In a move that could result in a more business-friendly permitting process, SeaTac lawmakers directed Interim City Manager Todd Cutts on March 9 to develop options to combine the planning, public works and economic development departments as well as the facilities division.

Council members are also set to rescind March 23 a moratorium on permits in the city center planning area across from the airport light-rail station.

The moratorium would have been repealed on March 9, but ex-Mayor Ralph Shape asked that the decision be postponed. He said SeaTac's planning commission and zoning ad hoc zoning committee should study it first.

Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher indicated that the council members discussed the changes at a weekend retreat.

Fisher said the city needs to change its image by streamlining permit customer service for businesses.

The council ran into a torrent of criticism from business people after condemning a surface parking lot across from the light rail station.

The action was later rescinded.

Lawmakers were also in the final stages of adopting major zoning changes when business people united to raise objections. An ad hoc committee of business people and others was formed with Shape and Fisher as co-chairs to look at the zoning regulations.

In the November election, planning commission chairman Rick Forschler, a property rights advocate, was elected to the council. Pam Fernald was also elected as a new member of the council.

Fisher's resolution directed Cutts to investigate, research and provide options to combine the departments and divisions.

Shape said the resolution was out of order because the council cannot interfere with the way the city manager administers his departments.

City Attorney Mary Mirante Bartolo said the council creates the departments and may reorganize them under state law.

Shape was the lone vote against the resolution.

Repeal of the moratorium also appeared headed for adoption until Shape blocked passage by delaying action for two weeks.

The council imposed the moratorium Nov. 24 on applications for building and development permits in the light-rail station area.

The area is between International Boulevard and 32nd Avenue South from South 176th Street to South 170th Street.

The action came after business people objected to zoning standards proposed by SeaTac's planning department. The ad hoc committee was formed to provide feedback on the changes.

Gordon Tang, owner of the Jet Motel property at 17300 International Boulevard, previously told lawmakers the moratorium blocks construction of an eight-story Marriott Hotel on the site. Jet is advertised as the closest motel to the airport.

Fisher said council members, city staffers and consultants "did nothing wrong" in planning for an entertainment district/city center with a public parking garage in the area. However, after conferring with area business owners, it has been concluded the plans are not feasible.

"We should stop spinning our wheels," Fisher declared. "(Rescinding the moratorium) gives staff clear direction to quit bothering businesses in the station area."

Shape countered he was "amazed" the council would pass the resolution without first consulting the planning commission and ad hoc committee.

In other business, council members approved allowing temporary emergency storage sites in commercial zones for businesses forced to evacuate the Green River Valley because of flooding.

Lawmakers argued over whether to allow the prestaging of the portables before flooding. The planning commission favored a six-month prestaging period as long as the portables were screened from view. The council's Land Use & Parks (LUP) Committee opposed prestaging.

Fed-Ex has already placed storage sites in a parking lot behind the Alaska Airline office building on International Boulevard and South 208th Street. Their lease for the location runs out in May.

Lawmakers debated the two proposals until LUP chairwoman Mia Gregerson suggested the prestaging option be placed on the consent agenda.