Redmond Town Center Police and Fire Substation

Redmond Town Center Police Fire Auxiliary

The Redmond Police and Fire Departments have a substation located at the Redmond Town Center.

16321 NE 74th Street, just down from Tully's and across the street from Marriott.  425-556-2692

Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

**PLUS** Special appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog every final Thursday of the month!!

CURRENT FREE RESOURCES:  

1. Child ID Kits -- are you prepared should your child go missing? Receive fingerprints, DNA sample, and picture to help identify them.
2. Engravers -- check out an engraver to engrave valuable items/electronics with your drivers license number--this helps to return found property when recovered if lost or stolen
3. Gun Locks -- While we neither encourage or discourage gun ownership, we do ask that if you choose to own one to please lock them. FREE locks are available at the substation. 
4. Crime, Fire, and Disaster Preparedness Material --  about prevention of crime and fire, disaster preparedness, Neighborhood Watch Program, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Neighborhood Program.  N1H1 "Swine" Flu prevention and emergency phone to Evergreen Hosp.
5. Smoke Detectors -- we have limited supplies remaining, but they are available while they last.

-- this city website information can be found on the city search engine.

posted by Bob Yoder

Superintendent Chip Kimball reports September donations to LWSD totalling $35,641.43

LWSD  Donations for the month of September, 2009  total:  $35,641.43

Laura I. Wilder PTSA to Wilder $1,036.53

Juanita Schools Foundation to Juanita El $7000

Juanita School Foundation to various schools $2703

Microsoft Matching Gifts To Ben Franklin El $3730

Rose Hill PTSA to rose Hill Jr. High $5000

Louisa M. Alcott PTSA to Alcott El $5296.90

Eastlake H.S. PTSA to Eastlake H.S. $1500

Finn Hill PTSA to Finn Hill Jr. $9375.00

read by Sup. Chip Kimball
posted by Bob Yoder,
School Board Mtg Agenda., 9/28

The Parent's Role in Athletics, by Bruce Brown

Bruce Brown, Teacher, Coach, Athletic Administrator

Special thanks to the RHS Women's Soccer Team (4-2) for posting this Letter on their team website.  His teaching applies to all sports.  Their next five home games are  9/29, 7:30 pm vs. Garfield ; 10/6, 7:30 pm vs. Woodinville, and 10/13, 7:30 vs. Lake Washington, 10/15 vs. Bothell, 10/23 vs. Skyline.

Bruce (BIO) has been a teacher and coach of youth, HS and college athletics for 30 years in the state of Washington. He is currently a special presenter for the NAIA and speaks around the country on the role of athletics with players, coaches and parents.  Below, are Mr. Brown's observation and advice he has given to our Redmond youth over the years:

Athletic Pyramid - “70% of all children stop playing organized sports by the age of 13”

Bruce let us know that he was here to represent kids - that he was going to share with us what he's heard from kids over the past 35 years - - the things kids would like to tell us about how to help their performance and create great memories, but probably won't.

Before the season begins:
Parents, write out your goals, role and success criteria for a successful season. Then have your children write out their goals, role and success criteria. If your answers do not match their answers, throw yours away and adopt theirs!
Scholarship Athletes:  If your goal is to have your child earn a scholarship – take them out of soccer and spend 3 hours a day with them at the library. There is 1 athletic scholarship for every 100 academic scholarships.
Why Kids Play Soccer @ RHS
Kids play soccer to have fun, gain recognition, and represent their school!

What are the responsibilities of parents of RHS soccer players?
Release your child to the program. Release them for the opportunity to be responsible for their actions and outcomes – all the success and problems are theirs to experience. Issues with playing time, with other kids (team members and opponents) and with coaches are their responsibility.

As parents we have so few opportunities to release our children to manage an activity completely on their own. Athletics are one of the few opportunities for some children to succeed or fail in a safe environment.

Red Flags!  Here are a few red flags that you may be too involved in your child’s athletics:
1/ You share in the credit after a game when things go well
2/ You attempt to resolve your child’s problem with the coaches
3/ You continue to coach them when it is obvious that they know more about the sport than you
do…usually around age 13
4/ You talk or yell at a referee
5/ You make excuses for failures on the field
6/ Your kids avoid you after the game – physically or conversationally
7/ You are more nervous about a game than your child
8/ The outcome of the game good/bad lasts longer on you than it does on your child

Parents Role During the Game:  We want to provide an atmosphere of support, sportsmanship and encouragement. Please review the following five rules the coaching staff would like you to follow to maximize your child’s experience.
1/ Practice Objectivity: Soccer is a fast contact sport in a confined space that makes it very subjective. The game is perceived by what color jersey your child is wearing. Go to a game where you don’t know anyone, and you’ll be amazed at what good coaching and refereeing there is!
2/ Model Appropriate Behavior: We have all seen screaming parents. Remember that you are a role model for your child and that your actions may negatively impact their experience.
3/ Focus on the Team: Try to avoid having a spotlight on your child throughout the whole game. Soccer is a team sport. It can place additional pressure on your child.
4/ One Instructional Voice: Release your child to take instruction from his coach. Support, encourage, and yell positives all night, but leave the instruction to the coach.
5/ Four Roles: You can be a player, coach, referee or a fan. We all must pick one role…we can’t be two!

Parents Role After the Game:   Most HS kids don’t want to rehash each and every play of the game and get your analysis. Practice your quiet, reflective listening skills; kids will explore the game in the manner and time that it is appropriate.
Worse Memories for Athletes:  It is surprising to find that so many kids in HS define their worst HS sports experience as riding home with parents.
Praise – Don’t Criticize:  Any kid will tell you that they love having their family at the game. The only exception is when a parent is not modeling appropriate behavior. Your child’s athletic career goes by very quickly…enjoy the experience with your child.
Common Player's Statement – I loved having my grandparents come to my games, they didn’t care if we won or lost, they only said “they loved watching me play.”

Bruce Brown's Biography:  http://www.hitrunscore.com/bruce-brown-biography.html
Bruce Brown's Book:  http://www.proactivecoaching.info/
Redmond High School Women's Soccer Team: http://schools.lwsd.org/RHS/athletics/soccer/Girls/index.htm
* My daughter plays RHS Varsity Basketball and we've heard Bruce's inspiring talk. Coach Dennis Edwards invited Bruce Brown to speak to Woman's Basketball Teams several years ago.

Do you know Redmond has volunteer Chaplains to serve city Fire and Police?

Chaplains Pat Hammon and Phyllis Rogers with Redmond firemen.

Did you know the City has their own Chaplains? Two years ago, I was walking home from church on 166th Ave. and saw a tangled bicycle in the middle of the road. Chaplain Hammon was on the scene. Last month, Chaplain Rogers invited me for an interview. And, as the saying goes.. "I had nooo idea....."

Our city Chaplains are professional volunteers trained to support our Police, Fire and Medic personnel whether it is job related or personal. My original impression of a chaplain's purpose was "death notification". Supporting a family during and after death notification is a challenging part of their job description but not their primary responsibility.

Chaplain Hammon and Rogers first priority is to the Police, Fire (including Emergency Medical Technicians) and Medics. Do you remember when a wall collapsed at a Microsoft site on 520 and a worker was killed? It was a frightening time. Chaplains from Redmond and one from Bellevue were at the scene for five hours performing what they do best -- the calming "ministry of presence".

Chaplains are professionally trained in critical incident stress management. They are trained in helping build resilience by: 1) being available to talk, 2) giving guidance, and 3) helping victims get connected with their support system. Chaplains administer emotional and relational support and only on request provide spiritual support.

The Chaplain's "gift of availability" is a cornerstone of their work. Their work doesn't end with "the event" or an incident. Chaplains are there for our Fire, Medics, and Police, 24/7. They carry pagers. Pat jokingly calls his presence at the station as "loitering on purpose". Chaplains regularly do "ride alongs" and station visits with Police, Fire, and Medics. They even wear bullet proof vests with the police.

Phyllis Rogers has been City Chaplain for 2 years. She is also a Licensed Family Therapist with a depth of personal knowledge and experience. Pat Hammon, a paster, started the program full-time in 1997 when he formed a nonprofit to support his City Chaplain service. City Church (Kirkland) is his largest donor. The City of Redmond supplies office space, some training, and radios. The City is looking for 3-4 additional Chaplain volunteers from the faith community of any faith to be on call for 24 hrs/ week. Contact Chaplain Pat Hammon, pat@pcitychaplain.org to volunteer.

"The City Chaplain" nonprofit service organization mission statement

Providing Leadership, Training and Professional Standards for Police and Fire Chaplains who have a Shared Vision of Partnering with Local Churches in Serving Their City Through Times of Crisis.

story and photo by Bob Yoder

UPDATED, 12/1 LWSD expects the school tax increase is $130 for the average house for 2010.

UPDATE, 12/1 - On 12/23 the School Board approved a $170 increase in school taxes in 2011.  Over four years the increase will be $294.  - ref:  http://www.lwsd.org/  

Letter  from Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications, Lake Washington School District

Thanks, Bob, for taking on a very complex subject. Let me clarify a few things, though.  The 2009 tax rate is $2.22 per thousand but that is based on an average assessed value of $594,000, for a tax of $1319. For 2010, the estimated tax rate will be $2.87 because the average assessed value dropped to $505,000, for a tax of $1449.

Our rates have been declining, from $4.01 per thousand in 2000 to $2.22 in 2009 because the average assessed value continued to rise during that time. For 2010, the rate is expected to rise mainly because of the decrease in assessed value.

The expected increase of $130 for the average house for 2010 is primarily because the amount voters approved for collection increased.

Input from Public Meeting workshop sessions will determine what goes into the measures that will go on the ballot in February, which would affect taxes beginning in 2011.  LWSD residents will be able to determine what the tax impacts will be of each of the options at during those sessions. For those who cannot make it to one of those sessions, we will have the same information posted on the district Web site, at http://www.lwsd.org/.
 
Comment by Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD.
Edited  by Bob Yoder, 9/23

cc:  LWSD Administration

Tribal Archaeological Excavation Sites adjacent Bear Creek

Archaeological excavation - an important phase in relocating Bear Creek from 520 widening

photos by Bob Yoder.

What's worse than ever rising school property taxes? Planning for them!

UPDATED, 9/23:  Letter from LWSD:  expect a $130 school tax increase for 2010.

Lake Washington School District   School Board and Administration met, 9/14, for a "Work Session" on Levy and Bond Planning.  I sat in, took notes and enjoyed some fruit, a cookie and coffee.  LWSD folks are friendly.  The Work Session had two parts and they were probably trying to figure out what to do with me.

The first part of the Work Session involved study of  three, large 11 X 17 inch budget sheets, revised 09/14/09.   Two of the sheets were on 2010 Four-Year Capital Projects Levies for Facilities and Technology.   The third sheet gave options for the Capital facility Planning Bond 2010 & 2014.   

The Superintendent also presented review of school capacity and configuration and the Juanita Pool.    Superintendent Dr. Kimball appeared to lecture to the School Board (and staff) as he presented the budgeting options for each funding project. Of course, lecturing is common practice of PhD's in education..  Each of the three funding projects had five (5) options.  The School Board, again, left most of the talking to the Superintendent and appeared to settle on the middle option.        

The second part of the meeting had "all the goodies".   Based on the assumptions below, Dr. Kimball anticipated the 2010 Levy rate at $2.87 / $1000 assessed value OR a $1,435 school tax per year for the average house in the District.  The present 2009 tax rate is $2.22.   Increasing the tax rate to $2.87 would raise our school taxes on an average house in the District by $130. 

 Kimball's $1435 tax  suggestion is an example and not etched in stone.   Dr. Kimball handed out a "School Levy/Bond Recommendations" worksheet, asking the School Board to make their own calculations.  By this time the School Board was tired and wanted to fill it out later.  Me too.  So, Dr. Kimball described his own worksheet calculation, as follows: 

1.  He assumed the community would go for the middle planning Option B for both levies and the bond.
2.  He estimated the fair assessed value for the average home is $500,000.
3.  He anticipated the Option B rate of the Capital Projects Levy at: ~ 0.21 for Facilities and 0.20 for Technology. 
4.  He anticipated the Educational Maintenance & Operations levy at:  $1.29 / $1000 assessed value.
5.  He anticipated the previously approved Debt Service Bonds at:  $1.00 / $1000 assessed value.
6.  The additional Cost of Modernization & School Construction Bond is deduced at 0.18 / $1000.

Add it all up:  .18 + 1.00 + 1.29 + ~.21 + ~.20 = $2.87 tax rate / $1000.   $1435 tax /average home

Six public meetings will be held in October LWSD to gather input. At these meetings, Superintendent Chip Kimball will review the various options for each measure, what the cost would be for each option and what that money would pay for.  Citizens can fill out their own worksheets calculate anticipated costs per needs.

Oct. 7 – 3:00-4:30 p.m., Redmond Junior High
Oct. 8 – 7:00-8:30 p.m., Redmond High School
Oct. 13 – 3:00-4:30 p.m., Kamiakin Jr. High
Oct. 13 -- 7:00-8:30 p.m., Juanita High School
Oct. 14 – 7:00-8:30 p.m., Lake Washington High School

Director Kathryn Reith says,  "The district is also looking at a potential bond measure to address potential overcrowding in the next several years and beyond. Enrollment is up by 240 students district-wide at the elementary level this year. Projections indicate that the district will need space for approximately 1300 more students by 2014 and 2500 more students by 2019-20."

by Bob yoder

UPDATED, 12/1- Observations for small, but positive changes at LWSD

UPDATE, 9/29 - It's been a little more than a week since I visited the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) headquarters in Redmond.  I attended the Work Session on Levy & Bond Planning and participated in the Board Meeting during "Public Comments".  I learned a lot about District governance and process, met some friendly and informative staff, including Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications.  Kathryn sent press releases last school year for the Blog.  I feel I have a good relationship with this organization and they actively listen to my ideas. 

I want to list some incremental progress we've already made to create positive changes in the District. 

1.  Printing Problem:   When printing from LWSD website pages, content is usually truncated on the right margin. Important information is lost.  For example:  It couldn't be discerned from the Board printouts that Ravi Shahani is the sole Board Member identified as representing Einstein.  In addition, lots of time and paper is wasted trying to print pages correctly.  For example:  each page has to be shrinked by 85%.

Solution:  Printable pages are now available on the LWSD website!  Look for this printer icon   The "printable page" icon will  improve productivity and convenience for staff and citizens using the site.  Thanks to John Vaille, Chief Technology Officer for getting this job done and for Ms. Reith's communications.   Chip Kimball, Superientent, has a technology background, which doesn't hurt.

2.)   "Work Session Meeting" process:   According to Ms. Reith, the District is not posting Work Session Minutes on the Web site.   However, this Fall they will start posting Session meetings along with Board meetings.  Update: 12/1/09  The "Minutes" are one sentence topics of no value.

3)    "Public Records".   When a citizen presents at Board Meetings, their documents "for the Record", are submitted to the Executive Administrator (Dianne Jenkins) who sits on the Dias with the Board and Superintendent.  According to Ms. Reith, the Records are put in a date-marked file and stored in the Superintendent's office.  Update: 12/1:  The Executive Secretary's technical title is "administrative assistant" yet she takes Minutes, files Public Records, prepares the "Packet" and is the "Executive Secretary"  for the Superintendent.  She informs the public about the website and promotes the Superintendent's policies. She is a key employee.   The District has not included Ms. Jenkins in the "Administrative Directory" so it's difficult to identify and contact her.   Currently, you have to know her name to search for her email. 

4.)  "Agenda".   ADA (hearing impaired) guidelines are not printed on the electronic agenda.  Of course, ADA is a tremendously important priority in schools, so I assume an electronic version of the ADA advisory will be published on the website Agenda. It is not. (12/1).  An electronic advisory will help individuals with disabilities "contact the superintendents' office as soon as possible in advance of the meeting..."

6)  The Superintendent doesn't verbally announce the topic of Executive Sessions.  Though it's in writing someplace the public isn't likely to find it. 12/1.    

5)  Ms. Reith says a group picture of the Board will be taken and posted on the website.  In the meanitme, I'm posting my photo of the Board.  12/1 a photo was never taken by LWSD.  I assume they decided mine was good enough for them.

by Bob Yoder
revised: 12/1/09

CC:  LWSD Administration

A catalyst marked by an event(s)

Lake Washington School District government & process will be studied and reported on this blog.

Five LWSD Board of Directors meet with Superintendent and staff twice a month at 7pm.

Board Meetings are video-taped and archived. 

Click an agenda item for this meeting  to start the video.   

The Lake Washington School District School Board (and indirectly the Superintendent) reports to 102,000 active registered voters!  Parents and caregivers entrust 23,768 of their children to the district.  That's a huge responsibility. 

By contrast, the City of Redmond (C.O.R.) Council and Mayor report to less than 30,000 registered voters.  (The city's residential population is 50,000).   Though, not all voters are property owners, the four-fold increase of voters in LWSD over C.O.R. is significant and deserves attention. 

In August 2009, eight COMMENTS from unhappy Redmond Elementary and Einstein parents were posted on the Blog.   These parents were unhappy from two years of  substandard "Average Yearly Performance" (AYP) ratings in three sub-categories.  I will be reporting on this in greater detail so your COMMENTS are always appreciated. 

The Title One, AYP issue has triggered my community activism at LWSD.  I'm finding the LWSD Administration responsive and very accepting to positive social change. So far, I attended and participated in the 9/14 Board Meeting and Work Session on Levy & Bond Planning; I've observed Suspension Appeal Hearing and studied the archived video of the 9/31 Board Meeting.

In just a short time, I've observed areas where we can come together to solve problems and I will report on them soon.  It is important to remember these are tough times for all school districts.

LWSD Form of Government:"Single Executive Type of School Administration".  Superintendent Chip Kimball (BIO) is the District CEO and Administrator and is hired by the Board.

• 
  
  The Superintendent  is the board's link to the organization's staff and is accountable for achieving the ends identified by the board and carrying out the goals of the organization.  Superintendent's salary is $190,178 + expense reimbursement.
  
  
  

• The School Board is the governing body of the District, with all activities under the direction of the Superintendent.  The School Board is composed of five (5) elected Board Members serving four (4) year terms.  How to contact Board Members 

LWSD Board of Directors responsibilities:  The Board 1) "represents the citizens and lead the organization by asking critical questions and by determining and demanding appropriate and excellent organizational performance", 2) writes policy, 3) studies outcomes analysis, 4) advocates, 5) monitors CEO and Board performance, 6) decision-maker for appeals, 7) authority to hire and fire the CEO.  Directors attend 2 meetings/month and qualify for salary up to $167/meeting ($333/month) but have chosen not to take any pay.

The Superintendent is accountable for achieving the ends identified by the board.   In the future, I will write a story addressing  "the ends". 
  
By contrast, the Redmond (C.O.R.) Form of Government:

• "Strong Mayor" . Mayor John Marchione is City CEO, Administrator, and elected representative.  His inaugural salary is ~ $128,000 plus expense reimbursement.  The Mayor is charged with carrying out the policies of the city council and administering staff and city operations.
• COR Council is composed of seven elected (7) members serving 4-year terms.  Council writes governing policy,  approves the budget, appoints Boards and Commissions, participates in land use review process, participates on Council Committees.  Councilmembers attend at least 5 meetings or events per month and are paid ~$470/month.

report and photo by Bob Yoder

Councilmember Kim Allen begins doorbelling the neighborhoods

Kim Allen - Redmond City Council Position 4.

"I'm doorbelling like mad--and really enjoying catching up with the folks in Redmond's great neighborhoods. So far, the Downtown Park is a general thumbs up and there is a cautious optimism for the growth in Downtown. Careful planning is the key."

"I am proud to report that I have just received the endorsement from Redmond Police!"

          Kim's Election Website, 

           

            Excerpts from FaceBook, 9/21 

            by Bob Yoder

The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Mission Statement, Goals, Achievements

Friends and Guests,

 The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" brings transparency to the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Hospital District and other local jurisdictions, to encourage them to listen to their constituents and make positive changes; the Blog helps Greater Redmond citizens to be seen and heard in their neighborhoods and come together to find solutions. Your comments and stories are welcome."

I’ve lived in Redmond 30 years.  I publish the Redmond Neighborhood Blog because I am passionate about where live and I love being active in my community and local government.  The Blog is my avocation.  My goal is that someday the Redmond Neighborhood Blog will be a thriving nonprofit, skilled at connecting and engaging Greater Redmond local governments with our communities. Recognition and Advocacy are central to this Blog.

At the core of my reporting, is scrutiny and daylighting the local governing bodies of  Greater Redmond.  Transparency is a disinfectant.  I've expanded my City of Redmond coverage to include Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Public Hospital District and the local King County Library branch.  The School District has three times as many active voters as the City and represents great potential for additional readership and positive changes.

Alternative neighborhood news, opinion, comment, and  posts contributed by citizens and business engages and connects citizens with our communities and  local jurisdictions.    The Blog strives to be nonpartisan and independent.  Presently, every candidate running for office in the City, School Board, and Public Health District #2 knows about the Blog.

In 2005, preservation of  priority Urban Open Space and the cultural habitat of Perrigo Woodlands and Hartman Wetlands drew me into community activism.  Discovery of hazardous waste on a shallow city aquifer in SE Redmond triggered the beginnings of this blog.  Land use review practices, Public Notice and developer-centric planning were early reports and are ongoing.  In 2008, I worked with the Water Tenders and other citizens to leverage our voice and empower City and regional officials   Our message was successfully targeted to State representatives.  We secured  $8M funding from the State to restore Bear Creek and mitigate SR520 flooding.

Reporting on city governance brings positive changes, as follows:

1. Independent, alternative neighborhood news and reader comments and contributions keeps government  in touch with our needs and each other. 
2. TRANSPARENCY:  Our electeds' work is more visible. Minutes and recordings of meetings are taken and with consistency.  Elected conduct more meetings outside of their Chambers and in neighborhoods.  Committees have more voice.  Electeds' and staff meetings are more visible, efficient and productive.  Senior administrators and CEO's listen and respond.
3. City of Redmond and other local jurisdictions are subjected to public scrutiny for positive change.
4. Land use review process, Public Notice, Public Records and access is improved.
5. Human resource problems are identified.
6. Access to governments' website resources are improved and more transparent.     
7. Commissions, Boards and Councils are energized and empowered.
8. Mistakes and unintended consequences during the planning process are minimized by community participation and more functional internal (staff) communications
9. Neighborhood and community Voice is leveraged and targeted to create positive change in Greater Redmond, the County and State.  

Local and state politicians listen and respond to the problems and opportunities uncovered by the Blog.   A key Goal is to encourage reader participation and contributions to the Blog with their Comment, Letters, Opinion, Tips, and stories.  Probably, the biggest soft spot in this blog is the Lone Wolf Syndrome of One Howling Voice.  Readers want a chorus of thought, opinion, comment and neighborhood news.  Your contributions get top priority over my entries!   Improving site functionality is another key Goal.   I'm open to ideas!
 
The Redmond Neighborhood Blog provides alternative news to traditional  reporting while remaining independent of commercial and government dogma.    I cherish, and pay for this freedom!   I hope you will take advantage of this resource and participate, with your stories, your news, your comments, insight and of course, your readership!

Sincerely,

Bob Yoder
Community Activist
Publisher and Editor
"Redmond Neighborhood Blog"

10019 169th AVE NE
Redmond, WA.  98052
425-802-2523 
redmondblog@gmail.com

9/27/09, revised 10/17/09

Redmond City TV Crew will film the Redmond vs. Eastlake football game!

A few Redmond High School Super Fans and (clip of the "Roller Coaster" cheer)

According to a city press release, the Friday, September 25th varsity football game between LWSD rivals Eastlake High and Redmond High will be recorded and televised on Redmond City Television (RCTV).

Long time Redmond High School stadium announcer and district technology whiz Sean Valley, and former Western Washington Viking, Shelton High School All-League and King Bowl Championship receiver Scott River will provide play by play and color commentary.

The 'Stangs recently lost to Juanita (13 -6) and Bothell (54-0) last night.  Come out in numbers and cheer for our RHS Mustang football team! 

The game will also be available On Demand 24/7 via the City’s website http://www.redmond.gov/ starting Monday September 28. 

"ATTENTION! The comment under this Council Committee story may make you drowsy. Do not operate a vehicle after reading it!!"

For the sake of brevity and your reading enjoyment, I've posted edited excerpt's of my correspondence with City Clerk, Michelle McGehee under "comments".  

To find our Q&A please press the "comments" button underneath this post.

Chair Hank Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 9/17

This committee meeting had quorum and voted to advise staff on an annexation issue.

 L-R Hank Myers, Kim Allen, Richard Cole (by door), Hank Margeson (under clock)

Council President Nancy McCormick

story and photo by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Councilmembers Margeson and Myers explain the uses and meaning of Council Committee voting.

Second update, 9/19:  I met Councilmember Hank Margeson at the "Leadership Eastside" breakfast meeting this morning and he was aware of my struggle to understand the Council Committees' purpose of voting.   Margeson (left) Chairs the Planning and Public Works Committee.  He said he uses the Committee vote mostly to "give direction" to staff.   Hank Myers (right) touches on this in the below letter he just emailed.  

A double thanks to "both Hanks" and especially to Kim Allen who first alerted me and explained the voting process.  Council President Nancy McCormmick and Michelle McGhee, our City Clerk also helped.   

The take-home message is Council Committee voting is "advisory" in nature and  not a Council decision.  The full Council will still have to vote by consent or nonconsent, on committee advise.

Open government is furthered if committee votes are not only recorded but also announced for the benefit of the viewing audience, media and staff.

A paraphrased, excerpted email from Councilman Hank Myers describes Committee process further, as follows:

Mayor Marchione has a policy of trying to give the Council process three touches on significant issues. Certain actions, such as applying for grants, require Council action. ...And in the case of the bike jump grant request we voted to recommend applying for the grant to show that it had been considered and was not controversial in our view. As a result, it was subsequently considered as part of the Council Consent agenda and passed.    

The Committee meetings are advertised as public so that interested members of the Council may attend and even participate in the discussion without violating the open public meetings act. It is my understanding that only members of the Committee may vote, [and the public my attend but not participate] and when we took the vote to approve the application for the bike jumps Mr. Vache', Mr. Carson and I all voted in favor. Councilmember Cole did not vote.

Hank Myers
Councilmember, View Point Neighborhood
Chair of Parks and Human Services Committee
paraphrased and edited by Bob Yoder

Doug Eglington, LWSD Board Director, District Four

Mr. Eglington has been on the School Board for 20 years.
Doug lives in Sammamish.

 BIO and contact information.

Mr. Eglington is running unopposed.

Julie White filed to run against Mr. Eglington, but she has since withdrawn.

Doug's district has the most schools of any other Board Member. His district  includes six Redmond schools:

Redmond High, Redmond Junior, Inglewood Junior (Sammamish),  Evergreen Junior (Redmond),Smith Elementary (Sammamish), Mead Elementary (Sammamish), McAuliffe Elementary (Sammanish)

Dickenson Elementary (Redmond), Carson Elementary (Sammamish), Blackwell Elementary (Sammamish)

Alcott Elementary (Redmond), Audubon Elementary (Redmond)

                                    Nancy Bernard, LWSD Board Director, District Three

Nancy Bernard has been on the School Board 12 years

 Ms. Bernard is running unopposed

Nancy was PTSA Science Chair for eight years at John Muir in Kirkland

BIO and contact information

Ms. Bernard's district covers 10 schools. 3 high schools, 3 junior highs, 4 elementary schools, including three Redmond schools.

Redmond High, Lake Washington High, Juanita High, Redmond Junior, Rose Hill Junior, Kamiaken Junior, Twain Elementary, Rush Elementary, Muir Elementary, Frost Elementary.

Council "stalls out" on requests from Pomegranate Bistro and Black Raven Brewery for extended hours. Approves recycling uses in SE Redmond Industrial Parks.

OPINION:  Third Update, 9/17.  During their September 15 meeting, the City Council voted on amendments to an ordinance updating the land use designations for Manufacturing Parks (MP) and Business Parks (BP).  Council generally likes to separate residential, business, and manufacturing zones from each other. 

A second related ordinance was considered that would allow additional uses to MP  for medical diagnostics and short term treatment facilities. Vache' proposed keeping medical diagnostics businesses exclusively in the Bear Creek neighborhood.  The Council majority voted with Mr. Vache' (5 -1) since a similar use was already present in the neighborhood and concentrating diagnostics in one MP neighborhood was preferred.

Councilmember David Carson shepherded prior study sessions on MP/BP.   At that time three other businesses requested zoning use amendments, as follows:  Black Raven Brewery, Pomegranate Bistro and Watson Asphalt   It was decided during study sessions that a Public Hearing was necessary.

Restaurants: 
During the Hearing, the owner of Black Raven Brewery complained of losing more than 7-10% revenues from the MP requirement for 10pm closing.   He asked for an amendment to extend his hours to 11pm.   Ms Lisa Dupar, of the Pomegranate Bistro asked for extended hours to 12 Midnight.  Ms. Dupar stated that even her neighbors have requested longer hours e.g. fitness, Xerox, Yoga, a digital store, and especially Microsoft employees.  Council was tied 3-3 on the vote.  The Mayor is not allowed to break the tie for ordinances,  Thus, by procedure, the amendment "died and no decision was made.

COMMENT:    I believe the Black Raven and Pomegranate should be allowed to extend their hours and stay where they are.  Yes, the "City Plan" calls to concentrate restaurants in the Downtown area, to limit competition to the downtown.  But, as Margeson stated, these two businesses "are here".  I'm also concerned about the scarcity of parking downtown especially,with all the new apartments and Business Park services opening up.  The city needs to work through procedural barriers to give these businesses a complete opportunity to be heard.     

Recycling:
Watson Asphalt abuts Evans Creek and recycles asphalt. They provide much of the asphalt Redmond Public Works uses to build city roads.   A Watson spokesman asked that all recycling uses in SE Redmond be approved for industrial parks (IP) zoning in the 2484 ordinance.  Cole sponsored the amendment.  Council passed Watson's request 6-0, to approve the amendment allowing SE Redmond Industries to recycle in their IP neighborhood zone.

COMMENT:   All Wood Recycling (AWR) is another recycling business on the banks of Evans Creek of the SE Redmond.  Besides wood, AWR recycles concrete and who knows what else.  In my hikes and bushwacking into the marshlands and riparian wetlands east of and abutting AWR, I've observed piles of concrete debris (recycled concrete?) pushing into the eastern riparian wetlands and canals.  (They call it flood control). The  Redmond Department of Natural Resources aparently knows all about the concrete spillage and uncovered asphalt deposits and sees no harm.    

(A website for Watson Asphalt, Redmond, WA. could not be found on Internet searches.)

Black Raven Brewery           Pomegranate Bistro          All Wood Recycling - list of products they recycle

Requests for Comment:
Do you think recycling of concrete and oil-based waste should be permitted adjacent to the banks of  salmon-bearing riparian streams and wetlands near underground water supplies?  Well, that's the way it's been done for 30 years.  Can't change it now.  Watson's spokesperson says asphalt is 100% recyclable.  However, very large asphalt hill-sized deposits are exposed uncovered for months and probably years.    Judy Jewell, a R.I.C.E. member with interest in furthering SE Redmond industrial interests has been writing Council by letter, as is ususal during environmentally sensitive issues.

Black Raven Brewery and Pomegranate Bistro are at least 500 feet away from residential areas.  Do think that's far enough away from homes (~ two football fields) to allow extended hours to till 11 or 12 midnight?  If so, and because a Decision was not made, do you think the Hearing should be appealed?

Redmond documents used by the C.O.R. during amendment discussions of Ordinance 2483 and 2484

by Bob Yoder

City Planner Carolyn Hope wins committee vote to apply for a bike jump construction grant.

Upated, 9/18 -  Good news!  Chairman Myers Parks and Human Resources Committee and Parks staff have made serious progress towards the construction and design of Redmond's new BMX Jumps.

During last Tuesday's meeting at Perrigo Park, Senior Park Planner Carolyn Hope announced the exciting news that potential grant money had been found to cover the cost of construction and some design work.   She asked the Committee for approval to apply to "Bikes Belong". for the grant application.  Committee members Vache', Myers, and Carson were present and voted, "yes".   Councilmember Richard Cole's presence had given the Committee quorum so they voted to give Ms. Hope direction to apply.

During a previous BMX meeting held at Horace Mann, Mr. Cole was concerned about liability and that expensive Lloyds of London insurance could be required.   Parks Director Larsen reassured everyone  that the State of Washington's Recreation Immunity Act covers the city's liability.  Case closed!  Council voted to approve Ms. Hope's grant application! 

Ms. Hope said completion of the new Bike Jumps needed support beyond the grant.  Local bike shops and hopefully R.E.I. will donate resources.   R.E.I. may offer grant money, but they require an application from an employee.  Any R.E.I. workers out there?   

Below is an important link to all the hard and thoughtful work Carolyn Hope put into this project.  As you can see, Ms. Hope's portfolio is comprehensive &  thorough and will impress "Bikes Belong".   Planner Theresa Kluver and all the BMX'ers, their parents, and many citizen volunteers all worked together to make this grant application possible.  

PLEASE CLICK HERE to find links to all the cool jump pictures and BMX projects listed below! 

Excellent photgraphs (taken during citizen BMXer field trips) of creative jumps and jump course designs!
Field Trip 1 - Snoqualmie Bike Park, Snoqualmie, WA  
Field Trip 2 - Colonnade, Seattle, WA
Field Trip 2 - Towers of Power, Renton, WA
Work Party - July 31, 2009      (Pictures of volunteer BMX'ers filling holes around trees and building safer jumps; they used over 10 yards of soil!)

Carolyn Hope's City Bike Jump web site:   http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrec/parksPlanning/DirtJumps/Documents.asp

by Bob Yoder
city website photo
Special thanks to Councilmember Hank Margeson for explaining how the Committee voting process works.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION! Emerald City Gymnastics West Facility! Featuring Discovery Channel's Captain Keith Colburn

NEW Location is in the old Velocity building..
17735 NE 65th Street, Suite 101

After many months of hard work

we are happy to announce the

Grand Opening Celebration!

Please join us as we officially open

Emerald City Gymnastics West Facility

Saturday, September 26, 2009

11:00 am - 2:30 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC / NO CHARGE

LOT'S OF FUN AND ACTIVITIES - LUNCH WILL BE SERVED

ECGA is proud to have Captain Keith Colburn  (http://www.crabwizard.com/)

from the Discovery Channel's hit TV series "Deadliest Catch"

on hand to cut the ribbon (at 11:00) and officially "open" our new location.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN!!!

WE CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU WHAT WE'VE BUILT!!!

Emerald City Gymnastics would also like to announce that we have added

1992 Summer Olympic Gold Medalist Lu Li

to our already talented coaching staff!

Coach Li won the Gold Medal in Barcelona with a perfect 10 on bars. Lu Li also won the Silver Medal on beam in the same games, tying American Shannon Miller with a score of 9.912

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

Posted by Bob Yoder for Sandy Spokoiny-Flores, 9/13/09

UPDATED: Council Committees are now meeting in the neighborhoods and voting on staff issues.

Councilmember Hank Myers (looking at us) takes advantage of  the sunny weather
by hosting his Parks & Human Services Committee at Perrigo Park, 9/8
    

Updated, 9/18 - This month, the Parks & Human Services Committee meeting was well attended, with a loaded agenda. It took place in a city park!   Chair Myers said this was the largest turnout of any committee meeting he's held.  I counted 11 staff and 4 councilmembers.  Early this year,  Council Committees started meeting in the community, away from City Hall.  Of signifiicance, Committees are now voting on occaision to strengthen direction to staff.    Today, they voted to approve a Park grant Ms. Hope's application for funding construction of a BMX bike jump course.

The Parks/H.S. Committee, and David Carson's Safety Committee are trying to get closer to the community and city operations..  Carson's last two Safey meetings were in the Police auxillary at Redmond Town Center and the 148th Ave. Fire Station.  Finance and Planning/Public Works Committees still hold meetings in our grand City Hall. 

The committees started making council decisions earlier this year after consulting with the City attourney about a state law governing "open meetings".   To meet State requirements, the City Clerk posts notice of meeting location and quorum on the  "Extended Agenda" and "Current Agenda" of the city website.  You have to search to find the Notice, but it's there.   Committee meetings with quorum (4 councilmembers) are called "Special Meetings."

Government is now more efficient and effective with decision-making committees more engaged with staff.   This is a significant change for the city by Mayor Marchione.  Everyone wins with a more streamlined government to move process forward!

The public is invited to sit in and listen.  Some committee Chairs might let you comment after the meeting, if you ask permission before the meeting starts.  The Committee Agendas are here for your convenience to help you find the meeting location and times.  Unfortunatley, the City of Redmond's website is archaic and lacks a reliable search engnine.  My pleasure.

by Bob Yoder

It's Time to Sign-Up for Scouts! Find sign-up locations and times here!

SCOUT SIGN-UP IS UNDERWAY!   Special thanks to Page Norman and Miranda Otjen for submitting these sign-up locations and times for our local area.

Sign in date:  9/14
Pack 546, Dickinson Elementary/Explorer- meets at Dickinson Elementary Commons, 7:00pm
Pack 556, Alcott Elementary- meets at Alcott Gym, 6:30pm
Pack 565, Thoreau Elementary- meets at Inglewood Presbyterian Church, 6:30pm
Pack 578, Wilder Elementary- meets at Wilder Elementary, 7:00pm
9/15
Pack 554, Lakeview Elementary/Community School- meets at Kirkland Congregational Church, 6:30pm
Pack 561, Audubon Elementary- meets at Audubon Art/Science Room, 7:00pm
Pack 567, Sandburg Elementary/Discovery- meets at Sandburg Elementary, 7:00pm
9/18
Pack 566, Bell/Juanita Elementary- meets at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 7:00pm

9/21
Pack 557/591, Mann/Redmond/Einstein/Rockwell Elementary- meets at First Baptist Church of Redmond, 6:45pm  -  Bring your kids (siblings too) and register your 1st through 4th grade boys for the scouting adventure!  Special thanks to Paige Norman for alerting me to Scout Sign-Up.

9/21
Pack 559, Keller Elementary- meets at Eastside Foursquare Church, 7:00pm
Pack 580, Frost/Muir Elementary- meets at Muir Elementary, 6:45pm
Pack 581, Bear Creek School- meets at Bear Creek School, 6:30pm
9/22
Pack 572, Homeschool/Christian Schools- meets at Rose Hill Presbyterian Church, 6:30pm
Pack 558, Rosa Parks Elementary- meets at Rosa Parks Elementary Commons, 7:00pm
9/23
Pack 428, Rose Hill/Franklin/Rush Elementary- meets at Rose Hill Elementary, 6:00pm
9/29
Pack 595, Twain Elementary- meets at Twain Elementary, 7:00pm
10/6
Pack 550, Kirk Elementary- meets at Kirkland Congregational Church, 6:00pm

If you are interested in Scouts and can't find your local unit go to: http://www.joinscouts.net/

Submitted by:
Miranda Otjen
Sammamish Trails Senior District Executive
Chief Seattle Council, BSA
(206)902-2310

Sammamish Trails District Website:  http://members.doubleknot.com/Sammamish_Trails_District/index.htm

Game Night at Redmond High School Stadium, 9/11

Mustangs vs. Juanita (6-13)
Mustang Super Fans ride the "Roller Coaster"  
The Mustang Band!

photo & videos by Bob Yoder