UPDATED: Redmond Police Update, 2021

 

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe

In a March 14th City Hall meeting, Police Chief Darrell Lowe gave Council an overview of 2021 activities, as follows:  

• 78 commissioned staff, with 8 vacancies; 38 professional staff, with 4 vacancies
• Mental health specialist:  376 response calls, 1,127 total contacts (follow-up with families, courts, health systems and other services.)
• 25,000 calls for service in 2021; a 2.8% increase over 2020.
• 1,171 arrests in 2021; 294 fewer arrests than 2020.
• Crimes per day, down 2.3% from 2020.
• Public Record Requests up 6.8% from 2020

Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer asked if violence picked up during the pandemic.  Chief Lowe said domestic violence increased but it was "yelling" rather than physical. Arrests occurred.  Councilmember Carson asked for a breakdown of the levels of crime and citations of 2021.  Chief said the statistics will be released monthly.  

Councilmember Melissa Stuart asked about the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Chief said the trend is low for citations, that the job is primarily "relational." Last year the policy changed to a "community response model" where SRO's don't work at just one school; they float.  

The Chief explained the problem with retail shoplifting.  Councilmember Fields asked about catalytic converter theft. Redmond police and other jurisdictions organized a task force to respond. He mentioned an engraving program.

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and the Chief emphasized the importance of locking your car.  Years ago I learned the hard way.  I won't go into the details, but my company car was stolen and returned two days later by a Redmond officer.  She said youth will steal cars for a joy-ride. I had no idea how she found it.  What an angel!

-- Bob Yoder, 3/19/2022

   Source:  Safety, Council Committee of the Whole meeting, 3/14/2022

To learn about the 2007 Levy and see total costs per household of the 2022 Levy click:  https://www.letsconnectredmond.com/safety

Redmond Human Services Update, 2021

Nourishing Networks

In the Council Committee of the Whole - Safety/Human Services meeting of 3/16/2022, Program Manager Alaric Bien gave Council a 2021 summary of activities.  

• Total 2021 funding was $2.67 million.
• The regular general fund allocation was $1.4 million.
• $500,000 went to COVID 
• Bonus: "one time money" ($1,192,000) from taxes on heavy downtown construction was allocated to community nonprofits many of which support the homeless and behaviorally ill. If my math is right about $15 million one-time money remains this year.  
• 72 programs were managed through 47 community-based nonprofits.
• 9 programs for indigenous, black and other minorities.
• 84% of programs met target outcomes.

One-time money distribution in order of dollar amount:  

• $310k Together Center campus build-out
• $300k Hopelink
• $95k Youth Eastside
• $70k Congregations for the Homeless
• $50k Redmond Methodist Church "Food Box"
• $48k Friends of Youth
• $37k Youth Adult Shelter
• $32k Senior Center lunches
• $30k vaccine equity
• $28k ARCH (affordable housing)
• $26k IKRON (behavioral health)
• $9k NAMI (behavioral health)
• $8k Overlake Church, homeless car-camping services

For a complete listing of recipients go HERE

-- Bob Yoder, 3/16/2022

Updated: Council Decides On Senior & Community Center Funding

The proposed $48 million Senior & Community Center adjacent to City Hall will be funded, in part, by $16,000,000 "council-manic" bonds.  These bonds don't require voter approval or increase taxes and will utilize future revenues to pay the bonds.  

Council voted 5-2 (Carson, Kahn) for "Option 3" bonding at their March 8th Study Session.  They chose a $16,814,039, 20-year council-manic bond bearing 3% interest. Total debt after 20 years is $21,000,000.  Interest after 20-years is $5,393,340.

"One-time money" ($16,814,039) from 2021 construction taxes will not be spent. Enormous construction activity in Redmond's urban centers generates one-time money. The City accumulated $11,066,344 one-time money in 2020, as well.  According to the Council President the funds must be used for capital expenditures, not operations. 

Councilmember David Carson prefered "Option 1."  He liked that $2 million in interest is saved up front over the life of the loan.  "Not knowing what could come, paying the price down as much as possible is a safe, conservative route," said Carson.

CM Kahn was present and quiet.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/15/2022

Redmond Fire Tells Their Story

This is one of Mayor Birney's most informative videos on City operations, in this case the Fire Department. It includes engaging interviews with staff and amazing statistics.  

I can most relate to Fire Marshall Todd Short's interview.  He's responsible for fire prevention.  One of his duties is "proper addressing." 

Thirty-five years ago, I almost lost my  rental to a kitchen fire. The tenant was toasting pop tarts. The fire crept behind the oven; smoke took over the whole upper level. The fire fighters said they had a terrible time finding the house. Several engines drove all around looking for the road and street sign.  Once there they did an excellent job extinguishing the fire. Even though the temperature readings were okay, they put an axe to the sheetrock behind the stove to look for evidence of fire. Yikes. I was really impressed and thankful when they blew out the smoke with a powerful fan.  

Okay, it was time for trouble-shooting. I looked for the street signs next to my rental. Three close-by streets form a Y leaving no street sign next to my house.  We didn't have a Fire Prevention Marshall back then so I called CM Richard Cole who incredibly drove to my rental, and looked at the roads and signs. It wasn't long before Public Works installed proper signage.  Thank you Richard!

One last experience:  Last year my neighbor told us her house had a mild "burn" smell.  We called the Fire Department and soon three firefighters arrived. They were very thorough. One of them spent a very long time looking at the furnace...it may have been Mr. Short.  Turns out the filter hadn't been changed for years. She was told to buy a new furnace.  They said calls like this are very common in the Fall when folks start-up their furnaces.  They fanned out the smell!  Great customer service!

-- Bob Yoder, 3/14/2022 

Council Looks At Citizen Participation

Internet

The City Council reviewed "public comment" parameters during their March 8th Study Session. Why now?  I maintain disruptive "homeless hotel" activists, their personal attacks on the Mayor and staff and endless weekly commenting set the wheels of change in motion. Also, passionate firefighters consumed Council business time with lengthy objections to the vaccine mandate.  

Currently, and historically, Council has given individuals a period up to four minutes "to be heard."  This period is technically known as "Items from the Audience."  Sometimes topics are emotionally charged, with large, time consuming turnouts.  "Being heard" can be lengthy but seldom is it disruptive.  Councilmember Anderson asked Council to read the "public meeting participation guide" https://www.redmond.gov/189/City-Council. She suggested taking comments during Study Sessions and endorsed the four-minute rule.  The Mayor and Council officers decided conducting the business of the City was the number one priority, over participation from the public. 

Councilmember David Carson said listening to the people is part of the job. CM Steve Fields agreed, referring to Hartman pool commenting. At times Mr. Carson helps speakers by sharing relevant information. Council President Jessica Forsythe was concerned about defining "disruption" and asked Mr. Carson how he'd describe it.  He said: pornograpy:  it's hard to describe until you see it."  President Forsythe mentioned you might  be able to stick to four minutes if you kept speakers on the same topic to three. Fields nodded yes.  

I believe in the principle:  "Public participation is the hallmark of good government."  So, who does a good job at this?  The City of Kirkland has a model plan.  Lake Washington School District's procedure is:  1)  sign in, mark your talk topic, 2) a school board member explains: a) the 3-minute rule, measured with green, yellow and red lights, b) total commenting time is limited to 30 minutes, c) emails to the Board are accepted 3) speakers with the same topic can all speak as long as they don't repeat each other. 

The Planning Commission uses the three-minute rule. In my experience, it's rare a citizen will show up to comment, so why not 4-minutes?  Seriously. Complex land uses take time to present.  Recently, I made a HEARING comment to the Commission (about tree regs.) I spent lots of time preparing a 4-minute talk and was shocked when the Chair announced I had 3-minutes, this at the HEARING.  I don't think they sent my written comments to Council either.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/12/2022, opinion

City COVID-19 Costs Are Fully Reimbursable / Overtime Report

One of the purposes of this blog is to document local pandemic information and events. This piece focuses on the city's reimbursable COVID-19 related costs. In addition, sales tax due to development / construction is significant and reported. BY 

October, 2021: Revenue, $17.9 M above target.  Through November, 2021:  Sales tax, $6.7 M above target on development activities. 

Key highlights from the Quarterly Overtime Report through September 2021 include:

 · Citywide overtime costs are 74.7% of budget versus a 37.5% target for the biennium primarily due to unanticipated overtime related to Fire and Police response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excluding the pandemic related costs, which are fully reimbursable, citywide overtime costs are 64.5% of budget.

· Fire Department overtime costs are 84.5% of budget versus a 37.5% target for the biennium primarily due to response activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, King County Medic One services, and Fire Academy/Paramedic training. Excluding the pandemic-related costs, which are fully reimbursable, Fire Department overtime costs are 72.2% of budget. Looking at regular salaries and overtime together, excluding costs which are fully reimbursable, total costs are 38.8% of budget.

· Police Department overtime costs are 66.1% of budget versus a 37.5% target for the biennium primarily due to response activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, investigations of sensitive criminal cases, and recruitment and testing for vacancies of commissioned positions. Excluding the pandemic-related costs, which are fully reimbursable, Police Department overtime costs are 47.5% of budget.

-- Committee of the Whole, Finance, Administration and Communications, 10/2021

Posted by Bob Yoder, 3/11/2022

Derby Days Returns July 8-9th Of This Year

REDMOND, WA – Redmond’s signature summer festival, Derby Days, returns on July 8 and 9, 2022 at Redmond’s City Hall campus. This year’s event features live music, parades, carnival rides, local food, a beer and wine garden, and more. New this year will be a dedicated craft market with Urban Craft Uprising, elite bike races and kiddie kilo at the Jerry Baker Velodrome at Marymoor Park, and a virtual community bike race for all.

“I am excited for the return of Derby Days, our family-friendly festival that kicks off the summer,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This event celebrates our community coming together again, in the spirit of friendly competition with the longest-running community bicycle race in the United States. We are proud to continue this legacy in 2022.”

Derby Days begins on Friday evening, July 8, with a lineup of live, local music, and a family-friendly 5K walk/run. Event attendees are invited to watch one of the races at Marymoor Park, then take a shuttle to City Hall to have dinner from the food trucks and booths, shop the craft market, and enjoy the Derby Days Beer and Wine Garden on opening night.

Saturday kicks off with the Kids’ Bike Parade - a tradition dating back to the first Derby Days in 1940 that ushers the way for the Derby Days Grand Parade directly after. Derby Days continues throughout the afternoon with live music, kids’ performances and activities, and carnival rides. Attendees can sign up for the Derby Days Cornhole Tournament in the Beer and Wine Garden, walk through the new craft market, and relax with the music from the main stage.

For additional details and information on how to participate, visit redmond.gov/DerbyDays or contact events@redmond.gov.

-- City press release

Derby Days was COVID cancelled in 2020 & 2021 

Juneteenth Soon Declared Paid City Holiday

 

President Biden recently declared Juneteenth a national holiday.  Governor Inslee declared June 19th a holiday, as well.  Mr. Fields asked staff the extent the holiday was declared by other Washington cities.  The Human Resource Director gushed over the question giving a broad "yes." 

"The City seeks approval of the adoption of Juneteenth as a paid City holiday, effective June 19, 2022. June 19 is the annual observance celebrating the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, when Union soldiers enforced President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas. It was two months after the South’s official surrender in the Civil War and two and a half years after the proclamation went into effect. 

The recognition of this new holiday is worthy of celebration by every American, including City of Redmond employees. It has been celebrated since 1866, mostly by Black Americans, but has not been heard more broadly until recently and represents a critical turning point in American history, as the day America began to live up to one of our greatest principles…a nation devoted to liberty for all.

Total Cost: Adoption of a holiday results in an unproductive workday equivalent of approximately $219,163 in lost productivity and banked holiday time for public safety positions. There is no actual additional cost or expense."

Thirteen paid Holidays, including one floating holiday:

• New Year’s Day First day of January • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January • President’s Day Third Monday in February • Memorial Day Last Monday in May • Juneteenth June 19 • Independence Day July 4 • Labor Day First Monday in September • Veterans Day November 11 • Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November • Day after Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving • Day before Christmas December 24 • Christmas Day December 25 and one Floating Holiday.

Initiated by Mayor Birney, 3/8/2022

Finance, Administration, Communication Committee of the Whole

--Reported by Yoder, 3/9/2022

Image, Internet

City Is Warming To Off-leash "Pop-Up" Dog Parks

Kirkland's off-leash dog area
photo credit/ Bob Yoder

Dog Parks In Redmond, /First post.

The City is serious about off-leash dog parks, especially in the downtown area harboring smaller apartment dogs. Staff  is estimating about $50,000 to build a "pop up" off-leash demonstration park. 

"The  project is currently unfunded but there's a desire by the Parks and Trails Commission to see it expedited.  I've said this before to my Parks & Rec. Commission friends, there's equipment that will save thousands of dollars in labor during installation and removal. 

When I discovered the pop-up parks in Kirkland, a parks manager recommended a $4,500 mechanical tool that cuts labor costs (est. 438 staff hours) dramatically during installation and removal. 

I'll shoot this note to City Parks Operations Manager David Tuchek. I hope he'll give it a try.  The City of Kirkland is cooperative could be a good resource. 

-- Bob Yoder, 3/6/2022 Source: Council Parks Committee of the Whole. 3/2/2022

Redmond Historical Society Office And Displays Are Open!

 Schedule a meeting to see the office and displays

Halee Turner, Redmond Historical Society's Administrative and Collections Manager.

 

If you have any interest in Redmond history I recommend  you tour the Redmond Historical Society's new office and displays.  My wife and I took the tour. The office is spacious and display space professionally organized with fascinating content.  Halee Turner gave us excellent meeting times.  She's the primary staff member for this project. Who could be better to answer our questions? 

One of our favorite displays was Redmond's chicken industry.  The society mapped each farm, and there were many.  As I remember, some of  the farmland was sold to Microsoft. The posters were very interesting.

Probably, the most cherished and fascinating exhibit was of  wood sculptor Dudley Carter.  View the intriguing film clip, see some special pictures of him, you'll be amazed!  Do you see the animal art he carved into this log?  Hint: click both pics!

Dudley Carter art is displayed in the office.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/6/2022                                                                                                                                

UPDATED: The Odyssey Of A Lost Wallet

My thin red wallet was found and amazingly returned to our doorstep!

 
A huge shout-out to the unbelievably kind person who found my wallet and returned it entact to my to my front door.  I totally couldn't believe my luck! It was an awesome example of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  I'll never forget it.

I wish I could have thanked them but a note or number wasn't left. My relief, in order of emotional intensity:   OMG, there's my wallet on the front doorstep!!  Now I don't have to call for a new credit card, update all my auto-payments, or replace my driver's license.  Even the cash was untouched.

I hope you've never, ever have the painful experience of losing your wallet.  My recovery attempts were were obviously futile.  With frustration and worry, I frantically checked my pockets. My worry turned into mild panic while retracing my steps:  Ooba Tuba, Pharmaca, Staples, and QFC. Nothing.  I looked inside my car and pockets one more time.  My last big hope was searching the parking lot. No luck.

Here's my guess:   My  smart phone and wallet were together in the same pocket; when pulling out my phone for a call the wallet came unbenounced with it, slipping onto to the parking lot. My wife threatened to buy me a nerdy phone holster  Yep, I'm motivated that much more to be careful! 😨☝

-- Bob Yoder, 3/5/2022 

While on the subject of protection the police advise locking your car and closing the windows when it's not in use.  There's been a rash of thievery of late.

Kringles Bakery Reaches Out For Community Support

Hi Bob! I thought I'd suggest you do a story on Kringles Bakery and the difficulty they are having paying off their landlord and staying in their location. They are doing a gofundme campaign. I think their story may be representative of a lot of what's happening to small businesses in Redmond right now.

-- Emily Johnson, 3/4/2022 Thank you Emily!

Photo credit / Four Square

Kringles Bakery is the yellow "cottage" building located at the junction of Cleveland Street and Redmond Way. You can't miss it! They've been in this location for nine years. The bakery is a flagship small business for Redmond owing it's high visibility, support to our community and amazing, one-of-a-kind kringles! OMG they're good, but notch your belt accordingly.

This is a bakery that really cares about our community. Every Sunday the Redmond Assembly of God parashers pick up baked goods for their morning. Rev. Robroy Ranger sometimes holds small group meetings in the quaint seating area. Day old goods are recycled back to the community. I know they do a lot more.

In these pandemic times, Kringles has one really good thing going for it. Councilmember David Carson is a frequent customer. I've chatted with him twice there; he's usually on his computer. David has strong ties with One Redmond, an organization that supports small businesses.

Kringles still needs community support in a big way. Donate what you can to the: gofundme campaign.!

Thanks for supporting Redmond's small businesses! 

-- Bob Yoder, 3/4/2022

King County Executive Dow Constantine Reflects On Successes Battling COVID

 

Executive Dow Constantine

Today marks the two-year anniversary of King County Executive Dow Constantine’s emergency declaration in response to the COVID outbreak in King County, the first community in the nation to face an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, shortly after the nation’s first case was discovered in Snohomish County.  Relying on trusted health leaders to chart the course forward and keep the community safe, King County has gone from the epicenter of the outbreak, to now one of the nation’s highest vaccinated communities with the some of the lowest cases and death rates two years later.

“There wasn’t a playbook when COVID hit, but King County residents worked together. Our largest employers and small businesses, friends and neighbors have followed the science and expertise of our public health leaders to achieve some of the highest vaccination rates in the nation,” said Executive Constantine. “The last two years have challenged all of us, taking a toll on our community and our day-to-day lives. Entering the next phase of our COVID response should be a moment for all of us to reflect on the loss and pain of the last two years, but also a chance to look forward to the recovery and future we’re building together.”

Since the first days of the pandemic, King County and Public Health – Seattle & King County have led the response focused on ensuring no community was left behind. From purchasing and distributing masks, to buying hotels so people would have a safe place to quarantine, here’s a look at some of the statistics behind King County’s response, and the impact the community has made together.

Case counts – among the lowest in the nation

Out of the 97 most populated regions in the country, King County ranks 90th in terms of COVID case rates, with 16,067 cases per 100,000 residents. Miami-Dade for comparison has 42,764 per 100,000. King County also ranks 90th in terms of rates of deaths from COVID in those 97 most populated regions. For counties with more than 2 million residents, King County has the lowest rate of any county for case counts and deaths from COVID.

-- King County Executive Office, March 1, 2022

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives Recounts Her Accomplishments

I asked Rosemarie if she would describe her three greatest accomplishments as Mayor of Redmond. She kindly offered the following:  BY

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch standing behind the memorial bench honoring 
 Don and Elaine Smith, donors of the land developed into Smith Woods Park. 
John Couch was Redmond Parks and Recreation Director for ~ 30 years.
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives says...  Elected in 1991, served unprecedented four terms as the full-time Redmond mayor for  16 years --1992-2007

Greatest accomplishment? Wow?  2 others? When I think back to my initial campaign, there were four parts to my platform:  environmental stewardship, youth agenda, fiscal responsibility, and outreach to the public especially the residents.And with each re-election, those priorities never changed and probably I was more passionate about them with each re-election.

 

Environmental stewardship:  three? examples

Since we just walked Smith Woods, one that I would mention is that the City went from 16 parks when I started  to 36 when I chose to retire.

 

Then there's Riverwalk, the stretch of Sammamish Trail from NE 90th Street Bridge down to Leary Way Bridge. Four projects  re-channeled  the river making the river environment better for salmon, its flora and fauna as well as creating more water capacity within the new sculpted banks of the river that would protect downtown from flooding. 

 

In 1997 when pressure was great to allow development to proceed at a pace where the city could not handle many aspects such as building inspections, the costs of the city's part of the infrastructure and couldn't guarantee adopted  levels of service, I proposed a focused moratorium  on some new construction that lasted for 18 months. 

 

Youth agenda:

Old Firehouse Teen center, Skateboard park, youth members appointed to city parks board and arts commission,

Youth in Government Day

 

Outreach:

In every major decision making, I would always ask how it would impact the residents of Redmond in the near term and in the future. We introduced many different ways, both formal and informal for our growing diverse public to provide input in a timely manner far in advance of decisions being made.  I personally was "present" all around town a little less than 24/7.  

 

The month long Redmond Lights,, a celebration of Redmond's diversity, was an idea that I came up within 1999 for luminarias along Riverwalk.   At intervals there would be performers representing cultures, customs and faith representations from around the world.    

With regard to the Smiths...Don and Elaine Smith sold the first five acres in early 2000. From when I first met them, they were very clear that they wanted their property to remain as open space, perfect for a park. It was a beautiful piece of land with a creek and small pond, wonderful sequoia and fir trees and an extensive collection of dahlias. After Don died in 2009 they sold the remaining five acres to the city and Elaine moved to Emerald Heights where she resides now. I am in communication with their daughter Kathy.

-- Rosemarie Ives, February 25th, 2022

I would add Rosemarie is still very active in politics. She's been the pillar of Steve Fields' two campaigns for Mayor and two campaigns for Council. Fields says "she knows a lot of people." BY. 

ARCHIVE:

Rosemary's retirement story.

Mayor Emeritus Rosemary Ives Protests Group Health's 28 acre clear-cut

Redmond Celebrates Land Donation, Develops Smith Woods Park

 Don and Elaine Smith always had the idea of turning their 10 acres of diverse natural land into a public park and wanted to keep it natural for the enjoyment of others in the community. Don died in 2009 at age 94, Elaine now lives in Emerald Heights. She turned 97 on New Years Day, 2022.

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

 Forest Steward LeAnne Ludwig, Rosemarie Ives and
Gary Smith, Chair Parks and Trails Commission and Project manager.
Gary made it all happen.
Donors Don and Elaine Smith's memorial bench.
Photo credit / Kerry Smith

 

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch, Parks and Recreation Director of ~ 30 years
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

 r-l, Leanne Ludwig,Smith Woods Forest Steward, John Couch,
Rosemarie Ives, Jon Ives,Gary Smith, Gary's daughter Kim with dogs, Gary's granddaughter Sabrina. Celebrating the new memorial Ginkgo tree. Photo credit / Kerry Smith

Memorial Bench in honor of Donald A. Smith and Elaine E. Smith and their family
who shaped the land. Bench donors: Linda & "Kip" Hussey, Mayor Rosemarie Ives (1992-2007,)
Pat and Kathy Curry.
Photo credit / Kerry Smith

LAND DESCRIPTION:  "The 5-acre western half is heavily vegetated on a gently sloping floodplain with multiple wetlands and a seasonal stream (and pond which is the headwaters of Monticello Creek).  The 5-acre eastern half of the property has large expanses of grass and beautiful mature trees, including Sequoia, Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Ginkgo. There’s a north-south trail on each half of the property."

 -- Gary Smith.

The event was held on 2/21/2022 

Kerry Smith photographed.

Smith Woods Park is a few blocks east of Clara Barton school. 177th Ct NE &, NE 122nd St, 

Posted and edited by Yoder 3/3/2022

FINALLY!! IT'S OVER! (effective March 12)

Governor Jay Inslee ends mask mandate / Internet

Washington State will end the mask mandate March 11th.  Oregon and California will lift their mask mandates at the same time, the California governor's office said.

The move comes partially in response to recent changes in CDC guidance, which was loosened Friday so that almost 70 percent of Americans would no longer be required to wear masks indoors.

Some businesses and small governments may insist on masking. Masks are still  required in medical facilities, nursing homes, long term care facilities and public transit and prisons.

--PATCH, 2/28/2022 quotes mandate ends March 11.

--CROSSCUT, 2/28/2022 quotes mandate ends March 12.

- Bob Yoder

"Bear Creek: An Oral History of a Changing Landscape," Produced by Gary Smith

GARY SMITH

Gary Smith has been on the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council as a community organization representative for 15 years.  With the help of many partners, he set about compiling an oral history of Bear Creek and its salmon.  This project tapped seven people in the community, from creekside property owners in the Basin like Terry Lavender to representatives of local governments:  John Marchione, Ray Heller and Roger Dane (all now retired).  He also interviewed non-profit organization representatives like Tom Murdoch of Adopt-A-Stream and past presidents of WaterTenders.

You can learn of Bear Creek from those stewards as they tell their individual stories in audio and video interviews. Gary has also provided a narrative story of the cooperation between citizens, non-profit organizations, and local governments to mitigate the impacts of urbanization and to preserve the best of the natural world remaining in the creek basin. To view the full five-minute video.  To learn more about the projects. 

Source:  WIRIA 8 Newsletter 

Reported by Bob Yoder, 2/25/2022

OPINION: LWSD MUST OVERSEE THE LEVY COMMITTEE DURING ELECTIONS

 Hello Communications and PR Director,

Apparently, my wife didn't vote for any of the levies.  The District needs to transmit ACCURATE levy information to the LW Citizens Levy Committee!  And once transmitted OVERSEE the Committee to be sure they don't warp the facts!  In this case, the District dropped the ball!  

I was following the Committee's promotional mailers touting NO NEW TAXES, when in fact there is a new tax per FAQ.

I could have reported this malfeasance to King County Elections prior to certification but didn't want to risk the chance of a failed election.

The District needs to get with the program or it will bite you later. Director, please oversee the Committee from beginning to end. Thank you.

-- Bob Yoder, 2/24/2022

Former Redmond Councilmember Richard Grubb Passes Away

 
On February 14 former Redmond city councilmember Richard Grubb passed away five days shy of his

83rd birthday. Mr. Grubb has been a resident of Redmond since 1982.

Richard was president of CARE (Civic Action on Redmond Environment) , a citizens group devoted to

preserving the 120 acre Redmond Golf Links property that is now Redmond Town Center.

Mr. Grubb was a “regular” at City of Redmond Planning Commission and City Council meetings providing 

well-researched and thorough testimony on land use and environmental issues important to the people

of Redmond. such as the preservation of agricultural lands in the Sammamish Valley. After years of

providing testimony as a citizen activist and city hall watchdog, Mr. Grubb ran successfully for Redmond

City Council in 1991, serving two terms ending in 2000. During those years he served as the unofficial

poet laureate providing tributes for city officials upon their departures.

Mr. Grubb and his wife, Eunice who pre-deceased him in 2021, were residents of Education Hill for

close to forty years. Together they had a small crafts business as well as being committed to animal

advocacy in King County including providing foster care to small dogs and cats.

-- Courtesy of Rosemarie Ives, 2/24/2022

Ten Redmond Blog posts on Richard Grubb are here. (scroll)

Richard was a prolific and influential writer of Letters the Editor (RR.)   He gave me traps to catch a hoard of feral cats in my dense backyard.  I have a distant memory of Richard's testimony to Council complaining the stormwater prices were too high.  This was an unusual statement coming from an environmentalist, and he admitted it.  BY

  Our backyard feral cats - Richard helped neighbors capture adults for neutering.
Photo:  Bob Yoder

King County Property Tax Bills Arriving Soon

King County property taxes will soon be delivered, according to a Seattle Times article of 2/23/2022.  Rates will hike 1.5% - 15% for King County homeowners depending where they live. 

School levies account for the bulk (~57%) of our property taxes.  According to King County assessor Wilson COVID hasn't been a real issue.  Most think the assessment of their home is the driver for taxes. It isn't.  For a detailed explanation read the Seattle Times article.

The Times published 2021 vs. 2022 Property Tax Bills and Residential Median Values by City.  Yep, I'm sure "Redmond" is what you've been waiting for:  

Redmond

2021  Medium  $861,000  Taxes  $7,997.00   2022  $1,005.000  Taxes $8,267.00  2021-2022  7.88% increase from 2021.

Kirkland

2021  Medium  $728,000  Taxes  $6,892.00  2022  $880,000  Taxes $7,664.00  21-22 tax change 11.2%

Bothell

2021  Medium  $634,000  Taxes  $7,180.00  2022  $758,000 Taxes $7,913.00 21-22 tax change 10.21%

2023 will be an expensive tax year.  So far two levy's are on the table.  One passed.

Lake Washington School District Construction Property tax will go in effect 2023. Hold  onto your hats.

The LWSD Construction Levy property tax  passed.  We will be taxed $0.42 / $1,000 Assessed Value. Assuming a home is conservatively assessed at $900,000 the tax will be $378.00 for year 2023. 

The LWSD Construction Levy is a new property tax.  It authorizes an average of $49.2 million per year over six years. The levy rate is estimated to be an average of $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value. This rate combined with previously approved construction measures will total $1.32 per thousand assessed value.

The City of Redmond is planning a Public Safety Levy this year.  Again, hold onto your hats.  

In addition to looking at the needs associated with the 2007 Public Safety Levy Lid Lift, an analysis of current and future funding for public safety services will include items such as light rail security, mental health, mobile integrated health, fire coverage, and body worn cameras." [2/15 council memo]

-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/2023

Source: The Seattle Times, 2/23/22 Heidi Groover, reporter

Public Safety Levy Outreach Underway

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson presided over the "Safety Committee of  the Whole Meeting" with   efficiency and attention to time. I've rarely seen a productive meeting run so professionally. 

City of Redmond is Planning a Public Safety Levy

Chief Operating Officer, Malissa Files gave a short presentation during the 2/15 Council Business meeting. She spoke of plans for a Safety Levy this year. Files said the existing Levy would be "refreshed."

"In addition to looking at the needs associated with the 2007 Public Safety Levy Lid Lift, an analysis of current and future funding for public safety services will include items such as light rail security, mental health, mobile integrated health, fire coverage, and body worn cameras." [2/15 council memo]

Councilmember David Carson noted he does not like levies, saying the safety costs should be planned during "Budget By Priorities" not "put on the backs of citizens."  

A Sounding Board of ten community members has been meeting since January.  A telephone survey is planned for this month; extensive community outreach is planned for the next three months. Council will study the levy in two meetings.

Ballot resolutions and pro-con statements are due in August.

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Monthly Cash Flow Summary General Fund 2021-2022  

Public Safety 2007 Levy Fund

Beginning Balance: $2,564,476 

Revenues: $6,374,810

Expenditure Budget: $14,472,336

Expenditures: $7,783,607

  46% under budget

Ending Balance: $1,155,679

Police, 2021 General Fund

$18,151,265 expenditures, 4.53% under budget

Fire, 2021 General Fund

$22,039,668 expenditures, 3.28% over budget

Sources:  Finance, Administration, Communication Committee of the Whole 2/15/2022 Monthly Finance Report.  2/15 Council Business Meeting.