Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts

Monday, November 22, 2021

UPDATED: COVID Funding At Lake Washington School District


During COVID, some staff worked exceptionally hard and were heroes, others had less timely jobs and were paid beyond their need.  For example, why would you need a full-time Director for Certified Talent Acquisition during COVID?  His salary is ~ $177,150. (There are five other HR Directors.)

During the November 15th LWSD school board meeting, Chief Financial Officer Barbara Posthumous presented the annual "Legislative Priorities" report.  She rattled off some interesting statistics, including shortfalls to be made up by taxpayers.

LWSD fully funds Special Education,  In 2021 - 2022 the District shortfall was $18M. 26% of the Levy covers this shortfall
  • Despite federal COVID "ESSER" funding, the District had to use additional $6.5M carryover for funding COVID.
  • COVID expenses to the District were $14M.  The State and Feds funded $8M.  (21-22)
Social/Emotional Support  (FTE = Full Time Employee.)
  • Counsellors:  State FTE 61. District FTE 73
  • RN, Psychologists, Mental health specialists, State FTE 7, District FTE 37
  • Student Safety: State 6 FTE, District 73 FTE. The District pays excessive amounts on safety as compared to other Districts. 
ESSER Funding = Federal COVID funding to support safe, sustained reopenings and operations. 
  • The feds awarded ESSER funds of $409.64/pupil for a total of $12,756,000.  The grant is exceptionally below the State average owing to the District's "free and reduced lunch" poverty data.  North Shore, Mercer Island, and Issaquah Districts also received low funding. 
COVID Costs:  $14M expensed, $8M State and Federal support (21-22.) 
  • Health and Safety
  • Staff and Support - exceptional Director compensation
  • Remote Learning
  • Materials
  • Curriculum
  • Instructional Support for Children in Quarantine. 
-- Bob Yoder, 11/22/2021


Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Creativity Abounds In Campaign Signs This Year


We enjoyed lots of creativity and flourish in Council candidate signs this year!  My favorite was Tara's. Absolutely loved the colors and design! She was handily defeated by incumbent Jeralee Anderson. Jeralee scattered an abundance of signs all over the City.  Her bicycle logo looks pretty cute 😉. My wife really liked Janet Richards flowered, green sign with the tag " Redmond Thrives When Everyone Thrives." Janet lost to incumbent Steve Fields in a big way.  Steve staked his standard 2-tone, blue wavy sign everywhere.  

Incumbency aside, it seems quantity rules over quality. I'm always amazed how quickly candidates remove their signs.  

-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2021


City Replaces Idylwood Park Dock, Designs New Restroom, Concession, And Activity Building


This drawing is a concept for the Idylwood Park new restroom, concession, and activity building, which could also include outdoor seating and would be scaled and designed to fit the site.

In the 2004 Park Opportunity Plan, the community identified the following important projects in that plan that have yet to be completed and "may be funded by this levy"  (what levy?) 

  • Renovate the existing concession and restroom building and explore the feasibility of a water activity building within the park (i.e.; programmable space and/or meeting space, boat storage, maintenance support area, deck or patio).
  • Increase on-site parking to 80-90 spaces and manage parking lot surface drainage to enhance water quality. Provide access to “car top” non-motorized boat launch area.
  • Reinforce the pedestrian crossing at 177th Ave NE and West Lake Sammamish Parkway.

More than 20 years later, these facilities are now in dire need of replacement. The concession and restroom building replacement is a necessary structural and safety improvement and an opportunity to consider inclusion of water activity amenities in the building. 

The Idylwood Park dock will be replaced with aluminum materials.  Improvements include a non-slip surface, ADA compliant handrails for fishing activities, and a new swim ladder. The new dock replaces the original structure built in the 1970’s.

Idylwood Park is regional and enjoyed by 42,000 visitors during the summer.  I'd like the City to identify users outside of our jurisdiction, charge a fee, to make room for Redmondites and contribute to maintenance. This is a free beach and attracts many outsiders, yet we pay the levy.  B. Yoder

Friday, November 5, 2021

UPDATED OPINION, 11/7/2021: What Will Redmond Look Like In 2050?


Is it too late to make the massive 22-acre downtown Nelson "Village" palpable and resident friendly or will our elected officials cave to this developer?

In 2007, Redmond hired consultant Guy Michaelson from Berger Partnership of Seattle to give a vision  and suggestions for the development of Downtown Redmond.  Below, are two points he made, salient to Redmond 2050:

Guy emphasized the importance of "promenades" for connecting a hierarchy of streets. Promenades are not boulevards but important avenues with canopy and wider (20')sidewalks.  The Parks Director and Mayor Ives talked with excitement about street-side cafes, book stores, spilling over onto wider sidewalk promenades. (Thank you COVID for the later.)

Guy suggested improving the "green ring" along the Sammamish River by softening the eastern slope of the river with a more gradual grade to "get out of the ditch". He suggested building a bike/running trail on the west side to allow for more passive activities on the eastern slope. He thought Luke McRedmond Park had great potential. [He failed to point out King County has jurisdiction over the river corridor.]

Mayor Birney and Council, please zone for greater use of promenades, wider sidewalks and bike lanes, specifically in the Nelson Master Plan and SE Redmond Neighborhood (where new schools are planned.)  Thank you.  B. Yoder

READ MORE for the abridged Berger report and my opinion:

Saturday, October 30, 2021

UPDATED OPINION: Redmond's Tree Canopy Is Decreasing

Redmond tree canopy in ~2017

 The tree canopy webpage has been updated to include information on suggested trees, tree selection, planting tips, care, and watering along with volunteer opportunities. 

 Updates to the Redmond Comprehensive Plan, describing the 40% canopy goal, timeline, and key strategies were adopted by City Council on November 17, 2020. 

 The 2021-22 budget included $150,000 for Carbon Footprint Reduction/Tree Canopy Expansion in the biennium. To date, 1.71 acres have been cleared in the Monticello watershed with 1.21 acres planted (540 trees) in the spring of 2021. The remaining .5 acre will be planted in fall/winter 2021-22. Additional plantings are being considered on park properties. 

Two mature Cedars will be removed during King County's sewer line replacement.  Will King County or the City try to repurpose them for salmon habitat? Beavers are gnawing down quite a few alders this year. Will aerial photographs account for these losses?

 In 2021, Public Works has planted 150 trees at Keller/Bear Creek using stormwater funds and over 100 trees will be planted at Smith Woods through Parks/Stormwater funds. 

 In 2020, the following number of trees were planted on City owned land:

o Natural Resources planted 1,240 

o Parks 230 

o Forterra (Green Redmond Partnership) 509 

o Adopt-a-Stream Foundation 840 

o Total trees planted: 2,819 Strategy 

C: Increase Planting on Private Property. 

 City-led Planting: Staff has conducted research on a variety of incentive programs to provide trees or discounts to purchase trees along with estimated costs to manage the program based on current models in use around the region. Opportunities are being evaluated to propose a program in the 2023-24 biennium. 

The Green Redmond Partnership planted nearly 2,000 plants and engaged 438 volunteers across 17 parks for a total of 1,264 hours of volunteer engagement. As noted above, they planted 509 trees in 6 parks in 2020.  

According to the website, only two Green Redmond planting events were planned for this Fall. According to Zoe of Fortera ,the two October events were "sold out" by September 30, (some exceptions were made for officials). In years past, Green Redmond held multiple events. Not too long ago, Parks Director Hite said one of the limiting factors this year was the cost of trees.  

 Earth Corps has also been a partner on planting and community engagement. 

 Current Tree Canopy Coverage: The most recent analysis in late 2020, shows that Redmond’s 2019 tree canopy coverage is 37.9%, this includes parks within the incorporated City limits but not contiguous city limits. (The Watershed Preserve (800 acres) is counted as canopy?) This represents a decrease of .2% or (24.7) acres from 2017. This amount of loss isn't terribly bad considering our considerable development. It's clear the City is doing what they can to preserve our canopy. The changes in canopy cover occurred within the contiguous city boundary. The tree canopy coverage in the contiguous city boundary is 32.9%, down from 33.2 (24.7 acres).  Does street trees and off-site mitigation with saplings count towards canopy?

 Staff updates tree canopy coverage on a 2-year basis in even years. The data is updated using aerial photographs that are captured in odd-years (2019) and the data is available in even years (2020). The next update would be in 2022.

Source:  Edited Council Committee of the Whole Parks memo, 10/29/2021

Opinion, Bob Yoder


Thursday, October 21, 2021

UPDATED: Councilmembers Steve Fields And Jeralee Anderson Should Renounce "Safe Eastside"


OPINION, 10/27:  As you know, housing in Redmond (and across the Eastside) is terribly unaffordable. Those without technology jobs can barely afford to live here.  Add the COVID dilemma and some people just can't pay rent or their mortgage. Sadly, a few unlucky souls are left homeless, living in their cars and on friends' couches.

The County is trying to do something about it.  About a month ago they bought the Silver Cloud Hotel in south Redmond near Microsoft to provide a sanctuary for some who've lost their homes. Support services and warm meals will be provided. Information about the hotel is found HERE.  I can't thank the County and City enough for extending their hand to these traumatised people.   

There's a boisterous group known as "Safe Eastside" on a mission to terminate this homeless hotel.  This group is the cause of a lot of misinformation.  Signs are staked all over town and near schools warning "no injection sites." Parents, students and neighbors have been frightened. 

I've sat in on council meetings where they've verbally attacked the Mayor, her staff, a councilmember, and commissioner. They often blame and shame the mentally ill.  This hurts because I and many others have serious illnesses, yet are able to have a productive career and a nice home or apartment. 

Safe Eastside is actively campaigning, and endorsing Dennis Ellis, Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and Councilmember Steve Fields in the election.  I'm not sure what they did to earn these endorsements. Dennis, Jeralee, and Steve should emphatically renounce this spiteful group and support the greater good.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/21/2021


Monday, October 18, 2021

"Safe Eastside" - Activists Fighting Off The Homeless.

 "Safe Eastside's"  relentless attacks on Mayor Birney are unconscionable. Kudos to CM David Carson for his efforts to defend the Mayor and the City.  Anderson, Fields, Forsythe, Kahn and Kritzer should defend the Mayor and City, as well.  They have the same voice as the Mayor in representation of the public. Councilmembers, please actively stand up and defend the Mayor and City tomorrow.  B. Yoder, 10/18/2021

KAN QIU'S MESSAGE TO "SAFE EASTSIDE" VOLUNTEERS:

Please come to public comment Tuesday 10/19 to demand amendment of Ordinance No. 3059 at City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th Street, Redmond, Washington, 6:30 PM, the last public comment opportunity before the council's study session 10/26 on this matter. We have all witnessed, in the public hearing nearly two weeks ago, Mayor shamefully staged her out of area supporters to call in before many of us who showed up physically since as early as 6:30. But we are more determined than what she could ever have imagined. We need to pack the room again, speakers make sure you sign up in advance on the sheet outside the chamber room. To help us track attendee numbers, please register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keep-up-the-pressure-tuesday-october-19th-speak-up-at-redmond-city-hall-tickets-193136014017 .


What's even more outrageous after the shameful display of public hearing is that Mayor Birney's puppet in the council David Carson had to go the extra mile and filed a frivolous PDC complaint on October 14 against us in an apparent attempt to suppress public voices. Sadly as an elected official, puppet CM David Carson obviously forgot that this is America and people's rights express themselves are fully protected by the constitution, particularly on matters that are lack of government transparency. Since when citizens setting up and running a website to inform the public becomes an issue ? It's appalling that such despicable scare tactics have being used against average citizens who simply fill in the vacuum due to the very lack of information from the government!

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Police Chief Lowe Asks Council For De-escalation Equipment

Bola Wrap, Internet

The police department wants to ensure the safety of the community and staff when responding to critical incidents requiring appropriate de-escalation techniques while providing the most current and functional training and equipment. The department anticipates allocating one-time federal funds as follows:

· BolaWrap: The Wrap can safely & humanely restrain resisting subjects from a distance without relying on pain compliance and while keeping all involved safe. When used to control subjects in a mental or drug-impaired crisis, this tool enables officers to keep the community safe and get people the help they need without causing injury. Link to BolaWrap website . ($7,000) 

· Virtual Reality (VR): Axon VR Training provides comprehensive real-world training paired with Taser and other weapons systems to ensure training, coaching, and development for critical incidents. Empathy insights, critical thinking, analytical, and de-escalation skills training are provided. Officer preparedness and tools to identify and address the psychological impacts of the public safety profession are addressed. Link to Axon VR Training website . ($83,000) Pricing starts at $700,  Our police chief wants VR Training beyond his allocation.

· Taser 7 upgrades: Upgrading to Axon Taser 7 provides for the must current platform, integrates with use/training records, and integrates with the Virtual Reality training system. Link to Taser 7 website . ($191,000)  Then ~$60.00/month. [As a lay citizen IMO this upgrade is a luxury; spend it or lose it.]

Committee Of The Whole, memo, 9/22/2021

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Critique On A Redmond Council Meeting


I'm a local government nerd and try to watch City Council meetings on Facebook LIVE whenever I can.  A few actions really annoyed me at their last Study Session and I'm getting it off my chest here; other actions were commendable.  

1,  Our councilmembers work exceptionally hard and they're smart. We, the electorate did well!

2.  Even though Mr. Fields committed to keeping his zoom camera on when talking he rarely does. In the few meetings Ms. Kahn has attended, she seldom turns her camera on.  Seeing faces and body language is an important part of communication.  Otherwise, it's like listening to a radio.

3. Councilmembers Kritzer, Padhye, Anderson, and Forsythe always put their cameras on so you can watch them talking.  Cameras help in public engagement.  Ms. Kritzer and Padhye usually sit on the Dais as does Ms. Anderson & Mr. Carson.  Seeing their faces and body language is extremely helpful.  Yes, we are a broad, attentive viewing audience who wants to be informed and participate.   

4. Ms. Kahn on three occasions talked endlessly.  She may have made 1-2 points. "Be Brief, Be Bright, Be Gone" is something to think about. 

5. V.P. Jeralee Anderson did a fabulous job running the "Environmental Sustainability Priority" conversations. [She's given an environmental TEDx talk on "green roads."] Jeralee made sure everyone had the opportunity to participate equatibly.  Jeralee has good body language and engages well.  

6. The Council Safety Committee was considered for "housing" an environmental sustainability standing committee.  The Mayor (not in attendance) through President Padhye was concerned about staffing. Padhye said a Director's attendance was common practice. Five councilmembers said an environmental executive would be fitting. (as do I.)  Council will take a vote next Business meeting.  

7. Mr. Fields scolded President Padhye over a simple procedural question.  It was uncivil and unbecoming of a councilmember.  (His area of interest is policy.)  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/26/2021

UPDATED: Washington State Has One Of The Strictest Mask Mandates

Behind that mask is a fatigued, anxious person, B. Yoder
  
Care of Governor Inslee, by August 23th, almost every citizen must be masked when indoors even if  vacinnated.  Inslee's mask mandate is one of the strictest in the Nation.   I'm vacinnated and masking up but it doesn't feel fair; 2 steps forward, 1 step back.  At this time, only 72% of Washingtonians have one shot or more.  It appears we are paying the price for the iodiotic, ignorant, or listless behavior of the unvaccinated 28%.  

However, the deadly Delta variant is taking it's toll on even the vacinnated, though only a sliver are hospitalized.  "Breakthrough infections" are rare, but the government is looking out for us ... to the chagrin of some.  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/25/2021
    Photo, Pam Yoder, QFC Bear Creek

The above is a dated post; now breakthrough infections are commonplace, As of October 25 proof of vacinnation and full masking is required in King County in indoor places and outdoor events over 500.  Two of my relatives have had breakthough infections.  Booster shots will soon be available for seniors 65+.   9/18/2021  

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Opinion: Light Rail And Homeless People In Redmond

I just got home from a joyful family event in Spokane.  It was tarnished by the presence of homeless people in the downtown next to the Davenport Hotel.  I couldn't believe the multitude of mentally sick and druged homeless walking there. We didn't feel secure. It seemed there was one, or a group, of homeless on every sidewalk and intersection.  So sad.  When winter comes, perhaps the City buys them a bus ticket south?  Some that don't catch the bus could die. Seriously.  Spokane has a beautiful website dedicated to their homeless.  My son-in-law says the plethora of City human services draws them in.  

Redmond doesn't appear to have a serious problem with homelessness because most are unseen.  We are known for our human service resources; our homeless people are well cared for.  According to the City website only 337 were sheltered in East King County in 2019.  I surmise once light rail is built-out (and taxes and rent explodes) the homeless will be more visible.  I'm concerned the Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel could become a magnet for homeless tenting.  I'm bothered the County/City haven't expressed their goals for homeless circulation through the hotel.  For example, when do they "check out" of the hotel? Social workers will need to triage the applicants. What will happen to those beyond rehabilitation? Where will they go?   

It's my understanding the City is studying how to cope with "crime" associated with light rail.  What station will the homeless most use? My guess is the Overlake and Downtown urban centers, where most of the human services and safety resources are centered.    

-- Bob Yoder, 8/25/2021

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

OPINION: Observations of a Pandemic Council Meeting

City Hall chambers / (r-l) Stuart, city clerk, Mayor Birney, Padhye, Carson,
Anderson, Helland, Beverley - photo Yoder)

Thanks to new work habits brought on by the pandemic only three (of seven) council members attended this study session meeting.  Some are at home, a cafe, etc. working remotely.  Most report they "are attending;" though one member rarely participates.  The quality of the meetings has taken a turn for the worse. I hope Mayor Birney can call them in.  After all, council members are city employees, paid $18,648 annually. As is, when a member is speaking remotely you can never see him/her.

I must say this meeting was vibrant despite the lack of physical presence.  Two very interesting land use projects were studied, guided by Planning Director Carol Helland.  She is amazing; her work is brilliant. Council member David Carson led the discussion and appeared the decision-maker in the Pier 67 session.  Council member Jeralee Anderson (center) was thrilled the Marymoor development would be LEED certified....one of her requests.  President Tanika Padhye discouraged "pocket zoning." 

The lady in the audience (of 2) dressed in pink is Melissa Stuart. She was the only one wearing a mask. Ms. Stuart is running for Council Seat No. 4.  I learned she would be the only council member living in Overlake. This is key! 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/28/2021

 (Tip: Go to the city Facebook page for live viewing and commenting.) 👀  

Friday, July 23, 2021

UPDATED: Sunrise Hue Apartments Most Innovative In Redmond



The proposed building is a six-story, mixed-use apartment building, only a five minute walk to light rail. It is located at the intersection of 164th and NE 85th Street.  A single family home, vacant lot (Brown Bag restaurant)  dentist office and strip mall (Herfy's Burger) across from 164th are on the site. The building is designed with a hint of orange in concert with the name "Sunrise Apartments."  This is a big breakthrough for Redmond from mustard colors; the Design Review Board still challenged them on the color! 

It consists of 1,991 sf of commercial retail space at the ground level with varying amenity spaces throughout. On levels two through six, there are 93 residential units. 83 internal parking stalls are provided at the ground level within the building with a three level car stacker system, as well as an additional subterranean level with additional parking spaces. 

One of the common open space features is located on the roof top. (see video.)  The deck itself features group seating, four Magnolia trees, Italian Cyprus, raised planters, a turf lawn gathering area, an outdoor kitchen, a green wall system, and a 42” height seating bar with canary lights draped over the central seating area.  The supposed "eclectic" SE Redmond Marymoor neighborhood could learn from this innovative developer.  

On the street level, the creative plaza design provides a sense of reprieve for pedestrians by incorporating seating areas within the vegetation and trees.  The building is set-back significantly providing wide sidewalks (see video.)

Of note, the interesting design of a double height indoor resident open space referred to as the “Sky Lounge” is located at the 6th level. It provides visual interest for the public while also providing a unique indoor recreational space for the residents, filled with natural light and broad views of the skyline.

Pictures and details at this link.

--- Design Review Board memo, 2/21/2021
     Opinion, Yoder

Read More for GeoTechnical Report.  (This project is located in Seismic Hazard Area.) 

Sunday, July 11, 2021

OPINION: Virtual Derby Days

historylink.org

THE CITY OF REDMOND says:  "Redmond Derby Days is canceled this year due to budget reductions approved in the 2021/2022 budget.  Financial impacts resulting from reductions in revenues for events, restrictions on gathering and in-person activities, and extended, and closure of facilities related to related to the pandemic have resulted in staff layoff and reduced or eliminated programming in the 2021. Please contact Christin Everson at ceverson@redmond.gov for more information."  redmond.gov

OPINION:  The City's statement is confusing and worthy of correction. All is not as bad as it appears.

1)  Only 7 staff members were laid off (Parks and Recreation.) They (and an additional full time employee) were hired back.  No other employees were laid off owing to the pandemic.  

2) *Monthly construction tax revenues regularly increase by double digits  

3)  All departments are usually under budget.

-- Bob Yoder, 7/11/2021

__________________________________________________________________________________

*The City of Redmond's Director of Finance, Ms. Files, gave a very encouraging monthly finance report to council on January 24th.


1.  All city departments are under budget.
2.  Revenues are up 13% owing to one-time revenue from taxes on construction projects.
3.  Expenditures are lower owing to:
        - $3M economic contingency fund adjustment.
        - $6M salary and benefit savings owing to turnover pay.
        - $2M adjustment of one-time project monies in the general fund.

-- Source:  Council Committee of the Whole meeting, 1/24.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

UPDATED, 9/1/21: TRANSPARENT ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS AT LWSD HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, 9/1/2021


If you can find links to the District public record request form you are very lucky. Expect lots of hunting and pecking.  

Your best bet is to email Mr. Effertz, but his address and phone number are not readily avalable on the web. 

Print Center Supervisor

Public Records Officer

Support Services Center

15212 NE 95th St Redmond, WA 98052

E: meffertz@lwsd.org | P:425-936-1128 | C:323-673-8661


-- Bob Yoder, 9/1/2021


CC:  boardmembers@lwsd.org 



Thursday, May 20, 2021

UPDATED OPINION, 5/28/2021 Should We Spend $1,450,000 For Police Cameras Next Year?

Internet photo

UPDATED OPINION:  "Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is exploring equipping Redmond officers with both body-worn and in-car cameras and will present a proposal to City Council in June. The cost for equipment and staffing is anticipated to be approximately $815,000 to initiate the program and about $635,000 annually to maintain." The annual camera maintenance expense for each police officer is $7,299.  Total expenses for the first year will be $1,450,000.  

PATCH:  Regarding the deadly 2020 Redmond police shooting of Andrea Churna:

"The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the shooting."  -- Patch

The chief concludes:

"It is the Prosecutor's Office who will determine if any criminal charges will be filed against any of the officers involved. Based on what limited information I know now, I have no reason to believe this will happen. Therefore, the officers involved were returned to duty after a period of administrative leave which is protocol in these types of incidents. My heart is with Ms. Churna's family and loved ones, as well as my officers and dispatchers involved in this incident. It is a tragedy this incident had to end with a loss of life. I will continue to share updates with our community as more details become available." 

According to Police Chief Darrell Lowe, a poll on the issue is one of the most successful community polls the city has had with more than 1,400 people having taken it so far. A total of 94% of respondents voted "no" to fund cameras.  "One of the most successful community polls?"  Hardly.  The population of Redmond is ~ 65,000.  1378 votes is not statistically significant in our city.  In the final poll the worm turned and ~ 87% of the respondents voted "yes" to not fund cameras.

Council should weigh the cost and define the necessity of body cameras vs. the city budget and community benefits derived without cameras. A few benefits our community could garner without the $635,000 annual expense of  cameras are:   Enhanced mental health training and patrols, enhanced bias training, social workers, community education forums, improved homeless care, meaningful mental health care on the street; drug intervention, sheltering outreach; upgraded SRO resources, fewer levies. As the city grows, council will have the funds to add safety FTEs. Mitigated overtime costs.  I'm sure our Council could identify other benefits.

Redmond is a mostly sleepy town, compared to most other cities. Our police should feel blessed to have a beat here; Chief Lowe has the funds to hire the finest.  Apparently, the  most common crime in Redmond is "smash and dash" vehicular break-ins. Package and mail theft and vandalism are also common.  "The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the Churna shooting."  I hope Council has the strength to rise above politics and shepherd our city safety funds objectively.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 5/20/2021

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Redmond Pool Reopens This Week With Some Restrictions For COVID


City of Redmond Pool

Construction of the Redmond Pool is complete, and the facility reopens this week for public use with some restrictions. The City's operational partner, WAVE Aquatics, is offering a modified program that includes reservation-only public lap swim, recreational and competitive swim team use, modified-format swim lessons, and more.  Lap swim prices are exceptionally high...$10.00

  • Redmond Limited Lap Swim schedule May 3rd - May 9th

    • M-F 9:30 - 10:30 am​ Lap Swim

    • M-F 11:55 am - 12:55 pm​ Lap Swim

    • M,W,F 1:00 - 2:00 pm Senior Swim

    • M-F 8:30 - 9:30 pm​ Lap Swim

  • Redmond Weekly Lap Swim schedule May 10th - June 20th

    • M-F 6:15 - 7:15 am​ Lap Swim

    • M-F 7:20 - 8:20 am Lap Swim

    • M,W,F 7:20 - 8:20 am Shallow Aerobics

    • M-F 8:25 - 9:25 am Lap Swim

    • M-F 9:30 - 10:30 am Lap Swim

    • M-F 11:55 am - 12:55 pLap Swim

    • M,W,F 1:00 - 2:00 pm Senior Swim

    • M,W,F 8:30 - 9:30 pm Lap Swim

    • Sat 1:15 - 2:30 pm Lap Swim (75 minutes)

    • Sun 11:45 am - 1:00 pm Lap Swim (75 minutes)

    • Sun 1:15 - 2:30 pm Lap Swim (75 minutes)

  • Maximum two swimmers per lane

    • 25-yd lap pool or 14-yd shallow end

    • Lap swimming/water exercise only

    • One swimmer per reservation

    • No spectators, except for an under-18 participant accompanied by one parent/guardian

  • Reservations are required through the Customer Portal​; be sure to select the correct location!

    • Space is limited

    • Reservations for the upcoming week open on Fridays at 12:00 pm​

    • Account creation, waiver agreement & payment required to secure a spot

  • Updated admission fees as of September 25th:

    • Lap Swim: $10

    • Lap Swim—Shallow end only: $7.50

    • Senior Swim / Shallow Aerobics: $5

  • 6 ft. social distancing in effect at all times

  • Face masks required at all times when not in the pool

  • Participants must arrive 15 minutes early for mandatory check in

    • Failure to arrive early and complete the pre-session screening and safety briefing will result in denial of entry

    • Self-report temperature checks

    • Respond to screening questions

    • Pre-session safety briefing

  • Locker room use extremely limited

    • Arrive ready to swim​

    • Deck changing is not allowed—please wear your swimsuit to the pool!

    • Set your bag in the designated area on deck

    • Bring your own towel

    • Shower at home

  • One-way facility entry and exit​


Source:  redmond.gov, 5/6/2021