Public Meetings - Kirkland, Washington

The Kirkland City Council held a study session at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on February 20, 2024, in the City Council Chamber, presided over by Mayor Kelli Curtis. All seven councilmembers were present. The study session covered KTUB operating options, the Downtown Parking Study update, and EKCRWA water rights. The regular meeting included a county update, public comments, consent calendar approval, legislative session update with votes on HB 2114, debt ordinance first reading, planning work program adoption, neighborhood plan updates, reports, and an executive session. Study Session - Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) Operating Options: Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaagstra, Human Services Manager Jen Boone, and Recreation Manager Sara Shellenbarger presented three operating options following the failure of Parks Proposition 1: Option A (year-round, six days/week, comprehensive services, estimated $268,683 for 2024 partial year and $431,094 for 2025 full year), Option B (school-year, five days/week, reduced services, $124,631 for 2024 and $21,171 for 2025), and Option C (third-party RFP). Staff recommended Option A. Councilmembers Pascal, Falcone, and Sweet strongly supported Option A; Deputy Mayor Arnold favored starting with Option B and ramping up. No formal vote; staff was directed to bring funding options for the budget process. - Downtown Parking Study Update: Transportation Planner Kim Scrivner presented data from July 1–December 31, 2023. Occupancy often exceeded the 80–85% target in waterfront lots (high 90s at dinner), on-street parking hovered around 80%, Park Lane around 85%, and the garage upper level was full while the lower level was only 40% occupied. Council directed staff to explore pricing, time-limit changes, garage conversion, enforcement of move-by rules, wayfinding, bike parking, ADA/EV data, and dynamic pricing, with more discussion at the May 2024 Financial Retreat. - East King County Regional Water Association (EKCRWA) Water Rights: Interim Public Works Director Truc Dever and RH2's Michelle Campbell briefed on Kirkland's 8.3% equity interest in joint water rights applications for the Snoqualmie River/Aquifer. The opt-in/out deadline is March 15, 2024; development could cost Kirkland $8.3 million (rising with opt-outs) and yield about 5.19 MGD (more than 13 MGD with opt-outs). The supply is interruptible and may not meet summer peaks. Council questioned value, reliability, and Cascade Water Alliance implications; a vote is scheduled for March 5, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Debbie Lacy (Eastside for All) expressed strong support for KTUB and the city-run model. - Lani Brockman (retired Artistic Director, Studio East) and Carolyn Agan (new Artistic Director) thanked the city and announced Studio East's upcoming move. - Matthew Davis, attorney for owners of two South Juanita parcels, urged removal of restrictive zoning that bars restaurants/taverns/neighborhood retail, arguing the comp plan provision is outdated. - Paul Quinn, a Sammamish resident, presented recycling data: two-thirds of landfill waste is recyclable/compostable; Kirkland's diversion rate is only 46%; many businesses (805) and multifamily sites (1,117 of 1,399) lack food-scrap collection. - Ken MacKenzie requested a specific list of projects for the upcoming bond. - Rex Remple spoke in favor of density and growth to meet population needs. - Sharon Sato complained about an ADU's reflective window overlooking her bedroom and asked for relief. - Alex Tsimerman made inappropriate, hurtful comments; Mayor Curtis condemned them and reaffirmed the city's commitment to inclusivity. Special Presentation - King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci (District 6) updated the council on county budgets ($100 million deficit), Stride BRT, K-line funding, East Link light rail opening April 27, regional traffic safety, affordable housing targets, crisis care centers, the DOORS Open arts program, and investments including the Friends of Youth Willows Center. Consent Calendar - Approved 7-0: minutes of February 6, 2024; audit of accounts (payroll $4,499,708.37; bills $8,549,329.76); claims for damages; award of Goat Hill Drainage Ditch contract to OMA Construction, Inc. for $1,999,150.32; 2022 GHG report; Q4 2023 Fire Dashboard; Fire Station 26 artist Damon Brown; Q4 Planning Implementation Report; Human Services Commission resignation; Public Records report; Investment report; December 2023 Financial Dashboard; Procurement report; and $7,000 for Eastrail Leadership Summit. Business - 2024 Legislative Session Update: Government Affairs Manager Diana Hart provided status. After debate, Council voted 3-4 to reject a motion to take no position on HB 2114 (rent stabilization), then voted 4-3 to approve a motion supporting HB 2114, allowing the city to sign in/testify in favor. Note: raw transcript mentions "Councilmember Tim Chisholm," but official minutes list Councilmember John Tymczyszyn; the tally follows the minutes. - Debt Issuance Ordinance (First Reading): Finance Director Michael Olson presented Ordinance O-4871 authorizing up to $43.9 million in LTGO bonds for transportation ($21.3M) and fire facilities ($21.5M). No action taken; second reading March 5. - 2024-2026 Planning Work Program Adoption: Deputy Planning Director Allison Zike, Planning Commission Chair Scott Reusser and Vice Chair Rodney Rutherford presented. Resolution R-5621 passed 7-0. Council discussed school-site housing capacity, moving it up; directed staff to return with options via an LRM (below). - Juanita and Kingsgate Neighborhood Plans Update: Senior Planner LeAndra Baker-Lewis presented outreach findings and land-use change requests for the Michael and Goodwill sites. Council expressed support for staff recommendations to continue studying the requests, including height increases (Michael to 70 ft, Goodwill to 75 ft) and housing, and for the Juanita Public Pathway concept. Council and City Manager Reports - Councilmembers gave regional reports. A motion by Councilmember Falcone, seconded by Tymczyszyn, passed 7-0 directing staff to prepare an LRM with options to expedite Planning Work Program Task 34 (increasing development opportunities on school sites) and to convene/educate/advocate with stakeholders. - City Manager discussed the upcoming Council Retreat (moved to 9:00 a.m. start) and presented LRM 010224A on volunteer background checks. After discussion, Council approved Option A (7-0): only Level 2 volunteers with access to sensitive info/locations or vulnerable populations require background checks; staff will classify roles and develop a one-time policy. Key Outcomes - Approved consent calendar 7-0. - Approved pro-HB 2114 position 4-3. - Adopted Resolution R-5621 (2024-2026 Planning Work Program) 7-0. - Directed staff on KTUB toward Option A but no formal vote; parking study next steps; water rights vote on March 5. - Passed LRM on school sites 7-0. - Passed volunteer background check Option A 7-0. - Executive session on employee performance; meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m.

The Kirkland Planning Commission met on February 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber for a study session focused on two policy briefings for the 2044 Comprehensive Plan: the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Element and the Sustainability, Climate and Environment (SCE) Element. Commissioners reviewed draft goals and policies, asked clarifying questions, and provided extensive feedback to guide staff revisions. The meeting included two public comments and concluded with administrative updates. Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin Adams, a Kirkland resident, asked about the long-term planning timeline for the 85th Street Station Plan, specifically the proposed pedestrian bridge across 90th Street. Planning & Building Deputy Director Allison Zike responded that the bridge is on the 20-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) list and is not currently funded; the six-year CIP is updated annually, with a public hearing usually held by the Planning Commission each November. Mr. Adams indicated he may not be in favor of the bridge but appreciated the information. - Kurt Dressner, from the Everest neighborhood, commented on Sustainability element policies. He cautioned against unintended consequences of establishing fixed embodied carbon limits in Policy E4.6, urging consideration of the full lifecycle of projects. He also supported new Policy E4.1 on a tool-lending facility but recommended wording that allows for multiple facilities ("one or more facilities or a network of facilities") rather than limiting to a single location. Discussion Items Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element Policy Briefing Senior Planner Lindsay Levine presented an overview of the Parks element, including community engagement themes (equity, small parks, tree canopy, shade), study issues, and draft goals and policies. Commissioners provided input on a range of policies: - Support for water bottle refill stations and splash pads (heat mitigation). - Lifeguard coverage during extreme heat; longer hours in hotter summers. - Concern that a scholarship policy (PR 5.3) is too limiting by focusing on income; suggestion to broaden language to encourage participation at all income levels. - Policy PR 3.1 on waterfront parks: question about creating pedestrian-friendly connections along the waterfront (distinct from new access points). - Interest in permanent parklets in right-of-way to expand park access in areas like Kingsgate. - Enthusiasm for new policy allowing businesses (cafes, recreational equipment rentals) in and near parks, with suggestions to include "adjacent to" parks and to consider neighborhood-level businesses. - Policy on walking, biking, and transit access: commissioners urged prioritizing non-car modes (walk, bike, roll, transit) and listed facilities needed: bike racks with charging, shade structures, benches, bus stops near parks, bathrooms, water fountains, lockers, inclusive play structures for all ages. - Tree canopy policy: support for traffic calming through trees, and a comment to change "for future generations" to include "current and future generations." - Additional suggestions: prioritize underserved people over underserved areas (PR 2.1), nurture a fine-grained network of paths for people-scale transport (PR 4.1), clarify "green infrastructure" in PR 7.4, and consider redundancy of tree canopy policies between elements. Sustainability, Climate and Environment Element Policy Briefing Senior Planner David Barnes presented an overview of the SCE element, highlighting key themes from outreach, study issues, and draft revisions. Commissioners reviewed several highlighted policies and provided feedback: - New policy supporting the Urban Forestry Strategic Management Plan: welcomed as promoting internal collaboration. - Policy E4.6 on embodied carbon limits: concerns about unintended consequences slowing development or blocking significant projects (e.g., light rail tunnels). Suggestions to include incentives (e.g., expedited permitting, height or density bonuses), a hierarchy that ensures development remains viable, and per capita greenhouse gas targets. Commissioners emphasized the need to avoid making it harder to build in Kirkland, which could push development to exurbs. - New Policy E4.1 on a tool-lending facility: strongly supported, with suggestions for a constellation of neighborhood-based facilities and possible partnerships with neighbors who already share tools. - Policies on climate resilience (new goal E5 related to HB 1181): support for creating a climate preparedness study, financial assistance for underserved populations in energy transitions, and regional partnerships. Discussion included concerns about grid capacity and PSE staffing; a presentation from PSE is scheduled for March. - Policies on renewable aviation fuels and per capita VMT targets: support for adding language on non-aviation alternatives (e.g., high-speed rail) and addressing particulate pollution from aviation and marine fuels. - Policy on water conservation: desire for stronger measures, including water reuse (gray/black water) and making city policy more accommodating for individual projects. - Additional comments: noise pollution should be addressed (especially from freeways after tree removal), micromobility and e-bikes are underrepresented and should be integrated across elements, and equitable access to healthy food through community gardens and small grocers should be included. Key Outcomes - Staff will incorporate the commission's feedback into revisions of both the Parks and SCE elements. - The draft elements will be presented for public hearing before the Planning Commission in April and May 2024, with City Council adoption targeted by the end of 2024. - The next Planning Commission meeting (February 22) will feature the first housing element policy briefing. - Applications for Planning Commission seats (terms beginning after March) are open until February 14, 2024. - Staff noted that public notice signs for building permits on density increases (e.g., cottages on a lot) are not currently required, but this issue has been added to the study list for middle housing optimization implementation.

The Kirkland City Council convened at 7:30 p.m. on February 6, 2024, following a study session covering Cascade Water Alliance negotiations, the Stores to Shores Greenway, and a decorative pavement markings program. The regular meeting included honors, public comments, a consent calendar, and several business items. Key actions included approval of a temporary moratorium on building permits in the Goat Hill area, acceptance of a petition to halt forest development, direction to install a HAWK pedestrian crossing on 100th Avenue NE, and authorization to explore a new city flag. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0): Minutes from January 11 and 16, 2024; audit of accounts (payroll $6,243,470.01, bills $12,936,084.25); claims for damages; award of HVAC installation contract to Product Air Heating and Cooling LLC for $223,000; Ordinance O-4848 updating building codes; Resolution R-5619 approving the 2024 ARCH administrative budget; Resolution R-5620 authorizing affordable housing funding agreements; Black History Month proclamation; 2023 Q4 capital projects report; 2022 impact fees report; December 2023 sales tax memo; and procurement report. Public Comments & Testimony - Miriam Larson (Goat Hill resident): Urged preservation of old-growth forest on four parcels, citing ecological and community value; described efforts to prevent a 16-home development and submitted a petition with 347 signatures. - Joe Chulick: Requested enforcement of short-term rental regulations, stating a neighbor rented a home without living in it; noted 300 active VRBO listings in Kirkland and called for stronger code enforcement. - Andrea Thompson: Supported the Goat Hill petition, emphasizing landslide hazards and wetlands on the sloped parcels; noted prior city purchase of adjacent parkland. - Susan Pappalardo (PFEC member, Splash Forward president): Supported continued community engagement for a new aquatic facility; stressed partnerships, equity, and affordability; encouraged council to champion social infrastructure. - Tristan McKay: Advocated for passive desalination technology to improve water supply resilience and environmental responsibility. - Jennie Jaeger: Supported placing a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of 100th Avenue NE and NE 140th Street (option 2) for transit users, citing safety and pedestrian desire lines. - Dan Maehren: Raised concerns about increased density in low-density residential neighborhoods (South Rose Hill); requested a check-in with residents on ADU and cottage housing impacts. - Alex Tsimerman: Expressed anti-Semitic and inflammatory remarks about a Bellevue council appointment; council disavowed the statements and closed public comment after disruptive behavior. - David Gough: Criticized city purchase of a property with critical environmental concerns without proper assessment; contrasted with his own required permits for an ADU. - Vince Campos (former PFEC member, opponent of Prop 1): Supported a 30-year bond for a pool at $66/year; believed such a measure could reach 60% approval; recommended simple messaging on swim lessons for children. - Kurt Dresner: Linked development pressure on forested land to insufficient density elsewhere; urged balancing preservation with denser development in already-cleared areas. - Mitzi Beffy: Made a brief statement echoing a previous speaker. Discussion Items - Goat Hill Temporary Moratorium (Item 9a): Director of Planning Adam Weinstein presented background on landslide hazards, limited access, and substandard infrastructure. Council added this item by a 7-0 vote to amend the agenda. After discussion, Ordinance O-4870 imposing a six-month moratorium on new dwelling unit permits (effective immediately) was approved 7-0, with exemptions for existing applications and infrastructure projects. - Post Ballot Measure Parks Funding (Item 9b): Management Analyst Hilary De La Cruz shared feedback from PFEC and Park Board on Prop 1 results, including reasons for yes/no votes, confusion over funding structure, and support for a smaller pool-only measure. Council reviewed updated survey questions, debated levy lid lift vs. bond options, and discussed timing (August primary vs. November general). Council provided direction to refine location questions and consolidate survey items. Survey launch was approved for later that week, with results to be presented at the March 1 retreat. - 100th Avenue NE Pedestrian Crossing (Item 9c): Transportation Engineering Supervisor Jennifer Palmer presented a safety evaluation recommending a HAWK signalized mid-block crossing between NE 140th Street and NE 140th Place. Council heard public support for the intersection option. After discussion, a motion to adopt staff recommendation (HAWK at the northern mid-block location) passed 7-0, with direction to return with funding options and a fiscal note. - 2024 Legislative Session Update (Item 9e): Government Affairs Manager Diana Hart reported on key bills: transit-oriented development amendments advanced; real estate excise tax proposals pending; behavioral health bills moving; property tax cap bill progressing; and opposition to impact fee reduction bills. Council expressed continued support for traffic safety camera legislation (HB 2384). - Interview Selection Committee (Item 9f): City Clerk randomly selected Councilmembers Black, Falcone, and Tymczyszyn to serve on the ISC for board and commission interviews. Applications due February 14. - City Manager Reports: - Council Retreat Agenda: Draft agenda proposed including community pool survey results, regional fire authority briefing, city communications, economic development, council procedures, and open potpourri. Council requested fewer topics for deeper discussion and clarified potpourri expectations. - Woodinville RAISE Grant Letter: Council approved (7-0) an edited letter of support, adding references to the “former rail corridor” and “East King County.” - City Flag LRM: Councilmember Sweet presented a proposal for a new city flag, citing branding and community engagement. Council voted 7-0 to direct staff to prepare a legislative request memo. - Council Reports: Members reported on Lake Washington School District coordination, Point-in-Time homeless count, King County Affordable Housing Symposium, Totem Lake Connector Bridge award, Lunar New Year celebration, and upcoming City Action Days. A motion to allocate $7,000 from council special projects reserve for an Eastrail Leadership Assembly passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Goat Hill Moratorium: Approved O-4870 (7-0), effective immediately, halting new building permits for six months in the Goat Hill area to study safety and environmental constraints. - Petition G-24-240: Accepted (7-0) for further study regarding development of forested parcels on Goat Hill. - 100th Avenue Crossing: Directed staff to implement a HAWK signalized mid-block pedestrian crossing between NE 140th Street and NE 140th Place; staff to return with funding options. - Eastrail Summit: Approved $7,000 cost share for the leadership assembly, to be funded from council special projects reserve. - Woodinville RAISE Letter: Approved with edits. - City Flag: Directed staff to prepare an LRM for a new city flag. - Survey Launch: Council finalized changes to the post-ballot measure community survey; survey to be fielded immediately.

The Kirkland Planning Commission held a study session on January 25, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 10:13 PM, focusing on updates to the Juanita and Kingsgate Neighborhood Plans and a briefing on the Economic Development Element of the 2044 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners heard public comments, reviewed survey data, and provided direction on proposed land use changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Jessica Clawson (McCullough Hill, representing Michaels site owners) expressed support for staff's consideration of 70-foot height and additional density to enable pedestrian environment, mixed use, affordable housing, and design. - Carl Peterson (property owner, leased to Michaels) expressed interest in a positive change, proposing bike lanes, wider sidewalks, trees, and a minimum of 17-20 affordable units. He stated that without height and density increases, he intends to sign a 20-30 year lease extension. - Meredith Everist (Baylis Architects) presented conceptual images for the 1.2-acre Michaels site with approximately 170 dwelling units and retail, enhancing streetscape and pedestrian connections. - Jeff Schram (transportation engineer) noted opportunities for improved pedestrian/bike connections and multiple access points via an existing easement with adjacent property. - Ingrid Salmon (Juanita Working Group) focused on making the area livable for humans, freeing Juanita Creek, and promoting pedestrian corridors. - Joe Gill (Balboa Retail Partners, representing Goodwill site owners) supported staff's recommendation to study the land use change request for the site. - Luke Travis (Juanita Working Group) cited survey results: only 41% of respondents found housing affordable, 65% wanted more housing, and urged prioritizing housing and increased density for Michaels and Goodwill sites. - Jan Bordeau (Kingsgate Working Group) relayed that Kingsgate HOAs want their parks to remain private, a bike overpass ramp is no longer needed due to the Cross Kirkland Corridor bridge and Totem Lake Connector bridge, and asked the Commission to note these issues. Discussion Items - Juanita and Kingsgate Neighborhood Plan Updates: Senior Planner LeAndra Baker-Lewis presented engagement results, including 333 Juanita and 312 Kingsgate survey responses. For Kingsgate, key themes: capacity vs. growth, redevelopment of Kingsgate Commercial Center, environmental protection, traffic calming, and equitable parks. For Juanita, key themes: housing affordability, pedestrian/bicycle connectivity, environmental protection, traffic calming, and connecting north and south commercial centers. Commissioners provided input on draft vision statements: they suggested shortening the Juanita statement, emphasizing connectivity, and exploring additional policy direction such as renaming Kingsgate neighborhood. - Potential Land Use Changes: - Michaels site (9755 NE Juanita Drive): Property owners request amendments for 70-foot height, reduced parking minimums, and density for 250-300 units across the JBD4 zone. Staff recommended continuing study while not updating the shoreline master program. Commissioners supported the recommendation, with comments on prioritizing park-to-park connection, reducing parking minimums, and protecting wetlands. No shoreline exemption. - Goodwill site (9826 NE 132nd St): Property owners request 75-foot height, density for 500-600 units, and 10-15,000 sq ft commercial space. Staff recommended continuing study. Commissioners supported but noted concerns about height precedent and neighborhood character. Discussion included exploring gradual upzoning and design guidelines. - Juanita Public Pathway (JPP): A multimodal pathway connecting parks to the Cross Kirkland Corridor. Staff recommended studying and adding policy support. Commissioners supported incremental implementation, prioritizing safety near Juanita High School. - 2044 Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element: Senior Planner Janice Swenson presented existing programs, survey results (257 respondents), and focus group feedback. Key themes: support for small businesses, home-based businesses, affordable retail, tourism, arts, and entrepreneurship. Commissioners provided input on startup spaces, maker spaces, import replacement, local investing, and street-level activation. Key Outcomes - Commissioners agreed with staff recommendations to continue studying the proposed land use changes for the Michaels and Goodwill sites and the Juanita Public Pathway. - No formal votes were taken, but general consensus was reached to proceed with further analysis and bring back draft plans for public hearing in May 2024. - Next meeting (February 8, 2024) will include policy briefings on the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element and the Sustainability, Climate and Environment Element. - Two commissioner terms expire at the end of March 2024; applications are due February 13, 2024.

The Kirkland Planning Commission held a retreat and study session on January 19, 2024, to review the draft 2024-2026 Planning Work Program and discuss the ongoing 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update, including staff support, meeting logistics, and data needs. Commissioners present were Chair Scott Reusser, Vice-Chair Rodney Rotherford, and Commissioners Angela Rozmyn, Aaron Jacobson, Katya Allen, Sandeep Singhal, and Bria Heiser. Staff present included Planning & Building Director Adam Weinstein, Deputy Director Allison Zike, and Program Specialist Bryan Cole. Draft 2024-2026 Planning Work Program - Commissioners discussed the draft work program, which carries forward many tasks from the previous cycle and adds new items related to comprehensive plan implementation. Key topics included accessory commercial units, minimum lot sizes, transit walkshed development, neighborhood plan updates for Kingsgate and Juanita, design review compliance with state law, Houghton Village and Park and Ride site planning, and the Smart City strategic plan. - Vice-Chair Rutherford emphasized the need for an incremental, well-scoped approach to projects like missing middle housing and home occupation allowances to avoid bottlenecks. Staff agreed to phase work and provide clear scoping. - Commissioner Allen requested clarification on the Kingsgate and Juanita updates, noting they are the only neighborhoods without modern updates since annexation. Staff confirmed these will be integrated into the 10-year comp plan cycle, with community-initiated amendments as a separate pathway. - Commissioner Rozmyn asked about design review task 16; staff explained that compliance with state law may require converting design guidelines into standards, with further guidance expected from the state. - Commissioner Jacobson asked how comp plan decisions would filter into future work items; staff noted that policies adopted in the comp plan will set direction for code amendments, and new tasks may be added as needed. Kirkland 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update: Commission Support Discussion - Staff presented six prompting questions to gather feedback on how best to support commissioners through the comp plan update process. Topics included background information needs, level of detail between policies and zoning, curation of policies for discussion, staff memos and packets, meeting schedules, and other open-ended feedback. - Commissioners requested additional data: historical growth target performance, parcel-level capacity analysis (including potential heat maps), and updates on neighboring city plans. Commissioner Allen also asked for a written document on the distinction between planning for growth versus allowing capacity. - On the policy matrix, commissioners appreciated the curated focus and suggested highlighting policies to be discussed in a different color and providing the original spreadsheet for easier note-taking. They preferred less repetition of history in packets, with links to previous meetings instead. - Regarding meeting schedules, commissioners generally preferred either starting meetings earlier (e.g., 6:00 PM) or allowing them to run longer, with advance notice of longer meetings. Daytime meetings were not a strong preference, but virtual-only sessions were mentioned for informational presentations. Commissioner Allen suggested recording presentations for asynchronous viewing to free up meeting time. - Commissioner Heiser requested a summary of recent state legislative changes relevant to planning. Commissioner Allen emphasized the need for better public education on the rationale behind code changes, particularly after projects are built. Commissioner Singhal noted that jargon in agendas and minutes hampers public understanding and suggested more accessible summaries, as well as minority reports to capture nuanced positions in minutes. - Commissioner Rozmyn asked for average rent data, ideally broken down by unit type and neighborhood, to inform housing discussions. Staff noted a community profile in development (expected publication by end of February/March) that will include many data points. Commissioner Allen also asked for updated data on housing start permits and occupancy rates. Key Outcomes - Planning Work Program: The commission accepted the draft 2024-2026 Planning Work Program as a recommendation to city council. Chair Reusser and Vice-Chair Rutherford will present the program to council on behalf of the commission, likely through a joint study session or staff memo. - Data & Information: Staff will provide historical growth target performance data, parcel-level capacity information, neighboring city comp plan summaries, and a summary of recent legislative changes. The community profile and housing needs assessment are expected in early 2024. - Meeting Logistics: The commission agreed to accommodate longer meetings by starting earlier or extending hours, with prior notice. Daytime meetings are not a preferred option. Staff will explore recording presentations for advance viewing. - Public Engagement: Staff will continue efforts to diversify survey respondents and will report demographic breakdowns of feedback. Commissioners encouraged clearer, jargon-free summaries of agenda items to improve public understanding.

The Kirkland City Council met in a hybrid study session at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The study session covered draft questions for a post-ballot-measure community survey and interim activation options for the Houghton Park and Ride. The regular meeting included the consent calendar, childcare for board and commission members, 2024 committee assignments, a legislative session update, public comments, and a closed session. The meeting adjourned at 10 p.m. Study Session: Post-Ballot Measure Community Survey Draft Questions - Management Analyst Hillary De La Cruz, with EMC Research and City staff, presented a revised timeline and draft survey questions. The survey is intended to learn why the November 2023 ballot measure failed, why some voters supported it, and whether a smaller, time-limited pool levy would attract more support. - Staff now expect to finalize the questions by late January, field the statistically valid survey by the end of January, and present survey results, focus groups, and community outreach findings on February 20. Feedback from PFEC and the Park Board will be shared at the February 6 Council meeting. - Council feedback included specifying property taxes instead of general taxes, allowing more than one top reason, clarifying statements such as we can't afford any more tax increases, adding a why follow-up to options, simplifying tax descriptions, and reconsidering whether some questions could be combined or removed. - Councilmember Black said the key question is why a majority of residents may want a pool but voted against the property-tax measure. Councilmember Pascal noted roughly 60 percent voted no and 40 percent yes, so a future measure would need about two of ten no voters to change their vote. Councilmember Tymczyszyn said any future ballot proposal would need to look fundamentally different from Proposition 1. Study Session: Houghton Park and Ride Activation Options - Deputy Director of Parks and Community Services John Lloyd presented short-term activation options while long-term planning continues. - Staff proposed four semi-permanent asphalt pickleball courts at about $100,000, and a modular skate park and bike amenities at about $350,000, with projected annual maintenance of about $3,500. The concept also included restroom activation, parking, community programming, fire-training use, and possible construction staging and laydown. - Councilmembers generally supported the recommendations and suggested emphasizing that uses are temporary, balancing amenities for youth and adults, adding public art and shade, offering bike-safety classes, and ensuring construction use remains compatible with the site. Councilmember Pascal encouraged outreach to the Park Board, neighborhood groups, and Youth Council; Councilmember Falcone added the Human Services Commission. Public Comments & Testimony - Don Samdahl, a neighborhood association board member, said nearby neighbors were not contacted for input despite a May 2023 promise of robust outreach. He supported most ideas but asked for a pop-up open house on the site. - Ken Mackenzie supported building a pool and urged Council to review the 2021 PROS survey and the spring PFEC survey. He cited 60 percent support for a bond-funded pool and 56 percent support for user fees covering operations. - Margaret Schwender, a Houghton resident for more than 35 years, suggested National Night Out, recycling events, farmers markets or swap meets, time-bank neighbor-to-neighbor programs, and classic car shows at the park and ride. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved 7-0 on a motion by Councilmember Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Tymczyszyn. - Approved minutes of the January 2, 2024 special and regular meetings; acknowledged the audit of accounts in the amounts of $4,349,601.69 for payroll and $5,375,551.52 for bills; acknowledged claims; awarded the Kirkland Avenue/Lake Street Intersection Improvements contract to New X, Inc. of Monroe, Washington, for $2,025,811.00; approved Ordinance O-4869 granting the Lake Washington School District a franchise for its fiber optic cable network; and acknowledged the Day of Racial Healing Proclamation, the November 2023 Financial Dashboard, and the Procurement Report. Business: Childcare for Boards, Commissions, and City Events - Staff recommended a childcare stipend pilot for appointed board and commission members who serve on personal time and have children age 10 or younger, or dependent children with special needs under age 18. The proposed rate was $25 per hour plus buffer time, with no receipt requirement. - The 2024 pilot would use $20,000 from the Council Special Projects Reserve. Estimated annual cost if 25 percent of eligible members used stipends was $16,981 for all meetings or $15,269 for in-person meetings only. - Councilmembers broadly supported the pilot. Suggested changes included raising the eligible child age to 13, considering a minimum or flat payment per meeting, removing the certification requirement, and reviewing tax, employment, and administrative implications. - For city events, staff recommended continuing youth activities at large citywide events with parents or caregivers responsible for their children, deferring drop-in childcare, and continuing virtual and written public participation options. Business: 2024 City Council Committee Assignments - Government Affairs Manager Diana Hart reviewed the proposed 2024 committee assignments. Councilmember Sweet agreed to serve as an alternate on the Eastside Transportation Partnership. - The Council voted 7-0 to adopt the amended 2024 committee assignments. Business: 2024 Legislative Session Update - Diana Hart reported that January 16 was day nine of the 60-day legislative session; the Senate had introduced 478 new bills, with 189 active bills on the city's tracker and 340 subject-matter-expert reviews completed. - City priorities include transit-oriented development, affordable housing, behavioral health treatment, and lifting the 1 percent property tax cap. Budget challenges include the capital budget not advancing the city's Houghton Crossing request and Senate capital budget requests capped at $100,000. - Councilmembers discussed gun-violence-prevention bills, with Councilmember Black asking that the city be authorized to testify in support of bills recommended by the legislative work group and Councilmember Tymczyszyn requesting case-by-case review. - Councilmember Falcone asked for follow-through on Lake Washington School District-related legislation, and Councilmember Pascal asked for a public-facing link to the updated bill tracker. - City Action Days are planned for February 7-8, 2024. Reports - Councilmembers shared updates on the upcoming Eastrail Regional Advisory Council meeting, Shoreline Tool Lending Library and Sweetgreen ribbon cuttings, the February 3 Lunar New Year celebration, the Lake Washington School District Leadership Breakfast, the King County Affordable Housing Symposium, the Coordinated Response to Homelessness Symposium, regional gun-violence prevention work, the Eastside Transportation Partnership, a Governor Inslee behavioral health and public safety roundtable, the RACER Principals Assembly, and a Livable Kirkland meeting on the Station Area Plan. - City Manager Kurt Triplett reported that PSERN has officially taken over the emergency radio system for all of King County and that the ARCH Board Strategic Planning Committee recommended a framework to build more affordable housing faster. He also noted a Police Academy learning opportunity for Councilmembers on February 2-3, 2024. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. - The amended 2024 City Council committee assignments were adopted unanimously. - Staff will return with a childcare stipend proposal, including resolution language and code changes, incorporating Council feedback. - No formal decisions were made on the community survey questions or Houghton Park and Ride activation options; those discussions will continue. - Council entered executive session to discuss potential litigation, returned at 10 p.m., and adjourned.

The Kirkland Planning Commission held a study session on January 11, 2024, focusing on two main items: the final draft of the 2044 Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement, Guiding Principles, and General Chapters, and the first policy briefing on the Land Use Element. Commissioners provided feedback on draft goals and policies, and staff outlined the schedule for upcoming reviews and public hearings. Public Comments & Testimony - Forest Whitehouse expressed support for pro-housing and pro-transit policies, noting encouragement from the meeting packet and interest in the Growth Action Plan. - David Allen voiced strong support for the Vision Statement's first paragraph and the "living and welcoming" guiding principle but urged a specific commitment to prioritize public access in designing spaces. Later, he recommended two policies: significantly upzone areas within a quarter mile of transit stops and eliminate parking minimums in those areas to encourage car-free living. Discussion Items - 2044 Comprehensive Plan - Vision Statement, Guiding Principles, Introduction, and General Chapters: Senior Planner Janice Swenson reviewed the draft Vision Statement themes, Guiding Principles (livable, welcome, connected, sustainable, resilient), and proposed consolidation of the Introduction and General Element into a single chapter. Commissioners suggested adding language encouraging innovation in connectivity (e.g., e-bikes, electrification) and refining "encourages growth" to specify "appropriate growth" or "growth to meet community needs." Staff agreed to incorporate these suggestions. - 2044 Comprehensive Plan - Land Use Element Policy Briefing 1: Deputy Planning Director Allison Zike presented the land use element foundation, growth targets (which are met without land use changes), study issues (housing, commercial, parking, etc.), and potential land use changes (Parmac Business Park, Goodwill site, Michaels site, and upzoning along frequent transit corridors at 50 units per acre). Commissioners discussed over 20 draft goal and policy revisions, including: - Strong support for reducing or restructuring parking minimums, especially for residential uses, and broadening to commercial uses to support 10-minute neighborhoods. - Interest in a new minimum lot size policy (starting point 1,200 sq ft based on ADU size), with many commissioners favoring a lower minimum to enable smaller homes. - Support for policies allowing small-scale commercial uses in residential neighborhoods (e.g., corner stores, home occupations). - Emphasizing environmental justice and per capita vehicle miles traveled in land use policies. - Request to include design guidelines in the evaluation of zoning code barriers for energy efficiency. - Need to study barriers in neighborhood commercial centers and ensure recreational access in growth areas. Key Outcomes - Staff will incorporate commission feedback into a revised version (V2) of the Land Use Element goals and policies, expected to return in March before public hearings scheduled for late April. - The commission directed staff to consider specific language changes, including strengthening parking reduction policies (e.g., "pursue" rather than "consider"), clarifying minimum lot size direction, and expanding sustainability policies to include design guidelines. - The January 18 retreat was announced to finalize the 2025–2027 planning work program and discuss best practices for policy briefings. - No formal votes were taken; all decisions were preliminary guidance for staff to continue drafting.

The Kirkland City Council held a hybrid regular meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. The council administered oaths to newly elected members, selected Mayor Kelli Curtis and Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold, approved a consent calendar, adopted the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program, received a briefing on a Redmond paramedic co-location agreement, reviewed 2024 committee assignments, and discussed next steps after the November 2023 pool ballot measure failed. All seven councilmembers were present initially; Councilmember Jon Pascal left at 7:45 p.m. due to illness and was excused for the remainder of the meeting. Oaths, Mayor and Deputy Mayor Selection - Municipal Court Judge John Olson administered oaths of office to re-elected Councilmembers Kelli Curtis and Amy Falcone and newly elected Councilmember John Tymczyszyn. - The council voted 7-0 to select Kelli Curtis as Mayor and 7-0 to select Jay Arnold as Deputy Mayor for two-year terms. Honors and Proclamations - Council proclaimed January 15, 2024, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in Kirkland. Former Mayor Penny Sweet read the proclamation, and Kirkland resident Mike Milligan accepted it. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved 6-0, with Councilmember Pascal absent. It included: approval of the December 12, 2023, meeting minutes; audit of accounts with payroll of $5,387,652.44 and bills of $9,059,154.71; acknowledgement of claims from MacKenzie Adam, Daniela Maszhold and Oliver Schulz, Jerzy Staszak, and Sharon Taylor; award of a Fire Station 26 Renovation construction contract to CDK Construction Services, Inc. for $5,859,327.39, consisting of a $5,316,994.00 bid plus $542,333.39 in sales tax; acceptance of the Cultural Arts Commission resignation of Star Rush and appointment of alternate Sage Sommer to an unexpired term ending March 31, 2027; declaration of surplus vehicle F216; the November 2023 sales tax memo; and the procurement report. Public Comments & Testimony - Bev Marcus described dangerous crossings on Central Way, citing a newly installed flashing beacon costing about $200,000 and a 2018 Federal Highway Administration estimate that raised crosswalks cost less than $10,000. She urged the council to rethink arterial traffic-priority assumptions and design for pedestrian safety rather than traffic throughput. - Alex Tsimmerman made inflammatory remarks about a Bellevue council election and about Jewish and American people. Mayor Curtis immediately said the remarks were hurtful and offensive, stated that the council does not condone those comments, and affirmed the city's commitment to being safe, inclusive, and welcoming while allowing public comment regardless of content. - Kurt Dresner congratulated newly elected and re-elected councilmembers and encouraged the council to be bold in regional and national leadership. - Rex Rempel also addressed the council briefly. Fire Station 27 Redmond Medic Co-Location Interlocal Agreement - Fire Chief Joe Sanford presented the proposed interlocal agreement with Redmond to co-locate Redmond's Advanced Life Support paramedic unit at the new Fire Station 27 in Totem Lake. The medic unit responds to about 2,100 calls per year, more than 1,700 of them in Kirkland. - Councilmember Neal Black identified a conflict in the draft agreement regarding a half bay and a reserve vehicle. The city manager said the agreement covers the primary unit for 15 years and asked the council to delay action until the language is clarified. Resolution R-5618 is scheduled for council consideration on February 6, 2024. 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program Adoption - Capital Projects Supervisor Laura Drake presented the TIP update, noting that state law requires adoption between January 1 and July 1. A public hearing was held in November with no comments, and the related Capital Facilities Plan and Capital Improvement Program were adopted in December. - Councilmember Tymczyszyn asked whether the Planning Commission had made a recommendation. Staff said the Planning Commission weighed in through the Capital Facilities Plan, not specifically on the TIP. - The council approved Resolution R-5617 adopting the 2023-2028 TIP. Staff will transmit it to the state Department of Transportation, Puget Sound Regional Council, King County, and neighboring agencies. - Vote discrepancy: the minutes record the motion as 7-0 and include Councilmember Pascal, even though the minutes also state Pascal left at 7:45 p.m. and the transcript indicates he was absent for later business. 2024 City Council Committee Interest - Government Affairs Manager Diana Hart presented regional and city committee assignments for 2024, noting that Kirkland has more than 50 seats at various tables. - Councilmembers stated preferences, including interest in the Tourism Development Committee, Lake Washington School District Coordinating Committee, NORCOM, RACER, Eastrail, I-405/SR 167, King County City Climate Collaboration, and other regional groups. No action was taken; councilmembers were asked to send final interest by the end of the week so the mayor and deputy mayor can prepare a proposal. Pool Ballot Measure Follow-Up - City Manager Kurt Triplett emphasized the council was not deciding whether to go back to the ballot. Instead, staff proposed a community survey to learn why Kirkland Proposition 1 failed in November 2023 and whether community interest exists in a future, possibly smaller and more focused option. Triplett noted that Ken McKenzie, who chaired the opposition campaign, had expressed willingness to work with city staff on a survey. - Management Analyst Hillary De La Cruz outlined a statistically valid survey by EMC Research using about 400 participants by phone and online, plus an open online survey. Draft questions will come to council on January 16, 2024; the open survey would close February 6, with results reported February 6 and February 20. - Council feedback included: asking open-ended questions about what residents want in an aquatic center (Falcone); directly testing whether a pool is a priority compared with other city investments (Arnold); understanding construction-cost differences between Houghton Park-and-Ride and North Kirkland Community Center and how low a levy rate could go (Tymczyszyn); exploring public-private partnerships and tax fatigue (Sweet); and identifying why residents who support a pool voted no (Black). Mayor Curtis added that survey questions should avoid overly binary choices and include qualitative follow-up. Mayor Curtis also asked that residents eligible for the city's universal low-income relief program be included in future funding considerations, and staff confirmed that was the intent. - Finance Director Michael Olson presented illustrative funding scenarios: a $50 million debt for a 42,000-square-foot facility could cost about 15 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation, or about $150 per year for a $1 million home; adding $750,000 per year from REET and park impact fees plus city capital funding could lower the cost to roughly 11 cents per $1,000. The 2023 ballot measure was 86,000 square feet at Houghton Park-and-Ride at 28 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation. Olson noted the scenarios do not include operations and maintenance, and reallocating funds would create significant opportunity costs. Mayor Curtis noted that a bond would require 60% approval while the presented levy options would require 50% plus one. Reports and City Manager Updates - Councilmembers gave regional reports: PSRC Transportation Policy Board climate and safety discussions; a Sustainability Ambassadors meeting and Waste Management recycling center tour in Woodinville, which recovers 88% of materials; Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee support for a letter to King County; Cascade Water Alliance's upcoming Seattle/Tacoma water contract session; RACER's year-end update and 2024 crisis clinic opening; and the upcoming state legislative session. - The council approved a 7-0 motion requesting a Legislative Request Memorandum evaluating the city's volunteer background check requirements and potential alternatives, including eliminating checks for some volunteer categories. - Councilmember Sweet requested, and Mayor Curtis appointed, a subcommittee of Councilmembers Sweet, Black, and Falcone to draft criteria for the City Council outstanding service coin. - City Manager Triplett reported that the Puget Sound Emergency Response Network operating board had completed the transition to a digital public safety radio system. Council then held an executive session on potential litigation and returned at 10:15 p.m. to adjourn. Key Outcomes - Kelli Curtis elected Mayor and Jay Arnold re-elected Deputy Mayor, both 7-0. - Consent calendar approved 6-0. - Resolution R-5617 (2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program) adopted. - Fire Station 27/Redmond interlocal agreement action deferred to February 6, 2024. - Council directed staff to incorporate survey feedback and return with final draft survey questions on January 16, 2024. - Motion approved requesting a Legislative Request Memorandum on volunteer background checks. - Subcommittee appointed to draft City Council outstanding service coin award criteria. - Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

The Kirkland Planning Commission met on December 14, 2023, from 7:02 PM to 8:20 PM in the Council Chamber. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting focused on study sessions for the 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update (Utilities, Public Services, and Capital Facilities elements) and the 2023-2025 Planning Work Program Update. Commissioners approved previous meeting minutes and recognized outgoing Commissioner John Tymczyszyn. Discussion Items - 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update – Utilities, Public Services, & Capital Facilities Elements: Senior Planners Scott Guter and Lindsay Levine presented an overview of the three elements. Key topics included: the PSE Sammamish-Juanita Transmission Line project (benefiting 61,000 meters and 150,000 customers, expected completion by end of 2023); study issues such as EV charging infrastructure (including for bicycles, equity considerations, and potential code amendments); undergrounding of utilities (Commissioner Heiser noted a cost difference of $20,000 per lot if led by the city vs. over $100,000 if done privately); and levels of service (Commissioner Rutherford advocated for outcome-based measures rather than input-based ones). Staff noted that PSE will present to the City Council in February or March 2024, and the commission will be invited. Draft goals and policies are expected early 2024, with public hearings in spring and council adoption by end of 2024. - 2023-2025 Planning Work Program Update: Deputy Director Allison Zike reviewed completed 2023 projects (e.g., Station Area Plan Phase 2, tree code amendments, Smart City Master Plan) and ongoing work. For 2024-2025, major required projects include compliance with state legislation: HB 1110 (middle housing, with goal to encourage production beyond compliance), HB 1293 (design review reform requiring objective standards and single public meeting), SB 5290 (permit review timelines and reporting), and WUI code updates. City-initiated projects include a development plan for Houghton Village, zoning code amendments for Houghton Park & Ride, urban forestry updates, and a permit review dashboard. Commissioners discussed permit wait times (urgency due to high interest rates; Commissioner Tymczyszyn and Heiser cited carrying costs of $20,000–$30,000/month for developers), school capacity (pushed back due to district’s projected enrollment decline, but Commissioner Tymczyszyn raised concerns about station area impacts), and sign code enforcement (staff reported stepped-up enforcement). Commissioner Singhal suggested aligning EV infrastructure policy work earlier than late 2025. The 2024-2026 work program will be drafted and discussed at the January 18, 2024 retreat. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Commissioners unanimously approved minutes from August 25, 2022; September 22, 2022; October 13, 2022; October 27, 2022; and September 28, 2023 (motion carried 7-0). - Work Program Direction: Staff will incorporate commission feedback (e.g., prioritizing permit timeline improvements, linking middle housing optimization with ADU code, considering school capacity later) and present a draft 2024-2026 Planning Work Program at the January 18 retreat. - Future Engagement: The commission will participate in a PSE briefing at a council meeting in early 2024, and staff will collect commissioner questions in advance. - Recognition: Commissioner Tymczyszyn, elected to City Council, received thanks and a gift from staff and commissioners. Aaron Jacobsen was introduced as his incoming replacement.