Redmond City Council approves budget - raises property and utility taxes

The City Council approved the Administration's 2013-2014 budget 5-2 with Hank Myers and David Carson voting 'no" to the ordinance.    Property taxes will go up $6/year and water/stormwater will increase 2%/4% per the biennium.   Under a separate ordinance the council raised nonunion salaries 1.5%/year. 

Councilmember Hank Myers called out the 1% tax increase as "entirely unnecessary since we have a $10 million ending balance and the 1% amounts to less than 5% of our ending balance."   He referenced three different contingency reserves, and said no services would have to be cut if the tax stays the same.  He said the price of Redmond government was higher compared to Issaquah, Kirkland, and Woodinville.  Like all councilmembers, he lauded the Administration on a job well done in preparing a transparent budget and thanked the Mayor and Council Finance Chair John Stilin for their leadership.

Councilmember David Carson said he could have said Yes to the entire package if more than 40% of the capital fund ending balance could have gone to capital improvements.  He was most concerned about the 1% property tax saying, "If we had applied a small portion of the $10 million surplus it could have kept the City of Redmond residents from paying the tax increase."  He supported the Utility Tax increase saying it was specific to infrastructure. 

Council Chair of Finance John Stilin considered Redmond the envy of the region with it's well run finances and city administration.  He emphasized "being responsible in asking for a little bit more."  He said, "it would be nice if there were other ways to tax and spread this out but the 1% tax is our one tool we have."   "I look forward to digging deeper in the performance review process and having better performance measures such that in the off years of he budget we actually do a performance review of our budget." 

Councilmembers Tom Flynn and Hank Margeson were worried about a revenue/expenditure gap looming 4-6 years out.  Margeson said, "the 1% tax increase won't track that down but by being smart about what we spend going forward we will bridge the gap."  Flynn was glad to see some cuts and right-sizing to the budget and thought the 1% a small part in keeping up with inflation. 

Councilmember Kim Allen voted for the 1% this year because the economy is improving.  "It's good to see the cranes downtown", she said "and the tax increase is only $6/year."   She and Hank Margeson were glad to see the 166th Avenue safety reconfiguration in the books for this biennium.  Council President Pat Vache' agreed with Ms. Allen on the importance of the steady revenue flows in the maintaining the city's AAA rating.  Vache' also mentioned the gap projected in future years.

Mayor John Marchione thanked Council and his staff and advised Myers "The price of government index" is not a valid comparison tool to other cities.  The mayor was proud to claim the price of Redmond government (government expenses/% of income) is the lowest it's been in 12 years.  It went from 6% to 4.9% today.  He concluded the AAA rating saves the city millions of dollars.

By Bob Yoder

City to hold public hearings on the Budget

The City will hold will hold several study sessions beginning in October and running through November to discuss the budget. The public is welcome to offer its comments during two public budget hearings scheduled for October 16th and November 20  at 7:30pm in Council Chambers located at 15670 NE 85^th Street, Redmond, 98073.

 

At the recent town meeting in city hall on downtown projects, Councilman John Stilin when asked indicated a need for the 1% property tax increase owing to "our roads."  Stilin is Chair of the Public Administration and Finance Committee. 

 

For more information after October 9th and to learn more about the Budget Sessions or to view a copy of the Mayor’s budget visits: www.redmond.gov/bp.

To ask for your own copy of the 2012 Draft City budget, contact Mike Bailey, Finance Director at 425-556-2160 (mebailey@redmond.gov) or Malisa Files, Deputy Finance Director at 425-556-2166 (mfiles@redmond.gov).

Council and "Lodging Tax Advisory Committee" plan for more visitors to "Experience Redmond", 6/2011

 

Since this opinion was published on 6/30/2011 Realize Redmond, and Redmond Economic Development Assoc have been disolved and consolidated into "ONE REDMOND."   The Chamber has "tentatively consolidated" into ONE REDMOND.  ONE REDMOND is barely in the radar, led by Group Health, Microsoft and other stakeholders.  Please read the comments below this post for "the rest of the story."  And please, post your own..  BY

REPUBLISHED OPINION (6/30/2011):  History was made in three different ways (1) in this week's Council meeting. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) met with city council members and the mayor for the first time in their 13 years of operation.  If  Dan Angellar, General Manager of the Redmond Marriott of Redmond Town Center has his way LTAC will be meeting and partnering with Council every year.

A community role for LTAC might be described as a "tourism alliance". Agnellar said they try to bring Redmond's three economic groups together to stimulate tourism and increase "heads and beds".  Over $337,300 was raised last year from from the 1% lodge tax. So far 50% of LTAC tax revenues go to "Bullseye Creative" - a website branding organization.  (A Blog was created and tags with RNB on search engines.)  $31,365 goes to promoting private and city sponsored events. Councilmember John Stilin suggested allocating more funds towards the events to attract more people and perhaps less emphasis on the website.  Read More >>

BELLEVUEREPORTER.COM Guest Editorial - "Caught between salmon and common sense"

Caught between salmon and common sense

By Martin Nizlek
Guest Editorial, BELLEVUEREPORTER.COM

Updated:  June 22, 2012
Boaters, endangered salmon and out-flowing water from Lake Sammamish share “The Slough” to the Sammamish River at Marymoor Park.

Over the last decade, this 1960s Corps of Engineers flood control project has been altered. Though King County agreed to “operate” the project, infrequent maintenance, an illegal rock dam and sediment build-up now block flow.

The Corps of Engineers designed the outlet channel at Marymoor to handle a “once-in-a-decade” storm. Key to passing this flow downstream was a channel clear of obstructions. When constructed, King County agreed to maintain it to this standard each year. But fast growing willows were planted in the channel and maintenance was reduced to once every four years. Unfortunately, the willows created superb habitat for bass. (Bass love to eat young salmon.) And cuttings from periodic vegetation maintenance were left behind resulting in sediment build-up.

The Corps of Engineers recognized impending problems in 2008 and notified the county that the Sammamish flood control project was being decertified, making it ineligible for federal support. Even earlier than 2008, public records show the corps advised the county it should inform lake residents their properties and improvements would be impacted.

Unfortunately, their prediction came true, as many who’ve lost docks, bulkheads, and landscaping would attest — losses that easily have reached millions of dollars.  Read More >>

State Supreme Court rules that Local voters can't ban red-light cameras

Redmond councilmembers Cole, Margeson
and Stilin review citations during
the Red Light Safety Pilot Program.

State Supreme Court: Local voters can’t ban red-light cameras

Posted by Emily Heffter
"Seattle Times," Local News, March 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM

(Updated with Eyman’s comments.)

The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that a 2010 Mukilteo ballot initiative banning red-light cameras is invalid.

The long-awaited ruling means initiative efforts in other cities around the state, including Longview, Bellingham, Monroe, Redmond and Wenatchee, are also invalid.


It’s a big loss for initiative king Tim Eyman, who had adopted the cause of banning the cameras and helped people in cities across the state fight to have them banned.  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 >>

Redmond and Kirkland councilmembers volunteer to count unsheltered homeless

(l-r) John Stilin (red), David Carson, Penny Sweet, Hank Margeson, Pat Vache' (red), Hank Myers, Toby Nixon (back)

"Last night was the "One Night Count" where the community goes out and counts how many homeless people we have in our cities so that we can raise awareness of the problem of homelessness. Hank and others went out in the middle of the night to do this, so proud of all of them."
   -- Patti Margeson

These Redmond/Kirkland volunteers are all city councilmembers.  Penny Sweet and Toby Nixon are from Kirkland.  John Stilin, David Carson, Hank Margeson (V.P.)  Pat Vache' (Pres.), Hank Myers are from Redmond.  Thank you for your service to our community councilmembers!!

2012 Results for the Eastside:  138 unsheltered homeless.  Of those, 52 were found inside cars and trucks.

Redmond City Council approves backyard chicken code

 Council approves Animal Husbandry (backyard chicken) code 6-2 (Carson and Cole voting NO).  A noted requirement is convenents will be honored and supercede the animal husbandry code.

Redmond City Council held a final study session November 7 on "Small Animal Husbandry" - commonly known as "Backyard chickens."  Their normal Tuesday meeting was cancelled for the Election.  Council plans to adopt  "Backyard chicken policy and code" on December 6, without any further study sessions.

After thorough discussion, Council consented to Chicken regulations.  The ordinance is expected to include the following code: 

• Mandatory registration.  (Permits, subject to land use requirements, are not required.
• Maximum allowable chickens decided by Residential zoning only.  Lot size is irrelevant.
• One Acre (R-1) and 1/2 acre (R-2) lots are allowed a maximum of 10 chickens (hens only).
• R-4 fand R-5 lots are the most common SFH lots in Redmond.  (4-5 lots/acre).  R-4 lots allowed a  maximum of 4 hens, R-5 allowed a maximum of 3 hens.  R-6 maximum 3 hen
• In R-8 lots chickens won't be allowed.
• Setbacks:  15' setbacks for adjacent property required with exceptions.
• Slaughter:  May slaughter 1 chicken per day on site.  More than 1 chicken must be slaughtered off-property in a slaughterhouse, farm, non-residential area. 
• Predators:  sturdy coop required
• City Small Animal Husbandry Code will not supersede Homeowners Associations (HOA). 
• No roosters

Councilmember Kim Allen was the proponent.  She ran the meeting and drove consensus.  Councilmember Hank Margeson had experience in Tacoma with backyard hens in his yourth and was considered a council 'expert.'  Hank suggested "no more than a handful of chickens," except for 1/2 acre lots.  He said "chickens should only supplement food, not feed a family of four year-round."  Councilman Myers suggested keeping the rules simple saying too many regulations will keep people from participating.  Councilmember Carson said his wife (who's a real estate agent) would immediately get chickens if she knew the ordinance was adapted.  Carson owns a 9,000 SF lot and  two dogs and two cats.  Margeson owns a horse and raised 3 hens as a kid living in Tacoma.  Mayor Marchione was present and quiet throughout the discussion.

Cole, Stilin, and Vache were openly concerned about chicken owners who mistreat or mis-manage their poultry.  Code enforcement was their big issue.  Apparently, the history of chicken neglect and nuisance in other cities is very low.  Cole ended the discussion stating he won't endorse backyard chickens on the basis of:  smell, noise, real estate, disease, predators, potential for harm to the animals.  His property is governed by HOA rules. 

Councilmember Hank Margeson refered to Sustainable Redmond for their help in getting the word out and educating Redmond citizenry. 

Reported By Bob Yoder

Four Redmond Residents nominated for Leadership Eastside awards.

Karin Duval, Managing Director
LE Class of '11

From the desk of Karin Duval, Managing Director, LE...

Hi Bob,

Leadership Eastside (LE) recently held their annual LENi Awards Gala honoring community leaders in the region. Four Redmond Residents were nominated for an award:

John Marchione (LE '08), Mayor of the City of Redmond, was nominated for a Vision Award, for his leadership around the rejuvenation of Redmond.

Linda Benson, Vice President, Community Initiatives, Hope-link, was nominated for a Vision Award for her work to end hunger,

Tom Hinman, Community Leader, for a Sustainability Award for his passion around Liveable Redmond, and

Linda Hall, Director, Housing Development and Operations at YWCA for a Catalyst Award for her amazing decade of leadership creating the Issaquah Family Village.   Read More >>

LWSD Superintendent Kimball projects an increase in portables

Sup. Chip Kimball

Lake Washington School District Superintendent Chip Kimball comfortably projects less than a 10% increase in district portables by 2014.

During Redmond city council's August 30 "study session" on school impact fees, Councilmember John Stilin asked about portables and how they add value to the community. (Stilin volunteers at Rockwell and has three kids through the district). He quoted, "7% of district students are in portables this year" with further increases over time.

Superintendent Kimball stepped in to respond. He described the challenge of managing fluctuations in populations over time with balancing the high overhead costs of building new schools. "It's a tricky balance", said Kimball. To give perspective to the challenge Kimball cited two examples:

1. The district currently has 3,000,000 square feet of school space. Increasing the square footage of space (with portables) by 10%, is the equivalent of building two high schools.

2. All-day kindergarten in every school is desired. If the district built one Kindergarten classroom in every school this would be the equivalent of building two elementary schools - "a 50 million dollar problem." (He noted, the State doesn't fund all-day kindergarten care.)

Stilin cited the dramatic growth in Rockwell Elementary (from 200 to 656 students). Kimball mentioned Redmond Ridge's Rosa Parks Elementary as another example of skewed growth. Despite this growth, "over the past four years portable count in the entire district was reduced by over 100," said Kimball.

Lake Washington School District Superintendent Chip Kimball comfortably projects less than a 10% increase in portables by 2014.  

Stilin had concerns that rising birth rates from rising employment in Redmond "could throw off the counts." Sup. Kimball responded, birth rates are only one of many factors in planning building space. New developments and attrition are considerations. Juanita counts are decreasing; Redmond Ridge is up. "We don't rely exclusively on birth rates." Kimball went onto say:

"It's interesting, every time we have this conversation people will call into question the methodology we use because of their experience; they walk into a room like Rockwell and say, 'my-gosh, this place is crowded, are these people idiots?' That's what we get.

The district has 25,000 students and we're usually within 100 kids of our projection, based on historical data. We have a good methodology that's pretty accurate, given the degree of error."

Reported By Bob Yoder

School impact fee rates, LWSD portable projections and "One Redmond" economic development were on the table at this August 30 meeting. I'll try to get to all of them.  9/4

UPDATED: Redmond Council passes Resolution endorsing Proposition 1: "Veterans and Human Service Levy"

King County Veteran with his family

REPUBLISHED

UPDATED:  In their July 12 meeting, Redmond Council voted on Resolution No. 1363 to support and endorse King County Proposition 1, a 6-year "Veterans and Human Service Levy" renewing and replacing the expiring Levy. After five council members discussed their positions, Council passed the resolution 6-1 (David Carson - opposing).

Bellevue and Kirkland city councils
passed resolutions earlier endorsing the Levy.

In the 2011 August election, county residents will vote on Prop. 1.  The 2011 levy is 5 cents/ $1000 of assessed property value, or $20 in 2012 for the average-priced $400,000 home in King County. A CPI capped-measure is built into the Levy.  Read More >>

Council trying to shift gears on Redmond Economic Development Plan

Redmond's economic development plan, coined "Community of Excellence Project", underwent serious study during Council's July 12 meeting.  Several councilmembers appeared frustrated by the lack of progress and lack of background information on the plan.  Council Vice President and REDA member, Pat Vache' tried his best to explain the problem and offer solutions.

 The "Community of Excellence Project" is referred to in city documents as:

• a "complete Live, Work, Play and Learn community....of diverse businesses, quality schools, state-of-the-art healthcare, gate way ports to the world economy, commitment to environment sustainability and excellent quality of life..." 
• the Project is a collaborative effort between the City, "Realize Redmond", the Chamber and "Redmond Economic Development. Alliance" (REDA)

The Project envisioned the intent to "leverage the strengths of each organization, clarify roles, and reduce duplication of efforts and energize."   But, Council admitted this wasn't happening.  They proposed a revised working statement, called "One Redmond Initiative".   Read More >>

Neighborhood Commercial: Grocery stores in neighborhoods?

BACK IN TIME:  This 2011 report explains how the City plans to zone commercial businesses in our neighborhoods.  

Grocery stores in neighborhoods? Coffee shops? Supermarkets?  Retail? Fruit and vegetable markets?  Will our neighborhoods be rezoned someday to allow for these businesses?  

On June 14, 2011 Redmond City Council spent another of many "study sessions" reviewing "neighborhood commercial" (NC) rezoning.  Planner Kim  Dietz's goal was for council to decide on where NC can be situated in the community and how to prevent "commercial creep."

The NC rezone method agreed upon by council includes certain requirements :

• no more than one commercial development concentrated in each of six different neighborhood areas spread throughout the city.
• rezones are no larger than 1-acre and predominantly near residential.
• development must be in close proximity to one of  the following three concentrations: a business, home, or recreation e.g. park. 

Vice President Pat Vache' noted this criteria will keep development on NE 116th only at both ends of the road, east and west. Councilmember Hank Margeson commented earlier this year that the "PCC" development on 116th and Avondale was an example of a good neighborhood commercial development.  Councilmember David Carson was concerned NE 116th could turn into a strip mall.  Vache' reminded Carson only one NC rezone was allowed per neighborhood area.  

Councilmember Kim Allen said "from an historical perspective NC has always been around." Councilmember Hank Margeson said, NC "is more open today but, is not wide open". 

Planner Kim Dietz reminded council that "none of our neighborhood plans (citizen advisory committees) say 'no' to neighborhood commercial.  Some were silent or speak to general support or a higher level of support..."   The Bear Creek neighborhood had a high level of support.

Margeson referred to his experience on the Education Hill Neighborhood Advisory Committee when citizens were committing to keeping an open mind.  He said  "The advisory committee was asked: do you want to encourage NC more?,,, find a spot where it might fit?,,, vs. a simple 'yes' or 'no' question." 

Councilmember  John Stilin wanted to understand what "keeping an open mind meant."   The Idlewood Neighborhood process requires a land use review in addition to a rezone. When pressed, Planner Dietz said neighbors could "opt out" of a project but, the final decision rests with Council. President Richard Cole clarified that when a developer applies for a project in any neighborhood, it would have a "review panel" (composed of neighbors and staff).  Vice President Pat Vache' concurred and the entire council,  agreed in silence.   
 
Council's final review was centered on concerns of 7/11 type convenience stores. Cole is extremely outspoken against these stores in our neighborhoods, as is Allen.  Councilmember Allen, a land-use hearing examiner in Kitsap, said these types of stores would be "regulated out" by hours and large signage.  Stilin said the focus should be on "aesthetics".  "7/11's" have a limited line of goods.  The types of projects allowed by council are:  supermarkets, fruit and vegetable markets, retail, cafeteria, restaurants, take-out, coffee shops.  Councilmember Hank Myers said all commercial projects would be subject to the Design Review Board.  Council will review the development criteria every five years.   

Citizens may comment at the Hearing scheduled for July 19.  Council has a final study session on August 9 and will vote on it September 6, 2011.
 
 Bob Yoder

July 19 Hearing - document

OPINION: The sidewalks on 166th Ave. are dangerously narrow

Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds

OPINION:  Two weeks ago and a woman running along a road in Chelan was hit and killed by an old man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Could it be a matter of time before a car loses control on 166th and runs into a pedestrian or bicyclist....or worse, a group of kids?  Children may walk in groups to be more visible to traffic and feel safer?  The oldest and tallest child usually walks closest to the street or on the curb. 

The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion.  The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes).  Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic.   Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses.  Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant.  She works for Metro in Safety.  A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.

When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car.  No wonder so few bicycle here.  It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks.  Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.  

Do you think 166th can take the traffic?  Do you think the city should finish the conversion?  The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections.  Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets?  What do you think?
 

Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder

Redmond council approves $10 million bond for parks and open space land

Redmond City Hall



In their last Regular meeting, Redmond city council voted 5-2 to "approve $8.5M limited tax general obligation bonds - not to exceed $10M - to obtain part of the 2011 funds necessary for park and open space property acquisition."   The Downtown Park will consume most of these funds. Council President Richard Cole stated: 

"I'm not going to vote for this tonight".  "We have $120,000,000 debt in this city - about a half of that is for this building (City Hall); although the cost of financing here is now less than (the principal).  Two years ago we borrowed when the bidding climate was good, but this is above my threshold."

Councillor David Carson was the other vote against the bond "but for another reason".  Carson said " I mean...the bonds should be spent in favor of infrastructure for capital projects, not for land acquisition."

READ MORE >>

UPDATED: Much to do about the Mayor's salary

President Richard Cole
ran the salary review session

UPDATED:  The Mayor's salary for the next four calendar years will be $125,000, up from $106K.  Council made the decision 7-0 in their last meeting.  When you count a $6,000 annual car allowance the Mayor's total taxable compensation is $131,000. 

According to HR Director Kerry Sievers, "The Mayor's benefits package is approximately 30% ($39,300) of total compensation."  So, the mayor's  taxable compensation plus *benefits during the next mayoral term is $170,300/year.  He gets the same COLA as non-union staff.  (Do you think the Mayor is paid enough? to much? to little? Take the poll on the right).

As a reference, Councillor Stilin quoted the current highest paid city director salary at ~ $149,888.  Sievers said up to a 15% annual bonus may be awarded, plus benefits  Next year, this city director's compensation & benefits package could be as high as $224,082.

The Redmond Mayor is a "strong mayor" which means he is an elected representative AND the business manager of the city . The Mayor is Redmond's CEO.   In city council's January 11 Study Session, Councillor Hank Margeson said our mayor must be a professional and have special skill sets to be able to run the government.   Mayor Marchione has a Deputy City Administrator who manages city staff.  But, the Mayor stands at the helm, running regional and city affairs. 

Council President Cole, Carson, Stilin and other members agreed the Mayor's salary must be high enough to attract a professional CEO, but not too high owing to the job's subjective elements of public service and altruism.  (Altruism:  "unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others".)   According to Mr. Cole, the filing deadline for candidates wishing to run for mayor is the first week of June, 2011.  Same for council.  READ MORE >>

REPUBLISHED: Dr. Kimball unveils plan to cope with severe overcrowding in LW schools

Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball

 October 11, 2010 Regular Board Meeting (video)

REPUBLISHED from 10/11/2010 -  Jill, a mother of two with a daughter at Rockwell Elementary, testified to the School Board last night about "the horrors of overcrowding".  Jill was shocked when she learned the Rosa Parks Elementary population reached 700 this year and she fears it won't be long for Rockwell.  When she moved to the neighborhood 3.5 years ago Rockwell had 480 students.  Today it's 610, with new portables and few options for full-day Kindergarten.   

Based on Jill's testimony, the overcrowding problem in some elementary schools is real .  Data from the input sessions suggested that the District ask for money to deal with immediate overcrowding issues but "not over ask".  Superintendent Kimball and the Board agreed on the following proposal for the February, 2011 ballot.

• a $65.4 million, 6-year Levy to pay for new 250-student additions at Redmond High and Eastlake High AND to build nearby a 675 student "STEM" school for grades 6-12.   
• the Levy tax is 0.31/$1000 assessed property; or $155/year for a $500,000 house.  No financing or interest is applied. 
• the "STEM" school core curriculum  is "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math" with a goal to incubate best practices for other schools.   STEM will cost $25 million with solid modular construction.
• Juanita High will "not be modernized right now" saving $135 million.
• Kimball's levy measure will cost taxpayers $190 million less than last year's bond which failed by 4%. The Levy only needs and 50% simple majority to pass.  Last year's bond required a 60% majority.
• Levy benefits:  no HS over 2,000.  no meg-high schools.  no double shifts.  no portables.  no excessive busing.  permanent classrooms, core gyms and cafeterias. keep space for computers and music.    

President Jackie Pendergrass said the STEM school should draw some grant money from outside sources. She suggested Microsoft and the Lake Washington School Foundation  as sources.  Board member Shahani was concerned about Juanita High age, but said the STEM school is needed to solve the space problem.  He likes the STEM "Choice" school concept.  Board member Bernard was pleased with the 1000 person survey turnout, no portables, possible federal grants, and no double-shift nightmares. She emphasized the new ventilation system at Juanita and the wonderful staff.  Board member Carlson said he favors "all Choice all the time" and asked to double the size of the STEM school to eliminate the two additions.  Kimball said this wasn't feasible.  READ MORE >>

Results from three community input sessions and a website survey were reviewed by Superintendent Kimball and the Board.   Parent and community participants (58%) recommended the District ask for money to deal with immediate overcrowding issues but "not over ask".   69% of the parents said "no not right now" to spending $135 Million on modernizing Juanita High School.  Juanita High was built in l971.  70% did not want to eliminate classrooms for music and computers.  All-day kindergartens received the most support for solving overcrowding.  70% gave a thumbs down on portables.  68% said yes to two new elementary schools in the next five years.  74% agreed to permanent classroom additions at Redmond and Eastlake High.  The statistical validity or significance of the survey was not discussed.

Reported by Bob Yoder
Republished:  1/23/2011
Source:  10/11/2010, Regular Board Meeting archives
Photo of Dr. Kimball from LWSD website
http://lwsd.org/

Letter from Councilmember John Stilin in this Summer's new Efocus

The Efocus Council Letter is being written by Mr. Stilin this year. 

http://www.efocusonredmond.com/

Annual Horace Mann Pancake fundraiser not so ordinary!

HORACE MANN PTSA ANNUAL
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Dad's have to get up at  5:30 a.m. to start whipping up the batter.  (Moms sleep in?) 

The grill is just outside the school kitchen.  Other dads are in back frying up some bacon and cutting orange wedges. 

This year the gate opened at 7 a.m. The kids were treated to ring-side seats of the Greatest Saturday Morning City Show On Earth!

A large contingent of police and fire workers turned-out!  They all bought tickets to support the PTSA and fill up on cakes.  Then John Marchione, our Mayor, stepped in.  Four  councilmembers came too!  On the left with hat, is Council VP Pat Vache', Mayor John Marchione is in the middle and on the right is John Stilin - our newest councilmember.  Mr. Stilin brought his two sons.  He's the Council Chair of Parks & Trails.  Not seen is Council President Richard Cole and Councilmember Hank Margeson.  Hank Chairs the Finance Committee.  Hank had to leave early to get to a baseball  Referee Certification Progam.   Hank informed us about the breakfast when he announced the event on RC-TV during a council meeting. Thanks, Hank!

The kids got a huge bonus when the fire trucks stopped by.  "Hey, this is better than chocolate milk"!

I can't remember my daughter Lexie ever sitting down with her pancakes to an event of this proportion.  Wow.  What a treat!

The PTSA mom's were happy, too!   

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Do any other Horace Mann parents remember these times?   Do you want to share a memory?  Or, comment on the fundraiser experience of your school? 

Last night's performance by Redmond's poet laureate draws attention.

  

Comment: The short soundbites of poetry recorded by FOX 13 do no service to our poet laureate's literary art. I hope the city will produce a VIDEO that shows the true value and meaning of Rebecca's artistry. 

I really wanted to see our new poet laureate, Rebecca Merideth.  My wife and I rushed from our workout at the R.A.C. last night to get Soulfood Bookstore by 7:30.  We arrived just in time to hear Rebecca read a poem and talk about her new part time job as Redmond's poet laureate.  I was moved by her reading, enough that I'd like to have it in writing to share with my daughter.  Every seat was taken in Soulfood with a mixture of older adults and some children.  Other known poets read at open mic.

We noticed the Channel 13 Fox news van was just outside, but we missed their interviews.  Back at home, Pam shouted:  "the Fox news show is on!"  After some talk about the scarcity and cost of poet laureates in Washington Councilmember Hank Margeson was interviewed.  Rebecca gave answers to the program's purpose and meaning.  read the complete Channel 13 Fox story.

It was announced Rebecca is planning to read at Redmond High School.   She works M-TH so Friday may be the day for many of her public performances.   The Mayor had to attend a PTSA meeting at Einstein El. so couldn't make it.  Councilmember John Stilin (former Arts Commission Chair) was gone, preparing for "ONE NIGHT COUNT THE HOMELESS".  John is on the 1AM - 5:30PM shift.

By Bob Yoder