Opinion: The silence of Mayor Marchione on neighborhood issues is deafening

It's a rainy day and I am without work so it's a good time to express my observations and feelings again about how I think our elected councilmembers and mayor run our city and how they could improve.  I will admit that I have become picky and pestering especially with the mayoral election underway so my apologies for being a Monday Morning Quarterback, but unfortunately I am one of the rare everyday citizens that is engaged with local government.

The city council meeting last night was one of the most functional meetings I've seen in a long time (with the exception of the Mayor's silence -- which I will address soon.)  James Johnston, a neighbor shared his expertise during Items for the Audience for improving the noise problem from Marymoor Park concerts.  This same neighbor is very vocal on the "Education Hill of Redmond" Facebook Group and several councilmembers are finally paying attention to us through this vehicle.  It would be great if all our neighborhoods (including the Downtown neighborhood) had a Facebook Group for input but so far the City government hasn't facilitated this and continues to miss out in how we feel. The City of Kirkland has "neighborhood associations" which organized a Council Candidate Debate.  Redmond neighborhoods aren't even close.  Fortunately Councilman John Stilin has found the Education Hill facebook group and has observed and participated in it.  John Marchione and Council have been dealing with the Marymoor noise for over 8 years without results; it finally took chatter from the Facebook Group to help John Stilin identify the problem and bring it to the attention of government.  The discussion with King County during the Council Meeting was truly one of the most productive and thorough deliberations I've seen for a neighborhood issue.  Stilin and the Council in general shined.  It would have been healthy for the city if our government was just as functional on "city growth issues."  But, it's too late for that and a contested mayoral race is on.

What was glaringly noticeable last night at the Council meeting was the Mayor's lack of participation and representation during the Marymoor deliberations.  The Mayor was full of "Thank You's" and minor management of the agenda.  He looked weak and is weak in this regard. While council certainly wasn't under Marchione's grip last night, the Mayor was complacent and non-responsive to the neighborhoods on the important Marymoor issue (as he is on the Downtown neighborhood growth issue.) He also has a problem conveying his representation on regional issues during council meetings.  He is touted for being a leader on regional issues but he rarely brings up the specifics of his representation locally during council meetings, OP-ED's or the like.

In a Steve Fields Q&A that resident and blogger Paige Norman conducted, Mr. Fields was asked:  "What do you think is the primary role of the Mayor in Redmond?"  Mr. Fields answered:  "The Mayor is the only full-time, elected position that exclusively represents and answers to the people who live in Redmond. This creates a unique position. The citizens need to trust the leadership and the word of the Mayor." 

 "Full time" .  "Word of the mayor"  "Represents and answers to the people"  Fields nails it.  

The Mayor needs to take notice and be more open and representative for the people. His silence is deafening. Thank you Mr. Fields.  

Opinion by Bob Yoder 

Redmond Mayor Marchione gives "State of the City" address to City Council

Mayor Marchione gave a fascinating and thorough presentation to City Council of "The State of the City" last night.  With all the changes going on around town he felt it was time to summarize "Who We Are" and Where Are We Going.  Below is a summary of some of his talking points. 

Redmond currently has a resident population of 56,000 with a growth management target of 78,000 some day.  Redmond has more jobs than people at 79,000.  Most of them are skilled computer science jobs (48%) including some skilled machinists.  Some day the city expects to harbor jobs for 119,000 workers. 

Redmond is composed of 10 neighborhoods, 40 acres of  parks, and 40 miles of trails (and more trails if you count the myriad of informal trails between developments).  Redmond is a young town and getting younger with an average peak age between 20-34.  The largest group is between 5-44 years.   Redmond is 45% 'other than Caucasian' with 1/3 of residents speaking a language other than English in their homes.  Over 80% of our residents have an education higher than high school and the most prevalent household size grouping is two/household.

Redmond has won several awards from national publications for quality of life.  In 2012 the city won Money Magazine's Top Five "Best Places to Live" for cities under 300,000.  Redmond was also awarded best place for young people, young professionals and best place to raise a family.

According to the video tape applause as heard on www.redmond.gov of John's speech to One Redmond a few months back, the business community is supportive of the Cleveland - Redmond Way couplet reversal.  John said work will begin first quarter of 2016 to change Clevelend Street to 2-way with 3 lanes and change Redmond Way to 2-way with 4 lanes.   The second phase of the Downtown Park development will begin in the summer of this year and next.   John said it will be congested there owing to using the park development as a staging area for Cleveland Street improvements. 

The "Redmond Central Connector" spine that parallels Cleveland Street should be mostly developed with trails and art from the Red Robin to the Trestle Bridge over Redmond Way -- in time for a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for September, 2013.  A Sound Transit Station is planned for the south side of the Connector in 2025 but it is not yet funded. 

Besides all the high rises and cranes you see underway the city has permits in review for an additional 437 residential units and 7,000 SF of retail.  It appeared John's slide show showed four or five additional buildings in the permitting plans.   A significant stormwater vault is planned along 85th Street across from Kentucky Fried Chicken.  It will clean stormwater before draining into the Sammamish River. 

5,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs are expected in the Overlake Urban Center within the next 20 years.  A critical access ramp into the neighborhood from SR520 will relieve congestion brought on by high job densities.  Light rail service is planned by 2023.  Two parks are planned for the Overlake neighborhood.  One park will be built over a huge stormwater vault in the Sears parking lot.  Vault construction is 2-3 years out.

Marchione credited the council for their participation in regional matters...in particular the Sound Cities Association (SCA).   Pat Vache', Hank Margeson, Kim Allen, John Stilin, and the Mayor are all on one or two SCA committees.  The Mayor is also on four other regional committees (ARCH, NORCOM, EPSCA, and RPEC). 

John concluded that it appears Redmond is weathering the 2008-2012 recession with assessed property values back to 2008 levels.  He said "growth is marching to the vision for the city" even though it's a little shocking at times. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
  

Councilmembers Margeson and Allen and Mayor Marchione appointed to committees of influence

Councilmembers Hank Margeson and Kimberly Allen have been working diligently on regional committees to bring transit to Overlake and downtown Redmond.   Both attend the Sound Cities Association (SCA) to this end.  Allen recently announced she chairs the SCA for the Regional Transit Committee where they focus on developing the Metro Strategic Plans.    Margeson is newly appointed Caucus Chair for the SCA Growth Management Policy Board working closely with staff on growth issues. 

Mayor Marchione announced at last night's business meeting he was appointed to the US Conference of Mayors' Infrastructure Committee along with the Mayor from Philadelphia and Mayor from Chicago who chairs the the committee.  Marchione said "This is a real plum."   He quipped "My daughter had nothing to do with it. She was out of the country."  

"Redmond is by far the smallest city but what got us attention is we are a tech city," said Marchione, "Philadelphia has a school system of the future.  We're the government of the future so there's a Microsoft connection there..."

Reported by Bob Yoder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATED: Downtown Construction Build-Out Achieves 50% of 2030 Downtown Density Goal

UPDATED, October 9, 3:28 PM:  According to Mayor John Marchione's density plans at the September 26 "Downtown Construction projects" town meeting, the city has already achieved 50% of their Downtown density goals set for 2030.  This includes 711 dwelling units currently under construction (see table below) and existing newer residential apartments like RED 160, Cleveland, and Veloce. 

According to data listed in the Urban Center Element of the Comprehensive Plan link, the 2030  target  for dwelling units in the downtown is 6,170.  2300 units are on record as built as of 2010.  So 2300 + 711 units = 3011 in 2012 for at least a 50% density.

In the town meeting, Mayor Marchione confused some members of the viewing public saying  "We're planning to be an urban community that's going to be over 2200 units."  He went onto say "There will be $330 million in private investments in building out this vision including 200+ affordable housing units" to achieve a variety of incomes and choices.

With Overlake residential redevelopment getting off to a slow start - and "One Redmond" in hibernation -  it's possible the private sector will build more aggressively downtown.  In fact, an Evergreen Health Hospital official said their parcel west of Redmond Medical Center is slated for apartments rather than another clinic.

One of the drawbacks in building downtown is coping with the high water table when installing underground parking.  The downtown is built over the city aquifer and wellhead protection zone and according to City Planner Gary Lee constrains underground parking.   Lee says the city requires 1.25 parking places for every residential unit which puts a pinch on parking for the downtown.

Despite emerging traffic, parking and pedestrian crosswalk issues from Redmond's rapid downtown residential growth, the Mayor was happy with downtown progress, saying "to have any cranes now in this economic environment is remarkable; to have two cranes and a third one here in 30 days show people want to come here and want to live here and the demand is high.."   According to statistics presented by Steve Bailey, Dir. of Finance in an earlier meeting there are three jobs in Redmond for every living unit. 

Councilmember Emeritus President Richard Cole said before his retirement he felt the City over-committed to taking additional density.  The Mayor said plans and decisions to grow to 4-6 stories downtown were made in l997-1999, long before his time as Mayor. 

Below is a list of current residential downtown construction projects with their number of units totalling 713.   These projects don't include existing projects already built like Veloce (300 units), RED 160 (250 units), and the Cleveland Building, etc. 

85th Street Apartments	85th St. NE and 158th Ave. NE	148	includes 3,000 square feet of retail	under construction
Centerpointe Mixed Use	16345 Cleveland St.	134	6 stories; 212,556 square feet (includes retail)	under construction
Old Town Mixed Use	16175 Cleveland St.	149	6 stories; 205,390 square feet (includes retail)	under construction
Redmond Square Apartments	7977 170th Ave. NE	154	2 4-story buildings with a parking garage below	under construction
Stelvio	15815 Bear Creek Parkway	32	plans call for mixed-use space	approved but on hold due to economy
Vision 5	8525 163rd Court NE	96	8 units with 96 single-room occupants; 37,168 square feet	under construction

At the current pace of downtown construction it appears the city could significantly over-shoot their 2030 density target of 6170 dwelling units.

Opinion By Bob Yoder

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 

Mayor Marchione and staff participate in new city Wellness Program

From left, Erin Saunderson, Emma Calvert, Jessica Tramp, Redmond Mayor John Marchione, Andrew Sundene, Julie Tramp and Christoph Myer visit with the mayor Tuesday afternoon. Marchione signed a proclamation to make November to be National Diabetes Month in Redmond. All of the teens were diagnosed with diabetes — most since before they turned 7. In addition, Marchione, 45, was diagnosed at age 38
Bill Christianson, Redmond Reporter, (Republished from 2010)

 In their August 21, 2012 meeting City Council approved the Mayor's new Health and Wellness Program with Additional Benefits.  Start-up costs will be $78,625 in 2012 and $71,625/year (based on 60% participation.)  The program will provide individual coaching, and other educational resources and tools to assist managing health risk factors of staff. 

Marchione expects to get full return on investment through good participation by staff.  Participation is the key to the program.  In house events and marketing literature will be introduced to city staff to encourage participation.  The program will address risk factors like nutrition, stress management and obesity.  City staff will be given incentives (undisclosed) to participate and improve. 

Mayor Marchione (age 47) was diagnosed with Diabetes Type II at age 38 and is in a good position to lead staff as a role model of participation.   Could we see the Mayor walking our sidewalks or swimming in Hartman Pool?  Will he declare November as "National Diabetes Month" as he did in 2010. 

The City of Redmond remains one of the best employers to work for in our area with 2009 wages and benefits averaging $108,000/employee and turnover very low.  Average pay per household in Redmond over the last three years is $92,164 according to recent City finance "Dashboard" data.

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photo by Redmond Reporter

REPUBLISHED: Redmond teens and Mayor Marchione spreading awareness about diabetes

From left, Erin Saunderson, Emma Calvert, Jessica Tramp, Redmond Mayor John Marchione, Andrew Sundene, Julie Tramp and Christoph Myer visit with the mayor Tuesday afternoon. Marchione signed a proclamation to make November to be National Diabetes Month in Redmond. All of the teens were diagnosed with diabetes — most since before they turned 7. In addition, Marchione, 45, was diagnosed at age 38
Bill Christianson, Redmond Reporter

Redmond teens spreading awareness about diabetes - Redmond Reporter:

REPUBLISHED FROM 2010:  "Marchione, 45, who was diagnosed with diabetes at 38, readily agreed. On Tuesday, the mayor met with the six teens to sign a proclamation declaring next month National Diabetes Month. In addition to being diabetic, Marchione had one more thing in common with the youths. He is a Ben Rush alum as well.

“I was in the first kindergarten class when the school opened,” he told the teens during the proclamation signing. “So getting an e-mail from some Ben Rush kids was cool.”"

Read More >>

How livable will Redmond be in five years?

EDITORIAL:  When City councilmembers visited neighborhoods during "National Night Out" in August, one of the most common questions neighbors asked was about downtown construction and downtown parking. I've spent hours searching the city website and emailing city officials trying to get a straight answer - even a simple list of construction projects and the most Mayor Marchione's Administration can come up with is "Major Projects Under Construction, dated Sept. 30, 2011." Why is it so difficult to get a straight answer when "customer service" is at such a premium by the Mayor?  I believe the Mayor is in a defensive mode with the election only two years away and he wants to minimize the severe traffic congestion issues we will be plagued with once the thousands of "sleep and eat" apartments with inadequate underground parking are installed. Redmond is destined to be one grid-locked, "drive through" boring community unless the downtown business community can be revitalized. But delaying the two-way lane conversions at Redmond Way and Cleveland St. until after the election only limits predictability and business migration to our downtown. Some Councilmembers appear to be looking the other way with interests outside of Redmond, and anywhere but here. One result: we now have over 20 "H" wayfinding Hospital signs in Redmond where no hospitals exist. Council did clarify in their last meeting "we DO have a Downtown Park." It's that green patch of grass used by dog walkers, awaiting the Mayor's "Master Plan."  Another patch will be added in a year after Marchione demolishes the Brown Building and  quasi-historic Redmond Cycle.  How about a water fountain for the downtown technology workers and their pets?   In the meantime, neighborhood housing projects continue to develop and scar our hills.  Will Redmond be drivable in five years? Livable?    Bob Yoder, 8-30-12

Since publishing this opinion under the "City of Redmond, WA." header page, the City Communications Administrator wrote the city would be updating their website over the next several weeks.  We'll see.  BY. 

UPDATED: Jeri Rowe-Curtis to fill new City of Redmond "Communications and Marketing" position

City Selects New Communications and Marketing Administrator

Jeri Rowe-Curtis

UPDATED:  Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond has announced the selection of Ms. Jeri Rowe-Curtis to fill the new position of Communications and Marketing Administrator effective June 1st.

Rowe-Curtis comes to the City with a wealth of communications and marketing expertise working with federal, state, regional and local governments, with news and media outlets and with public-private and philanthropic partners to achieve change. She brings a response driven track record of collaboration to affect change. She joins the City of Redmond after a 14-year career with the federal government as the *Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  "Puget Sound Health Care System" where she managed high profile news, web, social media and crisis communications programs, shaped internal, external and congressional affairs, and strategic partnership development.

Prior to joining the federal government, Rowe-Curtis managed external affairs programs for the University Of Washington School Of Medicine, for the Sisters of Providence Health Care Corporation, and served as a legislative staff member for the King County Executive, for the Assistant Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate and for the Seattle City Council.

Rowe-Curtis, a 22-year former Redmond resident, has received numerous professional awards
Read More >>

UPDATED: Legislative action to limit prescribing of narcotics in ER's expected by June 15

Hospital and free-standing  ER's over prescribe
narcotics like Percodan, Oxycontin, Vicodin 

UPDATED:  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it's recommended doctors limit prescription pain medications, especially opiates, prescribed through the emergency rooms.  Good to know, seeing Redmond has 5 Emergency Departments within ~12 miles and opiates like Oxycontin are extremely addicting and can be lethal.

Comment:  In February, a close family member (Jane) was admitted to Overlake Hospital ER by an Overlake-Redmond Urgent Care Physician's Assistant for recurring, moderate abdominal pain.  Even though we told the doctor that Jane had previous treatment and imaging for abdominal pain at Virginia Mason he didn't check her medical records or ask for details. Rather, he immediately put her on Hydro-morphine Inj and after a $7,605 charge for ER services, sent her home with a bottle of 12 narcotic pills and a diagnosis of abdominal pain even after a CT radiologists indicated constipation.  Jane took only two pills.  The next day laxatives relieved her pain.  Yes, it was constipation causing the pain (and opiates make constipation worse!) B.Y.

So, now what to do with the remaining 10 addicting pills?  Read More >>

OP-ED: The Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball's success seems premature

"Superintendent-elect" Dr. Traci Pierce at Redmond  City Hall "Meet and Greet"
Mayor John Marchione in background
Traci will implement Kimball's plan for re-alignment and performance improvements 

OP-ED:  Dr. Kimball initiated the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade realignment over two years ago and the transition won't take effect until Fall 2012 when students, teachers, sports schedules, curriculum, classroom assignments, bus routes and extra curricular activities will all be moved around and reshuffled on a grand scale affecting thousands of students. Will this turn out successfully for each and every student in the district? We've been reassured that *everything* is being taken care of and is under control, but I get the feeling from talking to other parents and kids that the middle schools and high schools will be stressed, if not chaotic, with the new grade assignments. Dr. Kimball is walking away before anyone knows if next year's transition will be a success or if it will be a painful, difficult mess that takes years to work through. I'm sorry, but I think Dr. Kimball packing up and leaving at this most critical time is rather irresponsible. A proclamation by the mayor of Dr. Kimball's great contribution and success seems premature and inappropriate.

By Anonymous on Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclam... on 4/8/12)
Photo:  Patch.com (Internet)

4/12/12: Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclamation

Dr. Chip Kimball
Superintendent, Lake Washington School District,  2007 - 2012

Read by Mayor John Marchione on March 27, 2012....

 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball started his education career by teaching science at Madera High School in California; and  Read More >>

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball took his first administrative education job in the Fresno Unified School  District in California; and

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the university of Southern California in 1995, thus earning himself the title of doctor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has served the LWSD since 1996 in roles including Chief Information Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball's work has resulted in one of the most comprehensive and effective educational technology implementations in the country and he was recognized by eSchool News as one of ten 2010 Tech-Savvy Superintendents;and

WHEREAS, Lake Washington PTSA Council honored Dr. Kimball with its Outstanding Service Award, its highest honor, as someone who works for all children to help them achieve their potential; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has dedicated his career to the service of educating our children, so that every child is future-ready, prepared for college, prepared for the global workplace and prepared for personal success:

NOW, THEREFORE, I JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the City of Redmond, do hereby reorganize 

DR. CHIP KIMBALL

for his valuable contributions to Redmond, the LWSD, and the eastside community; and I urge all residents to join me in honoring him. 

SIGNED:  John Marchione, Mayor, March 27, 2012

OP-ED:  Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball is premature...4/9/12 

COMMENTS:  The March 27 Redmond city council study session started with presentations from Dr. Chip Kimball and superintendent-elect Dr. Traci Pierce. Chip recalled being hired by Sup. Barnes in l996 as the district's first Chief Information Officer. He became Superintendent when Dr. Don Saul retired in 2007.

Chip decided to leave Redmond "after much consternation" and spend a term as Superintendent of Singapore School. He leaves in July. Dr. Kimball wants to grow his leadership as an educator from his experience in the global workplace of Asia, and apply it back home.

Dr. Kimball said he was proud of the 95% graduation rate at LWSD; that 70% enter college; accolades for International School, that Redmond High is rated in the top 50 of all high schools in the country and the district got 11 recognitions from the state in 2011.

Dr. Kimball was on the Executive Committee for the Chamber and a Director on the Redmond Economic Development Association. He stated emphatically that education IS the economic development engine."

Mayor John Marchione read a Proclamation from a plaque. After giving Dr. Kimball the plaque Chip said how he appreciated his partnership with John. "John was a wonderful partner. We had a "heads up agreement" we could pick up the phone and call each other..."   He said he lives in Redmond and looks forward to coming back home.

By Bob Yoder

http://www.lwsd.org/About/District-Admin/Pages/Superintendent-Bio.aspx

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

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

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

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

UPDATED: Redmond Safety Alerts

Municipal Emergency Response
Command and Control Room

 UPDATED:  This blog may serve as a  volunteer "communications hub" (node) connecting  neighborhoods and local jurisdictions for purposes of emergency preparedness and response.  RNB is not sanctioned by the City but my services are available much like our local "ham radio operators."

Whenever possible, Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB) cooperates with local jurisdictions and neighborhoods to assist in emergency response and disaster preparedness during severe events. Prolonged power blackouts, explosions, severe weather conditions, widespread flooding, severe traffic congestion and re-routing are the more likely emergencies in Greater Redmond.  Earthquakes, pandemics, terrorist alerts, volcanic eruptions an other disasters are unlikely though the City and citizens must be prepared.  
 
During the Rose Hill PSE explosive fire, RNB posted updates to educate and calm the community on this sudden, smokey, grid-locked event.  Some commuters and pedestrians clicked on their Internet devices - found RNB and were advised by RNB to tune into Redmond Community Radio AM 1650  for traffic advisories and event news.  It runs 24/7. 

During the event I called Mayor Marchione requesting AM 1650  "community news" be replaced with real time  "emergency response news".   Since then the mayor personally assured me staff improved the availability, emergency content and response time for AM 1650 announcements.  We are fortunate to have a well "tuned-in" and responsive mayor.  Traditional and online news media attracted to disaster events with helicopters and other means can give heightened awareness of AM 1650 and can broadcast it's availability.  Media advertising can be filtered out and their widespread coverage can be reliably relayed by Redmond's "Command and Control Center" to citizens in their cars!   Here's an rare video showing Redmond's Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) and "EARS."  For additional details Read RNB's 2008 advisory post, "What's the Best Kept Secret in Redmond?." 

AM 1650 reception is best in vehicles and is especially valuable during power black-outs and when battery-powered radios are unavailable.  Citizens are invited to send photos, emails, social media news, and general observations that I may post for readers, with the disclaimer particular news may not have as yet been verified.  RNB will route your news and photos to Redmond's ECC for their review and response.  NOAA, Evergreen Hospital Emergency Response, King County Public Health, State Department of Ecology, Kirkland and other jurisdictions may exchange news, information and response with Redmond's ECC and Redmond Neighborhood Blog.  Read More >>

State Auditor reports Marchione Administration improves 2003 "overhead allocation plan"

November, 2011 State Auditor Performance Report shows the Marchione Administration improved upon an outdated 2003 "Allocating Overhead Cost plan" 

According to a Performance Audit by the State Auditor's Office on "Allocating Overhead Costs," 11/28/11: 

"Washington’s cities spend about $500 million per year for overhead costs such as information technology, human resources, accounting and facility maintenance. Approximately one-third of these costs are paid from funds whose use is restricted by law, including water, sewer and other utility funds.

As municipalities increasingly face shrinking revenue, they commonly use utility or other dedicated funds to help pay for overhead services. However, our past audits have found cases in which cities overcharged their utilities for overhead, essentially shifting costs onto utility ratepayers that should have been borne by all taxpayers....

The following cities participated in the audit: Aberdeen, Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Monroe, Mukilteo, Redmond, Spokane and Tacoma.   Read More >>

UPDATED: King County Councilmember Jane Hague describes Labor Policy success story to Redmond officials

King County Councilmember Jane Hague

REPUBLISHED:  In a March, 2011 Business Meeting, Redmond City Council heard a startling report from Jane Hague forecasting large bus service reductions in King County Metro for 2012 - 2015. 

Why?  Sixty-two percent of Metro's budget is funded by sales tax revenue and revenues are significantly down in this economy.  Hague, one of two King County Councilmembers representing Redmond citizens gave the city council reassurances.   

The good news?   Read More >>

Four Redmond Residents nominated for Leadership Eastside awards.

Karin Duval, Managing Director
LE Class of '11

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

Hi Bob,

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

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

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

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

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

Mayor John Marchione to attend ribbon-cutting ceremony for Deana Hale, November 4.

Mayor John Marchione attends many ribbon-cutting ceremonies throughout the year
 to welcome small businesses.  This one was for The Orchard & Pea Patch preschools.
On Friday November 4 the Mayor will welcome Deana Hale of Edward Jones.



Deana Hale
Edward Jones office
Whole Foods Marketplace

UPDATED:  On Friday, November 4, Mayor John Marchione will welcome Deana Hale and the Edward Jones office to Redmond at a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Whole Foods Market Place, 17887 Redmond Way, Suite 125. The celebration begins at 4pm with the ribbon cutting at 4:30pm.

According to the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, the Edward Jones office is now led by Deana Hale, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones since December 2009. Deana is active in the community through her involvement in the Redmond Rousers Rotary, the Redmond Chamber of Commerce and the Eastside Women in Business.

“As Redmond continues to grow its economy, I want to personally welcome new businesses to Redmond,” stated Mayor Marchione.  Read More >>