The Kirkland City Council met on May 3, 2022. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:

Study Session – Police Body Worn Camera Update: The Council received an update on the community conversation on a potential Officer Body Worn Camera program and related policies and practices. Staff will return to the May 17, 2022, Council meeting with an updated draft policy for Council’s consideration. More information about the community conversation can be found at www.kirklandwa.gov/bodyworncameras.

Public Hearing – Transportation Improvement Program: The Council held a public hearing for the proposed 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Program and adopted the program after the hearing. The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a state-mandated planning document, updated annually, listing all planned major transportation projects anticipated to be built or to compete for grant funding within the next six years.

Cross Kirkland Corridor Hours of Use: The Council expanded the hours of use on the Cross Kirkland Corridor to be 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Autonomous Delivery Devices: Autonomous Personal Delivery Devices (APDDs) are automated or remotely controlled wheeled machines designed to deliver products to customers. These machines are intended to help businesses cut costs on deliveries, reduce delivery vehicle congestion, and cut greenhouse gas emissions from delivery vehicles. The Council received a briefing on APDDs and their dispensers and provided input to staff on two potential regulation options that staff will return with for an upcoming public hearing.

Snow and Ice Program Update: The Council discussed and provided direction to staff on the City's snow and ice response program. Staff will return to a future Council meeting with options for moving forward.

Draft Active Transportation Plan: The Council reviewed the Draft Active Transportation Plan and provided feedback to staff. The Active Transportation Plan focuses on bicycle and pedestrian connections in Kirkland’s rights-of-way that connect to activity centers, transit, parks, and to the Cross Kirkland Corridor. Staff will return to a future Council meeting with a final draft plan for Council consideration.

Draft Vision Zero Action Plan: The Council reviewed the Draft Vision Zero Action Plan and provided direction to staff. As part of the 2015 Transportation Master Plan, the Council adopted a goal of eliminating all transportation-related fatal and serious injury crashes in Kirkland by 2035. This goal includes a policy to develop a “Vision Zero” safety plan that is multi-disciplinary and focuses on innovative approaches to safety. Staff will return to a future Council meeting with a final draft plan for Council consideration.

How to watch:
Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact 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.

To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.

The next regular City Council meeting is on May 17, 2022.

King County Health Through Housing Town Hall
The City of Kirkland and King County will host a virtual town hall May 9, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. on the topic of the future permanent supportive housing site at the former La Quinta Inn in Kirkland as part of King County’s Health Through Housing program. This community meeting will focus on the terms and conditions necessary to maintain City support of La Quinta Inn as a Health Through Housing site. Meeting information and registration can be found here.

Public Hearing for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan at Park Board
The Parks and Community Services Department has been gathering community input and working to update the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS). There will be a virtual Public Hearing on May 11, 2022 at 7 p.m. as part of the May Park Board meeting. Find details about the PROS plan and the public hearing at www.kirklandwa.gov/playitforward.

Want to keep up with what’s going on in the City?
There’s an eNewsletter for that! Browse our list of topics and subscribe to have updates delivered straight to your Inbox. Want to know what recycling events are coming up? ‘Kirkland Recycle Alerts’ is the newsletter for you. Are you a business owner? ‘Kirkland Biz News’ has you covered. Interested in what’s being built around the City? Choose updates from ‘Public Infrastructure Improvements.’

How can I contact the City with questions, requests, or suggestions?
You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app. Submitting your comments through Our Kirkland ensures the right staff receives the information and is able to follow up with you.

For more opportunities to provide feedback to the City, please visit our Community Conversations page.

Kirkland has been voted Best City of 425. This recognition is part of 425 Magazine’s annual poll of online readers that yielded over 30,000 votes from across the region. This is the sixth time that Kirkland has been voted the best city in the 12 years that the magazine has been running the annual contest.

“It’s a tremendous honor for Kirkland to receive this recognition,” said Councilmember Neal Black. “Our community makes Kirkland the extraordinary place that it is. To our amazing businesses, our dedicated volunteers, and everyone who lives, works, and plays here: thank you for helping Kirkland shine.”

Best of 425 voting was open to anyone wishing to choose their Eastside favorites from a broad list of categories including arts, entertainment, businesses, services, fashion, retail, food, drink, and more. The full list of winners will appear in the May 2022 issue of 425 Magazine.

The Kirkland City Council shared their gratitude in a short video.

Kirkland previously won the Best City of 425 award in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019. Additionally, Kirkland has been the recipient of several other regional and national awards over the years. In the last year alone, the City has received the following awards:

• The Governor’s Smart Community’s Award for the Village at Totem Lake
• The Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service for Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett
• Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the City’s 2021-2022 Budget
• One of the top-ranking cities for digital innovation by the Center for Digital Government
• ESRI’s 2021 Special Achievement Award for the City’s geographic information system technology
• 2021 Project of the Year Award from the Washington Chapter of the American Public Works Association for the Juanita Beach Park Bathhouse.

To learn more about Best of 425, visit https://www.425magazine.com/site/bestof425.html.

Save the Date!

Station Area Plan Open House: May 18, 2022 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)*

The Open House will be an opportunity for community members to learn more about the documents that will set the policies and development standards for future growth in the Station Area. At the Open House, the project team will introduce the following documents being considered for adoption later this spring:

• Station Area Plan
• Comprehensive Plan Amendments
• Form-based Code and Zoning Amendments (Phase 1)
• Design Guidelines

After the Open House, community members will have a guide to help review the draft documents and will understand how to participate in the adoption process by providing comments at the Planning Commission public hearing in June.

For more information, visit the project webpage at www.kirklandwa.gov/stationareaplan.

*Sign up for Station Area Plan email updates to receive a Zoom meeting link before the Open House.

Drivers should expect traffic delays and restricted parking due to the annual Mother’s Day Half and 5K to be held at Juanita Beach Park on Sunday, May 8, 2022. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed. Course maps are available at https://orcarunning.com/mothers-day-half/.

Roadway impacts will be in effect from 7:15 a.m. until approximately 11:30 a.m. or when the last runner passes. Additionally, the following closures will be in place:

• Juanita Beach Park parking lot
• Eastbound Juanita Drive between 93rd Avenue NE and 98th Avenue NE (detour in place)
• Southbound Lakeshore Plaza between Central Way and Kirkland Avenue

Event organizers expect 1,000 athletes will participate in the race/walk which includes 12K, 5K and Kids Dash courses. The event raises money in support of the non-profit Girls on the Run Puget Sound which inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Event goers are encouraged to carpool and plan for their parking in advance. For public parking, 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.

Being prepared for an emergency takes practice. That’s why our Public Works Spill Prevention and Response crews recently hosted a Regional Spill Response Training exercise for 10 other agencies at Marina Park in downtown Kirkland to prepare for an environmental spill. City staff from our Parks and Community Service, Police, and Fire Departments also participated.

The training was an opportunity for regional spill responders to meet each other in person and:

• Identify the best way to communicate and notify counterparts during environmental incidents
• Understand how they can lean on each other and ask for assistance during an incident
• Practice their response to a mock spill

Crews also learned about response tools and equipment including Kirkland’s spill equipment trailer, our Storm Crew Spill Truck (for land response) and the City’s new Spill Shed at Marina Park, which holds land and water spill gear and is close to the water for faster response.

Kirkland was joined by crews from the cities of Bellevue, Bothell, Kenmore, Redmond, Sammamish, and Woodinville, and also from Northshore Fire, Eastside Fire, the King County Sheriff’s Office and the State Department of Ecology.

See more information about the City’s Spill Prevention and Response.

Kirkland Police Department (KPD) has received the ‘Seven Seals Award’ in recognition of the Department’s extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard. The award was presented by the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program.

The award was accepted by KPD Chief Cherie Harris. “I personally feel very lucky to work here with this amazing group of men and women,” said Chief Harris. “They truly care about the community and support each other, especially members of the military.”

KPD was nominated by Washington National Guardsman Captain Jacob DesCamp, who is also a KPD patrol officer. “In a time where police departments nationwide are suffering from staffing shortages, KPD continues to employ and support service members who have to balance their obligations both to the military and the department,” said DesCamp.

The Seven Seals Award is given in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiatives, or support that promote and support the ESGR mission. The award is symbolic of the seven services: Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve.

See more information about the Kirkland Police Department or Seven Seals Award program.

It’ll only happen twice this year – new Kirkland Police Officers being sworn in at the Kirkland Justice Center.

At KPD’s ceremony in April, Officer Kielan Kelly was the newest commissioned officer to be sworn in by Police Chief Cherie Harris.

The ceremony is not just to instate new officers – it’s also a time to swear in non-commissioned staff, show appreciation for current staff for their years of service, and recognize those who’ve received promotions.

Deputy Chief Todd Aksdal was honored for his 25 years with KPD.

Corporal Caleb Gore and Sergeant Ian Ouimet were among those who received promotions, and their family members came to show their support.

Also honored at the ceremony:

• Non-commissioned staff sworn in: Chloe Roberts, Juan Carlos Diaz, Nathan Van Dick
• Recognized for 5 years of service: Adam Lasker, Stephan C. Thomsson, Michael Miele
• Recognized for 15 years of service: Christelle Lentz, Gregory Spak
• Received promotions: Lt Troy Knafla, Sgt Cody Mann, Sgt Brian Frankeberger, Cpl Pete Lawrence,
  Cpl Todd Slade

The KPD Swearing In Ceremony is a proud tradition to recognize the oath that our officers and staff take to uphold the law and the Constitution. The next ceremony will be in October.
See more about Kirkland Police Department.

Bring the whole family to our ‘Taste of the World’ event, a multi-cultural experience celebrating our community’s diverse heritage with multiple food trucks featuring world flavors, an international bazaar with artisan craft and food vendors, live cultural music and dance, photo stations, and a “small world” for children with global crafts and games.

The event will be May 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Juanita Beach Park. For more information, visit the event page.

King County’s Houghton Transfer Station in Kirkland has been in service for over 50 years, has outlived its useful life, and needs to be replaced. King County is currently evaluating sites to build a new recycling and transfer station that will serve northeast King County for the next several decades.

When it opens, the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station will be fully enclosed to control noise and odors and have features and services that support King County’s climate readiness and environmental protection goals. It will also offer expanded recycling services not currently available at the outdated Houghton station and make waste disposal quicker, easier, and more convenient.

Learn more about the project at two upcoming virtual meetings:

Public Open House and Information Session May 12, 2022, 6:30-8:30 p.m., via Zoom

Where are the sites that King County is considering? How will King County choose the final site? What’s the project timeline? Learn more about the project, meet the project team, and get your questions answered by joining the public open house.

Spanish and Mandarin interpreters will be provided. Accommodations for people with disabilities and additional in-language interpretive services will be available when requested a week in advance by calling 206-477-4466 or 711 TTY Relay.

Siting Advisory Group Meeting #8 – May 19, 2022, 6:00-8:30 p.m., via Zoom

In fall 2020, King County gathered an advisory group of 25 people to represent the interests of residents, communities, and businesses in Kirkland, Woodinville, and Redmond in the siting process. The advisory group has provided input at many points since then. The public is welcome to join this virtual meeting, provide comments for the group to consider, and watch the advisory group do its work.

Get meeting details at the King County website.

May is Bike Everywhere Month and is a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors, engage in physical activity, and travel environmentally friendly. The best way to celebrate Bike Everywhere Month is to get on a bike and ride to work, to one of our amazing Kirkland businesses, or to one of our scenic waterfront areas like Marina Park or Juanita Beach. For more information about biking in Kirkland, visit our Biking webpage.

Bike Everywhere Day is May 20 and the City will have ‘celebration stations’ at Marina Park and Evergreen Point Park & Ride / 520 Trail. City staff and volunteers will distribute giveaways and cheer on people riding bicycles. All are encouraged to come out and join the fun!

Interested in hosting your own celebration station? Visit Cascade Bicycle Club to find out how.

At the Council meeting on May 3, the Mayor proclaimed May as Bike Everywhere Month. The City is committed to building and sustaining a thriving community by creating a livable, walkable, vibrant, accessible, and sustainable Kirkland for all residents. Bike-friendly communities have been shown to improve residents’ health, well-being, and quality of life. They also serve to grow the economy, improve traffic safety, and reduce pollution and congestion.

This month also serves as public awareness of bicycle operation and safety. Be careful on the road and mind your bicycling neighbors. Thanks for helping keep our community safe!

The City Council adopted a new Tree Code that takes effect on May 13, 2022. The new Tree Code includes City-wide updates to regulations for both homeowners wanting to remove trees and also tree retention standards for development. These amendments aim to achieve the main objectives identified by City Council, which include reaching the City’s 40-percent canopy cover goal, providing more flexibility to homeowners, and creating a code that is more predictable for developers while at the same time slowing canopy loss.

For an overview of key code amendments, please refer to the following guides:

• Summary of Private Property Related Tree Regulations
• Summary of Development Related Tree Regulations

To review a complete version of the new Tree Code, please see O-4786.

How to Learn More
Additional information on the new Tree Code will be uploaded to the City Website soon. Visit Kirklandwa.gov/trees on May 13 for more information. Contact Katie Hogan at khogan@kirklandwa.gov if you have any questions.

The City of Kirkland is looking for great people! Come find meaningful work with excellent benefits. Some of our open positions include:

Parks and Community Services
Our Parks Department is looking for fun people for a variety of summer jobs! Especially: Swim Team Coaches, Water Safety Instructors, Lifeguards and Swim Instructors. See our other open Parks positions including instructors for our Teen Programs, Nature Camp and Day Camp.

Human Services Coordinator
The Human Services Coordinators plans and implements City human services including behavioral health, physical and emotional wellbeing, abuse and violence prevention, homeless services, affordable housing, and equity and social justice. They work closely with community organizations, non-profit service providers, and serve as a city liaison with the community.
Salary $80,745 to $94,972. See the job posting for Human Services Coordinator.

Deputy Fire Chief for KFD
Kirkland Fire Department seeks a skilled leader with excellent communication skills and experience in incident command, code enforcement and conflict resolution for a staff of 109. The ideal candidate will demonstrate staff support, local bargaining unit leadership and strong management skills such as timely and informed decisions, assignment delegation, and maintaining accountability. Salary: $138,444 to $180,638 + excellent benefits package. See details at Kirkland Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief.

Parking Enforcement Officer
Enforces parking laws in the City including, but not limited to: overtime parking in timed zones, parking laws in loading zones, crosswalks and permit only zones. Good public relations and communication skills a must, enjoy working as an ambassador for the City, acting as Liaison between the Department and downtown business and community members over parking issues. Ability to deal with hostility calmly and professionally. Often asked for directions. See more info or apply for Parking Enforcement Officer.

For more open positions, please visit the City’s recruitment webpage.

Recycling Collection Event

Date: Saturday, May 14
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (sharp)
Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (south parking lot), 11605 132nd Ave NE

Recycle tricky items at our Spring Recycling Collection Event! Some items are free while others have a pass-through charge to recycle. Items accepted for a fee include white block Styrofoam, mattresses, fridges and air conditioners. Free-to-recycle items include scrap wood and logs, appliances, electronic peripherals and more! See event details including fees and accepted items.

Hazardous Wastemobile

Date: Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Fred Meyer Parking Lot, 12221 120th Ave NE Kirkland

Dispose of common household hazardous materials at no cost at this drive-through event in Kirkland. The Wastemobile holds one collection event in Kirkland each year, and this year will be set up at the Kirkland Fred Meyer.

Here are some tips:

• Keep products in their original containers whenever possible. Label products that are not marked.
• Don’t mix or combine products.
• Secure products so they won’t tip or leak.
• Don’t transport products in the passenger compartment of your vehicle. Cover and tie down items in truck beds.
• Please stay in your vehicle - staff will remove items from your trunk or back seat.

Check out the King County Hazardous Waste program for more details and what to bring.

The All Electric Home Webinar
Date: Wednesday, May 11
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual

Switching from natural gas to electric heat pumps for heating your home can dramatically reduce your personal carbon emissions, improve your comfort and indoor air quality and reduce utility bills.

Join the King County Library System for this online event on May 11. Find out how to electrify your home, what you should know about modern high efficiency electric solutions and how they compare to gas appliances. There will be a special emphasis on ductless and ducted heat pumps.

Electrify Now is a volunteer organization focused on accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy by empowering homeowners to embrace the advantages of electrification.

Class information and registration link.

For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up to date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events.

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