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The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on March 15, 2022 – here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the agenda:
Study Session – Active Transportation Plan and Vision Zero Plan: City staff will present an update to the Active Transportation Plan. This Plan focuses on projects that improves safe and accessible bicycle and pedestrian connections to activity centers, transit, parks and to the Cross Kirkland Corridor. The project list identified in the plan can be used when development occurs, to help guide the City for annual programs, or when City construction projects or other project opportunities happen. Staff will also present the Vision Zero Action Plan. Vision Zero is the goal for zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our streets. Council will provide feedback on both plans, and staff will apply changes to the draft plans based on that feedback.
Potential Changes to Special Event Regulations: City staff will update the Council on Special Events and make recommendations on potential changes to the Kirkland Municipal Code. This presentation will be the first of several discussions on potential changes associated with special events in Kirkland. Policy items that the Council may discuss include all-ages beer/wine gardens, limitations on the number of events, and athletic event registration requirements. Based on Council feedback, staff will return with additional updates for Council discussion and consideration.
Considering Adopting Tree Code Amendments: The Council will consider the final draft of the compiled amendments to Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95 (KZC 95), commonly referred to as the Tree Code. This presentation is part of a series of presentations to Council and is the culmination of the feedback provided by Council during four City Council meetings. Staff are returning with additional revisions based on Council direction from the February 15 meeting and a final draft of the proposed code.
Potential Increase of Bridle Trails Neighborhood Center to Five Stores: the Council will consider amending City codes to support mixed-use redevelopment of the Bridle Trails Neighborhood Center properties of up to five stories in height. This action was initiated by the owner of the TechCity Bowl property, who applied for a Community-Initiated Amendment Request for a zoning text amendment. This action is consistent with the policies of the Bridle Trails Neighborhood Plan chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and has been included at five Planning Commission meetings, including a public hearing at Planning Commission on Feb 15 to receive public comments on the draft amendments.
Police Use of Force Dashboard: The Council will receive the second presentation on third-party evaluation and analysis of the Kirkland Police Department’s use of force data. The City’s consultant, Police Strategies LLC, provided a detailed presentation at the Jan 18 City Council Study session explaining their methodologies to analyze and evaluate the Department’s use of force. The consultant also provided an overview of the public- facing, interactive use of force dashboard that contains data from 2016 to 2020, which was published on Jan 19 for community feedback. This second presentation at the March 15 Council meeting from Police Strategies will further explain their analysis of the Department’s use of force data.
How 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. Please note: City Council meetings will remain virtual until further notice.
How to participate:
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 highly values community involvement in our decision making. The “Community Conversations” section will highlight some of the current opportunities for Kirkland community members to get involved in decisions that affect them. Do any of these interest you? We want to hear from you!
What are the benefits and drawbacks of body-worn cameras?
Come join a community conversation on a potential Kirkland Police Department body-worn camera program on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. To register for the meeting and for more information please visit www.kirklandwa.gov/BodyWornCameras.
*Closing soon!* Have suggestions on ways to make safer, connected transportation in Kirkland?
Don’t wait – submit comments by Friday, March 11! The City is updating our Active Transportation Plan which builds on our Transportation Master Plan. The Plan seeks to improve pedestrian and bicycle networks by making them safer, better connected and a viable option for people of all-ages and abilities to walk, bike and roll. Visit the Active Transportation Plan webpage to review the Plan and submit comments by March 11.
For more opportunities to provide feedback, please visit our Community Conversations page.
Have other feedback, questions, or requests for service? You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app.
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 Masks will no longer be required indoors in King County after March 11 - with some exceptions. Public Health Seattle & King County says masks will still be required in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, prisons, on public transit and in rideshare vehicles. Businesses, schools and daycares also have the option of continuing to require masks indoors.
King County’s decision is based on decreasing hospitalization rates, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the state’s decision to end its mask mandate on the same day, March 11.
According to the CDC, King County is now classified at a ‘low COVID-19 community level,’ at which it’s recommended that people stay up to date with COVID vaccines and get tested if they have symptoms.
Lifting the indoor mask mandate does not mean the pandemic is over. People may continue to mask if they are at increased risk, are in contact with someone at high risk, out of consideration for people in public settings, or if they want to reduce their own risk for any reason.
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 The April 18 tax filing deadline is quickly approaching. Need help completing your taxes? Check out these free resources available to Kirkland residents and businesses.
United Way Tax Preparation
The United Way of King County offers three easy, free ways to file: in-person, virtually with assistance from a volunteer, and a free virtual software without assistance. For program information, including locations, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit United Way’s website at www.FreeTaxExperts.org or call 2-1-1.
OneEastide SPARK Small Business Tax Advising
For businesses in East King County that employ no more than 10 people, OneEastside SPARK offers no-cost, 1:1 advising appointments with a tax professional. The service offers a 50-minute call with a tax professional for small businesses plus a 20-minute follow up call or email. This service is in English, with Vietnamese and Korean interpretation available. This service is being offered until April 30, 2022.
For more information, and to sign up, visit https://oneeastside.org/advising/.
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 Share your love of natural spaces and parks with the Kirkland community by becoming a volunteer Steward with the Green Kirkland Partnership.
Green Kirkland Stewards are dedicated, ongoing volunteers who lead other community volunteers in restoration projects in City of Kirkland parks. Stewards bring a diversity of interests, skill, and time to Kirkland's natural areas and receive training and support from the City. We encourage all that are interested to attend part one of orientation as an informational session.
At the orientation, you’ll learn about becoming a Green Kirkland Steward and how to:
- Lead forest restoration activities in a city park or on your own property.
- Educate neighbors about forests and opportunities to keep your parks healthy.
- Join a fun team of trained volunteer leaders.
Training is a blend of online and in-person, hands-on activities and includes an overview of urban forestry, plant identification, volunteer management, invasive plant control, and restoration techniques.
This free training is open to the public, and no prior experience is required.
Details and how to register:
Follow this link to the Green Kirkland Eventbrite page to register for all three parts of New Steward Orientation.
- Part 1: Program Overview and Restoration (Online) - Tuesday, March 22nd from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Online via Zoom
- Part 2: Volunteer Management (Online) - Thursday, March 24th from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Online via Zoom
- Part 3: Field Training in Best Practices (In-person) - Saturday, March 26th from 10 a.m. – noon. City of Kirkland Park (Location TBD)
After orientation, you can apply to become a Green Kirkland Steward. Youth under age 18 can become a Steward if they are joined by an adult who completes all requirements to become a Steward and will provide onsite supervision at all activities and events hosted by the youth Steward. This program is supported by the City of Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department.
Learn more about the Steward volunteer position and the Green Kirkland Partnership at: www.greenkirkland.org.
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 Who’s excited for Spring and Summer recreation programs? Start planning now by viewing the Spring/Summer Activity Guide online and by updating or creating your registration account here.
Registration for general programs and camps begins on March 17 at 7 a.m.
Registration for aquatics programs starts on March 24 at 7 a.m.
Kirkland Parks and Community Services offers hundreds of fun and recreational programming opportunities for community members of all ages. Programs include athletic programs, adult fitness, dance, preschool activities, special interest, youth classes, performing arts, and more.
Spots fill quickly, get ready today!
Interested in seasonal employment with Kirkland Parks and Community Services? We’re hiring for Lifeguards, Day Camp Directors, Parks Maintenance, and more! For current opportunities and to apply, visit www.Kirklandwa.gov/ParksJobs.
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Do you have plans to travel? Need a passport? Plan ahead!
Passport application appointments are available at Kirkland City Hall and are currently scheduling thirty days out.
- The City processes adult (16+) and minor applications
- You can schedule an appointment either online or by phone
- The Passport Applicant Checklist on our website provides a list of documents you need to bring to your appointment
Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted. Expedited service is available for an additional fee of $60 and can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted.
For more information about the application, answers to FAQs, and to make an appointment, visit our Passport Services webpage.
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 Eastside Libraries have expanded their hours, with many libraries now open six days a week. This is part of a King County Library System effort to expand public access and provide regional seven day a week service. Check your favorite location for specific hours of operation. Read more about the expanded hours at KCLS News.
Locker pickup is now available at more locations - including the Kirkland Library - and offers a 24/7 pickup option of hold items. You’ll receive a call or email when your items are ready, and you'll have three days to pick up your items. Read more about the new lockers at KCLS News.
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 Have fun while supporting a good cause with the Save Our Salmon Mural community event.
This highly collaborative project is looking for volunteers for a Community Paint Day to be held in April. No art experience is required to participate.
The mural featuring regional Kokanee salmon will be painted on the 112 foot long wall of Spud Fish and Chips in Juanita Beach. The goal of the Save Our Salmon Mural is to raise awareness for salmon sustainability in Juanita Creek and other North Lake Washington creeks.
The project is a partnership between young artist Austin Picinich and the University of Washington’s North Lake Washington SalmonWatchers program.
Read more, and sign up for Community Paint Day information, at the Save Our Salmon Mural webpage.
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Northeast 132nd Street – Juanita
Construction to build a new right turn lane onto 108th Avenue Northeast begins the week of March 14 at 108th Avenue Northeast on Northeast 132nd Street. Removal of street trees between 108th Avenue Northeast and 109th Avenue Northeast will be the first signs of construction. The project design includes planting street trees in the new sidewalk.
Drivers will experience a lane-shift to provide area for construction activities. A pedestrian detour will direct people who are walking around the construction, and people who are riding bicycles will merge with traffic.
The City is building this right turn lane to increase vehicle capacity at the intersection to support effective functionality of the new Interstate 405/Northeast 132nd Street interchange.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-132nd-Street-108th-Ave-NE-RTL
Northeast 132nd Street – Totem Lake
Construction on Fire Station 27 has closed the parking lot that once connected Northeast 132nd and 128th streets. As such, the City is encouraging drivers to use the surrounding streets—rather than the adjacent parking lot—to reach their destinations.
The City is building a new fire station on Northeast 132nd Street to improve response times and protect firefighters’ health.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation27
Market Street – Moss Bay
All aspects of the Market Street and Central Way intersection remain open to pedestrian and vehicular traffic while a Kirkland contractor awaits the end of a labor dispute that has halted the delivery of concrete to construction projects throughout the region.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/2020nsp
Cross Kirkland Corridor – Totem Lake
Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor will maintain the detour around the Cross Kirkland Corridor between 120th Place Northeast and 128th Lane Northeast while construction on the pedestrian and bicycle bridge remains in suspension.
Maintaining the detour helps the City of Kirkland avoid the costs it would incur if it ordered Kraemer North America to restore the Cross Kirkland Corridor’s permanent route during the work-stoppage and then to re-establish the detour when work resumes.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakeconnector
Northeast 132nd Street at I-405 – Juanita/Kingsgate
Drivers may encounter single lane-closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. this week on and around Northeast 132nd Street at Interstate 405 while the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) contractor continues to prepare for the start of construction this spring.
WSDOT is building a new on-ramp for northbound Interstate 405 traffic and a new off-ramp for the interstate’s southbound traffic. The project will enhance sidewalks and bicycle lanes and will create roundabouts at the ramps’ Northeast 132nd Street intersections.
For questions about these closures, call WSDOT’s project hotline at 425-224-2433.
Visit https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-405northeast-132nd-street-interchange-project
Sixth Street – Moss Bay
Drivers can expect intermittent delays on Sixth Street, east of Kirkland Urban, while private developers prepare Sixth Street’s intersection with Fourth Street for improvements that include traffic signal upgrades and a new right turn-lane. The concrete drivers’ strike is likely to delay completion of the work.
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 the park is completed. The concrete drivers’ strike is delaying completion of the park. During that time, SRM Development will continue to 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 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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Free Gardening Classes with Cascade Water Alliance
Take a free gardening class with Cascade Water Alliance and garden smarter. Running March through April, this annual series offers classes to help you have beautiful, healthy landscapes while using water efficiently.
The list of classes include:
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March 19: Sustainable Gardening, A Better Way to Beautiful, by Peggy Campbell
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March 26: Gardening for Wildlife, by Greg Rabourn
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April 2: How to Use Mulch for a More Drought Resilient Garden, by Christina Pfeiffer
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April 9: Heavenly H Plants, by Marianne Binetti
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April 23: Let’s do Easy to Grow Plants that Beneficial Creatures Love, by Lisa Taylor
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April 30: Weeds and Water: Wisdom for Resiliency, by Jessi Bloom
The 2022 Cascade Gardener classes will be held through Zoom.
For more information, and to register, visit: https://cascadewater.org/water-efficiency/cascade-gardener/
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The Life of Peter Kirk
Date: Sunday, March 13
Location: Online Event
Times: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 and older
King County Library will be hosting an event with Saundra Middleton, author of The Pioneering Life of Peter Kirk. While conducting research for her book, Saundra Middleton found that the American perception of the man credited for starting the town of Kirkland greatly differed from how he is remembered in England. One is based on failure, the other, success. At the heart of both versions of Peter Kirk is his steel mill, Moss Bay Hematite Iron & Steel Company. Join a fascinating discussion with Saundra about "The Two Peter Kirks." Kirkland historian and author Matthew McCauley will help to moderate.
Register online at the KCLS Events page.
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