City Allocates $392,000 for Pandemic Relief

On May 4th Council reviewed the 3rd round of federal pandemic funding allocations.  All funds must be allocated towards the prevention, response and preparation of the pandemic.  A total of $392,000 were assigned: 

• $98,000 for mental health (at Youth Eastside Services.)
• $47,000 food for senior citizens.
• $39,000 administration costs for all three rounds.
• $100,000 for legal services for housing stability and prevention of homelessness
• $116,000 to Sophia Way for sheltering

$95,000 in food and mental health services may be available under a different plan.

Council will review and make a decision on May 18th, 2021. 

-- Reported by Bob Yoder

    5/9/2021  Image: Internet

Senior and Community Center to Open 2023

Community ribbon heart to memorialize the old Senior Center before demolition  

During the May 4th Council Committee meeting, Parks Director Carrie Hite gave an update on the Senior and Community Center.  The new building will open 2023. It will be at minimum LEED Gold Certified and built to last 50-100 years. Estimated cost is $41 million.  Councilmember Jerallee Anderson asked "if you had unlimited funds where would you spend them?"  Ms. Hite responded: "a buildout of the second floor." 

Staff showed maps of the layout of the spaces.  A list of the spaces on the website, with square footage and descriptions, would  be helpful in understanding the building.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/9/2021

Grant money available for restaurants with COVID losses

Just one of  many  Redmond restaurants with losses from COVID

In the May 3rd Council Business meeting, Mayor Angela Birney announced a "Restaurant Revitalization Fund" providing restaurants up to $5 thousand from loss due to the pandemic. The mayor didn't give the source of the funds but encouraged interested parties to  apply quickly.    

Below are some COVID links I found on the One Redmond website. 

Restart And Reopen Guide

Temporary Restaurant Outdoor Seating Permit

 Grants

COVID links from the City of Redmond website are here.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/8/2021

Photo, Internet 

Redmond's County Property Taxes Up 1.8%

King County Tax Assessor John Wilson

On May 3rd, Mr. John Wilson, King County Tax Assessor, gave Council and Mayor an informational presentation on how the global pandemic affected county real estate taxes. 

Redmond is doing really well.  Our taxes increased only 1.8% from the previous year, whereas taxes were up countywide by 4%.  The average increase on an average home in Redmond is $140.00. 

The County is also doing well.  County revenue  was up by $256,000 compared to the year before.  Where do these fund go?  57% of the revenue is allocated to County schools, K-12.  The City of Redmond gets 15% of the tax revenue.  King County receives 17%.  EveregreenHealth public hospital, the County libraries and other smaller entities get the remainder.

Be prepared for rising King County taxes next year.  As you know, residential housing prices have exploded upwards. Pandemic real estate values (and taxes) will not go down according according to Mr. Wilson.  

What about the Seniors...they're in a pinch.  There's been a 300% increase in applications over the previous year for senior exemptions.  To qualify for an exemption you must be:  1)  61 years of age or on social security disability or V.A. disability. 2) $40,000-58,000 income.  Based on the median SFH price of $600,000 an applicant could save up to $43,000.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 5/3/2021

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser May 7th

Redmond, WA—May 7, 2021—Redmond Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering, providing, and preserving Redmond’s history, announces its first-ever Virtual Fundraiser and Auction Friday, May 7th, 6:30 pm. The theme is “We Love Redmond.”

Funds raised will go toward digitizing the Society’s collection of Sammamish Valley News—a vital record of Redmond’s history—and preparing the Society’s museum space in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse—its new (and old) home.

Since 1999, the Redmond Historical Society called the Old Redmond Schoolhouse its home. However, since LWSD took over the historic building for repairs in 2018, the Society was compelled to find another space, which a few local business owners were happy to provide. “We’ve had a rather nomadic life, moving our offices and Saturday Speaker Series to venues around town,” recalls President John Oftebro. 

“Thanks to the City, we’re back in the Schoolhouse. However, we need the support of our members and the greater community to move forward. Together, we can galvanize the new space, and make our re-opening a celebration of Redmond’s past, present, and future.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on such items as a Patriotic Picnic on 4th of July, an Italian feast, a day of crabbing and beachcombing, baked goods, and other delights from local businesses. Featured will be Auctioneer Troy McVicker. Speakers include John Oftebro, Society President, as well as Redmond Poet Laureate Raúl Sánchez, and Society Vice President, Laura Lee Bennett.

To register or donate, visit charityauction.bid/LoveRedmondHistory. To volunteer or for more info, contact the RHS office: Phone: 425-885-2919.

Redmond Pool Reopens This Week With Some Restrictions For COVID

City of Redmond Pool

Construction of the Redmond Pool is complete, and the facility reopens this week for public use with some restrictions. The City's operational partner, WAVE Aquatics, is offering a modified program that includes reservation-only public lap swim, recreational and competitive swim team use, modified-format swim lessons, and more.

• Redmond Limited Lap Swim schedule May 3rd - May 9th

  • M-F 9:30 - 10:30 am​ Lap Swim

  • M-F 11:55 am - 12:55 pm​ Lap Swim

  • M,W,F 1:00 - 2:00 pm Senior Swim

  • M-F 8:30 - 9:30 pm​ Lap Swim​​​

​

• Redmond Weekly Lap Swim schedule May 10th - June 20th

  • M-F 6:15 - 7:15 am​ Lap Swim

  • M-F 7:20 - 8:20 am Lap Swim

  • M,W,F 7:20 - 8:20 am Shallow Aerobics

  • M-F 8:25 - 9:25 am Lap Swim

  • M-F 9:30 - 10:30 am Lap Swim

  • M-F 11:55 am - 12:55 pm Lap Swim

  • M,W,F 1:00 - 2:00 pm Senior Swim

  • M,W,F 8:30 - 9:30 pm Lap Swim

  • Sat 1:15 - 2:30 pm Lap Swim (75 minutes)

  • Sun 11:45 am - 1:00 pm Lap Swim (75 minutes)

  • Sun 1:15 - 2:30 pm Lap Swim (75 minutes)

​

• Maximum two swimmers per lane

  • 25-yd lap pool or 14-yd shallow end

  • Lap swimming/water exercise only

  • One swimmer per reservation

  • No spectators, except for an under-18 participant accompanied by one parent/guardian

• Reservations are required through the Customer Portal​; be sure to select the correct location!

  • Space is limited

  • Reservations for the upcoming week open on Fridays at 12:00 pm​

  • Account creation, waiver agreement & payment required to secure a spot

• Updated admission fees as of September 25th:

  • Lap Swim: $10

  • Lap Swim—Shallow end only: $7.50

  • Senior Swim / Shallow Aerobics: $5

​

• 6 ft. social distancing in effect at all times

• Face masks required at all times when not in the pool

• Participants must arrive 15 minutes early for mandatory check in

  • Failure to arrive early and complete the pre-session screening and safety briefing will result in denial of entry

  • Self-report temperature checks

  • Respond to screening questions

  • Pre-session safety briefing

• Locker room use extremely limited​

  • Arrive ready to swim​

  • Deck changing is not allowed—please wear your swimsuit to the pool!

  • Set your bag in the designated area on deck

  • Bring your own towel

  • Shower at home

• One-way facility entry and exit​

Source:  redmond.gov, 5/6/2021