by Gina Bourdage

Here are notes from Monday night’s (June 15th) Burien City Council meeting (PDF agenda here, streaming video link here):

CITY RECEIVES CIVIC AWARD:
Presented by Luis Navarro, Board President U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce Pacific Northwest Chapter, the City of Burien received a Civic Award for their efforts in reaching out to the local Hispanic community in an effort to breach intercultural gaps for all Burien residents.

FIREWORKS & FIRE DANGER UPDATE:
Fire Chief Mike Marrs reviewed the fireworks ban, fines and concerns for a busy upcoming 4th of July weekend. Due to a record dry spell in the recent months, yards, homes and other potential fire hazards are at an increased risk this year. Chief Marrs recommends residents water their yards, keep fire extinguishers close by and make sure to have emergency numbers on hand. Because the holiday lands on a Saturday, residents need to take extra precaution as all local fire districts are expected to be on full alert for their own neighborhoods as opposed to other days where nearby cities would be more readily available for emergency response. Fireworks are illegal to discharge and will receive steep fines if reported and caught, however this is the last year residents will not be fined for firework possession alone. There are two permitted firework displays in Burien, one on Three Tree Point (which we’re a sponsor of) and the other over Lake Burien. Residents are encouraged to view these shows instead of risking hazardous home displays.

AMBAUM BLVD. CLOSURE:
Ambaum Boulevard is currently undergoing sewage line repairs between 128th SW and 116th SW. Detours will be in place until June 26th.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CENTER:
Residents are encouraged to attend the ground breaking of the environmental science center at Seahurst Park on June 23rd from 3:30-5pm. For more information visit http://envsciencecenter.org

BURIEN MAY BECOME A “CASCADE AGENDA CITY”:
The council is considering becoming a member of the Cascade Agenda City. The purpose of going the group would be to aide in guiding responsible planning of the growth of local communities, with the goal of: “…creating a better future for the region.” No decision was made at this meeting.

HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT SEEKS FUNDS FOR SPEAKER:
Highline School District is seeking assistance of $1,000 from the City of Burien to bring speaker Gail Evans, former executive vice president of CNN newsgroup, to speak about women in leadership. While all of the council is in support of the topic, some found that money could be better spent, due to budget restraints, by looking for alternative female leaders from the local community.

DICK DAHLGARD STATUE UPDATE:
The proposed artwork honoring Dick Dahlgard was approved 6-0. The location for the piece is still under consideration. See our previous coverage here.

2009-2010 BUDGET PASSED:
The council voted on ordinance number 513 amending the 2009-2010 budget, and passed a reduced version of the former budget 5-1, with council member Lucy Krakowiak voting against the revisions.

“… the economic outlook for Burien has changed subsequent to the councils adoption of the 2009-2010 Budget and prudent financial policy requires downward adjustment of prior appropriations.”

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