Updated: It's Estimated The Senior Center Will Re-Open In 2.5 - 3 Years

The estimated cost to demolish and rebuild is about $21 million; estimated cost to renovate is $20 million. Owing to the Critical Areas Ordinance, the new building will move 20-30 feet away from the river with possible impacts to the green house.

The Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Hite and Project engineer Eric Dawson updated Council on the status of the Senior Center during their December 3rd Regular meeting. In August, two stucco panels near the loading dock fell off (fortunately no one was hurt) and serious dry rot was found throughout the plywood of the exterior walls. Though the roof is about 30 years old it was in satisfactory condition. Owing to dangerous conditions, the Center was immediately closed on September 9th. Ms. Hite said many of the Center's activities were re-located to 1) City Hall (Bytes Cafe and the conference rooms, 2) Marymoor Village, Old Redmond School House, 3) Grasslawn Arts Center and other places. 

In response to Councilmember Jeralee Andrson's timeline question, Hite said it's estimated the Center will re-open in 2.5 years if renovated and 3 years if demolished and rebuilt. For sustainability Jaralee recommended the waste be recycled.

Ms. Hite suggested an opportunity to expand to 4-stories was possible -- for work force housing, affordable housing, an urban school, etc.  Councilmember Hank Myers said he was by no means in  favor of an expansion. He insisted on rebuilding ASAP; the audience clapped. It seemed a salute, with parting thanks.  (Hank lost to Varisha Khan in the general election by 66 votes; this was one of his last council meetings.)  Hank asked the City to do preventative maintenance on all their buildings on a regular basis, just as people do with their cars.

Councilmember Steve Fields agreed with Hank.  He noted black mold was regularly bleached out of the green house.and had anecdotal evidence someone pushed their hand through one of the walls. He recommended anecdotal feedback be a part of the preventative maintenance program. Councilmember Tanika Padhye asked if the public engagement process would be thorough and fast-tracked.  Ms. Hite suggested a few Public meetings would probably be sufficient.

Council President and Mayor-elect Angela Birney was "encouraged that to rebuild or to fix is about the same, so at least that doesn't seem to be a big task to go one way or the other."  She said over the years she learned a lot about what improvements Seniors wanted in their Center. Angela looked forward to establishing partnerships.  She was "a little sad about the 2-3 years."

Vice President Councilmember David Carson said it was "a chance for amenities to be added."  He was not for renovating or remodeling.   

Hank Myers calculated the city already had the funds to re-build saying $15 million was authorized for Senior Center improvements in November of 2018.  (Unfortunately, the improvements weren't done until it was too late.)  Hank also noted the city was sitting on $6 million of one-time money from the 2017 -2018 budget. Thus, with the $15 million, there's money in the budget to re-build. Hank received another clap.  He was one of my favorite Councilmembers.

Reported by Bob Yoder
12/4/2019

Redmond Lights Shuttle

Redmond Lights is this Saturday, December 7th, 4-8 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th, 5-8 p.m.  

The Redmond Lights shuttle is only scheduled for Saturday.  There will be no shuttle services on Sunday.  The shuttle will be available starting Saturday at 3:30 pm and will run until 9:00 pm.  The pick up and drop off locations are in front of the (now closed) Senior Center building and in front of Gene Jarez at Redmond Town Center.   

EvergreenHealth Receives "A" Grade For Patient Safety

EvergreenHealth Receives “A” Grade for Patient Safety Kirkland, Wash.

EvergreenHealth  announced that it has again received an “A” grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group, a leading national nonprofit watchdog on hospital quality and safety. The EvergreenHealth is one of only 15 hospitals in Washington to achieve an A rating this fall, according to Leapfrog’s latest Hospital Safety Grades report.

 “Earning recognition from respected health care quality organizations, including The Leapfrog Group, is affirmation of the commitment and results achieved by our staff in providing safe, high quality care and service. We are grateful for the recognition, knowing that safety and quality are continuous journeys,” said Jeff Tomlin, MD, CEO of EvergreenHealth.

I've Updated My Redmond Blog Profile And Linkedin Account

The Young Bob

I'm 69 years old. My wife Pam and I have lived in Redmond on Education Hill 42 years. Our one daughter graduated from Gonzaga with two degrees; then achieved a University of Montana Masters degree in Environmental Science. My  hobbies of yesteryear were lacrosse and mountaineering; now I hike, bird watch, bike, loving all things outdoors.   

For 13 years, I've been publishing about 4 blog entries per week without pay or a sponsor.  Yes, I'm passionate about Redmond. I have a special interest in mental health since I and a few of my relatives have been diagnosed with the illness; and it's stigmatized, hindering those who need treatment. A big source of my blog news and opinion is from city, school and Evergreenhealth events and their government public meetings and memos. Now, I'm reaching out to more of our residents and neighbors to hear their stories.  

Cheers! 
Bob Yoder
redmondblog@gmail.com
Linkedin Account 

Seattle Times: "Sound Transit will keep collecting its car-tab taxes, despite I-976 vote"

Sound Transit will continue to collect car-tab taxes but avoid 

suing for now to overturn Tim Eyman’s tax-cutting Initiative 976, 

approved by voters statewide this month.

That strategy emerged from a transit-board meeting Thursday

 in which Eyman said he will run for governor against Democratic

 incumbent Jay Inslee, only to have the microphone cut off 

by transit-board Chairman John Marchione, who cited a board 

rule against campaign speeches in public-comment sessions.

Marchione emphasized that 53% of voters within the transit district 

sided for keeping the car-tab taxes and against I-976. That

 followed 54% district support in the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) 

balloting in 2016 to impose the tax increase. 

Significant cuts would delay projects to “provide our citizens with a 

path out of ever-worsening congestion,” he said, “that pollutes our air 

and warms our planet.”

Excerpts from "Seattle Times" 11/22/19 article By Mike Linblom.  

Redmond Lights : "A Joyful Celebration" And "A Peaceful Journey"

REDMOND LIGHTS 

December 7, 4-8 p.m.

December 8, 5 -8 p.m.

Shuttle starts from Redmond Town Center at 3:30 p.m.  Shuttle drop off at Senior Center.  

Saturday, December 7, 4 - 8 p.m. A Joyful Celebration: Begin at City Hall with live entertainment, activities, and a tree lighting at 5 p.m. Join a festive luminary walk to Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center for more performances, art, and fun.

Sunday, December 8, 5 - 8 p.m. A Peaceful Journey: Experience a contemplative evening luminary walk with art installations between City Hall and Downtown Park.

• City Hall Campus (Redmond Light Blinkers until they run out!)

Fun family activities (Sat. 4 – 8 p.m.) Live performances (Sat. 4 – 5:30 p.m.)
Tree Lighting (Sat. 5 p.m.)  Begin Luminary Art Walk from City Hall Campus.

• Luminary Art Walk to Downtown Park - Art and light installations (Sat. & Sun.) 

Fire barrels (Sat. & Sun.)

• Downtown Park:  Live performances (Sat. 5:30 – 7:15 p.m.) Face Painting & Interactive Booths (Sat. 4 – 8 p.m.) Digital Art Show on Buoyant (Sat. and Sun.) Beer & Wine Garden (Sat. and Sun.) Food Trucks (Sat. and Sun.) Art and light installations (Sat. and Sun.)

• Redmond Town Center Saturday, Dec 7  (4-8pm)

Live performances, Ice carver, Carousel Train Rides, Santa Photo ($)
Interactive booths, Fire Truck & Police Car, Skating rink

Redmond High Band Director Selected For Hall Of Fame

Andy Robertson has put in multiple decades of work at Redmond High School (RHS). He has been at RHS for nearly 30 years. Robertson has directed the school’s band, the RHS jazz band and multiple concert bands over his many years with the school. And now, the school’s band director has been selected to join the 2020 class of the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) Hall of Fame. 

The WMEA Hall of Fame was established to give recognition for exceptional support, inspiration and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of music education.

The Seattle Times wrote an article on Robertson back in 1997. It says that Robertson was the recipient of the 1997 Redmond Volunteer Arts Award. He has organized a summer concert series to the Microsoft campus as well as evening performances at a local church. Robertson has also brought RHS bands to Carnegie Hall in New York City to perform for the MidAmerica Productions’ Ensemble Spotlight Series. 

Robertson will be honored at the Hall of Fame and Local Recognition Banquet on Thursday, February 13, 2020, in Yakima. 

Homelessness, Climate Legislation, Health, $450 Million Budget Vote

Expansion of the West Wing downtown shelter, addition of electric vehicle charging stations as part of broader investments in fighting climate change, a new human trafficking awareness campaign, investment in criminal justice technology and more are included in a $450 million supplemental budget that’s up for a vote Wednesday at the King County Council.

The budget also includes funding for electric buses as part of the county’s transition to an all-electric fleet by 2040, and a host of local investments.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20

WHERE: 10^th Floor, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave., Seattle

School Musical About Student's Journey With Schizophrenia.

We went to this musical.  The students were amazing!  A must see!!  B. Yoder

Panther Playhouse & Kirkland Middle School PTSA proudly present WORLD PREMIER MUSICAL "(SCUZZY) Summer Arts School"  at Lake Washington High School, Performing Arts Center, Kirkland. 

During the summer of 1979, a twelve year old boy starts hearing voices and finds his thoughts are being scrambled while he unknowingly starts a journey with schizophrenia.

Join us for this heart-warming original musical where one boy's adventure to find himself helps an entire school discover who they are, too. Written and directed by Johnmichael P. Monteith

Friday November 22 at 7pm
Saturday November 23 at 2pm and 7pm at Lake Washington High School’s Performance Art Center 12033 NE 80th St, Kirkland, WA 98033.

Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for youth at www.pantherplayhouse.org or $10 at the door.  Also, click the link for a fabulous website about what's to come.

PRICING $5 for everyone 18 years old or younger, $9 online for adults or $10 at the door.

Redmond Pool Expected To Re-Open In Fall Of 2020

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Pool is currently in the first phase of essential improvements which include new mechanical and electrical systems, air handling units, boiler systems, roof and windows, and improved circulation. These improvements will result in better air and water quality, energy efficiencies and operational savings. Phase 2 includes locker room and lobby improvements, pool deck re-surfacing and ADA improvements.

Recently contractors discovered a previously unknown condition. The substructure of the pool is compromised; there are areas where concrete has deteriorated leaving aggregate and rusting rebar behind. The damage extends sporadically from approximately 1’ to 5’ off the bottom of the pool’s deep end. This unexpected repair will take approximately three months to correct the substructure and complete the pool lining. To accommodate this unexpected delay, the Redmond Pool will not open in November as previously scheduled and will remain closed to complete both Phase 1 and 2. The pool is expected to re-open in fall of 2020. “This timeline allows us to accelerate Phase 2 to begin in May, ultimately completing the full renovation earlier than expected,” stated Parks Director, Carrie Hite.

UPDATED: Fentanyl Laced Illegal Drugs Are Killing Our Teens

Special thanks to King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert for sharing this video with the community.

Suicide Awareness - A Message From Councilmember Kathy Lambert

November 8, 2019

Dear Friends,

This is a difficult time and we all need to be aware and address this problem directly. Recently, our community has been impacted by a number of tragic suicides and drug overdose deaths (caused by fentanyl). I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away, and to their communities that are also impacted.

We have been working with many sources and here is very specific and helpful information. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or drug addiction, please consider using the resources available to get help in King County.

By educating ourselves and others, we can make a difference in prevention.

First, knowing the warning signs of a potential suicide are vital. Here is some information from Public Health – Seattle & King County:

“There is no typical suicide victim; however, there are some common characteristics.

The most common are:

• A previous suicide attempt
• Current talk of suicide or making a plan
• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
• Giving away prized possessions
• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness and withdrawal
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye
• Experiences drastic changes in behavior

Opinion: Should LWSD Expand To Seven Directors?

I met Dr. Jane Stavem at a City Hall meeting tonight.  She said the district is bound by the state legislature to keep the board of Directors to five, unless the population in the district reaches 400,000.
 - Bob Yoder, 11/14

With LWSD now the 2nd largest school district in the State should our school board expand from 5 directors to 7 directors?

A few advantages:

• Board member district boundaries are irregular and confusing; they could be delineated into more cohesive, understandable districts.  The election process would be more transparent.

• Work plans would be more comprehensive and regular for greater efficiencies.  

• Two additional perspectives would add to the deliberation mix.  More vibrant and effective conversations.

• Improved  representation. 

The Seattle School Board has 7 Directors.  EvergreenHealth expanded from 5 commissioners to 7 commissioners last year.  Their chamber was re-configured to accommodate 7 on the Dias.

This suggestion was e-mailed to President Siri Bliesner at boardmembers@lwsd.org. 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

LWSD Now 2nd Largest In State

Superintendent Message - November 2019

What are the implications for being the second largest district in the state?
This is a question I recently posed to our District Leadership Team as we reflected on our
new rank within Washington school districts. 

You may have just reread that first sentence thinking it’s potentially an error
because just five short years ago the district was only the sixth largest district in
the state. That is a short trip to second place as we welcomed over 31,100 students this fall. 

To help you digest that enrollment figure a little more, let me give you some fun facts for
 perspective:

• This year, 12 of the 19 King County school districts experienced enrollment growth with
•  Lake Washington, Seattle, Northshore and Auburn representing 87% of the King County growth
• Of that 87%, Lake Washington accounts for about 40% of the growth, which is the
•  fastest growth of any district in the Puget Sound area
• Since 2008, our district has grown by 31%
• On average, our district has grown the size of a large elementary school every year for the past eleven years

District growth is not unusual, but the growth trajectory of Lake Washington is. So, back to my original
question – what are some of the implications for a growing district? What are the things we need to pay attention to the most
as we ride this wave?

Here are some of the themes that emerged as we thought about the future together:

Green Roof Benefits

Overlake Hospital Medical Pavilion Rooftop

Increases the feeling of well-being

Living and working in a green environment has a positive effect on the well-being of people. Greenery offers relaxation and reduces stress.  

Offers healing environment

Greenery encourages faster recovery for patients, resulting in a shorter hospital stay. A persons tolerance of pain is higher  in a green environment. This is also known as a ‘healing environment’.

A green roof protects the roofing material from external influences such as the sun, rain, wind and temperature fluctuations and doubles or triples the life span of the roof to up to 60 years or even longer. You will recoup the investment in your green roof within 8 to 21 years.

Plants absorb sunlight, 50% is absorbed and 30% reflected; so green roofs help to create a cooler and more pleasant climate. For the indoor climate this means that the air conditioning doesn't have to work so hard, which in turn means energy savings. And this too has an extra positive effect on the climate in the immediate vicinity of your building and on the temperature in the city. Overall, it means a 3°C temperature reduction in the city.

The Sedums, herbs, grasses or host plants that are included in a green roof promote the habitat of birds, butterflies and insects, especially in the city environment which is mainly concrete and asphalt.

A green roof absorbs rain water by the water buffering in the plants, substrate and drainage layer. This delays the discharge of rainwater to the sewage system, purifies the rainwater, and water also evaporates through the plants. This all helps to stabilize the groundwater level, reduces the peak load on the sewage system and reduces the risk of flooding.

The natural and sustainable appearance, combined with a reduction in energy costs and extension of the life span of your roof, means an increase in value of your property.

Source:  https://www.sempergreen.com/en/solutions/green-roofs/green-roof-benefits

Plans For "Winter Lights" Underway

redmond.gov

On December 7th and 8th, 2019, the City will host the 20th Redmond Lights.

This community celebration of our diverse winter traditions, cultures and faiths is explored through light and art. The event brings community together to experience unique art programming including artistic light displays, live performances, and activities that celebrate the magic of the winter season and Redmond’s cultural diversity.

The event will have a two-night format this year with Saturday being the livelier evening and Sunday being more peaceful, without as many activities. 

The following is a summary of the planned activities. Saturday, December 7, 4:00 to 8:00 PM: “A Joyful Celebration”

  Begin at City Hall to pick up your blinker, explore fun family activities inside City Hall and at outdoor booths, experience visual art installations and the hot air balloons, and watch cultural and festive performances on stage. Close to 5:00, crowds will anxiously await Santa Claus and Mayor Marchione’s last count down for the tree lighting. Afterwards, participants can listen to more music, continue exploring the hot air balloons and activities, or begin the luminary walk. 

 As participants walk down the Sammamish River Trail to the Redmond Central Connector, they will encounter new artistic light installations and five performing groups. At 161st Ave NE, participants will turn left and have an opportunity to warm up by burn barrels and with some warm treats from food trucks and in the beer and wine garden at Downtown Park. The Moving Art Center will be energized by music on 161st Ave NE, vendors will be situated along the west end of the park, an artwork by Jen Szabo will be on display in the lawn, and Buoyant will be activated by Artist in Residence Maja Petric.

 As walkers exit the park on Brown street, they will walk east on the Redmond Central Connector, passing festive light displays and encounter a fire dancer and steel drum band on the way to Redmond Town Center. There, participants will explore community and faith groups of our city, vendors, another performing arts stage, Santa’s house, a skating rink and ice sculpture photo booth. Sunday, December 8, 5:00 to 8:00 PM “A Peaceful Interlude” 

 Begin at City Hall experience beautifully illuminated trees and a visual art installation. 

 As participants walk down the Sammamish River Trail to the Redmond Central Connector, they will encounter the artistic light installations. 

 At 161st Ave NE, participants will turn left and have an opportunity to warm up at burn barrels and with some warm treats from food trucks and in the beer and wine garden at Downtown Park. 

 At Downtown Park, an artwork by Jen Szabo will be on display in the lawn and Buoyant will be activated by Artist in Residence Maja Petric. 

- Redmond City Council Committee Memo

Happy Halloween!

Ready and waiting for all the Education Hill munchkins!  Let the doorbell ring!!

Photo by John Reinke, November 2011 near Redmond library

Seismic Upgrades Recommended for 1996 City Water Storage Tank

The City owns and operates a four and half million-gallon (4.5 MG) water storage tank in SE Redmond. The tank is located at 18609 NE 65th St., near Fire Station 16 and Genie Industries. 

The steel tank was constructed in 1996 and is scheduled for exterior and interior paint recoating. The contract consultant, Gray & Osborne Engineers, has completed their preliminary evaluation of the existing tank coatings and the seismic structural design from 1996. 

The evaluation report recommends that the tank re-coatings move forward, and the seismic design be updated to higher structural performance level. 

This project will also make other improvements to the tank, installing new safety railings, storm gutters, support piping and telemetry system updates. The water tank will need to be taken off line and drained during construction to re-coat the interior surfaces and to upgrade the seismic system. The temporary shutdown will occur outside of the summer peak period. The shutdown will have no impact to water service because of the built-in redundancy of the City water system. 

-- Council Public Works Committee memo 

The Great ShakeOut And EvergreenHealth

Millions of people worldwide will practice how to drop, cover and hold on, on Oct. 17 during Great ShakeOut earthquake drills. Lake Washington School District is participating as well as Kaiser Permanente.

Washingtonians can join them by registering for the 2019 Great Washington ShakeOut. Participating is a great way for EvergreenHealth employees, their patients and others to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.

I wrote our seven elected officials at EvergreenHealth to encourage them to participate in the program since the hospital is so concerned about seismic retrofitting, as per the failed $345 million bond. They never responded how and if they are preparing their employees for the big one. EvergreenHealth’s lack of planning doesn’t encourage me to go there. Hopefully, our community hospital will take its head out of the sand and join other hospitals participating in the Great ShakeOut.

Bob Yoder

This Letter to the Editor was published in the Redmond Reporter, 10/13

EvergreenHealth Seeking Community Advisor Candidates

Volunteers provide counsel to EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners and Administration

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth is now recruiting volunteers for its Community Advisor program, who play a vital role in advancing the health system’s mission to enrich the health and well-being of its community. Community Advisors serve as ambassadors for the organization, helping to shape future services and programs through direct consultation with EvergreenHealth’s elected board and administrative leaders.

Community Advisors attend nine educational sessions throughout the year focusing on health care issues that impact the Eastside community and explore the services EvergreenHealth offers to address those issues. Additionally, they serve on internal EvergreenHealth committees, such as the Ethics and Board Quality committees, and represent EvergreenHealth at community events and organizations.

Board-appointed volunteers serve three-year terms beginning in January, with the option to renew after each three-year term and serving up to nine years. Qualifications include community involvement, professional and/or volunteer experience, strong communication skills and an interest in health care delivery. Advisors must be residents of the EvergreenHealth District, which encompasses Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish and Woodinville.

Please submit applications online by October 31^st, available online at www.evergreenhealth.com/advisors; by calling 425.899.2613 or by emailing cmchamberlin@evergreenhealth.com.

Sections Of Education Hill Homes May Be Subject To ReZoning

Take a look at a City of Redmond draft document “City of Redmond Community Strategic Plan 2019”.

On page 10, under 2019-2020 Actions, there is is a bullet for “explore rezones that allow increased density in return for increased affordable housing production”.  Look under Objective 3, ‘Not started’ on page 10 to see the proposed rezone statement. It is mid-page.

There is no explanation of which city locations might be under scrutiny.  

This is is something for the Education Hill neighborhood to be aware of, since there are sections of older homes that may be vulnerable to ‘upzoning’. (Ironically, the older homes are ‘affordable' single family housing).

-Susan Robertson, Education Hill resident

EdHNA Mayoral Candidate Forum

UPDATED: Exciting Art Planned for Overlake Village

In the October 1st Council Committee meeting some exciting news was reviewed about two large-scale Overlake Village art projects in the vicinity of 152nd Ave. NE.

152nd Ave NE  is planned to become the main street, pedestrian and retail focused corridor in Overlake Village that connects Bellevue, the bus transit center, two city parks and the Overlake Village Light Rail Station.  Bike/Pedestrian and Gateway art are planned.

Gateway "wall art" is planned for the corner of 152nd Ave. NE and 124th Street S.to welcome travelers coming to Redmond by light rail. Councilmember David Carson (running for re-election) recommended focusing the art on the north wall to greet the incoming light rail travelers. Parks Committee Chair Councilmember Hank Myers (also running for re-election) was concerned  the current SW and NW walls would be cut into existing properties, like Goodwill. He was re-assured the walls would remain at the same level, that it was more of a Department of Transportation issue, not affecting art. Staff assured council the art wall will be small and fit well with the landscape design.

The Bike/Pedestrian SR520 Bike/Ped "black" bridge to Microsoft has exciting large scale art in the design stage. It's a square tunnel decorated with tiles made, by a robot. with rainbow colors arched over the tunnel and two rows of palm trees leading up to the tunnel. Staff coined it "a celebration of the LGBPQ community." Staff assured Mr. Myers and Mr. Margeson tagging with graffiti wouldn't be a problem.

I was put off staff labeled and pigeonholed this art as they did. Personally, it made me feel happy like I was heading off from our dreary weather to a vacation in Florida. Council President Angela Birney (running for Mayor) thought it was cool too.  Councilmember Steve Fields asked what inspired the City to install it as is?  He referenced his knowledge of art in Santa Clara.  

Hank Meyers said he has a lesbian daughter but Redmond had many other cultural opportunities; that LGBPQ didn't represent our greater community.  Staff answered that Redmond already has a diversity of art! Can you believe it?!  He and Councilmember Steve Fields (running for mayor ) were disappointed by the poor public notice, saying community feedback was insufficient. I agree! Staff responded with a very weak response, referencing: an arts commission review, a 2013 "public process,"  a 2015 survey and a hearing in 2014.

The total budget for this public art project is $180,000, including a one percent allocation from the project. As usual, Steve Fields brought up the budget. $90,000 was spent on the tiles through a $32,000 grant and the general fund bringing the city over-budget. Councilmember Hank Margeson (running for council) said adjustments to the general fund weren't unusual. He appeared to be the go-to man for knowledge on city finances.

-- Bob Yoder