City Revenues Up, Expenditures Down -- Long Term Trend Continues

Each month the Finance Department reviews the prior month’s financial performance. Some highlights from the end of June include:

 General Fund revenues continue to trend over projections by approximately 12% due to one-time collections of sales tax on construction.

 The one-time collections appear in the sales tax category which is over expected collections by approximately $7 million.

 Property taxes the second largest revenue source in the General Fund are on budget.

 Utility taxes are trending lower by approximately $1 million.

 Expenditures are approximately 12% below budget. Under expenditures are primarily due to vacancies and one-time projects that have not begun.

-- Council Committee Meeting Agenda, 7/23/19

NOTE:  The monthly pattern of high revenues and tax collections and expenditures below budget continues to improve, long term.  These favorable financial outcomes will help us address the most significant priority needs in the city's budget:  Infrastructure and Safety.  In my opinion, there is no need for a Safety levy with these financial trends. - Bob Yoder

OPINION: Steve Fields' management and leadership style sets him apart.

In Redmond's  "Strong Mayor" form of government our mayor wears three different hats.  He is 1) one of eight elected officials, 2) the CEO, and 3) the Chief of Staff. 

A good leader is trusted and respected by his employees.  I've known Steve for years and watch city council meetings religiously. Steve is a good listener and as Chief of Staff will guide well. He will hire the right people. Steve gives encouragement and the tools staff needs to grow in their careers and to give tax-payers their best. 

Primed to excel as CEO, Steve is the only candidate who has led teams of people preparing large government budgets. As mayor, Steve will manage our city finances with integrity and accountability. He's completed multi-million dollar negotiations and led teams of people that improved operations. As CEO Steve will take the bull by the horns; and does Redmond have Big Horns. A CEO is assertive, - not laid back - and doesn't need to be popular with a long list of elite endorsements from people who don't live here and can't vote. Steve isn't bigger than life. He's grounded. 

As reported in a recent Seattle Times article Steve believes "Our residents are the best city planners. We need to listen to them." Steve's likable. He's the best candidate to take the rudder and guide the organization, both locally and regionally. Career experience has brought him toe-to-toe with Seattle and King County officials. Steve's connected. With engagement from the neighborhoods he will plan and manage the city to prevent what we've experienced with the downtown park and two-way street conversion. However, he does support the festivities there and would like to find ways to make the park more interesting and attractive for all residents. 

As an elected official our mayor has the enormous responsibility of writing the preliminary budget to prioritize how our tax dollars will be spent.  He gives vital budgetary input to the seven council officials we elect. Steve says in his brochure "We should not further delay the sustainability program that was funded in last year's budget. Protecting our environment, our health and out future is my highest priority."  He wants to make our city more affordable for people who call Redmond home and for small businesses -- like he and his wife's coffee shop. 

Our traditional small business simply can't afford the low-level, mixed-use boxed rental buildings. They are being driven out of our city just as workers are being driven out to find affordable housing.  Steve wants to change this by navigating through government red tape to provide innovative housing options and tax incentives for our small businesses. As for mobility, Steve will move the downtown light rail station forward, encourage "smart technology" programs to help us cope with our frustrating traffic, the parking problem, and smarter and safer bike lanes.    

I'm a 41 year resident and have spoken with and listened to the candidates on many occasions. In my opinion, Steve's management and leadership style is what separates him from the others. For all the right reasons, please join me in voting for Steve Fields on August 6th!  

-- Bob Yoder

Eastside Mayoral Candidate Forum - Angela Birney

The Eastside Mayoral Forum was held in the North Bellevue Community Center on July 18th.  The audience was mostly Indian, North Asian, Chinese, and Japanese.  This is candidate Angela Birney's closing  statement. (1 minute)

-- Bob Yoder

Eastside Mayoral Candidate Forum - Steve Fields

The Eastside Mayoral Forum was held in the North Bellevue Community Center on July 18th.  The audience was mostly Indian, North Asian, Chinese, and Japanese.  This is Steve Fields' closing statement. (1.5 minutes)

-- Bob Yoder

City Hires New Parks And Recreation Director And New Public Works Director

Carrie Hite

Dave Juarez

Redmond, WA – At last night’s meeting, Redmond City Council approved Mayor John Marchione’s appointment of Carrie Hite as the City’s new Parks and Recreation Director and Dave Juarez as the new Public Works Director.

“Carrie and Dave bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their Director positions,” said Mayor Marchione. “We look forward to having them join the City. I am confident their energy and leadership will contribute to continued success in Redmond.”

EvergreenHealth Names Jeff Tomlin, MD, As New Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Jeff Tomlin

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners announced today its selection of Jeff Tomlin, MD, to lead the Kirkland-based health system as chief executive officer. Dr. Tomlin had filled the role of interim CEO since May 31 following Dr. Amy Beiter’s departure from the organization.

Before serving as interim CEO, Dr. Tomlin oversaw the health system’s clinical quality and safety initiatives as EvergreenHealth’s chief medical and quality officer, and was responsible for leading risk management, patient relations, infection control and research, employed specialist practices, surgical services, pharmacy and medical staff services.

“As a longtime and esteemed member of our leadership team and greater community, Dr. Tomlin has an incredibly informed understanding of our organization, from both a strategic and operational perspective. During his time as interim CEO, he has skillfully translated this understanding into thoughtful action,” said Al DeYoung, chairman, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners. “In addition to his impressive track record of leadership within our health system, he has also established strong ties to the community we serve throughout his 30-year tenure. Under Dr. Tomlin’s leadership, EvergreenHealth is well-positioned to continue pursuing our mission to advance the health of the community with high-quality, safe, compassionate and cost-effective health care.”

LW School District Employees To Receive A 3.1% Inflation Increase

The district entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Lake Washington School District Trades Bargaining Council to extend their current collective bargaining agreement for an additional year. Employees under this agreement will receive the 3.1% state determined inflationary adjustment. 

The district also successfully negotiated the contract reopener for compensation with the Lake Washington Education Association. The parties agreed to: 3.1% state determined inflationary adjustment; Implementation of new salary schedule including legislative minimums; increase substitute rate of pay and provide the 3.1% state determined inflationary adjustment.

Last year's data shows the consumer price index increased 2.1% in the Seattle area.

Sources:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, Western Information Office
                LWSD School Board Meeting Packet, September 17, 2018

Reported by Bob Yoder

Primary Candidate's Explanatory Statements, On August 6th Ballot

City of Redmond, Mayor

• Angela Birney
• Andrew Koeppen
• Steve Fields

City of Redmond, Council Position 7

• Shad Ansari
• David Carson
• Carlos Jimenez
• Osama Hamdan

Lake Washington School District 414, Director District 5

• Siri Bliesner
• John Towers
• Susan Wilkins

Registration For National Night Out Against Crime

This event is on the same day as the August 6th Election.  Please vote by mail before attending this event!  

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Police and Fire Departments are proud partners of National Night Out and will host neighborhood visits on the evening of August 6 by Redmond police officers, firefighters, emergency management, search and rescue teams and elected officials. All Redmond residents are invited to register and plan neighborhood parties by Sunday, July 21 at https://www.redmond.gov/613/National-Night-Out.National Night Out (NNO) is a combined effort by neighborhoods across the country to prevent crime and drug use in our communities. 

To check if your neighborhood is already registered, or to register after July 21, please email crimeprevention@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2632.  When registering neighborhood events, you can request a visit from any of the participating safety departments. We will do our best to match all requests and help make the night fun and informative. Registration is easy – just list the time, place and which department you would prefer to attend.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for Redmond residents to come together and build stronger ties with their neighbors,” said Mayor Marchione. “This annual event focuses on education, relationship building and continuing to make Redmond a safe community for today and future generations.”

For more information about the history of National Night Out, visit https://natw.org. To reach the Crime Prevention Team, email crimeprevention@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2632.  

Mayoral Candidate Voter Guide

  

*** Mayoral Candidate Election Guide***

(Click for the Guide)

Make sure you mail your ballot by 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 6th. No postage needed.

Or put them in a King County drive-through drop box by August 6th, 8 p.m.

Drop boxes are located at City Hall and the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village.

Redmond Reporter: What Does Redmond Mean to you?

"What does Redmond mean to you?" Redmond Reporter, excerpts, 7/11

Angela Birney

Birney:  Redmond is home to an innovative spirit, diverse communities, and shared values that bring us together. I’m proud to have called Redmond my home for over 20 years. From volunteering at Norman Rockwell to watching my daughters play soccer at every field in the area — I love this city. With your support, I’ll lead Redmond into our next chapter as a collaborative city where people, communities, neighborhoods and businesses work together to create a place where all are welcome, and all thrive. As mayor, I will work every day to create a connected Redmond.

Steve Fields

Fields: Since first arriving in Redmond in 1978, I have lived life to its fullest potential and helped bring those same opportunities to Redmond. It is the hometown where I enjoyed coaching basketball, baseball and soccer. It is the place surrounded by natural beauty that inspires an innovative and creative community to do more and believe in new possibilities. But mostly Redmond to me is about living near people who care and who work really hard together to make sure we’re doing the right things for our community.


Koeppen: Redmond is at a crossroads, facing a multitude of issues from traffic congestion, increasing crime, small businesses leaving, and affordable housing. I’ll use my leadership skills to build a community where people can civilly discuss issues, problems and solutions.

-- Redmond Reporter Excerpts, July 11

City Launches Online Community Involvement Tool

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond launched a new online community involvement tool today, called Let’s Connect Redmond, where the public can learn about, and provide input on, a number of upcoming plans, programs and projects. Through Let’s Connect, visitors are encouraged to provide feedback, ask questions, and post comments that will help inform decisions made by the City.

The Sammamish River Trail Weasel

Weasel bounds across the Sammamish River Trail/ Credit John Rienke

This afternoon I was returning from a walk along the Sammamish River Trail here in Redmond, feeling a little disappointed at not having seen anything particularly interesting during my chilly June stroll.

As I approached the 90th St Bridge, I was astonished to observe a small weasel (no, it's not a squirrel) venture forth from behind a large boulder on the right side of the trail. It darted back behind the rock upon spotting an ambling pedestrian and speeding bicyclist, both of whom were heading north from underneath the bridge.

Box, "Lego" Buildings Are Crowding Our Streetscape

6-story "Lego" buildings are crowding the streets-scape and blocking views to the green ridges. This is progress which I readily accept.  The photo looks south on 166th, at the bottom of Education Hill.  The Hilton Garden Inn on the left is under construction.  Across the street is the 6-story "The Triangle" rental building.

Developers are building "box-like" buildings to cut their costs.  Council candidate Hank Myers recently said buildings need to be cost effective to encourage affordable housing.  In the same breath he doesn't like the aesthetics of  these Lego buildings.

-- Bob Yoder
    Photo; Yoder
    5/1/2019

Council Position #7 Election Guide

COUNCIL POSITION 7 SUMMARY
[click]

David Carson, incumbent (12 years) https://carson4redmond.com/

Osama Hamdan:    https://osamaforredmond.com/

Carlos Jimenez:  https://electcarlosjimenez.com

Shad Ansara:  https://shadforredmond.godaddysites.com/

l-r Carlos Jimenez, Shad Ansara, Osama Hamdan, David Carson

OPINION: Does The City Really Need A Public Safety Levy?

At several meetings this month city staff has been saying they need more funding for Fire than what is presently allocated.  I get it. Our population is growing; and Fire Station #12 which services the burgeoning Overlake Urban Center and Rose Hill, Grasslawn and Viewpoint neighborhoods needs remodeling and expansion. No doubt we'll need a new fire station in Overlake some day, as well. Fire is drawing up a six-year Master Plan to plan for these needs.

No doubt accommodating Fire's needs will require significant funding so the city is planning a new safety levy to pay for it. But, do we need a levy?  No!

At Council's June 25th committee meeting, Finance Director Melisa Files reported the city is in excellent financial shape.  "Department budgets [like Fire] are running well and there's really no issues in our funds." She went onto say " revenues are up by 17%, from sales tax and development revenue." Ms. Files has been reporting high revenue growth for well over a year with no end in sight. Even more impactful, Ms. Files reported "we expect $20 million in property tax income over the next year." If that's not enough, the city has a "Responsible Government Priority" from which they can tap $31,707,604 from their "operation reserves."

Fiscal stewardship should be expected of a responsible government; allocations to Fire and Police should be priority #1. Our exceptional present and future revenues and "smart prioritizing" of other services should get us to our Fire goals without the need for a Safety Levy. When the levy is one day proposed, please vote "No."

-- Bob Yoder

EvergreenHealth Seeks Community Support In August Election

EvergreenHealth supporters take the NAMI 5 K Walk to bust stigma

Approval of Proposition 1 will fund critical upgrades to the health system’s Kirkland medical center campus without increasing district tax rate

Kirkland, Wash. – This August, residents of Public Hospital District No. 2 will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 1, a measure that will strengthen and expand the EvergreenHealth Medical Center campus in Kirkland. Proposition 1 will support funding for a series of projects included in “EverHealthy,” EvergreenHealth’s strategic master facilities plan, to ensure that the growing population of families can continue to count on safe, quality care within their community well into the future.

Safety is the primary impetus of the projects included in Proposition 1, featuring seismic upgrades to facility infrastructure and disaster readiness; a new and relocated Critical Care Unit; a new medical office building for outpatient programs such as mental health; an expanded and upgraded Family Maternity Center; and the purchase of advanced life-saving medical equipment, technology and facility upgrades to support these projects, and poise the organization for ever-evolving technology and the next generation of care– all of which are critical to ensuring EvergreenHealth remains the community’s most trusted source for health care solutions.

EverHealthy will be funded by a $345 million bond, which will extend the longevity of district residents’ current property tax rate that will otherwise expire in 2023. The funding structure will not increase the tax rate for district homeowners; rather, approving Proposition 1 will maintain the current tax rate.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Class

Parents in a study session

The statistics are alarming:  18 percent of LWSD seniors have considered suicide. 50 percent of all chronic mental health cases begin by age fourteen. 39 percent of eighth graders are not were not able to stop worrying in the past 2 weeks. 32 percent experience anxiety disorder (ages thirteen to eighteen.) 11 percent report a major depressive episode in the past year (ages twelve to seventeen) One in five have a mental health condition.  Only one third get help from a professional. They may be ashamed or reluctant to share because what others may think.

Last Saturday I attended and participated in an 8-hour Lake Washington Schools Foundation "Youth Mental Health First Aid Class." The classroom was packed by over 30 parents; it was dynamic and fun, with lots role playing and engaging exercises. Danit Erlich, Ph.D taught the class. She's an energetic highly qualified cross-cultural parent coach and speaker. She was awesome!  Danit first asked us to introduce ourselves, then say something our youth.  The stage was set: we all felt connected, empathetic and involved with each other.

We learned skills on how to notice signs and symptoms and have a meaningful conversion to help twelve to eighteen year-old students cope with their mental health challenges.  A helpful 133 page manual addressed the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan for everything from suicide, major depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, substance abuse, psychosis and AdHD.

The Action Plan involves:  1) assessment of symptoms, 2) listening non-judgmentally, 3) giving reassurance and information, 4) encouraging  appropriate professional help, and self -help. Owing to it's severity, we focused on the action plan for suicide; we also did a role play for panic attack.

Danit said suicide is the second cause of death in 12-18 year youth and is escalating. She and other parents attributed it to Snap Chat, Instagram and other social media and not listening intently. She suggested a good place to listen and assess is during short drives in the car and at bedtime.

In the case of suicide assessment we learned to listen non-judgmentally and tell the person that you are concerned and want to help.  Sometimes self-harm, like cutting, is a cry for help. Giving  away positions, heavy drinking and social withdrawal are other signs.

The role play was challenging and some never got through it.  First you have to ask if they decided where they will kill themselves, how, and when. If they say "yes" calmly explain that thoughts of suicide are common, help is available and it doesn't have to be acted upon. Allow the student to do most of the talking by asking open-ended questions. Suicidal thoughts are often a plea for help and desperate attempt to escape from problems and stress; and the student can find relief in talking about it. Immediately, take them to the E.R. or call 911 and never leave them alone.

As a result of this class I feel comfortable talking about mental health with students and assisting them. Along with the Foundation, NAMI Eastside and EvergreenHealth also hold classes. For dates and class information contact NAMI Eastside at 425-885-6264.

-- Bob Yoder

Sources: Danit Erlich, Ph.D
               Mental Health First Aid Course Manual
               LW Schools Foundation brochure

EvergreenHealth Proposes $345 Million Bond Measure

EvergreenHealth residents participated in the 5K NAMI Walk to support mental health care  

On August 6, 2019, residents in our district will vote on Proposition 1, to fund a $345 million general obligation bond measure. 

The Bond has five main areas of focus, including:

• Primarily a critical safety project, with over 60% allocated to seismically retrofit our oldest buildings and replace aging 1970s-era infrastructure in the core of the hospital. In the event of a major disaster, this is critical for EvergreenHealth to continue to function and serve the community.
• Relocate and upgrade our Critical Care Unit so patient rooms will be able to accommodate vital modern equipment and technology.
• **Construct a medical building for programs such as outpatient mental health.
• Upgrade and expand our Family Maternity Center.
• Provide life-saving medical equipment, technology and facility upgrades to support these projects, and poise our organization for ever-evolving technology and the next generation of care.

"Since 1972, our community has embraced EvergreenHealth as the Eastside’s public hospital district, supporting our organization’s evolution every step of the way, as we strive to meet the growing needs of our patients and enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch.

We thank the residents of our district for their forward-looking vision over the past 47 years and continued partnership in helping us meet the ever evolving needs of our growing community through though this bond initiative."

-- EvergreenHealth Website

**Changed from the previous Bond -- outpatient mental health is now part of the initiative they say!

City Considers Safety Levy For Fire Needs

Old photo

At the June 18 Council Committee meeting Fire Chief Tommy Smith noted 1992 was the date of the last Fire Master Plan and it is time for a new one.  In the early '90's there was no code for sprinklers and multi-family housing stock was smaller in size and numbers than today.  In addition, the population of the city has grown exponentially and there's a need for more stations.  The Chief noted Fire Station 12 is inadequate since it services the burgeoning Overlake urban center, Grasslawn, Rose Hill, and Viewpoint neighborhoods. Adoption of the plan is expected by 2020.

Of significance to the public, the city is considering a public safety tax levy; and considering which developments will be subject to impact fees. (With Sound Transit taxes, school bond taxes, a potential public hospital tax and State Park levy, State tax increases, and now this, many residents are facing tax fatigue & pain.)

Up next, the Fire Marshall described their two alarm response to the recent multi-family apartment fire near the Redmond Elementary School.  The subject building has four attached sets of four units. Five of the units burned; three residents had minor injuries. The units were hosed with 15,000 gallons of water. The building was old and had no fire sprinklers or alarms. (Sprinklers weren't required by the city until 2007.)  A good Samaritan notified Fire and alerted the residents.  According to the Deputy Fire Chief, response time was 6 minutes.  The Fire Marshal noted 1042 multi-family units in the city have no sprinklers.  The Department takes proactive safety measures in these buildings to prepare for possible fires. 

-- Bob Yoder

Source:  Safety, Council Committee Of The Whole, 6/18
              Councilmember Steve Fields presiding officer

  

River Jewelwing Damselfly, By Reinke

Photo by John Reinke

The River Jewelwing is the largest damselfly found in Washington state.  It is most commonly sighted in June and July, along rivers and streams.  Indeed, I spotted this one along a recently dried up stream that drains into the north end of Lake Sammamish.  It's the first one of its kind that I've ever seen, so I felt fortunate to photograph it.

The dark patches on the wings indicate it is a male, about two inches long.  Note that the thorax is a brilliant metallic green that shades into an equally brilliant metallic blue covering the long abdomen.  The thorax contains the muscles that control the four wings, which all damselflies have.  The wings are typically folded close together back above the abdomen when the damselfly is perched.

Also observe the spiky hairs that extend outward from the six legs. (They're hard to see.) They all angle down and may help to clasp prey caught in mid-flight.

-- John Reinke