City Council postponed discussion on Temporary Encampment Ordinance 861 until current litigation regarding unhoused camping is decided by the courts.
By Tommy Butzerin.
All seven council members were present in person at the April 21, 2025 Burien City Council meeting.
Proclamations
Councilmember Jimmy Matta read a council proclamation for Small Business Week.
Presentation
Financial Director Casey Headley presented a six-year financial forecast to the council. This presentation included discussion about the impact of federal tariffs, new taxes, and expected revenues and expenses.
Council Member Reports
Councilmember Linda Akey congratulated the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce on opening their new offices in SeaTac. She also discussed meeting with Burien’s Emergency Management, city police, and fire staff regarding emergency preparedness for natural disasters that lately have taken place across the country. Finally, she reported attending the SCAT (South County Area Transportation) board meeting, where she learned about the reintroduction of metro fare inspections.
Deputy Mayor Moore reported meeting with Council member Alex Andrade, City Manager Adolfo Bailon, City Attorney Garmon Newsom II, and others to discuss animal issues in Burien. She also honored Vicki Hartley, 2023 Burien’s Citizen of the Year, who passed away on April 13.
Councilmember Hugo Garcia announced that the local Highline High School is putting on a play and encouraged people to support the arts in Burien.
Mayor Kevin Schilling discussed visiting the Avamere Rehab Clinic. He approved of the work they do to help people with drugs, alcohol, and mental health problems.
Councilmember Jimmy Matta explained that he will not be running for re-election, and reflected on his time as an elected official, including as Mayor.
City Manager Adolfo Bailon’s Report
- The Spring 2025 Burien Magazine is now available and has been sent to around 27,000 people. It can also be obtained at the Community Center, the City Hall, and the Burien Library. Available in three languages online at www.Magazine.burienwa.gov
- Housing code and map amendments are ongoing. The city had an online survey to obtain feedback for these amendments; it ended 4/21/25.
- The Comprehensive Safety Action plan is now available, and comments from the community are welcome, especially about safety on roadways.
- StormFest is fast approaching. This program helps educate local middleschool students about stormwater watersheds and how flooding is prevented. The event is in May, and its organizers are recruiting volunteers.
- Moshier Pottery Art Sale is moving this year to new location: Burien Community Center. Event date is May 3.
- Coffee With the City Manager is on Wednesday, April 23rd at the Burien Community Center at 5:00 – 6:30 pm. The Community Development Department will discuss building, zoning, creation of Burien’s Comprehensive Plan, permit applications, and more.
Public Comment
In total, three public comments were made. One discussed animal issues, as previously mentioned by Deputy Mayor Moore; one criticized Ordinance 861 (which involves homeless encampments); and the final comment involved climate change and environmental issues.
No written comments were acknowledged.
Executive Session
The council entered Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, which ended at 7:23 PM.
Consent Agenda
Approved unanimously.
Business Agenda
The first item on the agenda was an update to the 2025-2026 Human Services General Fund Allocations – Children’s Therapy Center. This was presented by Human Services Manager Anyah Zupanic and Human Services Coordinator Sarah Loeffler. The motion to make the proposed changes was passed unanimously.
The next item was a discussion of the Annual 2025 Budget Adjustment Ordinance, presented by Financial Director Casey Headley and Financial Analyst Kaitlyn Graham. Kaitlin explained the proposed use for the 17.3 billion dollars not being used by the city’s current budget. CM Akey asked about the process for new revenue coming in after the budget’s approval, and Graham answered that there is a 2-3 month process for this. The motion to approve the budget passed unanimously.
Next was a presentation on Housing Code and Zoning Map amendments by Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen. Mayor Kevin Schilling expressed his approval, especially given that construction has been slow lately. Deputy Mayor Moore and CM Garcia gave similar statements.
The final item on the agenda was a first reading and discussion of Ordinance 861, Permanent Provisions for Temporary Encampments. This was presented by the Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen, as well as Community Development Director Liz Stead. They outlined the legal considerations, revisions, and decision criteria involved in this Ordinance. They noted that the proposal “to provide 24-hour onsite staffing” was revised from “required” to “recommended.” They also removed the requirement to conduct an active warrant check. They recommended it be added to the May 12, 2025 consent agenda.
CM Matta motioned to table consideration of Ordinance 861 until the courts decide on pending litigation between the City of Burien and Oasis Church regarding unhoused encampments. No discussion. The motion to table passed unanimously.
CM Akey asked about adding an item to the calendar. She will discuss with City Manager Bailon in preparation for the next council meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
