Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting – January 17, 2023

The Kirkland City Council convened on January 17, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. for a study session on Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) operating models, followed by a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. that included a public hearing on permanent supportive housing at the former La Quinta Inn, approval of the consent calendar, and several business items and reports. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: January 3, 2023 meeting minutes approved.
• Audit of Accounts: Payroll of $3,671,844.57 and bills of $3,889,179.84 acknowledged.
• Claims: Claims from Rex Douglas and John Rankin acknowledged.
• IT Stabilization Update, Resolution R-5573 (relinquishing alley right-of-way), Ordinance O-4839 (meeting calendar), Ordinance O-4840 (salary commission meetings), November 2022 Financial Dashboard, and Procurement Report were all approved as part of the consent calendar. Motion carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Hermosa Vista Neighborhood Sign: Residents JoAnn Mansfield, Joyce Rostock, and Pete Caputo spoke against the planned removal of the Hermosa Vista sign during the Juanita Drive intersection project, citing community history and safety concerns (e.g., speeding cars, lack of crosswalk).
• Snyder's Corner Dog Park: Multiple speakers (Arielle Bloostein, Kyanee Robinson, Rich Bolduc) urged reopening the pop-up dog park, highlighting mental health benefits, community building, and economic positives for local businesses. They requested double gates and a larger off-leash area.
• Other Topics: Scott Brady requested action on a nuisance-burning neighbor; Alex Tsimmerman advocated for a police oversight commission; Kelly Beauregard supported youth sports field banner advertising.

Study Session – Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) Operating Models

Staff presented two models: i) Boys & Girls Club (annual city subsidy $175,000, 21 drop-in hours/week, membership fee $50/year) and ii) city-operated model (annual net cost ~$384,655, 55 hours/week total activation, no membership fee, partnerships with Youth Eastside Services and ForTomorrow for mental health and Latinx services). Councilmembers expressed strong interest in the city model for its flexibility, equity, and expanded services, but raised questions about financial sustainability and transportation. Direction was given to staff to return with more details on the city model (“medium plus” investment including a van), and to explore potential ballot measure funding via the Parks Funding Exploratory Committee.

Public Hearing – Permanent Supportive Housing at Former La Quinta Inn

Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez presented updates on the draft agreements with King County, including changes to background checks (city proposed comprehensive checks vs. county’s proposed registry-based check), and the inclusion of a Good Neighbor Agreement. Twenty community members testified. Supporters (e.g., Jennie Jaeger, Sam Uzwack, Karina O'Malley, Jack Staudt, Rex Rempel) emphasized urgency given the homelessness crisis and urged low-barrier access. Opponents and cautious speakers (e.g., Dietmar Schimmel, Jennifer Loy, Judith Beto) requested stronger background checks, better security plans, and a community advisory board. Council discussed the need for robust screening, annual reviews, and a response to a letter from Eastside Preparatory Academy. No formal vote was taken; staff were directed to continue negotiations and return with a resolution for final action.

Discussion Items

• 2023 State Legislative Update #1: Governmental Affairs Manager Diana Hart reported on over 800 bills introduced. Council authorized signing in support of HB 1135 (impact fees for bike/pedestrian facilities).
• Eastside Climate Partnership Interlocal Agreement: Resolution R-5569 approved 6-1 (Councilmember Nixon opposed).
• Compost Procurement Code Updates: Ordinance O-4841 passed 7-0.
• Flag Policy and Proclamation Schedule: Resolution R-5572 approving updates to council policies passed 7-0; the 2023 proclamation schedule also approved 7-0.
• Street Banner and Park Banner Code Updates: Ordinances O-4837 (street banners) and O-4838 (park banners) both passed 7-0, including a new athletic field advertising program.

Reports

• Council Regional and Committee Reports: Updates from Parks Funding Exploratory Committee, Sound Cities Association, and other regional bodies. Council approved two Legislative Request Memoranda: i) to explore a mural for the “truck eating bridge” on the Cross Kirkland Corridor (7-0), and ii) to explore public art for a Pride crosswalk (7-0).
• City Manager Reports:
  • February 3rd Council Retreat Draft Agenda: Deputy City Manager Beth Goldberg presented; council provided feedback including adding retention in community engagement.
  • Revised Letter to King County Growth Management Planning Council (GMPC): Authorized mayor’s signature (7-0) to urge action on affordable housing needs.
  • Snyder’s Corner Pop-Up Dog Park: Council approved a motion (7-0) to reopen the park as soon as possible with a 15,000-square-foot off-leash area with double gates; later explore parking; develop a master plan; and create a user group to assist with fundraising and maintenance.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Resolution R-5569 (Eastside Climate Partnership): Approved 6-1.
• Ordinance O-4841 (Compost Procurement): Approved 7-0.
• Resolution R-5572 (Flag/Proclamation Policy): Approved 7-0, plus proclamation schedule 7-0.
• Ordinance O-4837 (Street Banners): Approved 7-0.
• Ordinance O-4838 (Park Banners): Approved 7-0.
• LRM – Truck Eating Bridge Mural: Approved 7-0.
• LRM – Pride Crosswalk Mural: Approved 7-0.
• GMPC Letter: Authorized mayor’s signature 7-0.
• Snyder’s Corner Dog Park Reopening: Approved motion 7-0 with phased approach.
• KTUB Operating Model: No vote; council directed staff to proceed with city-operated model and return with additional information.