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

License Plate Readers, 22 Camera Readers To Be Installed

License Plate Reader / Flock

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

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

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

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

-- Re-posted by Yoder, 10/17/24 

   Source 8/5/24 Council meeting

CITY WATCH: Additional Water Storage Space Needed For Overlake, $24M Price

Internet

Councilmember Stuart asked: what steps are needed to plan for the anticipated water storage deficit in Overlake, especially in light of anticipated growth in the area. CM Stuart expressed the importance of addressing potential storage shortfalls ahead of growth. 

Staff Comment:   Given the ability to move water supply within the system as needed, the needs identified in Overlake can be met by adding storage in multiple locations in Rose Hill and Overlake. The well service area (including the Education Hill Tanks) can be fed by the higher Rose Hill/Overlake pressure zones but the higher Rose Hill/Overlake pressure zones cannot be fed by the well service area. 

Additional storage in Rose Hill will directly benefit the Overlake area. The WSP specifically identifies adding a third storage tank on Education Hill.   The total estimated cost to add the needed storage is $24 million (in 2023 $). 

To provide the total volume identified in the current plan, a new reservoir site will be needed to meet the 20-year demand. 9/16

Source:  10/8 Council memo:   Councilmember Comment Councilmember Fields requested information on the key risks facing Redmond’s water distribution and storage system and asked how the Water System Plan addresses or mitigates such risks. READ MORE:

Updated: "Council Conversations" In The Downtown Park

Downtown Park COUNCIL CONVERSATIONS, The Safety Table / photo Yoder

I sat in at three tables conversing with councilmembers and residents at the busy Safety table, Environmental Sustainablity table and Miscellaneous table.  Council V.P. Jessica Forsythe presided over the Safety Table. Feedback from a resident/family living in a downtown apartment was especially interesting.  He wanted stop signs placed on Cleveland Street intersections and other downtown intersections -- said he saw pedestrians getting mildly brushed.  He said Uber drivers were the worst; always looking at their cell phones. Another guy complained about gangs that prey on residents for their belongings. He thought only 4 - 6 police officers patrolled the whole city and asked for 16 more officers.  I think Jessica said the department had over 140 officers (traffic, patrol, detective, drone, criminal, crime etc.) with plans for 4 more.  CM (councilmember) Fields asked why the need for 16 more officers?  I questioned the need for council taxing their city utilities and raising the business tax to fund a $6 million dollar public safety gap. IMO, the .25% city excise tax on construction was funding enough. 

I briefly sat in at CM Stuart's Environmental Sustainablity Table. Trees were a topic of great interest.  One resident said low income housing developments "lit up the heat map" owing to significant tree loss. Ms. Stuart said our canopy goal was 40%.  We're at about 38% canopy now.  Ms. Stuart alluded to the Master Builders lawsuit against Kirkland. The city has kept our existing 2018 Tree Regulations as is for 16 years (!) and now the new, approved Update has been delayed for two years longer because of the lawsuit, with no end is sight.  So, 40% goal seems out of reach. I suggested focusing on park and street trees like we have in the Downtown Park. Ms. Stuart lives in Overlake; she knows about the green roof installations on many of the buildings there.  My feedback was the city needs code for encouragement of "green roofs" in all downtown construction projects. At least three developments (villages) are planned for Redmond by 2050 and we need green roofs and wall gardens in those buildings,  

CM Stuart took this opportunity to update us on Sound Transit's light rail progress to our downtown. It was very interesting. I believe she said it will reach our downtown by mid-2025 and cross the bridge by late 2026.  I'm not light rail has something to do with our environment, but maybe in part.  I met Council President Vanessa Kritzer after the event; she spoke of a green vegetative - tree ring around the City one day.

Conversations didn't stop after the event was formally over.  I chatted with two on-duty police officers about "speed cameras."  It re-enforced my belief `they would consistently slow my "speed" around schools, but the ramifications to traffic congestion are unknown. I had a 25-minute talk with Andrew Villeneuve about our "news desert."   He wants to start an online newspaper and I plan to help him.  

Councilmember Fields has been pushing for neighborhood Conversations for years.  This one was a total winner and weather permitting, I hope we have many more!  Thank you Steve.  

-- Bob Yoder, 10/1/2024

[All  the councilmembers participated except for Angie.  Retired councilmembers Pat Vache' and Hank Myers were present. Sue Stewart, Kiwanis Secretary and Siri Bliesner retired LWSD Director, and active member of Civic Genius were present.  

[Siri is starting a Civic Genius roundtable on affordable housing.  "Deliberative Democracy" is at their core. If you would like to join Siri please email her at: siri@ourcivicgenious.org]  

UPDATED: Significant Redmond Capital Investment Projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- Bob Yoder, 7/15/2024

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

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

Notable viewing stops:  

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

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

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

Min 47:50 - Community Advisory Group

Min 56:55 - Council Policy 

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

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

Councilmember Steve Fields Recommends "Neighborhood Meetings."

 

SafeEastside.com Demands "a Say" on Downtown Homeless Housing

In a phone call yesterday, Councilmember Steve Fields recommended "neighborhood meetings" as a means to "have a Say" in the downtown homeless crisis.  These open meetings will offer Q&A discussions with elected officials, Plymouth staff, stakeholders and community members of various persuasions.  Possible meeting locations:   the Together Center, Redmond Kiwanis Club, downtown businesses, OneRedmond (City Hall,) Down Pour Coffee and residential neighborhoods. 

-- B. Yoder, 4/16. photo Yoder              

SafeEastside Activists Demand "A Say" On Downtown Homeless Housing

 

 

Redmond is in turmoil over Council's decision to allow Plymouth Homeless Housing in our downtown.  Blue signs objecting to downtown "low-barrier" homeless housing (where drugs are allowed in the hotel with conditions) suddenly appeared all over Redmond's downtown today (3/12) including this one at Anderson Park. 

At no fault of their own, Council wasn't transparent in their decision to house100 homeless and low income people in Redmond's downtown.   According to Planning & Community Development Director Helland, a public Hearing wasn't required; and "comment periods" were tabled in the rush to qualify for funding. Thus, SafeEastside activists are demanding "a Say." 

Various ways to have a Say:   

• Phone or email Council President Vanessa Kritzer (and other councilmembers.)  Request an appointment with her. Councilmember Kritzer holds office hours. 425-305-9892.
• Phone or email Councilmember Melissa Stewart. 425-305-9892. She holds walk-in office hours at the library, 3 - 5 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.   
• Every other week on Tuesday's at 7:00 p.m. the public has a 3-minute opportunity (under review) to address the Council and Mayor at City Hall.   
• Email: the Mayor, Council or Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development at MayorCouncil@Redmond.gov.  
• Contact Councilmember Steve Fields, the senior member of Council.  He owns a coffee shop in Redmond and can meet you there. 425-403-9476.
• Reach out to Mayor Birney.  Mayor@Redmond.gov 

-- Opinion by Bob Yoder, 3/12/2024, Updated 4/16/2024  Photo: Yoder

UPDATED, 3/14/2024: Council Approves Downtown Homeless Housing Project

As you see from the video, the Council's February 13th Special Meeting in Redmond City Hall was packed, mostly by residents opposing a city-owned land transfer to Plymouth Housing for permanent supportive housing in the city's downtown core (not far from Anderson Park.)   

In the meeting, Council approved 5 -1 (Anderson) a transfer of city land to Plymouth  The housing will provide low-barrier, supportive housing for over 100 homeless - many with disabilities and some elderly.  Estimated cost:  $40 million.  

The people will be housed in a 6-story building with ground floor commercial space on 16725 Cleveland Street next to the Computer Surplus and close to a new high-end apartment buildings   Construction will begin in 2025 with completion expected by 2007.  

Plymouth originally asked the City of Kenmore to site 100 homeless housing units but their Council members voted 4 - 3 against.  So the "ask" was passed onto the City of Redmond, and was readily accepted by Council without a public comment period or Hearing.  Under pressure from the audience Council President Vanessa Kritzer promised "a robust review." suggesting "Items from the Audience" as the venue.  

Some background:  In 2019, the City purchased the land (from the King County Housing Authority) for affordable housing for $5.2M.  The City is chipping in $3.2 million towards the project. The city wasn't transparent about their plans nor was there thorough study by the Planning Commission on the purchase and transfer.

Councilmember Steve Fields was absent; CM Jessica Forsythe presented his comments at the meeting.     

-- Report and Opinion by Bob Yoder, 2/14/2024, updated 5/3/2024

Seattle Times article, 2/19/2024

Redmond blog's video post on resident push-back. 

Twitter @ Kenmore reactions/ - Johnathan Choe, journalist

Bring Protected Bike Lanes to Redmond

Two Redmond council members are in this short video.

UPDATED: A Tribute to Council Member Steve Fields

OPINION:  I occasionally watch Redmond City Council members deliberate.  I've seen a complete turnaround in Council member Steve Fields' demeanor with the Mayor. He's polite, respectful, always agreeable, yet holds his own.  And, the Mayor is reciprocating. 

Mr. Fields' more peaceful approach may be attributed to his post on the Council Finance, Administration and Communications Committee.  He's the  Presiding Officer so in control of the budget meetings and with humility has earned a satisfying amount of power.  And rightly so.  Mr. Fields' career and Council experience is indispensable on budgetary matters and Mayor Birney knows it.  Steve's in his wheelhouse, with Council and Mayor in tow.  He's respected by all.  

Steve ran for Mayor twice and lost;  impossible to stomach for most. Over time his resentment and bitterness wore off.  His ego healed and he found his true place on Council.

I've never seen a public official so resilient and driven.  I know Steve well from supporting him in three campaigns.  I've heard Steve may not run again, yet he's still giving his all.  Thanks to Council member Fields for all that he does.  Steve's good works on Council are surely appreciated and won't be forgotten.  

 -- B. Yoder  11/10/2022

FB Comment:

He worked on the County budget and was a great voice of reason and fiscal responsibility in a sea of people who were not so concerned about unintended consequences or bow wave impacts of some expenditures. He knows budgeting well and will do a fabulous job as he approaches this with the utmost of integrity.  -- Kathy Lambert, 12/2

OPINION: Budget Priority: "Healthy & Sustainable"

After consulting with the community, staff and City officials on October 4th Redmond Mayor Angela Birney presented her 2023- 2024 Preliminary Budget. The Council members are working an extra 2-3 meetings a week on this budget in what they call their most important City duty.  Council must approve the Mayor's proposed budget. 

Mayor Birney, staff and the community at large have identified four budget priorities:  1) Healthy & Sustainable, 2) Safe and Resilient, 3) Strategic and Responsive, and 4) Vibrant and Connected.  I'll write four posts, one on each priority.    

Healthy & Sustainable - $2,988,000

The Healthy and Sustainable priority supports those programs and services that promote a healthy environment for an active community including: 

• Support 2.00 FTEs for the new Redmond Senior & Community Center ($359,629) 

 • Restore ongoing funding for street tree replacement ($30,000) 

• Restore one-time funding for the Green Redmond Partnership in Parks ($50,000) 

• Restore volunteer planting events and support invasive plant species removal ($122,000)

 • Establish community gardens ($77,500) and pilot pop-up dog parks ($102,000) 

• Fund a consultant for assistance with the SE Redmond Park Master Plan ($75,000)

 • Fund 1.00 FTE to support state-regulated utility locates ($266,856) 

• Restore park maintenance dollars and analyze vegetation management systems ($1,166,998)

 • Continue implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan ($825,000), including clean building programming, building efficiency and decarbonization, and waste diversion. 

Select Service Enhancements:  Wastewater $53,000,000; Drinking water $36,000,000; Stormwater 18,000,000; Parks & Trails 15,000,000, Community Recreation $13,000,000.

 -- B. Yoder  11/8/2022

City Council Selects Name for New Community Center

 Posted on: August 22, 2022

Citizens give testimony asking for "Senior" in the Center name.

  (click picture to enlarge)

REDMOND, WA – At their Aug. 16 business meeting, members of the Redmond City Council voted ( *four to one) in support of naming the City’s new community center the Redmond Senior & Community Center. The name recognizes the new facility as a space for all generations to enjoy, gather, and recreate. Throughout the robust naming process, community members shared that they appreciated the name’s descriptiveness and that it clearly identifies the building as a place where seniors can feel comfortable and welcome. 

The name was selected in accordance with the City’s process for naming new city facilities and included extensive community outreach and involvement. Initially, 31 names were collected from key stakeholders and then staff reviewed the options and narrowed the list to three. This list was shared with the Redmond community for feedback at community events and in an online questionnaire, which received nearly 350 responses. Following this outreach, Parks and Recreation Department staff presented the options and feedback to the Parks and Trails Commission, which put forward a recommendation that was presented with the feedback to City Council. The Council discussed the recommendation and alternative names at length and determined the approved name was the best suited for the new building.

“We are excited for this important milestone and thank everyone who shared their voices throughout the process,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “We are now one step closer to providing a new welcoming space in Redmond that is designed for all ages to recreate, meet, and build community.”

The Redmond Senior & Community Center will be a 52,000-square-foot facility. The building will utilize LEED-certified materials, efficient energy-conserving systems, and rooftop solar panels which will provide 50% of the building’s electricity. The City began outreach for the project in 2020, which confirmed Redmond’s need for a larger center to serve the senior population, while also serving the entire community with cultural arts, events, and multigenerational recreation experiences and gathering space.

The new community center is slated to open in late 2023 on the site of the former Redmond Senior Center, adjacent to City Hall on Redmond’s Municipal Campus. The design concept includes a senior lounge and library, a multipurpose community room with a commercial kitchen, active recreation areas and gym, locker rooms, classroom and meeting space, and a supervised Kid Zone for Redmond’s youngest community members.

For more information about the project, visit redmond.gov/RSCC.

Comment:  * David Carson, Steve Fields, Jessica Forsythe, and Malissa Stewart voted "yes," Jaralee Anderson voted "no." Vanessa Kritzer was on family leave, and Varisha Kahn didn't show.  (Ms. Kahn is about 25 years old.)  

Surprisingly, the debate on "name" took several meetings and was contentious at times. I personally didn't hear one citizen give pro-Red Oak CC testemonity.  Staff pushed hard for Red Oak.  Council member Steve Fields concluded "we are very fortunate to have this community resource, regardless of name." Applause from both sides followed  -- Bob Yoder 

Small Business Holds Fundraiser For Ukrainian Relief Efforts

 

Redmond Councilmember Steve Fields sponsored a Ukrainian art fundraiser April 16 at "Down Pour Coffee Bar," a small business owned by his wife Roni. The event was a heart throb; yet so cheerful and fun!  The art was created and sold by Ukrainian locals, music played, and the weather was great.  On first count, the Ukrainians and their friends outnumbered the supporters when I was there.   

Julia, the Ukrainian event organizer advertised,  "All proceeds go directly to Ukrainian relief efforts."  Good to know!  So, I doubled down on my art purchases and enjoy our kitchen nook that much more. 

Mr. Fields invited Margo Shiromyama, Special Projects for OneRedmond to test the waters. Steve thinks the event could be a good model for other small businesses.  He remarked he's presently having good discussions with OneRedmond.

I met a lady who finds support and resources for local Ukrainians. (Her family's in this picture.) She says Ukrainian refugees have yet to arrive in numbers but it's only a matter of time.  Afghans are first in line for now.  Washington state has at least 6,200 Ukrainians, behind only California and New York.  

The Ukrainian population in Washington State is high because their social networks and our human services are more attractive than California and other states.  Redmond ranks 49th of cities with the highest percentage of Ukrainians in Washington State.  When the door opens to Ukrainian refugees many will find their families here.     

-- Bob Yoder, 4/24/2022 

UPDATED, 9/4/2024: R.T.C. Will Have Two-12 Story And Two-7 Story Buildings

RTC / Kidder.com

Update 8/27/24:  RTC will have two 12-story buildings and potentially two 7-story buildings according to their new Master Plan.  

Several years from now, Redmond Town Center (RTC) will be torn down and redeveloped.  The vision is "to encourage redevelopment of RTC from an auto-centric suburban campus to a walkable mixed-use urban neighborhood."  The light rail station is only a step away.  Planner Carol Helland and Council have been  reviewing the Master Plan, Zoning amendments, and the urban center element.  To a smaller degree the Planning Commission is involved.  

The applicant, Fairbourne Properties, LLC is a full-service real estate investment and property management company focusing on acquiring, managing and asset managing office, retail, and mixed-use properties throughout the United States.  Fairbourne owns the property known as "Redmond Town Center Creekside Crossing." and is the applicant for redevelopment of the Center.  

Fairbourne is asking Council to remove constraints and be flexible, as follows:  

• build as high as 12 stories "in return for public benefits."
• removing the 600,000 square feet requirement of minimal leasable areas.
• remove the minimum retail provision
• remove the commercial provision

Councilmembers asked staff for information in preparation for their Study Session two weeks away:

Councilmember (CM) Vanessa Kritzer wants an explanation of "building up in return for public benefits." She was concerned about sufficient affordable housing. CM Jessica Forsythe wants a dedicated community for start-up businesses.  She asked for a map with building heights, holistically including nearby property owners. CM Steve Fields wasn't certain how "auto-centric" the area is . CM Melissa Stuart wanted discussion on protection of the large open space owned by RTC.  A stream buffer could be vulnerable.  She asked for 2021 Council conversation records.

Planning Director Helland asked the public to give their input to the Planning Commission. To comment email Chair Sherri Nichols at planningcommission@redmond.gov.  It's my understanding the 
Commission has had two Study Sessions; only two citizens commented at their Hearing and this is a huge development! 

Affordable housing plans are 60% AMI for an undefined number of units. 

-- Bob Yoder, 4/6/2022, updated 9/4/2024

    Source:  City Council Business Meeting and Agenda memo, 4/5/2022

###

This vision for another urban village development near QFC/Redmond Center/Opportunity Building:

"The timing of the 22 acre Nelson Master Plan redevelopment will be gradual and evolutionary. You will not see sudden, rapid, dramatic changes.  Our vision is to gradually create an urban village and the central place in the downtown where the community can shop and gather, and also a place where people can live and work.  The timing of each project in the redevelopment will be determined by many factors, including the leases of our current tenants and the needs and opportunities presented by the marketplace.  Since retail is an important component of the vision, we will strive to retain our current tenants."

--Tom Markl, CEO Nelson Properties

Council Looks At Citizen Participation

Internet

The City Council reviewed "public comment" parameters during their March 8th Study Session. Why now?  I maintain disruptive "homeless hotel" activists, their personal attacks on the Mayor and staff and endless weekly commenting set the wheels of change in motion. Also, passionate firefighters consumed Council business time with lengthy objections to the vaccine mandate.  

Currently, and historically, Council has given individuals a period up to four minutes "to be heard."  This period is technically known as "Items from the Audience."  Sometimes topics are emotionally charged, with large, time consuming turnouts.  "Being heard" can be lengthy but seldom is it disruptive.  Councilmember Anderson asked Council to read the "public meeting participation guide" https://www.redmond.gov/189/City-Council. She suggested taking comments during Study Sessions and endorsed the four-minute rule.  The Mayor and Council officers decided conducting the business of the City was the number one priority, over participation from the public. 

Councilmember David Carson said listening to the people is part of the job. CM Steve Fields agreed, referring to Hartman pool commenting. At times Mr. Carson helps speakers by sharing relevant information. Council President Jessica Forsythe was concerned about defining "disruption" and asked Mr. Carson how he'd describe it.  He said: pornograpy:  it's hard to describe until you see it."  President Forsythe mentioned you might  be able to stick to four minutes if you kept speakers on the same topic to three. Fields nodded yes.  

I believe in the principle:  "Public participation is the hallmark of good government."  So, who does a good job at this?  The City of Kirkland has a model plan.  Lake Washington School District's procedure is:  1)  sign in, mark your talk topic, 2) a school board member explains: a) the 3-minute rule, measured with green, yellow and red lights, b) total commenting time is limited to 30 minutes, c) emails to the Board are accepted 3) speakers with the same topic can all speak as long as they don't repeat each other. 

The Planning Commission uses the three-minute rule. In my experience, it's rare a citizen will show up to comment, so why not 4-minutes?  Seriously. Complex land uses take time to present.  Recently, I made a HEARING comment to the Commission (about tree regs.) I spent lots of time preparing a 4-minute talk and was shocked when the Chair announced I had 3-minutes, this at the HEARING.  I don't think they sent my written comments to Council either.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/12/2022, opinion

Juneteenth Soon Declared Paid City Holiday

 

President Biden recently declared Juneteenth a national holiday.  Governor Inslee declared June 19th a holiday, as well.  Mr. Fields asked staff the extent the holiday was declared by other Washington cities.  The Human Resource Director gushed over the question giving a broad "yes." 

"The City seeks approval of the adoption of Juneteenth as a paid City holiday, effective June 19, 2022. June 19 is the annual observance celebrating the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, when Union soldiers enforced President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas. It was two months after the South’s official surrender in the Civil War and two and a half years after the proclamation went into effect. 

The recognition of this new holiday is worthy of celebration by every American, including City of Redmond employees. It has been celebrated since 1866, mostly by Black Americans, but has not been heard more broadly until recently and represents a critical turning point in American history, as the day America began to live up to one of our greatest principles…a nation devoted to liberty for all.

Total Cost: Adoption of a holiday results in an unproductive workday equivalent of approximately $219,163 in lost productivity and banked holiday time for public safety positions. There is no actual additional cost or expense."

Thirteen paid Holidays, including one floating holiday:

• New Year’s Day First day of January • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January • President’s Day Third Monday in February • Memorial Day Last Monday in May • Juneteenth June 19 • Independence Day July 4 • Labor Day First Monday in September • Veterans Day November 11 • Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November • Day after Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving • Day before Christmas December 24 • Christmas Day December 25 and one Floating Holiday.

Initiated by Mayor Birney, 3/8/2022

Finance, Administration, Communication Committee of the Whole

--Reported by Yoder, 3/9/2022

Image, Internet

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives Recounts Her Accomplishments

I asked Rosemarie if she would describe her three greatest accomplishments as Mayor of Redmond. She kindly offered the following:  BY

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch standing behind the memorial bench honoring 
 Don and Elaine Smith, donors of the land developed into Smith Woods Park. 
John Couch was Redmond Parks and Recreation Director for ~ 30 years.
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives says...  Elected in 1991, served unprecedented four terms as the full-time Redmond mayor for  16 years --1992-2007

Greatest accomplishment? Wow?  2 others? When I think back to my initial campaign, there were four parts to my platform:  environmental stewardship, youth agenda, fiscal responsibility, and outreach to the public especially the residents.And with each re-election, those priorities never changed and probably I was more passionate about them with each re-election.

 

Environmental stewardship:  three? examples

Since we just walked Smith Woods, one that I would mention is that the City went from 16 parks when I started  to 36 when I chose to retire.

 

Then there's Riverwalk, the stretch of Sammamish Trail from NE 90th Street Bridge down to Leary Way Bridge. Four projects  re-channeled  the river making the river environment better for salmon, its flora and fauna as well as creating more water capacity within the new sculpted banks of the river that would protect downtown from flooding. 

 

In 1997 when pressure was great to allow development to proceed at a pace where the city could not handle many aspects such as building inspections, the costs of the city's part of the infrastructure and couldn't guarantee adopted  levels of service, I proposed a focused moratorium  on some new construction that lasted for 18 months. 

 

Youth agenda:

Old Firehouse Teen center, Skateboard park, youth members appointed to city parks board and arts commission,

Youth in Government Day

 

Outreach:

In every major decision making, I would always ask how it would impact the residents of Redmond in the near term and in the future. We introduced many different ways, both formal and informal for our growing diverse public to provide input in a timely manner far in advance of decisions being made.  I personally was "present" all around town a little less than 24/7.  

 

The month long Redmond Lights,, a celebration of Redmond's diversity, was an idea that I came up within 1999 for luminarias along Riverwalk.   At intervals there would be performers representing cultures, customs and faith representations from around the world.    

With regard to the Smiths...Don and Elaine Smith sold the first five acres in early 2000. From when I first met them, they were very clear that they wanted their property to remain as open space, perfect for a park. It was a beautiful piece of land with a creek and small pond, wonderful sequoia and fir trees and an extensive collection of dahlias. After Don died in 2009 they sold the remaining five acres to the city and Elaine moved to Emerald Heights where she resides now. I am in communication with their daughter Kathy.

-- Rosemarie Ives, February 25th, 2022

I would add Rosemarie is still very active in politics. She's been the pillar of Steve Fields' two campaigns for Mayor and two campaigns for Council. Fields says "she knows a lot of people." BY. 

ARCHIVE:

Rosemary's retirement story.

Mayor Emeritus Rosemary Ives Protests Group Health's 28 acre clear-cut

City Council Makes Final Decision On "Homeless Hotel" And Similar Low Income Housing Accommodations

Redmond's Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel (Komo)

In their Business meeting on February 1st, 2022 Council deliberated and voted on regulation issues of the Silver Cloud "homeless hotel," and similar *types of low income housing.  

The Redmond hotel borders Bellevue neighborhoods, a pre-school and small businesses. Bellevue's George B. emerged as the spokesman-activist for the protesters. They were highly organized. 

Last Tuesday George B. spoke, with Mayor Birney giving him extra time.  Apparently, roughly 85% of the homeless residents will be from outside Redmond.

Throughout this painful months-long drama rarely did I hear of Councilmembers visiting the Bellevue businesses other than CM Fields and possibly CM Forsythe.   

However, last night Councilmember Jeralee Anderson was the star.  CM Anderson met with George B. the day previous.  She was all ears as he explained his expectations for "no negative outcomes."  George complimented Jeralee as "astute and thoughtful."  He called her "a gifted politician."  CM Anderson's connection with George should be vital to the success of this social experiment. 

CM Anderson verified permanent that homeless housing doesn't have to be located in hotels alone.  The housing can go where hotels are permitted, not necessarily built.  

CM Steve Fields was bothered by feelings of lack of trust between Council and the Executive branch.  Time and again he asks for greater Council oversight powers.  CM David Carson asked Planning Director Carol Helland to add context to the amendment to help Mr. Fields.  Ms. Helland, with her depth of knowledge addressed all the questions; she's brilliant. 

It's important to know the County will require additional "homeless hotels," possibly as frequent as every two years.  Thus, separation of permanent supportive housing and other types of emergency low income housing need spacing for density issues.  The Planning Commission recommended half mile (2641') separation between  "homeless hotel" housing types.  Vice President Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer recommended separation of no less than 1,500 feet. The vote was YES for 1,500 feet (Kritzer, Forsythe, Kahn, Stewart.) 

An amendment fixes the hotel occupancy to 100.  CM Anderson suggested greater latitude. Council voted YES 7-0.  

HB 1220 required amendments to Redmond Code, thus, Council's deliberations.  Although *permanent supportive housing, *transitional housing, *indoor emergency housing, and *indoor emergency shelters are allowed  under our Redmond Zoning Code, it does not define nor clarify the provisions through which  are mandated consistent with HB 1220 requiring amendments to current Redmond regulations.

Bob Yoder, OPINION, 2/3/2022

Read More on HB 1220

UPDATED: Councilmembers Jessica Forsythe and Vanessa Kritzer Elected Council Officers

The election was held during the January, 4th Regular Council meeting.  A video of the meeting is here.

Councilmember Jessica Forsythe was elected Council President, (5-2)  Carson, Fields, Kahn, Kritzer, Forsythe.  (Stewart nominated Anderson.)

Councilmember Kritzer was elected Vice President, (4-3) Anderson, Stewart, Carson, Kritzer.  (Forsythe nominated Anderson, Anderson declined the nomination, Anderson and Kritzer nominated Stewart for Vice President. Carson and Fields advised against it.)

Councilmember Kahn nominated Councilmember Fields for President. Mr. Fields declined.  Fields nominated Ms. Kahn for V.P.  Ms. Anderson voted "no."  Ms. Kahn nominated Mr. Fields for V.P.  Councilmember Anderson voted "no."  Councilmember Malissa Stewart was nominated for V.P.  Councilmember David Carson discouraged her owing to lack of experience. (This is her first year as a representative.)

Council President Jessica Forsythe

Jessica Forsythe

Position #3
Council Term Expires 12/31/23
Email Jessica Forsythe
Phone: 425-305-7206
Boards/Committees: Presiding Officer of the City’s Parks and Human Services Committee of the Whole, Eastrail Regional Advisory Committee, Eastside Human Services Forum (EHSF)

Jessica Forsythe is an award-winning Creative Director and owner of a small graphic design studio which works primarily with clients who seek to better their community. Ms. Forsythe is a thoughtful, creative thinker who takes a holistic approach to every project. She believes strongly in being involved at the local level and knows first-hand the impact one person can have on their community.

Originally from Northeast Ohio, Jessica graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design with a concentration in Environmental Design. She has worked in environmental design, architecture, branding, and was the Art Director for the Seattle Symphony. She has volunteered with numerous community and charity organizations, most notably her decade-long involvement with Help Portrait International for which she is the Founder of the Redmond, Washington Chapter. Jessica has also served on various non-profit boards including the League of Women Voters Seattle-King County Executive Board and as the c3 Treasurer.

She enjoys hiking, running, cycling, kayaking, skiing, and rock climbing.

Council Vice President Vanessa Kritzer

Vanessa Kritzer

Position #5
Council Term Expires 12/31/23
Email Vanessa Kritzer
Phone: 425-305-9892
Boards/Committees: Presiding Officer of the City’s Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee of the Whole, Community Facilities District (CFD) Board of Supervisors, Eastside Transportation Partnership (ETP), Sound Cities Association (SCA), WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council, Lake Sammamish Kokanee ILA Management Committee, King Conservation District Advisory Committee.