This Week: Council Recap | Fraud Prevention Tips | Be Winter Ready | Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

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this week in kirkland

December 14, 2023

city of kirkland washington

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City Council Meeting Recap

2023-12-12 Kirkland City Council Meeting

The Kirkland City Council met on December 12, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting: 

Council held a public hearing to receive public testimony on the proposed amendments to Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95, which are intended to improve clarity and application of provisions related to tree protection during redevelopment.  Following the public hearing, the Council adopted amendments to the tree code.

Council amended the Kirkland Municipal Code to authorize the various components of the new universal low-income relief program.  The program is anticipated to begin early next year.

Council approved a speed limit reduction from 35 mph to 30 mph along the NE 131st Way/90th Avenue NE corridor from NE 134th Street to 94th Avenue NE.


Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they discussed:

  • 2024 School Impact Fee Update
  • 100th Avenue Additional Pedestrian Crossing – NE 140th Street
  • Updates on the Future of Houghton Village

How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland YouTube channel and Facebook page, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.

The next City Council meeting is on January 2, 2024.

Community Conversations

Comprehensive Plan Economic development survey

Do You Have Thoughts About Economic Development in the City?

Take the Economic Development Survey Before December 31!

We're excited to invite you to participate in the City of Kirkland's Economic Development Community Survey! Your insights are invaluable in shaping the economic future of our city. 

What is Economic Development? 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. 

Why Your Input Matters: Your perspective matters greatly in this process. Your feedback will help us: 

  • Understand your priorities for economic growth and business development. 
  • Identify opportunities to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Shape policies that align with community values and aspirations. 

How to Participate: Taking the survey is quick and easy, requiring only about 5 minutes of your time. Your input is entirely confidential and will be used to inform our Economic Development initiatives. 

Your participation will help us create a roadmap for a thriving, sustainable, and resilient Kirkland. We are committed to working together to build a future that reflects the aspirations of our community. 

Our Kirkland

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.  

For more opportunities to provide feedback to the City, please visit our Community Conversations page.

Rental Risk Assistance Fund Now Accepting Applicants

Kirkland Rental Risk Assistance Fund

The City of Kirkland welcomes applicants to its Rental Risk Assistance Fund Program which supports tenants seeking new leases who have barriers such as low credit scores, previous evictions, or have faced bankruptcy. The program provides grants of up to $1,200 directly to residential landlords with eligible tenants to mitigate risk of tenant default. 

Read more.

Recent Rainfall Replenishes Region

Glass of Water

Seattle Public Utilities announced they are no longer requesting customers to conserve water, thanks to recent rainfall and water conservation efforts by customers. The water reservoirs that the City of Kirkland utilizes have been replenished, and there is enough water to sustain both humans and fish for the foreseeable future.

Read more 

Learn How to Protect You and Your Family from Fraud

Skeptical Grandpa with Laptop

The Kirkland Senior Council presents a special presentation by the Consumer Protection Washington on helping prevent fraud. Don’t miss this great resource to learn the latest news on scams, how to protect your identity, consumer tips and more. Pre-registration required. Lunch provided by Aegis. 

Register today at https://bit.ly/40FUXsz or call 425-587-3336 

Safe Storage for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Safe Storage for Lithium-Ion Batteries

We are in full holiday shopping season! If your list includes devices like phones, laptops or other gadgets powered by lithium-ion batteries, Kirkland Fire Department has some safety tips: 

  • Buy products using batteries that are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 
  • Stop charging a battery once it is full. 
  • Use only the charging equipment that comes with your device. 
  • Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or a change in color. 
  • Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable. 
  • When it comes to e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles, the safest place to charge these devices is outdoors away from your home and not in direct sunlight.

Learn more about Kirkland Fire Department. 

Avoid Car Prowls This Season

gift bags in car trunk

The holidays are prime time for thieves to watch for shoppers who leave gifts in their cars. Kirkland Police Department says don’t give them a reason to prowl your car! 

  • Always lock your vehicle and make sure windows are secure 
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle including cell phones, purses, laptops, bags, or holiday gifts 
  • Park in well-lighted areas 
  • Trust your instincts! If you hear something suspicious or see someone looking in multiple cars, report it to 911 
  • Have an alarm installed and put a sticker on your car window showing that your vehicle is protected 
  • Avoid parking next to trucks, SUVs, vehicles with tinted windows, or anything that can serve as a shield for thieves. The more open space and light you have, the better. 

Let’s have safe holiday season! Learn more about Kirkland Police Department. 

Get Ready for Winter

Let’s Chat Winter Preparedness with play button

Are you prepared for the upcoming winter season? Check out the latest Let’s Chat video from Kirkland’s Office of Emergency Management for tips on how to be ‘winter ready’ before the weather turns! 

Hold Your Next Meeting at Fire Station 22

Fire Station 22 Community Room

The Kirkland Fire Department is pleased to announce the re-opening of the community room at the newly remodeled Fire Station 22 in Houghton! The room can comfortably host 35 community members in a safe and inclusive environment.  

The community room is intended to be used by local, organized community groups such as Boards and Commissions, neighborhood associations, government agencies and other organizations that have direct connections to the City. 

No parties, social events or alcoholic beverages are allowed.  

The community room is available between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. with a maximum occupancy of 58 people. Easily accessible washrooms, meeting tables, chairs and whiteboards are provided. Limited parking is available, carpooling is encouraged. 

Fire Station 22 is located at 6602 108th Avenue NE in the heart of the Houghton Neighborhood.  

Book the Fire Station 22 community room here. 

Practice Holiday Sustainability

Kirkland Conserves News Banner

From winter yard care, to holiday sustainability tips, our Kirkland Conserves team makes it easy to do things that help the environment.

Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, or monthly e-newsletter for easy to follow tips and tricks.

Traffic Alerts

MAP-100th-Ave-construction

Hey folks, we have traffic impacts anticipated in the next week or so for: 

  • 100th Avenue Northeast
  • Northeast 85th Street Interchange (WSDOT Project)
  • Northeast 132nd Street Interchange (WSDOT Project) 

Upcoming Events


community-bonfires-2023

Community Bonfires 

Saturday, December 16 | 02:35 - 02:55 p.m. | Juanita Beach Park (9703 NE Juanita Drive)  

Monday, December 18 | 05:35 - 05:55 p.m. | O.O. Denny Park (12302 Holmes Point Drive NE)  

Kirkland Parks and Community Services warmly welcome the community to enjoy bonfires hosted by City staff that accompany Argosy Cruises' Christmas Ship Festival stops at waterfront parks.  

Bonfires can be canceled due to inclement weather, burn bans, etc. Please call the Bonfire Hotline for day of event updates at 425-587-3345.  

For more information, visit the event page.


knittingKCLS

Monthly Craft Cafe at Kingsgate Library 

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023 

Time: 2 – 4 p.m. 

Location: Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143rd St  

Attention crafters of all kinds! Spend some time getting to know other crafters in your community. Bring a project to work on or try something new! 

Every third Saturday, for adults and teens ages 16 and older. 

Register, and find more info, at KCLS.org  


For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up to date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events 

Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter 


Video Spotlight

Festive feasts on your holiday to-do? Be sure to cook safely! Watch for more:

Cooking Safety Video with Play Button
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