August 29, 2024
Tune in as Tiffany Trombley, one of Kirkland’s friendly Neighborhood Resource Officers, invites you to sign up for the Community Police Academy!
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. 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, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will review zoning code amendments
- Council will review City Council policies and procedures
- Council will receive an update on Energy Smart Eastside
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
- The preliminary six-year capital improvement program
- The draft housing element of the Comprehensive Plan
Meeting details: The business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. study session. The agenda for the September 3 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
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.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
Follow Along the K2044 Process
All Planning Commission (PC) meetings will be held at Kirkland City Hall (123 5th Ave) starting at 6:00 PM. Visit the Planning Commission website for more information.
Upcoming meetings and public hearings on the Kirkland Comprehensive Plan:
- September 12, 2024 (6:00 pm) - Public Hearing continued on these topics:
- Market St. Corridor Plan
- Land Use Element
The record for this hearing remains open for written comments only. The record for spoken testimony was closed at the August 22, 2024 public hearing, and no additional spoken testimony will be accepted on the September 12 hearing topics at that meeting.
- September 26, 2024 (4:00 – 5:30 pm) - Housing Element Open House
- City staff available to provide information and answer questions about the City’s draft Housing Element.
- September 26, 2024 (6:00 pm) - Public Hearing topics:
- Housing Element
- Appendix (Community Profile, Glossary, History Narrative)
- October 15, 2024: Joint City Council/Planning Commission Study Session
- Planning Commission recommendation for the complete draft 2044 Comprehensive Plan
We encourage you to stay involved in the process by attending public meetings, and learning more at the 2044 Comprehensive Plan update webpage. The webpage includes all past staff memorandums, presentations to the public, and public comments.
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.
In honor of Labor Day, City administrative offices are closed on Monday, September 2. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible over the phone, through email, and the Our Kirkland service portal will resume 8 a.m., Tuesday, September 3.
For 2024 City Hall closures, visit the City’s website.
If you're a car enthusiast, come on down to the Kirkland Justice Center for the 6th annual Kirkland Cadet Benefit Car Show on Saturday September 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Do you have a car to show off? Be a part of the show! Sign up today. All participating car owners will receive a swag bag that includes this year's commemorative dash plate. All participants also have a chance to take home one of four trophies:
- Kirkland Cadet's Choice – selected by the Kirkland Cadets
- People's Choice – selected by all those attending the event
- Participants Choice – selected by all those in the car show
- Gavigan's Choice - selected by the Gavigan family, in honor of Kenny Gavigan – a long time Kirkland employee and Kirkland Cadet Car Show aficionado
Bring the family, meet the cadets, and vote for your favorite car!
This fundraiser supports Kirkland Cadets in their state training through the Washington State Law Enforcement Explorers Academy and regional competitions. All proceeds go to the Kirkland Cadet Program.
Kirkland Cadets is a volunteer youth program with the Kirkland Police Department. For more information, or to join the Kirkland Cadets, visit the City website
The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) invites Kirkland community members to participate in its annual Community Police Academy. This is a great opportunity to receive a firsthand experience of the inner workings of the KPD.
The Community Police Academy is taught by Kirkland police officers and department staff, each with a different area of expertise such as De-Escalation, Investigations, SWAT, Unmanned Aerial System, Traffic, the Community Resource Officer Program, and our K-9 unit. Instruction combines in-class lectures with hands-on activities, including live training simulations and mock scenarios.
Read more on our website.
The City of Kirkland is excited to announce the re-opening of the Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB). Starting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, KTUB will continue to serve Kirkland area teens as a drop-in center offering a wide range of free activities, programs, and services for middle and high school students.
KTUB will be open five days a week, Monday through Friday, with additional activities on most Saturdays. Each weekday, teens can dive into various activities such as art, homework help, games, and socializing in the lounge. KTUB will also provide access to essential mental health services—all at no cost. On-site behavioral health services will be offered in partnership with Youth Eastside Services (YES), a leading provider of mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and support services for youth and families in East King County. Programs for Latinx youth will be provided in collaboration with 4 Tomorrow, a non-profit organization focused on supporting the Latinx community through culturally relevant programs and services.
Read more on our website.
Beginning August 27, 2024, Public Health – Seattle & King County is recommending that people and pets stay out of the water at both Houghton Beach Park and O.O. Denny Park for one week. Signs will be positioned to indicate that people and pets should stay out of the water.
O.O. Denny Park
Construction activity caused rock to enter the sewer mainline, block the flow, and caused a sewer overflow into Denny Creek and Lake Washington. Crews and the Northshore Utility District confirmed that the overflow has stopped. The sewer overflow occurred earlier today, August 27.
Updates about O.O. Denny Park will be posted on the City webpage.
Houghton Beach Park
Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water recently and found that the levels of bacteria at these beaches exceeded safe thresholds for bacteria based on the samples collected. King County crews will return to the beaches next week to collect further samples.
For additional details, visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage.
Now through the end of September, qualifying Kirkland residents can apply to the Kirkland Cares Low Income Support Program and receive discounts on utility rates, pet licenses, business licenses, annual vehicle registration, and other City services.
The City has allocated nearly $600,000 in funds to support eligible households. To learn about the eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit: https://forwardplatform.com/kirkland-cares-low-income-support-program/
When drivers yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles, as required by law, it makes the situation safer for everyone: drivers, responders, and the people who need help. Here’s what to do when an emergency vehicle that’s flashing lights and/or sounding the siren is approaching while you’re driving:
- If your vehicle is in motion, move to the right as soon as it is safe and come to a complete stop.
- If you cannot move to the right, slow down and come to a complete stop.
- If already stopped, try to move right. If unable to, stay stopped unless directed otherwise.
- Never move to the left unless directed to do so.
- Remember that the law applies to emergency vehicles approaching from any direction, not just from behind.
When approaching parked emergency vehicles with lights and sirens on, drive cautiously and yield the right of way by moving to the left lane, if possible.
If you are standing at a curb or on a sidewalk, do not cross the street until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Any delay in responding can affect the outcome for those who need help. Thank you for clearing the way for emergency vehicles so responders can jump into action as quickly as possible.
Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation (KPCF) has launched Ignite Kirkland – a grant fundraising opportunity for Kirkland non-profits.
Grants are a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to increase their local visibility and obtain funding for projects that strengthen the Kirkland community. Encouraged to apply: nonprofits working in a range of areas including arts, human services, education and more. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, with a simple application and reporting process. Applications are accepted until September 16, 2024, and approved requests will be featured in an online grant catalog for public donations in November. KPCF, with support from Amazon, will also contribute to these grants.
For more information, visit www.kpcf.org/grants.
School resumes throughout Kirkland
School begins on Tuesday, Sept. 3 throughout Kirkland. Please prepare for increased traffic around all schools. The school zone safety cameras will resume operation in four Kirkland school zones, with the automated cameras issuing tickets for excessive speeds. The 20-mile-per-hour speed-limit is active when the beacons are flashing on the school speed zone signs.
Northeast 132nd Street
Northeast 132nd Street's contractor will conduct night work to overlay the street from 100th Avenue Northeast to 112th Avenue Northeast. The traffic control will begin setup at 8 p.m. and be removed by 6 a.m. Night work began Monday, Aug. 26 and is expected be complete by Friday, Sept. 6. The road will be controlled by flaggers with Uniformed Police Officers controlling the intersections.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Overlay
124th Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling southbound on 124th Avenue Northeast are prohibited from turning left onto NE 120th Street. Kirkland’s contractor is widening 124th Avenue Northeast to five lanes and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Businesses remain open during construction.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/124th-Avenue-Northeast-Improvements
Goat Hill
Goat Hill residents should expect daytime road closures this week on Northeast 116th Place and nighttime road closures on Northeast 117th Place.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically this week between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor
Additionally, a separate stormwater construction project will reduce Juanita drive to one lane at 86th Avenue Northeast. Kirkland's contractor is installing a new stormwater system at this location. Work is expected through October.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-Juanita-Dr-and-86th-Ave-NE-Storm-Improvements-Project
100th Avenue Northeast
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. Expect delays with increased traffic as school begins Tuesday Sept. 3.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign
Eighth Avenue West and Fifth Street West
Watermain and wastewater service is being installed along 8th Avenue West between Market Street and 3rd Street, then continuing north towards 4th Street West. Flaggers are located at the intersections to allow for emergency vehicles, but 8th Avenue West is closed daily.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/eighthavenuewestupgrade
Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street
Lake Street’s intersection with Kirkland Avenue is now open, and minor impacts to traffic flow are expected for delivery of materials throughout the remainder of construction. Pedestrian access changes, so please follow the pedestrian detour routes. Businesses remain open during construction.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/lakestreetpedscramble
City Hall for All
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave
Our annual City Hall for All event will feature:
- A sustainability showcase to highlight and celebrate sustainable practices featuring EV transportation, community reuse, eco-themed games and crafts, and more
- Interactive booths with City staff sharing program information from various Departments, including partner CBOs
- A stage area with cultural performances and local entertainment hosted by the This Week in Kirkland Podcast
- Meet and greets with City Councilmembers through a photo booth and lemonade stand
- Open City services – get a pet license, pay a utility bill, sign up for a recreation class, or schedule a passport appointment
- Eastside Made Pop-up Market featuring 30+ Kirkland and Eastside businesses
- Truck-a-Palooza! A much-loved event featuring a variety of City trucks and vehicles
Learn more on our website.
See Spot Splash
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (5 different sessions each starting at the top of the hour, 45 minutes each session)
Location: Peter Kirk Pool - 340 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland
Cost: $10 per dog. Pre-registration is highly recommended or pay upon entering.
Join us for our 4th annual See Spot Splash event!
Bring your dog to splash and play at the Peter Kirk Pool, then head over to nearby Lee Johnson Field for some off-leash fun! Sponsored by Emerald City Orthodontics and brought to you by the City of Kirkland!
This event will include vendor booths, music, and treats! Participating dogs must be well behaved, show proof of vaccination, and be on a leash to enter. We hope you can join us!
Register online now at bit.ly/4d43n29, call 425-5787-3336, or pay in person at the pool. For event details, visit kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents.
CPR Training
Date: Thursday, September 19
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Fire Station 22, 6602 108th Ave NE
Learn how to save a life at a free, in-person CPR class for community members. The Kirkland Fire Department (KFD) is partnering with the Medic One Foundation (MOF) to provide free ongoing CPR classes.
These classes will take a break in the month of October and pick back up in November.
Pre-registration is required. Register at the Medic One Foundation's website.
Future Women in EMS and Fire Workshop
Date: October 19 & 20
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Renton
King County Women: Come join King County EMS and host agency Renton RFA along with over 12 other King County agencies as we immerse you in a weekend of hands on Fire and EMS activities and provide you an opportunity to explore a career in the Fire or EMS service. This opportunity includes interactive activities, discussion panels, viewing live demos, and networking with EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedics in our region. Must be 18+ to apply, King County residency preferred.
Workshop: October 19 + 20, 2024 0800-1700 both days
Host: Renton RFA
Application: https://rentonrfa.com/fwief/
Applications due September 22, 2024
Send questions to: futurewomenems@kingcounty.gov
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Check out some of the features of last year's City Hall For All event, and don't forget to stop by on September 14!