Backyard Cherry Tree

 

Massive cherry tree specimen 

A view from my desk to our backyard cherry tree.  You can't see, but it's a grouping of 2 landmark trees and 2 others (cabled) reaching over our fence.  Can you find the bird house we nailed to the trunk years ago without use of a ladder?  Yes, it's grown tremendously in our 36 years here.  All kinds of wildlife live in this tree, including racoon families.  On the downside, it's a garbagy tree.  In the Spring, faint blossoms and copious pollen falls on our windshields for weeks, then in the summer and Fall a multitude of sepals, inedible cherries and leaves must be swept from the patio.  Though this monster is my "therapy tree," I'll be glad to leave it behind when I move out of Redmond this year.       

-- Bob Yoder, 1/25/2025

For personal reasons, I'm taking a break from this blog.  I may be back in several weeks or so. [Most of the "Popular Posts" on the sidebar are dated.] 

Updated: Redmond Kiwanis Club

You may have seen Redmond folks wearing blue Kiwanis shirts and hats around town.  Or, seen their name on the Senior Center donation plaque. They don't have a sign on the road but they are here and very active.  I was once a member when the Club was founded by retired Redmond Councilmember Pat Vache'.    

According to their Board, "the Redmond Kiwanis Club remains committed to serving our local community with a focus on reducing food insecurity, supporting youth programs, and engaging in outreach activities that foster connections within the area."  

If you're interested in learning more about them or want to join I recommend you reach out to Nika Kahhna.  Her email is:  President@redmondKiwanis.org; or visit their website.  Membership is $160/year, an application with BIO and informal interview is required and you need a sponsor.  

-- Happy Holidays,

    Bob Yoder, 12/18/2024

12/2024: City Staffer Says Development Has Slowed, Will Remain Flat

Yoder's Cartoon Opinion

Redmond city staffer writes "development in the City has slowed down compared to previous years and will remain relatively flat in the coming years."  

Overall, development in the City has slowed down compared to previous years, and this has had a noticeable impact on revenue. The decline in development activity became evident in 2023, and based on current trends, we anticipate that revenue from development will remain relatively flat in the coming years. Development revenue plays a crucial role in covering the full costs associated with the development staff. This includes salaries, benefits, and other operational expenses tied to the personnel who manage and oversee development projects within the City. Given the importance of development revenue in supporting these staff members, any fluctuations or declines in development activity directly impact our ability to maintain these roles at their current levels. To mitigate the impact of these fluctuations and protect against downturns in development revenue, we maintain a reserve within the Development Review Services fund (listed below). These reserves are designed to provide a financial buffer, ensuring that we can continue to support the necessary staffing and maintain service levels even during periods of lower development activity.

-- E.Z. Interim Financial Planning Manager, 11/6/2024

The 2025 estimated beginning fund balance for the General Fund is $51.9 million, which is used to fund reserves and contingencies that will be carried over and replenished each budget cycle. The remaining surplus is utilized to fund one-time (money) operating service enhancements, capital investments, and technology projects. The following General Fund reserves and contingencies are included in the preliminary budget:

 

• Economic Contingency ($4,645,228,000)  ("One-time money" is used exclusively for non-recurring expenses.)  
• Salary & Benefit Contingency ($5,365,000)
• Fire Overtime Contingency ($1,600,000)
• Body Worn Camera Program Reserves ($1,340,144)
• Opioid Funding Reserves ($557,000)
• Development Review Services Reserves ($3,619,750)

Source:   2025-26 Preliminary Budget / Expenditures 

Posted:  12/15/2024

Balducci Issues Statement On Harborview Tax Vote

 

Balducci issues statement on tax vote for Harborview Medical Center

 

The King County Council on Tuesday approved the so-called “Sunshine Ordinance” which sets the type and rate of county taxes each year, which funds a broad spectrum of basic government services. To fund Harborview Medical Center operations, maintenance and capital expansion, this year’s ordinance includes a dedicated property tax increase of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, costing the average King County homeowner about $7.30 per month.

After Tuesday’s vote, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, a member of the King County leadership group that led to the creation of the Harborview funding proposal, released the following statement:

“I am proud of the action we took today to ensure Harborview Medical Center continues serving the people of King County and our region. The public we serve – and the workers who make this hospital so critical to the health of our region – will benefit from the investments we are making. Harborview offers an essential lifeline by prioritizing those most in need of care and compassion with the fewest resources to access it: care for people without insurance, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and people with mental illness or substance use issues.

Mayor and Council Approve Credit Card Service Fees

The City of Redmond will start charging service fees for credit and debit card payments made online, over the phone and at the counter beginning December 2, 2024.  

Debit and credit cards used by Seniors will be charged fees of  2.75% plus 30 cents.  

Debit and credit cards used for Parks and Recreation registrations will be charged the same.  

Utility bills paid online or by phone will be charged $5.00.

Customers who wish to avoid the fee may pay with check or cash by mail or in person.  

Sources:  Senior "Encore" Newsletter;  City Council meetings

CITY WATCH: Updated Community Notes

NOTES ON THE STORM:    

Lots of comments at tonight's Council meeting on the severe cyclone wind storm.  

One lady complained that the warming stations closed at 8pm.  The community center closed at 8pm.  There was no place to go; no plan.  

Redmond AM 1650 emergency radio wasn't updated or current.  (It's available only in vehicles.) 

I'm a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer and saw no others during my trek outside.  I had to wave a woman with her toddler away from a downed power line.  She couldn't speak English. 

I was shocked to hear from a reader the City discontinued the CERT program.  He thought Councilmember Forsythe might know why.  Over 35 - 8 week CERT classes were held, now unorganized and unrefreshed.  When the next "Big One" comes our neighborhoods we will be unprepared. 

NOTES ON PLYMOUTH HOUSING and SILVER CLOUD:  

Plymouth Permanent Supportive Housing is expected to open late 2026.  Evan Sexton, the Plymouth marketing employee said Plymouth will hold open public office hours at the Together Center the second Wednesday of each month, 11am-2pm.  He said they've already had one Advisory Committee meeting. 

The county's Silver Cloud permanent housing staff are looking for community volunteers for the 15 residents housed there. 12 staff members work there!  Staff leaders give me the go-around when I try to help.  

ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINES:   Council President Kritzer prided the city about including the e-fire engine equipment on the budget.  Redmond is the first city on the west coast to pay for one. It was a race with Bellevue.     

CITY ISSUES $100 GIFT CARDS for select citizens participating in a 2-hour workshop on EV infrastructure and EV experiences.  The workshop will be held at the Senior & Community Center where charging stations are located.    

The Mayor purchased 5 new gas-powered snow plows and gave them names.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/24

Real Estate Agents Clamor for Cottages

Ian, City of Redmond long-range planner, gave a virtual workshop last week describing new Neighborhood Residential Zoning regulations enabling developers to fill the needs for "missing middle housing," as required by the State.  The new zoning begins 1/1/25.  He said that private market partners were especially interested in cottages.  The new zoning would allow up to 8 units on a lot and 6 if environmentally constrained.  They could all be rented.  Regulations on parking are loosened. The maximum height is three stories.  I'm guessing tear downs in the older, large-lot neighborhoods like Education Hill are now more likely.  

Kirkland cottages

Cottages are a way to add housing choice to low density residential neighborhoods. It is a form of missing middle housing. Missing middle housing is a range of housing choice designed to be compatible with existing residential neighborhoods.

Cottage development is identified as a collection of small homes. Instead of large backyards with tall fences, cottages often surround an open space. Open spaces may include children’s play areas, gardens, courtyards, and cooking facilities. If designed with care, cottage development provides community for its inhabitants.

In Kirkland, cottage developments containing less than five units are not required to have a common open space. Cottages within these smaller developments are encouraged to be oriented towards each other in a way to foster a sense of community.

Source:  Community workshop / Internet

-- Posted by Yoder, 11/22/24

Updated: Bomb Cyclone Hits Anderson Park

Four Anderson Park landmark trees were blown down in the same western direction by the eastern winds of the "bomb cyclone.".  

This landmark fir crashed into the well pump station and snapped in half.  Amazingly, it was the only park structure hit by a tree.  Power lines down.  No CERT volunteers present.

This park cottonwood fell in a western direction like all the rest.  The large root

balls will be saved and used in rivers, streams, mitigation banks, for erosion control, soil preservation and salmon habitat.  The city does a great job of installing them in Bear Creek, the Sammamish River. and their flood plains.  These 70-year+ old trees are irreplaceable.  

Photos by Yoder, day after the November 21 "bomb cyclone" 

Posted 11/22/24, updated 11/23

Updated: Mental Health Resonates In Kirkland

Kirkland is becoming the focal point for mental health care on the Eastside.  EvergreenHealth announced in their Fall "Monitor" newsletter they have expanded Behavioral Health into their new Canyon Park Urgent Care.

 One of their patients said:

Thank you for listening to me and helping me to get connected to a psychiatrist.  I feel like I have finally found what works for me, and it has changed my life.  

According to EvergreenHealth, "the initiative at Canyon Park is just a first step." They look forward to expanding behavioral health services to the broader community.  "Behavioral health is an essential line of service that levy funds are helping to expand into the community."

The Emergency Departments of EvergreenHealth have treated mentally vulnerable ill patients over the years...many severe.  Their ER physicians are backed up by highly-trained social workers and a remodeled department.  Treating these complex patients has been a challenge for community-owned EvergreenHealth.  Now...some terrific news for our community and outlying cities.  

CONNECTIONS

As of August, 2024 Kirkland has an amazing new 26-bed mental health "crisis care" service CONNECTIONS to take the burden off Evergreen and expand out-patient behavioral health care.  The Center is Located in Totem Lake behind the Olive Garden in a business complex. 11410 NE 122 Way.  425-650-4005.  

Highlights include: 

1. A walk-in urgent care facility available 24/7 to serve anyone with a mental health and/or substance use related need. Most folks will be good after being seen in the urgent care clinic and not have additional care needs. 

2. For people who come to a crisis care center and need a higher level of behavioral health care, there is a 23-hour observation unit. This full spectrum psychiatric setting includes comfortable recliners, nature photography that brings the outdoors in, and natural light.    

3. For those who need more than 23 hours, the center has a 14-day crisis stabilization unit with 32 beds in rooms with windows letting in natural light. This is a setting able to meet high needs and includes calming rooms and a common space.  

4. The center also has a meeting space to follow-up with people after they visit a crisis care center and connect them to helpful wellness or social services.  

Share the good news with your friends and family!  The doors are always open to all, with or without insurance.  

Finally, a Health Through Housing (HTH) homeless building is planned for Kirkland.

-- posted by Yoder, 11/18/24  Updated:  12/11/24

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

Big Feller, Much More Than A Dead Tree

  

Juel Park 

Snags like this one provide awesome habitat for woodpeckers, bats, screech owls, small mammals and insects.  Do you see the Piliated Woodpecker hole?   This snag is in Juel Park not far from Bear Creek ... a perfect perching site for eagles, Osprey and hawks.  - photo Yoder, 11/1/24

Adopt A Stream Drain; Report Spills

 

Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood

Adopting a neighborhood storm drain is easy (and fun!) and can help reduce street flooding and keep pollutants like yard chemicals, pet waste, and garbage out of our lake and streams. Most stormwater in Redmond flows into a storm drain—the metal grate in the street – and is carried to a nearby waterway. By spending just 15 minutes a month removing leaves, garbage, and debris from the top of the storm drain, you can help prevent flooding and protect the waterways that are home to salmon, frogs, and other critters.

Sign up to adopt a drain

Report Spills

Help Redmond keep soap, oil, dirt, and other pollutants out of our streams, lake, and underground drinking water sources. Call the City's Water Pollution Hotline any time you see pollutants on the ground, in the street, or in the natural environment. Working together, we can stop pollution in its tracks. Report environmental concerns to Redmond's Water Pollution Hotline: 425-556-2868

Learn more about keeping our water clean

 -- redmond.gov    Posted by Yoder, 10/25/24

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 

City Seeking Comments For Downtown Homeless Project

City Seeking Comments For Downtown Plymouth Homeless Housing Project 

INVITATION TO COMMENT:  COMMENT DUE DATE BY:  NOVEMBER 12, 2024

Description of Proposal: Construction of a six-story mixed-use development including 100 units of permanent supportive housing property management offices, resident services, interior and exterior resident amenity spaces, and approximately 2150 sf of commercial space. 

The building and surrounding fenced structure is located in Downtown Redmond across from Anderson Park and not far from Redmond Elementary. It will permanently house 65% homeless individuals from the Eastside and 35% homeless from the Seattle area.  The facility has "no barrier" to entry.  

 

To view more information about this project, click the link below.

Plymouth Supportive Housing | Redmond, WA 

 

To comment contact the city planner:

• David Lee
• dlee@redmond.gov
• 425-556-2462

Date of City Notice:  Monday, October 21, 2024 

                                           King 5 inclusive coverage 

2024 VOTER GUIDE TO INITIATIVES AND CANDIDATES

      Pro and Con Video of I-2066 State Initiative 

Let's Go Washington - Pro Initiatives

Progressive Institute - Con Initiatives

Seattle Times Voter Guide To All Candidates And Initiatives

License Plate Readers, 22 Camera Readers To Be Installed

License Plate Reader / Flock

In a 8/5/24 regular meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader program.  Installation of 22 cameras and subscription cost for two years are priced at $93,534.40.  It's likely the Mayor will finance the balance through the General Fund or Capital Investment Program.      

THE PROGRAM:   Strategically located intersections are identified within the City to place the "Flock" cameras to capture the most license plates entering and leaving the City limits. 

Councilmember Steve Fields made a point to say the program will not infringe on people's privacy. 

The concept of this approach is for officers and dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons connected to vehicles, and missing persons. 

-- Re-posted by Yoder, 10/17/24 

   Source 8/5/24 Council meeting

CITY WATCH: The City Council Will Hold Hearing To Oppose I-2066

 Vote "yes" on I-2066.   Washington residents and restaurants deserve a choice on using gas and/or electricity.  It's estimated the average consumer would have to pay ~$35,000 to convert all their appliances from gas to electric.  If I-2066 passes gas won't be banned from use by restaurants and households.  

Washington State has placed a ballot measure before the voters. Initiative Measure No. 2066 concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification. Initiative 2066 is scheduled to go to the voters at the General Election on November 5, 2024. 

The City Cou  the Council to take action on the resolution to declare its official position in opposition to I-2066. 

 "COUNCIL TOOL"   RCW 42.17A.555(1) authorizes the Council to take action to express a collective decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot measure so long as (a) the agenda includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and (b) members.

(Same Tool used by Council to validate their I-2117 Hearing)

Source:  10/8/24 Study Session "hopper." 

Council will hold a hearing at the October 15th, 2024 Business Meeting for the Council to take action on the resolution to declare its official position in opposition to I-2066. 

"COUNCIL TOOL"   RCW 42.17A.555(1) authorizes the Council to take action to express a collective decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot measure so long as (a) the agenda includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and (b) members.

(Same Tool used by Council to validate their I-2117 Hearing)

Source:  10/8/24 Study Session "hopper." 

Bob Yoder, Opinion:  10/17/2024

National Indigenous Peoples Day For Eastside Youth

A Proclamation On Indigenous Peoples' Day, by Joseph R. Biden,

October 7th, 2022

Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, assimilated, and banned from worshiping or performing many sacred ceremonies.  Yet today, they remain some of our greatest environmental stewards.  They maintain strong religious beliefs that still feed the soul of our Nation.  And they have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group.  Native peoples challenge us to confront our past and do better, and their contributions to scholarship, law, the arts, public service, and more continue to guide us forward.

                       "Am I Enough?" celebration at Lake Washington High

 Am I enough to be seen as an indigenous person?  Watch a short video HERE of students celebrating "Am I Enough." 

Mary Wilber, Program Coordinator of the Eastside Native American Indian Association organizes events for our Salish Sea indigenous youth.  She invites indigenous students from three school districts to her Monday evening classes at Lake Washignton High.  

Pam and I celebrated with the Eastside Native American families at Lake Washington High and in a Pow Wow at Juanita High.  Both ceremonies touched our hearts.  School Board members Siri Bliesner and Mark Stuart participated in the Lake Washington festivities.

Posted by Yoder

10/13/24

UPDATED 10/13: Council Notes: Funding For "Mini City Hall" and Avondale Water Main Replacement

Redmond City Hall

The City is asking our State legislature to fund significant projects next session, as follows:     

1) $1,024,475 to replace several miles of aging, brittle asbestos water main pipe on Avondale Road NE.  In addition, pavement will be re-surfaced for a total cost of $3.3M. 

The pipes "are brittle," with numerous breaks in the last five years.  Key concerns are: 

• Health and water quality
• Impacts to salmon-bearing streams
• Fire protection 

2)  $618,000 for 1,700 sf city service space ("Mini City Hall") in the Overlake Bellwether building.  With State funding the following services would be provided by 2028:  

• customer service
• police desk
• mobile integrated health
• translation services (42% of residents are foreign born)
• multi-cultural lobby with rotating art
• 333 units for low and moderate income (30-80% AMI) families and individuals. 
• access to light rail - across street from the Overlake Station. 

Source:  Amy Tsai, Redmond's

Chief Policy Advisor

Council Study Session, 10/8/24