Wednesday, December 14, 2022

UPDATED 1/11/2023: The Unsung Heroes of Redmond City Hall

Directors (l-r) Public Works, CEO, Parks & Rec. Fire Chief, Finance Director Corder (hands folded,) HR, Planning & Community Development, Police Chief.  / photo by Yoder taken at City Hall during a Council Business meeting. (click pic to enlarge)

These executives are the unsung heroes who run our government and implement Council policy.  Mayor Birney does a little bit of both. 

I'm sad to say Chip Corder left the City of Redmond.  In my 16 years of following Redmond government, I've never seen a better Director of Finance. He did a fabulous job managing the finances of the Senior & Community Center re-development and this year's bi-annual budget.  He was very kind to me.  No doubt municipalities and other jurisdictions desired him. Thanks and KUDOS Mr. Corder! 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 12/14/2022 

EvergreenHealth "Hospitalist" Honored With a King County Award


Kirkland, Wash. 
– EvergreenHealth hospitalist Rajneet S. Lamba, MD, was recently honored with the 2022 King County Medical Society Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes a King County physician who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their community and tireless dedication to their patients.  

As a hospitalist physician at EvergreenHealth, Dr. Lamba provides:  a full spectrum of hospital-based internal medicine, emphasizing patient-focused care, communication and shared decision-making. He instructs medical students visiting the EvergreenHealth campus from the University of Washington and has served on several committees at the health system, including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.   Dr. Lamba is the immediate past president of KCMS and has led several unique projects for the society in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

 

“It’s gratifying and humbling to receive this recognition from my peers and community,” said Dr. Lamba. “I’m so proud of the care we provide at EvergreenHealth, and I share this recognition with the countless physicians and providers who work tirelessly to provide high-quality care and service each and every day.” 


-- abridged and edited EvergreenHealth press release

 

Monday, December 12, 2022

UPDATED OPINION: City To Build a $110 Million "Maintenance & Operations Center"


ONE CITY BUDGET PRIORITY IS:  "VIBRANT & CONNECTED:"  

Under the "Vibrant and Connected" budget category, the city will spend over $110 million for the design and construction a "Maintenance & Operations Center."  This redevelopment will be over twice the price of the new "Senior & Community Center."  Vibrant and Connected?  Not quite. The Center will be located in the SE Redmond Industrial Zone unconnected with the neighborhoods and  downtown. Of course, the Center will be anything but vibrant: a forklift scooting by;  warehouse workers chatting over a sandwich; the bang of small shops.  I don't understand why our elected would classify Maintenance & Operations in the "Vibrant and Connected Priority."  It's misleading and disappointing.  

City Finance Planning Manager Narra wouldn't give:  1) the acreage of the parcel(s), its location in SE Redmond or 3) how it would be funded.

-- Opinion by Bob Yoder, 12/12/2022

Background on the proposed Maintenance & Operations Center. 
by Haritha Narra, Redmond Financial Planning Manager:

"The Maintenance & Operations Center campus encompasses fourteen major and minor building structures including administrative offices, crew support spaces, centralized warehousing and storage, fleet shop, small shops, covered fleet parking and storage, decant facility, fuel station used by all City departments, surface parking, and Parks maintenance office. The current estimated cost for phase 1 and 2 is $100 million over a 7-year period (2027-2033). The M&O Master Plan, which will be conducted in 2023-2024, will provide a finer scope and updated cost estimate for the project."

--Haritha Narra, C.O.R.


Sunday, December 11, 2022

Resident Worries About Mobility and Parking at New Redmond Town Center


Andrew left his comment on the RTC consultant's "feedback website."   Your feedback is welcome too!

Here are my general thoughts on RTC and any potential enhancements to it: (1) I'd like to see some sort of pedestrian/ bicycle (but not automobile) connection to Marymoor Park, by either a pedestrian overpass or tunnel across WA-520 and the soon-to-open light rail tracks. (2) I support the expansion of light rail to Redmond, but I have always thought it ridiculous that the terminal station adjacent to RTC will not have parking. A suburban train station, especially one at the end of the line, needs parking in order to be reasonably successful; transit planners are living in a naive la la land if they think suburban commuters are interested in riding buses to connect to rail transit. I'd like to see any redevelopment of RTC include light rail parking. (3) I worry about traffic into and out of RTC; the area is blocked by 520 on the south and southeast, and routes in from other directions seem "tough", with lots of traffic lights and intersections and convoluted routing requiring lots of turns, on roads that already seem strained to capacity at peak times. (4) RTC needs some kind of a "hook" to be successful . . . some unique business or restaurants or experiences. Currently there is no reason for anybody outside of a 5-mile radius to come to RTC. I live 2 miles away and rarely come. Usually when I go it's to meet someone at Starbucks; I spend my $5 there, have my meeting, and leave.

-- Andrew K.

Saturday, December 10, 2022

"Redmond Lights" Redux

Pam and Zo at popular art installation
(click pic to find Zo)

It was a blustery, cold and very rainy night but we went Redmond Lights anyway. A friend was working a booth and asked me to come. Pam and Zo tagged along too but they were not a happy puppies.

There wasn't much new:  Same five light installations.  Relatively scant residents, and fun music on the pavillion.  Unfortunately, food trucks don't have much room for parking at the downtown park.  We did see an espresso wagon and ice-cream van.  Sounds silly, but the colorful restroom lights fit in well with the show.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/10/2022, opinion 

Friday, December 9, 2022

The Downtown Park - Throwback Thursday


The new Downtown Central Park site is behind & just east (left) of the Redmond Shopping Square.  This old mall will be leveled, 161st Street extended and converted to a promenade connecting Redmond Way to Cleveland St.
December 23, 2009

Photo by David Levinson Combs, looking south from his apartment.  5/11/2018
"Redmond Bicycle" and the one-story brown rectangular building was torn down.

--Bob Yoder, 12/9/2022

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Exciting News About the "Justice White House!", Iconic Centerpiece of Historic Redmond

 

The Justice White House pictured with a photo from the Redmond Historical Society's archives, showing Doctors Keiffer and Davis parked in front of the Hotel Redmond (c.1907), courtesy of Redmond Historical Society.

Dear Redmond Historical Society Members and Redmond History Fans,

 

I am writing to share our excitement about an opportunity you will soon hear more about that would enable the Redmond Historical Society to receive an incredible gift—the Justice White House!

Friday, December 2, 2022

UPDATED, 3/19/2023: City Salaries Under Review, Bonuses Unknown

The 2023 Pay Plans are being approved by Council this week. Below, is a review of the proposed Pay Plans for the city executives.

EXECUTIVE PAY PLAN  (does not include Bonuses, Benefits and Perks)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)   $178,000, $213,000, $250,000 / year -  low, middle, high range

Fire Chief, Police Chief, Public Works Director:   $223,000 (high-end)

Directors:  Human Resources, Finance, Information Officer, Parks, and Planning & Development.  $215,000 (high-end.) 

Deputy Directors:  Fire, Police, Public Works, Information Services.  $195,000.  

Deputy Directors: Finance, Parks, Executive, H.R, Planning & Development Public Works. $187,000.

Mayor Birney pushed hard for a Deputy Director in every department.

Director Carol Helland

I believe Carol Helland, the city's "Director of Planning & Community Development" is the most influential executive in the city.  As Administrator of the Technical Committee, Public Notice, DRB, planning staff, Human Services and other high level duties she has great powers. Mayor Birney and council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding and implementation of Redmond's Growth Management Act requirements. Her interpretation of building codes, amendments and other planning armamentaria shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake and our gentrifying neighborhoods. She negotiates Development agreements with the mayor.  (A 21-acre redevelopment contract with NELSON has been inked, with RTC on deck.) Carol recently hired Deputy Seraphie Allen to connect with OneRedmond, assist the Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, oversee the department's ~ 60 planners, directs the Human Services Commission, if that's not enough, oversees the planning commission staff.  Director Helland is truly an urbane planner extraordinaire.   

To give feedback or request information on planning and any other departments email Heather Burtsch, the city's "Customer Experience Coordinator."  She's a great resource and very professional.  Heather can be reached by email at info@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2900.   

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 1/19/2023, updated, 3/2/2023

Awesome Art Planned For Redmond Lights, "Luminary Walk" Goes by the Wayside

Michael Dylan Welch was a Redmond Poet In Residence

"Thank you for your inquiry on Redmond Lights. This year’s Redmond Lights will consist of a month-long celebration of light and art in Redmond’s Downtown Park from December 1 – January 4. Enjoy art and light installations every night from 5 – 11 p.m. and Friday night celebrations Dec. 2, 9, 16 from 6 – 9 p.m.
This does not include a luminary walk like past Redmond Light Celebrations. For more information on Redmond Lights art installations and Friday night celebrations, please visit Redmond Lights | Redmond, WA."

-- Redmond Customer Service, 12/2/2022

Comment/ Bob Yoder:

Judging by the site map it appears all the outdoor art is installed in the Downtown park.  Find descriptions of the art elsewhere on the site or probably by QR code.  

The Luminary Walk first started under Mayor Rosemarie Ive's Administration decades ago.  I'm assuming the Walk was cancelled owing to Senior and Community Center construction.  

-- posted by B. Yoder

Snippet From Hank Myers City Hall Complaints

Hank Myers, retired Redmond Councilmember

Hank Myers is a retired Redmond council member of over a decade.  Several weeks ago he addressed our elected officials on a variety of topics:  1)  "the 53 - 47% Safety Levy loss, 2) the high cost of Redmond government as compared to other cities, 3) He accused some past tone-deaf councils for punishing businesses and residents for not approving even higher taxes."  4) His talk on COVID is summarized below:  

Redmond firefighters

Hank Myers says....

Hello Mayor Birney and Council members, 

"We just celebrated Veteran's Day and as a veteran I can say the leaders most appreciated are those who support their troops."

"Two years after the COVID pandemic science taught us vaccines don't dramatically lessen its effect.  That's why I'm triple vaxxed."  

"The City of Redmond did not handle the pandemic well:

  1. From the mishandling of Fire Chief Tommy....
  2. To the firing of many good firefighters who served the city honorably.
At long last the official COVID emergency is over. The city can do the right thing and reinstate their dedicated and highly trained firefighters who have been proven to be correct in their beliefs." 

###

And of course, my 2-cents  ☝

* 1)  Week after week in City Hall I watched firefighters, highly trained medics, and their families plead for their jobs and rights. It was heartbreaking and very sad to watch.  I had hoped the Mayor would accommodate as did many other cities. Freedom was at stake and it hurt to see a little of it taken away. In the meantime, the new Fire Chief rushed to hire and train replacements.

  2) Jumping forward, my 31-year old daughter got COVID last week.  She was primary vaxxed with two boosters.  Her infection was very mild.  However, her husband was only primary vaxxed and he was bedridden for over a week with a serious infection.  The *COVID emergency may be over (as defined by mask mandates and Myers) but the Omicron "long haul" looms for seniors like me. I have the primary vaxx and three boosters.  Cutting edge science amazingly protects me!  Medical requirements aside, I chose not to wear a mask. Free at last!

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 12/2/2022

Thursday, December 1, 2022

"Crazy Canyon"

Cleveland Street & 161 Ave.

 How Did the City Let This Happen?
"Crazy Canyon"  

FB Comments:

"Giving professional urban planners free rein? My guess is that such ugly monotony would not occur in a free market, but only when an elite believes it knows better than everyone and imposes its will -- and people aren't paying attention and let it happen. Unfortunately those who believe in freedom don't have much power right now."  -- Kirkland City Council MemberToby Nixon

"You said it well. In addition density does not need to mean ugly buildings."
Former King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert

Opinion & Photo by Bob Yoder, 12/1/2022

Redmond Resident Reinke Reports Destructive Beaver Chewing

 

The wire mesh protecting this alder from chewing beavers was pulled away.

Location:  Sammamish River Trail across from the Opportunity Building.  Photo and report by John Reinke 

Tom Hardy says...

Thanks for the photos John Reinke.  Yes, sometimes the beavers figure out a way to get over/under or crush the caging we put up, especially older cages. Because of all the recent beaver activity along the trail, over the next few weeks, the City’s WCC crew will be installing some new cages and improving older ones between Redmond Way and 90th Street. This has more to do with public safety along the trail versus trying to stop the beaver from felling trees altogether.

 

All of the Red alders along the trail and Sammamish River are volunteer trees (planted by mother nature not us), and for the most part we are ok with those being taken down. It makes the shoreline more complex and provides a little more space and light for the long-lived conifers. Because the beavers are chewing a lot of trees right along the trail though, we are going to try and encourage them to leave those alone and choose trees that won’t fall onto the trail.

 

Happy Holidays, 

 

Tom

 

Tom Hardy 

Stream & Habitat Planner, City of Redmond

Monday, November 28, 2022

Opinion: Redmond Is Losing It's Charm; Will woonerfs Bring It Back?


Six-story Redmond Square on 166th Ave. neighborhood arterial 

"I live across from new apartments being built…more high rises , more traffic , etc etc . Too much and the charm disappears ! Redmond Downtown Park a nice meeting place and events like Redmond Lights great! But noise is increasing and traffic is worse … and charm may disappear!!"

Linda T.   11/28'2022
Source: "Friends Who Like Redmond Neighborhood Blog"

"Our small, semi-rural town. Whatever happened to the Woonerfs with which Planning Staff confronted us poor Planning Commission Schmucks for months?"  I'm tired of thinking of my time spent there.

F. W. 11/28/2022  FWLRNB

Mr. Pantly, a "green developer" of value is very pleased that his woonerf aka "living street" is the first in the city.  It's adjacent to his "micro" apartment building covered with art.  Last time I heard, Council is very excited about the prospects of a woonerf for the huge "Value Village" apartment project.  And a woonerf is planned for Redmond Square!  Trending!!  However, please know woonerfs slow traffic considerably.
-- Response by Bob Yoder, 11/28/2022

What's a wooderf?  Also known as "Living Streets."  They began in the Netherlands.  Pedestrians can use the full width of the public road; bicycling and playing is also allowed.  Drivers may not endanger pedestrians or hinder them; if necessary they must stop. Furthermore, they need to be twice as careful regarding children. Pedestrians may not obstruct traffic unnecessarily.  Speed is limited to 20 km per hour.  Parking is forbidden, except where there are visual markings.  B.Y.

This has to be one of the worst ideas that I’ve ever heard of, especially with the deplorable driving habits that have become the norm here. And have we forgotten the tragic death of the toddler a few years ago in Redmond Town Center (by a slow speed vehicle)?  -- Blog reader.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Friday, November 25, 2022

Arnold Tomac, a Redmond Town Center Founding Father

Arnie Tomac at Soul Food Coffee, 6/2022 / by

Arnold Tomac and a founding of Redmond Town Center go hand-and-glove.  In this piece, Arnie's the storyteller of his early involvement in Redmond and his role as a founding Father.  

 Arnie says...

In 1973, when we moved to Redmond, I noticed we did not have a neighborhood park so I started going to City Park Board meetings. In 1977, I, wife Mary and future mayor Chris Himes called over 500 residents asking for their support of a $2.5 million Park Bond. The bond measure passed and Viewpoint neighborhood park was built.

I also got involved with C.A.R.E. "Civic Action on Redmond Environment," which later led me into running for City Council.  (C.A.R.E. was a coalition of residents with a goal of saving the golf course from development.)  In 1977, Mayor Bud Young appointed me to Chair the City's first Development Guide.

In 1978, several land use issues brewed.  One was an uproar over completing the construction of SR 520.  The other was more serious.  A developer purchased the Old Redmond Golf Course and announced they planned to develop the site. Concerned citizens, many of whom had never attended a Council meeting (moi) descended on City Hall asking the City to stop development.  

I was elected President of Council in 1981.  The population of Redmond was 23,000. The downtown was separated by an operating railway. It served the grain elevator in Redmond and the milk processing Dairygold facility in Issaquah. Everything north of City Hall was blueberry fields.

There were only two roads leading through Redmond that being Cleveland and Redmond Way.  Basically, the downtown with minimal service.  The rest of the Council and I wanted to create a downtown.  

Just before I attended my first Council meeting, we got to review Mayor Young's budget. Every department was listed with number and dollars amount. (ie 87340 $12500.)  So I knew I needed to create a readable budget. We had a surplus the end of the year so we created the Capital Improvement Plan. (C.I.P.)  We also created a new Hearing Examiner position and a Technical Design Committee.  (Tomac has degrees in engineering mathematics.)

In the 1982 election, another CARE candidate Pat Vache' was elected to the Council and Arnold Tomac was elected Council President.  

Town Center Associates offered the city $6 million for the 89-acre golf course.  There was a misunderstanding about a 4.62-acre parcel north of Leary Way.  Town Center thought the sliver of land was theirs;  Councilmembers Vache', President Tomac and the city lawyer felt otherwise and negotiated the final purchase option.  It was approved 6-0 by Council. 

"Councilmember Pat Vache' called me (Tomac) one day and asked if I would come to his office to talk about the golf course. "I said definitely!"  I think the golf course is going to remain controversial until people have a chance to address a ballot issue on the purchase of the property." said Tomac. "Pat and I informed Winmar (the owners) if the bond did not pass we would support "reasonable development" of the property."  The bond did not pass. "Pat and I stuck to our commitment to move forward with development of the property. Of course we received push-back from our supporters who wanted who wanted to keep the golf course open."

"Marchione, Vache' and Tomac all indicated they thought "reasonable development" included keeping some of the green space around the golf course as a condition of development should the voters elect not to buy the property.  "I'd like to keep it (the links) as is," concluded Tomac.  "But, are we willing to pay to keep it?" 

The $6 million measure went out for vote; it lost by 2%.  Master planning of the site came with 37 goals and policies, with 50% of the property to be preserved as open space.  

Tomac's recommendation for enhancing RTC:  "I believe we are lacking vibrant centers in the evenings.  The nighttime activity at Redmond Overlake and downtown is negligible.  It turns out 70% of business income comes from the evening sales.  To have vibrant Urban Centers, policies and zoning regulations must be in place that supports businesses being successful."

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 11/25/2022

Sources:  Soul Food Coffee house interviews, 2022.  Arnie's notes & family keepsakes.  Excerpts from the Sammamish Valley News. Circa 82-83.  Redmond Kiwanis Club. 

Monday, November 21, 2022

WELCOME TO REDMOND!




 WELCOME TO REDMOND!

It's fun and enlightening to learn the origins of Redmond residents.  

  • 60% are native born and have voting rights.
  • 40% are foreign born, welcome!
  • of those 40%, 13% naturalize and can vote (it takes over 14 months to naturalize)
  • the rest are non-citizens and can't vote
  • Factoid: 37% of Redmond residents are Asian (includes East Indians.)
It's clear Redmond enjoys the richness of diversity but with that comes the responsibility of inclusion and equity.  I pulled a page off the City of Redmond website to give you an idea of their welcoming resources:

THE CITY WEBSITE:  The City of Redmond partners with various local organizations to support our newly arrived residents and immigrant community. Here you will find information about various local organizations, resources, and services to assist you as you make Redmond your home.

CC:  mayorcouncil@redmond.gov, Timberlake, MAPS, boardmembers@lwsd, Superintendent Holmen, EvergreenHealth community hospital, Lake Washington PTSA, Redmond Cricket association, neighborhood social media groups.

-- Bob Yoder, 11/21/2022

                                                                                                        

Sunday, November 20, 2022

UPDATED, 10/25/2023 New Owner of Redmond Town Center Proposes two 12-story Towers

 


Redmond Town Center's new owner proposes two 12-story towers.

Fairbourne Properties is the new owner of RTC.  David Harvey is the President.

Vision Statement:

 "We have partnered with a collection of world class architects and designers to reimagine and enhance Redmond Town Center, updating it from an interior-facing, auto-oriented, outdoor mall into a true mixed-use, transit-oriented, walkable Town Center that elevates existing tenants, excites future retail partners, and engages the local community."

Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/25/2023

Friday, November 11, 2022

"Flatstick Pub" Coming To RTC

Flatstick worker installing screening (click pic to enlarge)

 Much needed entertainment in Redmond is on the way!  Opening day could be as early as the first week in January.

Flatstick serves-up craft beer, pizza and entertainment in the form of golf-like games!

Every Sunday all year Flastick donates to charity $2 for every beer sold.

Address:  7530 164th Ave. NE

Just what is a flatstick?  Bring your own.  

Budget Priority: "Vibrant & Connected"

 


Vibrant & Connected  Priority Total:  $249,361,974

Vibrant & Connected Priority: The Vibrant and Connected priority supports a well-planned community that provides a sense of place by funding programs and services, including:

Does a new $110 million "Maintenance and Operations Facility" provide a vibrant sense of place for the community?  It's going to cost over twice as much as the Senior Center!

• Fund Maintenance and Operations Center Master Plan ($500,000) to inform the future design and construction of facility replacement ($109,800,000) 

• Support 1.00 FTE Maintenance Technician for Redmond Senior & Community Center ($196,364)

 • Provide funding to further the City’s affordable housing goals ($10,000,000) 

• Invest additional dollars in human service programs, including the expanded senior lunch program ($2,000,000) 

• Support for small business grants ($800,000) through non-profit organizations helping small businesses, including small business advice, marketing, planning, and translation services 

• Invest in a facilities condition assessment ($200,000) and enhanced building security ($200,000) to protect the City’s infrastructure 

• Fund business technology enhancements for audio-visual infrastructure and homeless outreach case management system ($1,166,500) 

These investments will allow Redmond to continue its commitments to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, housing choices, and public safety. 

Select Service Enhancements:  Development Services $17,815,678; Facilities Management $7,631,000; Capital Investment Delivery $7,439,000; Housing & Human Services $6,901,000; Community Economic Delivery $4,616,000; Microsoft Campus Refresh 4,505,000; Lite Rail $2,613,000; Arts & Community events $1,715,000, totaling $53,000,000.

-- Excerpt from Mayor Birney's 23-24 Preliminary Budget

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

UPDATED: A Tribute to Council Member Steve Fields


OPINION:  I occasionally watch Redmond City Council members deliberate.  I've seen a complete turnaround in Council member Steve Fields' demeanor with the Mayor. He's polite, respectful, always agreeable, yet holds his own.  And, the Mayor is reciprocating. 

Mr. Fields' more peaceful approach may be attributed to his post on the Council Finance, Administration and Communications Committee.  He's the  Presiding Officer so in control of the budget meetings and with humility has earned a satisfying amount of power.  And rightly so.  Mr. Fields' career and Council experience is indispensable on budgetary matters and Mayor Birney knows it.  Steve's in his wheelhouse, with Council and Mayor in tow.  He's respected by all.  

Steve ran for Mayor twice and lost;  impossible to stomach for most. Over time his resentment and bitterness wore off.  His ego healed and he found his true place on Council.

I've never seen a public official so resilient and driven.  I know Steve well from supporting him in three campaigns.  I've heard Steve may not run again, yet he's still giving his all.  Thanks to Council member Fields for all that he does.  Steve's good works on Council are surely appreciated and won't be forgotten.  

 -- B. Yoder  11/10/2022

FB Comment:

He worked on the County budget and was a great voice of reason and fiscal responsibility in a sea of people who were not so concerned about unintended consequences or bow wave impacts of some expenditures. He knows budgeting well and will do a fabulous job as he approaches this with the utmost of integrity.  -- Kathy Lambert, 12/2