The Mayor's Budget is shaping up to be a winner!

When arriving at City Hall for the Budget Public Hearing last night I noticed, besides few cars, some little changes that indicated to me our city was indeed "going forward" under the John Marchione Administration.

• City Hall outdoor art by Carpenter is now lit up by new overhead lights. (I don't understand why the Ives Administration never did this.) It's absolutely beautiful at night now. Without light, the crystals don't live. An arts commissioner at the meeting attributed the improvements to the Administration.
  
• FOCUS Magazine was reduced in size by 1/3. It's now more readable and costs taxpayers less. And I'm reading it more! Copies are at the front desk.
  
• Michele McGeghee - City Clerk, swore in two Design Review commissioners. The city attorney wasn't needed - saving taxpayer dollars.
  
• A well lit, well displayed art exhibit was positioned at the entrance to Chambers. View of the exhibit was well placed, convenient, accessible and attracted many visitors.
  
• Council may have enough funding to hire a receptionist for the City Hall front desk.

During the Public Hearing whining and complaining citizens were not to be heard! Compliments were frequent. Council and Mayor are not planning to raise business taxes. The President of the Chamber of Commerce sounded as if she received an Oscar - thanking everyone copiously - from the Mayor, to council, to multiple staff members. ARCH requested more funding for affordable housing. The Historical Society and Arts Commission spoke to thank and please the Council. A child abuse prevention non profit asked for support. The Washington School Foundation requested support.

I gave my blog a plug. Shoot! why didn't I request funding too!? Mr. Bailey, Finance Director and Melissa Files, Finance Manager were thanked for their tremendous efforts the budget. Mr. Mayor made some great hiring decisions. Councilman Richard Cole is well deserving of recognition and appreciation for his leadership as Council Finance Chair. Richard introduced the "Budgeting by Priority" model to the Mayor and is running Council budget discussions with aplomb. Finally, I asked that the Final Budget be edited to include language requiring that the 6.4% CIP transfer (increased by 30%) remain temporary. Historically, the annual transfer has been 5% of the General Fund - several Millions less.

Attendance at the Hearing was low ~ 7 speakers. In times of economic strife, this says a lot about the confidence citizens have for the City in managing our money. Finally it speaks for Redmond's general affluence, Redmond $7 Billion economic engine (R. Odle) and our willingness to pay for a "Great Ctiy."

UPDATED: A Tale of Two Trails

North shore of Idylwood Park with tables (redeveloped). The gravel trail goes to the north shore and it's not ADA approved. (This post has six comments).

OPINION: I posted this story October 11 but delisted it for the "right moment". Last night during a budget session with Council, the Parks and Trails Director Craig Larsen requested a few thousand dollars to re-invest in the Idylwood Park "beach renovation". Several years ago the department cleared *riparian vegetation from the northern boat launch beach area and creek mouth to make room for new picnic tables. I'm not sure if this redevelopment project went through meaningful public review. Now Mr. Larsen wants to improve access to the area.

When queried by Council if the Parks Commissioners had a say in this land use redevelopment project Mr. Larsen agreed the commissioners and voted unanimously to re-invest and improve beach access. (I'm still looking for this review and decision in the Parks Commission minutes.)

I'm glad Parks wants to improve access to the northern beach. The trail should be upgraded to meet city and federal standards. Right now a loose-gravel trail runs down to the northern beach. This trail doesn't meet city standards for strollers and bicycles. It isn't likely the trail meets federal ADA standards since the beach was redeveloped over a year ago. City Parks harps on the importance of black-topped ADA & bicycle approved trails because of funding and convenience. In fact, 12 foot black-top trails are standard for most any Redmond trails connected to arterioles. They are actually "service roads" and incongruous with most park settings.

I've been trying hard to encourage Parks to build less invasive, more aesthetic, more pervious ADA approved crushed gravel trails. But Parks comprehesive plan is 4.5 years old so the commissioners have no alternatives. 12-foot black-top service roads would not be "better" at Idylwood. They'd be incompatible. Look a the gravel trail going down to Idylwood park and try to envision black-top there. For comparison, look at this photo (left) of the "trail" next to Bear Creek behind Safeway. What do you think?

Previous, compact crushed gravel trails (right picture) are eco-

friendly, easy to maintain, less invasive and can be designed to handle ADA wheelchairs, road bikes and stroller traffic. Environseal website describes one of many companies in the business.

If you like the concept of soft surface trails send your comments to: Council Parks Chair Hank Myers or Hank Margeson at council@redmond.gov. The following parties would also be interested in your comments: ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov - composed of citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor.- meet 1st Thursday of the month. PED-BIKE Citizen's Advisory Committee a small group of citizens who like to bicycle. Tell them how your feel about our trails.

* riparian vegetation is important for salmon habitat but there are no salmon in the creek. Word has it Fish & Wildlife tried to bring them back by planted eggs in the creek beds and restoring the riparian creek corridor. The salmon never survived.

CC: Parks Director Larsen, Parks & Trails Commission, Mayor, Council

Redmond Junior High Staff Saves Student's Life - Heroic effort by staff!

Principal Prato Barone began chest compressions on Levi and Teacher Chris Broderick followed about 10-20 seconds later and began respirations.

Junior High Staff Saves Student’s Life

On Thursday, November 6, seventh grade student Levi Pocza began Chris Broderick’s gym class as usual. After running one length of the gym in warm-up, he went to get a drink of water. On his way to the water fountain, he collapsed. While gym teacher Mike Thomas, teaching a class in the other half of the gym, tended to Levi, teacher Chris Broderick sprinted to the school office asking for a call to 911 because “a student was out cold.” Principal Prato Barone immediately headed to the gym while Broderick relayed the information to Office Manager Carol Underwood, who called 911. When he got to the gym, Barone began CPR chest compressions since Thomas had been unable to find a pulse. Broderick followed about 10 to 20 seconds later and began the respirations. Scott Hagerman, instructional assistant, brought in and set up the school’s AED (automated external defibrillator). Treatment using CPR and the AED continued until Redmond fire and rescue units arrived along with Redmond police. Vice Principal Sean Cassidy met the units at the front of the school and took them to Levi’s location. Underwood kept the 911 operator in touch with the crew in the gym via school walkie talkies throughout the situation.

Levi was taken by paramedics to Evergreen Hospital, which airlifted him to Children’s Hospital. His recovery has been remarkable: by Saturday, Levi was responsive. On Sunday, he was alert, eating and talking. Levi remains in Children’s where they are trying to determine the cause of his cardiac arrest.

--LWSD Press Release, 11/12

Contact: Kathryn Reith, 425-702-3342

click on the links for knowledge on setting up CPR and AED.

King 5 news and video clip

American Heart Association for kids

Winter Yard Waste Pickup and other nagging neighborhood issues

Winter Yard Waste pickup - from John, Redmond neighbor
I've been advocating for more than a year for Redmond to provide 52 week/yr yard waste pickup. Staff is still reluctant to provide it even though it's an additional $.39 cents/month per household. Even though Kirkland/Bellevue/Issaquah provide 52 week/yr yard waste pickup, Redmond is behind the times (primarily an Ives administration hold over). I would encourage you to tell your friends/neighbors/readers to contact Council asap if they want this additional, low-cost service. I'm tired of my yard waster bin overflowing in the winter and I bet your neighbors are too! -- John

Hi John - Good points. I listened to Council last night, too. They say our garbage charges are the lowest of all surrounding cities. I notice the biggest problem is in November when I have pumpkins, loaded gutters and 90% of the leaves have fallen from my huge cherry tree. Service is offered once a week in November but if I miss a week I have to borrow a bin from a neighbor. For those who procrastinate, I can see how December and February is a problem. I think it's more of a convenience issue for most that a budget item. But, leaves that aren't picked up clog street drains and cause problems for the city. (The City ask us to clean them.)
--Bob Yoder, blog author and Ed. Hill neighbor

cc: Councilmember Hank Margeson, Director Bill Campbell

ATTN: blog readers: Any other nagging issues you'd like posted? Send them to Bob Yoder

King County Councilmember Bob Fergusen speaks up on 60 Acres South. User group activities on 60 Acres will be logged here.

Dear Bob:

Thank you for forwarding me the link to your blog posts regarding 60 Acres Park. I received a considerable amount of email when the LWYSA proposal was before the council, so I know it is an issue that concerns many in the Redmond community. Although I did not vote in favor of the lease agreement, my hope moving forward is that the people who care about 60 Acres will be able to work together and find creative solutions to harmoniously accommodate a variety of uses. Please feel free to contact me in the future. -- Bob, 11/10


Bob Ferguson , King County Councilmember
Metropolitan King County Council, District 1
(206) 296-1001 fx: (206) 296-0198
http://www.metrokc.gov/ferguson
--------------
Dear Councilmember Ferguson -

Thank you for your interest in understanding Redmond's desire for community use of 60 Acres South. It's a great county park and we thank you for it!

Bob Yoder, 10/11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/30 From Larry Phillips, KC Councilmember*

"Mr. Yoder, I wanted to be sure that King County, which owns the park on behalf of taxpayers, remains informed and able to intervene should irresolvable issues arise at any time during the 30-year agreement. Thus, I sponsored two additional amendments as follows:

1) King County Parks is required to alert the King County Council of any unresolved issues at Sixty Acres Park via quarterly reports;
2)King County retains the right to intervene to resolve any disputes that may arise between LWYSA, other user groups, and the general public.

More information about this legislation (Ordinance 2008-0475) can be found at the following link HERE. Click on documents in the “Attachments” window for details"

Thank you,
King County Councilmember Larry Phillips
Council District 4.
Phone: 206-296-1004

UPDATED: Council to decide on a $27 Million "Downtown Park" - Did you know?

OPINION: Did you know about the proposed $27 Million "Downtown Park"? According to Council Finance Chair, Mr. Richard Cole, a Downtown Park has been planned for years.

Several comments have been posted. Here's a brief breakdown of the proposed Parks budget:

In this budget cycle, the total proposed Capital Fund (1) for Parks is $75,000.000 (2) over the next six years. Parks General Fund is budgeted to go up 19% to $12,137,784 over two years. Parks salary and benefits alone will increase by just over $ 1 Million. Council has approved many items of the General Fund increase and will converse further on others. However, $43,060,000 is proposed for capital projects (2009-2014) and is yet to be approved by Council. The Downtown Park and a $10K linear park are two of the projects.

HAS THE PUBLIC BEEN FULLY ENGAGED in the Downtown Park budget process? Doubtful. After two public workshops many months ago, six "Results Committees" - each with 1 citizen and staff - were formed by the Administration. These committees evaluated and ranked budget requests (3) for the six "priority areas" defined by the Administration. The Results Committee responsible for evaluating the Parks requests was composed of one citizen and six city staff. The Parks & Trails Commission , Arts Commission and PED-Bike Advisory Committees were not included in this "Budget for Priorities" program. It seems questionable that only one citizen in the absence of the Commissions is fully adequate to evaluate and rank public requests.

In coming sessions, Parks Director Larsen will present the Results Committee's $43,060,000 Park's capital request to Council, as follows:

1. $27,000,000 in new funds to build a Downtown Park.


2. $10,000,000 is requested for acquisition of the BNSF railway. (See an awesome rendering of the corridor promenade)


3. The council will also decide on $1,060,000 for the redevelopment of Anderson Park development and Slough Park designs; and


4. $5,000,000 to buy and build new trails.

The location for the Downtown Park is "undetermined", but my guess it will be part of the BNSF railway Corridor. The BNSF linear park corridor will feature a regional trail, rain gardens, landscaped promenade with pedestrian seating and future plans for light rail transit. 3-4 roads will cross through the corridor for traffic circulation.

If you want to comment to the city try emailing: Parks/Trailz/Arts celarsen@redmond.gov or ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov.

Footnotes:
1. The city's name for the "Capital Fund" is Capital Improvement Fund or C.I.P.

2. Dollar amounts have been rounded. Verify here

3. Bureaucratic lingo for 'budget requests" is Requests for Offers or offers.

View the index for the preliminary city budget HERE! Outstanding issues are placed on the "issues table" for later review by council.

CC: Council & Mayor & Parks Director Larsen, 11/09/08

UPDATE: Whoever said "paperclips don't count" in city budgets?

OPINION: Whoever said "paperclips don't count"? [Four citizens have commented to this post]

Under the guidance of the Marchione Administration, the City Council is in the process of deciding "the price of city government" and how we will pay for it over the next two years. If you have something to say, consider emailing council@redmond.gov.

The Administration's proposed budgetary expenditures will exceed existing revenues and we will be asked to open our wallets and pay:

1. A water/wastewater utility rate increase averaging 6% annually- forever.


2. A 1% property tax increase- forever.


3. A 28% increase in our General Fund transfer to the capital fund (possibly temporary)

Businesses won't endure tax increases. The City's AAA credit rating gives credence to the City's new borrowing program. Building debt is intended to counter inflation and spread growing infrastructure costs to future generations.

Richard Cole
Read his comments below this post!

Redmond citizens salary averaged about $89,300 /year in 2004 (R. Odle), so most of us probably won't gripe. Right? The 6% utility rate increase is probably most noticeable by those making less, or are unemployed, as I. Councilman Richard Cole , Finance Chair, figured the 1% property tax increase would cost him only about $6-7/year. He's got a condo. The capital fund increase will come out of our pockets and from other revenue sources. It has potential to stress family budgets the most in the future. My family is now coping with the high cost of living in Redmond and depressed economy. We are planning to leave Redmond after our daughter graduates from RHS. The beginning of an exodus of low-medium income families may come. Building "a Great City" has it's costs.

So what do we get for our money? Below, are a few of the larger expenditures the Administration is proposing to become, in the words of Mr. Cole, "a Great City":

1. Downtown Park - $27 million


2. Improved website - $300,000


3. Preservation of City Buildings - $839,000


4. Fire and Police overtime - $1.25 million


5. NE Education Hill Fire Station - $11.8 million


6. Emergency Generator for City Campus - $1.1 million


7. Community survey on Budget innovations - $250,000


8. Efficiency/Innovation contingency - $1.6 million


9. Information Technology Plan - $3 million


10. Compensation Analyist - $200,493


11. *Operating Supply increase - $1.07 million

OOPS! *Pardon me! - a $1.07 million increase in supplies certainly doesn't make for a "Great City"! It does say something about the "price of our government". At the last council session Mayor Marchione alluded to Supplies as "paper clips." For the benefit of Redmond taxpayers, I hope he'll take a closer look at his supply.
If you think you can help, try mayor@redmond.gov or comment under this post. The last Public Hearing on the Budget is 7PM, November 18 at City Hall.
Budget highlights are HERE. For major budget increases by department click here. Coouncilman Richard Cole has an email comment posted here.
The entire preliminary budget is found on this link the city website front page.
CC: Mayor & Council & staff

A quest for "open government" in the Parks Department

Craig Larsen, Director of Parks & Recreation, Trails, Art

OPINION: Several months ago, the Parks commissioners sat nervously in council chambers in front of the full Council, Mayor, Directer Larsen and staff . They had the daunting and uncomfortable task of asking Council for a $40 million park bond! The bond request was quietly denied.

The timing of the commission's request was unusual in that it pre-empted our public "Budget by Priorities" meetings. In addition, the public passed a parks levy only a year ago. It wasn't until the Budget was released a week ago that I discovered the Administration's motive this huge park bond request. They need $37,000,000 to build two Downtown Parks. I'm all for creating a "Great City" but it would have been nice to be included in the Parks & Trails Commission planning process. We, the public did not receive the benefit of transparency and "open government" in this case. The government did not receive the benefit of our input.

Last night, I went to the Parks and Trails Commission meeting. During the weeks of November 10 & 17th the Council will consider a $43,060,000 hike of the 6-year capital budget for Parks. It was interesting the commissioners didn't once mention the park budget. Most of the discussion was about a proposal to change Cleveland Ave. and Redmond Way into 2-way streets .

Director Craig Larsen said a couple of months ago he had been planning to televise 2-3 parks commission meetings per year on RCTV-21. I keep waiting. Mr. Larsen schedules the Arts Commission 3-times per year for RCTV and their budget is tiny compared to the Parks $87,000,000 program. Wouldn't you want to dial in on occaision? Staff recently committed to posting commission meetings without 2-3 month delays. Current commissioner names and titles are being updated on RCTV and current commissioner names are now posted online. Trasparancy may be improving. I ran into Councilman Hank Margeson at the Digital Arts Festival. He had heard the Parks & Trails Commission wouldn't be holding any or their meetings on RCTV-21. I hope Hank heard wrong. The public has asked for transparency over and again; and Mayor Marchione has agreed to the values of Open Government. I'm hopeful and trusting the Administration will someday lift the darkness and move the Parks & Trails commission and public forward.

Your comments on the parks budget are welcome. Email Park Director celarsen@redmond.gov or ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov.

Footnote:

The Budget breakdown is here

cc: Parks,Trails,Art Director Larsen, Mayor, Council and commissioners

Redmond High School Theatre Arts presents "Noises Off", the hilarious farce by Michael Frayn. 6 nights...

RHS Theatre Arts presents "Noises Off", the hilarious farce by Michael Frayn

November 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 at 7:00pm in the Redmond High School

Performing Arts Center

Tickets: $7 adult, $5 student/senior, at the door or online: http://www.redmonddrama.org/

Synopsis

Each act of "Noises Off" lets us watch a farce called Nothing On, as produced by an ill-assorted touring company. In Act One, the dress rehearsal is running very late and is plagued by technical difficulties, missed cues, and lost contact lenses. The action, seen on the stage set facing the audience, hints at multiple intersecting love triangles and other complications behind the scenes.

Act Two literally reveals these offstage developments one month later. The set has rotated so we see the cast backstage during a performance. The director is in trouble with both his girlfriends, the actress making her comeback has two neurotic actors at daggers drawn, and a grand old man of the theater is falling off the wagon.

Act Three turns the set around again, for a final performance where backstage chaos sweeps onstage in a slapstick crescendo of disaster.

Directed by Misty Carson, the show features RHS seniors Darren Caulley, Lauren Isherwood, Catlin McCartney, and Jason Tillman. Dalton Broback, Carly Gilliland, Thomas Moore, Molly Orr, and Evan Yuhas round out the cast.

Under Ruth Barton's technical direction, a production team of students including Stacy Church, Allie DeAngelis, Patrick Mulligan, Geena Pietromonaco, Greg Rocha, and Sophie Thoma provided the stagecraft for this farcical tour de force.

"Falling Leaves & Restless Kids", by Kay Tarapolsi

The leaves have fallen, it's gotten colder and now we won't get to enjoy the great local Redmond parks within walking distance from our house.

So what is to become of my sanity? Being at home all day long with a young child is enough to send anyone online looking for things to do out of the rain. It's good that we live in a community that is one step ahead of moms that need a break from shopping and dads a break from getting the bills from shopping.

A place to start is the Redmond Community Center Open play. Children between the ages of 1-5 pay $3 to come on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursday between the hours of 10am and 12pm to play. The auditorium is big with lots of seating for moms and there are a ton of driving toys and other distractions for the little ones.

Another option, McDonald's a more expensive one, is to join the Great Play. I had a chance to visit during their open house and was quite impressed with the teachers and the facilities. They have classes set up for different aged kids at different times, so be sure to check their website for times and costs. When the kids are climbing the walls, why not take them someplace that they can do that safely? Try Vertical World's Fall Youth Climbing Programs. Be sure to let me know how it goes since mine is still a bit on the wee side! For those that would rather bounce than climb, be sure to check out the Arena Sports Inflatable Playground off of Willow's road. The times vary for their drop in programs, but buying an unlimited pass will sure help with keeping those finances down as the kids bounce up.

With so many people that work in Microsoft that live in the area, this next one might not come as a surprise, but I forget about it all the time. The Microsoft Museum is free every weekday. For the little ones that think dad lives at work sometimes, this might be a good way to show them what dad does while at work. Of course our fallback option is McDonald's on Redmond Way. Now that there are finally healthy choices on the menu, I don't feel as guilty taking the kids there when it's pouring out. Besides, the new gym area is much better then that play structure they had before. I was finally able to go in there and feel at ease with the food and play options.

Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi
Contributing author, Overlake Neighborhood

What business operated for 47 years before being replaced by Willows Run Golf Course?

Vegetable Farming in 1921 before Golfing at Willows Run

- excerpt from the Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Miguel Llanos, Editor

The Willows Run Golf Course now dominates the Sammamish Valley area near downtown, but back in the old days the Aries family’s produce farm was the center of attraction.

Redmond Historical Society President Pro Tem Judy Aries Lang was born into that Italian family as was her sister Angela – and both pulled a few carrots and worked in the packing shed at Aries Gardens.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10.30-noon at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, the sisters will take folks on a slideshow and video tour. All are welcome.

“The farm started with three partners in 1921 and 6 acres,” Judy recalls. “By 1928, it had 9 partners and 87 acres and was the largest in the valley, according to the East Side Journal. In 1930, they employed about 80 farm hands at the busiest time.”

“Head lettuce was the biggest crop, with half the acreage planted in lettuce,” Judy adds, “but over the years they also grew carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, turnips, spinach, potatoes and pumpkins.”

The farm closed in 1968 with an equipment auction, of which a video was made, part of which will be shown at the meeting. “All the big veggie farms folded around this time,” Judy says. “An end to the era of truck farming in the valley.”

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

With assistance from my neighbor, Richard Morris, The Redmond Historical Society has created a new Web site -- with a new address: redmondhistoricalsociety.org. Check it out!

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find: 1) Past newsletters to 2001, 2)Select biographies
3) List of items we sell (great holiday gift ideas!) 4) Upcoming heritage events
5) Video clips (e.g. Derby Days; and one of the last trains through town)

Opinion: The 166 Av. & 104th St. intersection is counter-intuitive but computer modeled to be efficient & safer

(left) Looking north on 166th to the intersection (car). Three narrow lanes will be squeezed into a 33 ft. road that's pinched by wider sidewalks.....(right) Looking south on 166th at the wide sidewalk. Inexperienced bicyclists are expected to exit off the uphill bike lane and ride onto the sidewalk. (click to enlarge)

Hey! Good news! According to an informed citizen and Metro employee, everything is looking good for a mid-November completion of the intersection and signal!

However, have you driven through the 166th Ave. & 104th St. intersection lately? My wife and I were shocked to see the wide sidewalks pinching and narrowing the intersection. It almost looks like the intersection has been reduced from 4 lanes to two lanes. Even worse, it looks like the northbound pass-through lane on 166th Ave. will block cars trying to turn right onto 104th Street. One lane services both pass-through and right turns.

I've always supported the re-alignment for the safety and boost it gives to walking and bicycling. But, what we saw confused and bothered us. I emailed the city for answers and reached Don Cairns, the Traffic & Transportation Manager for Redmond (and Education Hill resident). He was very helpful and reassuring. Don gave the following explanations, often times referring to computer modeling analysis: (my comments are italicized)

• There will be three lanes at each road entering the intersection, not two! One lane is exclusively for left turns. The adjacent lane (on the right) is dual purpose - for right hand turns and straight ahead pass-through. (I'm not sure how they'll safely cram three lanes into the intersection roads).
  
• The left hand turn lane will be 12 feet wide to accommodate bus turns. (Sounds like a very tight and slow turn close to the sidewalk) The right turn / pass through lane will be 10-11 feet wide. (Seems like an abbreviated merge and pinch on bicyclers).
  
• Traffic is slower at intersections with 4-way stops than with stop lights. The wide sidewalks were installed at the intersection to slow traffic and raise driver awareness of pedestrian and bicycle vulnerability to the heavy traffic. The wide sidewalks are also intended to be used by inexperienced bicyclers and children bicycling to school. (Seems like with even moderate bicycle traffic on the north sidewalk corner towards Mann will be hazardous for pedestrians and bicylcers).
  
• Computer modeling reveals that a two phase signal will accommodate the northbound peak direction with shorter ques than the four-way stop. (Computers don't have emotions but drivers do.)

Nobody likes change or to have their lifestyle re-shaped by government. Citizens were given plenty of opportunity to be heard by the city on this project. (Survey results from the 2/7/08 Public Meeting). But, the changes to the intersection are more than I envisioned and may be clouded by unexpected consequences. We are left to trust the will of our city representatives, computer modeling techniques, and the professional training of city planners and consultants. You'd think this would be a perfect place for a ROUNDABOUT but it's too small, according to Traffic Calming Planner, Jim Palmer. Mr. Cairns advised the improvement will be better understood once the project is completed. Check back here soon .... As Councilman Pat Vache once emphasized in a council meeting - this construction project is all about safety. That's the bottom line.

What do you say?

UPDATED: Citizens comment on the limited user-group deal for 60 Acres South Park

Webcam shot of 60 Acres North (click pic) ............................................Defibrillator located between Field #8 and #12

UPDATE, 10/30 From Larry Phillips, KC Councilmember-* "Mr. Yoder, I wanted to be sure that King County, which owns the park on behalf of taxpayers, remains informed and able to intervene should irresolvable issues arise at any time during the 30-year agreement. Thus, I sponsored two additional amendments as follows:

1. King County Parks is required to alert the King County Council of any unresolved issues at Sixty Acres Park via quarterly reports;
2. King County retains the right to intervene to resolve any disputes that may arise between LWYSA, other user groups, and the general public.
   
   More information about this legislation (Ordinance 2008-0475) can be found at the following link: http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov/detailreport/?key=8936
   Click on documents in the “Attachments” window for details"

*entire correspondence in comments

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

Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association (LWYSA) has a new Beta website (here.) At the site, you can register for a field (oh really?!), watch webcams of 60 Acres, get a weather report, and read up on the new King County Council 60 Acre Park decision. In short, the county plan authorizes LWYSA as the leasee and "property manager" of 60 Acres South - giving the soccer organization singular control over field management. Councilmember Hague sponsored the plan.

Scott Odle, is one of many Redmond soccer parents who opposed the recent King County Council decision that virtually gives a monopoly to LWYSA over how 60 Acres South Park will be used. Mr. *Odle posted one of the most persuasive arguments opposing the pro-LWYSA-King County Plan on this blog. Click HERE (then scroll down) to read Scott's comments.

The following excerpts from LWYSA indicates other user groups will be accommodated to some degree. That's great, but how motivated can the soccer association be to rent out their fields when they complain (and claim) that about 300-400 soccer kids turned away from Spring leagues? Yes! pressure from lacrosse, cricket et al for field usage in King County is high; and county oversight will probably be necessary to bring fair rationing of use to user-groups.

LWYSA states in the Q&A of their Beta website:

"King County was responding to challenges in meeting the athletic field needs of LWYSA and other user groups. Developing additional athletic fields not only helps LWYSA with their field needs, but also, to some degree, helps to relieve pressure on other user groups. "

We "will pay for all construction, upgrades and maintenance of 60 Acres. To develop the new fields on 60 Acres South, LWYSA plans to invest approximately $1 Million. LWYSA currently spends about $250,000 per year to maintain the soccer fields on 60 Acres North, and will continue to incur this maintenance burden as well as the additional cost of maintaining 60 Acres South."

"In return for development and maintenance, LWYSA will get priority (but non exclusive) scheduling of the facility. LWYSA may also rent the facilities to other users, at prevailing King County rental rates, and retain these rents to help defer construction and maintenance."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN CONCLUSION: Owing to budgetary shortfalls, King County has to find ways to reduce operating costs of their parks and save taxpayer money. LWYSA is the easy solution. LWYSA has deep pockets and resources to develop 60 Acres South and maintain both North and South parks. LWYSA also sold acres of cherished fallow agricultural land for $1M to the county and an association of farmers. Thus, the county jumped on the proposal LWYSA take authority of leasee and property manager role over 60 Acres South. I understand and accept this plan. My problem is with the monopoly one sports association now has over a magnificent county park. It is incumbent on citizens to ask, encourage, and insist on King County Council oversight to assure the southern fields are used without exclusivity and with fairness and balance to user groups. Do you agree?- BY

Special thanks to Scott Odle for reporting the 60acres.org site, webcams, defibrillator and, of course, his comments.

Should Evans Creek be renamed?

a 2008 posting

In the Minutes for the July 17, 2008 Planning and Public Works Committee, chaired by Councilmember Hank Margeson, the committee held a discussion about naming city streams. Mayor Marchione noted that "there is some debate regarding the current name of Evans Creek; the Historical Society believes the name of the stream is Martin’s Creek."  

Ben Martin homesteaded on what is now known as Evans Creek. Below, is a brief description, provided by the Redmond Historical Society, on his history and life on the creek.  

Ben Martin’s homestead, c.1910

Martin, John “Ben” Benjamin 1827 - 1920:

Ben Martin was a Civil War veteran who fought for the North under Gen. Sherman.  John was a survivor of Gettysburg. He arrived in Redmond in 1875 coming with the John Perry family on a scow. 

Entitled under the Civil War Veteran’s Land Grant, Ben paid $10 for his 160-acre homestead on the southeast corner of today’s Red Brick Road and Novelty Hill Road. A small creek feeds into Bear Creek on the Martin's homestead in two places.  As other settlers staked their homesteads, the area was soon to be known as Happy Valley.   

Over time, the name of the creek became known as Martin Creek. Ben died in 1920 at the age of 93, and at some point during the ensuing decades, the creek’s name on maps changed from Martin Creek to Evans Creek. Ben’s grandson Daryl Martin believes there was a “a fellow named Evans, don’t know the first name” living in the area for a time.

Listed in Polk Directory 1911-1912 as “Martin John.” Ben is buried in Old Redmond Cemetery. His headstone reads: “Co. A 4 Rest. VA. Vol. Inf”. Ben and his wife Ann Martin 1847 – 1925 had six daughters and five sons. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Miguel Llanos and the Redmond Historical Society for sharing this treasured photo and excellent historical research.  

 Note :by Susan Wilkins, Redmond geologist:  In the Washington Geologic Survey, Bulletin No. 8: Glaciation of the Puget Sound Region published by J Harlen Bretz in 1913, the creek is referred to as Evans Creek on the maps and in the accompanying text. Evans Creek *is* the historical name for the creek so I think it would be wrong and confusing to change it to Martin Creek

Ross, Deb, and Judy: Thank you for funding Redmond's Lower Bear Creek riparian corridor!! I hope you get a lot of votes from Redmondites!

Rep. Ross Hunter (#48) ...................Rep. Deb Eddy (#48) ................Rep. Judy Clibborn(#41)

Representatives Hunter, Eddy and Clibborn -

Thank you for your support and actions taken to help make the restoration of Redmond's Lower Bear Creek a reality! The $10M restoration will improve endangered Chinook riparian habitat, enhance floodwater controls and stormwater treatment and safeguard the SR520 transportation corridor.

Did you know? Your efforts to fund the restoration of Lower Bear Creek rekindled community interest and excitement about our City's riparian habitat. Last week, the Mayor formally Proclaimed our "Riparian Habitat as Habitat of Local Importance!"

Thank you for your representation!

Mayor Proclaims Riparian Corridor Habitat as "Riparian Habitat of Local Importance"

This month, Mayor John Marchione paid special tribute to the Lower Bear Creek riparian habitat and other riparian corridors in the City of Redmond by proclamation in City Hall.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, riparian corridors are essential for wild fish
populations; and healthy riparian corridors are dynamic ecosystems that perform
various functions that form salmonid habitat; and in addition to habitat
formation, riparian corridors store and convey strormwater and floodwater;
recharge groundwater; and serve as areas for recreation, education, scientific
study, and aesthetic appreciation; and stream restoration and enhancement are
key components of the City's Stormwater Capital Facilities Plan, further
attesting tot he City's commitment to healthy riparian corridors;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the city of
Redmond, do hearby proclaim

RIPARIAN HABITATS AS HABITATS OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE

in Redmond, and I urge all citizens to recognize the values of these habitats and promote their stewardship.

Signed, John Marchione, 10/17/2008
Sponsored by: Council President Nancy McCormick
Written by: Cathy Beam, Principal Environmental Planner

UPDATED, 10/22 - King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert comments on 60 Acres South Park. - Council's decision, 10/20

King County Council's final decision, 10/20 "King County partners with Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association in adjusted-use plan that complements multiple activities at Redmond-area field "

The following is a comment made 10/19 on this blog (here) by Councilmember Kathy Lambert about the pending 60 Acres South decision:

"This is a lease agreement NOT a transfer as was originally proposed several
years ago. The county/citizens maintain ownership and have input on how it is
managed. There will be regular meetings and input to the council on how the
shared usage is being administered. All along the process there have been many
changes to respond to citizen input. In fact there are six more amendments
proposed for Monday's vote that reflect input from the citizens of Valley
Estates. It is difficult to find the balance between countywide usage of an
asset and local usage. The Parks Department does not have the funds to maintain
and improve all the wonderful parks and open space in the county. So they have
developed agreements with many groups to share in the efforts to keep our county
green and open for public usage and exercise. The goal is that the final
agreement is one that will balance all the needs. This ordinance should be
posted online by Wednesday so all can see the many aspects of this agreement. I
hope that soon we will see that with cooperation and teamwork we can all enjoy
the wonderful area of 60 Acres."

-This comment was made on a recent 60 Acres posting to the Redmond Neighborhood Blog on October 19, 2008 11:51 AM , by Kathy Lambert

Kathy's King County Home Webpage is here.

Kathy represents District 3, comprised of: North Bend, Snoqualmie, Issaquah, Sammamish, Redmond, Carnation, Duval, Woodinville and rural county towns and cities.

Ron Sims August 21, 2008 proposal for 60 Acres South Park solution and returning Muller Farm back to active organic farming.

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

Looking at the issue from a citizen's perspective -

“King County and the soccer association will use 34 acres of open space to destroy Sixty Acres South as we know it. Instead, they could provide as much soccer play by taking just six (6) acres and building one lighted FieldTurf field and one grass field.” - by Stew Konzan, 10/20

King County Council to decide on how 60 Acres South Park is used and enjoyed.

Written by Lawrence Doan, 10/15

The King County Council met on the issue this past Monday, Oct. 13. 24 people spoke against the lease of 60 Acres South vs. the 2 from LWYSA. The council postponed a vote until this coming Monday, Oct 20. They are taking the time to review the proposed agreement and the comments.

The public comment period is closed; that is, no further testimony will be heard before the council in person. However, King County Council encouraged concerned citizens to write, call or email them this week, October 15 - 19.

If they vote on Monday, that's the end of the line, so make yourself heard now. At the very least they should be taking more time to review something that will last 30 years.

I myself oppose this LWYSA (soccer association) agreement in part, because:

1) 60 Acres South is one of a kind in the county and no replacement has been offered.

2) The agreement also promises "50% shared use", which one might take to mean something like "Monday, Wednesday, Friday and alternate Saturdays" are open to the public. However, what it actually means is that half the fields could be scheduled all day, all summer and still be "50% shared" while making the park unusable to others.

Write or call the Council Member(s) of your choice by October 19:
Bob Ferguson (D)District 1206-296-1001 bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov
Larry Gossett (D)District 2206-296-1002 larry.gossett@kingcounty.gov
*Kathy Lambert (R)District 3206-296-1003 kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov
Larry Phillips (D)District 4206-296-1004 larry.phillips@kingcounty.gov,
Julia Patterson (D)Council Chair, District 5206-296-1005 julia.patterson@kingcounty.gov
*Jane Hague (R)District 6206-296-1006 jane.hague@kingcounty.gov
Pete von Reichbauer (R)District 7206-296-1007 pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov
Dow Constantine (D)Council Vice Chair, District 8206-961008 mailto:8206-961008%20dow.constantine@kingcounty.gov
Reagan Dunn (R)Council Vice Chair, District 9206-296-1009 reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov

Posted by Lawrence Doan to Redmond Neighborhood Blog at October 15, 2008 9:01 AM

Minor edits by Bob Yoder, 10/15

Mike Town won the KIRO 7 $5000 environmental award!

Teacher and Environmental Activist hiking WILD SKY WILDERNESS with Senator Patty Murray

THE VOTING IS OVER! Mike Town won!!! Look for Mr. Town on KIRO 7 TV October 20th!
Wild Sky Wilderness will have $5000 additional funding as a result of Mike Town taking the winning vote for conservation excellence.

Click here to watch the KIRO 7, 30 second clip on Mike Town and the 4 other conservationists he was running against.
FROM A FRIEND OF MIKE TOWN: As some folks may know, fellow activist Mike Town is nominated for a KIRO TV Conservation Hero Award for his work on the Wild Sky Wilderness Act. Check out the video that ran on KIRO TV and vote for Mike on KIRO’s web site.If Mike wins, then the $5,000 prize he would receive would go to the Wild Sky Working Group to pay for implementation actions for the Wild Sky Wilderness (i.e., purchasing wilderness trail signs that the Forest Service will not fund, trail signs, road decommissioning elements, etc.)The Wild Sky Wilderness bill was the only wilderness bill in the entire United States that got passed in the 2008 legislative year and it added protections for 106,000 acres of public lands, streams, rivers, and countless species of endangered wildlife and varieties of rare plants.

Mike is passionate about preserving our environment for many reasons, among them the reduction of global warming by preserving our Old Growth forests and the streams that they keep healthy. Mike works with his Redmond High School students in Environmental Studies, continuing to instill the values of good environmental stewardship for future generations.Please vote for Mike Town now and tell your friends, students, teachers, neighbors, fellow workers:

Send Mr. Town your congratulations!
Mike Town, Redmond High School
425 798 4130 ext 185
mtown@lwsd.org

370 new trees will be planted at the Bear Creek Parkway Project

Earlier posts on this blog show bulldozing and deforestation of the Saturday Market area and Heron Rookery forest attributed to the Bear Creek Parkway Ext. and Stormwater Treatment Wet Pond. Ms. Lisa Singer, Project Manager of the Bear Creek Parkway project told me the city will be replacing the lost trees with 370 new trees! This is generous. Planting 370 trees is way beyond code requirements for this project. For example, the seven urban Landmark trees cut down in front of the Saturday Market will be replaced with 36 trees. Code requires only 21 new trees. Thank you, Ms. Singer for restoring our green treed Gateway.

A Landmark tree is greater than 30 inches in diameter measured at breast height. When a Landmark tree is removed code requires replacement by 3 trees. Depending on weather conditions and species, a young tree sapling planted by the city will take about 70-90 years to grow into Landmark status. Thus, I will be 127 years old and my 16 year old daughter will be 96 years old before the new trees planted in Saturday Market area grow back to Landmark size.

Losing our downtown Landmark trees will have long-lasting impacts to the old look and feel of downtown Redmond. The new look and feel should be greener despite the new Parkway. Planner Lisa Singer says "It will be a beautiful amenity, as well as functional of course, once the project is completed. We’ll have many new pedestrian and bike connections and loop trails!" Lisa provided the following tree data for the project:

There are actually a total of 370 new trees proposed for the Bear Creek Parkway and Stormwater Treatment Facility project. Breakdown of new tree planting locations are as follows:

• 42 trees will be planted in the Saturday Market area. To clarify, this includes the existing roadway surface of Bear Creek Parkway in the area between Redmond Town Center and Leary Way. 7 of the 13 trees removed in the Saturday Market area were Landmark Trees.
• The removals in the Saturday Market area were necessary to accommodate the alignment change in Bear Creek Parkway and the pavement from the existing roadway alignment will be removed and restored with vegetation.
• 94 deciduous trees will be planted in new planter strips and landscaped medians of Bear Creek Parkway.
• 145 trees will be planted in the area along the northern border of the Heron Rookery between Leary Way and 159th Place NE. 25 trees were removed to build the Leary Heron rookery trail.
• 75 trees will be planted in the vicinity of the new regional Water Quality Facility.
  108 of the new trees will be planted in planter strips and landscaped medians.

Invasive black-topped service roads form the backbone for our city park trail system. Is there an alternative?

The city plans to install a back-topped asphalt trail through the Leary heron rookery forest

12 foot black-topped road is planned for this new trail by the Leary Avenue heron rookery. Less invasive soft surface trails, as in the small picture on the right, would be more aesthetic and more forgiving of the trees -- especially trees remaining on the trail to control bicycle speeds. Water will be blocked off by impervious black-top, threatening these trees. The three small pictures are of ADA approved trails where narrow bicycle and wheelchair tires can be used. ADA crushed rock trails are pervious to rain, more eco-friendly and less envasive.

Less invasive, eco-friendly, ADA approved trails could be installed by this forest remnant but the city rejects this idea thinking: 1) bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs need black-top surfaces and 2) grant money is not available. In the two Park's Commission meetings I've attended the Park's department never seriously evaluated the viability of eco-friendly crushed rock trails. Pervious, crushed rock trails will support wheels as narrow as a wheelchair. Several companies specialize in eco-friendly trails - a description of Enviroseal, Inc. trails is found on their Environseal website.

The Parks Dept. has an opportunity to install an ADA eco-friendly trail at Idlewood Park and this rookery, as beta sites. If we don't evaluate these trails soon all of our park trails under development and future park trails requiring a "backbone" will be paved over with asphalt. Is this what we want as Redmond pushes to Go Green?

Lisa Singer, city planner describes the trail route as:

"The trail through the woods will be a connection from the 520 bike trail and the Sammamish River trail northward to the transit center on NE 83rd St. The Northward extension of the bike lane will occur under the next phase of the project, which will build the 161st Ave NE connection. At the south end of 161st and the north end of this woods trail, we are constructing a plaza." Lisa Singer, Project Manager, Bear Creek Pkwy Extention

This trail is an excellent connector for circulating bicycle and pedestrian traffic away from busy downtown; though it is unfortunate 25 trees had to be removed. As you can see from the photo, Parks Dept. scattered a few trees on the trail to slow bicycle speeds and improve aesthetics. Nice touch.

(1) The heron rookery has been inactive with no colonies present for over 3 years. The heron you see in Redmond migrate from Issaquah rookeries to forage for food fish and small mammals. I hope the city will cooperate with Issaquah to protect our source of herons!

Send your comments to any of these city contacts:
Council@redmond.gov (city council)
ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov
PED-BIKE Citizen's Advisory Committee
Celarsen@redmond.gov (Craig Larsen, Parks & Arts Director)


cc: city council & parks & trails commission.

Dr. Kimball's Lake Washington School District VISION 2020 is framed with an exciting & scary video in his presentation to Council

Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball l and School Board V.P. Mr. Ravi Shahani of Lake Washington School District LWSD presented VISION 2020 to city council last night asking for collaboration. I've known Ravi from working together on the Education Hill Citizen Advisory Committee.

Dr. Kimball (photo) started his presentation with the alarming **two-minute video clip titled "Do You Know?" . Please click this video link for exciting and sometimes scary reasons why LWSD must prepare our kids for the future.
The LWSD's Vision Statement is "Every Student Future Ready". You'll know why after watching the clip.

1. Not every student should go to college, but absolutely every student should be prepared for college. Dr. Kimball said, without some post secondary education, poverty or inability to live in our community is probable.
2. Preparation for the global workplace by learning skills in communication, technology, problem solving is envisioned.
3. Preparation for personal success is envisioned with passion, perseverance, work habits, community contribution, and environmental awareness.

Mr. Ravi Shahani represents students and parents at all schools on Education Hill, at Wilder, Rose Hill and a few others others.

The 2-minute clip "Did you know?" was replaced by this 6 minute clip:  http://youtu.be/pMcfrLYDm2U