Redmond, WA – The Redmond Arts Commission is seeking applications from citizens to participate in two programs. The first is involvement in the selection of public art, while the second is the review of applications for the Poet Laureate position.
Applicants must be Redmond residents though no special experience is necessary. Those selected will participate once or twice a month in public meetings with members of the Redmond Arts Commission.
Interested citizens should first email Mary Yelanjian at RAC@redmond.gov for an application. Mail applications to Mary Yelanjian, Arts Administrator, PO Box 97010, MS: 4NPK, Redmond WA 98073-9710. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
--- Marta Grunland, C.O.R. press release, 7/20
Monday, July 20, 2009
Five Redmond, WA streams are officially named by the City
This is a 2009 posting..
The Redmond Parks and Trails Commission recently gave a thumbs up to giving official names to five streams of significance to Redmond.
Mayor Marchione announced during the 7/17/08 Planning and Public Works Council Committee meeting RHS support for renaming Evans Creek to Martin's Creek after an early homesteader. Redmondite and geologist Susan Wilkens researched U.S. Geological documents and discovered Evans Creek was named before the Martin's homesteaded on the creek in 1910.
The Redmond Parks and Trails Commission recently gave a thumbs up to giving official names to five streams of significance to Redmond.
- Klise Creek - Marymoor Park
- Idylwood Creek - Idylwood Park
- Peters Creek - stormwater channel from Willows Road into Sammamish River, N. of 90th St. Br.
- Willows Creek - near Overlake Church
- Perrigo Creek - adjacent Ashford Trail
- community support
- presence of fish or the potential for fish
- presence of native plants e.g salmonberry
- names found in city documents (grants, land use, etc.)
- must be a headwater and have a tributary to a larger stream.
Mayor Marchione announced during the 7/17/08 Planning and Public Works Council Committee meeting RHS support for renaming Evans Creek to Martin's Creek after an early homesteader. Redmondite and geologist Susan Wilkens researched U.S. Geological documents and discovered Evans Creek was named before the Martin's homesteaded on the creek in 1910.
Several citizens suggested Perrigo Creek owing to it's geologic and historic connection to Redmond's first drinking water supply at Perrigo Springs. Naomi Hardy of the RHS suggested a Class 2 stream running west along NE 124th Street through 60 Acres into the Sammamish River.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Redmond moves forward with state-of-the-art electronic planning technology
UPDATED: Councilmember (CM) Hank Margeson's Committee Meeting on Planning and Public Works almost always has an agenda loaded with at least one interesting topic. I sat in on Hank's 7/16 meeting and he didn't let me down.Staff presented a new electronic technology for reviewing land use, building, and civil permitting plans. The product was demonstrated and compared to the current, cumbersome paper planning process.
Presently, documents for each permit plan are stored as thick, heavy 4-foot rolls of paper. These permit plans are so bulky it takes two people to haul them upstairs to the Permit Center. Planning Director Rob Odle quipped at photograph of a heavy roll leaning against a desk: "and that roll was just for a single family house permit." Storing and copying these paper planning documents is cumbersome and expensive.
The proposed electronic plan system is anything but cumbersome and redundant. The digital review technology makes it possible for ALL departments (including Fire) to work together real time on project plans from it's original design to the final permit. "Stuff" isn't missed, downtime is eliminated and the complete review process moves faster and, in the end promotes economic development. Electronic copies are readily accessible. The applicants are happy because they can go on the city website to assist in moving the project forward. Nancy McCormick said "fees could go down, not up."
The "overlay tool" is staff's favorite feature. New verisons of a plan can be overlaid on older versions to highlight deletions, additions and other changes as the plan moves forward. Other digital tools help to identify problems and make it more fun for staff e.g zoom, cloud, sticky note, colors.
Rob Odle's Planning & Development Department took four bids and surveyed Bend, OR, Bellingham, WA, and Beaverton, OR for product satisfaction and economy. Implimentation costs for the program are $232,000; ongoing maintenance fees are $18,000/year. However, technology efficiencies lower departmental costs 20% on average for most cities. Bend, OR has saved 50% with their electronic planning technology.
Councilmembers Margeson, Cole, Allen, and McCormick appeared elated with the technology and staff's presentation. Redmond would be the first city in King County to employ the new digital permit planning technology.
Bend, OR. Electronic Plan Review e-plan website
Friday, July 17, 2009
Property owners pay $10/parcel to fund King Conservation District. Transparency of proposed funding is in question.
UPDATED, 7/20: Redmond and other suburban citizens pay $10 per parcel to fund the King Conservation District (KCD). Many of the funds have been directed to 50 habitat restoration and protection projects throughout our Sammamish-Cedar Creek "Watershed Salmon Recovery Council" (WRIA 8). Over the years, critical restoration projects on Bear Creek, Issaquah Creek, Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, the Sammamish River, Little Bear Creek, and Kelsey Creek could not have been completed without the wise appropriation of the KCD funds by experienced WRIA 8 Sammamish-Cedar Creek Salmon Recovery councilmembers.
Of the $10 each parcel owner in Redmond pays to King Conservation District, $5 goes to WRIA 8 Watershed restoration, protection and education projects, $3 goes to the King Conservation District and $2 goes to the City of Redmond. This current policy of appropriating landowner funds ($5-$3-$2) has functioned well over the years, giving suburban cities and WRIA 8 Watershed Council flexibility and control in allocating funds by priority of value and need.
WRIA 8 Watershed Salmon Recovery Council has been very successful at leveraging KCD funding. Every WRIA 8 KCD grant dollar is matched by $2 of local, state or federal funds. From 1998-2007 WRIA 8 received $7,291,598 in KCD funds. They estimate that WRIA 8 KCD funds have leveraged an additional $14,572,720!
Unfortunately, the King Conservation District Board of Supervisors in Renton proposes to reduce city and WRIA funding by 10% or more and with no transparency in how the grants will be allocated between cities and watershed councils.
Greater clarity and certainty of funding is needed for these grant programs to continue to be successful. If you agree or disagree, King Conservation District Board of Supervisors wants to hear from you : comments@kingcd.org. The deadline for comments is July 20, however comments coming in after July 20 will be read and considered.
King Conservation District Board of Supervisors
1107 SW Grady Way, Suite130
Renton, WA 98057
King Conservation District (KCD) comprehensive website -- special assessment topic
UPDATE, 7/20: Here is information on upcoming meetings regarding the KCD assessment where the KCD Board is inviting your participation and feedback:
The KCD Advisory Committee is meeting this Thursday, July 23rd from 1:30-4PM at Kirkland City Hall downstairs in the Peter Kirk Room. The meeting agenda is attached.
Directions to Kirkland City Hall: http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/Maps_and_Directions.htm
The KCD Board of Supervisors Meeting is next Monday, July 27th at 6PM at the King Conservation District’s office at 1107 SW Grady Way, Suite 130 in Renton.
The agenda for the meeting will be posted at: http://www.kingcd.org/abo_boa.htm
Directions to the KCD office: http://www.kingcd.org/con_us_map.htm
Of the $10 each parcel owner in Redmond pays to King Conservation District, $5 goes to WRIA 8 Watershed restoration, protection and education projects, $3 goes to the King Conservation District and $2 goes to the City of Redmond. This current policy of appropriating landowner funds ($5-$3-$2) has functioned well over the years, giving suburban cities and WRIA 8 Watershed Council flexibility and control in allocating funds by priority of value and need.
WRIA 8 Watershed Salmon Recovery Council has been very successful at leveraging KCD funding. Every WRIA 8 KCD grant dollar is matched by $2 of local, state or federal funds. From 1998-2007 WRIA 8 received $7,291,598 in KCD funds. They estimate that WRIA 8 KCD funds have leveraged an additional $14,572,720!
Unfortunately, the King Conservation District Board of Supervisors in Renton proposes to reduce city and WRIA funding by 10% or more and with no transparency in how the grants will be allocated between cities and watershed councils.
Greater clarity and certainty of funding is needed for these grant programs to continue to be successful. If you agree or disagree, King Conservation District Board of Supervisors wants to hear from you : comments@kingcd.org. The deadline for comments is July 20, however comments coming in after July 20 will be read and considered.
King Conservation District Board of Supervisors
1107 SW Grady Way, Suite130
Renton, WA 98057
King Conservation District (KCD) comprehensive website -- special assessment topic
UPDATE, 7/20: Here is information on upcoming meetings regarding the KCD assessment where the KCD Board is inviting your participation and feedback:
The KCD Advisory Committee is meeting this Thursday, July 23rd from 1:30-4PM at Kirkland City Hall downstairs in the Peter Kirk Room. The meeting agenda is attached.
Directions to Kirkland City Hall: http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/Maps_and_Directions.htm
The KCD Board of Supervisors Meeting is next Monday, July 27th at 6PM at the King Conservation District’s office at 1107 SW Grady Way, Suite 130 in Renton.
The agenda for the meeting will be posted at: http://www.kingcd.org/abo_boa.htm
Directions to the KCD office: http://www.kingcd.org/con_us_map.htm
Monday, July 13, 2009
A creative approach to sustainability in the 'hood.
My neighbors, Richard and Eileen are confirmed UNDRIVERS. They 'hitch a ride' from our 'hood whenever they can find one, take the bus over a car, and other stuff good UNDRIVERS do. It's a state-of-mind they've adopted. At first it sounds silly, but sustainability is catchy. Eileen emailed the following story: Victoria's Undriving Success Story:
“The Undriving program has been far more successful than I thought it would be. I pledged to give up driving on Thursday for a month. Not only did I fulfill that pledge, but I wound up taking the bus for almost all my trips - to work, to concerts, to friends' houses. I found it fun to research how to get places both here and in other towns. I've enjoyed riding the bus; it gives me time to read a lot. I also have had fun striking up conversations with strangers. Extra walking has been a great result; I'm feeling fitter than I did in March. Friends of mine have started to think about ways in which they could reduce their car use; one has activated her old bike which has been sitting in her garage for years. I had no idea that one small pledge would open the door to changing such an entrenched habit.” - Victoria
A NEW WAY TO UNDRIVE!
Next Saturday, July 18, Undriving will be celebrating the launch of Sound Transit’s new Link Light Rail line, from Westlake to Tukwila! Ride the rails for free all weekend. Undriver Licensing will be at the Othello Station (MLK & S. Othello) – tell your friends!
The UNDRIVING Licensing Station (MLK & S. Othello) is open July 18 to get licensed and help shape your pledge (no cost). 9:30am-1:30pm, and 1:30-5:30pm. Questions? Email julia@undriving.org, or call 206-605-5910. Liscencing is available online.
Next up:• Rainier Heritage Festival & 'Celebrate Summer Streets' event - August 8, 11am-3pm Join us for the celebratory street closure and parade.
Thanks to Transportation Choices Coalition and Sustainable South Seattle for sponsoring the Undriver Licensing Station!
Website: http://www.undriving.org/
CONTACT: Julia@undriving.org
"Sometimes, the only available transportation is a leap of faith." -Margaret Shepard
LINKED TO MY FACEBOOK
Take a break with this hilarious Avian Water commercial
ATTN: BMX'ers, Edge Park board skaters, Sammamish River Trail In-Line skaters and PSE mountain-bikers! Digital artists, too....
Credits, Stew Konzen's FaceBook
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Redmond Derby Days clip of bicycle races, bands, and dancing!
A taste of the 2009 Redmond, WA. Derby Days Festival. The bike race is the longest running race in the US, 69 years (and boy, are the bikers tired!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqFbwppKwW4
--this clip was produced by Eva Moon of http://evamoon.net/ and posted on her FaceBook.
--this clip was produced by Eva Moon of http://evamoon.net/ and posted on her FaceBook.
Derby Days was Delightful - the survey says so!
Updated: The City of Redmond LOVES to survey the neighborhoods on their various projects. So, I decided it was about time the neighborhoods took their own survey of the City's Derby Days Summer Festival! So far only one citizen [moi] has taken the survey. Here goes:
1) Did you like the Festival? Awesome. Lots of community pride. This is the first time my family has attended from start to finish .
2) What was your favorite part? Many: - renewing friendships at the Beer Garden, - evening dancing with my wife to a coool band, the Beatnicks, - parading for the Green Team with my family, - seeing my neighbor in the Criterion race, - recruiting forestry volunteers at the Cascade Conservancy booth, and - laying on the lawn watching fireworks with neighbors from all over the world.
3) What was most meaningful to you about the festival? Being with my family and participating in the events. Watching my daughter lead the Green Team.
4) What was your favorite booth? The Cascade Conservancy GreenRedmond booth #38. People learned about the invasive plants in our Parks, volunteers signed up for the Hartman Greenbelt work party & more. I got to show off my foot-long Himalayan blackberry root. (no it's not edible).
5) What was the largest booth? City of Redmond's "Economic Development" booth. A nice lady walked me though the "Wanted - Redmond residents to bike & walk downtown" poster. It's really coool. http://www.gortrip.com/ . I'm going to walk it with my wife. I saw a map of the The Cleveland Ave. sewer line construction project. It's going to be a 'stink'n traffic mess'.
6) What was most unique and special about Derby Days? Mingling with Redmond citizens from across the world. It was truly an international experience.
7) What suggestions do you have for improving Derby Days? Please don't combine the kid's parade with the Big Parade! Anyone could tell you why. And, the festival is a little spread out with the carnival so far away. Would the RAC rent out parking?
8) What could the neighborhood do to improve this survey? If this survey is less than 12 questions you are doing well. Most city surveys are way too long. Ask about presence (or absence) of staff at booths.
9) Do you have any other comments? Yes, I hope others will take this survey by commenting below or emailing redmondblog@gmail.com . The results will be sent to the City Clerk.
THANK YOU!
- from: "The Neighborhoods of Redmond, WA."
posted in my FaceBook
1) Did you like the Festival? Awesome. Lots of community pride. This is the first time my family has attended from start to finish .
2) What was your favorite part? Many: - renewing friendships at the Beer Garden, - evening dancing with my wife to a coool band, the Beatnicks, - parading for the Green Team with my family, - seeing my neighbor in the Criterion race, - recruiting forestry volunteers at the Cascade Conservancy booth, and - laying on the lawn watching fireworks with neighbors from all over the world.
3) What was most meaningful to you about the festival? Being with my family and participating in the events. Watching my daughter lead the Green Team.
4) What was your favorite booth? The Cascade Conservancy GreenRedmond booth #38. People learned about the invasive plants in our Parks, volunteers signed up for the Hartman Greenbelt work party & more. I got to show off my foot-long Himalayan blackberry root. (no it's not edible).
5) What was the largest booth? City of Redmond's "Economic Development" booth. A nice lady walked me though the "Wanted - Redmond residents to bike & walk downtown" poster. It's really coool. http://www.gortrip.com/ . I'm going to walk it with my wife. I saw a map of the The Cleveland Ave. sewer line construction project. It's going to be a 'stink'n traffic mess'.
6) What was most unique and special about Derby Days? Mingling with Redmond citizens from across the world. It was truly an international experience.
7) What suggestions do you have for improving Derby Days? Please don't combine the kid's parade with the Big Parade! Anyone could tell you why. And, the festival is a little spread out with the carnival so far away. Would the RAC rent out parking?
8) What could the neighborhood do to improve this survey? If this survey is less than 12 questions you are doing well. Most city surveys are way too long. Ask about presence (or absence) of staff at booths.
9) Do you have any other comments? Yes, I hope others will take this survey by commenting below or emailing redmondblog@gmail.com . The results will be sent to the City Clerk.
THANK YOU!
- from: "The Neighborhoods of Redmond, WA."
posted in my FaceBook
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Think Tank at Derby Days
While watching the Derby Day Parade, I ran into a few neighbors who know the City inside and out. Our thoughts centered on the towering City Hall foyer and how intimidating it can be to visitors. We decided one of the biggest problems about City Hall is no foyer receptionist to help you find your way. Unfortunatley helpful way-finding signage isn't posted because the landlord has signage requirements. (yep, the city doesn't own their building yet). Thus, we sometimes notice people wandering listlessly around the foyer and halls looking for a "warm body". Can you imagine how first time visitors of Redmond's diverse cultures must feel?THE THINK TANK: When using the Help Desk Phone, visitor calls often get routed to the wrong department or sometimes not at all. It's disruptive. Long waits at the help desk phone frustrate visitors as they must often listen to endless routing messages. If Public Works were to survey the various City departments on the value of a lobby receptionist many Department heads would probably request a receptionist and even discover efficiencies to pay for one. Why? Stronger service and "efficiency savings" are part the city's budgeting priorities. Also, the Mayor places high regard for customer service and should he uncover efficiencies he might take action. "
And the survey SAYS............" ?
posted in my FaceBook
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Velodrome racing is a growing niche sport for youth!
I used to think the Marymoor Velodrome was built for the Goodwill Games, operated by King County, was only for adults, and dangerous to ride on. Wrong on all counts.Ed, my behind-the-fence-neighbor, has 7 bicycles in his garage, volunteers at "the track" every week and has two young kids taking "Pee Wee Pedaler" classes! So, I took a visit to the Velodrome to find out more.
I bumped into Tela Crane at the cycle rental shop underneath the track; she was great and she filled me in. Tela works for the nonprofit Marymoor Velodrome Association as their Webmaster and Youth Program Director. That's right, this nonprofit, association of 500 volunteer cyclists do all the work at "the Track". The two staff on hand are paid by the Association, not county taxpayers. Just, a few sponsors and $40 dues/year fuel the whole program.
Yes, everybody knows Derby Days is coming up this Saturday, but did you know the "Pee Wee Pedalers" class (ages 4-8) is in the morning, the same day? 9am. That's right!
Tela teaches the "Velokids" (ages 10-16) They use youth size track bikes and learn how to ride and race on the track. M-Th, 4-5:30. Bikes can be rented on-site for $10/day.
"Kiddie Kilo" is a popular, new introductory class to racing. It features a one-lap race for everyone from push bikes to 10 year-olds. 1st & 3rd Friday every month. 60-100 kids are coming out every night!
Yes, "adult track classes" are held on Saturdays at 11am. Those who take the weekend class move up to Thursday evening racing. And, the popular, higher level Friday Night Racing takes place at 7Pm, beer garden nearby.
Velodrome racing is safer than road racing. It's kind of counter-intuitive. The bikes have no brakes and only one gear so there is no sudden stopping or jerky moves. Plus, rules about where you can ride on the track and which lanes helps keep things safer. Racers reach speeds of 40+ mph but with few accidents. Cross winds and rain are the biggest hazards. Most of their "twitts" are about weather conditions.
Yes, youth sports are growing, but niche sports like velodrome racing, rowing, BMX dirt jumping, and mountain biking are growing at fast clip, offering new excitement and discoveries to those who venture. Will you?
Don't miss: FSA Grand Prix (http://www.fsagrandprix.com/ - one of the nation's biggest track racing events- brings in national and international talent). July 24 - 25. !!!
CONTACT: Tela Crane, velokids@velodrome.org
Website: www.velodrome.org/cms/
posted in my Facebook
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Redmond's Rising Arts and Literary stars
I know Tom, Eva and Abbott. They are wonderful people who give lots of volunteer hours to the City. I hope you will enjoy their creative works!
Redmond artists and art students are invited to send me your home pages and individual pieces for posting.
Local artists often congregate and perform at "Soulfood Bookstore of Redmond" on Redmond Way - comprehensive website
&
The City of Redmond is planning to create a Downtown Central Park.
The City is hosting two public open house meetings to discuss the future of this park. The first is on Thursday, July 23 at 7pm in the Lake Washington School District Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th Street in Redmond Town Center. The second is on Monday, August 10 at the same time and location.
“The new Downtown Central Park will be a treasure to the community. It provides a destination for residents and workers,” stated John Marchione, Redmond’s Mayor. “The park will strengthen neighborhood connections and reinforce the historic ‘heart’ of Redmond.”
It would become downtown Redmond’s living room; a place filled with life and activity, surrounded by economic vitality and interest that celebrates Redmond’s past, present and future.
Come to one of the two open house meetings on either July 23 or August 10 and let the City know what you think.
For questions regarding this park project or the open house, contact Jean Rice at 425-556-2378, or jrice@redmond.gov.
“The new Downtown Central Park will be a treasure to the community. It provides a destination for residents and workers,” stated John Marchione, Redmond’s Mayor. “The park will strengthen neighborhood connections and reinforce the historic ‘heart’ of Redmond.”
It would become downtown Redmond’s living room; a place filled with life and activity, surrounded by economic vitality and interest that celebrates Redmond’s past, present and future.
Come to one of the two open house meetings on either July 23 or August 10 and let the City know what you think.
For questions regarding this park project or the open house, contact Jean Rice at 425-556-2378, or jrice@redmond.gov.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)