Two Burien City Council members said last week they favor annexing the southern portion of North Highline as part of a phased acquisition of the entire unincorporated area.

Others said they thought the southern part-or a little less-is all that Burien can handle.

The comments came at the April 21 council meeting in reaction to a recommendation by City Manager Mike Martin.

Generally, in Martin's proposal, Burien's northern border would be at Southwest 112th Street in the Shorewood area, dipping south to South 116th Street to exclude the Evergreen Pool and Top Hat business district, going back north to South 112th Street in Beverly Park and extending to South 107th Street in Boulevard Park. Rainier Golf and Country Club on Des Moines Memorial Drive would be within Burien's borders.

Deputy Mayor Rose Clark and Councilwoman Kathy Keene advocated for eventual annexation of the entire area.

Keene characterized Martin's recommended option as a "very good first step" to be followed by further annexation in phases.

She noted, "It is not in the interest of Burien to take it in one big bite."

But Keene urged her colleagues to take a long-range view of annexation.

She indicated Burien might not be economically sustainable in 100 years if it does not pick up more land for housing and business development.

Keene said Martin's option left out White Center and industrial lands that could generate revenue.

"If Seattle wants White Center, there must be a reason," Keene added.

Clark said she has noticed no difference between the Burien and North Highline areas.

She added she doesn't want Burien to become a "myopic little town."

However, Mayor Joan McGilton and councilwomen Sue Blazak and Lucy Krakowiak were more cautious.

Krakowiak advocated a proposed annexation area smaller than Martin proposed.

While Martin recommended extending the proposed annexation eastern boundary to the Tukwila city limits, Krakowiak suggested the boundary stop at Glendale Way South. Martin's option would add about 14,000 more residents to Burien while Krakowiak indicated she would be more comfortable with adding about 10,000 people.

Krakowiak also said she wanted an opinion survey of North Highline residents and a list of the estimated $66 million in North Highline capital projects before making a decision on annexation.

"I'm concerned about taking on more than we can handle." Krakowiak added.

Councilwoman Sally Nelson opposed another survey, saying it would not be accurate and would waste time and money.

Councilman Gordon Shaw said a formal vote by affected North Highline residents on annexing to Burien "would be a survey that is completely accurate.

"If the vote is no, so be it."

Shaw noted that the $50 to $60 million in capital improvements Martin estimated Burien would have to spend on the new area is in addition to the $50 to $70 million in current estimated Burien capital costs.

Martin said capital funding could be sought through state and federal grants.

"I am confident it can be done," Martin replied. "I wouldn't recommend it if I thought we would relegate the area to the Stone Age."

The city manager said his infrastructure cost estimates are higher than King County's because Burien would build to urban standards instead of rural standards.

Dick Swaab, superintendent of Water District 20, suggested the proposed Top Hat border be stretched to South 112th Street to keep water district services intact.

Speakers divided on whether Burien or Seattle would be the better choice for annexation.

North Highline residents emphasized that they want the entire area kept together.

Butch Henderson, who characterized himself as the unofficial mayor of Boulevard Park, declared, "North Highline is the full meal deal, and that is real."

Liz Giba, vice president of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, favored annexation by Burien.

Seattle concentrates residents in either affluent or poor neighborhoods and she is not convinced Seattle provides better social services, she said.

"I urge you to base your decision on vision, not fear," Giba added.

But a North Shorewood countered that Seattle would be a better fit.

"Burien has other priorities, including its downtown" she noted.

Seahurst resident Forrest Parker said that Martin's estimate that operating costs and revenues would balance or almost balance "strains credibility."

Seattle officials have said there would be a $5 million deficit if Seattle annexed all of North Highline.

Parker also said if the council does not call for an advisory vote, "it would be the biggest blunder in the history of Burien. _"You people would have to live with it," Parker warned.

Ray Helms from Boulevard Park said Burien is a small friendly town, while Seattle is too big.

"You should tell Seattle to step up or step out," Helms declared. "We are tired of being beat up by King County.

"I am proud that Burien has taken the leadership role."

Seattle officials have indicated they are, at least temporarily, stepping back from the annexation issue after the state Legislature failed to grant Seattle a sales tax credit for annexation.

Martin urged lawmakers to make a decision by the end of May. He said an annexation measure could be placed before affected North Highline voters by February. A vote by Burien residents is not required.

McGilton said the public will be able to comment on annexation during the next two regular council meetings before lawmakers take action.