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Sunday, November 17, 2024
Redmond Historical Society: "Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales"
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Lake Washington Students Make Gains On Assessments
Lake Washington students continue to make gains on state assessments
Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students continue to score well above the state average in all areas tested by the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA).“Lake Washington School District is pleased to share the results of our state assessments with our community,” said Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “We continue to work as an organization to accelerate and support our students’ academic and social growth. Student learning was impacted during the pandemic and we can see recovery in our standardized academic progress. Lake Washington staff strive each day to ensure academic excellence for every student.”
In English Language Arts, the percentage of LWSD students meeting the standard ranged from 74.3 percent in eighth grade to a high of 81.8 percent in 10th grade. At the state level, the percentage of eighth and 10th grade students meeting the standard in English Language Arts was 47.1, and 60.1 respectively. (See the chart below for scores for each grade level.)
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Mayor Promotes Small Local Business
Check out Redmond’s Stylish New Small Business!
This month’s Here in Redmond video features A New Debut women's consignment store. The female-owned boutique sells high-end women's clothing and accessories for a fraction of retail prices. It’s the latest addition to a number of small businesses in the City.
As we approach the holiday season, you can take part in the City's Shop Small Passport Program from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, which helps directly contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our local economy at places like A New Debut and many other local businesses. Learn more and how you can win cool prizes. https://experienceredmond.com/Shop-Sm...
-- redmond.gov
CITY WATCH: 2025 Mayor And Council Salaries, Staff Pay Plans
13. Attachment E, Exhibit 1: EO Pay Plan Redline, *Councilmember salary $27,000, Council President $30,000, Full Healthcare benefit, COLA effective 11/12/24), ($37,500 Council baseline salary, $16,000 Neighborhood Events, $12,000 Council Travel and Training.) TO BE UPDATED IN 1/5.
12. Attachment E: Ordinance for 2025 Elected Official Pay Plan, Mayor salary $170,000, stipend, 2-5% COLA, Family Healthcare, travel/phone perks. effective 1/1/25. Increase from $153,700. Council decision.
3. Pay Plan B, Executive: 4.2% COLA: COO $274,956; Fire Chief $251,472; Police Chief $246,588; Deputy Fire and Police Chiefs, $237,756; Planning Director $246,588; Public Works Director, $246,588; City Attorney $246,588; DIRECTORS $237,756 (Finance, Parks, Planning, I.O. Human Resources); Deputy Directors $206,184 (Executive, Parks, Public Works, Planning and Community Development (2), Deputy Attorney, (new); Police Lieutenants $196,956 (Teamsters.)
8. Attachment C, Exhibit 1: Non-Represented Pay Plan (N), 4.2% COLA; Chief Policy Advisor, Police Support Commander, Security Compliance Manager $195,552; Police Captain $215,518; Department Managers, $173,808.
9. Attachment C, Exhibit 2: Non-Represented Supp (N-S), 11. Attachment D, Exhibit 1: 2025 - General Supp (G-S), Supplemental is a scaled hourly rate.
20. Attachment H Exhibit 1 2025 - Fire Support (FS) COLA 3.6%
-- Source: Redmond City Council, Committee of the Whole | November 12, 2024; Presided by Councilmember Steve Fields
** Council hasn't had a raise since 2019. All salaries are upper band; bonuses may be given to Directors and Executives. It appears most staff salaries increased ~4% from the last biennium not counting COLAs and benefits. Quarterly overtime was $11.3M attributed to Fire and Police and Sound Transit.
Posted by Yoder, 11/11/24, updated: 11/16/24
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Mayor Birney, Avid Union Supporter
Statement from Mayor Angela Birney on the Boeing Strike:
Statement from Mayor Angela Birney on the Boeing Strike:
In Redmond, Boeing employees and suppliers have been impacted by the machinist union’s strike, now in its eighth week. I support the work of the union and am hopeful that the upcoming vote on Monday brings an end to this strike. Companies, employees, and the entire Puget Sound all benefit when Boeing airplanes are being built.
- Redmond Mayor Angela Birney
11/1/24
When Angela taught Biology in the public schools she joined a union. It's clear, she's an avid supporter of unions.
Good news for the city's RCHEA union. (click for salaries.) They represent city planners, engineers, inspectors, specialists, paralegals, accountants, code enforcers, technicians, administrative assistants...Just announced today, they're getting a 4.2% COLA.
Salaries range from $170,232 (Engineer) to $139,152 (Senior Planner) to $91,188 (Administrative Assistant.)
Redmond City Hall Employees Association (RCHEA)
Teamsters Local No. 117 - Representing the Police Support Bargaining Unit
Police Lieutenants $196,956
Redmond Fire Fighters Union - Representing the Fire Support Bargaining Unit
Posted by Yoder
11/12/24, updated 11/17
Friday, November 1, 2024
Big Feller, Much More Than A Dead Tree
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Snags like this one provide awesome habitat for woodpeckers, bats, screech owls, small mammals and insects. Do you see the Piliated Woodpecker hole? This snag is in Juel Park not far from Bear Creek ... a perfect perching site for eagles, Osprey and hawks. - photo Yoder, 11/1/24
Thursday, October 31, 2024
COO Mark Wimley, EvergreenHealth Notable Executive
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| Mark Wimley, COO EvergreehHealth Medical Group |
2/26/2024
At EvergreenHealth, we provide clinically sophisticated diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for heart disease and heart attack – and we're recognized by Healthgrades as a national leader in heart care. I'm proud to work for an organization that provides this level of care. And, in fact, I'm here and healthy today as a result of it.
I was 42 and fit in 2016 when I had a heart attack at a Totem Lake gym. For several years, I'd been leading an informal workout group with other EvergreenHealth staff members and physicians. While finishing a set of 15 reps of a burpee pull-up combo, I suddenly felt intense pain in my right chest. I thought maybe I'd torn my pectoral muscle or was experiencing gastroesophageal reflux. I wasn't thinking about my heart.
I approached Dr. Jeff Tomlin and described my symptoms. When I mentioned a squeezing sensation, Dr. Tomlin quickly took me to his truck and drove me to our Kirkland Emergency Department (ED). An EKG confirmed that I was experiencing a heart attack. Two stents later, I was recovering in the ICU and feeling pretty good when I had a second heart attack.
Friday, October 25, 2024
Adopt A Stream Drain; Report Spills
Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood
Adopting a neighborhood storm drain is easy (and fun!) and can help reduce street flooding and keep pollutants like yard chemicals, pet waste, and garbage out of our lake and streams. Most stormwater in Redmond flows into a storm drain—the metal grate in the street – and is carried to a nearby waterway. By spending just 15 minutes a month removing leaves, garbage, and debris from the top of the storm drain, you can help prevent flooding and protect the waterways that are home to salmon, frogs, and other critters.
Sign up to adopt a drain
Report Spills
Help Redmond keep soap, oil, dirt, and other pollutants out of our streams, lake, and underground drinking water sources. Call the City's Water Pollution Hotline any time you see pollutants on the ground, in the street, or in the natural environment. Working together, we can stop pollution in its tracks. Report environmental concerns to Redmond's Water Pollution Hotline: 425-556-2868
Learn more about keeping our water clean
-- redmond.gov Posted by Yoder, 10/25/24
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Update: Nerdy Notes On The Redmond City Budget
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| A drive-through voter ballot drop-box is at City Hall |
Budgets are boring and probably the last thing on your mind with the Election and Halloween around the corner. However, I'm a government nerd and wanted to share some of the City Budget Hearing chaos I'm feeling.
The City Clerk sent me the Budget calendar after I asked for it. IMO, the calendar could have been written during one of their many briefing meetings to engage the public with the budget early on; but the calendar wasn't formalized until the second, October 1 Hearing .... "kinda bas akwards."
THE PROCESS: Three budget hearings are required; and a 4th is optional. Council decided the public would have its usual 3 minutes, instead of 4 minutes to speak in these important Hearings. Of interest, I remember Councilmember Stuart once saying on the Dais that no more than 1 minute for public comment was necessary.
Now, to get you up to date: The first Hearing (July 16) 👆was for public input on the "Capital Investment Program," (pg. 23) "Business Technology Investment Program" and a "Departmental Budget Overview." With public our input, Council may change the Mayor's proposed, Preliminary budget.
The lack of information for the 👆second October 1 Hearing was annoying and poorly timed, as follows:
- The Hearing immediately
followed the mayor's very short 2025-2026 Preliminary Budget (PB) presentation. - The public had NO TIME to evaluate the PB and speak on it at this Hearing
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Removing Redmond"s Waste -- Past, Present, Future
Redmond Historical Society holds Saturday Speakers Series meeting on
Resources:
Upcoming Events | Redmond, WA – November and December classes are listed to dive deeper into sustainability topics. Sam Wilder teaches the classes.
What Goes Where Tool | Redmond, WA – What goes where tool for specialty items. Plug in the item you would like to know what to do with.
Residents | Redmond, WA – A complete guide of what goes where in Redmond recycling, composting and garbage carts. A reminder, composting is free (as part of garbage service) for all residents- including condos and apartments and businesses.
BNProject | Home (buynothingproject.org) – This was the group for donating Items you no longer want or receiving items for free from your neighbors that one of the members discussed.
Posted by Yoder, 10/23/24
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
NOTICE: PUBLIC HEARING ON CITY BUDGET, November 4
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| Redmond City Hall |
Community members may present oral comments during the public hearing or provide written comments at budget@redmond.gov. All members of the public are invited to attend the Hearing whether they comment or not.
BUDGET RESOURCES: Preliminary Budget Summary; Preliminary Revenue Forecast
Monday, October 21, 2024
City Seeking Comments For Downtown Homeless Project
INVITATION TO COMMENT: COMMENT DUE DATE BY: NOVEMBER 12, 2024
Description of Proposal: Construction of a six-story mixed-use development including 100 units of permanent supportive housing property management offices, resident services, interior and exterior resident amenity spaces, and approximately 2150 sf of commercial space.
The building and surrounding fenced structure is located in Downtown Redmond across from Anderson Park and not far from Redmond Elementary. It will permanently house 65% homeless individuals from the Eastside and 35% homeless from the Seattle area. The facility has "no barrier" to entry.
To view more information about this project, click the link below.
Plymouth Supportive Housing | Redmond, WA
To comment contact the city planner:
- David Lee
- dlee@redmond.gov
- 425-556-2462
Date of City Notice: Monday, October 21, 2024
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Nami Eastside "Healing through Connection" GALA
"The National Alliance of the Mentally Ill" (NAMl) Eastside chapter celebrated its many years of community service October 10th with a GALA dinner event at the Redmond Marriot. The theme was "Healing Through Connection." Over 100 attended with many stories shared of personal struggles and recoveries. I connected with several attendees about personal bipolar stigmatization.
Over ~ $97,000 was raised, mostly during an energetic auction. The auctioneer, Jonathan West was very entertaining and effective. He's a radio talk-show host for "warm 106.9." He was a class act with his own story to tell. Some of the items auctioned were: Seahawk vs. 49er tickets, an AirB&B overnighter, Alaska Air tickets, a Woodinville winery taste, Kraken Club ticket seats, restaurant dinners, dinner deserts and mental health wellness baskets.
The event attracted several of our elected officials: Don Constantine and Sarah Perry were honored and gave speeches. Roger Goodman and Osman Salahuddin dined with the crowd.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Text, Call, or Chat)
info@nami-eastside.org
--Bob Yoder, NAMI member
10/10/24
Friday, October 18, 2024
350-Bed Forensic Center Planned For Western State Hospital
Gov. Jay Inslee and leaders from the state Department of Social and Health Services break ground on the new Forensic Center of Excellence on the Western State Hospital campus.
On Thursday morning, state leaders gathered in Lakewood to break ground on a new hospital to be built on the Western State Hospital campus. The hospital will be a secure facility with 350 beds to serve forensic patients (those accused of a crime and ordered by a court to receive treatment before trial).
Construction of the new Forensic Center of Excellence will complete by 2029.
This project turns a page in state history. Washington state is a different place than it used to be. Western State Hospital is a different place than it used to be. And under the direction of Gov. Jay Inslee, the state’s approach to behavioral health care is different than it used to be.
It’s all change for the better.
Read the full story on Gov. Jay Inslee's Medium
Posted 10/18/24
Thursday, October 17, 2024
License Plate Readers, 22 Camera Readers To Be Installed
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| License Plate Reader / Flock |
In a 8/5/24 regular meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader program. Installation of 22 cameras and subscription cost for two years are priced at $93,534.40. It's likely the Mayor will finance the balance through the General Fund or Capital Investment Program.
THE PROGRAM: Strategically located intersections are identified within the City to place the "Flock" cameras to capture the most license plates entering and leaving the City limits.
Councilmember Steve Fields made a point to say the program will not infringe on people's privacy.
The concept of this approach is for officers and dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons connected to vehicles, and missing persons.
-- Re-posted by Yoder, 10/17/24
Source 8/5/24 Council meeting
Sunday, October 13, 2024
SUSPENDED IN MOTION, Autumn Fall In Redmond, John Reinke
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| Credit/John Reinke |
On my way to the 90th Street Runoff Pond this afternoon, I spotted a small autumn leaf suspended in midair. It was dangling from a single spider strand. In the background behind it you will see the Sammamish River Trail. The river itself is flowing behind the wall of foliage alongside the trail. Who knows, salmon may be migrating upstream as I took this picture.
-- John Reinke, Redmond photojournalist
10/13/2024
CITY WATCH: Additional Water Storage Space Needed For Overlake, $24M Price
Internet
Councilmember Stuart asked: what steps are needed to plan for the anticipated water storage deficit
in Overlake, especially in light of anticipated growth in the area. CM Stuart expressed the importance of
addressing potential storage shortfalls ahead of growth.
Staff Comment: Given the ability to move water supply within the system as needed, the needs identified in Overlake can be met by adding storage in multiple locations in Rose Hill and Overlake. The well service area (including the Education Hill Tanks) can be fed by the higher Rose Hill/Overlake pressure zones but the higher Rose Hill/Overlake pressure zones cannot be fed by the well service area.
Additional storage in Rose Hill will directly benefit the Overlake area. The WSP specifically identifies adding a third storage tank on Education Hill. The total estimated cost to add the needed storage is $24 million (in 2023 $).
To provide the total volume identified in the current plan, a new reservoir site will be needed to meet the 20-year demand. 9/16
Source: 10/8 Council memo: Councilmember Comment Councilmember Fields requested information on the key risks facing Redmond’s water distribution and storage system and asked how the Water System Plan addresses or mitigates such risks. READ MORE:
CITY WATCH: The City Council Will Hold Hearing To Oppose I-2066
Vote "yes" on I-2066. Washington residents and restaurants deserve a choice on using gas and/or electricity. It's estimated the average consumer would have to pay ~$35,000 to convert all their appliances from gas to electric. If I-2066 passes gas won't be banned from use by restaurants and households.
Washington State has placed a ballot measure before the voters. Initiative Measure No. 2066 concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification. Initiative 2066 is scheduled to go to the voters at the General Election on November 5, 2024.
The City Cou the Council to take action on the resolution to declare its official position in opposition to I-2066.
"COUNCIL TOOL" RCW 42.17A.555(1) authorizes the Council to take action to express a collective decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot measure so long as (a) the agenda includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and (b) members.
(Same Tool used by Council to validate their I-2117 Hearing)
Source: 10/8/24 Study Session "hopper."
Council will hold a hearing at the October 15th, 2024 Business Meeting for the Council to take action on the resolution to declare its official position in opposition to I-2066.
"COUNCIL TOOL" RCW 42.17A.555(1) authorizes the Council to take action to express a collective decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot measure so long as (a) the agenda includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and (b) members.
(Same Tool used by Council to validate their I-2117 Hearing)
Source: 10/8/24 Study Session "hopper."
Bob Yoder, Opinion: 10/17/2024
National Indigenous Peoples Day For Eastside Youth
October 7th, 2022
Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, assimilated, and banned from worshiping or performing many sacred ceremonies. Yet today, they remain some of our greatest environmental stewards. They maintain strong religious beliefs that still feed the soul of our Nation. And they have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group. Native peoples challenge us to confront our past and do better, and their contributions to scholarship, law, the arts, public service, and more continue to guide us forward.
"Am I Enough?" celebration at Lake Washington High
Am I enough to be seen as an indigenous person? Watch a short video HERE of students celebrating "Am I Enough."
Mary Wilber, Program Coordinator of the Eastside Native American Indian Association organizes events for our Salish Sea indigenous youth. She invites indigenous students from three school districts to her Monday evening classes at Lake Washignton High.
Pam and I celebrated with the Eastside Native American families at Lake Washington High and in a Pow Wow at Juanita High. Both ceremonies touched our hearts. School Board members Siri Bliesner and Mark Stuart participated in the Lake Washington festivities.
Posted by Yoder
10/13/24
School Board Directors Tour Two Schools October 15
Some or all of the LWSD School Board of Directors will tour schools in the district on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Open to the public Board members will not conduct business of the district an no decisions will be made. The board provides a community report about their site visits at their regularly scheduled board meetings. Schedule:
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Contacts: |
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UPDATED 10/13: Council Notes: Funding For "Mini City Hall" and Avondale Water Main Replacement
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| Redmond City Hall |
The City is asking our State legislature to fund significant projects next session, as follows:
1) $1,024,475 to replace several miles of aging, brittle asbestos water main pipe on Avondale Road NE. In addition, pavement will be re-surfaced for a total cost of $3.3M.
The pipes "are brittle," with numerous breaks in the last five years. Key concerns are:
- Health and water quality
- Impacts to salmon-bearing streams
- Fire protection
2) $618,000 for 1,700 sf city service space ("Mini City Hall") in the Overlake Bellwether building. With State funding the following services would be provided by 2028:
- customer service
- police desk
- mobile integrated health
- translation services (42% of residents are foreign born)
- multi-cultural lobby with rotating art
- 333 units for low and moderate income (30-80% AMI) families and individuals.
- access to light rail - across street from the Overlake Station.
Source: Amy Tsai, Redmond's
Chief Policy Advisor
Council Study Session, 10/8/24
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Privately Owned Scooter Transportation
This comment was made by Patrick T. under a Redmond 2050 Facebook post:
"I ride a scooter as my primary method of transportation 99% of the year (unless it's actually frozen or snowy, like two weeks out of the year). Beyond all the advantages in cost to own and operate, I can just shoulder surf or lane-filter past stopped traffic AND I still get to be fully motorized so the time it takes me to get somewhere doesn't go up for 50 minutes (unlike with a bus). Also I can get up to 40mph so I can do longer distance travel on roads. It truly is a life hack, the best of both worlds. If it's rainy I have a rainproof jacket and pants, and if it's cold I have an extra layer. Screw traffic! 
"
" Patrick T.
Redmond 2050 Facebook Page
Scooters have a small footprint so parking space is readily available, as well.
"Pro Scooter Shop" on NE 95the Street by the Connector Trail and the Eastside Gym. 425-968-5058 A convenient location for a trial run.
Other scooter stores. Helmets are for sale at most stores.
Posted by Yoder
10/12/2024
Old Redmond Schoolhouse Early Learning Center
In 2016, Lake Washington School District received a bond approval to begin renovating the original schoolhouse to be the district’s first early learning center. It technically opened in September of 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to celebrate its opening. Instead, a crowd gathered on February 1, 2023 to mark the delayed opening with a presentation, ribbon cutting and a community open house.
Fun fact: Redmond Coucilmember Osman Sulahuddin is in this video. He always wears clean white sneakers😃. Osman is the youngest member on Council and he represents our youth exceptionally well.
posted by Yoder
10/12/2024
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Sign Up For Osman's "Youth Board" - Be A Voice For The Eastside.
YOUTH BOARD: As a Redmond Councilmember, one of my main goals has been to engage more youth in the political process. That is why I'm excited to announce the launch of my Youth Board, a chance to participate in advocacy, policy initiatives, community events, and more! If you are a middle school or high school student (or if you know of someone who may be interested), this is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in the field and allow you to be a voice for youth all across the eastside! Applications are due on Wednesday, October 16th at 11:59 PM. Apply here: https://bit.ly/os-
Letter to the Editor: UPDATED: Mayor Birney Has Too Much Power
Unlike its neighboring cities, such as Mercer Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, and Sammamish, which ALL have a council-manager form of government, City of Redmond has a strong mayor-council form of government. Under the strong mayor form of government, mayor has too much power: while the council has legislative power, the mayor has veto power; the mayor is the chief executive officer, centralizing executive power. We have all witnessed the damages done allowing downtown homeless housing in Redmond and the entire Eastside when the mayor has too much power yet free from checks and balances.
Safe Eastside
Posted, 10/9/2024
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