ATTENTION: The "Redmond Blog" Is Now User Friendly On Smart Phones!

 Redmond Neighborhood Blog is now much easier to read on smart phones!  

 Search "Redmond Blog." Special thanks to the reader who brought this feature to my attention!

-- Bob Yoder

Jeralee Anderson Up For Re-election

 

City Council Vice President Jeralee Anderson

Dr. Jeralee Anderson is serving her first term as Councilmember in the City of Redmond, Washington and is currently Vice President of Council.  Jeralee is running for re-election in November.

​

Professional

In her day job, Jeralee Anderson is the President/CEO and co-founder of Greenroads International, a globally recognized nonprofit organization leading the green and equitable transformation of the transportation industry through education and the independent third-party sustainability certification of transportation projects. Currently, she manages an infrastructure project portfolio of over $35 billion dollars in more than 11 states and 8 countries. She collaborates with public works professionals, departments of transportation, ecologists, planners and designers, general contractors, and multiple non-profit partners daily.

​

She earned her undergraduate degree in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and her doctorate from the University of Washington in construction engineering and sustainability, including a certificate in business administration from the University of Washington Foster School of Business.

 

Dr. Anderson is a licensed civil engineer in Washington State and California and legacy LEED Accredited Professional. As the executive leader for the small nonprofit she founded in Redmond, she manages day to day operations and is responsible for governance, board development, program management, human resources, budget, strategic planning, and more. 

 

In 2013, President Obama recognized her and her team at Greenroads as White House Transportation Champions of Change for the 21st Century.  View her Greenroads YouTube presentation HERE.

She serves in a variety of Mayoral and Council appointments including as an alternate on the King County Regional Transit Committee as part of the Sound Cities Association (SCA).

 

Dr. Anderson also is an alternate to the Mayor on the Cascade Water Alliance Board of Directors, and sits on its Finance & Management Committee.

 

Recently, in 2020, the Mayor appointed her to serve on the Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters (LEOFF I) Disability Board.

22-Acre Urban Village Planned In The "Redmond Center" Area

 

For design review and more legible maps, click here and scroll down

"Project One" (Charles) is the first new building in the Nelson Master Plan. The Master Plan is 22 contiguous acres in the northwest corner of the downtown in the City of Redmond. This property has been the quintessential center for goods and services to the city for the last 30 years. Looking towards the future, the goal is the redevelopment of the 22 acres around a cohesive master plan that significantly increases density and adds a mix of residential, office and retail uses, that offer a dense work, live and play environment. This new Northwest district developed over time seeks to include northwest architecture that expresses natural materials, structures, indoor/outdoor spaces, transparency, respect and support of the environment, and great people spaces and facilitate a broad inclusionary community."  

--- Design Review Board memo, including legible maps, 12/03/2020  (According to the legible map, the urban village vision includes development of the Redmond Center.  Perhaps a linear park along the Sammamish River is in the plan.)

###

Tom Markl, CEO of Nelson Legacy Partners says..

"The master plan is a vision rather than a specific, detailed plan.  The 22 acres encompass the properties owned by the Nelson Legacy Group businesses stretching from the Aqua Quip Building on the corner of 161^st to the open field behind Ben Franklin which touches the Sammamish River Trail.  The timing of the redevelopment will be gradual and evolutionary. You will not see sudden, rapid, dramatic changes.  Our vision is to gradually create an urban village and the central place in the downtown where the community can shop and gather, and also a place where people can live and work.  The timing of each project in the redevelopment will be determined by many factors, including the leases of our current tenants and the needs and opportunities presented by the marketplace.  Since retail is an important component of the vision, we will strive to retain our current tenants.  As for the timing of the connection of 158^th to Redmond Way, this is a city street and the city has discretion over the planning, timing and priority of street projects."

 

Regards,

 

Tom

 

Thomas L. Markl

CEO

09/03/2021

 

16508 NE 79^th Street

Redmond, WA 98052

Senior & Community Center Taking Donations For Solar Power

 

Become a Solar Champion

Leave a green legacy! Help Redmond become carbon neutral and ensure the sustainability of our environment by purchasing a solar panel to power up the new Redmond Senior & Community Center.

Benefit to Champions:

• Solar Champion Sticker
• Name recognition as a Solar Champion on the website
• Your name/organization listed on a Solar Champions plaque in the lobby of the new Redmond Senior & Community Center
• Businesses: Recognition through social media (over 10,000 followers) and one feature on our Parks and Recreation eNewsletter sent to over 28,000 subscribers
• Your investment is tax deductible!

Become a Solar Champion

Redmond Historical Society "Duwamish River" Video Presentation

The Redmond Historical Society recorded Saturday's program about the Duwamish River. If you'd like to view it, the link is https://youtu.be/5xSrz_UNQEw. The recording is up now, and will be up for about a month.

In this video, the society quotes our City's ancient indigenous Indian dwellers.  Redmond City Council, led by Varisha Kahn, occaisionally  acknoweleges our ancient Indian enhabitants before their meetings start.    

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Redmond Historical Society

Virtual Saturday Speaker Series

Saturday, 10:30 AM, October 9, 2021

"The Snoqualmie Tribe: A Brief History of the Lake Sammamish Area"

Zoom Webinar

To register: https://tinyurl.com/4n5jvxfy

Speaker: Steven Moses
Director of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, Snoqualmie Tribe 

Steven Moses is the Director of Archaeology & Historic Preservation and a Tribal member of the Snoqualmie Tribe. Join him as he explains the Indigenous connection to the north Lake Sammamish area from 13,000 years ago to today. Steven will touch on the recent archaeological discoveries of Bear Creek and its significance as a fish habitat. He will also discuss ways in which our communities can work together to preserve our shared history of the Pacific Northwest. 

-- Redmond Historical Society

Environmentally Sensitive Light Rail Construction Underway

 

Construction of the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension will impact a swath of trees and riparian habitat along Bear Creek in the vicinity of the Overlake Urgent Care Center west to Creekside Crossing and Redmond Center Open Space.  Clearing and grading permits are required to remove 144 trees to accommodate the rail, Bear Creek "restoration," and construction access. Most of the trees will be planted off site because they won't survive in the wetland areas. For each significant tree removed, 6 saplings will be planted; for each landmark tree removed 18 saplings will be planted. A section of Bear Creek will have to be dredged to create a "back channel" for flood control and wetland habitat. Back channels are also valuable for salmon rearing.

Overall, approximately 500 linear feet of Bear Creek will be "restored or enhanced" when all is said and done.  The Design Builder is encouraged to reuse previously removed trees for onsite habitat features. In addition, Sound Transit plans to purchase off-site wetland mitigation credits at the Keller Farm site further upstream along Bear Creek for any restoration that cannot be accommodated on-site.

All the work near Bear Creek described above is subject to review as part of the City’s shoreline and clearing and grading permits, the Army Corps and the tribes.  Construction is over 3 years out.  

  -- City Council Study Session, 5/28
      Meeting memo (map)

* In 2020 I took a tour of the site with City staff.  They said the light rail will run five feet over Bear Creek.  B.Y.  

Leashed Dogs Are Enjoying The Downtown Park

"Buttons is ~maybe~ the first dog in Downtown Park."

"I like to think he was the first dog in Downtown Park- the fencing had just come down. It’s amazing to see in just three years how many people, families, and dogs are enjoying this space!"

-- Mayor Angela Birney and her dog "Buttons."

Facebook, 9/14/2021

Pat Vache' -- One Of Redmond's Finest

 

Honorable Pat Vache'

Long-time councilmember Pat Vache', a staunch community organizer and advocate for the people.  Pat founded the Redmond Kiwanis, sits on the One Redmond Foundation Board, was past President of Hopelink, co-founder of Lake Washington School Foundation, Chamber of Commerce trustee, among  other activities.  He served City Council 1982-90 and 2002-09.

Thanks to Arnie Tomac, past Councilmember (1980-1991) for submitting Pat's picture and Council tenure.

Redmond's Homeless Hotel - A Recovery Resource

 National Recovery Month 

In the September 7th Business council meeting Mayor Birney proclaimed September as National Recovery Month.   Immediately afterwards, during "Items From The Audience," over 15 individuals vehemently spoke against the Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel, some even challenging Mayor Birney. They were bothered by poor notice, poor information on how the hotel will operate, it's location near 12 schools, absence of long and short term goals, and other issues. Unfortunately, the hotel will be low barrier. 

Stigmatism of the mentally ill at the meeting was at an all time high. The importance of consistent medical pharmaceutical treatment was barely addressed.  Hotel shelter and socialization with case managers would provide a safe environment to reliably facilitate medical management.  

In each weekly report I will address one mental health and/or substance abuse topic relevant to the Homeless Hotel.  My first topic is the mentally ill and "acts of violence":

SUMMARY:

1. Most individuals with serious mental illness are not dangerous.
2. Most acts of violence are committed by individuals who are not mentally ill.
3. Individuals with serious mental illness are victimized by violent acts more often than they commit violent acts.
4. Being a young male or a substance abuser (alcohol or drugs) is a greater risk factor for violent behavior than being mentally ill.
5. No evidence suggests that people with serious mental illness receiving effective treatment are more dangerous than individuals in the general population.

That being said, a small number of individuals with serious mental illnesses commit acts of violence. Individuals who are not being treated commit almost all acts of violence; many of them also abusing alcohol or drugs.

Source: "Treatment Advocacy Center"

-- Bob Yoder, 9/13/2021

Microsoft return to U.S. offices delayed indefinitely

 

technologyrecord.com

Date September 09, 2021   Time 11:39 AM Source Associated Press REDMOND, Washington (AP) — Microsoft told employees Thursday that it has indefinitely delayed their return to U.S. offices until it's safer to do so. “Given the uncertainty of COVID-19, we’ve decided against attempting to forecast a new date for a full reopening of our U.S. work sites," Jared Spataro, a corporate vice president, wrote in a blog post.

Large School Of Chinook Spotted At Redmond Trestle Bridge

Photo by John Reinke, Redmond resident, 9/10/2021
(click to enlarge)

"Thanks (John Reinke) for sending the photos of the salmon in the Sammamish River. I saw them when I was walking on the trestle bridge as well, and I agree, it is the biggest school of salmon (mostly Chinook) that I have seen. We've saw a few in lower Bear Creek last week, and they should really move upstream with the rain later this week. 

I believe the Chinook congregate upstream of the trestle because there is a deeper channel/pool there compared to many places in the river. There may also be some groundwater flow into the river that helps to keep it slightly cooler. There are also salmon concentrating under and downstream of the 90^th Street bridge outfall because there is groundwater being pumped into the river through the outfall pipe there. The groundwater entering the river provides a cooler pocket of water for the fish to rest until moving upstream.

 

Thanks, and enjoy the fall,"

 

Tom

  

Tom Hardy (he/him) Stream & Habitat Planner, City of Redmond
425-556-2762    twhardy@redmond.gov    www.redmond.gov

Community Favorite Janet Richards Is Running For City Council

 

Janet Richards canvassing with her daughter, Mayor Birney, LWSD Director Bliesner,
County Council Representative Balducci and countless other supporters.

Meet Janet Richards

I am running for Redmond City Council (Position 2) as a voice for everyone, but specifically the voices that are all too often not included in our traditional methods of engaging the community.

Community service has been a lifelong passion of mine. I find understanding the unique journey of individuals eliminates false assumptions and opens the door to connection, enabling all to work in a manner that honors each person.

I believe a city council member should work with everyone, regardless of political party. This allows me to facilitate the challenging conversations necessary to impact the lives of people in our community. As a volunteer, mother, and professional in the high-tech industry, I understand our community and will continue to listen.

As Human Services Commissioner, I worked to prioritize funding to ensure community members in need receive necessary support. I was also an active, early member of the Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT) to advocate for the concerns of the BIPOC community. At Seattle Children’s, I led increasing the Diversity of the Family Advisory Council and was the only non-hospital employee included in the task force to update the hospital’s security policies to be more equitable.

The next four years will transform our city into a major transportation hub. I will work to ensure that we retain the unique charm of Redmond, while safely and equitably welcoming the new opportunities and diverse people this will bring.

I live in the Overlake neighborhood with my husband Colin, two children (with an older child living overseas), and rescue dogs Frodo and Winter.

My Experience

• Redmond City Human Services Commissioner, Vice Chair
• Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT)
• Seattle Children’s Hospital Family Advisory, Council Co-Chair
• Seattle Children's Hospital Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council (HEDI) member
• Right to Breathe Association, Leadership Team
• Microsoft, 22 years, Business Program Manager
• Microsoft, 6 years, Project Management Consultant

Education

BA Theology and Management Information Systems, Ambassador University

Learn More

Learn more about Janet's priorities for the City of Redmond. 

Nature Abounds On The Sammamish River

Sammamish River wildflower/ John Reinke

Pup Demos Proper Mask Wearing

24 Hour Fitness poster

Only 12 unruly pups were seen romping around this day. 😅

-- Bob Yoder, 9/3/2021

UPDATED: 60 Evergreen Saplings Planted Along The Ashford Trail

Ashford Trail evergreen saplings

The Ashford Trail is not far from my Education Hill house; I walk it often...sometimes to Avondale Road.  The trailhead is at the Bike Park.

Last week, I was surprised and happy to see a planting of ~60 evergreen sapling trees on the south side of the trail. Most of them were hard to spot but the orange tape helped.  Can you see the three trees in this picture?  After much back-and-forth Customer Service confirmed they were planted by the Green Redmond Partnership three years ago.

Two City of Redmond water barrels were visible in the woods. City staff probably tied on the orange tape to mark for watering.  Despite severe heat this summer the trees looked healthy.  It's nice to know the City and Green Redmond forest steward (?) are looking after the saplings.

Additional Green Redmond Community tree planting programs are planned for the Fall of this year:

9/25, Smith Woods / 10/30, Smith Woods / 10/30, Ferrel-McWhirter

-- Bob Yoder, 9/5/2021

Salmon and Art On The Central Connector Trail

double click to enlarge

When walking across the Redmond Central Connector railroad trestle bridge we heard and saw salmon splashing in the Sammamish River below us. They were hard to see but persistence paid off. They migrate from August to November so there's plenty of time to see them. 

Eight panels of iron art are attached to the bridge. As you walk down the trail towards the Overlake Church these colored "boulders" welcome you for a rest. (Public Works Art?)  The entire trail is pervious and awesome for the environment but very expensive.  Low profile "street" lights line the trail.  

It was 4:15 and there was plenty of traffic.  An electric scooter zoomed by.  We saw three Limes.  Two were parked and one with a rider.  He told us he rides the Connector to Overlake then over the river and as far as the Burke-Gilman Trail.  He said it's fun!  We also saw about 3 bicyclists, a few joggers, some hikers and a couple dog walkers.  

Get out and watch those fish flip and flap!  We saw a 2 footer  jump completely out of the water!

-- Bob Yoder, 8/31/2021

UPDATED: Dog Parks In Redmond

As Redmond grows so does our need for dog parks.  The downtown park (?) and Marymoor park can't do it all. 🐕,  Off leash "Pop Up Dog Parks" are a solution many cities are employing.  Below, is an orange City of Kirkland pop up.  Kirkland has three of them and all has gone so well that one will be permanent. You can't see it in this picture but there's also a smaller park for the little guys.  

Temporary pop up in a Kirkland park / B. Yoder

Potential dog park area near Soul Food / B. Yoder

During "Redmond Lights" Gary Smith, Parks Commission Chair, pointed out this green patch of land.  He thought it had potential for a dog park. For orientation, the land is west of Discover Yoga; it's the structure you're looking at. And it's behind Soul Food.  There may not be enough acreage for large and small dogs, but small dogs could romp. Unfortunately, the owner is Mr. Nelson.  His attorney said the land won't be used for a dog park area.

Smith Woods Park in northern Redmond is a 10 acre, mostly grassy place.  It might be a perfect location for those that don't want to drive all the way to Marymoor Park and to serve Redmondites in general. Can you think of other locations?  

--Bob Yoder, 8/28/2021

Critique On A Redmond Council Meeting

I'm a local government nerd and try to watch City Council meetings on Facebook LIVE whenever I can.  A few actions really annoyed me at their last Study Session and I'm getting it off my chest here; other actions were commendable.  

1,  Our councilmembers work exceptionally hard and they're smart. We, the electorate did well!

2.  Even though Mr. Fields committed to keeping his zoom camera on when talking he rarely does. In the few meetings Ms. Kahn has attended, she seldom turns her camera on.  Seeing faces and body language is an important part of communication.  Otherwise, it's like listening to a radio.

3. Councilmembers Kritzer, Padhye, Anderson, and Forsythe always put their cameras on so you can watch them talking.  Cameras help in public engagement.  Ms. Kritzer and Padhye usually sit on the Dais as does Ms. Anderson & Mr. Carson.  Seeing their faces and body language is extremely helpful.  Yes, we are a broad, attentive viewing audience who wants to be informed and participate.   

4. Ms. Kahn on three occasions talked endlessly.  She may have made 1-2 points. "Be Brief, Be Bright, Be Gone" is something to think about. 

5. V.P. Jeralee Anderson did a fabulous job running the "Environmental Sustainability Priority" conversations. [She's given an environmental TEDx talk on "green roads."] Jeralee made sure everyone had the opportunity to participate equatibly.  Jeralee has good body language and engages well.  

6. The Council Safety Committee was considered for "housing" an environmental sustainability standing committee.  The Mayor (not in attendance) through President Padhye was concerned about staffing. Padhye said a Director's attendance was common practice. Five councilmembers said an environmental executive would be fitting. (as do I.)  Council will take a vote next Business meeting.  

7. Mr. Fields scolded President Padhye over a simple procedural question.  It was uncivil and unbecoming of a councilmember.  (His area of interest is policy.)  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/26/2021

UPDATED: Washington State Has One Of The Strictest Mask Mandates

Behind that mask is a fatigued, anxious person, B. Yoder

  

Care of Governor Inslee, by August 23th, almost every citizen must be masked when indoors even if  vacinnated.  Inslee's mask mandate is one of the strictest in the Nation.   I'm vacinnated and masking up but it doesn't feel fair; 2 steps forward, 1 step back.  At this time, only 72% of Washingtonians have one shot or more.  It appears we are paying the price for the iodiotic, ignorant, or listless behavior of the unvaccinated 28%.  

However, the deadly Delta variant is taking it's toll on even the vacinnated, though only a sliver are hospitalized.  "Breakthrough infections" are rare, but the government is looking out for us ... to the chagrin of some.  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/25/2021

    Photo, Pam Yoder, QFC Bear Creek

The above is a dated post; now breakthrough infections are commonplace, As of October 25 proof of vacinnation and full masking is required in King County in indoor places and outdoor events over 500.  Two of my relatives have had breakthough infections.  Booster shots will soon be available for seniors 65+.   9/18/2021  

UPDATED: Swarming e-Scooters In Redmond?

A typical downtown Spokane sidewalk. We saw one dude riding two scooters, one on each foot.

 LIME e-scooters are everywhere, everywhere in Spokane!  Most Spokane sidewalks are super-wide. You can ride them safely, very fast, and they rarely run the streets. There's plenty of space to park without obstruction to pedestrians and ADA folks.  Pam is standing in front of a restaurant with outdoor seating; we weren't bothered by one passing scooter.  Spokane's 10-12 foot sidewalks are all over the downtown...and beyond.  And, it's clear Spokane is not a bicycle city.

Now, Redmond is another story.  Land close to light rail is expensive and finite. Thus, 6-8 story buildings are crammed into our downtown, with razor thin set-backs, and narrow sidewalks.  Even bike lanes are scant.  Scooting is sketchy unless you move very slowly or take to the streets.  Owing to their versatility and our needs, scooters could one day swarm our downtown streets and roads.

-- Bob Yoder, Photo, 8/25/2021

Opinion: Light Rail And Homeless People In Redmond

I just got home from a joyful family event in Spokane.  It was tarnished by the presence of homeless people in the downtown next to the Davenport Hotel.  I couldn't believe the multitude of mentally sick and druged homeless walking there. We didn't feel secure. It seemed there was one, or a group, of homeless on every sidewalk and intersection.  So sad.  When winter comes, perhaps the City buys them a bus ticket south?  Some that don't catch the bus could die. Seriously.  Spokane has a beautiful website dedicated to their homeless.  My son-in-law says the plethora of City human services draws them in.  

Redmond doesn't appear to have a serious problem with homelessness because most are unseen.  We are known for our human service resources; our homeless people are well cared for.  According to the City website only 337 were sheltered in East King County in 2019.  I surmise once light rail is built-out (and taxes and rent explodes) the homeless will be more visible.  I'm concerned the Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel could become a magnet for homeless tenting.  I'm bothered the County/City haven't expressed their goals for homeless circulation through the hotel.  For example, when do they "check out" of the hotel? Social workers will need to triage the applicants. What will happen to those beyond rehabilitation? Where will they go?   

It's my understanding the City is studying how to cope with "crime" associated with light rail.  What station will the homeless most use? My guess is the Overlake and Downtown urban centers, where most of the human services and safety resources are centered.   

Update, 2/19/24:  I took the 2-link from Redmond to Bellevue and felt very safe.  They contract with a professional security company with an officer patrolling each side of the tracks. Safe patrols the train interior for service and security.   

-- Bob Yoder, 8/25/2021

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers' Relocation Of Evans Creek Temporarily Affects Salmon

 MAP

U.S Army Corps of Engineers - Seattle District

"...The Evans Creek Relocation project is such a priority that the WRIA 8 Council recently voted to allocate $450,000 towards it."  -- Redmond Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer, 8/16/2021

The U.S. Army Corps says:  Mr. Yoder, please see the City responses to your comments: 

 

• Are Chinook presently living and rearing in Evans Creek or one of its tributaries?  Or, will just Chinook habitat improve, setting the stage for Chinook migration? 
• Response:

The City’s Biological Assessment that was submitted with the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) package describes current occurrence of Chinook in the project area.  Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) inventories document Chinook spawning occurring in Evans Creek in the project area.  However, the City’s instream habitat surveys conducted for the project indicate that the creek lacks suitable gravel and cobble substrate, and pool/riffle habitat complexity required for spawning.  Therefore, it is unlikely that Chinook still spawn in this reach.  The project reach of Evans Creek does support migration of both adults and rearing juveniles.  Juvenile rearing habitat is present, particularly in the most upstream portion of the project reach.

 

Once the project is completed, the project will enhance rearing habitat for Chinook Salmon, steelhead, and other salmonids, and augment fish passage to the upper watershed where Chinook spawning habitat occurs.

 

• You say there will be a temporary disturbance to fish and their habitat during Phase 2 construction.  How do you define "temporary."  (1 month? 1 year? 1 week?)  
• Response:  

Temporary in this case is 3 months.  All in-water work associated with Phase 2 construction will be restricted to occur within the proposed July 1 through September 30 in-water work window of a single season and would not coincide with major salmonid migrations (either upstream migrations of adults, or downstream migrations of juveniles).  This in-water work window is regulated by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the project will need to meet all WDFW permit conditions.

 

• You say one acre of rearing will be replaced. Replaced with what?  How many acres of rearing are there now?
• Response:  

One of the project’s stated goals is to “Provide the type of habitat needed to support significantly enhanced juvenile salmon rearing.”  The existing Evans Creek channel has just under one acre of instream habitat that will be relocated; a portion of that existing area is rearing habitat.  The proposed Evans Creek channel will increase instream habitat to more than seven acres within the project area and improve the quality of that habitat.  At this point in the design we don’t have a final number for constructed rearing acreage, but it will be an increase and enhanced from existing conditions.

 

Thank you for your time.

 

Colleen C. Anderson

Project Manager, Regulatory Branch

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

Office:  206-764-3262

colleen.c.anderson@usace.army.mil

HEARING On Huge "LMC" Marymoor Development

The City received only five (5) comments on this gargantuan Development and Master Plan. Tomorrow's Hearing 8/17/2021 is the last opportunity to make a comment.

Some details:  3.68-acre site • 284 dwelling units • At least 5% 3-bedroom units • 28 low-cost affordable units • Public plaza • Public Art walk and artist in residence • Connection to Marymoor Park

The applicant (LMC - South) is seeking a Master Plan and Development Agreement from the City Council. With respect to the Development Agreement, the City is receiving the following benefits: 

o Commitment to provide at least 5 percent of the units (14) as 3-bedroom units; [Good]

o 10 percent of live/work units reserved for occupancy by local commercial tenant(s); 

o Public Art walk; 

o Public Plaza; 

o Public Play Plaza with children’s play features and other entertainment features for all ages; 

o Public outdoor dog washing station; 

o Community Gardens; 

o Art Studio and artist in residence; and 

o Multi-modal trail connections to Marymoor Park with self-service bicycle repair station. [I'm very excited to see the art.] 

In return, the applicant is requesting: 

o A ten-year vesting period with a potential five-year extension; 

o Ground floor amenity space to be classified as commercial space; 

o Live/work units to be classified as commercial space; 

o Construction phasing is proposed in two phases: § Phase I will include a majority of the infrastructure improvements (includes the construction of 173rd Avenue NE and 174th Avenue NE), the development of the garage, west building, north and south public plazas; and § Phase II will include the east building and its residential amenities, children’s play plaza, community garden, and art walk.

Regular Council meeting memo, 8/16/2021

Council To Approve $3.96M For Body-Worn Cameras

 

patch

 

$3.96M from the 2021-2022 General Fund for the Police Department body-worn camera program is expected to be approved by Council in a day. The funding will provide for programmatic costs, equipment and the addition of 5.00 FTEs to oversee the program and manage records requests which will increase in complexity due to the technology involved.  (This expense only touches the surface. B.Yoder)

-- Council Regular meeting, 8/16/2021

City To Receive Over $9M In Covid Recovery Funds

Seems like a pretty tidy sum for a medium-sized city. Yoder

$9.6M of the $9.9M has been formally allocated to the City as part of the federally funded COVID American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA.)  

On March 11, 2021 President Biden signed a bill to provide additional relief for states, counties, cities and towns as well as public utilities, libraries and transit agencies affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The City of Redmond will receive a total of $9,928,999, in two increments, during the 2021-2022 biennium. The APRA funds will be held in the COVID Recovery Fund until a recommended spending plan is approved by Council. The funds must be obligated by December 2024 and spent on qualifying expenses by December 2026. 

Staff is still gathering information on ARPA, but allowable uses of the funds include: 

· COVID-19 emergency response; 

· Assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits related to the negative economic impacts of COVID19; 

· Aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; 

· Hazard pay for eligible local government essential workers; 

· Grants to eligible private employers to provide hazard pay to essential workers; 

· Provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to COVID-19; and 

· To make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.

-- Council Regular Meeting memo, 8/16/2021