UPDATED, 4/18: Councilmember Forsythe's Letter On Plymouth Housing

 

COUNCIL V.P. JESSICA  FORSYTHE'S LETTER

The Facts

UPDATED: 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, 4/18/2024: Council Explains Decision for Housing Homeless Downtown

Image of the Plymouth Housing building in Bellevue.  

Redmond's building will be 6-stories.

Credit "Seattle Times."  Read this article.

from the desk of Jessica Forsythe, City Council Vice President...

"Neighbors, thank you for reaching out to Redmond City Council regarding the recent Plymouth Housing decision to permanently house homeless and low income residents in downtown Redmond. I am responding as the Ombuds for the month of February. 

Council and the Planning Commission spent many months studying data and developing code around Permanent Supportive Housing in 2021 and 2022 with community concerns and feedback being taken into consideration all along the way.

• Plymouth Housing is not a homeless shelter, it is a downtown six-story supportive housing home.
• To qualify for a home at this location one must:
• The applicants must be single adults exiting homelessness and living on extremely low incomes. Many of these individuals are seniors, veterans, and/or people living with disabilities.
• Residents will earn less than $28,000/ year.
• Residents will not be a lifetime registered sex offender (all state laws regarding sex offenders registration notification are applicable)
• Residents will not have certain drug-related convictions.
• Tenants are required to apply, be screened and selected for approval, sign a lease and abide by it just like anyone else entering into a lease
• Per our regulations, Plymouth Housing only allows up to 100 housing units. This regulation was in direct response to community concerns that Plymouth Housing is able to adequately provide services for those exiting homelessness and low-income residents. 
• Plymouth Housing is not a safe injection or safe consumption site.
• To quote Redmond Police Chief Lowe “Illegal things are still illegal."
• Plymouth Housing will enter into an Operational Agreement with the City which includes:
• Performance expectations and oversite of the Plymouth Housing Operator
• Rules and Code of Conduct
• Safety and Security Plan
• Neighborhood Relations and Community Engagement.

In the development of these plans, Plymouth Housing and their CEO will seek participants and host community stakeholder groups. The Council will be consulted on the final plans / agreements as required. 

The City completed a Housing Needs Assessment which you can read here: https://www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/25992/Housing_Needs_Assessment_Feb_2021"

Signed, 

Council V.P. Jessica Forsythe 

Additionally, through the city's study and review, Redmond’s affordable housing allocation needs (calculated by the King County Department of Community and Human Services) are 3,694 units of Permanent Supportive for the homeless and low income and 7,025 units in the "Average Median Income" range. 

Redactions, edits and updates for emphasis, clarity and accuracy by Editor Bob 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 to provide homeless housing in our downtown core (not far from Anderson Park.)   

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

The homeless 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 building, once finished.  Construction will begin in 2005 with completion expected by 2007.  The City is chipping in $3.2 million towards the building.      

Plymouth Housing, the nonprofit homeless provider, originally asked the City of Kenmore to site 100 homeless housing units but Kenmore 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 residents, Council President Vanessa Kritzer promised "a robust review." suggesting "Items from the Audience" as the venue.  

Some background:  In 2019, the City proactively purchased this land for affordable housing to for $5.2M.  The City will chip in $2.4M towards the project. The public wasn't informed, nor was there thorough study by Planning Commission on the purchase.

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

-- Bob Yoder, 2/14/2024

Seattle Times article, 2/19/2024

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

Twitter @ Kenmore reactions/ - Johnathan Choe, journalist

The Planning Commission seemed in the dark on Plymouth; the Chair never heard of Plymouth asking Director Helland for an explanation of what Plymouth does for affordable housing. Her response was short and nebulous. B. Yoder

Redmond Councilmember Jessica Forsythe, Uncontested

 

Redmond City Council Position No. 3

Uncontested

JESSICA FORSYTHE

Redmond Council Position No. 3

Priorities and BIO

Dog Park Opens at Luke McRedmond Park

Council member Jessica Forsythe took these pictures of the new downtown dog park.  She said the Parks Department re-purposed surplus fencing for the park and picnic tables are planned.  The park is partitioned for small dogs, common in downtown apartments.  The pop-up dog park will remain open through September, allowing the City to test different potential locations and needs for a more permanent off-leash dog area in Redmond.

• • 

    The the city labels it as a "POP UP" Dog Park; by construction it looks permanent.

    
    Posted by Bob Yoder, 4/24/2033, Community volunteer

UPDATED: City Council Meeting Notes, 04 April 2023

 

CM Melissa Stuart
Featured
City Council group picture not available

CLICK THIS LINK FOR VIDEO NOTES OF COUNCIL'S REGULAR MEETING 

OF 04 APRIL 2023:   

https://www.facebook.com/CityOfRedmond/videos/1005053090870596

 (short pause at start of tape)

ADVANCE TO 3:00 for poet Laureate Laura Da's description of her poetry inspired "Nature & City History Walk" around our lakefronts.     

ADVANCE TO 4:52 for Dr. David Morton's "Item From The Audience" suggesting solutions to various city challenges.  

ADVANCE TO 11:53 - Mayor  Angela Birney kicks off Council's OMBUDS report where resident inquiries (positive and negative) are addressed.  As follows: 

CM Varisha Kahn passes the baton to Council VP Vanessa Kritzer. Kritzer mentions a resident's concern about the mayor's salary; resident complaint about "State of the City" recording glitches. Domestic violence. CM David Carson brings attention to businesses coping with simultaneous road construction on 76th and Cleveland Street.  CM Melissa Stuart gives an excellent report of the city's C.E.R.T. program dealing with first responder preparations for an earthquake.  Council President Jessica Forsythe directed the OMBUDS report and city process. Traffic. FBI. CM Jeralee Anderson, QR Codes for park users, "Show and Tell" by Anderson on recycled materials used to build "green roads."  Stuart summarizes Public Works committee report. CM Steve Fields had nothing to say.  

Angela Birney, Carson, Forseythe, Kahn, and Kritzer's terms end 31 December 2023. 

Reported by Bob Yoder, Community volunteer, 04 April 2023

Update: 2022 Derby Days Grand Parade

Our City Council members are rounding the corner!  Council member Jessica Forsythe is the festive one in yellow sneakers.  She's Council President.  Do you see Council member Vanessa Kritzer with the baby bump?  She's making modern history in Redmond as the first ever pregnant Council member! 👶 Vanessa is Council Vice President in a very challenging year.  (Rent regulations, Tree regulations, Public Safety Levy, Town Center amendments, Evans Creek realignment, Senior Center funding decisions and on.)  Councilmember David Carson marches as the senior member with over 13 years under his belt.  Councilmember Melissa Stuart (in red) lives in Overlake Urban Center where representation is sorely needed.  Varisha Kahn is back from a long illness marching with hat. Jaralee Anderson poured OJ at the firefighters' breakfast.  Steve Fields wasn't seen. 
 

click to enlarge

Former Mayor of 16 years, Rosemarie Ives and Jerry Torell hold the banner as the Redmond Historical Society members march with organic vegetable and fruit costumes, in concert with the parade's sustainability theme.  

-- Bob Yoder, picture and video, 7/9/2022

UPDATED 6/19: The High Value Of Downtown City Trees

Three landmark oak trees. The Design Review Board says one must go.

.

Councilmember David Carson led Council discussion on the Senior & Community Center monthly report.  It was the April 26th "Committee of the Whole" meeting. Councilmembers Varisha Kahn and Steve Fields were absent.

Eric Dawson, Project Manager gave each councilmember a tree heath assessment map  (or something similar.) Thirty-two trees will be removed,  mostly from around the building. 199 replacement sapling trees will be planted.  The high count is attributable to the 128 replacement tree requirements in the "Shoreline jurisdiction."  

President Jessica Forsythe asked "how many trees can potentially be saved, especially looking at the first one nearest the River Trail?  It's a pretty substantial tree and lots of people enjoy the shade. There's about five I'm hoping we can do something." 

Mr. Dawson said mildly, he was looking into small shrubs to give away to homeowners.  huh?  At one time he said the City could afford a "green roof" on the Center.  A sliver of one is planned.

President Forsythe asked about reworking the trail rather than removing the tree.  Mr. Dawson said the Design Review Board studied every angle to find the "best connection point" between the river and the Center. They decided the entrance to the Center near a landmark tree was the most inviting and the tree would need to go; yet he committed to one more look.  

Parks Chair Councilmember David Carson was positive about saving the tree saying "it took 50-60 years to get that tree to where it's at."  He said it was an ideal shade tree for the picnic tables. City planner Cameron Zapata said Red Oaks are sometimes called "Champion Trees." 

Odds & ends:  Vice President Vanessa Kritzer asked about the pickleball courts. Eric said they will stay open until the cranes are up.  "Art Hill" will close for staging.  Late 2022, early 2023 construction cranes will be up.  Councilmember Malissa Stuart got assurances from Mr. Dawson that full programing with some finishing touches will be in place late 2023 when the Center opens.  

I did quite a bit of research on the "inviting entrance" near the landmarks seen in this photo. The OPSIS Health Assessment marked the three trees as "significant" Oaks measuring 24", 20", and 24".  I measured them: all three were a minimum 30 inches ABH while standing on their roots. These Oaks are landmarks.  I fear the the middle landmark will be removed unless Council intervenes. I'm not positive they are Red Oaks. The foliage of  three Oaks looks different from the Heritage tree.

It's interesting four Oregon White Oaks are designated tree replacements.  For more information about the tree replacements.  READ MORE: 

UPDATED, 2/12/2024: Redmond Town Center Could Have 12-Story Buildings

RTC / Kidder.com

Update 2/2024:  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) 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.  

The developer, Fairbourne Properties, 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 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.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/6/2022

    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

UPDATED, 2/23/2022 Exciting Senior & Community Center Updates

 

  Do you see the black solar panels on the roof?  Will there be space for green roof tops?

Per Business Council meeting of 2/1/2022:  Senior & Community Center updates:  

1)  Vice President Vanessa Kritzer announced the possibility of Green (Roof) Tops at the Center.  President Jessica Forsythe has advocated for green roof tops for years.  Jessica asked staff for maintenance costs.  Eric Dawson, Public Works and project lead estimated a green top would cost about $15,000.  He felt it would easily fit in the budget. Hopefully, this will be the first of many green tops on City buildings.  

2)  Design costs of the Center are increasing with inflation.  The cost will be $52,000,000 if Council passes an ordinance to cover a $4,000,000 shortfall.  Public Works "value engineered" the project saving $2,480,000.  

3) Most of the funding is collected from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) $17,116,000 and a "councilmanic" bond. The CIP is funded by taxpayers. 

Total debt payments on the councilmanic bond are $32,217,000 over twenty years. Cumulative interest over twenty years is $8,264,000. The interest rate is 3%. President Forsythe was concerned about the rate rising.  Councilmanic bonds are not voter approved. 

Here's some upbeat news.  The councilmanic bond can be spent as one-time money for construction of the Center.  President Forsythe questioned having enough one-time money to "go around" towards other projects.  Parks Director Carrie Hite wasn't too concerned stating the 2022 CIP was "robust." The final decision is expected in June.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, Internet, 2/1/2022

OPINION:  Director Carrie Hite was released or resigned from her position just recently.  Council decided not to use the councilmanic bond to fund construction of the Senior/Comm. Center. Council may have decided the 2022 CIP was not robust and perhaps didn't like staff making budget decisions. Council President Forsythe was concerned the 3% interest rate would increase with inflation.  My guess is she has other places to use the bond in the immediate future. Losing Director Hite is a big loss IMO.

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.

Community Conversations -November 8, 2021

Interesting and informative discussions.  All councilmembers were in attendance except Mr. 

Steve Fields.  The "conversation" was moderated by the Mayor in a Q&A format with the audience.  

Tree discussion:  Advance to 34 minutes

Homeless Hotel:  Advance to 38 minutes

Affordable Housing:  Advance to 55 minutes

$120,000 medium income, ADU's, 10-minute communities, the "missing middle":  Advance to 105 minutes

Homeless Hotel:  Advance to 112 minutes

-- Bob Yoder, 11/12/2021

"Safe Eastside" - Activists Fighting Off The Homeless.

 "Safe Eastside's"  relentless attacks on Mayor Birney are unconscionable. Kudos to CM David Carson for his efforts to defend the Mayor and the City.  Anderson, Fields, Forsythe, Kahn and Kritzer should defend the Mayor and City, as well.  They have the same voice as the Mayor in representation of the public. Councilmembers, please actively stand up and defend the Mayor and City tomorrow.  B. Yoder, 10/18/2021

KAN QIU'S MESSAGE TO "SAFE EASTSIDE" VOLUNTEERS:

Please come to public comment Tuesday 10/19 to demand amendment of Ordinance No. 3059 at City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th Street, Redmond, Washington, 6:30 PM, the last public comment opportunity before the council's study session 10/26 on this matter. We have all witnessed, in the public hearing nearly two weeks ago, Mayor shamefully staged her out of area supporters to call in before many of us who showed up physically since as early as 6:30. But we are more determined than what she could ever have imagined. We need to pack the room again, speakers make sure you sign up in advance on the sheet outside the chamber room. To help us track attendee numbers, please register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keep-up-the-pressure-tuesday-october-19th-speak-up-at-redmond-city-hall-tickets-193136014017 .

What's even more outrageous after the shameful display of public hearing is that Mayor Birney's puppet in the council David Carson had to go the extra mile and filed a frivolous PDC complaint on October 14 against us in an apparent attempt to suppress public voices. Sadly as an elected official, puppet CM David Carson obviously forgot that this is America and people's rights express themselves are fully protected by the constitution, particularly on matters that are lack of government transparency. Since when citizens setting up and running a website to inform the public becomes an issue ? It's appalling that such despicable scare tactics have being used against average citizens who simply fill in the vacuum due to the very lack of information from the government!

Highlights From The City's New "Homeless Hotel" Website

 

One of my wishes is the Operator use the homeless
hotel's whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  Internet

 

Did the City recruit the County to locate the Silver Cloud  facility in Redmond?

No, the City did not seek out the Silver Cloud facility in Redmond.

When did the Mayor’s Office make City Council aware of this program in Redmond?

City Council was made aware of the new legislation supporting this type of program through a variety of 2020 and 2021 legislative updates by the City’s lobbyist. **Mayor Birney called each of Redmond’s seven City Council members on Tuesday, July 6, to notify them of the County’s purchase and intended use of the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond.

When did the City learn about the County’s desire to locate a homeless facility in Redmond?

In spring 2021, King County informed the City that they were actively exploring locations in Redmond and in late May 2021, Redmond was made aware of the County’s intent to purchase the Silver Cloud Inn. **As this was a private real estate transaction, it was kept confidential, as requested. Redmond first became aware of this potential type of program early in the 2020 legislative session. The City has continued to follow this since the State Legislature passed House Bill 1590 in 2020, which allowed jurisdictions to enact a 0.1% sales tax to finance construction of affordable housing and behavioral health facilities and operations or services supportive of affordable housing residents. In 2020, Executive Constantine proposed, and the County Council approved, this dedicated sales tax. In 2021, the State Legislature passed House Bill 1070, which clarified acquisition of property as an eligible use of these funds.

Will the City consider making it illegal to camp or sleep outside in public spaces?

The City passed ordinance 2911 in 2018 which prohibits camping and storage of personal property in parks, public spaces, and on publicly-owned property when overnight shelter space is available.

Will the City forbid use of drugs and alcohol at the Silver Cloud HTH facility?

The City will provide the same policing and uphold the same safety protocols regarding drugs and alcohol as is provided throughout the community. HTH residents will be considered tenants under Washington State landlord/tenant law and as such will have specific rights with regards to their leased space, which are consistent with the rights all tenants have throughout the city. King County will provide a code of conduct that residents must agree upon to remain housed at the facility.

Will the City be involved in choosing and monitoring an operator for the facility?

Yes. ***The City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the facility operators.

Source:  Redmond.gov/hth (City's homeless hotel website)

**  CM Forsythe and Fields griped in last night's Study session they were notified too late so couldn't participate in the decision-making.**  I'm not so sure about that.

*** CM David Carson said his energy will be put into finding a suitable operator. Thank you David.  One of my wishes is the operator use the whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  

CM Varisha Kahn was not at either meeting to comment.

-- Bob Yoder 9/29/2021

Critique On A Redmond Council Meeting

I'm a local government nerd and try to watch City Council meetings on Facebook LIVE whenever I can.  A few actions really annoyed me at their last Study Session and I'm getting it off my chest here; other actions were commendable.  

1,  Our councilmembers work exceptionally hard and they're smart. We, the electorate did well!

2.  Even though Mr. Fields committed to keeping his zoom camera on when talking he rarely does. In the few meetings Ms. Kahn has attended, she seldom turns her camera on.  Seeing faces and body language is an important part of communication.  Otherwise, it's like listening to a radio.

3. Councilmembers Kritzer, Padhye, Anderson, and Forsythe always put their cameras on so you can watch them talking.  Cameras help in public engagement.  Ms. Kritzer and Padhye usually sit on the Dais as does Ms. Anderson & Mr. Carson.  Seeing their faces and body language is extremely helpful.  Yes, we are a broad, attentive viewing audience who wants to be informed and participate.   

4. Ms. Kahn on three occasions talked endlessly.  She may have made 1-2 points. "Be Brief, Be Bright, Be Gone" is something to think about. 

5. V.P. Jeralee Anderson did a fabulous job running the "Environmental Sustainability Priority" conversations. [She's given an environmental TEDx talk on "green roads."] Jeralee made sure everyone had the opportunity to participate equatibly.  Jeralee has good body language and engages well.  

6. The Council Safety Committee was considered for "housing" an environmental sustainability standing committee.  The Mayor (not in attendance) through President Padhye was concerned about staffing. Padhye said a Director's attendance was common practice. Five councilmembers said an environmental executive would be fitting. (as do I.)  Council will take a vote next Business meeting.  

7. Mr. Fields scolded President Padhye over a simple procedural question.  It was uncivil and unbecoming of a councilmember.  (His area of interest is policy.)  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/26/2021

Council Member Forsythe Encourages Mask Wearing At Council Meetings

Council Member Jessica Forsythe

"I chose to wear a mask at the first in-person meeting in response to the many seniors who have shared with me their desire for a masked safe space. I personally know many in our community who are unable to get the vaccine due to various heath complications. Additionally, I am still concerned for those 12 and under who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. 

I will continue to wear a mask at future Regular Business meetings and hope my fellow Council Members will join me. 

Helping to protect community members is not an inconvenience it’s an honor."

Thank you,

Council Member Forsythe 

7/8/2021

UPDATED: Council Holds First In-person Meeting In Over A Year

 

(l-r) Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe, Tanika Padeya, David Carson, Mayor Angela Birney, Vanessa Kritzer, Jeralee Anderson, Steve Fields.

Council had their first hybrid / in-person Regular meeting on July 6th, 2021.  Prior to this, meetings were remote owing to COVID.  

In this particular meeting, Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe and Jeraleee Anderson wore masks. Everyone else were unmasked, including the mayor, the city attorney and city clerk.  Mr. Fields was participating remotely.  Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Ms. Hite, Director of Parks were sitting unmasked at the table.  Some members of the audiance were not masked. 

I'm not sure why three were covered.  Were they fearful of the Delta variant?  My guess is some were trying to set an example to encourage the public to mask since the pandemic isn't over.

Council Member Varisha Kahn, in the committee meeting, attributed her full-face covering to a scratchy throat. 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/7/2021 - photo: redmond.gov

Notes On Redmond's 2050 Outreach Results

This winter the Administration conducted comprehensive surveys asking citizens "what will Redmond be like in 2050."  Council discussed "Redmond 2050" in their last study session.  Below, are a few of their thoughts on the subject:  

David Carson doesn't like unoccupied housing units.  After one year he suggested double taxing them. Unoccupied housing relates, in part, to investors trying to lock up a good deal.  Fallow housing drains our housing stock. Mayor Angela Birney said no-can-do, that the issue is in the hands of the state legislature. 

Steve Fields said an acquaintance felt Redmond was becoming more "soulless."  Fields appreciated the city's successes but indicated Redmond's "look and feel" and design standards were affecting the character of the City.

Jessica Forsythe felt our parks were missing corridor links and thus walkability; especially in our downtown parks and Overlake.   Mental health resources are important.

Varisha Kahn was unresponsive.  

Vanessa Kritzer (and Jessica) want to build a working relationship with the City of Bellevue.  Vanessa looks to improve the quality of life through child care resources, education and human resources. Mental health resources are important.  

Jaralee Anderson - my notes on Jeralee are poor but a lot of her interest is in transportation and green roads.

Tanika Padhye is interested in 10-minute communities and building a police facility in Overlake.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/25/2021