By Mellow DeTray

The Normandy Park City Council discussed a variety of issues at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, including public safety concerns and essential updates to city infrastructure.

A citizen pleaded for a red light camera at a hazardous intersection, while the council unanimously approved significant revisions to the city’s road design and construction standards to comply with ADA and fire code requirements.

A crucial step was taken toward ensuring the fiscal health of the stormwater utility by commissioning a utility rate study.

The meeting also included a well-deserved recognition of both the Public Works Director and the Police Chief for their joint efforts in resolving a complex utility issue for residents.

Red Light Camera Requested

During public comments, the council was asked to consider installing a red light camera at the intersection of 1st Avenue South and South Normandy Road. The speaker said cars often run red lights at this major intersection. He described how he himself was the victim of one of the red light-runners, when his own car was struck by a speeding vehicle. After months of physical therapy, he said he has made a full recovery, but he hopes that cameras may deter this kind of incident in the future.

New Road Design & Construction Standards

Council unanimously approved the first reading of two ordinances that will revise the city’s road design and construction standards. These revisions will bring the city’s code in line with ADA requirements as well as fire codes. While existing sidewalks and roads will be “grandfathered in” as they are, the new codes call for wider sidewalks on primary and secondary roads. In addition, private lanes will be increased from 18 to 20 feet to accommodate fire trucks. Public Works Director Ken Courter said they also took a deep dive through existing code in order to delete any duplications, while updating the design standards.

Stormwater Utility Rate Study

The council also unanimously approved hiring a consulting group to conduct a study of utility rates and rate structures. Public Works Director Ken Courter said the stormwater utility fund has not been healthy, and in fact had to take a loan from the general fund late last year in order to stay afloat. This study could help to justify future rate increases in order to ensure the fund’s stability.

Recognition Of Public Works Director & Police Chief

City Manager Amy Arrington recognized the commitment of Public Works Director Ken Courter and Police Chief Dan Yourkoski in their recent efforts to correct an issue that arose in Bonniewood. The city was contacted four months ago by a member of that neighborhood, who said a significant number of residents had been going without phone service after some cables had been stolen. Both Yourkoski and Courter pushed Lumen to get the situation corrected. Finally, the city was recently informed that the problem has been corrected.

Fall Frolic

Deputy Mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer shared that the city’s Fall Frolic will take place Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. The free seasonal festival includes music, a costume exchange, warm drinks, and pumpkins to take home. See link for details.