Inside Redmond

I returned my ballot today. You should have received your ballot from King County by now.  You have until August 17th to return it.  Every vote counts — even in the primary election!  If you have questions about how to complete the ballot, how to register to vote or to see the candidate pamphlet go to http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx

First, I want to thank everyone for hosting a party last Tuesday.  It was a great event.  Redmond had 40 parties throughout its neighborhoods that Councilmembers, Police officers, Firefighters and I visited.  I had a great time talking with neighbors and learning of their interests and answering their questions.  I spent most of my time in the South end of the City.  The most entertaining stop was Brae Burn with a blue grass band while the best food was at Wild Tree with brots, burgers and bbq chicken.

National Night Out is always the first Tuesday in August.  Mark it on your calendar for next year and plan to get out with your neighbors.

For more inforamtion, contact Jim Bove at jbove@redmond.gov.

I want to keep residents updated on the progress of repairs at the Redmond Pool in Hartman Park.  Work on the exterior sewer should begin this week.  This improvement will replace the broken sump pump and drains.

Metro Transit is considering changes to bus routes between the Bellevue and Redmond Transit Centers that would take effect in fall 2011.  To find out what bus service might work the best for local communities, Metro is forming a sounding board to provide that advice.  The deadline for applications is August 23.  For information, visit King County’s website at http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/MetroTransit/BellevueRedmondConnections.aspx.

Look for more changes in downtown Redmond as the contractor begins demolition of the Redmond Shopping Square soon.  The removal of this development is the first step in connecting Redmond Way to Bear Creek Parkway along 161st Avenue NE.  The actual construction of this section of road will begin this fall.

On June 30, the City of Redmond closed on the purchase of the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) corridor section that runs through Redmond.  We now control the vision for this great asset and have hired a consulting firm to develop a master plan.  Watch out for notices in September as we invite you to discuss your vision for this corridor with us.

Click on www.efocusonredmond.com for the latest City news and information for summer.  While my welcome video is not yet posted (coming soon), check out the fitness article to see what Redmond Parks and Recreation has to offer to keep you and your family active.

As many already know, the City had to close the Redmond Pool at Hartman Park last week for desperately needed repairs.  We know the timing couldn’t be worse and staff is working hard to get the repairs completed as soon as possible.  But with that said, we cannot predict when it will reopen and we know how frustrating this type of uncertainty can be.

For the latest updates, please call the hotline we have set up at 425-556-2375.  For any questions regarding refunds for lessons, please call the Mercer Island Mary Wayte Pool at 206-296-4370.

Also, the Redmond Reporter has an article they update as they get more information from the City.  That link is http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/news/96659549.html.

Our goal is to reopen the pool as soon as it is safe to do so.  Thanks for your patience.

Tuesday August 3rd is the 27th Annual National Night Out Against Crime.  The City Council and I plus police officers, firefighters and others want to visit your block party (between 6 and 9pm) as we have done for the last many years.  

This is a fun event and encourages you to know your neighbors.  There will be thousands of crime prevention neighborhood parties, cookouts, ice cream socials and dessert parties across the country.  Get your neighborhood involved and receive a visit from special guests.  Please register your party early (425-556-2531 or email sbstrong@redmond.gov) by providing all of the following information no later than Tuesday, July 27:

1. Contact person, address, email, and phone number
2. Exact location of the event (specific address, etc.)
3. Start Time
4. End Time
5. Event type (pot luck dinner, ice cream social, etc.)

Please let others know who may be interested in participating.  For more information, visit the Redmond Police Website.

Puget Sound Blood Center will have its mobile blood center at City Hall on Wednesday, June 23 from 9 until 3pm (with a break for lunch).  Please stop by and give the gift of life.  It only takes a few minutes but the good feeling you get, knowing you’ve helped, lasts a long, long while.