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Burlington council appoints Brian Steen to Ward 6 after split votes; approves street and parks contracts
Summary
At its May 14 meeting the Burlington City Council filled the Ward 6 vacancy with Brian Steen after two roll-call votes, and approved contracts for the 2026 Spruce Street overlay and ADA curb ramp work and adopted the 2026–2031 PROS Plan. Several items will return for final execution.
BURLINGTON, Wash. — The Burlington City Council voted 3–2 on May 14 to appoint Brian Steen to fill the Ward 6 vacancy, after a prior motion to appoint Katherine Johnson failed on a 2–3 vote.
Mayor Bill Aslett opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m. and council proceeded to consider the appointment after interviews held at a 6 p.m. work session. Councilors Elizabeth Turman-Bryant and Kelsey Freeman moved to appoint Katherine Johnson; Joe DeGloria, Scott Green and James Stavig opposed and that motion failed. Councilors Scott Green and James Stavig then moved to appoint Brian Steen; Kelsey Freeman and Elizabeth Turman-Bryant opposed, and the second motion carried 3–2. The council agreed Steen will assume the Ward 6 seat at the next meeting.
The meeting also included several routine but consequential approvals. Interim Public Works Director Brian Dempsey recommended awarding the 2026 Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) overlay contract for work primarily on Spruce Street to Lakeside Industries as the lowest responsive bidder; council authorized the mayor to sign the agreement. Councilor James Stavig expressed opposition to the proposed bike lanes on Spruce Street during that discussion.
Council approved a separate contract award for Spruce Street ADA curb ramps to E&E Contracting to ensure compliance ahead of the overlay work. Enrichment Services Director Sarah Ward presented and council adopted the finalized 2026–2031 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan after discussion about prioritization and equitable access to facilities.
On routine financial business, council approved Accounts Payable invoices of $921,988.47, April electronic AP of $47,824.09, and payroll expenses of $940,502.64 and $704,412.77 following an Audit & Finance update from Councilor Scott Green.
Other discussion items included proposed memoranda of understanding to establish a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) position in the fire department, continue hosting NMETC paramedic students for field training, and a proposed MOU with the Burlington School District to use West View library space for outreach programming; council did not take final action on those items and staff will return with details.
The meeting closed with standard announcements from Mayor Aslett about the city administrator recruitment and community events; the council adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
