Sanya Parsi Appointed Redmond City Councilmember

 

Front row l-r:  Angie Neuvacamina, Menka Soni, Sayna Parsi, Vanessa Kritzer

Back row l-r: Vivek Prakriya, Melissa Stuart, Jessica Forsythe

Stuart is President, replacing Kritzer -  Neuvacamina V.P. replacing Forsythe

Prakriya is 20-years old

Sayna Parsi was appointed by Council to finish Osman Salahuddin's term; who was elected State Legislature, District 48th. Sanya's term ends in two years. 

Saina Parsi — Identified in the interviews as having experience on the Parks and Trails Commission, private-sector program work and community organizing; she emphasized environmental stewardship, inclusive community outreach and using planning documents such as Redmond 2050 to guide decisions. 

Council Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Legislative Branch
• Provides to the Mayor direction on policy goals and objectives for long-term vision based on community values and needs
• Adopts the budget, sets fees, accepts grants, and oversees financial and performance measures
• Adopts codes, zoning, and standards in city law and regulations
• Approves contracts, real estate transactions, claim settlements, and interlocal agreements
• Approves pay ranges and union contracts
• Advises Mayor to support staff implementation of policies
• Represents the majority position of the Council to the public

Source:  redmond.gov

Photo:   Chip Cornwell, City of Redmond

Overlake's Growth In Redmond

Photo/ Bob Yoder

There's lots of interest in our downtown growth but don't forget Overlake.  The population in Overlake will one day surpass our downtown. Here's an eastern view of the "Seritage" 14-acre construction project on 148 Ave. across from the mega Fred Meyer store.  That ridge of evergreens will soon be lost.  There's talk of 15-30-story towers in Overlake. (The Red Robin is no longer. 😒) 

"Redmond is growing faster than many of us imagine, especially in the Overlake Urban Center.  A 14-acre Urban Village coined "Seritage"  will transform  Sears Plaza into office space, a hotel,  residential, commercial, retail and a large park.  High rise buildings are probable.  

·       The buildings could reach over 9 stories and will include both commercial space, hotel and residential units. 

·         When built, the project will generate over 13,000 vehicular trips a day. Currently planned, the developer-funded road improvements are minimal, in fact the traffic study states traffic will improve when the project is completed! The cities of Redmond and Bellevue will bear the burden of road improvements as part of their infrastructure plans.

·         There will be 2,300 parking stalls (vs. around 1,000 today). 

·         There is an already approved project next door (KCC Limited Edition) that will result in 885 homes, 173,000 square feet of office, 28,000 square feet of retail, an 80-room hotel. Adding this new, larger project to the area will certainly multiply the impacts of this development.

If any of the design assumptions on the project are not correct, the traffic gridlock in the area will intensify." 

-- Eugene Zakhareyev, 11/2017

   Redmond resident and property owner

   Past city council candidate 

   edited by Yoder, 1/12/26

As if Seritage is not enough, read about the Overlake East Master Plan: 

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-redevelopment-of-sears-plaza-is.html

-- Bob Yoder, 1/12/26

Redmond Fire Department Recruitment Video 2021

Excellent video!  Even more so, is John Oftebro's article: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department.” (from which this video came.)  John is the President of the Redmond Historical Society and his article can be found in their recent newsletter.  

-- Yoder, 1/7/26

UPDATED OPINION: The Fabric Of Our City Is Tattered

Middle and low income residents, the fabric of our city, are getting priced out of the community.  We are losing our base of volunteers and nonprofit members.  8-years ago living in Redmond was affordable.  Not today.  In a large way, of course our problem is inflation,  Home values in Redmond approximate $1.4M, twice pre-pandemic levels. Rent is increasing every year.

But, it's not just a problem of affordable housing. We have to cope with expenses we've never had:    

State Retail Tax.  $10 tax/ on every $100 retail goods purchased

8% Utility price increase this year with no end in sight owing to AI data center power needs.

Hospital:  Historic Levy Lid-lift, 50 cents / $1000 value (~$440/year on my property)  

LWSD:  Two proposed Levy-lid lifts:  Feb. 19th.  Capital increase ($44) and Programs increase ($180) on a $1.5M property.

Other segments of King County property taxes are increasing.

Sound Transit ~ $1,000/year

Proposed C.O.R. Parks and Safety Lid-lifts in 2026 or 2027. 

City staff are allowed up to 2-3 remote work days per week. The Parks Director lives in Kenmore, a Deputy in Duval, and another Deputy in Mill Creek. The cost of living in all these cities is less than Redmond.  Please set a compensation policy for remote meetings that encourages living in Redmond.   

Council members are responsible for developing and overseeing the budget so in light of the financial pain we feel, they must keep the staff compensation at the forefront in their deliberations and throttle it's growth. 

Compensation constitutes the majority of city operations and pulling a lever to slow its growth has never been more crucial. So far, it doesn't look good:  

196 new hires in 2025

Proposed 2026 Executive Pay Plan  Council decision on January 6th.  

Proposed 2026 Non Union Pay Plan  Council decision on January 6th.  

2026 Executive Organizational Chart  (new) 

Examples of Executive and Non Union employee salaries and bonuses.

-- Bob Yoder, 1/3/2026

Puget Sound Journal Honors EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo

 

EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo on right/ credit Anthony Bolante, PSBJ

Last night, Puget Sound Business Journal (PSB) hosted a private Power 100 reception to honor the Puget Sound's most influential people who are making news, getting things done behind the scenes, or using their wealth and power for the betterment of their communities. These honorees, including Dr. Palazzo, were brought together for a celebratory evening to applaud their accomplishments and connect with other impactful businesspeople in the region.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us recognize incredible leaders:
• Founding Sponsor: Bank of America
• Presenting Sponsor: Arnold & Porter
• Platinum Sponsor: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• Signature Sponsor: Alaska Airlines
• Cocktail Sponsor: Washington State University
• Bronze Sponsors: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound & Laird Norton Wetherby

-- December, 2025

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Quarterly Edition

 

 Board Member Volunteers --BIOS

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER  

Quarter 1, Vol 28, No 1

Highlights:

President’s Notebook: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department” by John Oftebro

Society Honors Legacy of Chinese Americans in Redmond

"Mom Phones Doctor Way" by Tom Hansen, Lifetime Member

"Redmond Historical Society Ice Cream Social & Membership Meeting"

January 10, 2 PM Happy Valley Range

by V.P. Laura Lee Bennett

Willomoor Farm: Clise Period, 1908-1915

 by Tom Hitzroth

NEWS FLASH!! Council Passes Motion To Rebuild Teen Center At Same Location

Council decided on November 19, 2025 the OFH will be rebuilt.

"Community engagement will be conducted as the rebuilding project progresses to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and that the voices of teens guide the creation of a new teen center."  - COR

"After an extensive community engagement process, study of financial and other implications of different options, and reviewing the stakeholder group recommendation and focus group results, the Council passes the following motion to provide formal direction on the Old Firehouse Teen Center facility: 

Rebuild the teen center on the same location. Prioritize expedience in construction, centering teen voices in the design process, and including music performance space and a dedicated recording studio to continue the Old Firehouse Teen Center legacy."

SOURCE:  AM No. 25-184 Business Meeting Agenda, 11/18/2025

AM No. 25-184

Type:

Consent Item

Status:

Agenda Ready

File created:

10/14/2025

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

11/18/2025

Final action:

Title:

Approval to Rebuild the Teen Center on the Same Location. Prioritize Expedience in Construction, Centering Teen Voices in the Design Process, and Including Music Performance Space and a Dedicated Recording Studio to Continue the Old Firehouse Teen Center Legacy

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Old Fire House Facility Recommendation Process, 3. Attachment B: Community and Stakeholder Outreach and Involvement, 4. Attachment C: OFH Stakeholder Group Final Report, 5. Appendix A - Stakeholder Group Charter, 6. Appendix B - Stakeholder Group Meeting Materials, 7. Attachment D: Redmond OFH Engagement - Community Focus Groups Summary

-

UPDATED: 1/6/2026: 2026 Redmond Executive And Non-Union Compensation Plan

In all the Council and Mayor meetings I've watched never once did they deliberate on staff salaries and benefits. 
They don't want to cut off the hands that feed them. 

After the Human Resources Director gave her Pay Plan presentation, Councilmembers Nuevacamina and Kritzer calendared a 12/9 study session.  Thank you Council.

2026 Executive Pay Plan not counting, COLA (3.8%), bonuses, merit increases, health insurance, retirement, perks.  Staff broke this link on 11/19/25

Effective January 1, 2026.  Maximum annual band is quoted.  Source for red 2024 bonuses was Public Record Request.    

Chief Executive Officer:  MAYOR  

Chief Operating Officer:  $312,579.17  (Runs Office of the Mayor?)

Deputy C.O.O. $273,238. NEW

Deputy Executive Director:  $218,863.34 (L.M.) [2024 bonus: $7,776.60]

  

Council requested an organizational chart.  (none on record)

Fire Chief: $273,328.24   

Deputy Fire Chief: $244,740.55

Police Chief: $273,328.24  

Deputy Police Chief: $244,740.55 [2024 bonus: $23,700,60]  Brian Coats, promoted from Captain.

City Attorney:  $273,328.24  

Deputy City Attorney:  $244,740.55

Supervising Attorney:  $202,982.98 

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (P.P.) $155,857.02 [2024 bonus: $7,204.20]

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (S.S.):  [2024 bonus: $3,602.19]  OMISSION 

Paralegal (NEW):  $112,714.38 

Total annual salaries, ~$1.1M+$150,000 + benefits

Public Works Director:  $255,958.34,  (promotion.) 

Deputy Public Works Director:  $244,832.88

Deputy Public Works Director: 

 

Parks & Recreation Director:  $255,958.24  (promotion) 

Deputy Parks Director: $218,863.34. 

*Second Deputy Parks Directer (D. Tuchek.) - [2024 bonus $7,461.60]  OMISSION

Chief Information Officer $247,745.68,  

Deputy C.I.O. $224,832.88

[2024 bonus $9,145.99]  OMISSION

Finance Director:  $247,745.68,  

 Deputy Finance Director: $218,863.64 [2024 bonus: $5498.13]

 Financial Analyst (non-representative) 

Human Services Director: $247,745.68  

Deputy Human Services Director: $218,863.34

HR Analyst, $140,682.28

HR Generalist (analyst) (NEW) $138,241.91  

HR Manager, $171,008.42

Consultant: CabotDow Associates

Total Annual HR Salaries: ~ $890,000 + benefits

Director Planning and Community Development:  $247, 745.63  This is an understated salary.  Director Carol Helland "runs the government" in a large way.  She Chairs the Technical Committee for all projects. She directs 2 deputies, all the Vision 2050 planners, Development project planners, affordable housing and homeless initiatives, human  services, has written a white paper on Overlake Village, past president of ARCH, directs code changes and amendments, attends community meetings.  

According to a 2024 Public Record Request Director Helland. was not given a bonus or a promotion to a higher band.  Whereas, the Director of Parks and Director of Public Works is slated for promotion this year and Director Helland is not.

 IMO the Human Resources Director has lost credibility. She calls her job an "art"  using  union contracts as the starting point for salary and COLA decisions system-wide.  Lately, (1/16/26) she says a consultant formulates the Pay Plans.  

  -- Deputy Director Planning and Community Development: (Sarafi A.) $218,863.34; 2025 Bonus: $10,000.  [2024 bonus: $5,647.20]

  -- Deputy PCD Director (Planning and Community Development) (Jason L.)  Job title and 2025 salary for this position was not  quoted in Human Resources original Pay Plan presentation  OMISSION.  2025 BONUS:  $10,000 [2024 bonus: $9,893,40] 

1 CEO, the Mayor

1 COO

2 Chiefs

8 Directors

15 Deputies 

4 Attorneys

5 NEW 

SOURCES: AM 25-1814 (altered by the city to AM 25-188) 

 2026 Union Pay Plan not counting health insurance, COLA (3.8%,) merit increases, retirement, and perks and more.  (City staff broke this link on 11/19/25)

 

Effective January 1, 2026.  Maximum annual pay band quoted: 

For the complete list of "non represented" employees go HERE:  (broken link)

City Clerk:  $171,088 

Assistant City Clerk

Police Captain:  $223,697.30

Police Support Civilian Commander, $202,982,98

Police Support:  $161,480.77

Police Lieutenants (3) $170,000 - $185,000 Teamsters

Police Sergeant: $161,257.54 ( 2025 Teamsters Local Union No. 117) 

Police Corporal: $140.695.24 (2025 Teamsters Local Union)

Police Officer: $122,158.48 (2025 Teamsters Local Union) mid-point

City Engineer Manager:  $211,794.58

City Engineer:  $211,794.58

Security Compliance Manager:  $211,794.58

Chief Policy Advisor:  $202,982.98

Supervising Attorney: $202,982,98.

Construction Manager  $180.412. 01 

Managers (16)  Parks, Finance, Utilities ($189,811.79) Emergency Preparedness, Project Management Office Manager ($202,982,98) Planning $189,966,78)  and more.

Supervisors (12) Attorney: $202,982,98.  In general:  $138K - $180K 

 

Paralegal:  $112,714.38 (NEW)  

DEI Program Advisor, $140,684.20  (Position moved to the Executive Department.) 

Behavioral Health Professional, $132,248.11

Administrative Assistants (secretaries):  $70,758,38, (minimum annual band) $83,141 (mid-point annual band)  $95,524 (maximum annual band)

SOURCE, AM 25-1814. Council Business Meeting Agenda, 11/18/2025.  (altered to AM 25-188; link broken by staff on 11/19/25.) 

AM No. 25-188   These links were broken by staff on 11/19/25

Type:

Staff Report

Status:

Agenda Ready

File created:

10/29/2025

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

11/18/2025 (compensation subject to Council approval.)

Final action:

Title:

Proposed Updates to the 2026 Pay Plans

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Presentation, 3. Attachment B: Ordinance - 2026 AFSCME Pay Plans, 4. Exhibit 1: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “A”, 5. Exhibit 2: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “AF-S”, 6. Attachment C: Ordinance - 2026 Executive Pay Plan, 7. Exhibit 1: 2026 Executive Pay Plan “E”, 8. Attachment D: Ordinance - 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plans, 9. Exhibit 1: 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plan "N", 10. Exhibit 2: 2026 Non-Represented Supplemental Pay Plan “N-S”, 11. Attachment E: Ordinance - 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan, 12. Exhibit 1: 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan “G-S”, 13. Attachment F: Ordinance - 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan, 14. Exhibit 1: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan “EO”, 15. Attachment G: Ordinance - 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan, 16. Exhibit 1: 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan “P”

UPDATED 12/4/25: Redmond Elected Officials Compensation, The Budget

 

Labor and benefits typically constitute ~ 55% - 70% of the operating budget for a municipality the size of Redmond.  Council's primary responsibly is budget policy so why don't they deliberate more fully on labor and benefit expenses?  Perhaps, they don't want to "cut off the hands (staff) that feeds them?"  by 12/4 UPDATE:  Council is deliberating on December 9, 2025 with a Consent on January 6th.  Thank you President Kritzer and Councilmember Nuevacamina for initiating the review.      Effective January 1, 2026: Council Member Monthly salary:  Annual $28,234.80. [$27,600 in 2025] Council President* Annual:  $28,234.80 [$27,600 in 2025] salary: *Council President receives an additional $200 premium per month.  (Salaries are not including health insurance with perks, COLA (2.3%) travel, phone, educational conferences, community events.) Mayor Monthly Salary:  Annual Salary:  $173,914. (not including COLA (2.3%,) health insurance with perks, retirement, phone, transportation, education conferences, community programs, and sundry perks.)  [$170,000 in 2005]  Source:  Altered from AM No. 25-1814 to AM No.25-188, 11/18/2025 Exhibit 14: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan.  (Staff broke this link on 11/19/25.) AM No. 25-188   Staff broke all these links on 11/19/25 Type: Staff Report Status: Agenda Ready File created: 10/29/2025 In control: City Council On agenda: 11/18/2025 Final action: Title: Proposed Updates to the 2026 Pay Plans Attachments: 1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Presentation, 3. Attachment B: Ordinance - 2026 AFSCME Pay Plans, 4. Exhibit 1: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “A”, 5. Exhibit 2: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “AF-S”, 6. Attachment C: Ordinance - 2026 Executive Pay Plan, 7. Exhibit 1: 2026 Executive Pay Plan “E”, 8. Attachment D: Ordinance - 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plans, 9. Exhibit 1: 2026 Non-Represented Pay [broken]Plan "N", 10. Exhibit 2: 2026 Non-Represented Supplemental Pay Plan “N-S”, 11. Attachment E: Ordinance - 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan, 12. Exhibit 1: 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan “G-S”, 13. Attachment F: Ordinance - 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan, 14. Exhibit 1: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan[broken] , 15. Attachment G: Ordinance - 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan, 16. Exhibit 1: 2026 Police  Commissioned Pay Plan “P”

UPDATED: Pat and Kitty Vache' Food Bank

 

 Redmond Market Volunteers

Trace, the Redmond Market manager said food insecurity from the SNAP cuts brought in twice the normal traffic.  Even with Trump reducing program funding from 50% to 30% the pain will persist. 

Pat Vache', retired Councilmember of 16 years, circulated around the work spaces including the produce line and managing the grocery carts. The produce is fresh and abundant:  bib & romaine lettuce, eggs, tomatoes, oranges, apples, rosemary, sage, chives, onions, carrots, cabbage, celery, fresh grapes, potatoes, bananas, radishes, cucumbers, squash, avocadoes, and more! 

Caned goods, rice, cereal, are stocked on all the shelves throughout.  The bagels and baguettes are popular. A holiday section is in the works. Diapers, aspirin, soaps and other sundries are available.  Food donations are accepted.

The deli was stocked with frozen salmon steaks, frozen strawberries, fresh raspberries, smoothie mix, sandwiches, vegetable trays, beef & pork steaks, decorated cakes and more! Much of the deli food came from "rescuing it" from grocery stores before they threw it out. 

Pallets of the bulk food arrive from commercial companies and are stored in the deep freeze and expansive refrigerator.  It's all an amazing coordinated effort; and a true blessing to work with Trace, and Zola in produce.  

Our "customers" and their children always leave with an appreciative smile on their face. Thank you Pat Vache' for all that you do, including finding the site for Hopelink Services and this market!

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2026

National "Take a Hike Day", Redmond Contains 59 Trail Miles

Redmond Watershed Preserve

Monday, Nov. 17 is National ‘Take a Hike Day’, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by exploring Redmond’s lush trails and natural spaces! Cooler temperatures mean fewer bugs, quieter trails, and colorful landscapes that will brighten your winter spirit.

Our top winter hike picks to celebrate ‘Take a Hike Day’ in Redmond include the 800-acre Redmond Watershed Preserve, a nature preserve (accessible by bus) with beautiful fall foliage and diverse habitats, the Farrel-McWhirter Loop that connects to Juel Park for a post-hike picnic or round of disc golf, and the Redmond Powerline Trail for those looking for a full day adventure. If the idea of hiking in November is new to you, check out the packing list and other resources for trail safety from the Washington Trails Association.

Redmond contains 59 miles of public trails, of which 39 miles are owned and operated by the City. Learn More About Every Trail.

-- City of Redmond, 11/3/25

Utility Rates to Increase 9.30% in 2026

"In 2026, PSE is proposing a 9.30% increase in electricity rates, adding about $11.20 more per month for a typical residential customer using 800 kilowatt-hours. Natural gas rates would rise by a smaller 2.07%, or about $1.51 per month for the average customer.

PSE points to several drivers behind these increases, including upgrades to the Baker River hydro project, deployment of advanced distribution systems to support EVs and rooftop solar, new clean energy from the Beaver Creek wind farm, wildfire prevention measures, and rising operating costs.

The result is higher bills for households, but also long-term investments in cleaner energy, safety, and *grid modernization." 

--  Puget Sound Energy, 10/11/2025

Sewer / stormwater rates in Redmond will increase, as well.  In addition, *AI requires a tremendous amount of power with no end in sight. Federal funds for relief can't be expected, with Trump.  At a recent City Council meeting President Kritzer noted King County is organizing all their cities to meet on this problem. Living in Redmond is unaffordable for many. Now this.    

-- Bob Yoder, 10/31/2025