Here’s our recap of the Normandy Park City Council meeting held on Tuesday night, Jan. 9, 2024:
Swearing In of Elected Councilmembers
The meeting began with the official swearing in of four recently elected councilmembers: Sheri Healey, Shawn McEvoy, Jack Lamanna, and Sue-Ann Hohimer. All are returning councilmembers, though Lamanna was appointed last year to fill an empty seat, so this is his first time being elected. McEvoy mentioned that he has served on the council for nearly 20 years. All expressed that it was a privilege and an honor to serve the community in this capacity.
New Mayor & Deputy Mayor Selected
When it came time to select a mayor from among the councilmembers, Eric Zimmerman was nominated and said he believed in a rotation of duties, but that he would follow in Sue-Ann Hohimer’s footsteps when it came to community involvement. In addition, he said he would bring his skills to running meetings smoothly and efficiently.
For her part, Hohimer argued that consistency of leadership would be an advantage to the city. However, when put to a vote, Zimmerman received the four votes needed to put him in the mayoral seat. He was chosen by Councilmembers Susan West, Shawn McEvoy, Mike Bischoff, and himself. Mayor Eric Zimmerman then physically switched seats with former mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer, and proceeded with running the meeting.
Councilmembers Hohimer and West were both nominated for the position of deputy mayor. Hohimer stated that she feels she has “earned the right” to serve as deputy mayor, after her years of service as mayor and her work in the community. She also argued that she has more free time to devote to the position, and very much wanted a titled position on the council. Susan West, who has also served as both mayor and, most recently, as deputy mayor, said the issues most important to her are city finances and safety, and that she loves running meetings.
When put to a vote, Councilmember West did not vote for herself, which would have given her the winning vote. Instead, she chose to support Sue-Ann Hohimer, who will now be serving as Deputy Mayor.
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Amy Arrington pointed out the art around the council chambers, and said that the artist, John Morreall, will be having an artist reception on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at City Hall. It is open to the public from 7-9 p.m., and includes light refreshments and snacks. Details available here.
In addition, City Manager Arrington wanted the community to know that there is still one more chance to get Christmas trees picked up for free. This service is available to any Waste Management customers, even if they don’t have yard waste service. Jan. 23, 2024 is the date to have your trees out by. Trees must be free of tinsel & flocking. More information can be found here.
Arrington also mentioned that there is a severe weather event predicted later this week, and that people should be prepared for snow and ice. She said to check the city’s Snow Plow Routes map to find out when you can expect different roads to be cleared, based on their priority level. The map is available here.
Korean American Day Celebration
Mayor Eric Zimmerman will be making an official proclamation to honor Korean American Day at an upcoming meeting, but in the meantime Deputy Mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer wanted to let everyone know that there will be a ceremony on Jan. 13, 2024 at 4 p.m. at the Highline Performing Arts Center. This event is open to the public and more information can be found here.
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