Showing posts with label staff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label staff. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2024

UPDATED: 3/14/2024: "SafeEastside" Activists Demand "A Say" On Downtown Homeless Housing

 

 

Blue signs objecting to downtown homeless housing suddenly appeared all over Redmond's downtown today (3/12) including this one at Anderson Park.   

Council did not engage with the public before their Plymouth decision to house100 homeless and low income people in Redmond's downtown.  According to Planning Director Helland, a public Hearing wasn't required; and "comment periods" were tabled in the rush to qualify for funding. Thus, SafeEastside activists are demanding "a Say." 

Various ways to engage: 

  • Phone or email Council President Vanessa Kritzer (and other councilmembers.)  Request an appointment with her. Councilmember Kritzer holds office hours. 425-305-9892.
  • Phone or email Councilmember Melissa Stewart. 425-305-9892. She holds walk-in office hours at the library, 3 - 5 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.   
  • Every other week on Tuesday's at 7:00 p.m. the public has a 3-minute opportunity to address the Council, Mayor and Staff and at City Hall.   
  • Email: the Mayor, Council or Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development at MayorCouncil@Redmond.gov.  
  • Contact Councilmember Steve Fields, the senior member of Council.  He owns a coffee shop in Redmond and might meet you there. 425-403-9476.
  • Reach out to Mayor Birney.  

-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 3/12/2024, Updated 3/13  Photo: Yoder

A controversial low-barrier homeless hotel will open in the Overlake neighborhood by late Spring.  What kind of human services will be offered and well received?

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Mayor Birney Proclaims October 28th "Green Redmond Day" at Heron Rookery

 

Mayor Birney with parks staff
She's giving her Green Redmond speech and proclamation in front of the Heron Rookery

For a must see video of the Rookery go HERE!



About forty of us  on October 28th planted ~ 400 trees to replace the secondary growth, Douglas Fir dying from root rot.  An earlier planting failed from drought.  The city will water this summer.  We planted shade tolerant, hemlock, cedar and pine. Pam and I are standing next to orange-tagged saplings yet to be planted. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2023

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Senior Center "Camp WeGO" Smashing Success


Pam and I were lucky to participate in the the Senior Center's WeGo Sports camp last month. It's for ages 50+. Having a 22-year age "buffer" we were shoe-ins. The sports themed  camp was at the city's iconic Farrel-McWhirter ParkSara Bouwman curated some fun and stimulating games. The barbeque was tasty. The sing along touched me with familial nostalgia.   Marty Boggs, the Center's manager, lined up sportscaster and storyteller Tony Ventrella as guest speaker. (Marty and Tony are sitting on the lower right.)  He and his staff truly put on an incredible camp.  It was so sad to hear after over 25 years with the city Marty's retiring.  He's moving to a charming city, into a custom home, surrounded by his family. 

Here we are with our Sports Participation Awards -- We were ALL winners!

Thursday, January 19, 2023

REDMOND BLOG EDITORIAL: Carol Helland, Redmond's Urban Planner Extraordinaire

 

Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development 

The complexity and demands of  Director Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past. Should the Mayor hire a Deputy of Planning Services?

From observations, I believe Carol Helland, the city's Director of Planning & Community Development is the most influential government executive in Redmond. She oversees land use permitting, is Administrator of the Technical Committee, of Public Notice, Code Administrator, oversees the Design Review Board, and director of Human Services among other high level responsibilities. 

Mayor Birney and Council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding of Washington's Growth Management recommendations and requirements. Her flexible use of building codes shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake Urban Center and our gentrifying neighborhoods. Carol negotiates Development agreements with the Mayor and co-approves project permits with Public Works. (A 22-acre Development agreement for NELSON Legacy's downtown Village was inked; RTC is on deck with others to come.)  

Director Helland recently hired Seraphie Allen as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development.  Already, Deputy Allen's job responsibilities are to communicate with OneRedmond, work with Director Helland's Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, and guide the Mayor's Planning Commission volunteers.  These roles have the ring of a new title, perhaps "deputy director of community development."

The complexity and demands of Ms. Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past.  Though outside the HR box, the Mayor might possibly assign a second Deputy Director, one for "Planning services" the other for "Community development?"  Ms. Helland is Redmond's Urban Planner extraordinaire and needs all the help she can get. Once Mayor Birney actively teams up with Helland, fewer mistakes will be made and we'll have a more livable Redmond. 

For answers on how you can make Redmond a better community, email Heather at: info@redmond.gov. She's the city's Customer Experience Coordinator and an excellent resource.  Her phone is 425-556-2900.   

Let's make Redmond better together.

-- Bob Yoder
   Editor, Reporter and Scribbler, Redmond Neighborhood Blog    
   1/21/2023

For the Director Helland's job description....

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

UPDATED: Council Member David Carson Urges Access & Enhancement to "String of Pearls" Park Properties


CM David Carson

Council Member David Carson says....

"When I joined the Redmond City Council in 2008, I fully expected that park properties along Redmond’s eastern edge (collectively known as the “String of Pearls”) would be, at the very least, made available to Redmond’s citizenry to enjoy since they’ve been in our inventory for now more than 50 years. That unfortunately has not happened, and budgets don’t seem to be getting any easier to afford city-developed projects. Leveraging of our civic pride is a way to do this and involve our residents. It would be a real achievement to make these beautiful properties available to our hiking and recreating public.  

Below, are David's thoughts:

Monday, January 9, 2023

UPDATED: Mayor Angela Birney's 2022 Year-In-Review



Mayor Birney / credit Hopelink

Hello Residents, 

Different cultures celebrate the start of a new year in very distinct ways. For most, it's a time to rejoice, pause, and reflect on the past and future. A sense of normalcy returned in 2022 and provided an opportunity to build upon the lessons learned over the past few years. We have so much to be thankful for in Redmond, and I'd like to share some of the City’s accomplishments this past year: 

Environmental Sustainability: In the area of environmental sustainability, we worked with the community to preserve and enhance our natural environment. And now it’s easier than ever to see that progress through our new Environmental Sustainability Data Dashboard. We completed a Climate Vulnerability Assessment to advise our long-range environmental planning efforts. And we partnered on programs and challenges to bring resources to you, such as the Redmond Climate Action Challenge and Energy Smart Eastside. Together, we planted trees, shrubs, and ground cover to expand and enrich Redmond's natural environment. 

Connected Community: Creating connections and opportunities in our community continues to be an ongoing priority. Thousands enjoyed the return of Derby Days and the new elements to Redmond Lights. The City awarded lodging tax funds to over 22 Redmond events, and the Parks and Recreation Department returned to full in-person programming last year. We broke ground and are making tremendous progress on the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, which will soon offer arts, events, and recreational options for residents of all ages.

Infrastructure: City staff continued to work with and support Sound Transit’s light rail project in Redmond, bringing dependable access and connection to the region. And we continued to invest in our infrastructure by completing current projects and being awarded nearly $4.5 million in grant funds to leverage other transportation projects. 

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Redmond Police Chief Lowe Elected President KCPCSA

courtesy C.O.R.

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe Elected President of King County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe will serve as the 2023 president of the King County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association (KCPCSA). He served as vice president of the board for 2022.      

KCPCSA was founded in 1998 and consists of executive and top management personnel from all law enforcement agencies in King County.

“I’m humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead and be the face and voice of my fellow King County law enforcement executives,” said Chief Lowe. “I look forward to working with local and state politicians in the upcoming legislative session to continue refining our laws for the betterment of the communities we serve.”

Lowe, who has served as Redmond’s Chief of Police since 2019, is also vice president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs Association (WASPC), which provides services and resources to all law enforcement agencies within the state.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

UPDATED 1/11/2023: The Unsung Heroes of Redmond City Hall

Directors (l-r) Public Works, CEO, Parks & Rec. Fire Chief, Finance Director Corder (hands folded,) HR, Planning & Community Development, Police Chief.  / photo by Yoder taken at City Hall during a Council Business meeting. (click pic to enlarge)

These executives are the unsung heroes who run our government and implement Council policy.  Mayor Birney does a little bit of both. 

I'm sad to say Chip Corder left the City of Redmond.  In my 16 years of following Redmond government, I've never seen a better Director of Finance. He did a fabulous job managing the finances of the Senior & Community Center re-development and this year's bi-annual budget.  He was very kind to me.  No doubt municipalities and other jurisdictions desired him. Thanks and KUDOS Mr. Corder! 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 12/14/2022 

Friday, December 2, 2022

UPDATED, 3/19/2023: City Salaries Under Review, Bonuses Unknown

The 2023 Pay Plans are being approved by Council this week. Below, is a review of the proposed Pay Plans for the city executives.

EXECUTIVE PAY PLAN  (does not include Bonuses, Benefits and Perks)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)   $178,000, $213,000, $250,000 / year -  low, middle, high range

Fire Chief, Police Chief, Public Works Director:   $223,000 (high-end)

Directors:  Human Resources, Finance, Information Officer, Parks, and Planning & Development.  $215,000 (high-end.) 

Deputy Directors:  Fire, Police, Public Works, Information Services.  $195,000.  

Deputy Directors: Finance, Parks, Executive, H.R, Planning & Development Public Works. $187,000.

Mayor Birney pushed hard for a Deputy Director in every department.

Director Carol Helland

I believe Carol Helland, the city's "Director of Planning & Community Development" is the most influential executive in the city.  As Administrator of the Technical Committee, Public Notice, DRB, planning staff, Human Services and other high level duties she has great powers. Mayor Birney and council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding and implementation of Redmond's Growth Management Act requirements. Her interpretation of building codes, amendments and other planning armamentaria shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake and our gentrifying neighborhoods. She negotiates Development agreements with the mayor.  (A 21-acre redevelopment contract with NELSON has been inked, with RTC on deck.) Carol recently hired Deputy Seraphie Allen to connect with OneRedmond, assist the Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, oversee the department's ~ 60 planners, directs the Human Services Commission, if that's not enough, oversees the planning commission staff.  Director Helland is truly an urbane planner extraordinaire.   

To give feedback or request information on planning and any other departments email Heather Burtsch, the city's "Customer Experience Coordinator."  She's a great resource and very professional.  Heather can be reached by email at info@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2900.   

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 1/19/2023, updated, 3/2/2023

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

UPDATED: Redmond 2050 Visioning Workshop

My beautiful wife Pam on left.  Planning Manager Jeff Churchill wearing red shirt. Yasir Alfarag with Berk Consulting in middle. Credit, Bob Yoder

This map is the starting point, before participants shuffled Legos according to their perspective of 2050. The white Lego stacks represent existing jobs.  Five urban centers including residential neighborhoods were mapped:  Overlake, Downtown, Marymoor, SE Redmond, and "NE 90th & Willows" local center. Overlake is slated to accommodate half the jobs in the city.  Can you find the "NE 90th & Willows" local center?  

The Redmond 2050 "Draft Environment Impact Statement" (DEIS) is much more than visioning the Redmond environment.  It's a living story about "how we can accommodate anticipated growth."  

I enjoy visioning in general, but was confused by the "DEIS" acronym and so brushed Redmond 2050 aside until Pam and I attended a "Visioning Lego Tabeling Workshop."  I was hooked.  It was super fun, productive and exceptionally engaging (one if the city's favorite words.)  The workshop was organized and managed by thc city's Long Range Planning Manager, Jeff Churchill (Jeff is a Redmond High graduate, with lots of equity.)  

Mr. Churchill described the participants' Lego conclusions at a Council Study session, saying the Lego community chose "SE Redmond"  for the most job and housing growth as compared to Marymoor, the downtown, residential neighborhoods, and Willows.  However, Churchill noted SE Redmond and Marymoor had infrastructure challenges. 

Councilmember David Carson was "utterly baffled and confused by the first two slides" of the Lego workshop.  Said Carson, "if someone could actually explain it to me...." and "what do I take away from that."  Mr. Carson, a 13-year councilmember, probably knows the Development community better than any representative.  A Council conservative, David is connected to "One Redmond"...Redmond's Chamber of Commerce "on steroids."

Council's focal points for growth were "Centers"  and "Centers & Corridors"  Mr. Carson preferred the "Center and Corridor" option.  "Centers & Corridors" is defined as:

  • highest concentration of jobs near light rail, frequent bus routes (compared to other options)
  • higher job growth in Overlake (compared to other options.)
  • greater risk of manufacturing displacement compared to "Centers" option.
  • low housing displacement / affordability, diversity of housing types (58,179 targeted housing units, second to Overlake)
  • need to study potential of new local center at "90th St. & Willows"
  • high jobs along Willows.
  • can accommodate 27,000 new jobs. 
The "Centers" focuses on Overlake for high job growth, then Marymoor and SE Redmond; studies for potential protection of industry and manufacturing are required.  "Centers" accommodate 30,100 new jobs and targets 53,697 housing units. Mr, Churchill advised development in Marymoor and SE Redmond area could be influenced by wastewater and sewer infrastructure challenges.

Last week the Planning Commission evaluated the 90th St.& Willows local center.  Commissioner Sherri Nichols worried about consequences to some of the long-time businesses like Eastside Gym. (I went there for years. Loni, the owner, is a super dude.)  The "district" is zoned for 2-4 stories.  According to Churchill, upzoning is likely so buildings could go even higher. 

And then there's "benefits."  After developers deliver "benefits" to the public like Open Space, water fountains, plazas, and mini dog-parks, they can qualify for Bonus stories to boost their building height.

According to the Story Map, the 90th St. & Willows local center has potential for households second only to Overlake.  I was surprised by the high stack of Legos there.  The corridor is a sleeper.   

-- Bob Yoder, photo Yoder, 8/2/2022

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Council Approves Mayor Birney's Director Appointments

 Redmond Appoints New Directors of the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments

Loreen Hamilton, City of Redmond Parks and Recreation Director
Loreen Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director

Redmond, WA – At last night’s meeting, the Redmond City Council approved Mayor Angela Birney’s appointment of Loreen Hamilton as the City of Redmond’s new parks and recreation director and Aaron Bert as the new public works director. 

“Loreen and Aaron are knowledgeable, energetic, and compassionate team players,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “Both have a passion for public service and leadership skills that will create positive outcomes for our Redmond community.”

Hamilton will immediately begin her new role as the Parks and Recreation Department director. She joined the City of Redmond in 2019 as the Events and Marketing Administrator and, in 2020, was promoted to deputy parks director. She has 12 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector as an executive director for The Salvation Army. Hamilton’s experience encompasses executive leadership, strategic planning, budget management, event and program planning, staff training, capital project management, and facility management. Director Hamilton holds a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Friday, February 4, 2022

UPDATED, 2/23/2022 Exciting Senior & Community Center Updates

 

  Do you see the black solar panels on the roof?  Will there be space for green roof tops?

Per Business Council meeting of 2/1/2022:  Senior & Community Center updates:  

1)  Vice President Vanessa Kritzer announced the possibility of Green (Roof) Tops at the Center.  President Jessica Forsythe has advocated for green roof tops for years.  Jessica asked staff for maintenance costs.  Eric Dawson, Public Works and project lead estimated a green top would cost about $15,000.  He felt it would easily fit in the budget. Hopefully, this will be the first of many green tops on City buildings.  

2)  Design costs of the Center are increasing with inflation.  The cost will be $52,000,000 if Council passes an ordinance to cover a $4,000,000 shortfall.  Public Works "value engineered" the project saving $2,480,000.  

3) Most of the funding is collected from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) $17,116,000 and a "councilmanic" bond. The CIP is funded by taxpayers. 

Total debt payments on the councilmanic bond are $32,217,000 over twenty years. Cumulative interest over twenty years is $8,264,000. The interest rate is 3%. President Forsythe was concerned about the rate rising.  Councilmanic bonds are not voter approved. 

Here's some upbeat news.  The councilmanic bond can be spent as one-time money for construction of the Center President Forsythe questioned having enough one-time money to "go around" towards other projects.  Parks Director Carrie Hite wasn't too concerned stating the 2022 CIP was "robust." The final decision is expected in June.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, Internet, 2/1/2022

OPINION:  Director Carrie Hite was released or resigned from her position just recently.  Council decided not to use the councilmanic bond to fund construction of the Senior/Comm. Center. Council may have decided the 2022 CIP was not robust and perhaps didn't like staff making budget decisions. Council President Forsythe was concerned the 3% interest rate would increase with inflation.  My guess is she has other places to use the bond in the immediate future. Losing Director Hite is a big loss IMO.

Thursday, November 4, 2021

City Council Approves 5% COLA


Redmond City Council approved a 5% Cost of Living salary increase for union employees Effective January 1, 2022,   (Staff quoted 6.5% as the true rate of inflation.)  Many thanks to Mayor Birney and Council for their transparency on this topic!  The Council took time to ask some very good questions. In the past, union salary plans were buried in the Consent Agenda and never pulled for discussion.  

Per employee visibility, the following are a few maximum salaries:  

  • Planner, $104,232
  • Principal Planner, $131,076
  • Senior Planner, $118,614
  • Communications & Marketing Project Administrator, $109,164
  • Senior Engineer, $141,660
  • Administrative Assistant, $71,360
  • Communications & Marketing Specialist, $97,824
  • Environmental Sustainability Program Manager, $101,736
  • Senior Building Inspector, $107,376
  • Senior Accountant, $99,636
  • Senior Purchasing Agent, $109,044
  • Recreation Program Administrator, $104,408
Several neighbors and LWSD employees informed me they are very unhappy with LWSD salaries and  benefits. So, I'm in the process of  looking into District salaries. The work is not easy because the only way to find District salary information is by Public Record Request.  Sadly, their Public Records site is lacking in transparency.  I've been working to change this for quite some time. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/4/2021

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Firefighter Vaccine Resistance At City Hall

The Fire Chief said at last night's Business Meeting that his department is fully staffed.  He said he lost some well trained employees but was confident with the replacements.  10/20/2021

Redmond Fire, Facebook

To watch the firefighters, and homeless hotel protesters on City of Redmond video click HERE (Advance the tape to 2 hours: 17 minutes.) [Homeless Hotel protests start at 40 minutes.]

NOTE:  Firefighter family members visited last night's city council meeting to share their concern that up to 20 employees could lose their job if they do not seek a vaccine by October 18.  Many firefighters and their families addressed the Mayor and Council  emphasizing that in this pandemic none were ever infected. However, early on before the necessity of PPE was recognized four were sent home to quarantine and one quarantined at a fire station. Later the Fire Chief was let go. -- Bob Yoder, 9/212021

###

 -- Steve Kiggins, Q-13, 9/21/2021

Controversy is building in Redmond on whether first responders will be granted a religious exemption from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Family members and firefighters from the **Redmond Fire Department say they jumped through all the hoops to apply for the exemption, but now worry the city might not provide accommodations. 

"For us to even contemplate to fire any of these heroes, shame on us," said firefighter mother Sknge Alsin. "We should keep every job intact."

Alsin’s daughter Kayleight is married to a firefighter. Her husband joined the department after spending 10 years as a Redmond cop. 

The family joined a group of firefighters and other family members who expressed their concerns. 

The City of Redmond says it has 164 full time employees at the department. Firefighters say as many as 20 have applied for a religious exemption asking the city to allow them to continue mirroring the health protocols they have been using since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Last week, firefighters say they believed the city would accept their exemption, but now worry the accommodations may not be allowed.

A city spokesperson said the department is following Gov. Jay Inslee’s state mandate on the vaccine

-- Steve Kiggins, Q-13, 9/21/2021, edited

-- Bob Yoder, cc: Mayor / Council, 9/22/2021

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

June Monthly Finance Report

Redmond Finance Director Chip Corder

June 27th, 2021 Monthly Finance Report:  

Total revenues are ahead of target by approximately 35%, or $16.5 million.

· Sales tax exceeds target by approximately 77%, or $9.1 million. One-time sales tax on construction continues to be the revenue driver at $7.6 million for the year, with $1.3 million received in June. 

· Utility taxes are below target by approximately 1.9%, or $113,000. This is an improvement over prior months due to a large payment received for unpaid electric utility taxes. 

· Intergovernmental revenue is ahead of target by approximately 73%, or $5.1 million, mostly due to the receipt of the 2021 American Rescue Act Plan allocation. 

· License & permit revenues exceed target by 34%, or $2.3 million. · Total expenditures are below target by approximately 8.50%, or $4.3 million.

-- redmond.gov

Thursday, May 27, 2021

The City's "Stay Safe Re-opening Plan"

 

Mayor Angela Birney at a ribbon cutting ceremony

A five stage strategy for re-opening city facilities, services, and programs.

The city plans to open in person city hall for meetings by July 6th 2021.

The C.O.O. Malisa Files,  Human Resource Director, and the Fire Chief presented Redmond's "Stay Safe Re-opening Plan" at Council's May 27th Study Session.  It was well received, however councilmember David Carson noted he has a hard time speaking through a mask and requested this restriction be removed. Ms. Files said mask removals were a possibility.    

Reported by Bob Yoder, 5/27/2021

Thursday, March 25, 2021

City Of Redmond Is Awarded Significant COVID-19 Recovery Funding


The Council held a committee meeting last Tuesday focusing on three topics - the first being the American Federal Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  COO Malisa Files presented the plan.

As you know, the federal American Rescue Plan of 2021 is a huge $1.9 trillion COVID-19 recovery program.  $300 billion is targeted for state and local aid. (including Redmond?) $130 billion will be split equally between counties and cities. (including Redmond?)  $65 billion goes to localities.  Redmond gets ~$15.6,  half by May 10th, the remainder in 2022.  

Ms. Files didn't mention King County executive Dow Constantine's $600 million COVID-19 recovery plan.  About half of the funds are allocated to public health and rental assistance; some may spill over to cities.  

Where's the greatest need in Redmond for COVID recovery funds?  Relief for small businesses and nonprofits have been targeted first and foremost.  Tourism, travel and hospitality are also in need.  Hazard pay for essential workers, local government losses, and investment in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure were identified.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/25/2021

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Bear Creek Enhancement Site



Updated: Last week Tom Hardy, the City of Redmond's stream and habitat planner, gave me a tour of the 95th Street Bear Creek Enhancement Site. It's an exciting place. (Find the project site here.) The project extends 600 feet south of the 95th Street bridge. Tom's plan is to improve as much of Bear Creek habitat as possible.

A few years ago he restored Mackey Creek, a tributary on the northern border of Ferrel-McWhirter Park; and years before that he was involved in the restoration of Lower Bear Creek. His next stop is to enhance Bear Creek adjacent to the Keller Farm Habitat Bank using woody debris.

The construction of this 95th Street enhancement project was very involved.  Six log jams and "alcoves" had to be anchored into the banks with large woody debris (logs.)  3,000 native plants, trees and willow cuttings were planted. Watch the video to learn more. The project was expensive but a $140,000 "Cooperative Watershed Management" grant from King County more than paid for the design.

Bear Creek has enormous environmental value to Redmond. One could say "it makes Redmond, Redmond."  Federally protected Chinook and other salmon spawn here. In fact, on the tour Tom pointed out a spawning area a Chinook used. The vegetation and trees boarding the creek (riparian habitat) provide excellent birding and wildlife opportunities. We saw a young Pileated Woodpecker actively foraging 15 feet away from us!

Bear Creek is part of our culture. Thousands of years ago Snohomish indians lived and fished on its banks. These days, residents view the natural wonder of Bear Creek salmon during "Salmon Seeson."

-- Bob Yoder
   2/24/2020

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Updated: Notes On 4/23 Council Meeting

STAFF'S 2018 "YEAR IN REVIEW" 

Planner Carol Hellman presented private development stats. 
The following were built in 2018:
  >167 Single Family Homes
  >2025 Mixed-use family units
  >129,643 sf Commercial space 

Affordable housing units, at 80% AMI or less:  
   >130 units were built in 2018; Total of 693 affordable units now.
   >This year 60 units are in the pipeline; 150 units are in planning stages;  Thus, we may have a total of 903 affordable units by year end.  
   
Jon Spangler, Engineer and Manager of the Construction Division described major Public Works projects:  
  
>86% of the 2018 projects were under budget saving the city $2.5M.  This was accomplished without a Public Works Director.  (Our Fire Chief in now running Public works and his Deputy is running the Fire Department.) Councilmember Steve Fields was concerned about various staff vacancies and thanked Mr. Spangler for his fine work despite their lack of a Director.
    
>Mr.Spangler described key construction projects planned for 2019:  
    1)  Relocate the ERRATIC artwork from the future light rail track to a spot near the Matador. ST-3 will pay for it. (Indirectly, we pay for it.)  The relocation is estimated at $1M.
    2)  Unfortunately, Willows Road will have to be re-paved from 90th to 124th starting this summer. Sections of the re-paving will require extensive construction. Two culverts have to be installed next year. As Councilember Margeson indicated, this could be a traffic nightmare. Facebook will lease offices on Willows Road, adding to the traffic.  Councilmember Myers reiterated the value of a large 10-minute community project nearby (which will add to the construction traffic.)
    3) A 12-16 month project in the Fall to construct a tunnel under NE 40th to connect the SR520 ped/bike trail to Microsoft and the City.  
    4)  Rehabilitation the Cleveland Street sidewalk from 164th to 168th, owing to tree damage.  
    5)  A complicated pavement and private sewer line project on 187th. 
    6)  Installation of two sewer pump stations. 

Council President Angela Birney wasn't in attendance at this Study Session or the prior Council Committee meeting. V.P David Carson ran the Study Session.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/25  
    Source:  4/23 Council Study Session & Council Committee of the Whole meeting.      


Monday, October 29, 2012

Communications and city branding under review by Redmond council

City branding and communications were brief but important discussions by Redmond city council at their last study session.  Jeri Rowe-Curtis, newer city Communication and Marketing Administrator was at the table explaining her programs.  More importantly, the city council broadcast a  loud and clear message of Redmond's identity when Council Vice President Hank Margeson proclaimed:
"Redmond ought to be known throughout the world as the tech center of the universe and we ought to be building on that legacy."
Hank left it up to others with expertise to build the brand advising "there should be a coordinated communications plan to have a message that's carried forward; it adds transparency and insures no hidden agendas." 

Councilmember Allen agreed and encouraged "an outreach to the "creative" community to do some branding."

Hank Myers referenced the Puget Sound Business Journal's recent article on seven new technology companies in the Sound with two locating in Redmond.   Jeri Rowe-Curtis said she's paying attention to this Journal.  Some of her recent work is to get more robust programming on RCTV and AM 1650 and a social media push, especially U-Tube.  She's doing lunch 'n learns with staff for emergency prep and screens incoming calls of select citizens to filter the city information and shape the message.   

Her branding message for the city is currently:
"Realize Redmond's future as a City with two vibrant urban centers in downtown and Overlake, improve connections to our neighborhoods, and provide high quality services in partnership with an engaged community." 
By Bob Yoder