UPDATED OPINION: Lake Washington School District Making Big Strides Forward

OPINION (UPDATED):    The Lake Washington School Board significantly improved their governance process from the last year and the Administration is playing a large role toward that end. 

From the 18+ board meetings I've observed in recent years, there's no comparison in their quality of work this year from past.  This year, the Sup. functions more often as resource; and Board members are participating, communicating, sharing and brainstorming during meetings.  They appear more engaged and more articulate and thoughtful with each other and staff.

In last year's "work sessions" the Board's work was dominated by the Administration; conversation was infrequent and directed by staff.  A Director of Curriculum was the most frequent speaker and would drone on with his data.  Click the blue link to "Read More" >>

UPDATED OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer to qualifying for February 7 ballot

UPDATE: 
9/21/2011 - NEWS FLASH:   THE MAYOR AND HIS CITY LAWYER, MR. HANEY, ANNOUNCE TODAY THAT THE 6000 PETITIONS ARE ILLEGAL ACCORDING TO STATE LAW AND WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE COUNTY FOR FILING.  B.Y.  Eyman's Editorial  9/22 

Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Cole's OpEd in response to Eyman's Editoral., 9/22

Scott Harlan, Redmond activist

from the Desk of Scott Harlan, Redmond resident and activist... 

OPINION:  "My goal is to get a public vote on the redlight camera program so the citizens can say “yes” or “no”.  If they say “yes”, I am fine with that (although I would personally vote no.)

We are quickly approaching the end of the redlight signature signature gathering phase of this campaign.  With a little bit more work, we are well on our way to qualify for the ballot (which will be on February 7th). 

Campaign Update:  There has been a little confusion about the [red light signature gathering campaign,] so let me clear that up.   The signature gathering phase of an initiative lasts a full six months.  For gathering signatures, that final date is roughly September 20th.  Once the signatures are gathered, they are turned in to the county for verification.  After the city council acts, the measure would then go on the ballot for the next election per certain regulatory time-frames. 

For Redmond Initiative #1, that means that the measure goes on the February ballot.  Making the November ballot in time would have required a miracle given the size of Redmond. [ ] The county just requires too much lead time to make a November ballot.  When we are on the February ballot, that will be success." 

The following Redlight Signature Gathering Event is scheduled for September 10th:

Redlight Signature Gathering Event:

When:  Saturday, September 10th

 from 9:30am to 3:30pm 

(2-3 hour shifts are just fine and appreciated)

Where:  Meet at the Together Center board room

 (16225 NE 87th, Redmond, WA  98052)

Opinion By Scott Harlan

News and opinion on local candidates running for office in 2011 -- LW Schools, Redmond, Evergreen, and KingCo.

UPDATED:  This post launches the beginning of Redmond Neighborhood Blog coverage on the November election and the candidates running.  The filing deadline to register for the ballot is June 10, less than 30-days away. 

I've prepared this  Election 2011 - Candidate News to keep you posted on the latest news on the candidates and citizens who are considering a run.  When you visit the blog you will find this link on the front page header.  It's updated regularly.

"Election 2011 - Candidate News" is also a resource for those interested in running for an office.  As of today, of the ten local seats are up for grabs only eight candidates have filed!
Click blue link to Read More >>

Mayor Marchione gives his vision for Downtown at "Coffee Chat". Some citizens voice concerns about downtown growth.

 Mayor Marchione is seen answering citizen questions and concerns about imbalances between road infrastructure and growth.

Update:  Mayor John Marchione is pictured here during his "Coffee Chat" with citizens at the Redmond Senior Center last Friday.  Over 20 citizens sat in to hear the Mayor talk about his vision for the downtown. The ensuing Q&A centered on citizen concerns and questions about:  1) infrastructure keeping up with high-density growth, 2) adequate parking, 3) height of downtown buildings, and 4)  the departure of longtime retail stores.

The YOUTUBE video starts out with citizen concerns about the 108 unit Mondavio project under construction on RED-WOOD Road.  This talk topic leads to a very interesting thread of mayoral - citizen commentary.  In November 2007, I wrote an opinion during the campaign that "John Marchione shouldn't be blamed for Redmond's skyscraping growth".  

A discussion on retail ensued.  Mayor Marchione noted the COSTCO project for SE Redmond appears to have fallen through (no fault of the city).  Some longtime retail has been fleeing or out of businesss (Linens & Things, Kits Cameras, the Bear Creek frame shop, Joanne's Fabric, Lakeside Drug, Hallmark and various Redmond Town Center shops).  Mayor Marchione has redirected staff to begin an economic development program.

Do you have a thought, opinion, or remark about how downtown Redmond is growing?   Please comment below this post.  Or, send your opinion to redmondblog@gmail.com with your name and permission to publish as a LETTER.

by Bob Yoder

OPINION: Planned development on corner of Willows & 124th brings challenges and opportunities

Could something like this happen here? haha
Internet 

Updated 1/29, 1:01 PM

Quadrant is working with the City to develop "Business District" property at the intersection of NE 124th Street and Willows Road on the Southwest corner. The Planning Commission was very involved.

Here goes. 

The Applicant (Fred Proctor) is proposing a mixed-use development consisting of approximately 370 residential units with a variety of housing types that would include for-sale townhomes, triplex and traditional for-rent apartment style dwellings. The development would also include a minimum of 20,000 sq. ft. of ground-level or stand-alone retail or commercial space, to include neighborhood-scale commercial uses, office, and/or day care center uses.

Willows Road is already congested and traffic is poor here; and will be more challenged when Facebook moves in.  Council member Myers calls this development "a ten minute community" where many of the residents can work nearby, keeping cars off the road (with some shopping at Totem Lake.)  A necessary signal on 124th is sure to slow traffic. The development is virtually it's own neighborhood.

To mitigate traffic the City will try to work with Metro for all day service.  Right now it's AM / PM.  Whenever possible, I won't be driving through this corner.  A new sidewalk is planned on 124th is to connect a northern and western trail, I assume for pedestrian and bicycle mobility.

The range of housing types creates needed flexibility to integrate with the site and creates more variation in housing affordability:

  >10% of the townhomes will be at 80% of average monthly income.
  >10% of the apartments will be at 70% of average monthly income.

The development will include open space tracts, landscaped active and passive recreation, a trail network, and potentially, a gateway/bike rest stop feature on the northeast corner of the site.  Open space is 20% of the site.

Green development incentives specific to the site are 1) electric vehicle charging, 2) green roofs, 3) solar panels on townhomes, 4) solar panels on community buildings.  Quadrant is required to use two of the four options.  Council member Myers said solar is a poor choice for our region since "there is a -500% rate of return."

What's your opinion?

For development diagrams, plans and mapping click this link.

https://redmond.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6991868&GUID=8B0CADAE-4CB4-498E-B110-FFD3C43BA5D7

  -- Bob Yoder, opinion

Source:  1/27/2019 Council study session & memo

UPDATED OPINION, 4/30: Mayor Birney Should Speak Up On Plymouth Housing

OPINION:  Redmond is in turmoil.  From the blue "Demand a Say" signs scattered all over our city and numerous City Hall meetings over-flowing with protesters, we all know Council (and indirectly the Mayor) made a fateful "Plymouth decision" to welcome 100 homeless to our downtown.    

Some background:  The King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRA) is promoting a regional approach to the homeless problem and now taking Seattle's severe homeless problem to the suburbs.  Their disorganized strategy didn't work in Kenmore and it's certainly not working in Redmond.   

Bellevue accepted the first Plymouth Housing building on the Eastside. It opened on July 23, 2023 and is located in a distant 10-acre low income "ecosystem."  So far, no news.

To qualify for a Plymouth studio in Bellevue, potential residents "must have been homeless for at least a year and have at least one disability."  Thus, the conditions of these homeless are severe, by far "not run of the mill."  In 2027 should Redmond have a similar building hopefully our homeless will have  enough Plymouth human services to keep them off the streets, alive and well, with several finding a semi-normal life.          

At Bellevue's Plymouth, "three staff members will live on-site and a health care clinic will allow these homeless to meet with primary care and psychiatry providers, and have an option for 24/7 telehealth urgent care."  Fantastic!  I hope this comes to fruition with many residents exiting.  

Clarity is needed for our community. Mayor Birney should speak directly to the public to explain Council's policy, quell miss-information and stimulate productive, community conversations. Until the Mayor starts leading the chaos could well continue.   

-- Bob Yoder, 4/8/2024, Updated Opinion 4/30/24

Sources:  Seattle Times, 3/21/2024  Seattle Times, 7/17/2023  Plymouth Housing website  redmondblog.org  Cartoon: The New Yorker.                    

The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Mission Statement, Goals, Achievements

Friends and Guests,

 The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" brings transparency to the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Hospital District and other local jurisdictions, to encourage them to listen to their constituents and make positive changes; the Blog helps Greater Redmond citizens to be seen and heard in their neighborhoods and come together to find solutions. Your comments and stories are welcome."

I’ve lived in Redmond 30 years.  I publish the Redmond Neighborhood Blog because I am passionate about where live and I love being active in my community and local government.  The Blog is my avocation.  My goal is that someday the Redmond Neighborhood Blog will be a thriving nonprofit, skilled at connecting and engaging Greater Redmond local governments with our communities. Recognition and Advocacy are central to this Blog.

At the core of my reporting, is scrutiny and daylighting the local governing bodies of  Greater Redmond.  Transparency is a disinfectant.  I've expanded my City of Redmond coverage to include Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Public Hospital District and the local King County Library branch.  The School District has three times as many active voters as the City and represents great potential for additional readership and positive changes.

Alternative neighborhood news, opinion, comment, and  posts contributed by citizens and business engages and connects citizens with our communities and  local jurisdictions.    The Blog strives to be nonpartisan and independent.  Presently, every candidate running for office in the City, School Board, and Public Health District #2 knows about the Blog.

In 2005, preservation of  priority Urban Open Space and the cultural habitat of Perrigo Woodlands and Hartman Wetlands drew me into community activism.  Discovery of hazardous waste on a shallow city aquifer in SE Redmond triggered the beginnings of this blog.  Land use review practices, Public Notice and developer-centric planning were early reports and are ongoing.  In 2008, I worked with the Water Tenders and other citizens to leverage our voice and empower City and regional officials   Our message was successfully targeted to State representatives.  We secured  $8M funding from the State to restore Bear Creek and mitigate SR520 flooding.

Reporting on city governance brings positive changes, as follows:

1. Independent, alternative neighborhood news and reader comments and contributions keeps government  in touch with our needs and each other. 
2. TRANSPARENCY:  Our electeds' work is more visible. Minutes and recordings of meetings are taken and with consistency.  Elected conduct more meetings outside of their Chambers and in neighborhoods.  Committees have more voice.  Electeds' and staff meetings are more visible, efficient and productive.  Senior administrators and CEO's listen and respond.
3. City of Redmond and other local jurisdictions are subjected to public scrutiny for positive change.
4. Land use review process, Public Notice, Public Records and access is improved.
5. Human resource problems are identified.
6. Access to governments' website resources are improved and more transparent.     
7. Commissions, Boards and Councils are energized and empowered.
8. Mistakes and unintended consequences during the planning process are minimized by community participation and more functional internal (staff) communications
9. Neighborhood and community Voice is leveraged and targeted to create positive change in Greater Redmond, the County and State.  

Local and state politicians listen and respond to the problems and opportunities uncovered by the Blog.   A key Goal is to encourage reader participation and contributions to the Blog with their Comment, Letters, Opinion, Tips, and stories.  Probably, the biggest soft spot in this blog is the Lone Wolf Syndrome of One Howling Voice.  Readers want a chorus of thought, opinion, comment and neighborhood news.  Your contributions get top priority over my entries!   Improving site functionality is another key Goal.   I'm open to ideas!
 
The Redmond Neighborhood Blog provides alternative news to traditional  reporting while remaining independent of commercial and government dogma.    I cherish, and pay for this freedom!   I hope you will take advantage of this resource and participate, with your stories, your news, your comments, insight and of course, your readership!

Sincerely,

Bob Yoder
Community Activist
Publisher and Editor
"Redmond Neighborhood Blog"

10019 169th AVE NE
Redmond, WA.  98052
425-802-2523 (cell)
redmondblog@gmail.com

9/27/09, revised 10/17/09

UPDATED OPINION: Redmond Chamber President announces desire to consolidate services, possible closure anticipated

Chamber President Tom Martin

UPDATED OPINION:  Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce President Tom Martin announces desire to consolidate services with Redmond's Economic Development Partnership (REDA) and Realize Redmond.  

Possible closure, as we know it, is anticipated. 

Updated, 9/10:  Chamber President Tom Martin, Evergreen Hospital executive, summarized the Chamber's situation during an October 30, City Council "study session": 

"Membership declined to 350** from 520-530 about four years ago; so one of our presenting problems is declining membership. The decline is both the function of the economic times and function of the relevance of the chamber...the mission we historically have had.

The question we continue to ask ourselves is how do we retain and create relevance for our membership? [August Kempf, Evergreen Public Hospital Commissioner, is the Membership Chair]. Our mission is around vitality for the business of the City of Redmond and focused on: 1) advocacy at the city, county, and state level and 2) creation of networking events.

Last January we sat down to talk to John [mayor] about how to coordinate fundraising activities [and participate with "Redmond Economic Development Association" (REDA) and "Realize Redmond" in a common vision.]  With a bit of stress from our Executive Director vacancy and declining membership and the request to hold off on fundraising... we look for consolidation and coordinating fundraising activities. We support the common vision.

Martin cited a local model similar to the Redmond study IE.  Everett-South Snohomish Chamber and Snohomish County Economic Development Alliance merged into one economic development alliance.

Bill Biggs, Chair of REDA (affiliated with Group Health) said at the August 30 meeting, "we may look at structuring ourselves differently on the basis of the study...because people who invest expect to see no waste and enhanced alignment."

Incumbent Councilmember David Carson said, "250 chambers have..closed their doors in the last three years."  In response to a question from Carson, Biggs said REDA and the Chamber "may not need two executives to drive forward." 

Mayor Marchione expects completion of the consultant study in two weeks and urges an October 30 deadline for action.  Councilmember Pat Vache', a Trustee of the Chamber and Director of REDA concluded, "the community" is the driving force to consolidate.   Formal announcement of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce possible closure (as we know it) is anticipated by the end of this year.

**Tom Martin informed me today (9/14) Chamber membership is 450 not 350. Mr. Martin quoted 350 members in his August 30 Council presentation.


Opinion By Bob Yoder
Source:  Video - Redmond City Council Study Session, 9/30/11

August Kempf is running un-opposed in November for County Public (Evergreen) Hospital District #2.  Board of Commissioners, Position No. 3.  auggie@kempfco.com

OPINION: Certified ISO auditor is flabbergasted by LW School District remodernization practices

"Certified ISO auditor is flabbergasted by remodernization practices of LW School District," By Grayling Gentry

OPINION:  For the purpose of public safety, the FDA holds medical device manufacturers accountable for each tiniest component of every device, conducts surprise on-site audits, and requires thorough double-checking of every conceivable aspect of the equipment through mandatory validation processes conducted by outside auditors such as UL.

But who is checking our school districts' legal output?  I am. And that's just not right.

As a certified ISO auditor and regulatory affairs coordinator, I am flabbergasted the more I learn about LWSD's sloppy regulatory submissions, lack of legal compliance, and its casual accounting practices. Older schools such as Rose Hill have been allowed to deteriorate, and have been left to operate with original 1960s HVAC systems, filthy duct work and leaky roofs despite district access to over $2.5 in maintenance funds.

New schools cost taxpayers up to four times more than the national average. Board members entrust building site evaluation to contractors, approve massive projects after simply reading high-level summaries, and write checks for millions to fulfill change orders without conducting significant, in-depth investigations of chronic overrun causes and conditions. But hey, when you're in the business of cranking out new $50 to $150 million schools every 12-15 months and are on an avowed mission to tear down every school in the district every 40 years, who has time to sweat the details?

One district oversight, such as "neglecting to mention" two enormous, highly pressurized and potentially deadly aviation fuel and gasoline pipelines in an environmental assessment, can do enormous damage -- not only to the health, safety and happiness of thousands of people, but to the district's image of credibility and trustworthiness. Add to this error all of the other "oversights" in the STEM SEPA/DNS debacle and you have serious red flags that should have state auditors' eyebrows raised. But it doesn't. Because nobody in government dares mess with education: the most sacred of all cash cows.  Read More >>

What's Your Opinion about Redmond's prolific Outdoor Art?

I think the City has 100 pieces of outdoor art. Or, is it 300? We have so much of it the city staff tracks it by GPS.

What do you think about it? Do you drive by the metalic "Split Personality" in awe and admiration OR find it a hazardous driving distraction? Or both?

Should "Art Hill" be rebuilt as a landscaped park with trails featuring a collection of outdoor art "discoveries" or would you rather keep the grassy knoll an open space?

Do you fall in love with your favorite piece, only to find the city had it on loan and it's been taken? The above "Pi in the Sky" was my favorite and it's gone. "Scooter" - another, was taken.

Make your comments heard - loud and clear - to our friendly and hard working Arts Commissioners! These citizens want your input on Monday, January 26, 7PM, City Hall.

Direct any questions & comments to RAC@redmond.gov. And, comment here, too. But see the art in person at City Hall Monday night.

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What is your opinion? Click "Comments" below and/or email redmondblog@gmail.com with your opinion for posting on this page.

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"I can't say as I have been moved at all by anything I have seen to date but no doubt there are those that embrace the exhibits. However, I certainly hope that the city plans a temporary moratorium on any more "outdoor art" expenditures. Considering the financial bind the city/state/country are in I believe there are better uses of the taxpayers money."

-- Carla H. 1/25

V.3 High LW School District Administration salaries to a degree impact students and educators

OPINION:  The Lake Washington School District Central Leadership Team and some administrator salaries are too high; the end result, our students and educators are somewhat impacted by misuse of these public funds.

The new LWSD "Communications and Community Engagement" Director of less then two years, is paid a flat $169,285 per year.  In my opinion, this is excessive. The Mayor of Redmond (and CEO) is paid less than $138,000 and he doesn't get summers off. 

Looking at the district's Central Leadership Team Organizational Chart and a Board meeting packet, 16 Directors earn $169,285/yr and 9 Associate Directors earn $153,330/yr....all on flat salaries with no low or high ranges.  It's my thought, Director salaries should be on a sliding scale based on performance and experience.  Keep in mind, school business slows or ceases in many departments when school is out ... for example "Communications and Community Engagement"...not much engagement then.

In my opinion, Barbara Posthumus, the district CFO and "Associate Superintendent of Business and Support Services" in underpaid.  She appears to be the point person in the community during levy and bond measure proposals. What could be more valuable?

Dr. Jon Holmen, the Deputy Superintendent  oversees five Directors who play a key role in the Administration.  His Directors are invaluable and underpaid. They bridge the schools with the Central Central Leadership Team, and oversee all the principals. According to School Board member Cassandra Sage, Dr. Holmen's Directors are required to be in the schools 2.5 days per week.

Director Matt Gillingham runs "Student and School Support Services."  I first met Matt during Truancy Board training.  Mr. Gillingham is responsible for student safety, social-emotional well-being, mental health recovery, bullying issues and also oversees the athletic department. He should be paid more than a Director.

Superintendent Jane Stavem is the CEO of the third largest school district in the State; the district is growing at the pace of one new elementary school per year.  It's my understanding, Dr. Stavem is already bringing efficiencies by streamlining the Administration. 

Dr. Stavem will hopefully learn the capabilities and assets of her workers to rank and pay them accordingly.  Paying flat salaries doesn't encourage innovation or reward those who produce.  Low-median-high salary ranges would keep turnover low to retain valuable workers and attract others.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/23/19

Sources:  December 14th, 2018 School Board meeting packet / public record request
                City of Redmond public record request
                Redmond City Television, Comcast 21
          

OPINION: April, 2010: The city's new liquor store -- you can't miss it.

OPINION:  Look at the loud signage of the new liquor store on Redmond Way - smack in the middle of downtown Redmond on Redmond Way near Cleveland Avenue.  The liquor store is moving into this beautiful, brick building, a 1920's historic landmark known as mayor "Bill Brown Garage".

According to Rob Odle, City Director of Planning and Development "the Comprehensive Plan does not get down to describing the specific location of specific uses. Liquor stores are not singled out for special consideration and are considered to be general retail."  

Longtime resident Andrea Quenneville wrote city council and the mayor complaining about the large, tacky signs in front of the building, saying the signs were "offensive, 'ghetto' looking, and loud", and that "it doesn't present a good image for downtown Redmond".  She wrote "do we not want a clean, pleasant image for the city of Redmond since it's and right down the street from the park-to-be?". 

Jim Roberts, the city staffer in charge of  economic development replies:

"Believe me, we were disappointed about the proposed location right in the heart of downtown in a very prominent historic building. What a great restaurant site it could have been. I have no information about the lease arrangements. We're trying to get them to put historic information about the town in the store windows to make them more interesting for pedestrians than booze ads. Any other ideas of what could go in the windows would be appreciated. I'm not sure we can make it happen, but we could try." 

According to Landmarks commissioner Miguel Llanos, a city planner from the Landmarks Commission asked the Redmond Historical Society if they would display some artifacts in the windows and the Society happily obliged.  The Bill Brown Garage was built in 1920 and used to be a 20-car repair shop.  Brown was Redmond's longest serving mayor (1919-1948).

I wonder if other cities have been able to influence the State Liquor Board on site location or signage.   Any thoughts on  Redmond's downtown signage? 

Opinion and story by Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

OPINION: "Avondale Villas" development calmed by speed feedback safety sign.

Orange tape marks the width and entrance to Avondale Crest's (Villa) road from NE 104th, photo (2007). 

This car didn't slow down and is already out of sight.

Avondale Villas development pays $12,000 towards cost of radar speed feedback sign on 104th - for traffic calming.

OPINION:  Have you noticed the new “radar feedback sign” on the NE 104th Street hill, just above the 184th Ave. NE intersection? It’s hard to believe the speed limit is 25 mph on this highly traveled arteriole.. Most cars, some of them students, zoom down the curved hill at 40 mph.

Since the radar sign was installed most cars are slowing down before they get to 184th, but not all. (Many thanks to the 6,000 citizens petitioning to eliminate red-light cameras.)

According to a Public Works planner, “the $30,000+ radar sign” wasn't just installed for traffic calming for the 184th intersection. The city required the sign as a condition for the project's approval.  This controversial 9-lot residential development was called “Avondale Crest.” (re-named Avondale Villas.) City Council approved the plat (6-1, Allen) after an appeal was defeated 4-3. 

Two project defects delayed permitting and is holding up the sale of Avondale Crest (Villas): Read More >>

UPDATED OPINION: Overlake Hospital and Clinics Sponsor Community Health Fair

UPDATED OPINION:  Periodically, I cover health events put on by local hospitals and clinics.  Overlake Urgent Care in Redmond and Overlake Medical Clinics (overlakehospital.org) may occasionally ask their physicians to lecture.  Below, is information on their Saturday, March 10th health fair held at nearby Westminster Chapel (directions here).  Evergreen Hospital of Kirkland seminars have already been posted because they are the Eastside's only community tax-supported hospital.  You'll continue to see Evergreen Healthcare District 2 fairs and classes updates.

Here's the scoop on the Overlake Senior Fair:  Read More >>

UPDATED OPINION: Council Members Weren't Given Opportunity To Comment At Salary Commission Meetings

OPINION:  After listening to testimonies of three former councilmembers at last night's regular Council meeting I'm saddened the Mayor didn't clip the miss-managed council Salary Commission work in the bud, rather then let it drag on for weeks on end.  

The lack of transparency throughout the process was delivered home last night in President Forsythe's  statement that "council could have commented at the commission meetings."  City attorney Haney didn't inform Council of this until after commission was dis-banded.  The Mayor, who oversees all city employees was mum.

A flaw in the process is HR / CEO / Mayor -- through the commission -- didn't ask for input, advice and guidance from previous salary commissioners. Siri Bliesner, present LWSD Board President, was on the previous salary commission; she resides in Redmond, as well.  Ms. Bliesner, previous other commissioners and Mayor Marchione could have brought valuable perspective and experience to the decision-making process.

Madame Birney has handled other major issues with alacrity.  Unfortunately, she dropped the ball on this one. This management faux pas makes one seriously wonder how other critical decisions are filtered by the CEO and  overlooked by the Mayor at our expense.  

What are Mayor Birney's next steps?  Hopefully, she will encourage commentary from Council in the process. 

-- Bob Yoder, 6/7/2023, opinion

Council's present salary is $18,648.  Benefits are $28,000.  The Commission proposed a $115,294 salary not counting benefits.  The "Salary Commission" should be re-named "Compensation Commission" to shed light on the total package!  by

Updated, 12/16 - Redmond's New Sign Ordinance will keep our sidewalks and neigborhoods clutter-free

Update, 12/16: Opinion on the new sign ordinance from an West Redmond realtor.

OPINION: City Council, the Planning Commission, and our two Code Enforcement Officers have been working for months, if not years, to update and improve our sign ordinance. A new, improved ordinance will be officially in place after one final Hearing on private "banner signs". Signs come in all shapes and types. The photo on the left shows two "A-Board directional signs" for the same project. On the right is a large residential property sign. Hey, do ya think those copper capped posts come included with the Purchase & Sale!

At stake has been striking a balance between the needs for advertising, public safety, and removal of visual clutter. In addition, the ordinance had to be written within the confines of the 9th Circuit Court decision. Doborah Farris, Code Enforcement Officer said the ordinance would be strictly enforced. The first violation is a warning. Second violation is the sign will be pulled with a $50 fee for retrieval. Third violation is a $100 fine. Redmond's two Code Enforcement officers have many other duties than monitoring signs. The Code Enforcement officer's email and phone is 425-556-2465

In short, only one sign is allowed by the the new ordinance for commercial, project construction, and residential advertising. Councilman Vache made a point that precautionary safety signs should not restricted. Signs are limited in size to six square feet. Council Pres. McCormick indicated the Land Use Application Project requirements for 1 4x8 "extraordinary" White Sign every 500 feet (and 1 Yellow 2x3 sign/project ) remain the same.

After persistent lobbying by the Real Estate industry, an exception to the 1-sign rule was allowed for residential real estate advertising in most neighborhoods (R-1 to R-8). Real estate agents, FSBO's, landlords and new single family home projects are allowed up to 3 "directional signs" only during OPEN HOUSES, in addition to the one property sign. Arrow signs count as directional signs.

In a short drive through N. Redmond, I found one housing project posting 11 directional signs and three "landmark signs". A-Boards (sandwich board) and any other staked signs are restricted from public right-of-ways. i.e sidewalks, driveways, bike lanes. Home businesses, including daycare, are not allowed to put out signs. Deputy Planning Director Roberts said code enforcement recently pulled out over 100 signs - mostly in N. Redmond.

Apartment and condominium complexes zoned R-12 & up are allowed 1-sign per complex and no directional signs. Councilman Margeson emphasized visual clutter would be mitigated on roads with multiple apartments/condos like Avondale, 148th Ave, and Redmond Way.

The ordinance will especially be felt by landlords and FSBO's who are often desperate to get the word out. I know for a fact, since I rented a house for years and eventually sold it by owner. I won't tell you how many signs I staked because I'm embarrassed. Most that were pulled were on the 104th Street and 166th Avenue intersection. With this new ordinance - advertisers beware!

Disclaimer: to verify the ordinance quoted in this post, please contact Deborah Farris. This story is informational and my sole opinion. Signs leading from Redmond to the county or another city may or may not be subject to the new ordinance.

CITIZEN OPINION: Redmond Mayor sits on a 20-day Notice from the Washington State Liquor Board

OPINION: Updated, 6/1/2012:  As you travel on Redmond Way, just past Key Bank in the center of town, you'll see Redmond's new State liquor store - a beautiful, large brick building with high beam ceilings, built in the 1920's by Mayor Bill Brown. It's a city Landmark.

Passing the liquor store, you can't miss the loud, large red signs that stick out from all angles. Even Mayor John Marchione agreed during Tuesday's Council meeting saying the "sign is ugly". Mayor Marchione explained the signage by stating:

"Like any other developer, they pushed back the letter of the law without having to make any other expense."

I spoke 4 minutes to the Mayor and council about how upset I and some of my neighbors were with the signage and it's location in a city Landmark building.  It surprised me a State could relocate a liquor store and not give public notice or allow comment. Unbeknown-st to the public, John Redal, Dir. of Retail Operations, State Liquor Control Board said "Mayor John Marchione received a 20-day written notice on October 21, 2009 from the State Liquor Control Board." (click photo to enlarge the complete letter). The notice said:

"....This new store (on 16839 Redmond Way) is tentatively scheduled to open in January of 2010.... If you wish to comment on the proposed location, please notify us within 20 days from the date of this letter, along with a statement of your concerns."

At the council meeting (starting on minute 10), Mayor Marchione admitted: "I did receive a letter giving me 20 days about the location of the liquor store, only asking if it was a good site or not." The Mayor commented: "I did not respond because it's an appropriate use of the building".  The Mayor never called the Liquor Board to ask for signage considerations or ask for a location different from the 90 year old Landmark.

I asked John Redal if a call from Mayor Marchione would have made a difference. He said the Mayor never called but "because no lease was signed at the time of the letter" he could probably have given some consideration to a change in sign color.  Mr. Redal went onto say, "In hindsight, I wish I'd known because green colors on signs were a possibility."  I don't recall if Redal commented on options for number of signs, their size or design.

Mr. Redal said that one Contract Liquor store location "was changed due to community concerns with the location being too close to a school."  He went onto say, "As a responsible retailer we are, we would always consider the communities input, prior to the location being established, thus the reason for our notification process".

Mayor John Marchione summarized, in council chambers: "The History of Redmond is colorful because Mayor Brown DID own liquor stores and saloons. So, I actually find it kind of an inside joke that his garage became a liquor store. As Councilmember Myers says, it's the use that counts..."

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder
6/1/12, Rev. for clarity.

Sources:  Redmond Council Meeting, 5/18  2010. (scroll to minute 10 to watch audience comments)  This meeting tape is in city archives.
Agency Policy #680  "Siting Liquor Stores"

Washington State Liquor Control Board   "achieving a 95% compliance record on sales to minors"

"Old is the New Green"  City of  Redmond campaign connects green house gases to historic preservation. 

Redmond Historical Society
"Redmond Reflections: from settlers to software", with over 800 images, by Naomi Hardy (click to order)

OPINION: PROCLAIM THE GREAT BLUE HERON OUR CITY'S SPECIES OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE!!

OPINION:  Updated: 2/9/2011  The Great Blue Heron is the City of Redmond's Species of Local Importance.  This designation does not "protect" the species from the Critical Areas Ordinance.  Development regulations still apply.  The SOLI designation raises awareness of the cultural and natural value
of the species to Redmond residents and city government. B.Y.

Letter to Council President Nancy McCormick

Hi Nancy - I agree with the lady who complained at the last Council meeting that the Great Blue Heron (GBH) is indeed important to the city....for many reasons. Personally, though common across the country, I like the bird a lot and even did my senior Biology project on it in college.

My only request is the city issue a formal proclamation the heron is our "Species of Local Importance." AND, to amend the Critical Area Ordinance designation regulating the Species as law. In the three years since inception of the heron law, the ordinance has proven to have no "teeth"; yet it causes a bottleneck in land use progress on projects like the Bear Creek Pkwy Extension. If anyone watched your tortured deliberations about the Parkway extension they'd have seen the how the heron law created havoc and total confusion in your final vote. Everyone appeared to be stepping around the "heron law" - even Kim Allen and Hank Margeson.

Richard Cole told me he loves the heron and couldn't believe we no longer have active rookeries in Redmond, including the Leary Rookery across from the Saturday Market. But, without a rookery, our heron have no nest where they can "come home" and have chicks. When our city consultant from Berger Associates, Guy Michealson, told us that the Leary Rookery had no active nests, I was shocked too. I asked Cathy Beam, our environmental planner and she concurred with Guy. She said it wasn't the higher densities but the crows and eagles from Lake Sammamish that drove heron away. Sad. But, what law can stop that? I asked about the Safeway "rookery" and the one east of Avondale. Richard Cole asked about Keller Farm. No active nests there either, according to Cathy. In disbelief, I visited all the sites. They looked "dead" with no white excrement, no heron visible in the trees and few if any inactive nests. If anyone doubts me contact cbeam@redmond.gov. "Our" heron migrates to Redmond waterways and forests from rookeries outside the city limits to forage for food. They come to forage for fish sand small mammals, not to nest. Please ask Mr. McGruder of the the Audubon Society, too.

Guy, our consultant from Berger Associates sees the Leary "rookery" absent of heron colonies and as a uniform forest remnant. I see it as having potential for a trail tying the Burlington Northern Corridor trails to the Haida House Park. Wouldn't that be nice to walk through a forest to a city park in downtown Redmond after shopping at the Saturday Market? This city feature is out with the heron law.

Finally, I think we are fooling ourselves to ask developers to trace a heron sighting on a plat back to a "nest" in a Redmond rookery that doesn't exist e.g. Pearce PRD. Everytime council discusses any property or project near a heron siting they have to do a political tap dance. Let's take our officials off the hook and be honest with ourselves!

The bottom line is we can still honor our beautiful, graceful "Great Blue" and symbol of our city without having to be burdened by agency regulations and law. Nancy, I ask you to proclaim our Great Blue Heron as a Species of Local Importance and amend the ordinance.

Beside our heron, I hope you will honor the green riparian habitat bordering our creeks and Sammamish waterways in which our Great Blue Heron (and salmon)forage for food. The city spends millions of dollars restoring our riparian habitat. Millions. Our urban forest habitat is being decimated. Nancy, proclaim Riparian habitat as Locally Important, too!

OPINION by Bob Yoder
Internet photo

Council and "Lodging Tax Advisory Committee" plan for more visitors to "Experience Redmond", 6/2011

 

Since this opinion was published on 6/30/2011 Realize Redmond, and Redmond Economic Development Assoc have been disolved and consolidated into "ONE REDMOND."   The Chamber has "tentatively consolidated" into ONE REDMOND.  ONE REDMOND is barely in the radar, led by Group Health, Microsoft and other stakeholders.  Please read the comments below this post for "the rest of the story."  And please, post your own..  BY

REPUBLISHED OPINION (6/30/2011):  History was made in three different ways (1) in this week's Council meeting. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) met with city council members and the mayor for the first time in their 13 years of operation.  If  Dan Angellar, General Manager of the Redmond Marriott of Redmond Town Center has his way LTAC will be meeting and partnering with Council every year.

A community role for LTAC might be described as a "tourism alliance". Agnellar said they try to bring Redmond's three economic groups together to stimulate tourism and increase "heads and beds".  Over $337,300 was raised last year from from the 1% lodge tax. So far 50% of LTAC tax revenues go to "Bullseye Creative" - a website branding organization.  (A Blog was created and tags with RNB on search engines.)  $31,365 goes to promoting private and city sponsored events. Councilmember John Stilin suggested allocating more funds towards the events to attract more people and perhaps less emphasis on the website.  Read More >>

UPDATED OPINION: Redmond's Building Designs / 2050

Woodinville is designing some attractive buildings and open places for pedestrians and bicycles. These buildings are next to City Hall.  

Opinion:  A few, but not many, architectural designs of downtown Redmond buildings are "inspired by history." Unlike Woodinville, our City doesn't have an overarching design theme. Redmond's use of history for design is sporadic and unsupported by code. As a result, buildings don't always use the most appropriate materials and aren't visually connected. Wood, stone veneer and building art are uncommon. (Green scaping is more prevalent and welcome!)  The proposed RTC and Nelson Villages' are remaining places where an overarching design theme can be implemented.

Designs of the following projects were "inspired" by Redmond's past: 

"The Osprey" The applicant has a solid start in the design concept acknowledging the history of the region’s indigenous populations with its strong roof forms, reminiscent of the Haida house across the street in Dudley Carter Park, the City’s early timber industry with its choice of wood and stone material, and the City’s future as a modern technology hub with the building’s irregular shape and significant glazing."  (DRB)

"18th & 164th" project:  "The architectural design was inspired by the Cascades and the Nokomis Library of the early 1900's.  How the book stacks were organized and how books can be arranged on the shelf was inspirational to the Applicant in designing elevations." (DRB)

Will Redmond have an overarching design theme to build character into Town Center?  Is the theme underpinned with choices of required elements?   Below, find Woodinville's approach to design code describing their theme and underpinning elements.  

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The following analysis of Woodinville's Building Design and Details was found in their Design Review Committee Planning Commission memo: