Redmond's Neighborhood News

Advisory:   The links on this page are "broken" and are under repair by the city webmaster.   

I've been working on a new feature to include a map of Redmond Neighborhoods and the news associated with each of our city's 11 neighborhoods.  A Redmond city senior planner, Kim Dietz, is working on a similar project for their new website.  Kim's an excellent contact if you have questions about Redmond's Neighborhood News. Email Kim:  kdietz@redmond.gov.  My Redmond Neighborhood Blog site will tag right along with Redmond's Neighborhood News site! 

Mayor Marchione looks at the growing Downtown as a neighborhood.  View Point Neighborhood -now called Idylwood Neighborhood, Overlake Neighborhood, Bear Creek Neighborhood and SE Redmond Neighborhood are some of Redmond's newest neighborhoods.   You may contact Kim Dietz at 425-556-2415 to sign up for "Neighborhood Citizen Committees" now forming to give your input on established neighborhoods, like Education Hill Neighborhood, North Redmond Neighborhood, and Grass Lawn Neighborhood.  Become a "Friends of Riverwalk".  Visit "Neighborhoods History".  Ride the velodrome in Marymoor Park.  So, expect some exciting developments when the City of Redmond launches their new site.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christensan announced a  Budget by Priorities meeting that the enhanced city website is expected to be launched in six months!  You can sign up with "Redmond News Subscription" to subscribe to Redmond Neighborhood News here.  (But, be careful, I couldn't find a disclaimer on the sign-up form that your email address can't be used for commercial use.)

Neighborhood Parks and Trails
Redmond's Neighborhood Map
Contact:  neighborhoods@redmond.gov

Annual Horace Mann Pancake fundraiser not so ordinary!

HORACE MANN PTSA ANNUAL
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Dad's have to get up at  5:30 a.m. to start whipping up the batter.  (Moms sleep in?) 

The grill is just outside the school kitchen.  Other dads are in back frying up some bacon and cutting orange wedges. 

This year the gate opened at 7 a.m. The kids were treated to ring-side seats of the Greatest Saturday Morning City Show On Earth!

A large contingent of police and fire workers turned-out!  They all bought tickets to support the PTSA and fill up on cakes.  Then John Marchione, our Mayor, stepped in.  Four  councilmembers came too!  On the left with hat, is Council VP Pat Vache', Mayor John Marchione is in the middle and on the right is John Stilin - our newest councilmember.  Mr. Stilin brought his two sons.  He's the Council Chair of Parks & Trails.  Not seen is Council President Richard Cole and Councilmember Hank Margeson.  Hank Chairs the Finance Committee.  Hank had to leave early to get to a baseball  Referee Certification Progam.   Hank informed us about the breakfast when he announced the event on RC-TV during a council meeting. Thanks, Hank!

The kids got a huge bonus when the fire trucks stopped by.  "Hey, this is better than chocolate milk"!

I can't remember my daughter Lexie ever sitting down with her pancakes to an event of this proportion.  Wow.  What a treat!

The PTSA mom's were happy, too!   

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Do any other Horace Mann parents remember these times?   Do you want to share a memory?  Or, comment on the fundraiser experience of your school? 

Mental Health Court and Emergency Preparedness are 'studied' by Council

City Council Study Session with City Directors present

Updated:  The City Council and staff are pictured above in their September 29th  "Study Session."   Council President Nancy McCormick chairs the sessions twice a month on Tuesdays.

The Directors and Council were in session to get emergency preparedness "training" on how they fit into the  "Incident Command System" (ICS) program.  ICS is a nationally mandated standard cities must follow to qualify for federal funding disaster relief.  Pictured with backs to us, giving the training are (l-r) Mayor John Marchione, Emergency Specialist Tom Osborn, and Deputy Fire Chief Tom Norton.

Stephanie D. Mapelli, President of Leadership Eastside, was a first presenter at the Study Session. Leadership Eastside is a three-year teaching program that promotes connections, develops and enriches emerging  leaders, and provides a catalyst for communities.  John Marchione, Jeni Craswell, Hank Margeson, and Tom Flynn are a few who have graduated from the program.  Arts Commission Chair, John Stilin and Deputy Fire Chief Norton are "on deck".  The student mix is:  60% profit, 20% government, and 20% non government non profit.

Ms. Mapelli brought up the issue of Mental Health.  She stated that pretty much everyone knows someone afflicted with a brain disorder.  She commended Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Hank Margeson on their work through Eastside Leadership, to push for a suburban  Mental Health Court.  (The hard work has been done by our leaders, yet, the suburban mental health court is delayed by lagging taxes of the poor economy).

Council President Nancy McCormick usually holds a "council talk time" at the end of the session.   Hank Myers said that 70 citizens showed up at a weed-pulling work party at a city park.   Mr. Myers is known for biking to these programs with his large clippers.

Would you like to see how LWSD "sessions" compare to the city's sessions?   They are strikingly different.  Come back and see? 

story and photo by Bob Yoder

updated to correct "Mental Health Court" link. 

The Man behind the Numbers (besides his boss)

Opinion: The City Council Meeting of 7/28 had some interesting moments, even though I had to watch it "On Demand" at http://www.redmond.gov/ . A few of the issues discussed were:

• How to prepare for a $656 Million shortfall (over 50 years) for constructing and repairing new municipal buildings e.g. for the Police, the Senior Center, the Old Redmond School House and others. YES! if you don't believe the number, contact mayor@redmond.gov.


• Deciding if the revenues from the "sales tax on construction" will be deposited into the General Operating fund (Mayor's choice) or the Capital Improvement fund. (Council's choice).


• the "Biddy" tax. It's a tax on businesses for making required transportation improvements. I can't spell the "Biddy" acronym so I won't jabber on.


• Increase transfers from the General Operating to Capital Fund beyond the traditional 5% amount? Most say, yes.

MEETING DYNAMIC: During the Council and Mayoral conversations and presentations by staff, an interesting dynamic was observed. Since most of the meeting was about the Capital Improvement Fund (CIP) the Finance & Information Services Director (Mike Bailey) gave the initial presentation. It was his usual "wonkish" delivery where he endlessly "fumbles" and "mutters" about his data and the process. But, then, oddly, the Mayor acted wonkish, too. He had glasses on (glasses?) and got really technical with the financials. Normally, Mr. Mayor doesn't take on a defined administrative role....the Mayor is usually quiet, may reinforce the main points and doesn't get involved with Council's deliberations. At the end of deliberations Mr. Bailey didn't mumble, fumble or bumble. Rather, Mr. Bailey summed up council's main points with stunning conciseness, clarity, financial acumen and pointed attention to council politics. He recommended Council not make a decision tonight but send the CIP topics to "committee". Richard Cole's "Council committee", said the Mayor. Done.

THE TAKE HOME: How refreshing to observe the Finance Director's intelligence in action, LIVE on camera. And Mr. Mayor's presence was anything but diminished. Transparency is enlightening. The Finance Director is NOT the bumbling, muttering bureaucrat wearing the green visor of a bean counter we may think. He's an ACE and we thank MR. MAYOR for hiring him. Let it shine, oh, let it shine!

Staff presents the Commission's P.A.R.C.C. Plan to Council

After months of extensive public input, the Parks, Trails, and Rec. Department presented a rough draft of their new comprehensive 6-year plan to City Council.

Probably, one of the most significant changes proposed are new standards for "levels of service" (LOS). In past years, levels of service focused on obtaining state agency funding for new parks and redevelopment. Planning will be designed more for function and need than grant funding applications.

This go-around, Carolyn Hope and Craig Larsen of Parks & Recreation proposed adding new functional "levels of service'" called-- Walkability, Density, Capacity, Demand and Use. Including the functional parameters will help the City prioritize and allocate City Park & Rec (and Art) resources. Impacts on the City from the "outside uses" of Marymoor Park, school fields, 60-Acres, Willows Golf, businesses, Sammamish river cycling and others can be more easily reckoned.

The foundation of the Plan is extensive public input from: three public meeting workshops, online & phone surveys, citizen advisory committees, and other opportunities. A few of the more enlightening findings from the study are, as follows:

1. The number one activity in parks was reported as: walking. #2 activity was unorganized sports or play, #3 relaxing (birding, meditating, reading). Organized sports were listed at the bottom third for Park activity Could this "surprise" be attributed to use at school fields, 60 Acres, and Marymoor Park, Willows Run?
2. The number one "future park use" requested was Mountain bike parks and trails.
3. The trail type most requested was soft surface trails, preferably single track. 73% of all respondents from all ages wished for soft surface! 27% wanted paved.
4. A Leisure Aquatic Center was the most requested Rec. facility. (Lap pool, shallow rehab/fitness pool, splash pool for kids).
5. A performance center for theatre (vs. concerts) was in demand.
6. As for Rec. programs, Aquatics and Nature were at the top of the list.
7. 52% of citizens drive to city parks!
8. 60% want more trails; 63% use a City park at least once/week.
9. Only 15% or 25% (depending on survey interpretation) said NO to funding by a park bond levy. Fees for use were popular.

Park & Trails commissioners deliberated thoroughly on what to call the Park plan. PRO Plan or PARCC Plan? Which acronym sounds good to you? Please comment below? I'll note their meaning under "comments".
CONTACT: ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov or Park's Chair hmyers@redmond.gov

Assembly at Redmond High about drunken driving hits home.

George Jannusch, Security Officer at Redmond High School lost a daughter (sober) 21-years ago to a drunken driver. Every three years, George speaks to the students about the dangers associated with drinking and driving. George loves the kids and they love him back. Beloved George Jannusch is retiring this year. (47 sec clip).

Redmond Police Officer Sandy English, lost a son (sober) three years ago to a drunken driver. Officer English was a driving force in setting up the General Assembly at Redmond High School. After three trips to Monroe she obtained approval for an 8 minute video story from the imprisoned Redmond student who wrecked this car and killed his innocent passenger. The video was shown during the General Assembly. He was booked for vehicular manslaughter.

"THINK AGAIN!"

Bracelets

The drunken driver of this car was a graduate of Redmond High School. He is serving 6 years in the State Penitentiary in Monroe for killing a sober passenger friend while speeding down Redmond Way (.24 alcohol). A road bumper is wrapped around and into the passenger seat. The Redmond Police have kept the wrecked car to demonstrate the dangers of drinking and driving at public events. Click on the picture to see the "good side" of the car.

Special thanks to Ms. J. Todd for background on this story.

Mayor Marchione talks to the neighborhoods once a month.

An interview with Mayor John Marchione will be video-taped once a month as part of a new "INSIDE REDMOND" multi-media program. The Mayor's monthly video will be available here, on RC-TV 21 and the city website. On the RC-TV link click "informational programs" to find Marchione's interview.

The Mayor's INSIDE REDMOND innaugural Video is about 20 minutes long. The good news is Mayor Marchione speaks first for only 8 minutes and packs in a lot of good information on: 1) the Overlake Urban Center, 2) the downtown project map, 3) the state of the local economy 4) police department transition, 5) light rail and more. The Mayor's assistant, Jane Christiansen, is a lively interviewer.

Several Public Service Announcements break between the Mayor's interview and talk by Parks Dept. (You'll see Carolyn Hope, our new Senior Parks Progam Manager.). On May 15, Starbucks is sponsoring a "Bike to Work" event. And, the Cascade Water Alliance explains how 10,000 gallons/year can be saved per family by using "Watersense" low flow toilets.

If you're pressed for time, fast forward the video 57 seconds and you won't miss a thing. For multi-tasking, minimize the video and listen to "the radio" -- though, you'll miss some good graphics.

Matching grants can drive counter to Community needs - Something to ponder

This City of Lynnwood neighborhood issue was on the nightly news this week. It is something to ponder. Could you imagine this happening in Redmond?

"Lynnwood Neighborhood Upset Over Bike Lanes"
--Susan West & Q13 Fox News March 18, 2009

Craig Parsons and his neighbors used to be able to park in front of their homes on 208th Street SW in Lynnwood, but not anymore since the city of Lynnwood put up no parking signs.

Parsons says, "We're very frustrated. We've been blind-sided by this project."

It's part of a bigger plan to put in bike lanes on either side of the road and a middle turn lane for cars. But Parsons say bicyclists rarely use 208th and they have the nearby Interurban Trail to bike on. We were even in the area for over four hours and couldn't find any bicyclists.

Meanwhile, neighbors are now having to park on their lawns. Parsons says they've also got another problem on their hands. He spoke to a real estate agent, who told him the value of their homes has dropped because of the lack of parking.

City of Lynnwood Public Works Director Bill Franz says it wasn't an easy decision, but their city growth plan calls for more bike lanes. They also received a 150-thousand dollar federal grant and heard strong support from the bicycle community.

Franz says, "It's about safety. That's what qualified us for the grant. But it's also for the long term, implementing that vision of Lynnwood of having bicycle facilities throughout the city so that people can get around without having to start the car up."

Parsons says they've contacted U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell's office in hopes of getting heard, but Franz says once the weather improves those bike lanes are scheduled to go in.

Franz says this project has been in the works since 2007 and the city held public meetings. Parsons got citizens to sign petitions opposing the plan but the city council approved the project.

cc: Redmond city officials
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What do you think about this? Could it happen in Redmond? Should grant money be the driver of city projects? Will safety ever be an issue on this Lynnwood Street? Where was the city planning here? Did citizens receive adequate public notice and awareness of this 'safety issue'?

Email you comments redmondblog@gmail.com for posting on this page or make a comment below.

Redmond Police Chief Harris retires after 42 years of law enforcement

Redmond Police Chief Steve Harris is retiring March 31, 2009 after 28 years in the position, the third-longest current tenure in Washington State. He has spent the past 42 years in law enforcement including 11 years as Commander with the Arvada, Colorado Police Department and three years as an officer with Seaside Heights PD, New Jersey.

Mayor John Marchione remarked:
"Chief Harris's career is distinguished by his leadership, innovation, and partnership efforts, and his years of service to the City have built a strong public safety foundation for citizens. Under his leadership, the Redmond Police Department has long been an example for its professionalism and best practices both locally and nationally, a legacy for which our community is proud."

Redmond City Council will be honoring him Tuesday, March 17th at its 7:30 p.m. meeting.

City of Redmond entire Press Release
CONTACT:
Jim Bove, 425-556-2545
March 12, 2009
24-hour Media-Line, 425-556-2531

Factoid #1
Approximately 85 commissioned officers & 125 total employees work under Chief Harris.
- Jim Bove, Police Community Laison

Factoid #2
Equipment officers carry - how much does this weigh?
Gun Belt 1 each, Holster 1 each,
Keepers 4 each,
Handcuff case 2 each (or 1 double case)
Magazine pouches 2 each,
Handcuffs 2 each.
Service Weapon 1 each,
Baton 1 each, Baton Holder 1 each,
Protective Vest 1 each
Chemical Weapon and Holder 1 each
Flashlight 1 each, Flashlight Holder 1 each
Taser and holster 1 each
Rain hat 1 each
-- Salary Ordinance document, '09