A slimmed-down Normandy Park City Council pushed forward with a full agenda on Tuesday, June 9.

Despite the light attendance, the council tackled several pressing regional and local issues, including a financial presentation from SKHHP, a proposed multi-year hike in residential stormwater rates to bridge a budget deficit, and a major briefing on the Port of Seattle’s looming airport expansion plans.

Additionally, the council approved a new pedestrian walking easement in the Highlands area to improve safety for local walkers.

Meeting Down By Three Members

Councilmembers Jack Lamanna and Shawn McEvoy, as well as Deputy Mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer, were unable to attend the meeting. All absences were explained and excused, leaving just four members present.

SKHHP Budget Presentation

The council heard a presentation from Dorsol Plants, acting executive manager of South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP). SKHHP pools money contributed from a dozen area cities, and uses those funds to support the development and preservation of affordable housing. A total of $18 million has been pooled from partner cities since SKHHP’s inception, in 2019.

SKHHP’s total operational budget will be $525,008 in 2027. According to the presentation, 68% of SKHHP’s operating budget is used to pay the salary and benefits of two full-time staff members. In 2028, they expect those expenses to increase, and will be asking cities for higher contributions. City contributions are based on their population size. As the smallest of the partner cities, Normandy Park currently contributes $8,045 annually.

Stormwater Rate Study

Following a stormwater rate study, staff recommend increasing residential stormwater rates from $32.21 to $33.82. This is a monthly breakdown of the annual fee, collected via King County through property taxes. After that initial increase, rates will need to go up by 5% per year from 2027-2031. This rate of increase is a little higher than typical, but it is needed to make up for a gap between stormwater revenue and necessary expenses.

Normandy Park currently falls right about in the middle of the pack when it comes to stormwater expenses, when compared with other cities, and this change will move the city slightly to the higher end. Councilmember Mike Bischoff asked what other cities are doing to keep their stormwater fees lower. It was explained that all cities could be raising their rates now, to meet higher costs. In addition, many larger cities have commercial and industrial areas that help offset the costs of maintaining stormwater infrastructure, while in Normandy Park residents pay the lion’s share.

Airport Expansion Plans

Dave Kaplan, local government public relations manager for the Port of Seattle, gave an update on the planned airport expansion after a recent environmental review. The FAA determined that there would be “no significant difference in the impact” to area cities, whether the airport expands or not. It is believed that users of the airport, which numbered 52.7 million last year, will only increase, regardless of any changes to the facility itself. The airport is already well beyond its current capacity, according to Kaplan.

Kaplan explained that the Port went well beyond requirements under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), analysing things like potential impacts to human health, air quality, particulate matter, and cumulative risks. He said the only significant finding was an impact to surface transportation, which the Port will be working to mitigate.

The Port will hold several public meetings to get feedback. These meetings will provide language translation and child care services. In addition, comments can be made online or via email. Kaplan said every comment is reviewed and responded to. An informational mailer is going out to 100,000 residences. See link above for ways to connect with the Port or attend a meeting.

Dave Kaplan shared that one facility is never going to be able to meet the expected demand, and in the long term an alternative airport is definitely needed. Mayor Zimmerman said he believes the Port has done their due diligence on this, and it’s up to local cities to continue to advocate for getting another airport online.

Pedestrian Walking Easement Approved

City staff have been working with a local resident to create a new pedestrian easement, in order to allow walkers to more safely move from 12th Pl SW to 16th Ave SW. This Highlands-area property already contains a stormwater infrastructure easement. According to public comments, residents appreciate the route which keeps them off a winding, busy road with no sidewalks.