I asked Rosemarie if she would describe her three greatest accomplishments as Mayor of Redmond. She kindly offered the following: BY
News and Opinion on Neighborhoods, Schools and Local Governments of Redmond, WA.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives Recounts Her Accomplishments
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Redmond Celebrates Land Donation, Develops Smith Woods Park
Don and Elaine Smith always had the idea of turning their 10 acres of diverse natural land into a public park and wanted to keep it natural for the enjoyment of others in the community. Don died in 2009 at age 94, Elaine now lives in Emerald Heights. She turned 97 on New Years Day, 2022.
(Click on pictures to enlarge)
Forest Steward LeAnne Ludwig, Rosemarie Ives and Gary Smith, Chair Parks and Trails Commission and Project manager. Gary made it all happen. Donors Don and Elaine Smith's memorial bench. Photo credit / Kerry Smith |
Rosemarie Ives with John Couch, Parks and Recreation Director of ~ 30 years Photo Credit / Kerry Smith |
r-l, Leanne Ludwig,Smith Woods Forest Steward, John Couch, Rosemarie Ives, Jon Ives,Gary Smith, Gary's daughter Kim with dogs, Gary's granddaughter Sabrina. Celebrating the new memorial Ginkgo tree. Photo credit / Kerry Smith |
Friday, February 4, 2022
Exciting Senior & Community Center Updates
Do you see the black solar panels on the roof? Will there be space for green roof tops? |
Per Business Council meeting of 2/1/2022: Senior & Community Center updates:
1) Vice President Vanessa Kritzer announced the possibility of Green (Roof) Tops at the Center. President Jessica Forsythe has advocated for green roof tops for years. Jessica asked staff for maintenance costs. Eric Dawson, Public Works and project lead estimated a green top would cost about $15,000. He felt it would easily fit in the budget. Hopefully, this will be the first of many green tops on City buildings.
2) Design costs of the Center are increasing with inflation. The cost will be $52,000,000 if Council passes an ordinance to cover a $4,000,000 shortfall. Public Works "value engineered" the project saving $2,480,000.
3) Most of the funding is collected from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) $17,116,000 and a "councilmanic" bond. The CIP is funded by taxpayers.
Total debt payments on the councilmanic bond are $32,217,000 over twenty years. Cumulative interest over twenty years is $8,264,000. The interest rate is 3%. President Forsythe was concerned about the rate rising. Councilmanic bonds are not voter approved.
Here's some upbeat news. The councilmanic bond can be spent as one-time money for construction of the Center. President Forsythe questioned having enough one-time money to "go around" towards other projects. Parks Director Carrie Hite wasn't too concerned stating the 2022 CIP was "robust." The final decision is expected in June.
-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, Internet, 2/1/2022
OPINION: Director Carrie Hite was released or resigned from her position just recently. Council decided not to use the councilmanic bond to fund construction of the Senior/Comm. Center. Council may have decided the 2022 CIP was not robust and perhaps didn't like staff making budget decisions. Council President Forsythe was concerned the 3% interest rate would increase with inflation. My guess is she has other places to use the bond in the immediate future. Losing Director Hite is a big loss IMO.
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Forest Steward Gary Smith Leads Work Party At Smith Woods Park
Gary is standing left side of the mulch pile, Sharon is second from the right. So sorry the photo is blurred. Click pic to enlarge. |
Internet |
Thursday, January 13, 2022
The Origins of Pickleball: How It All Began / And Where To Play!
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
City Replaces Idylwood Park Dock, Designs New Restroom, Concession, And Activity Building
- 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.
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Leashed Dogs Are Enjoying The Downtown Park
"Buttons is ~maybe~ the first dog in Downtown Park."
Saturday, August 28, 2021
UPDATED: Dog Parks In Redmond
Temporary pop up in a Kirkland park / B. Yoder |
Potential dog park area near Soul Food / B. Yoder |
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Outdoor Art Mutes Apartment Construction
(double click to enlarge) |
Outdoor butterfly art is resting on the Downtown Park. Porch + Park apartment construction is in the background. I saw this art while participating in Janet Richards' council campaign.
Saturday, July 31, 2021
Redmond Pool Outdoor Art
The Pool is Open
The Redmond Pools was previously closed for a two-phase improvement project. Construction was completed at the end of April 2021, and the pool is open. The City's Operational partner, Wave Aquatics, has information on programs and activities. To plan your visit, please go to www.waveaquatics.org. Again, the pool is open. I saw few swimmers there today, Saturday. Go for it! It's an awesome renovation. The City did a great job!
-- Bob Yoder & redmond.gov, 7/31/2021
Photo, Yoder
Click this link for the artist's website. His background is amazing.
Thursday, July 29, 2021
UPDATED: Bulldozer Treads On Redmond's Oldest Park
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
The Downtown Park Will Soon be Surrounded by Apartments
"Porch + Park" - double click to enlarge/Photo Yoder |
Construction of the six story "Porch + Park" mixed use project is well under way. You are looking west from the western most part of the Downtown Park. (A concrete "plaza" borders the grass.) When the project is complete the Park will be fully surrounded by retail, restaurants, apartments and condominiums; except for the pavillion and Stone House on the eastside. Apartment buildings dominate by far.
Monday, June 28, 2021
Temperatures reach historic highs -- 109 degrees in Redmond
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Do you know what Redmond park this is? redmond.gov |
Friday, April 2, 2021
Redmond Downtown Park In Full Bloom
Plum trees spill out beauty while a distant blue crane reminds us of what's to come I assumed these were Cherry trees and to confirm used the Google application. Plum trees were suggested. Photo, Bob Yoder, 4/2/2021 "Prunus mume is an East Asian and Southeast Asian tree species with common names of Chinese and Japanese plum trees. The flower, is a long beloved subject in the traditional painting and poetry of East Asia and Vietnam." -- Wikipedia |
Friday, January 15, 2021
Un-named City Trail Is A Gem
One of the great things about Redmond is its neighborhood trails! Lately I've been extremely stressed by the insurrection, pandemic and my personal health care issues. Hiking on this forested trail, and others, is my "best personal practice" for dealing with stress and improving my mental health.
I was on a trail today leading me to this forest. Highly recommended - birds flitting in thickets, no bikes, few hikers, greenery - a gem. It's a mile or so. The trailhead is at 104th / flashing crosswalk. It first parallels the western fencing of Redmond High School. The forest thickens as you approach the Emerald Heights western fencing. Buffered residential properties are on the West.
About two days ago we had blustery rain storm that dropped a tree on the trail; I had to turn back. (I was surprised the trail was in Redmond's jurisdiction.) Had it not been obstructed one can hike to the street, take about 60 steps up the hill, then jag off the street to the trail on the right. The trail ends at 111th Street. From there I walk to 166th and home.
The trail is still closed owing to tree removal. - 1/29/2021. It's taped off at 104th now too.
Happy hiking! Bob Yoder, 1/15/2021
Monday, December 28, 2020
2020 Redmond Lights Extended For Safety
Festivities have been extended this year (December 4 - January 3) to allow for physical distancing and safety precautions. I assume for physical distancing.) Redmond Lights is a celebration of light, art, and culture. This winter experience is a month-long art and light installation at Downtown Park. Follow the lights down Cleveland and 164th by foot or by car to Redmond Town Center where the festivities continue with Santa, business window decorating contests, and blinker stops. Honoring the holiday spirit that is an integral part of the community, this years’ experience will emphasize hope, joy, and safety in a new way.
13 art installations are on display in the Downtown Park. "Mexican Lanterns" is just one.
Mexican Lanterns by Hinojos & Jimenez Art
Hinojos & Jimenez Art presents, "Mexican Lanterns", inspired by papel picado or "pecked paper," a popular design form in Mexico used in banners and festivals. The lanterns contain luminous and colorful patterns of angels, the three wise men's crowns, doves, and other rich cultural images for this holiday season. Of note, Mr. Jimenez ran for City Council this year.
-- Redmond.gov, 12/28/2020
Photos, Yoder
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Community Building Update - Chuga, Chuga
"The Council will be asked to make a decision on the Community Building 10/22/20 to move forward so staff can continue without further delay. The Council has an active motion that was postponed from the September 15, 2020 Council Business meeting and will be taken up on the October 22nd Council special meeting.
The motion made by Councilmember Carson, seconded by Councilmember Kritzer is as follows: Authorize the Mayor and staff to move forward on the construction of a community building on the existing site of the Redmond Senior Center in the size of approximately 42,000 square feet with optional expansion capabilities with costs not to exceed $46.7M and with the funding mechanism of capital improvement program funds and councilmanic bonds." Parks Council Comm. memo 10/6/2020.
Thank you CM David Carson and CM Vanessa Kritzer for your leadership in moving this project on, I've never seen a valuable Redmond project like this one get so bogged down by **bureaucracy. Yoder
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Bureaucracy
**"At the study session on July 28, 2020, the Community Stakeholder Group presented the recommendations for the future of the Redmond Senior Center. Throughout the study session discussion, and during subsequent Council discussion, Council had additional questions, which were addressed at the PHS Committee of the Whole on August 4, 2020, the PPW Committee of the Whole on August 11, 2020. The PHS Committee of the Whole on September 1st, and the City Council Business Meeting on September 15th .
Recently, there have been questions about the public engagement efforts, decision points that will be requested from the City Council and the City’s bonding capacity. The need for Community Center and Recreation space to serve everyone in Redmond has been discussed over many years in Redmond.
In 2009, 327 people engaged in a statistically valid survey to inform the Recreation Buildings Master Plan. This plan called for an 80,000 sf facility and a $69-71M investment to adequately serve the residents of Redmond. This effort was not implemented.
In 2015, 830 people engaged to help inform the PARCC plan, of which the need for a larger Community Center space was a high priority.
In 2017, 30-35 people made up the Recreation Stakeholders group who engaged with 3600 people to help inform the Communities Priority for the Future of Redmond Community Centers in 2017.
In 2019-20 the Recreation Stakeholders assisted in engaging 2500 people to help inform their recommendation found in the report, “Envision the Future of the Redmond Senior Center”.
This has been the longest and most engaged public engagement process for any project in Redmond. In order for staff and the community to move forward with the design and ultimately the construction of the Redmond Senior and Community Center, Council will need to provide direction on the size and scale and financial model to fund the project.
Provided in the presentation and on the Council Question Matrix is a timeline of the capital outlay and decision points needed from the City Council." Parks Council Comm. 10/6
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Masks Encouraged At Idylwood Park
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Janeen Olsen (Redmond Fire) and two CERT volunteers are handing out free masks at Idylwood Park on 8/15. By 2 pm about 18 masks were given to Redmond residents and 18 outside the City. They will give out free masks at Overlake Church on 8/16. |
there was adequate space for physical distancing. I felt safe.
Friday, August 14, 2020
Friday, August 7, 2020
Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling Container For Idylwood Park
Internet photo |
-- Bob Yoder