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Table of Contents:
The Kirkland City Council’s next “virtual” meeting takes place Tuesday, July 6. The meeting uses video conferencing technology provided by Zoom. 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 July 6 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting at: Kirkland City Council agendas. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to City Council Agendas on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
More ways to watch! Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
Here are a few highlights from the meeting:
Study Session: Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95 Amendments – Tree Management
The removal of tree canopy cover in urban areas has resulted in the loss of beneficial functions that trees provide to the public. Tree ordinances are one of the ways cities balance urban growth with fostering a sustainable community. Kirkland’s tree code (KZC 95) establishes a permit process and standards for the protection and replacement of trees, mainly on private property. The code does not stop tree removal related to building, nor does it allow people to indiscriminately cut down trees in Kirkland. At the July 6 Study Session, the City Council will discuss general policy direction of Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95 (KZC 95). The Council discussion is not intended for a comprehensive review of the code but is intended to focus on broader substantive issues that will help inform a general framework for developing a draft code in advance of its consideration and possible adoption.
Proclamation: The month of July “Park and Recreation Month” in Kirkland
Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated the month of July as “Park and Recreation Month” to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of park and recreation resources. As part of this month’s celebration, Kirkland Parks and Community Services will use social media to collect and share stories about meaningful or inspiring experiences in parks and recreation. We’ll also collect park and recreation stories at the Community Centers, pop-up interviews this summer as part of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan update, and at other summer events such as the Juanita Friday Market.
Business Items
The City Council will consider changes to the Kirkland Municipal Code (KMC) increasing fines associated with moorage violations as defined in KMC 14.36.070 (b) (1) from the current rate of $66.00 to the proposed rate of $150.00 to be consistent with other moorage violations.
The full agenda and details will be available on the Kirkland City Council agendas page. 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. Please see www.kirklandwa.gov/council for more information on how to provide spoken comments. Written comments can be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
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The City of Kirkland announced that the Pop-up Off-leash Dog Park at Juanita Beach Park will remain operational throughout the summer. The City will continue to host the two additional Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Parks this summer: one at Heritage Park in July and one at Snyder’s Corner in August.
“We are very pleased with the community’s response to the pop-up parks,” said Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaagstra. “Due to the overwhelming positive feedback and popularity of the pop-up dog park at Juanita Beach Park, we have decided to keep this location open until the end of the summer.
The Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Parks are temporary programs and are planned to only last through August 2021. Existing off-leash dog areas are located at Jasper's Dog Park (11225 NE 120th Street) and Edith Moulton Park (108th Ave NE and NE 137th St). Find more information about Off-Leash Dog Areas on the City’s website.
We invite you to share your feedback at at www.kirklandwa.gov/ourkirkland. Additionally, the City of Kirkland is currently updating its Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan which is a six-year guide and strategic plan for managing and enhancing park and recreation services.
“We want to hear how you want to play in Kirkland, whether with friends, family, or four-legged companions," said Kirkland City Councilmember Kelli Curtis. “Throughout 2021, we will be hosting focus groups, interviews, community workshops and survey opportunities so that, as a community, we can imagine the future of Kirkland’s parks, recreation and open spaces, including off-leash dog areas.”
The PROS Plan provides a vision for Kirkland’s park and recreation system and establishes a path forward for providing high quality, community-driven parks, trails, open spaces and recreational opportunities. Learn more at http://www.kirklandwa.gov/PlayItForward.
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 The Greater Kirkland Chamber Commerce is hosting a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Event, Thursday, July 8, at the Woodmark Hotel. Registration opens at 11 a.m. and the event begins at 11:30.
This important summit features an open discussion moderated by Zenovia Harris, a leading facilitator of diversity and inclusion events. Harris will be joined by a panel of business partners from the Port of Seattle, Google and various local small businesses, all of whom look forward to discussion that will pinpoint and clarify best practices for DEI and provide further understanding of implicit bias. Attendees will take away resources that they can use immediately to make an impact within their organizations.
The City of Kirkland is a cosponsor of this summit, which aligns with its ongoing commitment to creating a Kirkland where Black people feel safe and respected, and interpersonal, institutional and structural racism no longer exists. Both Kirkland Resolutions R-5240 (passed by the City Council in 2017) and R-5434 (passed by the City Council in 2020) support this vision.
The Chamber thanks all its sponsors for making this event possible, including the Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, Google and Puget Sound Energy. For more information, including how to register, visit: https://fb.me/e/2kSOV8e9E.
Earlier this month, the Kirkland City Council passed an eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021, to allow time for renters and landlords to apply for assistance with unpaid rent during this time. Financial and legal assistance are available through the City of Kirkland or one of its partners for people behind on rent or mortgage payments, and for landlords with renters unable to pay due to COVID-19.
Renters behind in rent and homeowners and landlords behind on mortgage payments are encouraged to connect with City staff to help answer questions about the extended moratorium and help navigate the programs and assistance that are available through the State, the County, and the City’s partner organizations. For help, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/housing-help or contact the City of Kirkland at housinghelp@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3326. Staff can also answer any questions about the extended moratorium.
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 Recent hot weather, record-setting temperatures and lack of rain have created extremely dangerous conditions for fires to start and spread. In accordance with Kirkland Municipal Code Chapter 11.60, the sale, possession and discharge of personal fireworks are prohibited in Kirkland city limits, with penalties of up to $1,000. Kirkland’s fireworks ban went into effect in 1999 to help eliminate property damage, injury, and fires.
Kirkland Fire and Police will be conducting emphasis patrols on July 4 to ensure compliance with the fireworks ban. If you see or hear others in your neighborhood setting off fireworks and there is an immediate threat to life or property, including a fire or injuries, call 911.
Each year, nearly 20,000 fires are started and more than 9,000 injuries are caused by consumer fireworks across the country. The only safe and legal way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a permitted display open to the public. The Seattle Times published a list of 2021 Fourth of July events earlier this week. The City of Kirkland looks forward to the return of the regular “Celebrate Kirkland” 4th of July events in 2022.
Note that in urban areas of King County, all outdoor burning such as burning yard waste or garbage is prohibited by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The Fire Department is also asking that people refrain from using fire pits or starting small fires in their backyards at this time. In this hot-dry weather, fires can easily grow out of control and put neighborhoods at risk.
For more information, please visit the Fire Prevention Bureau page on the City’s website.
Juanita Beach is closed for at least one week due to elevated bacteria levels.
Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water on Tuesday, June 29, and found that the levels of bacteria on the eastern shore of the beach exceeded the thresholds for bacteria based on the average of the last three tests. King County crews will return to the beach next week to collect further samples. The beach at Juanita Beach Park will reopen when bacteria levels return to a safe range.
People and pets should not swim, drink lake water, or engage in other water activities at Juanita Beach.
Signs have been positioned to indicate that the beach is closed. City lifeguards will be onsite during the closure to communicate with beachgoers and provide information.
For additional details, visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage.
Updates about Juanita Beach Park will be posted on the City webpage.
Learn more about the causes of bacteria in this video: 7 Things to Know About Juanita Beach
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 Recent events are a tragic reminder that it’s important to take water safety seriously. With COVID-19 restrictions loosening and current hot weather, more people are entering the water and it’s critical to take precautions to prevent drowning. Cold water can quickly weaken even the strongest swimmer. Washington waters are often cold enough to cause muscles to not work or cause cold water shock, even on the hottest summer day. Swimmers, waders, boaters and other water recreationists should follow these recommendations from Public Health – Seattle & King County to prevent drownings:
The safest decision may be to not enter the water. Think about the risks when swimming, boating, inner tubing, or rafting in rivers due to dangers from currents, logs, logjams, and cold temperatures.
- Kirkland’s swimming beaches at Houghton Beach, Waverly Beach and Juanita Beach now have lifeguards on duty. If you do enter rivers or lakes without lifeguards present, wear a life jacket.
- Obey all safety signs and warning flags.
- Learn to float and tread water for at least 10 minutes. Improve your swim skills in a pool before hitting open water. Many pools in the King County area offer scholarships for swim lessons.
- Have conversations with your children and teens about swimming risks.
More safety tips are available at www.kingcounty.gov/watersafety.
98th Avenue Northeast – Juanita
Commuters should expect night construction this week along 98th Avenue Northeast, between Forbes Creek Drive and Northeast 116th Street, as a Kirkland contractor prepares to repair and repave the roadway.
To maximize traffic flow along the corridor, Lakeside Industries will be working 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Search '98th Avenue Northeast repairs' on www.kirklandwa.gov.
108th Avenue Northeast – Houghton/Lakeview
Drivers along 108th Avenue Northeast should continue to expect traffic delays into July as Marshbank Construction completes Kirkland’s upgrade of water and sewer systems.
The contractor’s crews are working 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Northeast 53rd and 68th streets to replace the maintenance hole lids they removed before they began the paving process.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/108thavewatersewer
Cross Kirkland Corridor – Totem Lake
A detour around the Cross Kirkland Corridor between 120th Place Northeast and 128th Lane Northeast remains in effect while a pair of Kirkland contractors use the corridor to make progress on two of Totem Lake’s most ambitious capital projects: renovation of Totem Lake Park and construction of Totem Lake Connector pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
Kirkland’s leaders expect Totem Lake Park to be complete this summer and the Totem Lake Connector to be complete later in 2022.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakeconnector or www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakepark.
Cross Kirkland Corridor – Everest/Moss Bay
Cross Kirkland Corridor travelers will continue to encounter a short detour around the trail between Seventh Avenue South and Sixth Street South as construction of the Feriton Spur Park expansion continues.
The short detour is directing travelers to a protected pathway along Fifth Place South. The park’s developer, SRM Development, expects the detour to continue for five months. During that time, SRM Development will restrict parallel, on-street parking along the north portion of Fifth Place South.
SRM Development expects to open Feriton Spur Park to open to the public in September. The new park will extend the developed section of the Cross Kirkland Corridor to Sixth Street South with 14 improvements, including a pickleball court, urban farm and the corridor’s first bathroom.
Northeast 132nd Street - Juanita
Drivers commuting along Northeast 132nd Street, between 100th and 97th avenues northeast should continue to expect minor delays while Kirkland’s Fire Station 24 contractor and Puget Sound Energy work in the street to connect and upgrade utilities for the new Fire Station 24.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation24
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Juanita Friday Market
Juanita Beach Park west parking lot
3 to 7 p.m. every Friday
The Juanita Friday Market takes place 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday rain or shine from June through September. Held at the newly renovated Juanita Beach Park, the market offers hot food, local fruits and veggies, decadent, handcrafted confections, baked goods, beautiful cut flowers and much more. We are thrilled to announce increased accessibility! New in 2021, we accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons for both Senior and WIC participants. The market takes place at Juanita Beach Park (9703 N.E. Juanita Drive) in the west parking lot.
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Kirkland Wednesday Market
Kirkland Downtown Association
3 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays in Marina Park
Shop for fresh fruits and veggies, artisan baked goods, pasta, handcrafted jewelry and much more... Right on the shores of Lake Washington!
The Kirkland Wednesday Market at Marina Park features over thirty vendors every Wednesday. New in 2021, WIC and Senior FMNP coupons are accepted at the Kirkland Wednesday Market, as well as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SNAP market match programs. Bringing local produce and goods to downtown Kirkland all summer long, the Kirkland Wednesday Market is presented by the Kirkland Downtown Association. More information can be found at kirklandmarket.org.
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Cascade Water Alliance presents FREE Virtual Cascade Gardener Classes
July and August 7 p.m. Thursdays
Online virtual events
Cascade Water Alliance invites you to attend the summer Cascade Gardner series to learn more about your favorite gardening topics! These free classes are meant to help gardeners maintain healthy, beautiful landscapes while using water efficiently. The 2021 Cascade Gardener classes take place 7 p.m. Thursday evenings throughout the month of July and for the first two weeks in August. Classes are free and are held via Zoom.
Topics include:
Sustainable Northwest Natives Rain Gardens in the Pacific Northwest Don’t Squish That Bug! Organic Pest Management for the Home Gardener
Top 10 Garden Tips for Fall
Favorite Native Plants for Northwest Landscapes
Made in the Shade
Please visit the website to register.
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The Great Northwest 3on3
Stars Unlimited
July 31 and August 1 - Registration open NOW!
This tournament takes place on Northwest University’s beautiful campus and invites competitive basketball teams from all over the state and beyond. The divisions range from 4th grade boys and girls to competitive and recreational men's, coed and women’s divisions! This tournament offers a 4-game guarantee, skill and shooting competitions with prizes, dunk contest, special guest speakers, goodie bags for participants and trophies for the champions!
For more information about this event, please visit the event website! Are you interested in volunteering? Reach out to event organizer Jason Waltman at: jwalt20.lifechurch@gmail.com.
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