OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting - March 21, 2023

City Council — Tuesday, March 21, 2023
BodyKirkland, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 21, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
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3:14

Thank you.

3:14

We're live, Mayor.

3:16

Recording in progress.

3:18

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of March the twenty-first, two thousand thirty-three.

3:24

Well, two thousand twenty-three to order.

3:28

Tonight's meeting is a hybrid meeting.

3:30

Community members are welcome to join us either in person or remotely, through Zoom or by telephone.

3:37

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

3:39

Councilmember Nixon.

3:41

Councilmember Black.

3:42

Here.

3:42

Council Member Curtis.

3:43

Councilmember Falcone.

3:45

Here.

3:45

Council Member Pascal.

3:46

Here.

3:47

Deputy Mayor Arnold.

3:49

Here.

3:50

Thank you.

3:50

Our study session tonight is on a parks funding exploratory committee recommendation for a potential park ballot measure and also to review a draft recreation and aquatic center feasibility study.

4:10

So as you all know, I am remote today due to a positive COVID test.

4:14

But we have the two deputy city managers are actually in the audience in the chamber.

4:18

So in the unlikely event I freeze or get shut down, they will take over for me.

4:23

So thank you all for your flexibility.

5:00

Thank you for having us this evening.

5:03

We will be bringing the results of the Parks Funding Exploratory Committee with six months of work behind it.

5:11

And we have several staff members here this evening who are going to be talking to you.

5:15

On screen, we have our deputy sit uh deputy department director, John Lloyd.

5:20

Um, behind me, we have Hilary De La Cruz, who is our management analyst and the project lead for the ballot measure.

5:28

We have Mary Gardaki, our park program and planning manager, who is the project lead for the feasibility study.

5:36

Uh, we also have Jason Fylan, our parks manager, and Sarah Rock, our communication specialist.

5:43

And over here, we also have Sarah Schellenbarger, our recreation manager.

5:48

So lots of folks here to help answer questions.

5:52

All right, on that note, I'm gonna hand it over to Hillary to get started.

6:01

Good evening, Council members.

6:03

In tonight's presentation, we are going to cover the information from the PFEC report, which you all received in your council packets.

6:09

We have 48 slides, which include many photos of PFEC in addition in action and charts and data from PFEC meetings.

6:17

We're going to cover highlights about the PFEC process and do a deep dive into PFEC results.

6:21

And on the screen, you'll just see the outline of the materials included in the PFEC report.

6:27

And tonight tonight we are going to be seeking direction from council about three, these kind of three topic areas, including exploring alternate facility sizes, council's thoughts about the PFEC recommendation, and community survey scope and timeline, and we'll revisit those at the end of the presentation.

6:47

So before we dive into the PFEC process, we wanted to start by giving you a preview of the PFEC based package recommendation so that you can keep it in mind while we go through the rest of the presentation.

6:57

At the March 2nd meeting, 92% of PFEC members agreed on a base element base package with elements that are on the screen.

7:06

At least one aquatic this um, excuse me, this base package would include at least one aquatics and recreation facility, plus the top five other elements which are on the screen.

7:16

So that would be nine year-round restrooms, green loop trail segments, seven sports courts, team programs and KTAW operations, and increased lifeguard hours and water safety programs.

7:27

Lynn will talk more in depth about this recommendation after I share the PFEC process that led to this recommendation, but we wanted you to have this in mind while we're going through the presentation.

7:36

So what brought us here today?

7:38

The 2022 PROS Plan update had input from over 4,700 Kirkland community members that identify community needs, which were then turned into potential ballot measure elements considered by PFEC.

7:50

I just wanted to share two of the highlights of the survey with the PROS plan.

7:54

When responding to what the most important needs are for improvement, the top needs were an indoor aquatic center, new parks in the northeast area of Kirkland, indoor recreation center, new parks in my neighborhood, more free and non-fee-based special events and activities, splash pads, and other water play features.

8:14

And then when asked what actions would increase your participation, top actions included year-round restrooms, recreation center or indoor aquatics complex, better lighting and security, better condition maintenance of parks and facilities, and improved communications about offerings, more parking, and more facilities or amenities.

8:33

In March 2022, as you know, council passed resolution R5514 to create a new work program item to explore a potential park ballot measure.

8:43

In August of 2022, Council established PFEC.

8:46

Tonight we are reporting about the PFEC findings, and council has between now and July 18th to decide what action or to take action to place a ballot measure or measures on the November 23 ballot.

8:59

So this group here on the screen, which includes many but not quite all of our PFEC members, represents the 45 dedicated PFEC members who volunteered their skills, expertise, experience, and leadership to this process.

9:12

And staff wants to share our deep appreciation for them, some of whom are in this room.

9:16

PFEC was established by council in August 2022, and during the month of August, city staff led an active public process to recruit PFEC members using a hybrid approach.

9:26

Half of the PFEC members were recruited through an open application process between August 4th and August 29th.

9:32

Half of the PFEC members were recruited from organizations identified by Council, which include but are not limited to the neighborhood associations, Senior Council, Kirkland Park Board, Chamber of Commerce, Kirkland Downtown Association, Kirkland Parks and Community Foundation, Kirkland Promotores, the Lake Washington Institute for Technology, Lake Washington School District, Northwest University, Splash Forward, and Evergreen Health Hospital.

9:56

32 total specific organizations were invited to participate in PFEC, but some groups did not have the capacity to participate.

10:03

Members each dedicated over 50 hours to this process during their 13 meetings and between meetings.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation████████████████16%
Homelessness████████████12%
Public Safety███████████11%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Procedural███████7%
Public Finance█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Special Events█████5%
Mental Health Awareness████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting - March 21, 2023

The Kirkland City Council met on March 21, 2023, for a study session on parks funding and a regular meeting addressing a permanent supportive housing agreement, budget adjustments, legislative updates, special events code changes, and a resolution supporting King County's Re+ Pledge. The council took final action on several items, including approval of the permanent supportive housing agreement with multiple amendments.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved (7-0) with the exception of items pulled for separate consideration: Resolution R-5581 (Re+ Pledge) was moved to business agenda item 9.e.; the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Workplan Update was postponed to the April 4, 2023 meeting (motion carried 7-0).
  • Audit of Accounts: Payroll $4,732,289.73; Bills $4,430,935.01.
  • Claims for Damages: Claims from Johnathan Baker, Curtis and Julie Dickerson, and Yuriy Zhovtobryukh were acknowledged.
  • Other Consent Items Approved: National Safe Place Week Proclamation, Resolution R-5582 (appointing representative to King County Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee), 2022 School Impact Fee Annual Report, Interview Selection Committee Supplemental Recommendation, January 2023 Financial Dashboard Report, and Procurement Report.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Samantha St. John (outgoing Chamber of Commerce CEO): Thanked the council and requested continued consideration of small business community.
  • Naseem Ghazanfari (Iranian American physician and mother): Expressed gratitude for the Nowruz proclamation and raised concerns about safety of Iranian Americans in Kirkland.
  • Arezou Bagan (Voice of Iran nonprofit): Thanked the city for recognizing Nowruz and requested more support to amplify the voices of those in Iran.
  • Curtis Thompson: Supported background checks for the permanent supportive housing project, arguing they protect both residents and the community.
  • Bonnie McLeod (Park Lane business stakeholder): Opposed the street closure for events, citing negative impacts on retail businesses, deliveries, and parking; warned of potential unlawful takings.
  • Scott Morris (PFEC member): Asked staff to include an 86,000-square-foot facility option for North Kirkland Community Center, not just Houghton Park & Ride.
  • Ken MacKenzie (PFEC member): Supported exploring a better facility design for North Kirkland, noting traffic concerns and the need for comparable options.
  • Joe Kunzler: Supported Councilmember Nixon's concerns about the county's transparency on the homeless shelter; criticized past public comments by a candidate.
  • Phil Allen (PFEC member): Advocated for two smaller facilities in different locations to improve access, and suggested prioritizing size over fanciness.
  • Greg Young: Urged the council to prioritize community safety in the supportive housing process and expressed concerns about background checks being introduced late.

Study Session: Parks Funding Exploratory Committee (PFEC) Recommendation

  • Presentation: Parks Director Lynn Zwaagstra and Management Analyst Hillary De La Cruz presented the PFEC's six-month process and results. The base recommendation (supported by 92% of PFEC) includes at least one aquatics/recreation facility, year-round restrooms (nine total), Green Loop trail segments, seven sports courts, teen programs/KTAP operations, and increased lifeguard hours/water safety programs.
  • Facility Options: Three sizes (74,000 sq ft at NKCC; 86,000 and 103,000 sq ft at Houghton Park & Ride). PFEC did not reach consensus on location or number of facilities; 47% preferred the largest Houghton option, 31% the 86,000 sq ft Houghton, and 22% the NKCC 74,000 sq ft.
  • Advisory Poll: 76% of PFEC supported going to the ballot in 2023.
  • Council Direction: Unanimously supported expanding Opsis Architecture's scope for additional cost estimating on two complementary facilities and an NKCC replacement option. Also approved proceeding with a community survey (hybrid telephone/online, 400 sample size) to test support for various packages. Staff directed to include youth outreach in the survey.

Special Presentation: King County Crisis Care Centers Levy (Proposition 1)

  • Presentation: Kelly Rider (King County DCHS) outlined the levy on the April 25, 2023 ballot, which would fund five crisis care centers, restore 111 mental health residential beds, and invest in the behavioral health workforce. Estimated cost to median countywide household: $118/year.
  • Council Action: Motion to prepare a resolution of support for the levy passed 6-1 (Councilmember Nixon opposed). The resolution will be considered at the April 4, 2023 council meeting.

Discussion Items

9.a. Permanent Supportive Housing Agreement with King County

  • Presentation: Deputy City Manager James Lopez and King County DCHS Director Leo Flor discussed the final agreement for a permanent supportive housing facility at the former La Quinta Inn. Key screening provisions: King County Sheriff's Office will check state/national sex offender registries; behavioral health databases (ECLS, HMIS) will be used; a provider-conducted intake interview will occur.
  • Amendments Adopted:
    1. (Pascal/Arnold) – Criminal background checks required for prospective residents who appear on sex offender registry but are not ineligible, or who demonstrate violent behavior during screening. Passed 7-0.
    2. (Nixon/Pascal) – City may review and approve county's contractor selection process and must concur in the selection. Passed 7-0.
    3. (Nixon/Pascal, amended by Black/Falcone) – County must partner on exploring additional sites in Kirkland, with public input consistent with the county's Implementation Plan. Passed 5-2 (Arnold and Curtis opposed).
    4. (Nixon/Falcone) – Agreement termination occurs when county declares in writing that facility will no longer be used for PSH. Passed 7-0.
    5. (Nixon/Black) – Corrected recording office to King County Recorder's Office. Passed 7-0.
    6. (Falcone/Black) – Technical amendments to screening language (core database, provider-conducted interview). Passed 7-0.
  • Final Vote: Resolution R-5583 authorizing the city manager to sign the agreement as amended passed unanimously 7-0.

9.b. 2023-2024 Budget Adjustments: 2022 Carryovers

  • Presentation: Financial Planning Manager George Dugdale presented Ordinance O-4843 carrying over $7 million in unspent 2022 appropriations, including $3.2 million in ARPA funds for housing stability and behavioral health grants, and adding 11 temporary FTE positions for the fire department.
  • Vote: Ordinance O-4843 approved unanimously 7-0.

9.c. State Legislative Update #5

  • Presentation: Government Affairs Manager Diana Hart provided an update on the 2023 legislative session (Day 72). Key bills: ADU bill (SB 5358) moving, vehicular pursuit bill (SB 5352) amended to a reasonable suspicion standard for specific offenses. Council approved a position of support for SB 5352 as amended (no formal vote needed per legislative work group process).

9.d. Special Events Program Updates

  • Presentation: Deputy Director John Lloyd presented Ordinance O-4842 amending KMC Chapter 19.24 to update event scheduling, fees, and penalties. Changes included: new evaluation criteria (tourism/economic impact), allowance for alcohol service areas (including spirits), flexibility for fee waivers via separate agreements, and penalties compliant with state statute.
  • Amendments Adopted:
    • (Nixon) Three technical amendments (wording cleanup,

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. We're live, Mayor. Recording in progress. I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of March the twenty-first, two thousand thirty-three. Well, two thousand twenty-three to order. Tonight's meeting is a hybrid meeting. Community members are welcome to join us either in person or remotely, through Zoom or by telephone. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Nixon. Councilmember Black. Here. Council Member Curtis. Councilmember Falcone. Here. Council Member Pascal. Here. Deputy Mayor Arnold. Here. Thank you. Our study session tonight is on a parks funding exploratory committee recommendation for a potential park ballot measure and also to review a draft recreation and aquatic center feasibility study. So as you all know, I am remote today due to a positive COVID test. But we have the two deputy city managers are actually in the audience in the chamber. So in the unlikely event I freeze or get shut down, they will take over for me. So thank you all for your flexibility. Thank you for having us this evening. We will be bringing the results of the Parks Funding Exploratory Committee with six months of work behind it. And we have several staff members here this evening who are going to be talking to you. On screen, we have our deputy sit uh deputy department director, John Lloyd. Um, behind me, we have Hilary De La Cruz, who is our management analyst and the project lead for the ballot measure. We have Mary Gardaki, our park program and planning manager, who is the project lead for the feasibility study. Uh, we also have Jason Fylan, our parks manager, and Sarah Rock, our communication specialist. And over here, we also have Sarah Schellenbarger, our recreation manager. So lots of folks here to help answer questions. All right, on that note, I'm gonna hand it over to Hillary to get started. Good evening, Council members. In tonight's presentation, we are going to cover the information from the PFEC report, which you all received in your council packets. We have 48 slides, which include many photos of PFEC in addition in action and charts and data from PFEC meetings. We're going to cover highlights about the PFEC process and do a deep dive into PFEC results. And on the screen, you'll just see the outline of the materials included in the PFEC report. And tonight tonight we are going to be seeking direction from council about three, these kind of three topic areas, including exploring alternate facility sizes, council's thoughts about the PFEC recommendation, and community survey scope and timeline, and we'll revisit those at the end of the presentation. So before we dive into the PFEC process, we wanted to start by giving you a preview of the PFEC based package recommendation so that you can keep it in mind while we go through the rest of the presentation. At the March 2nd meeting, 92% of PFEC members agreed on a base element base package with elements that are on the screen. At least one aquatic this um, excuse me, this base package would include at least one aquatics and recreation facility, plus the top five other elements which are on the screen. So that would be nine year-round restrooms, green loop trail segments, seven sports courts, team programs and KTAW operations, and increased lifeguard hours and water safety programs. Lynn will talk more in depth about this recommendation after I share the PFEC process that led to this recommendation, but we wanted you to have this in mind while we're going through the presentation. So what brought us here today? The 2022 PROS Plan update had input from over 4,700 Kirkland community members that identify community needs, which were then turned into potential ballot measure elements considered by PFEC. I just wanted to share two of the highlights of the survey with the PROS plan. When responding to what the most important needs are for improvement, the top needs were an indoor aquatic center, new parks in the northeast area of Kirkland, indoor recreation center, new parks in my neighborhood, more free and non-fee-based special events and activities, splash pads, and other water play features. And then when asked what actions would increase your participation, top actions included year-round restrooms, recreation center or indoor aquatics complex, better lighting and security, better condition maintenance of parks and facilities, and improved communications about offerings, more parking, and more facilities or amenities.

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