Normandy Park City Council addresses environmental projects, traffic safety, and pay raises

The Normandy Park City Council meeting at its Tuesday night, June 11, 2024 meeting covered a wide range of topics, from environmental initiatives and upcoming events to traffic safety and staff compensation.

The Parks Commission presented their annual report, highlighting successful programs like guided plant walks and bat prowls, while also detailing ongoing efforts like ivy removal and the construction of an “enchanted trail.”

Mayor Zimmerman expressed optimism about securing federal funding for future environmental projects, and Deputy Mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer announced a Town Hall meeting for residents to engage with the council directly.

The council also addressed speeding concerns and heightened enforcement, and approved salary increases for staff members, while unanimously supporting the installation of a guardrail on a dangerous section of 1st Avenue.

Parks Commission Annual Presentation

Council heard the annual Parks presentation, which covered popular events and projects in city parks. Environmental education has been strong this year, with well-attended guided plant walks and the popular evening Bat Prowl. The Parks Commission hosted a boat safety class in spring, with another coming in October, in cooperation with The Cove. Volunteers continue to remove a huge amount of ivy from local parks, a job that requires constant attention to check the prolific growth of the invasive plant.

New interpretive signs have gone up at the Pollinator Garden, and an “enchanted trail” is being built which will feature naturally crafted gnome and fairy houses, and inspire the imagination of park-goers of all ages. Arbor Day was a success, with the free compost and trees a big hit. An upcoming event is the Fall Frolic in late October, which will feature free pumpkins and crafts for kids. The presentation also mentioned that the Pea Patch now has every garden frame full and being utilized this year.

Funding Hopeful For Environmental Stewardship.

According to Mayor Eric Zimmerman, he had a recent meeting with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, in which they were able to discuss Normandy Park priorities. Mayor Zimmerman came away from that meeting confident that the congresswoman’s office will be supportive in seeking federal money to fund the city’s future environmental stewardship projects.

Town Hall Coming June 26th

Deputy Mayor Hohimer mentioned that there will be a Town Hall on Wednesday June 26th. This event is meant to provide members of the public the opportunity for discussion and Q&A with the council, rather than the typical council meeting format. The Town Hall will take place from around 7 to 9 pm at the Council Chambers.

Increased Speeding Enforcement

Deputy Mayor Hohimer also stressed the importance of careful driving, especially as the weather improves and more people are out and about. She mentioned that there is a traffic officer on a motorcycle now, and people may have noticed an increase in police stopping speeders recently. She knows everyone wants to have safe streets for children to walk around, and slowing down improves road safety.

Staff Pay Increases Approved

Council voted unanimously to increase the salaries of several staff members in non-union leadership positions. The topic was thoroughly discussed at the May 15th meeting, and this was the second reading. City Manager Amy Arrington mentioned that union repped employees will likely be seeing a pay increase as well, when it comes time for their contract negotiations. She explained that staying competitive in keeping and attracting great team members is vital. Her priority is to make sure compensation in Normandy Park is not among the lowest of comparable cities. Mayor Zimmerman went even further, saying we should consider raising staff salaries high enough that Normandy Park is seen as a premier small city to work in.

Citizen Petition For Guardrail Effective

Council also gave unanimous support for funding the erection of a guardrail along 1st Ave, at a section where there is a dangerous drop-off. This was brought to the city’s attention thanks to a neighborhood petition. Councilmember Bischoff said he looked into the area and the corner is horribly unsafe. Cars that were driving too quickly around the curve have gone over the drop into the homeowner’s yard. Bischoff said that since this stretch of 1st Avenue is a state highway, he believes the state should be paying for this important safety feature. Councilmember Susan West concurred, adding that it’s weird that there is not already a guardrail there.