Mayor Promotes Small Local Business

Check out Redmond’s Stylish New Small Business!

This month’s Here in Redmond video features A New Debut women's consignment store. The female-owned boutique sells high-end women's clothing and accessories for a fraction of retail prices. It’s the latest addition to a number of small businesses in the City. As we approach the holiday season, you can take part in the City's Shop Small Passport Program from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, which helps directly contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our local economy at places like A New Debut and many other local businesses. Learn more and how you can win cool prizes. https://experienceredmond.com/Shop-Sm...

-- redmond.gov

CITY WATCH: 2025 Mayor And Council Salaries, Staff Pay Plans

13. Attachment E, Exhibit 1: EO Pay Plan Redline, *Councilmember salary $27,000, Council President $30,000, Full Healthcare benefit, COLA  effective 11/12/24),  ($37,500 Council baseline salary, $16,000 Neighborhood Events, $12,000 Council Travel and Training.)  TO BE UPDATED IN 1/5.  

12. Attachment E: Ordinance for 2025 Elected Official Pay Plan,  Mayor salary $170,000, stipend, 2-5% COLA, Family Healthcare, travel/phone perks. effective 1/1/25.  Increase from $153,700.  Council decision. 

3. Pay Plan B, Executive:  4.2% COLA:  COO $274,956;  Fire Chief $251,472;  Police Chief $246,588;  Deputy Fire and Police Chiefs, $237,756;   Planning Director $246,588;  Public Works Director, $246,588;  City Attorney $246,588;  DIRECTORS $237,756  (Finance, Parks, Planning, I.O. Human Resources);  Deputy Directors $206,184 (Executive, Parks, Public Works, Planning and Community Development (2), Deputy Attorney, (new);  Police Lieutenants $196,956 (Teamsters.) 

8. Attachment C, Exhibit 1: Non-Represented Pay Plan (N),  4.2% COLA; Chief Policy Advisor, Police Support Commander, Security Compliance Manager $195,552;  Police Captain $215,518;  Department Managers, $173,808. 

9. Attachment C, Exhibit 2: Non-Represented Supp (N-S), 11. Attachment D, Exhibit 1: 2025 - General Supp (G-S),  Supplemental is a scaled hourly rate.  

20. Attachment H Exhibit 1 2025 - Fire Support (FS)  COLA 3.6%

-- Source:   Redmond City Council, Committee of the Whole | November 12, 2024; Presided by Councilmember Steve Fields

** Council hasn't had a raise since 2019.  All salaries are upper band; bonuses may be given to Directors and Executives. It appears most staff salaries increased ~4% from the last biennium not counting COLAs and benefits. Quarterly overtime was $11.3M attributed to Fire and Police and Sound Transit.  

Posted by Yoder, 11/11/24, updated: 11/16/24

Mayor Birney, Avid Union Supporter

Statement from Mayor Angela Birney on the Boeing Strike:

In Redmond, Boeing employees and suppliers have been impacted by the machinist union’s strike, now in its eighth week. I support the work of the union and am hopeful that the upcoming vote on Monday brings an end to this strike. Companies, employees, and the entire Puget Sound all benefit when Boeing airplanes are being built.

- Redmond Mayor Angela Birney

11/1/24

When Angela taught Biology in the public schools she joined a union.  It's clear, she's an avid supporter of unions.  

Good news for the city's RCHEA union. (click for salaries.) They represent city planners, engineers, inspectors, specialists, paralegals, accountants, code enforcers, technicians, administrative assistants...Just announced today, they're getting a 4.2% COLA.  

Salaries range from $170,232 (Engineer) to $139,152 (Senior Planner) to $91,188 (Administrative Assistant.) 

Redmond City Hall Employees Association (RCHEA)

Teamsters Local No. 117 - Representing the Police Support Bargaining Unit 

Police Lieutenants $196,956 

Redmond Fire Fighters Union - Representing the Fire Support Bargaining Unit

Posted by Yoder 

11/12/24, updated 11/17

Update: Nerdy Notes On The Redmond City Budget

A drive-through voter ballot drop-box is at City Hall

Budgets are boring and probably the last thing on your mind with the Election and Halloween around the corner.  However, I'm a government nerd and wanted to share some of the City Budget Hearing chaos I'm feeling.    

The City Clerk sent me the Budget calendar after I asked for it.  IMO, the calendar could have been written during one of their many briefing meetings to engage the public with the budget early on; but the calendar wasn't formalized until the second, October 1 Hearing .... "kinda bas akwards."  

THE PROCESS:  Three budget hearings are required; and a 4th is optional. Council decided the public would have its usual 3 minutes, instead of 4 minutes to speak in these important Hearings. Of interest, I remember Councilmember Stuart once saying on the Dais that no more than 1 minute for public comment was necessary.  

Now, to get you up to date:  The first Hearing (July 16) 👆was for public input on the "Capital Investment Program," (pg. 23) "Business Technology Investment Program" and a "Departmental Budget Overview."  With public our input, Council may change the Mayor's proposed, Preliminary budget.   

 

The lack of information for the 👆second October 1 Hearing was annoying and poorly timed, as follows:  

• The Hearing immediately followed the mayor's very short 2025-2026 Preliminary Budget (PB) presentation.
• The public had NO TIME to evaluate the PB and speak on it at this Hearing 

NOTICE: PUBLIC HEARING ON CITY BUDGET, November 4

Redmond City Hall 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held during the Redmond City Council special meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7 p.m., at the Redmond City Hall Council Chamber, 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond, Washington, for the purpose of soliciting comments and suggestions on Mayor Birney's preliminary 2025-2026 biennial budget (in full.)

Community members may present oral comments during the public hearing or provide written comments at budget@redmond.gov. All members of the public are invited to attend the Hearing whether they comment or not.  

BUDGET RESOURCES: Preliminary Budget Summary;  Preliminary Revenue Forecast 

GreenRedmond Tree Planting Events , Two Locations

Below are planting event dates and site locations. Find a site map here  Email:  greenredmond@redmond.gov for the times.  The event usually starts at 9 AM.  

September 2024
Microsoft work party  (closed) 09/25/2024 Arthur Johnson Park
Last Saturday of the Month Volunteer Event  (Click) 09/28/2024 Viewpoint Open Space
October 2024
First event of planting season  (Click) 10/19/2024 Arthur Johnson Park
Green Redmond Day Planting Event  (Click) 10/26/2024 Viewpoint Open Space

Posted by Yoder, 9/13/2024

"Take Me Home" Police Program

City Joins 350 Mayors On Commitment to Electrify Fleets

Commitment to bring electric vehicles to Redmond will help reduce pollution, improve public health, and boost the clean energy economy for Redmond residents

REDMOND, WA - Today, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney joined nearly 350 U.S. mayors on a new collaborative commitment to electrify at least 50% of municipal fleets by 2030 and increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035, with at least 40% of charging investments to benefit disadvantaged communities. As a member of Climate Mayors – the bipartisan network of mayors from across the United States committed to climate action – Mayor Birney is helping to deliver cleaner air, lower tax bills, and a more sustainable future for all Redmond residents.

Redmond Police

UPDATED: Council Plans Public Hearing On "Climate Commitment Act" Initiative

The Mayor made a precedent-setting exception to RCW #427855 when she opened "Items From the Audience" in City Hall last week.  The RCW code prohibits public testimony on candidates, initiatives and measures - pro and con - during Council business meetings.  Setting precedent by using a new "tool" Mayor Birney and council agreed a city Hearing was necessary for Initiative No. 2117.  Her exception brings up the question of why a Hearing couldn't be scheduled for the Plymouth decision.     

Mark your calendars for a potential October 3 Council Hearing in City Hall on ballot Initiative No. 2117 repealing sections of the "Climate Commitment Act."  The repeal would increase greenhouse gas emissions throughout the State and forfeit $1M in Supplemental funds. The city already received $2.2M from the Act to advance critical climate mitigation/resilience. (Supplemental funds would be allocated for electric charging stations and transportation infrastructure.) 

City Council strongly opposes State Initiative No. 2117.  The Hearing will give  public an opportunity to learn about the measure and weigh in. In short, the initiative will repeal the market-based "cap and invest" carbon program -- which reduces greenhouse gas emissions -- and will prohibit carbon tax credit trading.  It's possible, but doubtful a repeal could increase costs of fuel recipients and fuel suppliers.  

Council has a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.  In 2020 they declared a "climate emergency" and adopted a 30-year plan for the community to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.  They have worked closely with the city Legislative coordinator to make the Hearing happen; and in conjunction with other jurisdictions.

The Climate Commitment Act has already generated $3.25 billion statewide for forest protection, transportation projects, electrification efforts, wildfire prevention, salmon recovery, tribal investments and more.  

Source:  7/23 Council Study session and "Council Talk Time" memos.

Reported by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Significant Redmond Capital Investment Projects

For years untold, the CIP was short for "Capital Improvement Project."  The Birney Administration changed the meaning of CIP to "Capital Investment Project." 

Public Works Director Aaron Birt reported on several significant capital investment projects in Council's last study session.  Two Directors flanked the Mayor at the table during his presentation.  Mayor Birney took notes and didn't participate other than noting the beautiful the flowers growing along a capital park project.  

Birt reported the following significant capital investment projects (CIP) affecting Council's budget process.

>> Remaining City Hall construction debt service and contractual costs totaling $17,476,484 (2025-2030.) 

>> Redeveloping and expanding the Maintenance & Operation Center (MOC) penciled out six years ago expenditures of  $150,000,000, 2023-2026.  Birt told Council the funds were "already stashed under the mattress" and in the budget.  He then "shocked" council requesting an additional $75,000.  Councilmember (CM) Steve Fields pointed to the Office of the Mayor's office over council's deep concerns six years ago at $150M.  VP Councilmember Jessika Forsythe asked Birt how confident he was with $225M   She noted "decision fatigue" for having to cope with continued new "asks." Forsythe asked for Birt's $225M level of confidence.  He couldn't' promise a hard number; that his estimate would have to be in a range.   

>> Investments in the "Bellewether City Annex" in Overlake were significant.  Director Carol Helland noted a condo was purchased by the city for $618,000.  CM Stuart lives in Overlake and was thrilled about the building's opportunity for affordable housing.  Coumcilmember Osman Salahuddin agreed with Helland about it being a "mini-city hall" for business licensing and a police sub-station.  

Details and a description of the Bellwether Annex are found here.

-- Bob Yoder, 7/15/2024

Derby Days / Council Perspective

In a council meeting Councilmember (CM) Stuart was surprised the city commissioners wouldn't be "on the porch" with Council to converse with the public at Derby Days.  She asked a city Director why the commissioners weren't included and learned it was the Executive Department -- run the mayor -- who decided against it, preferring staff be immediately on hand.   

Commissioners are--vital city volunteers with expertise in:  Parks & Recreation, Arts & Culture, and Growth Planning.  They serve four year terms, giving recommendations and guidance to council after in-depth deliberations. 

CM Stuart asked for a Derby event in the downtown park, saying it is our "Town Square."  The idea was rejected for the second year.  

Side-note:  If you listened to the Mayor's Derby Day video, a "Diaper Parade" is in the line-up. Diapers are needed up to 4-years of age.  Baby carriages?  Sounds cute, but unfortunately, diapers are unaffordable and for some families and they must be subsidized.

-- Bob Yoder,  7/10/24

Derby Days

\

CITY WATCH - UPDATED: Council / Mayor Salaries and Benefits

Council upped their health benefit premiums to full time rates and kept family rates, as is. They're concerned the mayor's Salary Commission isn't diverse. CM Osman Saladunnin noted the commission was all male. In addition to the $300/month stipend CM Jessica Forsythe suggested a ~ $200 / month stipend for transportation/convention was discussed..  CM Melissa Stuart pushed for additional stipends targeted to councilmember's cost of housing and day care.  CM Fields said the other councilmembers should have a stipend since  they have extenuating circumstances, too. Since their deliberations are being dragged out I will file a public records request in September.  -- Yoder

The mayor's base salary last year was $145,000. After further deliberation this June, Council decided to raise her base to $170,000 in 2025 with COLA's increasing the mayor's salary to $182,100 by 2027.  Council used the Park and IT Director's $228,000 salaries as benchmarks.  Council spent most of their time fussing over the car allowance.  They reached a $500/month number with and .65 milage allowance. Cell phone and ORCA is covered.  Councilmember Anderson did much to tease out and clarify benefit information.  

They make about $2,000/month now I think  and I'm thinking, in addition to enhanced health benefits and stipends their salary will double with COLA's included with some benefits matching staff's.   Each councilmember will receive $300/month stipend and .65 milage allowance.  ORCA card was a big thing.  Council is a part-time job, yet many work almost full-time and expect high compensation. Two members need more affordable housing, another has day-care expenses.  

The State requires an independent Salary Commission to make salary decisions for elected officials.  The commission, assigned by Mayor Birney's office last year was dysfunctional, recommending outrageous salaries, not counting benefits of approximately $8,000/year. - $114,00/year. She expunged the commission and on June 26, 2024 lined up commission citizens with stature:  Arnie Tomac and Hank Margeson (past Council Presidents,) Roy Captain (retired Planning Commission Chair and LWSD volunteer,) Arpit Gupa (council candidate,) Dave Cline (city finance experience,) Mousam Krismues and Dwight Ackerman.

-- Bob Yoder, 7/6/2024  opinion

Updated: HTH-Redmond Chronic Homeless Building Opens / Community Meeting, 7/30

"Grand Opening" of HTH - Redmond homeless building
 credit: Andrew Villeneuve/ NPI

According to the City, HTH - Redmond building in Overlake is now open. 

The Salvation Army will be hosting a community meeting for residents and businesses to learn more about how they will house 100 chronic homeless.

Where: Health through Housing (HTH) Redmond, 2122 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052  (Overlake Silver Cloud Hotel location.) 

When: July 30, 2024, 6 p.m. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact The Salvation Army at 425-689-5771 or email HHRedmond@usw.salvationarmy.org. 

BACKGROUND: 

The County paid $28.25 million for the Silver Cloud hotel in Overlake.  

Roughly four weeks ago 6/6/24, Tisza Rutherford, Redmond's Homeless Outreach Coordinator reported all 144+ units of the HTH-Redmond building in Overlake were presently unfilled, awaiting final construction of 100 units reserved for chronic homeless individuals. She didn't know how / if the remaining 44+ units will be used.   According to Tisza, 65% of the homeless individuals will enter from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue;  35% will enter from the outlying cities / locations. Tisza works with the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) to select and admit the individuals. She had 10 Referrals waiting for admission. The HTH - Redmond is providing only Emergency Housing. It has no kitchenettes. Permanent Supportive Housing is not guaranteed. Tisza's work and mission is invaluable.

Mayor Birney is on one of three disorganized KCHRA boards authorized to select a much needed new CEO which they now have. (3 CEO's quit.) 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/3/2024

[ In 2026, KCHRA will participate in selecting chronic homeless individuals for Plymouth Housing in downtown Redmond.  FAQ ]

Circle of Life - Moving On

 

Our roundabout way of getting to places in Gibraltar. 😊  

It is nice to be back home and with a fresh perspective after touring Europe for 16 days. I've decided, even more so, that Redmond needs not just news reporting but a "trouble-maker" (like me) to opine, to bring balance, accountability and government transparency to our community.  We deserve more than what the Mayor is delivering right now, especially with regard to King County's push for promised "harm reduction" of homeless housed in our two urban centers. 

In the Ives' Administration, Redmond Reporter editor John Huether gave me a monthly column, "City Watch."  My first column was published February 14th, 2007: "Tent City moves in at St. Jude."  Yes, the homeless problem in Redmond reaches back 17 years, even with affordable housing.  Some homeless were being bused in from Texas.  If I were to have a column today it would focus on mental health, especially on EvergreenHealth's progress in furthering community behavioral health care and improving the governance process. 

My daughter Lexie (LWSD K-12) born at EvergreenHealth is having a baby boy this summer.  I'll be writing and "watching" less often and some day leave Redmond altogether to be with my extended family. I'm writing with a sense of urgency in this circle of my life.  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/27/2024

Mayor Birney / Senior & Community Center

Redmond Senior & Community Center Ribbon Cutting

 

(L-R) John Marchione, former Redmond Mayor; David Carson, former City Councilmember; Jessica Forsythe, City Council Vice President; Keri Pravitz, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon on the Eastside; Loreen Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director; Senator Patty Kuderer; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney; Vanessa Kritzer, City Council President; Senator Manka Dhingra; Cari Scotkin, Redmond Arts and Culture Commissioner; Angie Nuevacamina, City Councilmember; and former City Councilmember Tanika Padhye. Photo: City of Redmond

Critical Area Ordinance, Public Hearing

 Great Blue Heron 
"Species of Local Importance"  
Sammamish River, Redmond, WA.   

Hello Planning Commissioners:

"I only caught part of your meeting last night, but it sounds like the State is requiring updates to the Critical Area Ordinance? 

As a college educated biologist -- similar to Mayor Angela Birney -- Critical Areas are important to me.   In the Ives Administration, I made "Species of Local Importance" and "Habitat of Local Importance" comments to the Planning Commission chaired by Mr. Snodgrass.  After much discussion, the commission decided on the Great Blue Heron (GBH) and Riparian habitat, in which it lives.   

UPDATED 5/16/24: Council Review Of "The Homeless Hotel" And Plymouth Housing

Video of Council's "Safety & Human Services Committee Meeting." 8/16/2024 (Mayor Birney didn't participate.)

Notable viewing stops:  

Min 18:15 - Police Chief's Quarterly Activity Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 40:00 - Start of the Permanent Supportive Housing Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 45:35 - Emergency role of the HTH Overlake Homeless Hotel.

Min 47:50 - Community Advisory Group

Min 56:55 - Council Policy 

Min 1:14:10 - Councilmember Steve Fields' dialogue with Planning Director Carol Helland:  

Helland said, as the Administrator carrying out Council's policy, "there is no Hearing required" by State law.  Background information is included in the Plymouth Housing - Redmond FAQ's.