Despite his continued discussions with Deputy King County Executive Fred Jarrett, Burien City Manager Mike Martin has recommended again that the city council postpone setting March 2 as the official date for the annexation of the southern portion of North Highline.
The delay stems from a controversy ove King County's proposed sale of Puget Sound Park .
At the Dec. 14 council meeting, Councilman Gordon Shaw wanted more information on plans for the remaining portion of the park land after the construction of a library is completed.
The unspoken assumption seemed to be that the sale of the park will go through, yet Shaw emphatically stated that due to the lack of information he could not be "anything but against the sale," even if it was a good move for the city of Burien.
Martin noted Jarrett's verbal support of a public process and the commitment both men have to resolving the matter by Christmas.
Even so, Martin admitted to being at an "extreme disadvantage" on enlightening council members because he was equally in the dark and had no paperwork on the plans.
The rest of the council was noticeably silent on the matter, which left North Highline citizens Philip and Rachel Levine feeling as if "fancy footwork" was being done behind closed doors.
As a member of the White Center Library Guild, Rachel Levine is most concerned about the fate of the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries, especially after the county promised in 2004 to fund a new 10,000 sq. foot facility at the White Center location, a project originally slated for construction this year.
The remainder of the evening, council members amended the biennial budget for 2009 and 2010. This included reducing the expenditures and revenue projections, reallocating revenue and using discretionary funds to bridge the gap.
In other business, council members adopted zoning code amendments in the Northeast Redevelopment Area that are designed to help lay the foundation for economic growth in that area of Burien. The related ordinances passed on a 6-1 vote with Lucy Krakowiak being the one opposing vote.
Newly elected members Jack Block Jr. and Brian Bennett were also sworn in.
