Critical Area Ordinance, Public Hearing

 Great Blue Heron 
"Species of Local Importance"  
Sammamish River, Redmond, WA.   

Hello Planning Commissioners:

"I only caught part of your meeting last night, but it sounds like the State is requiring updates to the Critical Area Ordinance? 

As a college educated biologist -- similar to Mayor Angela Birney -- Critical Areas are important to me.   In the Ives Administration, I made "Species of Local Importance" and "Habitat of Local Importance" comments to the Planning Commission chaired by Mr. Snodgrass.  After much discussion, the commission decided on the Great Blue Heron (GBH) and Riparian habitat, in which it lives.   

UPDATED OPINION, 11/7/2021: What Will Redmond Look Like In 2050?

Is it too late to make the massive 22-acre downtown Nelson "Village" palpable and resident friendly or will our elected officials cave to this developer?

In 2007, Redmond hired consultant Guy Michaelson from Berger Partnership of Seattle to give a vision  and suggestions for the development of Downtown Redmond.  Below, are two points he made, salient to Redmond 2050:

Guy emphasized the importance of "promenades" for connecting a hierarchy of streets. Promenades are not boulevards but important avenues with canopy and wider (20')sidewalks.  The Parks Director and Mayor Ives talked with excitement about street-side cafes, book stores, spilling over onto wider sidewalk promenades. (Thank you COVID for the later.)

Guy suggested improving the "green ring" along the Sammamish River by softening the eastern slope of the river with a more gradual grade to "get out of the ditch". He suggested building a bike/running trail on the west side to allow for more passive activities on the eastern slope. He thought Luke McRedmond Park had great potential. [He failed to point out King County has jurisdiction over the river corridor.]

Mayor Birney and Council, please zone for greater use of promenades, wider sidewalks and bike lanes, specifically in the Nelson Master Plan and SE Redmond Neighborhood (where new schools are planned.)  Thank you.  B. Yoder

READ MORE for the abridged Berger report and my opinion:

Downtown Park Groundbreaking 2

Credit/Jeni Craswell

Nancy McCormick (retired CM) is far left.  She's a strong advocate and defender of the Downtown Park. On the night of her retirement from Council she gave a check towards the Downtown Park to Mr. Mayor. Nancy is now a member of the One Redmond Foundation.  Rep. Joan McBride of the 48th District is right of Nancy.  Councilmember David Carson is the tall guy in the blue shirt. Molly Hill, the wife of Sen. Andy Hill is speaking. Mr. Mayor is behind her. King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert was present.  Is that John Aftebro  (V.P. RHS) in the foreground with the blue cap?

The photographer, Jeni Crawsell was Marchione's 2007 campaign manager, the Executive Director of  "Realize Redmond" (precursor to the One Redmond Foundation) and now works for Hopelink.

An individual on Facebook thought the Park should be named after John Couch, the city's Park director of 30 years.  Nancy McCormick the "Facebook park defender" responded a park can't be named for someone until they've been deceased for at least 2 years.

Photo source:  Facebook

"ONE REDMOND" Chairman Bill Biggs gives progress report to Redmond city council

UPDATED:  Bill Biggs, V.P. Administrative Services for Group Health and Chair of Redmond Economic Development Association (REDA) gave Council a progress report on ONE REDMOND (OR) this Tuesday during their study session.  Mr. Biggs was introduced as the new Chair of OR. 

Biggs defined OR as an organization that "integrates community development, business retention, and business recruitment and choreographs how they connect and work together."   He said integration of the city into OR is important to land new businesses. 

Andrea Lachmann of PS Business Parks and Chair of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce and Nancy McCormick, a Director of Realize Redmond (RR) and Past Redmond Council President were present and gave insight into how their organizations would fold into OR.  REDA, the Chamber and RR planned to finalize their recommendations for a OR work plan yesterday with a specific work plan expected by December, 2013. 

Chair Biggs said "assimilation of the Chamber of Commerce into One Redmond is going very well and this week we'll bring that to culmination." He said the legacy of the chamber is business retention and that chamber staff will be folded into OR.  Biggs said OR will keep the Chamber brand and maintain it's association with the Eastside and National Chambers.  On web searches it will be found rostered under ONE REDMOND. 

Andrea Lachmann wrote a thorough update on ONE REDMOND in the October 2012 Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce newsletter.   I recommend you read it here. 

McCormick said Realize Redmond is aligned with OR in their mission to develop the community by focusing on:  a sense of place, community involvement, cultural attributes, cultural diversity, and quality educational system.  She said they've been involved with writing the By-Laws of OR during a quiet fundraising period. 

Councilmember Tom Flynn asked if Realize Redmond was still fundraising for the Downtown Park and McCormmick no, it's delayed.  Mayor Marchione said park construction isn't planned untill 2016-2017 with 2014 being a "design year" and 2013 a "community input year."  (write:  mayor@redmond.gov)

President Vache' said the $50,000 feasibility study showed the Downtown Park was not a top priority.  Chair Biggs said "the first park priority is what happens in and around the park, the buzz, and how it creates a sense of place and attraction to the people to visit here, work here, and live here."  He hadn't seen traction from the community side to see how the park would perform.  Read More >>

Community activists take City of Redmond to court to enforce long-standing tree ordinance

UPDATED:  A legal fight over Redmond's Group Health Overlake Village is brewing from the City waiving a long-standing tree retention ordinance.   "Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond" ("Sustainable Redmond") of which Mayor Emeritus Ives is a member, and two neighborhoods, are suing the City and  the Group Health landowner for a 100% clear-cut of the 28-acre site.  Removal of all trees on the site, including 65 extra-large trees over 30.25 inches in diameter are slated to be cleared.  The diameter on one "Landmark Tree" is estimated to be over 50 inches, and 250 years old.  Group Health's arborists claimed the trees were dangerous and will fall over in wind storms.   City associate planner Lisk said the eleven significant trees in the "park" area will be removed and the remaining "parkland" will be hydroseeded.

City council voted 6-1 (Kim Allen) to waive the long-standing 35% tree retention ordinance.  At least four councilmembers justified the tree ordinance Exception by referencing requirements of the Growth Management Act.   Ive's showed council a city map of all the buildings in Overlake that could absorb the City's density requirements.

Several stakeholders were quoted in a February 12, 2012 online Seattle Times article by Keith Irvine, as follows:    Mayor John Marchione justified 100% tree removal saying:  Read More >>

The December 15 City Council Meeting is eventful and sets records.

In order of significance:

1. Nancy McCommick retired tonight after 24 years of service as a councilmember, 8 years as Council President, 6 years as planning commissioner.  She is currently on the Code Rewrite Commission. 
2. The Mayor read a Proclamation about Nancy, Nancy gave a check to the Mayor for the Downtown Park Foundation.  Richard Grubb faxed in a poem, a Safety Officer thanked Nancy during Items from the Audience, six councilmembers gave tribute (Vache' was absent), the RYPAC city youth group gave her a poster, and Parks Director read tributes from three citizens. Councilmember David Carson was dressed in a bow tie / tuxedo.
3. Council approved a record 20 consent agenda items, three salary ordinances (more on this later), a Rose Hill annexation ordinance and resolution.   Redmond's Poet Laureate was approved.   
4. "The Russians are coming"!   City Hall chambers were packed for the second time with the Russian community defending their Special Edition business park.  They said the Sears Parking Lot was a better location for the Overlake regional stormwater treatment facility.  Comment: ...a no brainer. 
5. Councilmember Hank Myers defended the city's 1% property tax levy increase.

Code Rewrite Commission:  http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/planning/RCDGrewrite.asp

by Bob Yoder

Redmond City Council President Nancy McCormick endorses Kim Allen

"I have known Kim Allen since she joined Redmond’s Planning Commission in 2002 and we have served together on the Redmond City Council for the last 4 years. I have watched Kim quickly learn her way around the issues in the areas of transportation, planning, growth management and environmental stewardship and we have gone together to carry Redmond’s needs and concerns to our state legislators, many of whom have endorsed Kim’s reelection—as have I.

Kim and I represent Redmond’s interests in transportation as voting members of Eastside Transportation Partnership where we have worked to secure more buses and transit for Redmond. She has promoted Council’s presence in the community and I look forward to working with her as Council lead as we rewrite Redmond’s zoning code. Her background and connections to the Redmond community give her an understanding of our city’s interests and have made her an effective Councilmember for Redmond. That’s why I am supporting her campaign for the chance to serve another 4 years."

Nancy McCormick
nmccormi@halcyon.com
by email, 10/22

Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
425-894-8237

Attn Readers! Post your election endorsements here!

Post your endorsements here!   You are invited to email your endorsement to Bob Yoder at  redmondblog@gmail.com for posting on this page.  (please include your address for verification purposes)

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I have gotten to know Susan Hutchison over the last few years. She is a woman of integrity, a hard worker, a collaborator and one that is willing to look for new and better ways to do things. It would be so refreshing to work with an executive that cares about all the citizens in this county.

Kathy Lambert
Education Hill neighborhood
Redmond, WA.
10/24
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Dear Bob,

"Kudos to Council President McCormick for her strong endorsement of Councilmember Allen. We have been observers and sometimes participants in Redmond politics for nearly thirty years. Never has the City faced such a confluence of adverse circumstances as it does today. To steer the City through these hard times requires steady, experienced hands at the wheel of government. Compare these days to the crash of the US Airways flight in the Hudson River: those fortunate souls survived only because they were in the hands of a mature and experienced pilot.

Kim Allen belongs in that category. She has years of experience and a maturity shared by few in government. Hers is a steady hand. She is the type of person we can trust at the wheel. These are not just words. We have known her (Marty worked with her on the Redmond Planning Commission), and observed her sterling performance on the City Council for years. She is the real deal and we are lucky to have her. We certainly commend Ms. Chen for her interest in good government. However, now is not the time and the City Council is not the place for a beginner. When Ms. Chen has put in years learning the ropes and demonstrating her competence, we would then consider her for a position on the Council, but not now and certainly not as a replacement for someone of such demonstrated competence, intelligence and experience as Kim Allen."

Marty & Lori Snodgrass
Redmond, WA
E: help@snodgrasslaw.com
10/23
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"I have known Kim Allen since she joined Redmond’s Planning Commission in 2002 and we have served together on the Redmond City Council for the last 4 years. I have watched Kim quickly learn her way around the issues in the areas of transportation, planning, growth management and environmental stewardship and we have gone together to carry Redmond’s needs and concerns to our state legislators, many of whom have endorsed Kim’s reelection—as have I.

Kim and I represent Redmond’s interests in transportation as voting members of Eastside Transportation Partnership where we have worked to secure more buses and transit for Redmond. She has promoted Council’s presence in the community and I look forward to working with her as Council lead as we rewrite Redmond’s zoning code. Her background and connections to the Redmond community give her an understanding of our city’s interests and have made her an effective Councilmember for Redmond. That’s why I am supporting her campaign for the chance to serve another 4 years."

Nancy McCormick
nmccormi@halcyon.com
10/22
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"Most of you probably skip voting for Hospital District Commissioner like I usually do because you don't know any of them. I have known Charles Pilcher for 25 years, he was my boss for several of those, is a good MD, headed the emergency department at Evergreen for many years, supports health care reform and is a good person. I think he would do a great job for us and Evergreen."

Terry Lavender
10/20

Mental Health Court and Emergency Preparedness are 'studied' by Council

City Council Study Session with City Directors present

Updated:  The City Council and staff are pictured above in their September 29th  "Study Session."   Council President Nancy McCormick chairs the sessions twice a month on Tuesdays.

The Directors and Council were in session to get emergency preparedness "training" on how they fit into the  "Incident Command System" (ICS) program.  ICS is a nationally mandated standard cities must follow to qualify for federal funding disaster relief.  Pictured with backs to us, giving the training are (l-r) Mayor John Marchione, Emergency Specialist Tom Osborn, and Deputy Fire Chief Tom Norton.

Stephanie D. Mapelli, President of Leadership Eastside, was a first presenter at the Study Session. Leadership Eastside is a three-year teaching program that promotes connections, develops and enriches emerging  leaders, and provides a catalyst for communities.  John Marchione, Jeni Craswell, Hank Margeson, and Tom Flynn are a few who have graduated from the program.  Arts Commission Chair, John Stilin and Deputy Fire Chief Norton are "on deck".  The student mix is:  60% profit, 20% government, and 20% non government non profit.

Ms. Mapelli brought up the issue of Mental Health.  She stated that pretty much everyone knows someone afflicted with a brain disorder.  She commended Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Hank Margeson on their work through Eastside Leadership, to push for a suburban  Mental Health Court.  (The hard work has been done by our leaders, yet, the suburban mental health court is delayed by lagging taxes of the poor economy).

Council President Nancy McCormick usually holds a "council talk time" at the end of the session.   Hank Myers said that 70 citizens showed up at a weed-pulling work party at a city park.   Mr. Myers is known for biking to these programs with his large clippers.

Would you like to see how LWSD "sessions" compare to the city's sessions?   They are strikingly different.  Come back and see? 

story and photo by Bob Yoder

updated to correct "Mental Health Court" link. 

UPDATED: Councilmembers Margeson and Myers explain the uses and meaning of Council Committee voting.

Second update, 9/19:  I met Councilmember Hank Margeson at the "Leadership Eastside" breakfast meeting this morning and he was aware of my struggle to understand the Council Committees' purpose of voting.   Margeson (left) Chairs the Planning and Public Works Committee.  He said he uses the Committee vote mostly to "give direction" to staff.   Hank Myers (right) touches on this in the below letter he just emailed.  

A double thanks to "both Hanks" and especially to Kim Allen who first alerted me and explained the voting process.  Council President Nancy McCormmick and Michelle McGhee, our City Clerk also helped.   

The take-home message is Council Committee voting is "advisory" in nature and  not a Council decision.  The full Council will still have to vote by consent or nonconsent, on committee advise.

Open government is furthered if committee votes are not only recorded but also announced for the benefit of the viewing audience, media and staff.

A paraphrased, excerpted email from Councilman Hank Myers describes Committee process further, as follows:

Mayor Marchione has a policy of trying to give the Council process three touches on significant issues. Certain actions, such as applying for grants, require Council action. ...And in the case of the bike jump grant request we voted to recommend applying for the grant to show that it had been considered and was not controversial in our view. As a result, it was subsequently considered as part of the Council Consent agenda and passed.    

The Committee meetings are advertised as public so that interested members of the Council may attend and even participate in the discussion without violating the open public meetings act. It is my understanding that only members of the Committee may vote, [and the public my attend but not participate] and when we took the vote to approve the application for the bike jumps Mr. Vache', Mr. Carson and I all voted in favor. Councilmember Cole did not vote.

Hank Myers
Councilmember, View Point Neighborhood
Chair of Parks and Human Services Committee
paraphrased and edited by Bob Yoder

Nancy McCormick remarks about wildlife in Redmond.

Nancy McCormick
 Six-Term Redmond City Councilmember 

"Another neighborhood picnic in the record books, the 28th, and not only did we have a cougar killed the other night on SR520 close by, but it turns out we have also had a bobcat a block away from my house. Wow. Redmond is supposed to be an urban center -- and we have cougar, bobcat, raccoons, deer, and bunnies, all sighted this summer."

  -- Nancy Mauritson McCormick
 posted by permission, photo and source: FaceBook account, 9/09

Councilmember nicknames & the new dynamic

Left-to-Right: 'Caring' Carson, 'Marvelous' Margeson ("most likely to succeed"), 'Adaptable' Allen, 'Venerable' Vache', 'Her Majesty' McCormick, 'Wiser' Myers, 'The Statesman' Cole, and 'The Magnificent' Mayor Marchione

Opinion: It just dawned on me how many Readers may not know what our council members look like or even our Mayor. In attempt to match a name and personality with a face I came up with some nicknames. I'm just throwing these out for fun. Do you have any other nickname ideas? They've got to be better than mine!

Council dynamics is picking up lately. With 'Venerable' Pat Vache' (right) and 'Adaptable' Kim Allen (left) both running for re-election later this year it's starting to get fun watching Council on TV. Alliances appear to be forming. 'Adaptable' Allen has been eagerly backing 'Statesman' Cole, especially when 'Wiser' Myers says something irritating to the Statesman. 'Her Majesty' eagerly throws support to the 'Venerable' Vache'. So far, no one has filed to run against Vache' or Allen. Does anyone have a candidate suggestion or idea?

'Her Majesty' Nancy McCormick has decided not to run after 26 years (I think) of continuous service. John Stilin, Arts Commissioner, has stepped up for the City to run for Nancy's seat #6. I saw John getting aquainted with Planning & Development Director Odle in the audiance seats and soaking up his words at the last Council meeting. Hank Margeson is Most-Likely-to-Succeed for many reasons. But, for now, let's just give him the "Most Improved Award". I may be wrong, but it looks like 'Marvelous' Margeson is being groomed for Council President or Council V.P.

You should tune-into RC TV21 on Tuesday's, 7:30p.m. and check the new (ever changing) dyanamic. You can probably come up with a better nickname or "read them" differently. The more nicknames and fun the better! Any suggestions?

"Boring budgets" are ANYTHING BUT...in Kirkland!

Most information, excerpts and the photo are courtesy of Rob Butcher's recent articles on his KirklandViews, 12/17/08

UPDATE: The Mayor of Kirkland told his Council they need to follow Redmond's Budget By Priority process! Hear and see Mayor Jim Lauinger say it!
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During Redmond's Budget proceedings, Mayor John Marchione gave strong warnings about "digging a hole" in our City budget. He cautioned if Council didn't raise the 1% property taxes we could end up like Kirkland, in a hole. Kirkland's "gap" was $13.8M -- 12% of their General Fund!

Kirkland has recently taken extreme measures to balance their budget. The problems started when Council authorized 6% salary and 10% cost increases. (Lesson to be learned?). A cursory listing of of actions taken to balance their budget are, as follows:

• Kirkland's existing business tax was replaced by a "Head Tax". Every business in Kirkland must now pay $100 for every full-time employee hired.


• Utility taxes increased.


• Property taxes were increased


• Service levels were cut. Nix Economic Development Manager , Communications levels, etc.


• Cut $3M from the capital budget.

Citizen attendance at Kirkland (and Redmond's) budget meetings were telling. According to KirklandViews, in Kirkland's October meeting only 6 of 48,000 citizens showed. Most were there to protect their interests. At Redmond's final Hearing only 7-8 showed up to speak...again most to further their interests. Council President McCormick proudly said on at least two occasions that Redmond citizenry were "fully engaged" in our budgetary process based on the "excellent turnout" at the final *Hearing.

"KirklandViews", reported that Kirkland's Council Chambers were overflowing at their final Budget meeting. Now, that's participation! Only two of eight citizens at Redmond's budget meeting addressed ideas for cutting costs; I was one. Is that "engagement"? Or, does the City have a way to go?

*Active citizenry participation in Marchione's "Budget by Priority" Public Workshops (2) and the six citizens on staff's Results Teams probably provides a more valid demonstration of public participation.

Updated, 12/16 - Redmond's New Sign Ordinance will keep our sidewalks and neigborhoods clutter-free

Update, 12/16: Opinion on the new sign ordinance from an West Redmond realtor.

OPINION: City Council, the Planning Commission, and our two Code Enforcement Officers have been working for months, if not years, to update and improve our sign ordinance. A new, improved ordinance will be officially in place after one final Hearing on private "banner signs". Signs come in all shapes and types. The photo on the left shows two "A-Board directional signs" for the same project. On the right is a large residential property sign. Hey, do ya think those copper capped posts come included with the Purchase & Sale!

At stake has been striking a balance between the needs for advertising, public safety, and removal of visual clutter. In addition, the ordinance had to be written within the confines of the 9th Circuit Court decision. Doborah Farris, Code Enforcement Officer said the ordinance would be strictly enforced. The first violation is a warning. Second violation is the sign will be pulled with a $50 fee for retrieval. Third violation is a $100 fine. Redmond's two Code Enforcement officers have many other duties than monitoring signs. The Code Enforcement officer's email and phone is 425-556-2465

In short, only one sign is allowed by the the new ordinance for commercial, project construction, and residential advertising. Councilman Vache made a point that precautionary safety signs should not restricted. Signs are limited in size to six square feet. Council Pres. McCormick indicated the Land Use Application Project requirements for 1 4x8 "extraordinary" White Sign every 500 feet (and 1 Yellow 2x3 sign/project ) remain the same.

After persistent lobbying by the Real Estate industry, an exception to the 1-sign rule was allowed for residential real estate advertising in most neighborhoods (R-1 to R-8). Real estate agents, FSBO's, landlords and new single family home projects are allowed up to 3 "directional signs" only during OPEN HOUSES, in addition to the one property sign. Arrow signs count as directional signs.

In a short drive through N. Redmond, I found one housing project posting 11 directional signs and three "landmark signs". A-Boards (sandwich board) and any other staked signs are restricted from public right-of-ways. i.e sidewalks, driveways, bike lanes. Home businesses, including daycare, are not allowed to put out signs. Deputy Planning Director Roberts said code enforcement recently pulled out over 100 signs - mostly in N. Redmond.

Apartment and condominium complexes zoned R-12 & up are allowed 1-sign per complex and no directional signs. Councilman Margeson emphasized visual clutter would be mitigated on roads with multiple apartments/condos like Avondale, 148th Ave, and Redmond Way.

The ordinance will especially be felt by landlords and FSBO's who are often desperate to get the word out. I know for a fact, since I rented a house for years and eventually sold it by owner. I won't tell you how many signs I staked because I'm embarrassed. Most that were pulled were on the 104th Street and 166th Avenue intersection. With this new ordinance - advertisers beware!

Disclaimer: to verify the ordinance quoted in this post, please contact Deborah Farris. This story is informational and my sole opinion. Signs leading from Redmond to the county or another city may or may not be subject to the new ordinance.

1.3% annual property tax/levy increase approved in Council's budget

Council approved the 2009-2010 budget 7-0 this week. They approved the 1.3% property tax*/levy lid increase 5-2, with Council members Kimberly Allen and David Carson dissenting. (pictured here)

According to the "Budgeting by Priorities" manual General Fund revenues are expected to grow approximately 3% over the next two years to $142 M. The $142M does not include the Capital Budget which is expected to grow by 8% to $234M to pay for the massive infrastructure expenses we see around town. The city has a AAA bond rating and is taking advantage of their superior rating to borrow approximately $30M for the Bear Creek Road Extension.

The biggest bone of contention on the Budget was the 1.3% property tax/levy increase. Ms. Allen and Mr. Carson could not find a clear need in the budget to justify the tax increase. The increase averages about $15/year for an above-average priced home. Most council members felt they needed the money to manage inflation. The Mayor felt he needed the money to "steady the foundation, to keep from listing one way or the other." Mr. Mayor kept talking about "a hole" Redmond government would dig if the tax didn't go through. He referenced Kirkland's problem.

Mr. Carson and Ms. Allen where more concerned about the average citizen scraping by in this historically weak economy. Even though the tax was minor, historic, prolonged unemployment and precipitous housing prices are exceptional times for citizens. Ms. Allen felt the city had enough money for the next two years to justify cutting out the property/levy tax.

Council President McCormick justified the tax increase to the cost of inflation of the city supplies. Approximately 80% of the cost of Redmond Government is paying salary and benefits to city workers. Council passed a $538,000 Human Resource "compensation program" to manage salary reviews, improve efficiencies and be more proactive. Council member Vache, who has career experience in human resource contracting felt the program was expensive but went along with the Mayor.

Council member Myers was the only council member that made a concerted effort to find specific ways to cut the budget. He recommended cutting: 1) the $207,000 cost for a "road button reflector truck", 2) $20k travel and tuition for council, 3) $100k/year for a compensation analyst and 4) a review of pub/private $570,000 spent on community events (Holiday Lights, Derby Days, etc.)

Mayor Marchione has invaluable experience in financial administration and is building an reputable and effective finance team -- Micheal Bailey, Dir. of Finance and Melissa Files, Finance Manager. The AAA city bond rating is a tribute to their excellence. Mr. Marchione's team has a goal of saving $1.6M over two years through greater efficiencies.

Council Finance Chair Richard Cole efficiently ran the "Budgeting By Priorities" program. Mssrs. Margeson and Myers were on Mr. Cole's Finance Committee. Six "Results Teams" of six staff and one citizen each ranked the budget priorities. Mr. Mayor appointed the six citizens. If citizens want to have a direct influence on council and staff in shaping the budget next biennium you may want to notify the Administration. of your interest in a Results Team.

*Mr. Bailey, Dir. of Finance wrote a Letter of Clarification on 11/25/08. He described the 1% property tax. No mention was made of the parks & safety levy lid tax increase. (.3%)

The entire budget is online here.

A quest for "open government" in the Parks Department

Craig Larsen, Director of Parks & Recreation, Trails, Art

OPINION: Several months ago, the Parks commissioners sat nervously in council chambers in front of the full Council, Mayor, Directer Larsen and staff . They had the daunting and uncomfortable task of asking Council for a $40 million park bond! The bond request was quietly denied.

The timing of the commission's request was unusual in that it pre-empted our public "Budget by Priorities" meetings. In addition, the public passed a parks levy only a year ago. It wasn't until the Budget was released a week ago that I discovered the Administration's motive this huge park bond request. They need $37,000,000 to build two Downtown Parks. I'm all for creating a "Great City" but it would have been nice to be included in the Parks & Trails Commission planning process. We, the public did not receive the benefit of transparency and "open government" in this case. The government did not receive the benefit of our input.

Last night, I went to the Parks and Trails Commission meeting. During the weeks of November 10 & 17th the Council will consider a $43,060,000 hike of the 6-year capital budget for Parks. It was interesting the commissioners didn't once mention the park budget. Most of the discussion was about a proposal to change Cleveland Ave. and Redmond Way into 2-way streets .

Director Craig Larsen said a couple of months ago he had been planning to televise 2-3 parks commission meetings per year on RCTV-21. I keep waiting. Mr. Larsen schedules the Arts Commission 3-times per year for RCTV and their budget is tiny compared to the Parks $87,000,000 program. Wouldn't you want to dial in on occaision? Staff recently committed to posting commission meetings without 2-3 month delays. Current commissioner names and titles are being updated on RCTV and current commissioner names are now posted online. Trasparancy may be improving. I ran into Councilman Hank Margeson at the Digital Arts Festival. He had heard the Parks & Trails Commission wouldn't be holding any or their meetings on RCTV-21. I hope Hank heard wrong. The public has asked for transparency over and again; and Mayor Marchione has agreed to the values of Open Government. I'm hopeful and trusting the Administration will someday lift the darkness and move the Parks & Trails commission and public forward.

Your comments on the parks budget are welcome. Email Park Director celarsen@redmond.gov or ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov.

Footnote:

The Budget breakdown is here

cc: Parks,Trails,Art Director Larsen, Mayor, Council and commissioners

Ross, Deb, and Judy: Thank you for funding Redmond's Lower Bear Creek riparian corridor!! I hope you get a lot of votes from Redmondites!

Rep. Ross Hunter (#48) ...................Rep. Deb Eddy (#48) ................Rep. Judy Clibborn(#41)

Representatives Hunter, Eddy and Clibborn -

Thank you for your support and actions taken to help make the restoration of Redmond's Lower Bear Creek a reality! The $10M restoration will improve endangered Chinook riparian habitat, enhance floodwater controls and stormwater treatment and safeguard the SR520 transportation corridor.

Did you know? Your efforts to fund the restoration of Lower Bear Creek rekindled community interest and excitement about our City's riparian habitat. Last week, the Mayor formally Proclaimed our "Riparian Habitat as Habitat of Local Importance!"

Thank you for your representation!

Mayor Proclaims Riparian Corridor Habitat as "Riparian Habitat of Local Importance"

This month, Mayor John Marchione paid special tribute to the Lower Bear Creek riparian habitat and other riparian corridors in the City of Redmond by proclamation in City Hall.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, riparian corridors are essential for wild fish
populations; and healthy riparian corridors are dynamic ecosystems that perform
various functions that form salmonid habitat; and in addition to habitat
formation, riparian corridors store and convey strormwater and floodwater;
recharge groundwater; and serve as areas for recreation, education, scientific
study, and aesthetic appreciation; and stream restoration and enhancement are
key components of the City's Stormwater Capital Facilities Plan, further
attesting tot he City's commitment to healthy riparian corridors;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the city of
Redmond, do hearby proclaim

RIPARIAN HABITATS AS HABITATS OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE

in Redmond, and I urge all citizens to recognize the values of these habitats and promote their stewardship.

Signed, John Marchione, 10/17/2008
Sponsored by: Council President Nancy McCormick
Written by: Cathy Beam, Principal Environmental Planner

Redmond's Great Blue Heron and "Riparian" creek habitat -- Regulate or Celebrate?

I was obsessed with this bird, probably because I did my senior project on it in college. My present thinking is it should be "proclaimed" a Species of Local Importance, not regulated.  - B.Yoder, 7/17/2022.

.....most future blog entries will be significantly shortened, for your convenience.

Opinion: Our city Great Blue Heron was regulated by the City Council under the Ives Administration three years ago to elevate their protections to the status of *endangered species. Despite these protections, all of the city's heron's rookery nests are inactive, according to city environmental planner Beam. When land use decisions are made by city council - as in the recent Bear Creek Parkway Extension decision - council was more concerned about the rookery trees then the heron. In fact, the bird itself was never mentioned. Redmond no longer has active nesting rookeries. Our "Heron Rookery" near Leary Way is simply a forest remnant across from the Saturday Market. The few herons we do see are migratory foragers.

Please consider asking council to revoke this "Species of Local Importance" ordinance and replace it with a symbolic Proclamation by which we can proudly celebrate our honored species....and ICON. Our rookeries have not been restored. The heron ordinance has no teeth.

Councilmember Nancy McCormick recommended 3-years ago our city consider symbolic PROCLAMATIONS for our "species and habitat of local importance"; rather than laws. Council is in the process of updating our Critical Area Ordinance and Shoreline ordinances and now would be an excellent time to support Nancy and tell council and Mayor Marchione what you think! Email: city council at council@redmond.gov. Or, if you'd rather keep the ordinance tell them.

Three years ago I and a few others nominated "riparian habitat" be designated and protected as locally important under the ordinance. The planning commission vote was split and it wasn't passed. I now understand the council's decision.

Today, I urge you email our council asking they symbolically PROCLAIM "Riparian habitat as city habitat of importance". Riparian habitat is the green band of vegetation that grows along our creeks and streams. Riparian habitat is critical for flood and erosion controls, stream water quality, endangered salmon and wildlife habitat and valued as a city asset.

In fact, a recent Berger Partner's parks consultant identified the "green ring" surrounding our city a unique city asset for tourism and our quality of life. The green ring consists of the riparian vegetation of Sammamish River, Bear Creek, Evans Creek and our northern green hilltops. In addition, a "string of pearl" park & trail system is planned for the Eastern Bear Creek and Evans Creek Corridor. Five parks will "touch" the riparian habit of these salmon bearing creeks! Great Blue's find food and shelter in the green riparian vegetation of our creeks - a symbiotic relationship.

Developers and landowners are now using riparian habitat as an amenity. And city development code helps protection and sustain of our riparian habitat. Take a drive through Camwest's Tyler's Creek. They did a tremendous job enhancing and restoring the creek and wetlands. I know, because I walked and studied the parcel before development.

Riparian wetlands and Perrigo creek was recently protected by the city and developer in the controversial Perrigo Heights development adjacent Hartman Wetlands. The city purchased 3 acres of greenway forested riparian habitat to help buffer the wetland and stream from excessive sunlight, enhance wetland water recharge, drying winds and preserve a greenway amenity. All this without a law.
I hope you will write Nancy McCormick, Council, or Mayor John Marchione to ask them to deny and revoke the Great Blue Heron regulations and PROCLAIM our beautiful wader bird as our symbolic species of local importance. And will you ask Nancy McCormick, council-at-large or Mayor John Marchione to PROCLAIM Redmond's #1 natural natural asset -- "Riparian" as habitat of local importance?

It's all up to you. 'We' have to tell 'them' what is important to us!

Postscript:  Riparian Habitat was proclaimed Redmond's Habitat of Local Importance by Mayor John Marchione in his first term.

*This statement should be verified by the Department of Fish and Wildife.   Beam told me years later there are no protections for the bird.

Council passes the Bear Creek Parkway Extension construction project!

OPINION: Council conversations and the ensuing vote on the $23 million "Bear Creek Parkway Extension" construction project on 7/15 was interesting, yet challenging to follow. I had to contact the City Clerk to confirm the final 4-2 vote FOR the project.

All councilmembers (Mr. Vache was absent) wanted the construction project approved, but two councilmembers Allen & Cole were seriously upset with the proposed alignment. In the beginning Councilman Carson went along with Mr. Cole's original stance against the project. By the end of the debate only Carson and Allen voted against the project. Cole reluctantly voted for it.

Allen and Cole (Carson agreed) were serioulsy disappointed with the road route and the small number of trees that would have to be removed at the Saturday Market and Heron Rookery. (According to Planner Cathy Beam and a city consultant the herons have been scared away by crows and eagles and the nests aren't active). Most thought the route more costly than the other two options. After confusing conversations by most councilmembers Mr. Cole decided to change his vote at the last minute to favor the alignment. The construction project passed 4 -2.

Mayor John Marchione shared his opinion after the vote:

"Regarding the Bear Creek Parkway route decision, it was made more than
two years ago. [The below PHASE 1 and 2 aerial photos show the Bear
Creek Parkway alignment]. You can see that a few trees to the north of
the rookery and a few to the west of the Saturday Market are removed. The
option that was not selected was cutting through the open space to the west
of RTC (or extending 159th on the attached photo). In my judgment, this route damaged wetlands, reduced wildlife habitat and produced less traffic improvement. Reasonable people can disagree which route was better. Either way, it was a tough choice for Council, but it is time to more on."

I am excited the project passed owing to Ms. McCormick's firm statement, we would be in total gridlock without the extension. The city will have to plant new trees to replace those removed. When completed, the new Bear Creek Parkway extension will feature a street connection from Redmond Way through Leary Way to Redmond Town Center. This project is the first of several City projects to enhance transit, vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle movement in downtown Redmond.

The roadway will include one travel lane in each direction, a center turn lane, street parking, and bicycle lanes. Pedestrian features include a 14 foot wide sidewalk with street trees and
pedestrian plaza and lighting. Landscaping amenities will add connections to the wooded area south of 161st Street and at Redmond Town Center. A new bike/pedestrian trail through the wooded area will connect the 520 and Sammamish River trails to the 161st Street to the Park and Ride.

The project also includes the first segment of the new downtown sewer and an upgrade to the Leary Way storm treatment pond. The total $23M transportation and stormwater package will be funded from Capital (CIP) funds. Every year 5% of our General Operating Fund transfers to the Capital CIP fund. Thus, this expensive project will be paid by "today's dollars" for use by future citizens years from now. I recall Mr. Marchione (as councilman) once recommended borrowing as a tool available to fund the Extension & other big projects since costs would be spread out to future generations of users.

The economic vitality of Redmond's Downtown will be reinvigorated. Click on the links to see the November 2007 color, aerial photos of the proposed project layout, Phase 1 and Phase 1 and 2, for the Bear Creek Parkway extension.

Construction for the Bear Creek Parkway Extension will likely occur in phases. Click on the link to view the proposed schedule for the Bear Creek Parkway Extension construction timetable. With the passage of this project the "proposed schedule" needs to be updated and I hope will be posted on the front page on the city website.

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Additional Project Information:
Project information
Key environmental issues
State Environmental Policy Act