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The Kirkland City Council met on February 21, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Permanent Supportive Housing – Council received an update regarding the status of the proposed working drafts of the Permanent Supportive Housing Agreement between the City and King County and the Services Agreement between the County and the future operator of the designated permanent supporting housing facility in Kirkland.
2023 State Legislative Update – Council received an update on the City’s 2023 State Legislative Priorities, as approved in Resolution R-5563.
Proposed Ordinance on Personal Delivery Devices – Council approved two ordinances to regulate the operation of personal delivery devices on private and institutional property, and on public rights-of-way.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
Parks Funding Exploratory Committee: Facility Feasibility Study Update - Council received an update about the Aquatics and Recreation Facility Feasibility Study that is part of the potential 2023 Parks Ballot Measure(s) exploratory process.
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 March 7, 2023.
Tonight, Join the Public Hearing on NE 85th St Station Area Plan
At tonight’s meeting on February 23, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to collect testimony from the community on the Phase 2 development standards. You can provide public testimony for Planning Commission to consider:
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Have You Provided Your Feedback Yet?
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. The draft plan describes potential actions the City could take in 2023 and beyond to reduce stormwater pollution and protect our lakes and streams.
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 community is invited to a town hall on the future use of the Houghton Village Property on March 6 at 6 p.m. The City purchased the Houghton Village Shopping Center, located at 10702 NE 68th Street, to support a variety of potential public purposes, such as affordable housing, school space, non-profit program space, arts and cultural space, and/or City recreational program space. Before decisions are made on how to redevelop the property, the City Council would like to hear from the community on how best to achieve these public benefits while also creating a thriving, walkable, sustainable retail development.
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Beginning March 6, 2023, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will temporarily close a section of 116th Avenue NE north of NE 132nd Street for two months.
This will impact drivers who regularly use 116th Avenue NE, also known as the Kingsgate access road. Travelers should expect delays, left turn restrictions, and a detour around the road closure.
The Mayor has proclaimed February 19, 2023 as Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II in Kirkland.
On February 19, 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 9066, which authorized the forced evacuation and incarceration of thousands of loyal United States citizens because of their Japanese ancestry. Approximately 7,390 Americans of Japanese descent from Western Washington and Alaska were forcibly relocated and incarcerated in concentration camps.
The U.S. government in 1988 admitted that the forced evacuation and incarceration of Japanese American families was based on "race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership." By recognizing February 19 as Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II, we are reminded to always stand up for our fellow Americans and that acknowledgment of past injustices can help bring people together around a recommitment to the shared values in our country of civil rights and civil liberties.
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Join Kirkland, Redmond, Seattle and Bellevue Police Departments and King County Sheriffs for a FREE Women in Public Safety Career Fair on March 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Learn about career opportunities for women and meet first responders to discuss public safety and how you can make a difference.
Questions? Email SPDrecruiting@seattle.gov
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There’s still time to apply to a City board or commission! There are four open positions among the Cultural Arts or Salary Commission, or Library or Park Board. Application deadline is Friday, February 24, at 4 p.m.
Current members like Shoshana Cohen who serves on the Design Review Board (DRB) says, “If you’ve ever said to yourself ’I wish the City had done this,’ there’s no better way to be heard than to become a board member.”
Find out more and apply here.
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The Parks Funding Exploratory Committee (PFEC) meets tonight, Thursday, February 23, to gain clarity on funding options for potential ballot measure(s). They will also work on the framework of their recommendation to City Council.
The last PFEC meeting takes place next Thursday, March 2. A final recommendation report will go to City Council by the end of March.
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Join an upcoming webinar to learn about home electrification options, new federal incentives to help fund your project, and interact in a live Q&A with experts. Switching to all-electric appliances, such as heat pumps and induction stoves, can reduce your carbon emissions, improve your comfort and indoor air quality, and often reduce bills. Find out how to electrify your home in a 90-minute webinar The All-Electric Home: What's Involved and New Funding Options, hosted by the King County Library System.
Webinar: Switching to an All-Electric Home
March 8, 2023
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Registration required
Did you know that a fun and dedicated team of 45+ super volunteers called Green Kirkland Stewards help engage our community in the restoration of over 500 acres of natural parkland in Kirkland?
Stewards bring a diversity of interests, skill, and time to our parks in this long-term, ongoing role. We encourage all that are interested to attend New Steward Orientation. Orientation is free, open to the public, and is a blend of online and in-person sessions. Youth volunteers under age 18 must attend with an adult (see website for more details).
New Steward Orientation for March 2023:
Session 1: Program Overview and Restoration (Online) - Tuesday March 14, 6 – 8 p.m. Online via Zoom
Session 2: Field Training in Best Practices (In-person) - Saturday March 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. City of Kirkland Park location details to be sent to registered participants.
Session 3: Volunteer Management (Online) - Tuesday March 21, 6 - 8 p.m. Online via Zoom
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Last chance! Now through the end of February, you can support our city’s incredible collection of small businesses by taking advantage of this delightful offer.
Book a relaxing break during our Stay & Play promotion and earn Kirkland Ca$h. This offer ends February 28, 2023. Certificates are valid through June 2023.
Curious how can you use Kirkland Ca$h? Discover a world of endless possibilities in Kirkland! Indulge in a night out at your favorite restaurant, pamper yourself at a spa or salon, or browse the latest styles at one of the many trendy shops. Kirkland Ca$h is accepted at a wide range of businesses, from wine bars to clothing stores and all that's in-between.
Northeast 124th Street – Totem Lake
Drivers should expect a lane closure throughout the next five weeks near the construction site for the Totem Lake Connector bridge.
Kraemer North America, Kirkland’s contractor, will be alternating lane-closures from Northeast 124th Street to Totem Lake Boulevard, depending on the task its crews are planning to complete.
The lane-closures on Northeast 124th Street will occur between 120th Place Northeast and 124th Avenue Northeast.
The lane-closures on Totem Lake Boulevard will occur between Northeast 124th Street and 120th Avenue Northeast.
Kirkland expects the bridge to be complete by June.
NEW: Northeast 124th Street/116th Avenue Northeast – Juanita
Construction returns Feb. 27 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Drivers will encounter lane-closures on the corner of 116th Avenue Northeast at Northeast 124th Street, where a Kirkland contractor is building a new right-turn only lane to improve traffic flow.
The contractor is also building a wide sidewalk with street trees and street lighting along the northside of 116th Avenue Northeast.
Northeast 132nd Street/132nd Square Park - Kingsgate
Drivers will encounter road construction, lane shifts, and flaggers along Northeast 132nd Street at 132nd Square Park beginning Friday, February 17. Work in the roadway is expected to be complete by Monday, February 27. This work provides new power service to the park.
Northeast 132nd Street/Juanita High School – Juanita
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists will encounter road construction on Northeast 132nd Street at Juanita High School and on the access road to the school. The project builds a new right turn lane into the High School to increase traffic flow during peak times.
Northeast 132nd Street at I-405 – Juanita/Kingsgate
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists will encounter continued construction as WSDOT’s contractor builds a new interchange for Interstate 405. As early as March 6, construction will close a section of 116th Avenue Northeast, north of Northeast 132nd Street for up to two months. A detour will be in place for vehicles. Pedestrian access will remain open on 116th Avenue Northeast throughout construction.
For questions about this traffic control, or other questions about this project, call WSDOT’s project hotline at 425-224-2433.
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.
Upcoming Preparedness Opportunities
CERT Continuing Education Session
Location: Peter Kirk Room, City Hall, 123 5th Ave
Are you CERT trained and live in Kirkland? The Office of Emergency Management is hosting a CERT Continuing Education (CE) Session where you will be reviewing Disaster Medical skills. For more details and to register, visit KirklandParks.net. This training is in person, and supplies will be provided.
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Public Education Session – Pet Preparedness
Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, 123 5th Ave
Are your four-legged friends or other pets in your home prepared for a disaster? Learn how to plan for your pets in a disaster with a presentation from Kirkland Police Department’s Animal Control Officer. Due to health and safety requirements, this is a people-only event. Feel free to bring pictures of your pet companions to share with others! For more details and to register, visit KirklandParks.net.
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Events for Kids
Periwinkle Outdoor Explorers – FREE Day
Location: North Rose Hill Woodlands Park - 9930 124th Ave NE
Looking to explore the outdoors with your little one(s)? Check out the Periwinkle Outdoor Explorers nature-based outdoor preschool! Join for a Free Outdoor Explorers Day on Friday, March 10 – plus, there are still openings in the Spring 2023 class.
Perfect for the active child who loves to explore the outdoors! Bring your littles and dress for the weather as teachers Jessica and Bobby take you on a park exploration that includes nature art and activities.
For questions and information, and to register, call (425)-587-3350
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Location: North Kirkland Community Center, 12421 103rd Ave NE
Ages: 3 to 10 with adult guardian
Dance the night away with your special guest. Everyone is invited to participate in this enchanted evening of music, a thematic craft, and light refreshments. Dress to impress and make sure to have your free professional picture taken for a treasured memory. For information and to register, visit KirklandParks.net.
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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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