By Tim Clifford

The City Council held its first bi-monthly meeting at SeaTac City Hall on Jan.13 at 6:30 p.m. Receiving an unusually light turn out for a Council meeting there were only three citizens present to address the council and the business for the evening was covered fairly quickly.

Here are the highlights:
• After a unanimous vote the study session time has now been changed to 4:30 p.m. from 4 p.m. The later time is to accommodate those who wish to attend the study session and stay for the council meeting which begins at 6:30 p.m. Study sessions are held before council meetings and allow new issues to be introduced for consideration before the next meeting.

• An update on the construction project taking place on Military Road was given. The overhead utilities have been removed, sidewalk installation is “substantially” complete with 7500 feet of sidewalk installed, and new drainage systems have been installed. What remains to be complete is a traffic loop installation, final paving, and lane striping. The project is ahead of schedule with an end date estimated some time near the end of February.

• Sites are being looked into for the Food Innovation Network, with a leasing opportunity preferable to a build project. Developers are still being sought however.

• An update on the 509 Project was given. The first meeting of the 509 Committee was held for this legislative session. Room for the project has been proposed in the Governor’s budget but is pending approval. The Committee will continue meeting every two weeks during this legislative session.

• A Youth Art Exhibit will be held in the council chambers from 5-6 p.m. on Jan.22 at SeaTac City Hall.