Coyotes Abound In Our Neighborhood

"Ring" photo of our coyote visitor

(click pic to enlarge)

Last night a friendly critter visited our front walkway.  First, we thought it was a cat, but look at those legs.  And the legs look a bit skinny for a dog. "It could be a deer," Pam sighed.  😕  No, it's a coyote!  You can almost see it's bushy tail and pointed ears.

Is he chasing down a cat, a squirrel, a bunny?  Lots of coyotes roam Education Hill neighborhoods, the woods and Powerline trail.  Check this photo of feasting coyote on South Education Hill.

Important to know:  Coyotes will chase down and eat cats and dogs (up to 50 pounds.)  They can hit 40 mph.  Hundreds of  unseen wild (feral) cats live in our neighborhoods so they're probably a primary food source.  

According to the Internet, coyotes run in packs of 3-7 adults and 2-7 pups.  Hmm, not so sure about that. They mate between January and March and are commonly seen then.

Be vigil when your cat or pup is out at dusk.

-- Bob Yoder, 4/15/2022

   Education Hill

Rockwell Elementary Salmon Release

The 4th grade salmon fry release is an incredible experience for our kiddos.  The release is not only about learning, but an opportunity to experience nature and the outdoors.  For many it's a lifetime memory. My 30-year old daughter, Lexie, participated in the release with her teacher, Mr. Sheridan. I was lucky to look on. But, it didn't stop there.  Mr. Sheridan kept a fish tank in the hallway so the kiddos could watch the fry grow. Lexie now works for an engineering firm as an environmental planner. I attribute a tiny seed of her career motivation to Mr. Sheridan's teachings.

-- Bob Yoder, 4/14/2022

Eastlake Student Wins $250,000 Award

Top of the science world – Eastlake student wins $250,000 award for project on space research

Mar 23 2022

Christine Ye, senior at Eastlake High School, was recently awarded a major prize for her research on space. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Society for Science announced on March 15 the top ten winners headed by Ye, who won the top award in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search. According to the organization, this is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. 

"Vertical School" At Urbanized Redmond Town Center?

Urban Developer.com

City Council is just beginning to study an applicant's request to redevelop suburban Redmond Town Center into a "walkable" urban center that could include 12-story buildings.  A detailed Vision Statement hasn't been delivered, but it's fun taking a stab.  Over and again, I see the possibility of a "Vertical School" public-private partnership. The school might take 3-4 stories of the 12-story building?  Light rail would be a God-send. Teachers and staff could commute by rail from more affordable homes to school. 

-- Bob Yoder, 4/13/2022

###

A good article on Australian vertical schools (click link)

"High land prices and a scarcity of suitable sites make vertical schools an economic alternative to our longstanding cultural preference for low-rise schools.

A vertical school is designed to accommodate the full range of teaching, administration and recreational activities within one or two buildings, often with outdoor recreation spaces constructed on upper levels. New vertical schools, ranging in height from four to seventeen stories, are now starting to be commissioned across all Australian mainland states."

-- Archticturea.com excerpt, 5/2019

Rosemarie Ives Upset With Redevelopment Process Of Redmond Town Center

Good evening Mayor and Council.  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor 1992-2007, and I am here to provide comment and some history relating to the Town Center Amendments on tonight’s agenda.  Although I would like to comment on Tree Regulations, four minutes is hardly enough time for such important issue.  Such a full agenda precludes the public from giving any substantive testimony on more than one item. I hope that Madam Mayor would consider my making a few remarks after testimony from others is concluded.

I was on the Planning Commission when the first conceptual plan for Town Center was presented in preparation of the annexation of the beloved, treed 120 acre property into the City and the heart of our downtown. The Planning Commission worked for 18 months in 1986-1987.  I was an opponent of “the enclosed mall that was initially proposed  while the late former councilmember Richard Cole was a proponent.  Once the land use decision was made, together Mr. Cole and I authored  the 39 conditions that constituted a compact with the community and that were eventually placed on the development.  In 1987, Mr.  Cole and I were elected to City Council….Together we led the council through much of its process of deliberation over the next two years.  In 1992 when  I was elected mayor, Town Center owners proposed a new open air, pedestrian and downtown oriented design incorporating the 39 conditions encouraging redevelopment and revitalization in the adjacent downtown. that was approved in 1995 in Development Guide Amendment 94-004.   Construction began in 1996.

UPDATED, 9/4/2024: R.T.C. Will Have Two-12 Story And Two-7 Story Buildings

RTC / Kidder.com

Update 8/27/24:  RTC will have two 12-story buildings and potentially two 7-story buildings according to their new Master Plan.  

Several years from now, Redmond Town Center (RTC) will be torn down and redeveloped.  The vision is "to encourage redevelopment of RTC from an auto-centric suburban campus to a walkable mixed-use urban neighborhood."  The light rail station is only a step away.  Planner Carol Helland and Council have been  reviewing the Master Plan, Zoning amendments, and the urban center element.  To a smaller degree the Planning Commission is involved.  

The applicant, Fairbourne Properties, LLC is a full-service real estate investment and property management company focusing on acquiring, managing and asset managing office, retail, and mixed-use properties throughout the United States.  Fairbourne owns the property known as "Redmond Town Center Creekside Crossing." and is the applicant for redevelopment of the Center.  

Fairbourne is asking Council to remove constraints and be flexible, as follows:  

• build as high as 12 stories "in return for public benefits."
• removing the 600,000 square feet requirement of minimal leasable areas.
• remove the minimum retail provision
• remove the commercial provision

Councilmembers asked staff for information in preparation for their Study Session two weeks away:

Councilmember (CM) Vanessa Kritzer wants an explanation of "building up in return for public benefits." She was concerned about sufficient affordable housing. CM Jessica Forsythe wants a dedicated community for start-up businesses.  She asked for a map with building heights, holistically including nearby property owners. CM Steve Fields wasn't certain how "auto-centric" the area is . CM Melissa Stuart wanted discussion on protection of the large open space owned by RTC.  A stream buffer could be vulnerable.  She asked for 2021 Council conversation records.

Planning Director Helland asked the public to give their input to the Planning Commission. To comment email Chair Sherri Nichols at planningcommission@redmond.gov.  It's my understanding the 
Commission has had two Study Sessions; only two citizens commented at their Hearing and this is a huge development! 

Affordable housing plans are 60% AMI for an undefined number of units. 

-- Bob Yoder, 4/6/2022, updated 9/4/2024

    Source:  City Council Business Meeting and Agenda memo, 4/5/2022

###

This vision for another urban village development near QFC/Redmond Center/Opportunity Building:

"The timing of the 22 acre Nelson Master Plan redevelopment will be gradual and evolutionary. You will not see sudden, rapid, dramatic changes.  Our vision is to gradually create an urban village and the central place in the downtown where the community can shop and gather, and also a place where people can live and work.  The timing of each project in the redevelopment will be determined by many factors, including the leases of our current tenants and the needs and opportunities presented by the marketplace.  Since retail is an important component of the vision, we will strive to retain our current tenants."

--Tom Markl, CEO Nelson Properties

DERBY DAYS, 2022

Derby Days is Redmond’s signature historic town festival. Rooted in the spirit of friendly competition, Derby Days started in 1940 as a bike derby and parade for the community and continues each year as an opportunity to bring together Redmond’s diverse community in celebration. This year’s event takes place July 8 & 9 on City Hall’s municipal campus and features parades, bike races, a 5K community walk/run, carnival rides, live music, food, and more.

Council meeting, 3/2022

Mayor Birney's 2022 State of the City Speech

Kirkland Residents Suing City of Kirkland and King County Over Plans for "Homeless Hotel"

A group is suing the City of Kirkland and King County over the county’s plan to convert a Kirkland hotel to a permanent supportive housing site for people who are chronically homeless.

"Keep Kids Safe," a group of Kirkland residents and parents whose children attend schools near La Quinta Inn & Suites, allege in the lawsuit that city and county officials didn't hold public meetings that were required before King County bought the site in March.

King County paid $28.1 million for the 121-room building, according to the Department of community and Human Services, with money from Health Through Housing program financed by a 0.1-cent sales tax to buy hotels, motels and other sites with single rooms for emergency and permanent housing.

-- Paige Cornwell, reporter for the "Seattle Times," 4/4/2022

   The article is truncated and excerpted by Bob Yoder. 

   The entire article and a photo is here.

UPDATED: Eighty-seven Townhomes In Woodinville Under Construction By Horton

     DR Horton, the nation's largest homebuilder, acquired a 32 acre horse farm for $19 million

click to enlarge

Apparently, the City of Woodinville is zoning for large developments.  My friend Mike took this picture of  a very nice house with acreage including mature trees and a large pasture.  He says it's being bulldozed to build 87 townhomes and seven single family homes. The grading and construction is below 132nd Ave NE. 

-- Bob Yoder, 3/30/2022

"Art and Memory" Exhibition

 Exhibition on Display March 1st - 31st at VALA Art Center, 8020 161st Ave NE, #104, Redmond

“Art and Memory" is an exhibition created in partnership between the Redmond Historical Society and VALA. This exhibition features artists and Redmond residents Dorisjean Colvin and Loana “Barney” Johnson Reilly. These artistic women each captured a unique view of Redmond in their works, offering an opportunity to see the city we share through their eyes.

Some locations you may still recognize, while others are now just a memory.

How will today’s artists shape our view of Redmond in the future? What will you remember?

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Dorisjean Colvin’s detailed works depict scenes from Redmond’s landscape as they were in the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. However, our town has continued to grow and change.

Loana “Barney” Johnson Reilly shows Redmond as she remembers it in her childhood, giving a glimpse into life in the 1920s and ‘30s.

Will Microsoft's Hybrid Workplace Significantly Dent Light-rail Commuting?

GoRedmond.com

"Microsoft is fully opening its Redmond headquarters [in March,] although employees can continue with hybrid workplace arrangements."  (Winbuzzer,February, 2022 By Luke Jones)

A key advantage of an in-person workplace is collaboration and trust; the advantage of a hybrid work is flexibility.  BY

"And it’s clear that flexible work is here to stay: According to research conducted for Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, over 80 percent of managers say they expect more flexible work from home policies post-pandemic, and more than 70 percent of employees say they expect to take advantage of them." (Microsoft 360, Jared Spatard, Executive VP Microsoft 360, March 2021.)

Will Microsoft's acceptance of a hybrid workplace lead to significant reductions in light rail commuting?  BY

--  Bob Yoder, 3/24/2022

Must read (3 minutes):  Microsoft's Work Trend Index.

 

Idylwood Beach Park, Redmond, WA. / Internet

UPDATED`.4/17 Redmond 2022 Legislative Agenda

Nina Rivkin, Chief Policy Advisor for Redmond, retired receiving accolades from Mayor Birney, King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County councilmember Claudia Balducci.  They proclaimed "March 23, 2022 Nina Rivkin Day." Ms. Rivkin was a City executive for 20 years. Prior to Redmond whe worked for King County 13 years.  Linked in. 

CITY OF REDMOND 2022 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 

(The City Council recommends the agenda, the Mayor adopts the agenda)

Top Priority Issues 

148th Bicycle and Pedestrian Overpass Funding: The City encourages the Legislature to adopt a transportation revenue package to invest in projects throughout the state. Within the package, Redmond requests $27 million to construct a bicycle and pedestrian overpass on 148th Avenue NE across SR 520 to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. This project supports significant growth and investments in the region - including the Overlake Light Rail Station, the Microsoft Refresh project, and significant housing development including affordable units. Affordable.  State awarded $8 million.

Housing and Preventing Homelessness: Redmond developed a Housing Action Plan to identify actions needed to improve housing affordability. The City supports funding and local option tools to diversify the housing supply, including targeted investments at the lowest income level, as well as funding the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the Housing Essential Needs (HEN) program. Funding Source: "Federal Infrastructure Package."

In response to challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Redmond supports policies, programs, and rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to ensure residents remain housed as the eviction moratoria ends. 

2007 Public Safety Levy

A significant investment that has contributed to Redmond’s strong emergency services system is a property tax levy approved by voters in 2007. For more than a decade, this levy has provided essential support in keeping our Fire and Police Departments staffed, including funding for 18 firefighters and 17 police personnel.

However, over the last 15 years the purchasing power of the levy has decreased over time. Revenue from the levy by law can only grow 1% every year – but expenses have increased approximately 5% every year, rapidly outpacing revenue. The 2007 levy can no longer support the same services it once did. Our growing community and evolving public safety needs require additional investments now to ensure a safe and supportive system for everyone.

 Retaining critical staff working to keep us safe, $3.5 million

• The 2007 property tax levy approved by voters included funding for 18 firefighters (enough to staff an additional aid car and a new fire station) and 17 police personnel.

• Revenue from the levy by law has only grown 1% every year, while expenses have increased approximately 5% every year, rapidly outpacing revenue.

• $3.5 million will retain 18 firefighters (enough to staff a new fire station) and 17 police personnel.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/21/2022

    `Source: Council meeting memo

The 2022 "Public Safety Levy" is: $10,392,872/year or ~ $28.33/month or ~ $340/year on a $1 million house.  Property taxes will be $0.34 per $1,000 assessed valuation.  $3.5 million will go to retaining 18 firefighters and 17 police personnel.

UPDATED: Council Announcement: "March Is Women's History Month"

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson announced in a City Hall meeting "March is Women's History Month."

Jeralee noted a "13.1% Gender Pay Gap" in 2021 for men and women.

Above is one of Buick's advertisements played during the men's NCAA "March Madness" basketball tournament. Buick highlights unbalanced media coverage in women and men's sports. "40% of sports are played by women, but they only get 10% of the media coverage."

My daughter went to Gonzaga, known for their basketball so we're addicted to the "Big Dance" of March Madness NCAA men's basketball.  For both men and women, Capital One goes crazy with their ads. The ads, featuring Charles Barkley and his cronies are hilarious. 

There's still plenty of  "March Madness" left. With anticipation we're watching the women Zags play today. I wonder if Gonzaga's "Bull Dog" mascot will work the fans.  The women are great set-shooters, play-makers and will dunk.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/20/2022

Bracket, Videos, Play times.

UPDADED: Police Chief Lowe Presents Levy Costs

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe

Adjusted 5% for inflation over six years.

Police Chief Darrell Lowe submitted his 2022 Public Safety "ask" to Council at a 3/15 Committee meeting, as follows:  

• Mental Health Professional, *1 Full Time Employee (FTE,) $157,636 (includes services.)
• Police Personnel, 13 FTE, $2,143,603
• Police Support, 3FTE $369,047
• Body-Worn & In-Car Cameras, $934,910 / year for labor and other ongoing expenses. The equipment and maintenance agreement is already purchased.

The Chief's final, approved "ask" added 5 mental health professionals.

TOTAL ANNUAL POLICE LEVY "ASK" IS $3,600,000/ YEAR (35% of the proposed total levy.) The Fire component is ~ 33% of the levy.  Continuation of the 2007 Levy is ~ 30% of the levy.)

After questioning by Councilmember David Carson, Chief Lowe told Council the Body Worn Camera $934,910 expense is primarily for additional staff, all with ongoing yearly salaries. 

• Paralegal
• Deputy prosecutor
• Police Sergeant
• Records person
• IT / TIS person

The remnant is for licensing and storage.

Captain Brian Coats reported  the U.S. Department of Justice gave the City a $170,000 matching grant for body worn cameras. It's use is equipment, software and storage.

If passed, the total annual "Public Safety Levy" is: $10,392,872/year or ~ $28.33/month or ~ $340/year on a $1 million house.  Property taxes will be $0.34 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/15/2022

    Source:  RCTV / Facebook Live / CCOW-Safety, 3/15/2022

Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard Describes Public Safety Levy Needs

"The 2022 Public Safety Levy will raise fire fighting capabilities by 50%"

-- Fire Chief Sheppard

Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard gave a brief presentation to the Council Committee of the Whole about his 2022 Public Safety Levy needs.

• Mobile Integrated Health Full Time Employee (FTE)  $359,574
• Upgrade Station #16 "Engine Company" 12 FTE  $2.1 million
• Upgrade Station #17 "Engine Company" 5 FTE  $776.50 
• Councilmember Anderson asked about the meaning of "Engine Company."  Response not heard.

TOTAL ANNUAL FIRE  LEVY COST:  $3,200,000 (31% of the 2022 Public Safety Levy.)

 If passed, the total annual "Public Safety Levy" is: $10,392,872/year or ~ $28.33/month or ~ $340/year on a $1 million house.  Property taxes will be $0.34 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/19/2022, Source: CCOW - Safety, 3/15/2022

UPDATED: Redmond Police Update, 2021

 

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe

In a March 14th City Hall meeting, Police Chief Darrell Lowe gave Council an overview of 2021 activities, as follows:  

• 78 commissioned staff, with 8 vacancies; 38 professional staff, with 4 vacancies
• Mental health specialist:  376 response calls, 1,127 total contacts (follow-up with families, courts, health systems and other services.)
• 25,000 calls for service in 2021; a 2.8% increase over 2020.
• 1,171 arrests in 2021; 294 fewer arrests than 2020.
• Crimes per day, down 2.3% from 2020.
• Public Record Requests up 6.8% from 2020

Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer asked if violence picked up during the pandemic.  Chief Lowe said domestic violence increased but it was "yelling" rather than physical. Arrests occurred.  Councilmember Carson asked for a breakdown of the levels of crime and citations of 2021.  Chief said the statistics will be released monthly.  

Councilmember Melissa Stuart asked about the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Chief said the trend is low for citations, that the job is primarily "relational." Last year the policy changed to a "community response model" where SRO's don't work at just one school; they float.  

The Chief explained the problem with retail shoplifting.  Councilmember Fields asked about catalytic converter theft. Redmond police and other jurisdictions organized a task force to respond. He mentioned an engraving program.

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and the Chief emphasized the importance of locking your car.  Years ago I learned the hard way.  I won't go into the details, but my company car was stolen and returned two days later by a Redmond officer.  She said youth will steal cars for a joy-ride. I had no idea how she found it.  What an angel!

-- Bob Yoder, 3/19/2022

   Source:  Safety, Council Committee of the Whole meeting, 3/14/2022

To learn about the 2007 Levy and see total costs per household of the 2022 Levy click:  https://www.letsconnectredmond.com/safety

Redmond Human Services Update, 2021

Nourishing Networks

In the Council Committee of the Whole - Safety/Human Services meeting of 3/16/2022, Program Manager Alaric Bien gave Council a 2021 summary of activities.  

• Total 2021 funding was $2.67 million.
• The regular general fund allocation was $1.4 million.
• $500,000 went to COVID 
• Bonus: "one time money" ($1,192,000) from taxes on heavy downtown construction was allocated to community nonprofits many of which support the homeless and behaviorally ill. If my math is right about $15 million one-time money remains this year.  
• 72 programs were managed through 47 community-based nonprofits.
• 9 programs for indigenous, black and other minorities.
• 84% of programs met target outcomes.

One-time money distribution in order of dollar amount:  

• $310k Together Center campus build-out
• $300k Hopelink
• $95k Youth Eastside
• $70k Congregations for the Homeless
• $50k Redmond Methodist Church "Food Box"
• $48k Friends of Youth
• $37k Youth Adult Shelter
• $32k Senior Center lunches
• $30k vaccine equity
• $28k ARCH (affordable housing)
• $26k IKRON (behavioral health)
• $9k NAMI (behavioral health)
• $8k Overlake Church, homeless car-camping services

For a complete listing of recipients go HERE

-- Bob Yoder, 3/16/2022

Updated: Council Decides On Senior & Community Center Funding

The proposed $48 million Senior & Community Center adjacent to City Hall will be funded, in part, by $16,000,000 "council-manic" bonds.  These bonds don't require voter approval or increase taxes and will utilize future revenues to pay the bonds.  

Council voted 5-2 (Carson, Kahn) for "Option 3" bonding at their March 8th Study Session.  They chose a $16,814,039, 20-year council-manic bond bearing 3% interest. Total debt after 20 years is $21,000,000.  Interest after 20-years is $5,393,340.

"One-time money" ($16,814,039) from 2021 construction taxes will not be spent. Enormous construction activity in Redmond's urban centers generates one-time money. The City accumulated $11,066,344 one-time money in 2020, as well.  According to the Council President the funds must be used for capital expenditures, not operations. 

Councilmember David Carson prefered "Option 1."  He liked that $2 million in interest is saved up front over the life of the loan.  "Not knowing what could come, paying the price down as much as possible is a safe, conservative route," said Carson.

CM Kahn was present and quiet.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/15/2022

Redmond Fire Tells Their Story

This is one of Mayor Birney's most informative videos on City operations, in this case the Fire Department. It includes engaging interviews with staff and amazing statistics.  

I can most relate to Fire Marshall Todd Short's interview.  He's responsible for fire prevention.  One of his duties is "proper addressing." 

Thirty-five years ago, I almost lost my  rental to a kitchen fire. The tenant was toasting pop tarts. The fire crept behind the oven; smoke took over the whole upper level. The fire fighters said they had a terrible time finding the house. Several engines drove all around looking for the road and street sign.  Once there they did an excellent job extinguishing the fire. Even though the temperature readings were okay, they put an axe to the sheetrock behind the stove to look for evidence of fire. Yikes. I was really impressed and thankful when they blew out the smoke with a powerful fan.  

Okay, it was time for trouble-shooting. I looked for the street signs next to my rental. Three close-by streets form a Y leaving no street sign next to my house.  We didn't have a Fire Prevention Marshall back then so I called CM Richard Cole who incredibly drove to my rental, and looked at the roads and signs. It wasn't long before Public Works installed proper signage.  Thank you Richard!

One last experience:  Last year my neighbor told us her house had a mild "burn" smell.  We called the Fire Department and soon three firefighters arrived. They were very thorough. One of them spent a very long time looking at the furnace...it may have been Mr. Short.  Turns out the filter hadn't been changed for years. She was told to buy a new furnace.  They said calls like this are very common in the Fall when folks start-up their furnaces.  They fanned out the smell!  Great customer service!

-- Bob Yoder, 3/14/2022 

Council Looks At Citizen Participation

Internet

The City Council reviewed "public comment" parameters during their March 8th Study Session. Why now?  I maintain disruptive "homeless hotel" activists, their personal attacks on the Mayor and staff and endless weekly commenting set the wheels of change in motion. Also, passionate firefighters consumed Council business time with lengthy objections to the vaccine mandate.  

Currently, and historically, Council has given individuals a period up to four minutes "to be heard."  This period is technically known as "Items from the Audience."  Sometimes topics are emotionally charged, with large, time consuming turnouts.  "Being heard" can be lengthy but seldom is it disruptive.  Councilmember Anderson asked Council to read the "public meeting participation guide" https://www.redmond.gov/189/City-Council. She suggested taking comments during Study Sessions and endorsed the four-minute rule.  The Mayor and Council officers decided conducting the business of the City was the number one priority, over participation from the public. 

Councilmember David Carson said listening to the people is part of the job. CM Steve Fields agreed, referring to Hartman pool commenting. At times Mr. Carson helps speakers by sharing relevant information. Council President Jessica Forsythe was concerned about defining "disruption" and asked Mr. Carson how he'd describe it.  He said: pornograpy:  it's hard to describe until you see it."  President Forsythe mentioned you might  be able to stick to four minutes if you kept speakers on the same topic to three. Fields nodded yes.  

I believe in the principle:  "Public participation is the hallmark of good government."  So, who does a good job at this?  The City of Kirkland has a model plan.  Lake Washington School District's procedure is:  1)  sign in, mark your talk topic, 2) a school board member explains: a) the 3-minute rule, measured with green, yellow and red lights, b) total commenting time is limited to 30 minutes, c) emails to the Board are accepted 3) speakers with the same topic can all speak as long as they don't repeat each other. 

The Planning Commission uses the three-minute rule. In my experience, it's rare a citizen will show up to comment, so why not 4-minutes?  Seriously. Complex land uses take time to present.  Recently, I made a HEARING comment to the Commission (about tree regs.) I spent lots of time preparing a 4-minute talk and was shocked when the Chair announced I had 3-minutes, this at the HEARING.  I don't think they sent my written comments to Council either.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/12/2022, opinion

City COVID-19 Costs Are Fully Reimbursable / Overtime Report

One of the purposes of this blog is to document local pandemic information and events. This piece focuses on the city's reimbursable COVID-19 related costs. In addition, sales tax due to development / construction is significant and reported. BY 

October, 2021: Revenue, $17.9 M above target.  Through November, 2021:  Sales tax, $6.7 M above target on development activities. 

Key highlights from the Quarterly Overtime Report through September 2021 include:

 · Citywide overtime costs are 74.7% of budget versus a 37.5% target for the biennium primarily due to unanticipated overtime related to Fire and Police response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excluding the pandemic related costs, which are fully reimbursable, citywide overtime costs are 64.5% of budget.

· Fire Department overtime costs are 84.5% of budget versus a 37.5% target for the biennium primarily due to response activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, King County Medic One services, and Fire Academy/Paramedic training. Excluding the pandemic-related costs, which are fully reimbursable, Fire Department overtime costs are 72.2% of budget. Looking at regular salaries and overtime together, excluding costs which are fully reimbursable, total costs are 38.8% of budget.

· Police Department overtime costs are 66.1% of budget versus a 37.5% target for the biennium primarily due to response activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, investigations of sensitive criminal cases, and recruitment and testing for vacancies of commissioned positions. Excluding the pandemic-related costs, which are fully reimbursable, Police Department overtime costs are 47.5% of budget.

-- Committee of the Whole, Finance, Administration and Communications, 10/2021

Posted by Bob Yoder, 3/11/2022

Derby Days Returns July 8-9th Of This Year

REDMOND, WA – Redmond’s signature summer festival, Derby Days, returns on July 8 and 9, 2022 at Redmond’s City Hall campus. This year’s event features live music, parades, carnival rides, local food, a beer and wine garden, and more. New this year will be a dedicated craft market with Urban Craft Uprising, elite bike races and kiddie kilo at the Jerry Baker Velodrome at Marymoor Park, and a virtual community bike race for all.

“I am excited for the return of Derby Days, our family-friendly festival that kicks off the summer,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This event celebrates our community coming together again, in the spirit of friendly competition with the longest-running community bicycle race in the United States. We are proud to continue this legacy in 2022.”

Derby Days begins on Friday evening, July 8, with a lineup of live, local music, and a family-friendly 5K walk/run. Event attendees are invited to watch one of the races at Marymoor Park, then take a shuttle to City Hall to have dinner from the food trucks and booths, shop the craft market, and enjoy the Derby Days Beer and Wine Garden on opening night.

Saturday kicks off with the Kids’ Bike Parade - a tradition dating back to the first Derby Days in 1940 that ushers the way for the Derby Days Grand Parade directly after. Derby Days continues throughout the afternoon with live music, kids’ performances and activities, and carnival rides. Attendees can sign up for the Derby Days Cornhole Tournament in the Beer and Wine Garden, walk through the new craft market, and relax with the music from the main stage.

For additional details and information on how to participate, visit redmond.gov/DerbyDays or contact events@redmond.gov.

-- City press release

Derby Days was COVID cancelled in 2020 & 2021 

Juneteenth Soon Declared Paid City Holiday

 

President Biden recently declared Juneteenth a national holiday.  Governor Inslee declared June 19th a holiday, as well.  Mr. Fields asked staff the extent the holiday was declared by other Washington cities.  The Human Resource Director gushed over the question giving a broad "yes." 

"The City seeks approval of the adoption of Juneteenth as a paid City holiday, effective June 19, 2022. June 19 is the annual observance celebrating the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, when Union soldiers enforced President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas. It was two months after the South’s official surrender in the Civil War and two and a half years after the proclamation went into effect. 

The recognition of this new holiday is worthy of celebration by every American, including City of Redmond employees. It has been celebrated since 1866, mostly by Black Americans, but has not been heard more broadly until recently and represents a critical turning point in American history, as the day America began to live up to one of our greatest principles…a nation devoted to liberty for all.

Total Cost: Adoption of a holiday results in an unproductive workday equivalent of approximately $219,163 in lost productivity and banked holiday time for public safety positions. There is no actual additional cost or expense."

Thirteen paid Holidays, including one floating holiday:

• New Year’s Day First day of January • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January • President’s Day Third Monday in February • Memorial Day Last Monday in May • Juneteenth June 19 • Independence Day July 4 • Labor Day First Monday in September • Veterans Day November 11 • Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November • Day after Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving • Day before Christmas December 24 • Christmas Day December 25 and one Floating Holiday.

Initiated by Mayor Birney, 3/8/2022

Finance, Administration, Communication Committee of the Whole

--Reported by Yoder, 3/9/2022

Image, Internet

City Is Warming To Off-leash "Pop-Up" Dog Parks

Kirkland's off-leash dog area
photo credit/ Bob Yoder

Dog Parks In Redmond, /First post.

The City is serious about off-leash dog parks, especially in the downtown area harboring smaller apartment dogs. Staff  is estimating about $50,000 to build a "pop up" off-leash demonstration park. 

"The  project is currently unfunded but there's a desire by the Parks and Trails Commission to see it expedited.  I've said this before to my Parks & Rec. Commission friends, there's equipment that will save thousands of dollars in labor during installation and removal. 

When I discovered the pop-up parks in Kirkland, a parks manager recommended a $4,500 mechanical tool that cuts labor costs (est. 438 staff hours) dramatically during installation and removal. 

I'll shoot this note to City Parks Operations Manager David Tuchek. I hope he'll give it a try.  The City of Kirkland is cooperative could be a good resource. 

-- Bob Yoder, 3/6/2022 Source: Council Parks Committee of the Whole. 3/2/2022

Redmond Historical Society Office And Displays Are Open!

 Schedule a meeting to see the office and displays

Halee Turner, Redmond Historical Society's Administrative and Collections Manager.

 

If you have any interest in Redmond history I recommend  you tour the Redmond Historical Society's new office and displays.  My wife and I took the tour. The office is spacious and display space professionally organized with fascinating content.  Halee Turner gave us excellent meeting times.  She's the primary staff member for this project. Who could be better to answer our questions? 

One of our favorite displays was Redmond's chicken industry.  The society mapped each farm, and there were many.  As I remember, some of  the farmland was sold to Microsoft. The posters were very interesting.

Probably, the most cherished and fascinating exhibit was of  wood sculptor Dudley Carter.  View the intriguing film clip, see some special pictures of him, you'll be amazed!  Do you see the animal art he carved into this log?  Hint: click both pics!

Dudley Carter art is displayed in the office.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/6/2022                                                                                                                                

UPDATED: The Odyssey Of A Lost Wallet

My thin red wallet was found and amazingly returned to our doorstep!

 
A huge shout-out to the unbelievably kind person who found my wallet and returned it entact to my to my front door.  I totally couldn't believe my luck! It was an awesome example of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  I'll never forget it.

I wish I could have thanked them but a note or number wasn't left. My relief, in order of emotional intensity:   OMG, there's my wallet on the front doorstep!!  Now I don't have to call for a new credit card, update all my auto-payments, or replace my driver's license.  Even the cash was untouched.

I hope you've never, ever have the painful experience of losing your wallet.  My recovery attempts were were obviously futile.  With frustration and worry, I frantically checked my pockets. My worry turned into mild panic while retracing my steps:  Ooba Tuba, Pharmaca, Staples, and QFC. Nothing.  I looked inside my car and pockets one more time.  My last big hope was searching the parking lot. No luck.

Here's my guess:   My  smart phone and wallet were together in the same pocket; when pulling out my phone for a call the wallet came unbenounced with it, slipping onto to the parking lot. My wife threatened to buy me a nerdy phone holster  Yep, I'm motivated that much more to be careful! 😨☝

-- Bob Yoder, 3/5/2022 

While on the subject of protection the police advise locking your car and closing the windows when it's not in use.  There's been a rash of thievery of late.