Discover Burien was expected to begin an internal investigation this week into a possible conflict of interest involving its executive director, Debra George.

Burien City Manager Mike Martin requested the investigation after council members voted unanimously on Feb. 5 to renew the city's annual contract with the organization.

New language in the 2007 contract addresses conflicts of interest and solutions should problems arise.

Discover Burien's board of directors, which is comprised of local business persons and non-profit representatives, have until Thursday, Feb. 15, to complete their investigation.

"The matter [of George's perceived conflict of interest] came to our attention in the fall when we renew all our contracts," said Burien Economic Development Manger Dick Lowman.

All new contracts between the city and non-profit organizations including for Discover Burien will include language prohibiting conflicts of interest.

Asked why the city council approved the new contract while the conflict-of-interest situation remained unresolved, Mayor Joan McGilton said, "Discover Burien is an asset to our community. So approving the contract was in everybody's best interest.

"This is a fairly new organization and it's going through a period of growth right now," McGilton added.

Discover Burien was created in 2002 to promote the city and local businesses. Until now, however, there has been no language regarding conflicts of interest in its contracts with the city.

The new language prohibits a contractor with the city or employees of that contractor from acquiring "any interest, direct or indirect, in fact or in appearance, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the Contractor's services and obligations...."

The investigation requested by Martin will look into whether George's yearlong involvement with the Mark restaurant in Olde Burien conflicts with her role as executive director of Discover Burien.

Though the investigation will be internal, the new language in the contract will guide it.

The city has formulated a process that Discover Burien will have to follow as it carries out the investigation.

"We are happy and the city is happy with the direction we're going," Discover Burien President John Roberts declared.

Discover Burien, which also had its performance in producing some special events questioned by council members at their Feb. 5 meeting, recently has received criticism from some local businesses.

City business taxes and license fees provide almost $90,000 in funds for Discover Burien.

George consistently has maintained that her involvement with the Mark does not interfere with her job.