Showing posts with label Vache. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vache. Show all posts

Friday, November 25, 2022

Arnold Tomac, a Redmond Town Center Founding Father

Arnie Tomac at Soul Food Coffee, 6/2022 / by

Arnold Tomac and a founding of Redmond Town Center go hand-and-glove.  In this piece, Arnie's the storyteller of his early involvement in Redmond and his role as a founding Father.  

 Arnie says...

In 1973, when we moved to Redmond, I noticed we did not have a neighborhood park so I started going to City Park Board meetings. In 1977, I, wife Mary and future mayor Chris Himes called over 500 residents asking for their support of a $2.5 million Park Bond. The bond measure passed and Viewpoint neighborhood park was built.

I also got involved with C.A.R.E. "Civic Action on Redmond Environment," which later led me into running for City Council.  (C.A.R.E. was a coalition of residents with a goal of saving the golf course from development.)  In 1977, Mayor Bud Young appointed me to Chair the City's first Development Guide.

In 1978, several land use issues brewed.  One was an uproar over completing the construction of SR 520.  The other was more serious.  A developer purchased the Old Redmond Golf Course and announced they planned to develop the site. Concerned citizens, many of whom had never attended a Council meeting (moi) descended on City Hall asking the City to stop development.  

I was elected President of Council in 1981.  The population of Redmond was 23,000. The downtown was separated by an operating railway. It served the grain elevator in Redmond and the milk processing Dairygold facility in Issaquah. Everything north of City Hall was blueberry fields.

There were only two roads leading through Redmond that being Cleveland and Redmond Way.  Basically, the downtown with minimal service.  The rest of the Council and I wanted to create a downtown.  

Just before I attended my first Council meeting, we got to review Mayor Young's budget. Every department was listed with number and dollars amount. (ie 87340 $12500.)  So I knew I needed to create a readable budget. We had a surplus the end of the year so we created the Capital Improvement Plan. (C.I.P.)  We also created a new Hearing Examiner position and a Technical Design Committee.  (Tomac has degrees in engineering mathematics.)

In the 1982 election, another CARE candidate Pat Vache' was elected to the Council and Arnold Tomac was elected Council President.  

Town Center Associates offered the city $6 million for the 89-acre golf course.  There was a misunderstanding about a 4.62-acre parcel north of Leary Way.  Town Center thought the sliver of land was theirs;  Councilmembers Vache', President Tomac and the city lawyer felt otherwise and negotiated the final purchase option.  It was approved 6-0 by Council. 

"Councilmember Pat Vache' called me (Tomac) one day and asked if I would come to his office to talk about the golf course. "I said definitely!"  I think the golf course is going to remain controversial until people have a chance to address a ballot issue on the purchase of the property." said Tomac. "Pat and I informed Winmar (the owners) if the bond did not pass we would support "reasonable development" of the property."  The bond did not pass. "Pat and I stuck to our commitment to move forward with development of the property. Of course we received push-back from our supporters who wanted who wanted to keep the golf course open."

"Marchione, Vache' and Tomac all indicated they thought "reasonable development" included keeping some of the green space around the golf course as a condition of development should the voters elect not to buy the property.  "I'd like to keep it (the links) as is," concluded Tomac.  "But, are we willing to pay to keep it?" 

The $6 million measure went out for vote; it lost by 2%.  Master planning of the site came with 37 goals and policies, with 50% of the property to be preserved as open space.  

Tomac's recommendation for enhancing RTC:  "I believe we are lacking vibrant centers in the evenings.  The nighttime activity at Redmond Overlake and downtown is negligible.  It turns out 70% of business income comes from the evening sales.  To have vibrant Urban Centers, policies and zoning regulations must be in place that supports businesses being successful."

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 11/25/2022

Sources:  Soul Food Coffee house interviews, 2022.  Arnie's notes & family keepsakes.  Excerpts from the Sammamish Valley News. Circa 82-83.  Redmond Kiwanis Club. 

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Pat Vache': Redmond Town Center's Early History

Pat Vache' in his early days / courtesy of Arnie Tomac

"What is known as 'Town Center' didn’t just happen.  It has history.”​  
-- Pat Vache'

As some know, just prior to the pandemic, the Redmond Town Center was purchased by Fairbourne Properties of Chicago for $192 million.  Fairbourne's vision is to redevelop Redmond Town Center from "an auto-centric, suburban campus to a walkable, mixed-use urban neighborhood with retail at it's core. ​Light rail is a major driver.  ​

In 2022, Pat Vache', a "Founding Father" of Town Center gave testimony encouraging Council  include the founders in the development process citing their previous experience (and collective wisdom.) He emphasized the need of engagement opportunities, especially town hall meetings.

Mr. Vache' stated “Throughout the history of Redmond Town Center two issues were foremost, 1) protecting open space and 2) creating a major retail facility for all to enjoy.  If history taught us nothing else, it is clear that three elements were important then and are critical today:

1) Redmond residents want and deserve the opportunity to engage

2) A robust retail environment is a necessity for Redmond residents and the economic sustainability of the City of Redmond, and

 3) Redmond residents demand a sustainable environment, an environment characterized by trees, lots of trees and open space, lots of open space," in fact a minimum of 43 acres."

THE EARLY HISTORY - a quick story

Town Center’s modern history began in late 1978 when the Old Redmond Golf Course​ (in King County)​ was purchased by Winmar, a Safeco company.  A total of 120 pristine acres were purchased, including the 87-acre golf course. Forty-four acres would remain open space. (C. Beason played a large role in that.) The acreage was  invaluable to the community.  Open space is a very big part of Redmond culture. 

Winmar proposed development​ of the 87 acre golf course twice, once in 1979​ ​for $4 million (per Town Center Associates) and again in **1982 for $6 million ($16.5 million in today's dollars.)  Though open space was desirable,​ The Sammamish Valley News​,​​businessmen​ and many residents wanted shopping and commercial ​development.

To counter development, in 1978 a coalition of preservationists​,​ “Civic Action for Redmond Environment” (C.A.R.E.) formed to retain the golf course and influence public opinion.​  One of the C.A.R.E. Presidents Richard Grubb, Pat Vache', Arnie Tomac, Chris Himes, the Beasons and other citizen activists organized the coalition. Grubb, Vache' and Tomac became councilmembers. Himes  became Redmond's first full time Mayor.  Nothing ever came of the 1979, $4 million Town Center Associates offer, probably because of C.A.R.E.  

Pat Vache', Redmond's first planning commissioner and a councilmember of 16 years, says ​"in over eight years ​the public, planning staff, ​and Policy Advisory Commission​ had a series of public meetings, visioning exercises and just about any type of public process imaginable. Town Center didn't just happen. It has history." 

​​"Old Redmond" vs. "New Redmond" issues were reaching a boiling point. So, in 1982 Council​,​ led by Council President Arnie Tomac​ and councilmember Pat Vache',​ proposed a $6 million bond measure to “let the voters decide" if they wanted to purchase the land for preservation or take Winmar’s offer and develop it.  According to Rosemarie Ives, the 60% supermajority bond failed by 2%​.​  

Mayor Doreen Marchione is quoted in the Sammamish Valley News, “we have no choice but to annex the property for reasonable development.”  Former Mayor Rosemarie Ives​ felt the city ​should​​ have immediately​ gone out for a second​ vote​. ​ 

With that, ​​Vache' notes by 198​6​, (Ord. 1328) 120 acres were annexed from King County, pre-annexation zoning was completed, the ***Master Plan was approved, and the property was incorporated into the City of Redmond. ​ ​*Seven years following the City’s 1988 approval (Ord. 1416) Winmar didn’t develop anything with Town Center, though there still was much debate and talk. In 1994, Winmar proposed an outdoor mall of 1.3M square feet of shopping and offices. The proposal was approved by Council in 1995 (Ord. 1841.) Construction started in 1996.  

-- written by Bob Yoder, 7/15/2022

Sources:  Sammamish Valley News, Pat Vache, Arnie Tomac, Nancy McCormick, Rosemarie Ives, Holly Plackett, 4/8/2022 Fairbourne Properties Letter to Redmond City Council, Seattle Times, 8/10/1997.

Arnold Tomac's Leadership and Involvement with Redmond Town Center.  Arnie is a good friend of Pat Vache'. 

* Quick stories:  Though, not directly related to Town Center, past councilmember and planning commissioner Holly Plackett wrote Winmar's seven "idle" years were spent developing Target, Mervyns, and Bella Bottega cinema.

This story is so interesting! As editor of the Sammamish Valley News at that time, I was deeply involved in studying the options for this property. Redmond was sorely in need of a better commercial zone….the town was growing and there really was a great need. Although Town Center perhaps failed to fulfill that dream entirely, there is still hope. The city has grown…the possibilities are still endless! I hope Redmond marches ahead, brings itself completely into this century to keep up with the vast population growth!

--Deb Akerstrom, 7/2022.  Deb is presently a Director on the Redmond Historical Society Society.  12/2022

###

** The MASTER PLAN was approved in 1986:  "The design and development of this zone is controlled by a Master Plan established to ensure that development here integrates with and positively influences future development of the Greater downtown area and retains traditional building styles, street patterns, variety of uses, and public amenities."  (Ord. 1328.)  

The MASTER PLAN was scrapped in 2022.  New language:  "Design and development of this zone is controlled by zone-based regulations and additional  special design standards for development projects located within the downtown urban core."

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Rosemarie Ives Upset With Redevelopment Process Of Redmond Town Center

Good evening Mayor and Council.  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor 1992-2007, and I am here to provide comment and some history relating to the Town Center Amendments on tonight’s agenda.  Although I would like to comment on Tree Regulations, four minutes is hardly enough time for such important issue.  Such a full agenda precludes the public from giving any substantive testimony on more than one item. I hope that Madam Mayor would consider my making a few remarks after testimony from others is concluded.

I was on the Planning Commission when the first conceptual plan for Town Center was presented in preparation of the annexation of the beloved, treed 120 acre property into the City and the heart of our downtown. The Planning Commission worked for 18 months in 1986-1987.  I was an opponent of “the enclosed mall that was initially proposed  while the late former councilmember Richard Cole was a proponent.  Once the land use decision was made, together Mr. Cole and I authored  the 39 conditions that constituted a compact with the community and that were eventually placed on the development.  In 1987, Mr.  Cole and I were elected to City Council….Together we led the council through much of its process of deliberation over the next two years.  In 1992 when  I was elected mayor, Town Center owners proposed a new open air, pedestrian and downtown oriented design incorporating the 39 conditions encouraging redevelopment and revitalization in the adjacent downtown. that was approved in 1995 in Development Guide Amendment 94-004.   Construction began in 1996.

Friday, November 5, 2021

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:

Monday, September 13, 2021

Pat Vache' -- One Of Redmond's Finest

 

Honorable Pat Vache'

Long-time councilmember Pat Vache', a staunch community organizer and advocate for the people.  Pat founded the Redmond Kiwanis, sits on the One Redmond Foundation Board, was past President of Hopelink, co-founder of Lake Washington School Foundation, Chamber of Commerce trustee, among  other activities.  He served City Council 1982-90 and 2002-09.

Thanks to Arnie Tomac, past Councilmember (1980-1991) for submitting Pat's picture and Council tenure.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Redmond Lights

"Redmond Lights" Luminary Walk on the Central Connector Trail.

Twas a cold, rainy, nasty night full of good cheer.  Thanks to Kiwanis hot chocolate and caroling for keeping us warm.  

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Highlights of a City Council Meeting

Image result for redmond WA city council hall imagesHIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OCTOBER 3RD CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Brian Baker approached the podium in a wheelchair and complained:  1)  the City claims 360 ADA parking spaces are available but few of them are accessible by van.  2) the "sandwich board" signs on the sidewalks create an obstacle course.  Mr Stilin  said the city should not allow signs on sidewalks and Mr. Carson reminded him current regulations require signage be located in streets, not sidewalks.  

City Council reluctantly approved Burnstead's "Hawthorn Park" Final Plat.  In this, and a prior meeting a total of ~8 neighbors including Pat Vache' a retired councilmember **vehemently complained about the disruption and degradation to their private road by an off-site sewer line Burntsead is installing.  ** Mr. Vache' focused on the facts and only mildly complained.   Burnstead insisted they will fully inspect the project when completed for "performance, restoration and maintenance" to ensure all parties are satisfied; and assured that bonds were on file. Pres. Hank Margeson gave an eloquent summery of council's sentiments before the vote.

Friday, September 2, 2016

GOING BACK IN TIME: "2011, Council approves Chicken Code"

This is an interesting 2011 report about the process the city went through in passing the "Backyard Chicken" ordinance. The current, approved Chicken ordinance is detailed here.  

Redmond City Council approves backyard chicken code

NOVEMBER 9, 2011:  Council approves Animal Husbandry (backyard chicken) code 6-2 (Carson and Cole voting NO).  A noted requirement is covenants will be honored and supersede 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 and 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 youth 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."  Councilmember Carson has two dogs and his wife was in real estate; he was against backyard chickens.  Councilmember Hank Myers suggested keeping the rules simple saying too many regulations will keep people from participating.  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 miss-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.
Margeson referred to Sustainable Redmond for their help in getting the word out and educating Redmond citizenry.

Reported By Bob Yoder

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Council approves final funding phase of Downtown Stormwater trunk line - Second $20 Million Overlake trunk line planned

Redmond City Council unanimously approved two City Department of Natural Resource (DNS) funding projects in their September 19th Consent Agenda.  DNS is a division of Public Works with focus on controlling and treating stormwater run-off.
  •  $4,434,639 was approved for the final phase of the Downtown/Redmond Way Stormwater Trunk Line. 
  • $68,800 was approved to hire a crew of six Washington State Conservation Corps workers to restore and maintain 45 acres of stream habitat associated with city capital improvement projects.
Work on the Downtown/Redmond Way Stormwater trunk line started July, 2011.  Total costs are over $20,000,000 to completion, including a treatment facility at McRedmond Park.  The pipe follows the Burlington Northern Railroad Corridor including spurs from 166th Ave to 83rd Street and 170th Ave to Avondale Way.  A total of 7000 feet of trunk line is laid upon completion including removal of 6300 railroad track and street restoration including 30 ADA approved sidewalk ramps. 

The Marchione Administration has a second $20,000,000 stormwater trunk line project planned for the Overlake Urban Center.  It includes an underground vault the size of three city halls on the eastern parking lot of Sears.  Redmond stormwater rates pay for this infrastructure and are some of the highest (if not the highest) in the region.  Just look at your city water  utility bill. 

Developers have been slow to move into Overlake at this report and Council President Pat Vache' is looking for stakeholders to step up and lead.   Marchione held an August Council study session which included talk of competing with Bellevue by changing zoning once again.  Are enormous stormwater projects clogging redevelopment?   BY 

Friday, August 3, 2012

The Redmond retail post office on 85th St has moved. What are your options?




Autumn photo of "fallen" post office
Many residents still don't know that the Redmond postal service has moved their retail operations on 85th Street to their parcel drop-off distribution center in Southeast Redmond at *7241 185th Ave. NE.   They moved July 28.

The Redmond Reporter (RR) published two good stories on this.

In the Reporter's first story,  Mayor Marchione said "for the USPS to leave downtown at a time when the downtown core is growing makes no sense."   According to the RR, The USPS left mostly for financial reasons

The Redmond postmaster has attended multiple Chamber of Commerce meetings over the years and their financial constraints and relocation options were available.  The City Council is a Member of the Chamber with Councilmembers Cole and Vache' held Trustee positions during the Postmaster's participation. 

Here is a list of retail post offices in or close to Redmond where you can mail insured letters, returned receipts, buy stamps, etc.  Some grocery stores also sell stamps.  USPS Parcel pick-up remains exclusively in the SE Redmond post office.  (Find map and my story here.)

One reader recommends the Post office at Bartell's in Bridle Trails Shopping Center.  (see comments). Bella Bottega shopping center in the QFC lot has drop box for letters.

Name Address Phone
*Southeast Redmond Post Office7241 185th Ave. NE425-885-1057
Mailbox & Shipping Center8040 161st Ave. NE425-869-1448
The UPS Store16625 Redmond Way425-869-7447
FedEx16815 Redmond Way 425-882-1949
Bellevue (Crossroads) Post Office15731 NE 8th St.425-401-0892

Saturday, June 30, 2012

City Honors 2012 Redmond Arts Awards Recipients


City Honors 2012 Redmond Arts Awards Recipients

Redmond, WA  The "2012 Redmond Arts Awards" event celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Redmond Arts Commission by honoring pioneering volunteers and city employees who established Redmond’s first arts program.  During an event held Friday, June 22, at Redmond Town Center. City Council President Pat Vache' paid tribute to the following individuals:

The First Arts Commissioners: Ceil Church, Gordon Gray, Rick Heier, Dr. Evelyn Kest (posthumous honor), Cheryll Leo-Gwin, Jacqueline Sorensen Pinch and Sam Weirbach.

Melna Skillingstead, Redmond’s first Arts Program Manager

The Honorable Doreen Marchione, former Mayor of Redmond

The Redmond Arts Commission was established in 1987 to champion arts and culture in Redmond. For a quarter century, the commission has been building community through the support of audiences, artists and arts organizations in Redmond.

“Art enhances all our lives by giving a powerful voice and reflection to our humanity. Art inspires innovation and economic vitality, fosters tourism, and gives our children the critical thinking and creative skills they need to lead in a 21st Century workplace.” Said Mayor John Marchione. “This year’s recipients reflect a legacy of creativity in Redmond and our commitment to helping all enjoy and participate in the arts."  Read More >>

Friday, May 25, 2012

UPDATED: Student exhibits shine at "Legacy of Learning" Benefit Luncheon


Ms. Hartford  and four members of her Green Team
with  wetland storm pond restoration 'shovels"
Roger Blier, Lunch Buddy and PASSPORT UNLIMITED "Silver Sponsor" has a new pirq app "to discover instant deals on the go!"

Some incredible numbers are in on the Lake Washington Schools Foundation 7th Annual "Legacy of Learning" Benefit Luncheon.   $180,000 in donations!  That's a 25% increase in giving from last year!  Awesome show of community support, for sure!  The students were there, too.  On the right is a photo of Horace Mann Elementary's "Green Team."  5th Grade teacher Marie Hartford is beaming on the right.  Thanks to the "Foundation," MANN's team got a $200 kick-start to start their "hands on" volunteer work cleaning up the stormwater wetland pond on the school's property.  Go ahead and take a peak over the huricaine fence and you may see ducks and dragonfly's or hear frogs chirp, chirp.  There used to be invasive blackberry brambles blocking the view and suffocating the wetland and wildlife stormwater pond.  Thanks to Marie's green team and their little shovels we have a cleaner Bear Creek, Sammamish River and Puget Sound!

At the foundation of  the MANN "Green Team" is our growing FOUNDATION of community supporters!  Tune in for a short clip of how the FOUNDATION is "Growing Tomorrow's Great Minds TODAY - One Child at a Time"   

Special thanks to sodexo for "Making every day a better day" by providing and serving over 450 warm luncheons!
Story & photo B.Y.  

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

UPDATED: Councilmember Pat Vache' responds to neighborhood tree hazard


Sidewalk roped off from a tree hanging on wires
UPDATED:  In late January, mothers walked their children down this hill to school, many unaware of the blue spruce leaning over their heads, balanced on utility lines.

Yes, the third wave of our January snow, ice and rain storm was hard on neighborhoods.  It took four days to close this sidewalk on Education Hill and seven days to remove the tree hazard.  Fortunately, neighbors pressed; and no one was hurt.

City and utility companies were slow to respond, despite the imminent danger.   Various distraught neighbors called 911, the mayor's office and utility companies.  Public Works identified the wires as "harmless phone lines" owned by Comcast saying, "it is their responsibility to remove the tree."   Two Pubic Works employees and a police officer looked it over and "walked on," according to an Education Hill resident, John.
 
 Frustrated and upset, John emailed city councilman and Ombudsman Pat Vache' on January 31,   John wrote Pat, "I cannot believe how hard it's been to get Redmond's attention on this."  (John had called 911 twice, PSE and several neighbors on January 27.)  Another neighbor called Comcast and walked them to the site.  The tree was finally removed February 2 after city Ombudsman-of-the-month Pat Vache' stepped in and had the sidewalk barriers installed.  Mr. Vache' went out of his way to help us.  Read More >>

Friday, January 27, 2012

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.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Carson wants less public notice, less community feedback during neighborhood commercial project reviews.


OPINION:  Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning would allow developers to build grocery stores, spas, cafes, garden centers and the like to the edges of our neighborhoods.  Convenience stores (like 7/11's) are prohibited.

NC is a relatively new planning concept and somewhat controversial so the city council wanted to discuss improved public notice and feedback process.

This is the second of three reports on the city council's May 25 study session  on  "Neighborhood Commercial (NC).
 ###

All councilmembers, except David Carson, gave a *"thumbs up" approval to the more thorough  "Panel Review" process for neighborhood Notice and feedback.  The Panel Review process requires a city-wide notice, whereas the process David Carson asked for was the traditonal Notice limited to residents living 500 feet of the proposed neighborhood project.  Carson suggested "technical committee" city staff should initially review the project.  The Panel Review process is more inclusive with at least 4-6 Redmond residents in the initial review.

The Panel process would take 1.5 - 3 years and require a broad, neighborhood-wide public Notice. The panel would make recommendations to staff.  Neighborhood Meetings and Planning Commission review are still required.  The Council has final authority to "condition" the development.  Council member Allen suggested the Panel be composed of staff, development review committee, planning commission (two citizens), design review board (two citizens), and 1-2 neighbors. 

Hank Margeson recommended a panel be more representative of residents than staff.  Hank Myers said, "I like the panel approach because it creates fewer pitfalls.  If we do more process in the front we do less in the end. It helps streamline the process, especially in controversial developments."

David Carson asked Senior Planner Kim Dietz, "where do you really see the deficiency in the current process we have...what is...if you could pick a couple things you think were lacking in the current thing we do, what do you think we're lacking?" 

Ms. Dietz responded, 
"The panel is actually our recommendation.  I gives a sense of what's going in there.  There are no requirements for applicants now.  The panel introduces a new level of information; it gives opportunity for developers to really hear what neighborhoods concerns are and start to work with them to address them."
Carson responded, "we could just require them [the developer] to say up front what they want in the proposal... I guess I'm not sold on the idea of the panel and...I don't know, if just, I mean I think, if we were to require them [developers] up front to say well, 'what do you want to put in here'?  To me, when you go to the neighborhood meeting then all those questions can be answered.....It's a lot easier to go through the current process without a lot of more red tape."

Vice President Pat Vache' said "you go to a neighborhood meeting and the developer tells you what you're going to do and you didn't have an opportunity to discuss it..." 

Hank Margeson added, "Having lived through this with Education Hill Community Advisory Committee, the feedback we got from the community was 'the fear of the unknown'.  Mr. Vache' has a good point.  We've sat in meetings and folks feel like they were heard, but no action was taken, so how useful was that?  Whereas, if you have a panel who can say these are the conditions that well allow this to operate...or these are the things we need to see...like screening...or this is not our idea for our neighborhood, then there's a negotiation process and people feel represented.

Hank Myers said  "This is an advisory group.  The developer can come back and redo, but the panel doesn't decide.  "I like the idea of a panel because this [neighborhood commercial] is a fairly new idea.  We're not buying the whole thing all at once."

Councilmembers Pat Vache', Kim Allen and John Stilin actively contributed in this session, but this piece focuses on the 2011 election candidates.   Richard Cole was absent. 

Myers, Margeson and Carson are running for re-election in November.  Do you think all three deserve to be re-elected and hold office for another 4-years?  If not, find an engaged citizen and ask them to run.  Candidates must file by June 10.

Reported By Bob Yoder
6/5/2011

COMMENT:  The Washington Cathedral owns 10 acres of land abuting 124th Street, NE.  Several years ago the church applied for a permit to build a large shopping center w/Safeway on the land.  Council  questioned compatibility and proximity to agricultural open space.  Councilmember Allen suggested a smaller, garden center project, but traffic was a consideration.  In my view, this site is a possible first location for a "Neighborhood Commercial" project.  B.Y

*The panel review study session lasted 22 minutes.   Two hours, two minutes (2:02) into the tape, Mr. Vache' asks for a "thumbs up" vote on the panel.   You might find what you see interesting.

Monday, October 17, 2011

UPDATED: Flynn wins key city council endorsements for Richard Cole's position.

(l-r)  Council President Richard Cole, Councilman Hank Margeson, Council Vice President Pat Vache'
UPDATED:  Council President Richard Cole (left) is retiring after 24 years on city council.   Richard was elected in 1988 after a stint as Chair of the Planning Commission.  Mr. Cole has been very active on growth management issues over the years as an Executive Board member on the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Candidates Tom Flynn and Joel Wright are running for Richard's open position, #5.  Councilmembers Hank Margeson (center) and Pat Vache' (right) are endorsing Mr. Flynn for the position.

Councilman Hank Margeson of Education Hill, is running unopposed this year. Hank has taken over some of the work Mr. Cole did on Suburban Cities Association.  Hank is smart, well-liked, and a passionate councilman for our Region.   No one works harder with such zeal and joy as Margeson. 

Opinion By Yoder
Photo by Yoder during a city council "Study Session" in City Hall 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

OPINION: Realize Redmond, REDA and the Chamber are reshuffling into a winning hand.


The humble beginnings (and end?) of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce
UPDATED OPINION:  "One Redmond Partnership".  "Community of Excellence".  "Redmond Economic Development Association (REDA)."  "The Chamber."  "Redmond Foundation."  "Realize Redmond."  "Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)."

What does all this mean?  To simplify, let's just call the jargon "cards in the deck." and name the game, "One Redmond" - our economic development partnership.

The game started in March of 2010 when council funded $200,000 to create a public-private "economic development partnership" to attract and sustain business. An additional $50,000 was funded to start Realize Redmond - a nonprofit designed to build private support for community projects -- to enhance and define our culture, build community, revitalize our businesses, and promote tourism.  This community ("of excellence") includes in the mix: our schools (Dr. Kimball) and health & wellness organizations.

In the beginning REDA, the Chamber, Realize Redmond (RR) and the City weren't coordinated and playing "out of  the same deck" during fundraising.  This confused the donors, sponsors and community.  So, the mayor hired a consultant ($40,000) to seek alignment and coordination of these organizations.  According to Marchione, the study will be done in two weeks.  Re-alignments could be announced at that time.  It's possible the Chambers will close their doors, eventually.

If you saw the August 30 Redmond city council meeting, you'd have heard presentations from Bill Biggs of Group Heath,  Tom Martin of Evergreen, and Dan Angellar of the Marriot-Redmond.  They are "One Redmond Partnership"  leaders of REDA, Chambers, and RR, respectively.  The Mayor ran the meeting while council looked on. 

Bill Biggs, Chair of REDA led the discussion saying, "This is going to take an interdependent effort to get it done."  He said "we need to enhance our alignment, reduce waste, be a lean organization, with a cost effective overhead structure".   He spoke of  Redmond Chamber's role in keeping Redmond businesses vital and to be able to retain themselves and the RR value of community.  Biggs summarized the consultant's work saying 60 people were interviewed, not counting the Boards of REDA, Chamber, and RR.  "It created an awareness to a broad group of people."  Biggs stated:
"Historically, the way we have been organized is probably not what we will be, eventually.  We may or may not be the kind of independent Chamber or the kind of independent RR....we may look at structuring ourselves differently on the basis of the study...because people who invest expect to see no waste and enhanced alignment"
Tom Martin, President of the Redmond Chamber made an unexpected "fold em" announcement, as follows:  Read More >>

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

7% net job loss in 2010 won't affect Redmond housing targets.

Housing targets unchanged
by 2010  job losses
UPDATED:  Last night, city council reviewed the 2010 employment estimates for Redmond.   Total employment was down 15.2% from  90,704 ('09) to 76,876 in 2010.  Actual employment loss was approximately  7% or 6,000.  The 7,746 jobs (8.25%) lost when Microsoft relocated employees from Redmond to Issaquah and Bellevue in 2009-2010 are not counted.  
As a result, Council voted to lower their 2030 employment target from 126,600 to 119,000.  The source for employment estimates is Puget Sound Regional Council
Councilmember Pat Vache' got a "no" from staff when he asked if the job loss "will affect housing targets."   President Richard Cole had concerns of a housing imbalance, saying "Redmond has been picked on in the past" for being behind in housing goals.  Staff responded, a small imbalance could create an oversupply of housing in our favor.   
The percent reduction in jobs by sector, based on Redmond licensing data is, as follows: 
  • Construction Resources,  - 25% 
  • Finance, Insurance, and Real estate - 15%  
  • Manufacturing,  -23% 
  • Retail, --2%
  • Services, -4%
  • Wholesale, Trade, Transportation - 3%
  • Government -4%   [*includes reduction of 19 contracted jobs (2%) paid by Microsoft, B.Y.]
  • Education, -5%)
Redmond was ranked the highest for percent job loss 2009-2010, as compared to other cities.  To name a few:  Redmond, -15.25%, Sammamish - 9.59%, Sea Tac 6.80%, Woodinville, -4.75%, Seattle, -2.35%, Mercer Island, - 1.33%, Bellevue, -1.03%, Kirkland ++1.02%, Issaquah  ++5.59 
(Redmond's net job loss is 7% after Microsoft location corrections)
Reported by Bob Yoder
Source:  City document AM 11-166
* 2009 - 2010 city budget manual
Internet photo