UPDATED 12/4/25: Redmond Elected Officials Compensation, The Budget

 

Labor and benefits typically constitute ~ 55% - 70% of the operating budget for a municipality the size of Redmond.  Council's primary responsibly is budget policy so why don't they deliberate more fully on labor and benefit expenses?  Perhaps, they don't want to "cut off the hands (staff) that feeds them?"  by 12/4 UPDATE:  Council is deliberating on December 9, 2025 with a Consent on January 6th.  Thank you President Kritzer and Councilmember Nuevacamina for initiating the review.      Effective January 1, 2026: Council Member Monthly salary:  Annual $28,234.80. [$27,600 in 2025] Council President* Annual:  $28,234.80 [$27,600 in 2025] salary: *Council President receives an additional $200 premium per month.  (Salaries are not including health insurance with perks, COLA (2.3%) travel, phone, educational conferences, community events.) Mayor Monthly Salary:  Annual Salary:  $173,914. (not including COLA (2.3%,) health insurance with perks, retirement, phone, transportation, education conferences, community programs, and sundry perks.)  [$170,000 in 2005]  Source:  Altered from AM No. 25-1814 to AM No.25-188, 11/18/2025 Exhibit 14: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan.  (Staff broke this link on 11/19/25.) AM No. 25-188   Staff broke all these links on 11/19/25 Type: Staff Report Status: Agenda Ready File created: 10/29/2025 In control: City Council On agenda: 11/18/2025 Final action: Title: Proposed Updates to the 2026 Pay Plans Attachments: 1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Presentation, 3. Attachment B: Ordinance - 2026 AFSCME Pay Plans, 4. Exhibit 1: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “A”, 5. Exhibit 2: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “AF-S”, 6. Attachment C: Ordinance - 2026 Executive Pay Plan, 7. Exhibit 1: 2026 Executive Pay Plan “E”, 8. Attachment D: Ordinance - 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plans, 9. Exhibit 1: 2026 Non-Represented Pay [broken]Plan "N", 10. Exhibit 2: 2026 Non-Represented Supplemental Pay Plan “N-S”, 11. Attachment E: Ordinance - 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan, 12. Exhibit 1: 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan “G-S”, 13. Attachment F: Ordinance - 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan, 14. Exhibit 1: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan[broken] , 15. Attachment G: Ordinance - 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan, 16. Exhibit 1: 2026 Police  Commissioned Pay Plan “P”

EvergreenHealth Earns National Safety Award

  

EvergreenHealth Earns 14th Consecutive ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group   

 

KIRKLAND, WA—EvergreenHealth has been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the 14th consecutive time by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard for excellence in patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.

 

“This recognition honors the collective work and vigilance of our physicians and staff and affirms the trust our patients place in us,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP. “EvergreenHealth remains one of the very few hospitals in our region to receive consistent ‘A’ grades. This distinction reflects our leadership in patient safety and our dedication to delivering care our community relies on.”

"Autumn Carpet"

 

Credit John Reinke, Redmond, WA.

UPDATED: Pat and Kitty Vache' Food Bank

 

 Redmond Market Volunteers

Trace, the Redmond Market manager said food insecurity from the SNAP cuts brought in twice the normal traffic.  Even with Trump reducing program funding from 50% to 30% the pain will persist. 

Pat Vache', retired Councilmember of 16 years, circulated around the work spaces including the produce line and managing the grocery carts. The produce is fresh and abundant:  bib & romaine lettuce, eggs, tomatoes, oranges, apples, rosemary, sage, chives, onions, carrots, cabbage, celery, fresh grapes, potatoes, bananas, radishes, cucumbers, squash, avocadoes, and more! 

Caned goods, rice, cereal, are stocked on all the shelves throughout.  The bagels and baguettes are popular. A holiday section is in the works. Diapers, aspirin, soaps and other sundries are available.  Food donations are accepted.

The deli was stocked with frozen salmon steaks, frozen strawberries, fresh raspberries, smoothie mix, sandwiches, vegetable trays, beef & pork steaks, decorated cakes and more! Much of the deli food came from "rescuing it" from grocery stores before they threw it out. 

Pallets of the bulk food arrive from commercial companies and are stored in the deep freeze and expansive refrigerator.  It's all an amazing coordinated effort; and a true blessing to work with Trace, and Zola in produce.  

Our "customers" and their children always leave with an appreciative smile on their face. Thank you Pat Vache' for all that you do, including finding the site for Hopelink Services and this market!

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2026

UPDATED 11/16: King County Election Outcomes Affecting Redmond

credit KIRO

STATE 148th LD  

Osman Salahuddin 10,974,   68.24%

Dennis Ellis              5,078,   31.58%

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE 

C. Zahilly    133,804,    51%  Winner

C. Balducci 129,459,    49%

KING COUNTY REPRESTATIVE

Sarah Perry     21,438, 66.8%

Bob Wotton    10,545, 32.9%

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL

Melissa Stuart  4,431,  75%

Kay Asai          2,796,   25%

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL

Vivek Prakriya 3,971,  62%

Steve Fields     2,405,  38%

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL

Menka Soni                  7,590, 56.82%

Jeralee Anderson          5,679, 42,52%

LAKE WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTOR #4

Aspen Richter, 19,408,  72.99%

Kim Martin,       7,092,  26.58%

EVERGREEN HEALTH HOSPITAL COMMISSIONER #5

Robin Campbell     54,680,  73,65%

Gary Harris            18,936,   25.75%

Candidate names in red are projected winners.  Votes are counted every day with results posted on the King County Elections website at 4:30 p.m.  

National "Take a Hike Day", Redmond Contains 59 Trail Miles

Redmond Watershed Preserve

Monday, Nov. 17 is National ‘Take a Hike Day’, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by exploring Redmond’s lush trails and natural spaces! Cooler temperatures mean fewer bugs, quieter trails, and colorful landscapes that will brighten your winter spirit.

Our top winter hike picks to celebrate ‘Take a Hike Day’ in Redmond include the 800-acre Redmond Watershed Preserve, a nature preserve (accessible by bus) with beautiful fall foliage and diverse habitats, the Farrel-McWhirter Loop that connects to Juel Park for a post-hike picnic or round of disc golf, and the Redmond Powerline Trail for those looking for a full day adventure. If the idea of hiking in November is new to you, check out the packing list and other resources for trail safety from the Washington Trails Association.

Redmond contains 59 miles of public trails, of which 39 miles are owned and operated by the City. Learn More About Every Trail.

-- City of Redmond, 11/3/25

ADHD Awareness Month

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month

The many faces of ADHD

Do you know that one third of children with ADHD develop Adult ADHD?  

Video on teen ADHD (with brief information on Tourette's tics)  4 m. 

Data and Stats on ADHD - Center for Disease Control.

NAMI Eastside webinar on ADHD, sponsored by EvergreenHealth, 1 hour.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 10/31/2025  

The Hopelink Food Banks Are Open

The produce at Hopelink is fresh and abundant.  Enroll today!

 By now you've seen or heard recent news about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and how the program could be impacted by the continuing federal government shutdown. Many of you have already reached out asking how to help, and we’re so grateful. Many have also asked, “What exactly do these changes mean, and how will they affect people here in King County?” You can read our full statement here.

Due to the many hardships our community members are facing with food security, starting on Monday, Nov. 3, Hopelink will provide additional food during visits to Hopelink Food Markets. If you have any questions or would like to enroll in the Hopelink Food Assistance program to shop for free groceries, please call your nearest Hopelink Center.  Information on the Redmond Hopelink center is HERE. 

-- Hopelink, 10/31/2025

Utility Rates to Increase 9.30% in 2026

"In 2026, PSE is proposing a 9.30% increase in electricity rates, adding about $11.20 more per month for a typical residential customer using 800 kilowatt-hours. Natural gas rates would rise by a smaller 2.07%, or about $1.51 per month for the average customer.

PSE points to several drivers behind these increases, including upgrades to the Baker River hydro project, deployment of advanced distribution systems to support EVs and rooftop solar, new clean energy from the Beaver Creek wind farm, wildfire prevention measures, and rising operating costs.

The result is higher bills for households, but also long-term investments in cleaner energy, safety, and *grid modernization." 

--  Puget Sound Energy, 10/11/2025

Sewer / stormwater rates in Redmond will increase, as well.  In addition, *AI requires a tremendous amount of power with no end in sight. Federal funds for relief can't be expected, with Trump.  At a recent City Council meeting President Kritzer noted King County is organizing all their cities to meet on this problem. Living in Redmond is unaffordable for many. Now this.    

-- Bob Yoder, 10/31/2025

Police Communications Manager

Communications Manager for the City of Redmond Police

Improvements to Pool Access / Candidates Stuart, Fields, Salahuddin, Anderson

Happy to see Council cares about improving access and programing for the citizens of Redmond, not just swim teams.  Redmond citizens spent over $8 million in taxes to renovate the pool.  

Councilmember Stuart and Fields participated in the conversation later on.  (CM Fields was virtual; CM Stuart holds office hours in the library twice a month on Thursdays.)  

Environmental Sustainability Action Plan updates.  CM Kritzer suggested review of tree give-away program. No discussion.  Questionable success?    The city delivered air purifiers in response to wildfires.  CM Stuart participated in discussion.

Old Firehouse Teen Center sub-committee, focus group/stakeholder meetings reviewed.  Tons of updates. Tons of citizen updates (mostly from adults.)  November 12 study session to give final report on rebuild vs. renovation.  November 18 more engagement by Council!  Lots of "thank you's" from CM Kritzer. Winter will delay decision progress.  CM Fields commented.  CM Stuart asked for website updates.

Parks Volunteer Program update from new FTE.  Very bureaucratic process. Implement Q-2, 2026.  CM Stuart is excited but wants more data on the website for citizenry.  Green Redmond good opportunity to volunteer (not under auspice of the Volunteer Program.)

Redmond Lights starts December 6th.  Downtown Park events.  $68,000 in sponsorships. CM Stuart asked how many installations in Esterra Park (Overlake.)  None.  Wants a city event there.  

Derby Days recap:  35,000 in attendance.  800 tons of waste diverted.  CM Stuart thinks the size of curb space should double.  Suggests promotion by Grand Marshall.  Star power from World Cup relationships.

CM Anderson did not participate in this Council Committee meeting or the Study Session that followed in the evening. All candidates but Anderson participated in Study Session.  Anderson "participated" by wearing a purple dunce hat (or witch hat) at the Study Session meeting.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 10/27/25

EvergreenHealth Commission Educational Session

 MINUTES:  

EvergreenHealth Educational Session meeting, August 1, 2025, 7 AM 

Present:  CEO, Commissioners, Staff

• Plymouth Housing - the model, performance, the intent
• UW Clinical professor discusses problems with the U.S. Healthcare systems compared to other countries. 
• Levy lid lift benefits. 

Meetings are held in the Surgeons and Physicians Pavilion #Tan 250 and are open to the public. 

-- Bob Yoder, 10/26/25

Meadow Park Replacement Construction

The City names their construction work at Meadows Park a "replacement."  It seems more of a renovation with the extensive new beddings and shrubs they are planting around the courts. Note the rich, dark soil in the foreground.  Total cost is $593, 910.   

Date of photos, 10/24/2025

Click picture to enlarge.

EXTRA: Alaska Wildlife Refuge Open To Oil And Gas Drilling

 Trump administration finalizes plan to open pristine Alaska wildlife refuge to oil and gas drilling

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday finalized plans to open the coastal plain of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to potential oil and gas drilling, renewing a long-simmering debate over whether to drill in one of the nation’s environmental jewels.

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the decision Thursday that paves the way for future lease sales within the refuge’s 1.5 million-acre (631,309 hectare) coastal plain, an area that’s considered sacred by the Indigenous Gwich’in. The plan fulfills pledges made by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to reopen this portion of the refuge to possible development. Trump’s bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, passed during the summer, called for at least four lease sales within the refuge over a 10-year period.

...............................................................................................................................

-- Seattle Times, 10/23/25

Reservoir Park Sport Court Replacement

When finished the project will have three tennis courts (one lined for pickleball) and a basketball hoop.  A worker said he's been bombarded by people asking why the sports court would cost $1.8 million.  According to the supervisor, a potable water reservoir of 3,100 gallons rests under the courts.  The lid was 50 years old, deteriorated and had to be replaced, not restored.  That costs money.     

Estimated time of completion is 2026.  

EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo Connects With Sammamish City Council

EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, presented the "State of Healthcare" to the City of Sammamish Council on October 14th, answering several questions from Mayor Karen Howe and council members. Premi

Chief Executive Officer3 days ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

"It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Superintendent and CEO of EvergreenHealth. One of the aspects I enjoy most about the role is the opportunity to connect with the many cities and municipalities within the public hospital district.

Thank you to the City of Sammamish Council for the opportunity to provide an update on EvergreenHealth and to share insights on the ever-evolving healthcare landscape."

“We look forward to partnering with you to continuously improve our shared community of care. EvergreenHealth is proud to serve Sammamish & the entire Eastside community with high quality healthcare,” said Dr. Palazzo.

-- LinkedIn, 10/20/25

LWPTSA October News

 

A Word From Council Co-Presidents

Hello from Legislative Assembly!

When this newsletter hits your inbox, we will have concluded our time at the Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly. We are pleased to report that we have a large number of LWPTSA members representing their communities at Legislative Assembly this year. Although it can seem like a less than thrilling way to spend a weekend, it is actually a fantastic opportunity to network, to learn more about how to advocate, and to have some fun (ask our DEIB Chair Morgan about winning a raffle). We look forward to sharing a more detailed report with you in next week's newsletter.

This past week the LWPTSA Council hosted a School Board Candidate Forum. Thank you to those who attended and/or submitted questions for our candidates. It was a fantastic evening, and we all thoroughly enjoyed meeting our four candidates and hearing their thoughts and ideas on a variety of key district topics and issues. Please remember to have a plan to vote on or before November 5. Your voice matters! Seriously!

At our Council board meeting last week, we voted as a board to endorse and financially support the local levies. We will now bring that to our Council general membership meeting next month on 11/6 to vote on the endorsement as a general body.

Finally, please take a look at Brooke’s October Safety Spotlight!

Sincerely,
Colleen McCloskey & Brooke Gialopsos (she/her)
LWPTSA Council Co-Presidents

This Week Kirkland City Council Candidate Forum Coming Up Scholarship Program Assessments Due 11/1 Donate to Equity Fund by 11/1  11/6: Council Membership Meeting

Downtown Park "NO KINGS" protest / Mass Call

Photo credit LD 48 Representative Osman Salahuddin

October 18, 2025 Downtown Park "NO KINGS" protest 

Medicaid Funding Cut In Every State

 

March, 2025 Medicaid presentation by EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo and Senator Maria Cantwell

"Friendly nurse reminder: in WA state, Medicaid is referred to as Apple Health. Medicaid funding is being cut. This could lead to up to ~14 rural hospitals shutting down in 2026 or 2027. The Washington State Hospital Association is advocating at the federal level to protect our rural hospitals from these cuts.

Neither EvergreenHealth or Overlake are on that list but there are layoffs reported at Overlake (possibly related to the cuts) per the Worker adjustment and retraining notification (WARN) layoff and closure database.

So far no layoffs at EvergreenHealth; and it appears no layoffs at Overlake are attributed to Medicaid cuts at this time.

But what does this list mean for you all? Be prepared for longer waits at urgent care and the ER as more patients need to be seen at fewer hospitals AND people start losing insurance and cannot afford to be seen at primary care/urgent care and thus cannot keep up with preventative care.

Try your best to practice preventative care and to treat minor injuries/illnesses promptly so they do not become "BIG" concerns that need the ER or hospitalization."

Source: Recent Kirkland FB group post.

Not every state is cutting Medicaid yet, but they eventually will. Most of the provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill—HR 1—have yet to go into effect and these cuts will have a devastating impact on state budgets. Analysis shows that HR 1 will cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over ten years. 

-- Source: Internet, Oct 2. 2025

North Carolina and Idaho have already announced plans to cut Medicaid payments to health care providers, including hospitals, doctors, and caregivers.

In Michigan and Pennsylvania — where lawmakers have yet to pass budgets this year — spending on Medicaid is part of those debates. In Washington state, lawmakers approved cuts to the program that will not affect who is eligible, said Hayden Mackley, a spokesperson for the state’s Office of Financial Management.

Source:  Internet, 9/2025

Bob Yoder, updated 10/16/25