Coming Up at Council | Bench Warrant Removal Program | April is Earth Month| Vaccination Update | Parks Summer Program Registration

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this week in kirkland

April 1, 2021

city of kirkland washington

Coming Up at Council

City Council

Coming Up at Council

The Kirkland City Council’s next “virtual” meeting takes place Tuesday, April 6. The meeting uses video conferencing technology provided by Zoom in response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery 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 April 6, 2021 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:

Study Session: NE 85th St Station Area Plan

At the Study Session, the City Council will receive a briefing on the results of the NE 85th St Station Area Plan Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) public comment period, current project status, and the project team’s proposal to address previous Council direction with additional tasks, including a fiscal impact and benefit analysis. The City Council may provide direction on the scope of additional analysis, and the proposed process and timing for the remaining project tasks. Staff will bring the item back to Council in May to request direction on a preferred alternative, or narrowed plan alternative “bookends” (i.e., a lower-growth alternative and a higher-growth alternative that fall within the range of alternatives already identified in the DSEIS), to utilize for the fiscal impact and benefit analysis.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation

Sexual violence is a major public health, human rights and social justice issue. The national theme for this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month is “We Can Build Safe Online Spaces.” Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. As we connect online, we can learn how to practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content or behaviors, and ensure that online spaces - whether they be workspaces, classrooms, social media platforms, or otherwise - are respectful and safe. Find more information about national Sexual Assault Awareness Month efforts and resources here on the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) website.

Other items include:

  • City Impact Fee Update
  • 2021 State Legislative Update #6
  • Urban Forestry Six-Year Work Plan
  • Surface Water Regulations
  • Animal Control Authority
  • 2021 Board and Commission Interview Selection Committee

Council will accept live spoken commentary under 'Items from the Audience' or ‘Public Hearings’ at regular meetings via Zoom audio/video on a computer or telephone connection. The connection links are provided on each individual meeting agenda. Speakers are asked to limit their remarks to three minutes apiece, and no more than three speakers may address the Council on any one subject. However, if both proponents and opponents wish to speak, then up to three proponents and up to three opponents of the matter may address the Council. Zoom audience members will be alerted to ‘raise their hand’ virtually if they wish to address the Council at the appropriate time in the meeting. Written comments can be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov.

Please call (425) 587-3190 and leave a message before 5 p.m. on the day of the Council meeting with any questions; City Clerk's Office staff will endeavor to return your call.

For more information about the Kirkland City Council, please visit the Council webpage.

Kirkland Stands With Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

The City of Kirkland stands with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Racism, in any form, and against any group, has no place in Kirkland. Please see www.kirklandwa.gov/AAPISupport for an important message and resources.

Kirkland Stands With Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Bench Warrant Removal Program Helps Defendants Get Back on Track

Bench Warrant Removal ProgramFor a limited time, persons with bench warrants in a municipal court within King County can quash a qualified warrant through the Back on Track warrant amnesty program. This program is available from April 1 through June 30, 2021.

While each court has its own procedure for the program, many warrants under $5,000 will be handled administratively, with the warrant immediately removed and a new court hearing scheduled. Warrants over $5,000 and those that involve Domestic Violence, No Contact Orders, DUIs, Physical Control, Reckless Driving or Negligent Driving 1st Degree (amended from a DUI), no matter the amount of the warrant, will be referred to the judge for consideration, depending on court policies.

Read the full news release here.

Celebrate Earth Month with the City of Kirkland

The City of Kirkland invites community members to celebrate Earth Month, an annual event inspiring environmental awareness, education and activism in communities across the nation. Throughout the month of April, community members will have opportunities to learn about recycling, natural yard care, and how to make their homes more “green.”

Take the Green Home ChallengeTake the Green Home Challenge to make your home better for the planet

This spring, community members can level up their household’s sustainability with the Green Home Challenge. Participants will get access to the Green Home Challenge website with themed weekly challenges to waste less, save water and energy, prevent pollution, and more.

Each week participants will choose an activity to complete that will make their home better for the planet and healthier for them. Mini quests encourage participants to cross off quick wins around the house and explore the nature in their neighborhood. All are invited to participate, on their own or with their family – sign up now.

Attend events to recycle better and restore our natural areas:

  • Saturday, April 3, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave, Shredding Drop-off Event. Shred confidential materials for free at this drop-off recycling event. Please follow safety guidelines and material limits.
  • Wednesday, April 14, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Recycling 101 Webinar. Learn the latest on what goes in each cart, and where all that stuff goes once the driver takes it away at this webinar with your City of Kirkland Recycling Team. Register online.
  • Thursday, April 22, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m., Alaska Suite Earth Day Livestream. The Alaska Suite features a five-piece chamber jazz ensemble performing along with images, spoken word, and poetry to connect audiences deeply and emotionally to the scientific realities of climate change. Sponsored by the City of Kirkland.
  • Wednesday, April 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Recycling Center Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Take a virtual behind-the-scenes tour to see where your recycling goes once it leaves the curb. Registration required.
  • All month, Habitat Restoration with Green Kirkland Partnership. Your help is needed to rip out invasive weeds and care for newly planted areas in Kirkland’s parks. Pre-registration, wearing face coverings and other safety steps are required to participate at these small events.

In addition to events hosted by the City, many more partner-led webinars are planned for Earth Month. See all opportunities at kirklandwa.gov/earthmonth.

Plant a tree with a new rebate program

A new rebate program reimburses residents for planting trees on their property. Rebates of up to $150 per tree planted, with a maximum of $500 per property, are available for Kirkland residents. Learn about the program requirements to see if your property is eligible at kirklandwa.gov/treerebate.
Trees help prevent flooding in our neighborhoods, provide shade for our homes, and help filter pollutants to provide clean water for Lake Washington. Adding trees is an easy, affordable way for residents to help Kirkland’s environment.

Building a sustainable future in the City of Kirkland

Every year, the City of Kirkland recognizes April as Earth Month to honor the value of our environment and natural spaces. In support of the City’s ongoing commitment to protecting the natural environment, the Kirkland City Council will formally proclaim April as Earth Month during its Council meeting at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 20.

This year marks the first Earth Month since City Council adopted Kirkland’s first Sustainability Master Plan in December 2020.

The Sustainability Master Plan lays out actionable steps to help our community build a future that's sustainable for the environment, the economy, and equity. Goals identified in the plan will help the City develop a greener power supply, reduce community greenhouse gas emissions, increase the efficiency of buildings, make neighborhoods more walkable and bikeable, protect natural areas and ecosystems, use materials sustainably, foster a sustainable business community, and more.

While the City has long taken action to protect the natural environment, the concept of sustainability in the Sustainability Master Plan takes a much broader view and recognizes that protecting the environment intersects with many decisions. Equity is integrated throughout the plan, from specific actions that will reduce barriers to the weighting of project priorities. A new sustainable decision-making matrix informs City decisions to bring new projects and services into alignment with the goals of the Sustainability Master Plan.

Numerous efforts that support sustainability have been ongoing for years, and the Sustainability Master Plan amplifies both staff and the community’s work. The plan includes a detailed implementation section identifying specific goals and timelines that augment current efforts while seeking to prioritize additional important actions to help achieve the Plan’s goals.

For more information, contact Kirkland’s Recycling Hotline at recycle@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3812!

Celebrate Earth Month with the City of Kirkland

Vaccination Update

Vaccination Update!Phase Finder, the state’s online vaccine eligibility tool, will no longer be required to verify COVID-19 vaccine eligibility starting March 31.

That means that people who want a vaccine should check DOH’s prioritization guidance webpage to see when they are eligible to get vaccinated. Those who are eligible can then use Vaccine Locator to find an appointment. As of March 30, those who visit the Phase Finder site will be directed to Vaccine Locator. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has informed vaccine providers of this change. DOH has asked that providers no longer require Phase Finder to schedule an appointment or ask for it when patients arrive for their appointment.

Vaccine Locator is available in 30 languages and will add seven more languages by the end of April. Those who have further questions or need help making an appointment can call the state’s COVID-19 information hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.

While Phase Finder is going away, the state’s vaccine phases are staying the same. The state remains in Phase 1B2, and on March 31, vaccine eligibility opened to people in Phase 1B tiers 3 and 4. Yesterday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that effective April 15, all Washingtonians over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. For more information about getting vaccinated in King County, visit: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine/distribution.aspx

Online Survey: We Want to Hear From You

Take the Online Survey!

We need your help in becoming a more transparent government! The City of Kirkland is creating new ways to share information with the community about how the City as an organization is performing. Please take our survey here.

This is part of a larger effort of ensuring the safety and respect of Black people and examining and dismantling structural racism in Kirkland. For more information on that effort, please visit the City’s website.

Esta es una encuesta para saber cómo debería comunicarse la ciudad de Kirkland con la comunidad en cuanto a la seguridad pública, recursos humanos y servicios humanos. Si quiere esta información traducida, mande un correo electrónico a TitleVICoordinator@kirklandwa.gov o llame al 425-587-3831.

本问卷调查旨在研究柯克兰市应如何就公共安全、人力资源和公众服务等事宜与社区民众进行沟通。如需该信息的翻译版本,请发送电子邮件至 TitleVICoordinator@kirklandwa.gov 或致电 425-587-3831。

В этом опросе спрашивается о том, как властям City of Kirkland стоит доносить до жителей информацию об общественной безопасности, социальном обслуживании и обеспечении. Если вы хотите получить перевод этой информации, напишите по адресу электронной почты TitleVICoordinator@kirklandwa.gov или позвоните по номеру 425-587-3831.

Summer Recreation Registration Starts May 4th

Registration Begins Today! Register online at kirklandparks.net or call us at 425-587-3336.

Programs include:

  • Aquatics
  • Adult Sports
  • Summer Camps
  • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • And More!

Parks Program Registration

Traffic Alerts for March 31 Through April 6

Totem Lake Gateway

Totem Lake

Interwest Construction is planning to close for a few days one of Willows Road Northeast’s lanes on April 5 while its crews pave the new trail that will eventually connect the Cross Kirkland Corridor to the Redmond Central Connector and Eastrail.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/willowsconnection

Cross Kirkland Corridor

A short section of the Cross Kirkland Corridor remains closed until June while Kirkland’s Totem Lake Park renovation contractor builds the boardwalk that will connect the corridor to Totem Lake Park.
Wyser Construction has closed the Cross Kirkland Corridor between Totem Lake Boulevard and 128th Lane Northeast. The contractor will detour people who are walking or bicycling on the trail onto 128th Lane Northeast.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakepark

Northeast 132nd Street

Drivers commuting along Northeast 132nd Street, between 100th and 97th avenues northeast should continue to expect minor delays this month while Kirkland’s Fire Station 24 contractor installs a stormwater drainage line, as part of the Fire Station 24 construction.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation24

North Rose Hill/South Rose Hill

Drivers should expect construction this week along various sections of Northeast 75th Street and 128th Avenue Northeast while Kirkland’s Neighborhood Greenways contractor closes lanes to establish a variety of traffic-calming features.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/greenways

City of Kenmore (Juanita Drive)

Drivers should expect construction this week along various sections of Northeast 75th Street and 128th Avenue Northeast while Kirkland’s Neighborhood Greenways contractor closes lanes to establish a variety of traffic-calming features.

The City of Kenmore is closing a two-block section of Juanita Drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting March 24 and continuing until mid-May.

Kenmore is closing the arterial between Northeast 153rd and 155th places while its contractor continues to make progress on a mile and a half of sidewalk and bicycle lanes. After 3 p.m., Juanita Drive will be open to one lane, two-way traffic controlled by portable traffic signal.
Visit https://kenmoreconstruction.com/juanita-sidewalk-project

Upcoming Events

Kirkland Shred Event  

Confidential Shredding Event

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 3

Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Ave (use main entrance)

Free shredding for Kirkland residents

Shred confidential papers for free at this drive-through recycling event. Limit 4 file-size boxes / grocery bags of material per car. Please wear a face covering. See all event information.


Scavenger Event: Into the Woods  

L𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻? 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯𝟬

  • Follow the clues, find the evidence cards located at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park, collect the letters you find from the evidence cards, and solve for the final answer.
  • The final question will be sent to all participants on April 30. Submit your answer by May 5 to tcobb@kirklandwa.gov for an opportunity to win a prize.
  • Prizes include: Nature journal, Nature Guide Book - birds, plants, northwest, Flower Press, and Binoculars!

Open to ages 9-13. Register today for FREE at https://bit.ly/3f7LQez!


Kitty Contest  

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐰. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬.

Register your beloved cat in one of the six categories at
https://bit.ly/2P0Ghnj

Then submit a photo of your cat to tharrison@kirklandwa.gov. Indicate which category you want to enter and include your name and your cat's name.
Pictures will be uploaded to our Facebook page for voting. Voting will take place between April 26 and April 29. The cat with the most Facebook “LIKES” in each category wins.

Winning cats not only get bragging rights, but also a $25 Gift Card compliments of Denny's Pet World. Additional prizes from Bluedog Designs and Seatown Sweets will also be awarded to the cat that receives the most Likes overall.
𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
Smitten Kitten- under 9 months
Best AARP- over 10 years
Garfield-like-fat and sassy
What’s New Pussycat?- Tom appeal
Duchess-regal lady
Hell Cat-overly enthusiastic

Register online at https://bit.ly/2P0Ghnj.


Friendly Virtual Event: KU Kids At Home  

WHO: Eastside (and beyond!) families

WHAT: Join us on at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 10 for Kirkland Urban’s virtual event KU Kids At Home! Julie from Clown Buggie Entertainment takes over Kirkland Urban’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/kirklandurban) to host a craft-a-long creating spring flowerpots and answering questions along the way. To participate, you can pick up a free craft kit on Wednesday, April 7 from Plantiful, Vinason or Lounge by Topgolf, while supplies last. We ask that you please respect the maximum of one craft kit per family. Follow Kirkland Urban on social media (@kirklandurban on Instagram and Kirkland Urban on Facebook) for more details as they are announced, or visit kirklandurban.com.

TICKETS:
No tickets; free and open to the public

DATE:
Saturday, April 10

TIME:
10 a.m.

WHERE:
Live on Kirkland Urban’s Facebook page

MORE INFO:
https://www.kirklandurban.com/event/KU-Kids-at-Home/2145542756/

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