Redmond Neighborhood Blog

Monday, November 12, 2007

10/2, Redmond government commits to bicycles

Under the inspiration and guidance of the Cascade Bicycle Club, http://www.cascade.org/Home/ city council unanimously passed legislation called "Complete Streets" . The law requires a city commitment to pedestrian and bicycle accommodations in all major infrastructure projects.

The big question is: will Redmond's "Complete Streets" ordinance help to advance our neighborhoods and city towards implementing controversial projects like the proposed rechannelization of 166th Avenue? This plan would require wider sidewalks and bike lanes.
The Cascade Bicycle Club, City of Seattle, City of Kirkland, and now Redmond consider roads a "public asset" -- for all users. Complete Streets will reduce congestion & pollution and improve public health. The Cascade Bicycle Club recently endorsed Hank Margeson - the only Redmond Council candidate to be so honored. Congratulations to Hank on his endorsement! The Cascade Bicyle Club gave their Mayoral endorsement to Jim Robisnon. It may have been the Derby Day bike his was riding that swung them over!
..........................................................................................................................COMMENTS:
JOHN MARCHIONE:

KIM ALLEN:
Hey Bob! You forgot to mention that Cascade Bicycle Club has also endorsed Jim Robinson for Mayor of Redmond. They join the Sierra Club, the Washington Conservation Voters and the Redmond Police Association in endorsing Mr. Robinson.Kim Allen
Tuesday October 2, 2007 -
Hi Bob - It is true Jim has received these endorsements. The Bicycle Club, Sierra CLub and the Conservation Voters were gained by Rosemarie Ives calling in chips. I asked all union to not endorse in the Mayor's race because it appears unethical when negotiating contracts. How is a Mayor going to negotiate in good faith with a union that endorsed (or didn't endorse) them. It is too bad the police made that decision. John Marchione
Wednesday October 3, 2007 -

KIM ALLEN:
Bob, Let's set the record straight. Actually, John Marchione was considered in the endorsement process to try to obtain the environmental endorsements for himself. He was not selected. With respect to the various city employee groups, it's not clear where in the process he made such a request to withdraw from consideration. Now that they have selected someone else, there is some rationalizing going on. It's a shame to cast aspersions on these fine organizations by blaming some supposed intervention from our outgoing mayor. That's no way to build consensus.Kim Allen
Wednesday October 3, 2007
The Cascade Bicycle Club offers a long list of Bike & Transit resources and links. I've been a member on and off, for years. It's a great organization, especially to help beginners get started.

10/30, The New Arts Commission

I listened to the Arts Commissioners meet on 9/13 at City Hall chambers. The newly forming commission led by Chair, *Tom Flynn passed their Strategic Plan. Three new commissioners were recently sworn in.

One of the most positive actions the commission and city planners (Mary & Debbie) have taken was to invite the public to participate in the selection of two outdoor art projects. Citizens pay for the art the city buys to dress up their public buildings and we should have a say as to what gets approved. I hope the city asks for more public review on all of their art projects -- especially outdoor art. With public review, we should have no excuses for the art selected. THANKS to the commission, again, for bringing your art nominations to the public for review! Keep it up!

The Public Safety Building was one of two buildings awarded art reviewed by the public. The colorful artwork is ceramic tile printed and painted with historical photos of Redmond's past policemen. The Commission is collaborating with the Redmond Historical Society to gather archived photos. Robert Delgoto is the artist. No price tag was announced. It should. The commission is awarded 1% of the total cost of the the Public Safety Building remodel towards the cost of the art.

The other publicly-reviewed art was by M. Rosenberg and will be placed at Meadow Park. It makes bird whistles when stepping on an air bladder pump. Approval is pending until this "new art" is warranteed to last 20 years and without construction flaws. The commission appears to have learned from the unpopular City Hall "Silver Thaw" outdoor art. Again, no price tag is given for this outdoor art piece, but it's funded out of the Capital Improvement Plan - 1%.

The above photo is "Scooter". He's waving "goodbye". It was one of my favorite 2006 outdoor pieces, next to "Pie in the Sky". Sadly, it was announced, "Scooter" was stolen! The artist, Wattenmaker, generously donated Scooter to the city. It's market value was $6,900. (Thanks to Roy Leban, past Arts Chair for the correction). If anyone sees "Scooter" please write the commissioners at RAC@redmond.gov or call City Hall.

Did you know that 1.5% per capita [per art website] is taken from the general fund each year to fund art in Redmond. 1% of the cost of city capital building projects also funds art via the Capital reserves. If you don't feel you're getting your money's worth, I suggest you go to the Arts Commission meetings or write them. They want to hear your ideas, too.

Reports varied from 80 - 125 attendees to one Redmond's "Arts in the Parks" summer festival. Rain held down the turn-out. Some commissioners wanted to find ways to raise attendance . Attendance looked pretty good to me....

Arts in the Parks, Attendance

Geoffrey Castle: 250

Show Brazil: 75 (rain site)

Redmond Arts Jam: 75

Green Stage: 275

Wooden O Theater:425

Billet Deux: 130

Teen Night: 53 (rain site)

Correo Aereo 125

Thanks to Planner Mary for the attendance stats. What does it cost to put these programs on? What is the cost per attendee? Is the program's intent as much to "support the arts" as it is to provide entertainment?

Mark your calendar: Saturday, October 6, 10AM, at RTC - Starbucks meet up with the mayor and commissioners to tour the 2007 outdoor art collection -- by bus!! RSVP to RAC@redmond.gov . Visit www.redmond.gov/arts for details.

Don't forget to keep your eyes out for Scooter...

* If you are following the election, Chair Tom Flynn, Vice-Chair John Stilin, and past Chair Roy Leban endorse John Marchione for Mayor.

10/27, "Redmond Politics" - a gossipy new election blog

UPDATED: "Redmond Politics" - was a short-lived gossipy social media blog about candidates of Election 2007.

Find it here: http://redmondpolitics.blogspot.com

10/25, Restored: Historic Perrigo Springs Marker & Willow

For many months, Redmond Public Works construction projects adjacent to historic Perrigo Springs have negatively impacted the commemorative "marker" and Willow. (see earlier blogs). Public Works contractors finally cleaned up the site but left crushed rock under the tree.

Recently, friends of Perrigo Woodlands & the Historical Society restored the site. Crushed rock on top of the marker and tree was raked back and fresh bark was spread. Litter was removed. (The original RHS installation is pictured on left.)

For over 2000 years, the peaceful Snoqualmie (Sqwak) Indians camped near this Spring and foraged Bear Creek for salmon, mussels and berries. Early pioneers were attracted to the spring and it was the city's first water supply. Hartman wetlands and the surrounding woodlands makes up the watershed supplying this spring. It still rises up today from seasonally dry Perrigo Creek. Naomi Hardy, co-founder of the Redmond Historical Society found the rock marker nearby and in 2004 a ceremony was held commemorating the site.

A neighbor and trail runner, Richard Morris, took this photo. He reports the commemorative tree is a "Corkscrew Willow". It will grow 20-30 feet high and up to 25 feet wide with adequate water. The young branches grow in a spiral, twisting fashion. I remember, in the winter storm of 2006 one of our friend's huge Corkscrew Willow in their front yard was uprooted.

10/25, Bear Creek Mussels - indicators of stream health

The photo above is one of the world's most sensitive "biological indicators" of natural resource health -- and it lives in our very own "back yard" -- Bear Creek. It's a 50-year old, middle-aged, freshwater mussel. Good luck trying to find it in the stream bed!

Did you know that 70% of all freshwater mussels in the U.S. are at risk or endangered? Freshwater mussels need fish to reproduce (their larva develop in fish gills) so their survival in Bear Creek is very dependent on salmon - another endangered species. Thus, mussels are very sensitive indicators of the condition of our local water quality and the health of our salmon fisheries.

Some alarming news was announced at a WATER TENDERS meeting last night. We learned that Bear Creek mussels have experienced a catastrophic decline -- a 93% mortality in the last year. But so far, in preliminary studies, experts from University of Washington and King County could not fully explain WHY.

The experts could not attribute the decline to water quality, sedimentation, urbanization, or even "first flush" of stormwater from roads. Toxic algae blooms, disease, and predation are more likely but even these causes have been ruled out for the time being. The experts have just begun their studies so with further study answers & solutions may be found.

These creatures have lived in "our back yard creek" for over 2000 years. Snoqualmie Indians once lived off the mussels and left large piles of shells (middens) on campsites along the banks of Bear Creek and Cottage Lake Creek.

How much longer will these historic creatures live in 'our neighborhood'? Right now, it doesn't look too good for them.

10/14, A Tale of Two City Halls

Did you see the "Seattle Times" article today (9/14) about the exciting plans for the City of Snoqualmie's new city hall? They plan to design their roof slope to create a waterfall! AND, the waterfall run-off will be captured to water the landscaping! Wow. What a winner! On top of that, the 14,000 sq. ft. structure will use building materials reflecting their railroad heritage.

A few strong comparisons can be made between Snoqualamie's city hall with our new Redmond hall:

both cities consolidated multiple stand-alone administrative offices into one big hall for efficiencies.
both will win GREEN awards - Redmond already has a "Silver Certificate" and one can only surmise Snoqualmie will receive a "Gold" or even "Platinum" Certificate for their novel design. More later...

Unfortunately, that's as far as it goes for the positives:

Snoqualmie's city hall waterfall is aesthetic and functional. Redmond's outdoor-art "waterfall" pond is not GREEN. Rather, it actually creates an electrical hazard from the underwater lighting of the outdoor art. The hazard is so dangerous that Redmond's own Public works permitting department had to shut down the art lights permanently! Unfortunately, without it's lights our outdoor artwork is masked and untrue to the artist.
Snoqualmie hall will be built with a mix of materials inspired from their railroading era. The Redmond Hall is built with imported tiles, waterless urinals, and modernistic materials and a design that gives NO thought or recognition to our heritage. Where are the photos of our previous mayors?!
Snoqualmie's city hall is designed so it can easily be remodeled. Our city hall's wide hallways and intimidating cathedral ceilings are not functional. In fact, the Director of Finance has repeatedly asked Council for "more storage space"!
About the "grab for GREEN". Just what does our "Silver Certificate" mean to the environment? Redmond taxpayers pay $600,000/year in maintenance & utilities for this monstrosity. It appears our tax-dollars are flying out the window with the structure's heating, ventilation , and window washing, etc. bills.
Regarding costs, I'm not sure how Snoqualmie's $4.9 million Hall compares to our Hall. However, it's known that Redmond's $40 million Hall cost $290/SF and affluent Bellevue's is only $207/SF. Worse - the city doesn't own our Hall, it rents it.

Mayor Ives has been in a legacy-building mode for the last four years and she's been doing it on our dime. If John Marchione or Jim Robinson were our mayor one wonders how they would envision our City Hall?

John Marchione emphasizes budget prioritization and efficiencies. He has a strong sense of heritage and history. For example, Marchione voted to save Anderson Park (4-3). It's safe to say John's city hall wouldn't be what we have now. Though Jim Robinson says he's traveled the world for Boeing's procurement department and even though he voted against saving Anderson Park, he certainly wouldn't be so grandiose as to design this monolith.

I looked all over the Redmond city website using their search engine and could find nothing about our *LEED 'Silver Certificate" award. Both Council Pres. McCormick and councilman Robinson have talked about it as one (of the few) positives of the City Hall.

* LEED - "Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design

KIM ALLEN:
In the interest of full disclosure, you should add that Jim Robinson did NOT vote for Redmond's new City Hall and John Marchione did vote for it. We need not speculate about what kind of City Hall each would build-they already cast their votes. Kimberly Allen
Sunday September 16, 2007 -

YODER:

True, Kim, but neither John nor Jim were mayor when they voted on City Hall. The mayor lives, eats and sometimes even sleeps in City Hall. The present mayor is also leaving office after 16 years of work as "chief administrative officer". She was deeply vested in the approval of this Hall. My opinion is that neither John nor Jim would ever approve of this "money pit" if they were Mayor...as has Mayor Ives.
Sunday September 16, 2007 -

Sunday, November 11, 2007

10/5/07, The Significance of Holly Plackett to Redmond's future

The significance of Holly Plackett to the future of Redmond:

Did you know that in the Primary, Marchione won over Robinson by only 3% - 193 votes?
Did you know that Holly Plackett collected 1517 votes in the Primary? That's a lot of votes!
Would Holly's endorsement make a big difference as to who our next Mayor is in November?
Quite likely, considering her recognition in the community and strong following.

I will soon be posting a table comparing Holly's platform to John and Jim's platforms.

Do you have strong feelings or comments you want to document or share? If so:

IN RETROSPECT: Ms. Plackett's influence on the election was minimal. The only candidate she endorsed was Brian Colin and he lost by a wide margin to Hank Margeson. 11/12/07

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

some mayoral candidate observations from the Seattle Times, 8/22/07....

2 from council favored for Redmond post

By Ashley Bach; and Sonia Krishnan

Seattle Times Eastside bureau

"Marchione and Plackett ran with promises of a more collaborative approach than Ives', while Robinson had the mayor's endorsement and said he wanted to raise taxes on businesses."

- snippet from "The Seattle Times", 8/22/07

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last time I heard from Mayor Ives, businesses and residents split the city tax burden about equally. Has anyone heard otherwise? Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Almost EVERYONE WINS! - Redevelopment of the Keller Farm, 9/3/07

UPDATED on 4/18/13. It's my understanding the wetland bank program has been delayed for 5 years. I don't know the details, but you could contact the city council ombudsman at council@redmond.gov for an explanation.

OPINION: My friend and neighbor, Richard Morris, wrote a "guest" blog a few months ago about new developments at historic Keller Farm near Avondale and Union Hill road. Recently, the planning commission has been holding public meetings on the project. The commission graciously left their meeting open for "comment". If you have something to say for the record, you may still comment (as of 8/5/07) to the planningcommission@redmond.gov

If ever there was a WIN-WIN land-use & re-zone project in Redmond THIS is it!
Below is an assessment of community needs that will be satisfied by the Aegis Living - Keller Farm development.

Mr. Keller, owner of historic Keller Dairy Farm and now pumpkin farm has agreed to sell his land to a developer, but the low density residential zoning and Critical Area characteristics impeded progress and land values.
The City classified much of Keller's land as protected, "critical areas" -- 1) recharge zone for maintaining our well water supply, 2) and hazardous flood zone, 3) riparian and fish & wildlife Protection Area; and wetland making re-zoning and development difficult.
Aegis Living retirement company sought a premium location to attract and service their retirement clientele and obtain a location close to their corporate headquarters.
The long-time landowners with grandfathered 25 foot buffers on Evans Creek want to increase the value of their land so that SE Redmond can be redeveloped. Evans Creek is a salmon bearing, straight channel with little or no riparian habitat or buffers.
Perrigo Creek is taking on higher concentrations of stormwater run-off from new developments (Perrigo Heights, 180 Ave, and SR 520) presenting negative impacts to priority Bear Creek habitat.
Environmentalists (Muckelshoot Indian Tribe, WaterTenders, community activists) want to protect priority open space, habitat, and species.
Redmond Historical Society and residents want to preserve our heritage and our view corridors.
Congested traffic needs to be mitigated on Avondale Road during redevelopment of the corridor.
5000 senior citizens 65 years and older live within a 3 mile radius of Keller Farm and will need retirement accommodations and care.
Affordable housing is scarce for residents and workers in Redmond.
Wetland mitigation banks are needed in Redmond to facilitate growth.

How the above needs will be satisfied (in sequence):

The residential and agricultural zoning of Keller Farm will be amended to "Bear Creek District" allowing Mr. Keller to sell his 126 acre farm for a good return to Aegis Health Care (8.8 acres) and a "wetland bank" entrepreneur ((117 acres).
A "wetland bank" is created in partnership with the the city and Aegis. The bank allows the city to protect their valuable recharge wellhead protection zone, protected riparian habitat and species, priority flood zone & wetlands. Susan Wilkins stated our 1998 FEMA Flood Map was dated. Kim Richardson had concerns about pesticides.
Aegis Living, website here, will build a state-of-art retirement complex next to their corporate headquarters. Assisted living with focus on memory care will be provided. Alzheimer's is expected to grow by 10-fold by 2050. 1 in 5 citizens will be over 65 by 2030, according to Brain Poge of Aegis.
An easement is created in the wetland bank to allow for re-routing & meandering of Evans Creek away from SE Redmond businesses. Riparian habitat will be restored and creekside resident land value will increase stimulating redevelopment of SE Redmond.
Perrigo Creek currently runs underground 1000 feet in a pipe along Avondale. It will be "daylighted" to a swale (grassed ditch), the stream water -- oxygenated, filtered and re-routed away from Avondale wastewater before draining into Bear Creek - improving stormwater treatment and Bear Creek water quality.
The wetland bank will be used mostly for wetlands paved over by roads, high schools, and trails and will not replace on-site mitigation. Victor Woodlasnd, wetland banker partner, has a 10 year commitment to restore banked units. Within 20-years the wetland bank will be endowed in perpetuity to the Cascade Land Conservancy. The wetland bank will be restored with trees and shrubs native to wetlands. Man-made ditches will be removed. Trails should be pervious (Dick Schaetzel) and secondary to the flow of the creeks (Ed Schein). Bear Creek is a channel. Off channel rearing of fish is superior and more likely after restoration. (Bill Shields).
Aegis Living residents do most of their driving during off-peak hours so they are a good business for busy Avondale Road.
10% of the units will be set aside for affordable housing for workers and possibly residents.

What appears to be "unfinished business" or issues of concern are, as follows:

"Avondale Green Homeowners Association" is not opposed but they want a 2nd exit onto Avondale and a U-turn for safety.
a small triangular neighborhood next to Aegis is unhappy with the Aegis Road going next to their neighborhood.
Susan Wilkins duly noted concerns about our dated 1998 FEMA Flood map. Staffers agreed that mapping work needed to be done. Susan presented photos of the proposed Aegis tennis courts in the 1998 flood plain.
Jill Richardson had duly noted concerns about pesticides.

The wetland bank is highly regulated, but the City of Redmond has final say via permitting and the debit side of banking. The Dept. of Ecology and Army Corps of Engineers are next in line. The EPA has some jurisdiction, as well. City Environmental planner, Cathy Beam, and Planner Jeff Churchill worked hard on this project and did a great job.

Project review and rezone are almost finalized. The Department of Ecology will consider a Public Hearing - by request only.

** The photograph above is of cow pasture along Bear Creek. It may be Keller Farm. This photo is on the front cover of Redmond Historical Society's new soft-cover titled "Redmond Reflections - from settlers to software", written by Naomi Hardy. To order write redmondhistory@hotmail.com.
Redmond City Technical Report of the Aegis project is HERE

FACTOIDS - a 225 acre wetland in Duval was the first wetland banking site in WA. Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) owns 5 wetland banks. Two banks are in Skagit county and one in Eastern Washington. >> wetland banks are booming across the country but are limited in Washington State by stronger regulations.

Planning commission's final recommendations to Council of 9/28/07: http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/citycouncil/CurrentAgenda.asp

8/30/07, Redmond's $40 million Regional Stormwater Treatment facility

8/30/07. Have you seen all the digging activity along the Sammamish River south of City Hall lately? It's not just about "IMPROVEMENT FOR FISH AND PEOPLE" . Some of that work ($1.7 million) in the vicinity of Lukc McRedmond Park is the first step toward building Redmond's ambitious regional downtown stormwater treatment system.

Jon Spangler, Redmond Division Manager of Stormwater Management gave a presentation in July to the King County Water Quality Committee about Redmond's $40 million regional stormwater treatment plan for downtown Redmond. Click on the following link to find the video archive:

Regional Water Quality Program, 7/25 - Redmond Stormwater (Real One media suggested)

The Regional treatment plan is a huge, proactive undertaking designed to service over 500 acres of downtown development anticipated in the next 40-50 years. It involves building 6 large "outfall" treatment facilities rather than hundreds of smaller vaults. Large trunk lines the length of Redmond Way and on 85th Street will be dug with pipes installed. Planned road re-designs will probably be coordinated with the storm pipe installation. All six facilities will be built in five years. Click here for the stormwater facility map

The $40 million cost will be paid by 1) raising residential and commercial stormwater fees by 40% and 2) raising the capital connection fees from $900 to $4000. According to Spangler, the city is well funded and Redmond already has one of the highest stormwater rates. Our rates are about double Seattle's rates.

If you look carefully at your 2007 utility bill you will probably find an additional $6.58/month charge. It goes towards the new regional stormwater system. It appears Education Hill, North Redmond, Grass Lawn and other neighborhoods are now paying higher stormwater rates to help fund the DT regional system.

Spangler states that about 90% of Redmond stormwater drains into the Sammamish and everyone benefits from a healthy downtown.

For the downtown property developers the regional plan is a deal.

$800,000/year savings is anticipated over the old site by site stormwater design. Spangler claims the regional plan is about 60% the cost.
The regional system doesn't consume landowner's buildable land.
Maintenance costs will be reduced since catch basins won't need to be cleaned 1 month every other year along Redmond Way; and no catch basins to vacuum at night when it's dangerous to workers.

All wastewater treatment will take place "at the end of the pipe" into the Sammamish River OR Bear Creek. End-of-pipe treatment is least desirable of all treatments, though Spangler says Ecology feels they have more control over overall water quality.

The 2009 "Safeway-Bear Creek" outfall underground facility ($7M) will direct discharge into Bear Creek without detention. WILL EXTRA PRECAUTIONS & TREATMENTS OCCUR HERE? The remaining 5 facilities are expected to be built by 2011 or 2012 and all 5 will direct discharge into the Sammamish River without detention, as follows:

2007. Luke McRedmond underground facility ($1.7M) -- under construction w/ habitat upgrades
2009. The 8oth Street Trunk underground facility ($7.6M)
2011. Redmond Way Storm Trunk ($22M) -- start in 2009
2010. Redmond Way Trunk ($4.5M) -- wetland treatment
2008. Leary Way ($5.8M) -- natural vegetation for treatment

The 6 facilities will monitor flows and treat the run-off water by using: 1) a swirl concentrator to remove the large debris and 2) media filters to remove contaminants. Spangler isn't sure if he will use bio-filters on the end. Just how effective will this "1-2 swirl/media punch" be to keep the Sammamish fish and our recreation healthy? We need to keep an eye on this. Spangler described a "water-oil separator" that would be used at a downtown branch. He indicated treatment wetlands and sand filters may be used.

WILL REDMOND'S ADOPTED 2005 DEPT. OF ECOLOGY TREATMENT STANDARDS GUARANTEE THE FISHABLE, SWIMMABLE, RECREATIONAL WATERS WE NOW ENJOY? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A county representative asked Spangler about the impacts of Microsoft's growth on our stormwater run-off. Mr. Spangler plans to build a separate regional stormwater system for the Overlake Urban area to service Microsoft & environs. Treated stormwater will be discharged into Bellevue's Kelsey Creek system.

Without a regional Overlake stormwater system, the "Block C" development of Microsoft would require 14 vaults each 700,000 cu. ft. in size! That's 3x the volume of City Hall. (Our wellhead protection officer also claimed removal of 3x the volume of City Hall in contaminated by hazardous waste. ) Our super-sized City Hall is drawing lots of attention these days. Thus, Overlake Urban Center will probably install a regional system -- the good news is Microsoft will apparently pay for most of it.

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

FACTOIDS:

1) did you know stormwater was not regulated for effective treatment until after 1987? Expensive stormwater treatment retrofits are required on redevelopments prior to 1987.

2) the largest contributor to fecal coliform in Seattle is non-waterfowl birds and rodents.

3) 25% of all land-use in Seattle are roads, highways & road shoulders! Some of the worst pollutants come from roadway stormwater. This does not include parking lots.

4) The Sammamish River reaches a low of 17 feet in summer and high of 28 feet in winter, thus gravity flow of downtown stormwater a challenge. DT Redmond is 35-40 feet above sea level. Gravity flow of our stormwater is not 'strong'.

5) Redmond's downtown aquifer is sometimes 5-7 feet below the surface in the winter making installation of infrastructure challenging.

6) It's estimated that 15 acres of our downtown will be developed each year. With 520 acres of developable land it will take about 40-50 years to develop our "downtown".

7) Redmond's stormwater treatment standards are higher than Bellevue's so Bellevue becomes the limiting factor to overall water quality. They need to get up to speed!

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

City Stormwater site: http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/publicworks/stormwater/regionalfacilities.asp

9/8/07, Notes on Redmond's History Program,9/8

I came across this brass "Perrigo Road" sign today when taking pictures of 4 towering firs that were being cut down (for safety) by the Methodist Church. Mayor Ives was involved with this street sign program. The sign & trees are hard to see in the photo and you'd be lucky to see it from your car. It's banded to a light post. Do you see the sign? Do you see what's left of the trees?

Warren Perrigo staked his claim in 1871 at the north end of Lake Sammamish and was one of the first white men to live in "Redmond". He and Matilda Perrigo had 11 children.

See "Comments" (end of blog) for the descriptions of 3 other street signs .

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

The Redmond Historical Society (RHS) met on Saturday, September 8, 2007, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85 Street, Redmond, WA.

Duniel and Sylvia Murillo and daughter shared stories and pictures of Redmond’s Filipino families, from the early 1930s and now.

9/8 MEETING OBSERATIONS - The RHS had a good turnout again, filling up the Library conference with standing room only. It was time for annual membership dues - $20/year and past mayor Chris Himes was registering new member, selling Brad Solomon's CD "Redmond Views from History". Andy McClung, reference librarian gave a talk about the library's city book club event "One Book, One Redmond, One Summer". The book is "The Work of Wolves" by Kent Meyers. Contact Andy at andrewm@kcls.org for information.

I was thrilled to meet Chris "Hurricane" Himes. When I mentioned The "Seattle Times" had an article on Mayor Ives and called her "Hurricane" Ives, Chris reacted saying that was HER nickname. I think she may have been indirectly involved in helping Ms. Barbara Beeson write the Redmond City Development Guide - over 25 years ago (?) that the city is still using! No wonder it's time we need a new version! On growth issues, I mentioned, if you can't beat 'em you may as well join 'em. She smiled.

The Murillo talk and pictures were fascinating. Their farm was along Red-Wood Road near Bella Botega shopping center. Their house was about where the Red-Wood Veterinary clinic is. Hardly any other buildings or development in sight! Many of the "roads" were driveways. Traffic problems? Not. All trees and open farm space. Mr. Murillo said water used to pond up where Bella Bottega parking lot is now. -- probably a wetland? His grandfather was one of the first to take produce to the open market. There used to be a grocery store where B&B Auto is now. Will a 6-story condo replace B&B next?!

I had to leave early and didn't take notes so that's all for now.

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

The Historical Society Programs are very entertaining. I encourage you to come and especially students and residents new to the area.

To receive the monthly newsletter, contact Society president Judy Lang at 425-885-2919, or email your request to redmondhistory@hotmail.com. Books, note cards, free historic walking tour brochures, and the book, “Redmond Reflections”, are available in our office, which is open Tuesday – Thursday, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Monday and Friday, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Visit our website: www.redmondhistory.org.”

FROM: NEO HARDY - CO-FOUNDER OF RHS:

Table adapted from City’s Excel file 2005/07/19 Adair Street: see 170th Avenue NE170th Avenue NE1928 Ezra Sikes donates property for Redmond’s first park, on the condition that the park be named for his wife, Jennie Adair, a condition that was not met by the City. Shortly afterwards, however, a street adjacent to the park was named for her: Adair Street.c.1931 Recorded on map as “Adair Street”1950 Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “Adair”1958 Recorded on Kroll Map as “Adair Street”2000 Recorded on Thomas Map as “170th Avenue NE”

Perrigo Road 166th Avenue NE on Education Hill1877 William Perrigo homesteads “Perrigo Hill,” and as he logs it off, logs are sent skidding down the hill’s southern slope toward Lake Sammamish. The logs’ path is called the “skid road,” and sometimes “Perrigo’s Skid Road.”c.1895- Logging operations completed, the skid road is now commonly called “Perrigo’s Road” and “Perrigo Road”year? Noted on map as “A. Littell Rd” for property owner Albert D. Littell [1874-1949] c.1930 Two southernmost blocks of original road re what corded on Metzker map as “3rd Avenue”1950 Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “3rd St”Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “3rd Av”Two southernmost blocks shown on “Official Route of Primary State Highway No. 2” map as “Third Ave.” These two blocks are the only ones yet inside the town boundaries.1958 The 2 southernmost blocks of 166th Avenue NE are recorded as “3rd Avenue” on Kroll Map02/1969 City Council adopts ordinance calling for improvement of the roadway 02/1969 improvements are completed, including two additional lanes, five-foot sidewalks on both sides, gutters, wiring 10/1969 City Council decided to forbid on-street parking at any time along 166th NE, between 80th and 104th . Public Works Director Frank Hansche has recommended this for better traffic flow. the road will be striped only down the middle, restricting passing to the left-hand lanes. Police Captain Fred Patricelli says enforcement won’t begin until striping is completed.2000 Recorded on Thomas map as “166th Avenue NE,”“ main north-south road on Ed HillYork Road NE 116th StreetYear built? Constructed by prisoners of County Lazy Husband’s Farm. The farm’s main buildings were on east side of Willows Rd, but work fields were primarily west of Willows Rd, and the new road provided access between Willows and Woodinville-Redmond Road.Year of Plat?

Named York Road, for platted ]but failed] Town of York at its western terminus. The County Farm’s buildings were located on the Town of York’s platted site. c.1912 Road on south border of Muller dairy farm recorded as “Ronald Road Næ 225” on Kroll Atlas, Sammamish Supplement1930 The eastern most end of York Road was recorded on Metsker map as “Griswold Road.” It ran east-west with Sections 29 & 30 to the north, Sections 31 & 32 to the south, and crossed today’s Avondale Road NE1950 Listed in Redmond telephone directory: “York Rd”1958 Both segments of the road recorded as both “NE 116th St.” & “York Rd” on Kroll map1962 Nard Jones, author and chief editorial writer for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, wrote: “Some of these side roads…are scarcely a mile long, yet are very beautiful. One such I know is Yorke [sic] Road, which is rather a side road off a side road. To reach it – and I recommend a time just before sundown – you start out from Redmond for Woodinville and keep a sharp eye toward your left for Yorke Road which traverses the lovely Sammamish flatland. Clearly it is a road of old necessity, to reach the Yorke farm when it was not as easily accessible as now. Try it some evening when you feel the need for a little quiet; stop on the little bridge and listen to the crickets sing, and smell the grasses in the fading sun.” 2001 Recorded on Thomas map as “NE 116th Street.” Runs east-west from Willows Road to 1/8 mile west of Woodinville-Redmond Road where it is interrupted
Monday September 10, 2007 -

FROM AN HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER and co-founder: "Re perrigo road sign, City and Society worked together to come up with list of honorary street signs to mark longtime families. There’s also a lampaert road sign near library and 8 or so others around town. Nao has the full list/location."
Monday September 10, 2007 -

FROM Chris Himes (Redmond mayor, 1980-1983)

"Thanks for the heads up Nao, on Bob's blog. It was really well written and good publicity for RHS. Many thanks Bob. Nice meeting you to.I had to laugh though. I never said I "wrote" the Development Guide. Wow! That would really be an undertaking. I said I worked on it and that is where I met Barbara Beeson. But I guess no one else would notice that except me. But he was right, it was a long time ago, in fact in the 1970s.....So yes, it is time for a redo.....And yes, that moniker "Hurricane" belongs to me. Ha!!Yes, it was a good meeting and I think the Murillo's enjoyed the exposure. They did a nice job with the presentation.Maybe one of our next meetings can involve those students from Redmond Jr. High who won the History portion of that contest (held at my old Alma Mater Univ. Of Md.) that Tom H. told us about. They did a segment on the Great Seattle Fire and the Galloping Gertie Bridge collapse. Food for thought".........Chris

9/11/07, Impressions of Hank Myers council debut

UPDATE, 4/15/2024 - Council member Henry "Hank" Myers has been in office almost two years. From my weekly Council viewing and reporting it's clear he's a dedicated and tireless representative. It's sometimes difficult to discern his true position though it appears he leans to the right.

As Council Chair of Parks and Human Resources he has attended several GreenRedmond tree-planting work parties. He tenaciously supports the SE Industries lobby, RICE. RICE lobbies for "hands off" on costly stormwater regulations. They backed Hank during his run for Council. Mr. Myers basks in his political atmosphere. He often addresses Council during meetings in a formal, speech-like manner, sometimes leading with a list of credentials. Myers is very smart with career experience in regulatory matters. My nickname for Hank is "Wiser Myers." He's a man of very good humor and would laugh at this moniker.

I scanned the Council meeting last night on my DVD. The highlight was watching Hank Myers getting sworn into the City Council and watching him in action. He had his first night at the Council Study Session "Roundtable" and was awesome. Hank demonstrated confidence, leadership, transportation expertise, enthusiasm and commitment in his new role. My first impression of Mr. Myers is that he will be a valuable and welcome addition to Redmond government.

Conversation kicked off on The Overlake Urban Master Plan. This topic gave Mr. Myers an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his expertise in his career field of "transportation economics" & planning. He interacted very effectively with Tom Hinman and Susan Petipas of the Planning Commission AND staff. You could feel the new energy and buzz at the council table. Even Cole was especially relaxed and funny. I think Cole felt a burden of responsibility lift with the presence of Hank.

OPINION by Yoder, 9/11/2007 - Updated, 4/15/2024

8/28/07, Martin "Marty" Snodgrass - long-time Planning Commission Chair retires

Martin "Marty" Snodgrass

This year celebrating 60-years young; a Redmond resident since 1976; married to Lori Snodgrass; father of two children [Erin and Jeff], step-father of two [Robert and Heather], and very proud grandfather of two [Eleanor and Calvin].

Graduate of the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington School of Law.

Marty has been practicing law since 1976, and his practice currently emphasizes commercial litigation and bankruptcy on behalf of both debtors and creditors.

He has authored Collection Law and Enforcement of Judgments in Washington, as well as two chapters in Washington Law Deskbooks for Lawyers; and, has been selected by Washington Law & Politics Magazine as a Washington State "Super Lawyer".

Marty strongly believes in giving back to his community, volunteering many hours in various programs: sitting on the City's Conference Committee panel, providing legal advice at the Eastside Legal Assistance Program and the WSBA's Debt Clinic, and for over 8 years a member of Redmond's Planning Commission.

- Lori Snodgrass, spouse & retired Redmond Parks Chair.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOB YODER:

During my "Items from the Audiance" presentations to the commission on the Critical Areas Ordinance, I developed a deep admiration for Martin's expertise, finesse, smarts and engaging personality as he Chaired the Planning Commission. And oh boy, does he know how to run a city meeting! Marty's retirement creates a certain void on the commission that probably will never be filled.

Thank you, Marty, for caring and giving so much to our city community! You are a highly respected and appreciated citizen volunteer and will be noticably missed during chamber proceedings --- and always remembered for your work & dedication to the City of Redmond.

8/25, "Race for Mayor" Reporter article reviewed

Today's Redmond Reporter "Race for Mayor" article by Mary Decker provoked me to express some thoughts I have for the candidates and for Ms. Decker's reporting.

In general, I found Ms. Decker's reporting balanced and fair. She gave the front page color photos to the finalists - Marchione and Robinson; with the larger front page photo of "first-place winner" John Marchione hugging his child with a warm smile on election night. I felt this photo made up for the less expressive one taken by the Reporter prior to the Primary.

Some key points reported by Decker and paraphrased (in color) worth repeating and my comments, as follows:

JOHN MARCHIONE -

most voters favored Marchione's message of "living within your means - households have to stick to a budget, so why not the city? I absolutely agree on that one. Just look at what's happening to the mortgage markets today from all those easy, 0-down loans!
most voters approved of Marchione's proactive plan to keep more density in the Overlake and downtown areas. Yes, I agree! and said so at recent city council meeting. Hopefully, our chances to preserve some of the open space we enjoy in the neighborhoods will increase by focusing density downtown.
Mr. Marchione is concerned about Robinson's idea of raising business taxes. John thinks that if businesses get driven out by higher taxes the residential property taxes may be raised to make up the difference. Holly Plackett also had no intentions to raise business taxes.
Marchione continued to emphasize the need for a transparent budget with the community knowing where the money is going. hear! hear! Read my blog ON "THE SHELL GAME" (Tag "aaa") describing how the city shifts operating funds and capital funds back & forth at will, frequently for political purposes.
Mr. Marchione emphasized being proactive in managing land use, growth, and housing choices. GOOD! Zoning Amendments need to be done with thought and scrutiny so as not to create further "Perrigo Heights" and "Tyler Creek" zoning oversights. The Development Guide needs to be updated to eliminate the scores of "Exceptions" to land-use approval and unrestrained PRD uses affecting neighboring communities. Holly brought some of these ideas out , as well.
Marchione promotes a more active and lively downtown with dining, etc. Yes! I'd like to see some sidewalk cafe's and book stores and an cooperative art gallery and jazz restaurant.

JIM ROBINSON -

Jim's central campaign platform is "do you want a hometown or simply an employment center? This tagline brings to attention the growing influx of workers who work in Redmond but don't live here. (I think we have a resident population of 50,000 with another 30,000 commuting to Redmond for work everyday.) So what's the answer to this plateform statement? Quite simple: by building more dwelling units and homes more commuters become residents and our "hometown" will grow. The fact is we have to grow to meet Growth Mangaement requirements. A fallacy is to believe our "hometown" won't change. It's already morphed from horse farms to suburbia & according to the Planning Commisssion (apointed by Ives) will evenually grow to an urban mass-transit center with 6-12 story buildings.
Mr. Robinson attributes much of the traffic and congestion to commuters and a need to lessen it around Education Hill and around town. True! No doubt the commuters add to congestion. Unfortunately, even if you build homes to mitigate commuter traffic (and build our hometown) the traffic will still run through our neighborhoods and congestion will only get worse on Education Hill and around town.
Robinson "sticks to his belief that public safety should have been funded as a priority all along while reserving Levy lifts for road infrastructure and other things". I agree with Jim, as do Marchione and Plackett. But, it seems it's been a standard of practice over the years to put safety out for levy vote. Mr. Robinson's been been a councilman for 16 years. Why haven''t we been able to improve our funding priorities for safety by now?
Robinson associates citizen concern over our environment with the severe weather we've had in December and our lack of control over it. I think the Public Works Dept. has done an excellent job planting native shrubs and trees along river and stream areas--these shrubs help to reduce stormwater flows and preserve habitat and water quality. Jim is Council Chair of Parks. I'd like to see our Chair encourage the Parks Dept. and Police Dept. to pick up and remove their Proposition signs....to help our environment. To "take control" of our climate extremes citizens need to know where the young, old, and disabled can go to find a city shelter.
Jim's supporters are pleased with the idea of updating Hartman Pool. Sure, it's a good idea. I love to swim. It's great excercise and soft on the joints.
Robinson stresses "sustainability". The levy propositions are short term solutions when considering inflation is 5-6%. Jim proposes sit-down sessions and discussions to sort it all out and re-balance the revenues.

HOLLY PLACKETT -

Saddened by the loss but vows to stay involved.
Will keep working on behalf of the Family Resource Center
and work for Grass Lawn neighborhood
and work with Council to advocate for other HOA's
concerns about Costco impacts to SE neighborhoods.
and she's actively following the campaigns to ensure a robust democratic process during the election.

Hey! another neighbor just posted a comment. Press "Comments" below

HOLLY PLACKETT -

Saddened by the loss but vows to stay involved.
Will keep working on behalf of the Family Resource Center
and work for Grass Lawn neighborhood
and work with Council to advocate for other HOA's
concerns about Costco impacts to SE neighborhoods.
and she's actively following the campaigns to ensure a robust democratic process during the election.

BOB THEA:
I have to say, I’m glad it(voter turnout) increased, but it is still a paltry percentage of registered voters. Where is civic pride? Responsibility?Thanks for keeping us updated and informed Saturday August 25, 2007

RICHARD MORRIS:
Robinson's theme of "coming home" feels very nostalgic. There was a time, several years ago, when hot air balloons could safely land in open fields around town. No more hot air ballons.His question "do you want a hometown or an employment center?" has little to do with growth in Redmond. Redmond is currently a hometown *and* an employment center. Redmond is a thriving hometown with strong schools, churches, parks, and plenty of retail outlets. Redmond is, of course, an employment center with manufacturing, retail, and services. Redmond has seen tremendous growth in both homes and employment over the past 25 years. Growth management must accomodate both home (residential) and business needs. Each time Hwy 520 is extended, widened, and ramped more people will want to move into Redmond and work in Redmond. Is Jim Robinson proposing that a fence should be erected to keep out new residents or new businesses?

9/5/07, Final Primary Election Results

Official Final
KING COUNTY
9/5/2007 8:59:31 AM
Primary Election
August 21, 2007
Page 8 of 16
CITY OF REDMOND
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters:

6708 / 23630 / 28.39%

Poll Precincts Counted/Total Poll Precincts:
59

.....100.00%

City of Redmond Mayor
John Marchione
2445
.....39.23%
Jim Robinson
2252
.....36.13%
Holly Plackett
1517.....
24.34%
Write-in
19
.....0.30%

Proposition No. 1 - Levy for Public Safety Funding
YES
4116
......62.96%
NO
2421.....
37.04%
Proposition No. 2 - Levy for Parks and Recreational Funding
YES
3857.....
59.06%
NO
2674......
40.94%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8/21 Council Meeting notes:

DESPITE REPEATED CRIES OF BUDGETARY WOES, Mayor Ives announced tonight that all future Council meetings would be taped and archived and available to view on the Redmond website! http://www.redmond.gov/. Hip, hip, hooray!

John Resha resigned from Council tonight owing to personal reasons, effective immediately. John's passionate public service work was applauded by all.

Council complained about the Redmond Reporter's distribution practice of throwing papers onto driveways. Councilwoman Allen said her deliveries were unreliable and Richard Cole said the neighborhoods are looking trashy from unread papers accumulating on driveways; with no way of cancelling delivery. I was hoping the City would start advertising their Legal Public Notices and conservation ads in our local paper rather than citizens having to pay the Seattle Times.

I recommend the Reporter publish & deliver only one paper/week and charge readers for it. The editor wouldn't have to scramble to find and print news twice a week, content would improve, the subscription price would pay for the smaller distribution. The Reporter shouldn't be afraid of not signing enough customers. It's a good paper and unlike "FOCUS" it provides valuable 'independent' community forum.

FROM BOB CHAMBERLIN, NORTH REDMOND GROUP:
As I have been led to understand it, Marchione got the biggest share of the votes in the primary for Redmond Mayor with Robinson coming in second. Regrettably, voter turn-out was apparently only 16.7% of the registered voters. It was actually a smaller percentage of the actual residents since this does not count the rather large number of people who have recently moved to Redmond and are not yet registered to vote in Redmond. As such, a very few people collectively decided that all of us should have our taxes raised rather substantially in addition to the amount that they were already being raised without our specific permission. I guess the moral is that people who choose to say nothing (IE: don’t vote) had best be prepared to live (without complaint) with the decisions of those who do speak with their vote. Please forgive my complaint about this. I just feel that the city should be doing a much better job of managing the money that we have already given them and that they really do not need more of our money to mismanage. Perhaps I am relatively alone in this belief. If anyone else has an opinion about this I would personally love to hear it. Just hit reply to this message and everyone on the list will be copied. Bob Chamberlin 11405 169th Ct. NE Redmond, WA 98052 Home: 425-867-0667 Mobile: 425-503-4163 bobc@bc.org

9/8/07, RHS program notes - 1930's

9/8 HISTORY PROGRAM NOTES on a Redmond 1930's family

I came across this brass "Perrigo Road" sign today when taking pictures of 4 towering firs that were being cut down at the Methodist Church (for safety). I'm not quite sure how the Administration came up with idea to 'rename' this road. The sign looks large in the photo but it's really hard to see. It's banded to a light post. Can you guess where this road is?
Warren Perrigo staked his claim in 1871 at the north end of Lake Sammamish and was one of the first white men to live in "Redmond". He and Matilda Perrigo had 11 children.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Redmond Historical Society (RHS) met on Saturday, September 8, 2007, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85 Street, Redmond, WA.

Duniel and Sylvia Murillo and daughter shared stories and pictures of Redmond’s Filipino families, from the early 1930s and now.

9/8 MEETING OBSERATIONS - The RHS had a good turnout again, filling up the Library conference with standing room only. It was time for annual membership dues - $20/year and past mayor Chris Himes was registering new member, selling Brad Solomon's CD "Redmond Views from History". Andy McClung, reference librarian gave a talk about the library's city book club event "One Book, One Redmond, One Summer". The book is "The Work of Wolves" by Kent Meyers. Contact Andy at andrewm@kcls.org for information.

I was thrilled to meet Chris "Hurricaine" Himes. When I mentioned The "Seattle Times" had an article on Mayor Ives and called her "Hurricaine" Ives, Chris reacted saying that was HER nickname. She confirmed that she wrote the Development Guide - over 20 years ago (?) the city is still using! No wonder we need a new version! On growth issues, I told her if you can beat 'em you may as well join 'em. She smiled.

The Murillo talk and pictures were fascinating. Their farm was along Red-Wood Road near Bella Botega shopping center. Their house was about where the Red-Wood Veterinary clinic is. Hardly any other buildings or development in sight! All trees and open farm space. Mr. Murillo said water used to pond up where Bella Botega parking lot is now. -- probably a wetland? His grandfather was one of the first to take produce to the open market. There used to be a grocery store where B&B Auto is now. Will a 6-story condo replace B&B next?!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Historical Society Programs are very entertaining. I encourage you to come and expecially students and residents new to the area.

To receive the monthly newsletter, contact Society president Judy Lang at 425-885-2919, or email your request to mailto:miguel.llanos@msnbc.com. Books, note cards, free historic walking tour brochures, and the book, “Redmond Reflections”, are available in our office, which is open Tuesday – Thursday, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Monday and Friday, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Visit our website: http://www.redmondhistory.org/.”

FROM AN HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER BELOW: "Re perrigo road sign, City and Society worked together to come up with list of honorary street signs to mark longtime families. There’s also a lampaert road sign near library and 8 or so others around town. Nao has the full list/location." m.l.
Saturday August 25, 2007

Hint: The "Perrigo Road" sign is the honorary marker for an major Avenue to Education Hill.
Saturday August 25, 2007

RICHARD MORRIS:
geez, your hint is very strong! Also, the Methodist Church is featured in your photo. So I would guess that Perrigo Road is now known as 166th Ave NE! I noticed another of these HONORARY Street Signs across from the old Elementary School, I think the modern name is 169th Ave NE, but I admit I was riding my bicycle and wasn't reading the street signs closely. I was more concerned with finding the right gears to climb up "the back way" Ed Hill.As a practical matter, what is the cost of installing HONORARY Street Signs? Is this a line item in the city budget?
Wednesday August 29, 2007

8/10/07, Press Release - Marchione Builds Broad Bi-Partisan Support

***Press Release: August 10, 2007: Marchione Builds Broad Bi-Partisan Support for Mayoral Bid

August 10, 2007, Redmond - Current Councilmember and candidate for Mayor, John Marchione, announced endorsements from State Representatives Ross Hunter (D) and Larry Springer (D), along with the support from former State Representative John Betrozoff (R) and County Councilmember Jane Hague (R). “John’s maturity allows him to see the big picture and work cooperatively with others to solve problems,” said Representative Springer.

.
Marchione’s endorsements also include Bellevue Mayor Grant Degginger, Kirkland Mayor Jim Lauinger, and Duvall Mayor Will Ibershof. “John has the ability to bring people together to get things done. That's what leaders do. He will be a great mayor,” said Degginger.

In total, Marchione lists 18 current and former elected officials endorsing his candidacy for Mayor.

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".

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

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

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

8/6/07, Muni-League candidate evaluation forms for all!

Register for Muni ENews

2007 Candidate Evaluation Ratings

The Municipal League has been rating candidates for public office since 1911 based on four criteria: Involvement, Effectiveness, Character and Knowledge. The League ratings are widely respected and provide the only independent non-partisan, non-agenda driven evaluation of candidates.

This year our citizens committees have evaluated candidates for selected legislative and judicial races. Candidate interviews and ratings were completed during August and ratings are now available to help voters make the very best choice in the primary and general elections.

You can view all candidates listed alphabetically here.

2007 City Council Ratings

Bellevue City Council

Federal Way City Council

Redmond City Council

Sammamish City Council

Seattle City Council

2007 Mayoral Ratings

Redmond Mayor

2007 King County Ratings

King County Council

King County Assessor

King County Proscecutor

2007 Port of Seattle Ratings

Port Commissioner

2007 King County Council Ratings

King County Council

2007 Seattle School District 1 Ratings

Seattle School District 1

Unrated Races for 2007

View Questionnaires of Candidates in Unrated Races

The Municipal League of King County would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the Candidate Evaluation Program:

Antioch University

CH2M HILL

Davis Wright Tremaine

Foster Pepper PLLC

PRR

Safeway

The Seattle Times

Additionally, the Municipal League would not be possible without all the work of our volunteers.

About The Ratings

Past Candidate Evaluation Results

Candidate Evaluation reports for the last several years are available on-line. To see a report, just click on the desired year.

Results for: 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

Contact

Links

Search

8/5/07, Robinson response to his "GOOD" Muni-League rating

Jim Robinson's comments on his "GOOD" Municipal League Mayoral Rating:

"I was very disappointed with my Muni-League rating. The candidate questionnaires (submittals) can be found on the Muni-League website and I encourage anyone interested to read them and then make your own judgment. The ratings are just one of many data points that can be used in evaluating a candidate. I still strongly feel that on a facts and data basis I am the most qualified of the Mayoral candidates."
--Jim Robinson, mayoral candidate, 8/3/07

BARB THOMPSEN:
"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
Tuesday August 7, 2007 - 12:02pm (PDT)

8/5/07 Facts on Crime in Redmond

Facts of crime in Redmond, from Officer Kristi Wilson, Redmond Police Commander kwislon@redmond.gov

1. Violent Crime has increased 16% since 1995.

2. Auto theft has increased 100% since 1995.

3. Identity theft and computer crimes in the last five years have impacted police resources. Investigations of cybercrime often requires a detective, crime analyst and computer forensic investigator.

4. Since 1997, population has increased 23%, yet NO new officers have been added to the department since 1999.

5. The time it takes the Police to respond to an emergency calls has risen to 9 minutes in some neighborhoods, particularly North Redmond and Overlake.

PROPOSITION 1 IS PART OF THE CITY'S ATTEMPT TO ADDRESS THESE SAFETY ISSUES.

Yes or No --- your Vote on August 21 counts!