Saturday, April 79-11am

City Hall Campus

www.redmond.gov/eggs

Dear Neighbors,Happy 100 years Redmond! I am jumping the gun a little, as the actual date of incorporation was December 31, 1912; however, we intend to fill the entire year with Centennial celebra-tions and events.

In 1912, Redmond was a very different place —home to loggers, farmers, and merchants; all pioneers who shared a vision of creating a home for their families. Our Centennial theme of past, present, and future, not only honors these brave men and women, but all the pioneers of technology, rocket science, biogenetics and digital imagineering who came after.

Throughout 2012, we are partnering with many community organizations to tell the story of our city. The Redmond Library’s Centennial Discovering History series begins this spring. On March 17, Michael Herschensohn, archi-tectural historian and preservationist from Historic Seattle, will tell the stories of our historic buildings and the people who occu-pied them so we can better understand the similarities and differences between the past and our contemporary lives. In May, the library lobby will display the history of Micro-soft through artifacts, photos and more.

The Redmond Historical Society has devel-oped a Centennial Walking Tour in celebra-tion of our 100 years. These tours are a fun way for you and your family to learn more about Redmond—such as the building that once housed a saloon, dance hall, brothel, and undertaker all at the same time.

Redmond’s Poet Laureate, Rebecca Mere-dith, will work with local poets to create the Redmond Centennial Poetry Anthology.

When completed in late May, the antho- logy will consist of a series of poems writ-ten in response to ten historical photos of Redmond. The launch event will be June 9 at SoulFood Books.

Our 2012 Derby Days on July 13 and 14 will feature many special games, music and events that pay homage to our roots as a logging and farming community. In December, Redmond Lights will combine with a major Centen-nial celebration on December 15 as our Centennial year draws to a close.

The events and celebrations I’ve mentioned here are only the tip of the iceberg—please visit the website at www.100years.redmond.gov—to learn about many more events and also opportunities for you to get involved.

As always, please contact me with any questions, suggestions, or issues at mayor@redmond.gov or 425-556-2101. This is going to be a great year!

Sincerely,

John MarchioneMayor

Happy 100 Years Redmond!

InsideCouncil Notes P2

Neighborhood Corner P3

Environews P4

Earth Day Ideas P5

Savvy Seniors P6

Road Construction P7

Events at Senior Center P8

Centennial Events P8

Volume XXVI No 1 Spring 2012

From the Mayor

2

Council NotesChanging of the guardThe Council said goodbye to longtime Councilmember Richard Cole, who retired at the end of 2011 after serv-ing six terms. His tenure spanned 24 years. Richard was good-heartedly roasted by his fellow Councilmembers and members of the community in the Council Chambers before he bid farewell. With Richard’s retirement, Pat Vache is now Council president and Hank Margeson is Council vice president. Richard was replaced by newcomer Tom Flynn, also your author of this Council Notes column.

As with any changing of the guard, a great deal of expe-rience, knowledge, and history departed with Richard’s retirement. And that wealth of experience isn’t replaced overnight. Richard was not only well-known in the city, but also in King County, the region and the state. He knew the history behind critical deci-sions in the city, including the more contentious ones. At times, he could offer a unique idea to solve a thorny problem just because he had seen something similar in the past. He was an elder and mentor.

As the newly appointed junior member of the City Council, I can tell you from first-hand experience that learning to become an effective Councilmember takes time and work. One packet of information that we received last week had 300 pages of reports, contracts, and resolutions to review; a Council package in December contained 1,300 pages! If the Council is challenged in staying prepared and informed, I now have some idea why it is sometimes difficult for our residents to stay well informed.

I am also discovering the challenge in deciding issues with strong opinions on both sides. We are pulled between our internal belief systems, the sway of those who voice their opinions before the Council, and by what we believe to be the best decision for the community as a whole. With these weighty decisions, I work to focus on the long-term benefits to Redmond, the vision of the city (contained in the City‘s Comprehensive Plan), fiscal impacts to the budget, and well, common sense.

That’s all to say that Richard’s retirement has real impact on the Council. We certainly miss him personally, but we also miss his knowledge and skill as an elected official. Lucky for us that Richard is still here in Redmond and available for the occasional mentoring.

As always, please send us your thoughts on Richard’s retirement, burning questions on Council protocol, or anything else on your mind to Council@redmond.gov.

Tom Flynn

LET'S GREENREDMOND

goRTRIP.comResources and incentives to bike, walk, carpool, vanpool and bus Redmond

ThinkRedmond.comRedmond business directory and discounts for going local first

ImpactRedmond.comJoin others online, pledge and share your sustainability story

M ke an impact

g green

B y Local

Speed radar feedBaCk SignS

Speeding continues to account for a big percentage of vehicle collisions in the United States, and costs society $46.4 billion each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in three speed-related collisions results in a fatality.

Speeding is on the rise in residential neighborhoods, which is a very danger-ous trend. But, the City of Redmond is taking measures to respond to speed-ing drivers in school zones by installing vehicle-activated speed radar signs. These signs flash actual vehicular speed, alerting drivers that they are exceeding the posted speed limit. A succession of these signs can now be seen along NE 104 Street.

So far community feedback has been very positive towards these new traf-fic calming devices. Tests repeatedly show that drivers slow down up to 80 percent of the time when alerted by a driver feedback sign. Speeds are typically reduced between 10 and 20 percent, and the signs are particularly effective at getting chronic speeders to slow down.

Believe it or not, super speeders are often the people who live in your neighborhood. Driving in familiar territory tends to breed over-confidence, often leading drivers to travel at higher speeds.

For more information about the vehicle-activated speed radar signs, contact the Public Works Transportation Division at 425-556-2882.

ne 31St Court path in idyLwood neighBorhood

Connecting neighborhoods is a high priority for the City of Redmond. Many of the City’s programs encourage walking and biking as a viable alternative to car travel, but to do this, safe, efficient pedestrian and cycling facilities are needed.

About a year ago, three students from Audubon Elementary School contacted the Mayor’s Office, asking for a pedestrian pathway at NE 31st Court to facili-tate an easier walk to school. Several months later, a neighbor made the same request. He lived beside what appeared to be a pathway but it was largely overgrown and ownership of the property was uncertain.

Through research, City staff discovered this overgrown strip was City right-of-way that should have been made into a pathway over 20 years ago when the neighbor-hood was constructed. However, building a pathway today would not be an easy undertaking.

With growing neighborhood support, the City was encouraged to find a way to make the pathway a real-ity. A simple, in-house design and funding from Redmond’s Sidewalk Program allowed it to proceed and this much desired connection for the neighborhood was successfully completed in December 2011.

For information about updates to Redmond’s pedestrian and bicycle facilities, check the City’s Transportation Master Plan at www.redmond.gov/tmp.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in three speed related collisions results in a fatality

3

Neighborhood CornerSe redMond neighBorhoodS

The City is preparing to update the SE Redmond neighborhood plan and needs your help. If you live, work, own prop-erty or a business, or have an interest in this neighborhood, please consider participating in the neighborhood plan update process.

Redmond regularly updates neighborhood plans comprised of policies and regulations within the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. Later this year, staff plans to work with a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) from the neighborhood to consider how the neighborhood plan should address the long-term future. The CAC will address all aspects of living, working, traveling, and recreating in the neighborhood and vicinity.

Participating in the neighborhood plan update process fosters opportunities for community members to learn more about Redmond and their neighborhood; connect with neighbors; discuss near- and long-term ideas regarding City programs, services, land use, and zoning; and advise the City regarding the future of the neighborhood.

In addition to the CAC, there are many addi-tional opportunities to participate in the neighborhood plan update process.

To learn more: Visit www.redmond.gov/seredmond or contact the staff leads: Kimberly Dietz, 425-556-2415 or kdietz@redmond.gov and Jeff Churchill, 425-556-2492 or jchurchill@redmond.gov.

4

2012 Earth Day Restoration EventApril 21, 2012, 9am to Noon

Join the City of Redmond and our partners at the Adopt-A-Stream Foundation in celebrating Earth Day. We will plant native plants along Bear Creek to improve fish and wildlife habitat and make the area a bit more beautiful for people using the Bear-Evans Creek Trail.

The City will provide tools, gloves, water, light snacks (probably bagels), instruction, and lots of gratitude.

Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty.

All participants must sign a waiver be-fore working—those under 18 require a guardian’s signature. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. City volunteer waivers are available at: www.redmond.gov/waiverform

To RSVP and/or get more informa-tion about this event, please contact Barbara Sullivan at bsullivan@redmond.gov or 425-556-2845.

EnvironSigns your sprinkler system could be leakingMany homeowners install automatic irriga-tion systems for time efficiency, convenience, and peace of mind. They enjoy knowing their landscape is getting just the right amount of water at the right time, even when they are gone on vacation.

However, that bliss can turn to shock when home-owners who installed systems to conserve water find out that their water bills have doubled or tripled. The high water use also puts a greater demand on the regional system’s water supply.

Environews

Broken sprinkler heads. Turn on your irrigation system during the day to check for broken or misdirected heads. Systems are often run at night, with-out being observed. You might find a lawnmower or accidental ball toss can dislodge or nick a spray head, resulting in wasted water or brown spots not covered by the broken or misdirected head.

Water meter has a continual slow spin. If you have ruled out all possible leaks inside your home (such as toilet or faucet leaks), a slow spin on the water meter dial may mean a leak in you irrigation system.

Weak Output. You may notice you’re not getting adequate coverage from sprinkler head to sprinkler head. Fixing a leak will make your system operate more effectively.

Wet or soggy spots in the lawn. There may be an underground break in your irrigation line. Sometimes the leak is large enough to cause the turf to “float” on the surface. If you have checked first for surface water drainage issues, check for leaks.

Meter or valve boxes continually filled with water when it is dry and hot. If you have ruled out surface water drainage issues, check for leaks.

Lowest sprinkler head runs after the system turns off. Some low-head drainage is normal after the system has run, but there should not be a continuous stream. You can minimize low-head drainage by installing check valves in your sprinkler heads and lines.

Irrigation system turning on in the rain or the heat of the day.Make sure you are adjusting your water system controller several times during the summer to adjust for the weather.

More info: Irrigation Association, www.irrigation.org

With thanks to Janet Sailer, certified irrigation auditor, for her information and recommendations for irrigation system efficiency.

Tips to Consider Before Cranking Up the Irrigation System:

April is famous for both “April showers that bring May flowers” and Earth Day! What a great time to think about where the rainwater from those showers goes. In the northwest we don’t just have rain; we have drizzle, scattered showers, mist, mixed rain and snow, light rain, downpours, etc. But what happens to this drizzle, shower, or whatever you call it, once it hits your roof, your lawn, or our streets? When rain falls onto these surfaces it becomes runoff and usually goes to the nearest storm drain. From there it most often flows untreated to a nearby lake, stream, or river. Here are some simple actions you can take to keep our streams, rivers and lakes clean, and protect health of your family and pets:

Plant a tree! Trees do so much for us we often forget that they reduce runoff by intercepting rain before it hits the ground.

Wash your car in the appropriate place Go to a com-mercial carwash or drive your car onto your lawn and use bio-degradable soap – the water drains into the lawn and the soil removes and breaks down soap and other pollutants in the waste water.

Cleanup after your pet Pet waste is raw sewage and runoff can transport bacteria from pet waste into storm drains. Bag pet waste and toss it in the garbage.

Get outside and take a walk near a stream, wetland, or in the woods. Check out the new habitat restoration along the Sammamish River just south of City Hall. Go look for beavers, wood ducks, pacific chorus frogs, and other critters in the Redmond Watershed Preserve.

Dispose of waste properly Never dump or wash waste down a storm drain. Most storm drains are not connected to water treatment facilities, so what goes into the drain will flow to a lake, river, stream, or pond. For informa-tion about properly disposing of house-hold hazardous waste call 206-296-4692. The Household Hazardous Wastemobile will be in Redmond April 13 to 15 at the Home Depot Parking Lot from 10am to 5pm.

Reusable stainless steel water bottle

Go Green Redmond reusable shopping bag

Water conservation faucet aerator

R-Trip recycled post-it note pad

Think Redmond brochure and discount card

Yes/No Recycling brochure

And much more!

Only available as long as supplies last and can only be distributed to residents living inside city limits.

One EcoKit per household.

impactRedmond.com

Help protect our community’s health and environment and receive a free EcoKit! It includes tools to help residents reach the goal of a clean, green and healthy Redmond.

Get your FREE EcoKit!Take the Impact Redmond Pledge

Call Chris Tolonen at 425-556-2369

Arbor Day

Help plant young trees in our forested areas. Tools and gloves provided.

Call Chris Tolonen at 425-556-2369

and let us know if you plan to participate in

this event.

Celebrate Arbor Day

WednesdayApril 113:30–6pm

Farrel-McWhirter Park19545 Redmond Road

City of Redmond Parks and Recreation Department

Arbor Day

To take the pledge and get your EcoKit visit

6

Back by Popular Demand!2012 Spring Follies - An Evening of Song and DanceFor many years the RSC held a variety type show in the springtime. Time and attrition took its toll a few years ago and the show went on hiatus.

Now we are excited to announce the show is back! Tim Hickey, our new dance instructor, has a great deal of show experience and will be the producer/director. He is full of great ideas and promises a great show!

Join us for an old fashion evening of song and dance on Wednesday, April 11 at 7 pm in the Meitzer Theater at the RSC. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for children under 12 and seniors age 50 or better. Ticket sales begin Thursday, March 22.

As a sneak peak, some of the acts will be great music performed by the Redmond Senior Chorus and rousing dance numbers by our tap students. Rounding out the show will be special guest performers. Call 425-556-2314 for more information.

Savvy Seniors

Redmond SenioR CenteR: Phone: 425-556-2314 8703 160th Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98052Mon - Thu 8:30 am to 9:30 pm Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Got Ideas?Have you got an idea for a class you’d like to teach? We are looking for people who would l ike to share their hobbies and skills with others during both the daytime and evening hours. Just call Teri Burke at 425-556-2342 to request a program proposal form and to discuss the possibi l i t ies.

Available for RentLooking for a good place to hold a retirement party, wedding reception or business meeting? How about the RSC? Call our rental information line for more details, 425-556-2368.

Looking for a new experience?To find out about upcoming RSC trips, dances, special lunches and other events, call 425-556-2314!

THE REDMOND SENIOR CENTER PRESENTS

APRIL 11 • 7PMMEITZER THEATERREDMOND SENIOR CENTER

PRESENTED BY TALENTED PARTICIPANTS FROM THE REDMOND SENIOR CENTERWITH SPECIAL GUESTS FROM THE COMMUNITY & CITY EMPLOYEES

SHOW PREVIEWMONDAY APRIL 9TH AT 2PMTICKETS $2

8703 160th Ave. NE, Redmond WA 98052 425-556-2314

Whiskers, Wings and Wagging Tails For the fourth year, the RSC will host the Whiskers, Wings and Wagging Tails Pet Fair on Saturday, May 12, 10 am to 3 pm. Open to all ages, this very successful event is an opportunity to celebrate the joy companion animals bring to our lives.

The event features several adoption groups with animals looking to find their “forever home;” as well as information booths of many pet oriented local services; demonstrations of dog sports such as fly ball races, agility and obedience; and stories and activities for children.

Interested in presenting your product or service at the event? Contact Teri Burke at 425-556-2314.

Whiskers, Wings & Wagging Tails

Saturday, May 12, 201210am-3pm

Redmond Senior Center 8703 160th Ave NE, Redmond

A PET FAIR

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subscribe to the RSC News Get the scoop on all the happenings at the RSC Only $12 for a one-year subscription. Call 425-556-2314 and we’ll sign you up now!

7

Beginning late April, construction work will begin on Redmond Way from 132nd Avenue NE to just east of West Lake Sammamish Parkway. This federally funded project will repair fatigued pavement areas and overlay the entire street with new asphalt. In addition, curb ramps will be brought up to current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and some road drainage pipe will be replaced.

Grinding and asphalt resurfacing are currently scheduled to begin around July 15, after all the curb ramps, drainage work, and pavement repairs are complete. This second phase will significantly affect traffic flow on the corridor and also impact access to the neighborhoods adjacent to Redmond Way.

To help alleviate weekday traffic congest ion dur ing gr inding, resurfacing and paving, daytime weekend work is planned for pavement grinding and resurfacing, while the actual paving work will occur on weekend nights. Alternate routes and detours will be developed so commuters and neighbors will have clearly marked routes to avoid the construction work as necessary.

As this part of the construct ion begins, the City of Redmond will provide updates through Twitter @CityofRedmond #redmondalert. More information on the project is available at www.redmond.gov/redmondway.

Also noteworthy, the City of Kirkland will work on its portion of the street (NE 85th Street) within the same time window. Commuters should expect traffic delays anywhere along the NE 85th Street/Redmond Way corridor from I-405 to West Lake Sammamish Parkway from March through July.

ROAD CONSTRUCTIONON REDMOND WAY

Redm

ond

Arts

SeasonJanuary – May 2012

Redmond Arts SeasonTake Root, Branch Out

How do you celebrate a centennial? TAKE ROOT, BRANCH OUT explores Redmond’s pioneering spirit through film, literature, public art and more. These art events offer insight into the many dimensions of Redmond’s pioneering spirit and lend new perspectives on the question: what type of pioneer does Redmond need in the next 100 years?

The Redmond Arts Commission invites you to participate in these events as part of your celebration of Redmond’s Centennial. Please visit www.experienceredmond.com for detailed information.

The City of RedmondOffice of the Mayor - Communications15670 NE 85th StreetRedmond WA 98073-9710

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A publication of the City of Redmond

Events at the Redmond Senior Center

For all community events visit: Redmond.gov

Follies 2012Wednesday, April 117-8:30 pmMultipurpose RoomDress rehearsal, Monday, April 9, 2-3:30 pm

Redwood Theater Dress Rehearsal Thursday, April 19 8pmMultipurpose Room, Free

Older Americans’ Month Outstanding Volunteers’ ReceptionFriday, May 4 11 amLobby, FreeJoin us to help recognize these special volunteers.

Organ ConcertPresented by the Pedals & Pipes Organ group Wednesday, May 9, 2-3:30pmMultipurpose Room, Free

Whiskers, Wings, & Wagging Tails A Pet FairSaturday, May 12 10 am-3 pmMultipurpose Room, Free

NW Senior Games Day of DanceFriday, June 15 Line Dance 10am-12 pm Ballroom 1-3 pmMultipurpose RoomAdvance registration recommended.

8703 160th Avenue NE Info: 425-556-2314