The City Council kicked off their first meeting of 2020 with the swearing in of newly elected Councilmembers. 

Councilmembers Kelli Curtis, Amy Falcone and Toby Nixon all took the oath of office at the start of the City Council meeting. You can learn more about all of our City Councilmembers, including how to contact them, on the City website. 

The Council also, once again, chose Mayor Penny Sweet and Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold to represent them as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively. 

Council received an update on two regional economic development initiatives: the Innovation Triangle and Startup 425.  In 2016, Kirkland formed the Innovation Triangle, a partnership of Bellevue-Redmond-Kirkland that is focused on inviting technology and innovation-intensive businesses to experiment, develop and prosper in our Eastside communities. Startup 425 is a collaborative effort to expand entrepreneurship opportunities across Eastside communities by offering free resources to help people turn ideas into reality. Free workshops cover items such as creating a business plan, marketing, financing and networking and mentoring. More information and up-to-date class schedules are available on the Startup 425 website. 

To watch the meeting in its entirety visit the City website. 

It looks like 2020 may be bringing with it some classic winter weather, including heavy rains, gusty winds and possibly even some lowland snow. The national weather service has issued flood warnings in many counties, along with a special weather statement to alert Seattle and its surrounding cities of an increased landslide threat stemming from the steady rainfall. Local forecasts predict lowland snow next week, possibly as soon as Sunday.

Here are three simple things you can do to get ready:

1. Make sure you have adequate supplies for you, your family members and your pets

It’s never too early to organize supplies in case you find yourself at home for several days without power. Before the winds kick into high gear, charge your mobile devices and make sure you have a good supply of batteries, plus a three-day supply of food, pet food and medications. Portable cell phone chargers are a great item to add to your supply kit – and can be picked up for less than $20! 

And don't forget, in Kirkland, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Make sure you have you snow shovel. Consider checking in with neighbors who may have challenges clearing their sidewalks. Also, keeping storm drains free from ice and storm debris can help prevent localized flooding. 

2. Create an emergency supply kit for your car

While you’re gathering supplies for your home, grab some extra items and create a kit for your vehicle. Don’t forget to include jumper cables, sand (or cat litter), a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable food items. And always make sure to keep your gas tank full! If you plan on travelling over the mountains, make sure to check WSDOT's mountain pass status webpage for the most recent updates. More information on car safety can be found here: https://www.ready.gov/car. 

3. Stay Informed

The most important thing you can do is stay informed and arm yourself with information. Check road conditions at: https://twitter.com/wsdot and look for updated weather warnings from the National Weather Service Seattle office at: https://twitter.com/NWSSeattle. And make sure to monitor the City’s Facebook, Twitter and website for updates throughout the storm. If you’re interested in learning more about landslide risk and emergency preparedness, visit:  Office of Emergency Management.

The City of Kirkland was awarded over $177,500 from the King County WaterWorks Grant Program to protect and improve local waterways in 2020.

The King County WaterWorks Grant Program provides funding for projects that improve water quality in the King County regional wastewater system service area. This funding will facilitate four water quality improvement projects, all aimed at protecting and enhancing the City’s natural waterways through riparian habitat restoration, improved stormwater management, proactive efforts to rehabilitate degraded areas near streams and the replanting of native species in various parks and natural areas.   

Thanks to the King County Council for funding these important projects!

Juanita Creek buffer restoration

This project received $34,000 to restore forested riparian buffers in Edith Moulton, Brookhaven and Juanita Beach Park. All three parks are located along Juanita Creek, the largest stream in Kirkland. Juanita Creek has documented use by salmon.

Forest restoration at Watershed Park

This project received $22,035 to help restore a challenging site to forested conditions. This grant award will not only help fund an effort to replant native species but will also allow partners to water the plants for the first three years after planting to help increase chances of survival. Watershed Park is in south Kirkland west of Bridle Trails State Park.

N.E. 111th Place Neighborhood Greenway Rain Garden

This project received $86,500 to construct an approximately 350 square foot rain garden to enhance stormwater management in North Rose Hill. The rain garden will be installed along the N.E. 111th Place Neighborhood Greenway, a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly transportation corridor meant to encourage walking and biking. This project includes sidewalks and other improvements.

77th Avenue N.E. Property Acquisition and Restoration

This project was awarded $35,000 to help the City acquire and restore a vacant parcel of land in the Finn Hill area. The property is located at the headwaters of a tributary to Denny Creek, which flows directly into Lake Washington. The funding will allow the City to restore 1,850 feet of degraded habitat through the reintroduction of native species, including trees, shrubs and groundcovers.

King County authorized funding for a total of 69 new community projects through the WaterWorks Grant Program, which operates on a two-year cycle. For more information about the King County WaterWorks Grant Program, please visit their website.