The regularly scheduled Burien City Council meeting commenced on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Burien City Hall and on Zoom.

Councilmembers Hugo Garcia, Linda Akey, Sarah Moore, Kevin Schilling, Jimmy Matta, Alex Andrade, and Stephanie Mora were in attendance, as well as Mayor Hugo Sarceno of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala.

Newly-elected Burien City Councilmembers Rocco DeVito and Sam Mendez were sworn in for service, as well as reelection victors Moore and Garcia.

Keys to the City

Outgoing Councilmembers Stephanie Mora and Jimmy Matta received symbolic “Keys to the City.”

Councilmember Mora served four years on Burien City Council and requested that a proclamation not be read, as “a simple thank you” was all she needed.

Schilling read the proclamation for Councilmember Matta, who was elected to his seat in November 2017. He later became the first Latino mayor in Burien’s history and served in this role from 2018 to 2021.

“Thank you to those who supported me and thank you to those who challenged me,” Councilmember Matta said. He then offered to newly elected Mendez, “Congratulations to your win for this position. This work is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding.”

Mayor Hugo Sarceno of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala at the Dec. 8, 2025 Burien City Council meeting.

Proclamations

The Guatemala Day Proclamation was presented to Mayor Hugo Sarceno of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, and was introduced by Matta. The gesture underscored Burien’s commitment to international partnerships.

“Your visit is a testament to our shared values,” Matta said.

Business

City of Burien Finance Director Casey Headley shared that OpenGov has been selected as the business-and-occupation (B&O) tax software. Headley confirmed that the new tax software is being released January 1, 2026, and will modernize the tax payment system. OpenGov also services the City of Tukwila.

“The cost to the city will be replacing the cost of what we do now. There will be no additional expenses – except for the launching part,” Healey said.

The online system will give the opportunity to be more efficient, auto-calculate taxes, secure login, and lessen staff burden. A flat fee of $2.50 will be charged to customers for e-filing and credit cards will incur a fee of 2.99%. Paper checks can also be submitted in person at City Hall.

Businesses reporting $399,999 or less will have annual reports due April 15, 2026. Businesses with gross sales of $400,000 or more in Burien will file quarterly taxes in April, July, October, and January. There are exemptions for businesses with gross sales totaling below $200,000.

There was a 20-minute closed 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.”

The City Manager’s report from Adolfo Bailon is at this link.

Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen facilitated the presentation on “Discussion and Final Action of Ordinance No. 881, Co-living Housing Zoning Code Text Amendments.” On Nov. 17, 2025, Ordinance No. 881 was introduced to City Council and presented with a staff and Planning Commission recommendation. A minor provision regarding bicycle parking applicability has been revised to ensure no development standards for co-living sleeping units are more restrictive than those applied to dwelling units in compliance with HB1998. Ordinance No. 881 was adopted by council.

Councilmember Garcia advocated for increased awareness around gun violence, referencing the recent Highline High School threats. He made a motion to create a resolution and advocate funds to this effort. The resolution was approved.

Councilmember Akey shared “regardless of immigration status, I want immigrants in our city to be safe.” She added that she supports the resolution but needs more information first. “I don’t know what $4,000 would do to be able to help. We don’t have money to match $50,000. We don’t have the money to match $25,000 per year.” Councilmember Andrade echoed that she is in support of $4,000 but is unsure of how far it will go.

Public Comments

Resident Jennifer Fichamba urged for increased vigilance around immigration-related inquiries. “Just today, there were reports of ICE waiting and watching.” Fichamba encouraged council to redesign their reporting practices to mirror that of King County.

Resident Chestine Edgar thanked outgoing councilmembers for their service.

Another resident, Abigail Marin, explained that her Mexican culture shapes her family daily and she is “concerned” for the Latin community being hunted by ICE. Marin said her daughter has asked her to change her appearance to stay safe.

“I’m here because she asked me to dye my hair blonde and look white,” she added. “Please councilmembers, work hard for us.”

Burien City Council adjourned for the year at 7:40 p.m.