By Tim Clifford

On Feb. 10 the first SeaTac City Council meeting for the month was held at SeaTac’s City Hall. With nearly 20 people in attendance the meeting kicked off 15 minutes late due to the 4:30 p.m. study session running longer than usual. Deputy Mayor Tony Anderson continues to be physically absent and skyped into the meetings.

The meetings are held every two weeks at 6:30 p.m. and are viewable live on Channel 21.
Here are the highlights:
• Judy Beste was appointed as an alternate for the Senior Advisory Committee. Following a unanimous vote from the Council an official certificate was presented to Beste.
• A presentation for amendments to the MasterPark lot development was given by International Boulevard, LLC. These included an extension that would add eight years with a $210, 000 delay fees. An additional $100K if the option for 2 extra years is exercised. There will be no refund if construction is completed prior to the eight years. After a unanimous vote the motion was passed.
• Council member Ladenburg proposed that the council either create a referendum or state a position on Bill 5223 and House Bill 1934. This bill would create loopholes in bargaining for business owners in regards to the $15 an hour minimum wage. Council members and citizens voiced concern over getting involved in this issue at all. After a vote the issue has been postponed to the next meeting.
• City Hall will be closed on Monday Feb. 16 in observance of President’s Day.
• On Tuesday, Feb.17 the City of SeaTac delegation will be heading to Olympia, with Deputy Mayor Anderson and Council Member Ladenburg in attendance. The delegation will present city legislation to policymakers.
• Military Road update: final paving was completed on Jan. 29. Crews are adjusting new lids for utilities. New residential mailboxes have been installed and keys will be passed out to residents in City Hall soon. Signal lights are being tested and should be operational soon.
• Council members addressed the parking issues on 33rd and 34th that were brought up during the last meeting. Various members have been driving through the neighborhood and have taken pictures of situations that were described by residents. Though these streets are general parking the council is still trying to figure out a means of reducing parking from employees at the airport.