A RESOLUTION stating the intent of the City of Seattle to make a decision by February 2012 whether to call for the annexation, by election, of contiguous unincorporated territory to the City of Seattle, referenced as the North Highline Annexation Area, and stating the City's intent to withdraw its designation of this area as a Potential Annexation Area in the City's Comprehensive Plan if a decision is made not to hold an annexation election in 2012.

WHEREAS, the Washington State Growth Management Act and the King County Countywide Planning Policies encourage transition of unincorporated urban and urbanized areas within Potential Annexation Areas from county governance to city governance; and

WHEREAS, the North Highline Annexation Area is within the City of Seattle's Potential Annexation Area adopted pursuant to Seattle City Council Ordinance 122313; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that, based on current information, it may be in the best interest and general welfare of the City of Seattle and the North Highline Annexation Area to annex certain unincorporated territory lying generally south of the existing City of Seattle corporate boundary, referenced as the North Highline Annexation Area and shown on Exhibit A to this Resolution; and

WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila has requested the City of Seattle meet to discuss its overlapping Potential Annexation Area with Tukwila, which may impact Seattle's ability to adhere to the necessary timeline for a November 2011 annexation election; and

WHEREAS, the City is faced with significant financial challenges and it is difficult for the City to commit to providing the appropriate level of services for the North Highline Annexation Area if the City proceeds with annexation at this time; and

WHEREAS, this resolution is not intended to block or obstruct the City of Burien from pursuing annexation of that portion of the North Highline Area designated by Burien as a Potential Annexation Area, should the City of Burien decide to do so at any time; and

WHEREAS, the City has an obligation to the people in the North Highline Annexation Area to reduce the uncertainty about their future and it is committed to making a decision in February 2012; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:

Section 1. The best interest and general welfare of the City of Seattle may be served by the annexation of contiguous unincorporated territory to the City of Seattle, referenced as the North Highline Annexation Area and shown on Exhibit A to this resolution.

Section 2. The City of Seattle shall meet with the City of Tukwila to discuss its overlapping Potential Annexation Area.

Section 3. The City Council requests the Executive to verify its financial projections and submit an updated financial report on providing services to the North Highline Annexation Area by December 31, 2011. The City Council will provide a list of questions regarding the Executive's report submitted on January 18, 2011, Analysis of the Potential Annexation of North Highline into the City of Seattle by April 30, 2011.

Section 4. The City Council commits to making a final decision as to whether to proceed with an annexation election by February 28, 2012 and to withdraw its Potential Annexation Area designation if it decides not to proceed with an annexation election in the North Highline Annexation Area in 2012.

Section 5. If the City of Burien chooses to initiate an annexation election, it is the intent

of the City Council that the City will not object or stand in the way.

Section 6. If the City of Burien does not initiate an election or is not

successful in an election, it is the intent of the City Council that the City of Seattle will

consult with the City of Burien to coordinate activities in 2012.

Adopted by the City Council the ____ day of ____________________, 2011, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this________ day

of ______________________, 2011.

_________________________________

President ___________of the City Council

THE MAYOR CONCURRING:

_________________________________

Michael McGinn, Mayor

Filed by me this ____ day of ________________________, 2011.

____________________________________

City Clerk

(Seal)

Exhibit A: Map of North Highline Annexation Area

Valles, C Annex Decision March 28, 2011 Version #5

Exhibit A: Map of North Highline Annexation Area