Saturday, September 7, 2024
Organized Crime Group Targeting Asian Community
CONTACT
Jill Green, Redmond Police Department Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627
Police Warn Public about Organized Crime Group Targeting Asian Community
REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department is asking community members to stay vigilant following a string of robberies in Redmond and nearby cities. The suspects are believed to be part of a Romanian organized crime group targeting elderly members of the East Indian community.
Suspects in these crimes, typically driving SUV rental vehicles, approach victims who are walking on sidewalks or in parking lots. Usually, a male driver and one or more female passengers contact victims by asking for directions or offering to trade jewelry. While engaging the victims in conversation, the suspects attempt to place costume jewelry on the victim and either swap it out for authentic jewelry or take it by force.
Five recent cases have involved female suspects wearing long dresses who use distraction techniques to steal valuable jewelry. Fortunately, the victims have not sustained serious injuries.
“These are not Hate crimes, but rather crimes of opportunity where the thieves travel around affluent neighborhoods and search for potentially vulnerable victims,” said Chief Darrell Lowe. “We encourage community members to be aware of their surroundings when walking alone outside and avoid wearing valuables.”
Redmond police ask everyone to use caution when approached by strangers in vehicles and not accept gifts from them. It is safest to travel in groups, especially when walking. If possible, leave jewelry and valuables locked in a safe when walking alone.
Anyone approached by strangers offering to trade or sell jewelry should contact law enforcement. For crimes within the City of Redmond, please call the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500.
Friday, September 6, 2024
Opinion: Redmond's King County's Homeless Project Is Failing
 |
| "Haven Heights" homeless building lobby Credit Bob Yoder |
Bob Yoder's Testimony to City Council and Mayor Birney, City Hall, September 3, 2004:
"Council and Mayor Birney, the success of the Silver Cloud Homeless project in Overlake is a litmus test for the future downtown Plymouth Housing project. Though with good intentions, it's failing miserably I've visited the facility twice.
- The Silver Cloud hotel was purchased two years ago by King County for ~$28 million for their "Health Through Housing" (HTH) homeless program and so far only 10 homeless reside there. The operator says 15 total homeless will be housed there no sooner than October.
- The facility is defined as "emergency housing" until all 100 studios are phased in for completion sometime in 2027, 28, or who knows. The incompetent KCRHA County homeless agency that triages the homeless for Coordinated Entry blames the supply-chain, permitting and scarcity of contractors on their extreme delay. There was no evidence of construction.
- Mayor Birney and other electeds on the KCRHA Governance Board are given new authority to manage and expedite the coordinated Entry process. Transparency should improve, as well. I asked Mayor Birney to please act expeditiously to fill "Haven Height's" with permanent supported housing as it was intended.
- When I dropped in last Tuesday three staff were idling in the lobby and we had a good chat. They have college degrees (business, computers.) and said they were case managers, too. Nice people but with not much to do. Staff said each resident has a phone. There's no curfew but if they're out more than three days they must call in. Right now there at 8 staff managing their 10 homeless residents. King County taxpayers are paying 14 cents/$1000 to support operations.
- Orca cards are issued. A van takes them shopping. So far Trader Joes and the Dollar Store are popular.
- The operator's Safety & Security Plan, Community Relations Plan, and Code of Conduct wasn't available. The building located behind Goodwill and is named "Haven Heights." The six story building is fenced looks formidable but it's plush inside. 16725-152 Avenue NE"
Thursday, September 5, 2024
UPDATED 10/1/24 City denies Redmond Pot Shop's Request To Install Bollards A Month befor...
UPDATED 10/1/24 Surveillance video shows suspects smash stolen KIA into Redmond pot shop
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Updated 9/2: Kiwanis Club Trail Clean-Up
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Updated: Together Center Extravaganza
If you wish to see the Together Center in action and learn from our incredible onsite provider partners and resources and services available at Together Center, please join us on Saturday, September 21 from 10am-1pm for our Community Resource Extravaganza featuring over 20 nonprofit partners, free food, live music, a petting zoo, art making, and raffle prizes. We hope to see you!
-- Kim Sarneki, Together Center CEO
Monday, August 19, 2024
EvergreenHealth - An Update
EvergreenHealth - King County Public Hospital District No.2
Our Community-Owned Hospital
 |
| This "Silver Tower" and a 2nd Emergency Department were funded by district taxpayers of Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Shoreline, Duval, Carnation, and Snohomish County. |
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Let's Move Redmond: An Open Streets Festival
Friday, August 16, 2024
Redmond Police Certified For "Autism Center" Designation
The program is a registry of vulnerable individuals to assist first responders in reuniting people with disabilities with their caregivers.
 |
Redmond Police Department Renews its Certified Autism Center™ Designation, Enhancing Inclusivity in the Community
REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department recently renewed its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation certification, continuing efforts to provide officers with knowledge and training to assist and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive community members. In 2022, the department became the first in Washington to earn the certification, which was awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
The department's training enhances officers’ knowledge and ability to assist and communicate with autistic or sensory-sensitive community members.
“I’m proud of my staff’s continued dedication and commitment to completing this critical training to ensure we compassionately serve all members of the Redmond community,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe.
The Redmond Police Department launched a Take Me Home program in June for families with loved ones who have cognitive or developmental disabilities in case they go missing or experience an emergency.
The program is a registry of vulnerable individuals to assist first responders in reuniting people with disabilities with their caregivers.
City Joins 350 Mayors On Commitment to Electrify Fleets
Commitment to bring electric vehicles to Redmond will help reduce pollution, improve public health, and boost the clean energy economy for Redmond residents
REDMOND, WA - Today, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney joined nearly 350 U.S. mayors on a new collaborative commitment to electrify at least 50% of municipal fleets by 2030 and increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035, with at least 40% of charging investments to benefit disadvantaged communities. As a member of Climate Mayors – the bipartisan network of mayors from across the United States committed to climate action – Mayor Birney is helping to deliver cleaner air, lower tax bills, and a more sustainable future for all Redmond residents.
Monday, August 12, 2024
PART 1: Council Approves License Plate Readers
PART ONE: In an ongoing effort to address the increased rate of auto thefts and other crimes, the police department remains committed to using pursuit alternative technology.
To that end, Council approved the police department's request to accept a $94,968,30 grant to fund installation of 22 automated license plate readers in strategic locations for the cameras and a subscription cost for two years.
Flock Safety is the chosen vendor.
Flock cameras have nothing to do with citizen habits of every day driving. They will be used exclusively to reduce auto thefts and other crimes.
Reported by Bob Yoder / Source: Council 8/5/24 Business Meeting memo.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Police License Plate Recognition Technology Program
 |
| Flock Safety website |
In the 8/5/24 meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader 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 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.
Whether responding to a crime in-progress or investigating a past crime, Flock camera technology can locate vehicles based on a description of the vehicle without needing the license plate number. For example, a vehicle involved in a crime described as a red sports car with a spoiler can be entered into the search parameters. Using just that information, the Flock cameras will locate all vehicles matching that description and provide information concerning location, direction of travel, and license plate number.
Flock cameras have nothing to do with citizen habits of every day driving. They will be used exclusively to reduce auto thefts and other crimes.
-- excerpt from Regular meeting memo, 8/5
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Monday, August 5, 2024
Redmond Kiwanis Club Newsletter
This WED --- David Juarez and Sue Stewart will deliver the school supplies donated to KidVantage. Thank you to all who contributed and THANK YOU to the Board for their donation.
Sunday, August 4, 2024
NOTES (Part 2); Silver Cloud Homeless Housing Community Meeting
- HTH care facilities are modeled after "Don's Place" in Auburn.
- Ms. Cook, administrator of "King County Regional Homeless Authority" said twice the Silver Cloud building is "low barrier" meaning there will be no discrimination against homeless residents taking street drugs, excessive alcohol, and/or with serious mental illness.
- Currently, the residents are housed in rooms, with rights of tenancy under emergency conditions. Once the studios are fully occupied (with 100 residents) they will be permanently supported with: 24/7 wrap-around services including 11 support staff, 4-5 case managers, three meals a day and more. Until full occupancy the HTH building called "Haven" will operate under emergency conditions.
- It appears nonprofit support services like "4 Tomorrow," and "Nourishing Networks," will volunteer. Currently "life skills" are on the weekly calendar. Yoga was mentioned. No A.A.
- Behavioral health was a key topic since ~ 70% of homeless have a mental health condition and often treat their sickness with street drugs. "Harm reduction" service will be minimal until the building is fully staffed.
- City of Redmond Fire mobile behavioral health is available for crisis response. A psychiatrist was mentioned. Ms. Cook said funding is not a problem for services, however Matt said money "will have to be carved out" for mental health care owing to poor Medicaid reimbursement.
- Primary care will be available, but no details.
- Matt said there would be transparency on "Code of Conduct." A man dressed in old "Security Officer" clothes was standing in the parking lot. He could have been a resident-in-training.
UPDATED NOTES (Part 1): Silver Cloud Homeless Building - Community Meeting
 |
| Lobby of the Overlake Silver Cloud HTH homeless building |
Housing for the Eastside's homeless is "desperately" needed owing to King County's decision to spread Seattle's homeless housing regionally. In 2020, the county purchased the Redmond Silver Cloud Hotel for $28.25M. The building is being renovated by "Health Through Housing" into studios for "low barrier" emergency and permanent supportive housing for 100 chronic, disabled homeless. The forecast for completion is no sooner than late 2025.
- At least 11 signed-in, mostly nonprofit voluntary support services: (2) KinderCare, Bellevue School District, no businesses, Nourishing Networks, 4 Tomorrow, ACS Discovery Shop, Redmond Deputy Police Chief Coats, Community police officer Meora, Redmond Human Services Manager-Brook Buckingham, Media-Redmond Neighborhood Blog, various community members, Plymouth Housing, and the KCRHA agency.
- Salvation Army's operator, Matt Garrett presented, and introduced key staff. Matt is friendly and open to questions. HTH hotels are funded by a .1% property tax. KCRHA triages referrals and coordinates their entry. 65% of the residents are targeted to come from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland and United Methodist Church. 35% or more from the Seattle area.
- Upon the "Community Advisor Group" recommendation monthly community meetings will be held (the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm.) Matt emphasized the meetings are targeted for nearby neighborhoods and businesses but are open to all; staff will be present and possibly residents.
- 10 chronic homeless are currently residing under emergency circumstances. 15 additional homeless will be housed no sooner than October, 2024. According to Ms. Cook, KCRHA manager, the 2-year occupancy delay is attributed to shortage of contractors and materials.
- Renovation won't be complete until at least late 2025. In the meantime, it's used on an emergency basis and won't become Permanent Supportive Housing until all 100 rooms are completely renovated with studios.
- The address is 2122-152 Ave NE. It's set-back and behind Goodwill. Heading south on NE 24th Street take a left onto 152nd. The Silver Cloud "Haven Heights" HTH building is immediately on the right. A newer mixed-use apartment building fronts the building.
Friday, August 2, 2024
"Erratic" and "Sky Painting" Art - Have You Seen It?
The Erratic outdoor artwork is located on Leary Avenue just south of the Matador. When looking east you'll see it during the day. Is it safe at night to walk through the Erratic to activate the colored lights? Have you ever seen the colored lights? The City of Redmond says:
"Five thousand years ago Redmond, Washington, was buried under 3,000 feet of ice. Today we rarely if ever, see large boulders—glacial erratics—that were left in the wake of the retreating ice. On the new Redmond Central Connector park, the city built their own erratic in the form of historical art.
When the BNSF Railroad left Redmond, it left behind miles of rails, mounting plates, and spikes. 3,000 steel plates were salvaged from the BNSF Railroad that once crossed the site; these form the cladding for the Erratic‘s skin. Motion detectors inside the glass fronts activate colored LED lights, delighting passersby with an interactive experience."
The Erratic was created by artist John Fleming, It was commissioned in 2013 for the Redmond Central Connector in celebration of Redmond’s Centennial. Mr. Flemming also painted SKY PAINTING on a large downtown parking lot (you got to see it to believe it.) He installed railroad "Signals" art in the downtown Linear Park.
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Downtown Plymouth Homeless Project A Ticking Time Bomb
I want to share my thoughts regarding the Plymouth Housing project for chronic homeless in downtown Redmond and the city council’s actions to discourage public comments.
The Redmond City Council rushed and acted recklessly when they decided to award the expensive public land and high-impact project to Plymouth Housing after less than one hour of discussion (a 30-minute behind closed doors executive meeting on February 6th, and a 30-minute special meeting on February 13th). Basic questions asked by the Kenmore City Council, such as those regarding “set aside” for local placements, “low barrier” and public safety, compliance, tenant screening, and Plymouth’s application process, etc. were never asked by the Redmond City Council.
Plymouth Housing’s troubled reputation: The recent overdose death of Mike Matzick inside the Plymouth Housing run Scargo and Lewiston Apartments in Belltown. Mike “had been deceased for three days when he was discovered.” The lived experience at the Plymouth Housing run Pat Williams Apartments in South Lake Union that “newcomers who move in & WANT to become or stay clean and sober” “get preyed on by the toxic residents.”
Additionally, the concerning 911 call records at the Plymouth Crossing in Bellevue show incidents of death, VUCSA, disturbances (including harassment), behavioral health issues, assault, fire, indecent exposure, etc. Yet, the city council rejected the proposal to go through an open RFP to select the best qualified operator. Led by Council
President Kritzer and Planning Director Helland, they openly misled the public on this project both in council meetings and through communications and set up barriers to prevent the public from getting critical information in a timely manner. Many questions remain unanswered. They want to quietly move forward to avoid public scrutiny.
Led by Council President Kritzer, the Redmond City Council has refused to allow public input. No public comments were allowed before the council cast their votes. Despite the public’s repeated requests, the City Council refused to hold any public hearings or two-way dialogue meetings.The public was left with no choice but to attend council meetings and raise their concerns during public comment time. The Redmond City Council later voted to curb public comment during council meetings on May 7th.
The Redmond City Council has been completely ignoring the public’s safety, drug use, and drug trafficking concerns. What is happening in Factoria, where the Plymouth Crossing is located, is a clear warning. A local developer told the city, “The landscaping around his Eastgate location has been damaged over the last 8 months, people doing drugs, police called daily.” Yet, the Redmond City Council continues to turn a deaf ear to those concerns and pat each other on the back for being the heroes and picking up the project that the City of Kenmore deemed would hurt its community and denied.
The skimping on parking space at the Plymouth Housing building in order to “be as cost-effective as possible” under the guise of being “green” will worsen the already challenging parking situation in downtown Redmond near the Anderson Park area. By Redmond zoning code, Plymouth Housing is required to build 120 parking spaces for the 100-unit building. Yet, Plymouth Housing is asking for “NO RESIDENTIAL PARKING BE PROVIDED” and “A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING STALLS.” This is absurd!
In comparison, the King County-owned and Salvation Army-operated Redmond Silver Cloud has 140 parking spaces for its 100 units, and its Safety and Security Plan states, “Residents are prohibited from parking along the street or in other areas alongside the HTH Redmond facility.”
The Plymouth Housing project to house 100 chronic homeless in downtown Redmond is a ticking time bomb. I'm counting on State Representative Amy Walen and our leaders to help save our city from turning into Seattle.
Monday, July 29, 2024
UPDATED: Council Plans Public Hearing On "Climate Commitment Act" Initiative
City Council strongly opposes State Initiative No. 2117. The Hearing will give public an opportunity to learn about the measure and weigh in. In short, the initiative will repeal the market-based "cap and invest" carbon program -- which reduces greenhouse gas emissions -- and will prohibit carbon tax credit trading. It's possible, but doubtful a repeal could increase costs of fuel recipients and fuel suppliers.
Council has a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. In 2020 they declared a "climate emergency" and adopted a 30-year plan for the community to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. They have worked closely with the city Legislative coordinator to make the Hearing happen; and in conjunction with other jurisdictions.
The Climate Commitment Act has already generated $3.25 billion statewide for forest protection, transportation projects, electrification efforts, wildfire prevention, salmon recovery, tribal investments and more.
Source: 7/23 Council Study session and "Council Talk Time" memos.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Friday, July 26, 2024
UDATED 8/3: Redmond Drone Program, More Important Than Ever
 |
| Redmond Police Drone Center |
The presidential assassination attempt brings home the critical importance of drone surveillance. Honorable Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is staying ahead of the curve with an updated drone technology program. Council recently approved his request to transition to all American-made parts.
Per Redmond's website: "The Redmond Police Department implemented a cutting-edge Drones as First Responders (DFR) program in April 2024 to respond to 911 calls. This technology improves response times and provides real-time information to patrol units on the ground.
About the DFR program: A drone is flown remotely by a commissioned officer as the pilot and dispatched to calls along with patrol officers. The DFR can arrive faster than ground units, providing information about the incident and broadcasting video to any computer, tablet, or phone. Once overhead, the drone pilot can assess the situation and cancel the ground response if appropriate, freeing up emergency vehicles for other priority calls.
The drones provide critical information about an incident to help officers make better decisions and de-escalate otherwise unknown situations. They are used to safely clear the interior of buildings, aid in suspect apprehension, document crime and crash scenes, and search for lost or missing persons.
Public Privacy Policy: The drones are used only as a call response, not for proactive patrols. Redmond’s drone policy prohibits the department from using drones for general surveillance, harassing or discriminating against individuals or groups, or conducting personal business."
Comment: This is a stretch, but it's not out of the question assassins could target local high tech CEOs, not solely high profile politicians and RPD will be ready.
-- Bob Yoder, updated 8/3/24
Additional information on Redmond's Drone Program is here.
Friday, July 19, 2024
UPDATED: Plymouth Housing "Lunch & Learn," Together Center
 |
| Rendering of the downtown Redmond Plymouth project |
The Together Center is hosting a Plymouth Housing "Lunch and Learn" event on Tuesday, August 13, 12 - 1:30 PM. The Together Center is located at 16305 NE 75th Street, Redmond.
The purpose of the event is for the community to:
1) learn about Plymouth Housing permanent supportive housing services for the chronic homeless.
2) fulfill the City requirement to develop community relations plan for the downtown Plymouth - Redmond project and asks for topics of your interest;
3) organize a "Community Advisory Group" (CAG.) The event invitation and CAG application is HERE. (RSVP is strongly recommended.)
The CAG will develop operation plans, review the plans, share feedback, and support ongoing community engagement.
City Council deliberated on the development and importance of the CAG in last week's Study Session meeting. Councilmember Osman Saladuhhim strongly recommended involving community members in the advisory process even if they aren't formally on the CAG. Councilmember Steve Fields noted some residents have fears and recommended they apply.
According to Plymouth's website, King County has a "goal of developing 4,000 units of Permanent Supportive Housing by 2050." Plymouth-Redmond will house 100 chronic homeless individuals.
-- Bob Yoder, 7/19/2024
Thursday, July 18, 2024
EvergreenHealth Honors Jeff and Merrie Tomlin, Community Service Award
(From left) Commissioner Norman Seabrooks; Commissioner Nancy Stewart, Merrie Tomlin, RN, BSN; Jeff Tomlin, MD; Board Chair Virgil Snyder; Commissioner Jeff Cashman, Commissioner Charles Pilcher, MD; CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP
EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Presents Jeff & Merrie Tomlin with Community Service Award
KIRKLAND, Wash. — EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners has presented Jeff Tomlin, MD, former EvergreenHealth CEO, and his wife Merrie Tomlin, RN, BSN, with the 2023 Community Service Award for their decades of steadfast service to our community.
With Merrie’s support, Dr. Tomlin dedicated more than 30 years to the health and wellness of our community through his work as an anesthesiologist and leader at EvergreenHealth. He also served the nation for more than 40 years in active and reserve duty for the U.S. Military.
“Dr. Tomlin and Merrie are lifelong residents of the EvergreenHealth community. He led initiatives to improve patient care and develop comprehensive safety and quality programs. Under his leadership, EvergreenHealth joined the top 1% of health care organizations nationwide for patient outcomes,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Virgil Snyder. “They are both thoroughgoing professionals and fundamentally good people.”
Homeless Housing Update, Overlake Neighborhood
 |
| Grand Opening, June 2024 Health Through Housing (HTH) homeless building Credit/Andrew Villenveue/ NPI |
Updates (Summary of Recent Activities)
Ten residents moved in on June 28, 2024. Three residents were referred by Redmond Outreach staff. The remaining residents were identified by local referral partners including Porchlight (formerly CFH) and The Sophia Way.
Building Updates:
Minor rehabilitation required to open the building is complete. New fencing was installed.
Next steps:
King County will continue to finalize required building updates in coordination with The Salvation Army. Future renovations and rehabilitation will be completed over two phases.
o Phase 2 (June 2024 – February 2025): Includes general contractor procurement; conversion of units to include kitchenettes, renovation of community space, medical room, laundry room, and computer room.
o Phase 3 (February 2025 – May 2025) Conversion of additional units, PSH approval, new accessible/ADA unit conversion and office use conversion.
The Salvation Army will provide ongoing opportunities for community members to engage as outlined in the Community Engagement Plan. The next community meeting will be held July 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm. (at the Silver Cloud HTH building.) It is not known if Mayor Birney or a councilmember will be attending.
will report out to the City Council regarding facility operations within six months of accepting residents as outlined in the Operational Agreement.
Source: Regular City Council meeting memo, July 16, 2024
NOTE: In July, 2021 King County purchased this HTH building from Silver Cloud for $28.25 million. According to Dircetor Helland's report this week, the building won't reach functional capacity to house 100 homeless until 2025 -- four years later. In the meantime, these 100 homeless individuals will be living on the streets without the benefit of "harm reduction" and some will die. -- Bob Yoder
The entire data base of HTH blog articles and stories is HERE.
Monday, July 15, 2024
UPDATED: Significant Redmond Capital Investment Projects
For years untold, the CIP was short for "Capital Improvement Project." The Birney Administration changed the meaning of CIP to "Capital Investment Project."
Public Works Director Aaron Birt reported on several significant capital investment projects in Council's last study session. Two Directors flanked the Mayor at the table during his presentation. Mayor Birney took notes and didn't participate other than noting the beautiful the flowers growing along a capital park project.
Birt reported the following significant capital investment projects (CIP) affecting Council's budget process.
>> Remaining City Hall construction debt service and contractual costs totaling $17,476,484 (2025-2030.)
>> Redeveloping and expanding the Maintenance & Operation Center (MOC) penciled out six years ago expenditures of $150,000,000, 2023-2026. Birt told Council the funds were "already stashed under the mattress" and in the budget. He then "shocked" council requesting an additional $75,000. Councilmember (CM) Steve Fields pointed to the Office of the Mayor's office over council's deep concerns six years ago at $150M. VP Councilmember Jessika Forsythe asked Birt how confident he was with $225M She noted "decision fatigue" for having to cope with continued new "asks." Forsythe asked for Birt's $225M level of confidence. He couldn't' promise a hard number; that his estimate would have to be in a range.
>> Investments in the "Bellewether City Annex" in Overlake were significant. Director Carol Helland noted a condo was purchased by the city for $618,000. CM Stuart lives in Overlake and was thrilled about the building's opportunity for affordable housing. Coumcilmember Osman Salahuddin agreed with Helland about it being a "mini-city hall" for business licensing and a police sub-station.
Details and a description of the Bellwether Annex are found here.
-- Bob Yoder, 7/15/2024
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Derby Days / Council Perspective
In a council meeting Councilmember (CM) Stuart was surprised the city commissioners wouldn't be "on the porch" with Council to converse with the public at Derby Days. She asked a city Director why the commissioners weren't included and learned it was the Executive Department -- run the mayor -- who decided against it, preferring staff be immediately on hand.
Commissioners are--vital city volunteers with expertise in: Parks & Recreation, Arts & Culture, and Growth Planning. They serve four year terms, giving recommendations and guidance to council after in-depth deliberations.
CM Stuart asked for a Derby event in the downtown park, saying it is our "Town Square." The idea was rejected for the second year.
Side-note: If you listened to the Mayor's Derby Day video, a "Diaper Parade" is in the line-up. Diapers are needed up to 4-years of age. Baby carriages? Sounds cute, but unfortunately, diapers are unaffordable and for some families and they must be subsidized.
-- Bob Yoder, 7/10/24
Saturday, July 6, 2024
CITY WATCH - UPDATED: Council / Mayor Salaries and Benefits
Council upped their health benefit premiums to full time rates and kept family rates, as is. They're concerned the mayor's Salary Commission isn't diverse. CM Osman Saladunnin noted the commission was all male. In addition to the $300/month stipend CM Jessica Forsythe suggested a ~ $200 / month stipend for transportation/convention was discussed.. CM Melissa Stuart pushed for additional stipends targeted to councilmember's cost of housing and day care. CM Fields said the other councilmembers should have a stipend since they have extenuating circumstances, too. Since their deliberations are being dragged out I will file a public records request in September. -- Yoder
The mayor's base salary last year was $145,000. After further deliberation this June, Council decided to raise her base to $170,000 in 2025 with COLA's increasing the mayor's salary to $182,100 by 2027. Council used the Park and IT Director's $228,000 salaries as benchmarks. Council spent most of their time fussing over the car allowance. They reached a $500/month number with and .65 milage allowance. Cell phone and ORCA is covered. Councilmember Anderson did much to tease out and clarify benefit information.
They make about $2,000/month now I think and I'm thinking, in addition to enhanced health benefits and stipends their salary will double with COLA's included with some benefits matching staff's. Each councilmember will receive $300/month stipend and .65 milage allowance. ORCA card was a big thing. Council is a part-time job, yet many work almost full-time and expect high compensation. Two members need more affordable housing, another has day-care expenses.
The State requires an independent Salary Commission to make salary decisions for elected officials. The commission, assigned by Mayor Birney's office last year was dysfunctional, recommending outrageous salaries, not counting benefits of approximately $8,000/year. - $114,00/year. She expunged the commission and on June 26, 2024 lined up commission citizens with stature: Arnie Tomac and Hank Margeson (past Council Presidents,) Roy Captain (retired Planning Commission Chair and LWSD volunteer,) Arpit Gupa (council candidate,) Dave Cline (city finance experience,) Mousam Krismues and Dwight Ackerman.
-- Bob Yoder, 7/6/2024 opinion
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Redmond Dog Parks
Rebecca Hirt Steps Down From EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners
Rebecca Hirt has served as an EvergreenHealth Commissioner for 40 years
KIRKLAND, WA – On July 1, 2024, Rebecca Hirt stepped down from Position #2 on the EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners. Hirt says she is stepping down to care for her husband of 58 years and spend more time with her family.
Hirt was voted onto the Board by the EvergreenHealth community in 1983 and was sworn in January 1984. Over the last 40 years, she has held multiple leadership roles including Board Chair and Board Secretary. In addition to her leadership roles, Hirt has served on several Board committees, including the Levy Funded and Sponsorship Programs Committee, the Quality and Safety Committee and the Audit, Finance and Compliance Committee.
“I have cherished my time as a member of the EvergreenHealth Board and getting to work with so many groups and individuals, all dedicated to meeting the health needs of our patients and our community,” said Hirt. “I look forward to spending more time with my family knowing that our Board, the executive team, physicians and staff will continue to deliver quality care and enhance patient safety.”
A decades-long resident of Kirkland, Hirt holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree from The Ohio State University. Hirt also worked as a Medical Technologist in the clinical laboratory at EvergreenHealth for 10 years before being voted onto the Board.
Individuals interested in this important and exciting role and reside in King County Public Hospital District #2, specifically the subdistrict of Kirkland/Kenmore, should apply.