White Center Now: The blog about White Center

(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for WCN)
With the issue of White Center (etc.) annexation before the Seattle City Council right now – a committee takes it up on Tuesday – Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn visited downtown WC this afternoon. With him in this photo, taken in front of Proletariat Pizza, are White Center Chamber of Commerce president Mark Ufkes and White Center Community Development Association executive director Aileen Balahadia; in the background, mayor’s office rep Kenny Pittman, who has long been a point person on the annexation issue. Most recently, as we have reported, McGinn’s stance has been “we can’t afford it”; WCN contributor Deanie Schwarz reports his main comment today was, “Seattle has some big decisions to make.”

Here’s the agenda for Tuesday afternoon’s Seattle Council committee meeting; here’s the briefing document (PDF) which lays out the potential timeline for a council decision on an annexation vote, as well as the potential range of financial effects if Seattle annexed the area.

(Seattle Channel video added 6:15 pm – this is the entire council briefing; annexation is final portion, starts at about 82:00 in – you can pull the indicator on the playbar to the right to get to that point)
As previewed here, the Seattle City Council just got its briefing on last month’s report about the potential costs of annexing White Center and the rest of “Area Y.” However, no vote was taken and the few questions asked by councilmembers – whose schedule was rushed because a preceding, unrelated presentation took much longer than scheduled – did not tip any hand as to how they might decide on taking an annexation vote. As previously reported, and as reiterated at the meeting by city budget boss Beth Goldberg (we’ll add the full video clip when it becomes available via the Seattle Channel online), Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn does not favor moving ahead with annexation right now “because we just simply, in his mind, can’t afford it at this time.” City Council President Richard Conlin’s Regional Sustainability and Development Committee now will take over the issue for meetings on March 1st and 18th; Conlin pointed out that even if there were a vote this fall and annexation was approved, it wouldn’t take effect before 2013, and could even be scheduled for later implementation. It was also mentioned that (though Seattle’s council never ratified it), Seattle and Burien are continuing to observe the informal agreement that Seattle has dibs on Area Y through this year – after that, it’s up for grabs. We’ll add a few more details shortly; we’re also working with council staff to get all the documents that were presented today.

ADDED 1:04 PM: Here are both documents from today’s meeting:
PowerPoint presentation
Financial tables
Presenters had calculated that the potential $91 million one-time only expenditure mentioned earlier could be reduced to less than half that, if only arterials were addressed in the backlogged North Highline road maintenance that’s been mentioned – the higher number included non-arterials.

No vote is scheduled, but the Seattle City Council will hear an official presentation tomorrow morning on the newest report regarding White Center (etc.) annexation. It’s on the “council briefing agenda” for tomorrow, 10:30 am. As reported here last month, the newest report suggests that annexation may be too costly for Seattle to pursue at the moment. After that report came out, we checked with Seattle Council President Richard Conlin, who told White Center Now/West Seattle Blog that he remained enthusiastic, but wasn’t sure what his colleagues would have to say. If you’re in the Seattle cable viewing area, you can see tomorrow’s briefing live on Cable Channel 21; if not, you can watch online at seattlechannel.org.

When we reported last week on the new Seattle study suggesting that annexation of White Center (etc.) would be too expensive, and Mayor Mike McGinn‘s thoughts that it might be worth revisiting in the future, we also sought comment from City Council President Richard Conlin – since it’s the council that voted last year to put the city “on a path” toward an annexation vote this fall. We’ve heard back from Councilmember Conlin now. He says: “… we are still reviewing the data, and the Council will make a decision by the end of March. Personally, I continue to be enthusiastic, but I am not sure where my colleagues will be.”

The prospects of Seattle annexing White Center (and other parts of the still-unincorporated area) brightened at one point last year – as first reported here – when the Seattle City Council voted to put the city on “a path” toward a potential annexation vote this fall. However, that path seems to be dead-ending, at least for now. A new report has led the mayor’s office to throw cold water on the idea, because of budget woes. The report was prepared for the City Council, which wanted more information on the potential costs, among other things, and you can read it in its entirety here. Lots of detailed reading, but bottom line: The annexation area would cost the city $16 million more to run each year than it would bring in. And the deferred street maintenance needed by the area would cost tens of millions of dollars to catch up with – leaving the city with “one-time” expenses of annexation running $91 million.

We asked the Seattle mayor’s office for comment. From spokesperson Aaron Pickus:

The mayor thinks that the financial reality of the City’s budget, now and in the near future, make annexation difficult for the City to pursue at this time. The City simply does not have sufficient resources (and resource growth) to meet existing demands and take on the new demands that the annexation of Area Y would require. When our City’s finances are more robust, the Mayor would be interested in re-evaluating the annexation.

We’re also checking with City Council leadership, among other potentially interested parties. The county has said that *somebody* has to annex the urban unincorporated areas such as White Center, because it’s not supposed to be in the business of providing urban services. So, what about Burien? We asked its city manager, Mike Martin (Burien has a slightly different structure of government, so while there’s also a mayor, the city manager is the person who runs the city day to day), who replied:

Frankly, the ball is in Seattle’s court. You’ll probably remember that Burien signed an MOU with Seattle (they didn’t sign) basically agreeing to give them the first shot at annexing that area, as long as they did it by the end of this year. We also agreed not to interfere if they decided to go for it. We’ll stand by our word. If Seattle decides they’re not interested, my council will have a decision to make. But for now, we’re waiting on Seattle.

Martin also says he’s shared the Seattle report with his council.

By Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for White Center Now

The North Highline Fire District Board met Friday morning.

Board members and the new Chief, Steve Marstrom, who one board member commented was “here to drain a swamp,” largely discussed how to steer their ship in those swampy waters while holding course toward an uncertain harbor.

A major task for Chief Marstrom, as suggested in previous meetings where job scope was defined, will be to negotiate the transfer of assets and consolidation of services with as-yet-to-be-determined or confirmed entities. But details of day-to-day operations and priorities established by the Chief and his Battalion Chiefs (the most senior one now acts in lieu of a budget-deleted assistant chief) are still inquired about by the Board and are expected, so the new chief will continue providing answers.

Board member Wayne Alishokis noted that he and Chief Marstrom had attended the most recent White Center Chamber meeting to introduce the Chief to the North Highline community. Their introduction meetings also extended across the city-county line to a preliminary meeting with Seattle Fire Department’s (SFD) Chief Hepburn and Mayor’s Office representative Kenny Pittman. The Chief has scheduled a second meeting with SFD to specifically discuss the financial parameters of any potential future contractual consolidation with the city and the Seattle Fire Department. It was Chief Marstrom’s impression that the city of Seattle would not be interested in any agreement where it would need to supplement funds for NHFD #11. Their next meeting with Seattle is set for September 27th; there’s still no final decision on whether an annexation vote will be held in November 2011, but that’s the goal Seattle had been working toward.

Read the rest of this entry »

We’re at the 34th District Democrats‘ monthly meeting in West Seattle’s Fauntleroy neighborhood, on behalf of White Center Now and partner site West Seattle Blog, and Burien City Councilmember Brian Bennett – toddler daughter in arms – is currently speaking to the group. Among the topics he’s touched on: Annexation of the rest of North Highline, including White Center. Bennett told the group he feels that “North Highline has the potential to be one of the most thriving, dynamic communities in our region, and they need strong representation – we need to make sure they get that. Personally, I favor giving them the opportunity to join Burien … I think they would have a strong voice, and that we can provide strong services to them … but we’re going to have to provide a strong voice (in making that happen).” (Bennett says he grew up on what is currently the line between North Burien and the remaining unincorporated area.) Currently Seattle is on a not-too-fast-track to pursuing a possible annexation vote next year; Burien considered fast-tracking one some months back, but ultimately pulled back.

ORIGINAL 2:32 PM REPORT: Six days ago (WCN coverage here), the Seattle City Council‘s Regional Development and Sustainability Committee passed a resolution putting the city on what Council President Richard Conlin described as a “path” toward a November 2011 annexation vote. This afternoon, the full council has just passed that resolution (see its full text here). Before the vote, in the public-comment period, they heard from five annexation supporters and four opponents, three of whom primarily voiced concern about the impending closure of the South Park Bridge and suggested any money that Seattle might spend toward annexation would be better spent as a contribution to a new bridge. Conlin said today that the resolution “lays out a timeline” toward a decision on a potential annexation vote. He said the resolution reaffirms city leaders need “some numbers” before a final decision and that it’s not an “irrevocable commitment” but that “we think this would be a good idea if we find a way to make this happen.” The motion passed unanimously with little discussion, 8-0 (Sally Clark absent). Next step: The city has a long workplan laid out in the resolution, moving toward a final decision next winter on whether to have an election in November 2011. ADDED 3:09 PM: Read on for the official Seattle city news release about today’s vote: Read the rest of this entry »

The agenda’s out now for Monday’s Seattle City Council meeting, and as expected, they’re scheduled to vote on the resolution laying out “a path,” as Council President Richard Conlin put it, toward a possible November 2011 annexation vote. (As reported here, that resolution was approved by Conlin’s Regional Development and Sustainability Committee earlier this week.) The Monday meeting is at 2 pm; the agenda’s here; you can watch live online at seattlechannel.org (or cable Channel 21 if you’re on the Seattle system). Conlin told the Southwest District Council in West Seattle on Wednesday night that he thinks it’ll pass unanimously. But it wouldn’t require the council to absolutely commit to a November 2011 annexation vote until March of next year.

At the Southwest District Council meeting on behalf of partner site West Seattle Blog, we’re listening to the latest presentation from White Center residents advocating that Seattle annex “Area Y.” This is at least the third time we have seen some form of this presentation on the city side of the line. Tonight, the reps are Don Malo (who says the Highland Park Action Committee will be spotlighting his business at his next meeting) and Lois Schipper, wife of Mark Ufkes, who has been leading many of these appearances but wasn’t able to be at this one. Coincidentally, the audience for their presentation also includes Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin, whose Regional Development and Sustainability Committee just yesterday – as reported here – approved a resolution that puts the city “on the path” to a potential annexation vote in November of next year. (He was previously booked to speak to SWDC about unrelated matters.) He said after their presentation, “These people have been really phenomenal … I’m really supportive of this.” He is predicting a unanimous vote in favor of the resolution when it goes to the full council next week. “They’re ready to vote for this resolution,” he said. During their presentation, Schipper said, “This is about not only what we have to offer to Seattle, but what Seattle would have to offer to us.” Malo said he’s hopeful that when the further financial analysis of potential Seattle annexation comes out next year, the numbers will look better than the recent one, which he pointed out used data from five years ago. Schipper and Malo also hit the point that Roxbury is perceived as an artificial boundary: “We’re already part of your community.” The Southwest District Council members have asked some tough questions too – they’ve just been told by Conlin that Seattle Parks is likely to get hit hard by budget cuts, so they’re wondering what would happen if Seattle annexed Area Y and inherited its park facilities. Schipper and Malo say Seattle-annexation advocates will continue making the rounds of community councils in West Seattle

Two and a half weeks ago, the Seattle City Council’s Regional Development and Sustainability Committee heard the city’s budget boss say Mayor McGinn was no longer pursuing an annexation vote this fall, because the financial outlook was a bit challenging. However, they were told, it might be a possibility for November 2011.

So today, that committee considered a resolution that would state its potential interest in a vote then (see the full text here). The committee just passed the resolution unanimously – after clarifying that while the resolution does not commit the city to annexing northern North Highline, it does “put us on a path,” as committee chair and Council President Richard Conlin put it, though “we can choose to step off the path” later. Next step: The full council will consider the resolution next week. It’s a detailed resolution with plenty of timetables – most significantly, setting next March as the drop-dead date for a council decision that would all but commit the city to a November 2011 vote in “Area Y.” DETAILS ADDED 3:40 PM: Read on: Read the rest of this entry »

2 pm at Seattle City Hall, the Regional Development and Sustainability Committee – same one that heard two weeks ago that Mayor McGinn was no longer pushing for an annexation vote this fall – will take up this resolution. It outlines potential interest in a November 2011 annexation vote, depending on how the financial outlook goes. The meeting will be live online at Seattle Channel.

In the ongoing saga of “who (if anyone) will annex the northern North Highline area” including White Center, we’ve just received the agenda for next Tuesday afternoon’s meeting of the Seattle City Council Regional Development and Sustainability Committee, which includes:

RES. 31198

Stating the City of Seattle’s interest in potentially holding a November 2011 annexation election in the remaining unincorporated area of North Highline, and outlining a work program, deliverables, and timeline to help the Mayor and the City Council determine whether Seattle should pursue annexation of this area.

Presenters: Greg Doss, City Budget Office (CBO); Kenny Pittman, Office of Intergovernmental Relations (OIR); Christa Valles and Dan Eder, Council Central Staff

The meeting’s at Seattle City Hall, 2 pm Tuesday.

Beneath the flag, that’s Greg Duff, who’s presiding over his last meeting as North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president – 2nd from left in the photo, it’s council member Ray Helms. As tonight’s NHUAC meeting began, Duff and Helms were honored by Linda Robson on behalf of King County Councilmember Jan Drago‘s office, lauded for their service (both are now Burien residents). Otherwise, the “North Burien” transition for the south section of the former unincorporated area is of course the big news; right now, Burien city manager Mike Martin is briefing the group on various matters. Martin has just announced Burien will seek a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant for playground equipment in Puget Sound Park, acknowledging he’s telling this group before telling the council (although at least one member is here and said, “You’re forgiven”). He also says that preliminary projections from the US Census that’s under way indicate North Burien may have 16,000 people, not 14,000 (and he says that if the “original” Burien goes past the 31,000 expectation, this could make it a city of nearly 50,000).

Earlier, NHUAC member Pat Price announced that volunteers will be very much welcome at Evergreen Aquatic Center next week (Highline Public Schools‘ spring break) as they get ready to reopen the pool. More to come as the meeting unfolds.

That’s the bright and cheery image you’ll find on the City of Burien website’s informational page about the North Highline South Annexation that officially takes effect tomorrow. There’ve been so many outreach efforts that we doubt anyone in the area hasn’t gotten word of it yet, but just in case you’re left with any questions, the page is link-laden. And of course there’s a map:

If you open the map from the Burien site, you can zoom in to follow the borders of the annexation zone. In the West, from Seola Beach Drive, it follows SW 112th to 15th SW, jogs south a bit, then heads eastward on SW 114th to 10th SW, heading south again to SW 116th; east of 509, it jogs northward to 112th again, then at 16th S, north yet again to 107th and 108th the rest of the way. So it may take a while to memorize exactly who’s in the city limits and who’s not. Meantime, there’s also a “frequently asked questions” page here.

April 1st will be a momentous meeting for the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council; the unincorporated area shrinks that day, with the North Highline South annexation taking effect. And with that, NHUAC president Greg Duff will preside one last time, as the annexation makes him a Burien resident. Here’s the agenda he sent:

7:00 p.m. Call to order

Flag salute

Roll call

Approval of agenda

Approval of minutes

7:10 p.m. Public announcements

7:15 p.m. Update from Mike Martin, Burien City Manager

7:25 p.m. Major Jim Graddon, KCSO

Captain Carl Cole, KCSO

Captain Patrick Butschli, KCSO

7:45 p.m. Chief Mike Marrs, Burien Fire Chief

8:00 p.m. Update sent in by Deputy Jeff Hancock, KCSO

8:05 p.m. Public Comment – 3 minutes individuals

5 minutes groups

8:20 p.m. Treasurers Report

8:25 p.m. Committee Reports

1. Governance

2. Arts and Parks

3. Public Safety

4. Housing and Human Services

5. Public Outreach

6. Transportation

7. Steve Cox Memorial

8:35 p.m. Old business

8:45p.m. New Business

As always, NHUAC meets at North Highline Fire District HQ.

8:02 PM: That’s Mark Ufkes, president of the White Center Chamber of Commerce and supporter of Seattle annexing northern North Highline, speaking to the Burien City Council a short time ago. He’s part of a full house there to talk about annexation among other hot topics. As we mentioned earlier, the meeting’s being streamed live online as usual. It’s an hour into the meeting now and they’re still in the public-comment period, before councilmembers vote on a resolution that would formally indicate interest in annexing most of the rest of North Highline. “Burien needs all of North Highline to make the city complete,” North Highline Unincorporated Area Council president Greg Duff has just told the council, which is hearing impassioned pleas from people on both sides. This process took on a new light last Friday when it was suddenly announced that Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn no longer wanted to move toward an annexation vote in northern North Highline this year, but maybe one in November 2011 instead. More later.

8:18 PM: The public-comment period finally just wrapped up.

8:23 PM: Burien city manager Mike Martin has just noted something that was hinted at in a WCN comment — Comcast now has Burien’s cable channel in “Area X,” the North Highline South area that will join the city next week, though Martin acknowledged the cable company had previously said that might take at least a year.

9:11 PM: The motion to indicate interest in annexing northern North Highline has just been withdrawn – so that ends that, TFN. Councilmembers decided to resolve the issue that way rather than actually taking a vote on it; they noted that since the resolution first came up two weeks ago, Seattle’s decision to pull back on pursuing a 2010 annexation vote has changed the game. Councilmember Gordon Shaw said, “Given the everchanging state of affairs … it doesn’t seem to me (the resolution) is necessary at this time.”

ADDED: More notes from our reporter at the meeting: Read the rest of this entry »

7 pm at Burien City Hall – here’s the agenda; here are the supporting materials. They’re talking about both current annexation issues – more details regarding the almost-complete annexation of North Highline South, plus a resolution to indicate interest in moving ahead with annexation of northern North Highline. If you can’t attend the meeting in person, it’ll be streamed online – you’ll find that link here once the meeting begins.

When Kenny Pittman from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn‘s office spoke to the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council recently (WCN coverage here), he reiterated that the city’s plans for moving ahead with a possible northern North Highline annexation vote would be contingent on a forthcoming financial analysis. That analysis came out today, as city budget boss Beth Goldberg presented a briefing. Bottom line: Too costly for Seattle to consider an annexation vote before 2011 – and even then, it’s not likely to be on the ballot before November 2011, if at all. Meantime, the Burien City Council will talk again Monday night about pursuing annexation of the area – here’s the agenda. The resolution they’re considering would state Burien’s intention to “advance” (that) annexation “as soon as reasonably possible” after completing the North Highline South annexation that takes effect next month.

These are excerpts from this week’s e-newsletter from the City of Burien:

City Census Under Way in N. Highline Annexation Area
The City currently is conducting a house-to-house census in the North Highline annexation area. Households are being visited by a census worker wearing a City of Burien identification badge between March 12 and April 25. Information from the special census will ensure that the City receives a full share of state funds for essential public services. Households are only asked to provide the number of people living there and their names. The southern segment of North Highline officially becomes part of the City of Burien on April 1. This special annexation census is in addition to the U.S. Census being conducted by the federal Census Bureau this spring.

…City Reaches Out to North Highline Businesses
The City recently sent a letter to approximately 1,250 business entities located or working in the North Highline annexation area to provide the newly annexed businesses with an overview of some of the opportunities available in Burien, such as the Taking Aim at Graffiti (TAG) program or the “pre-submittal meetings” offered by Community Development. The letter also provided businesses with notice of some of their responsibilities, such as getting a business license and updating their tax code on Department of Revenue forms.

NOTE: Comcast subscribers in the annexation area should be able to view Burien Channel 21 and Puget Sound Access on Channel 77.

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