SeaTac lawmakers decided on Feb. 13 to join about 30 other cities in appealing a stormwater permit recently issued by the state Department of Ecology.

The Burien City Council voted to join the appeal process on Feb. 12.

SeaTac Public Works Director Dale Schroeder said the permit could force city staffers to regulate car washing by city residents.

The permit also could make the city responsible for water discharge violations by the Port of Seattle at Sea-Tac International Airport, according to Schroeder. The airport is within SeaTac's city limits.

Assistant City Attorney Mark Johnsen said while city officials care about environment issues, the permit's provisions are "above and beyond what's reasonable."

City Councilman Don DeHan called the regulations "odious" and bad for economic development.

Deputy Mayor Ralph Shape noted the appeal costs "are a pretty good deal to get clarification" on the permit.

Council members also voted 6-0 to express support for the Highline School District's replacement levy on the March 13 ballot.

Mayor Gene Fisher was absent from the meeting.

School board member Phyllis Byers told them the levy dollars make up about 20 percent of the district's budget.

The levy would pay salaries and benefits for about 95 teachers and 170 support staff not covered by state basic education funds, according to Byers.

Unlike a bond that pays for school construction and maintenance, the levy covers educational programs and operations, she added.

Shape emphasized that the levy would not be a new tax, but would replace a four-year levy that expires this year.

Councilman Tony Anderson said the Highline district is making big changes with new school buildings and new programs, such as small learning communities in high schools.

"We should get a little frisky and stir up support for the levy," Anderson concluded.