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Table of Contents:
 An analysis of fiscal impacts and community benefits of NE 85th Station Area Plan alternatives has been underway. The analysis looked into whether or not the City can afford the investments necessary to address increased demand on public services – especially schools, parks/open spaces, transportation, and utilities – should the City implement its vision of the Station Area as a thriving, new walkable urban center. The vision includes affordable housing, jobs, sustainable development, and shops and restaurants linked by transit. At the October 26, 2021 Special Council Meeting, the results and recommended strategies that emerged from the analysis were presented to City Council. Watch the video and view meeting materials here.
Join the Station Area project team for a Virtual Community Q & A session on November Monday, November 1, 2021. The Community Question & Answer session is an additional opportunity for you to learn more about the study results, together with public presentations to elected and appointed officials. We hope you will join us on November 1 to learn more, and we look forward to your questions. What has been learned from the study will help set a preferred direction for the Station Area Plan. To access the Zoom meeting link and learn more about the Station Area Plan, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/stationareaplan.
The Kirkland City Council’s next meeting takes place Wednesday, November 3, 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 November 3 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. Please note: City Council meetings will remain virtual through 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 upcoming meeting:
Study Session:
Preliminary Update of the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Program: City Council will continue their discussion, in conjunction with the Mid-Biennial Budget Update, and provide direction for finalizing updates to the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to be brought forward for Council adoption on December 14, 2021.
Business Items:
Sustainability Master Plan Implementation – High Performance Buildings: The City Council will receive a presentation and provide feedback on a near-term Sustainability Master Plan (SMP) implementation action by the Planning and Building Department related to establishing high performance building programs, codes and initiatives.
Traffic Signal Pedestrian Recall Policy: The City Council will make a decision on staff’s new guidelines concerning traffic signal pedestrian recall. These guidelines then would be incorporated as a new standard policy in the “Traffic Signals” section of the City’s Pre-Approved Plans document a part of its next annual update.
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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Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett was presented with the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service by King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. This Metropolitan King County Council award recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?”
“This year, I presented the District 6 medal to Kurt Triplett in recognition of his leadership during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Kirkland was at the very leading edge of the pandemic in the United States,” said Council Chair Balducci. “His leadership undoubtedly saved lives, as well as guided Kirkland and the eastside through one of the biggest threats to our community in our lifetimes.”
For decades, Triplett has dedicated his life to public service across King County, including the last 11 years as City Manager for Kirkland. The City of Kirkland operates as a council-manager form of government. The City Manager serves as the professional administrator of the City and is responsible for coordinating all day-to-day operations.
“On behalf of the Kirkland City Council, we would like to congratulate Kurt on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his steadfast leadership in the face of a global crisis,” said Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet. “We are fortunate to have such a gifted, dedicated, and compassionate leader to guide our City government and ensure that our community’s goals and visions come to fruition.”
Prior to his service as Kirkland City Manager, Triplett worked for King County for 17 years, including serving as the Interim County Executive in 2009, Chief of Staff to Executive Ron Sims, Deputy Director of Natural Resources and Parks, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Executive Sims and former Executive Gary Locke. He currently serves on the Board for A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH). He is also chair of the Eastside Public Safety Communications Agency (EPSCA) as well as a joint board member for the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN).
The ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the foremost civil and human rights leader in the United States, are held high at King County. King County was redesignated in his honor, and the county logo bears his likeness. Dr. King’s vision of equity and social justice is infused throughout the programs and services of county government. This marks the sixth year that King County Councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question to be awarded the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service.
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 Last month, Public Health – Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin issued a Health Order requiring people ages 12 and older to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result to enter certain indoor and outdoor events and establishments in King County starting Monday, October 25, 2021.
This includes:
- Indoor restaurants and bars
- Arts and entertainment venues
- Gyms
- Outdoor events with over 500 people, including sporting events, concerts and performances
- Indoor event spaces rented for private gatherings, such as weddings and parties
The Health Order gives the option of a longer preparation period for smaller restaurants and bars with a seating capacity of 12 or fewer, with an implementation date of December 6.
People can verify that they’ve been vaccinated in a number of ways:
- CDC COVID-19 vaccine record card or photo of vaccine card
- Documentation from a medical record or vaccine provider
- Proof of vaccination from another state or country
- Documentation in mobile apps from healthcare providers (approved by WA Department of Health)
- Printer certificate or QR code from MyIRMobile.com
A person is considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer or their first dose of Johnson & Johnson. You do not have to show identification, such as a driver’s license, when showing proof of vaccination. To find COVID-19 vaccination locations near you, visit kingcounty.gov/vaccine. Current mask guidance remains in effect.
Thank you for being patient and supportive of businesses as they adjust to this Health Order. Establishments will be responsible for checking vaccination proof or negative test status. Please plan ahead and allow extra time when visiting businesses affected by the Health Order, and be sure to have your proof of vaccination or negative test with you. For additional business resources, including tools for implementation and compliance, visit kcvaxverified.com.
Ballots for the 2021 November General Election were mailed out to nearly 1.4 million King County voters yesterday and ballot boxes open today (Thursday, October 14)! Expect to see your ballot by Monday, October 18 if not before.
The ballot box at Kirkland City Hall is located near the south entrance, and there is another ballot drop box at the Kingsgate Library, located at 12315 N.E. 143rd Street. You can also drop your ballot into any United States Postal Service mailbox. Postage is not required on ballots. King County Elections has 74 ballot drop boxes open for this election, including a brand new one at UW Bothell! For a list, visit: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ballots/returning-my-ballot/ballot-drop-boxes.aspx. Ballot drop box van teams will begin picking up ballots on Monday.
Make sure your voice is heard!
It’s not too late to register! Visit: https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx today to register, update your registration and learn what’s on your ballot. If you have questions, email King County Elections at elections@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-VOTE (8683).
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The City of Kirkland invites all community members to participate in a survey on parks, open spaces and recreational opportunities in Kirkland. Access the survey at https://playitforwardsurvey.org/open now through November 11. The survey is available in multiple languages.
The City of Kirkland is in the process of updating the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, which is a six-year strategic plan and guide for managing and enhancing park and recreation services. Community input is an important part of this process, and the City has hosted multiple focus groups, interviews and community workshops since June 2021.
All who live in, work in, or visit Kirkland are invited to participate in the online survey to help identify strengths and growth opportunities related to parks, recreational opportunities and open spaces in Kirkland. The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and closes on November 11, 2021. Survey responses will guide this planning process to imagine the future of Kirkland’s parks, recreation and open spaces. Take the survey at https://playitforwardsurvey.org/open.
The Parks and Community Services Department invites additional feedback and comments via email at playitforward@kirklandwa.gov and via our community input line at 425-587-3315. For more information about the PROS Plan, opportunities to provide input, and to sign up for updates, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/PlayItForward.
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During the month of November, extra yard waste is FREE in Kirkland! Fill your gray cart first, then put out extra leaves in paper bags or durable containers labeled "yard waste." (Up to 5 per collection day.) Plastic bags are not accepted. We appreciate your help clearing leaves from your storm drains!
For more information on how to put out your extra yard waste, visit our webpage: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Trash-Recycling-Compost
Do you have ideas on how the City of Kirkland can become safer and more accommodating to people walking, rolling and bicycling? Please make sure your voice is heard by attending our secondonline engagement event on Wednesday, November 3rd from 6 to 7 p.m.! All are welcome at this community meeting, which will be used to share the progress of this plan update and gather feedback and inform our process as we work to update our Active Transportation Plan (ATP).
The update to this plan will focus on completing connections, seeking opportunities and innovative solutions to create more comfortable and safer environments for people walking and rolling. The plan will also consider technologies that can both facilitate travel by walking and bicycling and help the City better evaluate how many people are walking and bicycling in Kirkland to inform decision-making.
You can register and join us via this zoom link. Please check out the ATP webpage and well as the Story Map we have developed for the project. You can also see a recording from the October 20th engagement event.
Additionally, comments from the community will be accepted until December 1, 2021 using the ATP Public Comment Form link on the Active Transportation Plan Update Webpage.
We hope to see you there or hear your ideas through our comment form!
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Northeast 132nd Street - Juanita
Kirkland’s Fire Station 24 contractor is planning on Monday to repave Northeast 132nd Street, between 97th Avenue Northeast and 100th Avenue Northeast. Kirtley-Cole’s crews will work from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, the contractor is continuing construction on the new fire station and many of its amenities, such as restoring the sidewalk, building a new multi-use path and installing new traffic signals. The City expects Kirtley-Cole to complete the fire station later this fall.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation24
132nd Avenue Northeast – Kingsgate
Drivers should expect major work in the road this week as Kirkland’s 132nd Square Park contractor connects a new park sewer line to the infrastructure underneath 132nd Avenue Northeast.
The contractor will attempt to maintain two travel lanes for vehicles, and bicycles will merge with vehicle traffic. If necessary for the safety of construction workers, flaggers will direct traffic through a single, alternating lane.
Road work is permitted between 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/132ndsquarepark
North Rose Hill
Northeast 120th Street
Drivers traveling Northeast 120th Street between Slater Avenue and the Lake Washington Institute of Technology may encounter intermittent construction activity as the contractor works to repair a section of the street. Major work will return in early November for the contractor to complete the surface water project.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/ne120thsurfacewater
Totem Lake
Northeast 124th Street and Totem Lake Boulevard
Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor is planning to close a short section of Northeast 124th Street and Totem Lake Boulevard between midnight and 4 a.m. on November 12.
Kraemer North America plans to close both streets near their intersection so it can move a crane from the south side of the intersection to the north side.
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 2022. 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.
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Pumpkins in the Park presented by the Kirkland Downtown Association
Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Downtown Kirkland Marina Park | 25 Lakeshore Plaza
Pumpkins in the Park is back for its second annual Halloween themed Fall Harvest Festival! The event will highlight a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carver, dog costume contest, carnival games, treats, and much more. Come dressed in your favorite costume. After the festival at Marina Park, walk into downtown for trick-or-treating at your favorite downtown Kirkland merchants.
Tickets are NOT required, capacity will be limited to 500 at a time, masks are strongly recommended.
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Join the Green Kirkland Partnership and volunteer for a fun day of environmental stewardship at South Rose Hill Park!
Sunday, October 31, 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is requested for all Green Kirkland events.
Face coverings: Please bring and wear a face covering at times when physical distancing cannot be maintained at outdoor stewardship events.
Volunteers will help restore critical habitat by removing invasive plants such as blackberry or ivy, planting native plants, and pitching-in with stewardship tasks like mulching and weeding. With your help, this park with have healthy and thriving natural areas for years to come!
All experience levels and ages are welcome following the safety and event guidelines. Tools and training are provided. Events are 100% outdoors and occur rain or shine!
For general information about what to expect at Green Kirkland events visit the ‘What to Expect Page'.
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Kirkland Health Fair & Community Vaccination Event
Saturday, November 6, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
at Juanita High School (10601 NE 132nd Street)
Please join us for the Health Fair and Community Vaccination Event hosted by the City of Kirkland. We are partnering with Public Health of Seattle/King County to provide COVID-19 vaccinations, vaccine information and education, and much more! More information to come.
In-language assistance will be available in Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Russian, and Chinese. All are welcome!
For Information Contact:
Antoinette Smith, Human Services Division
amsmith@kirklandwa.gov | 425-587-3307
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A Plant-Based Holiday Dinner
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Online event | For adults and teens
Join author and Certified Holistic Health Coach Lisa Flowers for an online cooking demo as she shows you how to create a delicious holiday dinner that will satisfy everyone at your holiday table. Hearty and scrumptious, sweet and savory, come experience Plant-Based cooking as you've never seen it before!
Sponsored by the KCLS Social and Wellness Programming Team.
For more information about this event, visit the kcls website.
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