City engineer Emily Flanagan gave Council an overview of the Evans Creek Relocation project November 9th 2021. She quoted a total cost of the project at $18,450,000. Grants totaled $850,000. In 2013, $910,868 was approved for a relocation consultant at a Council regular meeting
Thus, the total price tag for relocation, including grants is 18,510,868 (not counting legal fees from lawsuits with "Union Shares." The $910,868 was paid for a preliminary design and to secure permits to relocate 3500 feet of Evans Creek channel out of SE Redmond Industrial area into adjacent open space to the north and east.
BENEFIT: Redevelopment of some aspects of SE Redmond Industrial will be economically feasible with removal of the stream and buffer from it's present location. In addition, passive recreation along the Bear-Evans Creek trail to Perrigo Park will be enhanced since the new channel will share the same open space with the trail.
BENEFIT: Evans Creek is a Class One salmon bearing stream but is impacted by adjacent industrial development with untreated run-off and untreed, paved buffers less than 50 feet wide in some places. Class One stream buffers are supposed to be 200 feet wide but 50 foot buffers have been grandfathered in SE Industrial Redmond. Evans Creek Relocation is listed as a priority in the WRIA 8 Chinook Conservation Plan owing to the wealth of habitat in the upper reaches of Evans Creek. With the relocation Chinook and Coho will be able to swim from the confluence of Bear-Evans Creeks to the upper reaches of the watershed.
According to Ms. Flanagan, the project will take two summers to complete. Expected completion time is 2024.
In 2013 it was estimated the total cost for the relocation is $7.6 Million and is funded by City of Redmond Capital Improvement Projects fund. That's a far cry from $18M. CM David Carson didn't give the source of the funds.
-- Bob Yoder, 2013 Council memo, 11/9/2021, Council Committee meeting.
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| It's about time (2021) Evans is relocated away from this industrial mess! |
Incumbency aside, it seems quantity rules over quality. I'm always amazed how quickly candidates remove their signs.
-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2021
More than 20 years later, these facilities are now in dire need of replacement. The concession and restroom building replacement is a necessary structural and safety improvement and an opportunity to consider inclusion of water activity amenities in the building.
The Idylwood Park dock will be replaced with aluminum materials. Improvements include a non-slip surface, ADA compliant handrails for fishing activities, and a new swim ladder. The new dock replaces the original structure built in the 1970’s.
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| SafeEastside.com |
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on Tuesday introduced an ordinance that would require King County to notify the public before purchasing a hotel for use as a homeless shelter, supported housing, or similar housing option.
“It is not good government for King County to make hugely impactful land use decisions by siting large homeless shelters without first providing full transparency to the public. The impacted communities, including residents and the municipal governments that represent them must all have a chance to provide public comment in advance of the decision being unilaterally made by King County,” Dunn said. “My legislation provides a simple fix to that problem by putting it in King County code that the government must notify the public before siting a shelter in their community.”
Dunn’s legislation would provide the opportunity for public comment in advance of all such purchases by requiring a public notice to be circulated in a local newspaper at least 30 days before the purchase takes place in order to inform the impacted community of the location of the property; the purpose for which King County intends to use it; the funding source proposed the purchase it; information on how the public may provide comment; and the name and phone number of the King County person of contact.
Since May of this year, King County has purchased nine hotels across King County to use as housing for the chronically homeless, including sites in Auburn, Federal Way, Seattle, Redmond, and Renton, and plans to purchase three more hotels by the end of the year.
According to King County’s 2020 Point in Time Count, 64% of the chronically homeless reported that they are battling a substance use disorder and 73% reported battling a mental illness. Past placement of people with untreated addiction and mental illness has impacted the safety of the surrounding communities and businesses.
The ordinance will be referred to the Committee of the Whole.
-- King County Press Release, 11/9/2021
Guy emphasized the importance of "promenades" for connecting a hierarchy of streets. Promenades are not boulevards but important avenues with canopy and wider (20')sidewalks. The Parks Director and Mayor Ives talked with excitement about street-side cafes, book stores, spilling over onto wider sidewalk promenades. (Thank you COVID for the later.)
Guy suggested improving the "green ring" along the Sammamish River by softening the eastern slope of the river with a more gradual grade to "get out of the ditch". He suggested building a bike/running trail on the west side to allow for more passive activities on the eastern slope. He thought Luke McRedmond Park had great potential. [He failed to point out King County has jurisdiction over the river corridor.]
Mayor Birney and Council, please zone for greater use of promenades, wider sidewalks and bike lanes, specifically in the Nelson Master Plan and SE Redmond Neighborhood (where new schools are planned.) Thank you. B. Yoder
READ MORE for the abridged Berger report and my opinion:
Per employee visibility, the following are a few maximum salaries:
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| Leah Choi (53.99%) leading Casandra Sage (45.45%) as of 8:15 p.m. 11/2. |
In a rapidly changing world, students deserve a public education that will adapt and prepare them for success. This requires leaders who are committed to doing the work and driving educational progress.
Our schools must lead in educating students and communities on the critical issue of Earth’s climate. We are living with the consequences of human driven climate change, and we need to better prepare future generations for the challenge it poses.
I support the work to provide technical training for students who may choose non-traditional secondary education and will work to enhance and grow these opportunities, because not everyone learns the same way and there are many paths to success.
Finally, we need to consider implementing science-based recommendations like changing our school start times. Overwhelming evidence supports delaying school start times for adolescents. It’s time that we join the thousands of schools nationwide that have made this change and are reaping the benefits. My diverse background in education, science and business gives me a unique perspective to work collaboratively and achieve goals. It would be an honor to work for our community and I am grateful for your vote. Endorsed by: NWPC-WA and Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion.
-- 2021 King County Voters Pamphlet
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| Malissa Stuart (61%) Dennis Ellis (38.31%) as of 8:15 p.m. |
Education: Master of Non-Profit Leadership, Seattle University; BA Communication & BA Political Science, Washington State University
I’m running for city council because I believe Redmond can be a great place to live for all. I will ensure that every person can have their voice heard. I will collaborate with city leaders to invest in climate change mitigation today and resiliency for what is to come tomorrow.
To council, I’ll bring my years of experience breaking down barriers for youth and families; including my work at Youth Eastside Services to secure access to affordable behavioral healthcare for all families, and at Treehouse to promote education success for youth in foster care. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former 48th LD Democrats PCO, former Sound Transit/Metro Sounding Board member, and active environmental advocate in our city.
Endorsements: 45th LD Democrats; Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Representative Vandana Slatter; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney, Council President Tanika Padhye, Councilwoman Vanessa Kritzer; Zero Waste Washington Executive Director Heather Trim
-- King County Voters Pamphlet, 11/2/2021
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| As of 8:15 p.m. 11/2 Jeralee Anderson leads 67.01% to Tara Van Niman's 32.47% |
As a construction engineer and social entrepreneur, I help build sustainable communities around the world. I bring integrity, an open mind, and practical experience to the Council. I care about smart growth, environmental protection, community health, and good governance. Last term, I helped bring clean energy to city operations. I worked collaboratively to ensure effective stewardship of tax dollars. At all levels of government, I served as your champion for access to reliable transportation, broadband, and clean water.
As we restore the economy, I will advocate for housing equity, small businesses, living wages, and innovative technology. I will promote programs that provide connection, healing, and happiness. Together, we will enhance public safety, create job opportunities, and develop a thriving city! Thank you for your vote!
Sole Endorsements: Redmond Firefighters, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington Housing Alliance, Affordable Housing Council, Senator Patty Kuderer, King County and Young Democrats, LD48 Democrats, and more
[No endorsement from Mayor Angela Birney]
-- King County Voters Pamphlet, 11/2/2021
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| Steve Fields (59.71%) - Janet Richards (39.75%) 8:15 p.m. |
Four years ago, I brought my real-world experience in finance, infrastructure, and environmental protection to City Council. Working with a renewed Council that responds to you, I declared a Climate Emergency, championed the building of a new Senior Center, improved financial policies, and rallied support for our community and small businesses during COVID.
With your help, we can accomplish more. I will continue to work for a community-driven and inclusive approach to growth management, sensible use of taxpayer dollars, climate change mitigation, and an equitable community for everyone. It’s been my pleasure and honor to represent you and lead Redmond toward a healthier, sustainable future. I appreciate your vote!
Endorsements: King County Democrats; 48th LD; Women of Color in Politics; Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion; Sierra Club; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Joe Nguyen; State Representative Jamila Taylor; Councilmembers Jessica Forsythe and Varisha Khan; former Mayor Rosemaire Ives; and more.
[No endorsement from Mayor Angela Birney]
-- King County Election Pamphlet, 11/2/2021
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| City Council and Mayor Birney (click to enlarge) |
“After taking a break from our Community Conversations program due to the pandemic, Redmond Councilmembers are looking forward to the opportunity to visit and connect with our neighbors and the community we serve,” stated Council President Tanika Padhye.
Mayor Birney and Councilmembers will answer questions, discuss current projects, and listen to ideas and thoughts from the community. Community members will be invited to submit questions at the event, or questions can be submitted in advance via email at communications@redmond.gov.
For details on Community Conversations, including how to register, visit www.redmond.gov/Conversations.
-- City Press Release
Heron Rookery adjacent Leary Way
I was one of the few public attending the "Downtown Parks Open House" meeting on April 24 at the Old Redmond School House. (It was posted on the city website).
Overlake Neighborhood Focus A key area of focus for the PARCC plan update will be how to provide services in the Overlake Neighborhood as it grows. Esterra Park will open in Fall of 2022, Seritage Park is planned for future development, but the levels of growth in both jobs and housing will necessitate more open spaces, children’s play areas and community center space/performing arts space as we look to the future. Creative planning, partnerships, and a clear vision will be necessary to provide the expected parks and open spaces. Emerging Uses/Activities: Staff has been looking for opportunities to meet growing demand for sports like cricket, lacrosse and pickleball. Cricket is proposed for future development of Juel Park, however, the development of this site is problematic. Recently, the City has been working with our regional neighbors on a possible regional initiative. Attached is a white paper that the City put together for understanding this potential regional initiative. The PARCC planning process will help to assess demand for these activities and others that the community is interested in pursuing in our Parks. Demonstration Projects: Community Gardens and Off-Leash Dog Areas “pop-up dog parks” The current PARCC plan, community comments and the Parks & Trails Commission have all reflected the strong desire for off-leash dog areas in downtown Redmond. Staff have been working with a sub-committee of the Parks & Trails Commission to identify and assess feasibility of 1-2 sites for an off-leash dog area and 1-2 sites for community garden plots.
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| Downtown Redmond trees are slowly "fading away" from light rail construction Aren't these trees beautiful? We won't see them ever again from this angle once light rail is complete. This view looking north, from South Redmond Town Center, shows the "tree loss" effects light rail will have to our quality of life. We'll be "losing trees" to Redmond Square and other projects, as well. Just look around; take a few pictures before they're all gone. -- Bob Yoder, 10/15/2021 |
