The Kenmore Top 4: January 24, 2025

Lakepointe Update: Sad News, Good News
Sad News: City staff were saddened to learn about the passing of Gary Sergeant, one of the owners and the City's main point of contact for the Lakepointe property. Gary passed away at the end of December. Gary's vision for Lakepointe to develop into a beautiful urban village for all to enjoy was steadfast until the very end.

Good News: Last November, the King County Council approved a $7.5 million Conservation Futures grant to help the City acquire about 15 acres of the Lakepointe property for shoreline habitat restoration and public park land. The City does not yet have an agreement to purchase this property, but has been making progress. City staff have been in recent contact with the Sergeant's and will give the family time to grieve and settle affairs, and then the City will resume negotiations for the property in the near future.

When the time is right and when there is a due diligence agreement in place, the City will conduct proper due diligence on the property, including testing for contaminants, prior to agreeing to close on and purchase the property. Click here to read an article about Lakepointe written by Mayor Herbig last fall. Visit the Lakepointe webpage to learn more.

North Urban Human Services Alliance Recognizes Kenmore Community Members and Partners with Human Services Awards
This week, the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) celebrated its 2024 Human Services Award recipients and nominees at a well attended event at Kenmore City Hall. The list of award winners included several Kenmore community members and organizations. The awards recognize significant contribution to the health and welfare of the North King County community and advocacy for a strong and accessible health and human services system through initiative and leadership.

Kenmore award recipients included:

• Taanvi Arekapudi - Youth Human Services Leadership award recipient
• Maura Query - Human Services Champion award nominee
• Juliana Pooley - Human Services Champion award nominee
• Lake City Partners (Kenmore Senior Women’s Shelter) - Outstanding Human Services Program award recipient

See the full list of award recipients and learn more.

City Manager Rob Karlinsey Announces Departure from City of Kenmore
After almost 13 years serving as Kenmore’s City Manager, Rob Karlinsey has accepted a new position as City Manager of Moses Lake, Washington. Karlinsey submitted his resignation to the Kenmore City Council, effective March 23, 2025. During his remaining time with Kenmore, Karlinsey will work closely with the City Council and staff to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining stability and continuity for the city’s ongoing initiatives and projects. The City of Kenmore will announce details regarding the process to hire a replacement in the coming weeks. Read the press release.

Be safe! Be seen! Free High Visibility Fleece Beanies and Safety Vests for Pedestrians and Cyclists Available on Fridays at City Hall
At all times, but especially during darker months, pedestrians and bicyclists should wear reflective, light-colored clothing to increase their visibility. As part of the the Target Zero Initiative, the City is offering free high-visibility fleece beanies and safety vests to Kenmore residents. The safety vests come in a variety of sizes (kids - 2xl) and are available for pick up on Fridays during regular business hours at the front desk of City Hall while supplies last.