King County Executive Dow Constantine and Burien Mayor Joan McGilton announced Wednesday an agreement for King County to transfer ownership of Puget Sound Park to the city of Burien.

"We were able to resolve this in a way that sets the right tone for this new era in King County government," said Mayor McGilton. "I thank the County Executive for his leadership to reach a fair agreement on the parks transfer."

Constantine said, "A deal's a deal, and it was the city's understanding of the annexation process that it would receive six parks from the County, including Puget Sound Park.

"After detailed discussions, I agree that transfer of the park to the city is the right thing to do and should occur as part of that larger annexation."

The county wanted to sell a portion of the land for a new library branch.

Voters in the southern portion of North Highline approved their annexation by the city of Burien in August.

City Council action to implement the annexation was held up after the previous County administration entered into negotiations to sell part of the park to a third party.

The park is located at South 128th Street and First Avenue South on the site of the former Puget Sound Junior High School.

Before taking office in November, then-Councilman Constantine asked the previous Executive to slow down the proposed sale, in order to have more time to talk with the city about the proposal.

Deputy County Executive Fred Jarrett appeared before the Burien council on Dec. 7 to hear the city's position.

The proposed interlocal agreement must be approved by both the Burien City Council and the Metropolitan King County Council.

The Burien council is expected to set the effective date for the annexation of the southern portion of North Highline at its next meeting on Jan. 11.

March 2 had been considered as the official annexation date before the park sale controversy.

However, Burien City Manager Mike Martin told council members on Jan. 4 that the date may have to be pushed back to April.

A census of the newly annexed area must be made and city staffers have to work out with state officials on the city receiving state revenue for the annexed area, according to Martin.

He also said Burien wants to give businesses in the area a 60-day notice before the formal annexation date.

Martin expressed disappointment that the settlement was not reached by Christmas.