The City of Kirkland is making grants to small businesses and nonprofits that were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020 (April 1 to June 30).
The grants provided through the Kirkland CARES Small Business Relief Fund do not need to be repaid. Awardees can use grant funds for rent, utilities and normal operating costs and expenses. Applications will be available on Wednesday, August 26 at the Kirkland CARES Small Business Relief Fund webpage.
“The vibrancy and diversity of Kirkland’s small businesses are vital to our city’s sense of community and its long-term economic health,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone. “We know that across our nation, thousands of businesses are shuttering their doors permanently. The City Council is dedicated to taking meaningful steps to help our small business community survive. This grant program is another step in a series of actions to address immediate financial challenges our small businesses are facing during this pandemic.”
To receive a grant, for-profit or nonprofit businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Small businesses must be located in Kirkland (including home based businesses) with a current and active Unified Business Identification Number (UBI) and City of Kirkland business license endorsement;
- Small businesses must have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees as of April 1, 2020;
- Small businesses must demonstrate a minimum 25% reduction in gross revenues (including a reduction of at least $5,000) due to negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020 (April 1 to June 30);
- Small businesses must demonstrate a minimum of $5,000 of normal operating costs and expenses (as specified as eligible under the grant agreement) during the qualified period (second quarter of 2020, April 1 to June 30); and
- Small businesses must not be involved in the production, processing, promotion, distribution, or sale (wholesale or retail) of marijuana and cannabinoid products, concentrates, or extracts; and
- Small businesses must meet all other eligibility requirements specified in the grant agreement.
More information on eligible expenses, ineligible expenses and restrictions on use of grant funds is located on the Kirkland CARES Small Business Relief Fund page on the City website.
The City will accept applications from Wednesday, August 26 to Wednesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. If the City receives more than 150 qualified applications, the awardees will be randomly selected through a lottery. The City will announce awards as applicants are confirmed.
Please direct questions about this grant to the City of Kirkland at kirklandbusinesssupport@kirklandwa.gov. Businesses can request paper applications at kirklandbusinesssupport@kirklandwa.gov. Applications and eligibility requirements will be available in Spanish, Chinese, and Russian. If you need assistance completing the application in another language, the Business Response Team has translation services available to support you. Contact the Business Response Team by visiting the (re)STARTUP425 webpage.
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Last Friday, (August 21), four of our courageous Kirkland Firefighters – Firefighters Nathan Schaeffer, Shawn McDougall, Corey Hall and Lt. Ryan Riedl – headed to California to help our neighbors battle the massive wildland fires burning in the northern part of the state.
The fires, known as the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, the SCU Lightning Complex Fire and the LNU Lightning Complex Fire, are among the state’s three largest wildfires in recorded history.
Our team was deployed to provide support for the LNU Lightning Complex Fire, a 352,900-acre blaze in the northern Bay Area. Schaeffer, McDougall, Hall and Riedl made it to the California border on Saturday, August 22, arriving at the Calistoga Fairgrounds on Sunday, August 23.
Currently, our firefighters are working 24 to 30-hour rotations with 24-hour rests in between shifts. Their main priorities have varied from helping to ensure that people have complied with evacuation orders, providing surveillance support at different lookouts, and building miles of fire lines to prevent the fire from further spreading.
Firefighters Shaeffer, Hall, and McDougall and Lt. Riedl all miss their families, but are proud to be helping contain the fires. They say the fires are dynamic and challenging, and they are grateful to be a small part of the puzzle to get the fires under control and save lives and property.
Please keep all of the first responders and the people of California in your thoughts and join us in thanking our firefighters for their amazing and selfless service!
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The Kirkland City Council’s next “virtual” meeting takes place Tuesday, September 1. The meeting uses video conferencing technology provided by Zoom in response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan to reopen Washington. The regular business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. study session.
The agenda for the September 1 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting at: Kirkland City Council agendas. The meeting can be viewed in real time via the live stream on the City website at: http://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/council/Meetings/WatchCouncilMeetings.htm and is televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
Here are a few highlights from the upcoming meeting:
National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
The Council will proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2020 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Kirkland. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history, culture and traditions of the Hispanic community while commemorating the independence of seven Latin American countries.
COVID-19 Update
The City Manager will provide an update on the City’s response to COVID-19.
2020 Kirkland Community Biennial Survey
Council will receive the results of both the telephone and online versions of the community biennial survey and discuss how the results might shape the 2021 – 2022 budget. The Kirkland Community Biennial Survey takes place every other year to gauge resident satisfaction with City services and to help establish priorities for the biennial budget.
Safer Routes to School Action Plans
Council will review, discuss, and potentially approve Resolution R-5445 adopting the Safer Routes to School Action Plans. From April 2019 to August 2020, City staff worked in partnership with various stakeholders to develop the plans, which are meant to bolster safety along key pedestrian school walk routes while inspiring more students to walk, bike and ride the bus to school. The action plans include 133 improvements, including 58 enhanced crossings and 75 new or improved sidewalk segments.
The City would like to thank the Kirkland community for its high level of engagement in the City-led process to develop these plans.
The Resolution establishes ongoing funding mechanisms to implement the plans, with key projects leveraging funding through State and federal grants.
Fire Station 24 Construction Contract Award
The Council will contemplate and discuss awarding a construction contract to Everett-based general contractor Kirtley-Cole Associates, LLC, in the amount of approximately $11 million (including construction and sales tax) for the construction of a new fire station. Fire Station 24 will be located in north Kirkland at 9824 N.E. 132nd Street, an approximately 2.52-acre site formerly home to Rite Aid. The project constructs an 11,975-square foot fire station along with associated right-of-way improvements. The station will be a steel-framed structure with three apparatus bays, support spaces, crew workspace, crew living spaces and eight sleeping rooms. The City purchased this parcel in 2019 to reduce the time it takes firefighters to reach residents who are experiencing emergencies. It’s part of a City-wide effort to reduce firefighters’ response times and ensure fire stations are sustainable, durable, and provide healthier living spaces for firefighters.
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 Public Participation
As always, the Kirkland City Council welcomes public involvement at its meetings and would like to encourage community members to take advantage of its available options for remote participation. Community members are welcome to attend the meeting via Zoom. Instructions to participate via Zoom are provided on the City Council webpage prior to the meeting.
Comments can be provided through Zoom, voicemail at: 425-587-3090, and email at: councilmeetingcomment@kirklandwa.gov. Voicemail and email comments must be provided by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1.
For issues that are not quasi-judicial or set for a public hearing:
Three minutes per comment, no more than three speakers per side of an issue.
The City Manager will no longer read emails received by the City Councilmembers during the Council meeting. Emails that are submitted will be provided to, and read, by the City Council.
Speakers will be prioritized in this order: (1) ZOOM video; (2) ZOOM audio; (3) voicemail messages left with the City by 3 p.m. on September 1; and (4) emails with attachments that include audio or video that can be displayed.
For more information about the Kirkland City Council, please visit the Council webpage.
Were you able to dine out or get take-out from Park Lane this summer during the daily 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. closures? We want to hear from you! The City Council is considering extending the daily closures through October to support local businesses and continue to provide space for people to social distance. Please take this short survey to share your thoughts. Surveys must be completed by midnight on Monday, August 31.
Give them something to bark about and enter Kirkland Park and Community Service’s virtual Dog Days contest.
Contest entries must be received by September 3 at kirklandparks.net, and you will need to submit a photo of your pooch to win. Photos will be posted on the Kirkland Parks and Community Services Facebook page from September 5 to 12. One winner from each category will be determined by the most “likes” received. Winners will be awarded with a $25 gift card to Denny’s Pet World. The grand prize winner with the most “likes” will win a Deluxe Pet Portrait Session from Jennifer Wollman Photography. Winners will be announced on September 14.
Dogs can be entered into one following nine categories:
• #1 Average Joe/Miss Congeniality- Dogs with Personality
• Best AARP - Dogs 10 or more years old
• Best Dressed - Dogs with costume
• Best Face Only A Mother Could Love - Dogs with most unusual face
• Best Purse Pooch - Dogs less than 10 lbs
• Best Runaway Rover - Good lookin’ super model
• Best Saddle Me Up Dog - Dogs over 60 lbs
• Best Separated at Birth Pair - Dog and owner look alike
• Cutest L’il Poochie Coochie Coo - Dogs 9 months or younger
“Kirkland is a community of dog lovers and we couldn’t think of a better way to acknowledge our ‘best friends’ in this fun, safe virtual event,” said Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaasgstra. “We are looking forward to seeing all of your submissions, and we hope that you will also visit our website to learn more about our other safe summer programming.
Photo submissions and more information can be found at kirklandparks.net.
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The King County Library System has partnered with PopUp StoryWalk to provide a fun adventure that pairs reading with outdoor exploration.
The Water Princess, by Susan Verde, will come to life in downtown Kirkland, as the pages of the book are displayed on vivid storyboards beginning at the Kirkland Library and traveling through Peter Kirk Park. Follow the deconstructed children’s tale to learn more about Princess Gie Gie, who dreams of bringing a permanent source of clean drinking water to her African village. Every day, the young princess rises before the dawn to make her laborious journey to a nearby well, returning to her village wearing a heavy pot filled with water on top of her head.
The Water Princess is based on supermodel Georgie Badiel’s childhood.
The book will be displayed from Saturday, August 29 through Friday, September 18. Please remember, the Washington state reopening guidelines must be followed when you are enjoying Kirkland parks. Limit your group outings to five people or less, maintain six feet of space between yourself and others not from your household, and face coverings must be worn at all times.
For more information about Kirkland’s Play it Safe Plan for parks, please visit the Kirkland Parks & Community Services website.
PopUp StoryWalk is a local program promoting literacy, health, and art appreciation using deconstructed children’s storybooks installed in outdoor community spaces. The program was founded by Kenmore resident Elisabeth Lepine, who discovered a StoryWalk® trail while vacationing in upstate New York with her family. Lepine, a Kenmore resident, operates PopUp StoryWalk with friends Jasmin Thankachen and Beth Yost. For more info, visit the PopUp StoryWalk website.
The Kirkland Library is located at: 308 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland.
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King County Executive Dow Constantine announced last Thursday over $41 million in funding for eviction prevention and rental assistance that will help up to 10,000 households experiencing COVID-related economic challenges remain safe and stable in their homes.
Individuals and families throughout King County economically impacted by COVID-19 due to illness, lost wages and unemployment may apply for assistance through the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program announced today by King County Executive Dow Constantine. The new program dedicates $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region.
“Many people are facing serious challenges due to COVID-19 and the loss of health or income, leaving them extremely vulnerable to eviction,” said Executive Constantine. “This emergency program will forestall the loss of housing and prevent homelessness for thousands of residents in need across King County."
King County will use several approaches to serve as many households as possible, as quickly as possible. Funding is prioritized for the highest-need areas and individuals in King County. To be eligible for assistance, all tenants must have an income that is at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income over the past 60 days, and must be partially or fully behind at least one month of rent since March 1, 2020. Tenants must also meet one of several secondary criteria, such as having high rent burden, a history of homelessness or eviction, or a disability.
“Coming into this year, we already had a regional housing crisis with too many King County residents having to spend too much money on housing," said King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci. "The COVID-19 outbreak turned our long-term housing problem into an immediate emergency. We’ve adopted COVID-related protections for renters at the state and county level, but once those protections run out, thousands of families will suddenly be at risk of losing their homes. This funding will provide critical help to people struggling to remain stable during this once-in-a-century pandemic. I am glad we are doing our part today, while recognizing the need still far outstrips available resources. At King County, we will continue to advocate for support for those struggling financially due to the pandemic.”
Funding
The $41.4 million funding for the program comes the King County COVID Relief Fund ($9.8 M); federal CARES Act funding awarded to King County from the Washington State Department of Commerce ($28.7 M); Community Development Block Grant funding ($1.7 M); and funding from the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy ($1.2 M).
For more information, please visit the King County website and see Executive Dow Constantine's August 20 News Release.
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Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee announced and updated guidance as part of Washington's Safe Start phased reopening plan.
“We have worked with stakeholders for weeks and sometimes months to arrive at these guidelines. We continue to balance the need for activities that contribute to physical, mental, and emotional well-being with the steps needed to control the virus. Our ability to reopen depends on every Washingtonian doing their part to ensure fewer, shorter and safer interactions,” said Inslee.
Museums:
These guidelines would allow museums in Phase 2 counties to operate as long as they meet certain requirements. Museums in Phase 3 counties would be required to lower occupancy.
Read the full guidance here.
Bowling:
These guidelines would allow for bowling league play in Phases 2 and 3, as long as facilities meet certain requirements.
Read the full guidance here.
Agritourism:
This guidance would allow for agritourism such as U-pick farms and tree farms to operate in Phase 2 counties.
Read the full guidance here.
Read the attached memo here.
Outdoor Recreation:
Updates to the outdoor recreation guidance clarify restrictions to non-spectator motor-sports in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Safe Start plan. These changes go into effect on August 24.
Read the full updated guidance here.
Find a full list of current reopening guidance here.
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Market
Drivers commuting along Market Street may encounter minor traffic delays this week between Central Way and 16th Avenue while Kirkland’s contractor prepares the street section for the new layer of pavement crews will be applying to it in August and September.
To prepare, Lakeside Industries this week is removing damaged sections of curb and gutter.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/streetpreservation
Finn Hill
Sections of Finn Hill’s 84th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 132nd Street will be reduced to one lane at times next week while Kirkland’s contractor replaces old pavement from the two streets’ surface with a new layer.
Lakeside Industries is paving 84th Avenue Northeast, between 124th and 132nd avenues northeast and Northeast 132nd Street, from Juanita Drive to 80th Avenue Northeast.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/streetpreservation
Houghton
Kirkland’s contractor is allowing one lane of alternating traffic for local residents, emergency responders and Metro transit throughout the next three weeks on 108th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 53rd and 60th streets.
Marshbank Construction is detouring northbound Houghton residents from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. around the construction site via Northeast 48th Street.
This includes the 200 Northwest University students, who will be moving into their dorm rooms on Thursday and Friday.
Commuters will detour around the construction site via Northeast 68th Street, Lakeview Drive and Northeast 38th Place.
108th Avenue Northeast’s northbound and southbound lanes are available for driving on weekends and on weekdays, between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The contractor is replacing water and sewer systems—both more than five decades old—to increase their capacities to serve Kirkland’s growing population and to reduce the systems’ needs for maintenance.
Marshbank expects to complete the upgrades by spring 2021.
Visit: www.kirklandwa.gov/108thavewatersewer
Totem Lake
Drivers will continue to have access to one northbound and one southbound lane on Totem Lake Boulevard between Northeast 124th Street and 120th Avenue Northeast until September, when Kirkland’s contractor expects to complete the Totem Lake Gateway project.
Visit: www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakegateway or www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlake
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Free face masks available at King County Safeway locations
Starting on August 24, 2020
Until supplies are gone
Starting Monday, August 24, customers at any of the 59 Safeway locations in King County can obtain two free reusable masks per person in their household, for up to 12 masks total, while at the check stand. Disposable masks will also be available for customers who may have forgotten or misplaced their masks at all stores. All told Safeway will help distribute 750,000 face masks provided by King County.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the King County webpage.
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Green Kirkland Partnership
7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday August 27
Virtual New Steward Open House
Are you interested in learning about habitat stewardship and looking for an ongoing volunteer role in Kirkland Parks?
Join the Green Kirkland Partnership at our first-ever virtual new steward open house and learn how you can become a Green Kirkland Steward!
You'll learn about the Green Cities Partnership and volunteer stewardship activities happening in your local Kirkland Parks, how to identify several of our common native trees and shrubs, basic restoration techniques for identification and control of blackberry and ivy and re-establishment of native plants, and much more. For more information, visit the Green Kirkland Partnership webpage!
To Register: This virtual event is free but all attendees are asked to please register in advance at least 2 hours before the event. Follow this link to the Events Registration Page to register.
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Kirkland Performance Center Presents: A live virtual concert with Shaggy Sweet
8 p.m., Thursday, August 27
Online, virtual event
Since 2009, Shaggy Sweet’s eclectic mix of Blues/Rock/R n B cover songs and original compositions have been captivating audiences all over the Pacific Northwest. Cover songs spanning multiple decades by Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Beatles, John Mayer, and Tom Petty among many other classic rock and current artists are mainstays of the band’s repertoire, and always have audiences on their feet.
Their dynamic show features both tight arrangements and impressive improv that showcase each of the band member’s talents: Ben James (vocals, acoustic guitar), Aaron Hiebert (vocals, electric guitar), Ethan Gibbons (bass), and Jason Edwards (drums). To date, the band has composed and recorded 3 studio albums and one live album of originals, and is currently in production for their fourth studio album, coming winter of 2020.
This live performance can be seen on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch. For more information, visit the KPC webpage.
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King County Library System presents: Reframing "Homeschooling" for the Fall of 2020
2 to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 15
Online, virtual event
For adults.
Mind your mental health through managing expectations and unpacking the many unspoken assumptions for parents teaching at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation will explore the complex work parents do as they strive to preserve health, nurture growth and development, and hold kids accountable for covering and completing their school’s curriculum.
Janiece Anjali, LMHCA, MA, M.Ed, is a local psychotherapist in private practice, a former public school teacher, cognitive and academic language development specialist, and writer.
Brought to you by the Kingsgate Library.
Please register by 10 p.m. on September 14. You will receive an email with a Zoom link on the day of the event.
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Kirkland Wednesday Market presented by the Kirkland Downtown Association
3 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday through October 28
Marina Park
Face masks are required to enter the market.
The Kirkland Downtown Association Wednesday Market takes place 3 to 7 p.m. in Marina Park. Please see the new market rules. If possible, please order from market vendors in advance. More information about the Wednesday Market is available at http://kirklandmarket.org/.
NOTE: The Kirkland Wednesday Market you have all come to know and love needs your support! Join the market as a volunteer and help the Kirkland Downtown Association bring this event to the community this summer!
Due to COVID-19, the KDA needs a slightly larger group of volunteers than in the past to ensure they are complying with current health department requirements.
Click here to sign up to be a volunteer!
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Juanita Friday Market
3 to 7 p.m., every Friday through September 25
Juanita Beach Park
Face masks are required to enter the market.
Please allow for extra time as Public Health Seattle & King County is limiting the number of customers allowed in the market at any given time. Thank you for your patience! There are big changes this year so before you go, be sure to pre-order your purchases, check-out the drive-thru plans, and see how we'll be handling health & safety issues. And while we'd love to see everyone, if you're in a high-risk group please stay home and send a friend to do your shopping.
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Evenings on Park Lane
6 p.m. to 7 a.m. every evening through September 7
Park Lane
In an effort to support downtown businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, the City closes the west end of Park Lane between Lake Street and Main Street to vehicles from 6 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., seven days a week. This pedestrian friendly environment aims to increase patronage at businesses in the heart of our downtown shopping district. Enjoy unique clothing boutiques, delicious restaurants, decadent desserts, art galleries and fine furniture stores at your leisure!
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