Public Meetings - Redmond, Washington

The Finance, Administration, and Communications (FAC) Committee of the Whole met on February 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM to consider six agenda items: approval of the 2026 committee workplan, a draft amendment to the Council Rules of Procedure, a delegated contract authority grant threshold, an annual CUES GraniteNET software contract, the 2027-2028 biennial budget calendar, and an informational update on the Respect, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) program. The meeting extended approximately 10 minutes beyond the scheduled hour to accommodate the REDI update. 2026 Committee Workplan - Chair Kritzer presented the draft 2026 workplan, highlighting monthly REDI updates, quarterly communications touchpoints with staff, budget preparation items, technology and information services (TIS) updates, data governance policy review, and human resources items including salary commission appointments. - Councilmember Forsyth requested better social media messaging around school zone camera fines, noting public criticism that the program is a "money grab." Council Vice President Nuevacamina observed that non-residents often comment on city posts and suggested exploring social media policies. - Council President Stewart asked for a future briefing on items budgeted for the current biennium that were not started or accomplished. - Chair Kritzer noted adjustments would be made based on feedback. The workplan was approved for placement on the February 17 business meeting consent agenda. Council Rules of Procedure Amendment - Council President Stewart, Vice President Nuevacamina, and Chair Kritzer presented a comprehensive set of proposed rule amendments developed over the winter recess, covering excused attendance, council vacancy process, remote participation limits, items from the audience, council subcommittees, and a correcting RCW citation from the city attorney. - Councilmember Forsyth expressed significant concerns, including the removal of language that committee absences are automatically excused (potentially conflicting with state law), a requirement for candidates to vacate other elected positions (e.g., precinct committee officer), and a proposed limit of two remote participations per quarter without sufficient exceptions for illness. She requested the item be moved to a study session for deeper discussion. - Councilmember Soni noted that during the recent vacancy process, applicant identities were hidden and consistent questions were asked—aspects missing from the proposal. - Councilmember Parsi raised concerns that an addition on page 24 regarding public participation could reduce public engagement and introduce unintended bias. - Council President Stewart acknowledged the feedback and noted that all questions raised had been discussed internally. She proposed developing a matrix of questions to be sent via Logan to avoid serial meetings. The item was moved to a study session, tentatively scheduled for two weeks later. Delegated Contract Authority – Grant Threshold - Grants Manager Lauren Thompson proposed establishing a $50,000 threshold for low-dollar grant awards to reduce administrative costs and agenda congestion. Under the proposal, grants under $50,000 could be executed by staff without council approval unless they obligate unbudgeted matching funds, create future staffing or operational commitments, or the grantor requires council acceptance. All grants would still be reported quarterly to council. - A cost analysis estimated presenting a contract to council costs $3,411.95 and 27.4 hours of combined staff and council time. - Data from 13 Puget Sound cities showed thresholds ranging from $30,000 to $350,000. The city’s annual grant revenue averages $7–10 million, with about 25% of new awards under $50,000 and 40% under $100,000. - Councilmember Forsyth questioned how grants that involve new policy areas (e.g., ALPR systems) would be handled, and whether a council liaison should be on the new Grant Oversight Committee. - Councilmember Parsi requested that the internal grant management policy and procedures be more fully developed before or in parallel with setting a threshold to ensure safeguards against accepting money from undesirable sources. - Councilmember Prakriya noted the threshold lacks a time-bound component and that multiple small grants could quickly exceed $50,000 in aggregate. - Chair Kritzer suggested adding criteria beyond a dollar amount, such as topic-based restrictions. Staff was directed to bring back a refined proposal to a future committee or study session. CUES GraniteNET Contract - TIS Director Mike Marshan presented a five-year contract for an upgraded version of the public works CUES GraniteNET system, which uses AI to analyze CCTV footage of stormwater and wastewater pipes. The first-year cost is $146,788 (implementation and support); annual support thereafter is $121,550, funded by stormwater and wastewater utility funds. - Public Works Director Burt explained the technology can analyze over two million linear feet of pipe and will help move from emergency repairs (costing roughly double) to proactive maintenance. The system may be in use indefinitely, but long-term costs will decrease once baseline data is complete. - Councilmember Forsyth asked about diminishing returns; Director Burt noted the initial goal is to establish a comprehensive condition assessment and long-term pipe replacement plan. - Councilmember Prakriya praised the smart-city application and requested a report back in one to two years on findings. - The committee approved placing the contract on the February 17 consent agenda. 2027-2028 Budget Calendar - Deputy Finance Director Haretha Nara presented the proposed budget calendar, emphasizing performance management and reporting. Key changes include moving June and July study sessions to September due to World Cup activities, and adopting the budget on November 10 (with a backup date of December 1) to allow council attendance at the NLC conference. - Council President Stewart clarified that departmental budget overviews in March will be baseline-only (current biennium performance) before enhancements and reductions are considered after August. - Councilmember Soni asked how community engagement will feed into key decision points; staff will use focus groups and public hearings. - Chair Kritzer suggested adding an optional buffer meeting between the final public hearing and adoption. The calendar was approved for placement on the March 3 consent agenda, with staff instructed to incorporate a possible additional meeting. REDI Program Update - Assistant COO Lisa Marr provided the first monthly REDI update. She announced the new Deputy Director of Equity and Strategic Services position, which closed with 49 applicants. Virtual phone screens are underway, followed by broad panel interviews. - A seven-member REDI Ambassador program completed a facilitator training pilot with 50 staff members; a mandatory training rollout is planned for late March/early April. - Councilmembers discussed the status of the REDI Strategic Plan. Chair Kritzer noted council had intended to formally adopt the plan but never did, and asked whether adoption should be scheduled. Council Vice President Nuevacamina supported adoption after cleanup. Council leadership will follow up to schedule a future discussion. Key Outcomes - Approved the 2026 FAC Committee workplan for the February 17 consent agenda, with adjustments based on council feedback. - Moved the Council Rules of Procedure amendment to a study session (tentatively two weeks out); council members will send questions via Logan for a matrix. - Directed staff to revise the delegated contract authority grant threshold proposal with additional criteria and safeguards, and bring it back to a future committee or study session. - Approved the CUES GraniteNET contract for the February 17 consent agenda. - Approved the 2027-2028 biennial budget calendar for the March 3 consent agenda, with a possible buffer meeting to be added. - Received the REDI program update; council will explore scheduling formal adoption of the REDI Strategic Plan.

[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.

The City of Redmond's Planning and Public Works Committee of the Whole met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 4:30 PM, chaired by Councilmember Jessica Forsythe. The committee reviewed the 2026 committee workplan, cleared several items for upcoming consent agendas, and provided feedback for a quasi-judicial land use study session, a utilities staff report, and an Evans Creek relocation update. Consent Calendar - 2026 Planning and Public Works Workplan – The committee agreed to forward the workplan to the February 17 consent agenda. Councilmembers requested additions: a Q4 World Cup update (Soni), paired watershed study and 60% design for the 156th shared use path (Stewart), and circulator shuttle/light rail planning updates plus a Q2 tenant protections subcommittee update (Kritzer). Chair Forsythe said staff would add the items. - Overlake Area Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements Project – Staff requested acceptance of $8 million in state Move Ahead Washington funding, addition of the Overlake Area Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements (MOVA) project to the CIP, and removal of the 148th Avenue Trail Project to avoid duplicate funding. Of the $8 million, $3 million is designated for the 2027–2029 biennium and requires further legislative approval. The committee cleared the item, with the removal request to be added via email, for the February 17 consent agenda. - Business District Feasibility and Formation Contract – The committee agreed to award a $130,000 contract to Uncommon Bridges for a two-phase feasibility analysis of business district organizations in downtown, Overlake, and Marymoor. The work is partially supported by a Port of Seattle economic development grant. Scheduled for February 17 consent. - Viewpoint AC Watermain Replacement Project – The committee approved forwarding the request to the March 3 consent agenda: a $1.2 million consultant agreement with BHC for design services, plus a total project funding increase from $10,555,742 to $12,619,684 to combine water and stormwater work. The project replaces about 6,000 feet of aging asbestos-concrete waterline, 1,400 feet of structurally deficient stormwater pipe, and upgrades ADA curb ramps. - PFAS Treatment Feasibility for Wells 1 and 2 – The committee cleared a $284,276 consultant agreement with Hazen and Sawyer for feasibility and pre-design analysis of PFAS treatment at Wells 1 and 2 ahead of EPA maximum contaminant levels effective in 2029. The project is funded from the water ending fund balance and is scheduled for the February 17 consent agenda. Discussion Items - R22 Overlake Consolidated Land Use Application (Quasi-Judicial) – Staff briefed the council for the February 24 study session. The proposal, at 3050 152nd Avenue NE (Microsoft Building 22), would combine a master plan development agreement, binding site plan to split one parcel into two, and two site plan entitlements for an eight-story mixed-use development with up to 800 residential units and up to 8,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Council President Stewart highlighted that more than 100 homes would be for families at about 50% of area median income, potentially a first use of new Overlake incentives. Councilmember Kritzer asked to explore incentives, exceptions, and design flexibility. Staff confirmed the pending state bill would not affect ground-floor retail because the development agreement would vest before it takes effect. Additional questions may be emailed to Director Helland by February 10; public hearing and potential council action are scheduled for March 17. - State of the Utilities and Investment Drivers – Public Works announced a staff report on March 3 beginning a utility investment presentation series. The March 3 report will provide a high-level overview of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems; April and May study sessions will dive into water utility trends and wastewater/stormwater trends, respectively. Drivers include aging infrastructure, increasing regulatory requirements, and rising operational costs. Councilmembers were invited to email questions to Director Bird in advance. - Evans Creek Relocation Project Update – Public Works Director Aaron Burt reported that the project has been delayed about two years by federal and King County permitting complications. A meeting with county regulators was scheduled for the coming Friday to clarify permits. Discussion covered King County concerns about floodway risk on county property, use of road standards for trail bridges, and a maintenance and operations agreement requiring county council approval (roughly a two-month process). Councilmember Kritzer requested more detail on flood/erosion risk and mitigation; Councilmember Parsi asked about drinking water impacts (staff said none) and requested a timeline with total spent and expected total cost. Director Burt estimated roughly a $1 million cost increase per year of delay and said funding would likely come from Redmond CIP capacity. The update will be presented as a staff report on February 17. Key Outcomes - The committee directed staff to add the requested items to the 2026 workplan and forward it to the February 17 consent agenda. - Five action items were cleared for future consent agendas: workplan and Overlake bike/ped project and business district contract and PFAS agreement on February 17; Viewpoint watermain agreement on March 3. - For R22, the committee set a February 10 deadline for additional questions and a February 24 study session, with a March 17 public hearing/action date. - The Evans Creek staff report on February 17 will include requested context on risk, mitigation, cost comparisons, and project financials.

The Redmond City Council held a study session on January 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM. All council members were present, including newly sworn-in Councilmember Sayna Parsi. The agenda included five major items: the Overlake Commons Master Planned Development (quasi-judicial), the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) final update, the Outcome Maps Refresh for budget priorities, the Q4 Capital Investment Program (CIP) status update, and Council Talk Time featuring a policy proposal on immigrant protections. No formal votes were taken, but the council provided direction on moving items forward. Discussion Items 1. Overlake Commons Master Planned Development, Development Agreement, and Site Plan Entitlement - Senior Planner Alex Hunt presented the 4.7‑acre project in Overlake Village, proposing two eight‑story buildings with up to 830 residential units (10% affordable at 80% AMI), 750 parking stalls (0.62 spaces/unit), and structured parking. The proposal is vested under the 2024 Redmond zoning code and uses decarbonization incentives. - Key points included: voluntary relocation assistance for Overlake Terrace senior residents; tree removal (majority of site) with a request for exceptions to retain 35% canopy and remove landmark trees; administrative design flexibility requests for reduced ground‑floor commercial, parking, trash chute distance, facade modulation, open space dimensions, and bicycle parking (60% of units). - The development agreement offers public benefits: a 4,500‑sq‑ft publicly accessible nature plaza, enhanced bike/pedestrian safety design (7‑foot cycle track, 10‑foot sidewalk), LEED Gold certification, and public art. - Councilmembers expressed concerns about tree retention, the reduced bike storage (60% vs. 100%), the lack of retail activation, and the adequacy of public benefits. Staff noted that the city lacks authority to mandate displacement mitigation. - A public hearing was tentatively scheduled for April 7, 2026 (note: the agenda referenced February 17, but staff stated April 7). The applicant will be present at the hearing. 2. Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Final Plan Status Update - Staff (Francesca Liberty, Michael Hinz) reviewed the plan, which built on Redmond 2050 and engaged over 4,500 community members. Key strategies include reducing VMT and GHG, applying a Safe System Approach, and promoting multimodal travel. - The Planning Commission recommended an amendment to add an action focused on wayfinding connectivity and education for accessing urban centers and light rail from neighborhoods. - Council supported the amendment and directed staff to add language emphasizing wayfinding from key neighborhoods. The council agreed to place the adoption ordinance on the February 3, 2026 consent agenda. - Upcoming 2026 priorities include a secure bike parking pilot, neighborhood connections analysis, Avondale Road corridor study, and advancing bike/pedestrian spine projects. 3. Outcome Maps Refresh: Healthy & Sustainable and Strategic & Responsive - Haritha Nara and Hailey Zercher presented the draft refreshed outcome maps, explaining the framework linking community values to budget priorities, dashboard indicators, and performance measures. Two of four priorities were covered tonight. - Council provided feedback on several metrics: concern about “lower non‑critical 911 utilization” as a metric (potential perverse incentives); suggestions to add metrics for natural habitat restoration, climate resilience, cybersecurity incidents, and first‑time community engagement; and a call for more holistic measures on equity and the “Ready” goals (diversity, equity, inclusion). - Council also discussed the need for “meta‑metrics” to track progress on housing, climate, and other comprehensive plan goals. Staff will refine the maps and present the remaining two priorities (Safe & Resilient, Vibrant & Connected) on February 10, 2026, alongside community engagement planned for late February/early March. 4. 2025 Q4 CIP Status Update and 2026 Look‑Ahead - Director Aaron Burt, Tess, and Steve reported that 12 of 18 CIP projects were completed in 2025. Three projects (Fire Station 17 siding, Reservoir Park sports court/water tank) were delayed due to winter weather. The LED lighting retrofit at City Hall saved 66 tons of carbon/year and $28,000 in operating costs. - The MOC Campus Rebuild Project is in validation phase, leaning toward full off‑site rebuild with dispersed operations. A $5–7 million contract amendment will be requested for permitting and design. Groundbreaking is targeted for early 2027 with a two‑year build. Council tours of the MOC site are scheduled for February. - Additional updates: Teen Center demolition (Phase 1) planned for May 2026, with a celebration before demolition; Reservoir Park sports court project $300,000 over budget due to unforeseen slab repairs, but completion expected early summer; Bell‑Red buffered bike lanes to be repackaged with an interlocal agreement with Bellevue; and 75% of concrete work in 2026 will focus on downtown Redmond. 5. Council Talk Time – Policy Proposal No. 1: Welcoming Community Resolution - Councilmember Forsyth introduced a policy proposal for a resolution affirming Redmond as a welcoming community and outlining steps to protect residents from federal immigration enforcement (ICE). She noted that 44% of residents are foreign‑born and 49% speak a language other than English at home. - Councilmembers expressed strong support and suggested a joint council statement in addition to the resolution to improve accessibility. The council agreed to move forward with drafting, with further discussion planned at the February 1, 2026 council retreat to shape proactive measures. Key Outcomes - Overlake Commons: Council accepted the report and directed staff to proceed to a public hearing on April 7, 2026 (tentative); no decision was made. - Transportation Master Plan: Council directed staff to incorporate a wayfinding amendment and place the adoption ordinance on the February 3, 2026 consent agenda for approval. - Outcome Maps Refresh: Feedback was recorded; staff will present revised maps and the remaining two priorities on February 10, 2026. - CIP Update: No formal action; council acknowledged progress and received updates. The MOC project will return with a contract amendment and design scope in March. - Policy Proposal (Welcoming Community): Council supported proceeding with a draft resolution and exploring a joint statement; further refinement will occur at the council retreat. Note: There is a discrepancy between the agenda (which scheduled the Overlake Commons public hearing for February 17) and the oral presentation (which stated April 7). Staff later referenced April 7 as the tentative date.

On January 27, 2026, the Redmond Committee of the Whole for Parks and Environmental Sustainability convened to review the 2026 workplan, receive an update on the Public Art Master Plan, and approve the final closeout of the Redmond Senior & Community Center project. Councilmembers Kritzer, Forsythe, Prakriya, Parsi, Nuevacamina, Stewart, and Chair Soni were in attendance. The meeting was held both in-person and remotely. Consent Calendar - Approval of the 2026 Parks and Environmental Sustainability Committee of the Whole Workplan (CM 26-025): The workplan was presented by Chair Soni and recommended for consent on February 3. Councilmembers provided input: Councilmember Stewart highlighted the inclusion of the Tree Canopy Strategic Plan; Councilmember Prakriya asked about Hartman Park funding (a $500,000 legislative request), and Director Hamilton confirmed it is not scheduled for construction this year; Councilmember Forsythe inquired about the tree code update, which falls under planning; Councilmember Kritzer requested that the ESAP quarterly update be listed in Q4 and asked about replacing the summer camp overview with a broader recreation overview—Deputy Director Hoovner explained the change reflects comprehensive seasonal reporting. Councilmember Kritzer also asked about World Cup and Derby Days impacts; Chair Soni confirmed no workplan impact. Councilmember Stewart asked about teen center milestones; Director Hamilton outlined next steps including demolition, community celebration, and future design with community engagement. The workplan was moved to consent, with the understanding that council-suggested additions would be incorporated. - Approve Final Contract with Absher Construction Company and Accept Construction for the Redmond Senior & Community Center Project (CM 26-029): Presenter Eric Dawson (Capital Construction Group) reported that all subcontractors have been paid, certified payroll accepted, and the building has been open for approximately 20 months. The final payment has been made, though warranty items remain. Councilmembers celebrated the milestone, noting the project’s long journey and positive community impact. Councilmember Kritzer requested a lessons-learned presentation for future projects (e.g., teen center). The item was moved to consent on February 3. Discussion Items - Public Art Master Plan (CM 26-031): Cultural Arts Supervisor Chris Weber presented initial findings from community engagement, which included engagement at the Downtown Ribbon Art Walk, focus groups, interviews, and a public questionnaire with 461 respondents. Key themes emerged: desire for art reflecting diverse cultures, art in everyday places (parks, trails, streets), more performance and gathering spaces, support for local artists, and improved access to information about art opportunities. Finance Director Kelly Cochran proposed moving public art funding from project-tied allocations to a more predictable model: a six-year art CIP for capital projects paired with ongoing operational funding. Councilmembers offered feedback: support for strategic funding, interest in seeing current vs. proposed funding comparisons, and concern about ensuring funding for both large CIP art and smaller pieces (e.g., murals). Councilmember Stewart asked how the plan aligns with Redmond 2050 goals and requested a memo before the study session. Councilmember Parsi inquired about how funding would differentiate between art integrated into infrastructure versus standalone installations. The item was moved to a study session on April 14, with MIG consultants joining to present the draft plan. Key Outcomes - The 2026 Parks and Environmental Sustainability Workplan was recommended for consent at the February 3 City Council meeting, with additions suggested by councilmembers (e.g., ESAP quarterly listing, clarifying recreation content). - The final contract and acceptance of construction for the Redmond Senior & Community Center was recommended for consent at the February 3 City Council meeting. - A study session on the Public Art Master Plan was set for April 14, with a follow-up update to the Committee of the Whole on March 24. - Staff will prepare a memo on proposed art funding changes before the study session and provide a lessons-learned presentation on the Senior & Community Center project for application to future capital projects.

The Redmond City Council met Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:07 PM in City Hall, with Council President Melissa Stewart presiding as Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor Angela Birney attending remotely. The council filled a vacant council seat, heard 20 in-person and 3 remote public commenters, approved the consent agenda, received a PFAS update, and held two executive sessions. Special Orders – Council Vacancy Appointment - Councilmember Kritzer nominated Sina Parsi to fill the vacant Council Position No. 1 after interviews with three finalists. Councilmembers praised all 35 applicants and the 11 semifinalists and highlighted Parsi's work on technology, environment, housing, equity, and community engagement. - Parsi was appointed by unanimous roll-call vote and sworn in by Judge Finkel. She thanked the council and said she will represent every resident despite being appointed rather than elected. Public Comments & Testimony - Alex Zimmerman was given one warning and then had his remaining time terminated for not speaking to a city-business item. - Several speakers associated with Interlake Sporting Association (Todd Cage, Manny Perez, Kira Marchevsky, Bradley Clymer, Jody Noland, Peter, Jason Rackley, Jeremy Tatros) urged the council not to reduce range hours or remove Sunday operations, and to delay or reconsider the proposed noise ordinance. They emphasized ISA's safety culture, role as a community third place, and ongoing sound-study and mitigation work. Peter recounted past city planning decisions and asked for collaborative, effective solutions. - Meta dining workers (Juliet, Adam Cook, Johanna Bandler, Gio, Liz) asked the council to support their union-recognition effort. They said Meta and contractor Lavish Roots had refused to remain neutral or honor majority card counts, and described workplace injuries, retaliation, and fear of ICE enforcement. They cited Microsoft cafeteria workers as a precedent. - Aaron Hamilton criticized the appointment and DEI processes, saying no conservative or LGBTQ person would likely be selected and that city job applications excluded non-binary people. - Wolf Adriatico and Max Rollman described lost teen music/art programming at the former Firehouse and asked for more accessible policies and prices; Adriatico noted volunteer-run shows continue at Soul Food Coffee House. - Nandita Gilroy and Johnson Isaac Joseph opposed connecting 157th Avenue through their neighborhood as part of a 16-unit subdivision proposal, citing traffic, safety, and prior city findings. - Emma Rockenbeck asked the council to remove, not merely disable, Flock automatic license plate cameras, citing privacy and targeting of vulnerable communities. - David Morton raised PFAS concerns, including regulatory uncertainty, unknown contamination sources, costs, and operational alternatives, and asked for cost scenarios and customer carbon-filter guidance. - Remote: Joe Kunzler urged the council to enforce its rules and exclude Alex Zimmerman; Max Rollman spoke on arts and community space; Paul Quinn's written comments were distributed after he could not connect. Consent Calendar - Approved by roll-call vote: minutes of Jan 6, 8, and 13; payroll and claims registers; Fifth Amendment to Gallagher managed payroll backup services contract; correction of two Fire Support pay classifications; Lodging Tax Advisory Committee appointment; and Resolution No. 1619 completing the Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan periodic update. Discussion Items – PFAS Regulations and Redmond's Drinking Water - Public Works Director Aaron Burt, Water Operations Manager Ernie Fix, and scientist Jessica Adlikson presented. Redmond has sampled for PFAS since 2014; EPA set MCLs in 2024 with a 2029 compliance date; Washington State lowered state action levels to match EPA's MCLs in January 2026. - Wells 1 and 2 (one source) exceed the MCL and SAL for PFOS at 4 parts per trillion. The contamination source is unknown. The city will continue quarterly sampling, send required notifications, and begin exploring treatment options through a consultant contract scheduled for council committee review on February 3. - A preliminary placeholder of $25-30 million for treatment was mentioned for the 2027-28 CIP, with final costs and rate impacts still unknown. - Councilmembers asked about state vs federal regulation, regional collaboration, local groundwater-table complications, and proactive public communication. Ombudsperson & Committee Reports - Councilmember Kritzer reported constituent contacts on ISA, Flock cameras, the 157th Avenue issue, e-bike policies, federal grants, and resuming drop-in office hours. - Councilmember Forsythe noted the 157th and ISA processes are early, and mentioned community conversations on ICE presence, abandoned vehicles, the Velodrome, and Flock cameras. - Council Vice President Nuevacamina reported on the disability board, a student-led school funding town hall, legislative session events, a memorial for former Councilmember Nancy McCormick, and ICE-affected community meetings. - Council President Stewart announced a Feb 10 study session with commission and board chairs and summarized the council's legislative agenda for the state session. - Committee reports included East Trail planning (Forsythe), salmon recovery and OneRedmond (Kritzer), parks and environment sustainability work plan (Soni), and regional water quality and Sound Cities Public Issues Committee (Stewart). Key Outcomes - Sina Parsi was appointed and sworn in as Councilmember, filling Position No. 1. - Consent agenda, including Resolution 1619, passed on a roll-call vote. - Staff will return Feb 3 with a PFAS consultant contract and continue quarterly monitoring and public notifications. - A $25-30 million PFAS treatment placeholder is planned for the 2027-28 budget process. - The council held a closed executive session at 10:06 PM regarding real estate acquisition; no action was taken, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:21 PM.

The Redmond City Council held a special meeting on January 20, 2026, at 6:01 PM to conduct final interviews for three candidates vying to fill a council vacancy through 2027. The meeting was chaired by the Mayor Pro Tem, with Mayor Birney online and all council members present. Each candidate was allotted up to 20 minutes for questions. Per the agenda, following the interviews, the council planned to enter executive session to discuss qualifications and return to open session for a final decision and swearing-in. Discussion Items - Candidate Antoinette Smith – A 20-year Redmond resident and former Human Services Commission member. She emphasized regional collaboration on food access, proposing a pooled fund to respond quickly to crises. She discussed her experience with advanced payment models for human services grants, persistence in asking "why not," and centering community voices. Smith expressed interest in learning more about housing systems beyond human services. She stated that growth, while bringing beautiful buildings, has not enabled the people who make the city run to afford to live there. She defined ethical leadership as actively including everyone, even when difficult. - Candidate Sina Parsi – A tech professional with experience at Microsoft and Oracle, and service on the Parks Commission. He prioritized tech policy and data privacy, environmental policies (e.g., PFAS in groundwater), and housing affordability. He described a difficult decision balancing parental leave protections against potential employer backlash. He distinguished governance from management, emphasizing collaboration, long-term precedent, and community voice. Parsi highlighted his connections with immigrant communities, small business perspectives, and proactive engagement with the Redmond Police on data policies regarding immigrants and federal employees. He sees growth and environmental protection as parallel, achievable with careful planning. - Candidate CK (Kochikoshi Cherubatolo) – A long-time Redmond resident with experience at the Gates Foundation, World Bank, and in consulting. He advocated for using technology (e.g., AI) to make zoning and city information accessible, including in multiple languages. He described shifting from a data-driven to a storytelling and empathy approach when working with marginalized communities. CK cited an example of resisting pressure to approve a funding decision against his judgment, explaining he would stick to his principles. He praised the urban-nature mix in Redmond and wanted more small businesses and walkable areas. On housing, he cautioned against single metrics (citing Goodhart's Law) and argued for ownership as an ultimate goal, while ensuring rental communities have public spaces for connection. He positioned himself as an "intersectional candidate" bridging analog/digital, immigrant/American, and public/private sector experiences. Key Outcomes - No votes or final decisions were reached during the interview portion of the meeting; the transcript concludes at approximately 7:00 PM as the final candidate wraps up. - The council was scheduled to proceed into executive session to discuss candidate qualifications, followed by an open session vote and swearing-in of the appointed member. This portion was not captured in the provided transcript.

The meeting was called to order by Councilmember Prakriya at 4:30 PM local time. Attendees included Council President Stewart, Council Vice President Nueva Camina, Councilmembers Forsythe, Kritzer, and Sony. The committee reviewed seven action items and one informational presentation, with most action items advanced to the consent agenda for the February 3, 2026 business meeting. The fire pay plan correction was advanced to the consent agenda for the same meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of the 2026 Public Safety and Human Services Committee of the Whole Workplan: Directed to the consent agenda for February 3, 2026, with amendments incorporating feedback from councilmembers. - Diamond Parking 6-Month Contract Extension: Approved to advance to consent agenda for February 3, 2026. The extension is needed to continue parking enforcement while the city selects a new vendor and hires internal staff. - King County Independent Force Investigations Team (IFIT-KC) Interlocal Agreement Modification: Approved to advance to consent agenda for February 3, 2026. The modification includes Seattle Police Department into the agreement, as required by state law after Seattle exited its consent decree. - Adoption of Three Resolutions Related to Provision of Affordable Housing (ARCH): Approved to advance to consent agenda for February 3, 2026. The resolutions allocate $1,217,000 to ARCH for affordable housing development, approve changes to the down payment assistance program, and delegate pre-2010 ARCH Housing Trust Fund administration to Bellevue. - Correction of Two Classifications (Grade FS30 and FS40) within the 2026 Fire Support Pay Plan: Approved to remain on the consent agenda for the January 20, 2026 business meeting. The correction fixes a scrivener's error that unintentionally decreased pay ranges for two classifications. No budget impact was noted. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were received. Discussion Items - 2026 Committee Workplan: Councilmember Forsythe requested adding Kirkland jail to the jail contract discussion and flagging the ALPR contract with Flock for renewal in September. Councilmember Kritzer requested quarterly check-ins on the Thrive alternative crisis response program and updates on permanent supportive housing (including Plymouth project). Council President Stewart requested a check-in on the alternative crisis response subcommittee in Q2 or Q3. Council Vice President Nueva Camina requested an update on the electric fire engine charger. Chief Lowe requested not to calendar the Flock renewal for September, pending further discussions. Councilmember Kritzer also requested an update on school speed zone camera implementation. The chair agreed to work with staff to incorporate all feedback. - Housing and Human Services Overview (Presentation 2 of 4): Deputy Director Serafi Allen and Principal Planner Ian Lefcourt presented on the "Build More Housing Faster" pillar. Key points: The city needs 24,800 housing units between 2019 and 2050 (about 800 per year), with 73% of net new housing needed at 50% AMI or below. Redmond is on track for overall supply but not for deeper affordability. Inclusionary zoning and MFTE programs target 50% AMI units. Redmond accounts for 6.5% of King County's planned growth, outperforming its population share (3.5%). Councilmembers discussed displacement risks, fee-in-lieu utilization, permitting process improvements, and direct investment (e.g., $10 million set-aside). The presentation was informational; no action taken. Key Outcomes - The 2026 workplan was approved to advance to the consent agenda with amendments incorporating councilmember feedback. - Diamond Parking extension, IFIT-KC modification, and three ARCH resolutions were all approved to advance to the February 3, 2026 consent agenda. - The fire pay plan correction was approved to remain on the January 20, 2026 consent agenda. - The informational housing presentation was received; no formal action was taken. Staff will return with a focused session on permitting process improvements in Q2 or Q3 of 2026.

The Redmond Planning Commission met on January 15, 2026, to approve the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) report, consider land use and zoning map amendments for 6900 188th Ave NE, and receive a briefing on the 2026 work program. The Commission voted to approve the TMP report and denied the proposed land use amendments. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously. - Minutes from December 17, 2025, approved unanimously.n Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the "Items from the Audience" segment, and no written comments were noted for the study session items (except for one referenced in discussion). Discussion Items - Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Report Approval: Staff presented the final version of the 2025 TMP, noting it includes the Planning Commission's recommendations. The Commission approved the report for transmittal to City Council, with a motion seconded and passed unanimously (no voice notes of opposition). The report will go to Council for a study session in late January and approval in early February. - Land Use and Zoning Map Amendments - 6900 188th Ave NE: The Commission continued a study session on proposed amendments to change the land use and zoning of Lot 7 from Business Park to Mixed Use to allow housing. Staff reviewed an issues matrix, closing most items. Commissioners discussed potential outcomes, including cleanup of the aquifer, walkability, job types, and precedent. A motion to deny the amendments was made by Commissioner Aparna, seconded, and passed (estimated 5-2, with Chair Weston casting the tie-break or decisive denial vote). The denial means the property retains its current Business Park zoning. - 2026 Work Program Overview: Staff presented an overview of planned work, including annual docket items (wastewater plan updates, neighborhood connection maps), development regulation updates (three packages for March: business improvement, fences, legislative conformance; sign codes; tree code; home business regulations; design standards with a hearing in 2027), and strategic plans (capital investment strategy, housing and human services strategic plan, neighborhood planning). Commissioners discussed conflict of interest training and the timing of public engagement. Key Outcomes - Transportation Master Plan Report: Approved unanimously for Council consideration. - Land Use and Zoning Map Amendments (6900 188th Ave NE): Denied (commission vote estimated 5-2 against the amendment). - Next Meeting: The January 28 meeting is cancelled; the next meeting is February 11, 2026, where the Commission will approve its report on the Redmond Flex docket item and continue study sessions on code amendments. - New Youth Advisor Position: Applications are open for a high school student (living or attending school in Redmond) to serve as a youth advisor starting September 2026. - Code Amendment Packages: Three first-quarter packages (business improvement, fences, 2025 legislative conformance) will be presented in February for a public hearing.