Former Mayor Rosemary Ives Endorses Steve Fields

Steve is also a very likable guy!

Mental Health Walk A Smashing Success - Candidates Steve Fields and Hank Myers Join In

The NAMI 5K Mental Health Walk to "bust stigma" was a smashing success!  Great people, great cause!  We were supporting EvergreenHealth's plans to open an outpatient mental health care clinic. Three councilmembers Hank Myers, Steve Fields, Tanika Padeya, and my wife are holding the banner. 

- Bob Yoder

Updated: Notes On 4/23 Council Meeting

STAFF'S 2018 "YEAR IN REVIEW" 

Planner Carol Hellman presented private development stats. 

The following were built in 2018:

  >167 Single Family Homes

  >2025 Mixed-use family units

  >129,643 sf Commercial space 

Affordable housing units, at 80% AMI or less:  

   >130 units were built in 2018; Total of 693 affordable units now.

   >This year 60 units are in the pipeline; 150 units are in planning stages;  Thus, we may have a total of 903 affordable units by year end.  

   

Jon Spangler, Engineer and Manager of the Construction Division described major Public Works projects:  

  

>86% of the 2018 projects were under budget saving the city $2.5M.  This was accomplished without a Public Works Director.  (Our Fire Chief in now running Public works and his Deputy is running the Fire Department.) Councilmember Steve Fields was concerned about various staff vacancies and thanked Mr. Spangler for his fine work despite their lack of a Director.

    

>Mr.Spangler described key construction projects planned for 2019:  

    1)  Relocate the ERRATIC artwork from the future light rail track to a spot near the Matador. ST-3 will pay for it. (Indirectly, we pay for it.)  The relocation is estimated at $1M.

    2)  Unfortunately, Willows Road will have to be re-paved from 90th to 124th starting this summer. Sections of the re-paving will require extensive construction. Two culverts have to be installed next year. As Councilember Margeson indicated, this could be a traffic nightmare. Facebook will lease offices on Willows Road, adding to the traffic.  Councilmember Myers reiterated the value of a large 10-minute community project nearby (which will add to the construction traffic.)

    3) A 12-16 month project in the Fall to construct a tunnel under NE 40th to connect the SR520 ped/bike trail to Microsoft and the City.  

    4)  Rehabilitation the Cleveland Street sidewalk from 164th to 168th, owing to tree damage.  

    5)  A complicated pavement and private sewer line project on 187th. 

    6)  Installation of two sewer pump stations. 

Council President Angela Birney wasn't in attendance at this Study Session or the prior Council Committee meeting. V.P David Carson ran the Study Session.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/25  
    Source:  4/23 Council Study Session & Council Committee of the Whole meeting.      

UPDATED: Redmond Council to hold Annual Retreat

Marymoor Village Community Center
retreat location

Council President Angela Birney announced in this week's Study Session the annual Council retreat will be Saturday, February 9th, 9-3 pm. The retreat location is Marymoor Village community center. Though it's open to the public only to watch, I for one will be joining others planting trees and shrubs in Idylwood Park.  Council member Hank Myers suggested the last 2-3 hours should be private so Council can discuss various City issues of concern without staff around. 

Council goals:  Hank Myers wants to instill agility and creativity.   Steve Fields wants to enhance community involvement at every level.  He asked to "spend less time being taught and more time discussing."  Jeralee Anderson wants to understand roles and responsibilities (mayor/council/staff.)  Hank Margeson wants to provide a free form discussion.

Police Chief Kristi Wilson said each City director will be next to a poster board facilitating discussion with two council members per board -- and the council members rotating amongst each other.  Steve Fields joked the Chief will be directing traffic. :)

Bob Yoder

Source:  Council Study Session, 1/22/19

UPDATED: Favorable City revenue / expense trend

Melissa Files, Director of City Finance reported this Tuesday that similar to the prior month, "revenue spiked 6% over target while expenditures were 3% under target.  Ms. Files indicated the reasons for this favorable report were similar to earlier monthly reports, as follows:

She stated: "Sales tax on construction took a big jump to $5 million in December. Usually it's in the $2.3 million range.  Everything that has to do with development review - taxes, licensing, and permits - contributed to the favorable outcome." 

Council member Steve Fields said "It looked like there were 4 months similar to what you described.  Does this begin to present a trend?"  Files answered, "Yes," that she was anticipating this in her forecast for 2019 but didn't expect it this soon.  Mr. Fields said "I appreciate this vigilance because I think it's important to our decision-making to know where we're at on our revenue projections." 

Files said her December report was subject to change.  Presiding Officer Hank Hank Margeson he looks forward to Ms. Files formal report in February.   

Council member Steve Fields 

Source:  "Finance, Public Administration, and Communication" Council meeting of 1/22/2019.

###

Steve Fields has lived in Redmond for over 30 years. He worked across all functions of government in his positions at King County and the City of Seattle in the Executive offices. Fields guided elected officials on policy, budget, and operational improvements. He advised department heads and their staff to help the government perform better. He currently represents the City of Redmond as a member of the Eastside Transportation Partnership (ETP). Fields is also a Redmond small business owner with his wife.

Downtown Park Grand Opening inundated by rain

Six council members with mayor speaking under the park pavilion

The Ribbon Cutting was at 5:30 pm. Council member Steve Fields was absent. Plenty of parking at the Community Center.  Thirty minutes after the ceremony the park was twice hit with a downpour of rain.   At 7:10 pm right before the events a deluge of rain occurred. My wife and I retreated to our home.

Bob Yoder, 10/1

Facebook comment:  M Harrison Gallagher -- A refurbished Redmond pool is estimated at $20 million; a new Olympic pool such as the King County Aquatic Center is about $35 to 40 million. $42 million bought us a tree-lined concrete slab. Redmond has many deserving communities that are neglected.

UPDATED OPINION: City loses opportunity to advance Zero Emissions and Green infrastructure

Steve Fields (Internet}

We all know that climate change is a huge issue in our country and our city.  In fact, during Council's retreat on Saturday, January 27, 2018 they voted "Green infrastructure  - Zero Emissions" as their No. 2 priority, out of 7 priorities. 

Sadly, in a Regular meeting on August 21 the council  rejected council member Steve Fields' request to represent the city in a global Green city-city conference.  All his traveling expenses will be paid by a  host city in China and a Canadian non-profit.  He was referred to the organizations by an acquaintance in the Chinese community.

Regardless, Steve is going to the conference as a citizen or a public official if he is sanctioned by Council.  The conference is from 9/18 - 9/28.  After consulting with the city attorney and submitting a written report to council explaining conference benefits he requested the City sanction his participation so as not to be construed as a gift.  Despite our City's Number 2 priority for the environment Steve Fields got raked over the coals by council "concerns."

A few of Council's concerns which led to a technical "No" vote were:

1.  His spousal travel (Council VP Carson)  Response:  Council member Anderson said non-profits often  pay for spousal attendance as an incentive.  Steve said he wouldn't take his spouse if requested by council.

2.  Couldn't find a website on the Canadian and Chinese organization. He wanted a willingness to transfer knowledge and experiences.  (Carson)  Responses: Steve  gave council a copy of the organization's certificate.  The organization has been operating for three years. Steve emphatically committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences.

3)  Confusion over payment as a citizen vs. payment as a council member and if Steve's trip expenses would be considered a gift from the city. Skeptical about other costs to the City..(Council Pres..Birney)  Response: The City attorney said if Council sanctioned the trip it would not be considered a gift. City costs would be minimal

4)  Similar concerns as Birney's  (Padya)

5)  Staff expenses in preparing Steve's report. The conference was of little value.  (Margeson)  Response:  Steve said it was a good opportunity for Redmond to share insight with other cities world-wide.

Council member Hank Myers was not in attendance.

If you read the annual retreat summary you'll see  Council decided on "conditions which guide success."  1) clarity of roles and goals, 2) impactful work, 3) sense for purpose, 4) willingness to transfer knowledge and experience. 5) Challenge  6) Pride in work, a sense of purpose and ownership.

Steve clearly meets all the criteria for the conditions of success in this endeavor. In my opinion the advancement within our Green City and Green infrastructure priority was shanghaied by  politics and and a fear of the unknown.

- Bob Yoder

Note:  An economic exposition will be held at the same location and time with funding by an Canadian non-profit.

UPDATED, 4/28: Council member Steve Fields leads discussion on pedestrian / car collisions

Not the best picture 😁 (l-r) Fields, Myers, Padye, Birney and
Anderson.  -- click to enlarge photo

Council member Steve Fields is concerned about a possible rising incidence of  bike and pedestrian collisions with cars due to city growth.  He had heard anecdotal reports of collisions especially at intersections and asked Police Chief Wilson for a statistical report. At last Tuesday's Council Committee Safety meeting the Chief said the "collisions per 1,000 were exceptionally low."

• 2016 - 36 car / pedestrian collisions and 28 car / bike collisions
• 2017 - 22 car / pedestrian collisions and 14 car / bike collisions 
• End of March, 2018 -  6 car / pedestrian collisions and 4 car / bike collisions. 

These stats don't look "exceptionally low" but that's my opinion. The Chief said collisions increase in winter months owing to darker days, inclement weather. jaywalking and dark clothes.

Council member Hank Myers quipped with perfect timing "wearing black is appropriate when going to a funeral." 

The Chief said many of the collisions occur downtown around 161st near the transit center and bus lines. 

Downtown lighting is poor which makes matters worse, even with the new LEDS.  According to the city, LEDS  improve lighting uniformity and color rendering of streatscapes.  Unfortunately, we just don't have enough of them.  Perhaps at Seritage?

Council member Steve Fields was the Presiding Officer of the safety committee and summarized there wasn't an increase in collisions according to staff but quietly suggested a study session. The Chief added the Downtown Park will bring challenges.  The other 6 council members were quiet.  

Police Bike Teams were another topic.  The teams are riding the streets in tandem as "bike teams." primarily to engage with the public and for maneuverability.  In my opinion, when "bike shares" enter our downtown the Police Teams will be spending a heck-of-a-lot of their time enforcing permits and kibitzing with the Downtown park-goers.

###

The topics above topics were reviewed during last Tuesday's Council Committee of the Whole safety committee meeting.  It was the first Council Committee of the Whole safety meeting on record and all council members were present. Mr.Margeson left early.  Steve Fields had brought up the collision topic at an earlier council standing committee in which he was the Chair.  With the change in Committee structure, Mr. Fields is given the title of Presiding  Officer of the Council safety committee.

3rd  in a series on CCOW

Council "Committee Of The Whole" passes, improves job performance

Council Committee Of The Whole

At Council's March 27th Regular Meeting council passed Ordinance 2917 that changes their 4:30 pm Tuesday Council Standing Committee meetings of 3 councilmembers to "Council Of The Whole Committee" meetings of 7 councilmembers.  The vote was 7-2 (Fields, Anderson.)  

The creation of Council Committee Of The Whole (CCOW ) last week has historical significance because Council's "old" Standing Committees were first installed by Council in 1913 under Ordinance No. 4. (Ref. Michelle Hart, city clerk.)  CCOW meetings will significantly open up the workings city government to the people as well as empower Council's decision-making process on legislation and policy-making.   

Owing to the significance of CCOW meetings I will be reporting on them on a regular basis....in Series format. Their first meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, April 3 at 4:30 in City Hall.  Details are in the Agenda here.  

B. Yoder  

READ MORE  - Mr. Myers letter about the CCOW and his analysis of it. 

OPINION: Council Committee meetings are very informative and interesting, open to the public

Council members Fields (with tie), Birney (in red) and Carson (facing back) met with Police and Fire executives during yesterday afternoon's "Safety Committee Meeting.  Council member Fields chairs this committee.  Credit/ B. Yoder

Four times a month on Tuesdays the city council meets with staff at 4:30 pm to discuss city business.  They are called "Council Committee Meetings" and are significant because city staff are present and important business is reviewed, discussed and conducted. The public is invited to attend but may not comment and must remain silent.  Council and staff don't typically mingle with you. Bench seating is available. The meetings are held on the first floor of City Hall in the Council Conference Room across from chambers.  Whether or not there is quorum no formal action is taken at these meetings.  Meeting agendas and minutes can be found HERE, after scrolling.   If you have any interest in the workings of city government I encourage you to attend!

I found this "Safety Committee meeting" very interesting and informative.  A police executive reported that many of the baby-boomer officers were retiring and state training requirements slow down the commissioning process.  He indicated the Patrol force is in full swing but that officers-in-training had to take the "minor" duties like traffic control while being paid as fully commissioned officers.  It was interesting when Fire executives indicated, not counting the downtown apartments, over 35% of the apartment complexes don't have sprinkler systems and some don't have alarms.  The department historically takes a lot of calls from the 60-01 apartment complex in west Redmond,  Both Police and Fire reported they were under budget.  Council member Fields mentioned he's recieved anecdotal reports from citizens of near-miss ped-auto collisions at intersections.  He asked Police to look into it and requested data to confirm.  

In last night's study session "Council Rules and Procedures" were reviewed with Michele Hart, the city clerk.  What I found most interesting was the Council President (currently Ms. Angela Birney) works with the Administration to set agendas and determine topics for study sessions. Her e-mail is abirney@redmond.gov.  Under "Rules and Procedures" Council is planning to rename council committee "standing committees" (3 council members) with "Council as a Whole" (7 council members.)  Their rules will forbid "final action," as in study sessions, even with quorum; and absences needn't be recognized or approved.  

In meetings "Parks and Human Services" are reviewed on the first Tuesday of every month and Mr. Myers is currently the chair; "Planning and Public Works" meets the second Tuesday of every month and Ms. Padhye is the chair, "Public Safety" meets every third Tuesday and Mr. Fields is the chair.  "Finance, Administration and Communication" meets the fourth Thursday and Mr. Margeson is currently the chair.  All chairs are council members.  [For a detailed description of these committees "READ MORE." ] 

B. Yoder

SOURCE: Council Meetings Calendar, 3/20/2018, Study Session, Rules and Procedures amendment
https://redmond.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Close encounter with Steve Fields at "down pour coffee bar"

Steve Fields pouring coffee at his coffee bar

 I stopped by Steve and Ronnie's"down pour coffee bar" this morning for a visit.  I had planned to ask him a few questions about the city but the place was buzzing and we had to reschedule

Scarce parking didn't deter these Down Pour
lovers (click pic to enlarge)

Steve's one of two new Redmond city council members and in my opinion does a fantastic job in many ways.

The following are a few questions I wanted to ask him:. 

1)  I thought the new Downtown Park was going to cost $40M but the project sign says $19M.  Facebook readers felt the city was not being up front.  What's up?

2) The 14-acre Estera / Sears project is probably the largest project the City will EVER build....but only 14 citizens showed up at the last community meeting.  Ridiculous!  Steve once suggested an extensive session.  Yes, we need one!  Also, according to the Redmond Reporter only 7% of the planned 2,000 apartments will be "affordable."  City standards are 10% affordable so what's up??  What's the mayor doing?

3)  I had a few questions about how council conducts their council committee meetings as they relate to the Open Public Meetings Act.  In this week's study session Jim Haney, JD explained how council's  "Rules and Procedures" pertain to these meetings. Whatever the outcome, I hope when there is quorum all members present will have an opportunity to talk.

On to Down Pour.  This morning the place was literally buzzing with chatter; few were on their devices.  How refreshing and pleasant to have genuine conversations.  Steve and Ronnie (his spouse) offer "no password" WiFi.  Is this the reason? (I'm not a marketing guy.) Anyway, if you're looking for a vibrant, fun coffee shop, this is the place.

-- B. Yoder

Ordinance Prohibits Camping In Parks And Public Spaces, When Overnight Shelters Are Available

Internet photo (not in Redmond)

Consideration of Ordinance No. 2911: An Ordinance Amending Sections 9.33.010 Through 9.33.030 of the Redmond Municipal Code and Adding a New Section 9.33.035 in Order to:

Prohibit Camping and Storage of Personal Property in Parks and in Order to Prohibit Camping and Storage of Personal Property on Other Public Property When Overnight Shelter Space is Available; Authorizing the Police Chief to Adopt Rules and Regulations for Enforcement.

Below is a partial accounting of Council's Janurary 2nd decision-making process in approving the ordinance:

 1)  Mr. Haney, the city attorney advised Council to pass the ordinance to be in compliance with Federal law related to a Boise court case citing 8th Amendment rights.

2)  Council member Anderson moved to amend Ordinance No. 2911 to add the definition “Overnight Shelter” be defined as a public or private shelter, with an available overnight space for one or more individuals.

Anderson's motion was seconded by Council member Fields.  VOTE: Ms. Anderson's motion to amend failed with Council members Anderson and Fields in support (2 – 5).

3)  Mr. Fields asked if the City's municipal campus is an example of public shelter space and someone (staff, attorney, or the mayor) said yes.

4) Mr. Fields recommended a study session before voting on the ordinance.  His concerns were 1) that he and two other council members were new and left out of earlier conversations/decisions and 2)  the ordinance may have serious consequences.  Fields recommendation was denied.  The main motion passed with Council member Fields in opposition (6 – 1).

Activist Albert Rosenthal claims "public shelter space" includes the Mayor's office and City Hall business floors. To read a letter he wrote the Mayor and Council "READ MORE."  He will be addressing Council during Items from the Audience at their next regular meeting, 2/16/2017 7:30 pm. 

B. Yoder, opinion

Steve Fields, "Redmond Person of the Year"

Steve Fields speaking at his post-election party

Steve Fields won Council position #2 by bringing a new perspective to how council members value their constituents.  He gave, and is giving, hope and inspiration to passionate "outsiders" to run for office -- reinvigorating city governance.  While taking on the Establishment during the campaign, Mr. Fields proved he's a very strong, courageous, intelligent and experienced leader willing to speak up for his constituents to move our city, urban centers and neighborhoods forward.

B. Yoder
2017

New Council Members sworn in

Redmond, WA – In a ceremony prior to last night’s Council meeting, newly elected Redmond residents Dr. Jeralee Anderson (Council Position 6), Steve Fields (Council Position 2) and Tanika Padhye (Council Position 4) were officially sworn in. Their terms are effective January 2018 through December 2021. Fields has lived in Redmond for over 30 years. He worked across all functions of government in his positions at King County and the City of Seattle in the Executive offices. Fields guided elected officials on policy, budget and operational improvements. He advised department heads and their staff to help the government perform better. Fields is also a Redmond small business owner with his wife. Dr. Anderson earned her doctorate in sustainability from the University of Washington Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering in the Heavy Civil & Construction Engineering Program. Dr. Anderson is CEO of Greenroads Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit located in Redmond. She co-founded the company in 2010 and now works with government agencies and private industry on hundreds of green transportation projects. Jeralee is a 7-year resident of Redmond. Padhye was previously appointed by Council and filling a vacancy in Position 4 since last March. She has lived in Redmond for 14 years and has served on both the City of Redmond’s Planning and Parks and Trails Commission. She has been a member of the Community Centers Stakeholder group and contributed to updates on the PARCC Plan and projects including Redmond Central Connector (Phase II) and the Downtown Park. She is a licensed attorney in the State of Washington, with legal expertise ranging from work as a Civil Rights Investigator to cases dealing with employment and housing discrimination. “I look forward to continuing to work with Padhye and welcome both Fields and Anderson in their new Council positions. They bring a fresh perspective to the Council that is reflective of our community. I’m confident that through Council's combined experiences we will continue to lead in the region and represent the priorities of Redmond residents,” stated Council President Hank Margeson.

Dr. Jeralee Anderson (Council Position 6) Steve Fields (Council Position 2) Tanika Padhye (Council Position 4)

Council Candidate Steve Fields Addresses Emergency Preparedness

Steve is active in the City of Redmond CERT Neighborhood Program.

"Community Emergency Response Team"  

TIME TO VOTE! ALMOST DONE!

Entrance to the Abby Road and Emerald Heights neighborhoods (click to enlarge)

A compilation of candidate blog reports, stories and opinions is posted at this link.  I hope you find some of this information helpful.

 I support Steve Fields for City Council Position #2.  Mr. Fields is endorsed by - the Eastside Business Alliance, "Friends of Osama Hamdan," King County Democrats (unanimous,) Washington Bikes, former Mayor Rosemarie Ives, among others.  

I endorse Kathy Lambert for County Council, Cassandra Sage for LWSD Director District #3 and Vandana Slatter for the 48th LD. -- B. Yoder

Click "Comment" below-left to read candidate comments 

UPDATED: Extensive, disruptive King County Sewer Project Planned For Redmond

King County is upgrading nearly 4.5 miles of sewer pipe in Redmond to meet the needs of your growing community. Construction is expected to begin in 2020. While the sewer pipe is under construction, King County will also install 1.5 miles of pipe to carry recycled water. When complete, the new pipes will provide reliable sewer service and an important connection for the potential future use of recycled water in the area. Segment 1: New sewer and recycled water pipes will be installed along the Sammamish River Trail. There will be temporary trail closures during construction. We are committed to safe detour routes for all trail users.

Segment 2: The existing sewer line runs under the Sammamish River north of Leary Way. We will replace this line with a larger pipe. A recycled water pipe will also be added in the same location under the river. To reduce our impact to fish and wildlife, we are considering underground construction methods that won't require us to dig a trench across the river.

Segment 3: A new sewer line will installed north of NE 50th Way. South of NE 50th Way, a second pipe will be added along the existing pipe to hold more flows. The new recycled water line will stop just north of the West Lake Sammamish Parkway Marymoor Park entrance. We recognize that Marymoor Park is widely used for recreation and events, particularly during the summer. We will maintain park access and try to work around major events, when possible.

Segment 4: Two pipes that currently run under West Lake Sammamish Parkway will be replaced. A third pipe will be added to hold additional flows. Delays and detour routes are expected. We are working closely with the City of Redmond to understand traffic patterns and identify ways to minimize disruptions.

Segment 5: The existing sewer in the Idylwood neighborhood will be replaced. While the sewer route follows roadways as much as possible, it does run along some private property, including Audubon Elementary. To the extent possible, we will conduct work adjacent the school during the summer months, outside of the normal school year.  In my opinion, the city will benefit with Steve Fields on Council during  this 3-year project.  Steve's work experience and connections with the county could be useful towards completing this  project on time and  with fewer mistakes.  Dr. Jeralee Anderson with her civil engineering road sustainability expertise will also be a big asset on council. - B. Yoder Learn more at: kingcounty.gov/KCRedmondSewer

UPDATED: Redmond Candidate Forum

Steve Fields, Position 2: 

Byon Shutz, Position 2

Jeralee Anderson, Position 6

Jason Antonelli, Position 6 

Tanika Padhye, Position 4 

Eugene Zakhareev, Position 4

A Candidate Forum was held at the First Baptist Chruch on Education Hill last week.  The first up were school board candidates.  Besides the Voter's Pamphlet, this forum probably gives you the best information on the candidates you can find.  

Paige Norman, the founder of "Educatiion Hill Neighborhood Association" (EdNHA) organized and moderated the forum.  Miki Mullor, a City of Sammamish resident and entrepreneur will speak about their moratorium at the EdNHA meeting on November 2nd, 7 pm. 

Thank you Paige!