Mayor Rosemarie Ives and Jim Robinson's last council meeting

No photo was found on the city website of Mayor Ives and Council together with each other.

Rosemarie was cheerful and wearing a purple dress with Santa lapel pin. She was sitting next to Council President Nancy McCormick (adversaries) in a bright red dress.

-Mayor Lauinger of Kirkland gave a commemorative plaque to Mayor Ives after reading it. Very friendly comments. Rosemarie stated she considered Kirkland our sister city. Rosemarie cried.
-Microsoft executive, Jim Stanton, read a letter from Steve Balmer, CEO of Microsoft. He recalled Rosemarie's city theme "Redmond is a community of good neighbors". He spoke to Rosemarie's legacy in environmental stewardship.
-Rosemarie cried some.
-A representative for the City Hall union representing 1/3 of all city hall workers complained again about employee relations.
-Rosemarie cried lightly as she started to read the Consent Agenda. No items pulled.
-Rosemarie spoke highly of the 5-acre wetland at Microsoft Redmond West enhanced by Microsoft.
-Rosemarie told councilmember Vache to speak to the microphone several times. Fussing on how the BIDI committee was terminated.

Bob Yoder's COUNCIL & MAYORAL "AWARDS," 

• Most improved (relationships w/Ives & humor) - Richard Cole
• Most emotional - tie between Kimberly Allen & Rosemarie Ives
• Most humorous - Jim Robinson
• Most uncomfortable w/the moment - Nancy McCormick
• Most value-centered - Pat Vache
• Most amiable - Hank Margeson
• Most family oriented - John Marchione

Jim Robinson's dedication for 16 years of council work: '
"Redmond montage" given to Robinson by McCormick & Rosemarie. 

Rosemarie noted: Sensitive Areas ordinance, intelligence, wit, humility, champion of diversity, inclusive, gracious, blossoming environmental ethic. 

McCormick spoke of Jim's: passion, wit, x-rated goodbye to Richard Grubb. 

Cole spoke of Jim's sayings - "City Council is the bottom of political food chain", "if you torture the data it will confess", "show me the delta", a fellow bean counter with Robinson. 

Vache said: values - truth & honesty, authentic (Robinson smiled), objectivity, data-driven, humor is really good when you figure it out. 

Marchione said: thoughtful, insightful, dry wit and courage, battle star galactic hobby, 

Allen said: a hoot, new ideas, institutional knowledge, vision, steward of environment, dancing with the stars, sharing. 

Margeson said: dedication, supporter of environment, parks, trails, role model, unique instincts. 

Cole: asked Jim to sign his George and Laura Bush calendar. Robinson's response: Angelina Jolie joke,

Robinson's farewell:   16-years ago, a great ride, Redmond is not just anytown USA (Ives), thank Ives (ahead of her time esp. w/ environment not afraid to ask for strong city services), Cole's vote for NO was yes?, thanks staff for job well done, get involved in politics - especially children. "simply have to make peace with planet earth", run into nasty elements on campaign but also good people who care, 2005 prostate cancer "in the end all we really have is each other." People first. [standing ovation].

Marchione's dedication: got Redmond montage from Ives & McCormick. Rosemarie said: she is in common with John as a 1-term councilmember , church, neighborhood. John is Mayor #10. Job can be scary and unclear, great staff, commend his family, challenge to balance personal life & family. McCormick said: regional affairs. Cole said: didn't know who he was 5 years ago.
Robinson humorously said: "I suppose I was supposed to say something nice"? Good first impression of John doorbelling. Jim liked, best of all, John's logical and clear statement of issues and following up. Vache said: he won't say goodbye. Allen said: glad not to be standing in John's place, collaboration. Margeson said: families intertwined, John coined "dodger" mantra for being offside in soccer. Met John as soon as he arrived in Redmond. Marchione responded: new chair for me? Claim to fame of finishing his council term - his Mom could not.

-Rosemarie's Dedication: McCormick gave Ives a wrapped gift. Remembered, Rosemarie called her for help about being Chair of Planning Commission. 5 years on planning commission. Public office is toll on families. [struggle for words]. Rosemarie responded: Nancy appointed to Planning Commission at same time. Tom Bower. Thank you to Nancy for devotion. Exquisite crystal gift. Cole said: joked of "cruel and unusual punishment to be together for over 20 years." Robinson said: reminisced about first meeting Ives. Admired her laughing at his jokes. "Council retreat with Dr. Phil". National League of Cities. Vache said: he predates Ives for Planning Commission, Values - big picture perspective (River Walk), Environmental vision, Celebrating and having fun & diversity, the kids. Marchione said: daughter born on same day as Mayor Ives mayoral appointment, name recall, not retiring or shy, passion, environmental ethic admired, Allen said: remembered first met Rosemarie in purple track suit strolling up street saying hi , set bar high, independence, voice, energy, CRYING (both) "my mentor", stand on the shoulders of those before you. Margeson said: passion, leadership for a quarter a century, generation that only know Ives as mayor. Norman Rockwell El. fundraisers appreciated more than known. Rosemarie responded: if there's food & a party I'll be there (crying). told of her video made by Van Eckstrom of Rosemarie expressions - on government web site. Crying about how the people of Redmond motivate her in tough times and the wonderful staff. Proud of Green Gateway of Leary Way. Jesting with Richard Cole about putting up with each other. Proud of Town Center. crying some. Staff brought big box of Kleenex to party. Issues are interrelated and very complicated. Saying lots of hail Mary's for city officials. Adjourned, smiling at the crystal McCormick gave her saying is reminds her of the "Ice Thaw" art outside of City Hall.  Laughing....

-- Bob Yoder

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives Recounts Her Accomplishments

I asked Rosemarie if she would describe her three greatest accomplishments as Mayor of Redmond. She kindly offered the following:  BY

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch standing behind the memorial bench honoring 
 Don and Elaine Smith, donors of the land developed into Smith Woods Park. 
John Couch was Redmond Parks and Recreation Director for ~ 30 years.
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives says...  Elected in 1991, served unprecedented four terms as the full-time Redmond mayor for  16 years --1992-2007

Greatest accomplishment? Wow?  2 others? When I think back to my initial campaign, there were four parts to my platform:  environmental stewardship, youth agenda, fiscal responsibility, and outreach to the public especially the residents.And with each re-election, those priorities never changed and probably I was more passionate about them with each re-election.

 

Environmental stewardship:  three? examples

Since we just walked Smith Woods, one that I would mention is that the City went from 16 parks when I started  to 36 when I chose to retire.

 

Then there's Riverwalk, the stretch of Sammamish Trail from NE 90th Street Bridge down to Leary Way Bridge. Four projects  re-channeled  the river making the river environment better for salmon, its flora and fauna as well as creating more water capacity within the new sculpted banks of the river that would protect downtown from flooding. 

 

In 1997 when pressure was great to allow development to proceed at a pace where the city could not handle many aspects such as building inspections, the costs of the city's part of the infrastructure and couldn't guarantee adopted  levels of service, I proposed a focused moratorium  on some new construction that lasted for 18 months. 

 

Youth agenda:

Old Firehouse Teen center, Skateboard park, youth members appointed to city parks board and arts commission,

Youth in Government Day

 

Outreach:

In every major decision making, I would always ask how it would impact the residents of Redmond in the near term and in the future. We introduced many different ways, both formal and informal for our growing diverse public to provide input in a timely manner far in advance of decisions being made.  I personally was "present" all around town a little less than 24/7.  

 

The month long Redmond Lights,, a celebration of Redmond's diversity, was an idea that I came up within 1999 for luminarias along Riverwalk.   At intervals there would be performers representing cultures, customs and faith representations from around the world.    

With regard to the Smiths...Don and Elaine Smith sold the first five acres in early 2000. From when I first met them, they were very clear that they wanted their property to remain as open space, perfect for a park. It was a beautiful piece of land with a creek and small pond, wonderful sequoia and fir trees and an extensive collection of dahlias. After Don died in 2009 they sold the remaining five acres to the city and Elaine moved to Emerald Heights where she resides now. I am in communication with their daughter Kathy.

-- Rosemarie Ives, February 25th, 2022

I would add Rosemarie is still very active in politics. She's been the pillar of Steve Fields' two campaigns for Mayor and two campaigns for Council. Fields says "she knows a lot of people." BY. 

ARCHIVE:

Rosemary's retirement story.

Mayor Emeritus Rosemary Ives Protests Group Health's 28 acre clear-cut

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

The memorial Bench is in honor of Donald A. Smith and Elaine E. Smith and their family
who shaped the land. Bench donors: Linda & "Kip" Hussey, Mayor Rosemarie Ives (1992-2007,)
Pat and Kathy Curry.
Photo credit / Kerry Smith

LAND DESCRIPTION:  "The 5-acre western half is heavily vegetated on a gently sloping floodplain with multiple wetlands and a seasonal stream (and pond which is the headwaters of Monticello Creek).  The 5-acre eastern half of the property has large expanses of grass and beautiful mature trees, including Sequoia, Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Ginkgo. There’s a north-south trail on each half of the property."

 -- Gary Smith.

The event was held on 2/21/2022 

Kerry Smith photographed.

Smith Woods Park is a few blocks east of Clara Barton school. 177th Ct NE &, NE 122nd St, 

Posted and edited by Yoder 3/3/2022

Mayor Rosemarie M. Ives Biography

 Mayor Rosemarie M. Ives Biography 

First elected as Mayor of Redmond, Washington in 1991, Rosemarie M. Ives served an unprecedented four terms of this economically vibrant and naturally beautiful Northwest city, 16 miles east of Seattle.  The community of 51,000 residents serves as home to corporate headquarters for Nintendo of America and Microsoft as well as several thousand small businesses where over 90,000 people are employed.  Mayor Ives served as the full-time CEO, responsible for seven departments with over 500 employees and a biennial $368 million budget.  In addition to the oversight for day-to-day operations, Mayor Ives was a founding member of consortia on regional emergency communications, housing, and water and represented both Redmond and 39 suburban cities on regional committees on multi-modal transportation, emergency preparedness, youth, regional justice, environmental protection, and growth management. 

While Mayor Ives presided over a period of significant economic development in Redmond, she devoted much of her efforts to preserving residential neighborhoods, open space and other elements of Redmond’s unique quality of life.  Her vision statement for the City was and still is “Together, We Create a Community of Good Neighbors,” which reflects her approach to building civic partnerships that draw on the strengths of neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, and businesses.  Her priority issues included enhancing communications especially with the increasing culturally diverse residents, stewardship of the environment, commitment to youth, and improving mobility. 

Rosemarie Ives Funds Two Scholarships For Redmond High Graduates

Rosemary Ives / soundaction.org

Four years ago, former Redmond Mayor Rosemarie Ives (1992-2007) funded a new scholarship to support a Redmond High School graduate furthering her/his education.   

"One of the most rewarding aspects of being mayor was observing and recognizing potential in people, telling them what she saw and believed about them, and encouraging them," Ives said.  As the words from the Bette Midler song "Wind Beneath My Wings" suggest, Ives hopes that the scholarship will provide a bit of "wind beneath their wings" of a Redmond High School graduate.

 

For the first time this year, there are two scholarship recipients:  Mia Moran and Delaney Chenevert.  Previous recipients are Asma Masude (2021) at University of Washington, Marina Montanez (2020) at University of Idaho, and Melanie Ortigoza-Rios (2019) at Washington State.

###

Several times when watching our daughter play basketball at RHS we saw Rosemarie and her husband in the bleachers!  So exciting to see her!  BY

Rosemarie is a Board Member of Sound Action.  "Sound Action is a watchdog group working to protect vital nearshore habitat."

6/16/2022

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives objects to clear-cutting 28-acre urban Group Health site

This Group Health structure in Redmond's Overlake Center will be replaced mostly by a park and nearby 13-story hotel.
  "The City is required to seek opportunities to preserve landmark and significant trees in connection with the design
of the park."  The approved plan identifies "approximately 12 significant trees and no landmarks" in the area of the
future park.  There is no guarantee they will be saved.  - D. Lisk, Assoc. Planner, Redmond.

The following, was presented to city officials by Redmond's Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives, on January 3, 2012 during "Items from the Audience"

Good evening Mayor and Redmond City Councilmembers. My name is Rosemarie Ives. I am here tonight as a resident to ask for reconsideration of the council’s decision on December 13th regarding the Group Health Master Plan and Development Agreement.

As the former mayor, I know that this forested property matters to the people of Redmond and those of us who are here tonight object to the clear-cutting of this iconic site. I believe that the criteria for exception to the tree preservation/retention regulations have been misapplied and not justified.  Read More >>

10/7, Musings on Marchione and Robinson

At my daughter's soccer game yesterday a parent - whom I respect - abruptly asked me who I was voting for and why. Marchione or Robinson?

My impulse response was "Marchione - because he can get the job done....Marchione has the assets to manage the city staff of 700 rather than be managed by staff. Under either candidate, we will have lots of growth in Redmond.

The parent then asked if I was basing my vote on the negative comments circulating around Mayor Ives (Ives endorses Jim). I said " NO! but I am influenced from my phone talks and a few encounters with her over recent years." Every time Mayor Ives called me by phone and sometimes by email, she had something derogatory to say about two senior council members. It was really disheartening. I asked my parent-friend if he had ever talked to Mayor Ives? He nodded NO. Rosemarie can be very charming on first impresson.

Another parent barked support for Marchione from the bleachers.

Soon after, all the parents and players began jumping up and down and yelling!...Lexie just scored!...but we missed it!! End of discussion!

--------------------------------------------

COMMENT FROM "Roger", 10/13

For some of us, Mayor Ives endorsement of Jim is a reason to vote against him. A typical interaction with Mayor Ives involves her explaining why she is right and everyone else is wrong. She is right and the council is wrong. She is right and John Marchione is wrong. She is right and all the citizens who voted for or against something are wrong. It must be so hard to be right all the time!

And, oh yeah, I forgot. Mayor Ives is right and the city staff is all wrong. It took a lot of courage for the city staff to show up at the council meetings and confront the mayor. If she was running for re-election, it probably wouldn't have happened. I know city staff who are basically terrified of her.

Rosemarie Ives wasn't a bad mayor sixteen years ago. But something happened. Redmond became her city, not our city. It's time for the citizens to take it back. It's time for a mayor who is going to lead the city, not rule it. I don't know if John Marchione is perfect, but I'll take him over Jim Robinson any day.

8/6/07 - Ives campaign endorsement - Where is HER record?

Dear Neighbors -

Yesterday, my neighbor showed me a campaign post card Mayor Ives mailed to selected citizens. (I was not one).

Rosemarie promotes her candidate - Mr. Robinson - as "backed by a proven voting record, not just rhetoric". It appears as if Mayor Ives is insinuating that John Marchione and Holly Plackett have don't have a proven voting record?! I don't think Ms. Ives statement is fair.

Is this an instance of Mayor Ives withholding information to her advantage? Probably...but, why? The truth is neither Robinson, Plackett or Marchione have identifiable voting records on file throughout their term in office.

Several weeks ago I asked the Administration for a tabulation of each councilmember's ongoing voting record during their term. According to the City Clerk. no such records are kept. (see below). Mayor Ives -- in standing behind Mr. Robinison -- hasn't proven a wit about her candidate's ongoing voting record or his word. What counts to voters is what the broader community thinks. For answers, try: 1) the Muni League of King County ratings and 2) recent TIMES editorial recommendations. Both pieces are posted here. Your vote counts on August 21! And, it will be tabulated!

Best regards, Bob Yoder, 8/8-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CITY CLERK:

Mr. Yoder,Thank you for your suggestion regarding the voting record spreadsheet. Currently, I am in the process of reviewing meeting management systems that will allow votes to be tallied electronically and be posted to the Redmond website in the context of the subject that they refer to. However, given constraints in the City's budget, it is unclear when such a system could be implemented.In the mean time, as you are aware, all votes are recorded in the meeting minutes for each Council meeting.

*These minutes are posted on the web for the public to view at http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/citycouncil/minutes.asp.

Regards,

Malisa Files
City Clerk
City of Redmond
425.556.2190 phone
425.556.2198 fax

* archived monthy to 2005 - "hunt and peck for each vote".

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EXTRA! FOLLOW THE CANDIDATES' CONTRIBUTION MONEY HERE: http://www.pdc.wa.gov/Public/Campaign/Default.aspx

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FROM BARB THOMPSEN, Education Hill neighbor & community volunteer - "I saw some deer while out walking my dogs on Education Hill this morning. I can’t help but feel sad for them—they have nowhere to go. Which of the candidates is going to do something about saving our green spaces and stop catering to the big builders like Cam West? I am so glad that Rosemarie Ives is leaving; I’ve been saying for a long time that being in office as long as she has, results in building relationships and being influenced by them regardless of good intentions." - Barb Thompsen, Education Hill neighbor. 8/5/07

Thursday August 9, 2007 -
RICHARD MORRIS: When I attended the recent Community Meeting held July 31, Mayor Ives indicated the budget she proposed was not adopted by the Council. She said she preferred her budget, and was unhappy with the budget approved by the Council. At one point in the Community Meeting, Councilwoman Kim Allen jumped up to explain that there was a minority position on the budget. She indicated she was part of the minority. The nature of the minority position was not made clear in the Community Meeting. Council President Nancy McCormick said more than once that the Community Meeting was not about "Budget 101", however the nature of the disagreement between the Mayor and the Council is all about the budget. The disagreement is so wide, that the seeks more millions in tax revenues from property owners by means of increasing levy lids, named Proposition #1 and Proposition #2. This budget fight has brewing for a few years, as the Mayor has consistently increased city employees. On the other hand, Council members have consistently promised to hold the line on increasing taxes, staying within the State tax rates. When asked why the City spent so much money on the City Hall building, Nancy McCormick mentioned that the number of increased city employees demanded a larger building. Certainly Redmond has experienced huge growth over the past 15-20 years, yet total tax revenues for city operations would also increase. In my household budget, I must live within my earned income. Why can't the City operate within its tax revenues?

Thursday August 9, 2007 -

YODER: Many claims are vs. Marchione for his 5-2 voting "gang". Here's one that's not - Marchione voted to save Anderson Park 4-3. Jim Robinson voted against it. I hope we will start thinking of 5-2 voting or 6-1 voting as "consensus" rather than a "gang up".

Tuesday September 4, 2007 -

Pat Vache': Redmond Town Center's Early History

Pat Vache' in his early days / courtesy of Arnie Tomac

"What is known as 'Town Center' didn’t just happen.  It has history.”​  

-- Pat Vache'

As some know, just prior to the pandemic, the Redmond Town Center was purchased by Fairbourne Properties of Chicago for $192 million.  Fairbourne's vision is to redevelop Redmond Town Center from "an auto-centric, suburban campus to a walkable, mixed-use urban neighborhood with retail at it's core. ​Light rail is a major driver.  ​

In 2022, Pat Vache', a "Founding Father" of Town Center gave testimony encouraging Council  include the founders in the development process citing their previous experience (and collective wisdom.) He emphasized the need of engagement opportunities, especially town hall meetings.

Mr. Vache' stated “Throughout the history of Redmond Town Center two issues were foremost, 1) protecting open space and 2) creating a major retail facility for all to enjoy.  If history taught us nothing else, it is clear that three elements were important then and are critical today:

1) Redmond residents want and deserve the opportunity to engage, 

2) A robust retail environment is a necessity for Redmond residents and the economic sustainability of the City of Redmond, and

 3) Redmond residents demand a sustainable environment, an environment characterized by trees, lots of trees and open space, lots of open space," in fact a minimum of 43 acres."

THE EARLY HISTORY - a quick story

Town Center’s modern history began in late 1978 when the Old Redmond Golf Course​ (in King County)​ was purchased by Winmar, a Safeco company.  A total of 120 pristine acres were purchased, including the 87-acre golf course. Forty-four acres would remain open space. (C. Beason played a large role in that.) The acreage was  invaluable to the community.  Open space is a very big part of Redmond culture. 

Winmar proposed development​ of the 87 acre golf course twice, once in 1979​ ​for $4 million (per Town Center Associates) and again in **1982 for $6 million ($16.5 million in today's dollars.)  Though open space was desirable,​ The Sammamish Valley ​News​, ​​​businessmen​ and many residents wanted shopping and commercial ​development.

To counter development, in 1978 a coalition of preservationists​,​ “Civic Action for Redmond Environment” (C.A.R.E.) formed to retain the golf course and influence public opinion.​  One of the C.A.R.E. Presidents Richard Grubb, Pat Vache', Arnie Tomac, Chris Himes, the Beasons and other citizen activists organized the coalition. Grubb, Vache' and Tomac became councilmembers. Himes  became Redmond's first full time Mayor.  Nothing ever came of the 1979, $4 million Town Center Associates offer, probably because of C.A.R.E.  

Pat Vache', Redmond's first planning commissioner and a councilmember of 16 years, says ​"in over eight years ​the public, planning staff, ​and Policy Advisory Commission​​ had a series of public meetings, visioning exercises and just about any type of public process imaginable. Town Center didn't just happen. It has history." 

​​"Old Redmond" vs. "New Redmond" issues were reaching a boiling point. So, in 1982 Council​,​ led by Council President Arnie Tomac​ and councilmember Pat Vache',​ proposed a $6 million bond measure to “let the voters decide" if they wanted to purchase the land for preservation or take Winmar’s offer and develop it.  According to Rosemarie Ives, the 60% supermajority bond failed by 2%​.​  

Mayor Doreen Marchione is quoted in the Sammamish Valley News, “we have no choice but to annex the property for reasonable development.”  Former Mayor Rosemarie Ives​ felt the city ​should​​​ have immediately​ gone out for a second​ vote​. ​ 

With that, ​​Vache' notes by 198​6​, (Ord. 1328) 120 acres were annexed from King County, pre-annexation zoning was completed, the ***Master Plan was approved, and the property was incorporated into the City of Redmond. ​ ​*Seven years following the City’s 1988 approval (Ord. 1416) Winmar didn’t develop anything with Town Center, though there still was much debate and talk.​ In 1994, Winmar proposed an outdoor mall of 1.3M square feet of shopping and offices. The proposal was approved by Council in 1995 (Ord. 1841.) Construction started in 1996.  

-- written by Bob Yoder, 7/15/2022

Sources:  Sammamish Valley News, Pat Vache, Arnie Tomac, Nancy McCormick, Rosemarie Ives, Holly Plackett, 4/8/2022 Fairbourne Properties Letter to Redmond City Council, Seattle Times, 8/10/1997.

Arnold Tomac's Leadership and Involvement with Redmond Town Center.  Arnie is a good friend of Pat Vache'. 

* Quick stories:  Though, not directly related to Town Center, past councilmember and planning commissioner Holly Plackett wrote Winmar's seven "idle" years were spent developing Target, Mervyns, and Bella Bottega cinema.

This story is so interesting! As editor of the Sammamish Valley News at that time, I was deeply involved in studying the options for this property. Redmond was sorely in need of a better commercial zone….the town was growing and there really was a great need. Although Town Center perhaps failed to fulfill that dream entirely, there is still hope. The city has grown…the possibilities are still endless! I hope Redmond marches ahead, brings itself completely into this century to keep up with the vast population growth!

--Deb Akerstrom, 7/2022.  Deb is presently a Director on the Redmond Historical Society Society.  12/2022

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** The MASTER PLAN was approved in 1986:  "The design and development of this zone is controlled by a Master Plan established to ensure that development here integrates with and positively influences future development of the Greater downtown area and retains traditional building styles, street patterns, variety of uses, and public amenities."  (Ord. 1328.)  

The MASTER PLAN was scrapped in 2022.  New language:  "Design and development of this zone is controlled by zone-based regulations and additional  special design standards for development projects located within the downtown urban core."

OPINION: Vote "No" On Public Safety Levy, Rosemarie Ives

Redmond Police in library watching over the Community Court

Credit: Yoder / click to enlarge

On July 16th, Redmond City Council is making their decision on the Public Safety Levy.  You may give them your comments and opinion at this email:  Council@redmond.gov  BY

Good evening Mayor and Council,

Opinion:  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor, 1992 through the end of 2007

I am here tonight to discourage the council from proposing a new levy to fund staff and programs in both police and fire departments.  At a time with the highest inflation rate in 40 years, the threat of a recession, rising gas, food and housing costs, this is hardly the time for the City to ask the people to increase what they already pay in taxes.  An additional levy will worsen an already unaffordable Redmond.

9/6/2006, Citizen Guide to City of Redmond Government

The photo is of City of Redmond, WA council members of the year 2006: John (Pat) Vache, Kimberly Allen, John Marchione, Jim Robinson, John Resha, Nancy McCormick

(Pres.), Richard Cole.

My entry today is in memory of my Dad and his good works for his community. September 28 is the birthday of my father, Joseph D. Yoder, Jr., an appointed & elected 'city councilman', Public Works Committee, Village of Tequesta, Florida.

Council members get paid about $800/month. I'm guessing they may put in 25 hours of work a week, maybe more. The "council core" is McCormick, Cole, and Robinson. They have been members for over 20 years each. Nancy McCormick, past planning commissioner, from Montana, is President of council. Pat Vache is Vice President. Mr. Richard Cole is a past planning commissioner and was Council President prior to Ms. McCormick and lives in North Redmond.

Vice President Vache goes back to the days when the Planning Commission was first formed in Redmond. During Mayor Himes term he supported keeping the Redmond Golf Course. He was appointed by the Mayor in 2003 and elected in 2006. He works at a small business and lives off of NE 116th Street, a view corridor. He avidly supports the development community, as does Cole and McCormick.

Councilman Jim Robinson is slightly moderate. I've revised my opinion on his stance on growth. He is definitely pro-growth though did vote against the "steep-slope exception" which allows utilities on steep slopes. He was on the Sensitive Area Ordinance CAC years ago. At the Critical Area Ordinance Public Hearing he motioned to keep the wetland buffers to remain unchanged -- narrow. (No one seconded).

Jim works in a cubicle for Boeing in procurement as a financial analyst and is proud of his worldly travels. He lives in the View Point Neighborhood adjacent to Marymoor Park. Among Mr. Robinson's contributions to the city are close relationships with Mayor Ives and her staff....dedication and intellect. He appears sensitive to the "green" element but as Council Park's Chair he did not push to negotiate for Perrigo Heights acquisition.

I think Jim was first on council to acknowledge global warming. Jim voted against the financing scheme for the new City Hall. He labeled City Hall art "razor blades" and lost support of the Arts Commission Co-Chair.

Planning commissioners Charlie McCarthy and Martin Snodgrass, strong pro-growth planning commissioners, have endorsed Jim in his run for Mayor. Planning commissioners Parnell and Querry endorsed Jim; Parnell, McCarthy, and Snodgrass voted against the designation "Riparian Habitat of Local Importance". Mayor Ives recently endorsed Mr. Robinson, as well as Mr. John Couch, 30-year Parks Director. With the exception of Ms. Allen, it appears THE OLD GUARD is backing Jim in his race for Mayor.

Mr. Cole is a retired Boeing CPA and tends to be the council penny pincher. His values of pragmatism, frugality, and independent thought. Unfortunately, Cole's decision-making skills often compromise and his decisions can be abrupt. Mr. Cole is resourceful and considers himself a nerd on news. An autocrat by nature he can be unbending and single-minded during deliberations, especially with Rosemarie present. He is pro-growth.

With the Microsoft agreement to accommodate 12000 new workers to Redmond within the next ten years it is impossible for any candidate not to accept growth. 

Ms. Nancy McCormick is retired from the insurance business with strong connections to business, though she plays the neighborhood advocate well and does care. Years ago, Nancy was a planning commissioner. Her ego will occasionally rise up and overshadow planning and park commission advice.

MISC: Cole and Vache are on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce. Cole and McCormick both have strong survival instincts and attentiveness to the people. Cole and McCormick have been the target of divisive criticism from Mayor Rosemarie Ives. Robinson has a good sense of humor and wit and Marchione will make you chuckle occasionally. A good sense of humor goes a LONG way during boring government meetings, especially if you watch as many as I.

Messrs. Marchione, Resha, and Ms. Allen all live on Education Hill and are the junior councilmembers with Allen being elected in 2006.  

Ms. Allen was a highly respected planning commissioner by her peers and the mayor and was an attorney from Scottsdale a few years back. She is a moderate, a "compromiser" and more than any councilmember has fresh ideas about how and why to involve the public in decision-making. She has the ability to get to the root of an issue and get beyond 'ego'.

Mr. John Resha is a bright, young, complex council member enthusiastic about his role. He withdrew from the 2007 Election citing need for quality family time. He plans to continue public service. He promotes public engagement.

Mr. Resha's neighborhood was negatively impacted last year when a short plat with towering homes was constructed with only a 5 foot setback from the neighborhood backyards. Sadly, his neighborhood view corridor was destroyed along with backyard privacy. A For Sale sign is on his property (6/07). Though Mr. Resha dislikes regulation, It's too bad Mr. Resha's neighborhood didn't have the same opportunity as N. Redmond CAC to regulate the "look and feel" standards for their community. It's possible Mr. Resha carries some "baggage" to the dais on certain neighborhood issues, perhaps as a result of this neighborhood design flaw.

Mr. Resha is an "expert" on transportation issues and works for a "traffic association" (WSDOT?) - He was Parks Chair during the Perrigo Heights march and 3.5 acre acquisition. I think John adds a valuable perspective to the Council and works hard with creativity, smarts and compassion for Redmond and the neighborhoods. John announced June, 2007 he would not run for a second council term. John spearheaded a new land-use Public Notice policy measure to improve neighborhood awareness of land-use process.

Mr. John Marchione is an amiable, bright first-time councilman. He has been very active in Hartman Park Little League with his family. I think he was past President of the league. John has been CFO of the Meydenbauer Center for 10 years. He is influenced by the development community however chooses to proactively shape growth rather than "be shaped". John is a leader on city finance and budget issues and currently Council Chair of Finance. John is probably the most capable candidate for managing staff and keeping costs in line. Burnstead and the and Eastside Business Assoc. endorse him as well as the neighborhoods. He supports the intersection light at 104th & 166th but appears undecided about the re-channelization of 166th. Ms. Vache is his campaign manager with Cole & McCormick & Resha & Vache supporting him in his bid for Mayor. Council candidates Margeson, Conlin, and Carson endorse John. Marchione has strong regional presence.

Marchione is a Board Member of the Cascade Water Alliance -- an important muli-jurisdictional organization responsible for assuring our water supply in years to come. The mayors of Kirkland, Bellevue and Duvall endorse John. Mayor Ives does not. Like his mother, past-Mayor Doreen Marchione, John has strong "administrative" skill sets. I think his degree is in Public Administration. Of bureaucratic bent (job, education) Mr. Marchione is appearing more involved in contributing to outcomes of cultural initiatives. He appears to make decisions and "vision" by exploring the collective inputs of Redmond's diverse citizenry. John leads by consensus-building. He style is "management- decision-maker" rather than the "charismatic-delegation-style" of Mayor Ives.

Honorable Councilwoman Kim Allen kallen@redmond.gov is the cities newest council member. (6/07). She was supported by Rosemarie Ives during her Election a couple years back. Last time I checked, Ms. Allen was endorsing Mr. Robinson. Kimberly is a lawyer and she is smart. Kim moved up from Scottsdale, AZ about six years ago. She was a leader on the Planning Commission for a few years and was endorsed by all 6 commissioners in her run for council. (Mayor Ives appointed the commissioners and council approved). Ms. Allen is a strong advocate for any citizen that speaks up for the betterment of the city.

One of Allen's goals is to upgrade our city website. My Neighborhood blog probably wouldn't exist without her encouragement. She is a strong defender of Citizen Advisory Committees. She is upset with the "blanket" land-use zoning 12 years ago that led to the Perrigo Heights, Avondale Crest, and Tyler Creek project mistakes. Kim is a strong advocate for reworking city Public Notice policy to improve public participation in land-use project. I could easily go on about all the good Kim has brought to Redmond in only 2-years.

Ms. Holly Plackett has been one of Redmond's most dedicated public servants over recent years. She was a Redmond planning commissioner for 6 years and councilwoman for 4 years. She lost her council seat when running unsuccessfully against Mayor Ives in the Election prior to 2007. She wants to make staff support and information more accessible to council than Mayor Ives did. Holly wants to restore trust in the Administration. She wants an audit of the city books. She is pro-neighborhood wanting citizens involved before decisions are made. Holly has no desire to raise taxes on small businesses. She is probably the most "GREEN" . She has issues with Planned Residential Permits. However, with the Microsoft Agreement requiring accommodation of 12,000 new workers to Redmond, Holly will have to make significant personal concessions to growth, if elected mayor. Holly lives in the Grasslawn Neighborhood and works at a Redmond bank. Probably, her strongest asset is "citizen advocate" and persistence to serve.

The Planning Commissioners planningcommission@redmond.gov are some of the most informed, dedicated, tactful, and challenging (!) group of Redmond citizens I've attended many of their meetings in city hall. The don't get paid. I have great admiration for our Planning Commission. They are incredibly hard workers, good listeners, and can be quite entertaining when a delicate situation needs to be settled. Occasionally confusing and time-wasting "Code-speak" appears to be used to keep the viewing public confused and content "off the record". It is important to note all Commissioners and Boards are appointed by "a" mayor and approved by "a" Council so they are under their influence! They're kind of like judges. And, I would ere not to acknowledge the city staff support, Sarah Stiteler and Terry Marpert.

Other Commissions and Boards get less public exposure than the Planning Commission. If fact, sometimes it seems city staff get more public attention than the Mayor's appointed Arts and Parks commissioners. Arts Commission is contacted at rac@redmond.gov . Parks Board is reached at parkboard@redmond.gov. Public and council exposure has been on the upswing this year. Arts commissioners hold 3 meetings/year on RC-TV 21 and Parks commissioners presented the 2007 and levy proposal with great success.

Recently, I've seen Lori & Martin Snodgrass presenting to Council on several occasions. They are strongly aligned with Mayor Ives and her staff and endorse Robinson for Mayor. This intelligent and dedicated 'Snodgrass citizen-team' have given countless years of public service in representing Redmond citizens (and elected). It is my understanding, Lori has chaired the Parks & Recreation Board of Commissioners for years; and ran for Council office. I think Lori is retiring from the commission after 9 years of service. (6/07) And, it is my understanding, 'Marty' has been a planning commissioner for years and Chair of the commission for over 6 years. The 'Snodgrass dynasty' is one that will be remembered.

Planning commissioner Charlie McCarthy persuasively represents the development community interests and endorses Robinson for Mayor. He is 101% pro-growth. My comment: Growth means jobs and jobs are good, as long as it is proactively controlled and approved within reasonable design standards and with regard to citizen values, affordability, and quality of life. The Microsoft Agreement is a growth engine without a "governor". We are "out of control". Mega-houses consume land and resources for the few and must downsize to make the best use of developable land for all.  Higher density development of the downtown is under-utilized.

It wouldn't be fair not to acknowledge Mr. Richard Grubb, past city councilman, present city activist. He is an advocate for citizens needing help on protesting problem land-use projects and outspoken like Cole.  

STAFF: Speaking of "the top", the Acting Director of Public Works, Mr. Bill Campbell bcampbell@redmond.gov career responsibilities advanced on MARCH, 2007 when Mr. Rhodes retired. Mr. Campbell is co-anchoring with Mr. Rob Odle, Planning Director, the powerful Land Use Technical Committee that makes all the major land use decisions (other than appeals to council & the state supreme court). Mr. Odle is the "Code Administrator" giving him powerful latitude to interpret our Development Guide ordinances according to staff and the Mayor's needs. Mr. Odle is "The Administrator" of all proposed development project. Senior Staff, like Steve Fischer, would coin him the "queen bee" while Steve is just a "worker bee" carrying out the decisions of his superiors. Judd Black, development manager is "the point man" all most land-use hearings (appeal and public). He is "the defender" of the technical committee and of the developer. The Assistant Planner, Jim Roberts wears many hats but appears to be the "dealer" or negotiator between the city and the developers. He manages the Development Dept. Jim has an expressive, likable outgoing personality, but there is little question his job description is to "keep the growth engine revved".  Mr. Roberts interviewed me 3 times about Public Notice inadequacies but took little change-action.

Public Works is the largest city department per budget dollars, # of employees. Mr. Rob Odle, Planning and Development Director, lives in Redmond in the N. Avondale area. Mr. Odle has strong regional presence and is responsive to citizen comment. He was promoted from Policy Planning Manager in 2005. rodle@redmond.gov [under construction for thee 2007 election]

By Bob Yoder
updated, 2/8/2011

Rosemarie Ives Upset With Redevelopment Process Of Redmond Town Center

Good evening Mayor and Council.  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor 1992-2007, and I am here to provide comment and some history relating to the Town Center Amendments on tonight’s agenda.  Although I would like to comment on Tree Regulations, four minutes is hardly enough time for such important issue.  Such a full agenda precludes the public from giving any substantive testimony on more than one item. I hope that Madam Mayor would consider my making a few remarks after testimony from others is concluded.

I was on the Planning Commission when the first conceptual plan for Town Center was presented in preparation of the annexation of the beloved, treed 120 acre property into the City and the heart of our downtown. The Planning Commission worked for 18 months in 1986-1987.  I was an opponent of “the enclosed mall that was initially proposed  while the late former councilmember Richard Cole was a proponent.  Once the land use decision was made, together Mr. Cole and I authored  the 39 conditions that constituted a compact with the community and that were eventually placed on the development.  In 1987, Mr.  Cole and I were elected to City Council….Together we led the council through much of its process of deliberation over the next two years.  In 1992 when  I was elected mayor, Town Center owners proposed a new open air, pedestrian and downtown oriented design incorporating the 39 conditions encouraging redevelopment and revitalization in the adjacent downtown. that was approved in 1995 in Development Guide Amendment 94-004.   Construction began in 1996.

Mayor Marchione and council confront "costs of government"

Oh, what a difference a year makes! In the first council meeting of the year, Mayor John Marchione and council began establishing a game plan for prioritizing & measuring the cost of government. They are working together like a well-oiled machine, egos aside, and trusting their competent leader, Mayor Marchione. I'm expecting a lot of productive work from this government. Did you know you can watch them on Tuesday nights on Channel 21, 7:30pm?

"Budgeting by Priorities" as Councilman Richard Cole and Mayor Marchione call it, is a efficient *bottom-up approach being introduced by Mayor Marchione to an eager Council. One and a half years ago Councilman Richard Cole recommended a consultant to educate the Ives Administation and council on "budgeting by outcomes". Mayor Ives never gave the concept support. I remember Rosemarie Ives telling me she simply didn't like the "budgeting for outcomes" idea.

The Ives Administration's preferred budget strategy was a more free-wheeling, top-down, line item method with public input given after the fact - towards the end of the process. The Ives administration's approach was to spend lesser-prioritized money on ancillary services -- leaving neighborhoods & businesses pressured to pass new taxes for critical fire and police services. Citizens were wrongly placed in "the hot seat". Thus the 60% no vote on the first, expensive levy proposal. Priority, basic services should be budgeted & funded FIRST and foremost -- not at the tail end of the process. Councilwoman Kimberly Allen first mentioned how 'urgent safety needs' are used to motivate citizens to approve new property taxes (and indirectly fund non-prioritized items). Where were our priorities?!
The huge difference this year is our new Mayor Marchione has "the tools", experience, and team to move our city to a *bottom-up budget AND Council really wants to roll up their sleeves on this one. The Mayor calls "Budgeting by Priorities" a cultural shift that will take a couple years to fully enact. (Budgeting by Priorities used to be coined Budgeting by Outcomes).

In the meeting, Councilmembers Hank Margeson and Allen voiced strong advocacy for public participation and transparency. A consultant, Beverley Stein, highly recommended Focus Groups for citizen identification of priorities. Surveys, open houses, and Internet were also mentioned. All will be offerred in some way "up front" to the public prior to government vetting.

The Mayor will form a "Guidance Team" of 3-4 citizens to meet 3-4 times/year to advise and assure the integrity of the process. Are you interested? Additional inputs will come from the "community indicator work" done last year by staff (Churchill), planning commission, and council. Of key importance, public input will be up front during "budgeting for priorities". No mention was made of using the public feedback generated from Ives "Budget Summit" forum. I don't know why.

Councilman Dave Carson asked the Mayor how flexible he is about shifting a worker from one department to another department. (In his campaign, Dave promoted cutting staff as a significant control for cost of government). The Mayor skillfully supported his staff saying his excellent departmenatal Directors are flexible and versed in re-training. Interestingly, City Clerk Malissa Files has been re-asigned (promoted) to Budget Manager. That's a positive.

Councilman Hank Myers probably asked the most pointed, strategic questions for the evening. He fills Robinson's seat more than adequately. Mr. Myers indicated the change in the form of the budget would be dramatic and he wanted the average person to be able to read it with the goals readily identified.

Mayor Marchione indicated the budget document would be 1/2 to 1/4 the size of the old Ives document!! To me that speaks volumes (no pun intended) for pruning excess from our bureaucracy with efficiencies. After a very long dry spell, happy days are here again! Could anyone not smile??
* the "bottom-up", budgeting by priorities process will be further explained in future blogs.

10/11, Labor Turmoil in City Hall

Look at the picture of our vacant City Hall front desk and ask yourself: "Where are our priorities"?

RCHEA recently announced they are endorsing Jim Robinson for Mayor and Dayle "Hank" Margesson for Council. 10/19

Several weeks ago I was surprised to see Denine Garrison, President of Redmond City Hall Employee Association (RCHEA), give an "Items from the Audience" talk to Mayor Ives about Rosemarie's "lack of respect" for city employees. Two weeks later I was shocked when Ms. Garrison made similar requests but this time with 100 city hall employees standing behind her. Mayor Ives waved them out of the chamber.

I had no idea that labor relations within city hall were so bad. How will this unrest affect worker productivity? Labor negotiations have been underway for over a year; employees have to be stressed, right? Mayor Ives should think hard about the hidden costs of lost worker productivity when she meets with the bargaining board next week.

This serious labor strife comes at a time when Mayor Ives is trying to embolden her legacy and leave City Hall on a positive note. Certainly, neither Marchione or Robinson wish to inherit city staff malcontents from the Mayor Ive's administration.

Just who are these 200 troubled city hall workers ? They are: code enforcement officers, hard-working planning staff, financial analysts (Jim Robinson could relate), public works engineers, teen center staff, recreation coordinators, webmaster, administrative assistants, and on...these are the professionals who make our city run.

A city hall worker shared the following grief:

1. city hall RCHEA workers endured a *pay cut at the start of the year...
2. medical premiums increased.
3. the administration promises a cost of living increase but use it as a bargaining chip. Management and outside employees get a COLA every January 1. Not RCHEA workers.
4. the higher premiums resulted in a build up of the medical reserves $1.3 million higher than State expectations.

If I understood my city confidant correctly then I feel their grief. Though, I'm not certain how much their pay was reduced, if at all. An employee comment posted at the bottom adds insight to this conundrum.

In my 20 years working as a medical sales professional for various Fortune 500 corporations, I never once received a COLA. We were lucky to get a 3-6% annual merit increase and if sales were good -- a commission or bonus. I was never a good negotiator at infrequent salary reviews. My salary rarely exceeded industry standards. At times, I wished someone would bargain for me. Our business dress was befitting of a "professional salesperson" though no sharper than the city's "administrative assistants". Of course, our co-pays and premiums increased every year. A few times I changed jobs hoping to improve my standard of living.

We hope RCHEA and the Administration will find resolution at their October 15 meeting. It's unfortunate Holly Plackett isn't with us to help work things out.

One keeps going back to the huge material costs & overhead associated with our $70 million City Hall and we ask, "where were our priorities?" Councilmembers Cole, Vache, Myers, McCormmick, and Marchione have plans to impliment "Priorities in Budgeting." Isn't it time?

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*COMMENT BY A CITY HALL WORKER, 10/12:

"To clarify the issue of the pay cut: In Denine's talk, I think she references a pay cut, but it is in terms that net pay is reduced when medical premiums are increased, not a reduction in gross. COLAs are common in municipal government, but uncommon in the private world. Public employees don't have the benefit of bonuses or the ability to negotiate a raise, since staff position salaries are [rigidly] set by classification. COLA generally amounts to a 1-3% pay increase. The City does have a merit pay increase, but the merit increase is intended to be paid only to employees who far exceed expectations. Without a COLA, wages are stagnant, medical premiums rise, resulting in a net decrease in paycheck, an effective pay cut -- not even accounting for the loss of buying power due to inflation."

- city employee

COMMENT FROM "ROGER", 10/13

"...And, oh yeah, I forgot.... It took a lot of courage for the city staff to show up at the council meetings and confront the mayor. If she was running for re-election, it probably wouldn't have happened. I know city staff who are basically terrified of her.

Rosemarie Ives wasn't a bad mayor sixteen years ago. But something happened. Redmond became her city, not our city. It's time for the citizens to take it back. It's time for a mayor who is going to lead the city, not rule it. I don't know if John Marchione is perfect, but I'll take him over Jim Robinson any day. "

Redmond Historical Society "Hero Award" Recipients

History Hero Awards 2006-2014

Over the past five years the Society has given 5 "History Hero" awards to people in the community who are making a contribution to preserving and sharing history in Redmond. Here is a list of this years' and past years' recipients of the award: 

2001    Tom Fix. City of Redmond

2001    Dale Potter, Member & volunteer

2001    William "Billy" Dale Tibbits

2006    Rosemarie Ives, then Mayor of Redmond

2007    Charles Payton, then Director of King County's Heritage Division

2008    Dianna Brodie, then City Planner, City of Redmond

2009    Randy and Stephanie Reeves and Paul and Patty Gordon, owners of the Stone House

2010    Brad Best, owner Brad Best Reality

2011    John Couch, Former Redmond Parks Director of 30 years.

2012    Naomi and Jerry Hardy, RHS Co-founder, Historian; Jerry’s support

2012    Richard Morris, Webmaster, 2008 to 2013

2013    Gene and Cheryl Magnuson, society photographer and exhibit designers

2014    Miguel Llanos, co-founder and Newsletter editor for 16 years

We thank all the award winners for helping the Redmond Historical Society's mission of ensuring our History for future generations.

   -- The above article was found on the Redmond Historical Society web site: redmondhistoricalsociety.org

My Notes & Comments:

Tom Fix played a key role during the installation of the Perrigo Springs historical marker

Rosemarie Ives:  I've had long phone talks with Rosemarie over the years for one reason or the other. It's a bit challenging to put a word in.   Rosemarie probably knows more current city "history"  than any member of the Redmond Historical Society, but I feel she's frustrated because she doesn't seem to have an outlet.  Hopefully, the Society will  someday embrace her and record more of her knowledge and experiences.  A podcast would be nice.  Perhaps the society could fund a biography.