Des Moines council signs onto Burien letter asking Port of Seattle to act on airport noise insulation packages

The Des Moines City Council voted to sign a letter, in concert with the City of Burien, asking the Port of Seattle to address outstanding airport noise insulation ‘port packages’ affecting homes in the Des Moines area. The motion to sign and forward language mirroring Burien's letter passed by show-of-hands, 6-1.

City Manager Catherine Caffrey told the council staff has identified several thousand port packages in Des Moines — she estimated “a little over 3,500” though she said the exact count was not immediately available. Caffrey said residents and elected officials have raised ongoing concerns that some port packages need repair or additional work as years have passed since initial installation.

Several council members urged prompt action. Councilmember Harris said the port has previously budgeted money for packages and suggested the city join Burien's effort quickly; Councilmember Absa noted Burien had sent a letter urging immediate regional consensus and that Burien’s deputy mayor had signaled the city would find it helpful for Des Moines to send a similar letter. Councilmember Mahoney cautioned that letters are insufficient unless funding or a new approach is secured, but did not oppose signing on.

By council direction, staff will draft a letter to the Port of Seattle modeled on Burien's communication and circulate it for the mayor's signature. The council recorded a 6-1 vote in favor; one council member opposed. The motion was handled by council consensus and show-of-hands rather than a formal named mover and seconder recorded in the minutes.

Ending: City staff said they will draft the Des Moines letter consistent with Burien’s language and return it for the mayor’s signature and transmittal to the Port of Seattle.