Times/News Correspondent

A sharply divided Burien City Council rejected on July 18 staff's recommendation to grant KPG Inc. a contract for Town Square design work.

Councilwoman Joan McGilton objected to the contract, stating that staff "was non-responsive to my concerns," McGilton explained that her concerns lie with the public's tax money, and how KPG - as a big company - may not be the best for what the council or the public had in mind for a working Town Square.

KPG did the design work for the Southwest 152nd Street project, which was completed in 2003 and will be adjacent to the south end of Town Square.

Councilwoman Sally Nelson voiced agreement with McGilton's assessment of how the taxpayers dollars should be spent on Town Square.

But Public Works Director Stephen Clark defended staff's recommendation of KPG, noting the firm has worked on many Burien-based projects, which also include the newly finished Sylvester Road project.

The firm also has extensive knowledge of storm water systems in Burien, he added.

"KPG was determined to be the most highly qualified without regard to price," Clark told the council.

The contract cost was estimated at $11,933,383 in total. Councilman Gordon Shaw, however, expressed concerned about the timing of the Town Square project and how rapidly it is moving along.

Shaw suggested Burien might have not had the money to do a complete overhaul of the streets for the Town Square project.

"As time goes by things get more expensive than less,