Updated: Evergreen Hospital Levy Projections and Update

Evergreen Hospital Commission Public Meeting Room is located in the hospital.  Photography and video-taping during meetings is forbidden by the Commission's lawyer.  

The Proposed 2011 Budget was presented in this Tuesday's Commission meeting: 

• The 5 commissioners listened to Finance Director Yamada's report on the 2011 Preliminary Budget. It is still not known when the Public Hearing will be held when community viewpoints can be voiced. 
• Ms Yamada budgeted for a $699,245 (18%) increase  in "Levy for Operations" in 2011 over prior year.   The proposed 2011 Net Operating Fund is $428,302,036 with a Net Operating Gain of $2,940,851 (allocated to the Capital Fund).   
• Total Net Gain (counting tax and investment revenue) is:  $15,009,440. 

Finance Director Yamada said on 9/21 "She was happy to report that the district is ahead of budget and due to aggressive cost controls, is experienced a positive margin despite lower-than-budgeted volumes."

The Evergreen Hospital District Retirement Plan Draft Resolution 835-10 was studied this Tuesday: 

• The District will match 4% of compensation to Key Executives PLUS 4% of Compensation in excess of Social Security Wage Base towards retirement.
• The District will match 6% of bi-weekly Compensation for Physicians and supervisors towards retirement.  This is a reduction from 8% matching funds (7/1/2005 - 1/1/2011). 
• All other Active District Participants will continue to receive up to 4% matching retirement funds. 

News from October 5, 2010 Minutes :

• "VP Medical Affairs, Dr. Mitch Weinberg,*  has decided to resume his pediatric practice full time and thus has resigned effective October 15."   Per Freedom of Information's Act, the part-time position paid a salary of $299,334.54 in 2008 (includes $55,606.54 incentive bonus).  This was a 75% part-time position. 
• CEO Rob Malte introduced Jason Dick as the new "Major Gifts Officer" for the Evergreen Foundation.  
• Plans for the Leadership Retreat (Commissioners & Executives) were almost complete.  The goal is to "deal with proactive planning for health care reform.".  The retreat location wasn't noted.   
• Dr. Jeff Tomlin* was welcomed as the new Chief Medical Officer. 

According to the Administration today, "the position of Vice President for Medical Affairs (VPMA)*, formerly held by Dr. Mitch Weinberg, will not be replaced.  Some of the VPMA responsibilities have been delegated to Dr. Jeff Tomlin in his role as Chief Medical Officer." (L. Burton).

This concludes my report.  Do you have any comments?  Evergreen Hospital is a Public Hospital supported in part by property tax levies.  A Public Hearing on the Budget and Levy is planned in the near future.  Would you like to know the Hearing date and location?

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder (with approval of Sherry Grindeland, Evergreen Media/Marketing and under supervision by a Senior Planner)

Now Playing: "The Wedding Singer" - Dinner and Show

Now Playing: "Redmond High School Theatre Arts presents...

The Wedding Singer

Book and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin & Tim Herl

Music by Matthew Sklar

Directed by Misty Doty

November 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20
7:00 P.M. Dinner & Show

Dinner will be provided by the RHS Culinary Arts Program.

Friday & Saturday shows are $20 a ticket for dinner and the show. Advanced reservations are required for these dates.

Reservations can be made by e-mailing Mrs. Doty at mdoty@lwsd.org  or calling and leaving a message at (425) 936-1820. Please include your name, number in the party, and contact number and/or email. Tickets will be paid for at the door. Each table will seat eight.

All Thursday performances will be $10 a ticket. There will be no advanced reservations for these performances. We will seat the first 128 people.

Dinners will include an appetizer, a main dish (which will satisfy both vegetarians & non-vegetarians), and wedding cake!

Childcare will be provided at all shows by the RHS Child Psychology class. Reservations are required; call (425) 936-1820."

By the Redmond High School Drama Boosters

2011 King County Updated Election Results

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE FOR ELECTION UPDATES

The Next King County Election Report is 4:30 PM Wednesday (today).  The complete schedule for future updates is posted at the end of this post.

KING COUNTY 11/2/2010 8:07:42 PM  
Election Night Final  (see updated results)
Read More >>

PTSA COMMUNITY DIGEST

"LIVABLE REDMOND FORUM. You are invited to an engaging evening featuring sustainability enthusiast and area resident Andy Wappler. This event will begin a dialogue on sustainability related to two key city planning updates. Please come share your ideas and stories, ask questions and help shape Redmond's future! Wednesday, November 3 from 4:30-8:30PM at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.

READY FOR SNOW?  -- Info Night at RHS on November 9th at 7 PM

LACROSSE!   Boys registration on November 16, 7-9 PM ;   Girls registration on November 10, 7:30 PM

RUGBY!  Eastside Lions Youth Rugby, Ages 7 -18,  Season starts January 12.

READ MORE FOR DETAILS >>

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "REDMOND NEIGHBORHOOD BLOG" (RNB) !!

"Cannibal Pumpkter" as found on Patti Margeson's facebook
Carved by Pomegranate Bistro of Redmond 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "RNB" !!

Local News | Convicted sex offender charged with two-year-old Redmond slaying | Seattle Times Newspaper

Arpana Jinaga was slayed in 2008 at a Redmond Halloween party.

 Local News Convicted sex offender charged with two-year-old Redmond slaying Seattle Times Newspaper
Article by Seattle Times
Photo by King County Prosecuter office

Learn where the Redmond sex offenders live in your neighborhood (click)

A big quarter for Microsoft, from Office 2010 to 'Halo: Reach'

A big quarter for Microsoft, from Office 2010 to 'Halo: Reach':

"The latest installment in the blockbuster Halo video-game franchise generated a gigantic $350 million in revenue for Microsoft in its most recent quarter. But the bottom line in the company's Online Services Division continued to look like the aftermath of a 'Halo: Reach' firefight -- ending up some $560 million in the red.

Those were among the highs and lows in the company's latest quarter, underscoring the challenges that Microsoft faces in the consumer market. But the company's core business technology groups more than picked up the slack -- leading Microsoft to significantly top expectations for overall revenues and profits.

Continue reading for a breakdown of Microsoft's divisional results, with charts."

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

Help shape healthcare by volunteering as a Community Advisor

Kirkland, WA - Evergreen Hospital Medical Center needs volunteer Community Advisors to help shape programs and address healthcare issues. Advisors offer input to the Evergreen Board of Commissioners and Administration.

Advisors attend seven educational sessions during the year to learn about healthcare issues facing the community and about Evergreen programs and services. Additionally, they serve on internal hospital task forces and committees and represent Evergreen at regional events.

The 36 advisors serve three-year terms beginning in January. Qualifications include community involvement, professional and/or volunteer experience, strong interpersonal, oral and written skills and an interest in healthcare delivery.

Advisors should be residents in the Evergreen Hospital Medical Center District, which encompasses Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville and portions of northeast, unincorporated King County.

Applications are available online at http://www.evergreenhospital.org/  or by calling 425-899-2664. Applications must be submitted by November 12, 2010.

Follow us on Twitter, http://twitter.com/#!/EvergreenHosp
and become a fan on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/EvergreenHospital.

-- Evergreen press release

Special Notice:   Evergreen Hospital's Board of Commission public meeting Minutes are now available online!  Go to the Evergreen Leadership Page to read the archived Minutes!  (another public service 'gift' from RNB open-government coverage! see "about us".)

Salary Commission asks: how do councilmembers see themselves - as citizen-councillors or paid professionals?

Redmond City Council

UDATED:  With direction from Council and in accordance with municipal code, the Mayor appointed  seven citizens to sit on a Salary Commission to decide if Council should get a raise.  Last night, I attended the third (of seven) Salary Commission meetings.  A public Hearing is scheduled for November 10.

It's been six years since Redmond's elected officials' compensation was reviewed.  In that time, the CPI has increased 16.5%.  Redmond city councilmembers are paid $10,500/year as part-time city employees and some receive health care benefits.  Each councilmember works an average about 90 hours/month.  Hourly pay is approximately $10.50/hour with no cell phone or milage allowance.  Some work a lot more, others less.  Most councilmembers have full or part-time jobs.   

Commissioner Mary Bourguignon raised a policy question:  "Are we to look at Redmond council as a "citizen-council" doing public service and paid an honorarium OR as salaried professionals, paid a pro-rated salary?

Commissioner Marilyn Rice asked, "Do we want to act as a small city"?  Commissioner Bourguigonon said she used to work for the City of Seattle City Council where the Mayor had a paid chauffeur as part of his automobile allowance.   Commissioner Rice asked:   "How does council view themselves"?   Commissioner David Chicks suggested the Reporter run a poll to engage the community on these questions, though concluded they are not statistically valid.

Commissioner Karin Duval started a discussion on the number of candidates participating in the last council election.  Commissioner Sally Chen said she and three councilmembers (Vache, Stilin, Allen) ran for council office in the last election.  Vache' and Stilin ran unopposed.   One commissioner asked why candidate turnout is so low.  Commissioner Randy Coggan bluntly concluded:   "Apathy".  Ms. Chen suggested younger candidates on lower incomes may be less likely to dive into a race. 

COLA's were discussed by committee facilitator, Kerry Seivers (HR Director).  Most cities use the CPI-W index to benchmark adjustments.  Redmond is one of the few cities using a more flexible and some might say more subjective "nonuniform index".  The city HR department includes some of the largest employers in the city and small businesses, along with municipalities in their index.  Commissioner Sherry Sanders asked if LWSD salaries were included in the nonuniform index.  Ms. Seivers' immediate response was "yes" and then changed it to something less.  Ms. Sanders indicated LWSD shouldn't be included in the nonuniform index. 

The CPI-W increased 16.5% since council's last 2004 pay adjustment.  How will the Salary Commission keep Council's COLA uniform with the rest of Redmond's city workers?  CPI-W appears the only constant.    

The Salary Commission is holding a public Hearing on Wednesday, November 10 in the City Hall Council Conference Room (1st floor).  Public is invited to address the Commissioners and staff.   The Mayor's compensation will be reviewed later this year by Council in open Hearings.

Reported by Bob Yoder
This is my first report on the Salary Commission and I am unfamiliar all the commissioners and their names.

OPINION: Freedom of Speech and the "doll & cross" Halloween display



This is the original display before it was vandalized.   This display was replaced with brown crosses, Barbie dolls and a sign that says "It's only Halloween!"  Photo By Katie Jones

 OPINION:  Long live freedom of speech. That some find this offensive and scary - too bad. I find it more disturbing that we need to involve our government in complaints like this for a holiday display. Also, the display, on private property, was vandalized this week. Vandalism is a crime. This is no different than art or messages or TV shows we find offensive. It's no wonder schools call it "Harvest Festival" now instead of Halloween. Political correctness and hypersensitivity abounds. If this display is found offensive, there are hundreds of others that the government should ban simply because someone found them scary or offensive or stupid or the wrong color. I will take a display like this over so-called 'haunted houses' put on by radical churches who show displays of abortion. I give full support to this property owner's RIGHT to display this display and the government can stay out of it.

Opinion by Brian Hansford
Education Hill neighbor

This opinion was posted from a comment made by Brian Hansford under the post "What kind of Halloween decorations are these?"

Comments requested on proposal to build wildlife crossing across Novelty Hill Road

King County Road Services has applied for a federal grant to construct a transportation project entitled: “Safer Wildlife and Community Mobility through the Novelty Hill Road Corridor.”  The proposed project is to build a wildlife crossing across NE Novelty Hill Road just west of the QFC, near the Puget Sound Energy powerline corridor and the King County designated Wildlife Habitat Network.  Comments are requested!

Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), the regional agency that processes these grants, is encouraging people to comment on all of the 25 projects proposed to receive this grant funding. (Comments recieved after the due date will still be considered). They initially received 88 competitive proposals, evaluated them, and selected 25 to recommend funding. The PSRC Executive Board will make a final decision on the funding at their Executive Board Meeting to be held October 28. PSRC is encouraging public comment on these projects and I have attached their press release announcing the comment period in the link below. Note that the first project example listed is our wildlife grant.

http://www.psrc.org/about/public/news-releases/psrc-seeking-comment-on-25-transportation-projects/

Our wildlife crossing project would provide safer travel for people driving as well as for many animals by constructing a wildlife crossing. Many animals (from cougar and bear to deer, coyote, and bobcat just to name a few) inhabit this area and utilize the remaining habitat in this rapidly developing area. This project would help keep the animals off the road, reducing wildlife/vehicle collisions and to reconnect habitat that is currently fragmented by NE Novelty Hill Road. By reconnecting these remaining large areas of undeveloped land, animals will be more free to safely move about and fulfill their life cycle needs. The crossing would also reconnect isolated populations, thus increasing genetic diversity.

Feel free to comment on the proposed projects and distribute this message to folks who may not be aware of the request for comments. (Comments received after October 28 will still be reviewed).

How to comment: 
By email:  tipcomment@psrc.org

By Mail:  Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104-1035
Phone: (206) 205-1561

Submitted By Barbara Lau
RNB reader

16 Redmond Rouser's Rotarians are Changing the World

Redmond's Rouser's Rotarians - Students of the Month

16  Redmond Rousers' Rotarians are Changing the World

The Redmond Rousers Rotary Club meets at 5:30 PM Tuesdays for dinner & fellowship at Fairwinds Leisure Care at 9988 Avondale NE (at the corner of Avondale & Novelty Hill Road). We have just added 11 new members, to further our goals of helping others & promoting peace, says Club President, Kelly Kyle.

Tuesday Oct 19th, our Students of the Month honorees were Saleem & Holly from EHS. These kids are so awesome, said musician Janet Baltzo, a new member. "I could listen to their stories all day. This is so cool!" The Redmond Rousers honor students who have turned their lives around and picked up the pieces. "Everyone has troubles now and then, stated Saleem, "You just go on & try harder". Many people in the audience, nodded their heads in agreement, while new member Scott Bell video recorded the meeting to post later. Scott is looking for others who are interested in recordings and reaching out to do social media or promoting their business. You can reach him or others by going to our website and clicking on their names. It will take you right to their site.

Thursday, Oct 21st, at 11am, the Rotary Rouser members gave 61 FREE dictionaries to the Einstein Elementary 3rd grade kids. This year we have a new way to give the books. The sponsors & the club go in half & half on the cost, but the sponsor gets to pick the school. This year, new member, Dr. Aditi Agarwal, local Dentist on the corner of Avondale & 116th decided to pick the closest school to her new business. The students were thrilled when we told them they had a NEW BOOK to take home. President Kelly talked about the eradication of POLIO worldwide, and why healthy kids all over the world are so important to Rotarians. Dr Aditi brought in her large teeth display & explained why cleaning teeth is so important for good oral hygiene. All the kids had so much fun looking up new words in their new book, and each 3rd grade teacher received a new book for their classroom too. 

READ MORE >>

OPINION: Offensive Halloween Decorations

Katie J. Redmond / credit

I find it offensive to have this display on a very busy street in Redmond. Education Hill is home to several churches and schools with hundreds of children traveling by this address every day.

In speaking to some of my friends and neighbors, they find the display offensive and a bit scary. My friend’s daughter began crying when she saw the dolls hanging from the crosses.

The house has been reported to the Redmond Mayor’s office who reports that they have forwarded complaints to the Code Enforcement Officer. It may not be against the City code, but it ought to warrant a visit from local law enforcement to ask them to remove the dolls from the display.

One friend suggested that a knock on the door might be more appropriate than the publicity from the council, law enforcement and media agencies. I’m not sure I’d feel safe as a citizen making that request of a person who finds hanging baby dolls from crosses as an appropriate Halloween theme.

Watch last night's KOMO 4 11pm News Report here. 

Rebuttal by Brian Hansford, "Freedom of Speech and the "cross & doll" Holiday display"

"Parent's Role in Sports," by Tim Driver - two upcoming LW PTSA sponsored events

brought to you by LW PTSA Parent Education

LIFE LESSONS FOR ATHLETES: REDEFINING THE TERM ATHLETE. A program for parents and students on October 28th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Eastlake High School Theater. Tim Driver of Proactive Coaching will lead a session on the life lessons one should attain from being part of a team and also how to apply these values to everyday decision making including combating the challenges and temptations that come our way.Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

PARENTS' ROLE IN SPORTS. This presentation on November 16th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Rose Hill JH Theater is for PARENTS only. During the presentation, Tim Driver of Proactive Coaching will outline the most effective strategies parents can use before, during & after the game to support their young athletes throughout their time in school. Learn what our kids would like to tell us about how to help their performance and create great memories, but probably won't. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! More parenting presentations coming later this fall and winter: A to Z Toolbox for Successful Parenting on December 2nd and Great Conversations between Parents & Teens: Top Ten Talks to Have Together on January 24th. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

Mustang Weekly, October 18 issue

UPDATED: Please Vote NO on I-1100 and I-1105.

Drop off your ballot at City Hall !

UPDATED OPINION:  The City Council and Mayor worked their tails off last night - for over three hours.  A Budget Hearing took up a lot of their time.  (The final Budget Hearing is November 16).

Over six human services organizations lined up to request funds or thank Mayor Marchione for funds budgeted. Every presentation stirred emotions and elicited concerns. The one that touched me the most was Therapeutic Health Services (THS). They treat folks with severe drug, alcohol and mental illness. My younger brother, Rick, had all three, including prescription drug addiction, and died in his 40's.

Manager Joellen of THS rattled off some startling statistics:  A least 10% of the general population is afflicted with either mental illness or drug abuse (or both). Mothers Against Drunken Drivers say every 45 minutes someone is killed by a drunk; and for every one DWI conviction, the violator will have driven an average of 87 times without getting caught.

So how does the Council help fund these human services to treat the afflicted and get them safely back to a normal life?   One citizen*  recommended eliminating the 1% Cost of Living increase ($680,000) that's budgeted for 624 city staff -- to help fund requests (and keep down property taxes.)  This election offers another possible source of funding:  If voters defeat state liquor store privatization measures I-1100 and I-1105 the city will  save over $350,000 in tax revenue/year. 

I've lived in New York, Florida, Ohio, and Arizona where liquor sales were privatized and a bottle could be had at any street corner; please not here. The TV ads show giggling, liquor-toting youth, jumping into cars after tricking convenience stores into a sale. Yes, my brother would remember these times, if he were alive.

Please vote NO on I-1100 and I-1105.

Opinion By Bob Yoder*
CC:  Council
Letter to:  Redmond Reporter

OPINION: Thirty Education Hill neighbors attend the city Ed. Hill Network Meeting, By Bob Yoder

OPINION:  I spent two hours at the Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting last night.  I met up with some neighbors I hadn't seen in a while. Unfortunately, less than 30 neighbors showed up. CERT training, traffic on 166th and 104th, were big topics of discussion brought up by the neighbors (who sat around in three groups with staff). None of the staff running the small groups were from Education Hill. One was from Woodinville. Another from a rural city. Another from Idylwood. About four planning commissioners were present. Councilmembers Vache, Cole, Margeson, and Stilin attended, but Allen who lives on Ed. Hill didn't make it. The Mayor showed up for the intro and then left. Staff's big push was the $5000 beautification project available to the micro-neighborhoods (cul de sacs, etc.).  They were also excited about an attractive Ed. Hill web page and Facebook page coming out.  It's too bad city couldn't take us to the next level of engagement - Neighborhood Associations. With the exception of the Redmond Foundation, formation of public-private partnerships with the City appear to move slowly. The networking meeting would be so much more effective if the ratio of staff/elected (12) to neighbors (28)was less top-heavy. When all is said and done, this effort by the city was better than none and we should be thankful that they care so much about those few that attended.  

Opinion By Bob Yoder

The Salmon are still running on Bear Creek; Classic Nursery is a great spot to see 'em.

The photos on the right were taken behind Classic Nursery on Bear Creek.  Salmon were spawning on the left side of the log where the water pooled around a gravely bed.  

Watch the salmon run on Bear Creek until mid-November.  Excellent viewing stations are behind Classic Nursery, on Avondale Road. 

For details and directions to Classic Nursery click: 
http://www.govlink.org/watersheds/8/action/salmon-seeson/rose.aspx

Here's a picture of  a Sockeye salmon grouping left of the log.   They appear to be spawning.  A photographer told us ten years ago 10-20 salmon may have lined up here.  We didn't see any Chinook.  They are the large, federally protected salmon.

Does anyone know if the salmon run was good this year?   Did anyone see any Chinook?

Photos by Yoder
iPhone

Post Script:  from Linda and Leon:

Thank you for letting people know about the salmon run. I’m not sure if you know that Brian Healy's classes at the Lake Washington Environmental and Adventure School have been instrumental over 10 years in helping us develop, maintain and enhance the trail. Redmond Organization of Shared Environments (R.O.S.E.) is a 501c3 that has volunteer docents to lead groups to teach environmental education. We had over 20 groups this year from preschool to a graduate program that was docent-led. We appreciate you sharing this treasure.
Regards,

Linda and Leon
Classic Nursery landowners

King County 2010 General Election Resource for the Eastside

Redmond City Hall Ballot Drop Box is open 24/7.  15670 NE 85th St.  No stamps needed.  

King County General Election, ballots must be post-marked by November 2, 2010
League of Woman's Voters of Washington takes positions on statewide ballot measures...

• SUPPORT: R-52, I-1098
• OPPOSE: I-1053, I-1100, I-1105, I-1107
• TAKE NO POSITION: I-1082, HJR4220, SJR8225

Measures
http://www.seattlelwv.org/sites/default/files/ballot_issues10.pdf

County Charter / Proposition Issues - Ratings by Municipal League of King County
http://www.munileague.org/issues/ballot-issues

Candidates
http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/201011/contestscandidates.aspx
Ratings of Legislative Candidates -  Ratings by Municipal League of King County http://www.munileague.org/candidate-evaluations/previous-ratings/2010/king-county-executive

Ratings for Judges
http://www.votingforjudges.org/10gen/rating/index.html
King County Bar Association ratings
http://www.kcba.org/judicial/ratings/2010_ratings.aspx

Rossi - Murray Seattle Times Debate, 10/10
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/flatpages/editorialopinion/webcastsenate2010.html

"Eyman's Initiative 1053 undermines the principle of majority rule" - Seattle Times Opinion
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2012990743_guest27carlyle.html

Public Disclosure Commission - campaign contributions
http://www.pdc.wa.gov/default.aspx

Mayor John Marchione's 2010 Budget Report and Interview



Mayor John Marchione



"Inside Redmond"  

Mayor John Marchione's
 2010 Budget Report  - a conversation with Deputy City Administrator Jane Christenson

The Mayor's 2010 budget interview with Deputy City Administrator Jane Christenson
The Mayor's 2011-2012 Preliminary Operating Budget Written Report

Redfin's King County real estate report

Prices continue their free-fall

for the month of September

"Seasonality is setting in on the Seattle real estate market, and just like the colorful leaves of fall, all of the numbers are dropping for the second month in a row. Inventory available in King County fell by 3.5% and sales volume is down by 16.6%.

Where does this leave prices? Last month, Redfin’s stats P.M. Tim Ellis predicted “another 2-4% drop in the size-adjusted median”, and he wasn’t too far off the mark. King County ended up dropping 2.3%. We are predicting median prices to hold steady over the next month to compensate for the last two months of drops and then take the inevitable fall as people bundle up and head into winter."

For a breakdown by city, Read More

By Michelle Broderick

Redfin

Who makes placement decisions for special education students?

from the desk of Julie Shalaby
LW School District - PTSA Special Needs Chair

Do you know who is responsible for making decisions about special educational placements? Do you know what factors they must consider? It's not unusual for parents and schools to disagree about appropriate placement. Some school districts develop "one-size-fits-all" programs that are not appropriate for children with disabilities.

Read More
Wrightslaw.com

How do we improve our neighborhoods? By Bob Yoder

OPINION:  As the Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting approaches on Monday, October 18, you may want to think about ideas to bring up with the city planners.   The city motto for the meeting is:  "We are listening...to you".  So, it looks like the city will be all ears.   The meeting hours are 6;30 - 8:30.  Location:  Redmond Junior High.

You'd think that emergency preparedness and safety would be at the top of the meeting list with all the burglaries recently reported and then El Nina expected to bring heavy rains and winds this year.

One of my pet projects is to encourage the City to adapt "Neighborhood Associations". Hundreds of cities across the country, including Kirkland, WA, organize Neighborhood Associations (N.A.) to engage their residents in city plans and bring vibrancy to their communities.

The City of Bend, OR residents explain what Neighborhood Associations mean to them: 

"Neighborhood associations greatly increase the two-way communications between the city and its residents by providing a clear and organized way for residents to speak to their city government.  Neighborhood associations draw people closer to their city government and closer still to their fellow neighbors.  Neighborhood participation gives residents a strong, united voice in civic life and joins them in shared neighborhood projects.  Neighborhood associations are inclusive, reflecting the diversity which enriches a community.  members include families singles, retired people, youths business owners, faith-based organizations, schools, homeowners, and renters.

N.A.'s operate much like a school PTSA, with officers, regular meetings, a web site, and committees, including fundraising.  The N.A. could select committees for:   emergency preparedness, crime prevention, streets & traffic and bike control patterns, fundraising, a school-linkage, GreenRedmond parks, R-Trip, Block Watch, ThinkRedmond business, Land Use planning for ADU's & Tent City, Leadership Institute, beautification gateways, and neighborhood picnic or holiday event.

READ MORE >> on the city's current position  on N.A.  .

City partners to build a "rain garden" at NE 40th & 172nd Ave. By John Reinke

Installation Site on NE 40th and 172nd Ave.

This report and photographs are contributed by John Reinke of Education Hill, Redmond.

With great excitement, two weeks ago I joined three staff members from Stewardship Partners and two local citizen volunteers, in constructing a "rain garden" on city land near a busy intersection at NE 40th Street and 172nd Avenue.

The purpose of a "rain garden" is to divert rainwater runoff into a temporary "holding pond" where it can be absorbed and retained in the soil, rather than ending up in Puget Sound via the stormwater runoff system. This benefits the land by replenishing groundwater and it benefits the Sound by keeping out heavy metals.

Plants and gravel outflow area positioned on site

The idea for the rain garden came from Stewardship Partners, which obtained funding for it from the King Conservation District. Stewardship Partners is a local nonprofit that specializes in helping landowners to preserve the environment. The City of Redmond partnered on the project, and provided the necessary permits, as well as scooping out a depression in the ground for the rain garden and modifying the curb to permit rainwater to enter from the road. Planning for the garden was done by Zsofia Pasztor of Innovative Landscape Technologies. See the slide show of the installation. 

Stacey Gianas of Stewardship Partners oversaw our planting efforts. She explained how different species of plants were chosen, depending upon which of 3 levels they would occupy in the garden. Plants at the bottom level have to tolerate having their roots wet for extended periods of time. On the other hand, plants at the top level should be somewhat drought resistant. Plants in the middle level need to be somewhere in between in their water requirements.

READ MORE >> about the installation

Community Digest of October Events

COMMUNITY DIGEST  (scroll down to "Read More")

SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER ART CONTEST - submissions due October 15
EASTLAKE VS. REDMOND BAND RIVALRY SHOW - October 15
TEEN TOATMASTERS. Tuesdays Oct 12 - Oct 26 from 5-6 PM
OPEN MIC NIGHT! - October 16 @ 7 PM
SAMMAMISH PLATEAU PARENT NETWORKING GROUP - Family Problems? - October 18
SKI & SPORT SWAP - SATURDAY, October 23, 9-2 PM
VOLUNTEER CLEANUP AT IDYLWOOD PARK - October 30 from 9 - 12 PM.
Read More >>

-- Mustang Weekly, October, 2011

DOCUMENTARY FILM, "A Chemical Reaction" followed by discussion and refreshements hosted by Sustainable Redmond.  Thursday, October 28, 7-9 PM  Redmond Library.
READ MORE >>

Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting at Redmond Junior High is coming up!

The Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2010.

6:30 - 8:30PM   at Redmond Junior High,

Details are here:  http://www.redmond.gov/intheworks/edhill/
Kimberly Dietz, neighborhood planner

"the city is listening...to you" 

Reporter story of the LWSD overcrowding needs clarification

Bob Yoder

OPINION:  "Reporter story on the LWSD overcrowding needs clarification"  By Bob Yoder

I think Mary Decker's October 6 story "Parents weigh in on overcrowding issue" is very well written,  except for a couple omissions, as follows:

1)  Error & Omission:   Two new District Superintendents (Pierce & Vaille) attended and participated in the October 6 input session.  The Reporter omitted them.

This summer Superintendent Chip Kimball initiated significant organizational changes to the District administration.  (see my earlier post).  One change, was to promote Dr. Traci Pierce to Deputy Superintendent of School Instruction and move Dr. John Vaille to Assistant Superintendent of Technology.  Pierce and Vaille now report directly to Superintendent Dr. Kimball rather than to Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard.  Janene is now freed up to direct Administrative operations.  Dr. Pierce, Dr. Vaille, and Barbara Posthumus actively participated in this vibrant October 9th input session.  Their participation was absent in last year's feeder school and levy input sessions. 

2)  Clarification:  Not one School Board member attended  or participated in the Oct. 6 input meeting.  The Reporter omitted this.  When a parent questioned how LWSD planned to "advertise" its desire for community support for more funding, Fogard noted, " The district can only provide information.  It can not spend money to promote its agenda."  [Reporter]

What wasn't said is:  the School Board IS authorized to promote the agenda, so why weren't they there?  Board members Ravi Shahanni, Chris Carlson, and Nancy Bernard missed all three overcrowding input meetings.  Our Community needs the full support and participation of our School Board members if future levy and bonds are to pass.  Last year is a perfect lesson.

School Board members advertise and promote their candidacy to voters when they're up for re-election; why can't give the same level of support to our schools during bond and levy elections?

Opinion By Bob Yoder

What does a Pet Parade, Firehouse Chili and Apples have in common?

The Saturday Market!

October 9th - This Saturday - "The Redmond Apple Cup"

Come sample our apples, talk to the farmers,

and learn all the wonderful facts about Washington apples.

From 11 to 1 pm - at the Info Booth.

October 23rd - 10 to 2 pm

The Redmond Fire Department will be our chef demo with their Firehouse Chili.

Please come help us support their Benevolent Association

by trying a sample of their chili and leaving a donation with them.

October 30th - "Howl-O-Ween" Pet Parade

A costume parade for kids and dogs! Prizes for the top 3 four-legged winners.

Bring your kids in costume for the parade.

Bring your dogs in costume to compete for one of the three prizes.

Gather at the Gazebo at 11:45 - the Parade starts at 12 noon sharp, cause the dogs won't wait!

This is such a fun event and full of laughs!

Mark Your Calendars! 

Beware of the Latest Youth Drug Trend

Beware of the Latest Youth Drug Trend

Spice, K2 or "fake pot" is legal, but dangerous

There's a new drug trend among youth that you should be aware of--an herbal and chemical product which mimics the effects of marijuana. It's best known by the brand names K2 or Spice and some are referring to it as herbal incense or "fake weed." Whatever brand name it goes by, it's proving to be dangerous and I urge you to talk with your teens about the potential side effects.

Click Here to read more about the availability and side effects of Spice.

Read More about "One Family's Struggle" 

Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adults"

Hank Margeson

At last night's City Council Meeting, Councilmember Hank Margeson noted that the Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adult"  - including late teens to early 20's.  He said this is not widely known.   

Fifty years and up qualifies one as a Senior with full access to the Center.  However, for late teens there are still many activities.  Some require the presence of a Senior; others don't.  Sign-in at the Front Desk.   

According to Terry Burke, Senior Center Manager, the outside area along the Sammamish Trail is a city park and is open to all.  Volleyball, horse-shoes, and pickle ball, badmitten, and shuffle board are open to the public, as are the picnic tables.  Check into the front desk for balls, rackets and horse shoes.  The Center has four indoor ping pong tables and three billiard tables.

Center hours are M-Th, 8:30 - 9 p.m. and Friday 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.   The Center is interested in attracting more 30-49 year-olds and is expecting most teens will attend the Teen Center.  The Redmond Senior Center is located at 8703 - 160th Ave NE.  Their website is being updated but has contact information and a brief listing of services.

RNB reported on adult teen and low 20's access to the Senior Science Center in August of 2009.  My story and pictures of the "outdoor park play area" are here. 

UPDATED: Redmond City Council Will Vote To Confirm Salary Commission Appointments

UPDATED, 10/5 -  By Consent Agenda, tonight, 10/5, the Council silently voted unanimously "aye" to confirm the Salary Commission appointments.

In the October 5 City Council Meeting, Council will vote to confirm the appointments of seven citizens to an "independent Salary Commission." The Commission is charged with reviewing Council’s $850/month salary and benefits “to determine if an adjustment is needed.”  Council member Richard Cole estimates each council member works significantly more than ~672 hours/year.  2004 was the last time Council’s compensation was reviewed. What initial thoughts do you have?

Fifteen citizens applied for the seven-member Salary Commission, in response to city advertisements this September 2 - 24.  Senior council member Richard Cole wrote:

"We (council) have agreed that each council member will pick one person. The names will go to the Mayor who will make the appointment. The council will still have a confirmation vote just like the other commissions. There will be seven commissioners".

It is not known at this time which council member picked which candidate. According to document AM-No.10 194  the following citizens are appointed by the Mayor:  Mary Bourguignon, Sally Chen, David Chicks, Rand-Scott Coggan, Karin Duval, Marilyn Rice, Sheri Sanders.   It's expected commissioners will begin their work mid-October with a decision by December 1, 2011.

The Mayor’s compensation will be reviewed this year, as well, but not by the Salary Commission.  READ MORE >>