News and Opinion on Neighborhoods, Schools and Local Governments of Redmond, WA.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
UPDATED 5/16/24: Council Review Of "The Homeless Hotel" And Plymouth Housing
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
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
Monday, March 11, 2024
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
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
UPDATED, 3/14/2024: Council Approves Downtown Homeless Housing Project
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
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
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
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
Thursday, August 25, 2022
City Council Selects Name for New Community Center
Posted on: August 22, 2022
Citizens give testimony asking for "Senior" in the Center name. |
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
Sunday, April 24, 2022
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
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
UPDATED, 2/12/2024: Redmond Town Center Could Have 12-Story Buildings
RTC / Kidder.com |
Several years from now, Redmond Town Center (RTC) may 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 a step away; it's a primary driver. Council is presently reviewing, the Master Plan, Zoning amendments, and the urban center element. To a small degree the Planning Commission is involved.
- 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
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 but only two citizens commented at their Hearing. This is a huge development. Consider commenting.
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 is the property manager of the "Redmond Town Center Creekside Crossing." The firm is also the applicant for redevelopment of the Center.
###
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Council Looks At Citizen Participation
Internet |
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
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Juneteenth Soon Declared Paid City Holiday
Thursday, March 3, 2022
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
Thursday, February 3, 2022
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
Sunday, January 9, 2022
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 #3Council 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.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Anderson, Fields, Stuart Sworn In To City Council
(lr) Melissa Stuart, Steve Fields, Jeralee Anderson Courtesy of redmond.gov |
Redmond, WA – In a ceremony during last night’s Redmond City Council meeting, newly elected Redmond resident Melissa Stuart (Council Position No. 4), along with re-elected residents Steve Fields (Council Position No. 2) and Jeralee Anderson (Council Position No. 6), were officially sworn in. Their terms are effective January 2022 through December 2025.
Melissa Stuart, MNPL, is a non-profit leader working to improve the lives of children, youth, and families.
She’s currently working on behalf of youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. Her past work includes securing affordable access to behavioral healthcare for families at Youth Eastside Services, ensuring educational justice for youth in foster care at Treehouse, and more. Stuart is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former board member at Zero Waste Washington, and previously served as a Redmond Library Trustee. Melissa grew up on the Kitsap Peninsula. She lives in Redmond’s Overlake neighborhood with her husband and stepson.
Anderson, Fields, Stuart (click to enlarge) |
Jeralee Anderson is the President/CEO and Co-founder of Greenroads Foundation, a Redmond nonprofit organization focused on sustainability education, performance management, and strategic programming for transportation capital projects. She received her doctorate in sustainability and civil engineering from the University of Washington in 2012 and is a licensed professional engineer. She currently represents the City as an alternate on the Cascade Water Alliance (CWA), and she serves as an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) representative on the State Public Works Board.
"On Deck" Varisha Kahn, Vanessa Kritzer, David Carson (click to enlarge) |
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Leah Choi Thanks Councilmembers Jeralee Anderson and Steve Fields For Their Support In The School Board Race (video clip)
Steve Fields Leading Janet Richards In Council Position No. 2 Race
Steve Fields (59.71%) - Janet Richards (39.75%) 8:15 p.m. |
Education: BS, Accounting, San Diego State University. Certified Government Management and Administration.
Four years ago, I brought my real-world experience in finance, infrastructure, and environmental protection to City Council. Working with a renewed Council that responds to you, I declared a Climate Emergency, championed the building of a new Senior Center, improved financial policies, and rallied support for our community and small businesses during COVID.
With your help, we can accomplish more. I will continue to work for a community-driven and inclusive approach to growth management, sensible use of taxpayer dollars, climate change mitigation, and an equitable community for everyone. It’s been my pleasure and honor to represent you and lead Redmond toward a healthier, sustainable future. I appreciate your vote!
Endorsements: King County Democrats; 48th LD; Women of Color in Politics; Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion; Sierra Club; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Joe Nguyen; State Representative Jamila Taylor; Councilmembers Jessica Forsythe and Varisha Khan; former Mayor Rosemaire Ives; and more.
[No endorsement from Mayor Angela Birney]
-- King County Election Pamphlet, 11/2/2021
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Steve Fields Supports "Health Through Housing" Homeless Hotel Initiative
Steve Fields at his Down Pour coffee shop |
Thursday, October 21, 2021
UPDATED: Councilmembers Steve Fields And Jeralee Anderson Should Renounce "Safe Eastside"
OPINION, 10/27: As you know, housing in Redmond (and across the Eastside) is terribly unaffordable. Those without technology jobs can barely afford to live here. Add the COVID dilemma and some people just can't pay rent or their mortgage. Sadly, a few unlucky souls are left homeless, living in their cars and on friends' couches.
The County is trying to do something about it. About a month ago they bought the Silver Cloud Hotel in south Redmond near Microsoft to provide a sanctuary for some who've lost their homes. Support services and warm meals will be provided. Information about the hotel is found HERE. I can't thank the County and City enough for extending their hand to these traumatised people.
There's a boisterous group known as "Safe Eastside" on a mission to terminate this homeless hotel. This group is the cause of a lot of misinformation. Signs are staked all over town and near schools warning "no injection sites." Parents, students and neighbors have been frightened.
I've sat in on council meetings where they've verbally attacked the Mayor, her staff, a councilmember, and commissioner. They often blame and shame the mentally ill. This hurts because I and many others have serious illnesses, yet are able to have a productive career and a nice home or apartment.
Safe Eastside is actively campaigning, and endorsing Dennis Ellis, Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and Councilmember Steve Fields in the election. I'm not sure what they did to earn these endorsements. Dennis, Jeralee, and Steve should emphatically renounce this spiteful group and support the greater good.
-- Bob Yoder, 10/21/2021