OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Redmond City Council Business Meeting - February 3, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, February 3, 2026
BodyRedmond, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

Good evening.

0:11

I'm calling this meeting to order.

0:13

This is a regular business meeting of the Redmond City Council held on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, commencing at 7.01 p.m.

0:21

I will be chairing this meeting as Mayor Pro Tem.

0:23

I will start by calling role with Council Vice President Nueva Kamina.

0:28

Councilmember Forsyth here.

0:30

Councilmember Prakria.

0:31

Here.

0:32

Councilmember Sony.

0:34

Excuse me, Councilmember Parsi.

0:36

Here.

0:37

Councilmember Kritzer.

0:39

Here.

0:39

All council members are in attendance.

0:41

Thank you so much, everyone.

0:42

The first item on the agenda is a proclamation for Black History Month.

0:46

Council Council Vice President Nueva Kamina will read the proclamation.

0:49

Take it away.

0:54

Oops, Angie, we don't have your mic.

0:58

Hi.

0:58

Is there a button near you?

1:03

I am so sorry.

1:04

That is my fault.

1:06

No worries.

1:11

Sounded like we were alive.

1:15

Wonderful.

1:16

Thank you, Chris.

1:17

Whereas February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and enduring legacy of African Americans whose courage, innovation, and leadership have profoundly influenced the development of the United States.

1:31

And whereas the study and public recognition of Black history were advanced by historian Carter G.

1:37

Woodson, who in 1926 launched Negro History Week that ensure that the stories, scholarship, and lived experiences of Black Americans were acknowledged, preserved, and taught as an essential part of our shared national narrative.

1:51

And whereas 50 years later, in 1976, Black History Month was formally recognized at national level when President Gerald R.

1:59

Ford called upon Americans to give due attention to the many achievements of Black Americans that had too often been overlooked or excluded from historical record.

2:09

And whereas in 2026, Black History Month theme, a century of black history commemorations reflects on 100 years of organized efforts to uplift Black history, recognize excellence, and expand public understanding of the Black experience through education, culture, advocacy, and community celebration.

2:30

And whereas African Americans have made lasting contributions in every sector of society, including education, labor, science, technology, the arts, public service, business, medicine, and civic leadership, and their ongoing pursuit of equity and justice continues to strengthen communities such as Redmond.

2:54

Now, therefore, I, Angela Nueva Kamina, on behalf of Angela Burney, Mayor of the City of Redmond, Washington, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month, and call upon the residents of Redmond to observe this month by learning, reflecting, and engaging in activities that honor Black history, celebrate Black voices, and reaffirm our community's commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity for all.

3:29

Now, just a few words.

3:32

In Redmond and across the East Side, Black-led efforts like Community of African American Families East Side, otherwise known as CAFE, Africans on the East Side, and other community and cultural networks are doing the essential work of connection, advocacy, and belonging, often quietly and always with care.

3:52

According to the most recent census, just over 2% of Redmond's population identifies as black.

3:58

But that number needs context.

4:11

Taken together, it's reasonable to say that the black community in Redmond is larger than the reported 2%, or roughly 1700 residents.

4:20

To the 1700 plus residents in my community, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you here in Redmond.

4:28

You are a part of the fabric of this city.

4:31

Our schools, our neighborhoods, our businesses, our civic life.

4:36

Your contributions, leadership, creativity, and resilience matter.

4:41

And they make Redmond stronger.

4:44

Now, at the same time, I also want to acknowledge a truth that we hold together.

4:48

Belonging doesn't happen automatically.

4:50

It is built through trust, through listening, and through sustained action.

4:55

And that's why I'm especially grateful for community-led efforts like CAFE within the Lake Washington School District.

5:03

CAFE creates space for black families to connect, to be seen, and to advocate for equity and excellence in education.

5:11

Not just during moments of recognition, but every day.

5:14

And that work matters.

5:15

It matters to our students, it matters to our families, and it matters to the future of this community.

5:21

Now, tonight's proclamation is both a recognition and a responsibility.

5:26

It's a reminder that celebrating Black history and Black Excellence must be matched with our ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity here in Redmond and across our institutions.

5:38

To our Black residents, families, students, and leaders.

5:42

Thank you for shaping this community, for holding us accountable, and for continuing to build spaces of belonging and possibility.

5:56

Thank you, Vice President Nueva Camina.

6:00

The next item on our agenda tonight is the presentation from Dr.

6:04

Eric Murray, president of Cascadia College on the Cascadia State of the College.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement██████████████████████22%
Education██████████████14%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural██████6%
Racial Equity██████6%
Noise Pollution Control█████5%
Public Safety█████5%
Community Development█████5%
Privacy and Surveillance████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Redmond City Council Business Meeting - February 3, 2026

[The Redmond City Council held a regular business meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, commencing at 7:01 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Black History Month, a presentation from Cascadia College, public testimony on multiple topics, adoption of the consent agenda (including the Final Transportation Master Plan and affordable housing resolutions), and reports from council members.]

Proclamation and Presentations

  • Black History Month Proclamation: Council Vice President Angie Nuevacamina read a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month, noting that Black residents make up just over 2% of Redmond's population (about 1,700 residents) and highlighting community efforts like CAFE (Community of African American Families East Side).
  • Cascadia College State of the College: Dr. Eric Murray reported that Cascadia College's enrollment is up 12% from last fall (third consecutive year of double-digit increases), that it is the number one transfer institution to the University of Washington, and that it has closed achievement gaps for students of color (now graduating at the same rate as white students). Challenges include federal visa restrictions (costing $500,000 in lost revenue from Turkmen students), state budget pressures, and rising student food insecurity (tripling demand at the food pantry). The Redmond Together Center location is popular for ESL classes (levels 1-6) but faces funding needs; Dr. Murray noted a $100,000 annual operating cost and the expiration of a $300,000 Amazon grant.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved Unanimously: The consent agenda was approved by voice vote with all council members in favor. Items included:
    • Approval of minutes from January 20 and January 20-22, 2026 meetings.
    • Approval of claims checks.
    • Approval of 2026 work plans for Public Safety and Human Services Committee and Parks and Environmental Sustainability Committee.
    • Authorization for acquisition of property at 18459 NE 76th St from DCC Propane.
    • Acquisition of cycle track property from Jefferson Overlake, LLC (Stream Project Overlake).
    • Six-month contract extension with Diamond Parking ($173,028).
    • Final contract with Absher Construction Company for the Redmond Senior & Community Center project.
    • Modification of the King County Independent Force Investigations Team (IFIT-KC) Interlocal Agreement.
    • Adoption of three resolutions related to affordable housing (ARCH): Resolution 1620 (allocating $1,217,000 for affordable housing projects), Resolution 1621 (revisions to down payment assistance program), and Resolution 1622 (delegating administration of pre-2010 ARCH agreements to Bellevue).
    • Adoption of Ordinance 3249: Final Transportation Master Plan (replacing the 2013 plan).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Holocaust Remembrance Day: Linda Seltzer addressed the council, noting that Redmond did not commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, and shared a personal family story about rediscovering relatives lost in the Holocaust.
  • Alex Zimmerman Removal: Mr. Zimmerman made remarks about the lack of a Black community in Eastside cities and referenced a campaign; he was removed by a unanimous council vote (motion to exclude for up to 180 days) for violating rules against campaigning and decorum.
  • Transportation Master Plan Support: Maritza Lauriano (Moo Redmond) voiced strong support for the TMP, emphasizing pedestrian safety, equity, and community input.
  • Shared Streets: Mark Ostro urged the council to implement the first legal shared street in the nation (enabled by state law SB 5595), noting Redmond would be the first city to adopt enabling legislation.
  • Interlake Shooting Range: Peter (Interlake Boating Association) reported a Washington Department of Ecology inspection showing 100% compliance and a $50,000 environmental study underway. Davin Jones (retired Army officer) argued the range is safe and well-managed, suggesting noise complaints may stem from perception of hazard rather than actual noise.
  • Old Firehouse Artifacts: Wolf Adriatico requested careful handling and secure storage of artifacts from the Old Firehouse prior to demolition, including seeking input from former staff.
  • Flock Camera Concerns: Aaron Hamilton raised data misuse concerns, citing flagged searches (e.g., one officer accounted for 35% of searches, possible targeted tracking over 53 days) and questioned transparency and oversight of Flock system usage.
  • Via Short Plat Development (157th Ave NE): Multiple residents (Deborah Voll, Katie Yang, Stephanie Holt, Zane, and others) expressed concerns about a proposed subdivision at 157th Ave NE. They cited inconsistent plan documents (showing 4 lots vs. 16-24 units), potential for a through street increasing traffic, safety risks for children, and lack of transparency. Planning Director Carol Helland provided clarifying information: the proposal is for four single-family homes; the road closure will not be reopened unless more than 100 units are developed on either side; tree removal will be mitigated with 20+ replanted trees.
  • PFAS Contamination: David Morton raised concerns about PFAS in Redmond's drinking water, urging testing at the DTG Recycle site (Evans Creek relocation project) for PFAS before soil disturbance, and a thorough lifecycle cost analysis for treatment technologies.
  • Remote Speakers: Joe Kunstler commended the council for removing Alex Zimmerman and praised Redmond as a "hate-free zone." Max Rollman asked about the design process for the new firehouse (demolition before design) and requested inclusion of former Old Firehouse staff.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimous Adoption of Consent Agenda: Including the Final Transportation Master Plan and three ARCH affordable housing resolutions.
  • Vote to Remove Speaker: Council voted unanimously to exclude Alex Zimmerman from council meetings for up to 180 days.
  • Next Steps: The council scheduled a second retreat for February 19, 2026; a council conversation event on March 19, 2026 (7-8:30 PM at Redmond Middle School); and continued work on tenant protections, ICE response resolution, and Flock camera policy.
  • Committee Assignments: Openings on tenant protection and alternative crisis response subcommittees were announced; council members were invited to join.
  • Councilmember Reports: Ombudspersons reported on constituent inquiries about Flock cameras, ICE, tenant protections, PFAS, and the Old Firehouse design process; committee reports noted upcoming items for consent agendas.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'm calling this meeting to order. This is a regular business meeting of the Redmond City Council held on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, commencing at 7.01 p.m. I will be chairing this meeting as Mayor Pro Tem. I will start by calling role with Council Vice President Nueva Kamina. Councilmember Forsyth here. Councilmember Prakria. Here. Councilmember Sony. Excuse me, Councilmember Parsi. Here. Councilmember Kritzer. Here. All council members are in attendance. Thank you so much, everyone. The first item on the agenda is a proclamation for Black History Month. Council Council Vice President Nueva Kamina will read the proclamation. Take it away. Oops, Angie, we don't have your mic. Hi. Is there a button near you? I am so sorry. That is my fault. No worries. Sounded like we were alive. Wonderful. Thank you, Chris. Whereas February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and enduring legacy of African Americans whose courage, innovation, and leadership have profoundly influenced the development of the United States. And whereas the study and public recognition of Black history were advanced by historian Carter G. Woodson, who in 1926 launched Negro History Week that ensure that the stories, scholarship, and lived experiences of Black Americans were acknowledged, preserved, and taught as an essential part of our shared national narrative. And whereas 50 years later, in 1976, Black History Month was formally recognized at national level when President Gerald R. Ford called upon Americans to give due attention to the many achievements of Black Americans that had too often been overlooked or excluded from historical record. And whereas in 2026, Black History Month theme, a century of black history commemorations reflects on 100 years of organized efforts to uplift Black history, recognize excellence, and expand public understanding of the Black experience through education, culture, advocacy, and community celebration. And whereas African Americans have made lasting contributions in every sector of society, including education, labor, science, technology, the arts, public service, business, medicine, and civic leadership, and their ongoing pursuit of equity and justice continues to strengthen communities such as Redmond. Now, therefore, I, Angela Nueva Kamina, on behalf of Angela Burney, Mayor of the City of Redmond, Washington, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month, and call upon the residents of Redmond to observe this month by learning, reflecting, and engaging in activities that honor Black history, celebrate Black voices, and reaffirm our community's commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. Now, just a few words. In Redmond and across the East Side, Black-led efforts like Community of African American Families East Side, otherwise known as CAFE, Africans on the East Side, and other community and cultural networks are doing the essential work of connection, advocacy, and belonging, often quietly and always with care. According to the most recent census, just over 2% of Redmond's population identifies as black. But that number needs context. Taken together, it's reasonable to say that the black community in Redmond is larger than the reported 2%, or roughly 1700 residents. To the 1700 plus residents in my community, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you here in Redmond. You are a part of the fabric of this city. Our schools, our neighborhoods, our businesses, our civic life. Your contributions, leadership, creativity, and resilience matter. And they make Redmond stronger. Now, at the same time, I also want to acknowledge a truth that we hold together. Belonging doesn't happen automatically. It is built through trust, through listening, and through sustained action. And that's why I'm especially grateful for community-led efforts like CAFE within the Lake Washington School District. CAFE creates space for black families to connect, to be seen, and to advocate for equity and excellence in education.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com