Savvy builder is proving that "Green sells".

Sometime within the next 2-3 years a mixed-use "residential-business" complex could well be built in SE Redmond adjacent Marymoor Park and the Sammamish Trail. (6089 - 6213 East Lake Sammamish Park.) "Marymoor Park Place" will be 2 buildings, 4 stories tall, with business use on the 1st floor and 50 multi-family residential units on floors 2-4. 10% of the units will be "affordable". A photo and vicinity map of the triangular project site is found here. The triangular site is south of Les Schwab.

But the Peter Chee landowners/developers have a few hurtles to overcome before they can build:

1. They are asking the City to change the zoning for that area from Manufacturing Park (MP) to Business Park (BP). This zoning change is precedent setting for the city.
   
2. In April 2007, the Council voted 5-2 against the Chee's proposal for R-18 zoning. Council's reasons were a) economic diversity loss, b) use incompatibility, c) housing was not needed.
   
3. Council and Planning Commission must approve both the zoning change and the mixed-use project.
   

The Chee family are savvy developers. To sell their program, the Chees are taking full advantage of the city's "Residential Green Permitting Program" and community recognition for the values of sustainable living. They are focusing on a sustainable site, as follows:

1. "Hardscapes" (impervious surfaces) are reduced by building underground parking.
   
2. Drought tolerant plants will be used. Leyland Cyprus will buffer noise from the manufacturing zone.
   
3. Solar PV panels will be installed on the roofs - 30% power will be conserved.
   30-40% energy consumption will be saved by using LEEDS approved light fixtures and occupancy sensors.
   
4. Over 90% of construction debris will be recycled. Extra insulation and laminate windows will reduce sound and energy waste. Less toxic and volatile glues and paints will improve air quality.
   
5. The Chee's property will achieve a LEED'S Gold Award for sustainability -- one level higher than City Hall's Silver rating.

Taking advantage of their proximity to the Lake Sammamish Park Trail, the Chees expect residents to bike to work and play. The Chees plan for locked storage of bicycles to encourage trip reduction.

MP will have to be rezoned to BP to make the project work. Manufacturing (MP) is not attractive in Redmond. Rents are two times less expensive in Kent and Auburn. The Chee's BP zoning will allow for a wide variety of choices for businesses and bring new jobs into Redmond. The Chee's Marymoor Park Place will be right at the Gateway into SW Redmond. They say their BP mixed-use buildings will be more attractive for our Gateway that manufacturing. Who could doubt that?

The Chee's project seems a no-brainer. The City and it's leadership has changed since Council's decision two years ago. Existing manufacturers in Redmond have had plenty of time to lobby for preservation of Manufacturing zones. But, land costs are high in Redmond. Rezoning to BP is a compromise where almost everyone wins. The Chee family appear model citizens and developers who have a lot of pride in their work. We are fortunate to have them.

See how Council and Planning Commission voted two years ago.

Updated, 12/16 - Redmond's New Sign Ordinance will keep our sidewalks and neigborhoods clutter-free

Update, 12/16: Opinion on the new sign ordinance from an West Redmond realtor.

OPINION: City Council, the Planning Commission, and our two Code Enforcement Officers have been working for months, if not years, to update and improve our sign ordinance. A new, improved ordinance will be officially in place after one final Hearing on private "banner signs". Signs come in all shapes and types. The photo on the left shows two "A-Board directional signs" for the same project. On the right is a large residential property sign. Hey, do ya think those copper capped posts come included with the Purchase & Sale!

At stake has been striking a balance between the needs for advertising, public safety, and removal of visual clutter. In addition, the ordinance had to be written within the confines of the 9th Circuit Court decision. Doborah Farris, Code Enforcement Officer said the ordinance would be strictly enforced. The first violation is a warning. Second violation is the sign will be pulled with a $50 fee for retrieval. Third violation is a $100 fine. Redmond's two Code Enforcement officers have many other duties than monitoring signs. The Code Enforcement officer's email and phone is 425-556-2465

In short, only one sign is allowed by the the new ordinance for commercial, project construction, and residential advertising. Councilman Vache made a point that precautionary safety signs should not restricted. Signs are limited in size to six square feet. Council Pres. McCormick indicated the Land Use Application Project requirements for 1 4x8 "extraordinary" White Sign every 500 feet (and 1 Yellow 2x3 sign/project ) remain the same.

After persistent lobbying by the Real Estate industry, an exception to the 1-sign rule was allowed for residential real estate advertising in most neighborhoods (R-1 to R-8). Real estate agents, FSBO's, landlords and new single family home projects are allowed up to 3 "directional signs" only during OPEN HOUSES, in addition to the one property sign. Arrow signs count as directional signs.

In a short drive through N. Redmond, I found one housing project posting 11 directional signs and three "landmark signs". A-Boards (sandwich board) and any other staked signs are restricted from public right-of-ways. i.e sidewalks, driveways, bike lanes. Home businesses, including daycare, are not allowed to put out signs. Deputy Planning Director Roberts said code enforcement recently pulled out over 100 signs - mostly in N. Redmond.

Apartment and condominium complexes zoned R-12 & up are allowed 1-sign per complex and no directional signs. Councilman Margeson emphasized visual clutter would be mitigated on roads with multiple apartments/condos like Avondale, 148th Ave, and Redmond Way.

The ordinance will especially be felt by landlords and FSBO's who are often desperate to get the word out. I know for a fact, since I rented a house for years and eventually sold it by owner. I won't tell you how many signs I staked because I'm embarrassed. Most that were pulled were on the 104th Street and 166th Avenue intersection. With this new ordinance - advertisers beware!

Disclaimer: to verify the ordinance quoted in this post, please contact Deborah Farris. This story is informational and my sole opinion. Signs leading from Redmond to the county or another city may or may not be subject to the new ordinance.

Food, restaurants and East Indians at "Redmond Lights Festival"

Redmond Lights Festival, Chain Restaurants and Indians
--Compliments of Grant Yuan's Chef Seattle Blog. Grant is a Redmond, WA. resident.
-- Posted by: Grant Yuan @ 12/10: 8:05 pm on Grant's Seattle restaurant, food, and chef blog.


Last night, I headed out to the Redmond Lights festival, which is a walk along the Burke Gilman/Sammamish River that ends up at the Redmond Town Center. I’ve been a little leery of RTC lately because of some political issues lately, but they’ve seemed to be getting better according to a popular Redmond blog that I keep up with. Anyhow, the festival was fun, with the sparkling of blinking red lights that everyone wore, holiday music, and general holiday mood. With the sour economy, it was nice to see everyone just out and having fun. Of course, it helped that there was free food involved, as there were lines 50 people deep for even some simple foods like Panera Bread cookies. Even though the lines were long, we (Steve, my girlfriend and I) had no problem waiting around and enjoying the scene. If we can camp out at Black Friday at 3am, we can wait 10 minutes for free food. :)Most of the food vendors were those directly in Redmond town center, like Thai Ginger, Meyfil (I always wondered if this name was a clever play on “Me Fill”), Ruby’s, that new sandwich/soupy Italian chain that replaced Cosi (THANK YOU), and Todai. Also there was Canyons, Azteca and Qdoba, which are close by.

For various reasons, we don’t review chain restaurants as a rule on Chef Seattle, but it’s events like these that tend to put some things into perspective on the roles of big food chains. What I mean is that when a large business gets involved, they have a marketing budget to sponsor events like the Redmond festival, because marketing and branding is what chain restaurants do best. Small, independently owned restaurants often don’t have the budget, manpower or - and I think this is a primary reason - foresight to sponsor these type of events. I love my small restaurants, but having talked with many chef/owners, I say it with love when I say they know food, but suck at self-promotion.The only independent food vendor passing out free food here was Meyfil, while every other one was a chain of some kind - though Thai Ginger and Canyons are both Seattle-based chains. I’m going to single out Mefil for a second, because as an Indian restaurant, I have to say that of all the various ethnic restaurants owners, Indians are the best pound-for-pound marketers. There’s often a good reason for that though, which is that many Indian restaurant and business owners are often highly educated individuals, with MBAs or other post-college education.

When I was volunteering at a food bank warehouse a few years ago, I had an eye-opening discussion with an Indian fellow - Gugan, I think his name was - who was working off 20 hours of community service. Explaining, he told me he owned seven convenience stores and managed all of them by himself, employing friends and family. Apparently, he had an MBA and wanted to start an integrated chip design outsourcing business when he came to America, but found he could do quite fine selling drinks and snacks to the masses. When I asked him about restaurants, he was pretty adamant that it was the same for that niche as well, with many well qualified owners doing it because they money made it worth it. After he left for the day, he offered me free Slurpees anytime at his stores, though I never quite took him up on that offer. :)

-- Grant Yuan http://www.chefseattle.com/
December 10, 2008 8:37 AM

minor edits by B. Yoder

Proposed Jail in Kingsgate: half of inmate population have prior felony convictions

compliments of KirklandViews

A County Jail is proposed for Kingsgate. Kingsgate is only 3-4 miles from Redmond.

A study of Kirkland’s inmate population shows that most inmates have prior felony convictions.

Jail proponents argue that if a planned 640 bed jail were to be built in Kingsgate, the neighboring residents should not be alarmed as those incarcerated would be guilty of only minor offenses. Kirkland’s own 2007 study shows that inmates picked up for minor crimes most likely have been convicted of prior felonies. A 2007 study of Kirkland’s inmate population showed that most misdemeanant inmates are “frequent flyers” of the corrections system.

When the City of Kirkland was studying the option of jail expansion in the Summer of 2007, the City Council was briefed on the profile of the Kirkland inmate population. The Council was presented with the following about Kirkland’s jail population on a given day:

Of the 36 persons held on misdemeanor charges
28 had previous felony convictions
7 had multiple previous misdemeanors
1 was a first-time offender
A 7 minute video discussing the profile of the inmate population is here.

You may watch the entire July 3, 2007 City of Kirkland study session Jail Update here.

A public meeting regarding a proposed jail in Kingsgate is to be held this Wednesday, December 10th at the Hollywood Schoolhouse in Woodinville from 6 to 9 p.m.

Posted by Rob Butcher on Friday, December 5, 2008, 13:02 This news item was posted in Features category of KirklandViews

2/4/09, UPDATED: Will Redmond Town Center partner with the City on flood protections and salmon preservation?

2nd in a series of opinions on Redmond Town Center.

UPDATED 2/4/2009  You'll find a post 2 days ago trying to understand the relationship between Redmond Town Center and the City. Talk from some neighbors and my review of several city council meetings reveal the city was negotiating with Redmond Town Center for Bear Creek buffer land. It appeared from these talks the city was frustrated with Redmond Town Center and their owner, Macerich REIT.  Its since been learned, the relationship is back on track with hopefully no strings attached by Macerich.

According to Mayor John Marchione: "...Regarding the (Redmond) blog, the City has a very good relationship with Redmond Town Center. We are working together to transfer land buffering Bear Creek to City control. Earlier in the year we approached Macerich for permission to perform survey work on the land in anticipation of the project. There was a delay as attorney’s work on language. But the delay was weeks, not months or years.....  Read More >>

1.3% annual property tax/levy increase approved in Council's budget

Council approved the 2009-2010 budget 7-0 this week. They approved the 1.3% property tax*/levy lid increase 5-2, with Council members Kimberly Allen and David Carson dissenting. (pictured here)

According to the "Budgeting by Priorities" manual General Fund revenues are expected to grow approximately 3% over the next two years to $142 M. The $142M does not include the Capital Budget which is expected to grow by 8% to $234M to pay for the massive infrastructure expenses we see around town. The city has a AAA bond rating and is taking advantage of their superior rating to borrow approximately $30M for the Bear Creek Road Extension.

The biggest bone of contention on the Budget was the 1.3% property tax/levy increase. Ms. Allen and Mr. Carson could not find a clear need in the budget to justify the tax increase. The increase averages about $15/year for an above-average priced home. Most council members felt they needed the money to manage inflation. The Mayor felt he needed the money to "steady the foundation, to keep from listing one way or the other." Mr. Mayor kept talking about "a hole" Redmond government would dig if the tax didn't go through. He referenced Kirkland's problem.

Mr. Carson and Ms. Allen where more concerned about the average citizen scraping by in this historically weak economy. Even though the tax was minor, historic, prolonged unemployment and precipitous housing prices are exceptional times for citizens. Ms. Allen felt the city had enough money for the next two years to justify cutting out the property/levy tax.

Council President McCormick justified the tax increase to the cost of inflation of the city supplies. Approximately 80% of the cost of Redmond Government is paying salary and benefits to city workers. Council passed a $538,000 Human Resource "compensation program" to manage salary reviews, improve efficiencies and be more proactive. Council member Vache, who has career experience in human resource contracting felt the program was expensive but went along with the Mayor.

Council member Myers was the only council member that made a concerted effort to find specific ways to cut the budget. He recommended cutting: 1) the $207,000 cost for a "road button reflector truck", 2) $20k travel and tuition for council, 3) $100k/year for a compensation analyst and 4) a review of pub/private $570,000 spent on community events (Holiday Lights, Derby Days, etc.)

Mayor Marchione has invaluable experience in financial administration and is building an reputable and effective finance team -- Micheal Bailey, Dir. of Finance and Melissa Files, Finance Manager. The AAA city bond rating is a tribute to their excellence. Mr. Marchione's team has a goal of saving $1.6M over two years through greater efficiencies.

Council Finance Chair Richard Cole efficiently ran the "Budgeting By Priorities" program. Mssrs. Margeson and Myers were on Mr. Cole's Finance Committee. Six "Results Teams" of six staff and one citizen each ranked the budget priorities. Mr. Mayor appointed the six citizens. If citizens want to have a direct influence on council and staff in shaping the budget next biennium you may want to notify the Administration. of your interest in a Results Team.

*Mr. Bailey, Dir. of Finance wrote a Letter of Clarification on 11/25/08. He described the 1% property tax. No mention was made of the parks & safety levy lid tax increase. (.3%)

The entire budget is online here.

Talk around town - Redmond Town Center

This is the first in a series of opinions on Redmond Town Center.

UPDATED, 12/7: Over a long period of time, I've heard talk of an unsavory relationship between Redmond Town Center (RTC) and the City of Redmond. For the benefit of the Center, the City and our neighborhoods, now may be a time to air the laundry that's been hanging around our town.

By no means do I know all the details, or for that matter the facts. Only a word here and there from my neighbors and recently some muffled emoting and non-specific budget adjusting during a recent Council session. It appears the vitriol between Redmond Town Center (owned by Macerich REIT) and City started years ago during the Ives Administration. What I have heard is the corporate owner and operator of Redmond Town Center -Macerich REIT - didn't want anything to do with the City. I heard the blood was so bad, Macerich REIT didn't want anyone from the City of Redmond on their property. My hope is these rumors are overstated and the relationship between Redmond Town Center and the City has mended. But I wonder...

At this time, rumor has it that Redmond Town Center is demanding **$1,097,000 from the City in exchange for land they own buffering Bear Creek. The City needs the land to restore Bear Creek for flood control and habitat preservation. It is hoped negotiations will bring repair and renewal for all parties. **The latest number is lowered - to the mid-six figures.

Redmond Town Center is owned and operated by Macerich REIT out of Santa Monica, CA. (ticker MAC). They are a one of the largest owner-operators of retail space in the country. Macerich is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with 72 retail centers, 72MM square feet, 3,000 employees. 2007 revenues were $813,272,000 -- not far from a billion. Have you heard of Tyson's Corner Center, VA.? They own it.

Retailers (who depend on us) are having a rough time with this economy. Fortunate for Macerich, Redmond Town Center's 10-year leases expired last year and Redmond Town Center has signed more lucrative tenants with higher lease payments. The City is not raising business taxes this biennium. The bottom line: Redmond Town Center is not hurting, has deep pockets and tax support from the City. Macerich REIT stock was up 4% on Black Friday.

What appears to be hurting is Macerich-RTC's ability to overcome their past problems and renew a positive relationship with the city and neighborhoods that support them.

Redmond Town Center advertises Redmond's Bear Creek natural area as an amenity to attract customers and further their business. The RTC website advertises: "Conforming with the active, outdoor Pacific Northwest lifestyle, the Center is also surrounded by 45 acres of dedicated green space, active salmon-spawning habitat and a regional trail system." Look at RTC's LOGO and you'll see a rendering of Bear Creek! (top of page).

ATTN: REDMOND TOWN CENTER: As our community partner, please dedicate to Redmond and Redmond neighborhoods your portion of the 45 acre buffer to protect the spawning-habitat we all value. Please partner with Redmond to share in the costs of restoring the Bear Creek buffer. Please re-invest your resources back to our community for a better, safer Redmond for shareholder satisfaction.

An excerpt from Macerich's website on social responsibility: "We strive to meet community challenges through a combination of employee volunteerism, financial support, in-kind donations and partnerships with non-profit organizations whose missions are consistent with our own vision and values." We have similar values! Let's work together to save what we cherish.

It is hoped that Mr. Steven Chaffee, Senior Property Manager of Redmond Town Center can help us. Additionally, Redmond Town Center's owner Macerich, must know they built their Center on a 100-year flood plain and will enjoy flood protections from this restoration.

Comments? (Mayor Marchione commented)

CC: Mayor John Marchione, Rob Odle (Dir. of Planning and Development), Nancy McCormick (Council Pres.), Steven Chaffee, Macerich Corporate Headquarters - Executives, Redmond Neighborhood Associations (9), RTC merchants, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Washington School District PTSA members.

What's going on Downtown?

Dial into Redmond Radio AM 1650 for construction updates.

Have you ever wanted to know what on earth is going on downtown with all the cranes, earth-movers, traffic jams, and construction? The City has graciously explained the Big Picture for each project on their construction website. This Redmond construction map with eight video clips and brief written descriptions help tells the story. Thank you Mr. Mayor and staff for putting this together! And, thanks to the Planning Commission. It really helps.

Brief video clips of eight ongoing construction projects in Downtown Redmond, 1-1.5m

1. Redmond Way East and West video - narrated by Rob Odle, Dir. of Planning and Development written description & rendering

2. River Walk Project video - narrated by Jim Roberts, Planning & Development Department
written description & rendering

3. The Alexan video - narrated by Rob Odle, Director of Planning and Development. Gary Lee, Project Manager. written description & rendering 3

4. Downtown Stormwater treatment facility - Leary Way. video, Steve Hitch is Project Manager written description & rendering 4

5. Bear Creek Parkway Extension -video, Lisa Singer is Project Manager, written description & rendering 5

6. Wells 1 & 2 Rehabilitation - video narrated by Bill Campbell, Director of Public Works, written description & rendering 6

7. Portulaca - video narrated by Rob Odle, Director of Planning and Development
written description & rendering 7

8. Park Place video - narrated by Jim Roberts, Planning and Development Department.

Visit the city web page for project descriptions, timelines, renderings, mapping, city planners. The new projects include: 876 new apartments, most with underground parking; 24 townhomes; 344-stall P&R garage; 56,000sf of retail; 292,000sf office; 160 bed boutique hotel; Group Health clinic.

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King County is seriously proposing a new jail just 3 miles from Redmond.

Be prepared to welcome "a new neighbor" to Redmond. According to the Seattle Times, King County plans to terminate their city jail contracts in four years because the Seattle jail can't keep up with demand. They're looking for a second site. The proposed Kingsgate site is currently the favored location for the new jail and is less than three miles from Redmond.

The map, below, shows the proposed Kingsgate jail site at the epicenter, with traces of criminal effluence leaking to Redmond, Kirkland, and Woodinville neighborhoods and schools by 2010. Redmond is located in the lower right quadrant of this map. No doubt real estate agents and parents of school children are holding their breadth the jail will find a more distant location in 2010. Any thoughts?

A Public Meeting will be held December 10, 6:00 - 9:00 at the Hollywood Schoohouse.

According to KirklandViews Blog, Kirkland Councilman Bob Sternoff estimates the size of the proposed jail is 640 beds and should accommodate the jail needs for the next twenty years.

The North/East Cities Municipal Jail Planning’s Site Comparison Chart rates the Kingsgate site at 161 points — the highest rating of the 5 sites listed to be undergoing environmental review. The chart lists five potential jail sites on the Eastside — two in Kirkland and one in Kirkland’s posposed annexation. View the Kirkland Jail Inmate Profile .

The Seattle Times, lists four potential locations for the jail as:

KINGSGATE: Unincorporated King Cty between Kirkland & Redmond, 13225 N.E. 126th Pl.
Bellevue: 555 116th Ave. N.E.
Shoreline: 2545 N.E. 200th St.
Downtown Seattle: a new King County Jail Annex, southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Jefferson Street.

PUBLIC MEETINGS
Cities will provide more information and seek feedback from the public on jail sites at several meetings in December. Each meeting will focus on a specific site. For more information on the sites, go to http://www.necmunicipaljail.org/.

>>Unincorporated King County Kingsgate site, Dec. 10: 6 to 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at The Hollywood Schoolhouse, 14810 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville.
>>Bellevue site, Dec. 15: 6 to 9 p.m. in Rooms 404 and 405 on Level 4 of The Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue.
The map-diagram is courtesy of http://KirklandViews.com

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.
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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.”

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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)