Mayor Marchione and staff participate in new city Wellness Program

From left, Erin Saunderson, Emma Calvert, Jessica Tramp, Redmond Mayor John Marchione, Andrew Sundene, Julie Tramp and Christoph Myer visit with the mayor Tuesday afternoon. Marchione signed a proclamation to make November to be National Diabetes Month in Redmond. All of the teens were diagnosed with diabetes — most since before they turned 7. In addition, Marchione, 45, was diagnosed at age 38
Bill Christianson, Redmond Reporter, (Republished from 2010)

 In their August 21, 2012 meeting City Council approved the Mayor's new Health and Wellness Program with Additional Benefits.  Start-up costs will be $78,625 in 2012 and $71,625/year (based on 60% participation.)  The program will provide individual coaching, and other educational resources and tools to assist managing health risk factors of staff. 

Marchione expects to get full return on investment through good participation by staff.  Participation is the key to the program.  In house events and marketing literature will be introduced to city staff to encourage participation.  The program will address risk factors like nutrition, stress management and obesity.  City staff will be given incentives (undisclosed) to participate and improve. 

Mayor Marchione (age 47) was diagnosed with Diabetes Type II at age 38 and is in a good position to lead staff as a role model of participation.   Could we see the Mayor walking our sidewalks or swimming in Hartman Pool?  Will he declare November as "National Diabetes Month" as he did in 2010. 

The City of Redmond remains one of the best employers to work for in our area with 2009 wages and benefits averaging $108,000/employee and turnover very low.  Average pay per household in Redmond over the last three years is $92,164 according to recent City finance "Dashboard" data.

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photo by Redmond Reporter

REPUBLISHED: New Parks position is approved - Non union city salaries posted

Redmond Bike Park

UPDATED OPINION:  7-9-12  As you know, Redmond has many parks and more are in the making.  In the formative stages are the expensive Downtown Park, the controversial Redmond Bike Park and the creative-art focused *Linear Connector Park following the Burlington Northern corridor and the "String of Pearls Parks" of rural SE Redmond.  Any others you can think of?

City Council voted silently tonight (4/17/12) to create a new Parks position titled "Parks Planning and Cultural Arts Program Manager" to help carry the load.  The Administration is reclassifying a  non union Senior Parks Planner to the new position.  It will pay $108,972 at the top tier. HR Director Kerry Seivers wrote: "The duties of the Senior Parks Planner position will be absorbed by the new manager position as well as other Parks positions.  There will not be any additional positions created."   

Last time I checked, Carolyn Hope (Linked-In) was a Senior Parks Planner managing these massive parks projects. She works very hard and is very bright.   Ms. Hope is worth every penny we pay her and perhaps she will be promoted to this new position. 

Council is also glancing at the non union city employees salaries already approved.  Twenty-five positions and salaries are listed below.  Non union city workers are awarded performance incentives and their benefits package average about 30% of their salary.  I'm quoting top tier since the total increment is only $1-3K and doesn't count incentives.  

City Clerk:  $105,024
Administrative Assist:  $53,616
Communications and Marketing Administrator:  $104,364  Read More >>

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Shaughnessy Heights subdivision trees are removed -- neighbors adjusting

Territorial views of downtown Redmond and wood piles remain.  A 15' tree buffer between
the orange fence and the black fence-line will eventually buffer the neighborhoods.

UPDATED  7/5 7:04 pm:  Two hundred twenty-nine significant trees and most of the dust, is now cleared from the 15.1 acre Shaughnessy Heights subdivision project on Ed Hill.   It didn't take long.  About 4 days of tree clearing and a few more to grade the steep slopes and prep a minor stream drainage.  Neighbors say the multiple, large wood debris piles will be chewed up on site and scattered by the end of the week.

Despite the tree waste, over 51% of the significant trees will be saved according to land use tree preservation  map.  The preserved land remains home to a significant stream and trees large enough to house large cavity-dwelling animals like Pileated Woodpeckers, raccoons, and 'possum'.  The developer could install Pileated Woodpecker educational signage as an amenity if he wants to. 

The project is  a 42-lot, 64 housing unit "planned residential development" land use that was earlier appealed by residents and decided and approved by Redmond city councilmembers in a "quasi-judicial role."  (All area cities except Bothell and Redmond make land use appeal decisions through the county Superior Court.)  Construction is planned for Spring, 2013 by Element Residential of Bothell.  The homes and duplexes will be set close together and more affordable similar to North Redmond and older Education Hill neighborhood standards.

Immediate neighbors had some obvious concerns.  On the 20th, "Bambi" was seen straying uphill through back yards towards the Nike - Perrigo greenbelt.  A hawk's nest toppled down.  Some neighbors think they will hear more SR520 highway noise with the trees down.  They want the promised 15' tree buffer installed ASAP, but the developer has to wait for irrigation water before planting.  In the meantime, traffic is stalled on 171st Ave NE while the city runs a 14 inch water pipe to the project.  On the 25th, residents found door-knob notices their water would be shut off from 9-3 pm -- only to come home after work to a dirty "five-flush toilet."

But the dust has settled...

On-lookers visiting the 169th Ave cul-de-sac were amazed by territorial views towards the city.  Some of the neighbors can even expect incredible views of Mt. Rainier from their 2nd-story decks.  An 8-foot fence will delineate the project, but neighborhood connector trails are planned through and around the development.  The developer saved two cedar trees and a deciduous by the emergency  service entry on 169th. 

Steve Fischer, city planner, assured a few nearby residents that "developer violations (like any unlawful staging of construction equipment or delayed tree buffer plantings)  are typically handled with a "red tag" stop work order. Since time is money...this is a very good way to get someone's attention," wrote Mr Fischer. 

Report and Photo by Yoder

UPDATED: Jeri Rowe-Curtis to fill new City of Redmond "Communications and Marketing" position

City Selects New Communications and Marketing Administrator

Jeri Rowe-Curtis

UPDATED:  Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond has announced the selection of Ms. Jeri Rowe-Curtis to fill the new position of Communications and Marketing Administrator effective June 1st.

Rowe-Curtis comes to the City with a wealth of communications and marketing expertise working with federal, state, regional and local governments, with news and media outlets and with public-private and philanthropic partners to achieve change. She brings a response driven track record of collaboration to affect change. She joins the City of Redmond after a 14-year career with the federal government as the *Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  "Puget Sound Health Care System" where she managed high profile news, web, social media and crisis communications programs, shaped internal, external and congressional affairs, and strategic partnership development.

Prior to joining the federal government, Rowe-Curtis managed external affairs programs for the University Of Washington School Of Medicine, for the Sisters of Providence Health Care Corporation, and served as a legislative staff member for the King County Executive, for the Assistant Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate and for the Seattle City Council.

Rowe-Curtis, a 22-year former Redmond resident, has received numerous professional awards
Read More >>

My experience and opinion of Redmond's "Neighborhood Budgeting Forum," By Paige Norman

Paige Norman

My experience and opinion of the City's  "Budgeting by Priorities"   Neighborhood Forum for Education Hill residents.

By Paige Norman
Education Hill Neighborhood

Irritated with the way our City government is run? Do you like the services and benefits our city has to offer? Let our City know!

On March 2, I attended one of the city’s “Budget By Priorities” neighborhood meetings held at Redmond City Hall, in the Bytes Café. Here’s how it works and what I think about it:  Read More >>

UPDATED OPINION: Citizen claims actions by AWR industry are not environmentally insignificant

AWR Storm water pond  connects to Evans Creek. (2006)

My following public comment was submitted to the City, to protest approval of an environmental land use action on Redmond's polluting AWR industry

Public comments for or against this action (SEPA determination) are due to the city by 2/6/2012.  Send your Comment to city planner Kelsey Johnson  kjohnson@redmond.gov

 Dear City of Redmond,

I disagree with your determination that "All Wood Recycling" (AWR) proposal (L110009) is non-significant to our environment as referenced to the State Environmental Policy Act.   And, I ask you not  approve this environmental action favoring AWR  

Evans Creek banks enclosed
by impervious concrete
 paving. (click to enlarge)

This industrial proposal is environmentally significant owing to the location of AWR over our city aquifer. City staff publicly warned Council late last year that contaminates are leaking into the Redmond aquifer and threatening our valuable drinking water resource. AWR "recycles" hazardous waste-concrete, chemically treated wood products and other toxic materials, including sewage which remains un-piped and unconnected to the City.  Heavy machinery and trucks drip hydrolic fluids into the soils.  In some places the water aquifer is less than 6 feet from the surface so it's a short journey for their waste and toxins to enter our water supply.

Most of the ground surfaces in AWR are impervious owing to compacting of soils by vehicular use, clogged or removed stormwater pond systems, and paved roadway and work areas. Thus, most AWR stormwater is untreated, toxic and washes into Evans Creek, stressed creek banks (photo), underground streams and adjacent commercial sites.  AWR proposes one vault and one stormwater pond to treat the entire industrial site. At least two vaults are needed - one on both sides of the creek.


Evans Creek runs through AWR property, shown here 

 Evans Creek is a "Class One" stream of highest value and runs through the site. It's regulated by the Department of Ecology and the City as a "Shoreline of the State."  In 2008, Mayor Marchione proclaimed riparian corridors as" habitat of local importance."

Stormwater run-off carries untreated pollutants (photo) from AWR into the creek, harming Federally protected Chinook salmon and destroying their habitat. Sub-surface, underground streams connecting to Evans and Bear Creek were recognized by the Planning Commission during their Critical Areas Ordinance Update several years ago. Underground streams connecting to contaminated Evans Creek storm flows could spread toxins further into our aquifer before they can be treated by downstream facilities.

Toxic run-off can't percolate
 through impervious surfaces
and runs off untreated.  Heavy
equipment drips hydrolic fluids.

The City will incur certain liabilities should significant trending to aquifer contamination be traced to this AWR site and it's vicinity. Approving this "Determination of Non Significance" (DNS) is setting a precedent for further neglect in the SE Redmond industrial complex, besides AWR. By approving this DNS, the C.O.R. is placing itself at risk to lawsuit and most significantly, potential loss of a highly valuable and important municipal natural resource - potable water. 
Read More>>

The city identifies four locations for Group Health's Overlake clear-cut tree mitigation, City concedes additional densities to landowner

Current Group Health site - parking lot
 and treed canopy

UPDATED:  The entire 28-acre "Group Health Overlake Center" site is approved for complete clear-cutting (in phases) once development gets underway.  City council agreed 6-1 to an Exception of the long-standing ordinance that requires 35% retention of all trees in land use projects.    Over 1,100 of the original significant trees and larger landmark trees will be removed.

Bill Biggs, the proponent for landowner Group Health, presented a sealed offer during the December 13 meeting to assuage council and the large crowd speaking against 100% tree removal.  Council held off on their decision  to review Mr. Biggs offer.  (Mr. Biggs is also President of the Redmond Economic Development Alliance).

Mr. Bigg's offer was solely about the park.  It was reviewed by city staff and accepted by council on January 3, as this ammendment:

"The City shall design and install additional park improvements consistent with its neighborhood park standards RZC 21...."  In the process of designing the Park, the City shall consider retention of existing significant and landmark trees where feasible and consistent with good park design and public safety.  The Owner and members of the community shall be consulted and given opportunity to comment on proposed park features, design and materials. 

The City shall seek opportunities for preservation of trees in connection with the design of the Park"    

Associate city planner Dennis Lisk wrote:  "I looked into the number of significant and landmark trees located within the area of the future park and found approximately 12 significant trees, none of which are landmark trees."  Mr. Lisk said there was no guarantee these park trees would be retained, or any others.

Four-hundred trees are slated for planting on the site.  Their size is undefined, as to sapling or 12 foot standard trees.  Rain gardens, planted courtyards, pervious roads, and other LID features are planned.

To compensate for the tree removal, Group Health will plant 3,345 trees and 31,220 shrubs off site in parks and near creeks "to approximate the environmental benefits" of the Group Health forest canopy.  Once Group Health sells it's first parcel for development, ~250 trees will be planted in each of the following 2-acre sites:

• Juel Park (east)  [city contact:  Betty Sanders, bbsanders@redmond.gov]
• Perrigo Park (west)  [city contact:  Betty Sanders]
• Millennium Office Park/Swedish easement adjacent Bear Creek. [city contact: Dennis Lisk, ddlisk@redmond.gov]
• Viewpoint Open Space (after blackberries are cleared).  city contact:  [Betty Sanders]

Group Health will have another 2,300 trees and thousands of shrubs to plant at presently, unidentified locations. 

Of note, according to Lisk, "60% of the parking is underground and expensive and, as a concession to Group Health for this expense additional densities were permitted by the City."  i.e. building height and number of buildings.  Another, unnamed city official said density concessions were given in the earlier planning stages to retain the trees.

Comments are welcome. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

City Citizen Academy fosters civic leadership and volunteerism

Redmond’s 2012 Citizen Academy will begin on January 23, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Council Chambers. The series will include a total of six sessions on Monday evenings as well as three optional tours of City facilities. This is an opportunity for Redmond community members to learn about the day-to-day functions of municipal government. In addition, participation can help foster civic leadership and volunteerism such as involvement with the upcoming Budgeting by Priorities process.
 
   -- Kim Dietz, Senior Planner, City of Redmond

Recent AWR modifications on Evans Creek shoreline, violating city code

2010 - after



2007 - before

Both photos show the bridge built by All Wood Recycling (AWR) crossing Evans Creek.  The right photo taken in 2010, shows unpermitted modifications and development.  The mitigated shoreline of Evans Creek is visible on the left side of each photo.  (Click to enlarge) Yes, that's the shoreline.

The City is currently reviewing All Wood Recycling (AWR) on 8504 192nd Ave NE for three land use applications to correct code violations.  The city photos in the slide show are dated from 2006 - 2010.

The violations are, but not limited to: 

• partial demolition of existing buildings, vegetation removal along Evans Creek, extensive paving impervious surfaces), storage of hazardous materials, the construction of a stormwater vault, retaining wall, and truck scale.  

Work noted above (click slide show for captions) has been completed without permits. AWR is proposing to install a sanitary sewer line and connect it to city sewer; and to relocate the fuel line.  City Planner Kelsey Johnson writes: 

At this point in time (10/30/11), the associated land use applications are under review. Therefore, no corrective actions have taken place.  The city photographs of the site are public records on file in the Permit Center.

Work completed by All Wood Recycling does not meet code therefore, remediation activities will need to occur once the permits are approved and issued." 

Sources:   Kelsey Johnson, LEED AP BD+C Assistant Planner City of Redmond Planning and Community Development MS: 2SPL 15670 NE 85th Street PO Box 97010 Redmond, WA 98073-9710 425.556.2409.

AWR is located on top of a Priority One Wellhead Protection Zone that supplies our drinking water.

By Bob Yoder 

City website land use action notices.

OPINION: "Group Health Overlake Master Plan" could morph Overlake Neighborhood into a "glitzy urban center."

This is "the heart and soul" of Overlake urban center -- President Richard Cole

UPDATED OPINION:  Hold onto your hats.  Redmond residents are in for a ride of their life once "Group Health Overlake Master Plan" gets underway.  The ride could last for years - the roads dusty?   Patience with the flag men.  Will  "Avoid Overlake" tweet?   But, the potential for this district!  Oh, My!  All you have to do is live long enough. 

The mayor has many names for Overlake -- "a neighborhood," "a village," an "urban center" and the "glitzy part of Redmond."  Whichever name you choose Overlake is sure to be Redmond's urban mecca 20 years from now, leaving our current downtown, the "Old Redmond."

Last week, Redmond city planners presented council with an overview of the 28-acre "Group Health Overlake Master Plan."   Notice of Hearing.  A Hearing is scheduled for October 18th at 7:30 PM in City Hall.   Send your comments for the record to Associate Planner Denis Lisk by October 18. Email:  dwlisk@redmond.gov.   Or call 556-2400. City council  must approve this plan.

The development plan started years ago when Group Health closed their Redmond hospital, located at 15670 NE 85th Street - between 152th Ave and 156 Ave, two blocks north of NE 24th Street.

Group Health and the City of Redmond agreed on a long range development plan for the parcel.   Five types of projects will have to be permitted.  Phase One will develop 1.38 million square feet of office, hotel, and retail.  Most of the construction phase is on the north and east of the parcel, along 156th AVE and includes:

• 12-story, 180 room hotel and conference center (NE corner with underground parking).
• 4 - 10 story commercial office parks (north and SE corner) with landscaped courts and plazas.
• 25,000 s.f. ground floor retail  (on the west along 152nd Ave. -  might be included in this phase)
• 2.6 acre grassy park with pathway up the middle of the site.

Phase Two includes 1400 multi-family residential units in the NW and SW parcel areas.  Development progress depends on transportation infrastructure.  An SR 520 access ramp is crucial.  NE 26th Street construction and grid build-out is needed along with Sound Transit.


Group Health is in the background - trees are scattered between parking areas.

 TREES:  The site is located on hill rising from west to east and covered with 1050 trees scattered throughout the parking areas.  Enormous amounts of earth-moving, grading and clearing are necessary to make a "hardscape" suitable for building.   Underground parking garages will compound the work.  Large earth-moving equipment and trucks traveling local roads may be expected for several years at a time.  Read More >>

LETTER: City of Redmond delighted to have HCL become a part of the community

from the desk of Jane Christenson, Deputy City Administrator, City of Redmond, WA...

Hi Bob, Just a quick follow-up on this with a few more details. HCL held its Inauguration Ceremony last Wednesday. As is customary, the business organized the logistics and publicity, including press release, for its opening event. As a major international company, with offices in Redmond, as well as in Raleigh, NC and Rochester, NY, the company’s growing presence in the United States has been a national success story for its innovation and its capacity for job creation. In addition to your blog and the Seattle Times, HCL’s move to Redmond was announced in the Wall Street Journal, Puget Sound Business Journal’s Tech Flash, Redmond Patch and numerous other media venues. The City is delighted to have HCL become part of the community and looks forward to a long and thriving relationship. On your last question, HCL located at 14980 NE 31st Street, Suite 300, here in Redmond. I hope this is helpful.
 
Jane Christenson, 9/26
Deputy City Administrator
Blog post on HCL-Redmond

Most residents at city meeting favor backyard chickens, but concerns were raised.

(l-r) City Planner Lori Peckol, Howard Harrison

 (a composter),

 Planner Kim Deitz and college intern Andrea May



35 citizens give mostly positive input at August 3 city meeting on backyard chickens.  But, some objections and concerns are raised.       

UPDATED OPINION:   I talked my wife (Pam)  into going to this city-sponsored community meeting last Wednesday on backyard chickens. She was brought up on a farm in California and was one of the few skeptical participants attending.

City planners were requesting citizen input on chickens in preparation for proposing new language for the Comprehensive Plan Update that would allow backyard chickens on lots smaller than 1/2 acre.  Participants discussed seven animal husbandry topics.  Input from this meeting, a city survey and Planning Commission recommendations will be reviewed by city council before they make their decision sometime this year. 

The meeting was loaded mostly with pro-backyard chicken advocates.  About 31 citizens attended plus councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen, and Planning Commission chair Tom Hinman.  Staff presence was heavy, with at least six city planners guiding discussions on seven chicken topics.  

A small minority of participants (~3) expressed genuine skepticism on various issues of backyard chickens. 

Richard Grubb, past Redmond council member, was very outspoken  Read More >>

Redmond Spur railway demolition marks the end of an era.

Collage of BNSF Redmond Spur Railway Demolition, 7/20/2011

Demolition of the BNSF railway spur for the "Redmond Central Connector" has begun, marking the end of an era.   Once the rails are pulled and recycled, the city will install a huge regional stormwater pipe under the railroad bedding.   A trail and "linear park" will be built on top of the pipe.  The trail will connect to the Downtown Park.

Central Connecter video narrated by three planning commissioners, the mayor and staff directors.

By Bob Yoder
Photographed, 7/20

UPDATED: "To da dump, to da dump, to da recycling center dump!"

Lining up for the big city recycling event

UPDATED:  The Friday night fireworks at City Hall were a lot prettier than Saturday's city recycling event.  But, in a much different way, going "to the city recycling dump" with our neighbors was just as much fun!  Read More >>

Edible crayfish and clams found in Sammamish River

The daily limit on Signal crayfish is 10 pounds. 

Walking along the Sammamish River near the Leary Bridge a few weeks ago, I saw a young teenager in the river.  He was in a bathing suit with a net catching crayfish.   He was standing in the water a few feet from the shore, industriously turning over rocks and scooping.  He had caught about 20 crayfish.

He said they are "signal crayfish" and native to this area.  He's found them between 3.5 and 6 inches long.  I asked him what he planned to to do with his catch, and he said "eat them".  No license is required to catch crayfish in Washington, although the daily limit is ten pounds!!

He also netted a number of shellfish a little larger than the size of a quarter.  I contacted Peter Holte, Redmond's Habitat Stewardship Coordinator to learn more about the shellfish.  He said they were  Asian clams, an invasive species.  Notice that several of them have had their shells bored through by some kind of predator.

The clams originate in Southeast Asia and are eaten by the locals.  I even found some recipes for them on the internet. Anyone for Asian clam chowder?  

Story and photos by John Reinke
Redmond photographer
7/16  (edited for brevity)

Rotary Club of Redmond awards Jerome Jin "Community Partner of the Year".

from the desk of Pam Mauk, Executive Director, Together Center....

City of Redmond's Jerome Jin receives award
 from Rotory Club of Redmond's David Markley

City of Redmond’s Jerome Jin receives first-ever
Community Partner Award from Rotary Club of Redmond

The City of Redmond’s Jerome Jin received Rotary Club of Redmond’s Community Partner of the Year Award at Thursday’s club meeting. President David Markley made the presentation.

Rotary Club of Redmond established the award this year to recognize a non-Rotarian who partners with the club to leverage the goals and ideals of Rotary in the community.


David Markley said,

 “For eight years, Jerome Jin, Program Administrator in the Public Works Department, has been our partner to further our work at Redmond’s Recycle Day. Everything from computers to old tires, light bulbs to scrap metal, and tons of other discarded items are recycled that would most likely end up at the solid waste facility or on the side of the road, without this program. Yearly, we obtain bicycles that our club refurbishes for children locally and people around the world. Working with Jerome Jin’s help, Redmond Rotary refurbishes and then gives bikes to Eastside Baby Corner, Bikes for Humanity (which go to various African locations), and Bikes for Ghana.”  Read more >>

Redmond Police Chief Gibson Is Eager To Hear From Residents

Redmond Police Chief, hired this April, is Eager to Hear From Residents.

UPDATE:  On December 23 the City changed the red-light start day from January 1 to February 1 so as "not to keep the citizens off guard" and offer more education on the issue.

City press release...

CITY UPDATE:  "The Redmond Senior Center (RSC) First Friday Coffee Chat on January 7 from 10 to 11am will feature Police Chief Ron Gibson and Commander Shari Shovlin. This is the time to get acquainted with Redmond’s new Chief and learn his philosophy of policing. Chief Gibson is also anxious to learn from residents as to their concerns and suggestions.  Email:  rgibson@redmond.gov

Commander Shari Shovlin will be on hand to discuss the new Traffic Safety (Red Light) Camera Pilot Program that will begin on February 1, 2011. The chat takes place in the Fireplace Lounge of RSC, 8703 160th Avenue NE.

The First Friday Coffee Chats occur on the first Friday of every month. Future guests include Teresa Kluver, an arborist for the City and Patrick Hirsch, manager of the City’s cable television channels.

Registration for First Friday Coffee Chats is not necessary. For more information on the program, call 425-556-2314. Complementary refreshments provided by Aegis of Redmond."

City Press Release
Links Courtesy of  RNB
11/17

Maintenance To Avondale Bio-swale Improves Stormwater Treatment at Bear Creek.

2009 - Bio-Swale After Maintenance (Avondale on right)



2007 - Bio-Swale Before Maintenance (from NE 104th St )















 This bio-swale is particularly important because it treats stormwater flowing into salmon-bearing, Bear Cr.



2010 - After 12/13 storm - (looking south to NE 104th St.)

The left photo shows the swale after a winter downpour in 2007.  The soil is filled with debris and chemical contaminants. The inlet pipes are clogged and one is buried.  Dirty stormwater from Avondale Road and NE 104th Street isn't treated according to design.  This bio-swale is in serious need of maintenance and was reported by RNB to city stormwater
engineers. During heavy storms, water was cascading over the swale.   

The above right photo was taken in December, 2009.   According to a city stormwater engineer, the bio-swale is back to it's original "wetland pond" shape.  The soils contaminated with heavy metals and chemicals are removed.  The inlet pipe at the "elbow" of the swale is unplugged, visible and servicing Avondale run-off according to plan.

Have you seen this stormwater facility?

Reported by Bob Yoder

Photos by Yoder

Finance Chair Hank Margeson Explains Why "Budgeting by Priorities" Works

I have a high very high opinion of Hank Margeson:  Councilmember Hank Margeson is presently Chair of the Public Administration and Finance Committee, with councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen.  Hank presided in over 10 Budget meetings, and three Hearings.  In 2008 - 2009  Margeson Chaired the challenging Planning & Public Works Committee.  In addition, Hank holds the prestigious position as the city's Suburban Cities representative.  Hank lives with his wife Patti and their family on Education Hill, works full time in the insurance business, "lives to umpire!", and occasionally joins the Mayor and Parks & Trails Chair in a ball game.   Hank's letter is written in response to an email about the budget's cost-of-living adjustment.  Bob Yoder 

Finance Chair Hank Margeson

Dear Bob,

Thank you for your continued interest in the Budgeting for Outcomes (or Budgeting by Priorities) process. During the process of reviewing each of the citizen's priorities it was clear that in spite of challenging economic times, the City of Redmond's process was working. First, the budget offers were well prepared with an improved level of detail that enabled the results teams to rank offers. Second, the leadership team made some very difficult decisions while staying focused on the outcomes provided by each offer. The key to the BP process is to look for an outcome and then select or scale an offer to achieve the desired outcome.

Every budget offer was reviewed for scalability and where appropriate the offer was reduced to ensure a balanced budget was presented to Council. I can't say enough about how difficult this was as each department had positions eliminated. Read more....
READ MORE

A citizen tells the Administration to get on with the city website fix.

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-you-tried-searching-for-something.html

Brian Dennis spoke at last week's City Council Meeting during the public comment period.  Dennis is a Redmond citizen and owner of Small Business Pioneers, a local company that creates websites.  Brian and several councilmembers have concerns about city delays in fixing the old city website (redmond.gov).  Brian read to Council and Mayor, the following:     

For the one or two people out there that don't know, I am a strong advocate of websites as powerful tools to disseminate information and engage individuals. Yet quality websites cost real money, time and effort to develop, maintain and market. Keeping content fresh multiples costs. Based my professional experience I have strong reason to believe city staff has neither budget, time, nor the expertise to deliver on this proposed project. Putting this project out for bid into our own community assures the City has the expertise and a firmly grounded budget number by which to make an informed decision. As a bonus, this process would support the very nature of the project - sustainability - within our own business community.  

Council members Allen, Stilin and I all question the relationship of your other proposed project (a separate and distinct "green" website) and the fixing of redmond.gov website.  Remember, $300k has been allocated for work to fix redmond.gov yet with no tangible, discernible results, and staff is now looking to spin off a new "green" website. Why spin up a new website?  Fix redmond.gov!  (This fix has been in the making ~two years.) 

What do you think of  http://www.redmond.gov/?   If you've only seen it once, would you go back?   Can you think of reasons why the city is dragging their feet on fixing their website?  Why are they starting a "green website" when redmond.gov isn't fixed?   An improved website would open our government.  Are they hiding something?  Or afraid of something?   Please enter your comments below.

Read my 10/4/2010 post:  "Our Aging City Website -- Is the City of Redmond  being responsible?