This year, SeaTac City Council meetings have often turned into contentious affairs but the Oct. 12 version was harmonious with all resolutions passed by consent and the agenda wrapped up within an hour.

Lawmakers approved two routine measures relating to the Des Moines Creek basin. One authorized an agreement with King County for habitat restoration, operations maintenance and monitoring of Des Moines Creek. The other extended the agreement for a basin operations and maintenance coordinator.

Public Works director Tom Gut said expenses for the project are split between SeaTac, the Port of Seattle and Des Moines with SeaTac and the Port paying 41 percent each and Des Moines paying 18 percent.

Des Moines celebrated Oct. 6 the opening of the last link in the two-mile trail that runs from South 200th Street, across from the Tyee Valley Golf Course to Des Moines Beach Park.

Councilman Tony Anderson noted the trail is one of the area's "best kept secrets" and "an asset to the city.
"We have an active salmon-bearing creek right here in metropolitan King County," he added.

Anderson said he has biked the two miles from SeaTac to Des Moines in 5 minutes. Returning uphill from Beach Park, it takes about 15 minutes.

Council members took steps to protect the city's official logo. Though not copyrighting it, the council spelled out allowed uses, including for tourist promotion and economic development activities. Other uses may be requested but the logo is not allowed for advertising or election purposes.

Lawmakers may have given the city's hospitality business a little boost by raising the fine for semi-trucks parked illegally on SeaTac right-of-way.

The fine was increased from $50 to $200. City Attorney Mary Mirante Bartolo said the fine range in neighboring cities is $25- $250.

Bartolo noted drivers may have decided to sleep in their vehicles and risk a $50 fine. But with the $200 fine, drivers might pay to stay in one of SeaTac's hotels or motels, instead.

Council members also accepted a $23,500 federal justice grant to fund police department equipment.