Youth Eastside Services Celebrates Founders and More

Serving Youth in Crisis for 45 Years

 BELLEVUE, Wash. (Nov. 5, 2013)—Youth Eastside Services (YES), formerly known as “Heads Up,” officially turned 45 on Nov. 1 and threw quite a celebration. The event, which took place in YES’  main office in Bellevue, specifically recognized the early founders whose foresight created an organization that to this day serves as a lifeline for kids experiencing emotional distress and substance abuse.

(l-r) Toby Nixon (Kirkland Councilman), Kim Allen (Redmond Councilwoman), Conrad Lee (Bellevue Mayor),
Jane Hague (King County Councilwoman) reads a Proclamation / BAKER RAWLINGS

Among the more than 140 guests in attendance at the Founders Day Celebration were early founders, volunteers and staff who joyously greeted each other and remembered the work they did years ago on behalf of kids and their families.  Read More >>

Lake Washington School District seeking authors for voter's pamphlet statements

Lake Washington School District is seeking potential authors for the voter’s pamphlet statements opposing the two Lake Washington School District replacement levies and one bond measure that will appear on the February 11, 2014, ballot.

Election regulations require Lake Washington School District to appoint members to “pro” and “con” committees who are willing to write statements for the local voters’ pamphlet. Since there is an organized promotional campaign committee, the Lake Washington Citizens Levy Committee, the district has asked that organization to name the three individuals who will serve on the “Pro” committees.

The district is soliciting members for “con” committees for the voter’s pamphlet. If you would like the district to consider you for appointment to one or more of the committees who will be asked to write a statement in opposition, please email your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address to Diane Jenkins, djenkins@lwsd.org, no later than Friday, November 22. Please identify which of the three committees you would like to participate in:

• Con Committee: Replacement of Existing Educational Programs and Operations Levy
• Con Committee: Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levies
• Con Committee: General Obligation Bonds

You may apply for membership to more than one committee.  Read More >>

Citizen activist rebuts LWSD bond measure at Redmond City Hall

UPDATED:  The City Council voted 5-2 to endorse the two proposed LWSD levies and bond but not before Susan Wilkins, citizen activist, spoke up to warn them to act carefully, as follows: 

Ms. Wilkins said that 23 of 30 elementary schools are already overcapacity and the new bond wouldn't fully resolve the overcrowding problem.  Alcott has the most dire overcrowding with 227 students in 8 portables. 

The scope of portable usage in elementary schools is significant with  91 portables district-wide.  Wilkins said 1822 elementary students use portables for their classrooms.  The 2014 bond, if it passed would create 1615 seats by 2016 which is still below present and mid-term needs.  The three new elementary schools do not completely address the crisis with portables and modernization of Meade, Kirk, and Rockwell won't happen for 7-8 years.  And by that time the schools will be severely overcrowded, Wilkins said.

Wilkins also said the District has understated the cost of the two Levies and Bond.  She conceded that while the measures may cost the average $450,000 home $30/month in 2014 total costs for the measures will escalate to $80/month by 2018.  "People deserve to know what they're voting for", concluded Wilkins.

Byron Shutz,of the Bond and Levy Committee and now Redmond Councilman-elect, was present but had nothing to say.  All councilmembers made positive remarks about LWSD in support of the measures. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

 

So what are the proposed LWSD Bond and two replacement levies all about?

These Minutes from an August Lake Washington School District Board meeting explain details of the proposed $755 Bond and two replacement levies.  Confusion over the Bond and  Juanita Pool plans are clarified: 

Resolution No. 2161, Replacement of Existing Educational Programs & Operations Levy, authorizes a four-year levy:

$63.0 million in 2015, $64.9 million in 2016, $66.8 million in 2017, and $68.9 million in 2018. This levy would pay part of the general fund expenses for educational programs and operations.

The estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2015, 2016, 2017and 2018 are $1.85, $1.88, $1.90 and $1.92 respectively.

Resolution No. 2162, Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levies, authorizes a four-year levy: $31.20 million in 20115, $31.5 million in 2016, $32.0 million in 2017, and $32.5 million in 2018. This levy would pay for upgrades and improvements to district buildings, sites, and technology. The estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2015, 2016, 2017and 2018 are $.91, $.91, $.91 and $.91 respectively.

Resolution No. 2163, General Obligation Bonds, authorizes the sale of bond totaling $755 million. It authorizes the board to levy additional property taxes annually to repay the bonds. These

funds would be used to "modernize" (tear down and rebuild) Juanita High School; Kirk, Mead and Rockwell elementary schools, and Evergreen and Kamiakin middle schools; acquire land for new buildings; construct and equip three new elementary schools, a middle school, an east-side international- focused Choice school and a west-side STEM-focused Choice school; and construct and equip additions at Lake Washington High School and Eastlake High School.   Read More >>

Maximum salary ceiling for eight city Executives is standardized and set

City Council passed an ordinance standardizing Executive pay for eight city officials and they raised the maximum payout (not counting bonuses) to $155,184.  Median pay grade was set at $132,732.  The eight officials are:  Finance Director, Fire Chief,  Police Chief, Public Works Director, Parks Director, Depty Administrator, Planning Director, and Human Resources Director. 

Below is a history of Executive salaries and merit bonuses as collected from earlier public record requests.  Most 2010 executive salaries are at or above the new standardized median salary of $132,732. 

2010 SALARY QUOTES ARE BASE W/O BENEFITS: 
$148,101 Finance Director - Michael Bailey - $142,000 + $6101.18 Bonus  
$149,712 Fire Chief/Acting Police - $139,000 + $10,712 Bonus
$142,008 Police Chief - Ronald Gibson - $142,008 (Starting Salary, hired on 6/1/10)
$140,813 Public Works Director - - $135,000 + $5813 Merit Bonus
$138,228 Parks Director - Craig Larsen - $132,000 + $6,228.82 Merit Bonus
$137,947 Deputy Administrator - Jane Christianson - $132,000 + $5947.56 Bonus.
$134,803 Planning Director - Rob Odle -$129,000 + 5,802.84 Merit Bonus
$133,763 H.R. Director - $128,000 + $5763 Merit Bonus

Across the board:  1% base increase, 2011   Compensation for 2012 unknown.   

NOTES:  Maximum annual bonus is 15% once Directors reach the salary ceiling. Most have reached the ceiling, according to the Mayor (2/11).  Benefit package is ~30% of salary and is non-taxable.

2008 executive lump sum bonuses averaged 8.5% of base salary.  2008 Base salary merit increase averaged 2.2%.  In 2009 no base salary merit raises were awarded.

Reported By Bob Yoder

Schools Receive $300,000 in Grants from Lake Washington Schools Foundation

 Redmond, WA.  Lake Washington Schools Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in grants to teachers and schools across the Lake Washington School District for the 2013-14 school year. The foundation is funding the school district’s New Teacher Support Program for the first time, while it continues to support the rollout of the new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) -based Signature Programs and to fund long-standing programs such as Reaching for Success classroom innovation grants, the LINKS mentoring program and the Access Fund for low-income middle and high school students. Grants awarded to the school district from the foundation included a $49,000 Aspire grant from the AT&T Foundation to support high school completion and college-readiness for low-income students.   Read More >>

Parks Commission meets with Design Review Board to flesh out Overlake Urban Park

On November 7th, 6:30PM at Redmond City Hall, the Design Review Board will meet with the Parks Commission to discuss the proposed Overlake 2.7 acre Urban Park.  Below is some background on the meeting:



In December 2011, the City Council approved a Master Plan for the redevelopment of the former Group Health Overlake hospital property. The Master Plan envisioned a complete transformation of the 28-acre site, with approximately 1,400 new residential units, 1.2 million square feet of commercial uses, a hotel, as well as 2.7 acres of parkland in the middle of the site. Read More >>

Low inventory fuels competition for Redmond homes

By KC Brants

Redfin Real Estate Agent  

 

It’s still a seller’s market in Redmond where low inventory has caused an influx of buyers competing for fewer homes. In September, 260 homes were for sale, down from 270 the same time last year and 541 in September 2011.

 

A number of factors have contributed to Redmond’s lack of inventory. When the real estate market turned in 2007, several would-be buyers decided to postpone purchasing a home. With the market regaining its strength now, these buyers have resumed their search. Many of them have solid credit and sizeable down payments, thanks to years of saving. It is not uncommon to see buyers put down $120,000 on a $700,000 home or even pay in all cash. And among Redmond buyers are Microsoft, Google and Amazon employees, whose desire to be near their jobs has only added to the influx of home seekers.

 

With this type of demand, there just aren’t enough homes to go around.  Traumatized by the last real estate decline, many sellers are anxious about listing their homes. Some of them want to continue to wait for home prices to increase.  And many of those underwater are relying on price increases so they can afford to sell their homes. Developers are nervous, too. After the real estate slump, new construction came to a screeching halt. Developers in Redmond now test the market by building and selling a handful of homes at a time rather than releasing all of the lots in a development.

 

This lack of inventory has lead to a steady rise in Redmond’s home prices. The current median home price is $599,000. And homes here are selling faster. On average, homes sold in September spent just nine days on the market, compared to 31 days the same time last year, and 47 days in September 2011.

 

If you’re looking to buy a home in Redmond, here are some tips on competing against multiple offers:

·       Get pre-approved with a local lender and get underwriter approval. This is a must to prove your finances are solid when competing against multiple offers. Working with a local lender or one preferred by the listing agent can also gain you an advantage.

·       Start the conversation early. When you tour a house you like, let your agent know so you can begin a conversation with the listing agent about which terms matter most.

·       Write a letter and appeal to the seller. Often sellers have an emotional as well as financial investment in their home. It can really make a difference to write them a one-page letter explaining why you love the home and what it would mean to you to buy it.

·       Know your limits. Determine your target price and calculate what each price increase means for your monthly payment.

For more information, visit Redfin.com

Public Meetings planned for proposed Overlake urban park

Redmond, WA - Seattle-based development firm Capstone Partners and the City of Redmond are hosting a series of public meetings to develop and discuss conceptual designs for an urban park to be constructed at the center of a master planned development on the former Group Health site.

Meeting schedule:

November 7, 6:30 pm, City Hall: Capstone Partners will seek input from the Redmond Design Review Board and the Parks and Trails Commission on the vision and programming for the park.

December 4, 6 pm, City Hall: Capstone will conduct a general public meeting to discuss the project vision, and programming goals.

Following the December meeting, Capstone will develop design options for the park site and will share their concepts at a public meeting tentatively slated for early January 2014. In late January, Capstone will present a preferred option to the community for feedback before creating plans for City approval.

Details on the 2014 meeting schedule will be available in December.

For more information, please visit www.redmond.gov/overlake, or contact the project manager, Dennis Lisk, at 425.556.2471.

Redmond Police warn of potential scams

Redmond, WA – In the last week, the Redmond Police Department has received complaints from victims reporting that suspects are using a phone number associated with the Redmond Police to extort funds from victims.

The complainants reported that they received calls from a subject claiming to be from the IRS.  The caller told the victim that they owe the IRS money and the money needs to be paid or they will be arrested.  The phone number that is associated with the call is 425-556-2500.  This number is associated with the Redmond Police Department, but it is not a number that is displayed when calls originate from the Police Department. 

This is a continuing trend where citizens are being contacted by suspects claiming to be government employees.  The citizens are told they need to pay the government agency to avoid arrest or deportation. 

Redmond Police is advising everyone to be aware of these types of scams.  Government agencies do not initiate calls to collect funds over the phone.   If you receive these type of calls please notify your local agency.

RPD Press Release

 

 

Happy Halloween in the neighborhood!

Happy Halloween! 

LETTER: Can Lake Washington School District taxpayers afford another $755,000,000 in bond debt for school construction?

By Susan Wilkins

 

In 2006, voters approved the sale of $436,000,000 in 20-year bonds to pay for school modernization.  The ballot measure that voters approved, Proposition 3 (see below*), specifically said that bonds would be sold to pay for the "modernization" of the schools. The school district tore down and rebuilt every school on the modernization list calling the teardowns "new-in lieu" construction. The district claimed that the remodels would cost 90% of what new construction would cost and thus justified tearing the buildings down rather fixing them. 

Ten schools were torn down and rebuilt including 6 elementary schools (Frost, Muir, Keller, Sandburg, Bell and Rush), 2 middle schools (Finn Hill and Rose Hill), Lake Washington High School and International Community School. Only one new school, Carson Elementary, was built as part of the 2006 bond measure.  Rebuilding these schools from the ground up was far more expensive than remodeling them.  The school district sold $417,000,000 in bonds between September 2006 and September 2010 to pay for all the construction.  Together with 1998 construction bonds sold for Phase 1 modernization and bonds sold in 2012 to pay for additions at Eastlake and Redmond High Schools, the Lake Washington School District now has $486,000,000 in outstanding bond debt.

In 2013-2014, the district will spend $51,500,000 on bond principle & interest payments for bonds issued in 1998, 2006 and 2012. And taxpayers will continue to pay $50,000,000 per year until 2020 and then $40,000,000 per year until 2025 in order to pay off these construction bonds. This will cost the median homeowner $57.00 per month through 2020 then $44.00 per month through 2025.

The district is proposing the 2014 bond measure to sell another $755,000,000 to pay for more "modernization" construction plus 3 new elementary schools, a middle school and more high school space.  They tell us it will only cost $30.00 per month for a median priced home assessed at $450,000.  In fact, the owner of a median priced home will pay about $60 per month - if the bonds are issued with 4% interest.  This is ON TOP OF THE COST for the 1998, 2006 & 2012 bonds and the EP&O and Capital Projects levies.  Read More >>

Obliteride Sets Northwest Fundraising Record Raising Nearly $2 Million for Cancer Research

Organizers say thank you to the people of Redmond for their support

SEATTLE, Oct. 25, 2013 – The inaugural Obliteride was a huge success. In its first year, Obliteride

raised more money for a local organization than any other bicycling fundraiser in the Northwest. The

inaugural ride raised $1.9 million that will go directly to lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer

Research Center in Seattle.  Read More >>

Letter: Hall responds to Superintendent Pierce's letter on the proposed bond

"Dear Dr. Pierce,

 

      Please consider the following with regard to your recent response to my letters questioning the LWSD policy of replacing schools instead of modernizing them.  You provided much detail confirming that our buildings are built larger than the state allowable area for the number of students housed.   As a result, any new schools we build will require the use of 100% local funds with no state support.    

 

      However, you don’t mention that the state will still provide almost 25% of the cost to modernize any or all of our schools.  You also didn’t explain why the major share of the proposed $755,000,000 bond issue next year is earmarked to replace 6 more of our schools with 100% local funds instead of modernizing (remodeling) them with 25% state support for hundreds of millions of dollars less.  Read More >>

Bomb Threat Investigated at Redmond City Hall Campus, Nothing Suspicious Found

Redmond, WA – Redmond Police investigated a bomb threat at the Redmond City Hall Campus today.  The threat was received around 10am and Redmond Police and Fire responded to the scene.  A King County Sheriff’s Office Explosives Trained Canine responded to the scene and conducted an area search.  Nothing suspicious was found and business is continuing as normal at the City Hall Campus. 

As always, Redmond Police and Fire encourage people to call 911 to report suspicious activity. 

City holds public meeting on 166th Ave rechannelization, October 28.

A large, white City of Redmond Public Notice Sign is installed by the tennis courts on 166th announcing the Rechannelization of 166th AVE NE.   The city plans to restripe the lanes from four lanes to three lanes and add bicycle lanes.  The Notice Board states: 

"Resident Comments Needed on Safety Improvements from NE 85th to 100th Streets."

The public meeting will be held on Monday, October 28th, 5-7PM at the Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center on 16600 NE 80th Street.  

Join the City of Redmond Community Academy

Please join fellow community members for the City of Redmond’s 2013 Community Academy (six Thursday evenings during October and November, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85^th Street).   This Thursday’s session (October 24^th) will highlight Redmond’s waste and recycling program, water and wastewater utilities, and aspects of the natural environment including stormwater and sustainability.

The Redmond Community Academy provides an opportunity for you to learn about the day-to-day activities involved in managing and operating Redmond government.  For each of the Academy’s six sessions, staff will provide information regarding topics such as public safety, the infrastructure necessary to delivery drinking water, and the process through which improvements to streets and sidewalks are considered and constructed.  During every session, participants are also invited to take part in behind-the-scene tours including the Traffic Operations, the Teen Center, the Senior Center, the Police Station and the Redmond Library.  Read More >>

City of Redmond launches a new interactive traffic map

Redmond, WA - The City of Redmond launched a new interactive traffic map that provides detailed information to Redmond commuters about current and upcoming traffic impacts. The map features enhanced navigation options and a direct link to the projects affecting traffic throughout the City. Users can also access a mobile application which has a “Locate Me” feature that shows the traffic information relevant to the commuters’ location.

The City continually seeks ways to effectively inform the public, and keep the website resources up-to-date, easy-to-use and professional. The new interactive Redmond Traffic map will ensure citizens and business commuters have the traffic information they need at their fingertips.

The Redmond Traffic map can be accessed directly at www.redmond.gov/trafficalerts. Users can also sign up to receive traffic notification alerts directly at www.redmond.gov/notifications.

Youth Eastside Services is Looking for Stories from Early Participants

Share your story and join the celebration of 45 years

 

Youth Eastside Services (YES), formally known as “Heads Up,” is turning 45 this year, and a celebration is in the works.

 

As part of the celebration, YES wants anyone involved with the organization to commemorate the milestones over the past 45 years by sharing their story about it. The agency has set up a special form that can be found online at www.YouthEastsideServices.org.

 

“We want to hear from kids who dropped in to ‘rap,’ and the volunteers who listened, as well as past staff and board members,” says YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. Those who complete the form can choose to remain anonymous.  Read More >>

National Alliance of the Mentally ILL (NAMI) Newsletter

NAMI Mental Awareness Week

Thank you to all of you who participated in Mental Awareness Week. The week’s events culminated with the Awards Presentation. Mike Rynas was presented with the NAMI Washington 2013 Jim Adams Lifetime Achievement Award and Operations Captain Scott Strathy of the Shoreline Police Department was presented with the NAMI 2013 Criminal Justice Award. Thank you to the Cities of Shoreline, Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland for proclaiming October 6, 2013 through October 13, 2013 as Mental Illness Awareness Week.

 

HERO House 2013 Harvest Luncheon 

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” –Mahatma Gandhi

Attend and be the Agent of Change. The event is on Thursday, November 7 beginning promptly at 11:30am at Lake Sammamish Four Square Church 14434 NE 8th Street, Bellevue 98007.

The emcee for the afternoon will be Dennis Bounds from King5News.

Please reply by Friday, October 25 by calling 425-614-1282 or email harvest@herohouse.org.

For additional information visit us in the web: www.herohouse.org  Read More >>

Letter from Superintendent Pierce about upcoming bond measure

Bob:

I would like to submit Superintendent Pierce's letter for publication. It responds to the letter you printed from Paul Hall regarding the upcoming bond measure.

Thank you,

Kathryn M. Reith, APR

Communications Director

Lake Washington School District

Dear Kirkland City Council and Redmond City Council Members,

 

You recently received an email from Paul P. Hall, Architect, AIA, Emeritus, regarding the Lake Washington School District’s upcoming bond measure. I have copied Mr. Hall on this email. I first want to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Hall for his support of the district’s upcoming Educational Programs and Operations and Capital Projects levies. I also appreciate the opportunity to respond to his concerns with respect to the bond measure.  

 

Mr. Hall’s email indicates that the district’s bond resolution stipulates that no state support is expected. This is an accurate statement.  As Mr. Hall indicates, the district does not currently qualify for state construction funding assistance to serve new or “unhoused” students.  The district has qualified in the past for state funding for modernization/replacement of schools.  The district will continue to apply for these funds; however these funds will only be available should they be allocated in future legislative sessions.

 

To provide some additional background regarding why the district does not qualify for state construction funding assistance to accommodate “unhoused” students, it is important to understand the underlying state methodology for school construction funding.  Read More >> 

United Methodist Church to open a community soup kitchen

Leaders from the Redmond United Methodist Church (80th & 166th) announced their plans to open a community "Open Kitchen" to provide a weekly meal for those in need.  They are hosting an  October 22 community orientation meeting at 7pm at the church. Stop by the church if you are interested. Presently, they are working with the LWSD to identify families in need and are asking everyone in the community for help.  QFC-Bella Botega is supplying the first meal and the church is reaching out to PCC and Whole Foods for additional support.  Home-made meals on Mondays is the plan.  Councilmember Kimberly Allen said she will be attending the Orientation meeting.   Councilmember David Carson was interested in cooking.   

Fredrik is looking for a permanent home

FREDRIK IS LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT HOME…

…for the rest of the school year.  He is currently enrolled in a private school in Kirkland.  The family with whom he is staying temporarily would love to host him for the rest of the year, but just cannot.  The host mother says, “Fredrik is a wonderful young man, easy to have around and very open minded.  He appreciates all things American and is happy to be in the USA.  His English is superb.”     Could you or someone you know could host Fredrik?  If yes, please call me (360-275-6701 or 425-444-4950) or email me (mhamilton@yfu.org) so we can move forward.   Thanks so much!

Fredrik is a 17 year old Male from Norway   Fredrik says, "I look forward to being immersed in another way of life and learning about the world outside of my own backyard. Thank you so much for the opportunity to do that!" Do you love soccer? So does Fredrik! He plays on a team and loves it. He also likes to play golf with his Grandad and he plays soccer with his brother. His family likes to watch him and his brother play in their soccer matches, eat dinner together, travel and ski. Fredrik is also interested in computers, reading, listening to music, video games, and movies. With his friends, they like to hang out at the mall or watch basketball, football, or handball matches. In his spare time he plays the guitar or plays video games with his brother. His teachers describe him as polite and cooperative. His favorite subjects are PE, Math, and Social Studies. Fredrik's chores at home include emptying the dishwasher, cleaning his room, going to the store for his mom, and in the summer washing the car. Since he had a childhood allergy to furred pets, which is much better, he requests a pet-free bedroom. His plans for the future include becoming an Engineer.

For more information about Youth for Understanding (YFU), our 60-year old international high school exchange program,  log onto YFUUSA.org.  Feel free to email mhamilton@yfu.org  or call  Marcia Hamilton at 360-275-6701, or better yet, fill out the online application at www.yfuusa.org. To get started applying, click on host family application. http://yfuusa.org/host-families/ready-to-apply.php. 

Together we can make a world of difference!

Marcia Hamilton
Marcia Hamilton, Student Placement Manager

Do a good deed, plant some trees

Landmarks Commission meets with Redmond Council to discuss invigorating the downtown historic core

The Landmarks Commission and Design Review Board met with City Council last night to discuss the invigorating the downtown historic core.   Councilmembers Flynn and Margeson suggested signage to help connect the Downtown Park and Connector to the historic core.  Councilmembers Allen and Stilin and others wanted to approach the surrounding businesses in the core to involve them collectively in our city's history and the grant monies that might be available. 

Some big news is the Pho Restaurant on Leary with the metal siding is under new ownership and the owner may be amenable to removing the metal siding and renovating this landmark structure.  Currently, there is graffiti on the siding.  It was suggested the city look for redevelopment incentives for the core businesses.

On a second note, the 120 year old Redmond school house bell by the Public Safety Building is deteriorating and there was talk about moving it to one of various other locations.  The stoop at City Hall and the Clock Park in downtown were two suggestions.  Stilin  thought it should be placed where it could be rung, if possible.  The Landmarks Commission recommended incasing this artifact to protect it. Margeson and Flynn suggested keeping the bell where it is and encasing it but no final consensus was achieved.

Reported by Bob Yoder