 All the latest (and then some) delivered straight to your ear drums.
The Kirkland City Council met on April 2, 2024. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
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Council approved the rollout of a Childcare Stipend Program for Board/Commission members.
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Council reviewed and provided feedback on a draft letter from City of Kirkland staff to King County concerning the City’s comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a new Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station. The draft letter can be found on the City's website.
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Council held a public hearing on the City’s emergency moratorium on the issuance of permits for new dwelling units on Goat Hill.
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The Mayor Proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, YWCA Until Justice Just Is Month, and Autism and Other Neurodivergence Acceptance & Appreciation Month in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they:
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Met with the Human Services Commission to discuss the commission’s 2-year work plan.
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Reviewed and discussed the City’s 6-year Municipal Stormwater Permit, and Draft 2024 Ecology Stormwater Design Manual.
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. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on April 16, 2024.
Last Chance to Submit a Comment to King County
Final reminder to leave a comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station project.
King County is collecting public comments online until April 9, 2024.
For more information about the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project, visit www.kingcounty.gov/northeast or call King County’s Solid Waste Division at 206-477-4466 or 711 TTY.
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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.
 The Puget Sound region has seen an increase in cost of living over the last several years. To help ease the financial burden on low-income families, the City of Kirkland has launched a new Kirkland Cares Low-Income Support Program. The program provides discounts on utility rates, pet licenses, business licenses, annual vehicle registration, and other City services and charges for residents who earn at or below 80% Area Media Income (AMI) for the King County area.
Read more
The City of Kirkland has once again received top bond ratings from S&P and Moody’s credit rating agencies. Recently issued reports affirmed the City’s Aaa rating from Moody’s, which the City has held since 2018, and the AAA rating from S&P, which the City has held since 2008. AAA and Aaa are the highest quality and grade, indicating a high degree of creditworthiness because their issuers are easily able to meet financial commitments and have the lowest risk of default.
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Heading downtown this weekend? Take your bike!
You heard it here first, folks. Starting this weekend, you can visit downtown Kirkland via bike and have our amazing valets check in your bike while you stroll, shop, and dine in downtown.
The City just launched our Bike Stewards Program, and we have some phenomenal volunteers (and bike enthusiasts).
The bikes will be located at the start of Park Lane right there next to the Starbucks – at the bike rack.
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Join the Green Kirkland Partnership and celebrate Earth Day all month long in April!
Volunteer stewardship events in Kirkland Parks are a terrific way to give the earth a little love with your friends and neighbors. Volunteers are needed to save trees from invasive ivy and blackberry, help mulch new native plantings, and other fun habitat stewardship activities. Tools, training, and cookies are provided.
April Green Kirkland Events
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What can you do about climate change? Start with something simple that will also save you money - turn off your idling car.
If you are parked for more than 10 seconds, turn your engine off. Whether you’re waiting in a drive-through line, waiting for a friend, or running in to pick up your take-out food - turn off your engine. It’s less pollution, better for your car’s engine, and you’ll save gas money!
The US Department of Energy estimates that idling personal vehicles generates about 30 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. Eliminating those emissions through idling reduction would be like removing 6 million cars from the roads!
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from safe driving such as texting, talking, or looking at social media on a cell phone; fiddling with the stereo or navigation system; eating or drinking; and applying makeup. Cell phone use is the most alarming distraction. Reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed!
Safe driving requires your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction that could rob you of precious seconds that may be needed to avoid a close call or deadly crash.
April, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is the perfect time to reflect on the choices we make while driving and to commit to following these tips for a safer ride:
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If a text has to be sent, pull over and park in a safe location first.
- Designate a passenger to be a “texting assistant” to respond to messages.
- If you struggle with using your phone while driving, remove the temptation. Place your phone out of reach until you arrive at your destination.
Drive safe! Thanks for your attention.
National Walking Day is on the first Wednesday in April every year. Walking is one of the simplest ways to be active. Studies have shown that walking for 30 to 60 minutes per day can reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and lower the risk of some diseases including heart disease. Invite a friend, family member, co-worker, or your pet to take a walk with you!
Here are some tips for a safer walk:
- Be visible! Wear bright clothing during the day and reflectorized clothing at dusk, dawn, and/or night.
- Be careful! Look both ways before crossing the street. When crossing, wait for a safe gap in traffic and make eye contact with the driver of any approaching vehicle.
- Be alert! Be aware of all traffic, particularly vehicles turning right at red lights.
- Make sure drivers see you. Don’t dart out or suddenly enter the street. If you are emerging from behind a parked vehicle, slowly step out and make sure you are visible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
- Choose proper foot gear.
- Keep hydrated!
- Stretch your muscles before and after walking to prevent injury.
- Protect yourself from the sun.
To learn more walking safety and health tips and to view Kirkland’s neighborhood walking maps for some inspiration, visit the City's website.
You hopefully already have an emergency preparedness kit ready to go in case of a disaster. If you have pets, did you know they need kits, too? Kits should be in a portable container in case an evacuation is necessary. Here are some suggestions for what to put in an emergency “go kit” for pets to keep them healthy, safe, and feeling as secure as possible under a stressful situation:
- Water. At least a three-day supply per pet.
- Food. At least a three-day supply per pet.
- Medications and medical records.
- First aid kit.
- Spare collar or harness (with ID tag & rabies tag) and a leash.
- Crate or pet carrier. Can be used to store the other items when not in use.
- Sanitation. Pet litter and a litter box, if needed. Include plastic trash bags and bleach for cleaning.
- A photo of you and your pet(s) together. This can help reunite you if you and your pet become separated.
- Comfort items. A favorite treat or toy can help ease your pet’s anxiety.
For more information on assembling and maintaining disaster supply kits for pets (and people), visit the City's website. Don't forget to license your pet.
Identity theft is a widespread problem, and technology has given identity thieves even more ways to commit their crimes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, one in ten people had been victims of identity theft in the course of a year, and 1 in 5 people had experienced identity theft in their lifetime.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are a few tips from the Kirkland Police Department:
- Shred paperwork that contains any personal information.
- Protect your mail. Use a secure mailbox for incoming and outgoing mail. Have the post office hold your mail if you’re going to be away from home for an extended time.
- Use updated firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer.
- Regularly check your credit reports (free once a year!) through Equifax 800-525-6285, Experian 888-397-3742, and TransUnion 800-680-7289.
- Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet.
- Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails.
- Don’t use obvious passwords (e.g., birthdate, mother’s maiden name, last four digits of your social security number, etc.).
Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street
Lake Street’s intersection with Kirkland Avenue will remain closed until June 1. Kirkland’s Lake Street pedestrian scramble contractor closed it April 1 for two months while its crews rebuild the intersection into the City’s first pedestrian scramble.
Kirkland’s Juanita Drive corridor improvements contractor is keeping closed 79th Way Northeast’s intersection with Juanita Drive this week, while its crews upgrade a water main beneath 79th Way Northeast. Drivers should also expect intermittent lane-closures for the next year along Juanita Drive, between 79th Way Northeast and Northeast 133rd Place.
Fifth Avenue South and Eighth Street West
Kirkland's Fifth Avenue South and Eighth Street West water main contractor is alternating traffic until mid-April on Eighth Street South and a short section of Railroad Avenue.
Strickland and Sons crews are working from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Kirkland's 100th Avenue Northeast corridor improvements contractor is planning on April 15 to close for three weeks the arterial’s intersection with Northeast 139th Street while its crews upgrade stormwater utilities beneath the street.
OMA Construction is alternating traffic at various locations between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour.
I-405/NE 85th St Interchange Project
Want to know the latest on the I-405/NE 85th St Interchange project, but weren’t able to attend the quarterly update meeting?
The Spring Recycle Right Event
Location: Lake Washington Institute for Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE
Natural Lawn Care 101
Location: Heritage Hall, 203 Market Street
Wondering how to get your lawn back into shape after winter stress and support it through our dry summers? This class is for you! Join us for a hands-on, informative class on the principles of natural lawn care with Ladd Smith, co-owner of In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes.
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The importance of healthy soil to support your lawn
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How to successfully perform seasonal tasks like mowing, watering, and fertilizing in environmentally friendly ways
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How to support a lush lawn with aeration, seeding, and topdressing.
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Achieve the lawn that you want naturally!
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CPR Class
Location: Fire Station 22, Multi-Purpose Room, located at 6602 108th Ave NE
If you had the chance to save someone’s life using CPR, would you know how? If not, now’s your chance to learn. The Kirkland Fire Department is again partnering with the Medic One Foundation to provide the next free CPR class for the community.
Pre-registration is required. For more information, and to register for CPR Class, see the City’s website.
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Wheels and Reels: The Little Mermaid (2023, PG)
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Beach Dr
Enjoy a night out under the stars at Juanita Beach Park with our Winter and Spring Drive-in Movie Series.
The parking lot opens at 6PM and the movie starts at 7PM. $20 per vehicle, pre-registration is required.
To register, visit KirklandParks.net or call 425-587-3336. All ages welcome. Snack vendors will be on site. Event is held rain or shine - no refunds. No RV's, limos, busses, tailgating or alcohol.
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Blood Drive
Location: City Hall, Peter Kirk Community Room, 123 5th Ave
Blood donations help people who've suffered from emergencies and trauma as well as patients with cancer treatments, surgeries, premature babies, car accidents, and others who cannot live without the support of volunteer blood donors. There are 3,000 appointments open that need to be filled by donors like you. Prevent a blood shortage by making an appointment to donate. A blood drive will be at City Hall on Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24. Book a Donation Appointment today!
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Spring 2024 CERT Class
Dates: April 25, 27, 30, May 2 from 6 - 9 p.m. and May 4 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Upon registration
Cost: $25 for City of Kirkland residents.
CERT (Community Emergency Response Training) is a hands-on training that teaches people how to prepare their homes and neighborhoods to respond to a disaster.
Learn skills like fire suppression, disaster first aid, search and rescue techniques, assisting professional responders, responding to suspected terrorist incidents, reducing survivor stress, and preparing individuals and communities for emergencies. Sign up for the Spring CERT class here!
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Got Earth Month fever? Learn about the City’s pollution education through artwork.
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