Redmond - King County Now In Phase 2 Of Covid-19 Regulations

NEWS: King County enters Phase 2 of Safe Start recovery plan Following approval by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, King County has officially entered Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start recovery plan to allow limited business re-opening. Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses previously allowed in King County’s modified Phase 1 and goes into effect immediately. “Moving to Phase 2 is another step toward economic recovery for our region, but it must go hand-in-hand with even more careful adherence to precautions from our public health experts,” said Executive Constantine. “Wearing face coverings, washing hands, and avoiding crowds and unnecessary contact can help make ours a one-way trip back to prosperity, and prevent the need to go back to stay-at-home orders.” While there are no additional categories of businesses included in moving from modified Phase 1 to Phase 2, the operating capacity has doubled for those able to reopen. For example, restaurants can now operate with 50% of indoor capacity, and retail with 30% capacity. Businesses with questions on how to safely reopen under the state’s guidance are encouraged to call Public Health's Business Compliance Line at 206-296-1608.

State and County In Dire Financial Straits

Councilmember Kohl-Welles Issues Statement in Response to Dire State Revenue Forecast

King County Council Budget Chair Jeanne Kohl-Welles issued the following statement Wednesday after the state’s quarterly revenue forecast projected an $8.8 billion state budget shortfall through 2023:

“The revenue forecast numbers issued today by the state are absolutely staggering.

“The County was already facing enormous financial challenges with the impact of the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While the state budget is different from our county budget, it is becoming abundantly clear that we will have extraordinarily difficult choices to make in crafting our biennial budget this fall. But we will rise to the challenge and do all we can to preserve our values and equity and social justice priorities.”

--King County press release, 6/17/2020

City Works To Improve Restaurant Seating Capacity

Cafe Seating ($620 permit)

As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening our restaurants and taking them down. The Council and Mayor are doing something about it by improving seating capacity.  Sara Pyle, Planning and Community Manager, gave an exhaustive presentation to Council to this endeavor as outlined below.

Off street "cafe seating" is available to all restaurants and non-eateries (dentists, salons, etc.) with a $620 permit.

191 spaces are available on the street. A minimum of 34 on street parking spaces are available by permit ($1000,)  There is a two stall maximum for on street parking. Four stalls/block maximum for on street parking. Elevated barriers are required. 

DOWNTOWN PARK:  Tables and seating will be provided to support take out.  

In addition, 5-10 parks have been identified to provide space for 10-20 businesses.  Some business examples  are:  fitness, small kids camps, music and art instruction, photography, coffee stands with bistro outside.  

Opportunities for improved seating capacity are expected in 1-2 weeks.  Staff is expedizing.

City-run activities:  art walks, live music, food drive, mask sewing,

The Opportunity Building has an abundance of parking; it was suggested the lot could be used for take out and art.

Councilmembers Kritzer, Carson and Forsythe had questions about the permit costs.  Ms. Kritzer suggested scholarships for strapped businesses. Sara recommended One Redmond for support. Mr. Carson was "shaking his head" over the permit costs saying some are barely getting by.  

In light of our dire economic situation I think $1000 and $620 (cafe seating) permits are unsettling, if not outrageous. 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion. 
   Internet photo

Time To Open Up Our Tennis Courts

Tennis courts at Redmond Middle School

Now that we are in Phase 1.5 why are our spacious tennis courts still chained shut?  Residents truly need outdoor recreation for their mental and physical health. It's not like this sport lends itself to congregating -- with courts wrapped by chain linked fencing. Governor Inslee could restrict play to two per court if he had to. As is, this policy wastes valuable recreational real estate.

-- B. Yoder, opinion

    6/13/2020  

As of 6/20 all the courts are being used!

Woody Debris Installation Planned For Bear Creek Restoration

The Bear Creek Large Woody Debris (LWD) project at Keller will enhance a 4,000-foot reach of stream on the former Keller family farm property. To date, 60 gallons of Roundup has been sprayed on Keller Farm to remove invasives. Councilmember Varisha Khan was concerned about contamination to the groundwater feeding into Bear Creek salmon habitat.

In 2015, the City of Redmond purchased 83-acres from the Keller family for the future Keller wetland mitigation bank (KWMB). Because the KWMB is focused on restoring wetlands on the old farm fields, the city committed to separately funding the restoration of the adjacent reach of Bear Creek.

The city’s Bear Creek LWD project is located mostly on the former Keller property, and immediately adjacent to the KWMB along Bear Creek. The Bear Creek LWD project and the KWMB project are separate but interrelated because of their proximity to one another. The projects were designed in coordination with one another to maximize habitat benefits and to maintain zero flood rise.

The city’s Bear Creek LWD project is funded through Redmond stormwater fees and from a $340,000 Cooperative Watershed Management (CWM) grant.

The reach of Bear Creek is an important migratory and rearing corridor for salmon. The enhancement of this reach is listed as a priority in the WRIA 8 Chinook Recovery Plan. The Bear Creek LWD project will install 37 log jams in the stream and plant about 3-acres of buffer. This work will complement the 80-acres of planting, wetland creation and enhancement, creation of stream channels and off-channel habitat provided at the KWMB. Construction will be coordinated between the projects, with both being constructed this summer and planted in the fall and winter.

Recap of Today's (6/9/2020) COVID-19 News and Updates

Numbers. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's website.

Long-term care facility (LTCF) data by county now available. DOH added data on the number of cases and deaths associated with care facilities in individual counties. Data is expected to be updated and posted weekly on the DOH coronavirus website and the state's COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard. A link to this week's data is available here. 

Governor expands protections for high risk workers. Today Governor Inslee issued a revised proclamation about requirements for protecting high-risk employees. Find details here.

New guidance on Phase 2 domestic services and certain recreational activities. Gov. Jay Inslee today issued new guidance for domestic services in Phase 2. Inslee also issued expanded and updated guidance for certain recreational activities. These and all other guidance documents from the governor’s office are available here.

BLM Spirit Stones On Hartman Trail

Something is terribly wrong

if the pain

sorrow

and outrage of a people

makes you more uncomfortable than the murder itself

-Rupi Kaur

Painting & Photo by Pam Yoder

King County Approved For Modified Phase One Re-opening

King County was approved to move into a modified Phase 1 of Gov. Inslee’s Safe Start plan Friday.

Safe Start is a phased-in, county by county approach to reopening businesses and resuming activities statewide while minimizing the impact of COVID-19. Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved King County’s modified Phase 1 application Friday.

King County has not quite meet the threshold to apply for Phase 2, but the governor released more flexibility in the phased approach that allow counties to apply for modified or in-between phases with additional guidance. To move forward to Phase 2, the county will need to see less than 25 cases per 100,000 residents over a 14-day span.

King County moving ‘in the right direction’ in quelling COVID-19 outbreak

In the modified Phase 1, or “Phase 1.5,” restaurants, in-store retail, personal services, professional services, and construction is allowed to resume with varying requirements for capacity. The modified phase includes some of the same openings as seen in Phase 2, but with more limits.

UPDATED: Mayor Hires "Independent" Investigator

I learned today from an unidentified source that Jayne Freeman, JD is the likely "independent" lawyer investigating the case in which 5 lead staff were early-on infected with COVID-19 and were told by the COO "to be quiet."

It appears Ms. Freeman's primary work is defending and advising government agencies and thus may be biased. It appears she has only tertiary experience with investigations; and so Council may be unsatisfied and find their own investigator.  Ms. Freeman was hired by the city Human Resources Director who reports to the Mayor. The city paid $49,999.99 for the contract (one penny short of needing council approval.) 

Jayne Feeman, JD

BIO:  Ms. Freeman is a Shareholder and a member of the Board of Directors of Keating, Bucklin & McCormack, Inc. P.S. Ms. Freeman defends and advises government agencies and employers on police liability and employment/personnel matters,including discipline, termination, disability accommodation, and allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, criminal acts of employees, work place safety, and negligent hiring/supervision. She has defended police departments,officers, supervisors, and employers in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Ms. Freeman also conducts workplace investigations regarding employment matters.

Ms. Freeman joined KBM in 1994 and is admitted to practice in all Washington State and Federal courts, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

Man Shot On 164th Ave NE And Cleveland Street.

RedmondWaPD

@RedmondWaPD

Police are investigating the shooting of a 31-year-old male this evening, just after 8 p.m., at the corner of 164th Ave NE

and Cleveland St. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, the shooter is not yet identified.
Please contact RPD if you have info.

6/31/2020

Twitter

COO And Fire Chief On Indefinite Leave

An investigation has been underway for over a month by an "independent" attorney to understand how the top staff (below) were managed at the beginning of the crisis.  The Mayor's office (Director of Human Resources) selected a Seattle-based attorney. If Council is unsatisfied they will conduct their own investigation.  At last night's Regular meeting it was revealed that COO Maxine Whattam and Fire Chief Tommy Smith are on indefinite leave.  Chief Smith is also Director of Emergency Preparedness.  6/3/2020

Background

Those who got coronavirus were Redmond Fire Chief Tommy Smith, emergency manager Pattijean Hooper, deputy fire chief Don Horton, program coordinator Janeen Olson, and battalion chief Tom Langton.

Mayor Birney said she was limited by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that she couldn’t require staff to inform her of their positive results, and couldn’t share the number of positives, even when withholding names, with people.

Councilmember Varisha Kahn said,"In a time of public crisis, our city leadership could have aspired to a higher bar by being transparent and honest, but instead decided to function behind closed doors and by lying," Khan said. "Disregard for the public and the truth is not governance."

Excerpts from--KUOW, NPR, 4/8 article

Black Lives Matter Protest - Redmond

Phtotos by Yoder

• Protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, entered its eighth day across the US. One former officer was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter — but protesters and critics believe the charge isn't harsh enough.
• President Trump vowed yesterday to use the military if widespread violence isn't quelled, as peaceful protesters just outside the White House gates were dispersed with tear gas.
• Experts hired by George Floyd's family and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner have concluded his death was a homicide.
• -- 6/2/2020

King County Report On George Floyd Drama And Covid-19

In recent days, community members joined protests locally and across the country in response to the death of George Floyd and so many Black lives that have been taken through senseless, violent and racist acts. This racism and hate comes on top of the stress, burden and illness being inequitably experienced by Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color during the pandemic, the result of centuries of systemic racism.

Public Health recognizes the difficult choices that people were faced with this past weekend. Many in our community grappled with attending protests to stand up against these injustices while also wanting to keep our community safe from further spread of COVID-19.

Statements by public health leaders and answers to key questions are available at our recent blog post, Answering questions about protests and COVID-19.

Mayor Birney Sets Curfew

By a vote of 7-2 9 9 (Pathye, Carson) in last night's Regular meeting council rescinded the curfew. 6/2/2020

Redmond, WA – Redmond Mayor Angela Birney is issuing a proclamation of Civil Emergency and order effective this evening, imposing a curfew from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. and continuing until terminated by Mayor Birney. The curfew states that no person – with the exception of law enforcement, military and other emergency response personnel, government officials and authorized media – shall enter or remain in the public right of way, public parks or any other public place.

There are currently no known threats to the Redmond community. It is not the intent of the City to prevent lawful and orderly protests and demonstrations or to curtail the right of the public to engage in free speech or lawful assembly as authorized by the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Washington. The intent of the curfew is to protect the Redmond community and those engaged in lawful protests.

The Redmond Police Department will be monitoring protests and demonstrations in the region and is fully staffed to respond to public safety incidents if they should arise. The National Guard has been mobilized and is standing ready to provide assistance if requested by the Mayor. We are asking that the community continue to stay home per the Governor's Safe Start plan and that any demonstration be held in a peaceful and lawful manner. Protesters and demonstrators are urged to wear face coverings and to observe proper social distancing.

Review the full proclamation here. For questions and additional information, contact Lisa Maher, Communications Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov/PressReleases.

6/1/2020

Police Chief Darrel Lowe Addresses Tragic Death Of George Floyd

Dear Redmond Community,

"I feel a moral imperative to address the unnecessary and tragic death of George Floyd as a result of police action. I believe this to be the responsibility of all police leaders. I am profoundly disturbed and quite frankly disgusted by the actions and inaction that resulted in Mr. Floyd's death. It was preventable and should not have happened.

As such, I will not shy away from having courageous conversations and dialogue. Historically, law enforcement has contributed to the marginalization of many disadvantaged communities and groups. We value and depend on the relationships between the community and our department. These connections allow us to engage in meaningful dialogue around events that evoke such a depth of emotion.

It is the responsibility of law enforcement leaders to take measures to prevent those actions from occurring. As part of our officers' on-going training, they will receive comprehensive instruction in constitutional policing, procedural justice, and implicit bias. Topics on which I am a recognized subject matter expert and national presenter. This training will supplement and support the current deconstructing bias training all City of Redmond employees are required to take.

The Redmond Police Department partners with community groups and leaders to ensure that we continue to be a learning organization. It is our culture to be a safe, open, welcoming, and inclusive community for all!

Police officers have to uphold the law, period. I expect our officers, myself included, to apply the law fairly and equally to all. We must do this in a manner that prioritizes and respects the sanctity of life; this includes a duty to intervene if a fellow officer is acting outside of law or policy. Not only is that our policy, but it's also our moral imperative.

I am incredibly proud of the staff of the Redmond Police Department. I see first hand every day the high moral standards, respect, and empathy they demonstrate. Police Officers take an oath and are granted the authority to protect our community. We understand we must do so with a balance of humanity, compassion, and fairness if we are to maintain our public's trust."

Sincerely,

Chief Darrell Lowe

Redmond Police Department

Spirit Stones

Does anyone know who is painting these charming stones and placing them randomly around  Education Hill? This one was found on 166th and 104th. I've seen others in the grasses of the Powerline Trail.  I call them "Spirit Stones" because they lift my spirits during these Covid times.

I just learned there is community-building Facebook group called "Redmond ROCKS!" that finds their stones, paints and places them.  Right now they already have over 900 members and eager for more.  Here is their website.  What fun!  Some of the very best outdoor art I've ever seen in Redmond!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RedmondRocks/

-- Bob Yoder

Doggies, Everywhere

Doggies everywhere this COVID-19 season. Bicycles, scooters too. This gentleman behind Trader Joe's gave me permission to take his picture.  He's carrying a take-out lunch.

Photo By Yoder
5/21/2020

Growth Is Exploding At Overlake Urban Center

Of course, one of the best measures of growth in Redmond is the number of cranes. If you squint how many cranes do you see? (I count six.)  Overlake is laden with cranes from the construction of light rail and the "Microsoft Refresh."  

Microsoft Refresh

Photo Yoder

5/21/2020

Redmond 10th Fastest Growing City In The Country

"While Seattle’s growth is cooling off, Redmond’s is not. Last year, Microsoft’s hometown grew by a whopping 6.7%. That ranks Redmond as the 10th fastest-growing city in the country for 2019, among those with a population of 50,000 or higher."

-- Gene Balk
    Seattle Times, 5/21/2020

Scooters And Dogs

Take a walk just about anywhere and you're bound to see a kid on a scooter and folks walking their dog these COVID-19 days. Can you guess where this picture was taken?  Hint: Kirkland.

Bob Yoder
5/20/2020

Thirty Parking Spaces Planned For The Downtown Park

In 2017-2018, the City held a design competition for the development of the 11,506 square foot Downtown Park Remnant Property on the west side of 161st Ave. NE, betweenRedmond Way and Cleveland St. 

The City’s goal for the remnant property is to encourage development that: 1. Provides a significant architectural contribution and gateway for Downtown, 2. Is compatible with the design and use of the Downtown Park, and 3. Activates and enlivens the Downtown Park and the surrounding neighborhood.

After reviewing proposals submitted by several developers, the City selected Main Street Property
Group (MSPG) to develop the property because their design most closely met the City’s development goals.

On August 21, 2018, the City Council approved selling the property to MSPG and on November 27, 2018 the Mayor signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) to sell the property for $2,056,956.

In addition to purchasing the remnant property from the City, MSPG is buying two adjacent parcels from William Johnson, with the intention to build a multi-story mixed-use project with approximately 80 residential units, 7,000 square feet of retail space and over 80 parking spaces on a site totaling 30,106 square feet.

Under the terms of the PSA, MSPG will reserve no less than 30 parking spaces for public use under a shared-use agreement. The parking spaces will be available for those using the Downtown Park. Combining the City remnant with the Johnson parcels provides significant benefits for the City, including, more efficient use of the land, an architecturally unified building design in a highly visible area of Downtown, public parking for the Downtown Park and a higher return from the sale of the properties.

Councilmember David Carson praised the project saying that people had complained there was a parking shortage.next to the park.   

-- Reported by Yoder
   Source 5/19 Regular Meeting Memo