City Hall Customer Service improvements

Credit / "Redmond Reporter" 

I highly recommend e-mailing info@redmond.gov  to get answers and information from city staff. The customer service department is very helpful in assisting you here.  

Last night, Council was briefed by the Customer Service Center Manager during their Parks Council committee meeting.  The relatively new Customer Service Center desk is assisting city hall visitors with processing financial transactions, obtaining business licenses, being directly connected to the appropriate staff for permitting and other needs or receiving information regarding city matters. Most importantly, citizens and residents can get information and report issues here.


During the meeting, there was a lot of discussion about the center's mobile "Your Redmond" app.  Councilmember Carson spoke very highly of it.  Here, you can report non-emergency issues, make service requests, and find answers to common questions on your mobile phone. I haven't downloaded it and use info@redmond.gov.  

Few know that several conference rooms near to the customer service desk are available for developers, city staff, and other in-house meetings. Council Chair of the "Parks and Human Services Committee" Hank Myers asked when/if the rooms will be available for community meetings.  Owing to legal concerns and other problems customer service is still trying to find a way for the community to access the rooms...this has been going on for months.  

I am surprised the Customer Service Center is assigned to the "Parks and Human Services Council Committee" rather than the  "Administration, Finance, and Communications Committee." It seems customer service has more to do with communications than parks. Case in point, I asked why (by info@redmond.gov) a replay of a council regular meeting (in which I spoke) wasn't being played on City TV, only to learn from the city clerk all the replays were scrubbed due to technical difficulties. It's important customer service communicates with the Council Ombuds on these serious issues.  

-- Bob Yoder

OPINION: Planned development on corner of Willows & 124th brings challenges and opportunities

Could something like this happen here? haha
Internet 

Updated 1/29, 1:01 PM

Quadrant is working with the City to develop "Business District" property at the intersection of NE 124th Street and Willows Road on the Southwest corner. The Planning Commission was very involved.

Here goes. 

The Applicant (Fred Proctor) is proposing a mixed-use development consisting of approximately 370 residential units with a variety of housing types that would include for-sale townhomes, triplex and traditional for-rent apartment style dwellings. The development would also include a minimum of 20,000 sq. ft. of ground-level or stand-alone retail or commercial space, to include neighborhood-scale commercial uses, office, and/or day care center uses.

Willows Road is already congested and traffic is poor here; and will be more challenged when Facebook moves in.  Council member Myers calls this development "a ten minute community" where many of the residents can work nearby, keeping cars off the road (with some shopping at Totem Lake.)  A necessary signal on 124th is sure to slow traffic. The development is virtually it's own neighborhood.

To mitigate traffic the City will try to work with Metro for all day service.  Right now it's AM / PM.  Whenever possible, I won't be driving through this corner.  A new sidewalk is planned on 124th is to connect a northern and western trail, I assume for pedestrian and bicycle mobility.

The range of housing types creates needed flexibility to integrate with the site and creates more variation in housing affordability:

  >10% of the townhomes will be at 80% of average monthly income.
  >10% of the apartments will be at 70% of average monthly income.

The development will include open space tracts, landscaped active and passive recreation, a trail network, and potentially, a gateway/bike rest stop feature on the northeast corner of the site.  Open space is 20% of the site.

Green development incentives specific to the site are 1) electric vehicle charging, 2) green roofs, 3) solar panels on townhomes, 4) solar panels on community buildings.  Quadrant is required to use two of the four options.  Council member Myers said solar is a poor choice for our region since "there is a -500% rate of return."

What's your opinion?

For development diagrams, plans and mapping click this link.

https://redmond.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6991868&GUID=8B0CADAE-4CB4-498E-B110-FFD3C43BA5D7

  -- Bob Yoder, opinion

Source:  1/27/2019 Council study session & memo

UPDATED: Redmond Council to hold Annual Retreat

Marymoor Village Community Center
retreat location

Council President Angela Birney announced in this week's Study Session the annual Council retreat will be Saturday, February 9th, 9-3 pm. The retreat location is Marymoor Village community center. Though it's open to the public only to watch, I for one will be joining others planting trees and shrubs in Idylwood Park.  Council member Hank Myers suggested the last 2-3 hours should be private so Council can discuss various City issues of concern without staff around. 

Council goals:  Hank Myers wants to instill agility and creativity.   Steve Fields wants to enhance community involvement at every level.  He asked to "spend less time being taught and more time discussing."  Jeralee Anderson wants to understand roles and responsibilities (mayor/council/staff.)  Hank Margeson wants to provide a free form discussion.

Police Chief Kristi Wilson said each City director will be next to a poster board facilitating discussion with two council members per board -- and the council members rotating amongst each other.  Steve Fields joked the Chief will be directing traffic. :)

Bob Yoder

Source:  Council Study Session, 1/22/19

Hank Myers BIO

Hank Myers
Credit/Redmond Reporter

Hank has served on Redmond’s City Council since January 2008 and is now serving his third term. He has served on advisory boards for Metro Transit and the Bellevue School District. Councilmember Myers is a Transportation Economist working in all modes of transportation including experience in commercial aviation, public transit, and passenger ferry service. Hank began his professional career with Hughes Airwest as a regulatory affairs specialist before moving to the northwest to become Director of Government Affairs and Pricing for Alaska Airlines. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from California State University. Hank currently represents the City on the Local Hazardous Waste Management Coordinating Committee (LHWMCC) and on the Water Resource Inventory Area 8 (WRIA 8) Salmon Recovery Council. A 42-year resident and living in the Viewpoint area of Redmond, Hank is married to Christine and has two grown children. He likes to spend time volunteering with Green Redmond and at the Center for Wooden Boats.

Downtown Park Grand Opening inundated by rain

Six council members with mayor speaking under the park pavilion

The Ribbon Cutting was at 5:30 pm. Council member Steve Fields was absent. Plenty of parking at the Community Center.  Thirty minutes after the ceremony the park was twice hit with a downpour of rain.   At 7:10 pm right before the events a deluge of rain occurred. My wife and I retreated to our home.

Bob Yoder, 10/1

Facebook comment:  M Harrison Gallagher -- A refurbished Redmond pool is estimated at $20 million; a new Olympic pool such as the King County Aquatic Center is about $35 to 40 million. $42 million bought us a tree-lined concrete slab. Redmond has many deserving communities that are neglected.

UPDATED, 4/28: Council member Steve Fields leads discussion on pedestrian / car collisions

Not the best picture 😁 (l-r) Fields, Myers, Padye, Birney and
Anderson.  -- click to enlarge photo

Council member Steve Fields is concerned about a possible rising incidence of  bike and pedestrian collisions with cars due to city growth.  He had heard anecdotal reports of collisions especially at intersections and asked Police Chief Wilson for a statistical report. At last Tuesday's Council Committee Safety meeting the Chief said the "collisions per 1,000 were exceptionally low."

• 2016 - 36 car / pedestrian collisions and 28 car / bike collisions
• 2017 - 22 car / pedestrian collisions and 14 car / bike collisions 
• End of March, 2018 -  6 car / pedestrian collisions and 4 car / bike collisions. 

These stats don't look "exceptionally low" but that's my opinion. The Chief said collisions increase in winter months owing to darker days, inclement weather. jaywalking and dark clothes.

Council member Hank Myers quipped with perfect timing "wearing black is appropriate when going to a funeral." 

The Chief said many of the collisions occur downtown around 161st near the transit center and bus lines. 

Downtown lighting is poor which makes matters worse, even with the new LEDS.  According to the city, LEDS  improve lighting uniformity and color rendering of streatscapes.  Unfortunately, we just don't have enough of them.  Perhaps at Seritage?

Council member Steve Fields was the Presiding Officer of the safety committee and summarized there wasn't an increase in collisions according to staff but quietly suggested a study session. The Chief added the Downtown Park will bring challenges.  The other 6 council members were quiet.  

Police Bike Teams were another topic.  The teams are riding the streets in tandem as "bike teams." primarily to engage with the public and for maneuverability.  In my opinion, when "bike shares" enter our downtown the Police Teams will be spending a heck-of-a-lot of their time enforcing permits and kibitzing with the Downtown park-goers.

###

The topics above topics were reviewed during last Tuesday's Council Committee of the Whole safety committee meeting.  It was the first Council Committee of the Whole safety meeting on record and all council members were present. Mr.Margeson left early.  Steve Fields had brought up the collision topic at an earlier council standing committee in which he was the Chair.  With the change in Committee structure, Mr. Fields is given the title of Presiding  Officer of the Council safety committee.

3rd  in a series on CCOW

UPDATE & OPINION: City of Redmond City Council passes historic "Council Committee" legislation

Bob,

Looks like 1913 was the first adoption [of standing committees] through Ordinance No. 4.   The next amendment, according to the legislative history, occurred in 1974.   From my read on these two documents alone, many rules, procedures, and most likely, applicable laws, have changed.   

I hope this helps.

Michelle 

Michelle M. Hart, MMC

City Clerk|City of Redmond

425.556.2190 (ph)|www.redmond.gov

NOTES:

Council "Committee Of The Whole" passes, improves job performance

Council Committee Of The Whole

At Council's March 27th Regular Meeting council passed Ordinance 2917 that changes their 4:30 pm Tuesday Council Standing Committee meetings of 3 councilmembers to "Council Of The Whole Committee" meetings of 7 councilmembers.  The vote was 7-2 (Fields, Anderson.)  

The creation of Council Committee Of The Whole (CCOW ) last week has historical significance because Council's "old" Standing Committees were first installed by Council in 1913 under Ordinance No. 4. (Ref. Michelle Hart, city clerk.)  CCOW meetings will significantly open up the workings city government to the people as well as empower Council's decision-making process on legislation and policy-making.   

Owing to the significance of CCOW meetings I will be reporting on them on a regular basis....in Series format. Their first meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, April 3 at 4:30 in City Hall.  Details are in the Agenda here.  

B. Yoder  

READ MORE  - Mr. Myers letter about the CCOW and his analysis of it. 

Council member Hank Myers "beats the bunny"

"Beat the Bunny 5K at the new Community Center at Marymoor Village today. Giving
“bunny ears” to the Bunny means one more thing off the bucket list!" -- Hank Myers

A Council member of ten years, Hank Myers is an active Kiwanian and often participates in the "Green Redmond" forest restoration events.  The Redmond Kiwanis Club "is all about helping children."  They meet every Friday morning (7 am) at the Family Pancake House.  Beat the Bunny is one of their fundraisers. 
facebook photo

OPINION: An appalling experience at City Hall

I'm not sure if you know, or even care, but on the day after the Mayor's Annual "State of the City" address Councilmember John Stilin withdrew from the election by not filing for Position 6. Mr. Stilin had recently been promoted to Vice President of city council and everyone in the political community was shocked. Soon after, a brief Redmond Reporter article was published indicating Mr. Stilin felt it was time to move on and open the field to the rising stars in our community.

I've known Mr. Stilin for about ten years, beginning when he was an arts commissioner.  I've met John at community  meetings, watched him in scores of council meetings, and attended his publicized coffee chat sessions. I know him well, more than most citizens.  He's dedicated to the city and community and contributes significantly to how we "live, work, play and invest." in Redmond.  John's smart, ambitious, and politically savvy. He tends to have a "controlling" social style, and values power.

Now, finally my motivation for writing this opinion:

On August 8th I witnessed an appalling event in council chambers.  I  was attending a public Study Session in City Hall to hear council talk about their experiences at "National Night Out." Right after the meeting, Hank Myers, a friendly, tenured councilmember walked up to chat with me. Mr. Stilin closely followed, interrupted our conversation and without restraint, assailed, belittled and humiliated Mr. Myers right in front of me. As a member of the viewing public, I was shocked.. His attack had something to do with an opinion piece I'd written where Hank was footnoted as "inspirational." The incident opened Mr. Stilin's authentic political soul. I'm relieved he's not running for office.

Bob Yoder
, 
Hank Myers, Chair of the Planning and Public Works Committee. soon followed-up with this clarifying piece

Councilmember Hank Myers comments on the Master Builders and downtown development

by Hank Myers

I am pleased that my letter to the Editor of the Redmond Reporter has prompted you and others to speak out during this election.  Unfortunately, some have concluded that inspiring discourse also meant inspiring your opinion on the Master Builders Association.  My ten years of experience with the Master Builders has been consistently positive and helpful.  They have members from all phases of the building trades including small businesses such as electricians, plumbers, remodelers and painters.  In addition to providing technical expertise on construction matters, they run an excellent free campaign seminar.  All candidates who filed for Council positions were invited.  When it comes to the problems and dislocations caused by the recent increased development, the culprit is our cumbersome and costly process.  Projects take years from inception to completion, adding costs and jamming projects together.  The State’s Growth Management Act dictates that Redmond provide housing for significantly more residents by 2030.  Under the Act, it is not a matter of whether there will be development, but how effectively it is administered.  That is where Redmond has fallen down.

Editor's note: Hank wrote an excellent letter in the Redmond Reporter describing council  candidates as "City Hall" and "outsiders" which inspired me. My inspiration had nothing to do with the Master Builders.   

Redmond Reporter: "Sounding off on last Issue's City Council Letter"

Redmond Reporter "Letter to the Editor"  July, 27, 2017

Phil Miller (Redmond Planning Commission) recently questioned why people without civic experience run for city council. His letter underscores key several issues facing Redmond voters.

First, why are we suddenly seeing so much interest in council races? The trend began three years ago with two levy increase proposals. The council was told victory was a lock. The council even reduced the cost by nearly half. Contrary to conventional political wisdom, Redmond voters soundly rejected both proposals. This year, for the first time in memory, all council positions on the ballot are contested. Each position has a “City Hall” candidate (Byron Schutz, Tanika Padhye and Roy Captain) and one or more “outside” candidates. Neither political party in the districts covering Redmond endorsed a City Hall candidate, another first. Anyone who thinks the levy elections and the current contests are flukes is missing the big picture.

Second, why do people without civic experience run? To get on a board or commission, you must be appointed by the mayor. With more than 30 years of government affairs and transportation experience, I applied four times and was rejected each time. If you represent an independent or contrary philosophy, it is unlikely you will be appointed to a board or commission. If I wanted to be involved in my community, I would have to get elected. David Carson, one of the most engaged and dedicated council members I know, was an outsider when he ran. John Marchione also ran for city council without having been appointed to a board or commission.

The most disappointing part of Mr. Miller’s letter was asserting reasons why all of Jason Antonelli’s ideas won’t work. The attitude is, “You have a new idea, I have complex reasons it won’t work.” In my experience, when the word “complex” is used as an explanation, it means, “you can’t possibly understand the issues, and even if you could, there isn’t much that can be done.” If you don’t like the current situation, accept it or move.

Why do people without experience run for office? Because they are told to stay out of the process. Told not to engage on boards if they aren’t an insider. Told to support tax increases and to trust that government will spend it well. As problems get more obvious and taxes increase, is it any wonder people have decided that the same old routine isn’t working for Redmond?

Hank Myers
Redmond City Council member

UPDATED: "Design Review Board" brings color to Redmond's Town Square District

Rendering of the Twin Towers showing the blue and green color scheme, brick material and roof line chosen by the Design Review Board.

This massive structure will be right across the street from Hancock's Bakery.

Opinion:  For years now, residents have complained about the dull earth tones, "box-like" construction, and absence of brick materials in our new Downtown 6-story buildings. Council often joked of their fatigue with the "browns and mustards" - Councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen in particular. But nothing was done. 

Last week I went to the Design Review Board (DRB) meeting where "Color Options" were reviewed for the 9-story twin tower building proposed at the old post office site...in the Town Square District.  The Town Square District is envisioned as high density, 6-8 story buildings, including office, entertainment, retail and residential use.  The towers are a signature building setting the stage for the design of future development in the District. Thus, what comes out from this Design Review will impact "look and feel" of the entire Town Square District for years to come.  

I was the only citizen that showed up for the twin-tower meeting and was given a wonderful opportunity to comment on color before the Board made their decision.  After looking at color schemes presented by the developer, Board and staff I recommended teal (blue) over red.  During our nine months of grey weather the blue will remind us of our sunny blue sky days of summer. The red scheme was eclectic and rich with too much pop.  

The Board decided to go with blue and a small amount of green at the street level. Oscar said blue was more sophisticated and red shouts.  Chair David Scott Mead -- very influential -- jokingly said he'd see the red from his house, summarizing the review with a blue-green "Go Seahawks!" cheer. Yey!  Watch the video.  Next step:  Oscar, the diminutive, likable project manager will meet with city staff to fine tune the color scheme.  He made it known he doesn't like "Northwest Moss" green wanting color with little more punch.  Yey again!  

The Board proceedings were very interesting. I'm grateful to the developer's architect for thanking me for my input. She made me feel I made a difference. I admire this developer and his commitment to form and aesthetics.   

I'm very unhappy with the city's severe lack of transparency with this body.  Though several times Councilmember Stilin advised the public to look into the DRB, it was only by luck that I learned the public can comment.  Without public comment the "look and feel" of our Downtown buildings are left up to just 7 citizens and a powerful staff - many not living in our city. "Design damage" is already done to the downtown core, though opportunity remains to get it right -- with public input -- during the Town Square District build-out and development of Marymoor Village.   

The Board meets on the first and third Thursday's of the month at 7PM, City Hall.  DRB approval is required before the land use permit is issued so your comments can significantly influence project outcomes.  To learn what's on the DRB agenda click this link and go to "Agendas Summaries" for 2017.  They don't make it easy! 

Bob Yoder

http://www.redmond.gov/Government/BoardsCommissions/DesignReviewBoard

Read More for:  a YouTube of the DRB deliberating, Twin Tower design elements and a comment from city staff. >>

Phase 2 construction of the Redmond Central Connector advances

Looking north from 95th Street towards Overlake Christian Church
Busy Willows Road is on the left.  Commercial on the right. (click pic to enlarge)

Several amenities are only minutes from the trail by bike at this 95th Street location.  Black Raven Brewery, Hi-Fi Brewery, Eastside Gym, Willows Deli  Good stopping place!

This Redmond Central Connector is the artery of the City that links Sammamish, Redmond, and Kirkland and knits together Redmond Town Center, historic Downtown, Grass Lawn neighborhood, and Willows business district. (COR)

Redmond's Senior Park Planner, David Shaw is the narrator in this city video.  He works closely with Carolyn Hope, Manager of Parks and Culture.  Both designed and built the Redmond Bike Park.  David managed the construction, recruiting and directing scores of volunteers. (The Randall family was at the core of the park's development. Councilmember Hank Myers put in a day or two of shoveling.) 

OPINION: "Who We Are"

The City should re-work it's Mission, Vision and Value phrases as found on the Mayor's web page....especially the Vision.

The Mayor's Vision is:

"We are a community of connected neighborhoods with vibrant urban centers - inspired by nature, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence."

This sounds very good but we're inspired by more than nature. We've evolved rapidly in 4-6 short years and we're much more diverse.  Yes, we love very much our trees, creeks and trails and all that comes with them. We have a culture that embraces all these beautiful things.  But with our new-found diversity we're also inspired and blessed with the spice of other cultures, as represented by art.  The City can be more inclusive by expanding and promoting the presence of art. "Who we are" could be summarized:

"We are a diverse community of connected neighborhoods with vibrant urban centers - inspired by nature, arts and culture, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence."

Redefining who we are gives us a starting point for writing a concise and valid Vision Statement. Last week our new Council member Tanika Patyea told me a new Vision Statement will be written within the next four years. She is East Indian and Chair of the Parks and Human Services Committee and she's very smart. Our new Council is now better positioned to keep up with the times and advance change. 

I hope one day Council will rename the "Parks and Human Services" committee "Parks, Culture and Human Services."  From the standpoint of good Public Relations the Mayor should edit his web page.  

-- Bob Yoder

UPDATED, 4/25: City Council Neighborhood Conversation

I joined about 20 others to converse with our city Leaders.  I asked them to describe our City of Redmond Vision. They all explained their personal Vision but not the City's. Only Hank Margeson vaguely recollected part of it.  I was surprised 3 police officers and other police related staff were present for an audience of twenty.  Their presence was a bit intimidating, squelched the conversation and IMO wasn't the best use of resources considering the recent rash of car prowls. 

Come share what's on your mind with your neighbors and elected leaders. Help spread the word!  Refreshments and snacks may be provided, though this is not confirmed.  

Einstein Elementary on Thursday, 4/13 starting at 6:15 pm.  Arrive at 6PM to be assured your questions and comments are posted on the white board. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent Meeting Recap

Rockwell Elementary School, Gymnasium. Thursday, March 30, 2017 On March 30, approximately 30 Redmond residents joined City Council for the first Neighborhood Conversation of 2017 at Rockwell Elementary. Councilmembers fielded questions ranging from hotel development and the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center lease to traffic and solutions for enabling residents to remain in Redmond as they age. The topic of Sound Transit was also addressed and included timelines for new stations and how north/south corridor traffic may be impacted.

--redmond.gov

City Council Interviews Candidates For Vacated Seat

(l-r) Hank Margeson, Angela Birney, Brian Shutz, John Stilin, David Carson. Hank Myers is behind Carson.
Stephanie Rodriguez is in blue.

UPDATED:  Council worked from 1:00 - 5:30 on Saturday screening 13 candidates applying for Council Position #4, vacated by Ms. Kim Allen. Of the few screening interviews I watched, a couple of my favorites were A.J. Taylor and Amy Mayes.  .

A.J. is a lawyer at Microsoft. (No lawyers now on Council)  He's very smart and with big heart.  He demonstrated strong leadership skills.  A.J.'s lived in Redmond for 12 years -- two children -- and didn't have to study the city website to know what was going on.  A.J." is civicly minded, a proud member of the Redmond Rotary.  I chatted with him before his interview; he is very personable.

I was very impressed with Amy Mayes, a City Arts Commissioner.  Her passion is creating affordable housing choices for those in the lower-paying service industries. Amy was well prepared, succinct, with a good grasp of City workings.  When asked, she said her strengths were: "loyalty, strength and calm."

I hope A.J. and Amy will be finalists for the public Interviews on March 7th.

During one of the interviews CM Hank Myers mentioned their responsibility to the Open Public Meetings Act.  He said council members sometimes meet for dinner before their business meetings for team-building purposes.  They also use a "3-touch" process for consensus building, wherein all items of importance are discussed at committee meetings, study sessions, and business meetings. CM David Carson said pretty much everything "gets ironed out" by then.  6-1 and 5-2 votes are indeed very rare. The City Clerk would probably have to dust an inch off her records to find a 4-3.

According to President Hank Margeson, it's been nine years since Council's had to make a Councilmember appointment....Hank Myers.  Mr. Margeson did a superlative job putting the process in place and building public trust.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, 2/16

I didn't watch Paige Norman interview or anyone else I know.  Paige is the founder of "Education Hill Neighborhood Association" and writes a blog "PaigesPrattle."   She posted a thorough report of the meeting, including names of those interviewed and a schedule for future meetings.