Redmond City Council Business Meeting – March 17, 2026

The Redmond City Council held a regular business meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included public comment, approval of a large consent agenda, a quasi-judicial public hearing and vote on the R22 Overlake mixed-use development, a quarterly financial report, ombudsperson and committee reports, and adoption of a Welcoming Resolution supporting immigrant communities. All votes were unanimous (7-0) where taken.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0) the following items:
  • Approval of minutes from March 3, 2026, and February 26, 2026.
  • Approval of payroll and claims checks.
  • Reappointment of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee members.
  • Confirmation of board and commission reappointments.
  • 8th Amendment to Council Rules of Procedure.
  • Acceptance of a $1,500,000 Washington State Department of Ecology grant for an electric fire engine.
  • Final contract with Active Construction Inc. ($1,806,230.82) for the 10000 Avondale Erosion Control Project.
  • Final contract with Rodarte Construction ($899,199) for the Grass Lawn Park Parking Lot Hardscape Project.
  • Consultant agreement with OTAK ($207,958) for connection to King County wastewater system on Avondale Way.
  • Consultant agreement with Toole Design ($300,000) for engineering services on the 148th Ave Safety Corridor Project.
  • UKG Pro extension ($225,000) for additional launch support.
  • Construction contract with Equity Builders LLC ($2,009,390) and consultant supplement with BHC Consultants ($240,000) for Wastewater Lift Station Equipment Upgrades Phase 2.
  • Adoption of Ordinance No. 3250 for 2025-2026 Budget Adjustment #5 (including Teen Center Building Demo project).
  • Adoption of Resolution No. 1623 (Capital Project Bond Debt Redemption).
  • Adoption of Resolution No. 1624 (Capital Project Bond Reimbursement).
• Oaths of office administered to reappointed Planning Commission members Adam Coleman and Janine Having.

Public Comments & Testimony

Items from the Audience (6 speakers):

• Rajesh Kakula: Expressed concern that his house construction permit expired without notification, as reminders went to the old construction company. He asked the Council to consider waiving the permit fee for reinstatement. (Staff indicated Jason Lynch would follow up.)
• Max Ruhlman: Spoke in support of community involvement and the Old Firehouse Teen Center, urging an open-minded approach and cooperative conversation for creating a teen space that meets the community's needs.
• Rosemary Ives (former Redmond Mayor, 1992-2007): Opposed premature demolition of the Old Firehouse Teen Center, citing its historical significance. She argued the building is not unsafe (noting consultants could not say it was unsafe), requested a walkthrough by the historical society, criticized the closure process and a planned April 4 event as insensitive, and urged preservation and documentation before any demolition.
• Ron Belter: Urged the Council to require a cul-de-sac on a private drive (off 148th Ave) where 24 new residences are proposed via HB 1110 development, citing safety and traffic flow concerns for children and delivery vehicles on a dead-end road with multiple hammerhead turnarounds.
• David Morton (on PFAS): Requested that the Council direct staff to require PFAS soil and groundwater testing at the DTG recycle site (former Allwood Recycling) before the Evans Creek relocation project breaks ground. He presented quarterly monitoring data from Oct 2024-Jan 2026 showing only PFOS and PFBS in wells 1 and 2, consistent with a single point source of pre-2002 AFFF firefighting foam, and noted the 2013 fire where foam entered stormwater. He argued the city should apply the same protocol as at the old post office redevelopment.
• Bob Yoder: Provided a public service announcement regarding HOA governance, noting that under HB 64B (codified amendments to the WAC Act), HOA board meetings must be open, noticed, and allow owner participation. He urged real estate agents, board members, and buyers to be aware of the law, with full implementation required by January 1.

Public Hearing on R22 Overlake (1 speaker):

• David Morton: – Did not oppose the project but asked the Council to consider: negotiating deeper or broader affordability in the development agreement, ensuring monitoring/bonding for survival of 164 replacement trees (173 of 183 significant trees removed), confirming continuous separated shared-use path for the full frontage on 152nd Ave NE, and asking whether the Overlake regional stormwater facility has been assessed for PFAS or other contaminants given industrial history.

Discussion Items

R22 Overlake Consolidated Land Use Application (Quasi-Judicial):

• Carol Helland (Planning Director) and Senior Planner Alex Hunt presented a two-phase mixed-use development on a 5.3-acre site (former Microsoft Building 22) in the Overlake Business and Advanced Technology Zone. The project proposes up to 800 residential units and up to 8,000 sq ft ground-floor commercial, with 12.5% of units affordable at 50% of area median income (meeting new 2025 inclusionary zoning standards). A development agreement includes 10-year vesting (plus 5-year extension), requests for up to 21 loading spaces, off-site tree replacement, and impact fee credits, balanced with public benefits (affordable housing, public art, enhanced bike/pedestrian safety, traffic signal, shared access with Overlake Commons). Deviations from code were outlined. The technical committee recommended approval with conditions.
• Councilmembers asked about integration of affordable units across phases (confirmed required to be distributed and proportional), sidewalk closures during construction (staff to confirm shared-use path protections), and tree survival bonds (3–5 year maintenance period with inspections).
• Council President Stewart expressed pride that the development pencils under the new code with 12.5% affordable units, calling it a landmark for equitable transit-oriented development.

Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Report (Staff Report):

• Finance Director Kelly Cochran presented draft year-end results (closing by mid-April). Key points: general fund revenues 6–8% above expectations, expenditures ~2.5% under budget. Sales tax collected $11.3M more than forecast (partially one-time from construction, partially ongoing from growth and new state tax). EMS transport fees catching up after delayed start. Utility tax near target. Medical claims in HR higher than expected – may require reserve draw but no budget adjustment yet. Capital improvement program revenues healthy (REIT and impact fees strong). Water/wastewater utility on track. Sales tax under threat of repeal by 2030 will be addressed in next budget. No significant impacts from federal uncertainty.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Prakriya asked about sales tax deviations in relation to House Bill 2015 (potential new sales for police); Cochran noted it could generate ~$5.5M/year, not in current budget, and would be discussed for 2027-28. Councilmember Kritzer asked to revisit utility tax and affordability; also asked about lower grant revenues (Cochran explained year-end billings will increase). Council President Stewart noted salary savings (about $1.4M) should allow the planned transfer to human services.

Welcoming Resolution (New Business):

• Councilmember Forsyth, co-sponsored by Council President Stewart, introduced Resolution No. 1626 affirming Redmond as a welcoming city protecting immigrant communities and civil rights. Councilmembers spoke in support, emphasizing constitutional protections, public safety benefits of community trust, and upholding due process and equal protection for all residents. The resolution does not change federal law but clarifies city’s commitments.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda – Approved 7-0.
• R22 Overlake Land Use Application – Approved 7-0 with Ordinance No. 3251 and Resolution No. 1625 (Development Agreement).
• Welcoming Resolution No. 1626 – Approved 7-0.
• No executive session; meeting adjourned after new business.