BREAKING NEWS: School Resource Officer Program coverage expands in Redmond.

UPADATED: Breaking news from Councilmemeber David Carson's Public Safety Committee Meeting. - Attended by Bob Yoder

Dave Carson, Chair of the Council's Public Safety Committee held his monthly meeting Thursday morning, 8/30, at Fire Station #12 on 148th Ave. Mr. Carson okayed Councilmember Kim Allen's request to put School Resource Officers (SRO) on the agenda. I attended the meeting.

Mr. Carson and the Mayor announced Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has authorized a third SRO for better coverage of Rose Hill JH, Redmond JH, and Redmond High School. SRO coverage will no longer be split between Rose Hill and Redmond Junior Highs. Each junior high school will now have their own officer. Redmond High School will continue to have their own SRO.

Mayor Marchione said "internal redeployment" within the Police Department will not require hiring an additional employee. Citizens approved funding for these three SRO's in the last Public Safety levy but LWSD only recently gave the green light to staff both Junior Highs. According to Councilmember Allen, it will take a month or so to re-order Redmond officers to make it happen.

As last year's Chairman of the Pubic Safety Committee, Ms. Allen has been pushing for additional SRO coverage at Redmond's schools. Allen stated yesterday, "I want us to get out ahead on these things because the community will want to know as school starts up."

Ken Wong, staff director of the Teen Center, works closely with he SRO's. A third SRO will add continuity and better connection of students with their SRO's.

Ms. Kim Allen is running for re-election of her Council Seat #4 in November. (Ms. Chen filed for the position on the last day of registration.)

CONTACT:
Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
Website: Cops for the Cure, Register: to join and or donate to Kim's Team.
425-894-8237

Muni League Rates Candidates

SEATTLE - The Municipal League of King County today released its nonpartisan evaluations of 113 candidates running for dozens of local offices. Below, are some evaluations of local interest:

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE Dow Constantine: Very Good Ross Hunter: Very Good, Susan Hutchison: Good, Fred Jarrett: Very Good, Goodspaceguy Nelson: Not Qualified, Larry Phillips: Very Good, Alan Lobdell: GoodStan Lippmann: Not Qualified

PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION Pos. 3 David Doud: Good Rob Holland: Very Good Al Yuen: Good

PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION Pos. 4 Tom Albro: Outstanding Juan Paraiso: Insufficient Info Robert Walker: Adequate Max Vekich: Good

KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 1 Joan McBride: Very Good Martin Morgan: Insufficient Info KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 3 Brad Larssen: Very Good Penny Sweet: Outstanding KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 5 Matt Gregory: Very Good Karen Tennyson: Very Good Amy Walen: Good KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 7 Tom Hodgson: Good Doreen Marchione: Outstanding

SEATTLE MAYOR Elizabeth Campbell: Not QualifiedJames Donaldson: Adequate Jan Drago: GoodKwame Wyking Garrett: Insufficient Info Joseph Mallahan: Outstanding Michael McGinn: Good Greg Nickels: Very Good Norman Sigler: Adequate SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD Pos. 5 Mary Bass: Adequate Joanna Cullen: Adequate Andre Helmstetter: GoodKay Smith-Blum: Very Good

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL: No Rating. No Primary Election for any candidate. (Allen, Chen, Stilin, Vache'). Ms. Kim Allen was rated "very good" in the 2005 elections. (see comments)

The ratings are available online at www.munileague.org. The ratings are based on four criteria: Knowledge, Involvement, Effectiveness and Character. They assess each candidate's potential to be effective in office and ability to serve the community. Political affiliations or stands on specific issues are not considered and candidates are not rated against each other. This year's ratings are the result of the work of 65 citizens from throughout King County who volunteered for the Municipal League's Candidate Evaluation Committee. They studied the public record, reviewed candidate questionnaires, checked references and conducted live interviews with the candidates. Each rating was carefully reviewed by the Municipal League's trustees. "The League's rating process is similar to a job interview for candidates, with a diverse group of citizens serving as hiring managers," said Brad Meacham, Municipal League Chair. "This result is a useful tool to help voters make decisions." Candidates received one of six ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Adequate, Not Qualified, or No Active Campaign. The Municipal League attempted to contact every candidate. Candidates were rated even if they declined to participate in the process. This year's Candidate Evaluation Committee conducted interviews in Seattle, Bellevue and Renton, and was led by Gabe Meyer, Chair of the Candidate Evaluation Program

Somthing to think about: The Primary Election for King County Executive is coming up.

The seven (7) Candidates for King County Executive must hurdle over two voter elections to win the race.

• A PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 where the field will be narrowed to only two (2) candidates. This is a nonpartisan election.

• The two top vote getters from the primary election will appear on the ballot for the General Election in November.

I could not find a description in the county website on how the election process works and emailed the county yesterday for an answer.

The following King County Executive candidates (7) must be narrowed down to two candidates(2) in the August 18 primary election:

• Larry Phillips Fred Jarrett Stan Lippmann Alan Lobdell Susan Hutchison Dow Constantine Ross Hunter Goodspaceguy

I think Eastsiders will have a vote on two (2) Port of Seattle seats:

• Port of Seattle Commissioner Position No. 3
  Rob Holland David Doud Al Yuen
  Port of Seattle Commissioner Position No. 4
  Juan Paraiso Max Vekich Tom Albro

I want to thank Ross Hunter http://www.rosshunter.com/ and Larry Phillips http://larryphillips.com/welcome/ for submitting their background information for my readers.

All candidates are invited to send their background information for posting on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog to: redmondblog@gmail.com

The King County Election Web site: http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx

CONTACT: Janice Case Election Operations Supervisor (206) 296-1565 http://www.kingcounty.gov/

2009 Redmond "Cops for the Cure" 3-Day Walk.

2009 Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day
9/11-13

Join Redmond Cops for the Cure on an amazing journey in the fight against breast cancer! The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. Net proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust, funding important research.

Cops for the Cure is a team of police officers and support personnel that walk to raise money for a cure. This will be our 5th walk. We are a team from Redmond Police Department but welcome law enforcement personnel from all over and civilians to join us in our walk to stomp out breast cancer. We walk for our loved ones who have survived, for your loved ones that have survived and in memory of those who lost the good fight!!!

-- "Cops for the Cure" website

Cops for the Cure - Register to join team
**Shari Shovlin (pictured in photo - Sheri is a Redmond Police Commander)
Kim Allen
Jim Bove
Paul Edwardsen
Sande English
Allegra Licata
Haley Shovlin
Jill Steele
Craig Werre
Kristi Wilson
**Denotes a Team Captain
Cops for the Cure 2008 Team Goal was: $23,000.00. Achieved: $10,626.00

Comment: Kimberly Allen, Councilmember, City of Redmond first told me of this event. She is one of Redmond's citizens walking with Cops for the Cure. (Kim is also "running" for re-election). I'm thinking of registering since #1 walking is a great "soft" exercise and I need it, #2 my mother died of three cancers, one of which was breast cancer and #3 I want to support Kim. Do you want to register, too? Click the link!

Website: Cops for the Cure (learn more - event headquarters.)
Register: to join and or donate to Kim's Team.
Website: Kim Allen's Page.

Councilmember Allen to campaign and train

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kimberly Allen
16804 NE 92 St.
Redmond, WA 98052
425-894-8237
kim@kimonthecouncil.com

Councilmember Allen to campaign and train

Councilmember Kim Allen welcomes the chance to hit the campaign trail and meet as many Redmond residents as she can. Allen remarked:“I think those of us who hold public office should have to explain what we have accomplished and why we should be returned for another term. I welcome the debate.

This fall is especially exciting for me because of 2 big events: The election and my first Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk with a team from the Redmond Police Department. The team is named ‘Cops For The Cure’ and I am privileged to be a part of such a great group of people walking for such a great cause. The walk is 60 miles over the course of 3 days. My teammates who have done the walk before recommend training by walking Redmond’s hilly neighborhoods so I am going to combine my training with campaigning this summer, as I get out to talk to folks. My longest walk so far was 7 miles but I hope to stretch that to 10 or 12 miles before the big day.”

For more information on the campaign, go to http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/.
The website for Cops For The Cure is www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/SeattleEvent?pg=team&fr_id=1300&team_id=51350.

OPINION Part Two: Thoughts on Council's Land Use Appeal Policy

UDATED OPINION, 6/13, Opinion: Councilmembers Kimberly Allen and Hank Margeson recently proposed taking the legal land use appeal component out of council's hands and into King County Superior Court. As Mr. Margeson stated, it's the Council's job to write policy, not to interpret it. Citizens would still maintain their right to appeal the Hearing Examiner's decision. In addition, Council could hold a secondary, legislative appeal to address code issues brought up by citizens. 

Most area cities choose to take the lawyering out of their Council's job description and give it to the county superior court i.e.  Kirkland, Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, Woodinville, Edmonds, Seattle, Everett, and Mercer Island.  We should, too.  Only Redmond and Bothell land use appeals remain "judged" by city councils. 

After trying to participate in the review of three deforestation projects by CAMWEST, the Shauhanessy deforestation project, and Tent City review process, I agree it's time for a change. In fact, Council President Nancy McCormick described her frustration, if not agony, while presiding over the TC-4 and 172nd Ave extension appeals. The 42-lot Shauhanessy Plat/PRD drew a similar response from Nancy when an appeal to Council was remanded by Council back to the Hearing Examiner for a second Public Hearing. Shauhanassy is the longest land use review in the history of Redmond and the project still isn't built.

After thanking Ms. Allen for articulating the Shauhanessy case so well, Council President Nancy McCormick movingly stated:

"The public process may not have been violated but it was twisted. I can't keep from thinking about that couple who appeared at the Tent City public meeting and signed up to the Party of Record only to be denied on appeal to be heard.

The public needs accurate information and timeliness of an appeal, otherwise we make a mockery out of Public Hearings and caring about public involvement."

It is clear recent land use cases have demonstrated that our present public process needs fixing. The public has not been getting accurate information because their elected representatives are not allowed to represent or inform them. Conversely, staff gives full support and guidance to developers who already know the system and what questions to ask.

Councilmember Pat Vache' (and Cole, Carson, Myers) openly support the present quasi-judicial appeal process. They prefer not to give up their lawyering power in judging land-use policy. Rather, Mr. Vache' (and Mr. Myers) look at the present process as a "learning experience to get the feel for the impact of how code impacts the stakeholders". What Mr. Vache' doesn't learn about are his constituents' feelings and their understanding the project during the Review. Thus, mistakes get made (that could have been fixed in legislative appeal to council). Mr. Vache' says the Q-J process is more efficient. Shauhanssey PRD lasted years. Tent City-4 was a breath away from the State Supreme Appellate Court. Perrigo Heights,  The 172nd extension, Pearce, and Tyler Creek land use actions all took valuable time from Council policy-making duties while stressing the neighborhoods and landowners on code issues. No wonder Council work has become a full-time job.

Interestingly, Mr. Vache’ voted for the CAMWEST Perrigo Heights Plat Steep Slope Exception concluding "where else are we going to put the homes"?  Mr. Vache’ lives right off of NE 116th Street behind what later became Mosaic Meadows plat and sown 116th from CAMWEST'S huge Pearce PRD. 

Over time,  part of the issue is Council gets too close to the stakeholders and their judgment becomes affected, despite the appearance of distance and objectivity.
Part One: "Moving Redmond forward on Land Use Appeals"

Urban Musical Instruments - a new art idea for Redmond

Chrisopher Janney - creator of "urban musical instruments"

Opinion: The Arts Commission (left) was LIVE on RC-TV May 14 hosting Christopher Janney, architect, jazz musician, and world renowned "sound and light installation artist". Awesome. Mr. Janney integrates music and lighting with architecture to stimulate social interaction and gathering in public places. The best way to understand the nature of Christopher's creative work is to view this video (2m) highlighting some of his installation art from around the country.

Paraphrasing Arts Commission Chair John Stilin: 'Art connects people. The purpose of Art in Redmond is to build community. Art brings people together. It's what gets people talking together.'

Before the meeting, John Stilin and staff took Mr. Janney on a tour through the city to brainstorm for ideas on Cleveland Avenue and the Downtown Park. Mr. Janney suggested: linear street lighting transformed into 'musical instruments' as pedestrians walk by. Also, "Sonic Trees" in a plaza could "act as a magnet" to citizens by the music they generate from human activity.

Christopher Janney was impressed with Redmond's nature and technology assets. He perceives nature and technology as harmonic. Mr. Janney looks at his installation art as enhancing the work of a landscape architect.

Christopher Janney is an impressive, incredibly creative individual, specializing in "thinking outside of the box." Janney has a B.A. in Architecture from Princeton, 1973 and is a jazz musician, winning the prestigious New York Talent Poll in 1975. He has a Masters in Environmental Art from M.I.T. Janney's thesis was: "SOUNDSTAIR: The nature of environmental / participatory art." The Arts Commission has really done their homework bringing Mr. Janney to Redmond. I hope he will 'enhance' our Downtown someday.

Website: http://www.janney.com/

Department of Natural Resources uses digital photography to map impervious surfaces for more accurate stormwater billing.

Stormwater treatment infiltration pond next to Evans Creek. Infiltration systems on sensitive Evans Creek properties will be more closely monitored by the City.

UPDATED, 5/21. Opinion: The council voted (7-0) last night to modify stormwater billing to improve billing accuracy. New digital aerial mapping technology allows stormwater engineers to more accurately identify all impervious surfaces (roads, parking, structures) that contribute to dirty stormwater run-off. According staff, an "opt-out" condition only applies to the city-center (downtown) sub-basin, and is only applicable to properties within that sub-basin that are adjacent to the Sammamish River. No change in treatment requirements will apply from this ordinance.

The SW industrial businesses (R.I.C.E.) earlier had lobbied for "infiltration" and against regional treatment improvements. Staff is working with RICE to develop an assessment for existing infiltration systems, and to develop a process and timeline to modify existing systems (if necessary) to reduce risk to the aquifer. The City is building a SW Regional Treatment Plant to treat dirty stormwater more comprehensively and economically along the industrial district of Evans Creek and SW Redmond. Councilmembers Hank Myers and Pat Vache' lended their support to the R.I.C.E. industries during negotiations.

The Administration made some concessions to pass the modification. With staff approval, industries and landowners living adjacent the river would be allowed to "opt out" from hooking into the new Downtown Regional Stormwater Facility. To qualify for reduced rates, a professional engineer would have to make sizing and cost estimates for properties building a private water treatment facility. Department of Ecology water quality standards must still be met. A business could "opt out" for lower rates if their plan was approved by the Staff. Another concession, driven by Myers, was to allow businesses to appeal their bill by October, 2009. Landowners who "opt out" will be reimbursed for the value of their land lost to an on-site facility. Finally, staff had requested that "gravel" count as an impervious surface. The Administration and council decided not to include gravel as impervious, but to study and decide on the issue by December, 2010.

The new digital photography mapping techniques to identify parcels with impervious surfaces is more accurate than on site visits. 78 letters have been mailed to property owners with NEW stormwater bills. Also, the unit measurement of impervious has been "truncated" which will bring higher revenues to the city. In addition, billing by parcel, rather than property owner will add to revenues. Credits will be given for "rain harvesting".

Public Works Director Bill Campbell and Stormwater Manager Jon Spangler, have been progressive and innovative in meeting city needs for cleaner water, all the while, dancing the political jig for council and property owners. Councilmember Hank Margeson concluded the billing modification was really all about cleaner water for our streams (and aquifer zones). Margeson Chairs the Planning & Public Works Committee.

Link to the Modified Stormwater billing ordinance

draft

OPINION PART ONE: "Moving Redmond Forward" on Land Use Appeal Decisions

KING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Woodinville, Mercer Island, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett all use the King County Superior Court land use appeals. Redmond still uses City Council for land use appeals.

According to Rob Odle, Redmond Planning and Development Director, in the mid-90's, most cities abandoned the council Q-J land use appeal process for appeals by the King County Superior Court.

OPINION UPDATED, 5/17, Opinion: "Moving Redmond Forward" was Mayor John Marchione's #1 campaign slogan when he was running for office two years ago. John has been living up to his promise, unfortunately not the Council majority. The Council "majority" just moved Redmond two steps back during a conversation on Land Use Appeal Decision process in their last council meeting.

The council majority of David Carson, Richard Cole, Pat Vache' and Hank Myers took a straw vote, tallied by Carson, to keep their dated "quasi-judicial role" for preliminary plats. The quasi-judicial (q-j) role gives Council powerful legal and legislative appeal authority over a city-designated land use attorney's decision. (Hearing Examiner.)

After hours of deliberation in two Committee meetings last year, Councilmembers Hank Margeson and Kimberly Allen offered reasons to move our city forward in utilizing the King County Superior Court rather than keeping Council for land use appeals. Only Redmond and Bothell rely on Council for initial appeal decisions in our area. Below are reasons for moving forward:

• Redmond's present appeal process requires Council by law to thoroughly review every page, document, and blueprint in the Hearing Examiner's file for accuracy beyond reasonable doubt.
• Council is not legally qualified, nor has the time, to thoroughly review the Examiner's file for inaccuracies.
• Society is more litigious and will challenge Council's ability to craft a correct Record. The City is liable and vulnerable to expensive, drawn-out lawsuits by appellants and landowners.
• During land use decisions, which can take over a year, citizens are not allowed to communicate with their councilmembers about the project. When legislative mistakes of interpreting Land Use Code are made, Council cannot fix the problem up-front, by mediation, or in a pre-hearing meeting. Participation, citizen/landowner engagement, and transparency are severely limited by a WALL between the People and their Representatives.

The land use decisions subject to council's Q-J appeal process are called "Preliminary Plats". Some examples of Preliminary Plat appeals in Redmond gone a muck are: CAMWEST'S Perrigo Heights, CAMWEST'S Pearce, Shauhanessy, and CAMWEST'S Tyler Creek - all of which were strung out by Council's legal and legislative interpretations of a poorly crafted Examiner Record.

PART TWO, 5/20/09, "Thoughts on Redmond's Land Use Appeal Policy"
PART THREE: on "Moving Redmond Forward on Land Use Appeal Decisions" will focus on significant Preliminary Plat mistakes and unintended consequences from Redmond's Q-J process.
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 11/08
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 07/08

John Stilin, strong arts advocate runs for Council this fall

Part One of John Stilin's March 16, 2009 Press Release to the print media.

John Stilin announced his campaign for Redmond City Council, Position 6 on March 16. The seat will be vacated when Council President Nancy McCormick retires later this year.

“Local government has the biggest impact on our daily lives,” said Stilin. “I want to work with the citizens of Redmond to ensure that we are making the best decisions when addressing the needs of our community for today and the future. Change is inevitable. However, we need to preserve the uniqueness of Redmond while managing change. I want to make sure that Redmond is a safe, culturally rich, and economically vibrant city that we can proudly call ‘home’. I envision a Redmond where its citizens are actively involved in the community and its governance, and where a tradition of pride in our city makes Redmond a great place to live,” said Stilin.

Stilin has served on the Redmond Arts Commission since 2006, and is currently the Chair. John also serves as Co-Chair of the Viewpoint Citizens Advisory Committee that is formulating neighborhood planning recommendations for inclusion in Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan."

OPINION: Mr. Stilin is a strong and powerful advocate for the arts. He is a leader in empowering the Arts Commission to leverage the Arts towards the economic revitalization of our growing Downtown. Another goal is to develop youth awareness and skills in the Arts which could bring more Art into the neighborhoods. Mayor Marchione and Mr. Stilin appear to have a close working relationship.

John read the following Mission Statement at a 2006 Arts Commission meeting: "diverse arts opportunities are a principle reason why citizens love living here, why artists are attracted to live and work here, and why tourists visit Redmond."
-- Bob Yoder

Comments?

Councilmember Kimberly Allen will seek reelection this fall.

Part One of Kimberly Allen's 5/12/09 Press Release:

Redmond City Councilmember Kimberly Allen announced today her intention to seek reelection this fall. Allen is completing her first term in position 4 on the Redmond City Council where she has served as the chair of the Council’s Public Safety Committee, and has been a member of the Parks and Human Services Committee and the Planning and Public Works Committee.

“Redmond continues to grow and change all around us, even with a downturn in the national economy,” stated Allen. “As a member of the city council, I’d like to continue to help guide the growth that will continue to come, in a way that preserves Redmond’s character and environmental beauty while promoting green building practices. I also want to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for neighbors to be heard and for them to see their perspectives reflected in the important decisions we make as a city.”

Contact: kimonthcouncil@yahoo.com
Phone: 425-894-8237

Thoughts on Redmond parks and arts

UPDATED: Opinion: I just came home from a city Parks Public Meeting. The city objective was to get us to "vision" what kind of parks and art our city will have 6-20 years out. Carolyn Hope, the new senior parks planner (of 3 months), led the meeting. I think she is also a Program Manager. I've seen Ms. Hope present four times, including a double presentation to the Planning Commission and an outdoor Dirt Bike public meeting. She was also interviewed for the inauguaral "ON REDMOND" RC-TV series. It appears the Marchione Administration has made an excellent hiring decision.

The city gave an electronic survey to all 25 participants. It was clear Redmond has grown way beyond it's last 6 year plan. For example, "soft surface" trails and "open space" was by far the most desired choice of nine park, rec, and art assets. Multi-use soft surface trails got a lot of interest - for hikers, equestrian, runners, and mountain bikers. A soft surface trail following the Sammamish River on the west bank drew a lot of chatter.

The city was definitely featuring art in their presentation. I found it interesting over 24 pieces of outdoor art rest permanently in Redmond but are not owned by the city. We have so much outdoor art, why can't we loan out some of our collection for others to enjoy? John Stilin, Arts Commission Chair and a city council candidate, brought up a valid argument to improve the enrichment of our youth with art education. Apparently, a clay throwing studio for kids just opened up at the Old Redmond School House; and the Teen Center has some great music programs.

One of the Downtown Park visions appeared as an expansive promenade, with covered seating and tables. Looked good. On my turn, I suggested "micro neighborhood parks" where neighbors could open satellite outdoor markets to sell things like "native plants", "nature photographs", and "home-made art & baked goods". Education Hill has a corner forest where this actually took place at one time.

Finally, the city showed a cool picture of "Redmond West Park" wetlands. Do you know where it is? Click here for slide shows of all our city parks.

Councilmember nicknames & the new dynamic

Left-to-Right: 'Caring' Carson, 'Marvelous' Margeson ("most likely to succeed"), 'Adaptable' Allen, 'Venerable' Vache', 'Her Majesty' McCormick, 'Wiser' Myers, 'The Statesman' Cole, and 'The Magnificent' Mayor Marchione

Opinion: It just dawned on me how many Readers may not know what our council members look like or even our Mayor. In attempt to match a name and personality with a face I came up with some nicknames. I'm just throwing these out for fun. Do you have any other nickname ideas? They've got to be better than mine!

Council dynamics is picking up lately. With 'Venerable' Pat Vache' (right) and 'Adaptable' Kim Allen (left) both running for re-election later this year it's starting to get fun watching Council on TV. Alliances appear to be forming. 'Adaptable' Allen has been eagerly backing 'Statesman' Cole, especially when 'Wiser' Myers says something irritating to the Statesman. 'Her Majesty' eagerly throws support to the 'Venerable' Vache'. So far, no one has filed to run against Vache' or Allen. Does anyone have a candidate suggestion or idea?

'Her Majesty' Nancy McCormick has decided not to run after 26 years (I think) of continuous service. John Stilin, Arts Commissioner, has stepped up for the City to run for Nancy's seat #6. I saw John getting aquainted with Planning & Development Director Odle in the audiance seats and soaking up his words at the last Council meeting. Hank Margeson is Most-Likely-to-Succeed for many reasons. But, for now, let's just give him the "Most Improved Award". I may be wrong, but it looks like 'Marvelous' Margeson is being groomed for Council President or Council V.P.

You should tune-into RC TV21 on Tuesday's, 7:30p.m. and check the new (ever changing) dyanamic. You can probably come up with a better nickname or "read them" differently. The more nicknames and fun the better! Any suggestions?

Politics hits the Council during Stormwater rate debate.

Filthy stormwater in SE Redmond Industrial District is soaking into Evans Creek aquifer protection zone soils ~200 feet from Evans Creek. The city plans a SE Regional Treatment Plant that must be funded in large part by stormwater fees.

Updated 4/7, OPINION: At their last meeting, City Council evaluated and considered adjusting stormwater fees to better account for "impervious surfaces". Impervious surfaces create polluted stormwater which must be treated and cleaned by the City. If the stormwater is not adequately treated our aquifer could become endangered. Our aquifer is an "underground reservoir" that supplies City drinking water.

The bulk of the conversation was about how to hold SE Redmond industries accountable for their "fair share" of the costs in treating stormwater running off of their polluted impervious surfaces. It's possible Cadman Gravel, Watson Asphalt, AWR, Genie Industries and other SE industries have impervious surfaces for which they are not being adequately billed. In addition, impervious surfaces created by new and "unfound" buildings are being identified throughout the city. Even the gravel parking lot in King County's 60 Acres Park South was "found" would by the Administration's new digitalized aerial photography. The county lot be assessed for stormwater treatment if council okays the Administration's current proposal.

The Marchione Administration is looking into all these scenarios and wants to keep rates fair and accountable using the Best Available Science. Same with Council. However, Council's review is politically charged because of "R.I.C.E.", a long-standing and historically entrenched lobby for the Redmond SE industrial district. A R.I.C.E. lobbyist was sitting "front and center" during the Council meeting; so close to Council that certain members could literally read her lips.

The R.I.C.E. associate has seemingly "wrapped her arms" around several of our older councilmembers. Newly elected Councilmember Hank Myers is heavily obligated and Councilmember Pat Vache' doesn't seem too far behind. Much of R.I.C.E success comes from their financial and networking support for councilmembers during elections. Councilmembers Allen and possibly Margeson appear politically untouched by R.I.C.E. Both have won their seat with broad support from the Neighborhoods. Margeson won support from businesses, too.

The SE industrial influence on city government began years ago with the powerful "industrialists" like Cadman Gravel. Cadman has been around longer than the City itself. They and other SE industries have been a large tax base for Redmond over the years - from day one. My guess is "the good old boy" network has thrived for years and has become a tradition. The coming of Microsoft, rapid population growth, and "need for green" could be impacting political alignments.

The City Administration, led by Stormwater Manager Jon Spangler, announced during the meeting, a new and more accurate method of measuring impervious surfaces. Mr. Spangler is highly regarded by Sammamish/Cedar River Regional Watershed community (WRIA 8). Impervious surfaces are undesirable because they increase stormwater run-off and treatment costs. Generally, the more impervious on your property the higher your rate. Examples of impervious surfaces are roads, parking lots, roofs, and vehicles parked on creek banks. The impervious surface getting the most attention last night was gravel -- yes, gravel. City code defines gravel as impervious. (Our city parks consultant Guy Michealson confirmed this during his evaluation of park trail materials.) The Administration is building an expensive SE Regional Stormwater Treatment Facility. The stormwater revenue generated from "fair share" billing will go towards paying for facility.

Councilmember Pat Vache' wanted to delay most of the new charges until after 2010 owing to the Recession. Did Mr. Vache' forget about his vote to raise neighborhood property taxes 1% taxes starting this year while leaving the businesses untaxed? Councilmember Kimberly Allen wanted to qualify "impervious surfaces" using Best Available Science before moving on. Some wanted citizens and businesses to have a chance to appeal the new charges or to phase them in. Another meeting will he held to review the Administration's proposal.

Pat Vache' and Kimberly Allen are running for re-election to Council this year so I will be highlighting their activities and decisions as they come up.