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this week in kirkland

September 16, 2021

city of kirkland washington

Table of Contents:

City Council Preview 

City Council

The Kirkland City Council’s next meeting takes place Tuesday, September 21, 2021 via 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 September 21 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 pagePlease note: City Council meetings will remain virtual until October 2021 or until further notice.

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:

Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Drivers: The City Council will receive a presentation about anticipated plans, programs, and capital projects by local and regional water and wastewater utilities that will cause the City and its partners to consider near-term utility rate increases.

Business Items:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CLFRF) Program Update: The City Council will receive an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CLFRF) Program, including a proposed spending plan for the first tranche of funds, and provide feedback.

Equity in Contracting Resolution and Policy Update: On August 4, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution R-5434 to ensure the safety and respect of Black people and dismantle structural racism in Kirkland. The resolution called for “a comprehensive review of the City’s procurement and contracting processes and documents to eliminate barriers for disadvantaged business enterprises to compete for City projects.” The City Council will consider adopting draft Resolution R-5491, establishing an equity in contracting directive to increase opportunities between the City and Women and Minority Business Enterprises. Staff is also seeking input and direction on the draft Equity in Contracting Policy.  

New State Plastic Bag Ban and Repeal Of Kirkland Ordinance: The City Council will receive a presentation about the new Washington State Plastic Bag Ban. The Council will also consider the City Attorney's recommendation to repeal Kirkland’s Plastic Bag Reduction Policy, ordinance O-4477, effective October 1, 2021.

Police Training Requirements Due to Legislation: The City Council will consider the approval of the use of Legislative funding to authorize the addition of 1 FTE to the Police Department to be utilized for a second training officer.

Spinney Homestead Regional Facility Project Update: The City Council will receive a report on the Spinney Homestead Regional Facility Project, a stormwater retrofit facility that has reached 30% design, and discuss possible options for moving the project forward.

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.

Financial Assistance for Rent, Mortgage, and Utilities Now Available Through Kirkland’s COVID-19 Relief Program

Apply for Financial HelpThe City of Kirkland is providing immediate financial assistance to Kirkland residents struggling to pay for their rent, mortgage or City of Kirkland utilities due to COVID-19. Eligibility guidelines, information about the application process, and FAQs can be found on the Residential Rent, Mortgage and Utility Relief Program webpage. Language and cultural navigators are available to help access the program. Funding has been made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act in order to provide relief in advance of when Kirkland’s eviction moratorium expires on September 30, 2021. In the next few weeks, additional rent and utility assistance will be available for small commercial businesses and commercial landlords as well as those needing help to pay for utilities only.

Your household may be eligible for the City of Kirkland relief program if you meet all the following conditions:

  • You are a resident with a home mailing address in the City of Kirkland.
  • You have experienced financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
  • Your household income is between 0-100% of King County area median income (AMI).

Information collected for rent and mortgage relief can also be used to determine eligibility for City of Kirkland utility relief. For more information about this relief program and others offered by the City’s partners, visit Kirkland’s online Rental Relief Resource Center at www.kirklandwa.gov/housing-help. This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLT-4378 awarded to City of Kirkland, Washington by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Read the full news release here.

City Hall for All September 18 - Register Today!

Delbert Richardson - City Hall for All

Saturday, September 18, 2021
Virtual presentations will start at 10 a.m.
Register

Be part of creating a more equitable Kirkland where everyone has a sense of belonging.  City Hall for All 2021 features important and collaborative discussions about how communities are shaped through planning and how to lift up all voices and get involved in these processes.

Our virtual event features a keynote address by Mr. Delbert Richardson starting at 10 a.m. 

"He who tells the story controls the narrative.”

Mr. Richardson is a self-taught Community Scholar, Second Generation Storyteller, of the National Award Winning The "Unspoken" Truths American History Traveling Museum.  With the use of authentic artifacts, storyboards, and the ancient art of "storytelling,” Mr. Richardson teaches American History through an Afro-centric lens which centers those voices of Black people who often are omitted and erased. This unique interdisciplinary approach to teaching challenges and inspires participants of all ages to be curious regarding their beliefs and perceptions as they relate to American History. Some sensitive images will be displayed.

City Hall for All will also include an Equity and Planning Forum which will be a facilitated discussion over Zoom starting at noon. Much of how a city is formed and changes through time is determined through long-range planning. Parks, transportation, commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, public safety, water infrastructure, and local actions to protect the environment are all determined through planning processes, which are ultimately envisioned by members of the community.   Come be a part of a facilitated discussion with James Lopez, Deputy City Manager for External Affairs, on how the City is incorporating equity into its planning processes and documents.  The conversation will feature three planning efforts that are currently underway:

See you there, and please share this information with your friends and neighbors! www.kirklandwa.gov/CityHallforAll

Traffic Alert for September 24 -26: Kirkland Oktoberfest

Drivers should expect parking lot and street closures as Kirkland Oktoberfest returns to the shores of Lake Washington September 24 – 26, 2021. The Lakeshore Plaza and auxiliary lot will be closed from Friday, September 24, at 4 a.m. to Sunday, September 26, at 11 p.m. Access to the garage, limited parking for appointment-based merchant services, and event-displaced accessible parking will be available in the Lakeshore Lot’s north bay. Lakeshore Plaza and Kirkland Ave. from Lake St. to the City dock will be closed from Friday, September 24, at 4 a.m. to Sunday, September 26, at 11 p.m. Vehicles parked in closed lots or on closed streets will be towed.

The three-day event features a bier garden with both imported and local craft favorites, traditional Bavarian foods, live oompah music, the 8th annual Great Kirkland Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races, plus much more. Kirkland Oktoberfest supports many other local nonprofits including Chump Change Foundation and the Kirkland Downtown Association.

Event organizers expect 5,000 attendees will participate in the event. Event goers are encouraged to carpool and plan for their parking in advance. For bus transportation, go to http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/. For event information, go to www.explorekirkland.com. For permit information contact, Sudie Elkayssi, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services, 425-587-3347 or selkayssi@kirklandwa.gov.

Oktoberfest!

Moss Bay and Everest Neighborhood Plans:
Public Hearing September 23

Everett and Moss Bay Neighborhood Plans

Plan to attend the virtual Planning Commission Public Hearing on the draft Moss Bay Neighborhood Plan and Everest Neighborhood Plan on September 23, 2021, 7:00 p.m. If you cannot attend the hearing, please send your comments on the plans to the staff below or Planning Commission at Planningcommissioners@kirklandwa.gov.

The draft Moss Bay Neighborhood Plan and Everest Neighborhood Plan will be available for review on the Planning Commission website at end of day on September 17, 2021. For more information see the City’s website Everest Neighborhood Plan Update or Moss Bay Neighborhood Plan Update.

Staff Contacts:

Storm and Surface Water Division Works to Prevent Water Pollution

Here in Kirkland, we’re all very familiar with rain. What you might not know is exactly where that rainwater is heading and what it’s taking with it.

In Kirkland, all storm drains lead to the nearest creek, wetland, or Lake Washington. Most rainwater runoff is not cleaned or filtered before it reaches our waterways. It can damage habitat and water quality.

Take a look at this short video to learn about Kirkland’s Storm and Surface Water Division programs and services that help keep water pollution out of local waterways – and what you can do to help.

Do you want to ensure that pollutants stay out of our local waterways? The Storm and Surface Water Division is updating the City’s Surface Water Master Plan and would love to hear from you. Learn more at www.kirklandwa.gov/SWMP

Improve Water Quality

Salmon SEEson

Fall is on its way and salmon are returning to creeks and rivers throughout King County to spawn. The annual Salmon SEEson program runs from late August through November, promoting self-guided salmon viewing sites as well as some hosted events.

If you decide to visit a self-guided site near you, please remember to: plan ahead, practice social distancing, wear a mask, leave no trace, and contribute to an inclusive experience for all.

Visit the Salmon SEEson website for more information.

Salmon Seeson!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Survey Extended to 9/24

DEIB online surveyPlease take just 9 minutes and help identify strengths and growth opportunities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the city. Over the course of the past year, the City of Kirkland has been engaged in critically important actions to assess our efforts to improve as both a municipal government and employer. To help with this work, the City has hired Diversity Consultant Chanin Kelly-Rae Consulting to assess the City as a municipal government organization. This community survey is part of Ms. Kelly-Rae’s work, and the City is requesting your participation in sharing your lived experiences, insights, and perceptions of Kirkland. Questions regarding the survey should be directed to our Diversity Consultant at grow@chaninkellyrae.com

Está invitado a responder una encuesta - www.surveymonkey.com/r/JY63N7V
Para pedir información sobre este documento en en Espanol, comuníquese con el coordinador del Título VI escribiendo a titlevicoordinator@kirklandwa.gov o llamando al (425) 587-3831.

您受邀参与调查 - www.surveymonkey.com/r/JY63N7V
如需此文件中信息的简体中文 版本,请发送电子邮件至 titlevicoordinator@kirklandwa.gov 或拨打 (425) 587-3831 联络 Title VI 协调员。

Приглашаем вас принять участие в опросе - www.surveymonkey.com/r/JY63N7V
Чтобы запросить перевод этого документа на по-русски, свяжитесь с координатором по вопросам Раздела VI по электронной почте titlevicoordinator@kirklandwa.gov или по номеру (425) 587 3831.

Você está convidado a responder a uma pesquisa - www.surveymonkey.com/r/JY63N7V
Para solicitar informações deste documento em em português, entre em contato com o Coordenador do Título VI em titlevicoordinator@kirklandwa.gov ou (425) 587-3831.

Traffic Alerts

Highlands

112th Avenue Northeast
Minor delays are likely next week along 112th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 87th and 97th streets, where Kirkland’s street paving contractor is rebuilding curbs and preparing the street for its new surface.

North Rose Hill

124th Avenue Northeast
Minor delays are likely along 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 108th and 115th lanes, where Kirkland’s street paving contractor is paving and re-striping the street.

Northeast 120th Street
Drivers traveling Northeast 120th Street between Slater Avenue and the Lake Washington Institute of Technology between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. will encounter lane shifts through the end of September.

A Kirkland contractor is upgrading catch basins to treat stormwater before it reaches Totem Lake.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/120thstormwater

Totem Lake Boulevard – Totem Lake

Totem Lake Boulevard’s slip lane remains closed while Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor continues the process of building the pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will connect the two ends of the Cross Kirkland Corridor that are separated by its intersection with Northeast 124th Street and Totem Lake Boulevard.

The City is detouring commercial trucks around the intersection.

Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakeconnector

Cross Kirkland Corridor – Totem Lake

A detour around the Cross Kirkland Corridor between 120th Place Northeast and 128th Lane Northeast remains in effect while Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor uses the corridor to build the pedestrian and bicycle bridge.

The Totem Lake Connector is expected to be complete in fall 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

Construction continues on Kirkland Fire Station 24, which is scheduled to be completed this fall. Remaining items of work include sidewalk restoration, a new multiuse path, roadway paving and restriping, and a new signal. This work is located along Northeast 132nd Street between 97th Avenue Northeast and 100th Avenue Northeast. Drivers should expect to see flaggers and changes to traffic due to construction activity. Please be sure to allow plenty of time when dropping off or picking up students, and thank you for exercising caution and patience in this area.

Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation24

Upcoming Events

Fall Recycle Event  

Recycle Paint, Electronics, Batteries, and Fridges
Saturday Oct. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | LWTech South parking lot
11605 132nd Ave NE

Recycle electronic equipment and peripherals, household batteries and lead acid batteries, and latex and oil-based paint at a recycling event on October 2. Refrigerators and air conditioners will be accepted for a pass-through charge.
See all event guidelines and details about accepted materials.


RainWise and Salmon See-son Webinar  

RainWise and Salmon See-son Webinar
Wednesday, October 13, 6-7:30 p.m.

Learn about human influence on local and regional salmon runs, and what role a
RainWise installation at your home may have in supporting local fish and the marine mammals that count on them as a food source. Time and interest permitting, discuss salmon ecology, how to identify between salmon species, and our recommendations for Covid-responsible salmon viewing locations to visit, and recent findings linking Coho Salmon die-off to a little known product in car tires.

With every storm, rain carries pollutants off our roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces to local creeks, Lake Washington and Puget Sound. Rain gardens and cisterns can help control this storm water, but we need your help!

In selected areas of Seattle, the City of Seattle and King County will pay up to 100% of the cost of installing rain gardens and cisterns on homeowners’ properties through the RainWise program.

Sponsored by the KCLS Social and Wellness Programming Team and
King County Wastewater Treatment Division.

Please register at kcls.org.

To learn about the City of Kirkland's program, Yard Smart Rain Rewards, go to www.kirklandwa.gov/yardsmart.


innovation Lab  

Accelerate Your Business Growth with Our October Innovation Lab

Startup425 has partnered with Bellevue College’s Tombolo Institute to offer the Startup425 Innovation Lab, an intensive, four week program held in October designed to help business owners acquire the support and knowledge necessary to take their businesses to the next level. Sound interesting? Click here to view an informational video about the program. 

Innovation Lab classes are held weekly on Saturdays and Thursdays in October:

  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, October 9
  • 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 14
  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, October 23
  • 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 28

For more information, including testimonials from Innovation Lab graduates, visit the Startup425 website.


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