UPDATED OPINION: Proposed Tree Code Needs Modification To Accomodate Housing Needs

Cottages in Kirkland / photo Master Builders
After removal, replacement trees must be planted on and *off-site.

The City of Redmond is refreshing their Environmental Sustainable Action Plan (ESAP) and wants Redmond 2050 input on trees, EVs, heat pumps and more.  Click ESAP to participate.  

OPINION:  The city has not updated their tree regulations in over 26 years.  They are procrastinating to accomodate  much-needed housing.  The removed trees are replaced with saplings but at numbers that can't reach Redmond's 40% canopy goal.  Off-site planting sites of replacement trees should be identified by Parks and Public Works to broaden canopy cover. The replacement trees are supplied by the developer and installations financed with one-time money and CIP funds.  

*Suggested off-site planting sites:  Parks, trails, Keller Farm (forested) wetland tree mitigation bank, streets, sidewalks and by-ways, urban growth easements, Light rail stations, M&O Center and other large city projects, the Heron Rookery,  schools, "plant a tree" neighbohood programs, Green Redmond, open spaces and more.    

According to the Master Builders Association  "A good tree code responsibly maintains or grows the level of tree coverage in a city while also allowing much-needed housing for current residents. newcomers and future generations."    

The city has a 40% canopy goal.  Canopy provides cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more. 

In my opinion, the following 2019 tree regulation modifications would improve code to accomodate need for balancing trees with much-needed housing.  It's a compromise:   

• For every one Landmark tree (30 inches or more) removed, six "replacement saplings trees" (rather than three) must will be planted either on-site, off-site or fee in-lieu. ($2,000.) in that order.  
• For every one "Significant" tree  (6 inches in diameter at breast height) removed three saplings (rather than one) must be planted either on-site, off-site, or fee in-lieu ($500) in that order.
• For each tree removed illegally by topping the contractor's penalty will be tripled. 
• On-site and off-site tree replacements  are arn't required for single family homes.  

Council, the Mayor and the Director of Planning & Community Development need to impliment suggested or similar abreviated code to maintain our quality of life while building much-needed housing. 

Bob Yoder, opinion, 4/21/2025

UPDATED: Redmond Seeks to Move Resources From Popular Old Fire House Teen Center

A video of teens giving passonate testimony to Council this week .

(click link)

The City may close down the Old Fire House Teen Center "for safety reasons" despite over 3,400 signatures to keep it open. Ironically, the Nelson Legacy Group (NLG) headquarters is directly adjacent to the Teen Center.  NGL the largest landowner and developer in Redmond.  

photo Bob Yoder

From the COR Marketing Department:  "Redmond is planning for the future of Redmond’s younger residents and wants to understand how to best serve the community of teens (approximately 13 to 19 years old), now and in the future.

Throughout spring 2025, the City will engage with the community to learn more about what Redmond teens need, how the City can best serve their interests, and where services are needed the most.

For more information on the project and the history of teen services in Redmond, visit redmond.gov/TeenServices(External link)."

-- redmond.gov  4/8/2025

###

On 04/15/25, twenty-two teens spoke pasionately to Council of the importance of the Redmond Fire House Teen Center, comparing it to how "sterile" and unwelcoming the Marymoor Community Center is.  Hear their passionate testimonies at this link:  

https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/3096?view_id=2&redirect=true

-- Bob Yoder, 4/18/25

"Hands Off" Demonstrators Rally At Downtown Park

 

"HAND OFF" DEMONSTRATION IN REDMOND DOWNTOWN PARK, photo Matt Loschen

In Redmond, attendees heard from City Councilmember and State Representative Osman Salahuddin and United States Representative Suzan DelBene. “This is the energy that’s going to send a clear message to House Republicans, Musk and Trump for tanking our economy, attacking Social Security and Medicaid,” DelBene said.

By Andrew Villenveuve, 4/5/2025

Cascadia Advocate (NPI) 

UPDATED OPINION: Tree Loss Is Severely Changing The Character Of Redmond

 I've lived in Redmond 44 years and have witnessed the severe tree loss. Fortunately, neighborhoods like Education Hill and Grasslawn have retained most of their character.  Loss in the urban centers and outlying developments is severe. - Yoder

OPINION:  When tree loss from city mitigation is combined with tree loss from  private development the impact to our environment and city character is severe.   A case in point is the Chelsea Square II project of two-eight story downtown buildings.  Its Tree Preservation Map shows all trees will be stripped including most lush street trees.  (NE 83rd Street, 164th Street.)  Especially damaging, Tree Regulations protecting our canopy haven't been upadated in over 26 years.  Good for the developers, bad for our environment and city character. 

   

Canopy provides  cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more.                

City Tree Mitigation Update, 2025:  

The City will remove, top or limb ~ 271 trees by late 2025 with more to come in 2026. 

BACKGROUND:  In 2023 the city assesseed 18,000 city-owned trees for health in parks, right of ways, open spaces, and street trees, to ensure public safety while preserving our urban forest. The assessment focused on trees that were 12” or greater in trunk diameter [significant and landmark trees] located within striking distance of a target, near streets, parking spaces, buildings, or structures. 

In 2024 the 35 the city's highest priority trees were mitigated for health risks.  Council Presisident Kritzer was unhappy when she heard of this and planned to look at them before they were cut.    

David Tuchek, a Deputy Parks Director said about a third of the trees would be removed, a third would be topped into snags for wildlife habitat, and a third would be limbed or pruned.  After hearing Tuchek's report, Council President Kritzer reneged stating the mitigation plan was a good for the city and wildlife habitat. 

In 2025, the city will focus on the next 50-60 highest priority trees with additional funding for mitigation in 2026.  That's a total of  ~ 271 trees that will be mitigated (removed, topped, limbed, pruned) by 2025 with more to come in 2026.  After a query by CM Fields the Parks Director listed several projects in place like Green Redmond for planting tree replacements. 

-- 3/25/25 Council Committee of the Whole, Parks & Human Services

New Anderson Park Community Gardens Sold Out

 

20 PLOTS ARE ALREADY PURCHASED AND ARE ELIGIBLE TO RENEW

All 26 plots are taken - $70 - $84/plot

Start date: Tuesday, April 1 2025.

Schedule:

 Every day, 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM,

 Open:  April 1, 2025 until October 31, 2025,

 Anderson Park Community Gardens,

Resource person: Cindy Johnson (This program is run by the city.)

Location: Anderson Park Community Gardens | 7802 168th Avenue Northeast, Redmond, WA, 98052

Description:

(Ages 18+) Do you love to garden, but need a space to call your own? You’re in luck – purchase a plot at a community garden! Having a garden plot is a great way to meet your neighbors, beautify our community, and harvest fresh food. All community gardens are open to the public to enjoy.

Anderson Garden Map

Note - Plots 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A are all Accessible (ADA) Raised Beds and you should only register for one of these beds if you need a raised bed or if no other plots are available. These plots are not eligible to renew for multiple years.

Garden Requirements:

• Attend the Mandatory Kickoff Meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the "Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village."

• Contribute a minimum of 8 service hours towards the common areas of the garden

• Practice only organic gardening

• Actively garden plot beginning April 15 and put plot to bed by October 31

City Counci Meeting Agendas Distributed By Email

 

Redmond City Council Agendas

for the Weeks of March 17 and 24, 2025

Starting March 16, 2025  agendas will be distributed twice a month and will include two weeks of agendas.

To sign up for email delivery of Council agendas click this link:  

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAREDMOND/subscriber/new  

• Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services (Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 4:30 p.m.)
• Business Meeting (Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 7 p.m.)  [THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO COMMENT AT BUSINESS MEETINGS IN CITY HALL - 3 MINUTES]]
• Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability (Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 4:30 p.m.)
• Study Session (Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 7 p.m.)
• Meeting Attendance: In person - Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th Street; Remote viewing options - Redmond.gov/rctvlive, Facebook/YouTube (@CityofRedmond), Comcast Channel 21/321, Ziply Channel 34, or listen at 510-335-7371

Study Sessions and Business Meetings are held every week in City Hall.  Click on the links and find useful and very interesting information related to Council/Mayor decisions. Staff always gives presentations at these meetings.  They and the Mayor run the government.  

"Committee of the Whole" is loaded with excellent information and topic discussion  e.g. 

Automated Speed Safety Cameras, Amended City Ordinance, and Camera Vendor Service Agreement

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Amended Redmond Ordinance 10.25, 3. Attachment B: Speed Camera Program Analysis and Recommendations, 4. Attachment C: Service Agreement Between City of Redmond and NovoaGlobal, 5. Attachment D: NovoaGlobal Sole Source Justification

-- Yoder, 3/18/25

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