The Kirkland City Council met on July 19, 2022, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Study Session – Transportation Commission Workplan: The City Council reviewed and discussed the proposed 2022-2023 Transportation Commission Work Plan. The Kirkland Municipal Code defines the Commission’s mission as “to advise the public works department, city manager, and city council in leading the city’s efforts to create and maintain a transportation system that enhances the economic, social, and environmental quality of life in our city now and into the future.” Following the study session, staff will integrate any amendments requested by the Council into the Work Plan and return at a future meeting with the final version of the Work Plan for Council adoption.
Study Session – Preliminary 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program: The City Council reviewed the Preliminary 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a plan that addresses construction, repair, maintenance and acquisition of major capital facilities and equipment. The CIP is the City’s six-year funding plan for building, maintaining and improving the roads, sidewalks, public buildings, parks, and other fixed assets. Based on Council direction at the July 19 study session, staff will return to the Council study session on October 4, 2022. Final Council adoption of the CIP will occur on December 13, 2022.
Revenue Sustainability and Equity Study Final Report: The Council received the final Revenue Sustainability and Equity report from the City’s consultant and will give feedback on the revenue options proposed within the report. This feedback will be taken into consideration as part of the City Manager’s proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget.
Google Development Agreement: The City Council approved a Development Agreement between the City and Google. The Agreement supports development of a catalyst project as contemplated by the NE 85th Street Station Area Plan and its Form-based Code, adopted by the Council on June 28, 2022. This follows a study session conducted by the Council on July 6 and a public hearing conducted on July 11, 2022. Pursuant to RCW 36.70B.200, a development agreement may be approved by ordinance or resolution of the Council following such a hearing.
Reproductive Healthcare and Marriage Equality: The City Council passed by a vote of 6-1 a resolution in support of codifying comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion, and marriage equality in the Washington State and United States Constitutions.
Policy Position on Dedicating Part of Juanita Heights Park for a Public Roadway: The City Council formally expressed its policy view that it would not support a discretionary dedication of a portion of Juanita Heights Park for use as a roadway if a building permit application for a Goat Hill development were to be filed that would not be approved under the City’s current zoning code development regulations unless a new access road was also built, and requiring a portion of Juanita Heights Park for that roadway.
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 City Council meeting is on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. This meeting is rescheduled from its regular first Tuesday to Wednesday, August 3, because some Councilmembers like to attend National Night Out block parties that occur on the first Tuesday in August. The regular meeting on the third Tuesday, August 16 is cancelled for summer break. This will be the only City Council meeting in August. City Council meetings will resume as normal in September on Tuesdays, September 6 and 20.
This summer, eastside residents in Kirkland, Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Redmond have an opportunity to learn about and purchase discounted heat pump systems through Energy Smart Eastside, a multi-city energy efficiency program. Heat pumps are highly efficient heating and cooling systems that use less energy than traditional electric heating systems and can result in lower utility bills.
Someone experiencing a mental health crisis can now get immediate, capable, compassionate help - by calling the new national “988” Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Someone who calls or texts this easy-to-remember number will be connected to a trained mental health professional to get support right away and access any additional services they might need to stay safe. It’s okay to need help - and 988 will make it easier for people to get help.
For more information, see the Washington State Department of Health’s 988 webpage.
|
The first hours after a domestic violence incident can be critical for victims of domestic violence. DART volunteers provide crisis intervention and support to victims of domestic violence in the time immediately following a domestic violence incident.
The Family Violence Unit of the Kirkland Police Department (KPD) is actively recruiting compassionate volunteers to join their Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) program.
Interested applicants must demonstrate a commitment to helping victims and families who have experienced domestic violence (DV). Prior experience in social services is preferred, but not necessary.
Free crisis intervention training will be provided in October, including an orientation to KPD, DV 101, DV laws, the criminal justice system, community resources, safety planning, and the effects of domestic violence on children. Each volunteer will also participate in a patrol officer ride along. They will work both in the office and in the field.
If interested, please fill out a Volunteer Application online: Under “Interest in Volunteering” choose “Public Safety/Emergency Services” and specify “DART” in the description box.
|
The City of Kirkland celebrated the renovation of David E. Brink Park with a ribbon cutting on July 15, 2022. This waterfront park is located at 555 Lake Street South just south of downtown Kirkland.
“This shoreline renovation project increased our connection to the water with a new accessible path and pocket beaches and improved the safety for humans and young salmon with a new grated pier decking,” said Mayor Penny Sweet in prepared remarks.
There’s still time to apply for a Kirkland Tourism grant – applications are being accepted through Monday, August 8.
The Explore Kirkland Tourism Program grants can support marketing and operations for 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.
For more information on grant funding criteria and to access the 2023 online grant application, visit the City website.
Questions about the tourism grant application process may be sent to Tourism Program staff at tourism@kirklandwa.gov.
|
North Kirkland residents, try Community Ride on-demand transportation service
Do you live, work, or run errands in Finn Hill or Juanita? It is now easier than ever to get where you want, when you want with Community Ride. Community Ride operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Book trips straight from your phone for the same cost as a bus ride. Plus, take a ride before August 31 and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card from one of several local businesses! Your first ride is worth five entries and each ride after is worth one entry. Keep riding throughout the month to increase your chances to win.
|
See how your neighborhood creek measures up.
Kirkland’s Storm and Surface Water Division is excited to announce the release of the City’s first Watershed Report Cards. These report cards share the results of creek health monitoring conducted throughout 2021 and provide a visual guide to the state of Kirkland’s creeks.
The creeks, lakes, and scenic water views in Kirkland help make it a great place to live, work, and play. Maintaining healthy water quality and habitat in these waterways is essential to the quality of life for the residents, businesses, and wildlife that call Kirkland home.
See the health of your neighborhood creek and view the report cards online here.
|
King County’s Solid Waste Division has identified two sites in Kirkland and one in Woodinville as potential locations for its Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project.
As part of a long-range plan to support regional environmental goals and increase access to recycling services, King County’s Solid Waste Division will study three sites and a no-action alternative for its Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project in an environmental review process set to begin this fall.
The site alternatives that will be studied in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are:
-
A 12.9 acre-site comprised of six properties in the 15000 block of Woodinville-Redmond Rd. Northeast in Woodinville.
-
The current Houghton Transfer Station property at 11724 NE 60th St. in Kirkland.
-
The Houghton Park-and-Ride property at 7024 116th Ave. NE in Kirkland.
Starting July 1st, single family customers can have one bulky item collected curbside each year at no additional cost. Accepted items include large household appliances, mattresses, sofas, furniture, barbecue grills, and exercise equipment. Schedule pickup with WM at 425-587-0040. Note that there may be delays due to high demand for this new service. Collection of additional bulky items is also more affordable, with rates of approximately $30 to $40 per item.
This service isn't available to residents of apartments and condos, but property managers can arrange for bulky item pickup at the new reduced rates.
Residents are encouraged to donate, give away, or sell usable furniture; furniture picked up at the curb is disposed as garbage.
|
Through the end of 2022, King County Hazardous Waste Management Program is offering free safer cleaning workshops for community groups.
The workshops are free, virtual, and customized to a group’s needs. Safer Cleaning Kits will be provided while supplies last.
The presentations discuss:
-
How to identify hazardous household products
-
How to identify and buy safer alternatives
-
How to make safer cleaners
-
How to properly dispose of hazardous products
To schedule a presentation with your group, or to get more information, email workshops@triangleassociates.com or call 206-583-0655.
Totem Lake Boulevard – Totem Lake
Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor continues to close a northbound lane from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Totem Lake Boulevard until July 29.
Kraemer North America is closing Totem Lake Boulevard between Northeast 124th Street and 120th Avenue Northeast so its crews can continue making progress on the pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakeconnector
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 Northeast 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.
Visit https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-405northeast-132nd-street-interchange-project
Become a Firefighter Workshop
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2022
Register by Monday, August 15 at 5 p.m. (PST)
Attend our all-day workshop to learn more about this exciting career and let KFD cover the costs of your firefighter exams.
Kirkland Fire is encouraging people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and veterans to apply and help us better represent the communities we serve.
Saturday, July 16, 23, and 30 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (double features) at Juanita Beach Park North, 9703 Juanita Dr NE
Friday, August 5 and 12 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (double features) at Heritage Park, 111 Waverly Way
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.
|
 |
|
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.
|
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
|
