SeaTac lawmakers were seriously split Sept. 28 on proposals to accept a federal stimulus grant and to hire an interim planning director.

After extensive debate, council members approved both measures by 4-3 votes.

The $180,000 grant will help promote healthy eating and active living in SeaTac, interim city manager Todd Cutts told council members. A program manager will be hired to suggest policies the city could adopt to encourage better health practices.

The grant expires March 2012.

The grant is part of a Highline Healthy Living Coalition that includes SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park and the Highline School District. The governing bodies of the other coalition partners earlier voted to accept the grant.

Councilwoman Pam Fernald said she originally supported the grant but changed her mind after researching it further.

She said the city should stick to city business.

"Grants often come with strings," Fernald declared. "This is outside the bounds of what the city is obligated to do."

She added that federal government control through such programs as stimulus spending is bankrupting the country.

Fernald also said she didn't think government should be telling individuals what to eat or parents what to feed their children.

Councilman Rick Forschler said he originally thought the grant was largely for educational purposes but now considered it a regulatory measure because SeaTac's comprehensive plan and zoning maps could be changed.

The grant also has language that calls for finding ways to extend the program past the March 2012 deadline, according to Forschler.

Councilman Ralph Shape disagreed with Fernald and Forschler.

"We have an obesity problem," Shape declared. "The government wants to give us $180,000. It is appropriate we accept it to make the city healthier.

"There are no strings to this project. It terminates March 2012."

Burien Deputy Mayor Rose Clark, visiting SeaTac's council, said she wanted to take the discussion "back to the 30,000-foot level.

"The idea is to envision how we can take one of the poorest and most unhealthy community and turn this thing around."

She noted that the program manager might suggest changes to the zoning code that would encourage location of a supermarket in an area that does not have one.

The school district could think about how physical education and health are taught, how school lunches could be changed or whether student gardens should be planted, Clark added.

Mayor Terry Anderson, Councilman Tony Anderson, Councilwoman Mia Gregerson and Shape voted to accept the grant. Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher, Fernald and Forschler opposed it.

Lawmakers also were divided on hiring an interim planning director.

SeaTac is planning to consolidate some departments under the direction of an economic development manager. The planning director position is being eliminated. Planning director Steve Butler resigned in August to take a job in Mill Creek.

In the four to six months before the consolidation, there is need to hire an interim planning director, human resources director Anh Hoang told lawmakers. The interim director would cost $13,500 per month, which is 2 percent less than Butler was receiving, Hoang reported.

Forschler said it takes about four months for a new employee to learn a new job.

"I can't believe we will get four months of value for this position," Forschler declared. "It will be a struggle but we can save $50,000-$80,000.

Councilman Tony Anderson said the planning director position has already been budgeted for the year at 2 percent more than the interim director will receive.

Shape said, "The planning department's plate is full and the work won't go away. We have five major motel projects plus light rail the airport and new apartments."

During the public comment period, resident Vicki Lockwood noted the United States has been without a vice president 18 times, including for almost four years after World War II.

"Is a planning director more important than the vice president?" Lockwood asked.

Mayor Anderson, Councilman Anderson, Gregerson and Shape voted to hire an interim planning director. Deputy Mayor Fisher, Fernald and Forschler voted against it.

Lawmakers also voted to replace playground equipment at North SeaTac Park at a cost of $34,000. Forschler was the lone dissenting vote.

Council members did agree unanimously to allow a radio controlled car track to be built in North SeaTac Park. The track will be located at South 136th Street between 20th Avenue South and 21st Avenue South.

Seattle RC Racers will operate it. The group also runs a track at Magnuson Park in Seattle.