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The Kirkland City Council met on February 7, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Proclaiming February 2023 Black History Month in Kirkland - The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, proclaimed February 2023 as Black History Month in Kirkland. During Black History Month, the City will celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions made by Black people to the social, artistic, cultural, political, economic, spiritual, and national advancement in the United States and beyond. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Special Event Program Updates - the Council provided feedback on proposed changes to the Special Event program, including event limits, schedules, and a new fee structure and related updates to Kirkland Municipal Code 19.24 related to Special Events.
Houghton Village Near-Term Strategies - the Council discussed potential options and provided feedback to staff about options for upgrading the former PCC space at Houghton Village in order to prepare the space for a future occupant(s).
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
Lake Washington Boulevard Promenade and Concept Development Study – Council received a briefing on the Lake Street South/Lake Washington Boulevard NE Promenade Analysis and Concept Development Study and provided feedback to staff on a preferred design alternative and next steps to advance the concept of a potential Lake Washington Boulevard Promenade.
Neighborhood Traffic Control Program Policy Revisions - Council provided feedback to proposals to streamline the community engagement process for the Neighborhood Traffic Control Program and also refine engineering criteria in the Roadway Policy R-20.
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 February 21, 2023.
NE 85th St Station Area Plan– Upcoming Phase 2 Public Hearing
In June 2022, the City adopted a plan for the NE 85th Street Station Area. The adoption of the plan and the Phase 1 development standards pave the way for a walkable, equitable, sustainable, and complete transit-oriented neighborhood. City staff are now finalizing draft code amendments to implement the development standards in the rest of the Station Area (Phase 2), based on the vision, policy, and goals adopted with Phase 1.
At their meeting on February 23, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to collect testimony from the community on the 2 development standards. You can provide public testimony for Planning Commission to consider in any, or all, of the following ways:
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Provide testimony in writing prior to the public hearing by emailing PlanningCommissioners@kirklandwa.gov.
- Provide oral testimony at the hearing, by attending in-person or virtually.
Learn more about the project at www.kirklandwa.gov/stationareaplan.
Help Inform How We Protect Our Lakes and Streams
The City has posted its annual draft Stormwater Management Program Plan and invites community members to review and submit comments or suggestions by February 24, 2023. The draft plan describes potential actions the City could take in 2023 and beyond to reduce stormwater pollution and protect our lakes and streams.
Natural Hazard Survey from University of Washington University of Washington researchers would like to know about your perspective on natural hazards and community preparedness in a short survey. What natural hazards do you think we should prepare for and how? By responding to this survey, you will help guide future research and policy recommendations for disaster preparedness and recovery. This survey is being conducted by the University of Washington’s Institute for Hazard Mitigation Planning and Research. All responses to this survey are confidential and will remain anonymous. Please feel free to contact Molly Daly, the Survey Coordinator (ExpectationsGap@uw.edu) for any questions/comments, or clarifications.
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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 can follow up with you.
The Valentine’s Day Dash is Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Marina Park. Course maps are available at alexandershope.org. Drivers should expect traffic delays and parking restrictions in the area. Please note: vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed prior to the event. Roads will be impacted from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or when the last runner passes.
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This tax season, United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is proud to announce a return to offering in-person tax assistance. Tax preparation services are a convenient option available to you, your family members, and your community. Consider taking advantage of this free service to avoid costly tax preparation fees and to maximize your refund.
The tax preparation services are offered both in-person at multiple locations throughout King County as well as virtually from now through April 20. Households making under $80,000 are eligible and can be connected to other community resources and public benefits by request.
There are three easy ways to file:
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In-Person File your taxes in-person at one of 11 locations throughout King County. Locations have convenient hours to meet your schedule, and no appointments are needed. To find a location near you, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit United Way’s website at www.FreeTaxExperts.org or call 2-1-1
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Virtually – with assistance from a virtual volunteer Interested in filing your taxes virtually but don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own?Visit www.GetYourRefund.org. Please note: Virtual tax assistance slots are limited. If you do not feel comfortable sharing sensitive information like your Social Security Number or ID information online, or with navigating a web client, please visit in person.
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Virtually – without assistance (no income limit on this software!) Feel comfortable filing your own taxes and just wish there was a way to do it yourself for free? Then look no further! File your taxes online at 100% no cost with United Way’s ‘My Free Taxes’ tool at www.myfreetaxes.com.
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This week is National Burn Awareness Week. This year’s emphasis is on scalding. Hot liquids and steam – such as from bath water, hot coffee or even microwaved soup – can burn like fire, causing devastating injuries. Burns from scalding are the second leading cause of all burn injuries.
Some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe from scalding:
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Teach kids that hot things can burn.
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Install anti-scald devices on faucets and shower heads.
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Always supervise a child in or near a bathtub.
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Before placing a child in the bath, test the water. It should feel warm, not hot.
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Put hot liquids and food in the center of a table or toward the back of the counter, where kids can’t reach.
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Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
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Allow microwaved food to cool before eating, and always open microwaved food slowly to prevent steam burns to hands and face.
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Never hold a child while you are cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
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If a burn does occur, treat the burn right away by cooling it with cool water for 3-5 minutes and cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.
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The Parks Funding Exploratory Committee is meeting tonight, Feb 9, for a collaborative deep dive into the twenty-two potential parks ballot measure elements. This dedicated group has met ten times over the past six months and asked well over 1,000 questions in their efforts to collectively identify elements that would best benefit Kirkland. Potential ballot measure elements include recreation facilities, additional park restrooms, increased trails, new sport courts, continuation of community events and more priorities identified in the 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
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Thank you to all who attended our Lunar New Year celebration at Peter Kirk Community Center on January 28!
Watch our video showcasing entertainment by the Seattle Chinese Arts Group featuring waist drum, classical Cheongsam dance, Mongolian dance, Peking Opera and a Chinese New Year Finale. Crafts included making paper lanterns, paper dragons and more.
Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet, Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold and Councilmembers Jon Pascal, Kelli Curtis and Toby Nixon walked the new Totem Lake Connector pedestrian and bicycle bridge for the first time Monday, February 6, on a tour with the contractor.
Councilmembers got a glimpse of one of the bridge’s cool, new features: the overlook. Contractor Kraemer North America expects to finish the bridge this spring.
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We've got you covered!
Treat your loved one to a staycation they’ll remember. Book a stay at any participating Kirkland hotel and receive up to $100 in Kirkland Ca$h to spend at more than 120 participating businesses. From luxurious accommodations to mouthwatering dining options, spas and much more, Kirkland Ca$h is accepted at all the places you need to make this holiday extra special.
For more info, and to book your getaway, visit: https://kirklandcash.com/book-your-stay/
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126th Avenue Northeast Water Main Upgrade – South Rose Hill
Work continues on a water main upgrade along 126th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 70th and 80th streets.
Northeast 132nd Street/Juanita High School – Juanita
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists will encounter construction in two areas on Northeast 132nd Street: At Juanita High School and on the access road to the school, the City is building a new right turn lane into the high school to increase traffic flow during peak times.
Near Interstate 405, WSDOT’s crews continue their work on the new freeway interchange.
Wheels & Reels Drive-In Movie: “Top Gun: Maverick”
Date: Saturday, February 11
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive
Enjoy a night out under the stars at Juanita Beach Park with our Drive-in Movie Series.
Watch Top Gun: Maverick on our giant LED movie screen!
Event is held rain or shine - no refunds. No RV's, limos, buses, tailgating or alcohol.
Advanced registration is required! If registration for your vehicle size is full, we highly encourage you to get on the waiting list. Register online or call 425-587-3336.
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Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Location: Public Works Maintenance Center, 915 8th St, 98033
Kirkland’s Public Works Department invites you to learn more about working at the dynamic department that keeps our city moving.
See demonstrations of the City's fleet and utilities equipment for the City's water, wastewater, surface water, streets and grounds, and engineering services. Meet hiring managers and staff and fill out applications for current job openings right at the career fair.
We’re currently looking for: Project Engineers, Fleet Mechanics, Utility Workers, and Office Specialists.
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Upcoming Green Kirkland Partnership Stewardship Events
Remove invasive species and plant native plants in parks and natural spaces throughout Kirkland. No prior experience necessary. Tools and education are provided at the event.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
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For more information, please contact:
David Wolbrecht - Communications Program Manager
City Manager's Office
425-587-3021 | dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
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