Public Meetings - Redmond, Washington

The Redmond City Council held a regular business meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included three proclamations (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; National Police Week; Older Americans Month), public comments from ten in-person speakers and one remote speaker, unanimous approval of the consent agenda (seven items), ombudsperson and committee reports, and two executive sessions. The council authorized the mayor to execute a purchase and sale agreement for real property for a new maintenance and operations center. Proclamations - The council proclaimed May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Redmond. Councilmembers Sony and Prakriya accepted the proclamation, noting that over 40% of Redmond residents are part of these communities. - The council proclaimed May 10–16, 2026 as National Police Week. Deputy Coates accepted on behalf of the Redmond Police Department, expressing gratitude for community support. - The council proclaimed May 2026 as Older Americans Month with the theme "Champion Your Health." Four awards were presented: to Evergreen Health Horizons for its wellness program; to senior volunteer Sadru (absent); to Sylvia Burnour, director of the senior chorus; and to Steve Hutek, chorus booking agent and sound technician. Public Comments & Testimony - Nathan Gibbs (President, Interlake Sporting Association) thanked councilmembers for dialogue since January and invited remaining council members to visit the club. He requested a seat at the May 26 study session. - Peter Jarvis (ISA member) stated that sound-mitigation technology is proven and that ISA is prepared to invest up to $1 million to upgrade the facility, pending regulatory certainty. He requested a policy commitment to allow the investment. - Aaron Hamilton advocated for hiring an additional Mental Health Professional (MHP) for the Redmond Police Department, expressing concern that the second MHP position is on hold despite being budgeted. He opposed outsourcing mental health services to third parties. - Ruth Knote (Marrymore neighborhood resident) presented a petition with 500+ signatures opposing the city's two-hour parking program in the neighborhood, arguing it causes harm and lacks community input. She asked council to reconsider. - Wolf Adriatico criticized the council's handling of the Old Firehouse Teen Center, stating that the council ignored public requests to draft a design before demolition. He urged the council to follow through on promises for youth engagement. - Rosemary Ives (former mayor, 1992–2007, founder of the Old Firehouse Teen Center) requested that the council reconsider the demolition contract until a public plan and timeline for a new teen center are agreed upon. She emphasized the need for youth outreach and brainstorming, citing the extensive preparation done before the original teen center opened in 1994. - David Morton commented on PFAS contamination of Redmond's drinking water wells. He noted that the city recently expanded a contract for groundwater monitoring and urged testing at the DTG recycle site (former Allwood Recycling), where a major fire in 2013 may have involved PFAS-based firefighting foam. He warned that a single five-gallon pail of foam could contaminate 39,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. - Linda Seltzer (Jewish resident) requested that May also be recognized as Jewish American History Month, stating that the council's AANHPI proclamation excluded Jewish Americans. She read a proclamation she authored and described anti-Semitic incidents in history. - Gordon Chen and Sean Enns did not appear when called. - Remote speaker (name not given) cautioned the council on the choice of architect and contractor for the new teen center, requesting honest communication about honoring the legacy of the original firehouse and a detailed timeline. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) the following items: 1. Minutes of the April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting. 2. Payroll and claims checks for April 24 and May 5, 2026. 3. Acceptance of the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Grant and approval to contract with Bellwether Housing. 4. Parks Department web configuration contract with D2 Creative in the amount of $141,900. 5. Ordinance No. 3258 approving the 2025–2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Redmond Fire Fighters Union 2829 (I.A.F.F.) and amending the pay plan. 6. Ordinance No. 3259 approving the final plat of Belcaro. 7. Resolution No. 1627 amending the school speed zone infraction penalty for automated traffic cameras. Ombudsperson Reports - Councilmember Kritzer (April ombuds): Reported feedback on the Old Firehouse Teen Center, library board updates, proposed comprehensive plan amendment, community engagement for the budget, sidewalk/bike lane requests, parking restrictions in Marymoor neighborhood, service-led transit outreach, tech issues with video feed, and requests for tenant protections. She noted that the tenant protection subcommittee met and that staff received requests to recognize Middle Eastern and North African American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. - Councilmember Forsyth (May ombuds): Received feedback on a community vigil, Lime scooters blocking wheelchair access, noise ordinance changes (pro and con), historic newspapers in the Old Firehouse walls, and pedestrian safety. She apologized for delayed responses. Committee Reports - Councilmember Forsyth (East Trail Committee): Reported that the East Way Greenway Alliance has been removed from the RAC after fulfilling its role. The committee discussed the future vision for the next 10 years, with Redmond's section of the trail complete. The Planning and Public Works Committee approved contracts, discussed land use zoning, and received a briefing on noise standard amendments and the design-build delivery method for the teen center. - Councilmember Prakriya (Tenant Protection Subcommittee): Reported that the subcommittee elected him as chair, formulated a list of proposals, and met with the city attorney and planning director to develop a work plan and stakeholder engagement process. A study session is expected in summer 2026. - Councilmember Kritzer (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee): The LTAC decided to send a memo to the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) board requesting co-funding for tourism investments. The TPA is considering the proposal. Discussions also touched on developing a Destination Management Organization (DMO). She also reported on Hopelink’s management agreement with a teen housing association to operate affordable housing properties. - Councilmember Nuevacamina (Alternative Crisis Response Subcommittee): Reported that the subcommittee identified gaps in mental health support, including lack of juvenile support outside of business hours (Monday–Friday, 9–5). The RACER program is not expected to expand; Redmond may need to create its own program. County partnerships are positive but insufficient. The positions on hold remain in the budget. - Council President Stuart (Statewide Legislative Priorities Committee): Reported that the committee discussed progressive revenue tools for cities, including alternatives to sales tax increases. She also noted that the Public Issues Committee will consider a response letter on King County’s proposed sewer rate increase of 12.75% per year for six years, and a statement on the Sound Transit Enterprise Initiative. She also reported on Sound Transit 3’s $34.5 billion deficit, noting that the East Link extension (4 Line) to Kirkland and Issaquah is likely delayed by 5–6 years but is retained. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0). - Authorization for real property acquisition: The council voted 7-0 to authorize the mayor to execute a purchase and sale agreement for real property for the construction of a new maintenance and operations center. The vote followed a 20-minute executive session on real estate acquisition. A follow-up is expected in two weeks. - Executive session on potential litigation: The council held a 15-minute executive session on potential litigation; no action was taken. Next Steps - The council will hold a study session on May 26, 2026, where Interlake Sporting Association has requested a seat to discuss ongoing issues. - A public hearing on interim official control related to delivery drone land uses is scheduled for June 2, 2026. - The council will continue to develop a timeline for the Old Firehouse Teen Center replacement and will provide additional community engagement, including a neighborhood conversation at Idlewood Park on May 21, 2026 (5–7 PM). - The tenant protection subcommittee will bring proposals to the full council in a study session, likely in summer 2026. - The LTAC will finalize its tourism budget after the TPA board responds to the co-funding proposal.

The Committee of the Whole for Planning and Public Works met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 4:30 PM. All council members were present. The committee reviewed seven agenda items, including action items on infrastructure contracts and a franchise agreement, a land use map amendment, noise code updates, and the delivery method for a teen community center. Several items were moved to the consent agenda for the May 19 City Council meeting, and direction was given on the land use amendment. Consent Calendar - Pavement Management – 154th Ave NE (Redmond Way to NE 85th St.): Approved placement on the May 19 consent agenda to award a construction contract (bid opening scheduled for later; lowest bidder to be confirmed within budget) and an $36,645 supplement to David Evans & Associates for construction engineering support (increasing total payable to $337,137). Questions were raised about business impacts during construction; staff confirmed outreach would be conducted. - 152nd Street Improvements Project: Approved placement on the May 19 consent agenda for final contract acceptance with Road Construction Northwest. The final contract amount was $6,608,175.98, about $3 million under budget due to lower-than-anticipated right-of-way costs. Concerns were raised about warranty timing and accessibility issues caused by subsequent development; staff committed to providing written follow-up to all council members. - Redmond Central Connector Phase 3: Approved placement on the May 19 consent agenda for final contract acceptance with Johansen Construction Company. The final contract was $5.7 million, about $938,000 under budget (nearly equaling the contingency). Councilmembers praised the project as the first city to complete its section of the East Trail. - Olympic Pipeline Franchise Agreement: Approved placement on the May 19 consent agenda. The 10-year franchise includes enhanced insurance, environmental indemnification, and spill response provisions. Discussion addressed insurance adequacy, risk of act-of-God exclusions, and the timeline of negotiations. Staff will provide annual inspection reports upon request and update the agenda memo to reflect recent discussions. Discussion Items - Land Use Map and Zoning Map Amendments – 6900 188th Ave NE: Council discussed three options: approve (by ordinance), reject (by resolution, with a two-year bar on reapplications), or refer the amendment to the body of work responding to Senate Bill 6026 (by resolution, no bar). After deliberation, a majority favored referral to the SB 6026 planning process, which would allow a holistic review of the Southeast Redmond industrial zone and be completed by August 2027. The property owner retains rights under a prior development agreement. - Amendments to RMC 6.36 Noise Standards: Staff presented proposed updates addressing property maintenance, gun ranges, tower cranes, and obsolete zoning references. Council raised questions for the May 26 study session, including: comparative analysis with neighboring jurisdictions, noise from gas-powered landscaping equipment, hours for firearm discharge (specifically considering a proposal for one quiet weekend day), cumulative construction noise in mixed‑use areas, and inclusion of legal holidays. Council President Stewart also noted that the community feedback summary was generated by an AI tool and suggested council discuss the future use of such summaries. - Progressive Design‑Build (PDB) Delivery Method for the Teen Community Center Project: Staff informed council of the intent to use PDB (similar to the MOC project) to maximize flexibility, stakeholder engagement, and cost certainty. Council asked about outreach to teenagers (expected to begin around October 2026 with an owner’s rep), preserving the legacy of the existing structure (selection criteria to include historical experience), and how cost overruns would be handled without quality loss. Staff will provide additional information and a cheat sheet on PDB benefits. Key Outcomes - Items 1–4: All approved to be placed on the consent agenda for the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting. - Item 5 (Land Use Amendment): Council directed staff to prepare a resolution referring the 6900 188th Ave NE amendment to the SB 6026 planning work, with a timeline for completion by August 2027. No formal vote was taken; direction was given based on a majority show of support. - Item 6 (Noise Standards): No action taken. Council provided questions and topics for the May 26 study session; staff requested any additional input by email by May 10. - Item 7 (Teen Community Center): No action required. Council received the information and will weigh in on the owner’s rep contract when it comes for approval. Staff will share a PDB overview with council.

The Redmond City Council held a study session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, commencing at 7:01 p.m. All council members were present, with Mayor Birney absent. The meeting covered four agenda items: the 2027-2028 budget process with departmental overviews for Fire and Public Works, a land use and zoning map amendment for 6900 188th Avenue NE, the 2025 legislative conformance, business improvement, and fences zoning code amendments, and council talk time. The meeting concluded after 10:30 p.m. Discussion Items - 2027-2028 Budget Process: Fire Department Overview - Fire Chief Adrian Shepherd presented the Redmond Fire Department's proposed baseline budget of $92.1 million for 168.5 FTEs, a 6% increase over the current adopted budget. Key highlights included a new emergency preparedness and recovery budget plan, a 10% increase in fire and medical operations to $77.2 million reflecting four FTEs added in the last cycle, and a 22% decrease in administration due to realignment. Performance measures included a fire confinement rate target of 80% (down from 95-96% due to increasing complexity), a cardiac arrest survival target of 60% (actual 53% in 2023 and 2024, preliminary 51% for 2025), and zero civilian fire fatalities in 2023, 2024, and preliminary 2025. The department placed the first electric fire engine in Washington State into service in January 2025 and secured a second $1.5 million grant in early 2026. Challenges included rising apparatus costs, vacancies, and capital investment needs, particularly Fire Station 11. - Council members asked about the new emergency management budget plan, quantification of vacancy impacts, apparatus replacement plans, the mobile integrated health (MIH) program's implications for the alternative crisis response subcommittee, and digital transformation budgets. Chief Shepherd noted that a comprehensive community response program update is being prepared across all departments. - 2027-2028 Budget Process: Public Works Overview - Public Works Director Aaron Burt presented the department's baseline budget for 143.6 FTEs. Key increases included a 12% increase in safe and reliable drinking water (due to PFOS monitoring and additional staff) and a 16% increase in wastewater management (forecasted pass-through costs from the county and lift station costs). Enhancement packages included transportation ADA transition plan, mobile security barriers (26 additional purchased), curbside management plan, language access support, and monument system assessment. Performance measures included groundwater monitoring wells meeting quality standards at 37% (target 57% due to PFOS standard changes), solid waste diversion at 47% (target 50%), and pavement condition index at 68 (target above 70). Challenges included aging infrastructure, capital delivery cost increases (40-60% over older estimates), and changing federal/state regulations. - Council members discussed adaptive traffic signal issues (downtown system malfunctioning, turned off, on hold for Overlake expansion), the septic-to-sewer conversion program, middle housing infrastructure costs, asset management team structure, and the paving crew funding via Transportation Benefit District. - Land Use Map and Zoning Map Amendments – 6900 188th Ave NE - Deputy Director of Planning Serafy Allen introduced the item. The applicant requests redesignation of 4.2 acres from Business Park to Citywide Mixed Use to align with the adjacent 1-acre Mixed Use designation, and rezone to Corridor Mixed Use. The Planning Commission recommended denial (5-2 vote) after a year-long docket process. Chair Susan Weston explained the commission's rationale: preserving Business Park land as a small business incubator (only 1/20th of Redmond's land), protecting Redmond 2050's vision, and separating land use from project considerations. The property owner cited market changes and inability to attract a tenant for the previously approved flex development. - Council discussion focused on job loss estimates (58 jobs based on acreage, up to 240 based on previous master plan), the impact of new state law SB 6026 (which may allow housing in Business Park zones), the need for a comprehensive approach rather than spot zoning, and the balance between housing and employment lands. Council members expressed uncertainty and requested additional time. - Key outcome: The council decided to add a 10-minute discussion item to the May 5, 2026 Committee of the Whole – Planning and Public Works agenda to further deliberate, with formal action scheduled for June 2, 2026. - 2025 Legislative Conformance, Business Improvement, and Fences Zoning Code Amendments - Senior Planner Lauren Alpert presented three code amendment packages: (1) 2025 legislative conformance (state law updates on subdivision, child care, parking, permitting timelines, building conversions, etc.), (2) business code improvements (ensuring commercial floor area in mixed-use, sidewalk closure signage, food truck/pop-up court clarifications, updated business definitions), and (3) fences and retaining walls (clarifying height and visibility standards, replacing neighborhood-specific rules with citywide standards). The Planning Commission recommended approval. - Council questions focused on fence height changes (4 feet front/side, 6 feet rear) and non-conforming fences, the administrative lot split process and community voice, historic structure preservation, and child care in manufacturing zones. No objections were raised to the package. - Key outcome: The council directed staff to place the ordinance on the consent agenda for the June 2, 2026 business meeting, with the 21-day notice issued accordingly. - Council Talk Time - Tenant Protections Subcommittee Update: Councilmember Kritzer reported that the subcommittee (now chaired by Councilmember Prakriya) will study additional tenant protections including fees, right of first refusal/continued tenancy, right to move, retaliation protections, strengthening tenant rights information, and a housing ombuds position. Councilmember Parsi suggested adding regulation of rate of increase, legal fee allocation, and domestic violence early exit provisions. The subcommittee will develop a community engagement process and bring recommendations back to council. - Eastside Transportation Partnership (ETP): Councilmember Soni reported that a letter supporting Sound Transit expansion in East King County is being finalized. The letter does not require individual city signatures; Redmond's ETP representatives will vote on it at the May 8 meeting. Councilmembers expressed general support, with no objections. - Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR): Council Vice President Nuevacamina updated that legal risk of litigation has been eliminated, and staff will schedule an executive session for further contract review, with open deliberation planned for May 12, 2026. - Retreat Follow-up: Council leadership reviewed the tier-one priority matrix from the council retreat. Members noted that the spreadsheet format was challenging and requested a simplified bulleted list. Council President Stewart and Vice President Nuevacamina will refine the list and bring a path forward to a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Fire Department Budget: No formal action; baseline budget overview presented for discussion. Council requested a future update on the Comprehensive Community Response Program. - Public Works Budget: No formal action; baseline budget overview presented. Council noted adaptive traffic signal issues and requested further information on pavement condition strategy. - Land Use Amendment (6900 188th Ave NE): Council deferred decision to June 2, 2026, with an additional 10-minute discussion at the May 5 Committee of the Whole – Planning and Public Works meeting. - Zoning Code Amendments: Approved for consent agenda on June 2, 2026. - Tenant Protections: Subcommittee will continue study and return with recommendations; council will provide written scope. - ALPR: Executive session to be scheduled; open deliberation set for May 12. - Retreat Priorities: Council leadership will prepare a simplified list for further discussion.

The Committee of the Whole for Parks and Environmental Sustainability met on April 28, 2026, at 4:30 PM at Redmond City Hall. Presiding Officer Menka Soni called the meeting to order with all seven council members present. The agenda covered six items: a contract for website consulting services, an update on the Energy Smart Eastside electrification program, a park impact fee study update, a dog park update, an update on climate resiliency in vegetation management, and a contract amendment for hydrogeological support. Both action items were advanced to consent agendas for future council meetings. The meeting also included a recognition of Deputy Director Dave Tuchak's 38-year career and upcoming retirement. Consent Calendar - Parks Department Web Configuration Contract with D2 Creative ($141,900): Staff requested placement on the May 5, 2026 consent agenda for professional website consulting services to improve discoverability of parks and recreation information across multiple platforms (CivicPlus, SmartRec, Team Sideline). The project will proceed through three phases: discovery, design, and implementation. Council members expressed support and asked about multilingual access, ADA compliance, scope boundaries, and success metrics. Staff committed to quarterly updates. The item was moved to consent with no objections. - Amendment to Landau Associates On-Call Contract ($300,000): Staff requested placement on the May 19, 2026 consent agenda to double the contract amount to $600,000 for expanded groundwater monitoring support, including new monitoring wells near supply wells to investigate PFAS detections. Funding comes from already-approved CIP funds. Council members asked about PFAS testing in Southeast Redmond and requested future status reports. The item was moved to consent. Discussion Items - Energy Smart Eastside - Residential Electrification Program Update: Sustainability Manager Jenny Liebeck and Program Manager Sarah Phillips presented progress on heat pump installations. The program aims to accelerate equitable home electrification, with a focus on heat pumps since 80% of Eastside homes use gas furnaces. Key metrics: program expects to install its 1,000th heat pump soon; projects include upgrades at adult family homes, Habitat for Humanity communities, and mobile home parks (Friendly Village, Avon Villa). Cumulative emissions reductions equivalent to removing 7,000 gas vehicles for one year. Council member Prakriya questioned financial equity, noting Redmond contributes more funding but had fewer installations than Kirkland or Bellevue. Staff explained that Redmond's contributions have supported equity projects that are ramping up in 2026, and that installations are expected to triple by year-end. Council also discussed HOA barriers, panel upgrades covered by full-cost coverage grants, and the status of IRA rebates (currently paused). The item was informational only. - Park Impact Fee Study Update: Senior Parks Planner Cameron Zapata and Parks Planning Manager Lindsay Falkenberg provided a status update. The consultant FCS Group has collected data and run models for three different fee calculation methods. Next steps: gather feedback from the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission, then hold a council study session in June 2026. Council President Stewart requested more detailed materials in future packets, noting the memo was too brief for substantive questions. Council Vice President Nuevacamina echoed the need for more information. The update also noted that park impact fees will be implemented alongside fire impact fees in fall 2026, effective 2027. - Dog Park Update: Deputy Director Dave Tuchak and Operations Manager Darcy Rayner Shepherd reported that pop-up dog parks at Luke McRedmond and Hartman Parks opened in April 2026. A permanent dog park will be installed at Luke McRedmond late summer/early fall 2026, closing the pop-up there for 6–8 weeks of construction. Hartman's pop-up will close in mid-August for cross-country use. The permanent design includes small and large dog areas, double-gated entry, shade, enrichment elements, and universal design considerations. Staff confirmed they will continue seasonal pop-ups at Hartman and explore other locations for future permanent dog parks. Council expressed support. - Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan Implementation Update: Darcy Rayner Shepherd presented accomplishments since the plan's development in 2023–2024. Achievements include: testing naturalized meadows, incorporating climate-resilient species, changing leaf management, cultivating wildflower meadows, testing resilient fescue turf at the City Hall Great Lawn, holding a tree giveaway, and continuing equipment electrification. In 2026, focus areas are tree canopy and understory expansion, rights-of-way conversions (contracted for fall 2026), turf renovations (additional 720,000 sq ft converted to fescue, now 38.5% of maintained turf system-wide), and GIS green mapping. Council Member Parsi praised the plan's habitat benefits. The council also took time to recognize Deputy Director Dave Tuchak for his 38 years of service and leadership on the award-winning plan. Director Hamilton and other members expressed gratitude. Key Outcomes - Action Items: Both the Parks Department web configuration contract ($141,900) and the Landau Associates contract amendment ($300,000) were recommended for approval on consent agendas at future council meetings (May 5 and May 19, 2026, respectively). No formal votes were taken in the committee; the recommendations were made by consensus. - Study Session Scheduled: A council study session on the park impact fee study is planned for June 2026, with staff asked to provide detailed materials in advance. - Quarterly Updates: Staff committed to providing quarterly updates on the web configuration project. - Retirement Recognition: Deputy Director Dave Tuchak was recognized for his 38-year career; his last day is May 1, 2026. - Informational Items: All other agenda items were received as informational; no further action required.

The Redmond Planning Commission met on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in a hybrid format at Redmond City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing on proposed zoning code amendments for temporary non-commercial signs, a briefing on the 2026–27 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket, and public comments on senior housing preservation and PFAS contamination. Commissioners approved the agenda and the April 8 meeting summary. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Approval of Meeting Summary (April 8, 2026): Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Linda Seltzer (Redmond resident, senior apartment complex on 80th Street): Urged the commission to delete or amend zoning code that incentivizes demolition of existing affordable senior apartments in neighborhood multifamily zones. She cited the trauma of relocation for elderly and disabled tenants and stated that relocation costs are approximately $10,000 per tenant in-state and $20,000 out-of-state. She argued preservation is the cheapest alternative. - David Morton (Redmond 98053): Raised concerns about PFAS contamination at Redmond’s municipal wells 1 and 2. He submitted six questions regarding source investigation, sentinel well testing after the 2013 All Wood Recycling fire, Evans Creek predisturbance testing, coordination with DTG Recycle, rising PFOS trends, and the timeline for wellhead treatment. He requested formal responses from city staff and public disclosure. - David Morton (during the sign public hearing): Acknowledged the city’s content-neutral approach as legally sound and supported the no-cost permit. However, he questioned enforcement accountability, indefinite 60-day permit renewals (asking for a content-neutral limit), enforcement of 48-inch pedestrian clearance, and the need for a multilingual outreach campaign before enforcement begins. Discussion Items - Temporary Non-Commercial Signs Public Hearing and Study Session: Senior Planner Lauren Alpert and Planning Manager Jeff Churchill presented an issues matrix. Key discussion points included: - Enforcement: Staff noted that enforcement procedures are being drafted; signs removed will be held for 30 days. Existing RMC Title One contains monetary penalties for repeat violators. - Permit Number Placement: The method (e.g., stickers) remains under consideration and will be in operating procedures, not the code. - Medians and Roundabouts: Public works opposes sign placement in medians/roundabouts. Commissioners split: some (e.g., Vice Chair Woodyear) raised concerns about the appearance of favoritism in enforcement; one commissioner (unidentified but likely Commissioner Parna or another) argued medians are often the only viable locations for signs in some neighborhoods and that banning them deprives voters of information. The issue was left open pending city attorney input. - Permit Renewal: Commissioners questioned the contradiction of “temporary” signs with indefinite renewal. The city attorney will provide guidance on permissible limits. - Periodic Cleanup Schedule: Commissioner Coleman proposed setting four fixed dates per year (e.g., after primary and general elections) for city-wide sign removal, independent of content. Several commissioners supported the idea. - Permit as Administrative Barrier: Commissioner Parna and Chair Weston strongly opposed the permit system, calling it an unnecessary burden on free speech and city resources. They advocated focusing on sign size, safety, and accessibility, with periodic cleanup. Other commissioners expressed skepticism about the permit requirement. - The commission agreed to await the city attorney’s review and will continue discussion at a future meeting. - 2026–27 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket Briefing: Senior Planner Glenn Coil explained the annual docket process and listed city-initiated amendments (SOAM surface water plan, zoning consolidation, neighborhood planning, technical updates). A community member requested an amendment on affordable housing incentives and protection from displacement. Commissioners discussed whether to evaluate the proposal. Staff noted that anti-displacement policies already exist in Redmond 2050 and will be addressed in the upcoming Housing Action Plan. Commissioner Parna advocated revisiting during those plan updates. After a show of hands, the commission voted 4–2 to direct staff to analyze the community member’s proposal (item 1 – policy analysis; excluding item 2 on cost) for potential inclusion on the docket. The analysis will be presented at the May 27 study session. Key Outcomes - Sign Regulations: No formal decision. The commission will incorporate city attorney feedback in future deliberations. Verbal public testimony was closed; written comments remain open. - Annual Docket: By a 4–2 vote, the commission instructed staff to evaluate the community’s proposed affordable housing/displacement amendment for the 2026–27 docket. Staff will bring a docket analysis to the May 27 study session. A public hearing on the final docket is scheduled for June 10, 2026, with a recommendation on June 24. - Drone Ordinance Update: Staff announced that the city council passed an emergency interim ordinance (April 21) allowing commercial drone ports only in manufacturing park and industry zones, with final regulations to go through planning commission review (including stakeholder engagement, technical committee, public hearing) over the next year. - Upcoming Annual Workshop: The commission will hold a workshop on April 29, 2026 (not broadcast, but open to the public) covering World Cup preparations, land use permit trends, neighborhood planning and community engagement, and commission norms.

The Redmond City Council held a regular business meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, commencing at 7:00 PM at City Hall and remotely. The meeting included public comments on multiple issues, a contentious debate on the Old Firehouse Teen Center demolition, adoption of municipal code updates, and approval of an interim official control regulating commercial drone land uses. The meeting concluded with a closed session for labor negotiations. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the regular meeting on April 7, 2026, and special meeting on April 14, 2026, along with payroll and claims checks. - Approved a final contract with Lakeside Industries Inc. for $995,650 for the West Lake Sammamish Parkway Pavement Preservation Project. - Awarded a construction contract to Dickson Company for $388,895 for the Old Firehouse Teen Center Demolition Project (Item 5 was pulled for separate discussion; see below). - Approved a contract with SCI Infrastructure LLC for $1,267,396 for the Sidewalk Repair Project on 40th Street. - Approved a contract with Raftelis Financial Consultants for $74,950 for purchasing process improvements. - Adopted Ordinance No. 3252 for the 2025-2026 Budget Adjustment 6 to redeem LTGO bonds. - Confirmed appointments of new Arts and Culture Commissioners (Joyce, Paul, Rick Deskin) and Human Services Commissioners (Sabrina Sevilla, Sonia Lawson Samalsi). - All remaining consent items passed unanimously 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Old Firehouse Teen Center: Nineteen speakers and four remote speakers addressed the council. The majority strongly opposed the demolition, urging the council to pull Item 5 from the consent agenda, postpone demolition until a plan for rebuild is finalized, and engage meaningfully with youth. Speakers cited lack of transparency, a rigged stakeholder process, broken promises, and the building’s historic and emotional value. One forensic data analyst accused the city of a 79.7% duplicate inflation rate in public records production and warned of up to $33 million in penalty exposure. A documentary filmmaker shared interviews with 38 individuals highlighting the center’s impact. Former councilmember Steve Fields’ quote urging careful analysis was read. Some speakers noted conflicting information: the FAQ stated the building is safe, yet it was closed. - Marymoor Parking: Multiple residents opposed the new two-hour parking limit in the Marymoor neighborhood, arguing it harms residents of apartments like Spectra, The Spoke, The Piper, and Bell Marymoor, who already lack sufficient parking. A Change.org petition had 175 signatures. Speakers requested alternatives such as residential permits or expanded parking. - Trail Safety: A cyclist/pedestrian urged action to slow cyclists on the Sammamish River Trail, citing Strava data showing speeds over 20 mph in the downtown corridor and personal injury. - PFAS Contamination: A speaker submitted six written questions about PFOS/PFBS detections at wells 1 and 2, including source identification and wellhead treatment timelines. - Earth Month: A speaker praised the 2025 Environmental Sustainability Action Plan but urged full funding for Big Move 5 to meet the 40% tree canopy goal. - Other: A speaker previewed a planning commission recommendation for a comprehensive plan amendment and rezone at Columbia Pacific Advisors property. Discussion Items - Old Firehouse Teen Center Demolition (Item 5 pulled from Consent Agenda): Councilmember Parsi requested the item be pulled, noting new information about two large trees (Douglas fir and western red cedar) that would be lost. She and others questioned why demolition must precede design. Public Works Director Aaron Burt explained a progressive design-build approach would be used, with validation taking 4–5 months. Councilmember Prakriya, an alumnus, emphasized commitments to same-site rebuild, expedience, teen voices, and music/recording spaces. Council President Stewart argued public comment had kept the project on the agenda and prioritized it. Councilmember Stuart rebutted a comment that council minds are rarely swayed by public comment, affirming its importance. After debate, the motion to approve the demolition contract passed 6-1, with Councilmember Parsi voting nay. - Staff Reports: - Earth Month and Arbor Day: Sustainability Program Manager Jenny Liebick highlighted the five big moves of the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, record 44 new forest steward graduates, and community events. - CIP Q1 2026 Updates: Tess Wilkinson and Steve Gibbs presented project status. Key updates: 14% completion rate (2 of 14 projects done), abatement at OFH to begin in May, EV charging station phase 2 construction, Reservoir Park construction resuming in June, 156th Avenue Shared Use Path approaching 60% design (study session planned July 14), and CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) project scope increase to 7,600 feet. - Ombudsperson Reports: Councilmember Kritzer (April) reported messages on renter protections, drought, Marymoor parking, technical issues with meeting recordings, and health care access. Council President Stewart summarized septic-to-sewer conversion challenges and announced that council leadership would discuss tier-one items from the retreat at the next council talk time. - New Business A: Code Updates (RMC Titles 10, 12, 13, 15): Director Burt introduced ordinances to modernize the municipal code, part of the APWA accreditation effort. Councilmember Parsi requested clear communication on micromobility rules. Passed 7-0. - New Business B: Interim Official Control (IOC) on Commercial Drone Land Uses (Ordinance 3257): Senior Planner Glenn Coyle and Police Chief Darrell Lowe presented. The IOC restricts commercial drone launch/landing pads to Manufacturing Park and Industrial zones to prevent vesting while permanent regulations are developed. A public hearing is set for June 2, 2026. Council debated a moratorium vs. IOC, the scope of zones, and concerns about noise, safety, privacy, and grandfathering. An amendment to remove Manufacturing Park zones was proposed by Councilmember Prakriya (citing caution and flexibility) but failed 3-4. The ordinance passed 7-0. - Closed Session: The council entered a closed session for labor negotiations per RCW 42.30.140(4)(b). Key Outcomes - Old Firehouse Demolition: Motion to approve the $388,895 demolition contract passed 6-1 (Councilmember Parsi opposed). Abatement begins in May, demolition to follow. - Municipal Code Updates: Ordinances 3253–3256 (Titles 10, 12, 13, 15) passed 7-0. - Drone Regulations: Interim Official Control (Ordinance 3257) passed 7-0, limiting commercial drone ports to Manufacturing Park and Industrial zones. Public hearing scheduled for June 2, 2026. Work plan adopted for permanent regulations by April 2027. - Public Records Warning: A forensic analyst placed on record that 79.7% of produced documents were duplicates, with 911 emails missing and 4,109 attachments stripped, exposing the city to potential $33 million in penalties. This was noted but no immediate action taken. - Next Steps: Council will discuss tier-one items from the retreat at the next council talk time (April 28). CIP Q2 report expected in July. Study session on 156th Avenue Shared Use Path planned for July 14.

The Committee of the Whole (Public Safety and Human Services) met on April 21, 2026, at 4:30 PM to discuss the 2027-2028 Human Services Funding cycle, a quasi-judicial subdivision plat, and proposed updates to Redmond Municipal Code Titles 10, 12, 13, and 15. Councilmember Vivek Prakriya presided. No public testimony was offered. Consent Calendar - Amending Resolution No. 1338: Automated Traffic Camera Penalties for School Speed Zones (CM 26-2441) – No discussion; recommended for consent at the May 5 business meeting. - Acceptance of Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program Grant and Approval to Contract with Bellwether Housing (CM 26-2502) – No discussion; recommended for consent at the May 5 business meeting. Discussion Items 2027-2028 Human Services Funding Update (CM 26-2461) Deputy Director Allen presented the funding cycle overview. The city received 149 applications requesting over $8 million per year, while approximately $3.4 million per year is available (including $40,000 in CDBG funds and $300,000 in opioid settlement funds). System-wide, 446 applications totaling $83,187,062 were submitted across the 17-city collaborative. The Human Services Commission will review applications over the next five months, guided by the city's funding priorities (Attachment A) and joint equity training on May 12. Commissioners will present funding recommendations on October 27. - Council President Stewart noted that a reserve fund was set aside in the last biennium for sector stability, some of which was used in November, and that conversation may return. She asked how the commission balances evaluating current requests under the existing strategic plan while participating in creating a new housing and human services strategic plan. Staff responded that the commission meets twice monthly (three times in June) and weighs difficult tradeoffs (e.g., crisis intervention vs. upstream prevention). - Councilmember Sony asked about ensuring smaller or newer organizations receive funding alongside larger, more established ones. Staff explained that the commission actively works to balance this through outreach, information sessions, and close monitoring of new grantees. - Councilmember Stewart asked about a proposed 30% funding floor for housing organizations. Staff confirmed that a base level of housing stability funding (e.g., for shelters like Porch Light and Sophia Way) is being maintained to ensure consistent service levels, while also avoiding housing taking the entire budget. Quasi-Judicial: Adoption of Ordinance for Belcaro Plat (CM 26-2481) Josh Mueller (Development Engineering) presented a proposed 24-lot single-family subdivision on 4.4 acres in the Willows/Rose Hill neighborhood. The final plat includes a public street dedication, one affordable housing lot, four small dwelling unit lots, open space, and stormwater management. The preliminary plat was approved by the Hearing Examiner on February 27, 2024; civil engineering plans were approved December 11, 2025; and the affordable housing agreement was recorded earlier in April 2026. Staff recommended placing the ordinance on the May 19 consent agenda (not May 5 as listed). - Council President Stewart noted that the development will connect to city water and sewer and requested details on sewer improvements. Mueller confirmed stormwater facilities are already under inspection. - Councilmember Forsyth asked about neighborhood outreach regarding water/sewer connection opportunities and traffic calming on 132nd Avenue NE. Annie Chow (Transportation Planning) noted that Kirkland is installing a traffic signal at 132nd. - Councilmember Nuevacamina asked about communication with affected schools. Staff confirmed periodic meetings with the school district. - Council President Stewart noted that a sewer conversion study is funded and will come to council soon. No objections were raised, and the council agreed to forward the item to the May 19 business meeting consent agenda. Adoption of Ordinances to Formalize Updates to RMC Titles 10, 12, 13, and 15 (CM 26-2622) Councilmember Parsi raised concerns about allowing micromobility devices on sidewalks, given increasing speeds blurring the line with gas-powered devices, and about the complexity of boundaries for banned zones (Downtown and Overlake). Director Burt clarified that devices are allowed citywide; geo-fenced slow zones exist around City Hall and in parks (via Lime contract), not a ban. Gas-powered devices are prohibited on sidewalks. He noted that inadequate bike infrastructure led to the policy of allowing devices on sidewalks as a compromise for last-mile trips. Council discussed education and enforcement; a previous speed limit was removed as unenforceable by police, replaced with language requiring safe and cautious operation and yielding to pedestrians. - Councilmember Forsyth raised the state legislature's e-bike bill (class three up to 28 mph) and supported continued conversation on speed limits and education. She asked about slow zones; staff explained that Lime scooters are geo-fenced and that Lime will add camera technology by summer to improve detection. - Council President Stewart noted that state action on e-bike speeds was part of Redmond's legislative agenda and encouraged council to review the sine die report. She emphasized that speed alone is not the only safeguard; rules on yielding and audible signals also apply. - Councilmember Sony asked about varying speed zones; staff said future policy could be data-driven using Lime usage data and injury reports. - Councilmember Nuevacamina asked about enforcement of stunts/tricks on e-bikes; staff noted it falls under existing safe-operation rules. - After a show of hands, council agreed to place the item on new business for adoption at the April 21 business meeting. Key Outcomes - Human Services Funding Update: No vote taken; next step is commission review and recommendations on October 27. - Belcaro Plat: Council approved forwarding the ordinance to the May 19, 2026 business meeting consent agenda. - Code Updates (RMC Titles 10, 12, 13, 15): Council agreed to move the item to new business for adoption at the April 21, 2026 business meeting. No final vote was taken at the committee meeting.

The Redmond City Council held a study session on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, starting at 7:04 p.m. All council members were present. The agenda included departmental budget overviews for the 2027-2028 biennium (Executive, Finance, Human Resources, and Technology & Information Services), a review of the Long-Range Financial Strategy and Fiscal Policies, and council talk time. Executive Department Overview - Key Speakers: Melissa Files (COO), Lisa Maher (Assistant COO) - Divisions: The executive department includes city clerk, communications, city attorney (brought in-house), environmental sustainability, grant management (new), and others. Baseline budget changes include a new FTE for environmental sustainability, reclassification of a position, and transfer of a domestic violence advocate to the prosecutor's office. - Performance Measures: Environmental sustainability action plan targets moved from 2030 to 2040; community survey data; DEI measures from the Ready Plan. - Council Questions: - Councilmember Parsi asked about FTE changes reflected in the numbers. - Councilmember Prakriya questioned the precipitous 21.5% drop in community-wide greenhouse gas emissions from 2023 to 2024; staff attributed it to changing to Green Direct electricity purchasing and promised follow-up. - Vice President Nuevacamina asked about the increase in public records requests; staff noted growth in complexity (chats, texts, AI records) and will follow up with the city clerk. - Councilmember Soni inquired about savings from bringing legal services in-house; staff will provide exact figures. - Councilmember Forsyth asked about the domestic violence advocate role; it is a reclassification and transfer, not a new position. - Councilmember Kritzer suggested evaluating World Cup investment outcomes and noted the need for two Ready FTEs. - Council President Stuart supported restoring two Ready FTEs and asked about federal lobbyist impact; staff highlighted federal earmarks and legislative support. - Challenges: Increasing public records complexity; continued implementation of Ready plan and environmental sustainability plan. Finance Department Overview - Key Speaker: Kelly Cochrane (Finance Director) - Baseline Changes: Increases in risk insurance and state auditor fees; process improvements from new financial system (accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing). - Performance Measures: Community investment rate (formerly price of government), vendor diversity, bond rating (Triple A reconfirmed). - Reserves: Working to increase reserves from 8% to 12% per best practices. - Council Questions: - Vice President Nuevacamina asked if reserve increases were due to recession concerns; staff said it followed industry standards post-pandemic. - Councilmember Forsyth asked about insurance options; staff is evaluating a change and will report before end of summer. - Councilmember Kritzer asked about credit card fee implementation and auto-pay adoption; staff noted compliance challenges but said adoption has normalized after a transition period. - Challenges: Managing cost increases from King County wastewater rates; automating financial statements to shift focus from preparation to analysis. Human Resources Department Overview - Key Speaker: Catherine Laird (HR Director) - Baseline Changes: Medical benefit increases (10% per year); addition of a senior HR analyst and an administrative specialist for payroll accuracy. - Performance Measures: Turnover rate, average days to fill vacancies, and new measure for professional development enrollment. - Council Questions: - Councilmember Parsi asked about tracking one-time fees and whether spending is on track; staff confirmed monitoring and that carryover information will be provided. - Councilmember Forsyth asked why a recruitment specialist position became ongoing; staff said the role proved essential for full-cycle recruitment. - Councilmember Parsi questioned whether performance measures (e.g., time to fill) could incentivize speed over quality; staff explained they balance timeliness with candidate quality. - Councilmember Forsyth asked about 18.1 FTEs; the 0.1 FTE is from fractional allocations of directors' time. - Challenges: Stabilizing new HRIS system (UKG); compliance with state requirements; dual payroll processes during transition. Technology & Information Services (TIS) Overview - Key Speaker: Mike Marshand (Chief Information Officer) - Baseline Changes: 9% increase due to contract escalations; real-time language translation devices deployed (4 devices, $4,200 spent of $30,000 budget). - Service Enhancements: Senior systems analyst for UKG implementation; GIS business analyst hired; aerial photos consortium; security tools and phishing automation. - Performance Measures: Staff security training completion (91%), service desk SLA resolution (89%), net promoter score (38, close to industry median of 40). - Council Questions: - Councilmember Parsi asked about usage of translation devices; staff recently announced and are monitoring usage; will share learnings if desired. - Councilmember Prakriya asked about the HRIS project; staff confirmed it will automate manual payroll calculations. - Challenges: Rising technology costs (tariffs doubling laptop costs); high demand for new systems. Long-Range Financial Strategy & Fiscal Policies - Key Speaker: Kelly Cochrane - Long-Range Financial Strategy: Updated guiding principles (10 consolidated from 5); new structure emphasizing community-informed planning, revenue diversity, asset management, and performance management. Community investment rate currently between 5% and 5.5% of personal income; declining due to community growth. Fiscal resilience and reserve management are priorities. - Fiscal Policies: Consolidated and clarified; new policies on economic downturn action, leasing equipment, and biennial review. Investment policies expanded to include alignment with city values (e.g., divestment from fossil fuels). - Council Discussion: - Council president identified three key decisions: community investment plan rate, strategic alignment with Redmond 2050 and community strategic plan, and principles for taxpayer involvement in new taxes. - Councilmember Kritzer emphasized maintaining prior investments and value proposition. - Councilmember Forsyth praised clarity and asked about climate divestiture; staff confirmed it is in investment policies. - Vice President Nuevacamina stressed equity and community-based organizations for data. - Councilmember Prakriya requested concrete examples to understand fiscal terms. - Councilmember Soni desired simpler language for community. - Council president suggested policies on spending priorities and reserve levels. - Process: Council will use SharePoint for individual feedback; staff will collate and identify decisions for deliberation. Target: June/July check-in. Council Talk Time - Budget Community Engagement: Decided to use the May 21 council conversation as a budget input opportunity and brand it accordingly. Also agreed to have a booth at the Downtown Redmond Art Walk on September 17. Further discussions on engaging community-based organizations will continue with staff. Council will revisit the community strategic plan for possible updates. - Micromobility Devices: Councilmember Parsi raised concerns about electric scooters and bikes on sidewalks; will be discussed in committee next week. - Parks Cost of Service Model: Councilmember Kritzer suggested reviewing the cost recovery policy for parks, especially regarding youth fee waivers. Council agreed to hold the idea and schedule it alongside other priority items. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; all discussions were informational and preparatory. - Council directed staff to facilitate a SharePoint-based review of the Long-Range Financial Strategy and Fiscal Policies, with feedback due in approximately two weeks. - Council agreed to incorporate budget engagement into the May 21 council conversation and to table at the September 17 Downtown Redmond Art Walk. - Council will follow up on community engagement gaps with community-based organizations. - Council will revisit the community strategic plan and park cost-recovery model for future scheduling. - Staff will provide additional data on greenhouse gas emissions drop, legal cost savings, public records trends, and federal grant attestations.

The Redmond City Council held a special meeting on April 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM to interview candidates for the Arts and Culture Commission and the Human Services Commission. All council members were present; Mayor Birney was absent. After introductions and council questions, the council agreed to add all four candidates to the consent agenda for the April 21, 2026 regular meeting. Arts and Culture Commission Interviews - Introduced by Chris Weber, Cultural Arts Supervisor. The commission advises the city on arts policies and programming; members serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. - Candidates: Rick Deskin (actor, stage manager, stagehand, former artistic director, SAG-AFTRA board member) and Joyce K. Paul (dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, founder of Rpan Performing Arts and Scarf Global). - Rick Deskin expressed interest in increasing performance opportunities, turning abandoned spaces (e.g., in Redmond Town Center) into performance venues, and leveraging the new light rail to make Redmond a destination. He also suggested exploring a combined film and arts commission. - Joyce K. Paul proposed a public-private partnership with tech companies to build a world-class performing arts theater in Redmond, connecting Redmond's diverse ethnic communities (noting 40% of residents are foreign-born), integrating arts with social justice and mental health support for youth, and creating small home museums to capture Redmond's evolving identity beyond its logging and tech history. - Council questions explored the “soul and essence of Redmond.” Deskin emphasized the residents and natural spaces; Paul said the soul changes daily and is defined by community principles of support and humanity. - Council members expressed enthusiasm for both candidates’ backgrounds and ideas. Human Services Commission Interviews - Introduced by Alaric, human services staff. The meeting also previewed a future Committee of the Whole update on the application process. - Candidates: Sabrina Sevilla (occupational therapist, small business owner, immigrant from Philippines, Redmond resident since 2018) and Sonia Lawson Salmasi (former lecturer, romance author, mother of a newborn, PhD in literature, Redmond resident since 2021, experienced homelessness as a child). - Sabrina Sevilla shared personal experience helping immigrant family access services and her work with families in the Lake Washington School District. She said she wants to use her perspective to serve underserved communities. - Sonia Lawson Salmasi emphasized fostering community, diversity, and equity, especially for marginalized groups (unhoused, disabled, elderly). She wants her son to grow up in a community that values positive change. - Council questions: Vice President Nuevacamina asked what they would celebrate after two years. Sevilla highlighted effective nonprofits and funding proposals; Salmasi emphasized giving voice and agency to hidden communities. - Councilmember Prakriya noted the Human Services Commission faces tough funding decisions: there are 140–150 applications totaling over $8 million, far exceeding the budget. Candidates discussed decision-making based on data, collaboration, reach, and tangible impact. - Council members acknowledged the challenging allocation process and noted that the commission will help refresh the city’s Human Services Strategic Plan, integrated with housing needs. Key Outcomes - The council agreed without objection to place both Arts and Culture Commission candidates (Rick Deskin and Joyce K. Paul) and both Human Services Commission candidates (Sabrina Sevilla and Sonia Lawson Salmasi) on the consent agenda for the April 21, 2026 regular meeting for confirmation. - Candidates were invited to attend the April 21 meeting in person with their families for swearing-in. - No formal vote was taken; consensus was expressed through verbal agreement and non-verbal cues (e.g., “thumbs up”).