SeaTac lawmakers voted July 22 to allow citizen advisory committees equal footing with city departments in presenting information during council meetings.

Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher offered a revision enabling the planning commission members to present their opinions on pending legislation at the same time as the planning department.

Some lawmakers voiced concern about adding a rule that might prolong already lengthy council meetings.

Fisher countered that he didn't understand a reluctance to allow more citizen input.

Mayor Ralph Shape proposed an amendment allowing all citizen advisory committees the same rights as proposed by Fisher for the planning commission.

Councilman Tony Anderson said he was concerned about both "more procedural rules" and receiving the "voice of the people." But, he concluded, "More information is better than less" and declared his support for Shape's amendment.

Lawmakers also grappled with a proposed ordinance that would amend the zoning map for some properties within the 154th Street light-rail station planning area. SeaTac is attempting to spur development of pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented development in the area.

Resident Timothy Wilson told lawmakers that the zoning changes would leave him with a much larger tax bill for his property.

"Please don't make me leave my home before my 10 year-old daughter sitting over there graduates from high school," Wilson pleaded.

Councilwoman Terry Anderson said she was concerned about the consequences of the zoning change.

"You can't do this to these people," Anderson declared.

Councilwoman Mia Gregerson asked exactly how many individual property owners parcels would be affected by the change but city staffers were unable to give her a number at the meeting.

Council members decided to return the issue to the planning committee for further study.

Fisher abstained from the discussion because he owns property in the South 154th Street planning area.