Mayor Birney's ZOOM Chat With The Commissioners

Mayor Angela Birney gave a terrific talk to the Planning Commission last Tuesday. Her presentation provided a great opportunity to observe the depth of her knowledge, leadership skills and pleasant personality. I left her presentation feeling very confident we are in good hands.  

To hear Mayor Birney's video chat with the planning commissioners click this link. (advance to 1:45 minutes)

To get familiar with the Planning Commission visit here.

-- Bob Yoder, 9/23/2021

Grant money available for restaurants with COVID losses

Just one of  many  Redmond restaurants with losses from COVID

In the May 3rd Council Business meeting, Mayor Angela Birney announced a "Restaurant Revitalization Fund" providing restaurants up to $5 thousand from loss due to the pandemic. The mayor didn't give the source of the funds but encouraged interested parties to  apply quickly.    

Below are some COVID links I found on the One Redmond website. 

Restart And Reopen Guide

Temporary Restaurant Outdoor Seating Permit

 Grants

COVID links from the City of Redmond website are here.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/8/2021

Photo, Internet 

Redmond's County Property Taxes Up 1.8%

King County Tax Assessor John Wilson

On May 3rd, Mr. John Wilson, King County Tax Assessor, gave Council and Mayor an informational presentation on how the global pandemic affected county real estate taxes. 

Redmond is doing really well.  Our taxes increased only 1.8% from the previous year, whereas taxes were up countywide by 4%.  The average increase on an average home in Redmond is $140.00. 

The County is also doing well.  County revenue  was up by $256,000 compared to the year before.  Where do these fund go?  57% of the revenue is allocated to County schools, K-12.  The City of Redmond gets 15% of the tax revenue.  King County receives 17%.  EveregreenHealth public hospital, the County libraries and other smaller entities get the remainder.

Be prepared for rising King County taxes next year.  As you know, residential housing prices have exploded upwards. Pandemic real estate values (and taxes) will not go down according according to Mr. Wilson.  

What about the Seniors...they're in a pinch.  There's been a 300% increase in applications over the previous year for senior exemptions.  To qualify for an exemption you must be:  1)  61 years of age or on social security disability or V.A. disability. 2) $40,000-58,000 income.  Based on the median SFH price of $600,000 an applicant could save up to $43,000.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 5/3/2021

2021 Redmond Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting

Three Mayors of the City of Redmond speak, including Mayor Angela Birney!

... and there's more!

(scroll left for the whole show)

UPDATED 3/25: Redmond Council Is Shaking Their Governance

Redmond City Hall

A previous budget discussion triggered Council to review municipal forms of government during their study session last night. For years, the City has been governed in the "Strong Mayor" format and still is.  Like Council, our Mayor is elected to a four year term but also serves as the CEO and Chief Administrative Officer. For 12 years "Strong Mayor" John Marchione assigned Jane Christianson as Deputy Administrator Officer to carry out operations. Jane Christianson was terrific, a real pro, the best. He later hired two co-Deputy Administrators, and just before retiring promoted the Parks Director to COO, a new position.  Mayor Angela Birney then replaced this COO with the Finance Director (a past City Clerk) who is a numbers and strategic person; less a manager and people person.  

In the council-business manager (CB) form of government the manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration. He/she also recruits, hires, terminates, and supervises government staff; serves as the council's chief advisor; and carries out the council's policies.

Characteristics of the “strong” mayor form of government are: The mayor is the chief executive officer, centralizing executive power. The mayor directs the administrative structure, appointing and removing of department heads. While the council has legislative power, the mayor has veto power. The council does not oversee daily operations.

"The most significant differences between Strong Mayor and CB stem from the location and distribution of authority between the legislative and executive officials." - MRSC

The "Council - business manager" form of government is growing in popularity, especially in small/medium sized cities, according to Councilmember (CM) Steve Fields. Large urban cities like Seattle usually have a Strong Mayor.  Kirkland, and a few other surrounding cities use CB.  Fields claims CB's serve 100M people nationwide and the numbers are growing.  In CB, Council shares policy and decision-making equally. Steve says the CB format is less political than the Strong Mayor form of government. 

OPINION UPDATE #3: Point - Counterpoint: Religious Distress In Redmond

POINT: (an excerpt from my post)

"....a VIRTUAL FORUM exposing the group "Alliance for Persecuted People Worldwide" (APPWW), which has been promoting anti-Muslim hate and bigotry, even as it masquerades as a human rights organization."

COUNTERPOINT:  (a comment on my post)

"Please refrain from calling this a hate (APPWW) group.
Please explain how Muslims putting people to death for their Christian beliefs is not hateful.
Please also explain how Muslims peacefully pushing homosexuals off of buildings is not hateful.
Please also explain how female genital mutilation is not hateful towards young women, and towards women in general.
If you can explain all of these things, then maybe you can redefine what hate really means.
You are condoning hatred of Christians in your post - you do realize this, right?"

A controversy of  Hindus discriminating against Muslims was brought forth by councilmember Varisha Kahn, a Muslim activist. This became emotionally challenging for Council President Tanika Padheye and her family;  the mayor intervened.

I met with Councilmember Steve Fields yesterday, with whom I supported in three of his campaigns.  In his coffee shop we discussed his problems with the mayor and Council President. He was distressed about my views of  the anti-muslim hate group controversary; disparagingly, he introduced me to two elected officials as a "trouble-maker."  Very sad. 

###

City Council has received 3 thousand emails and scores of presentations addressing this topic.  I know of one councilmember that responded to 300 emails.  Council spent over 3 hours listening to APPWW topics during their last 2 Regular Business meeting.  When will Council find a solution to move forward on the work the public is expecting of them?  Write a resolution and be done with it!  The LWSD manages their firebrand issues with finesse.  Maybe they can help our council. 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

     9/4/2020

Gripe Session

I've taken time out of my day to learn remotely what the city is up to and I haven't been pleased.

1 ) The Parks Director stated 1000 viewed the So Bazaar "event' and now 1800.  I find this very hard to believe owing to the lack of publicity of the event and it being virtual.

2)  The Director said the Rec. Department is developing 150 virtual recreation programs.  Really?

3)  The Director said "Picnics in the Park" has been popular.  I'd love to go to one but where and when?

As I write this, Council is in a Regular Business meeting.  I don't think I'm missing out in anything because over 30 are lined up to speak during Items from the Audience. That's two hours of hacking away.  Most appear to be speaking about APPWW, a group that lobbies on racial issues surrounding Muslims.  It was a repeat of the Regular meeting 2 weeks ago. 

Councilmember David Carson (and myself) feel "worldly" politics have no place in city government. Apparently, our city lawyer said outside issues and local election measures are in the purview of council. It seems many of the speakers drum on for over 4 minutes. The mayor should take Marchione's approach saying "...in summary" as advisement to stop. The LWSD school board allows only four speakers per topic. 

While I'm at it, why doesn't the mayor furlough (with benefits)  5-10% of her employees who aren't working or essential during these times?  She knows who they are. The money saved could be reinvested in the community.  At the end of the meeting Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer recommended a facilitator be hired for conflict resolution.

-- Bob Yoder
   9/1/2020

Introduction Of Mayor Angela Birney

Mayor Angela Birney
Email Angela Birney
Phone: 425-556-2133

Mayor's Vision

A connected community that enhances livability and sustains the environment, and that places Redmond as a leader locally, regionally, and nationally.

Mayor's Biography

Term: 2020-2023

Elected as Mayor in 2019, Angela Birney is now in her first term as mayor of Redmond. The community of over 65,000 is home to a variety of several large industries such as aerospace, high tech, video game production, and biotech, as well as thousands of small businesses where over 85,000 people are employed.

As Mayor, she is the executive leader, with oversight of eight departments and over 600 employees. The Mayor collaborates with Council to set the strategy, vision, and policies for the City of Redmond.

Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government. Seven council members and the Mayor, all representing the community at large, are each elected directly by the people for staggered four-year teams.

Mayor Birney was elected to City Council in 2015 and served as Council President from 2018 to 2019. Prior to her Council service, she was the chair of the Redmond Parks and Trails Commission and volunteered her time at several different organizations throughout the Redmond community. She currently represents Redmond on the King County Regional Policy Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Committee, Sound Cities Association Board and Public Issues Committee, Cascade Water Alliance Board, Eastrail Regional Advisory Committee, and the Hopelink Board. She is a 2017 Leadership Eastside graduate.

Angela is a Washington native and grew up in Eastern Washington. She moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters.

--redmond.gov

UPDATED: Dr. David Morton, Redmond's Most Prolific Speaker

Dr. Morton posing at the Youth Climate Strike

In my 13 years of observing and reporting on city government I can say Dr. David Morton, a citizen of greater Redmond with a PhD in Chemistry, is unarguably the most prolific public speaker in the City of Redmond, and perhaps it's history.  For six years David's been speaking during  "Items From The Audience" at the beginning of  each and every  Regular meeting held by Council. Since David's first speech on Sept. 17, 2013 he's delivered 124 prepared  four minute talks.  Besides public speaking, David participates in Redmond's "Green Redmond" program, planting trees and restoring urban forests.

David is a gentle spirit, obsessed with anything having to do with pollution in our city. An activist by nature,  environmental sustainability and pollution in Redmond are his top priorities. He works exceptionally hard with extreme persistence to raise awareness. Very rarely the city takes action but he's had a couple wins along the way.

Dr. Morton's first and longest sequence of speeches (rants) was about the pollution and smell emanating from Watson Asphalt.  He doesn't live far from Watson and was concerned and fearful that plumes of carcinogenic air were blowing into the neighborhoods.  Citing scientific and case studies, he stubbornly recommended  newer scrubbing technology but Council didn't act, though Watson quietly stopped using "cutback asphalt." So David picked another topic to harp on -- leaf blower air and noise pollution.

The Myers - Kahn Race

History is happening. Women now have a total of 6 seats on the Dias, including the mayor. Varisha Kahn secured 6666 votes winning by 66 votes.

Credit/ Redmond Reporter

VARISHA M. KAHN

Voters' Pamphlet:
https://www.electvarishakhan.com/meet-varisha

Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication journalism, University of Washington.
Occupation:  Community Organizer; Former Political Action Committee Director, OneAmerica Votes.
Statement:  As a proud Redmond resident, I running to make Redmond a leader in solving issues we share across the region.  If elected, I will prioritize environmental sustainability solutions to reduce our carbon pollution an the face of climate change, and advocate for better, accessible transportation options so residents can get around with less traffic.  I pledge to make Redmond a more affordable place to live, work, and play and will up uplift our diverse vibrant communities through meaningful collaboration and inclusion. We need new leaders with the courage to put people's needs first,and that's why I'm the only candidate this race rejecting money from developers,  Proudly endorsed by: National Women's Political Caucus; King County 45 and 48 LD, KC Young Democrats; Planned Parenthood; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Mona Das; State Representative Vandana Slatter; City Councilmember Tanika Padye.  I would be honored to earn your vote.  Thank you!

HANK MYERS

Voters' Pamphlet:
 https://www.HankMyers4Redmond.com

Education:  Bachelor of Arts, English, California State University.
Occupation:  Transportation consultant.  Past clients include Microsoft's Award-Winning commute program.
Statement:  Hank Myers brings together the best of Redmond and is an energetic voice for compassion and fiscal responsibility. He is Redmond's advocate for salmon recovery and clean water in our region.  A leader in reducing the cost of government, he fights to keep property taxes affordable.  As former board chair for the Together Center, Hank served those in our community who need help.  From volunteer days in Redmond's parks events to events supporting our police officers, Hank is out with the public, listening to concerns and solving our problems.   Call him at 425-830-4265 and see for yourself. That approach earned him the support of police officers, environmental activists, small business owners, seniors, education advocates, and leaders in our diverse communities.  Redmond is changing and facing new challenges. Hank will represent what is best about our community today and for the future.

The Myers-Kahn race was possibly the closest recorded in Redmond history. Ms. Kahn is only 24 years old which could be a record as well. So what contributed to this loss?  For one, probably the rapid change in our demographics.   

Myers conceded November 25, 2019:  "With only 52 votes in doubt against a 64-vote lead, it is time to concede. My 15 years as a King County poll judge made that decision easy."  

  

31,140 registered voters.  46.92% ballots counted.     

Of Note:               
Angela Birney vs. Steve Fields. Birney won the mayoral position with 60.04% of the votes.
Vanessa Kritzer defeated Eugene Zakhareyev for the open seat with 70.98% of the votes.
Jessica Forsythe challenged Hank Margeson for Position 3 and won with 54.67% of votes.
Varisha Khan challenged Hank Myers for Position 1 and won with 50.15% of the votes.
Incumbent David Carson defeated Carlos Jimenez for Position 7 with 53.02% of the votes.
Steve Fields, Tanika Padhye, and Jeralee Anderson remain on Council.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, December 6, 2019

Sources:  King County Official Local Voters' Pamphlet, November 5, 2019
               Public Disclosure Commission (PDC)  
               Candidate websites

Updated: It's Estimated The Senior Center Will Re-Open In 2.5 - 3 Years

The estimated cost to demolish and rebuild is about $21 million; estimated cost to renovate is $20 million. Owing to the Critical Areas Ordinance, the new building will move 20-30 feet away from the river with possible impacts to the green house.

The Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Hite and Project engineer Eric Dawson updated Council on the status of the Senior Center during their December 3rd Regular meeting. In August, two stucco panels near the loading dock fell off (fortunately no one was hurt) and serious dry rot was found throughout the plywood of the exterior walls. Though the roof is about 30 years old it was in satisfactory condition. Owing to dangerous conditions, the Center was immediately closed on September 9th. Ms. Hite said many of the Center's activities were re-located to 1) City Hall (Bytes Cafe and the conference rooms, 2) Marymoor Village, Old Redmond School House, 3) Grasslawn Arts Center and other places. 

In response to Councilmember Jeralee Andrson's timeline question, Hite said it's estimated the Center will re-open in 2.5 years if renovated and 3 years if demolished and rebuilt. For sustainability Jaralee recommended the waste be recycled.

Ms. Hite suggested an opportunity to expand to 4-stories was possible -- for work force housing, affordable housing, an urban school, etc.  Councilmember Hank Myers said he was by no means in  favor of an expansion. He insisted on rebuilding ASAP; the audience clapped. It seemed a salute, with parting thanks.  (Hank lost to Varisha Khan in the general election by 66 votes; this was one of his last council meetings.)  Hank asked the City to do preventative maintenance on all their buildings on a regular basis, just as people do with their cars.

Councilmember Steve Fields agreed with Hank.  He noted black mold was regularly bleached out of the green house.and had anecdotal evidence someone pushed their hand through one of the walls. He recommended anecdotal feedback be a part of the preventative maintenance program. Councilmember Tanika Padhye asked if the public engagement process would be thorough and fast-tracked.  Ms. Hite suggested a few Public meetings would probably be sufficient.

Council President and Mayor-elect Angela Birney was "encouraged that to rebuild or to fix is about the same, so at least that doesn't seem to be a big task to go one way or the other."  She said over the years she learned a lot about what improvements Seniors wanted in their Center. Angela looked forward to establishing partnerships.  She was "a little sad about the 2-3 years."

Vice President Councilmember David Carson said it was "a chance for amenities to be added."  He was not for renovating or remodeling.   

Hank Myers calculated the city already had the funds to re-build saying $15 million was authorized for Senior Center improvements in November of 2018.  (Unfortunately, the improvements weren't done until it was too late.)  Hank also noted the city was sitting on $6 million of one-time money from the 2017 -2018 budget. Thus, with the $15 million, there's money in the budget to re-build. Hank received another clap.  He was one of my favorite Councilmembers.

Reported by Bob Yoder
12/4/2019

Former Redmond Mayor Doreen Marchione Passes Away

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond is saddened to report the passing of former Redmond Mayor Doreen Marchione. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2019, surrounded by her family. Doreen Marchione was first elected to the Redmond City Council in 1975 and then served as Mayor from 1984 – 1991.

“Doreen’s commitment to a lifetime of public service always impressed me,” said former Redmond Councilmember, Arnie Tomac, “She served on both the Redmond and Kirkland City Council and was the Mayor of Redmond. She was always striving to make Redmond and Kirkland better and a great place to call home. Her support of her family, friends and community was legendary.”

Born and raised in Seattle, Doreen Foster Marchione graduated from St. Edwards, Holy Names, and Seattle University. In her more than thirty years of public service, Marchione served eight years as a Kirkland City Councilmember including two years as Deputy Mayor. While serving for 15 years as CEO of Hopelink – the largest provider of social services in north and east King County, she oversaw a 150 percent increase in the number of residents Hopelink assisted. Her service on multiple regional boards and committees is highlighted by the 15 years she served on the Seattle University College of Arts and Sciences Leadership Council, as well as her time served on the State Transportation Improvement Board, as Commissioner of King County Housing Authority, as president of the Washington State Association of Community Action Agencies, and a Board member of the Kirkland Performance Center.

Mayor Marchione's Biography

Mayor John Marchione

Mayor's Biography

Term: 2016 - 2019

First elected in 2007, John Marchione is now in his third term as mayor of Redmond, a thriving city 16 miles east of Seattle. The community of over 65,000 is home to a variety of industries such as aerospace, high tech, video gaming production, and biotech, as well as several thousand small businesses where over 85,000 people are employed.

As Mayor, he is the executive leader of a full-service city, overseeing eight departments consisting of over 660 employees. The Mayor partners with the City Council to set a strategy, vision, and policy direction for the City of Redmond. To date, the City has adopted Budgeting by Priorities, completed the downtown street grid, and purchased the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line and converted it to the Redmond Central Connector.

Accomplishments

Mayor Marchione’s accomplishments include the implementation of an “Organization of Excellence” program, improved overall financial performance and operational efficiency at the City by 18%, and fostered relationships with city, state, federal, and tribal governments to create environmental investments to improve fish habitat, stormwater storage, and water quality.

UPDATED: Scott family's Spark Pizza is a hit

The Scott family with Mayor Marchione

A few weeks ago the Scott's celebrated their new establishment Spark Pizza with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Mayor John Marchione did the honors with the large red scissors, held by Will. The family, (left to right) is Tony Scott, Will (11), Carolyn Scott, Kate (13) and Donna, Carolyn's mother.  Tony and Carolyn own Spark Pizza and are great parents. Will and Kate pitched right in keeping the festive table loaded with good eats!

The establishment is in an historic home, circa 1907.  That's 5 years before the City was founded!  It's been completely renovated  but don't miss the ceiling for a taste of days past.  Speaking of taste I love the "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" pie.  And there's 11 others to choose from!  Here's the menu.

Spark Pizza hours Mon-Thurs 5-9 pm | Fri - Sun 4-9 pm  Located at 8114 - 164th Ave, NE.  425-898-4021.

-- Bob Yoder

2019 State of the City address by Mayor Marchione

February 28th, 2019

The Mayor received three standing ovations.  The presentation was held at the Marriot and sponsored by OneRedmond.  At the end of his presentation he was asked about what it takes to be Mayor.

Record Redmond snow storm hits the neighborhoods

Pam in front of our house on Education Hill

The three storms ended after four days and left 23 inches of snow on our deck railing.  So much fun for making snowmen and sledding.....but so dangerous to be on the back neighborhood roads.  Besides slipping and sliding you have to look-out for falling tree limbs.  We are praying for continued mild winds and power. 

-- Bob Yoder  2/12/2019, 11:51 AM, light mixed-rain/snow

Redmond Mayor will not seek re-election this year

Council President Angela Birney and businessman Andrew Koeppen have their hat in the ring. John Marchione Redmond, WA – Yesterday, Mayor John Marchione announced to city staff that he will not seek re-election later this year. The three-term mayor started in 2008 and was immediately challenged by a major recession and an affordable housing crisis. During this period of economic instability, Marchione created balanced budgets and earned the City a financial rating of AAA from Standard and Poor’s.

Mayor Marchione's 2018 State of the City Address

Mayor Marchione is way underpaid.  His salary is ~$137,000.  In contrast, the Communications and Community Engagement Director at Lake Washington School District is paid $169, 285 and only works 10 months a year.  Nine Associate Directors are paid $153,800 per year.

This video is a must listen even if you see only the first 5 minutes.  

Council "Neighborhood Conversation" at Audubon Elementary

Paige Norman, founder of "Education Hill Neighborhood Association" (EdNHA,) videoed Council's "Neighborhood Conversation" at Audubon El last Tuesday.  Affordable housing, the Overlake build-out, Overlake transportation, lots of discussion about removal of the Idylwood Park Cottonwoods.and the eagles there.   

The mayor said 1700 housing units have been built today, 1300 are under construction and 800 are in the permit review process. Hopefully the public will be notified of the status of these permits so we can comment to the Design Review Board before project approval. There's not enough color or architecture in our downtown buildings. 

Mayor Marchione Responds to City of Everett's Initiative to Transfer Land for Mentally Ill Homeless

Below is an "Everett Herald" article announcing the transfer:

City votes to transfer land for homeless, mental ill housing

Everett Herald, Updated: Jan 4, 2018 - 11:34 AM 

EVERETT, Wash. - The Everett City Council voted to approve the plans for low-barrier housing and to transfer land to Catholic Housing Services.

The Everett Herald reports the Safe Streets housing project on Berkshire Drive is set to be a 65-unit complex with around-the-clock staffing primarily for the chronically homeless or those living with mental illness.

Tenants cannot have convictions for arson, sex crimes or producing methamphetamine.

About half the residents would be from Everett.

The construction budget is $10.5 million. Most of the costs are borne by Catholic Housing Services and funded by tax credits and grants, which the city helped secure.

Groundbreaking is planned for later this month.

Rendering of Everett's "Safe Street project"

Mayor Marchone's comment on the Everett Herald article:

"Thank you Bob. We are always interested in, and staff work to stay apprised of, what other jurisdictions are doing to address the challenge of homelessness.  That said, not every strategy is appropriate for every jurisdiction.  Everett is essentially the Seattle of Snohomish County, with both the largest population and greatest concentration of resources.

As one of many connected suburban cities, Redmond works closely with our Eastside neighbors to craft policies and strategies that will serve the sub-region as a whole.  In addition, Redmond has been very proactive in developing strategies focused on our local community. 

I appointed a Community Task Force on Homelessness in 2016 that developed a list of recommended action items.  A recent staff report to the City Council summarized the status of those action items which have been almost completely implemented.  

Two key strategies to emerge included the addition of a dedicated outreach specialist to work in partnership with the Redmond Police, and a new website to provide information about homelessness in general, and ways that individual community members can get involved.  I encourage you to check it out:  http://www.redmond.gov/Residents/homelessness

Our activities in 2018 will include an exploration of what we as a community should do to most effectively further this work.  We will make sure you are included when we reach out to the community on this topic.

Thanks again and Happy New Year."

John

John Marchione

Mayor │ City of Redmond

(: 425.556.2101 | *: mayor@redmond.gov | Redmond.gov

MS: 4NEX │ 15670 NE 85^th St │ Redmond, WA 98052

      

   NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This e-mail account is public domain. Any correspondence from or to this e-mail account is a public

   record. Accordingly, this e-mail, in whole or in part, may be subject to disclosure pursuant to RCW 42.56, regardless of any claim of

   confidentiality or privilege asserted by an external party.

Artest's rendering of the project:  

The Mayor approved my posting of his letter.

-----Original Message-----

From: Bob Yoder [redmondblog@gmail.com]
Received: Thursday, 04 Jan 2018, 10:55PM
To: Mayor (Internet) [Mayor@redmond.gov]
Subject: Homeless housing

Hi Mr. Mayor, 

I thought you'd be interested in what Everett is doing for their mentally ill homeless.  

http://www.kiro7.com/news/north-sound-news/city-votes-to-transfer-land-for-homeless-mental-ill-housing/676269846