Burien Mayor Joan McGilton said the issue of trust was what she heard most clearly during three recent "community conversations" on the potential annexation of the North Highline unincorporated area.

"Does the Burien community trust seven council members to move forward and put a line to paper?" she asked during a council study session June 12.

Next month, the council is scheduled to draw a line regarding which annexation scenario the city prefers, McGilton explained.

The scenarios are complete, partial or no annexation of North Highline by Burien.

"I think [trust] is what this council will be faced with," she continued. "We as council members can relay [annexation] information to the community in a way that we can start rebuilding that trust."

To help rebuild trust, council members allowed a half dozen citizens to comment, even though this process is unconventional for a study session.

One Burien resident said that trust is the primary factor that tears a community apart or keeps it together.

"Burien has lost a lot of trust. We have had some contentious councils. And the annexation process as it was rammed through last year by the ex-city manager and by the last council broke a lot of the trust and this has been a rebuilding process with the new council," she said.

Horrace Parker, a Seahurst resident, pointed out that if there is going to be trust in this process, the council should allow an advisory democratic vote for all Burien citizens.

"If this is not done, that seriously violates the trust within the community," he said.

Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak encouraged residents to participate in community conversations and to call or e-mail her with questions.

"I prefer that to an advisory vote," Krakowiak added.

McGilton, who has gone back and forth on whether to have an advisory vote, cautioned that such a vote could have a low voter turnout.

"There has to be a way to get an advisory opinion from all Burien residents, rather than just a few who would [vote]," she said.

Burien resident Peggy Sharky asked council members what percentage of the Burien population would assure them that enough residents were heard.

"Rather than talk about what I heard at the meetings, I'd like to make one step beyond that and try and let the citizens know at this moment in time what I'm thinking based on what I heard," said Councilman Gordon Shaw.

Although he has not formed an opinion, Shaw noted that part of what is driving his decision is the Growth Management Act, which "has overlaid this requirement [of annexation] on local jurisdictions.

"I'm not very impressed with the act myself, but it's there and we need to live with it. I'm approaching the decision on annexation from the basis that it's more of a defensive position and decision rather than a positive decision."

McGilton said she was frustrated with the initial take-it-all or take-nothing proposal.

"Now, as we acquire more financial information and a better analysis, I'm not quite as close-minded and I am thinking that a partial annexation may be something I can support."

In moving the annexation process along, McGilton and Shaw suggested that the council have extra meetings to allow for increased dialogue among the lawmakers.

The first of these meetings is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Burien City Hall.