Weekly Report – August 27, 2021

Music in the Park this Sunday – Memorial Tribute to Zen McManigal

The summer Music in the Park series concludes this weekend. Please join us this Sunday, August 29th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm in Marvista Park for a memorial tribute concert for Zen McManigal featuring Pearl Django.

In 1994, Zen McManigal joined a group of other like-minded Normandy Park residents as a founding member of the Normandy Parks Arts Commission with a shared mission to bring their love of art to the community. Zen was the chair of the Arts Commission for 25 years, and during that time, he brought the annual Music in the Park series to Normandy Park. To celebrate and remember Zen’s contributions to the community, the gazebo has received a fresh new look, and a rock sculpture in honor of Zen has been installed at Marvista Park.

Regarding the band – With a performance history spanning more than 27 years and having released 15 CDs, Pearl Django endures as one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today. Although the band’s roots are firmly in the music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, its extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions. Pearl Django has performed at festivals, dances, and nightspots throughout the U.S. and abroad.

We hope to see you at the park this Sunday.

Political Sign Season is here

Election time is upon us, and a traditional sign of the season is the growth of political signs! Typically, a fall crop, these represent a fundamental First Amendment right and a sign of a healthy democracy. Our state and federal constitutions are highly protective of political speech, and regulations and enforcement actions affecting political signs are subject to the strictest scrutiny.

Accordingly, the City’s Sign Code (NPMC 18.30) exempts political signs from permit requirements. But for the public’s protection, they may not interfere with sight distance triangles at intersections and must meet other applicable general provisions for materials, construction, size, and scale. Finally, we encourage their removal as soon as is possible after the election.

If you want more information on political or other temporary signs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Community Development Department.

City Council In-Person Meetings

As you probably know, since March of 2020, the City Council has moved all public meetings to an online presentation using Zoom. This easy-to-use format protects the public during the pandemic while allowing an open and transparent means to conduct City business.

Earlier this summer, the City started looking at the possibility of switching to a hybrid style meeting, meaning you could participate either in-person or virtually through Zoom. Based on the recently updated indoor mask mandate, the City Council has decided to postpone in-person meetings for now. We will continue to monitor the situation, and we are looking at the purchase of new equipment that will be helpful when we do transition to the hybrid in-person meetings.

In the meantime, please join us on the 2nd Tuesday of every month for the City Council Meeting. The City currently streams meetings live through Zoom, the City website, and Comcast Channel 21. Please note that every regular Council meeting has a section for public comment. We encourage you to join us, on Zoom, and “raise your hand” to let your voice be heard.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at aarrington@normandyparkwa.gov. Have a great week!

“If you want more information on political or other temporary signs…”