Burien City Council honors public workers, hears about International Public Market, considers moving meeting start time up & more

The Burien City Council began the meeting on Monday, May 20, 2024, by honoring Public Works Week and its essential workers.

They then received a presentation on the feasibility of a new International Public Market in Burien or its neighboring cities.

Public comments addressed concerns about road safety, questionable legal fees, recent bike lane installations, and the progress of transitional housing projects.

The meeting concluded with a vote to explore an earlier start time for future council meetings.

Proclamation for Public Works Week

In honor of Public Works Week (May 19–25, 2024), it was suggested that when you see public works crews out on projects, give them a wave and a thank-you. Their work is often behind the scenes and unrecognized, yet is vital to the city. According to the proclamation, public works professionals are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting transportation systems, water supply & treatment, public buildings, and other facilities important to all communities. The proclamation also honors Maiya Andrews, who is retiring after three decades in public works, the last 12 years of which were spent in service to Burien. This is the 64th annual National Public Works Week.

Presentation On International Public Market Study

Chris Craig, Burien’s Economic Development Manager, along with representatives from the Port of Seattle and King County, presented findings about the feasibility of creating a new South King County public market. This would be something along the lines of the Pike Place Market, a destination for locals to shop as well as a draw for tourism and a venue for small vendors.

After extensive community engagement and market analysis, they came up with four potential models for the market, each at a different price point and with different benefits. They are considering locations in Burien, as well as Seatac and Tukwila. After analysis on 13 regional locations, sites in Tukwila received the highest scores for feasibility.

Community engagement on an interest survey was high, and favorable: According to the presentation, more than 80% of responses were positive. However, all four potential market models require financial contribution from the host city, and there was a general feeling of Burien not having the budget to devote to this type of thing. It is not off the table yet however, and multiple councilmembers expressed enthusiasm for the project, wherever it ends up.

Council Reports

Councilmember Linda Akey shared that the LEAD program has procured funding for 15 Burien homeless individuals to have beds by June 1. She also mentioned that DESC’s newly built Bloomside will have an open house on Thursday May 23, starting at 2 p.m. This will include information as well as a tour of the facility, and Akey said it’s an opportunity to get your questions answered. Bloomside will house and provide wraparound services to 95 formerly homeless individuals. They will take in around 33 of Burien’s own homeless, as determined by case workers, and all residents will be required to comply with a good neighbor policy.

City Manager Adolfo Bailon also reported that the city’s food truck demo program is set to expire imminently. With no recent applicants, there was no interest in extending the program.