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Table of Contents:
The Kirkland City Council’s next meeting takes place Tuesday, December 14, 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 December 14 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 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 agenda:
Study Session:
NE 85th St Station Area Plan: The City Council will be briefed on the Preferred Plan Direction for the NE 85th St Station Area Plan. The briefing will be in preparation for the Council’s consideration of Resolution R-5503, which would confirm the Preferred Plan Direction. Potential adoption of the Preferred Plan Direction R-5503 will be part of the Council’s business agenda later in the same meeting. The Preferred Plan Direction would define the extent of development that could occur as part of the Station Area Plan and has been informed by Council direction and community feedback.
Business Items:
Universal Human Rights Month Proclamation: The Mayor will proclaim December as Universal Human Rights Month in Kirkland. Celebrating Universal Human Rights Month helps to ensure that diversity, inclusion and belonging remain priorities, and that we continue to welcome diversity in its many forms and embrace opportunities to showcase diversity in our city.
2022 State Legislative Priorities: Every fall, the City Council adopts the City’s priorities for the upcoming state legislative session. At the December 14 meeting, the Council will be considering two potential amendments to the City’s 2022 State Legislative Priorities. One proposed amendment would restore "support for sunsetting the Houghton Community Council" to the 2022 priorities. The other proposed amendment would remove from the priorities support for state funding for a feasibility study and site acquisition for a Regional Crisis Triage Center sited in north King County.
Local Land Acknowledgement: The Council will consider adoption of an official local land acknowledgement. A land acknowledgement is a formal statement that pays tribute to, expresses gratitude and respect for, and helps raise awareness of the Indigenous inhabitants of the local land—past and present. Land acknowledgements are ceremonial in nature and do not carry any legal authority. The proposed local land acknowledgement under consideration was created in collaboration with representatives from the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, and Suquamish Tribes, as well as with a Lushootseed speaker and with a representative from the Chief Seattle Club.
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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 People age 12 and older are now required to show proof of vaccine or negative COVID test to enter certain large sporting/entertainment events and gyms, and to take part in indoor dining at establishments such as restaurants and bars. This health order does not require people to also show proof of ID.
Requiring people to verify their vaccination status in places where there is higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 may help contain the spread since vaccinated people are at much lower risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. COVID-19 is more likely to spread in crowded outdoor spaces and indoor settings where people are unmasked or participating in high-risk activities like yelling, singing, or aerobic activity.
Need to know the basics on King County's vaccine verification order? Check out this handy animated video and this FAQ page.
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 The City has published a draft Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 5-Year Roadmap for community review. This roadmap will help guide City actions over the next several years in a variety of program, procedures, and policies. It is a part of the work of the City’s equity consultant, who conducted an organizational equity assessment throughout 2021. The equity assessment was called for in legislation adopted by City Council in August of 2020, Resolution R-5434. R-5434 committed the City to several actions related to examining and dismantling institutional and structural racism in Kirkland and ensuring the safety and respect of Black people.
To review the draft Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 5-Year Roadmap and give feedback, please visit the City’s R-5434 webpage.
This roadmap document will be discussed and adopted by Council sometime in early 2022. Public comment on the draft roadmap will be presented to the Council for consideration.
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Drivers should expect traffic delays and restricted parking due to the 12Ks of Christmas to be held at Marina Park on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed. Course maps are available at src12ksofchristmas.com.
Roadway impacts will be in effect from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 11:30 a.m. or when the last runner passes. Additionally, the following closures will be in place:
- Lakeshore Plaza and Kirkland Avenue between the City dock and Lake Street from 5:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
- Southbound Lake Street/Lake Street S from Central Way to 7th Avenue S from 8:45 a.m.
until 9:45 a.m.
- Marina Park boat launch from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
- Kirkland Avenue between Lake Street and Main Street from 9:15 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
- Eastbound Kirkland Avenue from Main Street to 9th Street from 9:15 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
- Southbound Market Street from 13th Avenue to Central Way from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Eastbound 12th Avenue from 6th Street to 110th Avenue NE from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Northbound 110th Avenue from 12th Avenue to NE 96th Street from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- 6th Street between 12th Avenue and 10th Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Westbound 10th Avenue from 6th Street to Market Street from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Event organizers expect 1,500 athletes will participate in the race/walk which includes 5K and 12K courses. The event raises money in support of the non-profit Seattle Humane Society which promotes the human-animal bond by saving and serving pets in need.
Event goers are encouraged to carpool and plan for their parking in advance. For public parking, including the Peter Kirk Municipal Parking Garage, go to https://www.kirklandwa.gov/parking For bus transportation, go to http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/. For permit information contact, Sudie Elkayssi, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services, 425-587-3347 or selkayssi@kirklandwa.gov.
 The Kirkland Police Department invites the community to attend its first ever ‘Caroling with a Cop’ event, a holiday-themed singalong that not only provides the chance for you to hear our talented officers sing, but also welcomes donations to support our partners at The Sophia Way.
The Kirkland Police Department is excited to partner with The Sophia Way, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women on their journey from homelessness to safe and stable living. The Sophia Way operates Helen’s Place, a Kirkland-based shelter that provides temporary housing, meals, case management, shower and laundry facilities, and more. Meant to help equip the nonprofit with high-need items, the ‘Caroling with a Cop’ donation drive takes place 9 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 16, at the Kirkland Police Department. Community members are welcome to stop by for a song or two while dropping off donations to support our neighbors in need.
Suggested donations to support the nonprofit’s outreach program, which serves people living on the street or in their vehicles, include:
- boots (in all sizes)
- coats (in size 2XL and above)
- umbrellas
- laundry soap
- warm socks (new)
- hand warmers
- rain ponchos
- mini flashlights
- emergency thermal blankets
Items needed to support the residential shelter include:
- laundry soap pods
- paper towels
- dish soap
- toilet paper
- new hair brushes
- travel size toiletries
- deodorant
- non-perishable snacks, including single-serving chips and crackers, beef jerky, fruit roll-ups, tea and coffee
For more suggested donations, please visit The Sophia Place AmazonSmile Charity List.
All items are welcome, and no donation is too small. Donations are not required to come and enjoy Caroling with a Cop.
If you can’t make it on December 16, you can drop off donations at the bin positioned inside the lobby of the Kirkland Police Department, or you can donate directly to The Sophia Way. The Sophia Way donation bins at KPD will be available from December 2021 through February 2022.
The Kirkland Police Department is located at the Kirkland Justice Center, 11750 NE 118th St, Kirkland, Washington 98034.
For more information, please contact Neighborhood Resource Officer Tiffany Trombley at ttrombley@kirklandwa.gov or (425) 587-3427.
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 Join us for a COVID-safe Google Holiday Lights!
When: Dec. 8 - Jan. 1, nightly from 5 - 10 p.m.
Where: The Family Fitness and Play Area on the Cross Kirkland Corridor near the Google campus (Approximate address is 499 7th Ave S, Kirkland, WA 98033 - click here for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/kWLez)
Bring the kids and the cocoa! Google’s musical holiday light display is back in a more laid-back way at the Cross Kirkland Corridor this year after a brief hiatus in 2020. Starting Wednesday, Dec. 8, visitors will be treated to a nightly free show featuring 10,000 LED lights custom-programmed to holiday music by Google Kirkland engineers. The lights display runs from Dec. 8 - Jan. 1, nightly from 5-10 p.m. and is self-serve for COVID safety (no formal event this year). Free parking will be available in the Google surface parking lot.
Approximate address is Google Building B, 787 6th St South, Kirkland, WA 98033 - click here for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/MiKvyKLi3AiU7gQ27 and on the first level of Google Building D (451 7th Ave S, Kirkland, WA 98033 - click here for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/H75iWHAVnH2pFrZMA)
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 The City of Kirkland is served by multiple utility providers, that can vary depending on where you live. Kirkland residents may receive their water services from City of Kirkland, the Northshore Utility District, the Woodinville Water District or City of Bellevue. Sewer services are provided by either City of Kirkland or Northshore Utility District.
Knowing your utility provider can save you time in the event of a water or sewer emergency.
Please check out this map to see who provides your utilities. For more information about utilities in Kirkland, visit: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Resident/Utilities.
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 On Monday, December 6, 2021, Kirkland police officers responded to the scene of a vehicle collision with a female pedestrian in the 14400 block of 119th Place NE in Kirkland. The driver of the vehicle was backing out of a residence and struck a woman walking on the sidewalk. The female pedestrian sustained serious injuries. Emergency personnel attempted life saving measures, but the woman passed away at the location of the collision as a result of her injuries.
The Kirkland Police Collision Investigation Team has responded to conduct an investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
The Washington State Department of Transportation will construct a new on-ramp to northbound I-405 and a new off-ramp from southbound I-405 at Northeast 132nd Street in Kirkland, creating a new half-diamond interchange. This project will improve access to the Totem Lake regional growth center and surrounding neighborhoods in Kirkland. It will also provide a new route to access I-405, creating an alternative to using local streets and helping reduce pressure on heavily congested nearby interchanges. Construction is expected to begin in March 2022.
You’re invited to join an online meeting to learn more about the project, hear about the upcoming work, ask questions of the project team, and learn how to stay informed during construction. This meeting will be held online via Zoom.
Please let WSDOT know if you’re facing barriers to participation and need accommodations to participate fully in this online meeting. If requesting accommodations, please register by Dec. 6 so WSDOT may accommodate your request.
Project Webpage | 425-224-2433 | I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov.
Market Street – Moss Bay
A Kirkland contractor begins construction Nov. 30 on a pair of intersection projects identified through the Neighborhood Safety Program that will improve walking safety on Central Way and Lakeshore Plaza Drive.
NPM Construction will build a pair of ‘bulbouts’ that reduce the crossing distance from one side of Lakeshore Plaza Drive to the other. In the spring, NPM Construction will establish overhead rapid flashing beacons near Central Way’s intersection with Main Street.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/nsp
124th Avenue Northeast – North Rose Hill
Ziply is continuing to relocate fiber optic lines this week along 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th and 124th streets. Crews are working from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. this week and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After Ziply relocates its fiber optic lines, other utility operators, such as Comcast, will begin relocating their utilities through February.
The City of Kirkland is coordinating the utility relocations as part of its ambitious effort to improve the 124th Avenue Northeast corridor.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue
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 winter 2022.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakeconnector or www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakepark.
Northeast 132nd Street – Juanita
Kirkland’s Fire Station 24 contractor is planning next week to remove the old traffic signals and activate the new traffic signals on Northeast 132nd Street, between 97th and 100th avenues 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 Fire Station 24 is expected to be complete by the end of December.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation24
Northeast 120th Street – North Rose Hill
Drivers traveling Northeast 120th Street between Slater Avenue and the Lake Washington Institute of Technology may encounter minor traffic delays while the contractor works to complete the surface water project. The contractor expects to finish the project by the end of December.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/ne120thsurfacewater
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 until Spring. 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 November, 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.
Northeast 132nd Street at I-405 – Juanita/Kingsgate
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s contractor, Graham Contracting Ltd., expects to be on-site the week of Dec. 13 to prepare it for a series of land surveys.
Drivers may experience lane-shifts and potential lane-closure on Northeast 132nd Street from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The transportation department is inviting community members to join a Dec. 15 online meeting to learn more about the project, hear about the upcoming work, ask questions of the project team, and learn how to stay informed during construction. The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. Register at this link.
WSDOT expects major construction to begin in April. Ultimately, the project will build a half-diamond interchange to and from I-405. This will include a new northbound on-ramp a new southbound off-ramp and Kirkland’s first roundabouts.
Visit https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-405northeast-132nd-street-interchange-project
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Light Up Kirkland Holiday Lights!
Spread the love and cheer this year with lights, inflatables, music, and holiday decorations of all kinds. Decorate your home between November 1 through December 9 and register to be a part of the City’s Light Up Kirkland competition!
Each home registered must submit a photo of their holiday decorations (photo of the outside of your home) to Jessi Vandiver at jvandiver@kirklandwa.gov by December 9 at 5:00pm. The judging committee will review submissions on December 10. Then the committee will choose the top 10 homes to drive by and review them in person on December 14 between 5-8 PM. The top 3 winners will be announced on December 16, and winners will win a victory yard sign!
Register for FREE at https://bit.ly/3BhTpGN.
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MARKET ENDS SOON!
December 9 – 12, 2021 | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
620 Market Street
Kirkland Arts Center's Holiday Art Market is open for one more weekend! Running Thursday – Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the gallery space at 620 Market Street, this festive market features unique, handcrafted gifts and art created by local artists.
Enjoy this fantastic opportunity to find a gift for everyone on your list (and yourself!) while supporting local artists and avoiding those pesky supply-chain and shipping issues!
This holiday season, please help out our local businesses. Find a new favorite by visiting ShopLocalKirkland.com.
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Play It Forward – Virtual Meeting
December 15, 2021 | 6:30 p.m.
The City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services will be hosting a virtual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on December 15, 2021, to update the community on the Play It Forward engagement effort of the last several months. For more information and to register for this meeting, please visit the registration page.
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Holiday Giving Program
The holiday season is fast approaching and it is the time of year that there is a great need in Kirkland and the surrounding communities for food and gifts. Community members that are less fortunate or have had circumstances beyond their control rely on the giving from others to help support their needs.
From now through December 31, 2021, the Kirkland Fire Department stations will be drop points for the collection of non-perishable food and new gifts. The majority of the donations will go to Kirkland Hopelink with several other organizations receiving donations as well.
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Juanita Beach Park Christmas Tree Lot
Presented By: Kiwanis Club of Kirkland Time: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Date: Now through Dec. 24 (or until trees are all sold)
Place: Juanita Beach Park (9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland)
Price: Varies -$55-$190 depending on tree size.
The 2021 Kiwanis of Kirkland Christmas Tree lot is now open at Juanita Beach Park. Christmas trees from three feet to 12 feet will be on sale as well as wreaths, garland, and a variety of SEE's Candy. Proceeds will go towards supporting the Club, Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation, and local children's charities.
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