Controversy over SeaTac Mosque during the city council's Jan. meeting 8 delayed adoption of a proposed parking ordinance that would allow nonprofit organizations to share parking.

SeaTac lawmakers will reconsider the ordinance on Jan. 22. The regular council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at city hall, 4800 S. 188th St.

The proposed law would allow nonprofits such as schools, service groups, city-owned facilities and religious organizations to share parking for the general public.

Currently, only employees are allowed to share parking lots.

Council members agreed shared parking would work well near South 188th Street and 42nd Avenue South where Chinook Middle School, Lutheran Social Services and a church are adjacent to each other.

The human services building and school are used during the week while the church is crowded on the weekends.

However, the situation at South 150th Street and 30th Avenue South, where the former Riverton Heights Elementary School and the mosque are located, sparked debate.

The school was recently purchased by the city.

Up to 800 people attend the mosque for Friday afternoon prayers. Parking overflows onto the old school property and neighborhood streets.

"Just because some people are not following the law doesn't mean we should change the law," Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher said.

Councilman Joe Brennan said mosque members have continually violated parking, sanitary and housing codes.

"This is a Band-Aid on a Band-Aid. Until we find a tiny measure of cooperation, I say down with this bill," Brennan declared.

Mosque officials have said they are working with the city to alleviate the conditions caused by overcrowding.

Another mosque is slated to be established in Tukwila, which could ease pressure in SeaTac.

Councilman Chris Wythe said the proposed ordinance would help parking problems in other parts of the city so should not be rejected because lawmakers have an issue with the Riverton Heights location.

Mayor Ralph Shape postponed consideration for two weeks.

Earlier in the first meeting of the new year, Shape and Fisher switched titles.

Shape, who had served two years as deputy mayor, was elected unanimously by fellow lawmakers as mayor.

Fisher, who stepped down as mayor, was selected as deputy mayor by a 4-3 vote over Councilman Tony Anderson.

Mayor Shape has served on the city council since November 2003, including serving as deputy mayor for the last two years.

Deputy Mayor Fisher has served on the city council since January 2000, including serving as mayor for the last two years.

Voting for Fisher were Tony Anderson, Wythe, Shape and Fisher. Councilwomen Terry Anderson and Mia Gregerson as well as Councilwoman Joe Brennan supported Tony Anderson.

Elected to her first term in November, Gregerson was sworn in along with re-elected council members Terry Anderson, Fisher and Shape.

She replaced Don DeHan, who did not seek re-election. DeHan had served for 16 years, replacing Julia Patterson when she went to the state legislature.

Recently elected King County Council Chairwoman, Patterson sat in the audience during the SeaTac council meeting.