Redmond Kiwanis Club Newsletter

 

REDMOND KIWANIS CLUB AUGUST NEWSLETTER

This WED ---  David Juarez and Sue Stewart will deliver the school supplies donated to KidVantage. Thank you to all who contributed and THANK YOU to the Board for their donation.

Please find the list of items that will be delivered this WED at 10am... AND if you have something you'd like to ADD, please join us at 10am at REDMOND CITY HALL.

AVONDALE DINNERS --- Our next Community dinner for this year will be SEPT 18th. David and Sue will meet with Staff at Avondale on AUG 6th (1pm) to discuss this and future dinners during our next fiscal year. Your ideas for meals and sides are well appreciated - PLEASE SHARE by replying to this email. If you'd like to take the LEAD for a meal during the next fiscal year, that would be awesome ! Once the dates for the next FY are settled on, those will be shared out and available on the new CLUB Calendar and website. 

MOVE REDMOND -- Our Community event will be AUG 17th. The event itself runs from 10am t0 3pm. The CLUB could still use some additional members to help with the Lemonade, the BUTTON making process, and finally, and most important, the TELLING OF OUR STORY. Who/What is Kiwanis and how people can support our efforts here in the community. Please review the attached sign up sheet and reply back to Sue Stewart (stewars51@gmail.com) with your availability.  WEATHER?? Expected to be in the high 70's per ACCUWEATHER. 

FUNDRAISING PLANNING MEETING - There will be an IN PERSON planning meeting on THUR - AUG 15th - starting at 5pm at the THINKSPACE facility. ALL members are invited and a special request for all who attended the SERVICE PLANNING, to attend and help to maintain continuity with this process. WATCH for a signup request from DAVID JUAREZ in your email. 

 

5th FRIDAY - As we've done throughout the year, we will gather on AUG 23rd in the late afternoon - "HAPPY HOUR" - to meet and socialize with our fellow members and their families (if they choose). If you have a suggestion for a "Family Friendly" destination, please share that by replying to this email. (Accuweather predicts mostly cloudy and high 70's). 

Here is hoping that your SUMMER Festivities are fun - memorable - and safe.

Sue Stewart, Club Secretary

NOTES (Part 2); Silver Cloud Homeless Housing Community Meeting

Two staff members man the remodeled front desk. 

Will the studios be as nice?

It's one thing to provide the "low barrier" HTH Silver Cloud building for housing chronic, disabled homeless, it's another to care for them.  I attended the Salvation Army's first community meeting and took notes addressing the "care and rehabilitation" provided by the Salvation Army, as follows: 

• HTH care facilities are modeled after "Don's Place" in Auburn.
• Ms. Cook, administrator of "King County Regional Homeless Authority" said twice the Silver Cloud building is "low barrier" meaning there will be no discrimination against homeless residents taking street drugs, excessive alcohol, and/or with serious mental illness.  
• Currently, the residents are housed in rooms, with rights of tenancy under emergency conditions.  Once the studios are fully occupied (with 100 residents) they will be permanently supported with:  24/7 wrap-around services including 11 support staff, 4-5 case managers, three meals a day and more. Until full occupancy the HTH building called "Haven" will operate under emergency conditions.   
• It appears nonprofit support services like "4 Tomorrow,"  and "Nourishing Networks," will volunteer.  Currently "life skills" are on the weekly calendar. Yoga was mentioned.  No A.A. 
• Behavioral health was a key topic since ~ 70% of homeless have a mental health condition and often treat their sickness with street drugs. "Harm reduction" service will be minimal until the building is fully staffed. 
• City of Redmond Fire mobile behavioral health is available for crisis response. A psychiatrist was mentioned.  Ms. Cook said funding is not a problem for services, however Matt said money "will have to be carved out" for mental health care owing to poor Medicaid reimbursement. 
• Primary care will be available, but no details. 
• Matt said there would be transparency on "Code of Conduct."  A man dressed in old "Security Officer" clothes was standing in the parking lot.  He could have been a resident-in-training.  

Reported by Bob Yoder, 8/4/2024

Part 1 Notes on Community Meeting

Photo by Yoder

My last report will be a personal opinion focusing on delays and purpose.

UPDATED NOTES (Part 1): Silver Cloud Homeless Building - Community Meeting

Lobby of the Overlake Silver Cloud HTH homeless building

Housing for the Eastside's homeless is "desperately" needed owing to King County's decision to spread Seattle's homeless housing regionally.  In 2020, the county purchased the Redmond Silver Cloud Hotel for $28.25M.  The building is being renovated by "Health Through Housing"  into studios for "low barrier"  emergency and permanent supportive housing for 100 chronic, disabled homeless.  The forecast for completion is no sooner than late 2025.  

On July 30, I attended their first Community meeting.  My notes:  

• At least 11 signed-in, mostly nonprofit voluntary support services:  (2) KinderCare,  Bellevue School District, no businesses, Nourishing Networks, 4 Tomorrow, ACS Discovery Shop, Redmond Deputy Police Chief Coats, Community police officer Meora,  Redmond Human Services Manager-Brook Buckingham, Media-Redmond Neighborhood Blog, various community members, Plymouth Housing, and the KCRHA agency.  
• Salvation Army's operator, Matt Garrett presented, and introduced key staff.  Matt is friendly and open to questions.  HTH hotels are funded by a .1% property tax.  KCRHA triages referrals and coordinates their entry.  65% of the residents are targeted to come from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland and United Methodist Church.  35% or more from the Seattle area.  
• Upon the "Community Advisor Group" recommendation monthly community meetings will be held (the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm.)  Matt emphasized the meetings are targeted for nearby neighborhoods and businesses but are open to all; staff will be present and possibly residents.  
• 10 chronic homeless are currently residing under emergency circumstances. 15 additional homeless will be housed no sooner than October, 2024. According to Ms. Cook, KCRHA manager, the 2-year occupancy delay is attributed to shortage of contractors and materials. 
• Renovation won't be complete until at least late 2025. In the meantime, it's used on an emergency basis and won't become Permanent Supportive Housing until all 100 rooms are completely renovated with studios.
• The address is 2122-152 Ave NE.  It's set-back and behind Goodwill.  Heading south on NE 24th Street take a left onto 152nd.  The Silver Cloud "Haven Heights" HTH building is immediately on the right.  A newer mixed-use apartment building fronts the building.   

PART 2  Services provided

Reported by Yoder, 9/2/2024 

Photo credit Yoder 

"Erratic" and "Sky Painting" Art - Have You Seen It?

The Erratic outdoor artwork is located on Leary Avenue just south of the Matador.  When looking east you'll see it during the day.   Is it safe at night to walk through the Erratic to activate the colored lights? Have you ever seen the colored lights?  The City of Redmond says:  

"Five thousand years ago Redmond, Washington, was buried under 3,000 feet of ice. Today we rarely if ever, see large boulders—glacial erratics—that were left in the wake of the retreating ice.  On the new Redmond Central Connector park, the city built their own erratic in the form of historical art.  

When the BNSF Railroad left Redmond, it left behind miles of rails, mounting plates, and spikes.  3,000 steel plates were salvaged from the BNSF Railroad that once crossed the site; these form the cladding for the Erratic‘s skin. Motion detectors inside the glass fronts activate colored LED lights, delighting passersby with an interactive experience."  

The Erratic was created by artist John Fleming,  It was commissioned in 2013 for the Redmond Central Connector in celebration of Redmond’s Centennial.  Mr. Flemming also painted SKY PAINTING on a large downtown parking lot (you got to see it to believe it.) He installed railroad "Signals" art in the downtown Linear Park.  

Seven years after the Erratic was installed (2013) it had to be moved because Sound Transit's new downtown Light rail station needed the site.  Sound Transit paid a fixed amount and the city picked up the remainder totaling ~ $1,000,000.    Watch this 2-minute construction video and you'll see why the relocation was so expensive. 

Posted by Bob Yoder, 8/31/2024

Find an archive of Erratic articles and opinions here, including a "Letter To The Editor." 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Downtown Plymouth Homeless Project A Ticking Time Bomb

I want to share my thoughts regarding the Plymouth Housing project for chronic homeless in downtown Redmond and the city council’s actions to discourage public comments.

The Redmond City Council rushed and acted recklessly when they decided to award the expensive public land and high-impact project to Plymouth Housing after less than one hour of discussion (a 30-minute behind closed doors executive meeting on February 6th, and a 30-minute special meeting on February 13th). Basic questions asked by the Kenmore City Council, such as those regarding “set aside” for local placements, “low barrier” and public safety, compliance, tenant screening, and Plymouth’s application process, etc. were never asked by the Redmond City Council.

Plymouth Housing’s troubled reputation: The recent overdose death of Mike Matzick inside the Plymouth Housing run Scargo and Lewiston Apartments in Belltown. Mike “had been deceased for three days when he was discovered.” The lived experience at the Plymouth Housing run Pat Williams Apartments in South Lake Union that “newcomers who move in & WANT to become or stay clean and sober” “get preyed on by the toxic residents.” 

Additionally, the concerning 911 call records at the Plymouth Crossing in Bellevue show incidents of death, VUCSA, disturbances (including harassment), behavioral health issues, assault, fire, indecent exposure, etc. Yet, the city council rejected the proposal to go through an open RFP to select the best qualified operator. Led by Council 

President Kritzer and Planning Director Helland, they openly misled the public on this project both in council meetings and through communications and set up barriers to prevent the public from getting critical information in a timely manner. Many questions remain unanswered. They want to quietly move forward to avoid public scrutiny.

Led by Council President Kritzer, the Redmond City Council has refused to allow public input. No public comments were allowed before the council cast their votes. Despite the public’s repeated requests, the City Council refused to hold any public hearings or two-way dialogue meetings.The public was left with no choice but to attend council meetings and raise their concerns during public comment time. The Redmond City Council later voted to curb public comment during council meetings on May 7th.

The Redmond City Council has been completely ignoring the public’s safety, drug use, and drug trafficking concerns. What is happening in Factoria, where the Plymouth Crossing is located, is a clear warning. A local developer told the city, “The landscaping around his Eastgate location has been damaged over the last 8 months, people doing drugs, police called daily.” Yet, the Redmond City Council continues to turn a deaf ear to those concerns and pat each other on the back for being the heroes and picking up the project that the City of Kenmore deemed would hurt its community and denied. 

The skimping on parking space at the Plymouth Housing building in order to “be as cost-effective as possible” under the guise of being “green” will worsen the already challenging parking situation in downtown Redmond near the Anderson Park area. By Redmond zoning code, Plymouth Housing is required to build 120 parking spaces for the 100-unit building. Yet, Plymouth Housing is asking for “NO RESIDENTIAL PARKING BE PROVIDED” and “A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING STALLS.” This is absurd! 

In comparison, the King County-owned and Salvation Army-operated Redmond Silver Cloud has 140 parking spaces for its 100 units, and its Safety and Security Plan states, “Residents are prohibited from parking along the street or in other areas alongside the HTH Redmond facility.”

The Plymouth Housing project to house 100 chronic homeless in downtown Redmond is a ticking time bomb.  I'm counting on State Representative Amy Walen and our leaders to help save our city from turning into Seattle. 

KATHY LAMBERT

Redmond, WA.  

July 31, 2024

UPDATED: Council Plans Public Hearing On "Climate Commitment Act" Initiative

The Mayor made a precedent-setting exception to RCW #427855 when she opened "Items From the Audience" in City Hall last week.  The RCW code prohibits public testimony on candidates, initiatives and measures - pro and con - during Council business meetings.  Setting precedent by using a new "tool" Mayor Birney and council agreed a city Hearing was necessary for Initiative No. 2117.  Her exception brings up the question of why a Hearing couldn't be scheduled for the Plymouth decision.     

Mark your calendars for a potential October 3 Council Hearing in City Hall on ballot Initiative No. 2117 repealing sections of the "Climate Commitment Act."  The repeal would increase greenhouse gas emissions throughout the State and forfeit $1M in Supplemental funds. The city already received $2.2M from the Act to advance critical climate mitigation/resilience. (Supplemental funds would be allocated for electric charging stations and transportation infrastructure.) 

City Council strongly opposes State Initiative No. 2117.  The Hearing will give  public an opportunity to learn about the measure and weigh in. In short, the initiative will repeal the market-based "cap and invest" carbon program -- which reduces greenhouse gas emissions -- and will prohibit carbon tax credit trading.  It's possible, but doubtful a repeal could increase costs of fuel recipients and fuel suppliers.  

Council has a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.  In 2020 they declared a "climate emergency" and adopted a 30-year plan for the community to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.  They have worked closely with the city Legislative coordinator to make the Hearing happen; and in conjunction with other jurisdictions.

The Climate Commitment Act has already generated $3.25 billion statewide for forest protection, transportation projects, electrification efforts, wildfire prevention, salmon recovery, tribal investments and more.  

Source:  7/23 Council Study session and "Council Talk Time" memos.

Reported by Bob Yoder

UDATED 8/3: Redmond Drone Program, More Important Than Ever

Redmond Police Drone Center

The presidential assassination attempt brings home the critical importance of drone surveillance. Honorable Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is staying ahead of the curve with an updated drone technology program. Council recently approved his request to transition to all American-made parts.  

Per Redmond's website:   "The Redmond Police Department implemented a cutting-edge Drones as First Responders (DFR) program in April 2024 to respond to 911 calls. This technology improves response times and provides real-time information to patrol units on the ground. 

About the DFR program: A drone is flown remotely by a commissioned officer as the pilot and dispatched to calls along with patrol officers. The DFR can arrive faster than ground units, providing information about the incident and broadcasting video to any computer, tablet, or phone. Once overhead, the drone pilot can assess the situation and cancel the ground response if appropriate, freeing up emergency vehicles for other priority calls.

The drones provide critical information about an incident to help officers make better decisions and de-escalate otherwise unknown situations. They are used to safely clear the interior of buildings, aid in suspect apprehension, document crime and crash scenes, and search for lost or missing persons. 

Public Privacy Policy: The drones are used only as a call response, not for proactive patrols. Redmond’s drone policy prohibits the department from using drones for general surveillance, harassing or discriminating against individuals or groups, or conducting personal business."

Comment:  This is a stretch, but it's not out of the question assassins could target local high tech CEOs, not solely high profile politicians and RPD will be ready. 

-- Bob Yoder, updated 8/3/24

Additional information on Redmond's Drone Program is here.

UPDATED: Plymouth Housing "Lunch & Learn," Together Center

 Rendering of the downtown Redmond
Plymouth project

The Together Center is hosting a Plymouth Housing "Lunch and Learn" event on Tuesday, August 13, 12 - 1:30 PM.  The Together Center is located at 16305 NE 75th Street, Redmond.

The purpose of the event is for the community to:  

1) learn about Plymouth Housing permanent supportive housing services for the chronic homeless.   

2) fulfill the City requirement to develop  community relations plan for the downtown Plymouth - Redmond project and asks for topics of your interest;   

3) organize a "Community Advisory Group" (CAG.)  The event invitation and CAG application is HERE. (RSVP is strongly recommended.)

The CAG will develop operation plans, review the plans, share feedback, and support ongoing community engagement.  

City Council deliberated on the development and importance of the CAG in last week's Study Session meeting.  Councilmember Osman Saladuhhim strongly recommended involving community members in the advisory process even if they aren't formally on the CAG.  Councilmember Steve Fields noted some residents have fears and recommended they apply.

According to Plymouth's website, King County has a "goal of developing 4,000 units of Permanent Supportive Housing by 2050."  Plymouth-Redmond will house 100 chronic homeless individuals.    

-- Bob Yoder, 7/19/2024

EvergreenHealth Honors Jeff and Merrie Tomlin, Community Service Award

  

(From left) Commissioner Norman Seabrooks; Commissioner Nancy Stewart, Merrie Tomlin, RN, BSN; Jeff Tomlin, MD; Board Chair Virgil Snyder; Commissioner Jeff Cashman, Commissioner Charles Pilcher, MD; CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP

EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Presents Jeff & Merrie Tomlin with Community Service Award

KIRKLAND, Wash. — EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners has presented Jeff Tomlin, MD, former EvergreenHealth CEO, and his wife Merrie Tomlin, RN, BSN, with the 2023 Community Service Award for their decades of steadfast service to our community.

 

With Merrie’s support, Dr. Tomlin dedicated more than 30 years to the health and wellness of our community through his work as an anesthesiologist and leader at EvergreenHealth. He also served the nation for more than 40 years in active and reserve duty for the U.S. Military.

 

“Dr. Tomlin and Merrie are lifelong residents of the EvergreenHealth community. He led initiatives to improve patient care and develop comprehensive safety and quality programs. Under his leadership, EvergreenHealth joined the top 1% of health care organizations nationwide for patient outcomes,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Virgil Snyder. “They are both thoroughgoing professionals and fundamentally good people.”

Homeless Housing Update, Overlake Neighborhood

Grand Opening, June 2024
Health Through Housing (HTH) homeless building
Credit/Andrew Villenveue/ NPI 

                                            

According to Community Development Director Carol Helland, the HTH building vacancies will be filled by late 2025.  It will be renovated to house 100 homeless individuals on a emergency/permanent basis. (The building capacity is 144 units.) 

Updates (Summary of Recent Activities) 

 Ten residents moved in on June 28, 2024. Three residents were referred by Redmond Outreach staff. The remaining residents were identified by local referral partners including Porchlight (formerly CFH) and The Sophia Way. 

Building Updates:

 Minor rehabilitation required to open the building is complete.  New fencing was installed. 

Next steps:  

 King County will continue to finalize required building updates in coordination with The Salvation Army. Future renovations and rehabilitation will be completed over two phases. 

o Phase 2 (June 2024 – February 2025): Includes general contractor procurement; conversion of units to include kitchenettes, renovation of community space, medical room, laundry room, and computer room.

 o Phase 3 (February 2025 – May 2025) Conversion of additional units, PSH approval, new accessible/ADA unit conversion and office use conversion. 

 The Salvation Army will provide ongoing opportunities for community members to engage as outlined in the Community Engagement Plan. The next community meeting will be held July 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm. (at the Silver Cloud HTH building.)  It is not known if Mayor Birney or a councilmember will be attending.

will report out to the City Council regarding facility operations within six months of accepting residents as outlined in the Operational Agreement.

Source:  Regular City Council meeting memo, July 16, 2024

NOTE:  In July, 2021 King County purchased this HTH building from Silver Cloud for $28.25 million.  According to Dircetor Helland's report this week, the building won't reach functional capacity to house 100 homeless until 2025 -- four years later.  In the meantime, these 100 homeless individuals will be living on the streets without the benefit of "harm reduction" and some will die. -- Bob Yoder

The entire data base of HTH blog articles and stories is HERE.

UPDATED: Significant Redmond Capital Investment Projects

For years untold, the CIP was short for "Capital Improvement Project."  The Birney Administration changed the meaning of CIP to "Capital Investment Project." 

Public Works Director Aaron Birt reported on several significant capital investment projects in Council's last study session.  Two Directors flanked the Mayor at the table during his presentation.  Mayor Birney took notes and didn't participate other than noting the beautiful the flowers growing along a capital park project.  

Birt reported the following significant capital investment projects (CIP) affecting Council's budget process.

>> Remaining City Hall construction debt service and contractual costs totaling $17,476,484 (2025-2030.) 

>> Redeveloping and expanding the Maintenance & Operation Center (MOC) penciled out six years ago expenditures of  $150,000,000, 2023-2026.  Birt told Council the funds were "already stashed under the mattress" and in the budget.  He then "shocked" council requesting an additional $75,000.  Councilmember (CM) Steve Fields pointed to the Office of the Mayor's office over council's deep concerns six years ago at $150M.  VP Councilmember Jessika Forsythe asked Birt how confident he was with $225M   She noted "decision fatigue" for having to cope with continued new "asks." Forsythe asked for Birt's $225M level of confidence.  He couldn't' promise a hard number; that his estimate would have to be in a range.   

>> Investments in the "Bellewether City Annex" in Overlake were significant.  Director Carol Helland noted a condo was purchased by the city for $618,000.  CM Stuart lives in Overlake and was thrilled about the building's opportunity for affordable housing.  Coumcilmember Osman Salahuddin agreed with Helland about it being a "mini-city hall" for business licensing and a police sub-station.  

Details and a description of the Bellwether Annex are found here.

-- Bob Yoder, 7/15/2024

Derby Days / Council Perspective

In a council meeting Councilmember (CM) Stuart was surprised the city commissioners wouldn't be "on the porch" with Council to converse with the public at Derby Days.  She asked a city Director why the commissioners weren't included and learned it was the Executive Department -- run the mayor -- who decided against it, preferring staff be immediately on hand.   

Commissioners are--vital city volunteers with expertise in:  Parks & Recreation, Arts & Culture, and Growth Planning.  They serve four year terms, giving recommendations and guidance to council after in-depth deliberations. 

CM Stuart asked for a Derby event in the downtown park, saying it is our "Town Square."  The idea was rejected for the second year.  

Side-note:  If you listened to the Mayor's Derby Day video, a "Diaper Parade" is in the line-up. Diapers are needed up to 4-years of age.  Baby carriages?  Sounds cute, but unfortunately, diapers are unaffordable and for some families and they must be subsidized.

-- Bob Yoder,  7/10/24

Derby Days

\

CITY WATCH - UPDATED: Council / Mayor Salaries and Benefits

Council upped their health benefit premiums to full time rates and kept family rates, as is. They're concerned the mayor's Salary Commission isn't diverse. CM Osman Saladunnin noted the commission was all male. In addition to the $300/month stipend CM Jessica Forsythe suggested a ~ $200 / month stipend for transportation/convention was discussed..  CM Melissa Stuart pushed for additional stipends targeted to councilmember's cost of housing and day care.  CM Fields said the other councilmembers should have a stipend since  they have extenuating circumstances, too. Since their deliberations are being dragged out I will file a public records request in September.  -- Yoder

The mayor's base salary last year was $145,000. After further deliberation this June, Council decided to raise her base to $170,000 in 2025 with COLA's increasing the mayor's salary to $182,100 by 2027.  Council used the Park and IT Director's $228,000 salaries as benchmarks.  Council spent most of their time fussing over the car allowance.  They reached a $500/month number with and .65 milage allowance. Cell phone and ORCA is covered.  Councilmember Anderson did much to tease out and clarify benefit information.  

They make about $2,000/month now I think  and I'm thinking, in addition to enhanced health benefits and stipends their salary will double with COLA's included with some benefits matching staff's.   Each councilmember will receive $300/month stipend and .65 milage allowance.  ORCA card was a big thing.  Council is a part-time job, yet many work almost full-time and expect high compensation. Two members need more affordable housing, another has day-care expenses.  

The State requires an independent Salary Commission to make salary decisions for elected officials.  The commission, assigned by Mayor Birney's office last year was dysfunctional, recommending outrageous salaries, not counting benefits of approximately $8,000/year. - $114,00/year. She expunged the commission and on June 26, 2024 lined up commission citizens with stature:  Arnie Tomac and Hank Margeson (past Council Presidents,) Roy Captain (retired Planning Commission Chair and LWSD volunteer,) Arpit Gupa (council candidate,) Dave Cline (city finance experience,) Mousam Krismues and Dwight Ackerman.

-- Bob Yoder, 7/6/2024  opinion

Redmond Dog Parks

We walk Zoey to the Hartman Pop-up dog park almost every day.  I really like the evergreen trees there and the shade they give.  It's also fun to watch the school baseball and softball games nearby! 

-Bob & Pam Yoder

Rebecca Hirt Steps Down From EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners

 

Rebecca Hirt has served as an EvergreenHealth Commissioner for 40 years 

KIRKLAND, WA – On July 1, 2024, Rebecca Hirt stepped down from Position #2 on the EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners. Hirt says she is stepping down to care for her husband of 58 years and spend more time with her family.

 

Hirt was voted onto the Board by the EvergreenHealth community in 1983 and was sworn in January 1984. Over the last 40 years, she has held multiple leadership roles including Board Chair and Board Secretary. In addition to her leadership roles, Hirt has served on several Board committees, including the Levy Funded and Sponsorship Programs Committee, the Quality and Safety Committee and the Audit, Finance and Compliance Committee.

 

“I have cherished my time as a member of the EvergreenHealth Board and getting to work with so many groups and individuals, all dedicated to meeting the health needs of our patients and our community,” said Hirt. “I look forward to spending more time with my family knowing that our Board, the executive team, physicians and staff will continue to deliver quality care and enhance patient safety.”

 

A decades-long resident of Kirkland, Hirt holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree from The Ohio State University. Hirt also worked as a Medical Technologist in the clinical laboratory at EvergreenHealth for 10 years before being voted onto the Board.

Individuals interested in this important and exciting role and reside in King County Public Hospital District #2, specifically the subdistrict of Kirkland/Kenmore, should apply.

Updated: HTH-Redmond Chronic Homeless Building Opens / Community Meeting, 7/30

"Grand Opening" of HTH - Redmond homeless building
 credit: Andrew Villeneuve/ NPI

According to the City, HTH - Redmond building in Overlake is now open. 

The Salvation Army will be hosting a community meeting for residents and businesses to learn more about how they will house 100 chronic homeless.

Where: Health through Housing (HTH) Redmond, 2122 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052  (Overlake Silver Cloud Hotel location.) 

When: July 30, 2024, 6 p.m. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact The Salvation Army at 425-689-5771 or email HHRedmond@usw.salvationarmy.org. 

BACKGROUND: 

The County paid $28.25 million for the Silver Cloud hotel in Overlake.  

Roughly four weeks ago 6/6/24, Tisza Rutherford, Redmond's Homeless Outreach Coordinator reported all 144+ units of the HTH-Redmond building in Overlake were presently unfilled, awaiting final construction of 100 units reserved for chronic homeless individuals. She didn't know how / if the remaining 44+ units will be used.   According to Tisza, 65% of the homeless individuals will enter from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue;  35% will enter from the outlying cities / locations. Tisza works with the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) to select and admit the individuals. She had 10 Referrals waiting for admission. The HTH - Redmond is providing only Emergency Housing. It has no kitchenettes. Permanent Supportive Housing is not guaranteed. Tisza's work and mission is invaluable.

Mayor Birney is on one of three disorganized KCHRA boards authorized to select a much needed new CEO which they now have. (3 CEO's quit.) 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/3/2024

[ In 2026, KCHRA will participate in selecting chronic homeless individuals for Plymouth Housing in downtown Redmond.  FAQ ]

UPDATED: King County Property Tax Transparency Tool

"Localscape" - King County Assessor Transparency Tool

King County Assessor John Wilson developed the invaluable Localscape "transparency assessor tool" to calculate individual 2024 taxes and levy rates based on your home's appraised value.  Current and past taxes, area median household income, area sales, and copious other useful data is resourced.   

In 1981, I bought my 1,800 sf home on Education Hill for $92,000.  According to the calculator, the 2023 average sales price in my area is $1.2M.  

My total property taxes in 2023 were $8961.80 (up $1,630 from 2022.)  The calculator showed 2023 King County levy rates and dollar amounts on my property were, as follows: 

• Local School 29.30%  - $2475.48
• City 11.04% - $849.3
• County 10.9% - $1311.16
• Library 3.57% - $282.98
• EMS 2.85% - $222.24
• Hospital 2.57% - $151.47
• Transit 2.12% - $160.53
• Port 1.03% - $102.61
• Flood .92% - $69.26
• STATE Taxes $2467.16 (schools, fire, roads, parks & recreation) 

2024 taxes will most likely increase from 2023 owing to voter approved levies and bonds.  This year voters passed a 14 cent /$1000 property tax for the King County Mental Health Crisis Centers; and King County's Silver Cloud hotel in for the chronic homeless.  LWSD will have a $676.9 million construction levy measure on the November ballot. (EvergreenHealth District No. 2 will propose a levy lid-lift August 2025.)

To check out the tax data on your home:  

https://localscape.property/#kingcountyassessor/My-Property

-- Bob Yoder, 7/1/2024

King County Assessor Mailing Property Value Notices

King County Assessor John Wilson

Residential Values Rise, While Values of Large Office Buildings Fall in a Mixed Real Estate Market

The King County Assessor’s office has begun the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving soon.  Preliminary indications show most residential areas will increase a little over 10% on average. Commercial properties are more mixed depending on property type.

Data indicates that most residential market areas will see value increases this year. Those increases will range from the single digits in Seattle, to roughly 20% in some east King County areas. In 2022, some Eastside communities saw values soar 50% in year over year.

“Finally, it is always important to remember that voter approved special levies usually have more impact on property tax increases than do increases in home values,” added Wilson.

To learn more about how property values and taxes are determined, the appeal process, the senior exemption or to use the taxpayer transparency tool, please visit here.

EvergreenHealth Commissioners Present Microsoft Community Service Award

 CEO Ettore Palazzo is 4th from the right

This Is the first of two Community Service Awards being presented by the Board this year. 

 KIRKLAND, Wash. — EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners is recognizing Microsoft for its remarkable commitment to improving the health and wellness of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic by presenting the company with the 2023 Community Service Award.

 

During the pandemic, Microsoft volunteered to help EvergreenHealth and Overlake Medical Center, as well as collaborate with numerous community agencies, to create an effective vaccine program. With dedicated efforts to reach and support BIPOC community members, Microsoft helped administer more than 176,000 vaccinations on the Eastside.

 

“In the midst of the pandemic, Microsoft went above and beyond to advance the health of our community,” said EvergreenHealth Board Chair Virgil Snyder. “The company donated its education center and provided staff support for vaccination program operations, implemented tracking software, fully funded the program and covered clinical costs, donated time, leadership and passion around the clock. Their team set an example and encouraged broader community involvement and support. This award expresses our sincere appreciation to Microsoft for its role as a leader in our community during an unprecedented time.”

 

The award was announced during the June 18 Board of Commissioners meeting and was the first of two 2023 Community Service Awards being presented by the Board this year. The second 2023 Community Service Award will be presented in July.

 

Since 1998, the Community Service Award has been presented to community members and groups who make a profound impact on enhancing the health of the Eastside and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our most important values: compassion, respect, excellence, collaboration and accountability. See a list of past recipients here.

 

EvergreenHealth Board Chair Virgil Snyder (right) presents the 2023 Community Service Award to Colleen Daly (left), Microsoft's Director of Occupational Health, Safety and Research

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About EvergreenHealth   

EvergreenHealth is a community-owned health care hospital system serving more than one million residents in King and Snohomish counties. Since 1972, EvergreenHealth has evolved alongside the Eastside community into a two-hospital health system with a network of primary care practices, urgent care centers, specialty clinics, extensive home care and hospice services, and 24/7 emergency care in Kirkland, Monroe and Redmond. As a public hospital district, the health system’s purpose is to enrich the health and wellness of everyone in the community by providing equal access to high-quality, high-value care, partnering with local organizations to perform outreach and offering health education to address our community’s needs now and for generations to come.  The hospital system is named one of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best™ Hospitals and holds a 5-Star Overall Rating from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). Learn more at www.evergreenhealth.com.  

Circle of Life - Moving On

 

Our roundabout way of getting to places in Gibraltar. 😊  

It is nice to be back home and with a fresh perspective after touring Europe for 16 days. I've decided, even more so, that Redmond needs not just news reporting but a "trouble-maker" (like me) to opine, to bring balance, accountability and government transparency to our community.  We deserve more than what the Mayor is delivering right now, especially with regard to King County's push for promised "harm reduction" of homeless housed in our two urban centers. 

In the Ives' Administration, Redmond Reporter editor John Huether gave me a monthly column, "City Watch."  My first column was published February 14th, 2007: "Tent City moves in at St. Jude."  Yes, the homeless problem in Redmond reaches back 17 years, even with affordable housing.  Some homeless were being bused in from Texas.  If I were to have a column today it would focus on mental health, especially on EvergreenHealth's progress in furthering community behavioral health care and improving the governance process. 

My daughter Lexie (LWSD K-12) born at EvergreenHealth is having a baby boy this summer.  I'll be writing and "watching" less often and some day leave Redmond altogether to be with my extended family. I'm writing with a sense of urgency in this circle of my life.  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/27/2024

The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth

 

"The many colors of  bipolar mood disorder"
Dale Chihuly art (Internet) 

The National Association of Mental Health says 1 in 5 Americans struggle with a mental health condition in a given year and only half are treated.  COVID brought this home.

This Spring, EvergreenHealth's seven commissioners and CEO Palazzo approved  psychiatric and therapy treatment for their two Emergency Departments and three of their Urgent Care clinics. This is a giant leap forward for EvergreenHealth (Evergreen) and the community. The COO of Trauma is putting the program together. She's hiring psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and advanced social workers; it will be remote and in-person. Evergreen is community-owned and a levy lid-lift may be proposed this year or next in support of this program and others.   

Some of the levy-supported Programs today are:  EPIC (MyChart,) "Community Healthcare Access Teams," Grief, Palliative and Hospice care services, Geriatric services, a "Mental Health First Aid Kit" program for LWSD student suicide prevention, and perinatal mood and anxiety maternity care.  

2024 State of the City

Some of the leaders and staff I saw in this video:

  

John Oftebro, President of Redmond Historical Society

Arnie Tomac, retired Council President and co-founder of Redmond Town Center (RTC)

Pat Vache', OneRedmond Foundation Board Treasurer, retired Council President, co-founder of RTC, and Founder of Redmond Kiwanis Club.

Vanessa Kritzer, OneRedmond Board, Council President (and a future Mayor?😇)

Mary Nelson Morrow, OneRedmond Board President, OneRedmond Foundation Board.

Tom Markl, OneRedmond Board, CEO Nelson Legacy Group

Laureen Hamilton, Redmond Parks and Recreation Director

A retired city planning commission chair and LWSD facilities advisor 

Malisa Files, CEO, City of Redmond

Brian Coats, Police Captain

Police Chief Darrrell Lowe

Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard

Siri Bliesner, retired LWSD Board President, Centro Cultural Mexicano Board Vice Chair.

Aspen Richter, LWSD Levy Committee, Facilities Advisory Committee, PTSA Sustainability Chair

This was a Hybrid meeting...

-- Bob Yoder, 6/3/2024

Enrollment Declining At Lake Washington School District

Fewer students in elementary leads to an eventual decline in secondary schools.

The School Board is proposing a $676.9 million, 6-year construction levy this year. If passed, 2 elementary schools and 2 middle schools will be rebuilt and enlarged.

"WHY IS ENROLLMENT DECLINING in our schools even with so much construction going on in the district?  

ANSWER:  "The district is tracking over 9,500 residential units opening within the next 10 years. The majority of the new construction is now multi-family housing (apartments, condominiums, townhomes) rather than single-family. Multi-family housing units do not generate as many students as single family homes do. Multi-family housing generates about seven students for every 100 units vs. a single-family development that generates about 60 students for every 100 homes. This housing growth is certainly offsetting what could be larger enrollment declines. The other reason for the decline is a decline in birth rates. Birth rates are down for Lake Washington area, King County, and across the country. This results in lower kindergarten enrollment and fewer students enrolling at the elementary level. Fewer students in elementary leads to an eventual decline in secondary, even though secondary school enrollment is currently not declining in the same way." 

Source:  LWSD Demographics, FAQ 

Posted by Bob Yoder, 6/3/2024