Maximum salary ceiling for eight city Executives is standardized and set

City Council passed an ordinance standardizing Executive pay for eight city officials and they raised the maximum payout (not counting bonuses) to $155,184.  Median pay grade was set at $132,732.  The eight officials are:  Finance Director, Fire Chief,  Police Chief, Public Works Director, Parks Director, Depty Administrator, Planning Director, and Human Resources Director. 

Below is a history of Executive salaries and merit bonuses as collected from earlier public record requests.  Most 2010 executive salaries are at or above the new standardized median salary of $132,732. 

2010 SALARY QUOTES ARE BASE W/O BENEFITS: 
$148,101 Finance Director - Michael Bailey - $142,000 + $6101.18 Bonus  
$149,712 Fire Chief/Acting Police - $139,000 + $10,712 Bonus
$142,008 Police Chief - Ronald Gibson - $142,008 (Starting Salary, hired on 6/1/10)
$140,813 Public Works Director - - $135,000 + $5813 Merit Bonus
$138,228 Parks Director - Craig Larsen - $132,000 + $6,228.82 Merit Bonus
$137,947 Deputy Administrator - Jane Christianson - $132,000 + $5947.56 Bonus.
$134,803 Planning Director - Rob Odle -$129,000 + 5,802.84 Merit Bonus
$133,763 H.R. Director - $128,000 + $5763 Merit Bonus

Across the board:  1% base increase, 2011   Compensation for 2012 unknown.   

NOTES:  Maximum annual bonus is 15% once Directors reach the salary ceiling. Most have reached the ceiling, according to the Mayor (2/11).  Benefit package is ~30% of salary and is non-taxable.

2008 executive lump sum bonuses averaged 8.5% of base salary.  2008 Base salary merit increase averaged 2.2%.  In 2009 no base salary merit raises were awarded.

Reported By Bob Yoder

Schools Receive $300,000 in Grants from Lake Washington Schools Foundation

 Redmond, WA.  Lake Washington Schools Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in grants to teachers and schools across the Lake Washington School District for the 2013-14 school year. The foundation is funding the school district’s New Teacher Support Program for the first time, while it continues to support the rollout of the new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) -based Signature Programs and to fund long-standing programs such as Reaching for Success classroom innovation grants, the LINKS mentoring program and the Access Fund for low-income middle and high school students. Grants awarded to the school district from the foundation included a $49,000 Aspire grant from the AT&T Foundation to support high school completion and college-readiness for low-income students.   Read More >>

Parks Commission meets with Design Review Board to flesh out Overlake Urban Park

On November 7th, 6:30PM at Redmond City Hall, the Design Review Board will meet with the Parks Commission to discuss the proposed Overlake 2.7 acre Urban Park.  Below is some background on the meeting:



In December 2011, the City Council approved a Master Plan for the redevelopment of the former Group Health Overlake hospital property. The Master Plan envisioned a complete transformation of the 28-acre site, with approximately 1,400 new residential units, 1.2 million square feet of commercial uses, a hotel, as well as 2.7 acres of parkland in the middle of the site. Read More >>

Low inventory fuels competition for Redmond homes

By KC Brants

Redfin Real Estate Agent  

 

It’s still a seller’s market in Redmond where low inventory has caused an influx of buyers competing for fewer homes. In September, 260 homes were for sale, down from 270 the same time last year and 541 in September 2011.

 

A number of factors have contributed to Redmond’s lack of inventory. When the real estate market turned in 2007, several would-be buyers decided to postpone purchasing a home. With the market regaining its strength now, these buyers have resumed their search. Many of them have solid credit and sizeable down payments, thanks to years of saving. It is not uncommon to see buyers put down $120,000 on a $700,000 home or even pay in all cash. And among Redmond buyers are Microsoft, Google and Amazon employees, whose desire to be near their jobs has only added to the influx of home seekers.

 

With this type of demand, there just aren’t enough homes to go around.  Traumatized by the last real estate decline, many sellers are anxious about listing their homes. Some of them want to continue to wait for home prices to increase.  And many of those underwater are relying on price increases so they can afford to sell their homes. Developers are nervous, too. After the real estate slump, new construction came to a screeching halt. Developers in Redmond now test the market by building and selling a handful of homes at a time rather than releasing all of the lots in a development.

 

This lack of inventory has lead to a steady rise in Redmond’s home prices. The current median home price is $599,000. And homes here are selling faster. On average, homes sold in September spent just nine days on the market, compared to 31 days the same time last year, and 47 days in September 2011.

 

If you’re looking to buy a home in Redmond, here are some tips on competing against multiple offers:

·       Get pre-approved with a local lender and get underwriter approval. This is a must to prove your finances are solid when competing against multiple offers. Working with a local lender or one preferred by the listing agent can also gain you an advantage.

·       Start the conversation early. When you tour a house you like, let your agent know so you can begin a conversation with the listing agent about which terms matter most.

·       Write a letter and appeal to the seller. Often sellers have an emotional as well as financial investment in their home. It can really make a difference to write them a one-page letter explaining why you love the home and what it would mean to you to buy it.

·       Know your limits. Determine your target price and calculate what each price increase means for your monthly payment.

For more information, visit Redfin.com

Public Meetings planned for proposed Overlake urban park

Redmond, WA - Seattle-based development firm Capstone Partners and the City of Redmond are hosting a series of public meetings to develop and discuss conceptual designs for an urban park to be constructed at the center of a master planned development on the former Group Health site.

Meeting schedule:

November 7, 6:30 pm, City Hall: Capstone Partners will seek input from the Redmond Design Review Board and the Parks and Trails Commission on the vision and programming for the park.

December 4, 6 pm, City Hall: Capstone will conduct a general public meeting to discuss the project vision, and programming goals.

Following the December meeting, Capstone will develop design options for the park site and will share their concepts at a public meeting tentatively slated for early January 2014. In late January, Capstone will present a preferred option to the community for feedback before creating plans for City approval.

Details on the 2014 meeting schedule will be available in December.

For more information, please visit www.redmond.gov/overlake, or contact the project manager, Dennis Lisk, at 425.556.2471.

Redmond Police warn of potential scams

Redmond, WA – In the last week, the Redmond Police Department has received complaints from victims reporting that suspects are using a phone number associated with the Redmond Police to extort funds from victims.

The complainants reported that they received calls from a subject claiming to be from the IRS.  The caller told the victim that they owe the IRS money and the money needs to be paid or they will be arrested.  The phone number that is associated with the call is 425-556-2500.  This number is associated with the Redmond Police Department, but it is not a number that is displayed when calls originate from the Police Department. 

This is a continuing trend where citizens are being contacted by suspects claiming to be government employees.  The citizens are told they need to pay the government agency to avoid arrest or deportation. 

Redmond Police is advising everyone to be aware of these types of scams.  Government agencies do not initiate calls to collect funds over the phone.   If you receive these type of calls please notify your local agency.

RPD Press Release

 

 

Happy Halloween in the neighborhood!

Happy Halloween! 

LETTER: Can Lake Washington School District taxpayers afford another $755,000,000 in bond debt for school construction?

By Susan Wilkins

 

In 2006, voters approved the sale of $436,000,000 in 20-year bonds to pay for school modernization.  The ballot measure that voters approved, Proposition 3 (see below*), specifically said that bonds would be sold to pay for the "modernization" of the schools. The school district tore down and rebuilt every school on the modernization list calling the teardowns "new-in lieu" construction. The district claimed that the remodels would cost 90% of what new construction would cost and thus justified tearing the buildings down rather fixing them. 

Ten schools were torn down and rebuilt including 6 elementary schools (Frost, Muir, Keller, Sandburg, Bell and Rush), 2 middle schools (Finn Hill and Rose Hill), Lake Washington High School and International Community School. Only one new school, Carson Elementary, was built as part of the 2006 bond measure.  Rebuilding these schools from the ground up was far more expensive than remodeling them.  The school district sold $417,000,000 in bonds between September 2006 and September 2010 to pay for all the construction.  Together with 1998 construction bonds sold for Phase 1 modernization and bonds sold in 2012 to pay for additions at Eastlake and Redmond High Schools, the Lake Washington School District now has $486,000,000 in outstanding bond debt.

In 2013-2014, the district will spend $51,500,000 on bond principle & interest payments for bonds issued in 1998, 2006 and 2012. And taxpayers will continue to pay $50,000,000 per year until 2020 and then $40,000,000 per year until 2025 in order to pay off these construction bonds. This will cost the median homeowner $57.00 per month through 2020 then $44.00 per month through 2025.

The district is proposing the 2014 bond measure to sell another $755,000,000 to pay for more "modernization" construction plus 3 new elementary schools, a middle school and more high school space.  They tell us it will only cost $30.00 per month for a median priced home assessed at $450,000.  In fact, the owner of a median priced home will pay about $60 per month - if the bonds are issued with 4% interest.  This is ON TOP OF THE COST for the 1998, 2006 & 2012 bonds and the EP&O and Capital Projects levies.  Read More >>

Obliteride Sets Northwest Fundraising Record Raising Nearly $2 Million for Cancer Research

Organizers say thank you to the people of Redmond for their support

SEATTLE, Oct. 25, 2013 – The inaugural Obliteride was a huge success. In its first year, Obliteride

raised more money for a local organization than any other bicycling fundraiser in the Northwest. The

inaugural ride raised $1.9 million that will go directly to lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer

Research Center in Seattle.  Read More >>

Letter: Hall responds to Superintendent Pierce's letter on the proposed bond

"Dear Dr. Pierce,

 

      Please consider the following with regard to your recent response to my letters questioning the LWSD policy of replacing schools instead of modernizing them.  You provided much detail confirming that our buildings are built larger than the state allowable area for the number of students housed.   As a result, any new schools we build will require the use of 100% local funds with no state support.    

 

      However, you don’t mention that the state will still provide almost 25% of the cost to modernize any or all of our schools.  You also didn’t explain why the major share of the proposed $755,000,000 bond issue next year is earmarked to replace 6 more of our schools with 100% local funds instead of modernizing (remodeling) them with 25% state support for hundreds of millions of dollars less.  Read More >>

Bomb Threat Investigated at Redmond City Hall Campus, Nothing Suspicious Found

Redmond, WA – Redmond Police investigated a bomb threat at the Redmond City Hall Campus today.  The threat was received around 10am and Redmond Police and Fire responded to the scene.  A King County Sheriff’s Office Explosives Trained Canine responded to the scene and conducted an area search.  Nothing suspicious was found and business is continuing as normal at the City Hall Campus. 

As always, Redmond Police and Fire encourage people to call 911 to report suspicious activity. 

City holds public meeting on 166th Ave rechannelization, October 28.

A large, white City of Redmond Public Notice Sign is installed by the tennis courts on 166th announcing the Rechannelization of 166th AVE NE.   The city plans to restripe the lanes from four lanes to three lanes and add bicycle lanes.  The Notice Board states: 

"Resident Comments Needed on Safety Improvements from NE 85th to 100th Streets."

The public meeting will be held on Monday, October 28th, 5-7PM at the Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center on 16600 NE 80th Street.  

Join the City of Redmond Community Academy

Please join fellow community members for the City of Redmond’s 2013 Community Academy (six Thursday evenings during October and November, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85^th Street).   This Thursday’s session (October 24^th) will highlight Redmond’s waste and recycling program, water and wastewater utilities, and aspects of the natural environment including stormwater and sustainability.

The Redmond Community Academy provides an opportunity for you to learn about the day-to-day activities involved in managing and operating Redmond government.  For each of the Academy’s six sessions, staff will provide information regarding topics such as public safety, the infrastructure necessary to delivery drinking water, and the process through which improvements to streets and sidewalks are considered and constructed.  During every session, participants are also invited to take part in behind-the-scene tours including the Traffic Operations, the Teen Center, the Senior Center, the Police Station and the Redmond Library.  Read More >>

City of Redmond launches a new interactive traffic map

Redmond, WA - The City of Redmond launched a new interactive traffic map that provides detailed information to Redmond commuters about current and upcoming traffic impacts. The map features enhanced navigation options and a direct link to the projects affecting traffic throughout the City. Users can also access a mobile application which has a “Locate Me” feature that shows the traffic information relevant to the commuters’ location.

The City continually seeks ways to effectively inform the public, and keep the website resources up-to-date, easy-to-use and professional. The new interactive Redmond Traffic map will ensure citizens and business commuters have the traffic information they need at their fingertips.

The Redmond Traffic map can be accessed directly at www.redmond.gov/trafficalerts. Users can also sign up to receive traffic notification alerts directly at www.redmond.gov/notifications.

Youth Eastside Services is Looking for Stories from Early Participants

Share your story and join the celebration of 45 years

 

Youth Eastside Services (YES), formally known as “Heads Up,” is turning 45 this year, and a celebration is in the works.

 

As part of the celebration, YES wants anyone involved with the organization to commemorate the milestones over the past 45 years by sharing their story about it. The agency has set up a special form that can be found online at www.YouthEastsideServices.org.

 

“We want to hear from kids who dropped in to ‘rap,’ and the volunteers who listened, as well as past staff and board members,” says YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. Those who complete the form can choose to remain anonymous.  Read More >>

National Alliance of the Mentally ILL (NAMI) Newsletter

NAMI Mental Awareness Week

Thank you to all of you who participated in Mental Awareness Week. The week’s events culminated with the Awards Presentation. Mike Rynas was presented with the NAMI Washington 2013 Jim Adams Lifetime Achievement Award and Operations Captain Scott Strathy of the Shoreline Police Department was presented with the NAMI 2013 Criminal Justice Award. Thank you to the Cities of Shoreline, Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland for proclaiming October 6, 2013 through October 13, 2013 as Mental Illness Awareness Week.

 

HERO House 2013 Harvest Luncheon 

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” –Mahatma Gandhi

Attend and be the Agent of Change. The event is on Thursday, November 7 beginning promptly at 11:30am at Lake Sammamish Four Square Church 14434 NE 8th Street, Bellevue 98007.

The emcee for the afternoon will be Dennis Bounds from King5News.

Please reply by Friday, October 25 by calling 425-614-1282 or email harvest@herohouse.org.

For additional information visit us in the web: www.herohouse.org  Read More >>

Letter from Superintendent Pierce about upcoming bond measure

Bob:

I would like to submit Superintendent Pierce's letter for publication. It responds to the letter you printed from Paul Hall regarding the upcoming bond measure.

Thank you,

Kathryn M. Reith, APR

Communications Director

Lake Washington School District

Dear Kirkland City Council and Redmond City Council Members,

 

You recently received an email from Paul P. Hall, Architect, AIA, Emeritus, regarding the Lake Washington School District’s upcoming bond measure. I have copied Mr. Hall on this email. I first want to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Hall for his support of the district’s upcoming Educational Programs and Operations and Capital Projects levies. I also appreciate the opportunity to respond to his concerns with respect to the bond measure.  

 

Mr. Hall’s email indicates that the district’s bond resolution stipulates that no state support is expected. This is an accurate statement.  As Mr. Hall indicates, the district does not currently qualify for state construction funding assistance to serve new or “unhoused” students.  The district has qualified in the past for state funding for modernization/replacement of schools.  The district will continue to apply for these funds; however these funds will only be available should they be allocated in future legislative sessions.

 

To provide some additional background regarding why the district does not qualify for state construction funding assistance to accommodate “unhoused” students, it is important to understand the underlying state methodology for school construction funding.  Read More >> 

United Methodist Church to open a community soup kitchen

Leaders from the Redmond United Methodist Church (80th & 166th) announced their plans to open a community "Open Kitchen" to provide a weekly meal for those in need.  They are hosting an  October 22 community orientation meeting at 7pm at the church. Stop by the church if you are interested. Presently, they are working with the LWSD to identify families in need and are asking everyone in the community for help.  QFC-Bella Botega is supplying the first meal and the church is reaching out to PCC and Whole Foods for additional support.  Home-made meals on Mondays is the plan.  Councilmember Kimberly Allen said she will be attending the Orientation meeting.   Councilmember David Carson was interested in cooking.   

Fredrik is looking for a permanent home

FREDRIK IS LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT HOME…

…for the rest of the school year.  He is currently enrolled in a private school in Kirkland.  The family with whom he is staying temporarily would love to host him for the rest of the year, but just cannot.  The host mother says, “Fredrik is a wonderful young man, easy to have around and very open minded.  He appreciates all things American and is happy to be in the USA.  His English is superb.”     Could you or someone you know could host Fredrik?  If yes, please call me (360-275-6701 or 425-444-4950) or email me (mhamilton@yfu.org) so we can move forward.   Thanks so much!

Fredrik is a 17 year old Male from Norway   Fredrik says, "I look forward to being immersed in another way of life and learning about the world outside of my own backyard. Thank you so much for the opportunity to do that!" Do you love soccer? So does Fredrik! He plays on a team and loves it. He also likes to play golf with his Grandad and he plays soccer with his brother. His family likes to watch him and his brother play in their soccer matches, eat dinner together, travel and ski. Fredrik is also interested in computers, reading, listening to music, video games, and movies. With his friends, they like to hang out at the mall or watch basketball, football, or handball matches. In his spare time he plays the guitar or plays video games with his brother. His teachers describe him as polite and cooperative. His favorite subjects are PE, Math, and Social Studies. Fredrik's chores at home include emptying the dishwasher, cleaning his room, going to the store for his mom, and in the summer washing the car. Since he had a childhood allergy to furred pets, which is much better, he requests a pet-free bedroom. His plans for the future include becoming an Engineer.

For more information about Youth for Understanding (YFU), our 60-year old international high school exchange program,  log onto YFUUSA.org.  Feel free to email mhamilton@yfu.org  or call  Marcia Hamilton at 360-275-6701, or better yet, fill out the online application at www.yfuusa.org. To get started applying, click on host family application. http://yfuusa.org/host-families/ready-to-apply.php. 

Together we can make a world of difference!

Marcia Hamilton
Marcia Hamilton, Student Placement Manager

Do a good deed, plant some trees

Landmarks Commission meets with Redmond Council to discuss invigorating the downtown historic core

The Landmarks Commission and Design Review Board met with City Council last night to discuss the invigorating the downtown historic core.   Councilmembers Flynn and Margeson suggested signage to help connect the Downtown Park and Connector to the historic core.  Councilmembers Allen and Stilin and others wanted to approach the surrounding businesses in the core to involve them collectively in our city's history and the grant monies that might be available. 

Some big news is the Pho Restaurant on Leary with the metal siding is under new ownership and the owner may be amenable to removing the metal siding and renovating this landmark structure.  Currently, there is graffiti on the siding.  It was suggested the city look for redevelopment incentives for the core businesses.

On a second note, the 120 year old Redmond school house bell by the Public Safety Building is deteriorating and there was talk about moving it to one of various other locations.  The stoop at City Hall and the Clock Park in downtown were two suggestions.  Stilin  thought it should be placed where it could be rung, if possible.  The Landmarks Commission recommended incasing this artifact to protect it. Margeson and Flynn suggested keeping the bell where it is and encasing it but no final consensus was achieved.

Reported by Bob Yoder 

Youth Eastside Services seeking volunteers to mentor youth

Mentor Mathew Williamson with mentee Andrew

Special training and information night scheduled Wednesday, November 6, 5 to 8 p.m.

 

BELLEVUE, Wash. (October 10, 2013)—The Success Mentoring Program, a service of Youth Eastside Services, is looking for volunteers interested in making a difference in the life of a child. Currently, more than 30 youth are on a waiting list to be matched with a mentor, and some have been waiting for many months.

 

A free information and training night will be held Wednesday, November 6, 5 to 8 p.m. at Youth Eastside Services in the Crossroads area of Bellevue. To reserve a space, or for more information, contact Melissa at 425.747.4937 or MelissaG@YouthEastsideServices.org. Additional information can also be found online at YouthEastsideServices.org.

 

The commitment to be a mentor is just two hours a week for a year, though many matches continue beyond that time. Most of the youth come from single parent families and need extra guidance from another caring adult. With the Success Mentoring Program, mentors receive training and support from skilled YES counselors. Each match is also carefully made for maximum compatibility.

 

No experience with children is needed because you build a relationship doing the things you both enjoy. Success works with mentors who are young professionals, retired, or are people who have raised a family and want to give back.

 

After screening and training, volunteers will be matched one-to-one with a child who is well suited geographically, shares common interests, and is available at times suitable for the mentor. 

Lower Bear Creek Rehabilitation project progresses

Roger Dane (left) - City of Redmond Planner - explains Lower Bear Creek Rehabilitation Project.  The channel is in the background. 

 

The WIRA 8 Committee stopped in Redmond to hear city planner Roger Dane explain the progress of Lower Bear Creek rehabilitation.  A 4,000 foot meandering channel is being built to improve salmon habitat.  The channel is viewable from the south side of Bear Creek Parkway.  The new channel is expected to be complete with plantings by next year with possible water flows the year following.   The mouth of the new channel will have a gentle gradient and be located further south of the existing creek.  Three "backwater" loops will be installed to facilitate salmon rearing.  The project was held up for two years by an archeological finding - the largest west of the Cascades.  It's being funded mostly by the WSDOT and City of Redmond, with some WIRA 8 funds.  The current bicycle/pedestrian trail was moved further away from the channel towards Bear Creek Parkway to increase the stream buffer.

By Bob Yoder

24 Hour Fitness Super-Sport Club Grand Opening is this Saturday, Oct. 12

New 24 Hour Fitness^® Super-Sport Club Opens in Redmond

Community Invited to Attend Opening Day Festivities Saturday, Oct. 12

REDMOND, Wash. – Oct. 7, 2013 – The new 24 Hour Fitness^® Super-Sport club located at 7320 170^th Avenue NE in Redmond, Wash. will open Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 a.m. The local community is invited to stop by on grand opening day to experience all the gym has to offer by taking VIP tours, participating in popular group exercises classes like Les Mills BODYPUMP™ and Yoga, playing a game of basketball or simply relaxing in the sauna.

Attending the grand opening will be Honorable Mayor John Marchione. At 11 a.m., Marchione will join 24 Hour Fitness team members in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, announcing “Healthy Redmond Day” in honor of the much-anticipated opening.

“We’ve been part of the greater Seattle community for more than 15 years, and our team of 100 talented fitness professionals are excited to support our members at this new club,” said Brian Walker, club manager, 24 Hour Fitness. “With the holidays right around the corner, our members, guests and local community can count on us to help them stay focused on their fitness goals in the coming months.”

The new 24 Hour Fitness club will be open around the clock, and features a wide variety of state-of-the art equipment and amenities to help members stay active and healthy – especially with Halloween, Thanksgiving and the holiday season fast approaching. Features include:

·         Cardio, strength and functional training equipment including TRX^® Suspension Trainers
·         Basketball court
·         Indoor lap pool, sauna, steam room and whirlpool
·         Full schedule of Group X^® classes
·         Kids’ Club babysitting*
·         Spacious functional training area
·         Personal and group training services*
·         Wi-Fi
·         Towel service

The nearby 24 Hour Fitness Sport club at 1505 140th Ave. in Bellevue, which opened in 1998, closes its doors Friday Oct. 11. The new, 50,000 square foot 24 Hour Fitness Redmond Super-Sport club opens the following morning.

To experience the new gym, download a free guest pass from 24hourfitness.com.

*Additional fees apply  Read More >>

Letter: Tearing down and replacing LWSD schools should be reconsidered: 2014 Bond Issue

This letter was mailed to Redmond and Kirkland City Councils and  LWSD Superintendent Dr. Pierce by Paul Hall

You recently met with our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Pierce.  She promised to get back to you on some unanswered questions about state funding assistance to defray construction costs, and replacing portables with permanent housing for kids and teachers.  I assume that she will explain that the bond resolution stipulates that no state support is expected and that there is no mention of new construction to replace portables.

 

She may or not explain why no state support is expected.  The state would normally pay for about 25% of the construction cost to house new students or modernize existing buildings. However, based on the size of our schools, the state assumes we can house more students than the district needs.  Therefor, while we still qualify for state assistance in modernization, we don’t qualify for that assistance for new construction.

 

This problem has been exacerbated by the district policy of replacing schools, rather than modernizing them.  These new buildings are built larger than allowed by state standards.  For example, Lake Washington High School was recently rebuilt over 19,000 SF larger than state standards.  That’s enough area to house almost 150 high school students.  The state assumes that it now  houses those students.  Modernization would not have affected the original lower housing capacity.

 

We spent around $65 million more local money to rebuild LWHS than would have been required to modernize it to the highest level of state standards.  That’s enough money to build 6 new elementary schools or 3 junior high schools to those standards.  And likewise in varying degrees for all the other schools rebuilt instead of being modernized.

 

We’ve spent over $600 million dollars the last 14 years to tear down and replace over half of our substantially sound school buildings instead of modernizing them. Almost half our schools are still not modernized.  They could all be modernized at this time with 25% of the costs borne by the state.  We’re being asked for another $755 million (2014 bond) a major portion of which is earmarked to replace just 6 schools with 100% local money, not because they need it, but because it’s their turn.   The kids and teachers in the rest of the schools will wait years more for a new school instead of having modernized facilities ASAP.

 

I believe that it’s time that the district conducted an outside independent expert comprehensive value engineering review of their facilities plan for modernization.  It now assumes replacement of all of our schools on 30-40 year cycle instead of keeping them all modernized on an as needed basis.  Then present the voters with a proposal to keep all our kids and teachers in modernized buildings all the time, handle growth, and provide more effective stewardship of our limited physical and monetary resources.

 

Paul P. Hall, Architect, AIA, Emeritus

Downtown Parking is bad and getting worse - Council recommends action

Downtown parking, especially along Bear Creek Parkway, is already bad and getting aggravated further with the many construction projects.  Council met with city staff to decide what to do about it and the answer appears to be 3-hour limited parking on Bear Creek Parkway by Winter or Spring.  Currently, parking is unlimited here.  

The pinch on parking is aggravated by more than just downtown construction projects.  Private residential developments are starting to charge $75-$100/parking space which is driving residents to seek on-street parking.  Redmond 160 is already charging for parking but as Councilmember Allen said, it's a growing trend.  Cleveland Street is being redesigned and on-street parking will be lost here eventually. 

Councilmember Flynn said the new Redmond Central Connector lot of 89 paid spaces will help.  It's scheduled for completion in November (with art work in the Spring).   The lot on 160th is full everyday.  Redmond Way between Leary and 161st adjacent the Downtown Park is currently unlimited parking but eventually this is expected to change. 

Councilmember Pat Vache' said the "One Redmond" partnership claims that the retail businesses on the first level under residential towers won't fill up until the parking problems are solved. 

Councilmembers Stilin and Carson recommended bike and motorcycle friendly parking spaces. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

Kinnon Williams for EvergreenHealth Hospital Commissioner

Kinnon Williams

As Vice-Chair of the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation, I’ve witnessed firsthand the needs of patients and caregivers. I know that for patients an important key to quality healthcare is providing physicians with the resources required to deliver the best affordable medical services available.

Facing significant change and the opportunity of new innovations, Evergreen Hospital needs new energy for new healthcare. As healthcare faces new challenges, I will offer a new perspective on the board. I also offer the experience and expertise gained as an elected utility District Commissioner, lawyer and business owner.  We will need a new view, tempered with proven leadership and experience as we navigate uncharted territory in healthcare reform.

Evergreen Hospital is at a pivotal juncture between changes in healthcare and tremendous advancements in technology. There is a need for more transparency in medical costs and how services are provided. Consumers must be able to make informed choices regarding not only the care that is best for them but how to best afford innovative treatments. 

I will promote preventative medicine and shepherd our limited public resources to take advantage of some of the best technology in the world right in our backyard. As a life-long resident of this community, local business owner and consumer I understand the frustration of facing the ever rising cost of health care and the complexity of medical service options.

Health care is changing and the next twenty years will be very different from the past twenty years. We cannot wait for a crisis to address the need for change. I will be a new voice to ensure a quality, affordable health care system for our community for years to come. I would appreciate your vote.

Endorsed by Evergreen Board Chair Al DeYoung, King County Council Member Rod Dembowski, and many others.  Read More >>

Redmond Town Center stores celebrate "Howl"-O-Ween

Redmond Safety Alerts, By the Redmond Police Department

By Mike Dowd

RPD Crime Prevention Officer

 

FUNDRAISER:

Redmond Tip-A-Cop

When’s the last time you had a police officer pour your iced tea and serve your fries? On Saturday October 12^th from 11:00AM – 3:00PM and 4:00PM – 8:00PM stop by the Red Robin at Redmond Town Center or in Overlake (2390 148^th Ave NE) and have some food, fun, and support the Special Olympics athletes! Members of the Redmond Police Department will be on hand to help serve you and will have their vehicles for photos (and some “arrests” if you don’t behave!). They will be accepting tips which will go directly to support the Special Olympics of Washington. Come join the fun!

SCAMS:

We have been seeing an increase in frauds/scams

Here’s a description of three of the types of scams we see on a regular basis:

 

1. Victims receive a phone call from someone who says he is from an official sounding agency (ex. “Federal Crime Bureau Enforcement”) and is told they need to send money or they will be arrested, deported or that the money is needed to post bail for someone.
2. Victims, usually elderly, receive a phone call stating their grandson is in legal trouble in a foreign country and they need to wire money to get their family member out of jail.
3. Victims receive a check, usually from the sale of items online or answering online ads.  The check is for more money than the agreed upon amount and victims are asked to wire the extra money somewhere.  The check turns out to be fraudulent (not usually determined until after victims send money) and victims end up sending their own money.

Reminders:    If it is too good to be true, it is.  Trust your instincts.      Government agencies do not do business over the phone.   Never be afraid to run a scenario by a friend to make sure you are not being “wowed or scared” into sending someone money. 

Everyone always says they will never fall for these type of scams, but these guys are very good at what they do and can often be very convincing.  Read More >>

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 6-12

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is Oct. 6-12, 2013.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and others.  It’s an opportunity to make a difference.

 

Most mental illness begins by age 24. Unfortunately, there are long delays sometimes decades between the first appearance of symptoms and when a person finally gets help.

 

Everyone needs to understand the nature of mental illness and learn the symptoms of different conditions. Mental illness does not discriminate. It can strike anyone at any time.

 

One in four families is impacted by mental illness; it could be your child, mother, father, sibling, your neighbor, coworker, doctor, barista, or the person that passes you on the street.  The fact is that treatment is available but it isn’t always accessible.  Find out more about what’s happening in your community to get help for those in need. The only way to end stigma (and help individuals get the treatment they need) is through education.   Read More >>