Updated: Council Decides On Senior & Community Center Funding

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

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

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

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

CM Kahn was present and quiet.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/15/2022

10/30, "Trick or Treat" - Robinson knocks

Endorsements and campaign signs have gotten a little out of control in the election battlefield. For instance, Jim Robinson is proud of his Police endorsement, yet in the 2003 mayoral race he accused Holly Placket of unethical practices when she accepted a Police endorsement.

In contrast, John Marchione stated in his August 2 BLOG he would not accept endorsements from any union where he may need to negotiate contracts because he feels it's unethical. John’s campaign decision demonstrates INTEGRITY. One might say, Robinson's acceptance of the Police endorsement sticks out like a sore thumb – like the police tag stuck on all his signs.

Yes, all candidate signs are quite loud these days but there is no denying that the multitude of Red & Blue "Police" signs staked "in two's and three's" everywhere are overwhelming.....ESPECIALLY, in light of Mr. Robinson's campaign challenge to Holly Plackett and John Marchione declaring:

"Yard signs are a significant source of visual clutter and have a negative impact on our environment, both by the resources used and the litter remaining after the election season is over. In addition, the proliferation of the number of signs in recent elections, especially in the public rights of way, can create hazardous conditions for drivers. Mr. Robinson believes that preserving the natural environment in Redmond is very high on the citizens’ list of priorities and so has proposed this small but significant step toward achieving that outcome."

-- Jim Robinson Press Release, 2007

I wonder who is winning the mayoral sign battle this election?! In Mr. Robinson's words, signs are a "significant source of visual clutter and have a negative impact on our environment". Isn't there something HERE to be said about the INTEGRITY of the leaders we choose...even if costumed in a "trick or treat" campaign challenge?

Bob

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FROM SUZANNE QUERRY - It's a sad day when elections in Redmond start looking like the partisan national elections that make us all cringe. Who knew that special interests would start running our city? For years we've had a mayor and a majority of the city council who were independent and didn't answer to special interests. Now we have at least two candidates being funded by and therefore beholden to such groups as the Master Builders Association and some group called the Coalition for Eastside Cities. Both groups have seen fit to inundate us with unwelcome robo-calls touting the virtues of John Marchione and David Carson. Mr. Marchione has the savvy to denounce the tactics of these groups. Mr Carson does not. Both groups are not adhering to the spirit or letter of the law regarding unsolicited pre-recorded calls. I urge each of you as voters in Redmond to reject such tactics and the candidates who will be beholden to these groups, whether they requested the support or not. The truth is that we do not want our city run by people who owe debts to well funded ultra-conservative groups that want to continue stripping such resources as Perrigo Heights and pave over what little bits of paradise we still have in our little town. Vote for the candidates who have demonstrated their independence.

--Suzanne Querry, 11/2/07

FROM BOB YODER - Remember please, the Perrigo Heights Woodland "paradise" was stripped under the Rosemarie Ives Administration with Mr. Jim Robinson, Chair of Council Parks leading the way. Efficient use of tax dollar resources by the Marchione administration will improve the liklihood of saving future natural treasures. Why? Money will be budgeted for these exceptional community needs by creating efficiencies and establishing priorities within our government. The Marchione administration is most ABLE to listen to our neighborhood and community needs and to plan, prepare, and respond to meeting them.
--Bob Yoder, Saturday November 3, 2007


FROM A NEIGHBOR, 11/4 Robinson boasts about his signs being recyclable. It may be true, however in practical use; they cannot be fixed, because they are so cheap. Once broken it is in garbage. Marchione, Cole, Margeson and Carson’s are made out of plastic, all can be fixed and put back in use. Now the streets are cluttered with deceased Robinson signs. When will they clean it up or do we have to wait until election is over? It’s worse than an over-application of beauty bark. Not the most “green” product for the most “green” candidate.
Sunday November 4, 2007 -

Oxymoron - Council Committee Of The Whole

It was hilarious when Chair Carson called his "Council Committee Of The Whole" meeting to order.  No one was there. 😏 Mr. Carson sat prominently alone on the Dais. Needless to say, the committee wasn't whole.  

Vanasa Kritzer, Varisha Kahn and Mr. Fields were excused.

-- Bob Yoder, 8/10/2021

(All but David Carson were wearing masks at the Regular meeting. The Mayor wore a mask, as well....  probably in response to the Delta virus.) 

1.3% annual property tax/levy increase approved in Council's budget

Council approved the 2009-2010 budget 7-0 this week. They approved the 1.3% property tax*/levy lid increase 5-2, with Council members Kimberly Allen and David Carson dissenting. (pictured here)

According to the "Budgeting by Priorities" manual General Fund revenues are expected to grow approximately 3% over the next two years to $142 M. The $142M does not include the Capital Budget which is expected to grow by 8% to $234M to pay for the massive infrastructure expenses we see around town. The city has a AAA bond rating and is taking advantage of their superior rating to borrow approximately $30M for the Bear Creek Road Extension.

The biggest bone of contention on the Budget was the 1.3% property tax/levy increase. Ms. Allen and Mr. Carson could not find a clear need in the budget to justify the tax increase. The increase averages about $15/year for an above-average priced home. Most council members felt they needed the money to manage inflation. The Mayor felt he needed the money to "steady the foundation, to keep from listing one way or the other." Mr. Mayor kept talking about "a hole" Redmond government would dig if the tax didn't go through. He referenced Kirkland's problem.

Mr. Carson and Ms. Allen where more concerned about the average citizen scraping by in this historically weak economy. Even though the tax was minor, historic, prolonged unemployment and precipitous housing prices are exceptional times for citizens. Ms. Allen felt the city had enough money for the next two years to justify cutting out the property/levy tax.

Council President McCormick justified the tax increase to the cost of inflation of the city supplies. Approximately 80% of the cost of Redmond Government is paying salary and benefits to city workers. Council passed a $538,000 Human Resource "compensation program" to manage salary reviews, improve efficiencies and be more proactive. Council member Vache, who has career experience in human resource contracting felt the program was expensive but went along with the Mayor.

Council member Myers was the only council member that made a concerted effort to find specific ways to cut the budget. He recommended cutting: 1) the $207,000 cost for a "road button reflector truck", 2) $20k travel and tuition for council, 3) $100k/year for a compensation analyst and 4) a review of pub/private $570,000 spent on community events (Holiday Lights, Derby Days, etc.)

Mayor Marchione has invaluable experience in financial administration and is building an reputable and effective finance team -- Micheal Bailey, Dir. of Finance and Melissa Files, Finance Manager. The AAA city bond rating is a tribute to their excellence. Mr. Marchione's team has a goal of saving $1.6M over two years through greater efficiencies.

Council Finance Chair Richard Cole efficiently ran the "Budgeting By Priorities" program. Mssrs. Margeson and Myers were on Mr. Cole's Finance Committee. Six "Results Teams" of six staff and one citizen each ranked the budget priorities. Mr. Mayor appointed the six citizens. If citizens want to have a direct influence on council and staff in shaping the budget next biennium you may want to notify the Administration. of your interest in a Results Team.

*Mr. Bailey, Dir. of Finance wrote a Letter of Clarification on 11/25/08. He described the 1% property tax. No mention was made of the parks & safety levy lid tax increase. (.3%)

The entire budget is online here.

UPDATED: City Council Meeting Notes, 04 April 2023

 

CM Melissa Stuart
Featured
City Council group picture not available

CLICK THIS LINK FOR VIDEO NOTES OF COUNCIL'S REGULAR MEETING 

OF 04 APRIL 2023:   

https://www.facebook.com/CityOfRedmond/videos/1005053090870596

 (short pause at start of tape)

ADVANCE TO 3:00 for poet Laureate Laura Da's description of her poetry inspired "Nature & City History Walk" around our lakefronts.     

ADVANCE TO 4:52 for Dr. David Morton's "Item From The Audience" suggesting solutions to various city challenges.  

ADVANCE TO 11:53 - Mayor  Angela Birney kicks off Council's OMBUDS report where resident inquiries (positive and negative) are addressed.  As follows: 

CM Varisha Kahn passes the baton to Council VP Vanessa Kritzer. Kritzer mentions a resident's concern about the mayor's salary; resident complaint about "State of the City" recording glitches. Domestic violence. CM David Carson brings attention to businesses coping with simultaneous road construction on 76th and Cleveland Street.  CM Melissa Stuart gives an excellent report of the city's C.E.R.T. program dealing with first responder preparations for an earthquake.  Council President Jessica Forsythe directed the OMBUDS report and city process. Traffic. FBI. CM Jeralee Anderson, QR Codes for park users, "Show and Tell" by Anderson on recycled materials used to build "green roads."  Stuart summarizes Public Works committee report. CM Steve Fields had nothing to say.  

Angela Birney, Carson, Forseythe, Kahn, and Kritzer's terms end 31 December 2023. 

Reported by Bob Yoder, Community volunteer, 04 April 2023

Highlights of a City Council Meeting

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OCTOBER 3RD CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Brian Baker approached the podium in a wheelchair and complained:  1)  the City claims 360 ADA parking spaces are available but few of them are accessible by van.  2) the "sandwich board" signs on the sidewalks create an obstacle course.  Mr Stilin  said the city should not allow signs on sidewalks and Mr. Carson reminded him current regulations require signage be located in streets, not sidewalks.  

City Council reluctantly approved Burnstead's "Hawthorn Park" Final Plat.  In this, and a prior meeting a total of ~8 neighbors including Pat Vache' a retired councilmember **vehemently complained about the disruption and degradation to their private road by an off-site sewer line Burntsead is installing.  ** Mr. Vache' focused on the facts and only mildly complained.   Burnstead insisted they will fully inspect the project when completed for "performance, restoration and maintenance" to ensure all parties are satisfied; and assured that bonds were on file. Pres. Hank Margeson gave an eloquent summery of council's sentiments before the vote.

Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit "Experience Redmond"

The April 27 ribbon-cutting for opening Light Rail "Line 2" was an historic day in Redmond.  The ceremony took place at Redmond Technology Station. Misty, 50-degree temps didn't stop the rush of thousands eager to experience their first ride on the Eastside.  My wife Pam and I had a terrific time!

The 6-mile, 17-minute trip from Redmond to south Bellevue had eight fun-filled station stops.  By far, the Overlake Village Station had the most exhibits, entertainment and food choices.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to fully immerse, but I do have a few notes and observations to share:   

Sue Stewart states why she's running for Redmond City Council

Sue Stewart

Candidate for Redmond City Council Seat 7

 UPDATED: Sue Stewart, a 30-year resident of Redmond is running in the November 2011 election for Redmond City Council Seat 7. Who is she? And, why is she running for this office?

Ms. Stewart provides answers in a newly published Municipal League of King County 2011 questionanaire. The " Muni League" of King County rated Sue Stewart "Very Good". Her opponent, Council member David Carson is rated "Good" by the League. (I'll write-up David next.)

In July, the Municipal League released valuable information about the political history of the candidates. Sue lists the following history of her work for the City:

• Code Rewrite Commission, September, 2009 - November, 2010, Vice Chair
• Budget By Priorities, "Results Committee" 2008
• Parks and Trails Commission, 2002 -2007, Chair
• BITI Committee, (Business Tax Transportation Improvement) 1996 -2003

I live in the same Education Hill neighborhood as Sue and know of her experience and participation with neighborhood traffic and safety programs, land use development process and the LW School District.

Stewart wrote the following one-page statement answering the Municipal League's questionaire question: "Why are you running for this office"?

"My family and I have lived in Redmond since August 1981, when I began my current position as a Safety Officer for METRO Transit. I initially chose Redmond for its proximity to work but quickly fell in love with both the environment and the deep sense of community. Read More >>

Redmond was small by Los Angeles standards but as the years went by our family grew along with the community of Redmond. I knew it was important to get involved to have an opportunity to shape the vision for our growing city. Read More >>

Kringles Bakery Reaches Out For Community Support

Hi Bob! I thought I'd suggest you do a story on Kringles Bakery and the difficulty they are having paying off their landlord and staying in their location. They are doing a gofundme campaign. I think their story may be representative of a lot of what's happening to small businesses in Redmond right now.

-- Emily Johnson, 3/4/2022 Thank you Emily!

Photo credit / Four Square

Kringles Bakery is the yellow "cottage" building located at the junction of Cleveland Street and Redmond Way. You can't miss it! They've been in this location for nine years. The bakery is a flagship small business for Redmond owing it's high visibility, support to our community and amazing, one-of-a-kind kringles! OMG they're good, but notch your belt accordingly.

This is a bakery that really cares about our community. Every Sunday the Redmond Assembly of God parashers pick up baked goods for their morning. Rev. Robroy Ranger sometimes holds small group meetings in the quaint seating area. Day old goods are recycled back to the community. I know they do a lot more.

In these pandemic times, Kringles has one really good thing going for it. Councilmember David Carson is a frequent customer. I've chatted with him twice there; he's usually on his computer. David has strong ties with One Redmond, an organization that supports small businesses.

Kringles still needs community support in a big way. Donate what you can to the: gofundme campaign.!

Thanks for supporting Redmond's small businesses! 

-- Bob Yoder, 3/4/2022

Highlights From The City's New "Homeless Hotel" Website

 

One of my wishes is the Operator use the homeless
hotel's whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  Internet

 

Did the City recruit the County to locate the Silver Cloud  facility in Redmond?

No, the City did not seek out the Silver Cloud facility in Redmond.

When did the Mayor’s Office make City Council aware of this program in Redmond?

City Council was made aware of the new legislation supporting this type of program through a variety of 2020 and 2021 legislative updates by the City’s lobbyist. **Mayor Birney called each of Redmond’s seven City Council members on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 to notify them of the County’s purchase and intended use of the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond.

When did the City learn about the County’s desire to locate a homeless facility in Redmond?

In spring 2021, King County informed the City that they were actively exploring locations in Redmond and in late May 2021, Redmond was made aware of the County’s intent to purchase the Silver Cloud Inn. **As this was a private real estate transaction, it was kept confidential, as requested. Redmond first became aware of this potential type of program early in the 2020 legislative session. The City has continued to follow this since the State Legislature passed House Bill 1590 in 2020, which allowed jurisdictions to enact a 0.1% sales tax to finance construction of affordable housing and behavioral health facilities and operations or services supportive of affordable housing residents. In 2020, Executive Constantine proposed, and the County Council approved, this dedicated sales tax. In 2021, the State Legislature passed House Bill 1070, which clarified acquisition of property as an eligible use of these funds.

Will the City consider making it illegal to camp or sleep outside in public spaces?

The City passed ordinance 2911 in 2018 which prohibits camping and storage of personal property in parks, public spaces, and on publicly-owned property when overnight shelter space is available.

Will the City forbid use of drugs and alcohol at the Silver Cloud HTH facility?

The City will provide the same policing and uphold the same safety protocols regarding drugs and alcohol as is provided throughout the community. HTH residents will be considered tenants under Washington State landlord/tenant law and as such will have specific rights with regards to their leased space, which are consistent with the rights all tenants have throughout the city. King County will provide a code of conduct that residents must agree upon to remain housed at the facility.

Will the City be involved in choosing and monitoring an operator for the facility?

Yes. ***The City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the facility operators.

Source:  Redmond.gov/hth (City's homeless hotel website)

**  CM Forsythe and Fields griped in last night's Study session they were notified too late so couldn't participate in the decision-making.**  I'm not so sure about that.

*** CM David Carson said his energy will be put into finding a suitable operator. Thank you David.  One of my wishes is the operator use the whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  

CM Varisha Kahn was not at either meeting to comment.

-- Bob Yoder 9/29/2021

Council "Committee Of The Whole" passes, improves job performance

Council Committee Of The Whole

At Council's March 27th Regular Meeting council passed Ordinance 2917 that changes their 4:30 pm Tuesday Council Standing Committee meetings of 3 councilmembers to "Council Of The Whole Committee" meetings of 7 councilmembers.  The vote was 7-2 (Fields, Anderson.)  

The creation of Council Committee Of The Whole (CCOW ) last week has historical significance because Council's "old" Standing Committees were first installed by Council in 1913 under Ordinance No. 4. (Ref. Michelle Hart, city clerk.)  CCOW meetings will significantly open up the workings city government to the people as well as empower Council's decision-making process on legislation and policy-making.   

Owing to the significance of CCOW meetings I will be reporting on them on a regular basis....in Series format. Their first meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, April 3 at 4:30 in City Hall.  Details are in the Agenda here.  

B. Yoder  

READ MORE  - Mr. Myers letter about the CCOW and his analysis of it. 

From failing to thriving: The Redmond Kiwanis Club story

Redmond Kiwanis is holding a "Prospective Member Meeting" on Friday, March 10th, at the Family Pancake House.  It's an informational meeting,  The City of Redmond's "homeless outreach specialist" will be our guest speaker.  Questions?  Please e-mail Ken Ormiston at: membership@redmondkiwaniswa.org 

The Formula
Jan 24, 2017

"The Redmond Kiwanis club has seen it all. From being a thriving, 50+ member club to extinction, to four passionate and determined Kiwanians 11 years later, to now, a club increasing its membership and impact on the surrounding community. Few would remember a time when the Redmond club experienced the higher membership numbers and a thriving community presence. And few would remember that what seemed like overnight, the members were gone. But current Redmond Kiwanis club members remember the turningpoint...when there were four.

Avondale Park Transition Home feed
(l-r) Raymond Wong (a Fab Four,) Don Horton, Ferrin Lauve, Ken Ormiston,
Chef Penny Arneson is making tamales in the kitchen.

Those members, dubbed the “Fab Four” by fellow Redmond Kiwanians, are credited with the turnaround that has reenergized the presence of Kiwanis in their community today. “From my perspective” says David Carson, “I think it came down to the sheer and utter will to resurrect our Redmond Kiwanis Club by the “Fab Four” as they’re known. The passion with which these pillars of our club have attacked the waning membership issue has been amazing to experience.”

Pat Vache' recalls how the transformation began. “We four started with our own networks,” he says. “We looked to city and county residents who were rooted in civic and community service. Our main focus was targeting like-minded individuals who want to serve our community as much as we do.”

OPINION: Development of Marymoor Village should pause until Zoning Code is defined

During last night's Study Session on "streamlining zoning and regulations for Senior Housing" Council V.P David Carson recommended "a short pause of about six months" (moratorium) in the development of senior housing so Council can have the opportunity to evaluate certain aspects of the code without risk of further development, so we can trust the Administration in the spirit of our intent."  Mr. Carson proposed an Ordinance to this effect and recommended discussion at the next business meeting.

Marymoor Village Neighborhood:

Marymoor Subarea of SE Redmond

According to the Design Review Board's report on the LMC- Marymoor project the Redmond Zoning Code is silent on how the goal of Marymoor Village will be different from the Downtown neighborhood. The Design Board wrote "it should be funkier, cooler, eclectic, and different looking than Downtown. Thus, these ideas need a great deal of attention from the Design Review Board."

Council is placing trust in the Administration for the development of  Marymoor Village by holding a few community meetings and a Hearing with belief the Design Review Board (DRB) report will suffice. According to the DRB "The Redmond Zoning Code is silent."  A pause in the development of  LMC and the Marymoor neighborhood may be useful until the Redmond Zoning Code is scrutinized by staff and thoroughly studied by Council.

- Bob Yoder
 

OPINION PART ONE: "Moving Redmond Forward" on Land Use Appeal Decisions

KING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Woodinville, Mercer Island, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett all use the King County Superior Court land use appeals. Redmond still uses City Council for land use appeals.

According to Rob Odle, Redmond Planning and Development Director, in the mid-90's, most cities abandoned the council Q-J land use appeal process for appeals by the King County Superior Court.

OPINION UPDATED, 5/17, Opinion: "Moving Redmond Forward" was Mayor John Marchione's #1 campaign slogan when he was running for office two years ago. John has been living up to his promise, unfortunately not the Council majority. The Council "majority" just moved Redmond two steps back during a conversation on Land Use Appeal Decision process in their last council meeting.

The council majority of David Carson, Richard Cole, Pat Vache' and Hank Myers took a straw vote, tallied by Carson, to keep their dated "quasi-judicial role" for preliminary plats. The quasi-judicial (q-j) role gives Council powerful legal and legislative appeal authority over a city-designated land use attorney's decision. (Hearing Examiner.)

After hours of deliberation in two Committee meetings last year, Councilmembers Hank Margeson and Kimberly Allen offered reasons to move our city forward in utilizing the King County Superior Court rather than keeping Council for land use appeals. Only Redmond and Bothell rely on Council for initial appeal decisions in our area. Below are reasons for moving forward:

• Redmond's present appeal process requires Council by law to thoroughly review every page, document, and blueprint in the Hearing Examiner's file for accuracy beyond reasonable doubt.
• Council is not legally qualified, nor has the time, to thoroughly review the Examiner's file for inaccuracies.
• Society is more litigious and will challenge Council's ability to craft a correct Record. The City is liable and vulnerable to expensive, drawn-out lawsuits by appellants and landowners.
• During land use decisions, which can take over a year, citizens are not allowed to communicate with their councilmembers about the project. When legislative mistakes of interpreting Land Use Code are made, Council cannot fix the problem up-front, by mediation, or in a pre-hearing meeting. Participation, citizen/landowner engagement, and transparency are severely limited by a WALL between the People and their Representatives.

The land use decisions subject to council's Q-J appeal process are called "Preliminary Plats". Some examples of Preliminary Plat appeals in Redmond gone a muck are: CAMWEST'S Perrigo Heights, CAMWEST'S Pearce, Shauhanessy, and CAMWEST'S Tyler Creek - all of which were strung out by Council's legal and legislative interpretations of a poorly crafted Examiner Record.

PART TWO, 5/20/09, "Thoughts on Redmond's Land Use Appeal Policy"
PART THREE: on "Moving Redmond Forward on Land Use Appeal Decisions" will focus on significant Preliminary Plat mistakes and unintended consequences from Redmond's Q-J process.
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 11/08
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 07/08

Redmond Way - Cleveland St. "couplet conversion" scheduled for late 2016

Posted April, 2015

Several weeks ago at a joint meeting with the City of Kirkland, Mayor Marchione stated the "couplet conversion" would be installed late 2016 or early 2017.  The couplet conversion will change Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to two-way traffic flows.  It's been in the planning stages for years and is controversial.

At last night's Redmond council meeting a measure on the couplet conversion was voted on during the consent agenda and the following conversation ensued.  Councilmember David Carson stated that he does not support the conversion.  Councilmember Hank Myers stated that though he was concerned about the costs and over-runs he would vote in favor of the couplet measure because federal funds would be lost if it didn't move forward and "it's a good idea for flow."  The measure passed 6-1 (Carson). In a council meeting last year, Hank Myers was concerned about traffic flow problems by the conversion on a portion of Redmond Way.

Bob Yoder

Keep current on the progress of the couplet conversion and see what else is planned for the downtown. http://www.redmond.gov/cms/One.aspx?pageId=94497

UPDATED 3/25: Redmond Council Is Shaking Their Governance

Redmond City Hall

A previous budget discussion triggered Council to review municipal forms of government during their study session last night. For years, the City has been governed in the "Strong Mayor" format and still is.  Like Council, our Mayor is elected to a four year term but also serves as the CEO and Chief Administrative Officer. For 12 years "Strong Mayor" John Marchione assigned Jane Christianson as Deputy Administrator Officer to carry out operations. Jane Christianson was terrific, a real pro, the best. He later hired two co-Deputy Administrators, and just before retiring promoted the Parks Director to COO, a new position.  Mayor Angela Birney then replaced this COO with the Finance Director (a past City Clerk) who is a numbers and strategic person; less a manager and people person.  

In the council-business manager (CB) form of government the manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration. He/she also recruits, hires, terminates, and supervises government staff; serves as the council's chief advisor; and carries out the council's policies.

Characteristics of the “strong” mayor form of government are: The mayor is the chief executive officer, centralizing executive power. The mayor directs the administrative structure, appointing and removing of department heads. While the council has legislative power, the mayor has veto power. The council does not oversee daily operations.

"The most significant differences between Strong Mayor and CB stem from the location and distribution of authority between the legislative and executive officials." - MRSC

The "Council - business manager" form of government is growing in popularity, especially in small/medium sized cities, according to Councilmember (CM) Steve Fields. Large urban cities like Seattle usually have a Strong Mayor.  Kirkland, and a few other surrounding cities use CB.  Fields claims CB's serve 100M people nationwide and the numbers are growing.  In CB, Council shares policy and decision-making equally. Steve says the CB format is less political than the Strong Mayor form of government. 

Redmond council approves $10 million bond for parks and open space land

Redmond City Hall



In their last Regular meeting, Redmond city council voted 5-2 to "approve $8.5M limited tax general obligation bonds - not to exceed $10M - to obtain part of the 2011 funds necessary for park and open space property acquisition."   The Downtown Park will consume most of these funds. Council President Richard Cole stated: 

"I'm not going to vote for this tonight".  "We have $120,000,000 debt in this city - about a half of that is for this building (City Hall); although the cost of financing here is now less than (the principal).  Two years ago we borrowed when the bidding climate was good, but this is above my threshold."

Councillor David Carson was the other vote against the bond "but for another reason".  Carson said " I mean...the bonds should be spent in favor of infrastructure for capital projects, not for land acquisition."

READ MORE >>

UPDATED: City Council reviews regional aquatic pool partnerships

No. 2 of Series:  Council Meeting Of The Whole



During the Special Meeting, as seen this video, President Birney clarified that King County is contributing  $2M to towards a regional aquatics center in north east King County. Council Vice President  Carson mentioned he had talked with council members in Kirkland and Bellevue about a partnership with positive results.   Council member Margeson was "very pleased to see Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond are working together despite initial reluctance from one of the communities" (probably Kirkland.) President Birney was thrilled.

This Park's & Human Services "Council Committee Of The Whole" was canceled by President Birney owing to inadequate agenda noticing.  The meeting immediately devolved to a council "Parks and Human Services" standing committee.  In this video, Parks & Culture Manager Carloyn Hope is presenting to council.  Council had minimal conversation amongst themselves; it was mostly informational.

Five Council members were present:  Chair Hank Myers (sweater), member David Carson (short sleaves,) member Jeralee Anderson (white jacket,) President Angela Birney (left of HM,) Hank Margeson (tie.)

High level staff were present:  Parks Director, Dep. Parks Director, new Planning Director, Parks & Culture Manager, Parks Operations Manager.

After multiple "Where As" statements the Mayor summarized his draft statement [in part]:

OPINION: Observations of a Pandemic Council Meeting

City Hall chambers / (r-l) Stuart, city clerk, Mayor Birney, Padhye, Carson,
Anderson, Helland, Beverley - photo Yoder)

Thanks to new work habits brought on by the pandemic only three (of seven) council members attended this study session meeting.  Some are at home, a cafe, etc. working remotely.  Most report they "are attending;" though one member rarely participates.  The quality of the meetings has taken a turn for the worse. I hope Mayor Birney can call them in.  After all, council members are city employees, paid $18,648 annually. As is, when a member is speaking remotely you can never see him/her.

I must say this meeting was vibrant despite the lack of physical presence.  Two very interesting land use projects were studied, guided by Planning Director Carol Helland.  She is amazing; her work is brilliant. Council member David Carson led the discussion and appeared the decision-maker in the Pier 67 session.  Council member Jeralee Anderson (center) was thrilled the Marymoor development would be LEED certified....one of her requests.  President Tanika Padhye discouraged "pocket zoning." 

The lady in the audience (of 2) dressed in pink is Melissa Stuart. She was the only one wearing a mask. Ms. Stuart is running for Council Seat No. 4.  I learned she would be the only council member living in Overlake. This is key! 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/28/2021

 (Tip: Go to the city Facebook page for live viewing and commenting.) 👀