UPDATED OPINION: The city's "Budget By Priorities" process could be better

City government hasn't encouraged citizen participation and awareness of the budget process so far this year. 

BACKGROUND:  Two years ago Councilmember Richard Cole introduced a novel approach to streamlining the city budget process, called "Budget By Priorities" (BBP).  One of BBP's best features is citizen participation.  Today, citizens are mostly unaware that they can participate. Will it improve?  

 In 2008, the initial community meeting was well attended by over 60 citizens.  This year 6 citizens signed in at the registration desk.   Mayor Marchione presented  six budget priorities:  1) Clean Green Environment, 2) Community Building, 3)  Responsible Government, 4) Safety, 5) Business Community, and 6) Infrastructure and Growth.   The city government's priorities haven't changed from two years ago.

In 2008, citizens attended a second meeting of workshops on each priority when everyone got to talk and share their requests.  It was excellent.  This year, workshops aren't planned or announced.  

In 2008, I participated the Community Building workshop.  My "request " (as the lingo goes) for city-wide WI-FI was rejected by staff during the workshop, though  WI-FI is now planned for the Parks.  After the workshops, the Mayor sent his "Results Team" (1 citizen/5 staff)  to work, ranking and screening staff and citizen requests.  This year the Results Teams were formed before the first Community Meeting and according to a Team member "they have been working very hard".   

PROBLEMS WITH THE PROCESS THIS YEAR?   Our city government is shuttering shut a window here and a window there - participation and transparency is fading, as follows:

1. Two councilmembers (~30%) were missing at the opening BBP meeting.  Council makes the final decisions on the budget.  They represent us on city spending.    
2. After the meeting I asked if I could be on a Results Team.  The Mayor responded by email, quote:  "As for the Results Teams, the application date closed February 19th and they have been appointed."  What??  Where was the advertising?  The notices?  The mailers?  The RCTV bulletins?  The city website notice?   The city press release was simply:  "City Seeks Residents for Budget Teams".  What Teams?  What budget?  No reference was made to "Budge By Priorities". 
3. The Administration wouldn't disclose who was on the Results Teams. I had to file a Public Request.  Why shouldn't we know the names and titles of  these important teams?   (stay tuned).  We may want to ask a question or make a request.     
4. The Results teams weren't introduced at the March meeting and most didn't even make the meeting.  Only one Results Team member signed in at the March community meeting.  Yet, the mayor emailed he "needed the priorities and results teams to come together on March 1".   Why? 
5. The Mayor elects the 6 volunteers for the results team.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christenson wrote in an email, "the City advertises for interested citizens...the Mayor then considers those who have expressed interest for the assignment...".  Hmm. Advertises? 

Enough said.   

The question to ask is what do you YOU think??  Is participation in the budget process important to you?  Am I nit-picking?  Do you care about this?  If you are so inspired, please comment! ....

Opinion By Bob Yoder

A citizen tells the Administration to get on with the city website fix.

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-you-tried-searching-for-something.html

Brian Dennis spoke at last week's City Council Meeting during the public comment period.  Dennis is a Redmond citizen and owner of Small Business Pioneers, a local company that creates websites.  Brian and several councilmembers have concerns about city delays in fixing the old city website (redmond.gov).  Brian read to Council and Mayor, the following:     

For the one or two people out there that don't know, I am a strong advocate of websites as powerful tools to disseminate information and engage individuals. Yet quality websites cost real money, time and effort to develop, maintain and market. Keeping content fresh multiples costs. Based my professional experience I have strong reason to believe city staff has neither budget, time, nor the expertise to deliver on this proposed project. Putting this project out for bid into our own community assures the City has the expertise and a firmly grounded budget number by which to make an informed decision. As a bonus, this process would support the very nature of the project - sustainability - within our own business community.  

Council members Allen, Stilin and I all question the relationship of your other proposed project (a separate and distinct "green" website) and the fixing of redmond.gov website.  Remember, $300k has been allocated for work to fix redmond.gov yet with no tangible, discernible results, and staff is now looking to spin off a new "green" website. Why spin up a new website?  Fix redmond.gov!  (This fix has been in the making ~two years.) 

What do you think of  http://www.redmond.gov/?   If you've only seen it once, would you go back?   Can you think of reasons why the city is dragging their feet on fixing their website?  Why are they starting a "green website" when redmond.gov isn't fixed?   An improved website would open our government.  Are they hiding something?  Or afraid of something?   Please enter your comments below.

Read my 10/4/2010 post:  "Our Aging City Website -- Is the City of Redmond  being responsible? 

UPDATED: Budget By Priorities: "And the survey says!"

Updated:  OPINION:  The Mayor and his Deputy Administrator, Jane Christensen, held a Community "Budget By Priorities" Meeting March 1.   Judging by the sign-in sheets, citizen turn-out was low with only six citizens registering at the desk.  Surprisingly, only 5 of 7 city councilmembers were present; and they are the citizens who approve the Mayor's Budget.  I saw only two or three commissioners.   Having the meeting on a Monday night didn't help.

Council President Richard Cole addressed the audience stating "This process only works if the citizens who live in town and staff get involved."  Staff was definitely present in force.  I know many of them from my city volunteer and media work.  Many of these staff are residents of Redmond and may have been voting in the silent touch-pad survey.   Ms. Christensen said "staff are hear to listen" but based on the numbers voting, it appears that she was implying non-resident staff.  Unfortunately, they registered on the touch-pad and not at the front desk.

Jane Christensen made an startling statement about future growth in Redmond.  She said,

"Washington State requires all cities to accommodate their share of state's growth.  In the next 12 years the city expects to accommodate 20,000 more residents and 28,000 more jobs.  Most of the growth will be accommodated in the Downtown and Overlake to preserve existing single family neighborhoods."

WOW!  For real?  Survey questions probed how we think the city will to accommodate the expected population density, for example:

1. Question:  What is your overall experience with traffic in Redmond (not counting SR520)?   70% of the respondents were dissatisfied to very dissatisfied.
2. How satisfied are you with the city's plans to accommodate growth?  42% of those in a citizen's survey last year were neutral to very dissatisfied.  84% were neutral to satisfied in the staff-loaded survey.  Of course, city planners are paid to plan for growth! 

Do you think the city can comfortably handle 20,000 new residents in 12 years?   The city will have lots of new parklands but not for cars!  Where will the 40,000 additional cars park?  Can the administration build enough roadways to circulate the traffic?  Where will the roads go?  Will the administration have to zone for more and taller apartment and condo buildings?  Will the downtown start to sprawl?   How long can the neighborhoods remain untouched by density?  Will apartments and commercial villages take hold?

The Mayor concluded, by thanking "the 50-70% of the residents who have come out, who don't regularly engage in civic process."  Huh?  Marchione didn't give a head count.  Interestingly, one of the survey questions asked  "How engaged are you in city events and meetings?"  69% said they were not engaged to somewhat involved.  The next meeting is on another Monday, May 3, when according to the Mayor, "you give your ideas of what to do".

Contact:  bpquestions@redmond.gov OR please comment below this post for all to read.  What are your ideas??

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Updated:  3/18

Budgeting by Priorities Announcement

The Think Tank at Derby Days

While watching the Derby Day Parade, I ran into a few neighbors who know the City inside and out. Our thoughts centered on the towering City Hall foyer and how intimidating it can be to visitors. We decided one of the biggest problems about City Hall is no foyer receptionist to help you find your way. Unfortunatley helpful way-finding signage isn't posted because the landlord has signage requirements. (yep, the city doesn't own their building yet). Thus, we sometimes notice people wandering listlessly around the foyer and halls looking for a "warm body". Can you imagine how first time visitors of Redmond's diverse cultures must feel?

THE THINK TANK: When using the Help Desk Phone, visitor calls often get routed to the wrong department or sometimes not at all. It's disruptive. Long waits at the help desk phone frustrate visitors as they must often listen to endless routing messages. If Public Works were to survey the various City departments on the value of a lobby receptionist many Department heads would probably request a receptionist and even discover efficiencies to pay for one. Why? Stronger service and "efficiency savings" are part the city's budgeting priorities. Also, the Mayor places high regard for customer service and should he uncover efficiencies he might take action. "

And the survey SAYS............" ?

posted in my FaceBook

Council and Mayor "rap" about the Budget

Last night, the Council and Mayor held a long rap session on the City budget.

Of the General Operating Fund and Capital Fund, which do you think is the most political in our community? According to Council President Nancy McCormick, the Capital fund wins. Hmmm. She must be thinking about our newer $50M City Hall. Mayor Marchione would prefer to put large Capital expenditures out to vote.

Marchione's staff also suggested simplifying transfers to the Capital fund from the General Fund. Staff asked to limit transfers from six "bucket" allocations to 3 buckets. The three proposed capital buckets are: 1) Parks, 2) Transportation, and 3) General Government. As compared to the present transfer method, "Parks" allocation would increase by 20%, the "Transportation" bucket would increase by 20% and "General Government" (Fire, Police, Government) decreases 35%. No decisions were made.

Halving the buckets would cut out council's cherished "Council Contingency" bucket. Eliminating this bucket suggests of a Council "working consensus" and trust in the Marchione Administration, qualities that were lacking in the prior Administration. Ostensibly, the Marchione Administration would have greater flexibility and control.

Much talk centered around establishing a "sinking fund" to plan for replacement of the Public Safety Building (PSB) and Senior Center. Mr. Cole considered the PSB a legacy building and wanted to start storing away money for its eventual replacement in 20-30 years. Councilmember Kimberly Allen was cautious about creating "silos" to store biennium surpluses. Councilmember Pat Vache' went with the flow of the conversation speaking in generalities. Both are up for re-election.

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.

The Mayor's Budget is shaping up to be a winner!

When arriving at City Hall for the Budget Public Hearing last night I noticed, besides few cars, some little changes that indicated to me our city was indeed "going forward" under the John Marchione Administration.

• City Hall outdoor art by Carpenter is now lit up by new overhead lights. (I don't understand why the Ives Administration never did this.) It's absolutely beautiful at night now. Without light, the crystals don't live. An arts commissioner at the meeting attributed the improvements to the Administration.
  
• FOCUS Magazine was reduced in size by 1/3. It's now more readable and costs taxpayers less. And I'm reading it more! Copies are at the front desk.
  
• Michele McGeghee - City Clerk, swore in two Design Review commissioners. The city attorney wasn't needed - saving taxpayer dollars.
  
• A well lit, well displayed art exhibit was positioned at the entrance to Chambers. View of the exhibit was well placed, convenient, accessible and attracted many visitors.
  
• Council may have enough funding to hire a receptionist for the City Hall front desk.

During the Public Hearing whining and complaining citizens were not to be heard! Compliments were frequent. Council and Mayor are not planning to raise business taxes. The President of the Chamber of Commerce sounded as if she received an Oscar - thanking everyone copiously - from the Mayor, to council, to multiple staff members. ARCH requested more funding for affordable housing. The Historical Society and Arts Commission spoke to thank and please the Council. A child abuse prevention non profit asked for support. The Washington School Foundation requested support.

I gave my blog a plug. Shoot! why didn't I request funding too!? Mr. Bailey, Finance Director and Melissa Files, Finance Manager were thanked for their tremendous efforts the budget. Mr. Mayor made some great hiring decisions. Councilman Richard Cole is well deserving of recognition and appreciation for his leadership as Council Finance Chair. Richard introduced the "Budgeting by Priority" model to the Mayor and is running Council budget discussions with aplomb. Finally, I asked that the Final Budget be edited to include language requiring that the 6.4% CIP transfer (increased by 30%) remain temporary. Historically, the annual transfer has been 5% of the General Fund - several Millions less.

Attendance at the Hearing was low ~ 7 speakers. In times of economic strife, this says a lot about the confidence citizens have for the City in managing our money. Finally it speaks for Redmond's general affluence, Redmond $7 Billion economic engine (R. Odle) and our willingness to pay for a "Great Ctiy."

Winter Yard Waste Pickup and other nagging neighborhood issues

Winter Yard Waste pickup - from John, Redmond neighbor
I've been advocating for more than a year for Redmond to provide 52 week/yr yard waste pickup. Staff is still reluctant to provide it even though it's an additional $.39 cents/month per household. Even though Kirkland/Bellevue/Issaquah provide 52 week/yr yard waste pickup, Redmond is behind the times (primarily an Ives administration hold over). I would encourage you to tell your friends/neighbors/readers to contact Council asap if they want this additional, low-cost service. I'm tired of my yard waster bin overflowing in the winter and I bet your neighbors are too! -- John

Hi John - Good points. I listened to Council last night, too. They say our garbage charges are the lowest of all surrounding cities. I notice the biggest problem is in November when I have pumpkins, loaded gutters and 90% of the leaves have fallen from my huge cherry tree. Service is offered once a week in November but if I miss a week I have to borrow a bin from a neighbor. For those who procrastinate, I can see how December and February is a problem. I think it's more of a convenience issue for most that a budget item. But, leaves that aren't picked up clog street drains and cause problems for the city. (The City ask us to clean them.)
--Bob Yoder, blog author and Ed. Hill neighbor

cc: Councilmember Hank Margeson, Director Bill Campbell

ATTN: blog readers: Any other nagging issues you'd like posted? Send them to Bob Yoder

UPDATE: Whoever said "paperclips don't count" in city budgets?

OPINION: Whoever said "paperclips don't count"? [Four citizens have commented to this post]

Under the guidance of the Marchione Administration, the City Council is in the process of deciding "the price of city government" and how we will pay for it over the next two years. If you have something to say, consider emailing council@redmond.gov.

The Administration's proposed budgetary expenditures will exceed existing revenues and we will be asked to open our wallets and pay:

1. A water/wastewater utility rate increase averaging 6% annually- forever.


2. A 1% property tax increase- forever.


3. A 28% increase in our General Fund transfer to the capital fund (possibly temporary)

Businesses won't endure tax increases. The City's AAA credit rating gives credence to the City's new borrowing program. Building debt is intended to counter inflation and spread growing infrastructure costs to future generations.

Richard Cole
Read his comments below this post!

Redmond citizens salary averaged about $89,300 /year in 2004 (R. Odle), so most of us probably won't gripe. Right? The 6% utility rate increase is probably most noticeable by those making less, or are unemployed, as I. Councilman Richard Cole , Finance Chair, figured the 1% property tax increase would cost him only about $6-7/year. He's got a condo. The capital fund increase will come out of our pockets and from other revenue sources. It has potential to stress family budgets the most in the future. My family is now coping with the high cost of living in Redmond and depressed economy. We are planning to leave Redmond after our daughter graduates from RHS. The beginning of an exodus of low-medium income families may come. Building "a Great City" has it's costs.

So what do we get for our money? Below, are a few of the larger expenditures the Administration is proposing to become, in the words of Mr. Cole, "a Great City":

1. Downtown Park - $27 million


2. Improved website - $300,000


3. Preservation of City Buildings - $839,000


4. Fire and Police overtime - $1.25 million


5. NE Education Hill Fire Station - $11.8 million


6. Emergency Generator for City Campus - $1.1 million


7. Community survey on Budget innovations - $250,000


8. Efficiency/Innovation contingency - $1.6 million


9. Information Technology Plan - $3 million


10. Compensation Analyist - $200,493


11. *Operating Supply increase - $1.07 million

OOPS! *Pardon me! - a $1.07 million increase in supplies certainly doesn't make for a "Great City"! It does say something about the "price of our government". At the last council session Mayor Marchione alluded to Supplies as "paper clips." For the benefit of Redmond taxpayers, I hope he'll take a closer look at his supply.
If you think you can help, try mayor@redmond.gov or comment under this post. The last Public Hearing on the Budget is 7PM, November 18 at City Hall.
Budget highlights are HERE. For major budget increases by department click here. Coouncilman Richard Cole has an email comment posted here.
The entire preliminary budget is found on this link the city website front page.
CC: Mayor & Council & staff

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

Video Clip: A "sweet spot" amidst construction madness in the North Redmond Neighborhood

Opinion: Below are two 1-minute video clips of a 14 unit, single family home "Mosaic Meadows" development on 116th Street about 1/2 mile west Einstein Elementary school. The project is under construction with about 4 homes built. Actually, what you'll see in the clips are several trails running through partially restored wetlands and stream areas. The "Mosaic Meadows" landowner 'donated' a wetland area to the city to build a community trail connector to Einstein El for use by students and pedestrians. The videos will show you some other possibilities for this land. I think you'll like what city and landowner are doing, especially for Einstein El.
According to the city website this Mosaic Meadows project, is still under permitting review and construction has not started; so I took a hike. Take a quick look at city's dated Development Review Project Report, . City "budgeting by priorities" is still under review but I've heard from several city staff that a new website is in the offing. Our existing site has a few holes in it and the present Administration knows it.

Editorial - the Magic of Mayor Marchione

The pace of change and events in Redmond has increased exponentially since John Marchione was elected Mayor, joined the Sound Transit Board and began his work. Enhanced transparency of government operations and a well oiled council machine move city actions and events faster than can be reported. To be frank, it's impossible to keep up as a 1-man nonprofit neighborhood reporter.

Mayor John Marchione is off to a fast start. Just off the top of my head, I can think of many positive actions and events of the first seven months of the John Marchione Administration. Of course, there are bumps along the road and a mayor's work is never done, but Mr. Marchione is generally doing a fantastic job. Here are my thoughts about Mr. Mayor's progress:

1. Improvement and transparency of Open Meeting policies, Public Records Requests, Council Committee activities, participation of commissions in Council Meetings, and increased public participation by staff members previously unseen. Council meetings are efficient, productive and documented online for the public.

2 Reaching out to citizens to engage our neighborhoods by: promoting Neighborhood Block Watch potluck gatherings and looking into "Neighborhood Associations", keeping a watchful eye on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog, enhancing Derby Days with extra support from Microsoft, Geni Industries, and small businesses, providing a Neighborhood Land Use map on the city website, and yes, team building with fire and police during the First-ever Dodgeball tournament at Redmond High School!

2. Making the Budget process more palatable and participatory for the neighborhoods by prioritizing citizen needs. Providing document links to the online Consent Agenda to expose budget decisions.

3. Improving traffic and pedestrian safety by problem solving controversial road projects like the Bear Creek Parkway Extension, Redmond-Woodinville widening idea, 166th Ave rechannelization and RJH stop light project and on. At a recent Conference of Mayors Mayor Marchione demonstrated leadership for bicycle commuting. John is an influential member of the well connected Sound Transit Board.

4. Proving to be as "green" -if not more so - as previous administrations by: Bringing out the best of our already top-notch Natural Resources staff to upgrade our stormwater management systems with state of the art regional plans for Overlake, Downtown, and SE Redmond urban centers. Funding reforestation programs with the Cascade Conservancy to remove riparian invasives, recruit youth for stream restoration, hire a geologist and "aquifer team" to sustain the quality and affordability of our drinking water. Work with inter-local governments, like county councilmember Kathy Lambert to improve our Evans and Bear Creek shorelines and safeguard our aquifer; and converse with Rep. Ross Hunter to assist Cole and Allen secure SR 520 widening species protections and flood mitigation.

5. Swift and open acknowledgment of serious needs for affordable housing. John invited Art Sullivan, Manager of ARCH eastside affordable housing, to present solutions to council. Funding was quickly approved to help service-workers, teachers & young adults of Redmond families afford a place to live in Redmond and reduce fuel consumption.

6. Parks are expanding. A string of 5 rural parks along historic Bear Creek East of Avondale will be developed and connected by a trails. Environmental education and heritage centers will occupy the park's historic buildings.

7. I have never seen staff happier or more empowered. John wasn't afraid to identify and cull the few "bad apples" early in his administration. City Hall staff was downtrodden by stalled salary and benefit negotiations under the prior administration for over a year. John and council swiftly dealt with the problem and re-energized the staff.

8. Mr. Mayor has put the exterior art "crystals" back on the city hall building RCTV. This, small act is a loud symbol of city pride and transparency. John has revitalized the Arts Commission with new goals to attract tourists and commuters with nationally renknowned art, like the coming Digital Arts Festival!

9. John's accomplished all this and he's only into 1/8 of his first term! I've reported on Mr. Mayor for over a year, including councilwork, 5 months of his mayoral candidacy and 7 months in office. And, he's been more active than I can report!

10. The reason for John's success? He doesn't let his ego get in the way of a good idea. He is willing and open to bend or change course when he sees a good thing. He listens, respects and values citizen and staff opinions and ideas, and responds! John is not afraid to put his ego aside and to achieve the best, consensual decision for the city. John will make you chuckle. John understands the numbers. And, he is bright.

As with all my opinion stories, your comments are welcome and encouraged by posting them below or emailing. For this Opinion, I will publish Letters submitted by citizens.

As I said, I just can't keep up with the pace of the Administration and our council! My neighborhood reporting is falling behind. Volunteer Kay Taraposli ("kid's topics") and Richard Morris ("parks & trails") and others gave me more work than I could review. Thus, I'm looking for funding to keep this non profit weblog, or a non-political version, running. If you can help with funding please email me at redmondblog@gmail.com. Thank you! Bob Yoder

OPINION: Marchione administration's $40 million parks bond proposal-- a hoax?

I am very disappointed the Marchione Administration and 6 park commissioners would even CONSIDER a preliminary $40,000,000 parks bond for 2009. Specifics of the proposal were described in detail by Parks Director Larsen (photo above) at the last Council study session. (Please look for "comments" below this story for elaboration).

Citizens just finished spending 6 hours of their evenings participating in Mayor Marchione and Richard Cole's "Budgeting by Priorities" (BP) workshops. When Parks Director Larsen discussed "the number" ($40m), I never heard him refer to the BP workshops or citizen requests for more park services. I think it was a councilmember who remembered a vague request for more natural open space.

Did you know, Council recently approved $2,300,000 in taxpayer money for 0.9 miles of park "trail" --a 15 foot-wide black-topped 'road'? (Click on the title of this story to read all about it. )

Only last year, the Council proposed and passed a $637,122 park bond and allocated an additional $605,000 of capital improvement funds (CIP) to our parks and recreation program. In addition Council passed city-wide impact fees on developers. For an eye-opening summary of where our 2007 park levy and capital dollars will be spent READ THIS.

As a result of last year's park levy, our property taxes increased on average $21/year. The proposed $40,000,000 park levy alone would increase our property taxes an average of approximately $140/yr per household. The increase is over 6.6 x last year's increase! It's almost equivalent to last year's "fire & police" increase of $143/yr/household.

Gas is over $3.60/gallon, fruit and vegetables are now priced by "the each" rather than "the pound", we burn gas in traffic jams because city roads can't keep up with growth, and the needed fire station in North Redmond isn't built. The list goes on.

Yes, you can read Richard Morrises informative reports here about the splendor of our parks. They truly are what makes Redmond, Redmond. But, at what cost to further the park system?

Did you know, every year 5% of our General Operating Fund is transferred to our Capital Fund? Most interestingly, 19% of the total 2007 - 2012 Capital Fund of $216,000,000 is allocated to Parks! Yikes! That's $40,000,000!

$40M (proposed bond) + $40M (capital) + $637K ('08 levy) = $80,637,000 total park & rec. budget allocation -- wished for by the Marchione Administration in 2009... This isn't counting impact fees.

My goodness! This can't be real! Is it a hoax? I feel manipulated. When citizens cry "NO" to this incredulous $40M bond proposal the Council is then positioned to say "NO" to many of the citizen's requests for funding their projects. It appears the Marchione administration is "conditioning" us to lower our expectations for our budget priorities. In the least, he's applying the fundamental principle of negotiations: "start high".

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REF: All of my research was taken from Links to city documents on the sidebar of this blog (scroll down) and by searching "levy" in the blog search engine .

CC: Council, Mayor, Parks Director, Parks & Trails commissioners

City Hall overflows! Redmondites make requests for how our tax dollars should be spent.

OPINION: Wow! What an evening last night at City Hall! And to discuss a Budget, no less! Amazingly, citizen turn-out overflowed seating capacity. The last time I've seen participation like this was at the Camwest "Perrigo Heights" woodland clear-cut debate.

If you missed the meeting, you can catch the intro on RCTV-21 archives. But, the breakout sessions were not taped -- the best part. However, the breakout session minutes and citizens' requests can be found "here".

Let me clue you in - Marchione's presentation of the budget process was "the flipside" - a jump shift, from the laborious and bureaucratic sessions of the previous administration. And oh, how refreshing! Last year Council and Staff Directors had to struggle with over 25 tortuous study sessions, while the general staff & citizens where left out to dry.

This year, highly involved citizens shared leadership with select staff on "Results Teams", focused on the seven budget priorities. The best part? We "lowly citizens" had several opportunities to tell and sell the city on what WE wanted funded! Our "requests for funding offers" will be screened by the Staff Departments and presented to Council. It felt like we were really being heard and, with all sincerity, about how WE wanted the Council to spend our tax dollars. It's hard to believe , but "Budgeting by Priorities" - was actually FUN! Much more so than the previous administration's endless & squishy "Budgeting with Remorse" sessions. ha!

Our Council has the hardest part in the whole process. I feel for them, as follows:

1. During the meeting councilmembers had to hold their thoughts and emotions back while WE expressed our needs & wants with staff, fellow citizens, and the Results Teams.


2. Council must now sit down in front of the cameras and winnow out the winning "requests". Of course, our Safety (fire and police) comes first. Then, the roads, sewer lines and wastewater infrastructure must be built to cope with all our growth. Land use planning for a green environment must be satisfied.


3. Even with all these capital and operational expense requirements, I truly *believe funds will be "left over" for the things that can make Redmond a Great City, rather than just another one of the many corporate Edge Cities of America. Our art, culture, heritage, city branding, human services, amenities, "gathering places", business and neighborhood communities are all on the table. The Results Team and Council may have some tough decisions to make.

The ultimate success of "Budgeting by Priorities" will rest with Mr. Mayor Marchione's financial skills and ability to uncover and reallocate funds. I firmly *believe Mayor Marchione has the leadership and financial skills to do it. Stay tuned for the results!

Attention City Council: Please make mental health services a Budget Priority on April 24th!

During last night's city meeting, council approved $40,000 to fund a consultant to help Redmond Human Services prepare a 5-year Human Services Strategic Plan. The purpose of the plan is "to develop a vision and direction that will help the City make informed and proactive decisions to address short-term and long-term human services". The funding was proposed by Mr. Mayor during the "Consent Agenda."

Councilwoman President McCormick asked for assurances the public be involved during the strategic planning process. A day after the meeting Human Services revealed a short plan that included the public in the process.

According to Mr. Mayor Marchione, the contract "would cover how the city would work with non-profit services providers to deliver shelter, food, medical and other services. "

I personally hope our new consultant will pay more attention to the needs of the mentally ill and those recovering from brain disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "it is has been shown that 1 in 5 families experience a serious mental illness in a given year."

Two invaluable support services for caregivers and recovering citizens are located in or near the City of Redmond. NAMI-Eastside for caregivers and peer support and The Hero House for recovering citizens desiring social and occupational support. Citizens are encouraged to participate.

Last year, both nonprofits were ranked 2nd Tier during Redmond's budgeting process. Past councilman Robinson was Council Chair of Parks and Human Services at the time. Councilman Hank Myers is Council Chair of Parks and Human Services this year. Mental health and caregiver services should be prioritized for Tier 1 funding in 2008.

NAMI-Eastside is located in the Family Resource Center and The Hero House is in Bellevue on Redmond's easterm border. NAMI-Eastside's enthusiastic office manager, Barbara Thompsen, can be reached at info@nami-eastside.org. The Hero House Manager, Erica Horn eagerly awaits your emails at ehorn@herohouse.org.

I hope the City Council and Mayor will raise the bar during our "Budgeting for Priorities" Public Meeting,on April 2 at 6:30pm, City Hall...to further the invaluable services of NAMI-Eastside and The Hero House in our community.

Bob Yoder, co-author
Ed. Hill neighborhood

cc: council & mayor

My favorite budget priority: "I want a sense of community and connection with others."

The council and Marchione administration are trying a new tack to involve the public in creating a respectable budget for the next two years. It's called "Budgeting by Priorities". [video clip of Mayor Marchione & Pres. McCormick at bottom.]

I went to the first public meeting last Thursday. It was kinda fun. The focus of the meeting was to learn about 6 Budget Priorities that were picked by a Focus Group of 40 citizens and Council. The council chambers were almost full at the meeting. We all had a chance to pick our favorite Priority and talk about it in group breakouts.

I selected the priority group: "I WANT A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION WITH OTHERS". I look at my blog as a way to connect the neighbors with each other and the city and schools. I also like the network of trails that connect developments to parks and schools and roads. With a good trail system, fewer cars (& less congestion) are needed for student commutes; more bicycles are used for errands. And especially, trails and parks are synonymous with lower health costs & increased productivity.

Korby Parnel, a planning commissioner, has been a long-time advocate of city-wide WI-FI. I like the concept too, for convenience, more opportunities to connect with others, and less commuting "home" or to the office to get "hooked in". Some citizens recommended a more comprehensive web site to connect the neighborhoods. Later, I discovered Communications Program Manager, Ms. Gronlund just built-out a Neighborhood site (here)!

My final strategic thought was to keep families connected by expanding housing choices. "Mother-in-law" housing -- also known as ADU's help to keep handicapped or dependent families under one roof. Seniors and boomerang kids is another group that benefit. One citizen reminded us that affordable housing is more likely when buildings are allowed to add an extra story.

It appeared the bulk of the folks in my group were interested in arts and theatre and culture. Many arts commissioners were present,including Tom Flynn, Chair of the arts commission and Mary, the arts staffer. I thought the best idea we agreed upon as a group was one recommended by Tom. He suggested an indoor gathering place similar in concept to the Crossroads Mall. Every weekend live music is played by a different group, kids and adults dance (my favorite attraction), "sidewalk" chess is played, large food court, and a New York style open newspaper rack and bookstore. Tom suggested a public-private partnership. A developer savvy citizen said the X-Roads mall worked, in part, because it was surrounded by high density residential. Good point. Several Arts commissions had brought up Cleveland Ave. for a location idea. With several 6 story residential buildings going up on Cleveland Avenue soon, commissioners may have hit the mark for a mall location?!! Promenades came up briefly, too.

One gentleman recommended we add a 7th Priority addressing aspects of "CIVIC PRIDE". I think it's a great idea! Do you? The 6 Priorities are listed below:

Priorities:
1) I want a well-maintained city whose infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
2) I want to live,learn,work, and play in a clean and green environment.
3) I want a sense of community and connection with others.
4) I want to be safe where I live, learn, work and play.
5) I want a diverse and vibrant range of businesses in Redmond.
6) I want a city government that is responsible and responsive to its residents and businesses.

Is there a place for "civic pride" here? What's our city signature? "Who are we"? How do we budget for it? Is our city "signature" the bicycle capital of the NW? Digital art? Parks & trails? Natural areas? What are we proud of in Redmond and how do we express it?


4 minute clip of Council President Nancy McCormick and Mayor John Marchione talking it up at the 3/4 meeting. The next, last and most important meeting is April 24.

Community Indicator Trend data will be used to help prioritize the budget.

(See a correction in red)

Staffer Jeff Churchill presented fascinating "Community Indicator" trend data at the 2/26 joint council-planning commission meeting. This trend data helps council and the administration -

• track the progress towards goals


• prioritize budgetary needs


• is a tool the Chamber of Commerce uses in working with businesses.

Planning Commissioner Parnell found the trend data very valuable and interesting. Most of the housing indicator trends can be used to help prioritize our budget; to open access to affordable housing -- especially for Seniors and adult children looking for their first apartment or home.

Trends showed the housing price / income ratio increased from 4.9 in 1997 to 7.7 today. That's a 36% increase in housing costs over 11 years with income constant! Indicator trends also demonstrate a 6.2% rise in the price of a home in 2007 AND four consecutive 6% annual increases in years prior. Any citizen involved in the "Results Team" for prioritizing our budget would have to look hard at these skyrocketing housing trends and the abilitiy of working citizens to make housing payments.

At the March 4th Council Meeting "Consent Agenda", council will be approving funding to facilitate several families with housing assistance. Council will allocate $40,000 to "Friends of Youth" in Kirkland to build transitional housing for young adults leaving foster care, between 18-25. A case manager will be on site full time. (detail here) Council will also be asked to allocate $25,000 to build six transitional family housing units in Kirkland. Council will consent approval (details here) of $55,000 for our annual share of ARCH's budgetary needs. ( 13 other cities make proportionate contributions to ARCH - our Eastside Housing Dept.). Over the years ARCH has built 0ver 710 affordable housing units in Redmond city limits. All cities combined received 2300 units - Redmond has fared well. Finally, a 'document recording fee" will raise $3M county-wide for primarily capital costs of housing assistance.

Stream Water Quality trends are measured every year to indicate the health of our environment. Surveys taken between 2004 and 2005 showed "marginal" quality readings of 40 (out of 100). In 2006-2007 measurements were sporadically better in a few places but no stormwater outfall measurements were taken. Stormwater contains the most contaminated water. From a budgetary standpoint, I would hope the Results Team will budget for tertiary bio-filtration treatment at the new Bear Creek regional outfall and at the main trunk outfall at Luke McRedmond Park. Will swirl, media and wetland filtration alone keep water quality readings above 40? Copper and oil run-off from the 520 eight lane widening project will stress water quality measurements even further.

The commerce indicator measurements trended good. Our share of regional employment dipped to 81,844 in 2006 but we were still above forecast. Regional employment in 2005 was 82,073.

Mary, an arts staffer prepared an indicator measurement for "cultural and performance arts" which showed a dramatic increase in attendance to Art Commission sponsored events.

The final "community indicator" document will be published in April and available to the public.

Can neighborhoods influence the cost of government?

It's almost been the norm in Redmond to complain or fret about where our tax money is being spent to run Redmond government.

Mayor Marchione is trying to change that by involving our neighborhoods UP FRONT in identifying city priorities on how our tax money is spent.

You can learn about this novel neighborhood-engaged budget process in one of three ways:

1. Scan the concise "Budgeting By Priorities" website.


2. View a 6 minute Q&A video featuring Mayor Marchione here.


3. Attend the Thursday, February 28th 6:30pm interactive meeting at City Hall.

At the Thursday meeting you'll not only learn about Marchione's new approach to spending our tax dollars but you'll have a chance give Mayor Marchione & council your ideas and influence the final results.

These are our tax dollars. And, this an excellent opportunity to influence city officials on how & where our money will be spent. Will you tell your neighbors about this?

Planning Commission hears the new mayor

One of the Planning Commission's most important jobs is to be "a hearing body" for the City Council on land use issues.

But, rather than the public, they heard from Mayor John Marchione. "Mayor John" made a visit to the Planning Commission this week (1/16) to introduce himself and bring them his top three priorities:

1) "Budgeting for Priorities" - John and council's new program is a plan to prioritize and measure for the best uses of city funding BEFORE money gets spent. Public input up front is a key component.

2) "Customer Service" training -- to promote safety and courtesy -- will take precedence over "efficiency" e.g. better to be safe, than efficient.

3) "Achieving greater predictability of our Permitting System" for the betterment of the whole community --- to help speed the process and improve results.

To improve the permitting system John plans to re-write our outdated "Community Development Guide". It's not readable or workable as it stands now.

This Guide governs Public Notice and Reviews (7) of land use permits ranging from felling hazardous neighborhood trees to plating major land use development projects and annexation. Last year, it was used to guide the city on Tent City permits....and not very well at that.

When a commissioner asked Mayor John which issues the people were most interested in, John smiled: "traffic, traffic, and growth" and not all in that order. He said the electorate understood the relevance of Redmond's two urban centers in offering a variety of housing choices for all generations. Plus, land east towards the Cascades is "saved" from sprawl.

On regional issues John said neighboring cities were frustrated with Redmond in the past because our council and mayor were fractured and couldn't decide amongst ourselves. So we were easily dismissed by Bellevue, Kirkland and others.

The Planning Commission welcomes public comments by email at planningcommission@redmond.gov or during their 7pm Wednesday night meetings in City Hall. They are citizen volunteers and receive no remuneration.