 The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. This will be a hybrid meeting, and community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda for the October 3 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
Council will receive a special presentation of the City’s first Smart City Master Plan, which is intended to use technology efficiently and effectively to implement existing functional plans.
Council will receive a presentation and provide direction on the process and community engagement plan to update the Juanita and Kingsgate Neighborhood Plans in 2023 and 2024.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will receive a briefing on:
- A new City initiative: the Coordinated Response to Homelessness.
- Updates on the King County Health Through Housing Project in Kirkland.
- A special presentation from staff of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority on the Authority’s 5 Year Plan.
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, which starts 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.
Learn More About the Parks Ballot at an Upcoming Open House
All Kirkland community members are invited to attend one or more informational open houses with City Manager Kurt Triplett and Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaagstra to learn about Kirkland Proposition 1: Levy Lid Lift for Expanded Aquatics, Recreation, and Parks Facilities, Operations, and Programs on the November 7, 2023 ballot.
• Thursday, October 5 from 7:30 - 8:30pm at North Kirkland Community Center, 12421 103rd Ave NE, Kirkland 98034
• Monday, October 16 from 6 – 7 p.m. at City Hall, 123 5th Ave, Kirkland 98033
• Wednesday, October 25 from 12 – 1 p.m. online via Zoom, register for the link
Accommodations and Alternate Formats: The City of Kirkland is committed to accommodating citizens with disabilities and special needs. Persons with disabilities may request materials in alternative formats. Persons with hearing impairments may access the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service at 711. If you need assistance participating this event, please call us at 425-587-3300 or TTY/TTD 425-587-3111.
Join the K2044 Discussion
Participate in our Economic Development Community Survey!
Economic Development involves the strategies and initiatives that enhance a community's economic vitality. It's about creating jobs, fostering business growth, and cultivating a vibrant local economy that benefits everyone.
Your feedback will help us:
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Understand your priorities for economic growth and business development.
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Identify opportunities to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.
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Shape policies that align with community values and aspirations.
Your participation will help us create a roadmap for a thriving, sustainable, and resilient Kirkland as part of the K2044 Comprehensive Plan. We are committed to working together to build a future that reflects the aspirations of our community.
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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.
Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to wear their costumes to Kirkland’s annual Pee Wee Monster Bash Carnival on Friday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the North Kirkland Community Center, located at 12421 103rd Ave NE.
Preschoolers aged 5 and under can have fun with safe, spirited activities such as swamp fishing, crafts, a cookie walk, a movement maze, story-time, and more. Toy prizes will be awarded for everyone. The carnival won’t be spooky - just kooky!
Registration is encouraged as this event does sell out. Cost is $16 per child. For registration and information go to www.kirklandparks.net, call 425-587-3350, or visit the North Kirkland Community Center.
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It's time to turn off your sprinklers! Save money on your water bill and help conserve water.
We're asking Kirkland community members to stop watering their lawns for the season. It's okay to efficiently water newly planted lawns, young plants, trees, and vegetable gardens.
While this week's rain is a welcome sight, long-term forecasts still call for a drier Fall and a delayed start to normal rains. We still need your help to stretch our water supply until our normal fall rains return.
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Mother Nature was right on time with the rain faucet in the PNW. But too much water running over hard surfaces can lead to drainage and flooding problems, as well as stream channel damage and water quality problems.
Here are some tips from Public Works to help prevent drain issues on your property:
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Inspect your gutters and downspouts for damage or leaks.
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Add screens on gutters to help keep debris out of your drains. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
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Install a removable connection between your downspouts and roof drains and keep them clean.
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Install a cistern or rain barrel to collect rain water.
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Build a rain garden or plant a tree(PDF, 8MB) in your yard.
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Sweep your driveway instead of using a hose. This saves water and keeps dirt out of your drainage system.
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Avoid using wood chip mulch around yard inlets. Wood chips float and are easily moved by runoff water. Otherwise, wood chip mulch is a great addition to garden beds.
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Report Spills or Flooding! 24/7 hotline: (425) 587-3900
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The popular poplars planted to protect people from projectiles produced by players at Lee Johnson ballfield at Peter Kirk Park are reaching the end of their lives. Poplar trees are well known for their fast growth and short lives. These particular trees were planted back in the early 1980s. Three trees died this summer and three more are rapidly declining.
For the safety of ballfield users and the community, For the safety of ballfield users and the community, staff plan to begin removing the dead and dying trees this week. This work will continue into the week, October 2-6, starting around 8 a.m. and finishing before 4 p.m. each day of work.
Maintaining and increasing the tree canopy in Kirkland's parks and open spaces is a top priority for the Parks and Community Services Department, and staff are evaluating options to replace these trees.
King County Public Health has ended its seasonal waterfront bacteria testing. All beach bacteria signs will be removed for the remainder of the year. Bacteria testing will resume in the spring.
King County Public Health would like to remind us how to swim safely during the rainy season. When it rains, poop (and germs) gets washed from land into the water. Swimmers, kayakers, and other winter beachgoers should use caution after heavy rainfall:
• Stay out of the water for at least 24 hours after heavy rainfall.
• Avoid areas where you see pipes or streams that drain directly to the beach.
• Check the Combined Sewer Overflow website, which shows places where the combined sewer has overflowed recently. Avoid swimming near an overflow for 48 hours.
National Preparedness Month is coming to a close! More than 100 City of Kirkland staff have increased their preparedness knowledge by taking fire extinguisher training.
What have you learned or practiced this month to be more prepared? Don't know where to start? Check out: www.kirklandwa.gov/KirklandEM and get prepared!
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Enjoy a beautiful fall day outside and help festival goers have a good time by volunteering at this year’s Harvest Festival!
We need volunteers to work various activities, including the kids’ corral, as well as help with take down when the event ends at 4 p.m.
The 3rd annual Harvest Festival is Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Juanita Beach Park.
If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Abbie Wenick at awenick@kirklandwa.gov
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Totem Lake Park was selected to be the backdrop for an educational walking tour by Washington Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects (WASLA) during their 2023 annual conference this month. WASLA chose Totem Lake Park for a 2023 Award of Honor in April.
City staff and the park’s architects, Berger Partnership, led about 20 conference participants on a 90-minute tour of the park’s all-abilities playground, the new Totem Lake Connector bridge, and the accessible wetland boardwalk that connects the park to the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
Have you been to this award-winning and multifaceted park? We hope we’ll see you soon at Totem Lake Park.
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Did you know you could borrow a minivan or 12-passenger van from our Kenmore-Kirkland Community Van fleet for your next group outing? The vans now also come with a Discover Pass - which means free parking at many trailheads!
Trips must include an approved driver and a minimum of two passengers. Driver rides FREE and passengers pay standard bus fare (currently $2.75 for adults, $1.00 for seniors, and free for 18 and under). Trip destinations can be up to a 2-hour drive from Kirkland. We even cover gas!
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Latin Grammy/Juno winner, singer-songwriter Alex Cuba is coming to the Kirkland Performance Center on Friday, October 6 at 7 p.m.
Alex is not tied to tradition and has a vast musical vision. His sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks, and powerful guitar riffs relinquish a conventional stereotype that exemplifies much of the Latin music landscape.
Support comes from the City of Kirkland’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) division, which seeks to highlight the various cultures and backgrounds that enrich the Kirkland community through the arts.
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 In case you missed it, the City recently launched our official podcast “This Week in Kirkland.” The “TWIK” podcast is a friendly, audio version of this digital e-newsletter of the same name. Hosted by Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez and the podcast team, we strive to bring listeners timely topics and noteworthy news happening around Kirkland every week in a fun, quick package. Take a listen!
Halloween Costume Swap
Date: Saturday, September 30
Location: Kirkland City Hall, Peter Kirk Room
Donate gently used and clean costumes, hats, masks, and accessories through Friday, September 29 at North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave NE) or Kirkland City Hall (123 5th Ave). Costumes and accessories of all sizes - from infant to adult - are accepted. Items should be clean and in good condition. Then come to the swap event on Saturday, September 30 at City Hall to pick up your new-to-you costumes and accessories for you and the family! There will even be a photo wall for you to share your new costume pics!
LAST Juanita Friday Market
Date: Friday, September 29
Location: Juanita Beach Park
Don’t Miss the Last Day of the 2023 Juanita Friday Market!
Last chance to catch fresh produce and flowers from our amazing local vendors. Please let them know how much you enjoy their offerings.
Entertainment will include John Frost and Suzanne Collette from 3 to 6 p.m., sponsored by Parkshore Juanita Bay. The Busy Lil Bees Kids Booth, sponsored by Kirkland Kids Dentistry, will include face painting and a craft. Swing on by for last call on the market magic and enjoy a great afternoon of music, hot food, playground, and apple cider.
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Wheels and Reels Drive-in Movies - “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” (PG)
Date: Saturday, September 30
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Beach Dr
It’s the 2023 Fall Drive-In Movies Series on our giant 12-foot LED movie screen! Movies are PG-13 and under, all ages are welcome. Rain or shine, no refunds. Please no limos, RV's, buses, alcohol or tailgating allowed. Registration required, based on the size of your vehicle. $20 per vehicle. Parking lot opens at 6pm, movie starts at 7pm.
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Parent & Student Planner Time – at Kirkland Library
Date: Saturday, September 30
Location: Kirkland Library, 308 Kirkland Ave
Set up and decorate your planners for the academic year in a calm and friendly setting.
Game On! - at Kingsgate Library
Date: Wednesdays, now thru Dec 13
Location: Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143rd St
Play video games on Nintendo Switch with friends, neighbors, and new friends, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8, Overcooked 2, ARMS and Moving Out.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Kingsgate Library.
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Kirkland Forest Day
Location: 132nd Square Park
Celebrate Kirkland’s urban forest at the City’s annual Arbor Day event, Kirkland Forest Day!
Festivities include kids’ activities and a ceremonial tree planting at 12:30 p.m. Register to receive up to two free trees at the Tree Giveaway event or to volunteer with Green Kirkland Partnership to help restore Kingsgate Park and South Norway Hill Park.
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Two weeks of emergency supplies out of reach and can’t carry a big preparedness bag with you at all times? Check out this video for Preparedness on the Go!
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