The Burien City Council meeting on Monday, August 19, 2024, began with a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting the resources available for those in need.
City Manager Adolfo Bailon provided updates on current topics such as utility assistance programs, the completion of park renovations and an upcoming arts festival.
Public comment was disrupted by an individual’s attempt to distribute legal documents, but residents voiced concerns about the zoning changes and drainage issues.
The Council also discussed the allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds, with a focus on programs for at-risk youth.
Proclamation of Suicide Prevention Month
Council member Sarah Moore read a proclamation recognizing Suicide Prevention Monthand urged anyone considering suicide to call 988. According to the proclamation, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in this country, with an estimated suicide-related death occurring every 11 minutes. Additionally, one in five 10th graders reported seriously considering suicide in 2021, and all high school students, as well as people of color and LGBTQ youth, are at increased risk. Barriers to health care and stigma surrounding the discussion of suicide and depression lead to increased numbers of deaths by suicide. The 988 suicide prevention hotline is available 24/7, and there is a live online chat at 988lifeline.org.
City Manager’s Report
City Director Adolfo Bailon informed again about the Tax relief program for utilitieswhich can reduce the amount lower income customers pay for utilities such as cable, internet, phone, water, sewer and garbage collection. The annual application deadline is approaching. Information on the application is available on the city’s website. There are also rebates available directly from many utility companies. Links and information on other rebates can be found on this page.
In addition, Bailon announced that Lake Burien Park Renovation of the tennis court is completed. Within two weeks, cracks were repaired, an acrylic sports field surface was laid and new benches were installed.
He also shared the upcoming 2024 Art-A-Glow Festival. This year, the popular event will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Festivities will take place in downtown Burien and include a night market, light installations and live performances.
Finally, City Manager Bailon informed the Council about the status of an initiative to new minimum wage regulation on the ballot. He said the city is trying to inform the public that a minimum wage ordinance has already been passed and is set to take effect at the beginning of the new year. Signatures for the ballot initiative have been sent to King County for counting and verification.
Public comments suspended
A break was taken at the start of public comments after a member of the public refused to listen to requests not to go to the podium. His purpose was to distribute papers Service of complaints to members of the Councilt for violating the Public Assembly Act. Mayor Kevin Schilling later stated that due to the recent increase in violence against persons in public office, any violation of the rules and respect for the authority of the assembly room will be reprimanded and the person in question will be removed from the meeting room.
A resident of the Lake Burien neighborhood said no one in her area has received mail from the city about proposed zoning and land use changes that would impact Lake Burien residents.
A woman from Boulevard Park reported that drainage problems continue to exist in her neighborhood. She said any plan to increase population density must also include improvements to drainage infrastructure.
Block grant for community development approved
The Advisory Board recommended that Council approve the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) allocation as follows: $41,000 for administrative costs, $41,000 for the Southwest Youth and Family Services (SYFS) Community Resource Center at the Alcove Apartments, and $158,568 for the construction of two new age-appropriate playground equipment at Chelsea Park.
Council member Sarah Moore moved to approve this allocation, but did not receive a second vote for the motion until each item was discussed in more detail. The council wanted to ensure this funding source was used to its full potential. According to the presenters, the $41,000 spent on the SYFS is just a drop in the bucket for this program that benefited over 500 residents last year, but the money provides important leverage for raising more funds. It shows that the program has community and local government support. Council member Jimmy Matta chimed in, saying that thanks to this program, the Alcove Apartments has not lost a child to gun violence in recent years. The program was created after Two young women were murdered in front of their apartments.
video
Watch full video of the council meeting Here.
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