Redmond City Council Business Meeting – June 2, 2026
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Redmond City Council Business Meeting – June 2, 2026
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM, the Redmond City Council held a regular business meeting at City Hall (15670 NE 85th St) and remotely. The meeting included a Pride Month proclamation, public comment on multiple topics, a 10-item consent agenda (with one item pulled for separate vote), a public hearing on interim regulations for commercial drone land uses, committee and ombudsperson reports, and a new business item authorizing a contract amendment for the Maintenance and Operations Center (MOC) campus redevelopment. The council voted to amend the drone interim official control to prohibit drone ports in all zoning districts, effectively establishing a moratorium while permanent regulations are developed.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously (7-0): The consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes (May 19 and May 21, 2026), payroll/claims checks, acceptance of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund Grant, approval of the King County EMS Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support contracts (2026-2031), authorization for interagency agreements with Washington State DNR and Washington State Patrol for wildfire/emergency response, a resolution for the Perrigo Park Turf Replacement Youth Athletic Facility Grant (Resolution No. 1628), a resolution denying a land use map/zoning map amendment for 6900 188th Ave NE and referring policy questions to the SB 6026 Work Program (Resolution No. 1629), and adoption of 2025 zoning code amendments (Ordinance No. 3261).
- Item 4 – Heidelberg Materials Property Acquisition: Councilmember Parsi requested this item be removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion. After a staff presentation by Public Works Director Aaron Burt and brief council discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the authorization for acquisition of the 10+ acre Heidelberg Materials property (18816 NE Union Hill Rd) for the MOC Campus Redevelopment Project, at a cost of $38.5 million.
Public Comments & Testimony
Items from the Audience (8 in-person, 1 remote)
- Erin Hamilton (Redmond resident): Described developing and delivering gender-identity training for Redmond Police Department leadership and announced a Pride Month coffee meet-and-greet event with police on June 13, 2026. Expressed pride in these DEI initiatives.
- Richard Ripley (Interlake Sporting Association – ISA): Spoke about the draft noise ordinance, expressing concern that impulse sound from the shooting range is different from continuous noise and requires specific mitigation. Stated ISA is willing to spend up to $1 million on engineering and construction for sound mitigation and asked the council to work collaboratively before finalizing the ordinance.
- CK Cheru Vatol (ISA member): Expressed support for ISA, noting it has operated for 76 years and is a community asset. Asked the council to have continued conversation rather than impose restrictions.
- Wolf Adriatico: Voiced concern about the city’s decision not to fill the AV technician position at the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village (RCCMV) and the impact on teen music programs.
- Anja Ajoda (prospective ISA member): Expressed support for ISA as a safe and health-conscious facility for responsible gun ownership, noting that proposed hours in the noise ordinance would deny practice opportunities.
- Linda Seltzer (Redmond resident, engineer): Spoke about noise pollution from parallel building surfaces and the loss of evergreen trees, and later during the drone hearing discussed drone noise (61 dBA at cruising, 75-85 dBA during takeoff/landing at 10-30 ft) and potential cumulative impacts. Urged a trial before permanent drone regulations.
- Mark Epstein (Redmond resident): Expressed support for the proposed noise ordinance amendments, emphasizing that limiting shooting hours during early mornings, evenings, and weekends would reduce disruption in now-dense suburban neighborhoods.
- David Morton (Redmond resident): Raised two gaps in water management: Redmond’s dependence on King County for wastewater treatment limiting water reuse opportunities, and the need for PFAS groundwater testing and aquifer recharge measures in the MOC project due to its proximity to a former fire site.
- Henry (HOA VP, North Rose Hill West): Expressed support for ISA, arguing that homeowners built near the range knew of its existence and that restricting the range would push shooters to unmanaged public lands, creating safety risks. Asked for engineering solutions rather than hour restrictions.
- Max Rollman (remote): Expressed appreciation for former teen services AV technician Cameron Bower, highlighting his impact on music programs, and asked how the city will continue that legacy.
Public Hearing on Interim Official Control (IOC) for Commercial Drone Land Uses (5 in-person, 2 remote)
- Chris Kenny, Hector Soloman Valdez, Jake Robinson (Zipline representatives): Explained Zipline’s drone delivery operations (2 million+ deliveries, 20 U.S. communities) and alignment with Redmond 2050 goals. Noted that the IOC’s 50-foot setback from all property lines effectively eliminates most viable sites in the MP and I zones. Requested a change to a 50-foot setback from zone boundaries to allow operations.
- Linda Seltzer: Raised concerns about drone noise, privacy, and the need for a trial period before permanent regulation.
- David Morton: Raised three concerns: private ownership of drone ports leading to market concentration, data collection without consent, and the right to privacy in homes from overhead cameras. Urged the council to address these in permanent regulations.
- Aparna (remote, planning commissioner but speaking as resident): Urged a full moratorium on drone hubs, citing privacy, lack of community input, and unresolved data-sharing concerns. Noted that neighboring jurisdictions have no such regulations.
- Harish Kulkarni (remote, Redmond resident): Urged the council to withdraw the IOC and take time for a transparent public debate, emphasizing privacy erosion and lack of safeguards.
Discussion Items
- Public Hearing on Commercial Drone Land Uses: Senior Planner Glenn Coyle presented the IOC adopted April 21, 2026, which limited commercial drone ports to Manufacturing Park (MP) and Industrial (I) zones while permanent regulations are developed. The council heard public testimony and then debated potential changes. Councilmembers expressed concerns about privacy, noise, and the need for community engagement. A motion to amend the IOC by changing the permitted use (P) to not permitted (N) in the MP and I zones was made by Councilmember Parsi, seconded by Councilmember Forsythe, and passed 7-0. This effectively prohibits drone ports in all zoning districts during the interim period. The council will hold another public hearing within 60 days to adopt findings supporting the moratorium. The IOC also includes a work plan for permanent regulations to be finalized by April 2027, with concurrent work on business licensing and an office of air management.
- New Business – MOC Contract Amendment: Council approved Progressive Design-Build Contract Amendment No. 1 with Lease Crutcher Lewis WA, LLC for the MOC Campus Redevelopment Project (AM No. 26-092). The amendment adds capacity for validation of the new property site and allows long-lead procurement (e.g., steel, elevators). The council will return for a second amendment in 18-20 months after design development. Vote: 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Pride Month Proclamation: The mayor proclaimed June 2026 as Pride Month in Redmond.
- Consent Agenda Approved: 7-0 (with item 4 pulled and separately approved 7-0).
- Heidelberg Materials Property Acquisition Approved: 7-0 ($38.5 million for MOC campus).
- Interim Drone Port Regulations Amended: The council voted 7-0 to change the IOC to prohibit drone ports in all zones (effective immediately; moratorium). A subsequent public hearing will be held within 60 days.
- MOC Contract Amendment Approved: 7-0.
- Committee Updates: Various committees reported on continued work on tenant protections, noise ordinance, affordable housing, tourism funding, Salmon Recovery Council grants ($6.6 million recommended), and regional transportation planning. The council also heard the ombudsperson reports for May (Councilmember Forsythe) and June (Councilmember Soni), covering constituent inquiries on noise, drones, renters’ rights, and community events.
- Next Steps: The drone IOC amendment triggers a public hearing within 60 days; permanent drone regulations are due by April 2027. The noise ordinance draft remains under committee review. The MOC project will proceed with design and long-lead procurement.
Meeting Transcript
I'm calling this meeting to order. This is a regular business meeting of the Redmond City Council held on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, commencing at 7 o'clock PM. I will call roles starting with Council President Stewart. Here. Council Member New A Council Vice President Nueva Comina. Here. Councilmember Forsyth here. Councilmember Prakria. Here. Councilmember Parsi. Here. Councilmember Sony. Here. And Councilmember Kratzer. Here. Great. The first item on the agenda is a proclamation for Pride Month. Whereas the City of Redmond values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognizes that lesbian gay by trans queer intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minority LGBTQIA plus residents, employees, students, families, business owners, and community leaders help shape a stronger and more vibrant city. And whereas Pride Month traces its roots to 1969 and the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment that was led by Marcia Pete Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, and helped ignite the LGBTQIA plus rights movement as well as inspire generations of advocates working toward visibility, equal treatment, and civil rights for all. And whereas Redmond strives to foster a community where every person is treated with dignity, respect, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, and whereas local organizations, advocates, and community members continue to create welcoming spaces for connection, celebration, education, and support throughout Redmond and the East Side. And whereas events and other community-led initiatives in Redmond and the East Side provide opportunities to celebrate authenticity, build understanding, and strengthen community bonds among residents of all backgrounds. And whereas the City of Redmond acknowledges that members of the LGBTQIA plus community continue to face barriers and discrimination and reaffirms its commitment to advancing safety, belonging, and equal opportunity for all. And whereas Pride Month serves both as a celebration of the contributions and resilience of LGBTQIA plus communities and as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure equity and inclusion in every part of society. Now, therefore, I, Angela Bernie, mayor of the city of Redmond do hereby proclaim June 2026 as Pride Month in the city of Redmond and encourage all residents to join in celebrating the LGBTQIA plus community and reaffirming Redmond's commitment to inclusion and belonging for all. And we have some events coming up in this month. So if you take a look at our website, you'll see some of them. And we raised the Pride Flag yesterday, which was beautiful morning and a wonderful celebration. The first item on the agenda is items from the audience. I have the sign-in sheet for members of the public to speak tonight. When I read your name, you will come up to the podium and have three minutes to address the council. Council members generally will not respond to comments or questions directly at the meeting. Members of the public are welcome to email the council any time at Mayor Council at Redmond.gov. The views stated by members of the public do not represent the opinion of the city of Redmond. And as a reminder, RCW 29B 45010 prohibits any public comment during the council meeting in support or opposition of ballot propositions, measures, or candidates. All comments must pertain to the city of Redmond business as indicated in the sign-in sheet. And remember, if you want to speak on the interim official control regulating commercial drone land uses, you will need to speak during the public hearing portion of the meeting tonight. So we have eight people signed up to speak in person and one person signed up to speak remotely. Usually I call four names so you kind of know when you come and up next so we can get people uh moving through. Uh we have first Aaron Hamilton, then Richard Ripley, then CK Cheru Vatol, and then Wolf Adriatico and CKI apologize for how I said your last name. I'm sure you'll correct me. Good to go. I wish I wasn't the only voice here. People believe nothing will change, so what's the point? And they're right. Speaking or emailing once won't change anything. You have to fight for what you believe in. I'm here to say that even one person can spark change. Over the over the past year, I've taken upon myself to start a number of DEI initiatives for the city. Through my efforts, I've successfully brought about changes that I believe were unattainable. And because of time, I'll touch on ones that I am the most proud of, and I believe have a lasting impact going forward.
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