Winter lights at city hall

Winter Lights at city hall / John Reinke

Mayor Marchione proclaims November 24 "Small Business Saturday"

Shop Saturday to Support Redmond Businesses

 

Mayor’s Proclamation presented at Council Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

Redmond, WA – Mayor John Marchione will proclaim November 24, 2012, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as Small Business Saturday in Redmond.
 

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to celebrating the small businesses in our community. The City of Redmond has signed on to participate in the national campaign started by American Express in 2010 which gives small businesses more recognition on the busiest shopping weekend of the year.
 

“By supporting Redmond’s small businesses, shoppers will boost our local economy and help create and maintain jobs in Redmond”, states Marchione. “I’m proud to support Small Business Saturday and I encourage all residents, employees and visitors to shop small on November 24 in support of our wonderful Redmond merchants”.
 

At the November 20 Redmond City Council Meeting, Mayor Marchione will explain that small businesses nationally represent 99.7% of all businesses having employees, they employ 50% of the employees in the private sector, generate 60-80% of new jobs annually, and that 99% of Americans agree that it’s important to have small businesses in a community.
 

To shop small in Redmond, find a directory of Redmond businesses and discounts at www.thinkredmond.com.

Odd Fellows Rings Insignia to adorn front facade again

Odd Fellows Rings Insignia Restoration and Reinstallation

 

Redmond, WA. - The restored Odd Fellows rings insignia will again adorn the front façade of Odd Fellows Hall at 7979 Leary Way. On December 4, 2012, Artech, Inc. of Seattle will reinstall the rings. The restoration process was coordinated by Tim Short, proprietor of Redmond’s Bar and Grill with support from the City’s Heritage Grant Program for the restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of historic properties. The Heritage Grant Program provides funding to help support the long-term maintenance and preservation of Redmond’s landmark buildings and places including the Orson Wiley Stone House (The Stone House Café), Bill Brown’s Building (The Matador), the Anderson Park picnic shelter, and the historic building of the former Addi-Bon Café (El Toreador).
 

The Odd Fellows Hall is a designated historic landmark and is one of the most prominent wood frame buildings in downtown Redmond. This two-story commercial building is located near the center of the historic business district. Built in 1903, this distinctive structure served many purposes for the local community: meeting hall; fraternal lodge for the Redmond Eagles and then the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; performance and dance hall featuring the Les LaBrie Orchestra, the City’s first movie venue; commercial space for Edwardian Antiques; and now a dining and entertainment establishment for Redmond’s Bar and Grill.
 

As Redmond grew during the early 1900’s, it developed an array of economic, social, and cultural institutions commonly associated with the establishment of communities in the American West. Redmond’s Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in 1923 and like most fraternal organizations, was a means by which residents could reach out and provide support to one another. Typical activities at the Odd Fellows Hall included holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners, rummage sales, community dances, theatrical events, card parties and more.
 

For additional information regarding this historic landmark, visit http://www.redmond.gov/Government/HistoricPreservation/CityLandmarks or contact Kimberly Dietz, 425-556-2415 or kdietz@redmond.gov. For Redmond’s Bar and Grill, refer to http://redmondsgrill.com or call 425-558-9800. And, for Redmond history, contact the Redmond Historical Society at www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org and 425-885-2919.

The benefits taxpayers receive from EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth King County Distict #2 assesses a small annual levy (.30/$1000) on King County private property owners to fund community programs for growth and and health and wellness. 

The total 2013 Regular Property Levy for EvergreenHealth King County District #2 was  $15,190,664 and is broken down into:  1)  Regular levy for Debt Service = $ 10,970,493.65 and 2) Levy for Community Programs = $ 4,220,170.45.  

So what do we get for our money?    Laurene Burton, Administrative Director at EvergreenHealth (Hospital) provided the following answers:                                            

"2013 Bond proceeds of $10,970,493.65 are used to pay costs of acquiring, construction, remodeling and equipping the Districts’ health care facilities and have been used for:

· Constructing the Evergreen Surgery and Physicians Center (ESPC)
· Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the ESPC
· Completing improvements to the inpatient services areas within the hospital
· Remodeling certain areas of the hospital
· Acquiring and installing equipment
· Acquiring and installing clinical and administrative IT
· Constructing the DeYoung Pavilion
· Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the DeYoung Pavilion.

2013 Levy for Community Programs totalled $4,220,170.45 and pays for the following: 

Community Advisors: A group of Board appointed individuals representing the public hospital district region that provide input to Evergreen and the Board of Commissioners. $17,000

Community Health Education: Offers comprehensive outcome-based programs for individuals within our community aimed at promoting health, wellness and injury prevention within the framework of the organization's strategic goals, leading health indicators and objectives. $554,499

Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT):Healthcare Access: Supports clients facing barriers to accessing healthcare services. Needs are assessed by social workers and clients are connected to financial, social and primary or specialty health resources in the community. $382,426

Northshore Senior Center: Programs that receive funding: Evergreen Enhance Wellness Program and Adult Day Health. In addition funding to support Senior services in Kirkland provided by NSC. All programs provided mental health support for older adults and may decrease length of hospital stay.$127,500

Senior Health Specialists: A dedicated healthcare team providing specialized complex care for elders who are frail and have multiple medical conditions, including expert assessment and treatment of dementia with behavioral health problems.$1,471,000

Community Grief and Bereavement:Professional bereavement staff supports Evergreen patients, staff, individuals and families in the community facing anticipated death and/or following the death of a loved one. Services include consultation, counseling, education, referrals and support groups, including support to children and teens, sudden traumatic and perinatal loss. $140,000

Healthline: Healthline is a multi-service department of providing 24/7 nurse triage, physician referrals, class registration, centralized scheduling along with additional support services for various hospital departments.$1,724,000

City of Kirkland: The Kirkland Senior Council provides advocacy for the senior population and distribution of educational materials; Kirkland Steppers is an organized physical activity program for seniors. $8,000

Community Health Initiative: Working with Lake Washington, Northshore and Riverview School Districts, establish immunizations programs for underserved children. $15,000"

 

Send your ideas for community health programs to LHBurton@EvergreenHealth.com

By Bob Yoder

UPDATED EDITORIAL: The LWSD School Board needs to be more assertive on overcrowding policy

UPDATED EDITORIAL:  According to Lake Washington School District BY-LAWS,  "The job of the Board is to represent the citizens and to lead the organization by asking critical questions and by determining and demanding appropriate and excellent organizational performance." 

School Board of Directors are elected officials and are each authorized a $4,800/yr stipend to work with due diligence to represent their constituents and lead the Administration.  They presently waive their pay.  This self image of volunteerism mitigates their over-sight of our District Superintendent and accountability to their constituents.  Though improving, the Board is not "demanding excellent organizational performance" especially of late, when it comes to overcrowding and facilities planning solutions.

Infrastructure policy plans to limit portables are still not aligned with population growth and problems passing future levies could result.

Levy funding policy, re-boundary policy, facilities planning policy, reconfiguration policy, and regional feeder school adjustment policy are prime examples of when the BOARD's voice and active representation and administrative oversight is expected and could use improvement

The Lake Washington School District has 98,987 registered voters. Yet, when the KIMBALL BOARD "asked the community" in 2005 if they should run a bond to completely overhaul and rebuild the schools only 427 citizens responded. Community involvement in the decision making process reached at a low point under KIMBALL. The PIERCE BOARD needs to "lead the organization" (By-Laws) with an updated Decision-Making Policy to involve the greater community.

"Community Involvement in Decision Making Policy" code was adapted 12/2/74, last revised May 7, 1990 and is over twenty-two years old. The Board and Superintendent needs to update these governance policies to be more effective and accountable.

By Bob Yoder 

Lambert leadership on county budget focuses on savings, human services and criminal justice

Kathy Lambert

Lambert leadership on county budget focuses on savings,
human services and criminal justice

Responsible budgeting maintains AAA credit rating

The Metropolitan King County Council this week adopted a $ 7.6 billion King County Budget that meets current challenges and makes strategic investments that prepare the County for the future.

“This budget emphasizes responsible fiscal management that maintains our credit rating at the highest AAA level, which gives us the best credit rating,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Vice Chair of the Budget Leadership Team. “A high credit rating saves the taxpayers millions of dollars in interest annually.”

The budget includes the $685 million General Fund Budget, of which 73 percent supports public safety and criminal justice costs.

“I am pleased we were able to keep most of the staff positions in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office,” Lambert said. “It is important to preserve the ability of the prosecutor’s office to respond to criminal justice needs.”

The health and human services safety net received a one-time allocation of $1.3 million to support domestic violence shelters, legal aid, services for sexual assault survivors and housing services. Among agencies supported in the budget are Eastside Baby Corner, Eastside Legal Assistance and Hopelink.   Read More >>

Celebrate the Centennial and Redmond Lights on Dec. 1

Redmond, WA —Kick-off the holiday season by joining Redmond residents, businesses, and the community at large by celebrating Redmond’s Centennial by day and Redmond Lights by night! Both events will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012. The Centennial Celebration will take place from Noon-4:00pm at the Redmond City Hall Campus. Redmond Lights will take place from 4:00pm to 8:00pm beginning at City Hall before proceeding down the Sammamish River Trail to Redmond Town Center.

In preparation for the Centennial time capsule, citizens are encouraged to donate items of interest or historical significance. Suggestions include Redmond High School class of 2012 memorabilia, Derby Days ribbons, or historic photos. For details, visit 100years.redmond.gov.   Read More >>

Swedish/Issaquah to Host 'Holidays at the Hospital' Community Event Dec. 1

Swedish/Issaquah to Host ‘Holidays at the Hospital’ Community Event Dec. 1

– You’ll Have a Jolly Good Time

ISSAQUAH, WASH., Nov. 14, 2012 – Swedish/Issaquah is hosting its annual ‘Holidays at the Hospital’ community event on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon in the main lobby of the medical center (751 N.E. Blakely Dr., Issaquah, WA 98029).

The festive, three-hour event is a great chance for individuals and families to get into the holiday spirit. There is something for everyone, including a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, and lots of kids’ activities. It will feature:

A pancake breakfast

- Cost: $5 per person or $20 per family of six (infants are free). A portion of the proceeds supports Pediatrics at Swedish.

Visit with Santa and free photos

- Come get a free photo with St. Nick and decorate a keepsake frame.

Teddy Bear Clinic

- Have your kids bring their favorite stuffed animal or doll for a check-up.

Giant Gingerbread House

- Kids can help decorate our giant gingerbread house.

Ask-the-Doc

- Physicians will be on hand to answer any health and medical questions you may have.

Face Painting

- Our face-painting elf will offer some cool designs.

Book Drive

- We will be accepting new or used books for our pediatric patients.

No registration or RSVP is required to attend. For more information, visit www.swedishissaquah.org and click on ‘News and Events.’

Happy Holidays from Swedish/Issaquah! We “Ho-ho-hope” to see you Dec. 1!

Redmond Library Board has a vacancy - is busiest library in the KCLS system.

Redmond Library

Jamie Weber, Chair of the Redmond Library Board of Trustees, announced a board vacancy at the last Redmond City Council business meeting. The five member board meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7PM at the the library.  The public is invited to observe. 

Jamie gave some excellent background information on the success of King County Library System (KCLS) of which Redmond Library is the busiest branch.  Redmond library had 45,000 visitors last year checking out 124,000 items.

KCLS is composed of 48 community libraries and services 1.3 million patrons.  In 2010, KCLS overtook New York City's Queens library system to be the busiest in circulation in the nation.  In 2011, "Library Journal" honored KCLS as "Library of the Year."  

Three areas of work make Redmond Library unique from any other library:

• The library has versions of all available E-Readers; and the Kindle format can be downloaded
• Non Profit and Philanthropy Resource Center (NPRC) offers non profits a data base to 2.4 million grants and 100,000 corporate giving programs
• Friends of Redmond Library volunteers contribute 400-500 hours raising $20,000 in book sales to support plant maintenance, summer reading programs, and Centennial events.  Donate your used books to the Friends at the library. 

KCLS is funded by state property taxes and "is facing a second year of declining revenues" according to Ms. Weber.  She said costs of staying relevant in the digital age are pressing, as well.  An opportunity for Redmond Library is their Redmond Library Blog where they post regularly.  

Reported by Bob Yoder 

EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners approve a 1% Regular Property Levy Increase

EvergreenHealth King County Hospital District #2

This post corrects an earlier report that there would be no increase in the EvergreenHealth King County District #2 Regular Property Levy.  Rather, a 1% increase was approved.

On November 19th the Evergreen Health Board of Commissioners approved a 1% increase ($154,982) in the Regular Property Levy totalling $15,822,629.  The total King County Hospital District No 2  increase was 2.1% counting:  1) property tax revenue (1%), 2) amounts from construction, 3) improvements to property, and 4) increase in value of state-assessed property. 

Allocations in the Regular Property Levy increased to 30.76% for Community Health and Wellness in alignment with a reduction to 69.24% for Debt Retirement.   Over $500,000 was allocated to community health senior clinics and Monitor screening and education programs.  A 24/7 Nurse line and physician referral Healthline network receives levy funding as do "access teams." 

The EvergreenHealth Hospital Board of Commissioners meet four times per year in study sessions to review the levy as guided by a Levy Standing Committee.  They hold a summary Levy Study session two weeks prior to the Budget Educational Meeting and Budget Hearing (usually held the 2nd Friday of November.)

The Budget Hearing is a good time to give input on community allocations of the levy.  There appears a need in the community for more widespread training of Hands-Only CPR which EvergreenHealth could offer.   Submit your ideas to LHBurton@everhreenhealth.com

Reported by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Help Audubon transplant plants from Group Health to Marymoor BirdLoop

Song Sparrow at Marymoor Park/MICK THOMPSON

UPDATED:  Over 450 plants were dug and stored in containers for planting on January 5 on the Marymoor Bird Loop.  Meet at Parking Lot G at 8 AM to install these valuble plants!

COMMUNITY INVITED TO DO DIRTY WORK

December 1 Event Will Save Plants at Group Health Site for Reuse at Marymoor

KIRKLAND — With the old Group Health Overlake campus in Redmond slated for redevelopment,
Eastside Audubon invites the community to a work party on Saturday morning, December 1, to salvage the native plants currently growing at the site.

At the Group Health-approved event, volunteers will dig up plants that otherwise would be destroyed to save them for replanting later in the winter on the Audubon BirdLoop at Marymoor Park. Eastside Audubon has been continually improving wildlife habitat at the BirdLoop since 2006 through monthly work parties.

No expertise is necessary to help with the native plant salvage; you’ll need only a shovel, work gloves, sturdy shoes, and clothing layers appropriate for the weather. Eastside Audubon project leaders will help identify which plants to remove and explain how to do it.

Coffee and snacks will be provided by Eastside Audubon as well.

Work will start at 8 a.m. and continue until noon. The Group Health campus is in the Overlake area of Redmond, at 2464 152nd Avenue NE.

To facilitate planning, Eastside Audubon asks that volunteers sign up in advance of the event by contacting Jim McGruder, (425) 822-8580, or tmcgruder@gmail.com. Details about where to meet will be given to volunteers

Eastside Audubon is the National Audubon Society chapter active in Bellevue, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Kirkland, North Bend, Redmond, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, Woodinville, and unincorporated East King Eastside Audubon works to protect, preserve, and enhance natural ecosystems and our communities for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people. We welcome new and experienced birders on our birding walks and field trips and in our birding classes. Visit www.eastsideaudubon.org.

Find Ushttp://www.facebook.com/eastsideaudubon
https://twitter.com/#!/EastsideAudubon

Charter Schools win in Washington state

Charter schools win in Washington state

November 12, 2012 

By Liv Finne

Saturday afternoon the Initiative 1240 campaign announced that voters have approved the charter school measure. Opponents refuse to concede until every vote is counted, but this morning the Secretary of State’s website shows that with 91% of the vote counted, Yes votes exceed No votes by 44,193, gaining over the numbers reported on Saturday.

Parents and those of us who care about public education have reason to celebrate. Washington will become the 42nd state in the country to allow charter public schools.

This is the result of the hard work of a broad coalition of people from both political parties, and of many independent people with no party affiliation. This broad coalition wants to help children trapped in failing urban public schools.

Now begins the hard work of making charter schools a reality. Although most of Washington’s 295 school districts will be unaffected, Initiative 1240 brings new hope to parents in communities underserved by existing inner-city schools. Charter schools are likely to open in places like Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Everett, Kent, Yakima, Tri-Cities and Bellingham.

No matter where they open, charter schools will give parents a way to provide a bright future for children eager to learn.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/charter-schools-win-washington-state

Opponents not conceding charter-schools ballot victory: Seattle Times

Opponents not conceding charter-schools ballot victory 

Charter-school supporters claimed victory Saturday, but opponents refused to concede in the face of a vote tally that remains too close to call.

By Seattle Times staff

Charter-school supporters claimed victory Saturday, but opponents refused to concede in the face of a vote tally that remains too close to call.

As of 7 p.m., Initiative 1240 was leading 50.8 to 49.2 percent, the same margin as Friday. The measure continued to trail in King County, with 51.5 percent of voters against, but maintained its lead in the rest of the state. About 400,000 ballots are left to count statewide, with 130,000 in King County. The measure is leading by 43,860 votes statewide.

"We're going to wait until every vote is counted," said Marianne Bichsel, spokeswoman for the anti-charter group People for Our Public Schools.

But initiative supporters said they're confident they've won.   Read More >>

Read entire story (published Saturday, 10/10/2012, 6:53pm)

NAMIWalk raises over $205,000

NAMIWalkers with Mariner Moose walked
to raise awareness for mental health in Kirkland

NAMI Eastside wants to thank all of our sponsors and you, for contributing your time, energy, and support to this year’s NAMIWalk. Eastside Donations are still coming in but so far total more than $205,000. The estimate of attendees for the Walk is between 850 – 1000. Regardless of how many people attended or what the final amount turns out to be, I consider the Walk a success. Thank you for helping us continue our important work. We truly wouldn’t be here without you. I will post additional information as I receive it.

NAMI Eastside is the East King County, WA chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Our mission is to improve the quality of life of those persons affected by acute and chronic mental illness through support, education and advocacy.

Our members include families, friends, and people with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, general anxiety disorder, ADHD, and others.

We sponsor free support groups and educational programs, and we advocate for improvements to our mental health delivery system in terms of access to care, standards of care, continuity of care, recovery, housing and rehabilitation.

Bear Creek's Honor Society food drive collects 8980 pounds.

Bear Creek Food Drive collects 8980 pounds.

Bear Creek’s Chapter of the National Honor Society
Collects 8,980 Pounds of Food for Hopelink

During the week of October 29 – November 2, The Bear Creek School’s
chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) sponsored a food drive for Hopelink. NHS
members posted signs and placed bins near all the classroom doors and then collected the
donations each day and delivered the food to Hopelink’s food bank in Redmond. The students
also organized a “Trick-or-Canning” event on the Sunday before Halloween and many Upper
School students went “Trick-or-Canning” on Halloween night as well, accepting cans of food
instead of candy. Additionally, students collected donations from shoppers at QFC in Redmond
Ridge. In order to encourage donations, the NHS sponsored a contest to see which class could
bring in the most cans per capita.

This year, Bear Creek students collected an amazing 8,980 pounds of food (valued at $13,470),
even more than the 8,809 pounds of food donated during last year’s food drive. The freshman
class collected an incredible 83 items per student!

About The Bear Creek School

The Bear Creek School, a leader in classical education for preschool through grade 12 in the
Pacific Northwest, offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from a Christian worldview.
The Bear Creek School challenges students to reach their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual
potential through academics, athletics, fine and performing arts, community service programs,
and many other educational and social activities.

Computer virus grabs attention during busy school board meeting

I stumbled on the Lake Washington School District Board meeting running LIVE on Channel 26 at 7 pm last night.  (You can also watch it streaming online or in the district website archived recordings).  It was a full meeting with three principals presenting at the beginning.  Mead Elementary principal gave her overview as "the host school."  Principals from Eastlake and International recognized their National Merit scholar semi-finalists. 

A wicked computer virus circulating within and around the district computer system was the subject of the Superintendent's talk. It's called: GOBLIN MAL/xpadhg. The district has teams scanning computers and quarantining them. Progress was made over the weekend but "it's not clean yet" according to Pierce. Board member Carlson said infected thumb drives have become a huge reservoir of the virus. The district is issuing replacement storage thumb drives for the students and other alternatives.   Pierce said parents would be notified just as soon as the virus was eradicated. 

A 9th grader from Eastlake spoke up during Public Comment asking the Board to support American Sign Language (ASL) for the World Language Program.  Superintendent Pierce answered a survey is going out to parents asking them what languages they'd like see to expand current offerings. ASL is on the list.

Superintendent Pierce reported $92,230 in donations for the month of October.  Evergreen Healthcare gave $1300 to Juanita High for a white board.  LWSF made three donations to schools.  The PTSA's gave generously.

A Director from the Assistance League of the Eastside gave the Board and viewing public an update on "Operation School Bell" - a program that provides clothing to less fortunate students.  The Eastside chapter's program serves as a national role model throughout 22 states.  1500 LWSD elementary and middle school students are served.  The program started 20 years ago at Redmond elementary serving 60 students out of a portable.  It now partners with Fred Meyer serving 2400 students, including four North Shore schools and Bellevue School district.

The School Board conducted an informal First Reading of Executive Limitations (EL) revisions.  They were last reviewed about 10 years ago and a Second Reading is planned for their next Business meeting. 

By Bob Yoder

Redmond Safety Alert, by Redmond Police Outreach

Within the last week alone a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of British Columbia, Hawaii and Alaska received Tsunami warnings, and hurricane-turned-Superstorm Sandy claimed over 100 lives. Are you prepared for something like this?

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting its second REDMOND READY DAY on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Overlake Christian Church (9900 Willows Road NE) from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The City’s “Redmond Ready” campaign encourages citizens to be trained in three areas: 1) First Aid, 2) CPR, and 3) Personal preparedness. Redmond Ready Day provides training in all three areas mentioned above with the only cost being a discounted rate of $14 for first aid and CPR training, regularly costing much more. The two-hour personal preparedness class is free. Knowing these skills can make the difference between life or death while in the jaws of disaster.  Read More >>

Pileated Woodpecker forages on apple in Education Hill

This Pileated Woodpecker was foraging on an apple in the backyard of a neighbor next to the Shaunhaessy
 Heights development on south Education Hill.  This uncommon bird is rarely seen in Redmond anymore.
Photo By KIM CASHON-SMITH, 11/2/2012

Redmond City Hall Ballot Drop Box is Open!

Redmond City Hall  - Next to the Library -  15670 NE 85th Street

24-hour Ballot Drop Boxes Are Open Now!

CAST YOUR BALLOT AT THE CITY OF REDMOND BALLOT DROP BOX!

CONVENIENT DRIVE-THROUGH! 

AVOID THE WEATHER!

SHORTER LINES THAN THE POST OFFICE!

NO STAMPS!

DROP BOXES CLOSE AT 8PM, 11/6.

There's another drop box at Crossroads Shopping Center, South Entrance
IF YOU MAIL:  One First Class stamp is required, postmarked by November 6.
Republished:  11/1/2012

Mayor Marchione proposes $3,122,000 in new "fire engines"

Mayor Marchone proposes replacing this Aerial Ladder Truck with
a new $1,200,000 Aerial Ladder Truck,  Council must approve.

Two shiny, new fire engines, a new aerial ladder truck, battalion vehicle, training vehicle, and two aid cars are in the mayor's proposed 2013-14 budget.  Total expenditures:  $3,122,000, not counting trade in value.

According to the fire chief and director of finance all the older equipment would be surplussed in storage behind the new vehicles except the Aerial Ladder Truck which the chief called "an anomaly" that would be sold in the aftermarket. 

Councilmember Myers asked if the reason for the request was owing to new technology or wear and tear?  The Directors were not very transparent in their answer but the Chief did say lowering maintenance cost and wear are the reasons.  Councilmember Tom Flynn asked if the existing vehicles had been fully depreciated; Director Mike Baily clarified by saying, "No." 

So, it looks like Fire personnel will have some shiny new equipment to use and show off in the community if Council gives the go ahead.  Costs are as follows: 

Aerial Ladder Truck - $1,200,000
Fire Engines (2) - $1,380,000
Aid Cars (2) - $430,000
Battalion vehicle - $64,000
Training SUV - $48,000

Do you think the community needs this new fire replacement equipment? 

Reported by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Evergreen Hospital to hold budget hearing and educational session - Commissioners propose raising the 2013 Regular levy

UPDATED 11/13/2012:  Correction:  On November 9th, the Commission voted to approve a $154,982 (2.1%) Regular Levy increase totaling $15,822,629 for 2013. 

The Evergreen Health Hospital Budget Hearing and Educational Session will take place on Friday, November 9th at 7:00 a.m. in Tan 250 of the Physicians and Surgeons Building.  The Board of Commissioners will be approving the most recent allocation of General Obligation Bonds from King County which aligns with the most recent taxation.  According to Laurene Burton, Government Affairs, the Commisssion is not voting on any proposals or increases to the 2013 Regular Property Tax Levy itself.  The public is invited to sit in on the Educational Session and speak at the Budget Hearing.

The Hearing offers the public an opportunity to give input into how Regular levy dollars are allocated for expenditure and to learn where the hospital spends it's $15,285,968 levy funds to promote community health and wellness.   Currently, 74% of the regular levy monies are allocated to paying debt service for growth and 26% for "health and wellness."  The 24-hour nurse line is one program Evergreen provides - similar to many health insurer programs.   Some citizens want to see more funding for "hands-only" cardiac resuscitation. 

The Board will vote to fund the $9,242,180 General Obligation bond excess levy to pay down a $112.7M bond approved by voters on November 10, 2004.  The bond raises money to pay for Evergreen Hospital's Emergency Department in Kirkland and the Silver Tower surgical aftercare beds. 

The Board of Commissioners raised the Regular Property Tax Levy 1% in 2012,  2.1% in 2011 and 1.7% in 2010.  Commissioners Greenfield and Hirt are up for re-election in 2013.  The Commission accepts public comment on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Public Meeting Room, Tan #250. 

By Bob Yoder

King County Public Hospital District No. 2, was established in 1972 to serve citizens in north King and south Snohomish counties. Registered voters in District number 155,154 (2010). Serving more than 400,000 citizens every year and three school districts, the District operates a 290-bed hospital and a network of primary and urgent care centers. Evergreen Healthcare district boundaries include Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, part of Sammamish and parts of unincorporated northeast King County. The District’s specialties include a maternity center, a cancer center, hospice and home health care, 24-hour emergency care, a critical care unit, cardiac care and surgical services.

Redmond Historical Society member photo of first meeting in 1999.

1999 Redmond Historical Society holds its first meeting at the Redmond Library with 22 in attendance. Founders are Miguel Llanos (far right in front), Margaret Evers Wiese (fifth from left), and Naomi Hardy (center right in front)

Communications and city branding under review by Redmond council

City branding and communications were brief but important discussions by Redmond city council at their last study session.  Jeri Rowe-Curtis, newer city Communication and Marketing Administrator was at the table explaining her programs.  More importantly, the city council broadcast a  loud and clear message of Redmond's identity when Council Vice President Hank Margeson proclaimed:

"Redmond ought to be known throughout the world as the tech center of the universe and we ought to be building on that legacy."

Hank left it up to others with expertise to build the brand advising "there should be a coordinated communications plan to have a message that's carried forward; it adds transparency and insures no hidden agendas." 

Councilmember Allen agreed and encouraged "an outreach to the "creative" community to do some branding."

Hank Myers referenced the Puget Sound Business Journal's recent article on seven new technology companies in the Sound with two locating in Redmond.   Jeri Rowe-Curtis said she's paying attention to this Journal.  Some of her recent work is to get more robust programming on RCTV and AM 1650 and a social media push, especially U-Tube.  She's doing lunch 'n learns with staff for emergency prep and screens incoming calls of select citizens to filter the city information and shape the message.   

Her branding message for the city is currently:

"Realize Redmond's future as a City with two vibrant urban centers in downtown and Overlake, improve connections to our neighborhoods, and provide high quality services in partnership with an engaged community." 

By Bob Yoder

Reflections 2012 is a National PTA and cultural arts program

PTSA Reflections 2012 "Reflections" is a National PTA and cultural arts competition. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. This year's title is "The Magic of a Moment" The categories are Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Film/video, and Choreography/dance. Redmond High school has a great tradition of entering Reflections but perhaps we had our best year last year with 6 of our students work judged good enough to go onto the state level, (more than any other LWSD High school!) and then 3 of our students won Awards of Excellence at the State level. So if you want to be a part of it.....here is what you do..... Redmond High school is obviously in the Senior division but new this year is a division for Special Artists. There are guidelines for each arts category and for the special artist division, are in the RHS library along with your entry form. Our lovely librarians will show you where they are and then they will also collect your finished art piece ( told you they were lovely!) If you want even more details, go to wastatepta.org/programs/reflections  website. You can download your forms from here BUT the forms in the library have all the PTSA info already filled for you. DEADLINE is November 2nd 2012. You do not have to leave it till the last minute, get creative now! I am here to help; email is the best way to contact me, Alison.johnson@comcast.net. I look forward to seeing your creations and the best of luck!

"ONE REDMOND" Chairman Bill Biggs gives progress report to Redmond city council

UPDATED:  Bill Biggs, V.P. Administrative Services for Group Health and Chair of Redmond Economic Development Association (REDA) gave Council a progress report on ONE REDMOND (OR) this Tuesday during their study session.  Mr. Biggs was introduced as the new Chair of OR. 

Biggs defined OR as an organization that "integrates community development, business retention, and business recruitment and choreographs how they connect and work together."   He said integration of the city into OR is important to land new businesses. 

Andrea Lachmann of PS Business Parks and Chair of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce and Nancy McCormick, a Director of Realize Redmond (RR) and Past Redmond Council President were present and gave insight into how their organizations would fold into OR.  REDA, the Chamber and RR planned to finalize their recommendations for a OR work plan yesterday with a specific work plan expected by December, 2013. 

Chair Biggs said "assimilation of the Chamber of Commerce into One Redmond is going very well and this week we'll bring that to culmination." He said the legacy of the chamber is business retention and that chamber staff will be folded into OR.  Biggs said OR will keep the Chamber brand and maintain it's association with the Eastside and National Chambers.  On web searches it will be found rostered under ONE REDMOND. 

Andrea Lachmann wrote a thorough update on ONE REDMOND in the October 2012 Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce newsletter.   I recommend you read it here. 

McCormick said Realize Redmond is aligned with OR in their mission to develop the community by focusing on:  a sense of place, community involvement, cultural attributes, cultural diversity, and quality educational system.  She said they've been involved with writing the By-Laws of OR during a quiet fundraising period. 

Councilmember Tom Flynn asked if Realize Redmond was still fundraising for the Downtown Park and McCormmick no, it's delayed.  Mayor Marchione said park construction isn't planned untill 2016-2017 with 2014 being a "design year" and 2013 a "community input year."  (write:  mayor@redmond.gov)

President Vache' said the $50,000 feasibility study showed the Downtown Park was not a top priority.  Chair Biggs said "the first park priority is what happens in and around the park, the buzz, and how it creates a sense of place and attraction to the people to visit here, work here, and live here."  He hadn't seen traction from the community side to see how the park would perform.  Read More >>

Superintendent Pierce informs Wilder parents of her decision for temporary boundary changes - process will take months.

Superintendent Pierce recently wrote Wilder parents informing them of her decision to engage in a temporary boundary change involving Rosa Parks Elementary and Wilder Elementary. This boundary change will move some Rosa Parks students to Wilder. All Wilder students will continue to attend Wilder.

Dr. Pierce will take her recommendation to the school board in January. The goal is to have this process completed prior to kindergarten registration in February.  A temporary boundary committee will first meet on October 25 to process the reboundary. 

The committee will be made up of the principals from the two involved schools (Tina Livingston and Steve Roetcisoender), the director of school support from the Redmond Learning Community (Jon Holmen), staff members from business services, transportation and communications (Barbara Posthumus, Jeff Miles, Kathryn Reith). It will be led by an outside consultant, Bob Collard, formerly Assistant Superintendent both for Lake Washington and for Everett School District.

 At the end of November, the district will hold a public meeting to introduce possible boundary scenarios. At that meeting and through the website, the committee will gather parent feedback on the scenarios.

Current enrollment at Rosa Parks is 795 students, and district projections show enrollment growing to 1034 by the 2015-16 school year.  The district's long-term solution for this issue is to build a new school on district-owned property in Redmond Ridge East as part of a bond measure in February 2014. If that bond passes, a new school would open in the fall of 2016. 

In the meantime, however, Rosa Parks has filled ten portable classrooms and has no additional room to accommodate students while enrollment continues to increase.  Wilder Elementary has a current enrollment of 347 students, and projections show enrollment decreasing to 238 by the 2015-16 school year.

By Bob Yoder

WSDOT sponsors contest for students K-12 to name the SR99 "tunnel boring machine"

LETTER:  The Washington State Department of Transportation is sponsoring a contest for students grades K-12 to name the State Route SR 99 "tunnel boring machine" (TBM). It would be great if you could post this information about the contest to your website.

By Natalie Graves,Communications and Public Involvement, Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program GravesN@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov   ...as follows: 

Kids, it’s time to play…Name that tunneling machine! The Washington State Department of Transportation is sponsoring a contest for kindergarten through 12th grade students to name the State Route 99 "tunnel boring machine" (TBM), which is the largest-diameter boring machine built to date. In mid-2013, it will start tunneling beneath downtown Seattle, creating the replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct along the central waterfront.

The contest winner will have their selected name painted on the tunnel boring machine and will be invited to attend the dedication event next year in Seattle. This is a great opportunity for Washington state students to learn more about this massive infrastructure project and the advances in tunneling technology that make it possible. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about the project’s history and how a tunnel boring machine works.

Entries will be judged by a panel including Gov. Chris Gregoire and Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. If the winning name is submitted by more than one contest participant, the judges will determine the winner based on the essay. The winner will be announced in December, when project officials travel to Japan and Seattle Tunnel Partners takes ownership of the completed TBM.  Read More >> How to register >>

School board members recruited to oppose I-1240, the charter school reform initiative

School board members recruited to oppose I-1240, the charter school reform initiative

October 23, 2012
By Liv Finne, Washington Policy.org

I was disappointed to hear that this week opponents of Initiative 1240, the charter school initiative, are trying to recruit school board members to sign a petition in opposition to the initiative.

This effort attempts to draw school board members into a larger political dispute which does not concern most of them. School board members are volunteers who stand for election in order to serve their schools and local communities. The vast majority of the 295 school districts in Washington will be unaffected by Initiative 1240 because this measure allows only 8 charter schools a year and a total of just 40 over five years, a tiny fraction of Washington’s 2,345 schools. Initiative 1240 says preference must be given to charter schools that serve at-risk students, so charter schools are likely to be limited to the few urban districts which serve large numbers of poor and minority children.

School board members are likely to avoid getting involved in Initiative 1240 for two reasons: 1) Initiative 1240 is a strong school reform measure, and 2) Washington state voters are likely to pass this measure. School board members will not enjoy being characterized as opposed to school reform at their next election for school board.

Polls show that voters across Washington recognize that Initiative 1240 is good for children because it will allow at-risk inner-city children the chance to attend a high-performing charter school.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/school-board-members-recruited-oppose-i-1240-charter-school-reform-initiative

City of Redmond gets passing grade on Washington State Auditor's Office "accountability audit"

Washington State Auditor’s Office 3, September 26, 2012

This report contains the results of the Washington State Auditor's Office independent accountability audit of the City of Redmond from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

We evaluated internal controls and performed audit procedures on the activities of the City. We also determined whether the City complied with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures.

In keeping with general auditing practices, we do not examine every transaction, activity or area. Instead, the areas examined were those representing the highest risk of noncompliance, misappropriation or misuse. The following areas were examined during this audit period:  Open Public Meetings Act  Financial condition

 CAATS – information system review

RESULTS:  In the areas we examined, the City’s internal controls were adequate to safeguard public assets. The City also complied with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures in the areas we examined. 
ABOUT THE CITY
The City of Redmond serves approximately 52,000 residents in King County. The City lies east of Lake Washington contiguous to the cities of Kirkland, Bellevue and Woodinville. The City provides services including fire, police, water/sewer/storm utilities, public works, community development and parks and recreation.

An elected, seven-member Council and independently elected Mayor govern the City. The Council appoints management to oversee the City’s daily operations as well as its approximately 668 full- and part-time employees. For the 2011-2012 biennium, the City operated on a budget of approximately $523 million.

Mayor Marchione's Vision for the Downtown core in 2030

According to October, 2012 *city-data: 2300 residents currently live in the Downtown Urban Center "neighborhood"; that's only 18% of the number of residents (13000) targeted to live in "the neighborhood" within 18 years.   

The following, is the John Marchione Administration's 2030 Vision for Redmond's Downtown Urban Center as found in his Preliminary Operating Budget 2013-2014.

"Downtown Redmond is a vibrant mix of businesses, residences, and open  spaces.  It's a destination where residents meet in their favorite bakery or take in an open-air concert at the Downtown Park.  Residents and visitors walk along the tree-lined streets from shop to shop, or along the Sammamish River Trail, or Central Connector Trail, for exercise and relaxation. 

The "Downtown Neighborhood" is an urban village with a sense of its own history.  The one square mile neighborhood houses approximately 13,000 residents and 12,400 jobs, providing support to the neighborhood's restaurants, shops, services, and cultural/entertainment venues. 

Downtown residents and workers rarely use their cars to get around the neighborhood, as light rail, convenient bus service, and friendly walking and bicycling environments provide fun, interesting and health transit options within "the neighborhood," as well as to Bellevue and downtown Seattle."

*Source:  Urban Center Element of the Comprehensive Plan link