The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on April 5, 2022 – here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the agenda:

Study Session – Station Area Plan Update: City staff will present an update on the NE 85th St Station Area Plan. The Station Area Plan is the City’s way to ensure an equitable and sustainable transit-oriented community as part of the significant growth expected around the new NE 85th St / I-405 interchange that will occur in the next few years. This briefing with the Council will include discussion of the Station Area Preferred Plan Direction adopted by Council in December 2021; status updates of 2022 work to develop the plan; outlines of the documents and code amendment packages that will be included in the Station Area Plan legislative process; and timing and phasing of final plan adoption.

Potential Changes to City Council Policies & Procedures: The Council will consider possible updates to the Council's Policies and Procedures for Councilmembers to participate in Council meetings remotely. The Council might also discuss additional updates to their Policies and Procedures, including social media policies, proclamations, and potentially other topics.

Priorities to the City’s Capital Improvement Program: The Council will discuss and consider adopting various principles to guide the City’s investment in capital improvement projects over the next several years. These principles include completing capital projects from the 2021-2022 City Work Plan, completing public safety capital investments that help implement the Police and Fire Strategic Plans, and others. The guiding principles will help the City decide how to invest funds to best benefit the community while balancing increased constructions costs and staffing challenges.

Potential Change to Environmental Review for Larger Development Projects on Goat Hill: The Council will consider updating the Kirkland Municipal Code to require environmental review pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) for residential projects containing more than four units on Goat Hill. This geographically focused update is intended to ensure that larger development projects in Goat Hill are evaluated for potential environmental impacts due to ongoing concerns about vehicle and emergency access, soil and stormwater conditions, and other issues.

Meeting details:
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 April 5 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. 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.

How to watch:
Watch Kirkland City Council meetings on the City of Kirkland Facebook page, on the City YouTube channel, or streamed live on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.

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.

How can the City make our parks more accessible?

The City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services has published an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for parks and park facilities in Kirkland. This plan will help Kirkland’s parks be more accessible through guidance of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please provide feedback on this plan by April 8, 2022.

Share your considerations for a KPD body-worn camera program

The City is exploring a potential Kirkland Police Department body-worn camera program. A virtual town hall was held last week on March 23. You can review the draft policy, sign up for a follow-up focus group and provide online comment at: www.kirklandwa.gov/BodyWornCameras.

For more opportunities to provide feedback to the City, 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.

On March 27, 2022, at about 10:45 p.m., Kirkland Police responded to a report of a shooting at a home in Kingsgate near I-405 and Northeast 132nd Street. On arrival, officers found a man with a single gunshot wound. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center where he underwent surgery and remains in critical condition.

The people involved are known to each other, and there is no additional risk to the community.

Police processed the scene and interviewed several people associated with the incident. Police do not have anyone in custody at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

For the press release, visit: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/News/Kirkland-Police-Investigate-Shooting

The City of Kirkland announces a new round of funding for small businesses – the Small Business Relief Program. The program offers up to $8,000 for Kirkland’s small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many small businesses continue to struggle from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and related mandates,” says Councilmember Toby Nixon. “The goal of the Kirkland Small Business Relief Program is to help keep Kirkland’s small businesses open by granting funds to pay expenses and cover cost increases caused the COVID-19 health emergency. The City remains committed to assisting our small businesses during and beyond the pandemic, and this is one strategy to help them move from survival to recovery.”

Assistance will be targeted to very small businesses with demonstrated need. The application window opens March 31, 2022, at 8 a.m. PDT and closes on April 14, 2022, at 5 p.m. PDT. General eligibility criteria for the SBRP include:

• Business is open and intends to stay open
• Kirkland business license
• Documented revenue losses/expense increases due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Documented operating expenses during a 3-month period at least equal to the amount requested
• 1-10 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees
• Gross revenues (2019-2020) less than $2 million
• Must not have received more than $8,000 in funding from the City of Kirkland CARES Small business Relief Fund or Kirkland’s Commercial Rent Relief Program fund

Detailed eligibility requirements and application can be found at kirklandwa.gov/SBRP.

The City of Kirkland has partnered with LiveStories to administer this grant program. For questions, please email LiveStories staff at KirklandBusinessRelief@livestories.com or call 1-855-582-FWRD (3973).

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business but don't know where to begin? Startup425’s free spring “Foundations” series can help!

“Foundations” kicks off 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 5, and is meant to provide you with the basic building blocks you need to start forming the structure of your small business. “Foundations” is brought to you by Startup425, the King County Library System and SCORE Greater Seattle, a nonprofit dedicated to business mentorship. The classes are held over five consecutive Tuesdays, covering a variety of topics, each presented by local specialists and subject matter experts.

Spring Foundations 2022

• April 5: Small Business Planning with the Lean Canvas
• April 12: Understanding the Options for Financing Your Small Business
• April 19: Understanding How Marketing Can Help You Launch Your Small Business
• April 26: Managing Your Small Business Finances
• May 3: Risk Management and Cybersecurity

Classes take place 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, are free to attend, and are held over Zoom. Participants will leave the series with the skills and tools necessary to start or grow a business, including information on developing business plans and strategies, pitching to financial partners, marketing a product or service, and how to best protect your business against cyberthreats.

For more about the Foundations series, please visit the Startup425 website. Register for the April 5 class at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/305819062047

Pre-construction activities for the I-405/NE 132nd St Interchange Project in Kirkland is coming to an end. The WSDOT design-build contractor, Graham Construction, is beginning to transition into the first stage of construction work.

Want to learn the latest about this project? Register here to join the April 13 project update meeting and hear about WSDOT’s progress and what construction activities will be coming next. You can also call the project hotline at 425-224-2433 to be added to the email notification list.

For more information about the interchange project, visit the project page at WSDOT.

King County’s Solid Waste Division will award $1.8 million to innovative waste reduction projects through its new Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program. This program will support efforts that reduce waste, increase recycling, and enhance local markets for recyclable materials.

Businesses, community-based organizations, tribal governments, colleges and universities, and self-employed individuals within King County are invited to apply for $20,000 to $300,000 in grant funding for each project. Projects can be located outside of King County’s service area as long as they demonstrate an impact on King County’s solid waste stream.

The grant program is focused on two key objectives to reduce the amount of waste going to King County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill:

• Prevention and reuse: Projects that support reducing the overall amount of materials an organization or community uses or purchases; using or developing infrastructure for handling or managing reusable products and materials; and sharing or donating reusable items or materials.
• Recycling: Projects that are designed to create new markets or expand existing markets for materials currently generated in the King County solid waste system, which excludes the cities of Seattle and Milton as these cities operate separate solid waste systems.

King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its work. Because equity and social justice (ESJ) drives how the Solid Waste Division delivers public programs and services, grant proposals will need to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to King County’s ESJ principles, including how their projects advance ESJ goals.

Application deadline is Friday, May 6, 2022, at 2 p.m.

For more information, and to apply, visit the King County website.

The City of Kirkland has several exciting positions open across our organization. Now’s the time for you to find your next role doing great work with great people. Here’s a sampling of some of our open positions:

Kirkland Fire Department (KFD)
KFD is hiring 20-25 new Firefighters over the next three years. Must be at least 19 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident or have the ability to legally work in the U.S. Apply to KFD online.

Kirkland Police Department (KPD)
KPD is hiring entry level, lateral and corrections officers. KPD has three vacancies for Commissioned Police Officers and five vacancies for Corrections Officers. Entry level applicants can apply online here. Lateral applicants can apply online here.

Parks and Community Services (Seasonal, Part Time)
Make a difference in your community and join the Parks team. Kirkland Parks and Community Services offers a variety of rewarding employment opportunities including positions as Day Camp Leaders, Swim Instructors, Lifeguards, Maintenance, Harbor Master, Facility Attendants and more. For more information, current opportunities, and to apply, visit www.Kirklandwa.gov/ParksJobs.

For more employment opportunities with the City, visit our Government Jobs page.

Starting Friday, April 1, the Marina Park Boat Launch located at 25 Lakeshore Plaza will require payment. From April 1 to October 31 each year, access the Marina Park boat ramp requires a Seasonal Boat Launch Card or use of the Pay-As-You Go System.

• Ramp hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Only boats less than 24 feet can use the ramp.
• Single use boat launch access may be purchased from the kiosk on site at $10 per use.

You can purchase a 2022 Seasonal Boat Launch Card online at www.kirklandparks.net, by phone at 425-587-3330 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or in-person at City Hall in the Parks and Community Services office. Boat launch cards will be mailed to your address and can take up to a week for delivery unless picked up in person at City Hall.

Already have a card from 2020 or 2021? Don't throw it away. You can renew online, by phone, or in-person at City Hall.

Learn more about the boat launch and moorage on our website: www.kirklandwa.gov/marinaboatlaunch

Brand New! In addition to rebates, we’re excited to now offer pre-paid tree planting certificates up to $500 per property for use at participating nurseries. Unlike rebates, where you pay the upfront cost of the tree(s) while you wait for a rebate, tree certificates allow you to plant trees on your property with little to no out-of-pocket costs.

Planting trees on your property is an easy, affordable way to help the environment. Trees help prevent flooding in our neighborhoods, provide shade for our homes, and help filter pollutants to provide clean water for Lake Washington.

Learn more about tree certificates, tree rebates, and the benefits of the program at kirklandwa.gov/treerebate.

King County has two upcoming events for women and members of the BIPOC community, bilingual adults, and LGBTQIA+ community to explore a career with Emergency Medical Services and Fire.

King County Diversity and Recruitment Workshop – April 9
The King County Fire Chiefs Association will hold its second semi-annual Diversity and Recruitment Workshop on April 9 in Seattle. The one-day workshop will help potential applicants navigate the hiring process to become a firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

This workshop is open to anyone 16 or older and is geared towards recruiting members of the BIPOC community, women, bilingual adults, LGBTQIA+ or those with no prior fire service experience. For more information and to sign up for this opportunity: https://www.kingcountyfirechiefs.org/king-county-diversity-and-recruitment-workshop-event-registration/

Future Women in EMS & Fire – April 23 and 24
Come join the Kirkland Fire Department April 23-24 as we host King County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and 11 other fire agencies to provide women an opportunity to explore a career in Fire or EMS service.

It’ll be a weekend of hands-on fire and EMS activities, discussion panels, live demos and networking with EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedics in our region. Must be 18+ to apply, King County residency preferred. Apply at: https://bit.ly/KFDFWIEF by April 2, 2022. Questions? futurewomenems@kingcounty.gov.

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/.

Juanita Bay Park Tour

Date: Sunday, April 3, 2022
Location: Juanita Bay Park, 2201 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033
Times: 1 – 2 p.m.

Join Eastside Audubon Society's volunteer Park Rangers for their monthly Interpretive Tour of Juanita Bay Park. Tours start in the parking lot at 1 p.m. and occur rain or shine. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration is not required. Children aged six and above, accompanied by an adult, are welcome.

If you prefer to do a self-guided tour, interpretive signs are located throughout the park for your convenience.

For more information, including wildlife and park guides, visit the event page.

Kirkland Wine, Beer & Spirits Walk

Date: Friday, April 1, 2022
Time: General Admission 6 – 9 p.m., Early Admission 5 p.m.
Location: Check-in at Heathman Hotel, 220 Kirkland Avenue, WA 98033
Ages: 21 & Over | Cost: $25

Grab some friends and embark on a wine adventure of downtown Kirkland galleries, boutiques, and businesses. Choose from a wide selection of wines, beer, and spirits.

To buy tickets, and for more information, visit: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/7423/kirkland-wine-beer-amp-spirits-walk.

2022 Drive-In Movie Series at Juanita Beach – "Lion King"

Date: Friday, April 22, 2022
Location: Juanita Beach Park (NW parking lot) - 9703 NE Juanita Drive
Times: Movie starts at 7 p.m. (Parking lot opens at 6 p.m.)
Ages: All are welcome | Cost: $20 per vehicle

Bring along your family/friends to watch the 2019 live action "Lion King" on our new giant 12 foot LED movie screen in the comfort of your own vehicle. All ages are welcome and movies are rated PG-13 and under. Snack vendors will be on site. The event will be held rain or shine, with no refunds. Cars and trucks are acceptable, but please do not bring limos, RV's, buses, or alcohol. Please register for this event based on the size of your vehicle to help insure the best possible viewing for all. Advanced registration is required.

Register online here.

Save Our Salmon Mural Paint Day

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: SPUD Fish & Chips
Ages: All are welcome

Kirkland is getting a new mural! The Save Our Salmon Mural, featuring regional Kokanee salmon, will be painted on the 112 foot long wall of SPUD Fish & 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.

Volunteer painting spots are all full, but the community is invited to come and share in the festivities, check out the mural progress, and learn more about the SalmonWatchers program.

Read more about the project at the Save Our Salmon Mural webpage: https://www.austinsart.net/salmonmural

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:

• April 2: How to Use Mulch for a More Drought Resilient Garden, by Christina Pfeiffer
• April 9: Heavenly H Plants, by Marianne Binetti
• April 23: Let’s do Easy to Grow Plants that Beneficial Creatures Love, by Lisa Taylor
• 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/