City Makes Plans To Improve Night-Time Pedestrian Visibility

PathwayPartners.org

To address complaints and concerns regarding pedestrian visibility at night or early morning in unprotected crosswalks, staff began researching supplemental crosswalk lighting to improve pedestrian visibility during periods of darkness.

Staff requested approval to move forward with a pilot project which will bridge the gap between standard streetlights and active devices such as Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB).

The crosswalk locations for the pilot projects are:
 NE 90th St at 161st Ave NE (the crosswalk just west of Coho Café)
 NE 104th St at 172nd Ave NE (near Redmond HS)
 NE 79th St at 169th Ave NE (Anderson Park)

The city evaluated 8 companies and picked Howard Industries,  Howard Industries currently offers the best solution to on-demand supplemental illumination for pedestrian walkways and crosswalks. Their large devices (6’) have been in use on business, educational and hospital campuses.  Howard Industries created a smaller model "LightPath" for Redmond. It is a more appropriate size (4’) for use at unprotected crosswalks in Redmond.

Fiscal: Estimated Project Costs for three locations Light Path Crosswalk Lights $ 50,000 Design $ 50,000 Construction/Installation $ 180,000 Total $ 280,000 Project Funding Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program $ 280,000

The game plan is to install the LightPath units by October 2019, prior to daylight saving time.

Source:  6/11/19 Planning & Public Works Council Committee Of The Whole Memo

Primary: Mayoral Voter Election Guide

    Mayoral Election Guide

CLICK FOR GUIDE

Angela Birney's website:  https://electangelabirney.com
Steve Fields' website:   stevefieldsformayor.com

Andrew Koeppen's website: www.redmondischanging.info

Angela's Facebook site:  https://www.facebook.com/ElectAngelaBirney/
Steve's Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/stevefieldsredmond/

  Andrew's Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/andrewkoeppenformayor/

 If you have any questions about campaign signs or the Election e-mail info@redmond.gov 

- Bob Yoder

Mental Health Walk A Smashing Success - Candidates Steve Fields and Hank Myers Join In

The NAMI 5K Mental Health Walk to "bust stigma" was a smashing success!  Great people, great cause!  We were supporting EvergreenHealth's plans to open an outpatient mental health care clinic. Three councilmembers Hank Myers, Steve Fields, Tanika Padeya, and my wife are holding the banner. 

- Bob Yoder

Summer Fun Comes To Redmond

Derby Days/ Credit C.O.R. 

DERBY DAYS 

For two days this summer, it's GAME ON! Join us July 12 and 13 for Redmond's favorite summer festival. Rooted in the spirit of friendly competition, Redmond Derby Days features the world's longest-running bike criterium race, a carnival, parades, arts, music, and great food, with a unique Redmond twist! 

Enjoy free contests, games, virtual reality, a gaming arcade, battle of the bands, an action-packed kids zone and so much more! Feeling extra competitive? Sign your team up for our Derby Dash 5K or Derby Cornhole Tournament! 

Visit the Facebook pageOpens a New Window. for more information.

Rockn' On The River/ Credit C.O.R.

ROCKN' ON THE RIVER

Free Summer Concerts 

Spread out your blanket or set up your beach chairs and listen to the music on four Thursday evenings in Redmond! Enjoy the concessions provided by the Redmond Kiwanis Club as you rock out to original and cover bands from across the country. There's no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening in Redmond! Sponsored by Emerald Heights Senior Living. 

All concerts take on the Garden Plaza (located behind the Redmond Senior Center) on the Redmond Municipal Campus.  

Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  7/18, 7/25, 8/8

8703 160th Ave NE | Redmond WA 98052

So Bazaar, Credit/ C.O.R.

So Bazaar

Your imagination destination in Downtown Redmond, So Bazaar is held on three Thursday evenings in August. Join your neighbors for art, music, and food.

2019 Theme

Metamorphosis

• AIR - Thursday, August 15th; 5-9 p.m.
• WATER - Thursday. August 22nd; 5-9 p.m. 
• FIRE - Thursday, August 29th; 5-9 p.m. Opens a New Window. 

Location

Redmond Central Connector Park & Downtown Park

Along and around the Redmond Central Connector, an award winning urban trail, between 61st Avenue Northeast and Leary Way NE. New in 2019, the event has expanded to Downtown Park! 

Redmond, Then And Now

 2017 Credit/ Bob Yoder

 The Hilton Garden Inn, 2019 Credit/ Bob Yoder

The "Hilton Garden Inn" will open at 166th and Redmond Way....the site of  iconic Frankie's Pizza. The hotel will be 6 stories, 177 rooms with two levels of underground parking. (photo taken on June 6, 2019.) This Frankie's Pizza photo with my wife Pam, was taken on January 7, 2017. All is not lost. In April of this year Spark Pizza opened with "Homage to Frankie's" pizza on their menu. Frankie took part in it's creation. Tony and Carolyn Scott own the establishment.

School Start Time Advisory Findings And Recommendations

"The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need, but most American adolescents start school too early." 

The Advisory shared 3 recommendations for the district to consider in planning for any potential future changes in school start times:

1. Recommend that the district consider the range of Preschool programs and Elementary school start times to begin no later than 9:00 a.m.
2. Recommend that the district consider the range of middle school start and end times to remain similar to the 2018-19 ranges. (after 8 AM) 
3. Recommend that the district consider the range of High School start times to begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. My wife suggested using Microsoft Connector buses.

The big hang-up for our district is geography. The LW High School principal gives their students Orca passes.  My wife recommended Microsoft Connector buses.  

Next Steps:
The Superintendent will examine the recommendations to determine next steps and feasibility for any changes. Any revisions to the existing schedule would not take effect until the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Additional materials, including survey data results, verbatim survey comment themes, and student listening session themes can be found at the Start Time Advisory webpage. 

Education Hill Coyote Feasting On Squirrels

Credit /Ms. Smith

This Redmond Wintering Coyote is feasting on squirrels in South Education Hill

Great Blue Heron feeding on the Sammamish River

Great Blue Heron catches Skimmer dragonfly/ Photo by John Reinke

The dragonfly was an eight spotted skimmer, and it had landed on a plant located right next to the Sammamish River at the south end of the Luke McRedmond Landing, on the south side of the 85th Street Bridge.  The heron cautiously stalked up fairly close to the plant and then made a lightning strike to snatch the dragonfly from its perch.

-- John Reinke

UPDATED: NAMI Mental Health Awareness 5K Walk

The annual NAMI Mental Health Awareness 5K Walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th, 9 - Noon along Kirkland's downtown waterfront. It starts at the Marina Park. Those wishing to register and/or donate should arrive around 8:00AM, or click this link.  Anyone giving $100 will receive a t-shirt! All donations will go to the NAMI Eastside affiliate.The Walk is a happy and  family-friendly event and a great way to bust stigma. Dogs on leash are allowed.


There's a chance EvergreenHealth may build an "Outpatient Behavioral Healthcare Clinic" offering care from highly-trained psychiatrists. Since one in five Americans have a mental condition in a given year this clinic will be put to excellent use in our community. 

Our "EvergreenHealth Super Team" will be walking in appreciation of their initiative.  If you'd like to walk with Evergreen, look for our banner or signs to meet-up.  We will be one of the happiest, out-going teams on the Walk!

A Big Tent is in the NW parking lot. Live music!  Find a number of exhibitors with fun free stuff and snacks.  The long range weather forecast is mostly sunny with a high of 70, so great walking weather.  The walk winds its way down Lake Street / Lake Washington Blvd. to Carillon Point and back. Hope you can make it!  

Here's a link to learn more about our mission and how to register and/or donate:  https:www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=30877

-- Bob Yoder

"Seattle Times" article on mayoral candidates

Council President Angela Birney

  "People who have been here a long time feel left out. 

 I want to make sure their voices are heard."  - Birney

Councilmember Steve Fields

  "Our residents are the best city planners.  

We need to listen to them." - Fields

Small businessman Andrew Koeppen

 "Redmond has shown disrespect for Microsoft."  Mr. Koeppen likened it to "the 'rich uncle in a family' that the city should be thankful for." - Koeppen

-- Excerpts from The Seattle Times article  "Meet the woman and men who want to be Redmond's next mayor."  By Paige Cornwell, 5/28

Timberline Middle School design and operation

Timberline Middle School on Redmond Ridge will have room for 900 students.  Each of three floors will have two pods and five classes. The school opens September 3rd.  

Students will have a view of the wetland from the cafeteria. The library will have 10,000 books. Space for electives include:  1) Art (two kilns,) 2) Robotics room, 3) Food service room, and 4) Computer design lab.  

The large "activity lounge hub" for socialization reminds me of those on college campuses. Geothermal heat will service the school.

-- Bob Yoder

Light Rail Extension to impact Bear Creek

Lower Bear Creek/ deainc.com

Construction of the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension will impact a swath of trees and riparian habitat along Bear Creek in the vicinity of the Overlake Urgent Care Center west to Creekside Crossing and Redmond Center Open Space.  Clearing and grading permits are required to remove 144 trees to accommodate the rail, Bear Creek "restoration," and construction access. Most of the trees will be planted off site because they won't survive in the wetland areas. For each significant tree removed, 6 saplings will be planted; for each landmark tree removed 18 saplings will be planted. A section of Bear Creek will have to be dredged to create a "back channel" for flood control and wetland habitat. Back channels are also valuable for salmon rearing.

Overall, approximately 500 linear feet of Bear Creek will be "restored or enhanced" when all is said and done.  The Design Builder is encouraged to reuse previously removed trees for onsite habitat features. In addition, Sound Transit plans to purchase wetland mitigation credits at the Keller Farm site further upstream along Bear Creek for any restoration that cannot be accommodated on-site.

All the work near Bear Creek described above is subject to review as part of the City’s shoreline and clearing and grading permits, the Army Corps and the tribes.  Construction is over 3 years out.  

  -- City Council Study Session, 5/28
      Meeting memo 

Updated: Support the NAMI EvergreenHealth Super Team to stop mental health stigma

On Saturday, June 8th, 8:15 AM the NAMI "EvergreenHealth Super Team" will meet at the Kirkland marina with others for a 5K Walk and raise awareness for mental health and to remove mental health stigma. Look for our banner. Please invite your family and friends. This is family-friendly event. We will be one the happiest, fun-loving and team's out there!  We are walking for EvergreenHealth since they have plans for an "Outpatient Mental Health Care Clinic."

 Click "Support EvergreeHealth Super Team" to sign-up and learn more about the walk.

New EvergreenHealth Bond initiative will feature an "Outpatient Behavioral Health Care Clinic"

The Board of Commissioners of the EvergreenHealth Public Hospital District approved Resolution 898-19 authorizing a $345 million Bond for submission to the voters in August 6th special election.  A similar bond was rejected by the voters in the April special election by a margin of 1.52%.

According to the Resolution: "The EvergreenHealth District specified and adopted a Plan to construct new health care facilities and renovate and equip existing health care facilities including:  

a. Seismic and Infrastructure upgrades and renovations;
b. A new and expanded Critical Care Unit;
c. An expanded and refurbished Family Maternity Center;
d. Camps-wide Infrastructure Improvements;
e. New Medical Office Buildings for Outpatient care; and
f. Biomedical and Information Technology Systems Improvements

The Plan is to be more fully described in the specifications to be prepared by the District's architects and engineers.  *The Board may modify details of the foregoing Plan where necessary or advisable in the judgement of the Board and make addition capital improvements as it may find necessary or advisable.  The estimated cost of carrying out the Plans specified and adopted is declared to be, as nearly as may be, $395,000,000."

It was stated prior to, and after the May 21st Board, meeting *the New Medical Office Buildings are designated for behavioral health outpatient care.  The community is in dire need of additional mental health care services and the Bond is more likely to pass because of it.  After all, 1 in 5 residents have a mental health condition and many will vote.  I am thrilled and respect the Board's decision.  Questions?  Call Laurene Burton at: 425.899.2667

-- Bob Yoder
    Sources:  Resolution No. 898-19
    Kai Peterson, V.P. EvergreenHealth Foundation
    Kay Taylor, Senior V.P. Marketing, Communications    
   

Mayoral candidate Angela Birney hosts gathering at PostDoc Brewery

Angela Birney and her whole Redmond family including doggie "Buttons" brought good cheer.

A diversity of community leaders and Birney endorsers were in attendance.  School Board candidate Siri Bliesner and Mr. Markel, a developer land-use attorney were present.  The planning and parks commissioners were a many.  Church leaders of the Open Kitchen too.  Rob Leavitt, past President of the Redmond Lacroose Club partook. J.D. Klein, owner of Minuteman Press gave inspirational closing remarks. Who did I miss?!

"What a wonderful evening" said Angela Birney. "Thank you all for joining me at PostDoc last night to celebrate filing. I truly enjoyed meeting you and talking about the future of Redmond together. I’m humbled by your support, especially as we move towards the August primary. Keep an eye out for more of these events in the future- I’d love to see you there!"

Reported By Bob Yoder

$3,900,000 price tag for Redmond Central Connector extension

photo credit / Berger

Project Purpose Phase II construction of the Redmond Central Connector project provides a paved multiuse trail extension from the end of Phase I at the Sammamish River Trail to the 9900 block of Willows Road.  Total Project Cost:  $3,912,877.49.

Background:

In June 2010, the City purchased the four miles of former BNSF Railroad right-of-way in Redmond and immediately began planning for the development of the corridor for city and regional projects such as a stormwater trunk line, a regional trail and linear park, northsouth transportation connections, and future light rail.In June 2011, the City adopted the Redmond Central Connector Master Plan for the corridor, which identified a phased approach to building the regional trail and linear park.

Project Description:

Redmond Central Connector project, Phase II provides a paved multiuse trail connection from the end of Phase I at the Sammamish River Trail to the 9900 block of Willows Road. The route of the new trail construction primarily follows the BNSF railroad corridor (see Attachment A). The project construction includes: • Installation of more than 1.3 miles of a paved trail. • Redevelopment of two existing rail bridges for pedestrian use. • Development of adjacent pedestrian features for park use. • Complete pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalk at NE 90th Street, NE 95th Street and private driveways along the corridor in support of the new trail crossings.

Redmond crime rate is low

Redmond Police Chief Kristi Wilson/ Internet

Annual crime data is reported to Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.  They determine crime rate per thousand by local jurisdictions and statewide as a comparison.  Police Chief Wilson says: "Analysis Data continues to demonstrate the crime rate within the City of Redmond is incredibly low and has remained consistent over the past several years."

Property crime continues to make up the significant majority of reported crime  (3022 in 2017.) "Smash and Dash" and package thieves are the most prevalent property crimes. Violent crime also continues to remain at a very low rate at 1.72/K.  Statewide violent crime is 3.5/K.

Kristi Wilson, Police Chief
May 21 Council Committee meeting

Note:  In the first Council "Neighborhood Conversations" meeting Mayoral Candidate Andrew Koeppen complained that dangerous crime rates were much higher in Redmond. The Mayor and Councilmember Carson clarified stating the State went to a new reporting system.

-- Bob Yoder

Koeppen asks Council for new pool

Mr. Koeppen was a little late here.  Last December, before Mr. Koeppen's speech, the City Council adopted the 2019-2020 budget to include the pool remodel.  

Pool system repairs and improvements will occur in two phases over two years.  Phase 1 is under contract to complete approximately $5.4M in system repair and replacement that will improve the overall pool facility efficiency and operation. This work will result in lower utility use and costs along with improved building system performance and occupant experience. The budget for Phase 2 is $6M.   
-- Bob Yoder

LWSD reduced electricity by 30%, water usage by 30% since the 2005-2006 school year

Redmond, Wash. - The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Lake Washington School District (LWSD), is among the 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardees.

Lake Washington School District was nominated by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Since the 2005–06 school year, we have reduced electricity usage per square foot by 30 percent. Domestic water usage has been reduced 30 percent per student.

LWSD integrates environmental literacy into school culture. For example, a waste audit at Peter Kirk Elementary School, in partnership with King County Green Schools, found that the school recycles correctly 96 percent of the time. Natural outdoor spaces enhance curriculum, like during Wetlands Week at Emily Dickinson Elementary. Students remove invasive plant species and learn about the important role wetlands play in the ecosystem. Students at Emerson High School learn about green sustainable design technology in a career and technical education course. They built a hoop house and raised beds for the school's urban garden. 

LWSD is teaching today's students about sustainability, while using green building practices to construct the schools of tomorrow. By 2020, 27 percent of the district schools' heating will come from high-efficiency geothermal, including 75 percent of heating in its high schools. LWSD has the largest solar energy capacity of any district in the state at 615 kilowatts. School building projects must meet detailed requirements to receive funds from Washington State's School Construction Assistance Program, including the incorporation of natural lighting, which reduces electricity costs and enhances student learning environments.

East Link Light Rail nears 50% completion

Photo Credit: Sound Transit 

Earlier this week the Bellevue City Council received an update from Sound Transit that the East Link Light Rail project has neared 50 percent completion.

Some of the highlights from the project progress include: tunnel excavation work under 110th Ave NE that has recently been completed, significant progress on the South Bellevue station and Bellevue Way Southeast parking garage, as well as the close to finished elevated guideways.

The East Link Light Rail project is anticipated to be completed and open in 2023. The length of East Link is over 14 miles that spans from all the way from Redmond, through Bellevue and onto Mercer Island. During peak travel time the service will be available every six minutes. It’s projected that there will be 43,000 – 52,000 daily riders by 2026.

For more information on the East Link Light Rail project visit the Sound Transit website.

 -- East Link Light Rail facebook site

EvergreenHealth receives safety award

EvergreenHealth Receives “A” Rating for Hospital Safety

Kirkland, Wash. –The Leapfrog Group, a leading nonprofit watchdog organization on hospital quality and safety, has announced that EvergreenHealth once again received an “A” rating for patient safety. Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades score hospitals across the country on how safe they keep their patients from medical errors, injuries, accidents and infections.