The next regular meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on June 7, 2022. More information about the meeting will be included in next week’s edition of ‘This Week in Kirkland.’
|
In observance of Memorial Day, City administrative offices are closed on Monday, May 30. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal and over the phone will resume 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 31.
Memorial Day is observed as a federal holiday to recognize and honor those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Military. Join us as we contemplate and remember, with gratitude and reverence, the heroes who sacrificed in service to our country.
|
Small Group Meetings on Permanent Supportive Housing in Kirkland
Small group meetings are underway on the topic of permanent supportive housing at the former La Quinta Inn in Kirkland. These small group meetings will focus on the terms and conditions necessary to maintain City support of La Quinta Inn as a Health Through Housing site. These will be an opportunity to ask questions, offer ideas, and talk more about the project. The feedback from the community will inform upcoming implementation decisions, including a safety plan, referral process for tenants, and ongoing community communication. There are still some slots available - for more information, visit the Health Through Housing in Kirkland webpage.
What Should We Call the Station Area? And Other Ways to Participate in the Decision Process for this Plan
For the last two years, the City has been drafting a plan to take advantage of the once-in-a-generation investment by WSDOT and Sound Transit to construct a bus rapid transit station at a new I-405 and NE 85th St interchange. We’ve been working hard to ensure affordable housing, parks and open space, and bike and walking connections will accompany the anticipated development in the area. We have been referring to our plan as the “Station Area Plan,” but the City is interested in a different name that embodies the identified vision for the district. What do you think it should be called? Visit the quick online poll and let us know.
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.
|
Members of the Kirkland City Council joined King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember Rod Demobowski, members of the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance, and staff from King County Parks in celebrating the purchase of a 7-acre parcel to help connect the Green Loop. The Green Loop is intended to be a corridor of parks, open spaces, pedestrian trails, wildlife corridors, and natural areas that circles the Finn Hill neighborhood. The Green Loop is identified in the Finn Hill Neighborhood Plan, and drafting of a Green Loop Master Plan is anticipated to start in 2023.
The purchase of the 7-acre parcel provides one more connecting point for the Green Loop, bringing the vision one step closer to completion. Funding for the purchase was made possible by the King County Parks Levy.
|
The City of Kirkland announces the return of “Evenings on Park Lane,” starting Thursday, May 26, 2022 and running through Sunday, October 2, 2022. This initiative is meant to expand outdoor capacity for businesses and increase foot traffic in the downtown core by closing the west end of Park Lane to vehicles nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. ‘Parklets’ and ‘Streateries’ – which were permitted under the City Manager’s COVID 19 emergency order – will not be a feature of Evenings on Park Lane this summer.
The nightly closure happens on Park Lane between Lake Street and Main Street. Like last year, the street will be open to people walking and wheeling every evening from 6 p.m. until the Park Lane restaurants close for the night. Once the restaurants close, the street will be reopened to normal traffic flow. Signs indicating that the street is closed to vehicles will be positioned at each end of the block and there will be parking signs to inform Park Lane visitors of the closures.
|
A new Bus Rapid Transit station is coming to Kirkland at I-405 and NE 85th St, and the City of Kirkland is developing a Station Area Plan to consider how to make the most of this regional investment and proactively plan for growth in this area over the next 20+ years. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on June 9 to hear public testimony on Phase 1 of Station Area Plan draft documents.
Visit City Hall to view the Station Area display in the north lobby.
-
Missed the May 18 Community Open House? Visit the project webpage to view a recording of the meeting, see the presentation slides, and read the Q&A from the live session.
-
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/stationareaplan to learn more about the plan and how to participate in the June 9 public hearing to let the Planning Commission know your opinions about the Station Area Plan.
|
Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals, and it only takes a thief a few minutes to steal one from a parked car, before turning around and selling it to a scrap metal yard. These thefts can cost vehicle owners thousands of dollars to replace.
Etching a vehicle identification number (VIN) onto a catalytic converter can make it harder for thieves to sell and easier to identify and recover for vehicle owners.
The KPD-LWTech Etching Event will be:
Etching your VIN number on your catalytic converter is just one thing vehicle owners can do to try and deter thieves and protect their property.
|
 |
Kirkland City Councilmembers joined Governor Jay Inslee, Deputy Transportation Secretary Amy Scarton, and EvergreenHealth Medical Center CEO Dr. Jeff Tomlin on May 16 to formally break ground on the I-405/NE 132nd Street Interchange Project.
This major freeway project adds a northbound on-ramp, a southbound off-ramp and two roundabouts on NE 132nd St in Totem Lake. The first phase of traffic control changes was put into place last weekend and will stay that way for drivers until fall.
“Kirkland is looking forward to the benefits that this project will bring to those who live and work in the area,” said Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold during the groundbreaking ceremony. Deputy Mayor Arnold represents Kirkland on the I-405/SR 167 Executive Advisory Group.
Drivers can expect to start using the new interchange in November 2023.
The City is looking for volunteers to participate in the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) “Adopt-A-Highway” program.
The City is partnering with the WSDOT to perform litter pickups in Kirkland along I-405 and State Route (SR) 520. WSDOT relies on the Department of Ecology (DOE) Summer Youth crews to remove litter, but due to Covid-19, DOE litter operations have been severely limited.
What does it mean to volunteer through WSDOT’s “Adopt-A-Highway” program? WSDOT supplies litter bags, pickers, hard hats, safety vests, cones, and road work signs to all volunteers. They prefer groups between 2-6 people, and do not allow volunteers in the medians. Once the segments of I-405 and SR520 have been determined safe for volunteers, WSDOT creates an agreement for litter picking, sends the needed paperwork as well as a link to a required safety video, and then you’re off to the clean-up!
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in helping clean up Kirkland’s segments of I-405 and SR520 and want to participate in a litter pick up event, please respond via email to Frank O’Neal at ONealFA@wsdot.wa.gov – Frank is WSDOT’s “Adopt-A-Highway" coordinator for the Kirkland area.
|
Get an extra $50 for Memorial Day! Skip the high costs of gas prices for out-of-town travel. Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to play tourist in your own backyard, especially when you get extra cash to spend during your stay!
Book a Kirkland hotel through KirklandCash.com and you will receive $50/night and a bonus $50 when you stay before June 5th. Visit KirklandCash.com to book today. |
|
 |
BBQ season is here, and safety is key to enjoying grilling season. Kirkland Fire Department responds to several fires every year started by BBQ grills. 1 out of 5 grill fires is due to lack of cleaning the grill, and most injuries from grill fires are thermal burns. Whether you choose to grill with propane, wood chips, pellets, or good old-fashioned charcoal, here are some grilling safety tips to keep in mind this holiday weekend and throughout summer:
|
- Only use a grill outside and away from home, deck railing, eves and hanging trees
- Never bring propane tanks inside your home
- Remove grease buildup from the grill and tray before and after every use
- Open the grill before lighting
- Check the gas hose for leaks before the first seasonal use by applying a light soap and water solution along the hose - gas leaks will form bubbles on the hose
- If using starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid
- Dispose of charcoal in a metal container only after completely cooled
In Kirkland, both charcoal and propane grills are allowed on the decks of apartments and condos, but individual complexes and homeowner’s associations may have their own rules. Be sure to check with your property first.
See more info about the Fire Prevention Bureau within the Kirkland Fire Department.
It’s finally warm out – bringing up a couple of good reminders for pet owners. The first is that even mild temperatures can make a vehicle feel like an oven for a pet stuck inside a car.
This is a message worth repeating every year when the spring sun comes out: don’t leave your pet inside your vehicle, even for a few minutes.
“Even 70 degree days are not safe for pets in cars,” says Kirkland Animal Control Officer Hunter Woldseth. “In ten minutes, the inside temperature can reach 89 degrees. And parking in the shade or leaving the windows open has almost no effect on how hot it is inside the car.”
Officer Woldseth says any animal left in a vehicle or confined space must have water available, according to state law. It is a violation to leave any animal alone inside a locked car if that animal can be harmed or killed because of excessive heat, cold, or not enough air or water.
The second reminder for pet owners enjoying springtime weather: license your pet! You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if they ever get lost and are licensed, they’ll get a free ride home if found by Officer Woldseth.
In Kirkland, all dogs and cats twelve weeks and older owned by residents must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Licenses expire after one year and must be renewed on or before the date of expiration. License Your Pet today.
So, enjoy the warm weather, but keep your fur babies at home if bringing them means they stay in the car for any length of time. And get your furry loved ones licensed in case they ever wander off – they’ll get a free ride home!
|
The Kirkland Wednesday Market is looking for volunteers to help with this upcoming season. There are many shifts and opportunities for volunteers to get involved. If you have an interest in food, sustainability, and connecting with your community, we’d love to have your help. Wherever your skills, talents, and interests are, the Kirkland Wednesday Market team would enjoy and appreciate your help.
When: Join us every Wednesday, starting June 1 to Sep 28, 2022 from 3 - 7 p.m.
Where: The market will be back at Marina Park. 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033.
If you are interested in volunteering, click here to apply today. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to reach out info@kirklandmarket.org for more details.
We hope to see you there.
|
The City of Kirkland is looking for great people! Come join an amazing team doing meaningful work.
Corrections Officer – Experienced (Lateral)
Kirkland Corrections is looking for experienced Corrections Officers to work in the City jail. Duties include: performing all custody functions of a detention facility, transporting inmates and security for Kirkland Municipal Court. Must be 21, have high school diploma or GED, excellent interpersonal skills, 20/20 corrected vision and pass the Physical Fitness and Abilities Test. Apply for the position of Lateral Corrections Officer.
Police Officer – Experienced (Lateral)
Bring your experience as a Police Officer to Kirkland Police Department – interacting with the community, keeping public peace, protecting people and property, preventing crime, taking law breakers into custody and enforcing the laws of the City of Kirkland and the State of Washington. Also conducts investigations, interviews witnesses and victims of crimes, prepares reports and testifies in court. New Lateral Police Officers will receive a $16,000 hiring bonus! Apply for Lateral Police Officer.
Public Disclosure Analyst
This position manages public disclosure duties for Kirkland Police Department. Point of contact for all law enforcement public record requests, ensuring all requested records meet city codes and state and federal laws. Works with complex and highly confidential records. If you have initiative, discretion, strict attention to detail and high accuracy, you should apply for KPD’s position of Public Disclosure Analyst.
Streets and Public Grounds Manager
Public Works is looking for a leader to manage maintenance of the City’s infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, curbs/gutters, ADA ramps, street trees, medians, and trails, as well as snow and ice removal. This person will also be responsible for personnel management, financial administration, long-range strategic planning and employee development. Apply for Streets and Public Grounds Manager.
|
Kirkland’s Neighborhood Safety Program contractor continues traffic control at Central Way’s intersection with Main Street this week, where its workers are installing a set of rapid flashing beacons.
Northeast 132nd Street – Juanita
Drivers will encounter travel disruptions this week on Northeast 132nd Street between Juanita High School and 111th Avenue Northeast as the contractor paves the street and new right turn lane. Work is expected to occur on Wednesday, May 25 and Friday, May 27. Friday’s work will involve a lane closure, alternating directions of travel.
The City is building this right turn lane to increase vehicular capacity at the intersection to support effective functionality of the new Interstate 405 interchange at Northeast 132nd Street. Major work on this project will be finished this week.
Northeast 124th Street – Juanita
Drivers will continue to encounter construction overnight on 116th Avenue Northeast at Northeast 124th Street, where a Kirkland project to improve traffic flow at the intersection is in process.
Interwest Construction is working from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday to create a new southbound right-turn lane from 116th Avenue Northeast onto Northeast 124th Street.
The contractor is also building a wide sidewalk with street trees and street lighting along the northwest side of 116th Avenue Northeast.
Northeast 132nd Street at I-405 – Juanita/Kingsgate
Drivers will encounter the traffic control that will be in place into fall as the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) contractor begins the first phase of major construction.
Travel lanes on NE 132nd Street have shifted south, and left turns are prohibited except onto Totem Lake Boulevard for drivers traveling westbound and into Woodlake Apartments for drivers traveling eastbound.
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 intersection.
For questions about this traffic control or this project, call WSDOT’s project hotline at 425-224-2433.
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.
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.
This June, the Kirkland Wednesday Market and the Juanita Friday Market will return. Come out and support the local economy while enjoying farm fresh produce, flowers, breads and baked goods, food trucks, wineries, artists and more!
Kirkland Wednesday Market is every Wednesday from June 1 to September 28 from 3 - 7 p.m. at Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland 98033.
Juanita Friday Market is every Friday from June 3 to September 30 from 3 - 7 p.m. at Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland 98034.
Stewardship Events with Green Kirkland Partnership
Join Green Kirkland Partnership and help our parks and natural areas thrive. 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.
All experience levels and ages are welcome following the safety and event. Tools and training are provided. Events are 100% outdoors and occur rain or shine!
Summer Gardening – Keep It Growing! (online)
Believe it or not, summer is just around the corner! Join us for a FREE online class all about summer garden care. A Garden Hotline expert will discuss tips and techniques for keeping your garden healthy and looking great through the hot, dry summer months.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
|
