The Kirkland City Council met on June 6, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Juneteenth Holiday – Council voted to add Juneteenth to the City’s list of observed holidays, which is recognized every year on June 19.
Supplemental Funding for Polaris at Totem Lake Affordable Housing – Council approved providing funding to finish the Polaris affordable housing project at Totem Lake, which supports one of the City’s 2023-2024 Work Program priorities “Partner with ARCH, developers, and non-profit agencies to implement the affordable housing projects Polaris and Ardea in Totem Lake…” among other housing projects.
Parks Funding Exploratory Committee (PFEC) Recommendations – Council accepted the updated PFEC Report with recommendations on a potential parks ballot measure for an aquatics and recreation center, more year-round park restrooms, and other additions.
Potential Parks Ballot Measure Pro/Con Committees – Council deferred action on establishing pro/con committees for a potential ballot measure until the June 20 Council meeting.
2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program – Council adopted the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program, a 6-year planning document for the development of transportation facilities within the city – like sidewalks, street improvements, striping, and crosswalk upgrades.
Proclamations Issued June 6, 2023 – The Mayor proclaimed June 2023 Pride Month, June 19th as Juneteenth, and June 2nd as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
Parks Ballot Measure – Council held a deeper discussion on all the potential items that could be included on a parks ballot measure, including an aquatics and recreation center, more year-round park restrooms, additional park rangers, and more. The Council also discussed funding and draft language for the ballot title. Council will continue to consider whether to proceed with a parks ballot measure during upcoming Council meetings.
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 June 20, 2023.
Add Your Voice to the Kirkland 2044 Conversation
Envision what you would like to see in the future of Kirkland and take a moment to share with us! There are several ways to get involved:
Housing & Human Services: What do you think about the current needs, challenges, and hardships for those who get social services and supports? Share your thoughts to help us understand what your priorities are as we plan for Kirkland’s next 20 years.
Transportation: How should we get around Kirkland in the future? Tell us how you travel around the City now and how you want to travel around the City in the future.
Join an Upcoming Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission advises the City Council on all matters relating to the Kirkland Comprehensive Plan and land use regulations. The Commission meets regularly on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Upcoming June Planning Commission Meetings:
June 8: Public hearing on affordable housing requirements in the NE 85th St Station Area
June 22: Updates on the Land Use and Transportation chapters of the City's Comprehensive Plan
For more information about the Planning Commission, visit the City’s website.
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 City of Kirkland is recognizing Juneteenth as an annual City holiday in commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Beginning this year, Kirkland City Hall, City community centers, and public City facilities and services will be closed all day Monday, June 19, in observance of the holiday. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational.
This year, Eastside For All will be hosting an Eastside Honoring Juneteenth event in Kirkland at Juanita Beach Park on June 17, with speakers, live entertainment, education, food, and more. Event information is available online.
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That’s right - the Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July Parade is back for its 24th year! And YOU can be a part of this beloved community celebration: we’re looking for volunteers and parade entries to join us! We just couldn’t pull off this event without you.
In fact, the parade doesn’t just run itself. Volunteers are needed to keep spectators safe along the parade route, help veterans participating in the parade, carry banners in the parade, decorate and set-up for the event, help clean-up afterwards, and more. Learn more and register to volunteer with us!
Your art could be showcased on Park Lane! The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission seeks submissions of completed sculptures for a 2-year outdoor gallery exhibition.
Exhibit Location: Park Lane, Kirkland
Exhibition Period: 2023-2025
Submission Deadline: June 16, 2023 @ 5 p.m.
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The City of Kirkland and the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise are hosting a new Summer Certification Series to help small businesses owned by minorities, women, and socially/economically disadvantaged people learn how to get certified to win contracts from the City of Kirkland, Washington state, and other local governments.
The series is a part of the Kirkland’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 5-Year Roadmap.
To learn more or sign up for the Summer Certification Series, contact Don Robinson at drobinson@kirklandwa.gov.
Read more.
 Thank you to the over 200 community members who came to the unveiling of Kirkland’s first Inclusive Progress Pride flag crosswalk last week! It was a perfect evening with neighbors, music, and ice cream, with opening remarks and a ribbon-cutting by City Councilmembers. The new crosswalk at the entrance of Marina Park at Kirkland Avenue and Lakeshore Plaza is just one way the City is working to create an inclusive and belonging place for everyone.
The partnership between the City and Kirkland coffee shops on the “Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC)” campaign was a success! Coffee shop partners helped to promote reducing waste of single-use cups, lids, and straws by asking customers if they have their own cup, providing reuse info, giving out BYOC stamp cards and displaying information. Special thanks to our coffee shop partners for showing up for the environment, including Zoka Coffee, Caffe Ladro (Kirkland Urban and Central Way locations), Thruline Coffee Co, Five Stones, and Top Pot Donuts (Juanita Village). Great business partnerships like these are key to helping to change behavior toward reducing waste!
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It’s getting hot out there! Hot temperatures can be dangerous for people – and pets. Here are some tips for keeping pets healthy when it’s hot:
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Never, ever leave your pet in a parked car – not even for a minute. On warm days, inside car temps can reached dangerous levels in minutes.
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Limit exercise on hot days – keep to early morning or evening hours when it’s cooler. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn paws, so walk your dog on grass, if possible.
- Provide shade outside – trees or tarps work great because they don’t block airflow. A doghouse does not provide relief – in fact, the enclosed space makes it worse. And make sure they have fresh water.
- Watch for signs of heatstroke – including heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation.
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How to treat pet heatstroke - move them into the shade or air-conditioning. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a vet.
Help our Kirkland furry friends stay safe this summer!
While we can’t be sure when, where or why graffiti may appear, it’s certain that graffiti is vandalism and should be taken seriously. The best way to prevent graffiti from recurring is to report it and remove it immediately.
Where to report graffiti:
In Kirkland public spaces, graffiti can be reported via Our Kirkland portal or by calling 425-587-3900. To report graffiti as it’s happening, call Kirkland Police at 425-577-5656. The City does not remove graffiti on private property though - the owner is notified and encouraged to remove it as soon as possible.
On state highway property – such as freeway overpasses or on/off ramps – graffiti can be reported to the Washington State Department of Transportation on the WSDOT graffiti reporting page.
Kirkland Police also share these graffiti prevention tips:
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Keep your neighborhood clean. Remove litter and trash, fix broken fences, trim landscape, and ensure all lighting is working properly to deter taggers.
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Remove graffiti right away. Rapid removal of graffiti is an effective prevention tool.
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Encourage reporting by community members.
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Use graffiti-resistant materials or coatings such as: graffiti-resistant products, textured surfaces, and dark or colorful surfaces.
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Change the environment: add landscaping, install lighting, put up fences, limit access to roofs by moving climbable objects away from walls.
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Juanita Friday Market
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive
This favorite Friday fare for foodies and families features fresh fruit, flowers, and fresh goods! Enjoy some baked goodies, hand crafted confections, beverages, as well as offerings from local artisans and crafters. Come on down to Juanita Beach Park to enjoy sunshine and fun vibes!
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Eastside Honoring Juneteenth
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive
Join us in celebrating the national holiday Juneteenth - Day of Freedom!
The event will feature Delbert Richardson and his Unspoken Truths American History Traveling Museum. Additional speakers include Paula Sardinas, President and CEO of FMS Global Strategies and the WA Build Back Black Alliance, and Dwight Jones Sr., Microsoft, Author of A Black Journey in Tech.
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 Want a condensed overview of Local Planning? You’re in luck! Watch our recent Short Course on Local Planning to better understand how land use and planning affects you and how you can get involved in these hyperlocal decisions.
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