March 21, 2018 — You'll find in this issue:
|
| |
At the Council: Highlights from the March 20 City Council meeting
Study Session: I-405 Projects Update – The City Council heard a presentation from City staff and the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding an update on the I-405/NE 132nd Street Interchange Project in the Totem Lake area. Sound Transit also presented an overview of the planned I-405 Bus Rapid Transit system, including the objectives and schedule for the NE 85th St Interchange and Inline Station Project.
Welcoming City Update – The City Council received an update on the City’s Safe, Inclusive and Welcoming Community Initiative which arose from Council’s actions in January and February of 2017. The update included short presentations from staff and the City’s consultant on the Inclusion Network, KirklandTalks, City Hall for All and the Community Sparks Grants program.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation – The Mayor proclaimed April 2018 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kirkland, as sexual violence is a major public health, human rights and social justice issue.
Earth Month Proclamation – The Mayor also proclaimed April 2018 as Earth Month in Kirkland to recognize the City’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship as well as its dedication to new and ongoing efforts. To celebrate Earth Month in April, the City is holding a number of classes, recycling events, workshops and community service events. For more information, read the full press release online.
Community Survey Draft Questions – The City Council provided direction on refining the 2018 community survey questions. The City conducts a community survey every other year to get feedback about the City’s performance in a variety of areas. The survey will be conducted in early May.
Final 2018 State Legislative Update – The City Council received its final update to the 2018 legislative session. With the final gavel concluding the legislative session on March 8, the City had achieved a 63% success rate on its legislative priorities. Fully seven of the 11 priority issues were achieved, and, as an added bonus with the help of Senators Kuderer and Palumbo, the City received funding for two local projects that had not initially been included on the agenda.
Marina Park Pavilion Naming Request – The City Council voted to approve the renaming of Marina Park Pavilion after Kirkland’s first City Manager, Al Locke, a founding father of our modern Kirkland. They also approved adding educational signs to inform everyone how Locke, Kirkland’s first City Manager, worked to make Kirkland the beautiful City it is today.
Historic Landmark Designation Removal Criteria – The City Council directed staff to add economic hardship as a criteria to be used for removal of historic landmark designations in Kirkland. Staff will return with an ordinance providing such amendments at a future Council meeting.
Watch Council Meetings Online – 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.
Next regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The April 3 City Council Meeting was cancelled.
|
| |
Celebrate Earth Month with the City
Mayor Amy Walen proclaimed April as Earth Month in the City of Kirkland at the March 20 City Council meeting. This proclamation recognizes the City’s ongoing commitment to protecting the natural environment and providing ongoing and new opportunities for residents and businesses.
Throughout the month of April, the public is invited to participate in a variety of events and activities including free workshops, joining the Green Home Challenge, volunteering to restore one of Kirkland’s natural areas and recycling challenging items.
For more information, please see the full press release online.
|
| |
Temporary O.O. Denny Park closures
The City of Kirkland is closing sections of O.O. Denny Park this month for upgrades to the park’s irrigation system. Each section of the park will be closed for approximately one week until the project is complete. Only active work areas will be closed; the remainder of the park will stay open to the public.
For more information, please contact Kirkland Parks Operation Manager Jason Filan at jfilan@kirklandwa.gov or phone (425) 587-3341.
|
| |
Practice good sidewalk hygiene
Did you know that property owners are responsible for keeping the sidewalks adjacent to their property free from vegetation? Overgrown trees and bushes that crowd sidewalks are a safety hazard, especially for kids walking to school or people pushing strollers.
Please make sure the vegetation adjacent to your sidewalks are trimmed. If you see a sidewalk blocked by vegetation, consider asking the owner to trim it. You can report blocked sidewalks or submit a trim request to PWServiceRequest@kirklandwa.gov (include the address and a photo if you have one).
For more information see the Neighborhood Safety page on the City website.
|
| |
Shape the future of Rose Hill and Bridle Trails
Live, work or feel connected to North Rose Hill, South Rose Hill or Bridle Trails? City staff and a volunteer group of neighbors from those neighborhoods need your help in defining what’s important for the future of those areas.
The City of Kirkland is updating the 20-year plan for North Rose Hill, South Rose Hill and Bridle Trails. You can impact how these neighborhoods look and feel over the next five, ten and 20 years. Attend the Neighbor to Neighbor Workshop on Wednesday, March 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. The workshop will take place in the West Building, Room W-401.
You can also complete an online survey pertaining to these neighborhoods and sign up for this project’s email update list. For more information, please visit the Neighborhood Planning webpage on the City’s website.
|
| |
King County Metro seeks shared shuttle proposals
King County Metro is seeking proposals from employers who want to offer shuttles for their workers. The goal is to improve regional mobility and compliment existing transit service.
Employers who want to participate would be allowed to form groups of two to five employers to offer shared shuttle services. Employees from the group members would be eligible to ride the shared shuttles.
The first round of proposals are due to King County Metro by April 3, 2018. Metro will review the proposals for safety, as well as to ensure the route compliments Metro’s fixed route network and does not duplicate existing transit routes and schedules.
Visit Metro’s shared Employer Shuttle website for more information and how to submit a proposal.
|
| |
Animal Control Officer patrolling and reuniting lost pets
Kirkland’s new Animal Control Officer, Jennifer Matison, has been busy meeting new furry friends, visiting our parks and responding to service calls. Officer Matison has rescued a number of lost dogs, cats and even a guinea pig. You may have seen a flurry of activity on the City’s Facebook page.
Officer Matison also patrols for off-leash dogs throughout Kirkland, including the Cross Kirkland Corridor. We ask residents to please remember to adhere to the laws for keeping dogs on a leash as well as laws concerning scooping animal waste.
Also, if your pet gets lost, licensing your pet is the best insurance for a quick return. It is also the law in our City. Please note, you must have proof of spay or neutering, as well as rabies vaccination, when you apply for your pet’s license.
|
| |
Join the Green Home Challenge
Join more than 150 other Kirkland residents who are making their homes greener this April by signing up for Kirkland Conserves’ month-long Green Home Challenge. Each week during April, participants will receive a few manageable actions by email that will help make their homes simpler, healthier and greener. Participants will learn how to:
- waste less food
- recycle more
- get rid of junk mail
- de-clutter closets
- find energy wasters
- and more
The Green Home Challenge will refer participants to free resources available year-round in Kirkland. To help make the suggested changes, participants will be able to pick up free tools, such as a battery charger, countertop compost pail and reusable canvas bag.
For more information and to sign up for the Green Home Challenge, visit the Kirkland Conserves website.
|
| |
Apply for emergency preparedness funding
The Greater Kirkland Citizen Corps Council is now seeking applicants for the twice yearly Christina E. Brugman Grants. The deadline to submit an application is April 27. Awards will be announced on May 18, with a maximum award amount of $1,500.
The Grant funds projects benefitting the City of Kirkland emergency preparedness efforts. Applicants must show how their projects support the Greater Kirkland Citizen Corps Council’s mission “to create a resilient community by helping to coordinate the preparedness efforts of local leaders, community groups, citizen volunteers and the Kirkland Office of Emergency Management in responding to disasters of all kinds by harnessing the power of involved citizens.”
To apply, and for additional information, visit the Christina E. Brugman Grant page on the Kirkland CERT website.
|
| |
Help remove scotch broom on the Cross Kirkland Corridor
Help remove invasive scotch broom along the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC) on Monday, March 26, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Volunteers will be working along the CKC beside Totem Lake. Parking will be available next to the CKC at 128th Ln NE (gravel lot behind Northwest Aerials; if lot is full, park along road; see red box and line on map).
Volunteers under the age of 18 will need a signed parent permission form. Email the work party organizer to get the form beforehand by email.
All volunteers should bring water and wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes and gloves. For more information, contact CKCtrailvolunteers@gmail.com.
|
| |
Stay in Touch
Get news and information immediately by “Liking” or "Following" our official Kirklandwa.gov Facebook page and following us on Twitter: @kirklandgov. You will get news and can contribute to the conversation, which will ultimately make our City an even better place to live.
Sign up for additional email alerts on our website: http://www.kirklandwa.gov/City_Services/E-Services.htm
|
| |
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.
|
|
