door sales and ice cream vendors, with the policies used in setting fees for other businesses. That’s all I’ve got here.

G. Introduction to Resolution No. 539, Setting the 2027 Regular Meeting Schedule

Amazing City Clerk Heather and her assistant Rochelle have provided us with a calendar for 2027. Note that one meeting - the first one in October - is scheduled for a Tuesday rather than a Monday, to allow Burien to observe the holiday of Indigenous People’s Day on October 11th.

H. City Council Planning Calendar

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Executive Session per RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to evaluate the qualifications of applicants for public employment.

(BACK TO) BUSINESS AGENDA

I) Selection of Candidates for City Manager Finalist Interviews

Burien received over 40 applications for our City Manager position, with fourteen of them meeting the qualifications set out in the job description. Council will discuss and vote on which three to five of those fourteen to invite for interviews in November. Because the applicants may not wish their current employers to know that they have applied, names will only become available once applicants have finalized details for an in person interview.

Please mark your calendar for a meet and greet with finalists on Monday, November 16th, time TBD but likely from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

ADJOURNMENT

I know these meetings are a lot and appreciate you sticking with us as we get to the multiple issues that all have priority and aggressive deadlines. Please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.

In Service,
Sarah

10/21/2026

Thank you Councilmember Sam Méndez! I was proud to join Mayor Mohamed Egal and Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui to share our perspectives about the impact of the airport’s expansion plan on our communities.

Three mayors of cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport write that their needs go unheard as the airport expansion moves forward.

10/13/2026

Sharing the video from this event as promised in my newsletter! Thank you to everyone who organized this event!

10/12/2026

Hello from Mayor Sarah,

So far this month I’ve had the opportunity to represent Burien in two important venues.

At the October 1 Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce annual State of the Region dinner, I presented what amounts to a state of the city address, sharing highlights and challenges for Burien, along with representatives from the neighboring cities of Tukwila, Seatac, Des Moines and Normandy Park, and business and educational leaders in the south end. I will watch for the recording and share it on my social media accounts.

On October 2, I had another opportunity to share our city’s successes and challenges, as the newly restructured K4C (King County Cities Climate Collaboration) hosted an elected leader panel discussion featuring representatives from Burien, Renton, Tukwila and Seattle.

It was a pleasure to arrive at each event prepared with the excellent content and speaker’s notes that city staff provided, and to know that Burien is showing up as a regional leader. I also want to give a shout to Burien’s Sustainability Coordinator Sycora Powell and Economic Development Specialist Lorraine Chachere for showing up at the events.

AGENDA
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

We will have four presentations.

A. 2026 Tree Code Cleanup

Burien passed its first Ordinance regarding trees on private property in 2022. The ordinance was well communicated, and is largely supported by the community. However, at the four year mark, staff have identified some areas for improvement, and will present updates on how it has worked, and their suggested changes, including exemptions for trees damaged by storms, some exemptions for utility projects, and additional protections for exceptional trees (those above a certain size set for their species).

We will also discuss some changes to the code around trees on public property. The Port of Seattle recently required Burien to remove five trees in the beloved Matthison Park, and while the proposed new codes would not have prevented this, they would have imposed a greater responsibility on the Port for the replacement and maintenance of new trees, and will strengthen our position in any future situations of this nature.

B. Presentation of Resolution No. 541, 2027 City of Burien Fee Schedule Briefing

No one likes paying fees or feeling nickel and dimed by paying them, and no one likes bureaucracy and having to go to multiple places to get information for a single project. Cities charge fees for many types of permitting, and in Burien, those fees have been added piece by piece, in different parts of our website, without much coordination. This leads to uncertainty for people applying, and ultimately, creates a sense of distrust. So, as the city looks at adjusting some fees to match the actual cost of staffing our permitting teams, we are also looking at ways to bring all the fees into a single location on the website. This is one of those projects that sounds simple and obvious, but requires significant effort and coordination to actually do.

We will also be discussing proposed increases to the Transportation Impact Fees- one time fees charged when new land uses increase the expected volume of traffic to a location - these fees are used to offset the cost of maintaining streets and other infrastructure, which goes up when they experience more use.

C. Presentation of 2027-2028 Preliminary Operating Biennial Budget

Burien’s expenses exceed its revenues, and this is an ongoing reality for most cities in Washington state. The city has reserve funds, but it has been gradually spending them over the course of multiple years, to make up the gap, and in 2030, will reach a critical point at which it does not have the reserves mandated for all cities in Washington State.

The alternatives are to find new revenue sources, reduce spending, or both. Staff have worked on some expenditure reductions that nearly close the gap for the recommended 2027 budget, but as costs keep going up, the gap opens wider again in 2028 and beyond. Council will discuss how comfortable we are with the proposed cuts and the anticipated gap.

D. Presentation of the Proposed Changes to Fiscal Policies

This discussion topic will propose actions intended to clarify how funds and reserves are managed, set measurable reserve targets and recovery expectations, improve transparency around financial decisions and align capital, debt, contracting, and investment practices. While the process of tightening our budget is painful any way you look at it, I have specific concerns about one item - the proposal to freeze increases on Human Services funding for the next two years, at a time when they are desperately needed and the small fund amount could make a great deal of difference to the nonprofits who are our grant recipients.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Please plan to sign up before the meeting begins at 5:30.

You can sign up to provide public comment by one of the following methods:
Public Comment Form - linked in the comments of this post
Call City Hall at (206) 241-4647
Email [email protected]
In-Person with City Hall front counter staff from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the council meeting (doors open at 5 p.m.)

You will still have up to 2 minutes to speak, and will still be asked to give your name and whether you live in Burien (optional). Depending on the number of speakers signed up, council may choose to reduce speaking time. Most people can speak about 120 - 150 words per minute. I recommend having a 150 word and a 300 word script, and get your big points into the first 100 words.

COUNCIL REPORTS

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CITY MANAGER REPORT

CONSENT AGENDA

EXECUTIVE SESSION

It is unusual for an Executive Session to fall in the middle of a meeting. This session is expected to take approximately 20 minutes, and that’s about all I can tell you.

a) Executive Session per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency.

BUSINESS AGENDA

A. Discussion of Detention Center Moratorium

There has been a lot of interest, both in the community and on council, for a moratorium and perhaps eventually an outright ban on the establishment of detention centers in Burien. There have also been some questions from staff about some of the specifics, and it is hoped that at this meeting, council can provide clear direction that will allow staff to come back with an actionable document upon which to vote.

B. Discussion of the Potential Establishment of a Transportation Commission

As Burien and the region grow in population, it becomes increasingly important to have a robust transportation plan that centers safety for all modes of transportation, and that connects Burien’s roads, trails and transit lines with neighboring jurisdictions. Historically, our Planning Commission has shouldered the advisory burden of this conversation, but staff are proposing a new commission specifically to address these growing transportation needs. Having the strongest transportation plan possible will not only support our community but will set us up as a good candidate for future transportation grant funding. Staff is ready to step up to the additional administrative responsibilities involved in adding this commission. I support this new action.

C. Discussion of Advisory Body Recruitment Process

It’s October, and maybe the spookiest thing of all is that 2027 is just around the corner. We will be recruiting for new members of committees, and a proposed process that allows interested individuals to apply for committees and commissions at any time during the year, with applications retained until the next interview cycle. For comparison, our current process is to open recruitments in November and close in January. I don’t know whether the new process will be more effective but I’m open to trusting staff’s recommendations and trying it.

D. Discussion of 2027 City Council Meeting Calendar

Amazing City Clerk Heather has proposed a draft council meeting calendar for 2027, with two regular meetings per month and a total of three study sessions, quarterly except for Q4 when the holidays get in the way. The calendar includes a complete recess in the month of August, and a total of 25 meetings, similar to our original 2026 calendar, although this year has had several meetings added or removed.

I think the proposed calendar is well done, but I anticipate some possible pushback on the November and December dates, in which Monday meetings are included on weeks with major holidays later in the same week. I don’t mind but we’ll see how others feel.

E. City Council Planning Calendar

As always, I encourage readers to take a look at the planning calendar - which is jam-packed with upcoming meeting topics. If this meeting goes long, be warned it’s more of the same for the next months, as we discuss potentially thorny topics such as:

Discussion of 2027-2028 Human Services General Fund Allocations

Introduction of Ordinance No. 896 2026 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendments

Introduction to Ordinance No. 910, Peddlers and Transient Sales Code Amendments, and

An Introduction, public hearings, and an eventual vote on the 2027-28 biennial budgets.

ADJOURNMENT

There is a lot coming up the remainder of the year and I appreciate your engagement. Please keep an eye out for a public meet and greet with the finalists for our next City Manager. The current plan is to have an event during the week of November 15th.

In Service,

Sarah

09/28/2026

Hello from Mayor Sarah,

As Mayor in a Council-Manager city, I am rarely or never a sole decision maker. Decisions either fall within the purview of staff, or they are council decisions arrived at by a vote. However, one of the ways that council can be very effective is by gathering questions from community members like you, and asking them of the expert presenters who speak to council about their work.

When you give public comment at a meeting, Council listens but is not able to respond. But if the community sends me questions in advance, I will do my best to ask a representative set of them during meetings. At Monday’s meeting this includes leadership of the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) the regional jail that Burien and other cities employ. It will include City Planners discussing proposed changes to a quiet (yet noisy from airplane flight) residential neighborhood, and discussions about how Burien can support immigrant communities in a time when ICE is ramping up its actions. And more. If you get me your questions, you don’t have to sit at home listening to the meeting in frustration that no one asked that one, obvious thing.

If you don’t know where those questions come from, you will marvel at how wise I am. I am privileged to receive and pass on the wisdom of all of you! We are collaboratively wiser than any of us is on our own.

AGENDA:

PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATION

We will have one proclamation and three presentations.

Typically, the agenda is organized to respect the time of guest speakers, recipients of Proclamations, and people giving public comment, by placing those topics early in the agenda. Two of the presentations at this meeting are likely to already be of interest to many community members, and I expect this section to take the bulk of the entire meeting time.

A. Week Without Driving Proclamation

This Proclamation is appropriately delivered by Council Member DeVito, who does not own a car, and who can be seen all over Burien and far beyond, getting places by bike, on foot, and via transit.

B. South Correctional Entity (SCORE) Presentation

The name is impersonal, but SCORE is a jail. Their own description is: located in Des Moines, Washington, South Correctional Entity (SCORE) is the first multi-jurisdictional jail in Washington state, owned by six cities: Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila. As a part owner, Burien has a responsibility to understand how SCORE operates and to hold it to account when there are issues. As of now, my plan is to ask about investigations of deaths at the facility, as well as the continuity of medical care for people entering and leaving, and how the makeup (Race, ethnicity, mental health status) of Burien residents incarcerated at SCORE compares to the makeup of the city as a whole.

C. 2026 Annual Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments

In early 2026, Council voted to ask city staff and the Planning Commission to review four elements of our Comprehensive Plan - the plan that determines how Burien can meet its anticipated growth projections for the year 2044. These elements had to do with ensuring that we have enough areas capable of being used for emergency housing and shelter, adjusting a small number of zoning designations and map boundaries, examining whether different areas have land uses compatible with their proximity to Seatac Airport, and adding a tsunami section and some rephrasing in the sustainability section.

These were all elements recommended by staff, and approved for study by council. We will discuss one of the subjects, Airport adjacent land use, again in the Presentation immediately following.

D. The North of NERA area, also called Cedarhurst for the closest school, is under the flight path of SeaTac Airport, and is experiencing increased noise, with projections of further increases in the future. When city planners looked at housing and jobs growth targets in the Comprehensive Plan, they identified that planning for increased housing density in this neighborhood was not compatible with the increase in noise and air pollutants expected as more flights come in. We will be discussing a land use designation and zoning that change it from residential, and introduce a variety of “light industrial” uses possible in the area. Staff and Planning Commission have been in conversation with concerned community members, trying to strike a balance that creates a liveable neighborhood with business uses that don’t impact the residents who already live there.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Please plan to sign up before 5:30 when the meeting starts. Sign up is cut off at 5:30.

You can sign up to provide public comment by one of the following methods:
Public Comment Form (linked in the comments)
Call City Hall at (206) 241-4647
Email [email protected]
In-Person with City Hall front counter staff from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the council meeting (doors open at 5 p.m.)

You will still have up to 2 minutes to speak, and will still be asked to give your name and whether you live in Burien (optional). Depending on the number of speakers signed up, council may choose to reduce speaking time. Most people can speak about 120 - 150 words per minute. I recommend having a 150 word and a 300 word script, and get your big points into the first 100 words.

Note: there is a public hearing further down in the agenda on the topic of the use of CDBG funds. You do not need to sign up to provide comments for that topic, you can simply raise your hand (in person or virtually) and will be recognized.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

It is only September, but Council Members will soon be asked to join committees for the 2027 year. I will be asking someone to fill a vacancy on the SKHHP (south king housing and homelessness partnership) board, an important opportunity for the city to be heard when housing dollars are awarded to construction projects. Currently Burien does not have a representative on this Board.

COUNCIL REPORTS

CITY MANAGER REPORT

PUBLIC HEARING

Topic: The proposed use of FY2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds

CONSENT AGENDA

BUSINESS AGENDA

A. Discussion and Approval of the FY2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Admin, Human Services, and Capital Projects

Cities, including Burien, receive funding from HUD, to build stronger communities for low to moderate income residents. We will be voting on a proposal to use the 2027 grant moneys to fund hours for our Human Services Department to administer the fund, to support New Futures After School Education and Family Support Program, to provide youth enrichment in two residential areas near Hilltop Elementary School, and to help pay for the capital expenses needed to upgrade the 58 year old oil-fired furnace at the Moisher Arts Center.

B. Presentation of 2027 Preliminary Revenues and Assumptions

C. Discussion and Approval of Resolution No. 533, ecoThrive Housing Building Permit Fee Deferrals

In 2019, Burien City Council approved an Affordable Housing Demonstration Plan (AHDP), to reduce barriers for organizations that wanted to create housing at levels significantly below the Area Median Income (AMI). After four years, the AHDP was allowed to expire. One of the lessons learned from doing it was that even with additional support, most of the construction done under the program was by established providers of affordable housing, rather than by new or local organizations. The one exception was EcoThrive Village, a permanently affordable home ownership concept that is nearly ready to start construction. Council will vote on whether to allow Ecothrive to defer paying its permitting fees until it receives financing that will help it start the project.

D. Discussion of Detention Center Moratorium

At the Sept 14 meeting, Council directed staff to bring back a moratorium on establishing detention centers in Burien. Staff is requesting more time to prepare a draft, and may have questions for council.

E. Discussion and Approval of Resolution No. 542, Immigrant Support

ICE has been ramping up its activities in Burien and elsewhere. When individuals are detained, their families, friends, the businesses where they work and shop, and the community at large are all impacted. Council will be voting on a resolution that strengthens Burien’s sanctuary policy, prohibits the use of city property for immigration enforcement, establishes training and reporting requirements, prohibits new city contracts with ICE and audits existing contracts, and reaffirms Burien’s commitment to all its residents.

F. City Council Planning Calendar

ADJOURNMENT

I am thankful to all of you for your input and support, which sometimes also includes challenges. Your engagement with our city reminds me every day what an amazing community we live in.

In Service,

Sarah

09/13/2026

Hello from Mayor Sarah,

Back from summer recess, and Council is jumping right in with one of the most massive agendas I’ve seen since I took office in 2022. Get comfortable, grab some snacks, and prepare to delve into topics, great and small, that impact the lives, stability and wellbeing of our community.

PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATION

We will have two proclamations and two presentations. Typically, the agenda is organized to respect the time of guest speakers, recipients of Proclamations, and people giving public comment, by placing those topics early in the agenda.

A. Welcoming Week Proclamation

The closest this week’s agenda has to a theme is the one represented in this Proclamation - Burien proclaims itself as a welcoming city for all, and will explore efforts to put that proclamation into force in a resolution discussed near the end of the meeting.

B. Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation

C. City Manager Recruitment Update

City staff (HR Manager Mei Kearns and Administrative Services Director Fernando Llamas Jr), rather than the Interim City manager, are leading this process and will present the current state of recruitment efforts and a proposed timeline.

D. Sustainability Program Update

This will be a fairly robust introduction to the work of sustainability in Burien, primarily Solid waste management, stormwater and actions to reduce or mitigate climate change. It will also be an opportunity to ask questions about future actions - keeping in mind that funding is extremely limited for new initiatives of any kind.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Please plan to sign up before 5:30 when the meeting starts. Sign up is cut off at 5:30.

You can sign up to provide public comment by one of the following methods:
Public Comment Form
Call City Hall at (206) 241-4647
Email [email protected]
In-Person with City Hall front counter staff from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the council meeting (doors open at 5 p.m.)

You will still have up to 2 minutes to speak, and will still be asked to give your name and whether you live in Burien (optional). Depending on the number of speakers signed up, council may choose to reduce speaking time. Most people can speak about 120 - 150 words per minute. I recommend having a 150 word and a 300 word script, and get your big points into the first 100 words.

Note on public comment: I have heard from community members interested in Burien speaking on the topic of Immigrant Support. I encourage commenters to read the resolution closely for what is included and what is not included that might be of interest. If something is missing, bring it up.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

While council has been in recess, many committees and community events have been taking place, and I anticipate a long report section. I will be reporting on the Burien Airport Committee, the Regional Water Quality committee, updates from utility districts and the Sound Cities Association’s Public Issues Committee.

COUNCIL REPORTS

CITY MANAGER REPORT

CONSENT AGENDA

BUSINESS AGENDA - Buckle up and here we go!

A. Recology Contract Update

Burien renewed its contact with our solid waste management service provider, Recology, in 2025. After a ten year stretch without renegotiating rates, the new contract created widespread sticker shock, as costs for residents and businesses went up. This presentation will largely be a review of our partnership and of upcoming events featuring Recology. However, it will include representatives from Recology who have heard some of the community's concerns, and can answer or find answers to questions about service and rates.

B. Discussion and Approval of Resolution No. 538, Entering into Contract with Zions Bank for Custodial Investment Account

Burien works with financial advisor Clearwater LLC to manage the city’s investments, and has been seeking bids for a custodial banker to hold these investment accounts. After receiving two bids, staff have selected Zions Bancorporation, National Association per recommendation by Clearwater, LLC, based on lowest cost and usability for City assets. They are seeking council approval to enter into a contract with this vendor.

C. Discussion of Resolution No. 540, Reclassification of a Civil Engineer II to Stormwater Program Manager

This appears to be a relatively routine action, to reclassify a position so that it better reflects the reality of the work the employee is doing, and the needs of the city. Burien’s aging stormwater infrastructure and increasing regulations on surface water management fully justify this reclassification.

D. Introduction to Ordinance No. 897, Burien Municipal Code (BMC) 19.35 Transportation Impact Fee Amendments

Transportation Impact Fees (TIFs) are charged against new construction that will change the expected transportation needs of a property. Fees associated with high-traffic projects would help pay for the impact costs of that traffic - wear and tear, need for pedestrian or bike safety, etc. This ordinance, if passed, will move Burien from having one of the lowest TIF rates in the region, to being near the middle. It conforms with rates in nearby cities, and feedback from builders is that they think the plan for transitioning to these rates is manageable.

E. Introduction to Ordinance No. 898, Ambaum Boulevard Park Planned Action Ordinance Amendments

This and the following items F and G are closely related actions, intended to correct overlap in maps for the Ambaum/Boulevard Park and the Downtown Core action plans, remove duplicative TIF language, and update environmental codes to match the changes in mapping.

F. Introduction to Ordinance No. 899, Greater Downtown Urban Center Planned Action Ordinance Amendments

See item E

G. Introduction to Ordinance No. 900, Amendments to State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Procedures BMC Title 14

See item E

H. Immigrant Support Resolution Update

And here we are, what I consider the meat of the agenda. A working group committee consisting of Deputy Mayor Hugo Garcia and Councilmembers Andrade and Councilmember Sam Méndez have been working with city staff on an Immigrant Support resolution, which will be presented tonight for discussion.

There will not be a vote on this item, but rather, council can direct staff on whether to continue drafting the Resolution, and what to add or modify.

I have heard from community members interested in a Detention Center Moratorium. My understanding is that this was discussed and would need to be framed as an ordinance, not part of a resolution.

My goal is to get the meeting to this item expeditiously so that council and staff are still fresh and able to have a good discussion on this vital topic.

I. City Council Planning Calendar

Whew. That was a lot - but wait. There’s more. Several items were originally scheduled for Sept 14 and got pushed to the next meeting on Sept 28:

Neighborhood Business Zoning Code Amendments (North of NERA)

South Correctional Entity (SCORE) Presentation

Discussion of the potential establishment of Transportation Commission

ADJOURNMENT

This week’s agenda was particularly long. Thanks for sticking with me as we work through the important issues that we face in Burien and for reaching out with your thoughts, concerns and even encouragement.

In Service,

Sarah