Redmond Senior & Community Center Ribbon Cutting

 

May 3rd Ribbon Cutting of the Senior & Community Center

Can you find Loreen Hamilton, Director of Parks & Recreation?  5 current Council Members?  2 retired Council Members?  2 Mayors, (one retired?) and 2 State Senators?

Photo: City of Redmond 

Redmond Senior & Community Center, Opens May 6, Earns LEED Recognition

REDMOND, WA - The new Redmond Senior & Community Center recently earned the first-ever recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council for sourcing wood from climate-resilient forestry. The Council, which manages the LEED certification process, awarded the building an innovation point during the process and lauded Opsis Architecture and Sustainable NW for verifying that wood came from forests managed sustainably.

“We are honored to receive this historic recognition,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “The senior and community center was designed with environmental sustainability in mind, and it is exciting to know all who walk through these doors will be coming into a place that not only cares about them but cares about the building’s impact on our planet.”  

In addition to climate-resilient wood, which comes from forests managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and store more carbon, the state-of-the-art facility also utilizes efficient energy-conserving windows and doors, and mechanical and plumbing systems, as well as rooftop solar panels which will provide up to 50% of the building’s electricity. The building will also have “operational zones” to determine which areas will need lighting, for instance, based on what’s happening on any given day.

Expect to see more Redmond buildings with a green footprint in the future: Redmond 2050, the City’s comprehensive plan, is updating the Green Building Incentive Program and regulations to incentivize mass timber construction. This includes incentives for mass timber buildings up to 12 stories in Marymoor Village and Downtown, and mass timber mid-rise and high-rise buildings in Overlake. The City recently held a workshop with property owners, community members, developers, and designers to share more about mass timber and the changes coming to Redmond.

For information about the building, visit redmond.gov/RSCC. 

For information about the City’s Green Building Incentive Program, visit redmond.gov/1921/.

More on Mass Timber:  https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber

"Beat the Bunny" Event, AND MORE!

The city says...

(Ages 6+) Join us on March 30th for our annual Beat the Bunny 5K race, a fun, family-friendly event! Whether you run, walk, stroll, hop, or beat the bunny, everyone wins a prize. The race also includes a FREE kids' dash at 9:30 a.m., prior to the start of the 5K race at 10 a.m.

The race starts from the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village located at 6505 176th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052. Parking is available at the community center parking lot and surrounding side streets. The start/finish line will be directly behind the community center with an out and back route running thru the scenic Marymoor Park.

Scroll down to register .....and to find important city news and information, including the May opening of the Senior & Community Center, and the decision to house homeless in our Downtown.  

Posted by Yoder, 3/4/24

Retired Councilmember Hank Margeson Seen as a Council Resource

(l-r) Councilmembers Richard Cole, Hank Margeson and Pat Vache', circa 2010

At this week's Council study session many interesting topics were covered - SE Redmond Park,  Reservoir Park, and a Community Advisory report on Vision 2050 - but what stood out for me was Councilmember Anderson's brief comment that retired 3-term councilmember Hank Margeson is "a resource" and was open to help/consult with council when needed.  He "leans left" and is a good fit.  

Margeson chaired the Citizen's Advisory Committee for the new Senior Center.  He gave a very impressive summary report to council on the Center (without notes.)   

I did a blog search on "Hank Margeson"   You might find it interesting.  Additional stories can be found at this "Margeson label" search.  

-- Yoder, 1/2024

Councilmember Melissa Stuart's Halfway Term Report

From the desk of Redmond Councilmember Melissa Stuart...

Happy new year! 

This month officially marks the halfway point in my term on the Redmond City Council. I’m stopping by your inbox with a quick moment of gratitude for your trust and support.

 

My first two years on the Council were marked by a steep learning curve, tons of humbling moments, and many opportunities to create excellence in the details. I am so proud to serve in this role and often humbled to be at the table. Thank you for trusting me in this seat.

 

Three Great Moments on Council 2022-2023

·      Winning unanimous adoption of a comprehensive plan amendment to bring a more lively, sustainable, and transit-oriented neighborhood to the town center district

·      Co-authoring a successful budget amendment to bring executive staffing for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

·      Flipping pancakes at Derby Days with the fire department’s benevolent fund (twice!)

 

Coming up this year, Council will finalize a once-in-a-generation comprehensive plan, complete the local roads safety plan, and build the first biennial budget since the conclusion of COVID relief subsidies. There is a lot to do!

 

New in 2024

·      Finalizing building incentives that inform how Overlake’s urban center (my neighborhood!) will play a leading role in meeting our city’s housing, climate, and community goals.

·      I’ll chair the caucus for the Sound Cities Association’s delegation to the Growth Management Planning Board, at the Puget Sound Regional Council (yup, that’s SCA at PSRC’s GMPB, for short!)

·      You’ll see me at the grand opening of the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, the delivery of the state’s first electric fire engine, boarding the first light rail train from Overlake, and as always… my bi-weekly office hours. Please stop by!

 

I hope this mid-term note gives you a glimpse of how I’m working with my colleagues to address the real and present needs of the city, while also having a chance to enjoy this great place we call home.

 

What questions or feedback does this bring up for you? Let me know!

 

With gratitude,

 

Melissa

 

P.S. You might have noticed I don’t do social media. If you are interested in more frequent updates this year, please let me know and I’ll make a point to check-in again soon.

Melissa holds walk-in office hours at the Redmond library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 3-5PM.  This is a terrific opportunity to be heard and build a relationship with Council.  

UPDATED 12/5/2023: Angie Nuevacamina Upsets Incumbent David Carson for Council Position #7

Angie Nuevacamina defeated David Carson, 53.67% (5937) to David's 46.07% (5097.)  

What is the significance of the bisected butterfly? 

The meaning of the butterfly is cultural to current day Mexico and Senegal- where I have heritage from. It signals transformation, hope, and are quite a force when moving together. In the design, my name is in the middle- acting as a bridge and being able to hold multiple perspectives.  -  Angie Nuevacamiona.  

The demographics of Redmond have changed dramatically in the last five or so years (~ 50% brown.)  Angie ran on "inclusive," "welcoming," and "equity," and it paid off.  She also prioritized affordable housing, safety, a healthy community and transparent government.  She rallied the voters with a call for "Nothing about Us without Us."  Angie is a member of the LBGTQ community, a queer artist, and small business owner, as a financial services professional.  She currently volunteers on the City planning commission.    

 

David M. Carson, the conservative incumbent of 16 years placed most of his cards on safety:  1) extra police coverage for light rail users, 2)  keeping the county accountable for a drug-free homeless facility in Overlake.  3) he flipped flapjacks for the fire fundraiser at every Derby Days.  4) he served on regional emergency coalitions.  As Presiding Officer on the Parks Council he advocated for access to Redmond's seven "String of Pearls" park properties.  He is a OneRedmond Board member, Foundation member and Kiwanis member.  He praised the Police Department "Sniffer" canine in his political statement.  All this, and Marymoor Village, the new fire station, Senior Center and other facility improvements weren't enough to win over the voters. 

The voters chose values embracing the Redmond's welcoming culture, over a developer/business centric incumbent valuing safety. 

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/25/2023

Find 16 years of articles and opinion on Councilmember David Carson HERE

The Race for EvergreenHealth Commissioner Was Historic

I'm standing next to one of many Commissioner Jeffrey Cashman's political signs. The number he staked was enormous.  I endorsed both Jeff and his opponent, Amber Wise.  I supported Amber.

Mr. Cashman planted his campaign signs heavily throughout Evergreen Public Hospital District No. 2 --  Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Duval, Sammamish, and parts of Snohomish county.  Never has a local candidate spread their political signs so far and wide.  

If the residents of EvergreenHealth Public Hospital didn't know they lived in a taxing district they certainly do now.

Currently, residents and landlords are levied ~ 2% / $1,000 appraised property value. Total Levy Revenue in 2022 was $28,556,467.   

Do you know how this money is spent?   70% goes towards capital projects, 30% towards programs like referral networks, CHATT,  and North Shore Senior Center.  The commissioners keep this close to their chest.  I learned about the 70% / 30% split at a Board meeting.  A full report is forthcoming.  

Commissioner Cashman defeated PCC meat-cutter Amber Wise, a union worker and mental health advocate, by roughly 58%. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2023

I was struck with Covid a few days before the election; this, after 6 vax.  It hit me very hard.

 

City of Redmond Television Is Packed With Community News

Redmond City TV (RCTV) is available on both Comcast (channel 21) and Ziply (channel 34) cable systems. You can also catch RCTV live online 24/7 or replay OnDemand programming from city video archives. 

At the top and/or bottom of the hour from 8 - 10 a.m. the following block of helpful and interesting programing is run continuously.  I highly recommend tuning in.  No commercials! ☝

• The Mayor’s monthly video “Our Stories, Redmond Connects”
• “Bird’s Eye View,” a poem by our previous poet laureate
• Homelessness and panhandling message from Tisza Rutherford, Redmond’s Homeless Outreach Administrator
• Heat pumps and Energy Smart Eastside
• Green Redmond
• Recycling Plastic Bags
• King County House Repair
• Connected by Water, How Redmond protects our water
• Meet Redmond’s new K9 Officer
• Redmond Senior & Community Center tour
• Licensing your pet in King County
• Being visible after dark
• The Together Center
• Redmond’s Stream Team
• King County Jury system

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are available on RCTV, as well.  They are also live streamed on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/CityofRedmond) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/CityofRedmond). 

King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, Out In Our Community

 

Out in Our Community!

^{(Left): Earlier this month, we celebrated the stunning new crosswalk created by artist Jing Jing and sponsored by Pride Across the Bridge and the City of Redmond, Washington - Government; (Right) We joined the Indian American Community Services and their Senior Lunch program at the Beaver Lake Lodge in Sammamish!}

Senior Center "Camp WeGO" Smashing Success

Pam and I were lucky to participate in the the Senior Center's WeGo Sports camp last month. It's for ages 50+. Having a 22-year age "buffer" we were shoe-ins. The sports themed  camp was at the city's iconic Farrel-McWhirter Park. Sara Bouwman curated some fun and stimulating games. The barbeque was tasty. The sing along touched me with familial nostalgia.   Marty Boggs, the Center's manager, lined up sportscaster and storyteller Tony Ventrella as guest speaker. (Marty and Tony are sitting on the lower right.)  He and his staff truly put on an incredible camp.  It was so sad to hear after over 25 years with the city Marty's retiring.  He's moving to a charming city, into a custom home, surrounded by his family. 

Here we are with our Sports Participation Awards -- We were ALL winners!

OPINION: The City Rakes In Millions From Construction Taxes

Of course, we know construction in our downtown, Overlake and Marymoor village is extremely active.  The city taxes this construction and revenues are significant as seen below.  The city classifies this a "one-time money" since growth will eventually normalize and this "bonus" revenue can't be relied on forever.    

The city clerk accounts for this one-time construction money, as follows:  

2018  $11,584,950

2019  $9,325,885

2020  $11,066,344

2021 $16,814,029

2022 $17,756,725 

• My question:  Besides the new Senior & Community Center where has this money been going?  

Public Records Officer response:  One-time dollars are only used to fund one-time programs, such as in 2023-2024 budget, these dollars are being used but limited to fund irrigation for community and neighborhood parks, sports field design and Police emergency response. 

It seems the clerk's response is somewhat confusing and appears to contradict the Mayor's statement as found in her Council Salary Commission letter.  Excerpt: 

"The 2023-2024 budget creation relied on one-time money to restore a small portion of the 17.63 full-time equivalent employees laid off, and programs and services sharply reduced during the pandemic years. City revenues are slowly recovering, but are not up to pre-pandemic levels. In addition, all economic indicators point to a recession on the horizon."  -- Mayor Birney. 5/26/23

Should, or shouldn't these lay-offs be funded through the General Fund rather than one-time construction money?  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/21/2023 opinion

Sources:  Sara Smith, City clerk's office:  Public Record Request :: W026428-051723, 6/9/23   Mayor Birney's letter disbanding the Council Salary Commission. 5/26/23

UPDATED, EvergreenHealth Levy

EvergreenHealth Community Hospital

EvergreenHealth's current levy is  ~2% of King County's property tax.  An increase may be proposed November of 2024.

EvergreenHealth's Board of Seven Commissioners has the final say on the distribution of levy funds each year with the recommendations of a standing levy committee.

30% of the Levy is allocated to "programs." The remaining 70% is allocated to "capital expenditures."  Many of the levy-supported programs specifically address the special needs of under-served and high-risk community members, most of the programs are for use by the entire community.  Capital expenditures go towards instruments, labs, EPIC "My Chart," infrastructure and the like.  

Levy Program Directory:

Supporting Students in Crisis

EvergreenHealth provides social workers to Lake Washington School District high schools to assess students with high-risk behaviors and mental health concerns for free. The EvergreenHealth social workers meet with students 1:1, conduct groups, provide support to parents, and coordinate with school officials to keep students safe and connected to community providers. In 2021, our social workers helped 401 high school students during mental health crises.

High School Mental Health Therapists

Community funds also help the Northshore School District provide students access to mental health counselors. They meet individually and in small groups to address student needs. Supportive resources are also made available to students grieving the loss of a loved one. In 2021, our therapists served 1,264 students and responded to 47 crisis visits.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

EvergreenHealth's free Youth Mental Health First Aid training provides educators, coaches and other volunteers who work with students the tools to help adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis or addiction challenge.

Participants are taught how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and crises, what to say and how to talk with someone, and how to refer to professional resources for help.

[NAMI Eastside and LWSD also provide free Youth Mental Health First Aid training.  I took it - great program]

STEM Global Health Education Partnership

EvergreenHealth partners with our local school districts to give students the opportunity to learn about global health initiatives through job shadowing, attending Grand Rounds and hearing from guest speakers. These kinds of partnerships give students the opportunity to immerse themselves early on in learning about careers in science, health care and so many other industries.

Community Health Needs

EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigator & Healthline

In 2021, our 24/7 Nurse Navigator & Healthline served more than 108,000 calls from our community for free, helping you with scheduling, referrals and answering those health-related questions even Google can't help with.

Healthline played a pivotal role in 2021, connecting thousands of neighbors with accurate information on COVID-19 and pandemic resources. More than 50,000 callers received nursing triage advice, getting help with home remedies for common ailments as well as diagnostic support for various illnesses.

Call (425) 899-3000 to be connected to the Healthline.

Community Health Education Services

EvergreenHealth's Community Health Education Services provided more than 790 community-funded classes and programs in 2021. Roughly 4,300 community members participated, taking the opportunity to enrich their lives with the kind of lessons only we can teach. As a community-owned health system, our curriculum and programs look to address the diverse needs of our region while building a sense of community for you and your neighbors around common interests.

Find a health class 

Hospice Care Center

The Gene & Irene Wockner freestanding hospice center has 15 beds and serves hospice patients in King and Snohomish counties. It is the only hospice center in both counties and provides you or your loved ones with short-term acute care, with the goal of discharging home once symptoms have been stabilized.

For more information, call (425) 899-3300.

The Legacy of Rosemarie Ives

Mayor Rosemarie Ives - Redmond's unprecedented 4-term mayor

I have the strong opinion that the mayor should make the City a priority...in the beginning learning as much as possible about the organization, its responsibilities AND keeping in touch with the people in an authentic way on a regular basis.  Unfortunately, Mayor Angela Birney is president of Suburban Cities which I think shows poor judgement and she's not paying attention to what's going on at home. 

When I ran for Mayor the first time, I had four priorities and I believe they served the people of Redmond very well--they were real simple:  open and responsive government, environment, prudent financial management and a teen agenda...."Together, we create a community of neighbors" was my "theme."   I always said that if I was doing the right things, the right way at the right time  for our youth today and for the future, we adults would be fine too!

 

Some people make a thing of "legacy."  The ones who talk the most about it, do the least. Upon reflection I would like to believe my "legacy" was that the people of Redmond had an advocate at City Hall--someone who was always considering what was best for the people who call Redmond "home."  

 

There were so many accomplishments as a result of so many people willing to work with me to do our collective best...Yes, I am proud of the four environmental Riverwalk projects along the Sammamish River, that we went from 16 to 36 parks during my tenure, Youth Leadership Day, Old Firehouse teen center, the tagging wall, the skate park, Redmond Youth Partnership, so many environmental initiatives that were recognized at the national and regional levels,  Redmond Lights, flower pots on every corner downtown, rather than an enclosed mall that was proposed in 1988, when I was elected the Town Center owners came forward with a new, open air mixed use design , a senior center that flourished with great programming and high participation, the 40 year lease that I negotiated with the Lake Washington School District for the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center for a total of $80,000 (that John Marchione broke after 20 years)...televising city meetings and producing very informative programming, ...those are a few of the things that come to mind.

Posted by B. Yoder, 4/24/2033

UPDATED, 3/27: Green Rooftop Camouflages House, Contributes To Sustainability

 

This neighborhood home is tucked away from all the commotion.  Note how this living, green rooftop camouflages the house and contributes to sustainability.
(click picture to enlarge)

                                                                          

Walking around the Education Hill neighborhood this Spring day we noticed this house had a green and grey roof.  It seems to be holding up quite well. Council Member Jessica Forsythe and others constantly ask the Mayor for green rooftops on new buildings. A tiny green rooftop is planned for the Senior & Community Center.  The city compensates developers for Landmark Trees by "Exceptions."  The same should be done for green rooftops, perhaps as a small amenity.

-- B. Yoder, opinion, 3/25/2023 by

References: 

CITY OF REDMOND / SEATTLE COMMERCIAL

(Note, A City of Redmond is in Oregon)

• 
  

  Low-Impact Development (LID) | Redmond, WA

  https://www.redmond.gov › Low-Impact-Development

  Compost amended soil. - Green roof. - Tree preservation. 172nd Ave NE, Summer 2010, -The City's first rain garden in the 172nd Avenue right-of-way.

21.67.040 Techniques and Incentives for Development

municipal.codes

https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

Technique	Points Awarded – Residential Development	Points Awarde...
2. Drought‑tolerant landscaping	1	1
• 20 percent	1	1
• 30 percent	2	2

View 19 more rows

• 
  

  Definitions | Redmond Zoning Code

  https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

  A landscaped roof is distinguished from a green roof by not incorporating a bioretention facility as part of its structure. Effective on: 4/16/2011. Landslide .

City of Redmond – Grass Lawn Park Phase III Project

WA.gov

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov › documents

“Green roof” for new maintenance building. The roof is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof membrane. • Play areas ...

Redmond's "Addiction" To Pickle Ball, Nation's Fastest Growing Sport

24 Hour Fitness.Players from all walks of life. Rocket scientist, housekeeper, choral singer, anthropologist, retired fitness instructor and author, mortgage broker, stay-at-home dad, software engineer, passers through, Redmond historian... See the 89 year-old playing with his son?!
 (click picture to enlarge)

                                                        Exercise -  -  Socialize - - Learn

Pickle Ball Basics video.  All ages, body types, and fitness levels. Players willing to share advice. Games are short, lasting about 10 minutes.  Doubles is most common.  Mind  the "kitchen" while "dinking!"  Founded on Bainbridge Island. 

Court Locations and Times:

Old Redmond School House for seniors.  Fun and welcoming group. 3 inside courts.  M,W,Th  9:30 - Noon.  (practice before 9.) Nominal fee.  

Redmond Perrigo Park.  4 outside courts (the way it was made to play.)  "Bangers," Intermediates, Novices, and Families. No fees. Share with 2 tennis courts.  Arrive early to play and practice.  After playing we like to hike the adjacent farmland trail with our dog.  

Redmond Meadows Community Park.  3 outside courts.  Good for families. Courts are rooty.  

Nike Neighborhood Park, 1 outside court, little used.

Senior & Community Center.  Under construction.  2 outside courts.  2-3 inside courts on occasion.  

24 Hour Fitness. One inside court.  9 - 3pm.  7 days a week.  Great for practice!  Membership fee OR health insurance pass. 

Fort Edwards State Park.  Juanta.  6 indoor courts. Medium to high level of play. Adjacent monastery converted to 86-room boutique hotel, fine art, and fancy restaurant. A must! Walk the dog. 

-- Bob Yoder, 2/9/2023

   I've played for 6 months with Pam. Was a very slow learner on the serve and challenged by complicated scoring! 

Residents Invited to Senior & Community Center "Topping Ceremony"

1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Redmond Senior & Community Center

REDMOND, WA - Redmond’s new community gathering place continues to mark milestones and make great strides in construction. Next week, the community is invited to join the City of Redmond in celebrating the Redmond Senior & Community Center Topping Out Ceremony, as the project team places a beam in the tallest section of the building. The event will take place from 1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the construction site adjacent to Redmond City Hall at 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052.