After a month's summer vacation, the SeaTac City Council returned Sept. 14 as split as before the break.

Two out of three scheduled business items were postponed for two weeks as council members requested more time to study items recommended by city staff.

Councilwoman Pam Fernald asked for a two-week postponement on a resolution to appoint an interim planning director to replace Steve Butler, who took a job in Mill Creek.

Councilman Rick Forschler delayed until Sept 28 a vote on replacing $34,000 worth of playground equipment.
Lawmakers approved by consent the replacement of a cooling tower at City Hall.

Human Resources Director Anh Hoang told council members "there is a great need to fill the void" left by Butler's departure.
She proposed a $13,455 per month contract with Prothman & Co. for an interim planning director for approximately four to six months.
As a consultant to the city, Prothman had recommended eliminating the planning director position in order to consolidate planning, building and civil development engineering into one department under an Economic and Development Services director.

However, Hoang said some time is needed to implement the reorganization. In the interim, a planning director is needed, she said.

Candidates were interviewed and a potential hire has been identified. Interim City Manager Todd Cutts said the person may transition into being the director of the consolidated department. If not, her contract would be ended when a new economic services director is hired, according to Cutts.

Forschler noted the city could save around $60,000 in four months by not hiring an interim director for a position that has been recommended to go away.

Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher agreed.

"There is an unshakable belief in bureaucracy that all employees are sacred," Fisher declared. "That is not exactly true."
Fisher added that SeaTac has dedicated employees so "this city will not go to pot" if the position is vacant for a few months.
Councilman Ralph Shape questioned why council members were objecting to the hiring at the last minute after candidates had been interviewed and one selected.

"We need this person," Shape said. "This person is highly qualified and will be a tremendous benefit."
Councilman Tony Anderson admitted filling the position would be "pricey" but said SeaTac is at a critical timing in planning with "many irons in the fire.

"If one thing doesn't fall through the cracks, it would be worth it," Anderson added.
The council will reconsider the interim planning director position on Sept. 28.

Lawmakers will also take another look on Sept. 28 at Cutts' purchase request to buy $34,000 worth of replacement playground equipment.
Council members routinely approve purchase requests by the city manager but Forschler had questions about the equipment.

Parks director Kit Ledbetter was unavailable so the matter was postponed.