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January 16, 2025
Ever wanted to get to know Kirkland's police officers and firefighters but never knew how? This week’s podcast features Angela Brown, Communications Program Coordinator, who shares 7 fun ways to meet Kirkland’s Police & Fire departments.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 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 January 21 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will receive an update on the City’s 2025 State Legislative Agenda
- Council will receive a briefing on the King County Metro K Line project
- Council will receive a special presentation by the Kirkland Performance Center
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 2025-2026 City Work 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 January 21 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.
In honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., City administrative offices are closed on Monday, January 20, 2025. 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., Tuesday, January 21.
On January 7, 2025, the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, proclaimed Monday, January 20 as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and encourages all Kirkland residents and businesses to serve their neighbors and community on this day and throughout the year. Read the full proclamation on the City's website.
For a full list of 2025 City Hall Holiday Closures, visit the City’s website.
The Kirkland Fire Department deployed six firefighters and a fire engine on January 9, 2025 to the Los Angeles area to assist with wildland firefighting efforts. The crews will work alongside regional partners as King County Strike Team 1, which is made up of engine companies from Bothell Fire, Fall City Fire, Shoreline Fire, Eastside Fire, and Kirkland Fire.
“Kirkland’s commitment to serve others doesn’t stop at our city limits,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone. “We are immensely proud of our firefighters who are always ready to go the distance when they hear the call for help."
Read more.
Two Juveniles Hit by Motorist While Walking Home from School
On Monday, January 06, 2025, just before 3 p.m., Kirkland Police responded to a vehicle vs pedestrian collision in the Finn Hill area. The motorist, an 81-year-old Kirkland resident, left the roadway and struck two juveniles.
Read more.
Final Suspect Sentenced in 2020 Houghton Beach Park Murder
The final suspect in the 2020 Houghton Beach Park murder case has been sentenced to 196 months in prison, concluding a thorough investigation by the Kirkland Police Department.
To solve the case, the Kirkland Police Department’s Investigations Unit worked with multiple agencies, analyzed surveillance footage, executed over 15 search warrants, and conducted extensive social media analysis to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Read more.
During cold snaps, our Public Works Department responds to an increased number of calls from residents experiencing water pipe issues. As cold temperatures descend upon us, it's important to know who to contact in case of an emergency.
Do you know your water service provider?
The City of Kirkland's Water Division manages the water infrastructure from parts of the South Juanita and Totem Lake neighborhoods southward. For the Finn Hill, Kingsgate, and North Juanita neighborhoods, water is provided by the Northshore Utility District and Woodinville Water District.
Please remember: the water line on your property up to the meter is the responsibility of the property owner.
Learn more and find your service provider our "Where Does Kirkland's Water Come From?" webpage.
As the New Year begins, some of us may find ourselves reflecting on the holiday season's food waste. If you noticed more leftovers than usual heading for the disposal, consider adopting these food-saving habits this year:
1. Fridge Nights - Set aside one night each week to evaluate the leftovers in your refrigerator and get creative with your meals. Use these ideas as a springboard for new dishes, and label and freeze any uneaten portions for future lunches.
2. Thoughtful Shopping - Develop a weekly meal plan by first surveying your fridge and pantry. This not only helps in minimizing waste but also saves money and time. By knowing what you already have, you can efficiently fill in the gaps with only necessary purchases.
3. Understand Food Labels - Learn the true meaning behind food labels:
- "Sell by" dates are for store staff, not consumers. Food is often good past this date.
- "Best before" or "use by" dates relate to quality, not safety. If these dates have just passed, and the food has been stored properly and passes your sensory tests, it is generally still safe to consume. These dates emphasize peak freshness rather than edibility.
Embracing these practices can help reduce food waste and make a positive impact on your budget and the environment. Let's make 2025 the year of mindful consumption and sustainable habits!
You may notice some salt and de-icers being used around the city, or maybe you're preparing to use these products yourself.
Using salt and de-icers on sidewalks and driveways can improve safety during icy conditions, but runoff can harm local creeks, lakes, and wetlands. Here are tips to stay safe while protecting our waterways:
- After snow and ice melt or temperatures rise, sweep up excess salt or sand and dispose of it in the trash.
- Follow product instructions carefully. More is not better—excess use increases pollution and costs.
- Use a hand-held spreader for consistent application.
- Apply deicer before snow and ice accumulate to prevent bonding with pavement and speed up melting.
Learn more about the City of Kirkland’s Snow Response efforts.
Make 2025 your year of health, happiness, and personal growth! Kirkland is your ultimate "Wellness Destination," offering everything you need to feel your best. From local fitness studios and wellness retreats to healthy dining spots and self-care services, our vibrant community is here to support your journey.
Discover businesses and inspiration to help you achieve your goals at www.ShopLocalKirkland.com – your one-stop guide to exploring, relaxing, and rejuvenating right here in Kirkland!
The City of Kirkland is hiring After School Day Camp Leaders and a Director! If you're seeking a flexible job where you can work directly with elementary-aged students, get creative, and make a positive impact in your community every day, this is a great opportunity for you. Learn more and apply at these links: After_School_Daycamp_Leader and After_School_Daycamp_Director
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign
116th Avenue Northeast
Drivers near Lake Washington High School will encounter 116th Avenue Northeast reduced to a single lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. north of Northeast 70th Street. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the first Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
124th Avenue Northeast
Kirkland’s contractor continues work on the east side of the street, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue
132nd Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling on 132nd Avenue Northeast will encounter sidewalk construction from NE 95th Street to Lake Washington Technical Institute. Traffic is reduced to a single lane controlled by flaggers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the second Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
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
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Heat Pumps, Cool Incentives Workshop
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers, 123 5th Ave
Have you thought about improving your home's energy efficiency? Want to learn more about heat pumps? Join your neighbors for a workshop to learn about the benefits of heat pumps, different heat pump configurations, how to shop for a heat pump, and how to take advantage of rebates and incentives.
Attendees will have access to a contractor discount through AirGanic and the ability to qualify for the Energy Smart Eastside Fuel Switch rebate at the event.
Learn more at https://www.energysmarteastside.org/
Register here.
Stewardship with Green Kirkland Partnership
Get outside, get active, and make a difference! Join Green Kirkland for a volunteer event in our parks and natural spaces. You'll help remove invasive plants, plant native species, and care for the environment—all while meeting great people and enjoying the outdoors. No experience needed, and tools are provided. Let’s work together to keep Kirkland green and beautiful.
Friday, January 17 | Juanita Bay Park (East) | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saturday, January 18 | North Rose Hill Woodlands Park | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, January 20 | MLK Jr Day of Service | Everest Park | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Meet the faces behind Fire Rescue—protecting lives, responding to emergencies, and serving our community - and beyond - with courage every day!