UPDATED: Rose Hill Middle School project application is recommended by hearing examiner with conditions

Rose Hill Middle School Site Plan - a stand of trees buffers the southern residential community



UPDATED OPINION:  The public is invited to comment on this project on October 4, 7:30 PM at Redmond City Hall.  There should be ample time for the public to comment - 10 minutes is provided.

The new Rose Hill Middle School and Stella Schola Choice School project application was recommended with conditions August 22nd by the Hearing Examiner.  The 143,000 sq. ft. school, with 90 new parking stalls, will be located on the same 23 acre parcel as the old Junior High.  Estimated construction cost is $49,158,000. The new school is slated for construction in 2012 while the Junior High is in session.   Address:  13505 NE 75th Street, Redmond.

The project City Council Public Meeting  Notice of 9/10 is especially confusing.: http://www.redmond.gov/government/publichearingnotices.  This link doesn't explain in any way how the public process works and who decides who can speak against whom.  I've contacted the city Ombudsman and project planner, sfischer@redmond.gov for clarification and will update this page with their responses.

The record shows intense public participation.  For the most part, tree removal, a fuel pipeline, and parking incited the turnout.  Three neighborhood meetings were held between April 15 and May 19, 2011.  A total  of 40 residents turned out.  In addition, 56 comments were taken from 9 people during the application process prior to the public Hearing.

THE CONDITIONS:

TRAFFIC & PARKING: The new school will increase capacity from 654 students to 900 total students, including Stella and portables.  The project will generate 642 net new daily trips serviced by three driveways. An expanded parent pick-up/drop-off drive will reduce congestion. A separate bus lane with room for eleven buses will increase traffic efficiency.  Parking demand for the events (5-10/year) currently exceeds demand and will continue to do so, even with 60 additional off-street parking spaces and 42 new spaces along entree drives.  The project includes 50 student bike racks, most of them covered.

STREET LIGHTING:  Streetlights may be required to illuminate the property frontage. Contact:  Paul Cho, Transportation Operations (425) 556-2751 with questions.

TREES:   Nearly half the trees will be saved; the City of Redmond requires retaining a minimum of 35% significant trees.   228 significant, healthy trees will be removed, including 12 Landmark Trees (greater than 30 inches in diameter).  218 significant trees and six Landmarks will be saved.   A stand of trees and 12 inch snag used by foraging Pileated Woodpeckers will be retained along the southern site boundary.  A Tree Preservation Map is available for viewing at Redmond City Hall.

THE OLYMPIC PIPELINE:  A 400-mile long petroleum pipeline from Ferndale to Portland runs N-S on the eastern boundary along the PSE electric transmission easement.  Read More >>

Redmond Police to do extra enforcement around schools, start of the year

Jim Bove to speak Sept 2

"Reading, Writing, and Safe Driving!"

Redmond, WA – Redmond Police will be doing extra enforcement in and around school zones to make sure children and citizens get off to a safe start this academic year.  Officers will use speed trailers and enforce regulations pertaining to speed, crosswalks, and parking.

Additionally, with the beginning of the academic year, traffic safety cameras on NE 116th Street in front of Einstein Elementary School will be activated. 


Cameras in front of Einstein are live only when the yellow beacons are flashing, generally from:
8:35 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.
3:25 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. 
(Wednesday afternoon - 1:55 pm - 2:15 pm)

“Those traveling should always maintain safe driving habits, but especially in school zones where children may not be paying attention,” stated Traffic Lt. Nick Almquist.  “We will work with school crossing guards and school administrators to ensure they are prepared for the coming academic year.”
Other safety tips:

•  When posted, the speed limit is 20 miles per hour in school zones when children are present (Fine: minimum $189, depends on speed)
•  Stop when following a school bus and its red lights are flashing  (Fine: $394)
•  Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks (Fine: $124)
•  Avoid using cell phones, IPods, and other activities that cause inattentive driving (Fine: $124)

Jim Bove
Redmond Police Department
Community Outreach Facilitator
(425) 556-2545
jbove@redmond.gov

Mr. Bove to speak at First Friday Chat, Sept. 2, 10AM, Senior Community Center.  Public is invited.

LW District students outperform ten largest state school districts in "improvement status" rating

Superintendent Kimball

“Our high schools continue to do very well compared to other schools across the state.  Science is a particular strength here, as it is in our junior highs and elementary schools.”
     -- Chip Kimball, LWSD Superintendent

Of the ten largest school districts in the state, Lake Washington is the only one that has not entered Average Yearly Progress (AYP) “improvement status.” 

Redmond, Wash. – With high average state test scores, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) met the standard for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 51 of 57 areas under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), according to information released by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. District students continue to score significantly above state averages on the state tests, the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) and High School Proficiency Exams (HSPE) as well as the new End of Course exams for math in secondary schools.  Read More >>

LETTERS: Pro & Con Comments on Redlight Cameras

LETTER (Pro): I went from being a person against the red light cameras to being fully supportive of them. I was afraid I'd be rear ended several times as I slammed on brakes to avoid getting tickets (yes, I admit to cutting it close on occasion). But after attending the public meeting on the red light cameras, and seeing how people were speeding up and ENTERING the intersection after the light was red, well, I would give them a ticket too. Slowing down just a bit so that you can approach the light at a safe enough speed to avoid being rear ended and getting a ticket is easy. It's not too much to ask.

-- Comment By Anonymous1 on OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer ... on 8/30/11

LETTER (Con):  I think cameras are a great idea. We should have them everywhere, not just red lights. Like on the highway, so we can ticket all you slow drivers in the passing lanes. And in our houses (and bedrooms), so we can make sure there’s no wrongdoing going on there. Let’s not forget every church, synagogue and mosque. Can you imagine the juicy sedition we could uncover? Last, I’d like to put a webcam in almost every room at Redmond city hall, so we can see what really drives the behavior, decisions, and results that have so many of us puzzled. It seems we have the right and obligation to constantly monitor each other to ensure we protect society from our collective bad behavior. We’ll, count me all in. If you’re not doing anything wrong, you won’t object, right?

  --Comment By Anonymous2 on OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer... on 8/30/11

The Council Public Safety Committee meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month (4 PM at City Hall).  Councilmembers David Carson (candidate for Nov. election), Hank Myers (uncontested candidate) and John Stilin are committee members.  The meetings are open to the public; the Redlight camera program and videos are often reviewed.  

The April - June public safety committee report on Redlight cameras is here.  Redmond Way/148th Ave NE intersection has the most citations/month.   B.Y.

UPDATED OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer to qualifying for February 7 ballot

UPDATE: 
9/21/2011 - NEWS FLASH:   THE MAYOR AND HIS CITY LAWYER, MR. HANEY, ANNOUNCE TODAY THAT THE 6000 PETITIONS ARE ILLEGAL ACCORDING TO STATE LAW AND WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE COUNTY FOR FILING.  B.Y.  Eyman's Editorial  9/22 

Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Cole's OpEd in response to Eyman's Editoral., 9/22

Scott Harlan, Redmond activist

from the Desk of Scott Harlan, Redmond resident and activist... 

OPINION:  "My goal is to get a public vote on the redlight camera program so the citizens can say “yes” or “no”.  If they say “yes”, I am fine with that (although I would personally vote no.)

We are quickly approaching the end of the redlight signature signature gathering phase of this campaign.  With a little bit more work, we are well on our way to qualify for the ballot (which will be on February 7th). 

Campaign Update:  There has been a little confusion about the [red light signature gathering campaign,] so let me clear that up.   The signature gathering phase of an initiative lasts a full six months.  For gathering signatures, that final date is roughly September 20th.  Once the signatures are gathered, they are turned in to the county for verification.  After the city council acts, the measure would then go on the ballot for the next election per certain regulatory time-frames. 

For Redmond Initiative #1, that means that the measure goes on the February ballot.  Making the November ballot in time would have required a miracle given the size of Redmond. [ ] The county just requires too much lead time to make a November ballot.  When we are on the February ballot, that will be success." 

The following Redlight Signature Gathering Event is scheduled for September 10th:

Redlight Signature Gathering Event:

When:  Saturday, September 10th

 from 9:30am to 3:30pm 

(2-3 hour shifts are just fine and appreciated)

Where:  Meet at the Together Center board room

 (16225 NE 87th, Redmond, WA  98052)

Opinion By Scott Harlan

"Public-Private Partnerships" are Popular in Redmond



"Economy Fence Center" in partnership with City of Redmond Development? 

Public-Private partnerships are a popular method of funding these days in the city.  In this case, "Economy Fencing Center" appears to be partnering with the City to build this stormwater wetland pond  (ha! ha!)  Looks like the city is pretty proud of their fencing partner! 

This new stormwater treatment facility is located on the corner of 111th Street NE and 172nd Ave NE.  It treats stormwater from the roads and new Emerald Heights project that's planned to go in soon.  Horse-back riders frequently travel on the gravel trail along the PSE Power Line.  Oh, is that why the white vinyl fencing was installed - to give the feel of equestrian farm land?   

Seriously, a few of the partnerships the City has with private organizations are: 

• The Saturday Market -- $5,000 funding by the city per year, R-Trip, Evergeen Hospital ($1,000)
• **Realize Redmond -- $50,000 (one time seed $), consultants
• Redmond Economic Development Association -- $200,000 (one time seed $), consultants
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to promote tourism - $377,000 tax revenues in 2010.
• Bullseye Creative -- content and branding for city website and economic partners
• R-Trip
• Anderson Park Shelter - Rotary Club of  Redmond donated labor and money.
• Redmond Historical Society - fund staff, in-kind meeting space at ORS Community Center
• Derby Days
• Redmond Pool managed by Wave Aquatics
• Green-Redmond - administered by Cascade ConservancyRedmond
• Parks & Planning - Berger Consutlants - conceptual planning/administration for parks projects.
• "Red Light Safety Camera Program" - American Traffic Solutions

Okay, it's a weekend and I'm all fenced in.  This story will be updated early next week, so come back!  Please comment below if you can help me fill in the blanks. 

** Realize Redmond promotes the Downtown Park fundraising effort.  Sept. 10 presentation at Red. Hist. Soc. Meeting 10:30 - Noon, Old Redmond School House

Opinion by Bob Yoder

i-Phone photo by Yoder

WSDOT restripes exit lane to Redmond Way to unclog gridlock

The restriping work will be done within the next several weeks, 8/25

from the desk of Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications

WSDOT restripes exit lane to Redmond Way

We get email from eastside drivers who tell us they love the new lanes on SR 520 between West Lake Sammamish Parkway and SR 202. The lanes have been open since December 2010. The lanes save time and make for a better commute.

 Usually, in the same breath, they tell us how much they dislike the single lane exit to SR 202 / Redmond Way. The idea was to limit cars crisscrossing as they headed toward the exit. The weaving leads to collisions. Redmond drivers still don’t like it.

We have been working with the city of Redmond for several months now to unclog that gridlock at the end of the ramp to Redmond Way. While there is no perfect solution, we have agreed to restripe the exit lane to Redmond Way and give drivers two lanes instead of one. It’s a start.

We expect to do the work in the next several weeks.  Thank you to the drivers who have written into us with their traffic-busting solutions in the last several months.  

Jamie Holter

WSDOT Communications I

206.440.4698 (W)   206.719.7535 (cell)

LETTER: Commercial development in our neighborhoods? Enough is Enough.

LETTER:  "The Planning commission writes, "We certainly understand the need to keep residential development and rendering plants separate, but do not see the immediate incompatibility of a corner coffee shop, produce store or bakery with the needs of residents who might walk to such an establishment." This kind of "planning" seems very out of touch with reality. The reality is that development in each zone is largely complete. We already have plenty of coffee shops, produce stores, and bakery shops in Redmond. We folks moved out to the suburbs (Redmond) and fell into the State Growth Management Act (1990). A tension was established that pits constant development with a desire for open space, and quality of life. Enough is enough. Let us live in peace, without commercial development in our neighborhoods."

By Richard Morris

Education Hill

This opinion is an excerpted, signed comment written under the post about 'Two planning commissioners Minority report on micro-level neighborhood commercial.'   Your Letters and Opinions are welcome.  Please send them by comment or to my email.   Include your name if you are comfortable doing so.  B.Y.

Planning Commissioner Tom Flynn co-authors Minority Report to council urging "micro-level" neighborhood commercial

Six Neighborhood Commercial zones have been approved  for large

 grocery store-type developments, like "PCC" at Avondale &amp

 116th Ave and "Bridle Trails" at 132nd Ave. NE and Old Redmond Road.

One development is allowed per zone.  CLICK 2X TO ENLARGE

"We certainly understand the need to keep residential development and rendering plans separate, but do not see the immediate incompatibility of a corner coffee shop, produce store or bakery with the needs of residents who might walk to such an establishment."

-- Redmond Planning commissioners Phil Miller and Tom Flynn's Minority Report to City Council on "Neighborhood Commercial," as follows: 

"We need to remind ourselves that one of the principal justifications we have been given for the establishment of the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) classification is to improve “walkability” in our neighborhoods. [  ] We have not seen to our satisfaction that forcing neighborhood residents to walk an extra ½ mile accomplishes anything but encourage the use of automobiles for even very short trips. ½ mile excludes a large number of people in Redmond from convenient commercial. [  ] It isn’t the intent to force car trips downtown, but this certainly is the effect.  Read More >>

Redmond High PTSA Weekly features: Sports, Nature, and TEDx events

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM BENEFIT RACE. Come out and help our cross country team by joining a 5K race at Hartman Park on Saturday, August 27 at 10:00am. The race is open to all community members encourages runners of all ages and skill levels. A donation of $15 is appreciated with 100% of the proceeds going to the Redmond High School Cross Country Team. Register at the RHS Cross Country Boosters Club web site.

MUSTANG OPEN TO BENEFIT RHS ATHLETICS. The fifth annual Mustang Open, which includes a golf tournament, dinner & auction to raise funds for RHS athletics, will be held at Bear Creek Country Club Monday, September 12 at noon. For more information or to register, contact Katy Bies.

BOYS' AND GIRLS' LACROSSE. Want to play lacrosse? Teams are forming now! Registration begins online in the fall. The season begins in March and continues through May. For more information visit Redmond Lacrosse.

HELP RESTORE FARREL-MCWHIRTER PARK. Join Green Redmond at Farrel-McWhirter Park on August 27 from 9:00-Noon for a work party to help remove invasive plants from the park. No experience is necessary, and Green Redmond will have all the gloves, tools, and other materials for you, as well as water and snacks. Please remember to bring your own water bottle to re-fill, and/or a mug for coffee. Wear sturdy shoes and consider long pants and long sleeves for working in the blackberry. All ages are welcome, although all volunteers under 18 must either be accompanied by an adult or bring a signed waiver. Please register if you wish to participate.

TEDx REDMOND 2011. Join Redmond teens at TEDx Redmond on September 10 at the Microsoft Conference Center at 16070 NE 36th Way. The conference will be open to those 18 years and younger, and has been organized by Redmond teens, including several RHS students!

Source:  Redmond Mustang Weekly

Carson and Stewart vie for Redmond Council Seat #7: The Facts. The Issues.

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL SEAT 7 (Carson vs. Stewart)

READ MORE...the issues, ratings, campaign contributions, websites>>  

Redmond's Ben Wobker - owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy - "Gives Back" to Eastside community

Ben Wobker and Mandie video-tape client running on the treadmill   during "gait analysis"  Ben and Mandie evaluate and video client walking Ben Wobker, P.T., community leader and owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy, performed a free "gait analysis" for 30 Eastside residents on Saturday morning.  The event was advertised on the clinic's facebook page and word of mouth. UPDATED:  If you've been to any Redmond High School basketball, football, or cross-country sporting events you've probably heard of Ben Wobker.  Ben, the son of  Horace Mann teacher David Wobker, graduated from RHS with seven letters in Football, Cross-country and Leadership honors.   Ben is an award-winning* physical therapist and runs a successful eastside therapy business.  To me, three words describe him best: Ben Gives Back...to his community!   Ben analyzes gait with client and makes recommendations Every year Ben councils Coach Villineuve's highly ranked Cross Country teams with free "gait analysis" and discounts on shoes. Once the co-owner of Redmond Physical Therapy, he offered free fittings and discounts on knee and ankle braces for Mustang teams. You'll also see Ben at high school career fairs and mentoring students in his clinic. But, Ben's food drive efforts with HopeLink may be his biggest community contribution. Two years ago, Ben started "March Can Madness" -- a competition between Redmond businesses -- to collect the most food from their customers for HopeLink. To this day, Ben still waives the $30 fee for missed appointments with a food donation!  Next year, Lake Washington Physical Therapy will sponsor HopeLink's "Turkey Trot" fundraiser.   After eight years service as co-owner at Redmond Physical Therapy, Ben decided to expand his brand to Kirkland. Last month he celebrated his first year as owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy.  Already he plans to hire a 4th therapist! Mandie Majerus, PT worked with Ben for years in Redmond. Both graduated from University of Montana. (Mandie's entering the Iron man in Canada; she worked as a therapist in Antarctica for a year!)  Some trivia:  In Washington, many insurance companies don't require a physician referral to see a physical therapist.     Brooks, Mizuno, Asics track shoes fill the display windows. Ben contracted "Everyday Athlete" to sell the shoes. "Even though Kirkland's downtown vacancy was 22% last year we still had to meet "non-medical retail" zoning requirements," said Ben.  *Ben Wobker was voted "2010 Best Physical Therapist" by the readers of Eastside's "425 Magazine". Ben's Bio,  Address:  209 Kirkland Ave., adjacent the Heathman Hotel. 425-629-3502.  Directions. Opinion and Report By Bob Yoder Photos By Yoder

Principal Thomas gives tour of novel, new Lake Washington High School: Video

Christina Thomas, Principal of the new Lake Washington High School gives a video tour of her school and explains the four "community learning Houses". Click on the books to meet Christina and start the short  tour!

According to a student tour guide, this year, Northstar will be housed in the new high school, prior to the 9th grade re-configuration in 2012. Also, students will be without lockers.   Thomas said 65 netbooks are provided for each house, in addition to the computers from the old school.  Honors students and disabled will be in-House. AP students and electives outside-House.

###

July, 16 2010 McGranahan architiect's report: 

The new Lake Washington High School is a 214,000 sf facility being constructed on the existing campus with the current school in operation during construction. A primary goal of the project is to capitalize on the qualities and benefits of Smaller Learning Communities within the larger school setting. The new school will support four Learning Communities in “houses” of 300-350 students. Still, the design recognizes the composite community that is Lake Washington High School by honoring the history of the school and those who have enlivened the site before.

Identifiable groupings of classrooms, labs & studios, each linked to a central shared instructional area, foster closer connections between teachers and >>

Lake Washington School District ACT Scores increase in all categories.

Lake Washington School District ACT Scores Increase in all Categories.  More district students meet college readiness benchmarks than state, national averages

Redmond, Wash. – While state mean scores for college-bound students fell slightly in all categories this year, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students scored higher in all four of the ACT tests (English, Mathematics, Reading and Science) and improved their average composite score. In addition, Lake Washington students continue to show significantly greater college readiness than state averages and more than twice the national average for meeting all four benchmark scores.  Read More >>

Overlake to open primary care and urgent care clinics in Redmond

Rendering of Overlake Urgent Care Clinic/Redmond

10-exam rooms with full-service imaging

Overlake Expands its Physician and Clinic Network in Redmond and Kirkland

Bellevue, Wash. – Overlake Hospital Medical Center continues to grow its network of primary care medical clinics on the Eastside with three new clinics in Kirkland and Redmond opening in the next six months.

Overlake will open a primary care clinic in Redmond Town Center, at 7525 166th Ave NE, and an urgent care clinic in Redmond’s Creekside Crossing development near SR 520, at 17209 Redmond Way. The Redmond primary care clinic is scheduled to open in January 2012 and the urgent care clinic is scheduled to open December 2011.

Patient care services at the two primary care clinics will include same-day and walk-in appointments, comprehensive care for adults, immunizations, physical exams, acute care and chronic disease management. In addition, both primary care clinics will offer digital X-ray and an electronic medical record. The Redmond urgent care clinic will include 10 exam rooms and a full-service imaging center with digital X-ray, CT and ultrasound. 

"At Overlake, we're looking for ways to provide Eastside residents with better access to convenient cost-effective medical care,"  Read More >>

Ecology loosens vehicle emissions testing requirements

Ecology adopts changes to state’s vehicle emissions testing program

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has adopted a new updated motor vehicle emissions testing program rule. The changes take effect in July 2012.

The new rule includes changes required by the Legislature. All 2009 and newer model year vehicles will not require testing and additional businesses may be authorized to conduct tests. The rule also eliminates some testing that is becoming less relevant. 

New rule changes include:

• Eliminating the gas cap test and dynamometer testing.

• Using the same test standards for all 1995 model year and older gasoline vehicles.

• Exempting light-duty diesel vehicles from testing.

• Tightening the test standards for heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

This action fits exemption criteria in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Nov. 17, 2010, executive order, which suspended non-critical rule work until the end of 2011. Approving the changes will allow small businesses to perform emission tests on vehicles.  King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, Spokane counties are affected.

You can find the new rule and supporting documents on Ecology’s Air Quality website. (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173422A.html   Read More >>

7% net job loss in 2010 won't affect Redmond housing targets.

Housing targets unchanged

by 2010  job losses

UPDATED:  Last night, city council reviewed the 2010 employment estimates for Redmond.   Total employment was down 15.2% from  90,704 ('09) to 76,876 in 2010.  Actual employment loss was approximately  7% or 6,000.  The 7,746 jobs (8.25%) lost when Microsoft relocated employees from Redmond to Issaquah and Bellevue in 2009-2010 are not counted.  

As a result, Council voted to lower their 2030 employment target from 126,600 to 119,000.  The source for employment estimates is Puget Sound Regional Council

Councilmember Pat Vache' got a "no" from staff when he asked if the job loss "will affect housing targets."   President Richard Cole had concerns of a housing imbalance, saying "Redmond has been picked on in the past" for being behind in housing goals.  Staff responded, a small imbalance could create an oversupply of housing in our favor.   

The percent reduction in jobs by sector, based on Redmond licensing data is, as follows: 

• Construction Resources,  - 25% 
• Finance, Insurance, and Real estate - 15%  
• Manufacturing,  -23% 
• Retail, --2%
• Services, -4%
• Wholesale, Trade, Transportation - 3%
• Government -4%   [*includes reduction of 19 contracted jobs (2%) paid by Microsoft, B.Y.]
• Education, -5%)

Redmond was ranked the highest for percent job loss 2009-2010, as compared to other cities.  To name a few:  Redmond, -15.25%, Sammamish - 9.59%, Sea Tac 6.80%, Woodinville, -4.75%, Seattle, -2.35%, Mercer Island, - 1.33%, Bellevue, -1.03%, Kirkland ++1.02%, Issaquah  ++5.59 

(Redmond's net job loss is 7% after Microsoft location corrections)

Reported by Bob Yoder

Source:  City document AM 11-166

* 2009 - 2010 city budget manual

Internet photo

Parks and Trails Commission vacancy hard to find on City Website - deadline approaching

Deliver your Parks & Trails

Commission application

 to City Hall

The City has one opening on the Parks and Trails Commission that must be filled by a resident living outside Redmond’s city limits with a Redmond address.  The Mayor reviews your application and makes the appointment.  The Council approves the appointee.  If you are interested it might be a good idea to contact the Mayor's office to talk to a commissioner.  An excellent contact is Sue Stewart.  She is a candidate for City Council and was Chair of Parks and Trails for 6 years.   

The commission may be looking for someone familiar with trails outside the city ie. horse, hiking, biking, running. The Parks and Trails Commission members advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning acquisition, development and improvements to all park facilities.    They also make recommendations and provide input on recreational programming. The Commission meets on the first Thursday evening of the month at City Hall. All board and commission members are volunteers.

Applicants must complete a community service application. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, August 26.  If you're looking for additional information on the Commission to prepare for the interview visit the new city website:  http://www.redmond.gov/.

The  new city website is challenging to navigate.  If you have trouble, I recommend you write the Office of the Mayor and City Ombudsman at:  mayorcouncil@redmond.gov.  To research this story, I visited the website Search engine and the A-Z Directory. It didn't work, so I emailed the Office of the Mayor and Council for help.  They responded: 

"Bob, if you look at the top of the website and click on Residents, then click down to Volunteer Opportunities and then click to Boards and Commissions, you will see the notice for the opening on the Parks and Trails Commission"    --Talley Hudson, Office of the Mayor

"The press release [link to the job description] was a bit challenging to find, so I've copied it below for your to share with your friend"  

-- Hank Margeson, Ombudsman, City Councilmember

I stumbled on the application on a separate page.  It's unfortunate important commission openings are so hard to find and research.  Those "on the inside" appear to have the advantage.  I'm hoping a Council candidate will address some of these problems in their campaign.

Opinion By Bob Yoder   

Internet photo

"Grasscrete" road supports a fire truck, environmentally friendly, By John Reinke

 This is an environmentally friendly road that filters stormwater and recharges the groundwater / John Reinke

This is an example of "grasscrete," an alternative to a paved fire lane.   It's structurally sound to support the weight of a fire engine.  The City is trying to encourage alternatives to hard surface fire lanes.  If the site is flat, the Fire Department will allow use of this type of product, which is much more environmentally friendly."  

  --Cathy Beam, AICP, Principal Environmental Planner

I think this sidewalk was probably installed when the bridge was built that connected both sides of NE 90th Street, about 15 years ago - but I really don't know. It's just to the west of the big QFC, and just to the north of the Senior Center adjacent to a large rental property.

--John Reinke, Education Hill

LETTER: Regional Transit Task Force member acknowledges Councilmembers Hague and Lambert

LETTER:  As a member of the Regional Transit Task Force (RTTF) I want to acknowledge the leadership of King County Councilmembers Jane Hague and Kathy Lambert on the Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC). To paraphrase the Councilmembers, they didn’t change their mind, they changed the proposal, and they did so in a way that serves their constituents and all the citizens of King County extraordinarily well.

The changes are substantive.

• Accelerating the phase out of the free ride area and implementation of alternative service delivery models honor the recommendations of the Metro audit and RTTF, respectively.
• Complimentary bus tickets for individuals paying the CRC, paired with a ticket donation program, ensure that everyone who pays the CRC will see direct benefit and provides a path for increasing social equity.
• Factoring tolling into service allocation decisions directly addresses the RTTF emphasis on productivity and geographic value.

Each of the changes negotiated by Councilmembers Hague and Lambert move us toward a more vital and sustainable King County Metro - one that better serves the needs of citizens in their districts and throughout the county. In crafting a CRC that includes these provisions the Councilmembers are keeping both our county’s people and its economy moving.

  -Josh Kavanagh 

 Member, Regional Transit Task Force

King County formed the Regional Transit Task Force in March 2010 to consider a policy framework to guide service investments or—if necessary—contraction of the King County Metro Transit system.

Ban Cam Activist responds to Redmond Councilmember Cole's "dismissal of signature gathering efforts"

Activist Scott Harlan

LETTER:  Redmond's Ban Cam Activist Scott Harlan writes to "Voters Decide For Redmond", the following:

Council President Richard Cole said in yesterday's Redmond Reporter:   

"Council's [red light safety program] decision will be based on the infraction and collision data, not a few thousand signatures.

 “Our decision on whether we renew the contract or not will virtually have nothing to do with (Harlan's) signature gathering," said Cole, adding that council members would certainly take notice if Harlan brought in 25,000 signatures. "That would send a message," he said.

Mr. Cole’s dismissal of our effort as being only 1/5th of what it would take to get the council’s attention is a dismissal of the campaign’s volunteers and supporters and their incredible effort. It is a dismissal of at least 3,845 registered voters in Redmond that have, or will, take the time to sign the petition, put a stamp on an envelope, and send it in to us. Please reach out to Redmond Council council@redmond.gov  and let them know that it is their job to listen to the citizens of their city.

The initiative law was written such that 15% of the registered voters in a city can sign a petition to put a measure on the ballot (in the case of Redmond, that is 3,845). The drafters of that law wanted to create a very high hurdle for voter access to the ballot. We hope to hit that high hurdle.Mr. Cole is saying, “Thanks for your efforts, but a few thousand signatures is a drop in the bucket. Bring me five times that amount and then we’ll notice”. 4,000 to 5,000 votes is what it takes to elect a mayor or city council member in Redmond.  Read More >>

City celebrates $107,755 renovation of historic Anderson Park shelter - Rotary Club hosts event

from the desk of Pam Mauk, Executive Director, Together Center... 

Anderson Park shelter is located in Redmond's first park

Rotary Club of Redmond hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate renovation of historic Anderson Park

Rotary Club of Redmond, a key partner in the renovation of a 1938 Anderson Park shelter, will host a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the renovation on Thursday, August 25, at 1 pm. The newly-renovated park shelter is located in the north-east corner of Anderson Park in the heart of Redmond at 7802 168th Ave NE.

All are welcome to join the club for the ribbon cutting and cake. The gathering will last about a half hour.

The Anderson Park shelter is one of the city’s most popular shelters and is often reserved for family barbecues or birthday parties. The Rotary committee chose to participate in this project because of the historical significance it has in Redmond and the shelter acts as a gathering place for individuals in the community.  Read More >>

UPDATE 4: Eastside Community supports Mental Health & Wellness

People did not seek help for mental illness in 2010

A majority of Americans with mental disorders did not receive professional help in 2010, according to a major government study released today

Although about 20 percent of American adults (45.9 million) reported any mental illness in 2010, only 39.2 percent of that group said they got treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report shows.  Read More >>

By Janice Lloyd
Gannett
January 27, 2012

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A Winning Approach to Mental Health:  'Signs and Symptoms of Depression', Overlake's Eastside services and more...

It may be tempting to try to deal with depression, anxiety and similar disorders on your own, but mental health conditions can be just as debilitating as physical illnesses. No one should struggle through each day feeling hopeless and alone. Effective treatments are available from skilled, caring professionals here in your own community.   Read More >>

  --Healthy Outlook, Winter 2012

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HERO House, Newsletter, Winter 2011

"On November 3, over 225 attendees fill the Auditorium at the Lake Sammamish Four Square Church, helping HERO  House to raise more than $40,000 for our sponsors.  This year was the inauguration of the Abe Kriger Visionary Award, in recognition and honor of the Eastside's HERO House Founder, Abe Kriger.  The fundraiser was emceed by Dennis Bounds, co-anchor of King5News.  HERO House is located on the Bellevue-Redmond border and provides a safe, non-threatening haven to foster a sense of community support for those in East King County, living with the effects of serious mental illness." 

Contact: Erica Horn, 425-614-1282. 14230 NE 21st St. Bellevue, WA.  98007.  http://www.herohouse.org/.

#####

Chadd

What steps can parents take to promote a positive future for their ADHD children? Challenging behaviors today may well prove to be assets in adult life. Learn how to recognize and promote the positive strengths of your child.

Eastside CHADD is pleased to announce that we offer clock hours for school professionals who attend Eastside CHADD meetings. You will need to attend a minimum of two meetings to earn clock hours through my247ed.com. More details will be provided at the Tuesday's meetings.

Please invite your children's teachers, school nurses, counselors, and psychologists to our meetings and let them know that we offer clock hours at a very reasonable rate.
 
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Issaquah Mental Health Court serves the entire Eastside

 WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH COURT?

The new Issaquah Mental Health Court opened in 2010.  Directions and details are here. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO:  Mike Rynas of NAMI-Eastside, Leadership Eastside, King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Redmond Council member Hank Margeson, and the many other individuals and organizations who helped make this human service available on the Eastside. 

King County Mental Health Court website.

EVERGREEN PUBLIC HOSPITAL sponsors community mental health care services by hosting Mental Health and ADHD Forums every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM.  Contact: Laurene Burton at lburtnon@evergreehealthcare.org  for details.

For information please call the NAMI Eastside at 425 885 6264 or email info@nami-eastside.org

NAMI-Eastside office is located at "The Together Center,"  Redmond, WA.

Hague reverses position and now supports temporary $20 tab charge

"HERE IS SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS FROM JANE HAGUE -- something moved her to change her position..."    --Richard Morris, Education Hill Neighbor, Redmond, 8/12

Dear Neighbor,

Today I announced my support of the temporary $20 “Congestion Reduction Charge.” My support comes as a result of a bipartisan agreement which addresses my primary concerns regarding the future of Metro.

First, the new legislative package preserves service on the Eastside – nearly 120,000 hours which were slated to be cut. Second, it takes critical steps to make Metro more financially sustainable.

This new proposal initiates meaningful reform that protects jobs and reduces waste. Among the elements of the agreement:

 · The preservation of current levels of Metro service on the Greater Eastside. Under the previous proposal, Eastside service would have been cut by 120,000 hours.

· Implementation of “right-sizing” consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan. Rather than eliminating low-ridership routes that serve lower-density areas, Metro will deploy lower-cost, more efficient Dial-a-Ride Transit service (DART), community access transportation services, Vanpools and vanshares, which will make Metro more efficient and responsive to riders.

· A Transit Incentive Program that will provide eight bus tickets, up to $24, in exchange for each car tab renewal. Individuals will be able to use the tickets for bus rides to anywhere within the county. Or they can choose to donate the value of those tickets for distribution by select human service agencies.

· A phase out of the downtown Seattle Ride Free Area in October 2012, which was called for by the County Council’s 2009 Metro performance audit. The elimination will save $2.2 million a year.

· Language consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan that calls for routes which carry more riders due to the effect of highway tolling, including SR-520, as candidates for added service. I’ve always been a supporter of transit in King County. It is critical that we keep people and businesses moving – especially during this tough economic time.

For more information on the agreement see the press release below. I also want to thank the thousands of concerned citizens that wrote me and voiced their concern. I value your feedback.

For More Information on the New Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC) Click Here 

Click Here to see a Comparison Chart

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague    http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague  

LETTER: King County Councilmember Jane Hague explains position on $20 car tab fee

Jane Hague responds to Richard Morris's "Save Your Bus!" query, on the proposed $20 car tab increase to support METRO.  Richard recommends R-Trip incentives.  Mr. Morris, an Education Hill Neighbor, shares Hague's response...

Incumbant Jane Hague, Pos. 6

King County Coumcilmemmber

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for writing me and voicing your concern over the proposed $20 car tabs fee.

As you may have read, a vote on the “congestion reduction fee” was expected to take place at the July 25th Council meeting. Instead, this vote was unexpectedly delayed until August 15th. I still oppose a councilmanic adoption of the $20 car tab increase. Further, I am concerned by the fact that the $20 fee will still result in a reduction of bus service for the Eastside and that Metro has not fully implemented plans to control its ongoing budget growth.

As a firm supporter of transit, I have said consistently through this debate that I have many concerns about Metro’s future. First, as I mentioned above, significant route eliminations and reductions on the Eastside will occur even if the car tab fee is implemented. These service hours will be allocated elsewhere. Eastsiders will ultimately be paying for service they will not receive. Second, long term solutions for Metro’s future have yet to be discussed. The fee doesn’t solve the underlying issues and uses important reserves to fill-in budget holes.

I don’t think it’s responsible to my constituents in District 6, nor the people of King County, to endorse a weak “band-aid” solution. Again, thank you for writing. Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I look forward to continuing this debate.

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov 

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague  http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague

Rain water tour at Redmond's Grasslawn Park addresses polluted stormwater run-off, impacts and solutions

City of Redmond Grasslawn Park Clubhouse

rainwater run-off feeds into the garden

from the desk of Maddie Foutch, intern with People For Puget Sound ...

UPDATED:  "As part of my summer internship with "People For Puget Sound" I am putting together a Rain Water tour. Co-hosted by People For Puget Sound, Sustainable Redmond, and Redmond Public Works, the tour will be addressing the issue of polluted runoff and what the City of Redmond is currently doing about it.

Maddie's Rain Water Tour @ Graslawn Park

features rainwater expert guides

Monday, August 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

7013 - 148th Ave. NE

Meet at the Grasslawn Clubhouse on the NE corner of the park.

 The tour begins at the northeast corner of Grasslawn Park with an introduction to polluted runoff and the impacts it has on us as everyday citizens. We will then proceed through the park stopping to examine the many solutions the City of Redmond is implementing, including green roofs, permeable asphalt, and rain gardens. The tour will conclude after a Q&A session with the tour speakers ...read more >>

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From the desk of Cindy Jayne, Chair, Sustainable Redmond ...

After the Rain Water tour, whoever is interested will head over to a nearby pub to have an informal discussion on sustainability, projects for the future, projects in progress, recent activities, etc.

Posted By Yoder

Photo courtesy of Sustainable Redmond

Department of Ecology praises City on quick and correct response to PSE fire explosion

The State of Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) recently praised the City of Redmond for the quick and correct response from the Fire and Public Works departments during the June fire at the Puget Sound Energy substation fire.

A job well done!

The efforts taken by these two departments prevented a potentially serious release of oil and firefighting foam into local surface waters. Quick thinking and coordination between Fire and Public Works safely contained the foam solution and more than 1000 gallons of mineral oil within a stormwater swale adjacent to the fire scene. Upon determining that the fire would be suppressed with foam, the fire incident commander, Battalion Chief Ed Carolan, notified Public Works, which promptly sealed off the swale’s drainage outlet.

Bill Cambell

Dir. Public Works

Jeannie Summerhays, DOE’s Regional Director stated, “We congratulate the City on taking these preventative measures in the stress of a time-critical situation with significant health and safety risks.”

The swale drains directly into a creek that enters the Sammamish River only several dozen yards away from the fire location. The Sammamish is an important salmon river and its bank habitat is home to many species. Foam solution and oil are toxic to fish and wildlife.

“The environmental consequences of this fire could have been substantial,” stated Mayor John Marchione. “Due to our concern for the environment, we train our employees to coordinate emergency response and environmental protection during emergencies.”

Due to the City’s quick action, Puget Sound Energy’s environmental contractors were able to effectively collect oil and foam rinse from the swale and remove residual contamination from the incident site.

Press release

Photo taken of Redmond Fire after a three hour training session