The Kirkland City Council met on June 21, 2022, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Study Session – Station Area Plan: The Council reviewed the Planning Commission recommendations on Station Area Plan Phase 1 code amendments. The Council also received an update on the draft incentive zoning program details, which the Council provided direction to staff during its June 7, 2022 meeting. Council will consider adopting Station Area Plan Phase 1 code amendments on June 28, 2022.
Limiting Open Carry of Firearms and Other Weapons in City Buildings Used by Governing Body: The Council adopted an ordinance relating to limitations on open carry of firearms and other weapons in City buildings used by City governing bodies to conduct public meetings and hearings. The State Legislature amended state law to make it a misdemeanor crime for any person to knowingly open carry a firearm or other weapon, as defined by RCW 9.41.300(1)(b), while knowingly being in any City municipal building used in connection with the meetings of the governing body of the City, or in any location of a public meeting or hearing of the governing body of the City during the hearing or the meeting. The Kirkland Municipal Court has jurisdiction to over misdemeanor crimes committed in Kirkland. In order to prosecute a misdemeanor case in Kirkland Municipal Court, it is the City’s long-standing practice to adopt relevant state misdemeanor statutes by reference and to expressly incorporate them into the City’s criminal code.
Kirkland Native History Document: The Council adopted the Kirkland Native History Document and Land Acknowledgement Usage Guide. Throughout 2021, City staff compiled a hyper-local Native history document of present-day Kirkland in consultation with local tribal leaders and Native experts. Staff presented the draft Kirkland Native History Document at the November 16, 2021 Council meeting and solicited community feedback on the document from December 2021 through March 2022. At their December 14, 2021 meeting, the Council adopted a Local Land Acknowledgement and directed staff to return to Council after a public comment period with a final version of the Kirkland Native History Document and a Local Land Acknowledgement Usage Guide for use by City staff.
June Budget Adjustments: It is the City’s practice to amend the adopted budget at mid-year and year-end, which Council did last night. Unless there is an immediate need, budget adjustments that represent ongoing increases to current service levels are generally not included in these regular adjustments. Rather, they are included in the biennial budget development and mid-biennial budget review processes. This mid-year budget adjustment allows for appropriation increases to reflect both unanticipated revenue and to recognize new positions and programs. In addition to changes in the operating budget, these adjustments provide an opportunity to close completed capital projects.
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 July 5, 2022.
Just before 11 p.m. on June 21, 2022, Kirkland Police Officers responded to multiple 911 reports of shots fired in the Kingsgate area.
Upon arriving at a home in the 11700 block of NE 150th Place, officers discovered three juvenile victims inside, ages 17, 13 and 5. Officers applied medical care, and the victims were transported to area hospitals. The victims are in stable condition at this time.
All three juveniles were inside the residence at the time of the shooting. The suspect is believed to have fired several rounds at the residence from outside. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle and is still at large. KPD believes there is no threat to the community.
Kirkland Detectives are canvassing the area to identify witnesses, and they are processing the scene for evidence.
If any neighbors witnessed the shooting, or have video evidence of the suspect, they can email the primary case Detective Haas at AHaas@kirklandwa.gov. Case/Incident #22-21594
This is still an open investigation, so limited details are available at this time.
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The annual Celebrate Kirkland! Parade returns Monday, July 4. This year’s theme: Celebrate Kirkland, Together Again. Bring the whole family to downtown and enjoy a kids decorating event (10:30 a.m.), a kids walking parade (11:30 a.m.), and the main parade (12 p.m.). Event information, including a parade map, is available at kirklanddowntown.org.
Drivers should expect traffic delays and restricted parking due to the 4th of July Parade on Monday, July 4, 2022. The Lakeshore Plaza and Lake Street parking lots will be closed from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. The public boat launch will be closed from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. See more for a detailed list of closures.
Event goers are encouraged to carpool and plan for their parking in advance. For public parking, including the Kirkland Municipal Garage, go to www.kirklandwa.gov/parking. For bus transportation, go to http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov.
Fireworks Ban Reminder: The sale, use and discharge of private, consumer fireworks is banned in Kirkland City limits. For more information, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 425-587-3650.
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4th of July is a time of celebration, but it can also be dangerous and frightening for your pet. Even though personal fireworks are illegal in Kirkland, many pets are afraid of the excitement and noise created by neighboring public fireworks displays. Dogs and cats have extremely sharp hearing and may be sensitive to the noise, even from far away. In their panic or confusion, pets can go to great lengths to escape their enclosures, such as digging under fences or chewing through leashes. In fact, the 4th of July holiday results in the influx of more runaway and lost pets into animal shelters than any other time of year.
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Keep pets indoors on the 4th with a radio or TV on to cover the sounds of fireworks.
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Give pets access to their safe place, if they normally go to a certain room in the house or under your bed, when they are afraid.
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Try out a pet harness with an ID pouch for contact information. Compared to collars, harnesses are more difficult for scared pets to get out of. Have your pet wear one for a few days before and after the 4th.
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License your pet - If they escape out of fear, they’ll be easier for our Animal Control Officer to identify and bring back home to you
What pet owners should not do:
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Do not put your dog in a crate to prevent them from being destructive during fireworks. They'll still be afraid and could hurt themselves, even severely, while attempting to get out.
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Do not punish your dog for being afraid. Punishment will only increase fear.
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Do not try to force your dog to ‘get used to’ the sound that frightens them. For example, making them stay outside during fireworks when they want to go inside, may only make them more afraid. Providing your dog with the choice to leave a situation is one of the best ways to help them cope with their fear.
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Never use fireworks around pets (fireworks are illegal in Kirkland)! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can be dangerous. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including arsenic and other heavy metals.
So, a couple things to remember - a pet license is a free ride home for your pet if they get lost! See more information about how to License Your Pet.
And fireworks are illegal in Kirkland – lighting them off, selling them or even having them in your possession is against the law here. We suggest catching a public 4th of July fireworks show instead. Bellevue, Renton and Sammamish have fireworks displays this year.
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The City announces the hiring of Erika Mascorro as the City’s first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Manager. Mascorro’s position is intended to support the City’s various efforts around DEIB, including implementing the City’s soon-to-be-adopted DEIB 5-Year Roadmap.
“We are very excited that Erika has come on board to support the City in this critical work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone. “Having an expert like Erika on staff provides the City with the leadership and guidance we need to take serious steps to dismantle structural racism and create a Kirkland where everyone is welcome and belongs.”
Erika Mascorro will be hosting a meet and greet for the community in the near future. If you are interested in participating please contact her at emascorro@kirklandwa.gov.
To read more about Erika and what she brings to the City, visit News & Info.
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As part of the June 21, 2022, Kirkland City Council meeting, the Council adopted a Kirkland Native History Document and an associated Local Land Acknowledgement Usage Guide for use by City personnel. Both documents can be downloaded from the City’s website.
“We are grateful for the time, effort, and guidance of the Tribal leaders and other experts who collaborated with City staff on this project,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Neal Black. “The City will use this document as a reference for other policy documents, plans, and programs, and we hope it serves as a helpful reference for Kirkland residents, businesses, and visitors.”
To read the full press release, visit News & Info.
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The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently announced that the City of Kirkland received GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2020. This is the seventeenth consecutive year the City has been awarded this recognition.
“Accountability and transparency are key values of the City of Kirkland,” said Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet. “This Council, like the Councils before it, takes the responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars very seriously. We are grateful to our dedicated staff for embodying these values and are honored the City was once again recognized for this achievement.”
According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
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Kirkland Police Department’s ‘Guns for Gift Cards’ exchange is this Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kirkland Justice Center, located at 11750 NE 118th Street.
No registration is required. Proof of Kirkland residency, such as a utility bill, is required to participate. Police staff will only visually check an address to confirm Kirkland residency. Participant identity is otherwise anonymous, as personnel will not log any identifying information.
Participation is voluntary. Residents are asked to bring unloaded guns they wish to trade in for Visa gift cards and to follow these rules:
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Stay in your vehicle when you arrive at the KJC
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Gun(s) must be unloaded
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Gun(s) must be in the trunk or backseat of your vehicle, or otherwise out of reach
Depending on the type of gun(s) relinquished, participants may receive gift cards worth $25.00 to $250.00. Please note there are security cameras at the KJC for public safety.
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Kirkland Police Department is hosting a Gun Safety class - next week!
KPD Gun Safety Presentation
Kirkland Police Department, Totem Lake Room
11750 NE 118th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034
This will be an informative presentation to discuss personal firearms safety inside the home. Kirkland Police Officers will teach firearms safety and proper storage techniques. Participants will receive a complementary small personal safe and gun locks for attending.
Attendees must be 21+ years old and reside in the City of Kirkland. Space will be limited to incorporate physical distancing during the class.
Note to attendees: Please DO NOT bring personal firearms to the class, as there will be inert training aids utilized as part of the presentation.
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The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) announced the launch of the 2023 Explore Kirkland tourism grant application process, open now through Monday, August 8.
The Explore Kirkland Tourism Program grants marketing and operations funds to special events and festivals that demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from over 50 miles away and generate overnight stays. The program supports and promotes events that showcase the city’s best assets while fostering a love of Kirkland, inspiring guests to come back time and time again. The program is funded by the lodging tax collected by Kirkland hotels, motels and short-term rentals, which enables them all to share in both the costs and the benefits of tourism promotion.
Event organizers may visit the city’s Tourism Funding webpage for information on grant funding criteria and to access the 2023 online grant application. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, August 8. Questions about the tourism grant application process may be sent to Tourism Program staff at tourism@kirklandwa.gov.
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Babies, toddlers and preschoolers in King County can now get vaccinated for COVID, after the Centers for Disease Control recommended the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children 6 months and older. The recommendation includes kids who’ve already had COVID-19.
It’s the moment many parents having been waiting for, however, King County Public Health says not all vaccination sites will be ready immediately for child vaccinations, as some locations will be waiting for supplies.
Public Health expects heightened demand for child vaccines and advises parents that, just like in the early stages for adult COVID vaccines, additional vaccinations for children should be more readily available after a couple of weeks. Public Health recommends checking kingcounty.gov/vaccine for the latest updates.
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 Thank you to all those who came out to celebrate Black joy and liberation at the Eastside Honoring Juneteenth event this past Saturday at Juanita Beach Park! Special thanks to lead organizers Sheila Stanton from the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs and Nikayla Rice from Eastside Embrace, and all the guest speakers, community info booths, performers, and other organizers.
Bring a blanket or low-back chair and enjoy a FREE double feature on the City’s new GIANT 12-foot LED movie screen. No need to wait until its dark outside. Watch a movie at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays starting July 16 at Junita Beach Park North and at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, August 5 and 12 at Heritage Park. Food and snack trucks will be on site. All movies are PG-13 or under.
This summer you may notice a few more helpful folks in your parks! The City of Kirkland Parks Department has kicked off the summer season with several new seasonal park rangers. The park ranger team includes full-time park ranger Betty, retuning ranger Sara, and new rangers Taylor, Jackson, and Hunter.
The park ranger program provides customer service to park visitors to ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive experience for all park users in Kirkland’s parks and natural areas. As ambassadors for Parks and Community Services, park rangers provide education, enforcement, and safety resources around park rules, environmental hazards, and park services. Rangers spend a lot of time in busy areas like the marina and waterfront parks, but you’ll also see them walking trails in our natural areas and green spaces.
Please give them a friendly hello when you see them and be sure to reach out if you need their assistance as they are always happy to chat about our parks!
The park ranger program works in collaboration with Kirkland Parks Management, King County Marine Rescue Dive Unit, and the Kirkland Police Department.
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Totem Lake Boulevard/Cross Kirkland Corridor – Totem Lake
Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor will again close Totem Lake Boulevard for 7 hours beginning Thursday, June 23 at 10 p.m., reopening on Friday, June 24 at 5 a.m. to move the second section of the bridge span into place.
The Cross Kirkland Corridor detour between 120th Place Northeast and 128th Lane Northeast remains in place while the pedestrian and bicycle bridge is constructed.
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 can expect construction activities through Friday, June 24 to impact travel on Northeast 132nd Street between 108th Avenue Northeast and 111th Avenue Northeast as the contractor adds permanent road and crosswalk markings.
The City is building this right turn lane to increase vehicular capacity at the intersection to support effective functionality of the new Interstate 405’s Northeast 132nd Street interchange.
Northeast 124th Street – Juanita
Night construction continues 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. They have encountered a number of underground conflicts that have showed some aspects of the project.
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 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, including the removal of trees in the project area.
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 – 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.
Date: Every Evening through October 2, 2022
Location: Park Lane, Downtown Kirkland
A local favorite, Evenings on Park Lane is back and will run through October 2, 2022. The west end of Park Lane between Lake Street and Main Street will be closed to vehicles nightly from 6 to 11 p.m and open to people walking and wheeling until the Park Lane restaurants close for the night.
What an enjoyable way to stroll downtown and shop local.
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Date: Every Friday through September 30, 2022
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland 98034
The City of Kirkland is excited for the 16th season of the Juanita Friday Market. Come with your friends, or meet new ones, and enjoy shopping for delicious and nutritious foods, as well as fine wines and locally brewed craft beers. Then try one, or more, of our hot food vendors for a varied menu of offerings. We look forward to seeing you at Juanita Beach on these spring and summer Friday afternoons and evenings.
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