Tim Eyman and parking limits on residential property took center stage at the Burien council meeting on Oct. 20.

Former state Transportation Secretary, Doug MacDonald, spoke to the council as an opponent of I-985, an initiative that would open HOV lanes to all drivers with the exception of heavy commuting hours in the mornings and afternoons. In addition, the measure would move toward synchronizing all traffic lights and restrict the use of toll revenue.

MacDonald said he has been doing a series of speeches against 1-985 to city councils throughout the state. His opponent has been Tim Eyman, an activist known for putting controversial measures on ballots, including this one. Eyman was not at the meeting to support his own initiative.

MacDonald said that I-985 took revenue away from red light cameras.

"Cities see this as intrusion on what to do with cameras and money. The Renton City Council took [Eyman's] head off and I was not unhappy to see that happen."

In addition, he said that passage of the measure would make the functions of HOV lanes much worse and that it would hurt programs already put into place to improve speed and reliability in transit.

Mayor Joan McGilton said she supported MacDonald's position against I-985 and made it clear she was no fan of Eyman.

"Burien loses money due to the effects of [Eyman's] past initiatives," she said.

The Council echoed support and opposed I-985, 6-0.

The Council then voted on whether to pass Ordinance 492, which would limit the number of cars on a residential property to four.

Burien residents at the meeting said they were concerned that the number was too small.

Councilwoman Kathy Keene agreed and said that she would not object to raising the limit from four to five cars.

"Even as a single person, I have two vehicles," Keene said.

Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak said she supported keeping the limit at four because an excessive number of cars on a single property would have a negative effect on the property values of surrounding neighbors.

Councilwoman Keene asked if motor homes counted as cars.

"We don't know," City Manager Mike Martin said. He said that, although officials couldn't agree on a number, the ordinance could be passed now to see how it would work.

The Council passed the ordinance, 6-0.

"We can always mend this in the future," added Krakowiak.