Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives Recounts Her Accomplishments

I asked Rosemarie if she would describe her three greatest accomplishments as Mayor of Redmond. She kindly offered the following:  BY

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch standing behind the memorial bench honoring 
 Don and Elaine Smith, donors of the land developed into Smith Woods Park. 
John Couch was Redmond Parks and Recreation Director for ~ 30 years.
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives says...  Elected in 1991, served unprecedented four terms as the full-time Redmond mayor for  16 years --1992-2007

Greatest accomplishment? Wow?  2 others? When I think back to my initial campaign, there were four parts to my platform:  environmental stewardship, youth agenda, fiscal responsibility, and outreach to the public especially the residents.And with each re-election, those priorities never changed and probably I was more passionate about them with each re-election.

 

Environmental stewardship:  three? examples

Since we just walked Smith Woods, one that I would mention is that the City went from 16 parks when I started  to 36 when I chose to retire.

 

Then there's Riverwalk, the stretch of Sammamish Trail from NE 90th Street Bridge down to Leary Way Bridge. Four projects  re-channeled  the river making the river environment better for salmon, its flora and fauna as well as creating more water capacity within the new sculpted banks of the river that would protect downtown from flooding. 

 

In 1997 when pressure was great to allow development to proceed at a pace where the city could not handle many aspects such as building inspections, the costs of the city's part of the infrastructure and couldn't guarantee adopted  levels of service, I proposed a focused moratorium  on some new construction that lasted for 18 months. 

 

Youth agenda:

Old Firehouse Teen center, Skateboard park, youth members appointed to city parks board and arts commission,

Youth in Government Day

 

Outreach:

In every major decision making, I would always ask how it would impact the residents of Redmond in the near term and in the future. We introduced many different ways, both formal and informal for our growing diverse public to provide input in a timely manner far in advance of decisions being made.  I personally was "present" all around town a little less than 24/7.  

 

The month long Redmond Lights,, a celebration of Redmond's diversity, was an idea that I came up within 1999 for luminarias along Riverwalk.   At intervals there would be performers representing cultures, customs and faith representations from around the world.    

With regard to the Smiths...Don and Elaine Smith sold the first five acres in early 2000. From when I first met them, they were very clear that they wanted their property to remain as open space, perfect for a park. It was a beautiful piece of land with a creek and small pond, wonderful sequoia and fir trees and an extensive collection of dahlias. After Don died in 2009 they sold the remaining five acres to the city and Elaine moved to Emerald Heights where she resides now. I am in communication with their daughter Kathy.

-- Rosemarie Ives, February 25th, 2022

I would add Rosemarie is still very active in politics. She's been the pillar of Steve Fields' two campaigns for Mayor and two campaigns for Council. Fields says "she knows a lot of people." BY. 

ARCHIVE:

Rosemary's retirement story.

Mayor Emeritus Rosemary Ives Protests Group Health's 28 acre clear-cut

Redmond Celebrates Land Donation, Develops Smith Woods Park

 Don and Elaine Smith always had the idea of turning their 10 acres of diverse natural land into a public park and wanted to keep it natural for the enjoyment of others in the community. Don died in 2009 at age 94, Elaine now lives in Emerald Heights. She turned 97 on New Years Day, 2022.

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

 Forest Steward LeAnne Ludwig, Rosemarie Ives and
Gary Smith, Chair Parks and Trails Commission and Project manager.
Gary made it all happen.
Donors Don and Elaine Smith's memorial bench.
Photo credit / Kerry Smith

 

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch, Parks and Recreation Director of ~ 30 years
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

 r-l, Leanne Ludwig,Smith Woods Forest Steward, John Couch,
Rosemarie Ives, Jon Ives,Gary Smith, Gary's daughter Kim with dogs, Gary's granddaughter Sabrina. Celebrating the new memorial Ginkgo tree. Photo credit / Kerry Smith

Memorial Bench in honor of Donald A. Smith and Elaine E. Smith and their family
who shaped the land. Bench donors: Linda & "Kip" Hussey, Mayor Rosemarie Ives (1992-2007,)
Pat and Kathy Curry.
Photo credit / Kerry Smith

LAND DESCRIPTION:  "The 5-acre western half is heavily vegetated on a gently sloping floodplain with multiple wetlands and a seasonal stream (and pond which is the headwaters of Monticello Creek).  The 5-acre eastern half of the property has large expanses of grass and beautiful mature trees, including Sequoia, Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Ginkgo. There’s a north-south trail on each half of the property."

 -- Gary Smith.

The event was held on 2/21/2022 

Kerry Smith photographed.

Smith Woods Park is a few blocks east of Clara Barton school. 177th Ct NE &, NE 122nd St, 

Posted and edited by Yoder 3/3/2022

FINALLY!! IT'S OVER! (effective March 12)

Governor Jay Inslee ends mask mandate / Internet

Washington State will end the mask mandate March 11th.  Oregon and California will lift their mask mandates at the same time, the California governor's office said.

The move comes partially in response to recent changes in CDC guidance, which was loosened Friday so that almost 70 percent of Americans would no longer be required to wear masks indoors.

Some businesses and small governments may insist on masking. Masks are still  required in medical facilities, nursing homes, long term care facilities and public transit and prisons.

--PATCH, 2/28/2022 quotes mandate ends March 11.

--CROSSCUT, 2/28/2022 quotes mandate ends March 12.

- Bob Yoder

"Bear Creek: An Oral History of a Changing Landscape," Produced by Gary Smith

GARY SMITH

Gary Smith has been on the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council as a community organization representative for 15 years.  With the help of many partners, he set about compiling an oral history of Bear Creek and its salmon.  This project tapped seven people in the community, from creekside property owners in the Basin like Terry Lavender to representatives of local governments:  John Marchione, Ray Heller and Roger Dane (all now retired).  He also interviewed non-profit organization representatives like Tom Murdoch of Adopt-A-Stream and past presidents of WaterTenders.

You can learn of Bear Creek from those stewards as they tell their individual stories in audio and video interviews. Gary has also provided a narrative story of the cooperation between citizens, non-profit organizations, and local governments to mitigate the impacts of urbanization and to preserve the best of the natural world remaining in the creek basin. To view the full five-minute video.  To learn more about the projects. 

Source:  WIRIA 8 Newsletter 

Reported by Bob Yoder, 2/25/2022

OPINION: LWSD MUST OVERSEE THE LEVY COMMITTEE DURING ELECTIONS

 Hello Communications and PR Director,

Apparently, my wife didn't vote for any of the levies.  The District needs to transmit ACCURATE levy information to the LW Citizens Levy Committee!  And once transmitted OVERSEE the Committee to be sure they don't warp the facts!  In this case, the District dropped the ball!  

I was following the Committee's promotional mailers touting NO NEW TAXES, when in fact there is a new tax per FAQ.

I could have reported this malfeasance to King County Elections prior to certification but didn't want to risk the chance of a failed election.

The District needs to get with the program or it will bite you later. Director, please oversee the Committee from beginning to end. Thank you.

-- Bob Yoder, 2/24/2022

Former Redmond Councilmember Richard Grubb Passes Away

 
On February 14 former Redmond city councilmember Richard Grubb passed away five days shy of his

83rd birthday. Mr. Grubb has been a resident of Redmond since 1982.

Richard was president of CARE (Civic Action on Redmond Environment) , a citizens group devoted to

preserving the 120 acre Redmond Golf Links property that is now Redmond Town Center.

Mr. Grubb was a “regular” at City of Redmond Planning Commission and City Council meetings providing 

well-researched and thorough testimony on land use and environmental issues important to the people

of Redmond. such as the preservation of agricultural lands in the Sammamish Valley. After years of

providing testimony as a citizen activist and city hall watchdog, Mr. Grubb ran successfully for Redmond

City Council in 1991, serving two terms ending in 2000. During those years he served as the unofficial

poet laureate providing tributes for city officials upon their departures.

Mr. Grubb and his wife, Eunice who pre-deceased him in 2021, were residents of Education Hill for

close to forty years. Together they had a small crafts business as well as being committed to animal

advocacy in King County including providing foster care to small dogs and cats.

-- Courtesy of Rosemarie Ives, 2/24/2022

Ten Redmond Blog posts on Richard Grubb are here. (scroll)

Richard was a prolific and influential writer of Letters the Editor (RR.)   He gave me traps to catch a hoard of feral cats in my dense backyard.  I have a distant memory of Richard's testimony to Council complaining the stormwater prices were too high.  This was an unusual statement coming from an environmentalist, and he admitted it.  BY

  Our backyard feral cats - Richard helped neighbors capture adults for neutering.
Photo:  Bob Yoder

King County Property Tax Bills Arriving Soon

King County property taxes will soon be delivered, according to a Seattle Times article of 2/23/2022.  Rates will hike 1.5% - 15% for King County homeowners depending where they live. 

School levies account for the bulk (~57%) of our property taxes.  According to King County assessor Wilson COVID hasn't been a real issue.  Most think the assessment of their home is the driver for taxes. It isn't.  For a detailed explanation read the Seattle Times article.

The Times published 2021 vs. 2022 Property Tax Bills and Residential Median Values by City.  Yep, I'm sure "Redmond" is what you've been waiting for:  

Redmond

2021  Medium  $861,000  Taxes  $7,997.00   2022  $1,005.000  Taxes $8,267.00  2021-2022  7.88% increase from 2021.

Kirkland

2021  Medium  $728,000  Taxes  $6,892.00  2022  $880,000  Taxes $7,664.00  21-22 tax change 11.2%

Bothell

2021  Medium  $634,000  Taxes  $7,180.00  2022  $758,000 Taxes $7,913.00 21-22 tax change 10.21%

2023 will be an expensive tax year.  So far two levy's are on the table.  One passed.

Lake Washington School District Construction Property tax will go in effect 2023. Hold  onto your hats.

The LWSD Construction Levy property tax  passed.  We will be taxed $0.42 / $1,000 Assessed Value. Assuming a home is conservatively assessed at $900,000 the tax will be $378.00 for year 2023. 

The LWSD Construction Levy is a new property tax.  It authorizes an average of $49.2 million per year over six years. The levy rate is estimated to be an average of $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value. This rate combined with previously approved construction measures will total $1.32 per thousand assessed value.

The City of Redmond is planning a Public Safety Levy this year.  Again, hold onto your hats.  

In addition to looking at the needs associated with the 2007 Public Safety Levy Lid Lift, an analysis of current and future funding for public safety services will include items such as light rail security, mental health, mobile integrated health, fire coverage, and body worn cameras." [2/15 council memo]

-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/2023

Source: The Seattle Times, 2/23/22 Heidi Groover, reporter

Public Safety Levy Outreach Underway

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson presided over the "Safety Committee of  the Whole Meeting" with   efficiency and attention to time. I've rarely seen a productive meeting run so professionally. 

City of Redmond is Planning a Public Safety Levy

Chief Operating Officer, Malissa Files gave a short presentation during the 2/15 Council Business meeting. She spoke of plans for a Safety Levy this year. Files said the existing Levy would be "refreshed."

"In addition to looking at the needs associated with the 2007 Public Safety Levy Lid Lift, an analysis of current and future funding for public safety services will include items such as light rail security, mental health, mobile integrated health, fire coverage, and body worn cameras." [2/15 council memo]

Councilmember David Carson noted he does not like levies, saying the safety costs should be planned during "Budget By Priorities" not "put on the backs of citizens."  

A Sounding Board of ten community members has been meeting since January.  A telephone survey is planned for this month; extensive community outreach is planned for the next three months. Council will study the levy in two meetings.

Ballot resolutions and pro-con statements are due in August.

###

Monthly Cash Flow Summary General Fund 2021-2022  

Public Safety 2007 Levy Fund

Beginning Balance: $2,564,476 

Revenues: $6,374,810

Expenditure Budget: $14,472,336

Expenditures: $7,783,607

  46% under budget

Ending Balance: $1,155,679

Police, 2021 General Fund

$18,151,265 expenditures, 4.53% under budget

Fire, 2021 General Fund

$22,039,668 expenditures, 3.28% over budget

Sources:  Finance, Administration, Communication Committee of the Whole 2/15/2022 Monthly Finance Report.  2/15 Council Business Meeting.

Updated: Redmond Lies On The Ancestral Lands Of The "Coast Salish Peoples"

amnh.org

"We acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who continue to steward these lands and waters as they have since time immemorial. We recognize Washington’s tribal and Indigenous or Native organizations, which actively create, shape, and contribute to our thriving communities. The Redmond Historical Society is committed to doing our part to engage with, and amplify the voices of, Native peoples and tribes."

-- Read by "Redmond Historical Society" President John Oftebro on 2/12/2022

Mayor Birney Requires Roll Calls To Squelch Absenteeism

Internet

By Yoder:  All across the State of Washington and world it's a no-brainer the pandemic has striked hell in our lives:  death, hospitalization, declining mental health, social and family isolation, low worker productivity, absenteeism in schools and workplaces, and the list goes on. My battle was (and is) declining mental health, and social isolation. The forever masking and lengthened bombardment of variants kindled fear, the root of anxiety. Had I not taken walks in the woods and pumped iron at the gym I'd probably be on medication today.

I'm retired and absenteeism isn't a problem for me.  I cried when children couldn't be out with their friends at school and teacher absenteeism spiked. Especially for children, mental health declined precipitously; anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation were more common. 

I feel no pain for employees working in a hybrid environment. Many actually benefit. However, absentee accountability can be a problem in a virtual - in person setting. 

I report on City Council meetings weekly for government transparency and to shed light. Unfortunately, the Council, the public, even democracy aches when a public servant is chronically absent from the peoples' work. Last week, the Mayor, City attorney and City Clerk finally confronted their problem.

The fix was easy. Identify and define "regular meetings" and take roll call at the top of each regular meeting. Yes, accountability!  The State of Washington gives Council authority to remove Members if they have three consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings. The Council ultimately decides what constitutes an unexcused absence. 

Requiring roll calls at regular City meetings could be historically significant. We can "thank" the pandemic for that.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 2/12/2022

UPDATED 2/11/2022: Observations And History Of Troubled Evans Creek

 

Stormwater run-off pond seeps contaminated water into Evans Creek, 2006, B. Yoder

This blogpost focuses on the pollution of Evans Creek from Redmond's SE industrial district. Evans creek will be relocated and land rezoned as a result. My "Evans Creek Relocation" input was unreported at the Planning Commission Hearing of February 9th, 2022 so I'm trying to catch up here. Hopefully, elected officials will develop a greater understanding and empathy for the industrial district and  health of the creek.  Evans Creek borders north and east of the district. The presence of an aquifer is significant.

In a 2006 hike along northern Evans Creek I stumbled into the rough-and-tumble industrial district. Trucks blew horns; a few pushed me into narrow dirt shoulders. Clearly, they wanted no part of me. Curious, I sneaked back often, specifically looking for the creek and sniffing around the oil trucks.  Below, is some of the damage I found: 

• All Wood Recycling (now DTG) recycles or did recycle piles of toxic chemically treated wood and polluting concrete. Alarmingly, a shallow, high value aquifer lies  six feet below the surface.  Large chunks of concrete spill into the north eastern riparian, possibly the  creek. 
• An unmaintained, filthy, clogged stormwater pond with a sheen of oil and log-jammed debris has a natural connection to the creek about 30 - 40 yards away. The pond is a tell-tale sign of how little the industries and our jurisdiction cared about the salmon and and aquifer back then. Just a modicum of care would have made a  big difference but the City buried its head. 
• Some of the oil trucks never moved off the buffer, slowly dripping toxic fluids.

I reported the environmental abuses to Redmond's Code Enforcement Officer, Carl McCarty. He called in 5 agencies, violations were identified, fines were paid. Mr. McCarty recorded the outcome somewhere in his files.

No question, today staff is fully aware of the aquifer, the underground streams and general hydrology.  They will be prepared for a healthy transition to commercial zoning.

Some history: At least 20 years ago Mayor Rosemarie Ives hired Jon Spangler as Natural Resource Manager. Jon mapped the  Evans Creek Relocation plan; primarily he managed stormwater run-off. Redmond is now proudly one of the regional leaders in stormwater management. Mayor Ives may have also hired Cathy Beam.  She's the environmental principle planner for development. Ms. Beam is called upon to evaluate the influence of development on the environment. As I remember, she wasn't exposed in a big way to the early industrial issues of Evans Creek. However, I ran into her on-site once. 

Attention elected officials:  For values of preserving the aquifer and protecting our fish, I urge the City to expedite the transition from industrial  to commercial. I'm confident Mayor Birney will make certain the stormwater facilities are upgraded and toxins monitored, as needed.  (It doesn't hurt the Mayor is a Biologist.) We are extremely fortunate Council values so highly our environment - including protection and restoration of our streams, clean water, fish, riparian trees and varied habitats.

Note: I'm not sure of the operating status of the industries so at times erroneously switch the present with the past.  Dates are approximate and inaccurate.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 2/10/2022

"Bird's Eye View" -A Poem by Redmond's Poet Laureate

The City of Redmond is proud to announce the 2022 Poet Laureate, Laura Da'. 

Our new Poet Laureate, a poet and a public-school teacher, Da’ studied creative writing at the University of Washington and the Institute of American Indian Arts. A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da’ is the recipient of fellowships from the Native Arts and Culture Foundation, Richard Hugo House, and the Jack Straw Writers Program. She is the author of Tributaries, winner of the American Book Award, and Instruments of the True Measure, winner of the Washington State Book Award. Da’ is Eastern Shawnee. She lives near Renton with her husband and son.

If you're a bird watcher you'll truly love Da's work of art. If you're not a watcher, close your eyes, listen, and feel their special presence. Your journey is just beginning!  -- B. Yoder, 2/8/2022 

We Are Losing "Green" To Downtown Construction

Looking Southwest from 166th Ave. NE / Yoder (click pic to enlarge) 

Redmond Square construction is in the foreground. The buildings will be six stories tall.  Light rail construction (in blue) is behind. Once Redmond Square is finished the ridge of Evergreen trees will vanish (from this angle.) We are losing our green and it's happening all over the City.   

-- Bob Yoder, 2/5/2022

Exciting Senior & Community Center Updates

 

  Do you see the black solar panels on the roof?  Will there be space for green roof tops?

Per Business Council meeting of 2/1/2022:  Senior & Community Center updates:  

1)  Vice President Vanessa Kritzer announced the possibility of Green (Roof) Tops at the Center.  President Jessica Forsythe has advocated for green roof tops for years.  Jessica asked staff for maintenance costs.  Eric Dawson, Public Works and project lead estimated a green top would cost about $15,000.  He felt it would easily fit in the budget. Hopefully, this will be the first of many green tops on City buildings.  

2)  Design costs of the Center are increasing with inflation.  The cost will be $52,000,000 if Council passes an ordinance to cover a $4,000,000 shortfall.  Public Works "value engineered" the project saving $2,480,000.  

3) Most of the funding is collected from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) $17,116,000 and a "councilmanic" bond. The CIP is funded by taxpayers. 

Total debt payments on the councilmanic bond are $32,217,000 over twenty years. Cumulative interest over twenty years is $8,264,000. The interest rate is 3%. President Forsythe was concerned about the rate rising.  Councilmanic bonds are not voter approved. 

Here's some upbeat news.  The councilmanic bond can be spent as one-time money for construction of the Center.  President Forsythe questioned having enough one-time money to "go around" towards other projects.  Parks Director Carrie Hite wasn't too concerned stating the 2022 CIP was "robust." The final decision is expected in June.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, Internet, 2/1/2022

OPINION:  Director Carrie Hite was released or resigned from her position just recently.  Council decided not to use the councilmanic bond to fund construction of the Senior/Comm. Center. Council may have decided the 2022 CIP was not robust and perhaps didn't like staff making budget decisions. Council President Forsythe was concerned the 3% interest rate would increase with inflation.  My guess is she has other places to use the bond in the immediate future. Losing Director Hite is a big loss IMO.

Fascinating Redmond Historical Society Speaker, February 12th

Redmond Historical Society 

Virtual Saturday Speaker Series

Saturday, 10:30 AM, February 12, 2022

"Catching a Map Thief" 

Zoom Webinar

To register: https://tinyurl.com/RHSMapThief 

Speaker: Robert Lopresti, Author and retired Librarian

In 2006, there was a major map theft at Western Washington University. Retired librarian and mystery author Robert Lopresti will talk about a two-year investigation by WWU personnel that resulted in the conviction of a man who had stolen publications from more than 100 libraries around the country.

Robert Lopresti (RHS)

Robert Lopresti

Author and retired Librarian

Robert Lopresti was a government information librarian for more than 40 years, mostly at Western Washington University. He is retired and holds the rank of professor emeritus. His book When Women Didn’t Count, which shows how the lives of women have been hidden and distorted by federal statistics, won the Lane/Saunders Memorial Research Award. He is also a prize-winning author of mysteries, with two novels and more than eighty short stories published.

City Council Makes Final Decision On "Homeless Hotel" And Similar Low Income Housing Accommodations

Redmond's Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel (Komo)

In their Business meeting on February 1st, 2022 Council deliberated and voted on regulation issues of the Silver Cloud "homeless hotel," and similar *types of low income housing.  

The Redmond hotel borders Bellevue neighborhoods, a pre-school and small businesses. Bellevue's George B. emerged as the spokesman-activist for the protesters. They were highly organized. 

Last Tuesday George B. spoke, with Mayor Birney giving him extra time.  Apparently, roughly 85% of the homeless residents will be from outside Redmond.

Throughout this painful months-long drama rarely did I hear of Councilmembers visiting the Bellevue businesses other than CM Fields and possibly CM Forsythe.   

However, last night Councilmember Jeralee Anderson was the star.  CM Anderson met with George B. the day previous.  She was all ears as he explained his expectations for "no negative outcomes."  George complimented Jeralee as "astute and thoughtful."  He called her "a gifted politician."  CM Anderson's connection with George should be vital to the success of this social experiment. 

CM Anderson verified permanent that homeless housing doesn't have to be located in hotels alone.  The housing can go where hotels are permitted, not necessarily built.  

CM Steve Fields was bothered by feelings of lack of trust between Council and the Executive branch.  Time and again he asks for greater Council oversight powers.  CM David Carson asked Planning Director Carol Helland to add context to the amendment to help Mr. Fields.  Ms. Helland, with her depth of knowledge addressed all the questions; she's brilliant. 

It's important to know the County will require additional "homeless hotels," possibly as frequent as every two years.  Thus, separation of permanent supportive housing and other types of emergency low income housing need spacing for density issues.  The Planning Commission recommended half mile (2641') separation between  "homeless hotel" housing types.  Vice President Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer recommended separation of no less than 1,500 feet. The vote was YES for 1,500 feet (Kritzer, Forsythe, Kahn, Stewart.) 

An amendment fixes the hotel occupancy to 100.  CM Anderson suggested greater latitude. Council voted YES 7-0.  

HB 1220 required amendments to Redmond Code, thus, Council's deliberations.  Although *permanent supportive housing, *transitional housing, *indoor emergency housing, and *indoor emergency shelters are allowed  under our Redmond Zoning Code, it does not define nor clarify the provisions through which  are mandated consistent with HB 1220 requiring amendments to current Redmond regulations.

Bob Yoder, OPINION, 2/3/2022

Read More on HB 1220

QFC using sophisticated device to deter thievery

The employee didn't want to be taped.

Since the pandemic, thievery in retail stores has been at an all-time high.  Locally, QFC in Bella Bottega has been highly targeted.  The store was recently remodeled to include a large liquor store.  According to an employee, thieves work as a team, where one loads up the grocery cart and another loads the car. They may primarily be after the liquor.  Employees and customers are frightened so don't run down the criminals.  The "Live View" (LTV) device deters 40-70% of the thieves and keeps business running smoothly.  It's extensive network of cameras sends tape back to the police.

                                  Pam, my lovely wife alerted me to this "talking" solar trailer.

-- Bob Yoder, 2/1/2022

Mayor Angela Birney Elected President Of Sound Cities Association

Mayor Angela Birney

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney Elected 2022 Sound Cities Association (SCA) President

(Redmond, WA, January 22, 2022) – Redmond Mayor Angela Birney has been elected President of the Sound Cities Association (SCA), which represents 38 King County cities and provides a regional voice for more than one million people.

Renton City Councilmember Ed Prince serves as immediate Past President of SCA, and applauded Birney’s election as President, stating: “Angela is an outstanding regional leader and was a great partner to me as Vice President of SCA last year. I know that SCA will thrive in her capable hands this year as President.”

“Redmond and East King County have benefitted tremendously from Mayor Birney’s leadership, smarts and empathy. I’m excited to see her step up to help guide cities countywide as President of SCA,” said King County Council Chair and former Bellevue Mayor Claudia Balducci. “Congratulations to Mayor Birney and SCA! I look forward to working with her in this role over the next year.”

"I've had the opportunity to work closely with Angela for many years and she has always been a key partner and strong leader for both Redmond and the region," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "As Angela brings her experience and expertise to this new role, I look forward to continued collaboration with her and SCA in the year ahead."

Elected as Mayor in 2019, Angela Birney is now in her first term as Mayor of Redmond. In addition to serving as SCA President, Mayor Birney serves on the King County Council Regional Policy Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, Cascade Water Alliance Board as Vice-Chair, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, OneRedmond Board, Hopelink Board of Directors, King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C), I-405/SR 167 Executive Advisory Committee, and Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee as an alternate.

LWSD 2020-2022 Operating Budget - 86% of the Budget is Salary and Benefits

LWSD 2020-2021 Operating Budget

Salary Expenditures - $286,864,775

Benefit Expenditures - $108,794,649

Salary & Benefits - $395,659,424 

Total Expenditures - $461,523,257 (includes salaries and benefits)

86% of the Operating Budget is Salary & Benefits.

"Generally speaking, a school district spends between 80 and 85 percent of its entire budget on salaries and benefits, meaning only 15 to 20 percent remains to address all of the rest of the budget's priorities and needs." - www. aasa.org "School Budget 101." Our District appears well-managed. 

LWSD has 30,500 students according to Dr. Holmen. The cost to educate each student is $15,131.

Is the Administration Leadership Team top-heavy and over paid?  Of interest, 5% of District revenue is consumed by the Leadership Team. 

- Bob Yoder, 1/27/2022, Sources: Public Record Request / Superintendent Barbara Posthumous, CFO.

Opinion

UPDATED OPINION, 1/30: School Levy Committee Information Is Misleading

OPINION:  Contrary to the two Levy Committee mailers you received, the claim of "no new taxes" is incorrect.  According to the District's unaltered website FAQ,  Proposition No. 3, "Construction Levy" is a new tax (part of which replaces expiring debt.)  

If  Proposition No. 3 (Construction Levy) passes, we will be taxed $0.42 / $1,000 Assessed Value. Assuming a home is conservatively assessed at $900,000,000 the tax would be $378.00 for year 2023.  Prop. No. 3 is a 6-year levy and by 2028 will have increased to $0.53/$1,000 Assessed Value.

In my opinion, the Prop. No. 3 Construction Levy is inexpensive for what we get. Please vote "yes!"  

The two other levies (Prop. No. 1 and Prop. No. 2) are "replacement levies" with no new taxes.

The organization disseminating the mailers of "no new taxes" is the LW Citizens Levy Committee, a non profit known publicly as "vote4lwsdkids.org."  I was taken in by their disinformation and I'm very disappointed.  The District and Levy Committee seem too cozy and in this election the Levy Committee appears tainted. *Note their top donors.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, updated 1/30/2022

###

*Top 5 donors to the Levy Committee build schools:  1) Cornerstone General Contractors, 2) BNB Builders, 3) Integurs Architecture, 4) Bassetti Architects, and 5) McGranahan Architects...all with interest in passing Proposition No. 3 any which way they can. 

Cornerstone Contractors built Juanita High.

BNB built Clara Barton Elementary School

Integrus Architecture designed:  Telsa STEM, Juanita, Benjamin Rush, Rachel Carson.

Construction Revenue Puts City Finances Over The Top

Monthly Finance Report through October 2021 

City councilmembers are usually stone-faced right after the financial report.

General Fund 

· Total revenues are 24.0%, or $17.9 million, above target.

· Sales tax is 89.0%, or $18.3 million, above target primarily due to the high level of development activity. Ongoing sales tax is 37.6%, or $6.7 million, above target. One-time sales tax, which primarily relates to construction, is $13.7 million through October 2021. 

· Utility taxes are 0.23%, or $22,000, below target. 

· License & permit fees are 29.2%, or $2.7 million, above target primarily due to the high level of development activity. 

· Intergovernmental revenues are 20.9%, or $2.4 million, above target primarily due to the American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) allocation to the City. 

TOTAL REVENUE INCLUDING SALES TAXES:  $64,000,000 above target.  The City exceeds revenue and tax targets month-after-month from construction.  Do we really need Parks and Safety levies?

[Monthly revenues and sales tax have exceeded their target almost every month for the past year.]00,000/

Total expenditures are 14.5%, or $17.5 million, below target due to position vacancies, the timing of one-time expenditures, and the budget adjustments adopted by ordinance on August 17, 2021 that impact 2022 and beyond. Regarding the budget adjustments, staff will fix the planned spend rate in 2021-2022 for the November 2021 financial report. Other Funds 

UPDATED OPINION, 1/24: LWSD Restructures And Grows During The Pandemic

                                                           Vote "Yes" for LWSD Levies!

LWSD Board of Directors / Internet

The LWSD Administration has restructured (organizational chart) and grown significantly since the pandemic. Human Resources has its own Superintendent, an Executive, and four  Directors to do the job. Thirty Directors (~$185,220) and three new Executive Directors (*$192,610.) appear the workhorses. Two of seven superintendents are new. Is LWSD leadership getting too big for it's britches?  When I report on their Operating Budget you'll have an idea.

As you see below, the new "Director of Business Services," department has a big responsibility with four Managers and 32 reports. The Communications Director appears to have a less challenging job but is paid the same as the Director of Business Services. The School Board should adjust salaries on these types of imbalances.  In addition, the administration is top-heavy and could be streamlined.  

CHRIS BRENEGEN  Salary excluding benefits: $185,220

DIRECTOR BUSINESS SERVICES (4 Managers, 32 reports)

Budget & Fiscal Manager (5 reports) incl. Supervisors (2)

Accounting Manager (9 reports) incl. Technicians (13)

Purchasing Manager (2 reports) incl. Senior Buyer

Payroll & Benefits Manager (4 reports) 

Sodexo Nutrition Services

SHANNON PARTHEMER  Salary excluding benefits: $185,220 

DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS (1 Manager, 12 reports)

Mailroom secretary

Print Center supervisor

Volunteer supervisor 

LINKS coordinator

Support services coordinator 

Bindery specialist

Web specialist 

Social media specialist

Video/media specialist

Receptionist/Front Desk

Communications Manager

Graphic artist

"READ MORE" for a comparison of District and City of Redmond salaries.

Forest Steward Gary Smith Leads Work Party At Smith Woods Park

Green Redmond organized a work party at Smith Woods Park today to mulch a trail from it's eastside towards the park's western wetland.  Gary Smith, a long-time Forest Steward & Chair of the Parks and Trails Commission managed the project.  Sharon from City Parks worked hard and kept a close eye on the pitchforks, iron rakes and awesome ergonomic wheelbarrows.  About twenty-five neighborhood volunteers literally "pitched" in, laying 15 yards of mulch to build the trail.  Mulching six inches deep was necessary. We completed the project in only 2.5 hours.

The trail is an east-west connector with a destination to a donated park bench honoring the Smith family.  A ceremony to dedicate the bench is planned for next month. 

Forest Steward Gary Smith is in the foreground catching his breath.  The trail heads west from here towards the wetland and future honorary bench.  Double click to enlarge.

Gary is standing left side of the mulch pile, Sharon is second from the right. So sorry the photo is blurred. Click pic to enlarge.

Internet

 Gary's been the Forest Steward at Idlewood Park for years. Here he's educating a child on restoration.  Learn more about Gary HERE (scroll)

Bob Yoder, Photos and Report, 1/15/2022

The Origins of Pickleball: How It All Began / And Where To Play!

 

 

Many thanks to Shelly Bowman, Redmond Parks Commissioner, for sharing this amazing video on the origins of Pickleball.  The City is offering two outdoor courts at the Senior & Community Center.  Last summer two Perrigo Park tennis courts were temporarily converted to Pickleball on a rotating, trial basis.  Shelly says there's a court at Nike Park, Westside Park, Spiritbrook Park and two Grasslawn Park tennis courts with partial pickleball lines. Shelly says "apparently the ORSH (Old Redmond School House) is offering 4 indoor opportunities starting March 1 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings."  Two Redmond gyms each offer two portable courts at 24 Fitness and 425 Fitness 

Register with the City for ORSH pickleball here!

-- Reported by Yoder

The First Levy Results Are In - It's Looking VERY Good For The District

Superintendent Holmen announced all Levies are ahead by 54%.  It's a win!

New Levy for Critical Construction Needs:   

Total cost for all the projects is $295 million, allowing for construction costs, construction inflation, sales tax, and other fees.  

The Construction Levy will provide classroom space for 2,350 students by: 

• Adding a new elementary school on underdeveloped land on Redmond Elementary Campus, with up to 24 classrooms = 550 students
• Additions at Finn Hill, Kirkland and Redmond Middle Schools = 600 students
• Additional high school capacity for about 1,200 students
• Acquiring property for future schools.

This Levy authorizes an average of $49.2 million per year over six years. The levy rate is estimated to be an average of $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value. This rate combined with previously approved construction measures will total $1.32 per thousand assessed value. The tax rate for construction levies will decrease over time as past bonds are paid off and prior construction levies expire.

###

Renewal Educational Programs & Operations Levy: The average annual amount per year is $92.3 million. The measure replaces an expiring levy and the levy rate is estimated at $1.03 per $1,000 of assessed value.

 Renewal School Technology & Capital Projects Levy: The average annual amount per year is $44.3 million. The measure replaces an expiring levy and the levy rate is estimated at $0.49 per $1,000 of assessed value.

FAQ  (election is February 8th)

Source:  District website