By Mellow DeTray

The Normandy Park City Council convened on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, for a meeting that included an annual report from Waste Management highlighting new and improved services.

There was also a presentation about ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s parks and walkability.

In addition, there were announcements regarding an upcoming Town Hall meeting and the annual Arbor Day celebration, plus a reminder about the Citizen Satisfaction Survey,

Waste Management Annual Report

The meeting began with an annual Waste Management (WM) report. The city contracts with WM to pick up residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste. WM presenters said they are now offering Normandy Park residents one free bulky item pickup each calendar year. Previously, there would be a charge for this. Information about bulky item pickups can be found at the link above.

WM has been trying to improve service for the city in other ways. They reported that the average call wait time was reduced to just 30 seconds, down from 50 seconds. Also, some of their carts had an incorrect customer service phone number on them, but WM has now updated all labels with the correct information.

In December, over 100 customers took advantage of free additional yard waste collection after winter storms. More customers have been using the yard waste bin for kitchen scraps as well, after 125 free kitchen compost pails were distributed. Customers who haven’t received a kitchen compost pail can request one by contacting WM.

Town Hall Meeting

City Manager Amy Arrington reported that there will be a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday April 23rd, from 7pm to 9pm. Arrington said that Police Chief Dan’s team will be demonstrating anti-pursuit equipment. This is a great venue for residents to ask questions and share concerns.

Arbor Day Celebration

Come celebrate Arbor Day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. The event will take place at Marvista Park. There will be free trees and compost while supplies last, an Ask An Arborist booth, crafts, environmental education, and live music. There is also a poster contest, with posters on display at the event. All poster contest entries are due by April 14. Details available at the link above.

Citizen Satisfaction Survey

City Manager Arrington also shared that there is an annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey available now at this link. So far they have received a lower response rate than previously, and are hoping for more robust feedback. This helps city staff determine what services are being utilized and enjoyed, and what areas may need more work.

Parks Improvements

The council also heard a presentation on Parks improvements, including resurfacing of the play areas at Marvista and City Hall Park. Both have not had a new play surface in over a decade, and receive a lot of use. In addition, a Miller Creek property is currently in escrow with the city. When the sale goes through, the house, which sits in the creek during high water events, will be demolished and the property will be incorporated into the park.

Finally, City Manager Arrington spoke about pursuing some rights-of-way, in order to add trail connectivity for expanded walkability through parts of the city. Deputy Mayor Sue Ann Hohimer said that multiple residents requested a safer route so their kids can walk to school without having to walk along 1st Avenue. These rights-of-way will be discussed in future meetings, as they are acquired.

Paving the parking area at Marine View Park was also discussed. The current gravel situation creates potholes in the rainy season and stirs up a lot of dust in the summer. However, this step was questioned on the grounds that we should not be paving paradise, and that paving an area of this park does not fit with the city’s aesthetic. Laying out fresh gravel each year was suggested as an alternative. This will be discussed further with the Parks Commission.