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The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Wednesday, November 8, 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 November 8 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
Council will discuss Sound City Association seats on regional boards and committees and consider which Councilmembers should seek appointment in alignment with open seats and City priorities.
Council will receive a briefing on the 2023 City-initiated annual legislative amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map, prior to receiving the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
Council will hold a public hearing on a property tax increase as part of the mid-biennial budget process.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., including:
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As part of the Mid-Biennial Budget Review, Council will receive an update on progress implementing the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget, a brief financial review, and to assess the City Manager’s recommended adjustments to the Biennial Budget.
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The second tranche of proposed updates to the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program and provide final direction for Council adoption in December 2023
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.
 City administrative offices are closed on Friday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal, and over the phone will resume 8 a.m., Monday, November 13.
Get to Know Your Community Hands-On
Throughout this year and into 2024, the City of Kirkland is working with the community to update the Juanita and Kingsgate Neighborhood Plan chapters of the Kirkland Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of a neighborhood plan is to establish a vision for the next 20 years to define how to best manage growth in this part of the city and within the context of citywide goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan.
Have your say in shaping your neighborhood’s future! There are two upcoming opportunities for you to participate in the neighborhood plan updates:
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Juanita Neighborhood Visioning Workshop on Thursday November 30, 2023, from 6 - 8 p.m. The Workshop will be held at Heritage Hall (203 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033). Please RSVP HERE to help us plan for the correct number of attendees.
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Complete our quick neighborhood community survey to share your ideas and experiences, express your visions, and help the City plan for an evolving Juanita. Survey can be found at: https://cityofkirkland.research.net/r/JuanitaPlan2023
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Kingsgate Neighborhood Visioning Workshop on Wednesday November 29, 2023, from 6 - 8 p.m. The Workshop will be held at the Kingsgate Library (12315 NE 143rd St, Kirkland, WA 98034). Please RSVP HERE to help us plan for the correct number of attendees.
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Complete our quick neighborhood community survey to share your ideas and experiences, express your visions, and help the City plan for an evolving Kingsgate. Survey can be found at: https://cityofkirkland.research.net/r/KingsgatePlan2023
For more information, view the project webpage for Juanita and Kingsgate or contact LeAndra Baker-Lewis, llewis@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3265
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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.
Calling all map lovers, amateur cartographers, and anyone else interested in visualizing their place in the world: come on down to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day, on Wednesday, November 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall.
“GIS refers to a system of software and location-based information that can be used to create, interpret, and analyze spatial data,” said Smitha Krishnan, Director of Information Technology at the City of Kirkland. “GIS Day will feature short demos of the City’s various GIS map products on tablets, and our GIS team will be available to answer questions about how GIS supports the police, fire, public works, and parks departments every day in their operations. We hope you’ll join us!”
More information about GIS Maps can be found on the City website.
While most smartphones and computers automatically make the transition from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time, there are always a few strays. I'm looking at you, stove, coffee pot, and car.
The good news is that this return to Standard Time means you get an additional hour to sleep, so set your clocks back before you go to bed and enjoy that extra hour of rest.
And remember, the end of Daylight Saving Time is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, as well as check you emergency supplies including food and water storage you may need to refresh.
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Check out the latest video from the City’s Office of Emergency Management to learn about preventing cooking fires and how to respond if there is a cooking fire.
Last week Mayor Penny Sweet and the City of Kirkland’s solid waste team celebrated signing the Re+ Pledge with 24 King County cities. The Re+ Pledge is a shared commitment to work together to create a more equitable and sustainable solid waste system and includes a goal of reducing landfill waste by 70% by 2030.
Our Solid Waste Programs Lead Jenna McInnis presented on some of the projects Kirkland is working on including composting programing for commercial and multifamily properties, installation of water bottle refilling stations at City parks, and our reuse Halloween costume swap event.
Over 400 community members attended the 2nd annual Dia de los Muertos event this past Saturday. All ages enjoyed the festivities!
The centerpiece of the event was a stunning altar adorned with marigolds, candles, and food, along with statues and frames displaying photos of loved ones.
Community members dressed in authentic Catrina outfits sharing captivating stories, and a local flamenco dancer wowed the crowd with a mesmerizing 20-minute performance.
One of the highlights of the event was the history wall of Dia de los Muertos. It showcased photos and images from celebrations around the world, giving attendees a glimpse into the rich traditions and customs associated with this holiday.
Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious food! Attendees had the opportunity to sample authentic pan de muertos, a sweet or savory bread, and enjoy refreshing mango fresca.
Thank you for coming together, fostering understanding and appreciation for this cultural celebration, and creating a day of joy and remembrance for all who attended. We can't wait to see you at our next event!
You could serve on the Cultural Arts Commission and advise the Council on public art in the City! Apply by Friday, November at 4 p.m.
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It’s that time of year again! 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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Ballots have been mailed out, and drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 7. Kirkland has two election drop boxes:
1. Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143rd St, 98034
2. Kirkland City Hall (South side of building) 123 5th Ave, 98033
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Outdoor Speaker Series
Date: November 9, 16, and December 6
Location: Heritage Hall, 203 Market Street
Kirkland Parks and Community Services along with our sponsor, Trust for Public Land, is hosting a series of adventure speakers made up of outdoor enthusiasts, authors, nature photographers, kayakers, and historians.
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Nov 9: How Does a 10-Minute Walk to Green Space Change a Community?
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Nov 16: A Guide to Community Driven Park Revitalization Campaigns
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Dec 6: Discover the Eastside's Best Kept Secret: Eastrail Trails
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WM Fall Recycle Right Event
Date: Saturday, November 18
Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE
For the first time our Recycle Right Event is in partnership with the Furniture Repair Bank to collect gently worn and damaged furniture to be restored, repaired, and then gifted to community members in need.
To donate furniture, you must complete an online application by Monday Nov. 13 and will be notified by Nov. 15 if approved.
Complete the online application (picture of item required), a limited number of items will be accepted and we reserve the right to reject any item on the day.
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Fall is in full swing! Thank you to all who joined this year's Harvest Festival.
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