Neighborhood Commercial: Grocery stores in neighborhoods?

BACK IN TIME:  This 2011 report explains how the City plans to zone commercial businesses in our neighborhoods.  

Grocery stores in neighborhoods? Coffee shops? Supermarkets?  Retail? Fruit and vegetable markets?  Will our neighborhoods be rezoned someday to allow for these businesses?  

On June 14, 2011 Redmond City Council spent another of many "study sessions" reviewing "neighborhood commercial" (NC) rezoning.  Planner Kim  Dietz's goal was for council to decide on where NC can be situated in the community and how to prevent "commercial creep."

The NC rezone method agreed upon by council includes certain requirements :

• no more than one commercial development concentrated in each of six different neighborhood areas spread throughout the city.
• rezones are no larger than 1-acre and predominantly near residential.
• development must be in close proximity to one of  the following three concentrations: a business, home, or recreation e.g. park. 

Vice President Pat Vache' noted this criteria will keep development on NE 116th only at both ends of the road, east and west. Councilmember Hank Margeson commented earlier this year that the "PCC" development on 116th and Avondale was an example of a good neighborhood commercial development.  Councilmember David Carson was concerned NE 116th could turn into a strip mall.  Vache' reminded Carson only one NC rezone was allowed per neighborhood area.  

Councilmember Kim Allen said "from an historical perspective NC has always been around." Councilmember Hank Margeson said, NC "is more open today but, is not wide open". 

Planner Kim Dietz reminded council that "none of our neighborhood plans (citizen advisory committees) say 'no' to neighborhood commercial.  Some were silent or speak to general support or a higher level of support..."   The Bear Creek neighborhood had a high level of support.

Margeson referred to his experience on the Education Hill Neighborhood Advisory Committee when citizens were committing to keeping an open mind.  He said  "The advisory committee was asked: do you want to encourage NC more?,,, find a spot where it might fit?,,, vs. a simple 'yes' or 'no' question." 

Councilmember  John Stilin wanted to understand what "keeping an open mind meant."   The Idlewood Neighborhood process requires a land use review in addition to a rezone. When pressed, Planner Dietz said neighbors could "opt out" of a project but, the final decision rests with Council. President Richard Cole clarified that when a developer applies for a project in any neighborhood, it would have a "review panel" (composed of neighbors and staff).  Vice President Pat Vache' concurred and the entire council,  agreed in silence.   
 
Council's final review was centered on concerns of 7/11 type convenience stores. Cole is extremely outspoken against these stores in our neighborhoods, as is Allen.  Councilmember Allen, a land-use hearing examiner in Kitsap, said these types of stores would be "regulated out" by hours and large signage.  Stilin said the focus should be on "aesthetics".  "7/11's" have a limited line of goods.  The types of projects allowed by council are:  supermarkets, fruit and vegetable markets, retail, cafeteria, restaurants, take-out, coffee shops.  Councilmember Hank Myers said all commercial projects would be subject to the Design Review Board.  Council will review the development criteria every five years.   

Citizens may comment at the Hearing scheduled for July 19.  Council has a final study session on August 9 and will vote on it September 6, 2011.
 
 Bob Yoder

July 19 Hearing - document

OPINION: The sidewalks on 166th Ave. are dangerously narrow

Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds

OPINION:  Two weeks ago and a woman running along a road in Chelan was hit and killed by an old man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Could it be a matter of time before a car loses control on 166th and runs into a pedestrian or bicyclist....or worse, a group of kids?  Children may walk in groups to be more visible to traffic and feel safer?  The oldest and tallest child usually walks closest to the street or on the curb. 

The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion.  The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes).  Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic.   Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses.  Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant.  She works for Metro in Safety.  A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.

When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car.  No wonder so few bicycle here.  It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks.  Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.  

Do you think 166th can take the traffic?  Do you think the city should finish the conversion?  The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections.  Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets?  What do you think?
 

Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder

Will our community "Realize" Redmond's Bike Park?

Kids are modeling clay to create bike jump ideas for the park. Bike jump
professionals gave talks. The kids also traveled to neighboring BMX parks for ideas.

Carolyn Hope facilitates bike park
design workshop at Horace Mann
President Richard Cole attended

OPINION:  In this week's City Council meeting at least six or seven parents addressed council in the "public comment period about the "Redmond Bike Park" (RBP) development project. RBP is a BMX/mountain bike jump park project on Education Hill.  It's been delayed by an appeal.

One citizen was adamantly against the park, calling it useful for only a small minority of the city population.  His back-yard faces the park.  Another was not against the park but bothered by the Notice process.  He lives a short walk on Ashford Trail in a nearby housing development.  All the other speakers were fathers of BMX biker youth vested in developing the park from years of volunteerism and seeing the good the sport brings to their children.  They spoke with passion and eloquence.  Dave Randall, was the first speaker.  Dave's comments are recorded in a Letter to RNB here. 

But, my reason for writing is to ask where is "Realize Redmond'' (RR) when the community and city needs their support the most?  "Realize Redmond" is a nonprofit, public-private partnership funded by City Council (6-1, Cole) with $50,000 in taxpayer seed money.  Realize Redmond used to be called the "Redmond Foundation". The mission and vision hasn't changed.  READ MORE >>

Redmond Centennial Celebration Plans Are Underway - Read how you can win the $500 award!

30-year Mayor Bill Brown coined the phrase: 
"All roads lead to Redmond"

 Redmond Centennial Celebration 2012

“Redmond was founded by true pioneers, men and women who came up the Sammamish River to a beautiful, yet untamed wilderness. We have been pioneering ever since – first logging and farming, now microchips and bio-engineering, while in the future we look towards a diverse economy with businesses thriving in both the downtown and Overlake.”
  --Redmond Mayor John Marchione

Redmond Centennial Redmond incorporated as a city on December 31, 1912 when the birth of Ernest Alexander Adams brought the city’s population to 300, the number required by State law. The driving force behind incorporation was the ability to tax liquor sales – the funds of which were needed to finance a waterworks system.

Redmond’s Centennial will kick off at Redmond Lights 2011 and culminate in a special celebration at the end of 2012. Throughout the year, special new events will augment Centennial celebrations incorporated into existing community events – the manner of which to be determined by the committee.

See who's on the the Centennial Blue Ribbon Committee!  Learn how you can participate in the Centennial Logo Competition & earn $500!  READ MORE >>

Kimball Administration explains construction plans for STEM and High School additions to Board

Eastlake High School Addition Project Site -  Aerial

UPDATED, 5/25/2011:  At the April 18, 5PM Board meeting, LWSD Facilities Director, Forest Miller made a Board presentation on six schools planned for construction in 2011.  Community presentations for the same six schools took place weeks earlier in the form of  self-guided "neighborhood input sessions", land use Hearings, and posted notices.  According to Kimball, the district held a PTSA meeting for ICS totalling "100 members".

This piece reports on the Eastlake and Redmond HS additions and the STEM school.  (Bell, Rush and ICS/Community will follow.)  Rose Hill Junior High construction is planned for 2012 and wasn't addressed to the Board, although a neighborhood meeting, a community meeting and environmental review have been held.

Sup. Kimball praised  Director Forest Miller's department saying "I couldn't be more proud of the work that's being done with this modernization area of the Facilities team."

Forest told the Board, "this is the most number of major construction projects being handled at any one time in the history of the District."  He referred to "12 major school construction projects so far, plus 3 projects from the 2011 Capital Projects Levy."

Forest Miller, District Director of Support Services handles transportation and facilities for the district.  Mr. Miller indicated by email that  his modernization responsibilities "cover the real estate, working with the developer and project manager (VEERY), reviewing the design plans, environmental issues, maintenance, liaison to regulatory agencies, and budgeting."  The District hires HEERY International as developer and project manager for all school modernizations.  HEERY replaces and builds the schools from start to finish. Cities run the permit review process. Below, is a summary of the  Board presentation:

EASTLAKE H.S. ADDITION:   The addition is located on the stand of trees in front of the school.  A two story structure will house 14 classrooms with potential for seven portables in the northern school area.  Extra office space is built for counselors and administrators.  The project calls for auxiliary gym by the football field.   Pres. Pendergrass commented it's for gym class space.  A mezzanine is added to the cafeteria for extra seating.  The City of Sammamish requires a secondary access road so 233rd from the North so 233rd will be widened.  This requires removal of two tennis courts.  Six will remain.  Pending Public Review, work starts in 2011 with completion in 2012.  School Board-member Doug Eglington commented he personally saw the Notice sign: "duly posted" on the property. 

REDMOND H.S. ADDITION:   The two-story, 14 classroom addition is located in front of the Performing Arts Theatre. The plan has potential for up to 7 portables just east of the northern section of the football field.  The construction will include additional parking for the administration.  Space for the administrative office, counsellors, and career center will be built.  The wall in the Commons Area is removed, though the Cafeteria space remains the same.  An auxiliary gym in front of the weight room is planned; 33 new bike racks installed.  The original school architects are contracted for each high school addition.  Construction starts in 2011 pending Public Review.

Annotation:  Dr. Kimball sat before the Redmond Council last year asking for a city endorsement of the Capital Projects Levy.   Council Pres. Richard Cole was hesitant to endorse the Levy since RHS is only about 5 years old; and already an addition is "needed."  Where's the planning, he asked?  Dr. Kimball responded "he wasn't the Superintendent at the time" when RHS was re-built.  Council endorsed the Levy 6-1 (Carson).  This project is actively under review by the public.  Comments?   

Click the blue "Read More" link

Redmond council approves $10 million bond for parks and open space land

Redmond City Hall



In their last Regular meeting, Redmond city council voted 5-2 to "approve $8.5M limited tax general obligation bonds - not to exceed $10M - to obtain part of the 2011 funds necessary for park and open space property acquisition."   The Downtown Park will consume most of these funds. Council President Richard Cole stated: 

"I'm not going to vote for this tonight".  "We have $120,000,000 debt in this city - about a half of that is for this building (City Hall); although the cost of financing here is now less than (the principal).  Two years ago we borrowed when the bidding climate was good, but this is above my threshold."

Councillor David Carson was the other vote against the bond "but for another reason".  Carson said " I mean...the bonds should be spent in favor of infrastructure for capital projects, not for land acquisition."

READ MORE >>

UPDATED: Much to do about the Mayor's salary

President Richard Cole
ran the salary review session

UPDATED:  The Mayor's salary for the next four calendar years will be $125,000, up from $106K.  Council made the decision 7-0 in their last meeting.  When you count a $6,000 annual car allowance the Mayor's total taxable compensation is $131,000. 

According to HR Director Kerry Sievers, "The Mayor's benefits package is approximately 30% ($39,300) of total compensation."  So, the mayor's  taxable compensation plus *benefits during the next mayoral term is $170,300/year.  He gets the same COLA as non-union staff.  (Do you think the Mayor is paid enough? to much? to little? Take the poll on the right).

As a reference, Councillor Stilin quoted the current highest paid city director salary at ~ $149,888.  Sievers said up to a 15% annual bonus may be awarded, plus benefits  Next year, this city director's compensation & benefits package could be as high as $224,082.

The Redmond Mayor is a "strong mayor" which means he is an elected representative AND the business manager of the city . The Mayor is Redmond's CEO.   In city council's January 11 Study Session, Councillor Hank Margeson said our mayor must be a professional and have special skill sets to be able to run the government.   Mayor Marchione has a Deputy City Administrator who manages city staff.  But, the Mayor stands at the helm, running regional and city affairs. 

Council President Cole, Carson, Stilin and other members agreed the Mayor's salary must be high enough to attract a professional CEO, but not too high owing to the job's subjective elements of public service and altruism.  (Altruism:  "unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others".)   According to Mr. Cole, the filing deadline for candidates wishing to run for mayor is the first week of June, 2011.  Same for council.  READ MORE >>

Development of the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church

January, 3, 2017 update:   Construction of the Church was completed in 2016.  It's located in Kirkland.  

Background information, 2011:

The recent crisis in Egypt and Seattle rally reminded me of the growing Egyptian resident population in Redmond.  Samiha Korshed is an influential Egyptian resident of Redmond.  She was cited in the Seattle Times:

"An estimated 1,500 - 2,000 Egyptian natives and family members live in the Seattle area, said Samiha Korshed of Redmond, who runs a social-network group for local Egyptians.  Kroshed likened the movement in her homeland  to the American Revolution.  She said the American government should not come to Mubarak's aid.  "I want to ask every American how they would feel if another country told them who their leaders should be."
  -- Josef Federman, AP, Seattle Times, 1-20-11.

###

Below is my November 22, 2009 report of the Christian Egyptians in Redmond.  They were trying to build a church on Rose Hill:  

Over 250 Russian and Egyptian citizens turned-out at the recent City Hall meeting of Nov. 2009

The last City Council meeting (11/17/09) could be labeled "organized chaos," or "history in the making." For Mayor John Marchione it was a home run. Probably, close to 300 citizens showed up. One of Marchione's Budget priorities is to "build a sense of community and connections with others." The Russians had issues with the city about a large office park next to Sears.

Christian Egyptian Church Site awaiting
sewer hook-up to Redmond

More than half of the attendees were from St. George Coptic Orthodox Church - a growing, peaceful community of Christian Egyptians seeking freedom in America from religious prosecution.

The church members came to Council seeking a sewer line extension-exception to service their proposed NE Redmond church. The project site is on county land planned for annexation. The annexation currently has 59% election approval: it needs 60% approval for annexation into Redmond.

Councilmember Richard Cole laid the hammer down referring to Redmond's long-standing urban growth boundary policy denying city sewer extensions into the County.  Mayor Marchione summed up the Council's decision stating:

"We welcome the St. George Coptic Church into the community, but this in not the vehicle in which to do it. The vehicle is through annexation."

Paul bought the lot next door to escape
the intersection traffic and gain better
access to NE 132nd Ave.  He lives
across the street from the church.  

UPDATE:  1/30/2011 -   I talked to Paul Paxhia today. His family lives right across from the church site on NE 100 St.  Church ingress and egress is on NE 100th Street adjacent his home.  Paul said the city annexed the county land  ("by a hair's margin")  about 6-8 months ago and it could take years for a sewer line extension.  In the meantime, without access to sewer, the Coptic church land remains idle.   Paul and three neighbors didn't sign the annexation petition owing to issue with severe traffic congestion on the intersection of 132nd Avenue NE and NE 100 Street. 

Report and photos by Bob Yoder

Updated: 70-75% of responses from Redmond Fire Stations are for medical emergencies.

Rendering of Fire Station 17 - Courtesy of City of Redmond

The public is invited to join the City of Redmond at the groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 17 in North Redmond on Thursday, January 27 at 10 a.m.

Mayor John Marchione, City Councilmembers and Fire Chief Tim Fuller, among others, will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

Fire Station 17 is scheduled to house a Medic One unit when it opens.  In a meeting with Council President Richard Cole today, Mr. Cole indicated response times should improve in the North Redmond/Education Hill area.  Units will avoid the traffic congestion of Avondale, Novelty Hill Rd, and Redmond-Woodinville Road.  He said a Medic unit will be housed in Fire Station 17 in advance of the fire trucks since Medics respond to 75% of all emergency fire calls.

No parking for the general public is available on-site. Guests must park in the north lot of the Church of the Holy Cross, 11526 162nd Ave. N.E. Access to the lot is best from NE 116th Street just east of 162nd Avenue NE. Shuttles are available from 9:30 to 9:55 am to take guests from the parking lot to the site and return them to their cars at the completion of the ceremony.

Reported by Yoder

Source:  Council President Richard Cole
Marta Gronlund, City Communications



Marchione Administration Proposes Job and Population Growth Targets

President Richard Cole

UPDATED:  Redmond City Council reviewed the Administration's proposed 2030 growth targets last week.   Council was told most new residential and job growth is planned for the Overlake and Downtown Urban Centers. SE Redmond is targeted for the most new employers.  Residential growth in the neighborhoods will be heaviest in North Redmond and Willows-Rose Hill.

Councillor Hank Margeson rattled off the Administration's plans for 6,000 new residents in eight years; that's 750 new residents/year with 1,075 new jobs by 2011.  Margeson asked staff:  "are we on course"?  Councillor Hank Myers said "it's clear to me we have capacity (for growth) without degrading lifestyle or quality of life."   Read more...

Read More

UPDATED: Redmond Council To Hold Special Meeting on Budget

President Richard Cole (3rd from left)

UPDATED:  This evening, 11/30,  the Mayor is asking Council to review and possibly vote on the proposed budget and the Tax and Fee increases that are budgeted for the next two years (2011 -2012).  You may comment by email.


 PROPOSED TAX AND FEE INCREASES:
>  1% assessed property tax increase of $291,777
>  $2,980,533 Salary, Wages, Benefits increase includes 1% ($680,015) cost-of-living increase.
> 10% Water Rate increase for city
> 14% Water Rate increase for Novelty Hill Service Area
> 28% Wastewater Rate increase for Novelty Hill Service Area (2011 only)
> 4% Wastewater Rate increase for city.
> $240,000 Business License Fee increase (BITI)
> Stormwater Capital Impervious Unit Charges increase to: $8,539 (Overlake) and $5,435 (Downtown)
> Stormwater Capital Impervious Unit Charge for developers increase to $958/unit.
> Impact Fees on LWSD and private developers 1.64% (FIRE), 1.24% (PARKS)
> 50% reduction in the Flower Pot Program (open for reconsideration tomorrow)  Read More.

READ MORE >>

UPDATED: Redmond City Council Will Vote To Confirm Salary Commission Appointments

UPDATED, 10/5 -  By Consent Agenda, tonight, 10/5, the Council silently voted unanimously "aye" to confirm the Salary Commission appointments.

In the October 5 City Council Meeting, Council will vote to confirm the appointments of seven citizens to an "independent Salary Commission." The Commission is charged with reviewing Council’s $850/month salary and benefits “to determine if an adjustment is needed.”  Council member Richard Cole estimates each council member works significantly more than ~672 hours/year.  2004 was the last time Council’s compensation was reviewed. What initial thoughts do you have?

Fifteen citizens applied for the seven-member Salary Commission, in response to city advertisements this September 2 - 24.  Senior council member Richard Cole wrote:

"We (council) have agreed that each council member will pick one person. The names will go to the Mayor who will make the appointment. The council will still have a confirmation vote just like the other commissions. There will be seven commissioners".

It is not known at this time which council member picked which candidate. According to document AM-No.10 194  the following citizens are appointed by the Mayor:  Mary Bourguignon, Sally Chen, David Chicks, Rand-Scott Coggan, Karin Duval, Marilyn Rice, Sheri Sanders.   It's expected commissioners will begin their work mid-October with a decision by December 1, 2011.

The Mayor’s compensation will be reviewed this year, as well, but not by the Salary Commission.  READ MORE >>

The Price of Redmond's Downtown Central Park

 Windermere-Redmond, Quiznos, Redmond Cycle, Brown Street Square and a few small buildings behind it will be soon be demolished.  161st Street,  in the foreground, will connect to Cleveland St.

The above downtown buildings are taking their "last stand" before demolition for the new, Downtown Central Park.  Completion of the park is anticipated between 2012 - 2014.

I ran into Mike Richards, owner of Brown Street Square, outside his building yesterday.  It's on the demolition list.  Mike said he decided to move here in 2001 because apartments and condos were planned for the area and could benefit from the businesses in his building.  He never expected a 2-acre downtown park.  It wasn't on the drawing boards.   A KING 5 reporter on February 16th interviewed and videoed some of the Brown Street Square tenants in distress about having to leave.   

Mike said  land was cheaper further east on Redmond Way.  He said the city will be spending $40,000,000 for this park and location.  The price for the park varies depending on your source, but over time the trend is up.  The Seattle Times reported $16-17,000,000 on 12/23/2009.   On 7/16/2009, the Redmond Reporter wrote the City budgeted $27,000,000 for the downtown park.    

A public-private nonprofit "Redmond Foundation" was formed several months ago to raise private donations.   Mayor Marchione is on the Board .  Council subsidized it with a $50,000 grant to pay administrative expenses and to jump-start the Foundation.  Councilman Richard Cole was the only member voting against the grant. 

In an inteview with KING 5's Lori Matsukawa, Richard Cole said:  "We are putting 5,000 dwelling units in the downtown and those people, in order to attract them here, we think a park is an absolute requirement."   The City hasn't announced how many residents outside of Downtown are expected to use the new park.
  
Reported By Bob Yoder
iPhone photo by Yoder

CITIZEN OPINION: Redmond Mayor sits on a 20-day Notice from the Washington State Liquor Board

OPINION: Updated, 6/1/2012:  As you travel on Redmond Way, just past Key Bank in the center of town, you'll see Redmond's new State liquor store - a beautiful, large brick building with high beam ceilings, built in the 1920's by Mayor Bill Brown. It's a city Landmark.

Passing the liquor store, you can't miss the loud, large red signs that stick out from all angles. Even Mayor John Marchione agreed during Tuesday's Council meeting saying the "sign is ugly". Mayor Marchione explained the signage by stating:

"Like any other developer, they pushed back the letter of the law without having to make any other expense."

I spoke 4 minutes to the Mayor and council about how upset I and some of my neighbors were with the signage and it's location in a city Landmark building.  It surprised me a State could relocate a liquor store and not give public notice or allow comment. Unbeknown-st to the public, John Redal, Dir. of Retail Operations, State Liquor Control Board said "Mayor John Marchione received a 20-day written notice on October 21, 2009 from the State Liquor Control Board." (click photo to enlarge the complete letter). The notice said:

"....This new store (on 16839 Redmond Way) is tentatively scheduled to open in January of 2010.... If you wish to comment on the proposed location, please notify us within 20 days from the date of this letter, along with a statement of your concerns."

At the council meeting (starting on minute 10), Mayor Marchione admitted: "I did receive a letter giving me 20 days about the location of the liquor store, only asking if it was a good site or not." The Mayor commented: "I did not respond because it's an appropriate use of the building".  The Mayor never called the Liquor Board to ask for signage considerations or ask for a location different from the 90 year old Landmark.

I asked John Redal if a call from Mayor Marchione would have made a difference. He said the Mayor never called but "because no lease was signed at the time of the letter" he could probably have given some consideration to a change in sign color.  Mr. Redal went onto say, "In hindsight, I wish I'd known because green colors on signs were a possibility."  I don't recall if Redal commented on options for number of signs, their size or design.

Mr. Redal said that one Contract Liquor store location "was changed due to community concerns with the location being too close to a school."  He went onto say, "As a responsible retailer we are, we would always consider the communities input, prior to the location being established, thus the reason for our notification process".

Mayor John Marchione summarized, in council chambers: "The History of Redmond is colorful because Mayor Brown DID own liquor stores and saloons. So, I actually find it kind of an inside joke that his garage became a liquor store. As Councilmember Myers says, it's the use that counts..."

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder
6/1/12, Rev. for clarity.

Sources:  Redmond Council Meeting, 5/18  2010. (scroll to minute 10 to watch audience comments)  This meeting tape is in city archives.
Agency Policy #680  "Siting Liquor Stores"

Washington State Liquor Control Board   "achieving a 95% compliance record on sales to minors"

"Old is the New Green"  City of  Redmond campaign connects green house gases to historic preservation. 

Redmond Historical Society
"Redmond Reflections: from settlers to software", with over 800 images, by Naomi Hardy (click to order)

Redmond Council confirms Ron Gibson for City Police Chief

At its April 27 meeting, the Redmond City Council confirmed Mayor John Marchione's choice for City Police Chief, Ron Gibson, currently the Deputy Chief of Colorado Springs, CO (population 418,076).

"Throughout the interview process, Ron displayed the characteristics and traits required of a director on my management team," stated Mayor Marchione. "His leadership and management skills, along with excellent interpersonal skills, will make him a valuable addition to the City's Police Department and the community."

Councilmember Dave Carson said,  "The thing I took away from our first meeting was you are just personable and I think people really want to see that.... We were just really impressed with your demeanor your skills and background....and your personality."

Councilmember Hank Margeson said, "This police force you are about to take over is one of the elite, in my mind, not only in the state but in the nation.  I couldn't think of a better candidate to help lead those many, many leaders that we have on the streets making critical decisions every day...."

Councilmember John Stilin said:  "I like to make things pretty personal for me, and I would want to work for you.  When I heard you talk about how you would grow people -- it's something that I heard from a former boss that I had.  He called it "Sandbox Theory":  you give people a place to play, you tell them to kinda go and do the best they can do and you come up with solutions and you let them run."

Councilmember Pat Vache' appreciated Ron's "inclusiveness, openness, and getting community involved -- I think that matches well with the department we have now... and  learning how to get continuously better."

Councilmember Hank Myers is Chair of the Public Safety Committee and will interact with Chief Gibson extensively over the next 20 months. Mr. Myers commented about Gibson's "history of interaction with the community, human service agencies,  non profits,  civic agencies community agency to help  broaden the appeal and the cooperation between police department and community."

After the Council confirmation, Richard Cole, City Council President remarked, "The process to hire a new Police Chief took just over one year and has been well worth the time."

Mr. Gibson holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Colorado State University, a Masters of Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Center for Creative Leadership.   Mr. Gibson will relocate to Redmond and begin his position as Redmond's Police Chief in June.

By Bob Yoder
Source:   Council Meeting tapes & city press release

Annual Horace Mann Pancake fundraiser not so ordinary!

HORACE MANN PTSA ANNUAL
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Dad's have to get up at  5:30 a.m. to start whipping up the batter.  (Moms sleep in?) 

The grill is just outside the school kitchen.  Other dads are in back frying up some bacon and cutting orange wedges. 

This year the gate opened at 7 a.m. The kids were treated to ring-side seats of the Greatest Saturday Morning City Show On Earth!

A large contingent of police and fire workers turned-out!  They all bought tickets to support the PTSA and fill up on cakes.  Then John Marchione, our Mayor, stepped in.  Four  councilmembers came too!  On the left with hat, is Council VP Pat Vache', Mayor John Marchione is in the middle and on the right is John Stilin - our newest councilmember.  Mr. Stilin brought his two sons.  He's the Council Chair of Parks & Trails.  Not seen is Council President Richard Cole and Councilmember Hank Margeson.  Hank Chairs the Finance Committee.  Hank had to leave early to get to a baseball  Referee Certification Progam.   Hank informed us about the breakfast when he announced the event on RC-TV during a council meeting. Thanks, Hank!

The kids got a huge bonus when the fire trucks stopped by.  "Hey, this is better than chocolate milk"!

I can't remember my daughter Lexie ever sitting down with her pancakes to an event of this proportion.  Wow.  What a treat!

The PTSA mom's were happy, too!   

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Do any other Horace Mann parents remember these times?   Do you want to share a memory?  Or, comment on the fundraiser experience of your school? 

Part II: Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce - the value of Education and Technology in the mix.

Reviewing the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce as compared to Hillsboro, OR and Beaverton OR Chambers of Commerce, it is notable the Redmond Chamber Board is loaded with government-related members and thin on technology and education, as follows:

Government representation:  1) Rob Odle, City of Redmond (COR) Staff Director  2) Richard Cole, COR Councilmember, 3) Pat Vache' COR Councilmember (Kinections), 4) Tom Martin, Evergreen Hospital V.P (public hospital)., 5) Auggie Kempf,  Evergreen Hospital District Board of Directors (Kumpf et al).

Government orientation:  6) William R. Garing is the Chamber's "governmental affairs" (Evans land use) and 7) Gene Wilkstrom (Executive Director of NW Career Colleges Federation).  NW Career College prioritizes governmental affairs and advocacy for private career colleges.

Technology:  Microsoft.   Education:  NW Career College Federation.    

Sidebar:  Not all government is excessive.  Auggie Kemp brings many resources to the table as a small businessman, elected official , and affiliation with Kirkland-based Evergreen hospital.   Pat Vache' has a valuable perspective as an elected official , small business owner and trustee of Hope-link and Lake Washington School Foundation. 

The City of Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce combines technology with education to grow and train their city's present and future workforce.   Their *Technology Center and "School to Work" (STW) programs are twin pillars towards this end.  The Chamber's popular program  has three staff dedicated to STW.  STW recruits business owners to volunteer their time to develop their future workers by:

•  visiting a classroom and talking to students about your career (1 hour investment)
•  inviting a student to job shadow to get an inside look of your job and company. (3 hour investment)
•  site visits to provide a tour of your work-site to a class of eager students. (1-2 hour investment).
•  an internship:  students work on specific tasks in your business on a regular basis related to classroom studies.  (15-30 hour investment). 

Can you think of Education and Technology community leaders that could drive similar programs for the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce?  Washington Voc. Tech.?  Digipen?  LWSD Superintendent?  Nintendo?  Physio-Control?  The Mayor?

A vibrant local economy starts with a vibrant Chamber.  Part III in this series will be on how the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce can help meet community and city needs for leadership.

  by Bob Yoder

"ATTENTION! The comment under this Council Committee story may make you drowsy. Do not operate a vehicle after reading it!!"

For the sake of brevity and your reading enjoyment, I've posted edited excerpt's of my correspondence with City Clerk, Michelle McGehee under "comments".  

To find our Q&A please press the "comments" button underneath this post.

Chair Hank Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 9/17

This committee meeting had quorum and voted to advise staff on an annexation issue.

 L-R Hank Myers, Kim Allen, Richard Cole (by door), Hank Margeson (under clock)

Council President Nancy McCormick

story and photo by Bob Yoder

The new Sammamish Rowing Association BOATHOUSE is approved.

Sammamish Rowing Association Club is on County land and is open to the Public

The Sammamish Rowing Association (SRA) is a fantastic public asset for city and county residents wishing to take up the sport. Hundreds of youth and adults take classes every year to learn how to scull and crew on beautiful Lake Sammamish.

This popular and growing sport has needed more boathouse space for its "shells". exercise equipment and operations for years. Unfortunately, land use permitting by the county and city have delayed the project for many more years!

On June 2 the City Council held a restricted, closed public hearing so SRA and an opposing citizen could explain their case. The opponent did most all of the talking as Council had to decide if they would deny the city use permit based on the citizen's complaints. Ms. Dickson lives across the street from SRA and her primary motivation was traffic and adequate parking. She also tried to make a case for environmental damage from wetland destruction.

SRA was well prepared: 1) a left hand turn lane will be installed on Lake Sammamish Blvd. My whole family rowed at SRA and we know this improvement is critical for safety. 2) at least 15 more parking spots will be installed. 3) traffic mitigation is required, including car pooling, 3) the 12,000 sf boathouse footprint remains 150 feet from the lake, 4) a smaller wetland would be upgraded to the highest level of importance and value - Category One, and 5) hazardous wastes would be self-contained. Council approved the use permit, 7 - 0. A credit to the Mayor, it was the most professional and fairest closed-record Hearing from Council I've seen in five years. But, the appeals process is unfair.

Comment: Council's land use appeal policy : The City Council's land use appeals process (read this story & "comments") is outdated and has been abandoned by almost every city around us. The Boathouse permit is a case in point, as follows: 1) Council was not allowed to walk the site or talk to anyone about the SRA project; yet, Councilman Cole informed me last week he has known Ms. Dickson for years. 2) Neither parties involved nor the community was fully heard or represented by this rigid Review. 3) The code is confusing. Ms. Dickson, the opponent, missed out in filing a "Letter of Reconsideration" to Council and lost a rare opportunity to be heard by Council. She received no representation or assistance from her elected representatives during the Review. Almost all cities leave the judging up the to the justices of county court and free Council to represent and assist their elected. Redmond Council policy is an outlier, leaving them vulnerable to law suit.

The Sammamish Rowing Association website: http://www.srarowing.com/

Diagrams and description of the new Boathouse: http://www.srarowing.com/newboathouse/newboathouse.aspx

This Ordinance was approved by City Council to permit the use of a new Boathouse by the Sammamish Rowing Association. This document shows a map of the project.

Read over 11 comments (some from Councilmembers Carson and Allen) on the city's controversial land use appeal process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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