October 4, 2017 — You'll find in this issue:
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At the Council: highlights of the October 3 City Council meeting
To keep Kirkland residents better informed on the work of the City Council, "This Week" will give a brief synopsis of each Council meeting.
Houghton/Everest Neighborhood Center & Residential Suites Update – The City Council received an update from City staff including the results of the discussion between the Planning Commission (PC) and the Houghton Community Council (HCC) on September 25. The City Council accepted the HCC and PC recommendation and is no longer considering Residential Suites or additional density on City owned property in the HENC 2 zone. Unrestricted density would still be allowed for the Waddell property in the HENC 2 zone. The Council asked staff to bring back more information about a southbound right turn lane on 6th Street South.
Short term Rentals Ordinances – Staff presented to the Council proposed Ordinance O-4607 pertaining to short term rentals such as Airbnb, VRBO and similar services. Vigorous discussion revealed Council’s interest and concern around the issue:
- They expressed interest in applying any ordinance to only single family residences rather than including multifamily residences. The intent is to not regulate multifamily residences at this time.
- They also want to examine the tension between short term renters and the chance for residents to generate income to make it easier to live in Kirkland and they want to make sure any short term renters are good neighbors.
- Issues around owner occupancy also concerned Council as they recognize there are different kinds of home ownership, but still want to ensure there is a human face interacting with renters when the owners are corporate in nature.
Council directed staff to bring an ordinance back at the next Council meeting. In the meantime public input is encouraged.
Animal Services Ordinances – The City Council voted to adopt two ordinances related to the City’s Animal Services Program: Ordinance O-4608 and Ordinance O-4609. The first ordinance relates to animal care, control and services, while the second pertains to requirements for kennels, catteries, shelters, pet stores and groomers, as well as setting requirements for animal fostering. Council asked for follow-up on some items that will be addressed at a future meeting.
Anchorage Time Limit Ordinance – The City Council voted to adopt Ordinance O-4606. This ordinance limits anchorages in Kirkland waters to 72 hours in any one week period and caps the total number of hours in any one month period to 216 hours (9 days). This does not apply to moorage at private piers with permission, public piers/buoys and other exceptions.
Public Records Rules Resolution – The City Council voted to approve Resolution 5272, which updates the City’s Public Records Request Fee Schedule to match the state legislature's approved fees and costs.
Finn Hill Neighborhood Plan – The City Council reviewed the draft Finn Hill Neighborhood Plan at the Study Session before the Council Meeting. Adoption of the Plan will take place in January 2018.
You can watch the recording of this City Council meeting, as well as previous meetings, by visiting the Council Meeting archive on the City website.
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Kirkland makes the Great Places in America List
Park Lane, the street that was created to “go to, not just through,” landed on this year’s Great Places in America list, one of five streets in the nation to win in the category of Great Streets. The American Planning Association (APA) compiles the annual list recognizing streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States that demonstrate exceptional character, quality, and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country.
City officials will accept the award on Friday, October 13 at 5 p.m. at a ceremony that will be held on Park Lane. The press and public are invited to share in the celebration, which will coincide with Kirkland’s monthly Art Walk.
For more information, read the press release online.
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Metro expanding carpool options at park-and-rides
New reserved parking spots for carpoolers with permits will be appearing at nine regional park-and-rides, including Kingsgate and Kenmore. The South Kirkland park-and-ride already offers reserved spaces for permit-holders until 8:30 a.m.
“Parking stalls are in very short supply at park and rides that serve our most popular transit routes,” said Joel Pfundt, Kirkland’s Transportation Manager. “We’re optimistic that this new program will help get more people riding the bus. It provides another vehicle parking option for people that need to drive to a park and ride in order to ride the bus.”
For more information, read the full King County Metro press release.
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Peter Kirk Community Center’s Welcome Wagon
Are you new to the area? You’re invited to come to a free orientation event at the Peter Kirk Community Center on Monday, October 16 at 11 a.m. The Welcome Wagon is your chance to meet the community center staff and learn about the events, programs and services offered for adults aged 50 and over.
To RSVP for this free, please call the Peter Kirk Community Center main line at 425-587-3360.
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Three proclamations from Mayor Walen
At the October 3 City Council Meeting, Mayor Amy Walen proclaimed October 21 as Arbor Day, October 2 through 6 as Walk Your Child to School Week in Kirkland and October as Domestic Violence Action Month in Kirkland.
Arbor Day – October 21
Since 2001, Kirkland has celebrated its autumnal Arbor Day to coincide with a Green Kirkland Partnership forest restoration project. This year’s annual Arbor Day Celebration and forest restoration will take place at Crestwoods Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 21. For more information on the restoration event, view the Green Kirkland Partnership webpage or the Facebook event.
Walk Your Child to School Week – October 2 through 6
October 4 is International Walk to School Day. Kirkland schools have hosted events with appearances by Fire and Police, City Councilmembers and safety mascot, PedBee. This week emphasizes the priorities of pedestrian safety and healthy kids in Kirkland.
Domestic Violence Action Month – October
October is National Domestic Violence Action Month, the purpose of which is to promote an active community response against domestic violence. Representatives from LifeWire, the leading domestic violence agency in Washington State, were on hand to accept the Proclamation, as were volunteers from the Christian Coalition for Safe Families.
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These free workshops are happening at a Library near you
Interested in robotics? Radical Robots Science Workshop on October 21 could be a start for you. Want help with your personal finances? Try Bank On It on October 10 for the basics of budgeting and goal setting.
The King County Library System (KCLS) offers numerous classes and workshops at both the Kirkland and Kingsgate Libraries. Some are focused on families with children, while others are for adults or youth.
Visit the KCLS Events page for a full listing and search tools to find an event at your local library.
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Help remove scotch broom on the Cross Kirkland Corridor
On Monday, October 9 from 9 to 11 a.m., volunteer trail stewards will be removing invasive scotch broom along the Cross Kirkland Corridor. If you are interested in volunteering with them, contact CKCtrailvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.
The volunteers will be working along the CKC where it intersects 120th Ave NE in the Totem Lake neighborhood (red line on map). Parking will be available on the east side of 120th Ave NE next to the CKC (red "P" on map).
Volunteers under 18 will need a signed parent permission form. Email the work party organizer to get the form beforehand by email.
Although a few extra tools will be available, work party organizers request that volunteers bring long-handled bypass (not shear) loppers if possible. All volunteers should bring water and wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes and gloves.
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Recycle tricky items at Fall Recycling Collection Event
Need to recycle items not normally accepted during the weekly collection? The City’s Fall Recycling Collection Event is your answer.
This Saturday, October 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Washington High School, you can recycle:
- Scrap metal like stoves, barbeques and gas lawn mowers.
- Certain hazardous items like fluorescent tubes, empty propane tanks and motor oil.
- Odd items like mattresses, toilets and tires.
- And more…
Many items are accepted for free, while some items have a pass-through charge to cover proper processing. See all accepted items and fees on the event website.
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Community Resource Fair at LWTech
Do you or someone you know need some support but aren’t sure what options are available? The LWTech Community Resource Fair will feature various service providers who can provide guidance on a range of topics including:
- Department of Social and Health Services Program Assistance
- Housing / Homelessness Challenges
- Transportation Assistance
- Nutritional Challenges
- Poverty
- Mental Health Healthcare / Dental Care
- Health Insurance
- Substance Abuse
- Employment Resources
The fair is open to the public and will take place on October 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at LWTech East Mall, located at 11605 132nd Avenue NE. For questions, please contact Amber Hisatake at 425-739-8204 or amber.hisatake@lwtech.edu.
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Find your way to give back to your community
Have an inkling to be part of something bigger? The 5th annual “Viva Volunteers! Fair” will connect people interested in volunteering with representatives of organizations seeking volunteers.
Happening at the Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, the fair will give potential volunteers a chance to browse among a variety of opportunities in order to pick one that fits their interests and abilities.
Consult the online press release for more information.
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Green Kirkland Partnership volunteer events
Volunteer with the Green Kirkland Partnership and help to restore Kirkland’s natural areas and forests.
Love to plant? Save the date to celebrate Arbor Day on October 21 at Crestwoods Park and Green Kirkland Day on November 18 at O.O. Denny Park.
For all Green Kirkland events, all tools, training and gloves are provided. No experience required, and large groups and families are encouraged to join.
Use the links below to register for select fall events. You can also see the full calendar online for all events.
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Crestwoods Park on Wednesday, October 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Kiwanis Park on Saturday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Arbor Day at Crestwoods Park on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plant a native plant for Arbor Day.
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Green Kirkland Day on Saturday, November 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate Kirkland’s forests and natural areas with the Green Kirkland Partnership. Events at four different parks including O.O. Denny, Juanita Bay, Juanita Beach and McAuliffe Park.
Green Kirkland Partnership also has ongoing events on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during most weeks. Visit their calendar for weekday events and feel free to email them if you have a group that would like to volunteer.
For more information on the Green Kirkland Partnership and to register for events, please visit their website at www.greenkirkland.org.
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Alternative Formats
Persons with disabilities may request materials in alternative formats. Persons with hearing impairments may access the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service at 711.
Title VI: The City of Kirkland’s policy is to ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex in the provision of benefits and services resulting from programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated may file a complaint at 425-587-3021 or TitleVICoordinator@kirklandwa.gov.
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