Tuesday, November 8, 2022

OPINION: Budget Priority: "Healthy & Sustainable"


After consulting with the community, staff and City officials on October 4th Redmond Mayor Angela Birney presented her 2023- 2024 Preliminary Budget. The Council members are working an extra 2-3 meetings a week on this budget in what they call their most important City duty.  Council must approve the Mayor's proposed budget. 

Mayor Birney, staff and the community at large have identified four budget priorities:  1) Healthy & Sustainable, 2) Safe and Resilient, 3) Strategic and Responsive, and 4) Vibrant and Connected.  I'll write four posts, one on each priority.    

Healthy & Sustainable - $2,988,000

The Healthy and Sustainable priority supports those programs and services that promote a healthy environment for an active community including: 

• Support 2.00 FTEs for the new Redmond Senior & Community Center ($359,629) 

 • Restore ongoing funding for street tree replacement ($30,000) 

• Restore one-time funding for the Green Redmond Partnership in Parks ($50,000) 

• Restore volunteer planting events and support invasive plant species removal ($122,000)

 • Establish community gardens ($77,500) and pilot pop-up dog parks ($102,000) 

• Fund a consultant for assistance with the SE Redmond Park Master Plan ($75,000)

 • Fund 1.00 FTE to support state-regulated utility locates ($266,856) 

• Restore park maintenance dollars and analyze vegetation management systems ($1,166,998)

 • Continue implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan ($825,000), including clean building programming, building efficiency and decarbonization, and waste diversion. 

Select Service Enhancements:  Wastewater $53,000,000; Drinking water $36,000,000; Stormwater 18,000,000; Parks & Trails 15,000,000, Community Recreation $13,000,000.

 -- B. Yoder  11/8/2022

Monday, November 7, 2022

L.W School District Board of Directors named "Board of Distinction"

 


30 school boards across the state recognized

 

Redmond, Wash. – For the second consecutive year, the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors has been named a “Board of Distinction” by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). Only 30 of that state’s 295 school boards received recognition as Boards of Distinction. LWSD is one of 13 recognized in the “Large School Districts (9,001+ students FTE)” category.


The annual Boards of Distinction program honors school boards that demonstrate effective use of the Washington School Board Standards. These standards promote research-based governance practices that lead to high levels of student and district achievement and help close gaps that impact student success.


“Governance of a large school system is complex,” stated Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “I am proud of the LWSD Board of Directors for their continued focus on students and issues of equity as they seek to create a more just educational system that aims at all students achieving excellence.” 


“The LWSD Board of Directors is honored to once again be recognized as a Board of Distinction,” stated Siri Bliesner, President, LWSD Board of Directors. “The Board is committed to supporting all of our students and to ensuring our students are at the center of our decisions and actions.”


-- Press release, 11/7/2022


Two Student Representatives (center in photo) were added to the Board in 2022 in order to provide student voices to Board conversations. High school students are encouraged to apply. Board members interview students and select one representative from the east side and another from the west side to serve on the Board. Most students will serve two-year terms. For the 2022-23 school year, the west side representative will only serve one year. A new west side representative will be selected in 2023., -website.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Council Measures Safety Levy From all Angles

 

Redmond City Hall, credit Bob Yoder

In the foreground from l-r, the city clerk, city attorney, Mayor Birney, Council members Steve Fields, Melissa Stuart, Vice President Vanessa Kritzer, Jeralee Anderson (in red,) and David Carson (the senior member.)  President Jessica Forsythe is on the virtual screen. Ms. Kahn is missing. 

A good (though distant, fuzzy) view of senior staff from l-r is COO Malisa Files, Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Development.  Chip Corder, Director of Finance. and Fire Chief Sheppard.  In total, the Mayor has 11 Directors and 11 Deputy Directors.  Angela Birney's come a long way since her days as a Parks Commissioner. 

Meet Fire Chief Sheppard and Police Chief Lowe up close and personal HERE 

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Almost Half of High School Seniors Felt Sad or Hopeless in Past Year

 


Youth mental health is in a state – 45% of high school seniors reported feeling sad or hopeless in the past year, according to the statewide Healthy Youth Survey. If nearly half of youths grapple with feelings of depression, every youth is due some education to help them recognize and overcome those feelings.

Washington state schools and leaders are building a variety of supports to improve the school climate, strengthen student resiliency, and intervene with supports when youth need them most.

“Mental health is getting talked about. That’s probably why students are recognizing, ‘Maybe I’m not alone in this, maybe there’s something that can help me,’” said Staci Cornwell, youth mental health coordinator for the Mead School District.

From bus drivers to teachers to parents to legislators, every Washingtonian can play a critical role in supporting youth and improving their mental health.

Read the full story on Gov. Jay Inslee's Medium here.

Remember that here in Redmond and across the Eastside, we have an awesome organization for our kiddos, namely Youth Eastside Services or YES. They treat kids from birth to age 22 for any mental illness, depression, suicidal thoughts and/or substance abuse. They have a sliding scale that goes to zero, (thanks to generous donations), they accept all insurance plans and Apple Health. Whether it’s in the schools or in one of their offices in Redmond, Kirkland or Bellevue, they are great at intervening with our kids, Supporting families, and educating the community. Don’t forget about this important resource -- Comment by Cami.

Monday, October 31, 2022

Utility-Box-Art -Wraps On Leary, the City Can Do Better

from sidewalk 

 
facing Leary Way

Traffic Operations and Cultural Arts doesn't seem like a good mix.  Just look at it.  IMHO, the Cultural Arts Administrator and Commission need to up their game for things to come, like Redmond Town Center and Overlake and downtown buildings with plazas. Box art can be cool (library) but the 2050 goal for equity and inclusion will require a myriad of significant cross-cultural art works. 

According to the Cultural Arts Administrator, the utility box artworks were selected from a public art call as part of a pilot program by the City (a partnership between Traffic Operations and Cultural Arts) 

The utility box artworks were selected from a public art call as part of a pilot program by the City (a partnership between Traffic Operations and Cultural Arts)

 

Info on the artist can be found on the Cultural Art web pages -- Arts & Culture | Redmond, WA

and our communications team is working on some stories and posts coming soon. We will also be adding signage next to the boxes in the coming months.


The artists were paid $250 each.  


-- Photos and opinion by Bob Yoder, 10/31/2022

   click on the photos to enlarge

Friday, October 28, 2022

Am I Enough?

 

click to enlarge

"Am I Enough?"

"Indigenous Peoples' Day" was celebrated at Lake Washington High School on October 1st. 

LWSD filmed an excellent video of the event HERE.

Mary Wilber, Program Coordinator of the Eastside Native American Indian Association organizes the events.  Ms Wilber invites indigenous students from three districts to her Monday evening classes. 

A Proclamation On Indigenous Peoples' Day,  by Joseph R. Biden, October 7th, 2022 (excerpt)

For centuries, Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, assimilated, and banned from worshiping or performing many sacred ceremonies.  Yet today, they remain some of our greatest environmental stewards.  They maintain strong religious beliefs that still feed the soul of our Nation.  And they have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group.  Native peoples challenge us to confront our past and do better, and their contributions to scholarship, law, the arts, public service, and more continue to guide us forward.

  
Pam and I celebrated and honored the Eastside Native American families at this event, and a Pow Wow.
Both touched our hearts. School Board members Siri Bliesner and Mark Stuart partook in the festivities.  

Thursday, October 27, 2022

UPDATED: $7,500,000 Homicide Settlement Raises City Liability Insurance Premiums 112%

Police on duty to keep the Community Court safe / credit B. Yoder

UPDATED:  Police and Fire Safety Levy

In a September Council Study session the topic of escalating liability insurance came up. And boy is it up.  The premium escalated by112%, attributed to a $7,500,000 settlement to the Churna family for a police homicide. And, the deductible increased from $15,000 to $250,000. According to Finance Director Chip Corder, the City had to switch carriers (CIAA) after 12 years with Travelers.  Director Corder may need to dip into the  General Fund for a solution.  The City is fortunate to have surplus funding from construction taxes. Chip thinks it could take 2-3 years, maybe longer to get in good standing with insurance carriers.  In the meantime, Police Chief Lowe is walking on eggshells.

The Back Story:  On 11/20/20 Ms. Churna was shot and killed by a Redmond policeman.  Ms. Churna did not have a weapon in her hand.  The last time I heard, the officer is still on duty with Redmond. Yes, it's hard to believe. If officers were wearing body-worn cameras would it have lessened the Department's insurance liability?  Probably.  

Body Worn/ In-car Camera Program:  The levy only includes the ongoing expenses related to the Body Worn program, including staffing, training, technology services, records management, public disclosure, and court case preparation. The city already owns the cameras and has not included that expense in the levy. 

The Explanatory statement in the Voters' Pamphlet doesn't clearly describe the ongoing expenses; The price is $9.3 million over ten years. That's a lot of tax dollars.  I would rather see the expense come out of the General Fund.  The Police Information Officer has confirmed "one-time funds" are allocated to temporarily support the expenses related to the body-worn camera program through 2025, in the event that the levy does not pass One-time funds are collected from construction sales taxes.

I think body-worn and in-car cameras are an invasion of my privacy but I'll probably vote "Yes" on the measure.  I'm ecstatic about the six mental health specialists/case managers working the beat with the police.  And, we need the emergency preparedness that Fire provides.

Factoids:  Police Chief Lowe instituted a catalytic converter ID program for several weeks. He also started ticketing noisy vehicles. "smash and dash" is still one of major crimes in Redmond.  Life Is Good.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/27/2022  opinion

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

UPDATED, 11/7/2022 Redmond Town Center 12- Story Building Heights

A rendering of the new Redmond Town Center

Two, 8-story buildings are currently zoned for Redmond Town Center. 
Scale, massing, and village character are important considerations that may raise or lower the acceptable height.  To incentivize the Applicant (owners) to build up to a maximum of 12-stories the following benefits could be considered:  

2. Benefit:  Covered outdoor entertainment space and children's play area  

3. Benefit:  Covered retail is already in place.   

4. Benefit: Indoor / and covered outdoor common areas appointed with significant art.
.
5. Benefit:  Covered ped/bike urban pathway to light rail station; uncovered pathway in the Marymoor corridor.

5. Benefit:  Green Building Incentive Program:  green walls, trestles, LEED Platinum medal construction.  Plush landscaping with 10 foot trees. Activated, landscaped rooftop patios.

6. Benefit:  Affordable housing.  3 and 4 room apartments for families.

7.City "Safety Station" maned to oversee the light rail station, homeless, and Lime bikes.

8. Benefit:  Community WiFi and coffee plaza / visitor center kiosk.

9. Benefit:  Community bike repair, e-bikes, washing and charging stations.

10.Benefit:  City stoplight at SR520 / Bear Creek gateway to parking areas.

11.Benefits:  Architecture, significant cultural art, pedestrian sidewalks safe from scooters, plazas, alleys, setbacks, dynamic water feature.  

12.  Wayfinding, dog-sitting, mini dog park with wash, food trucks. (whistles and bells)

-- Bob Yoder, 10/26/2022. updated 11/7/2022 opinion

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the proposed Redmond Town Center Code Amendment, Visit  redmond.gov/1860/Redmond-Town-Center. Write to the Planning Commissioners  if you have any comments and  questions, or would like to be a Party-of-Record on this proposal, please contact Glenn Coil, Senior Planner, 425-556-2742, gcoil@redmond.gov.  

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Warehouse Project in SE Redmond Sits Over a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area

 

Internet

Description: New office and storage building on vacant parcel adjacent to the existing Keller Supply building located at 18315 NE 76th Street and 18317 NE 76th Street.

Keller Eastside Industrial Office.  Southeast Redmond Neighborhood. The project is a warehouse and upscale showroom. Keller is one of the largest suppliers of Koehler in the Western states.  A wide paved plaza wraps around to an outdoor meeting room. 

This site is situated over a Type I Critical Aquifer Recharge Area and design provisions have been included to retain the aquifer’s quality and volume. A hydrological assessment has been undertaken to assure all regulations and requirements have been met.  (staff.)

Listen to the Design video HERE.

-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/25/2022

Monday, October 24, 2022

Out with "Bed Bath and Belong," in With H Mart Grocery Store

 

Tenant improvement and change of use from an existing vacant building to a new grocery store and 3 leased spaces. Interior and exterior alterations including new walls, ceilings, new exterior storefronts with doors, (2) elevators and stairs.

SITE:  Formally, Bed Bath and Beyond.  Owned by Redmond Town Center

Source: Design Review Board
Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/24/2022

420 Residential Dwellings in Overlake Under Review

Two buildings 8 and 9 stories tall

The Modera Bel-Red Development in Overlake consists of approximately 420 residential dwelling units with subterranean and wrapped parking in 2 buildings separated by fire walls is located within 0.4 miles from the future light rail station. The location is within walking distance to amenities such as a Highland Middle School, grocery stores and eateries.

THE SITE:  A one-story strip mall is located to the east, a one-story Dollar Tree and K-1 Indoor Go Kart Racing is located to the south and a four-story mixed-use building is located to the west. The site is currently developed with a one-story commercial building housing a furniture store and a two-story office building, both of which are surrounded by surface parking and parking lot landscaping

This project holds significance to this area as the project will be the one of the first Overlake projects to develop on this block along Bel-Red Road and will set a precedence for future development in the area. 

Source:  Design Review Board.
Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/24/2022


Redmond Middle School Proposes 2-Story Addition

Internet

The proposed project includes an approx. 17,500 SF two-story addition to the existing Redmond Middle School building  The addition will include eight classrooms, two shared instruction rooms and various support spaces. Site work includes an exterior courtyard, landscaping, and underground utilities.

Watch a video of the design HERE.

-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/24/2022

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Redmond Resident on Beaver Patrol

 

Photo by John Reinke, 10/17/2022

The City of Redmond  is fortunate to have diligent resident, John Reinke, who monitors beaver activity and their habitat. Above, is a photo of an alder tree on the Sammamish River Trail felled by a beaver. The Sammamish River is closeby on the right. It looks like someone may have pulled it off the trail.

John reported the downed tree to City stream specialist Tom Hardy and the Mayor.  Mr. Hardy immediately removed the tree and the Mayor thanked John at a public meeting.  Mr. Reinke often reports beaver activity to the County. 

John likes to insert puns' into the end of his stories! 😉

 "Finally, let me say that if I were a beaver, I'd give a dam, or at least try to make one!" 

"It was swimming steadily toward me when I suddenly heard a loud "thwack", and saw the creature's hind legs suddenly rise straight up into the air, before immediately sliding down beneath the roiling water."  (I guess we could call it a “slam dunk”…)

-- Bob Yoder, 10/23/2022

Saturday, October 22, 2022

UPDATED: The Painful Facts


NO STORYTELLING, JUST THE PAINFUL FACTS

My 8500 s.f. house (1977) surrounded by 3 schools and 3 parks  
Appraised value:  $1,221,000
2022 appraised $855,000  x 8.58 (rate)  = $7,358/year
2023 appraised $1,221,000 x 8.58 (assumed rate) = $10,476/year
Approximate 30% or $3118/ annual increase. 😓

DON'T FORGET THE LWSD CAPITAL LEVY
This $295 million, 6-year levy was approved early 2022 
with collections starting January, 2023.  
The levy rate is .5/$1,000 assessed value.
Based on my home's appraised value my new tax is $610/year.  
Good news:  It's paying off the old bonds so the construction rate will decrease over time.

Just a reminder we pay about $1,000/year any which way you look at it.
A few charges:
Based on .25/$1000 my net increase over 2022 is $92.00/year
Car tabs$110/vehicle valued at $10,000; thus a $60000 Tesla tab is $660/year
Used cars are appreciating so $15,000 Camry could be valued at $20,000, a $220 tab.
Don't forget we're also paying $330/yr for ST-2. 

OTHER PROPERTY TAX AGENCIES 
State School Part One
State School Two
Local school support
City of Redmond
County
Port
Hospital
Library
EMS

 CITY OF REDMOND SAFETY LEVY, if passed
 $10,400,000, 6-year levy
.34/$1000 assessed value
If passed, my annual property taxes with increase $415.14 per year

CRISIS CARE CENTERS LEVY
Planning Ahead
5 new regional crisis care facilities, one for serving youth.
14.5 cents per $1,000 assessed value or $177/ year starting 2023.

The King County Property Tax rate of 8.58 may increase in 2023. 


Assembled and posted by Bob Yoder, 10/22/2022

Friday, October 21, 2022

Unapproved LIME e-Bikes Are Left in Our Parks

 

Years ago the City approved LIME BIKES. Not now. This one is on Education Hill / credit Yoder

My wife was walking our puppy near Hartman Park and saw a LIME e-Bike on the park grass.  A City worker told her he hated them because they get in the way of his mower and they look bad. He complained when he reports them it takes 2-3 weeks before they're removed.  

Mayor Birney mentioned about a month ago the City didn't have a contract with LIME for their bikes.  New news. When the City had a contract the bikes looked like the one above, with a wire basket.  The new ones have a lime-colored plastic basket usually with graffiti on the stem.  

Council Member David Carson dislikes them and especially can't stand abandoned shopping carts. He  promotes a City Facebook App for reporting pot holes, etc. to customer service.  I'll try to find it for you.  In the meantime email Info@redmond.gov for customer service.  

-- Bob Yoder, 10/21/2022

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Eastside Symphony Young Soloist Winners Perform October 22nd

 Please join us at the Redmond High Performing Arts Center, as our Eastside Symphony Young Soloist Competition Winners perform this Saturday, October 22nd, at 7:30. These kids are fantastic, and will blow you away for being so young! You can purchase tickets at www.eastsidesymphony.org or buy them at the door.

 Koussevitsky Concerto for Double Bass, 3rd mvt, with Anderson Widjaja

Sarasate Zigeunerweisen, "Gypsy Airs," with Rachel Jung, violin

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3, 1st mvt, with Melanie Liu, piano

Paganini Violin Concerto No. 1, 1st mvt, with Annie Song, violin

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

UPDATED: The Sky's the Limit for Redmond Town Center Building Heights

This sign announces and invites the public to attend and comment at the WEDNESDAY. November, 2nd 7:00 p.m. Hearing about Redmond Town Center building heights. It is installed by the Applicant (Owner) Courtesy of City of Redmond  (click picture to enlarge)

 ATTENTION PUBLIC:  

The City of Redmond Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond, Washington on WEDNESDAY November 2, 2022 at 7 p.m. 

**SUBJECT: Zoning Code Amendment  to provide incentives for additional height in exchange for public benefits, along with minor clarifications to Zone design standards.  


Your comments are encouraged!
  •  Public comment can be made in-person at City Hall, Monday, November 2nd, 7 p.m.
  •  Public Comment can be made by phone during the meeting by providing a name and phone number to PlanningCommission@redmond.gov now or no later than November 2nd, 5 p.m. 
  • Written public comments should be submitted prior to the hearing by email to PlanningCommission@redmond.gov no later than 5 p.m. on the hearing date. 
  • Comments are encouraged and should be sent by email or mail to the planningcommission@redmond.gov.
  • or to: Planning Commission, MS:  P.O. Box 97010, Redmond, Washington, 98073. 

###

A  RESIDENT'S COMMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION: 

What are "the benefits" residents will receive by agreeing to additional building height?  And, how high can the Applicant (Owner) build?  I've heard the Planning Commission and high-level staff are seriously considering 30-story buildings in Overlake Urban Center. They don't have an aquifer to worry about up there.  I've learned the Owner is very concerned about the aquifer interfering with his ability to build subterranean parking. So what are the benefits residents could receive if we give the owner one, two or three stories for above grade parking?  We should  be prepared for a maximum of 12-stories if not an additional 1-2 stories. Growth wins.  

Generous affordable housing is a mustThree and four room apartments for families, please. Other benefits:  8-10 foot pedestrian lit sidewalks with landscaping on either side, leading to plazas and alleys, children's play areas, a park for small dogs, food truck facilitation, outdoor art, interactive water fountains, covered retail and open space for community performances. Adequate street lighting. The scope and massing of two 12-foot and up buildings must be balanced and fit well.  Set-backs similar to Kirkland buildings.  Limit shading.  Wide mobility corridors connecting to Marymoor Village. A stop light at the SR520 Bear Creek Gateway.  Significant and creative landscape, trellised with green walls and green rooftop patio amenities.  Common areas within the buildings have cultural artwork. Walking tours to Lower Bear Creek look-outs. 10-foot plus street trees are necessary. A satellite "Safety Station" with police and mental health specialists overseeing the light rail station and e-scooters.  It's important the Redmond Town Center redevelopment be in character and compatible with the Legacy Nelson Village and the historic district. This could require 1-2 open houses.  If it's decided Nelson or RTC will be eclectic or have some other theme, then the Director of Planning should hold fast to growth unlike at Marymoor Village.  I have no problem with 12 stories if the Applicant provides most of these benefits, whistles and bells.  I don't think they should benefit from any more than two above surface parking levels.  Archer Hotel didn't benefit.  
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION about the proposed Redmond Town Center Code Amendment, Visit  redmond.gov/1860/Redmond-Town-Center. Write to the Planning Commissioners  if you have any serious comments and  questions, or would like to be a Party-of-Record on this proposal, please contact Glenn Coil, Senior Planner, 425-556-2742, gcoil@redmond.gov. A copy of the proposal is available at redmond.gov/Planning-Commission. If you are hearing or visually impaired, please notify Planning Department staff at 425-556-2441 one week in advance of the hearing to arrange for assistance.   

The City is not transparent about the "starting story" and maximum building height.  You have to dig into RZC 21.10.050  "Town Center Regulations and Incentive Standards"  to find the minimum and maximums. 

ACTION: Planning Commission gives their recommendation to Council on the proposed amendment to the Redmond Zoning Code.  Email:  PlanningCommission@redmond.gov.

Updated by Bob Yoder, 10/18/2022

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Lake Sammamish Kokanee Salmon Release Celebration

It was special for all of us to join with the Snoqualmie Tribe in celebration of  the Release of the endangered "Little Red Fish." 

l-r, Redmond Council Member and Vice President Vanessa Kritzer, Congresswoman Kim Schreier, Issaquah dignitary and King County Executive Dow Constantine. (click to enlarge)


Steve Laing, President of Trout Unlimited, Three Rivers Chapter, Issaquah.
(click to enlarge)

 Redmond Council Vice President Vanessa Kritzer describes the potential and restoration of Idylwood Creek  (YouTube)

Snoqualmie Tribe and Guests Celebrate the Release of Kokanee (YouTube)

King 5 video of the Kokanee comeback

Kokanee Salmon Work Group


 A film on Saving the Little Red Fish
Lake Sammamish Kokanee

Posting,  pictures and video by Bob Yoder, 10/15/2022

Historic October Heat, Smoke, and Fire Danger in Puget Sound

 We cancelled our outdoor pickleball game at Perrigo Park on Friday.  Tuesday we'll be safely tucked away at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse.  The ash continues to fall on our windshield. 10/15/2022


A high ridge of pressure and offshore flow will bring a highly unusual round of mid-October heat and more wildfire smoke to Western Washington over the weekend. 
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

PATCH, Lucas Combos, Reporter

The latest forecasts show a good chance that this weekend will be another one for the record books. If temperatures in Seattle reach their projected high Sunday, the Emerald City will break through 80 degrees later in the year than ever before and hit the threshold twice in October for the first time. Saturday will get close, too, and more daily records look likely to fall.

Seattle already broke its October record for most 75-degree days, logging its sixth Thursday, more than any other year since records began in the 1890s. According to the National Weather Service, the last 100 days have seen 77 with above-normal temperatures, including 25 straight through Wednesday. With just 0.4 inches of rain since July 5, it has also been the second-driest 100-day stretch ever recorded in Seattle.

TWITTER FEED 

-- PATCH article by Lucas Combos 10/14/2022, excerpted by Bob Yoder 10/15/2022