Burien City Manager Mike Martin clarified June 6 the city's process on a decision concerning North Highline annexation after a local blog published a story about the possible "fast-tracking" of the process.
Three speakers at the council meeting expressed alarm about a quick annexation decision based on the Web-only news site's posting.
The blog posting quoted a letter from Mayor Joan McGilton to King County Library System trustees saying the annexation question would be resolved by the end of July. Library system staffers have proposed that both the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries be closed and a new library be built somewhere in between. Library officials cited uncertainty over annexation as a reason for difficulty in planning library improvements in the area. If Seattle annexes North Highline, it would take over library service in the area from the county system.
As announced previously, Martin said his staff would seek direction from the council on June 20 on how lawmakers wanted to proceed with annexation.
McGilton joked that the blog article implied that she would call for a vote on annexation that night.
Martin said he was "mystified by the article." He said city officials had met with a library trustee and the city had agreed to do its best to clarify the annexation issue.
"There has been no discussion about annexation, contrary to the article," Martin said. "We are in the process of accumulating information.
"(The article) was a disservice at this point."
Councilman Gordon Shaw said he was incredulous that anyone would think lawmakers would make a quick decision about annexation without studying financial reports.
Lawmakers also heard from representatives of several Burien arts groups who complained that arts and culture had not been included in the city's draft visioning statement.
Sybil Davis from the Burien Arts Association called the absence a "gross oversight."
A chagrined consultant Brian Scott admitted he did not include questions about arts and culture in the questionnaires presented at community meetings. He noted he was embarrassed because his daughter is about to graduate with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Lawmakers indicated that arts and cultures would be added in the final version.
A draft version of the visioning statement will be available for viewing at the Burien Wild Strawberry Festival June 18 and 19. The council is set to approve the statement on June 20.
Council members also approved unanimously without discussion a settlement agreement with Frank Coluccio Construction Company. The suit was over Phase I of the First Avenue South construction project.
The city agreed to pay $2.75 million to the construction company.
The settlement clears the way for Phase II work to go ahead. Martin reported that a bid will be awarded by the end of this month.
