The next regular meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. This will be a hybrid meeting, and community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom. Limited socially distant seating will be available in the Council Chamber, as well as some limited overflow seating.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda for the October 18 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
Business License Fees – The City Council will consider updating the Business License Code to increase the annual gross receipts threshold exemption from $12,000 to $20,000 and changing the fee from $105 to $130, effective January 1, 2023.
Proposed 2023-2024 Utility Rates – The City Council will consider adopting 2023 and 2024 rates for the Solid Waste, Water, Sewer, and Surface Water utilities.
Proposed Draft 2023 State Legislative Priorities – The City Council will review Proposed Draft 2023 State Legislative Priorities and provide comments to staff. Based on Council direction, staff will bring back final State Legislative Priorities for potential adoption at the November 1, 2022, Council meeting.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
Study Session: Parks Special Event Program Updates - The City Council will provide feedback on proposed changes to the Parks Special Event program, including changes to the fee structure and updates to the Kirkland Municipal Code.
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.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in-person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
2023-2024 Budget Public Hearings
The first of three scheduled public hearings on the 2023-2024 budget was on October 4. The second and third public hearings are scheduled to be held on November 1 and 15. These public hearings and other feedback from the community over the coming months will help inform the City Council’s adoption of its 2023-2024 budget at the December 13, 2022, Council meeting. For more information on the City’s budget process and ways to provide feedback, please visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/budget
Open House, Presentation, and Q&A on the Station Area Plan Form-based Code on Oct 24
The City is currently developing draft code amendments for Phase 2 of the Station Area Plan. There will be multiple ways for the community to learn more about the draft Form-based Code for Phase 2, provide input, and prepare to participate in a public hearing with the Planning Commission. Two upcoming opportunities include:
October 24, 2022 - Open House @ City Hall (123 5th Ave) - 1 to 5 p.m.: Drop in anytime during the Open House to view information about the adopted Station Area Plan and draft Form-based Code. Staff will be available to answer questions.
October 24, 2022 - Phase 2 Form-based Code Presentation and Question & Answer Session - 6 to 8 p.m.: Join us in-person at City Hall (123 5th Ave), or virtually, to take part in a hybrid meeting and learn more about the draft Form-based Code. The project team will be making a short presentation, followed by an opportunity for all attendees to ask questions. The session will be recorded and available if you can't join us live. October 24 Virtual Meeting Link.
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Small Group Meeting on Accelerating Safety Projects and Adding a Trees & Medians Maintenance Team through a $20 Car Tab
On Oct 20, the City of Kirkland will host a small group meeting on accelerating safety projects and improving medians through a Transportation Benefit District. This small group meeting will focus on the 45 priority projects and the trees and median maintenance team that would be funded by a $20 car tab fee. It will be an opportunity to ask questions, offer ideas, and talk more about the proposal. The feedback from the community will inform the City Council’s consideration of enacting a $20 car tab fee as part of the budget process.
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.
The City of Kirkland is inviting community members to participate in shaping Kirkland’s services and programs during the 2023-2024 City budget process. The City Council is seeking input from the community throughout Fall 2022 while they develop the budget for the next two years. Tell the City what matters most to you by participating in our online budget simulation.
In video four of our series, Councilmember Kelli Curtis talks about how keeping Kirkland’s parks beautiful and accessible to all fits into the overall City budget.
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In our fifth video, Councilmember Amy Falcone shares how the City helps people with food, housing, behavioral and mental health, older adult services, youth and family services, and much more. |
With the start of autumn and long-range weather forecasts predicting more rain than usual, it’s more important than ever to keep Kirkland’s stormwater drainage system flowing freely.
“Kirkland’s stormwater system is designed to hold and carry water during storms to prevent flooding,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone. “However, heavy storms may exceed the system’s capacity and some flooding may occur. City crews work hard to keep storm drains clear of leaves, but with over 15,000 drains in Kirkland, we could use your help."
Read more for tips and resources.
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The City is pleased to announce Chris Gavigan as our new Public Works Maintenance Superintendent. As Superintendent, Gavigan will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Public Works Maintenance Center, which includes Streets and Grounds, Transportation’s Signs and Signal Shops, Water and Wastewater Utility, Surface Water Utility Operations, and Fleet.
Gavigan comes to Kirkland with over 24 years of experience in operations and maintenance management ranging from Superintendent of a concrete batch plant and aggregate mining operation to operations management at King County Solid Waste and King County Fleet Services. In addition to his experience, the Public Works team is excited about Gavigan's dedication to continuous improvement, innovation, and to growing, developing, and mentoring individuals to succeed.
Chris said he chose to come to Kirkland as he had some connections here and really liked the family type atmosphere and culture that is in City of Kirkland Public Works. Gavigan says he’s excited for the opportunity to join Public Works and be a leader of that team and a key part of the PW family.
When not at work, Chris enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He really enjoys the outdoors, officiating sports, building and constructing and running equipment.
Please join us in a warm welcome to Superintendent Chris Gavigan!
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Kirkland Police Department (KPD) will host its third Guns for Gift Cards exchange on Saturday, October 29, based on the success of its first two exchanges this year in June and July.
“We had overwhelming positive response at our earlier events,” said Councilmember Neal Black. “It’s great for residents to have an extra incentive to voluntarily relinquish unwanted guns to help reduce the likelihood of accidental injuries and deaths, deaths from suicide, and thefts of unsecured firearms.”
The next Guns for Gift Cards exchange will be on Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kirkland Justice Center (KJC), located at 11750 NE 118th Street in Kirkland.
As with the first two exchanges, no registration is required. However, proof of Kirkland residency - such as a utility bill - is required. Police staff will review the provided address to confirm residency. Participant identity is otherwise anonymous, as staff will not log any identifying information. Please note: there are security cameras at the KJC for public safety.
Participants are asked to bring unloaded guns they wish to trade in for Visa gift cards by following these instructions:
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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 to $250.
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Kirkland Police Department (KPD) is participating in the Pink Patch Project – a campaign to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer – and they invite you to join!
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A pink Kirkland Corrections patch is also available!
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Purchase a patch online: KPD is partnering with the Pasco Officers Association to make pink Kirkland Police or Corrections patches available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PascoOfcAssoc
Participation in the Pink Patch Project has allowed KPD to raise money for research for other cancers as well. This year, proceeds will benefit Footprints of Fight, a local charity supporting families and patients in Washington undergoing pediatric cancer treatment. Footprints of Fight was started by a former Kirkland resident after their child went through cancer treatment.
From now through November 4, 2022, you may see uniformed Kirkland officers wearing a special pink Kirkland Police patch. Please join us in supporting this cause.
Looking to connect to Eastside employers? Register for the free Eastside Virtual Job Fair on November 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to access a wide pool of employers for your next career. This event is a partnership between Eastside Cities and WorkSource – Seattle/King County.
You will have the opportunity to share your resume with employers prior to the event to help you find the best fit for your career. You can also send your resume to employers for six months after the event.
Space is limited – register today!
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The Parks Funding Exploratory Committee meets for the third time tonight, October 13. The committee will receive a high-level overview of the 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (or PROS) Plan and will learn what it takes to maintain Kirkland’s parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and dog parks.
Learn more about PFEC at kirklandwa.gov/parks2023ballot.
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Would you like to contribute your time and experience as a member of the City Council's advisory Boards and Commissions? The City is accepting applications for various volunteer boards and commissions through October 27, 2022. Visit the Current Recruitment Positions webpage or call the City Clerk’s Office at 425-587-3190 to learn more about each board, eligibility requirements, and to apply. Members of the advisory boards are appointed by the City Council. Interviews will be scheduled with the City Council at a time and date to be determined.
Please review the current Board and Commission vacancies below and consider these interim opportunities to get involved with your community!
Human Services Commission
This commission advises the City Council on matters relating to the City's efforts to support a socially sustainable community through health and human services and programs; develops recommendations on funding priorities and policies; and reviews requests and provides recommendations for grant funding of human services. There is both an adult and youth-specific seat available for this Commission. The commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Tourism Development Committee
This committee advises the City Council on allocating the lodging excise tax fund for tourism promotion and is comprised of seven voting members. To be a qualified applicant for this vacancy, you must be a representative of a business that is required to collect the lodging tax. The committee meets on the first Thursday of each month.
Transportation Commission
This commission advises the City Council on the planning and development of those transportation issues referred to them by the City Council. The Commission also submits to the City Council, through the City Manager, recommendations for such other transportation issues of interest to the Commission, or associated with Council-directed items, as the Commission feels is advisable. The commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
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The midterm elections are fast approaching, and King County Elections will begin mailing ballots out on October 19. Have your voice heard and register to vote.
For all your voting needs and questions, King County Elections has resources for you. On the King County Elections website, you can:
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Register to vote if you’re not already registered
- View the issues you will be voting on
- View Election dates and timeline
- Check your registration status and information
- Track your ballot
- View current and past results
- Ask additional questions
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Northeast 124th Street – Totem Lake
Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor is planning to close a Northeast 124th Street lane between 124th Avenue Northeast and 120th Place Northeast from 6 a.m. to noon Oct. 14 while its crews deliver the pre-cast panels that will support the walking surface above Northeast 124th Street.
Kirkland Way – Everest, Highlands, Moss Bay
Kirkland’s 2022 street paving contractor will alternate lane-closures Oct. 13 at the south leg of Kirkland Way’s intersection with Northeast 85th Street while its crews install traffic sensors in the pavement. Watson Asphalt will begin closing lanes at 7 a.m. and will re-open them at 3 p.m.
A uniformed police officer will direct traffic through the intersection.
Kirkland’s 2022 street paving contractor will alternate lane-closures Oct. 14 at the north leg of Third Street’s intersection with Central Way while its crews install traffic sensors in the pavement. Watson Asphalt will begin closing the lanes at 9 a.m. and will re-open them at 3 p.m.
A uniformed police officer will direct traffic through the intersection.
Lakeview Drive – Lakeview
Kirkland’s 2022 street paving contractor will alternate lane-closures Oct. 14 at the east leg of Lakeview Drive’s intersection with Lake Washington Boulevard while its crews install traffic sensors in the pavement. Watson Asphalt will begin closing the lanes at 9 a.m. and will re-open them at 3 p.m.
A uniformed police officer will direct traffic through the intersection.
Kirkland’s 2022 street paving contractor is shifting lanes on Waverly Way between Fifth and 10th avenues west this week while its crews replace and repair damaged curb along the street’s west side.
The daily lane-shifts begin at 7 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
The City of Kirkland is planning to repave this same section of street this month or, more likely, in spring 2023. The timing of that project depends largely on the weather.
Fifth Place South – Moss Bay
Drivers are advised to use alternate routes as Fifth Place South will close at the intersection with 6th Street South beginning Thursday, October 13. The closure is expected to be in place for three weeks, as a private development contractor realigns the intersection.
The intersection realignment is a permitting requirement of the development to the south, and provides a better turning radius for right hand turns onto 6th Street South.
Northeast 132nd Street at I-405 – Juanita/Kingsgate
Drivers will encounter new roadway alignment along NE 132nd Street beginning the night of Friday, October 14. The roadway will shift to the north, allowing crews to safely establish new work zones and move into the next phase of construction. The restriction on left turns for westbound onto southbound 116th Way NE and eastbound onto northbound 116th Avenue NE currently in place will remain in the new roadway alignment.
Pedestrian routes will also shift to the north side of NE 132nd Street. Pedestrians accessing the Kingsgate Park and Ride will be required to use the east side of 116th Way NE and utilize the existing crosswalk near the south end of the Kingsgate Park and Ride.
For questions about this traffic control, or other questions about this project, call WSDOT’s project hotline at 425-224-2433.
Northeast 124th Street – Juanita
Construction has resumed at 116th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 124th Street, where a Kirkland contractor is constructing a new right-turn only lane to improve traffic flow.
Interwest Construction is working from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Friday. The project also builds a wide sidewalk with street trees and street lighting along the northwest side of 116th Avenue Northeast.
City of Kirkland Pop Up Blood Drive
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 280,000 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. You can provide vital support to people battling cancer – just make a blood donation appointment for the City of Kirkland Pop Up Blood Drive at the North Kirkland Community Center on Monday, October 24, 2022. Bloodworks Northwest is accepting appointments between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Show your support beyond the pink ribbon, by rolling up a sleeve!
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland 98034
Join the City of Kirkland for a celebration of Arbor Day with forest stewardship, a tree giveaway, ceremonial tree planting and more!
The Forest Day schedule of activities include:
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10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Green Kirkland Volunteer Stewardship Event. Volunteers will lend a hand and learn about forest habitat around Juanita Creek.
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12 – 12:30 p.m.: Ceremonial Tree Planting. Join City of Kirkland staff as we plant a tree at Juanita Beach Park to celebrate Arbor Day.
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12 – 2 p.m.: Tree Giveaway with King Conservation District. Two (2) 5-gallon FREE trees per property will be available for pickup. There are 20 different species both native and non-native, available. Trees must be planted on private property within Kirkland with permission from the landowner.
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12 – 2 p.m.: Forest Day Learning Booths and Demonstrations. Learn about your garden, your tree, current City programs such as the Tree Rebate Program, Comprehensive Plan updates, and Energy Smart Heat Pump Campaign, and ask questions of King County Master Gardeners who will have a booth at the event.
Date: Tuesdays through October 25
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Autumn is the perfect time to begin your next gardening steps. Cascade Gardener Presents a Fall Class Series on planting fall trees, weed maintenance, climate change gardening and more!
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Watershed Family Field Trip
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Location: O.O. Denny Park, 12302 Holmes Point Dr NE
Are you curious about your local watershed and ecology? Bring the whole family for a free outdoor field trip at O.O. Denny Park on Saturday, November 5th from 1-3pm.
A professional Educator from Nature Vision will teach the class session. We will dig in to local ecology, look at plants and wildlife, test water samples with our scientist, and learn ways that we can all keep our water abundant and healthy!
The class is limited to 30 participants. Families with children ages 6 and older may register. Children under 6 are welcome, but the program is meant for older children and their adults.
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Tenant Protections Workshops
New tenant protections took effect in Kirkland on September 17, 2022. Eastside For All, Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP), and the City of Kirkland have organized one-hour Know Your Rights workshops for renters, hosted by a staff attorney with ELAP. No RSVP is needed. These workshops are intended for tenants residing in Kirkland.
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