Redmond Police Cars Changing Colors

The City is changing the color of their police cars from the present silver & navy to black.  This was news to the Council.  Apparently, the Mayor and staff made this change without including Council in the decision.  Three councilmembers openly didn't like the change. CM Jessica Forsythe said black is an intimidating color associated with military and is not compatible with the Redmond's welcoming character.  CM David Carson didn't like it at all though understood the reasons for it (cost.)  CM Vanessa Kritzer agreed with Mr. Carson.  

-- Council Committee of the Whole, 11/17

Bob Yoder

Council Considers Hiring A Public Safety Levy Consultant

Well, it looks like Council is seriously considering a Public Safety Levy in 2021.  How do I know this?  Tonight in a Study Session the Finance Director recommended funding a  Public Safety Levy Consultant, $150,000 one-time.  The levy will pay for existing costs, not hiring additional officers and equipment. Overtime expenses must be significant.  

I  find it very hard to believe the City needs a highly paid consultant to assemble a levy.

Bob Yoder, opinion

-- 11/10/2020

Registration For National Night Out Against Crime

This event is on the same day as the August 6th Election.  Please vote by mail before attending this event!  

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Police and Fire Departments are proud partners of National Night Out and will host neighborhood visits on the evening of August 6 by Redmond police officers, firefighters, emergency management, search and rescue teams and elected officials. All Redmond residents are invited to register and plan neighborhood parties by Sunday, July 21 at https://www.redmond.gov/613/National-Night-Out.National Night Out (NNO) is a combined effort by neighborhoods across the country to prevent crime and drug use in our communities. 

To check if your neighborhood is already registered, or to register after July 21, please email crimeprevention@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2632.  When registering neighborhood events, you can request a visit from any of the participating safety departments. We will do our best to match all requests and help make the night fun and informative. Registration is easy – just list the time, place and which department you would prefer to attend.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for Redmond residents to come together and build stronger ties with their neighbors,” said Mayor Marchione. “This annual event focuses on education, relationship building and continuing to make Redmond a safe community for today and future generations.”

For more information about the history of National Night Out, visit https://natw.org. To reach the Crime Prevention Team, email crimeprevention@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2632.  

OPINION: Does The City Really Need A Public Safety Levy?

At several meetings this month city staff has been saying they need more funding for Fire than what is presently allocated.  I get it. Our population is growing; and Fire Station #12 which services the burgeoning Overlake Urban Center and Rose Hill, Grasslawn and Viewpoint neighborhoods needs remodeling and expansion. No doubt we'll need a new fire station in Overlake some day, as well. Fire is drawing up a six-year Master Plan to plan for these needs.

No doubt accommodating Fire's needs will require significant funding so the city is planning a new safety levy to pay for it. But, do we need a levy?  No!

At Council's June 25th committee meeting, Finance Director Melisa Files reported the city is in excellent financial shape.  "Department budgets [like Fire] are running well and there's really no issues in our funds." She went onto say " revenues are up by 17%, from sales tax and development revenue." Ms. Files has been reporting high revenue growth for well over a year with no end in sight. Even more impactful, Ms. Files reported "we expect $20 million in property tax income over the next year." If that's not enough, the city has a "Responsible Government Priority" from which they can tap $31,707,604 from their "operation reserves."

Fiscal stewardship should be expected of a responsible government; allocations to Fire and Police should be priority #1. Our exceptional present and future revenues and "smart prioritizing" of other services should get us to our Fire goals without the need for a Safety Levy. When the levy is one day proposed, please vote "No."

-- Bob Yoder

City Makes Plans To Improve Night-Time Pedestrian Visibility

PathwayPartners.org

To address complaints and concerns regarding pedestrian visibility at night or early morning in unprotected crosswalks, staff began researching supplemental crosswalk lighting to improve pedestrian visibility during periods of darkness.

Staff requested approval to move forward with a pilot project which will bridge the gap between standard streetlights and active devices such as Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB).

The crosswalk locations for the pilot projects are:
 NE 90th St at 161st Ave NE (the crosswalk just west of Coho Café)
 NE 104th St at 172nd Ave NE (near Redmond HS)
 NE 79th St at 169th Ave NE (Anderson Park)

The city evaluated 8 companies and picked Howard Industries,  Howard Industries currently offers the best solution to on-demand supplemental illumination for pedestrian walkways and crosswalks. Their large devices (6’) have been in use on business, educational and hospital campuses.  Howard Industries created a smaller model "LightPath" for Redmond. It is a more appropriate size (4’) for use at unprotected crosswalks in Redmond.

Fiscal: Estimated Project Costs for three locations Light Path Crosswalk Lights $ 50,000 Design $ 50,000 Construction/Installation $ 180,000 Total $ 280,000 Project Funding Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program $ 280,000

The game plan is to install the LightPath units by October 2019, prior to daylight saving time.

Source:  6/11/19 Planning & Public Works Council Committee Of The Whole Memo

Redmond crime rate is low

Redmond Police Chief Kristi Wilson/ Internet

Annual crime data is reported to Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.  They determine crime rate per thousand by local jurisdictions and statewide as a comparison.  Police Chief Wilson says: "Analysis Data continues to demonstrate the crime rate within the City of Redmond is incredibly low and has remained consistent over the past several years."

Property crime continues to make up the significant majority of reported crime  (3022 in 2017.) "Smash and Dash" and package thieves are the most prevalent property crimes. Violent crime also continues to remain at a very low rate at 1.72/K.  Statewide violent crime is 3.5/K.

Kristi Wilson, Police Chief
May 21 Council Committee meeting

Note:  In the first Council "Neighborhood Conversations" meeting Mayoral Candidate Andrew Koeppen complained that dangerous crime rates were much higher in Redmond. The Mayor and Councilmember Carson clarified stating the State went to a new reporting system.

-- Bob Yoder

EDITED: Lime bike shares are here, parking on neighborhood sidewalks

Credit/ Bob Yoder, 7:30 pm

I was surprised and bothered to see my first lime ebike (electric) in my Education Hill neighborhood 5:30pm a few days ago. The cyclist was riding on the sidewalk, not always safe since electric bikes are powerful.  Then, tonight I saw this ebike share parked on a sidewalk in a nearby cul-de-sac' It was left by a college student.  "It only costs a dollar" said the little boy.

According to new city code AND Jill Smith, Director of Communications  bike and scooter share vehicles will be allowed to park on sidewalks in neighborhoods so long as 5 feet of the sidewalk is free from obstruction. “Well, as good citizens we can always move them off the sidewalk.   Though bike shares are useful downtown, as more come up the hill we may find them less than desirable. Please, please stay downtown, where they have the most benefit. If you have questions write: council@redmond.gov 

-- Bob Yoder

Updated: A downtown "pocket park"

Photo credit /Bob Yoder

I'm sure you've seen this downtown "pocket park." One of our elected said it's private property. It's on the corner of NE 83 Street and 166th.  Currently, there's construction equipment on the site. (An asphalt roller and another big piece of equipment.)  I hope this tiny green space isn't torn away!  All we have left in the downtown that's treed is the Heron Rookery. Have you seen other patches?

-- Bob Yoder

Significant litter was noticeable at the intersection and has since been removed.  5/7/19
The construction equipment has been removed and replaced with two vehicles.  5/22

Education Hill homeless encampment to leave mid-May

Camp Unity is located at St. Jude Parish close to Redmond Middle School and Horace Mann El.

The Camp Unity homeless encampment is smaller this year.  Last month, it was populated by 17 individuals and a couple.  The site maxes out at 40.  According to Pete, the camp manager, half of the residents have a job and half have disability income. Some meals are provided by the church; the church donates water and power, and a mobile shower and laundry services them. The homeless car lot nearby is not affiliated with Camp Unity.

As for safety, Camp Unity has warranty checks, a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, and does a sex offender check.  Camp Unity has been in operation for two years. It's a vast improvement over Tent City 4 which had a terrible community reputation.  

According to Pete, the City's Homeless Outreach Coordinator Kent Hay rarely visits, rather takes phone calls about twice a month. Pete says the camp will leave in mid-May for Woodinville and stay there until the end of the year. It operates in Redmond under a City 2017 temporary use permit which allows 3 visits/5 years.  

-- Bob Yoder 

Easy Steps to Prevent the Tragedy of Children Falling From Windows, King County recommendations

Internet

Warm weather is coming, and so is the potential for tragedy. It can happen quickly, even under parent supervision, an open window and a child leaning outside. 

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, a member of the King County Board of Health, was joined today by first responders and medical professionals to point out how easy steps can prevent a life-altering tragedy.  Kathy Lambert is our Redmond representative.

EvergreenHealth Puts $325 Million Bond Measure On The April Ballot

King County Public Hospital District No.2 (EvergreenHealth) will ask district residents and families to approve $325,000,000 for 1) an extensive seismic retrofit, 2) a family maternity care refresh, 3) relocation of the Critical Care Unit with enhancements to the Silver Tower 4) office buildings and 5) IT.  The bulk of the bond will go towards the seismic retrofit.

Regarding the seismic retrofits Laurene Burtonm the hospital's Executive Director of Community Affairs said:

"Our goal is to not just be safe, but to be available when the region needs us most and be open and ready to care immediately for patients in our community and beyond, in the event of a catastrophic earthquake." 

"In 2004 when we went to the voters to build the Emergency Department safety was paramount. We have been good stewards of your tax dollars.  Through these seismic upgrades, we will provide the safest environment for our entire community from our tiniest babies to those in critical care."

The Board of Commissioners decided not to include a behavioral health clinic in their bond ask.  

For details about the UTGO bond "read more."

City to raise Police salaries

redmond.gov

The City of Redmond and the Redmond Police Association (RPA) have successfully completed a collaborative negotiation process resulting in the proposed 2019-2021 Labor Agreement.

The Redmond Police Association represents uniformed, commissioned Police Officers, Police Sergeants, and new for 2019, Corporals.

In 2019, Officer base salaries will increase by 4 percent, plus an additional approximate 1.19 percent to move the ranges to be competitive in the market. In 2019, there will also be a one-time cost of $15,249 to add vacation time to 37 employees’ banks so that the Labor Agreement will be consistent with the City personnel manual with regard to vacation accrual.

Police Officer (effective January 1, 2019)
    > $79.608/year 0-12 months
    > $92,916/year 49+ months
Corporal:  $101,424/year
Sergeant:  $108,516/year

As second raise was negotiated effective January 1, 2020.

Police Officer (effective January 1, 2021)
     > $85,272/year 0-12 months
     > $98,760/year 49+ months
Corporal: $108,636/year
Sergeant: $116,244/year

Source:  10/16/18 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda

-- Bob Yoder

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

OPINION: Council Committee meetings are very informative and interesting, open to the public

Council members Fields (with tie), Birney (in red) and Carson (facing back) met with Police and Fire executives during yesterday afternoon's "Safety Committee Meeting.  Council member Fields chairs this committee.  Credit/ B. Yoder

Four times a month on Tuesdays the city council meets with staff at 4:30 pm to discuss city business.  They are called "Council Committee Meetings" and are significant because city staff are present and important business is reviewed, discussed and conducted. The public is invited to attend but may not comment and must remain silent.  Council and staff don't typically mingle with you. Bench seating is available. The meetings are held on the first floor of City Hall in the Council Conference Room across from chambers.  Whether or not there is quorum no formal action is taken at these meetings.  Meeting agendas and minutes can be found HERE, after scrolling.   If you have any interest in the workings of city government I encourage you to attend!

I found this "Safety Committee meeting" very interesting and informative.  A police executive reported that many of the baby-boomer officers were retiring and state training requirements slow down the commissioning process.  He indicated the Patrol force is in full swing but that officers-in-training had to take the "minor" duties like traffic control while being paid as fully commissioned officers.  It was interesting when Fire executives indicated, not counting the downtown apartments, over 35% of the apartment complexes don't have sprinkler systems and some don't have alarms.  The department historically takes a lot of calls from the 60-01 apartment complex in west Redmond,  Both Police and Fire reported they were under budget.  Council member Fields mentioned he's recieved anecdotal reports from citizens of near-miss ped-auto collisions at intersections.  He asked Police to look into it and requested data to confirm.  

In last night's study session "Council Rules and Procedures" were reviewed with Michele Hart, the city clerk.  What I found most interesting was the Council President (currently Ms. Angela Birney) works with the Administration to set agendas and determine topics for study sessions. Her e-mail is abirney@redmond.gov.  Under "Rules and Procedures" Council is planning to rename council committee "standing committees" (3 council members) with "Council as a Whole" (7 council members.)  Their rules will forbid "final action," as in study sessions, even with quorum; and absences needn't be recognized or approved.  

In meetings "Parks and Human Services" are reviewed on the first Tuesday of every month and Mr. Myers is currently the chair; "Planning and Public Works" meets the second Tuesday of every month and Ms. Padhye is the chair, "Public Safety" meets every third Tuesday and Mr. Fields is the chair.  "Finance, Administration and Communication" meets the fourth Thursday and Mr. Margeson is currently the chair.  All chairs are council members.  [For a detailed description of these committees "READ MORE." ] 

B. Yoder

SOURCE: Council Meetings Calendar, 3/20/2018, Study Session, Rules and Procedures amendment
https://redmond.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Help the victims of the school shooting -- donate blood

BE A VALENTINE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE….DONATE AT REDMOND PRESBYTERIAN TUESDAY,  FEB. 27, 1-7PM

 As Bloodworks NW celebrates their 10th year….will you step up to donate on Feb. 27th?  

💝Bloodworks NW sent off units of O negative to Florida to help victims of the school shooting this week…each week there are needs from train accidents or car accidents or just for those undergoing radiation or chemo.  Plain old O and O negative are always needed! 💝

Join hands with donors from across Redmond to meet our communities need for 900 units of blood/ day!

WHEN:   Tuesday, Feb 27th

TIME:  1-7PM  (tech break from 3-4pm)

WHERE:  REDMOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

   10020  166th AVE NE 

   REDMOND, WA  98052

   www.redmondpres.org for directions

Make an appointment by contacting Tina Paul, call 425-485-5620. or drop in.

Ordinance Prohibits Camping In Parks And Public Spaces, When Overnight Shelters Are Available

Internet photo (not in Redmond)

Consideration of Ordinance No. 2911: An Ordinance Amending Sections 9.33.010 Through 9.33.030 of the Redmond Municipal Code and Adding a New Section 9.33.035 in Order to:

Prohibit Camping and Storage of Personal Property in Parks and in Order to Prohibit Camping and Storage of Personal Property on Other Public Property When Overnight Shelter Space is Available; Authorizing the Police Chief to Adopt Rules and Regulations for Enforcement.

Below is a partial accounting of Council's Janurary 2nd decision-making process in approving the ordinance:

 1)  Mr. Haney, the city attorney advised Council to pass the ordinance to be in compliance with Federal law related to a Boise court case citing 8th Amendment rights.

2)  Council member Anderson moved to amend Ordinance No. 2911 to add the definition “Overnight Shelter” be defined as a public or private shelter, with an available overnight space for one or more individuals.

Anderson's motion was seconded by Council member Fields.  VOTE: Ms. Anderson's motion to amend failed with Council members Anderson and Fields in support (2 – 5).

3)  Mr. Fields asked if the City's municipal campus is an example of public shelter space and someone (staff, attorney, or the mayor) said yes.

4) Mr. Fields recommended a study session before voting on the ordinance.  His concerns were 1) that he and two other council members were new and left out of earlier conversations/decisions and 2)  the ordinance may have serious consequences.  Fields recommendation was denied.  The main motion passed with Council member Fields in opposition (6 – 1).

Activist Albert Rosenthal claims "public shelter space" includes the Mayor's office and City Hall business floors. To read a letter he wrote the Mayor and Council "READ MORE."  He will be addressing Council during Items from the Audience at their next regular meeting, 2/16/2017 7:30 pm. 

B. Yoder, opinion