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The Kirkland City Council met on October 17, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Council reviewed the Draft 2024 State Legislative Agenda and provided feedback to staff on priorities for a final agenda that will guide the City’s legislative priorities and activities on behalf of the full Council.
Council provided direction to staff on code amendments to the City’s Purchasing Code that respond to changes in state statutes, increasing costs, and other requirements and factors that affect securing goods and services efficiently.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they:
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Discussed the universal low-income rate discount program and implementation in the 2023-2024 budget.
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Received an update on the City’s capital improvement program.
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 Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
Parks Ballot Open House
All Kirkland community members are invited to attend an 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.
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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.
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’s This Week in Kirkland email newsletter has won third place in Granicus’ 13th annual Digital Government Awards, as announced in a news release today. The 2023 awards span seven award categories, and the City’s weekly email newsletter ranked third in the “Trust & Transparency” category.
The City also recently launched a weekly podcast that is based on the award-winning email newsletter. The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts, and more information is available on the City’s website.
The community is invited to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Kirkland Woman’s Club on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m. Learn about the history, mission, and volunteer service committees of this long-standing community organization.
Read more.
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If you are a Kirkland community member 50 years of age or older and have an interest in advising the City on keeping Kirkland a safe and vibrant community for residents age 50+, then please consider applying to join the Senior Council!
The Kirkland Senior Council (KSC) was established in 2002 to act as an advisory group to the Kirkland City Council. The Kirkland Senior Council (KSC) meets monthly for two hours, and the monthly commitment is approximately 6-12 hours.
The KSC is currently recruiting new members that live, work, or serve seniors in the City of Kirkland. Applications are open now through October 31, 2023.
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Today is International ShakeOut Day, which means the Great Washington ShakeOut occured at 10:19 am! Even if you missed it while at work, home, or school, this is a great reminder to think about your preparedness for an earthquake and actions to take when an earthquake occurs.
Remember when the ground shakes - drop, cover, and hold on. If you are driving, pull over and stop. If you are outside, get low to the ground and protect your head. If you can’t get low, do the best you can to protect your head and neck. When the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injury and your surroundings for hazards, and relocate if needed.
Whether you participated in the Great ShakeOut, be sure to share this information with loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, or others. Together, we can spread knowledge of preparedness and make a difference WHEN the big one hits!
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Kirkland invites community members to attend a virtual public forum on October 24 beginning at 12 p.m. to learn about the City’s 2024 Capital Projects. Registration is available at www.kirklandwa.gov/capitalprojects.
The one-hour session will consist of two parts. First, a panel discussion of project engineers will provide details on several high-profile projects, including the corridor improvements for 100th Avenue Northeast, Juanita Drive, Northeast 85th Street and 124th Avenue Northeast. Following the panel discussion, the Stores to Shore Greenway design team will lead community members in a facilitated discussion aimed at improving on the 30-percent concept for the walking and bicycling route.
The City’s Capital Improvement Program continues to lay the groundwork for a safe, healthy and vibrant community. To learn more about current and upcoming projects, please visit www.kirklandwa.gov/capitalprojects.
While our normal fall rains may be delayed, we can use this time to rake leaves from drains to prevent flooding! And, that’s right – it’s returning: you can set out for FREE extra yard waste collection during November (or use the leaves as free mulch in your yard).
Clear Leaves from Storm Drains
Leaves and debris can block rainwater from flowing into storm drains and can cause flooding. City crews work to keep storm drains clear, but with over 17,000 storm drains in Kirkland, we could use your help:
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Before, during and after a storm, check the storm drains near your home or business and make sure they are free of debris.
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Do not rake or blow leaves into the street. The City may bill you for clean-up if found doing so.
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Do not remove grate from storm drain opening. This does not unclog the drain and creates hazardous conditions.
Call our 24/7 hotline at 425-587-3900 if flooding is severe and you are unable to clear the drain.
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Green Kirkland Week is October 21 – 29 and is a chance to celebrate the start of the planting season, our native forest ecosystems, and all the wonderful volunteers that care for our natural area parkland.
Spend some time in nature and join in the celebration by signing up for a stewardship event.
Green Kirkland Week Events
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The Pee Wee Monster Bash is looking for 15-20 volunteers to help make the annual event a huge success! Volunteers are needed to help event logistics, attendees, games, tear-down, etc. between 9:30 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m. on October 27 at the North Kirkland Community Center. There will be plenty of fun games and activities to help out with; things like Swamp Fishing, Plinko, Story and Song Corner, Monster Maze, and Monster Cookie Walk.
This is a City of Kirkland event. To register to volunteer, please contact Abbie Wenick, Program Assistant, at awenick@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3353.
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 Mayor Penny Sweet delivers remarks; Library Board, left to right: Nalini Iyer, Denise Bugallo (Library Manager), Harry Bruce, and Julia Nolan
Kingsgate Library celebrated its 50th Anniversary October 14, 2023. The day included a performance by the Juanita High School Jazz band, remarks from the Library Board, Mayor Penny Sweet, and Friends of the Library, arts and crafts, and a storytime.
“Knowledge empowers all generations, all abilities, and all cultures. Access to information is so critical in our society,” Mayor Penny Sweet delivered to the attendees of the event. “Reading is among our greatest freedoms. It is foundational to our society. I’m honored to be standing with and supporting our libraries in this effort. To the amazing Kingsgate Library, and all the staff supporting it now and throughout its history here: we are so grateful to you for all the years past and all the years to come.”
The City congratulates Kingsgate Library’s for this milestone and appreciates its presence as a foundation in our community for folks to read, learn, and grow.
Kirkland Forest Day
Location: 132nd Square Park, 13159 132nd Ave NE
Kirkland Forest Day is just around the corner, and we're excited to invite you to join us in honoring the remarkable role that trees play in our lives and our environment. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 22 as we come together to celebrate the beauty of nature.
For the line up of activities planned, and more information, visit the event page.
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Pee Wee Monster Bash Carnival
Date: Friday, October 27, 2023
Location: North Kirkland Community Center, 12421 103rd Ave NE
Preschoolers aged 5 and under in Halloween costumes can have fun with safe, spirited activities such as swamp fishing, crafts, a cookie walk, a movement maze, story-time, and more. 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. To register: www.kirklandparks.net, call 425-587-3350, or visit the North Kirkland Community Center.
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Dia de los Muertos
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave
Acompáñenos a celebrar el Día de los Muertos para recordar a nuestros familiares antepasados, y disfrutar actividades tradicionales, comida, música, y más. Para más información, visite event page.
We invite you to our Día De Los Muertos celebration! Let’s remember our loved ones and enjoy activities, music, light refreshments and more! This event is sponsored by the City of Kirkland and Cefecito Mexican Bakery. Bring the whole family, this is a free event for all ages! Bring a photo of your loved one to add to our ofrenda. Located at the Peter Kirk Community Center on October 28th from 2 – 4 p.m. Parking will be limited, please consider parking at the Peter Kirk Municipal Parking Garage under the Kirkland Library, or use street parking.
Fall Harvest Meals
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
If celebrating the holiday is a hardship, register to receive a free Fall Harvest meal. A full Fall Harvest meal feeds a family of four. The meals are provided by Maverick Cares, an organization that strives to support kids and families in need.
Reserve your meal and pick up at your chosen location on November 21 between 3 – 7 p.m.
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We hope you learned from the cooking safety tips we’ve shared. Tune into the latest Let’s Chat video to learn more about cooking safety and injury prevention!
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