Volume XXIX No 3 Fall 2015

Live. Play. Work. Invest.

Letter from the MayorRedmond is fortunate to be endowed with great natural beauty, a strong sense of community and the honor of being home to some of the most innovative and talented individuals in the world. In fact, Nerd Wallet recently ranked Redmond as the #2 best small city in the nation to start a business!

Just as our city's quality of life attracted so many of us to make our home here, Redmond continues to be a desirable place for people to come to live, work and play. As our community has continued to grow and evolve, our infrastructure has also adapted to keep pace with the changes.

Redmond's residents highly value our community's green character. The recently completed regional stormwater vaults in both Downtown and Overlake are two examples of infrastructure investments that underscore our City’s commitment to the environment. These vaults help improve the quality of water released into our streams and better manage stormwater flows to reduce the potential for flooding. The regional facilities also support more efficient use of land because stormwater ponds will not need to be constructed for individual properties.

Transportation improvements have also been keeping a steady pace.

When the City Council first adopted the Transportation Master Plan in 2005, the plan introduced a new approach that focused on creating a variety of travel choices. New connections from Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to Bear Creek Parkway, the extensions of 161st and 164th, along with the addition of the Redmond Central Connector and Cleveland Streetscape project, have improved circulation in Downtown for cars, buses, walkers and bicyclists. Similarly, construction of the NE 36th Street Bridge created a new connection for cars, bikes and pedestrians to move between the east and west sides of the Overlake neighborhood. The momentum continues to build in Overlake as construction staging for Sound Transit light rail gets underway. It's incredible to realize that light rail to 40th Street will open in just eight years!

Parks are also a key element of the City's infrastructure investment. The Redmond Central Connector, in addition to providing a walking and bicycling trail through the City, also acts as a linear park. Master planning for the Downtown Park is wrapping up. The park will be heavily treed with a great lawn, a splash play area and a modern gazebo for performances. The park will provide a unique gathering and entertainment venue for the entire City, as evidenced by several

recent community events. It will also serve as another green oasis amidst the Downtown's vibrant neighborhood of businesses and homes. Esterra Park will serve a similar role in the Overlake Village neighborhood and like Downtown Park, may include an open green, tree groves, and a hill climb, just as Smith Woods also offers open space in the North Redmond neighborhood.

While the most recent survey has 88% of residents rating the quality of life in Redmond as good or excellent, I and your Redmond Councilmembers welcome connecting directly with you at neighborhood and community events, and appreciate your sharing the great pride you have in our

community. We certainly share your perspective that Redmond is truly a great place to call home!

All the best,

John MarchioneRedmond Mayor

Redmond

Redmond's current tree canopy: over 4,000 acres

• Water Early or Late: Water before 8am or after 7pm, which reduces evaporation.

• Water Deeply, But infrequently: It’s better to have one or two deep waterings, rather than several shallow waterings.

• Fix Leaks: Fix obvious leaks such as at hose bibs, spray heads, valves, and broken pipes.

• Wash Vehicles Wisely: Wash your vehicle(s) at locations that recycle the water.

Saving Water What You Can Do

• Wash Full Loads: Wait until your clotheswasher and dishwasher are full before starting.

• Thaw in Fridge: Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, rather than under running water.

• Towels on Request: Provide new towels only on request.

• Check Cooling Tower: Closely monitor cooling tower operations for overflow and excessive blowdown, and consider ways to lower air conditioning load.

• Equipment Not in Use: Turn off water-using equipment when not in use, including dishwashers, garbage disposals, and food troughs.

• Employee Awareness: Increase employee awareness about using water wisely and encourage their suggestions.

Outdoors

IndoorsBusiness

• Fix Leaks: Fix obvious leaks such as at faucets. Also, check your toilets for silent leaks. Put several drops of food coloring in your toilet tank After 10 minutes, if you have color in the toilet bowl, you have a flapper leak.

• Wash Full Loads: Wait until your clotheswasher and dishwasher are full before starting.

• Turn Off Tap: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Minimize Garbage Pisposal: Put food waste in your compost bin, rather than using your garbage disposal.

• Don’t Pre-rinse Dishes: Don’t pre-rinse dishes unless heavily soiled. Most new dishwashers don’t require pre-rinsing.

IndoorsResidential

• Hose Shut-offs: Never leave a hose running; always use a shut-off nozzle.

• Use a Broom Not Hose: Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

• Get Water to the Roots: Use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or watering wands to deliver water where it’s needed.

• Mow High: Set your lawn mower blade to cut grass 2 inches high, which reduces evaporation.

Redmond's Tree Canopy— What is it and why is it important?

Redmond has more than 7,000 street trees along major arterials

Redmond's current tree canopy: over 4,000 acres

Tree canopy refers to the percentage of a city that’s covered by trees when viewed from above. Redmond’s current tree canopy of just over 4,000 acres includes more than 7,000 street trees along major arterials and in Downtown, more than 1,000 acres of forested park land, an uncounted number of trees in private developments with protected Native Growth Protection Areas, as well as many other trees in neighborhoods and on private property. In addition to the shade and beauty they provide for our streets and neighborhoods, trees are also important environmentally in helping to reduce storm water runoff, improving water and air quality, reducing erosion, and providing habitat for bees, birds, and other wildlife.

The good news is that we’ve successfully maintained our City’s tree canopy of 39%—less than a 1% difference between 2009 and 2013. It’s a testament to our environmental stewardship and the value we as a community place on preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us.

We measure our tree canopy using both state-of-the-art LiDAR measurements (Light + RADAR) and aerial imaging. The City acquired LiDAR technology in the spring of 2014, and it’s proven indispensable in mapping elevations of surfaces and objects.

By working together and keeping true to our core values as a City, we’ve managed to maintain our canopy in a variety of ways. The Green Redmond Partnership is actively managing the forested parkland—helping to plant trees, shrubs and other foliage with help from volunteers, our Parks staff and others. Additionally, the Tree Preservation and Tree Fund is helping to protect existing trees by mandating a minimum of 35% tree retention with new developments, requiring special exceptions for removal of landmark trees and enforcing penalties for violations.

We’ve successfully

maintained our City’s tree canopy

of 39%

IndoorsBusiness

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Our Downtown

Our New Downtown ParkIn case you’re wondering, that green and brown spot in downtown is not the finished park. While the new Downtown Park won’t be completed until 2018, the vision is clear—Downtown Park will be Redmond’s signature public space, a place to:

• Relax, eat lunch, or meet up with friends• Enjoy Redmond’s high quality of life and beautiful surroundings• Celebrate our culture and enhance our vibrant community• Play with your children and grandchildren

Downtown Park will be highly visible gathering spot for our entire community, providing a lively community setting that’s active in the evening as well as the daytime, usable in winter and summer—with elements that will appeal to all ages.

2015/2016 2016 2017 2018

Our Downtown is transforming beautifully from a shopping area to a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. New apartment homes, shops and restaurants are opening up, and Redmond is buzzing with a renewed energy.

As our city changes, we’re working to ensure that we retain the high quality of life you’ve come to expect. Some improvements, like the new stormwater system that protects the Sammamish River, are underground and out-of-sight.

Others, like the Redmond Central Connector (RCC) and the future Downtown Park, are more visible. The RCC is now a reality—but what about the new Downtown Park?

The conversion of Redmond Way and Cleveland Street from one-way to

two-way streets will be underway and the eastern portion of the park land

will be used for storage of construction materials such as light poles. Poor

soils (peat) will be removed from the west end of Downtown Park. This will ensure when we build in this area we will have sound soil underneath to

avoid settling over time.

Constructionwill begin.

Construction of the park will be complete, and the park will be open to the public!

Construction plans and detailed cost

estimates are being prepared, and will be completed next year.

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During the planning process, we received over 2,000 ideas in a variety of forms. After several public meetings and City Council actions, the Downtown Park plan was formulated.

We Heard YouThere are four key parts of the new park:

• A raised central lawn, 165 feet across, which will be both a great play and relaxation area, and seating during special events at the park

• An artist-designed pavilion for all-weather seating that’s ideal for performances

• A playful water feature for three seasons of fun• Great landscaping including trees, shrubs and flowers to

make a beautiful and restful park

In addition, art will be integrated into various features of the park and necessary facilities like restrooms will be included.

A great lawn, gardens and trees

A water play area for kids

An artist-designed pavilion for shelter and performances

Digital art projections on a wall of water

A plaza that can accommodate events and markets

A gathering and eating space under trees

Restrooms

Waste Less – Save More!When we reduce waste, we consume fewer resources and don't have to spend as much money to dispose of our garbage. By preventing waste, we can save money and the environment! Reducing waste can include reusing or borrowing things instead of buying new items. Purchasing products that are less, or non-toxic, is another type of waste reduction. It’s up to all of us to find ways to reduce waste and toxics every day.

For more information about reducing toxics in your

home, and about the proper disposal of household hazardous waste, visit

www.hazwastehelp.org.

Reduce Waste When You ShopMaking wiser purchasing decisions is a highly effective way to reduce our waste. Try to:

1. Purchase items that have the least amount of packaging.

2. Skip the plastic bag for items such as potatoes and oranges.

3. Bring your own bags to the grocery store.

4. Determine if the product is needed or if there are alternatives to purchasing a new product such as renting or borrowing, or purchasing the item from a reuse or consignment shop.

5. Investigate items around the house that could be substituted or made into the new product.

6. Purchase only the items needed; for example, to avoid storing food that may spoil, or extra paint that may need to be discarded.

7. When shopping for a gift, consider giving an experience – such as tickets to a movie or a sporting event.

Reduce Toxics in Your HomeHouseholds can reduce toxics by reducing the use of hazardous products. We can do this by:

1. Using beneficial insects, companion planting in the garden, and hand-picking to ward off certain pests instead of using pesticides. For more information visit www.gardenhotline.org.

2. Using water-based paint instead of oil-based paint to eliminate the need for paint cleaners.

3. Substituting baking soda and vinegar for many household cleaners or use multi-purpose cleaners rather than a specific cleaner for a specific job.

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Keep Storm Drains Clear of Fallen LeavesOur rainy season starts about the same time leaves are falling on our lawns, parking lots, and streets. Properly disposing of leaves and debris helps keep storm drains clear—which prevents flooding and protects fish!

You should never sweep piles of leaves into storm drains or onto drainage grates. Leaves and branches should always be placed in yard debris containers for collection, or in a composting bin. If you notice leaves accumulating, please sweep them clear of the storm drain or place them in your cart as part of your yard waste collection service.

Storm drains in Redmond carry rainwater runoff directly into our streams, river, or lake. Leaves and branches that wash down storm drains can cause flooding on streets and in parking lots, dam small streams, and clog fish spawning beds. Decomposing leaves also reduce the amount of oxygen available to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Please Remember: Nothing but rain should flow

down a storm drain. If you notice anything other than rainwater

runoff flowing into a storm drain or see someone intentionally

dumping anything into a storm drain, please call the City’s Spill

Hotline at 425-556-2868.

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R-TRIP is now Go Redmond!Since 1998, the Redmond Trip Resource and Incentive Program (R-TRIP) has been helping people who live and work in Redmond commute by bus, bike, vanpool, carpool, or by foot. Collectively, we have eliminated 4.4 million drive-alone trips and 114 million pounds of CO2 in Redmond! The mission continues, but with a new regional online platform and name—Go Redmond!

Join us at GoRedmond.com and discover these benefits:

• Personalized Commute Help: Go Redmond staff can walk you through all of your commute options.

• Rewards: Add trips to one calendar to earn incentives from the State of Washington, King County Metro, City of Redmond, and your employer.

• Ride Matching: Find carpool and vanpool partners through the regional online matching system.

• SchoolPool: Families at participating schools can find carpools and start walking school buses & bike trains while earning rewards for their PTSA.

• Transit Subsidies: Try the bus or a vanpool and your initial fares are covered by Go Redmond.

There’s more than one way to go.

GoRedmond.com

JOIN GO REDMOND!

1Visit GoRedmond.com

Sign up using your work email address and explore which transportation options work best for you.

3Earn Rewards

Your trips are entries into drawings for prizes from Go Redmond and partners.

2Take A Trip And add your bus, carpool, vanpool, walk, bike, and telework trips to your online calendar.

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This past summer was a wonderful season in Redmond! The longer days gave the City Council wonderful opportunities to hear from residents regarding your likes, dislikes, concerns or issues about which you just want to know more. Two wonderful summer season events that provide these opportunities are Derby Days and National Night Out. Over the past several weeks residents have shared their thoughts on topics ranging from traffic and taxes, to what’s happening in Downtown Redmond and Redmond’s portion of the Overlake neighborhood, to public safety concerns and about the best aspects of our parks system. This personal engagement with the community is something every Councilmember appreciates.

This year (and last) the Council had visualizations in our Derby Days booth that helped explain why our Downtown and Overlake areas are experiencing significant development. The long and the short is that every community in Washington State MUST accept growth by virtue of the State’s Growth Management Act.

By concentrating this growth in the urban areas of Redmond, the City is committed to maintaining single-family neighborhoods versus having to site apartments where older stand-alone homes have been. For example, a group of 3 or 4 plots in a neighborhood could be bought up and redeveloped into a multi-story apartment or condominium development, which happens in some communities. However, Redmond has deliberately chosen to move away from this approach and concentrate the growth where there are adequate infrastructures and amenities. By concentrating new living units in the growth centers of Downtown and Overlake, higher density living units will not be built in existing neighborhoods, so as to preserve their single-family character and appeal.

There are additional benefits to this approach. With this higher concentration of potential customers, we’re seeing more restaurants and retailers decide that Redmond’s a great place to locate. This foot traffic will be further enhanced when the

Downtown Park is fully-developed as a great gathering place for urban residents. Beyond those who live in our urban centers, these private investments and amenities make Downtown and Overlake more attractive places for all city residents to enjoy Redmond for a night out or a weekend outing. We’re also hearing that some Downtown residents are finding that they simply don’t need a car with this more urban lifestyle, so they’re either leaving it parked much of the time or using other forms of transportation entirely.

Thank you for engaging your Councilmembers this summer. You can always reach us via email at council@redmond.gov if you wish to make your thoughts on any subject known.

Your Redmond City Council

Council Notes

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Becoming More Effective and Encouraging Innovation

Ideas that received

funding icluded: greening the City’s fleet

of vehicles through alternative fuel sources; implementing a

better, more cost-effective way of inspecting sewer pipes; and

launching community engagement tools to enable citizens to

more easily share their opinions with their local

government.

Within the City of Redmond, excellence is the goal. Under Mayor John Marchione’ s leadership, employees have embarked on a collective journey to transform the City into a high-performing organization. The objective is to increase value for customers with the same or fewer resources—and it’s being accomplished through innovation and process improvement initiatives.

The “Lean Process” provides tools for improvement by focusing on eliminating waste and non-value-added activities. In October 2014, with involvement and feedback from the development community, staff completed the City’s first Lean Process improvement effort focused on the commercial permitting process. The team’s lean efforts resulted in a 58% reduction in building permit processing time as well as other significant improvements.

Encouraging employees to be more innovative isn’t a new idea for the City. In 2013, the Mayor and City Council sponsored an innovation fund and invited employees from across the organization to submit ideas. If the business case presented was strong enough, the employee received funding to implement the idea or launch a pilot project. Some of the innovative ideas that received funding included: greening the City’s fleet of vehicles through alternative fuel sources; implementing a

“We are becoming a City that is agile and flexible enough to meet the challenges of the future and that means looking at the ways we do business and removing the barriers that keep us from providing excellent customer service. Process improvement has resulted in increased capacity, an enriched output of quality work, focused customer service efforts and enhanced employee morale. The City’s Lean efforts are helping to build an organization filled with problem-solvers who align their work with customer’s needs and community priorities,” said Mayor Marchione.

better, more cost-effective way of inspecting sewer pipes; and launching community engagement tools to enable citizens to more easily share their opinions with their local government.

Celebrate Community with Redmond Lights

Redmond will sparkle beautifully while neighbors gather to share in diverse customs

On December 5, the Redmond sky will light up and welcome the entire community!

Redmond Lights celebrates the City's diverse holiday traditions, cultures, and faiths. It’s a three-part, progressive event that begins with the City Hall Campus Lighting. Community members then stroll down the Redmond Central Connector Luminary Walk and end the evening at Redmond Town Center. Along the way, you’ll enjoy performances, musical entertainment, refreshments, and festive fun for the whole family.

This wonderful winter festival has been a tradition for 17 years. Rain or shine, Redmond will sparkle beautifully while neighbors gather to share in diverse customs. Mark your calendar and plan on joining us from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. as we celebrate heritage and embrace all cultures unique to Redmond. Find festival details at www.RedmondLights.com.

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