City of Redmond Adopts Cultural Inclusion Resolution

Credit City of Redmond

"We want to ensure that everyone in Redmond feels welcome and part of this community, no matter their heritage, ethnic background, religion or any other factor"  - President Hank Margeson  

Are the mentally ill and homeless a factor?  B.Y. 

REDMOND, WA - At last night’s City Council meeting, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Redmond City Council passed a resolution affirming the City’s ongoing effort of being a culturally inclusive community. The resolution was brought forth by the Mayor and City Council with recommendation from the Arts and Culture Commission.

The resolution affirms the City’s commitment to welcoming and engaging with all community members and visitors regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, income, political persuasion or cultural practices.

UPDATED: Councilmembers Margeson and Myers explain the uses and meaning of Council Committee voting.

Second update, 9/19:  I met Councilmember Hank Margeson at the "Leadership Eastside" breakfast meeting this morning and he was aware of my struggle to understand the Council Committees' purpose of voting.   Margeson (left) Chairs the Planning and Public Works Committee.  He said he uses the Committee vote mostly to "give direction" to staff.   Hank Myers (right) touches on this in the below letter he just emailed.  

A double thanks to "both Hanks" and especially to Kim Allen who first alerted me and explained the voting process.  Council President Nancy McCormmick and Michelle McGhee, our City Clerk also helped.   

The take-home message is Council Committee voting is "advisory" in nature and  not a Council decision.  The full Council will still have to vote by consent or nonconsent, on committee advise.

Open government is furthered if committee votes are not only recorded but also announced for the benefit of the viewing audience, media and staff.

A paraphrased, excerpted email from Councilman Hank Myers describes Committee process further, as follows:

Mayor Marchione has a policy of trying to give the Council process three touches on significant issues. Certain actions, such as applying for grants, require Council action. ...And in the case of the bike jump grant request we voted to recommend applying for the grant to show that it had been considered and was not controversial in our view. As a result, it was subsequently considered as part of the Council Consent agenda and passed.    

The Committee meetings are advertised as public so that interested members of the Council may attend and even participate in the discussion without violating the open public meetings act. It is my understanding that only members of the Committee may vote, [and the public my attend but not participate] and when we took the vote to approve the application for the bike jumps Mr. Vache', Mr. Carson and I all voted in favor. Councilmember Cole did not vote.

Hank Myers
Councilmember, View Point Neighborhood
Chair of Parks and Human Services Committee
paraphrased and edited by Bob Yoder

4/7/07, Election Notes and Resources

LAST DAY TO FILE FOR OFFICE: June 2.
PRIMARY - August 21, 2007; ELECTION DAY - November 6, 2007
Public Disclosure Commission - disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures --
FOLLOW THE MONEY: http://www.pdc.wa.gov/Public/Campaign/Default.aspx
REGISTER TO VOTE - King County Elections - http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/register.htm
ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION : http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/absentee.htm
absentee ballots are mailed August 1, 2007 for the Primary election.
MAYOR'S COMPENSATION : $121,900 (includes car allowance, travel & tuition budget)
COUNCILMEMBER'S COMPENSATION: $11,085 / year, each member
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Election commentary by Korby Parnell, Redmond Planning Commissioner http://blogs.msdn.com/korbyp/archive/2007/03/07/passing-the-community-torch-in-search-of-a-new-chief-executive-in-redmond.aspx#comments
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MAYORAL CANDIDATE WEBSITES AND CONTACT INFO:
Jim Robinson: http://www.robinsonformayor.com/ - VIDEO !!
jamesprobinson@earthlink.net
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John Marchione: Website: http://www.johnmarchione.com/ VIDEO!!
Email: john4mayor@comcast.net
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Holly Plackett: http://www.hollyplackett.com/ VIDEO !
425-881-7422
*** The Redmond Neighborhood Blog does not endorse mayoral or council candidates.
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COUNCIL CANDIDATE WEBSITES AND CONTACT INFO:
Position 5:
Michallea Schuelke: PTSA. President Eastside Lacrosse Club.
Campaign Website: http://www.redmondcouncil.com/ Video!
Email: schuelke4council@yahoo.com
vs.
Richard Cole: 16-year council incumbant, Position 5.
Email: rgcole@gte.com
Website: http://www.coleforcouncil.org/
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J. Marchione's seat, Position 1
Hank Myers running for Marchione's seat vs. Brian Conlin - announced in the Reporter on 9/9/07. 31-year Redmond resident. Lives in Overlake neighborhood. Experience in transportation. No web site, at this time. (Marchione's seat)
hank@hankmyersforredmond.org 425-408-3937
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J. Resha's seat, Position 3
"Hank" Margeson announced in today's 5/12 Reporter he would be running for John Resha's council seat. Mr. Resha has yet to make an announcement if he would run. Hank has put in many years of service as a Park Board Member and is currently Vice-Chair. Recently, he took a leadership role on the levy proposal to Council (tag "parks-commission" for the story). Hank is a 14 year resident of Redmond and lives on Education Hill where he was an active Education Hill CAC member. He wants to build a spirit of teamwork with the council and mayor and values being in close touch with his neighbors. Hank has been active in youth sports as a coach and umpire.
Friends-of-Hank@hotmail.com 425-885-1684
vs.
Brian Conlin http://www.voteconlin.com/ brian@voteconlin.com 425-286-7992 (Marchione's seat) http://www.conlinreport.com/
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James P. Robinson's seat, Position 7
Dave Carson - http://youngrepublicans.meetup.com/86/members/435937/
dmcarson@hotmail.com 206-484-8480 http://www.carson4council.com/ (work ???)
vs.
Brian Seitz - Web: http://electbrianseitz.com/ NEW VIDEO!
New Blog: http://electbrianseitz.blogspot.com/ 425-885-1332
Email: brianseitz@brianseitz.com

4/25/07, Parks Levy plans and presentation

The Parks Commissioners and Director Craig Larsen (above) pretty much received unanimous agreement and support for this proposal from COUNCIL & MAYOR at council's study session on levys, 4/25/07

Draft: Park and Recreation Levy Proposal
Background: The Redmond Parks and Recreation Department and the Redmond Parks Board have reviewed the options for a Parks and Recreation levy, and have the following findings and recommendations.

Findings:
Maintenance, Operation and Program expenses have surpassed current funding. We can not adequately maintain our parks, trails and facilities; respond to demand for programs; or adequately staff our parks and community centers.

With one exception, we have not received the funds needed to maintain parks and trails, street landscaping or other facilities purchased or built after 1999.

We do not have the resources to maintain parks, trails and facilities purchased or built after December 31, 2006.

We do not have the resources to maintain street right-of-way landscaping constructed after December 31, 2006.

The growth of Redmond area population, and the quality and success of our programs, creates demands for additional staff and program hours.

There are unfunded responsibilities for Native Growth Protection Easements, and urban forestry, and opportunities to expand the parks and recreation volunteer program which would improve habitat and reduce hazards.

In light of these challenges, it is appropriate and advisable to ask citizens to approve a levy sufficient to fund all critical park and recreation system needs.

Recommendations:

Seek a levy rate of $0.10/1000 AV to fund the following.
1. Teen Center FTE
$58,000

2. O&M Parks built before 2007
$307,000

3. O&M Parks built 2007 to 2012
$210,000

4. O&M street landscaping built 2007 to 2012
$120,000

5. Teen Center open seven days a week
$186,000

6. After School Programs for Elem./Jr. high
$75,000

7. Health, Wellness and Fitness
$30,000

8. Urban Forestry
$140,000

9.Expanded Arts Program
$50,000

10. Expanded Flower Program
$40,000

Total
$1,216,000

5/1/07 From the most recent meetings if appears Council will pay off all Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses by tapping into our Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The amount needed to pay off our O&M is about $605,000 - an equivalent of .05/$1K. Tranfering $$ from the CIP cuts down on the amount of the park levy. The levy is projected to be about 3 cents/$K property tax. After School Programs are up in the air. The CIP has idle, unallocated funds which can be judiciously used.

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4/25/07 PART 1 - PARKS LEVY - Intense council debate -- commissioners to the rescue!
I'm still recovering from last night's levy debate on safety (fire & police) and parks. Whoa! The levy issue is so HUGE for us I could ooze thoughts for days.

Unfortunately, a problem we must contend with is the "election factor" -- with the fuzziness and sometimes angst it brings. Perhaps, a separate story on levy politics? Here goes my first take on what came out of last night's discussion. This story focuses on the values of our unpaid citizen-volunteer parks & trails commissioners....

Kudos to The Board of Parks Commissioners! And, sincere thanks to council Pres. McCormick, Vice-Pres. Vache, and/or Parks Chair Jim Robinson for requesting the presence of the Parks commissioners for the parks levy discussion! The four commissioners who spoke up for the people -- three of which sat at the table -- did an incredibly AWESOME job explaining citizens need for parks and assuring Council that the money requested was truly justified. Special thanks to Lori Snodgrass, Sue Stewart, and Dayle "Hank" Margeson! (Hank is running for council this year.)

They did a tremendous job and I urge anyone who can watch the replay of their effort to tune into RCTV 21 this Sunday at 9PM. (I think they'll be on around 10:30PM after the fire/police gig).

My wife thought the city should do a survey of citizen's needs and desires for Parks. In fact, the commissioners did apparently do a survey a two years ago. The result -- according to commissioner Margeson, 2/3 of surveyed citizens agreed to support a .10/$K park levy increase (lid lift). That's huge community support.

In the end, we take confidence from the hard work of our parks & trails commissioners over the last 5 years (!) on their budget. Our dedicated commissioners are 100%, unpaid citizen volunteers -- many have children, some are seniors, some are teens, some artists, single and/or with families.

Some care about passive parks, others active parks, and arts parks, community parks, pocket parks; some care about trails or land acquisition, some value historic facilities like the Old Redmond School House and the Old Fire House Teen Center and wood artist Dudley Carter's homestead; or the new skateboard 'edge' park or rehabbed pool; and not least, the after-school daycare programs....an on...

In general, our commissioners care about all of our city's rich resources - our wellhead designs, open spaces, tree canopy, street corner flower pots, creeks, wildlife, watersheds and yes even plantings in our ever-growing street mediums --- yes, the Parks Dept. has maintained our mediums!

THUS , Council was blessed, and benefited greatly from inviting parks commissioners Sue Stewart, "Hank" Margeson, and Lori Snodgrass (and Mary B.) to sit at the table with council as consultants to our Council.

Council members did all that was within them to thank our commissioners for their valued advice, dedicated effort, and solid plan.

Commissioners put it all in perspective in stating: "the park levy is costing the equivalent of a tall, mocha latte per month". Thank you, I can relate to that. And, you listed exactly and openly your reasoning and benefits for this 'cup.'

Your integrity is valued. You say the neighborhoods and citizenry are behind it, will promote it. We believe you. You've spent 5 years working on this, hands-on, so your decisions aren't flippant. No politics of the moment. There is nothing tangible in it for you - money or power -- just your desire to serve. I respect you. Your needs are transparent. I trust you. You don't hide things from us.

My dear commissioners, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR US at the chamber table tonight!

If anyone wants to comment please follow the comment directions at the BOTTOM of this blog or email redmondblog@gmail.com for blog posting; I will cut n paste.

A Letter from Councilmember Hank Margeson encouraging safe disposal of unwanted prescriptions.

The City of Redmond is sponsoring a "drug drop-off" program this Saturday (10-2) at the Redmond Police Department Lobby.  Councilmmember Hank Margeson has been working hard for more than two years to form and  implement these programs. 

Here's what Hank has to say....

Hi Bob,

YES!  The Saturday drug drop-off  program is really great news. I had intended to write to you to put it on your blog, but was busy doing Safeco's work during the day and then stopped by the house to change before visiting Gold's Gym to get in a heavy workout. And to my delight, you wrote to me!

The drug drop-off program adds to the options our residents now have to safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescriptions. Most important, it offers the option to securely dispose of controlled substances, no questions asked. We need to keep educating everyone to avoid flushing (except in rare circumstances) drugs down the drain and ending up in our streams, rivers, lakes and the Sound. If dropping off isn't a good option for some, I encourage them to follow the guidance provided by Attorney General Rob McKenna, mix the unused prescriptions in a zip lock bag along with used coffee grounds or kitty litter and put them in the trash.

Taking a step back, while this is a one day event, the momentum seems to be moving in the right direction in terms of safely and securely disposing of prescriptions. Who knows what the future holds in terms of additional options drug disposal options.

Thanks for keeping this in your Blog!

On an unrelated note, are you hearing anything from your readership on Backyard Chickens?

Take Care,

Hank
 
Details on Saturday's drug-drop off program

On Chickens:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/09/city-may-revisit-backyard-chicken.html

GOING BACK IN TIME: "2011, Council approves Chicken Code"

This is an interesting 2011 report about the process the city went through in passing the "Backyard Chicken" ordinance. The current, approved Chicken ordinance is detailed here.  

Redmond City Council approves backyard chicken code

NOVEMBER 9, 2011:  Council approves Animal Husbandry (backyard chicken) code 6-2 (Carson and Cole voting NO).  A noted requirement is covenants will be honored and supersede the animal husbandry code.

Redmond City Council held a final study session November 7 on "Small Animal Husbandry" - commonly known as "Backyard chickens."  Their normal Tuesday meeting was cancelled for the Election.  Council plans to adopt  "Backyard chicken policy and code" on December 6, without any further study sessions.

After thorough discussion, Council consented to Chicken regulations.  The ordinance is expected to include the following code:

• Mandatory registration.  (Permits, subject to land use requirements, are not required.
• Maximum allowable chickens decided by Residential zoning only.  Lot size is irrelevant.
• One Acre (R-1) and 1/2 acre (R-2) lots are allowed a maximum of 10 chickens (hens only).
• R-4 and R-5 lots are the most common SFH lots in Redmond.  (4-5 lots/acre).  R-4 lots allowed a  maximum of 4 hens, R-5 allowed a maximum of 3 hens.  R-6 maximum 3 hen
• In R-8 lots chickens won't be allowed.
• Setbacks:  15' setbacks for adjacent property required with exceptions.
• Slaughter:  May slaughter 1 chicken per day on site.  More than 1 chicken must be slaughtered off-property in a slaughterhouse, farm, non-residential area. 
• Predators:  sturdy coop required
• City Small Animal Husbandry Code will not supersede Homeowners Associations (HOA). 
• No roosters

Councilmember Kim Allen was the proponent.  She ran the meeting and drove consensus.  Councilmember Hank Margeson had experience in Tacoma with backyard hens in his youth and was considered a council 'expert.'  Hank suggested "no more than a handful of chickens," except for 1/2 acre lots.  He said "chickens should only supplement food, not feed a family of four year-round."  Councilmember Carson has two dogs and his wife was in real estate; he was against backyard chickens.  Councilmember Hank Myers suggested keeping the rules simple saying too many regulations will keep people from participating.  Margeson owns a horse and raised 3 hens as a kid living in Tacoma.  Mayor Marchione was present and quiet throughout the discussion.

Cole, Stilin, and Vache were openly concerned about chicken owners who mistreat or miss-manage their poultry.  Code enforcement was their big issue.  Apparently, the history of chicken neglect and nuisance in other cities is very low.  Cole ended the discussion stating he won't endorse backyard chickens on the basis of:  smell, noise, real estate, disease, predators, potential for harm to the animals.  His property is governed by HOA rules.

Margeson referred to Sustainable Redmond for their help in getting the word out and educating Redmond citizenry.

Reported By Bob Yoder

OPINION: Progress at Council Meetings!

OPINION: Progress is one word that summarizes last night's Council meeting led by Mr. Mayor Marchione and Council President McCormick.

What stands out the most? Mr. Mayor is conducting more efficient, shorter council meetings. It also appears he is not pitting one councilmember against another. Mr. Mayor appears to be transferring the time saved at council meetings to engaging citizens and staff in five departmental-focused Council Committees (members & meeting times are at this link).

Each council committee is chaired by a councilmember. The most active right now are: Hank Margeson chairing "Planning and Public Works" and Hank Myers chairing "Parks and Human Services."

• Councilman Margeson took a long day touring the new Cascade Water Alliance infrastructure of Lake Tapps. He made note of the aging dam and concurred with it's need for repair or replacement. Mr. Margeson was pleased with the Alliance.
• Councilman Myers held an informal focus group with a few Grasslawn Park citizens concerned about on-site public works construction, lighting, and noise. The meeting was held at HopeLink and I think citizens attending off-site felt less intimidated than meeting at City Hall. Mr. Myers also conducted a 20 minute "poverty simulation". Councilmen Vache and Myers learned so much from it that they want to participate in a 3 hour meeting at a later date. I think the public might be invited if they have it.
• Council President McCormick is Chair of all Council Committees. Nancy McCormick is to be thanked for including citizens in the process as never has been done before. Of note, Nancy said council decided at their "Retreat" to link the Minutes of each meeting into the weekly "online agenda" (posted under Timely Topics of this site).
• Hank Myers' next Parks and Human Services meeting will be held at the "Parks Maintenance and Operations" building. He didn't explain the agenda. There is plenty of space for citizen participation. Do you think you'll go?

Planning and Development Executive Rob Odle was looking sharp in a new suit and was entertaining and happy. What happened to that mohair jacket?! Did Mr. Mayor award Mr. Odle with a promotion or raise? Or is he just happier in his job? I've noticed a spark from some other department Directors, too.

Many staff are citizens of Redmond or Greater Redmond. Mr. Odle, Mr. Spangler, Mr. Hitch, Ms. Stiteler, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Cairns are just a few I know. I've seen more public participation from them lately and...staff of Greater Redmond. It's good to see engagement & inclusivity of ALL our citizens in city government. Whatever Marchione is doing, it appears it's paying off.

What do you think about the city's progress? Are we making progress? Do you think citizens and our neighbors will go to Council Committee meetings if they are held off-site?

Growth management issues were also discussed in length. But, I'll save that for a future report!

Bob Yoder, co-author, Education Hill neighborhood

2019 Candidate Contributions

Hank Myers

"Campaign Funds For Community," Hank Myers  Redmond Reporter, 11/14/2019

"Thanks to all the Redmond voters that made this election energetic and the best reflection of public values in 12 years. I sent the following message to all 10 candidates for city offices and hope they will join me.

As we close down our campaign accounts, perhaps you have some money left over. There are several things you can do with the money. I am hoping you will join me by donating any money left to nonprofit operations that benefit Redmond and its residents.

My first give is to the Green Redmond program. One-gallon Douglas fir and Sitka spruce trees cost the city $3.50 each. I am hoping to donate $350 to plant 100 trees. If all 10 candidates do that, we can reforest a couple of acres at least.

My second choice is The Sophia Way women’s shelter. They have had a rocky time recently with organization and management. Additional money should help stabilize them and help them hire a permanent executive director.

Third on my list is the Landing, the young adult shelter operated by Friends of Youth at the Together Center in Redmond.

If I have any money left over, it will go to Union Gospel Mission, which is ramping up its Eastside efforts. You may know Jason Dick, a Redmond resident who is their development director. By next Tuesday, I should know how much I have left, and will again encourage candidates to put any leftover funds into community good."

Hank Myers

Redmond city council candidate

Candidate Contributions:

Hank B. Myers $19,575.00   Varisha M. Khan $38,175.98

David M. Carson $9,730.00   Carlos S. Jimenez $4,595.00

Vanessa E. Kritzer $30,804.51   Eugene Zakharaeyev $1,839.95

Jessica G. Forsythe $13,530.98  Dayle "Hank" Margeson $16,460.58

Angela E. Birney $105,636.00   Steven J. Fields $22,524.40

Reported by Bob Yoder

12/6/19

 PDC

Mental Health Court and Emergency Preparedness are 'studied' by Council

City Council Study Session with City Directors present

Updated:  The City Council and staff are pictured above in their September 29th  "Study Session."   Council President Nancy McCormick chairs the sessions twice a month on Tuesdays.

The Directors and Council were in session to get emergency preparedness "training" on how they fit into the  "Incident Command System" (ICS) program.  ICS is a nationally mandated standard cities must follow to qualify for federal funding disaster relief.  Pictured with backs to us, giving the training are (l-r) Mayor John Marchione, Emergency Specialist Tom Osborn, and Deputy Fire Chief Tom Norton.

Stephanie D. Mapelli, President of Leadership Eastside, was a first presenter at the Study Session. Leadership Eastside is a three-year teaching program that promotes connections, develops and enriches emerging  leaders, and provides a catalyst for communities.  John Marchione, Jeni Craswell, Hank Margeson, and Tom Flynn are a few who have graduated from the program.  Arts Commission Chair, John Stilin and Deputy Fire Chief Norton are "on deck".  The student mix is:  60% profit, 20% government, and 20% non government non profit.

Ms. Mapelli brought up the issue of Mental Health.  She stated that pretty much everyone knows someone afflicted with a brain disorder.  She commended Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Hank Margeson on their work through Eastside Leadership, to push for a suburban  Mental Health Court.  (The hard work has been done by our leaders, yet, the suburban mental health court is delayed by lagging taxes of the poor economy).

Council President Nancy McCormick usually holds a "council talk time" at the end of the session.   Hank Myers said that 70 citizens showed up at a weed-pulling work party at a city park.   Mr. Myers is known for biking to these programs with his large clippers.

Would you like to see how LWSD "sessions" compare to the city's sessions?   They are strikingly different.  Come back and see? 

story and photo by Bob Yoder

updated to correct "Mental Health Court" link. 

UPDATED: Redmond Council To Hold Special Meeting on Budget

President Richard Cole (3rd from left)

UPDATED:  This evening, 11/30,  the Mayor is asking Council to review and possibly vote on the proposed budget and the Tax and Fee increases that are budgeted for the next two years (2011 -2012).  You may comment by email.


 PROPOSED TAX AND FEE INCREASES:
>  1% assessed property tax increase of $291,777
>  $2,980,533 Salary, Wages, Benefits increase includes 1% ($680,015) cost-of-living increase.
> 10% Water Rate increase for city
> 14% Water Rate increase for Novelty Hill Service Area
> 28% Wastewater Rate increase for Novelty Hill Service Area (2011 only)
> 4% Wastewater Rate increase for city.
> $240,000 Business License Fee increase (BITI)
> Stormwater Capital Impervious Unit Charges increase to: $8,539 (Overlake) and $5,435 (Downtown)
> Stormwater Capital Impervious Unit Charge for developers increase to $958/unit.
> Impact Fees on LWSD and private developers 1.64% (FIRE), 1.24% (PARKS)
> 50% reduction in the Flower Pot Program (open for reconsideration tomorrow)  Read More.

READ MORE >>

"ATTENTION! The comment under this Council Committee story may make you drowsy. Do not operate a vehicle after reading it!!"

For the sake of brevity and your reading enjoyment, I've posted edited excerpt's of my correspondence with City Clerk, Michelle McGehee under "comments".  

To find our Q&A please press the "comments" button underneath this post.

Chair Hank Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 9/17

This committee meeting had quorum and voted to advise staff on an annexation issue.

 L-R Hank Myers, Kim Allen, Richard Cole (by door), Hank Margeson (under clock)

Council President Nancy McCormick

story and photo by Bob Yoder

Annual Horace Mann Pancake fundraiser not so ordinary!

HORACE MANN PTSA ANNUAL
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Dad's have to get up at  5:30 a.m. to start whipping up the batter.  (Moms sleep in?) 

The grill is just outside the school kitchen.  Other dads are in back frying up some bacon and cutting orange wedges. 

This year the gate opened at 7 a.m. The kids were treated to ring-side seats of the Greatest Saturday Morning City Show On Earth!

A large contingent of police and fire workers turned-out!  They all bought tickets to support the PTSA and fill up on cakes.  Then John Marchione, our Mayor, stepped in.  Four  councilmembers came too!  On the left with hat, is Council VP Pat Vache', Mayor John Marchione is in the middle and on the right is John Stilin - our newest councilmember.  Mr. Stilin brought his two sons.  He's the Council Chair of Parks & Trails.  Not seen is Council President Richard Cole and Councilmember Hank Margeson.  Hank Chairs the Finance Committee.  Hank had to leave early to get to a baseball  Referee Certification Progam.   Hank informed us about the breakfast when he announced the event on RC-TV during a council meeting. Thanks, Hank!

The kids got a huge bonus when the fire trucks stopped by.  "Hey, this is better than chocolate milk"!

I can't remember my daughter Lexie ever sitting down with her pancakes to an event of this proportion.  Wow.  What a treat!

The PTSA mom's were happy, too!   

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Do any other Horace Mann parents remember these times?   Do you want to share a memory?  Or, comment on the fundraiser experience of your school? 

1/11/07 Election 2007! Let the games begin!

scroll down for updates

2007 is a BIG YEAR for our city with the elections just around the corner. Four council positions are up for grabs (Cole, Marchione, Resha, Robinson), all with terms expiring 12/31/07. Last year Mayor Rosemarie Ives announced she would not to run again. With the thin line-up of mayoral candidates filing many hope the winds will change for Rosemarie. They Mayor's salary has been raised to over $125,000, plus travel perks.

One cannot dispute THE GAMES ARE ON! Political undercurrents of the pending elections will pitch and roll the governing process for the rest of the year. Accurate assessment of the activities of mayor, council, commissions and yes, staff, necessitates factoring in election politics.
A significant segment of our city population works for Microsoft, other high-technology companies or are Microsoft retirees. If YOU or a Microsoft contact is exploring the idea of running for an office, please contact:

The King County Board of Elections, 500 4th Ave. Rm 533 Seattle, WA. 98104 206-296-8683, elections@metrokc.gov ; http://www.metroke.gov/elections/

High-technology workers have never been represented on council; and to the outside world, Redmond is Microsoft! 12000 new MS workers will work here soon! Citizens, please consider service to your city. Encourage your friends. ["Perks": You'll be on TV every week, recieve admiration & recognition, be entrusted with power, shape the city, and receive the princely salary of $800/month! J ]

UPDATE: Microsoft employee and Redmond native, Brian Seitz is running for Council vs. Mr Carson. I wish Brian well. EMAIL: brianseitz@hotmail.com

With all that's up for grabs this year we can expect quite a commotion, some good head fakes and not-so-good moves from our “The Starting Line-Up” , The Bench, and the Coach's Draft.

“THE STARTING LINE-UP” FOR COUNCIL:
Richard Cole – filed to run for council; as of 4/15 unopposed POSITION #5, TERM EXPIRES 12/31/07 Member, Public Administration and Finance Committee Member, Public Safety Committee Richard Cole, now in his fifth term on the Council, was first elected to a term beginning in 1988. Originally from Logan, Utah, Richard has resided in Redmond's North Redmond and Education Hill neighborhood for over 24 years.
VS.
Michella -----------

John Marchione – filed to run for mayor ; Brian Conlin is running for Resha's seat; Hank Myers is running unchallenged for Marchione's seat.

Position #1 POSITION #1, TERM EXPIRES 12/31/07 Marchione is Chair, Public Administration and Finance Committee Member, Planning and Public Works Committee
WEBSITE: http://www.johnmarchione.com/ NEW VIDEO !

John is Director of Finance and Human Resources at Meydenbauer Center. He has experience in local government finance and management. He holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington and a BA from Seattle University. John grew up in Redmond and lives on Education Hill with his wife and two children. This is his first term on the City Council.

John Resha * 5/16/07 - announced he will NOT be running for re-election. POSITION #3, TERM EXPIRES 12/31/07 Chair, Planning and Public Works Committee Member, Parks and Human Services Committee John has served on the Redmond City Council since January 2004. Originally from Southern California, he has lived in Redmond since 1998 and currently resides in the Education Hill neighborhood. John works for UrbanTrans Consulting.

"Hank" Margeson announced in today's 5/12 Reporter he would be running for John Resha's council seat. Mr. Resha has yet to make an announcement if he would run. Hank has put in many years of service as a Park Board Member and is currently Vice-Chair. Recently, he took a leadership role on the levy proposal to Council (tag "parks-commission" for the story). Hank is a 14 year resident of Redmond and lives on Education Hill where he was an active Education Hill CAC member. He wants to build a spirit of teamwork with the council and mayor and values being in close touch with his neighbors. Hank has been active in youth sports as a coach and umpire.

Jim Robinson * 2/21 announcement he is running for Mayor - in the "Redmond Reporter" POSITION #7, TERM EXPIRES 12/31/07 Chair, Parks and Human Services Committee Member, Public Administration and Finance Committee. http://robinsonformayor.com/ NEW VIDEO !!

Jim has been a member of the Redmond City Council since January, 1992. He has lived in Redmond since 1983 and resides in the Grass Lawn neighborhood west of Marymoor Park. Jim was born and raised in Everett and works for the Boeing Company as a financial analyst. He has a BA Political Science from Willamette University, a Master of International Management from American Graduate of International Management, and a MBA from Seattle University.
Dave Carson running for Robinson's council seat


INTERNET PAGE: http://youngrepublicans.meetup.com/86/members/435937/
vs.
Brian Seitz is running for Robinson's council seat EMAIL: brianseitz@hotmail.com
WEBSITE: http://www.electbrianseitz.com/ NEW VIDEO !!
Holly Plackett - filed for Mayor (past Redmond Council member (4 years), Planning Commissioner (6 years); supports our present Strong Mayor form of government. http://www.hollyplackett.com/ VIDEO!

"PLAYERS ON THE BENCH” and well-prepared to enter the Game:
Suzanne Querry, (Planning Commissioner for years; moderate, Starbuck's executive)
Lori Snodgrass (Parks Board Chair, parks commissioner- 9 years- resigned 6/07)
Other than Ms. Holly Plackett, none of the above 'benched' players have told me they are ready to play at this stage of the game, if at all. To say the least, the roster is thin.

Possible recruits for "THE COACH'S DRAFT" and being bantered around:
Kimberly Allen, Council member – for mayor
a civic-minded MSN "butterfly" or 2
Who did I miss? Hopefully, and for the good health of our fair city of Redmond, qualified candidates will step forward!!

If you or someone you know is thinking of running or an office or have questions about how to run, please contact : The King County Board of Elections, 500 4th Ave. Rm 533 Seattle, WA. 98104 206-296-8683, elections@metrokc.gov ; If I can help you, please email me at redmondblog@gmail.com

I will be updating this site on a regular basis. Of final note, some encouragement from Council member Jim Robinson: " ...in 2007 there will be four council positions open and the mayor’s position open. I would encourage one and all to run for council or mayor." -Jim Robinson,
Council Member, 12/30/06

Election commentary by Korby Parnell, Redmond Planning Commissioner http://blogs.msdn.com/korbyp/archive/2007/03/07/passing-the-community-torch-in-search-of-a-new-chief-executive-in-redmond.aspx#comments

Holly Plackett, mayoral candidate, 2/22/07. ..."on filing, we (candidates) don't have to indicate which council seat is being selected --- the same is true for the Mayor's seat -- until the first week of June we can switch and run for a council seat if we chose. ...We can't file for two offices at the same time however -- if we chose to run for Mayor the first week in June, then we are committed to that race."

The Redmond Neighborhood Blog is not endorsing mayoral or council candidates at this time. 4/27/07

UPDATED: Musings on the Elected's and Public's participation in affairs of our city

I  try to watch every Council meeting, will occasionally critique the Elected on my blog and send links of these posts by email to mayorcouncil@redmond.gov so they know "I'm not talking behind their back"; but most of all they can hopefully learn from what I've observed. Councilman Hank Myers labels me a gadfly because I have been doing this for years.  He values the gadfly role and on several occasions has thanked me.  Hank recently told me he reads my blog; I have a good relationship with him. Recently Councilmember Kim Allen thanked me on Facebook for being "a facilitator over all the years."  I value my relationship with Hank and Kim.  .

Other than Councilmembers John Stilin, David Carson, Hank and Kim I can't recall any other Councilmember giving me feedback on this blog. Though, once a long time ago President Hank Margeson told me he read it. The Mayor has appeared to ignore me over the many years I've been reporting.  He finally surfaced this week by email. Other than asking me for minor edits on a post, his email was less than encouraging to put it mildly. I think my main problem in communicating with John Marchione is he hates public scrutiny and only wants to hear constructive criticism behind closed doors. It's certainly not because I haven't emailed him on various issues over the years. My impression is the Mayor is too busy with regional and downtown matters to listen to the residential community. Some of his supporters say John always responds to emails. This has not been the case for me.      .

Our elected persistently ask (if not beg) the public for participation and feedback on the affairs of the city.  Marchione said in the mayoral debate he tries to reach out to the community with televised Council and Commissioner meetings, the Focus magazine, the city website and visits to the elementary schools.  John should be giving even more attention to the neighborhoods, especially with "the town turned upside down" from rapid development. He is weak on Public Outreach and rarely listens to the residents and for that sole reason I'm voting for Fields. Otherwise, I think he's a good city administrator and leader.   I do appreciate the one or two times he held a coffee at the Senior Center long ago,

John Stilin holds a coffee at Soulfood every Tuesday at 3 pm. Mr. Stilin,, Ms. Allen are members of the "Education Hill of Redmond" Facebook Group and at times participate.  Mr Myers is working with Ms. Allen to hold Q&A "listening sessions" in the neighborhoods. Councilmember Tom Flynn recently wrote an excellent piece in the Redmond Reporter. Of course our elected are getting copious feedback from the community with this election. For this, we should thank Steve Fields.

As stated, I've chosen to participate in the affairs of the city with my blog.  Like 99% of my neighbors I find it intimidating and usually  non productive to go to City Hall Council Meetings and participate.  Most of my neighbors don't even know the meetings exist or are televised. If they did watch a Council meeting many would probably find them scripted, stale, boring and above the level of the people.

However, this week's Council meeting was a breakthrough moment especially for the Mayor--it appears he's listened.  I've never heard him participate so much at a business meeting -- nor the Council so active and skillful in inviting him into the conversation. The Ombudsman Report was lively and broad. The dais was humming.  I only pray this will not be a one-time event.  You can see for yourselves by tuning into Comcast RCTV channel 21 on Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm. Or watch the meeting online here.

Opinion by Bob Yoder

Political Signs growing like city weeds

Election 2010 is upon us and the campaign signs are 'growing like weeds'.   This intersection of 166th AVE NE  and NE 104th St. is one good example.

If you think the signs are abundant for Election 2010, just wait til next year.   Election 2011 will feature 9 local elections!   This blog will help you learn about the candidates.   The following positions are up for election in November, 2011: 

• City of Redmond - Mayor John Marchione and Councilmembers Hank Myers, David Carson, and Hank "Dayle" Margeson are all up for election in Novermber, 2011.  In addition, Richard Cole will retire from his 24 year city council career.
• Lake Washington School District:  School Board members Christopher Carlson, Ravi Shahani, and Jackie Pendergrass terms will end and their districts are up for election November, 2011
• Evergreen Public Hospital Commissioner Augie Kempf  term ends 2011.

As of today, my blog will report more specifically on these candidates and their actions throughout 2010 and 2011- and their challengers.  I gather much of my information by watching and attending their meetings and corresponding.   To report fairly, comprehensively, with balance and color, my blog depends on your input, comments and opinions!  So, please send in those cards and letters!  If you want to write a specific Letter about a candidate (and include your photo), please do! 

As for the city weeding this roadside island?   You might try Mayor John Marchione.  The Mayor is over all City Operations.  Hank Margeson is a good bet, too.  Both John and Hank live about 1/4 from this intersection.  

Posted by Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder
7/29 

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

UPDATED EDITORIAL: City staff reins in Council on salary decisions.

UPDATED EDITORIAL ON 11/29:  One thing I've learned about city council is their dependence on staff  for the information they need.  The influence staff  has over Council can make a councillor's job run smoothly and with respect, or run rough.

So, it doesn't take a new councillor long  to accept the bridle on salary decisions.  (66% of the general operating fund pays for Staff compensation expenditures)

READ MORE >>

Council Study Session on Human Resources, City Growth, and Tree Canopy

The March 14 Redmond City Council study session included some interesting topics on 1) human resources, 2) city communication regarding rapid growth, and 3) the city's tree canopy.

HUMAN RESOURCES:  Melody Mathes, Director of Human Resources stated their employee turnover rate was lower than the state and region.  Though this bodes well, she was concerned that it is becoming a little more difficult to retain workers (owing to salaries).  In fact, she said she would be evaluating salaries for possible increases!

CITY GROWTH:  There was a reported dip down in whether the community thought the city was heading in the right direction...from 2013.  There was also a dip down in whether the community thought the city was communicating well with the public.  Jane Christianson, Deputy City Administrator suggested the city needed to communicate better about the rapid growth downtown.  Councilmember Stilin said there are two audiences:  One group that favors the change to Cleveland Street and all the high rises going up and another group that opposes these changes.  President Hank Margeson looked at the complainers as "toddlers" that haven't grown up yet.  Councilmember Kim Allen said a brochure that explained why Redmond is undergoing all this growth would be helpful.

TREE CANOPY:  It has been scientifically determined that the tree canopy in the city is 39%...about equal to Kirkland.  This includes the watershed preserve.  63 acres of tree canopy were lost to development since 2009 (2.5%).  This figure does not include the loss of tree canopy to development at Overlake's Group Health property.  37 acres of canopy was lost in North Redmond between 2009-2013.  10  acres was lost on Education Hill.  Of course continued development in 2014 and 2015 will further destroy canopy.  From three years of data 376 landmark trees have been removed.  President Hank Margeson roughly calculated that Group Health's Capstone development so far has planted 1500 of the 3000 trees that they are obligated to plant and he asked Planner Cathy Beam to stay on top of this.  Councilmember Kim Allen says the city should strive for "no net loss of trees and even increase their numbers."  Developers are supposed to pay $250/tree into a tree replacement fund for every tree they can't replace.  So far the city has planted 12,000 trees (not counting Capstone) from this fund and used it to pay for tree maintenance to ensure survivability. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

Commissions are the incubator of city Leadership.

OPINION: In a story a few posts down, I focused on three recent problematic issues surrounding two city Commissions. I hope you'll enjoy reading this positive story about the great good that comes out of our Commissions.

When thinking about "what's right" with our commissions it is clear commissions often serve as an "incubator" for the growth and development of new city leaders, councilmembers, and mayors.

For Example:

1. Four sitting councilmembers were once commissioners. Councilmember Hank Margeson was a past Vice Chair with Parks Commission. Councilmembers Richard Cole, Kim Allen, Pat Vache, and Nancy McCormick were once on the Planning Commission. Of special interest, Pat Vache sat on the first Planning Commission established by the City. I nick-name Mr. Vache "The Commissioner".

2. Tom Payne was on the Parks Commission before election to Council. He has since resigned.

3. Suzanne Querry was a Parks Commissioner before Vice-Chairing the Planning Commission. Suzanne is the only citizen I know who has served on two commissions. She is well qualified to be a councilmember should she choose to run.

4. Richard Grubb has been a long-time community activist, councilmember and eloquent speaker. I don't know if he was ever a commissioner. Maybe a reader could fill in the blanks.

5. Mayor Rosemarie Ives informed me she served on the Planning Commission for six years and as councilmember for four years, before being elected Mayor for 16 years.

6. Mayor Doreen Marchione served on Council for two years.

7. Mayor John Marchione served on Council for four years, though not on a commission.

8. Redmond's first woman Mayor Christine Himes opened up a dozen new parks and a citywide trail system so she may have been on a Parks Commission of sorts before becoming Mayor?

Citizen Advisory Committees and the Redmond Historical Society are other ways to volunteer and grow into a commissioner or council seat. Miguel Llanos, V.P. Redmond Historical Society and Newsletter Editor was recently sworn in to the Landmarks and Heritage Commission. Councilman Hank Margeson served on the Education Hill CAC. Planning Commissioner Querry was the Ed. Hill CAC liaison. Martin and Lori Snodgrass once chaired two different commissions as spouses under the Ives Administration. I posted a story on the Snodgrasses in 2007.

The bottom line? "Much good" comes out of our commissions! Personally, I have high hopes for an Arts Commissioner to rise up to a Council position. I believe their time is coming.

Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adults"

Hank Margeson

At last night's City Council Meeting, Councilmember Hank Margeson noted that the Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adult"  - including late teens to early 20's.  He said this is not widely known.   

Fifty years and up qualifies one as a Senior with full access to the Center.  However, for late teens there are still many activities.  Some require the presence of a Senior; others don't.  Sign-in at the Front Desk.   

According to Terry Burke, Senior Center Manager, the outside area along the Sammamish Trail is a city park and is open to all.  Volleyball, horse-shoes, and pickle ball, badmitten, and shuffle board are open to the public, as are the picnic tables.  Check into the front desk for balls, rackets and horse shoes.  The Center has four indoor ping pong tables and three billiard tables.

Center hours are M-Th, 8:30 - 9 p.m. and Friday 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.   The Center is interested in attracting more 30-49 year-olds and is expecting most teens will attend the Teen Center.  The Redmond Senior Center is located at 8703 - 160th Ave NE.  Their website is being updated but has contact information and a brief listing of services.

RNB reported on adult teen and low 20's access to the Senior Science Center in August of 2009.  My story and pictures of the "outdoor park play area" are here.