OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting – September 19, 2023

City Council — Tuesday, September 19, 2023
BodyKirkland, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 19, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:42:14

Transcript — Verbatim
0:25

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of September the 19th, 2023.

0:31

Tonight's meeting is a hybrid meeting.

0:33

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

0:39

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:41

Councilmember Nixon.

0:42

Here.

0:42

Councilmember Black.

0:44

Here.

0:44

Councilmember Curtis.

0:48

Here.

0:49

Councilmember Falcone.

0:51

Here.

0:51

Councilmember Pascal.

0:53

Here.

0:53

Deputy Mayor Arnold.

0:54

Here.

0:55

Mayor Sweet.

0:56

Here.

0:56

Thank you.

0:57

Our study session tonight is on two topics.

0:59

First, the annual update on the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging DEIB roadmap.

1:05

Second, an update on the transportation master plan.

1:08

We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at approximately 7:30.

1:14

Manager.

1:15

Okay, thank you, Madam Mayor.

1:16

So here to provide our first presentation, our excuse me, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging update is our DIB manager Erica Moscaro.

1:26

And we're also being joined by Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez, who is with us virtually, and also her team, Don Robinson, our senior community engagement coordinator.

1:35

And so we have about 45 minutes for this topic, and then the second topic will be the Transportation Master Plan, and we'll swap out at that time.

1:42

So please take it away, Erica.

1:44

Thank you so much, City Manager.

1:47

Good evening, City Council, Mayor, Deputy City Mayor.

1:51

I am pleased to be here with you tonight to deliver the annual diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging roadmap update.

2:01

As our city manager mentioned, my name is Erica Mascoro, and I am the DIB manager, and I am accompanied tonight by Don Robinson, our senior community engagement coordinator.

2:13

And I'd like to introduce another DIB team member who's not present, Carmen Anderson.

2:26

Here are the presentation components.

2:45

Then I will review some of the upcoming priorities for the DIB team for the last quarter of this year.

2:52

And last, we'd love to hear from you your comments and questions on our work.

3:03

So now let me turn your attention to the introduction slides.

3:41

So now diving in, the five-year roadmap is a living document that was adopted on July 5th, 2022.

3:49

This first iteration of the roadmap includes 68 objectives, including objective 15.2, ongoing feedback and update process for the roadmap, a process outlined for council staff and community members to modify or add objectives to the roadmap.

4:10

The organizational structure of the document has three main components: the goal area, goal, and objective, each with an actionable item.

4:20

Here on the slide, you see the six goal areas, which I used also to organize the information on the memo and this presentation.

4:33

Continuing with the roadmap structure, the roadmap is action-oriented, organizational-wide.

4:42

Internally, it is centered in the city manager's office, the highest level of leadership, and externally it is centered on the community through building networks.

4:53

The work on the roadmap is ongoing.

4:55

It lives and it never ends.

5:02

Moving on to the roadmap status.

5:05

We deemed each objective as either complete, in progress, or pending, meaning complete objectives are those that have been implemented.

5:15

In progress are those objectives that staff have undertaken and implementing but still require further work.

5:23

And pending, which are objectives that the staff has action forthcoming.

5:28

Thus far, we have completed 37 out of the 68 objectives.

5:32

24 are in progress and seven pending.

5:44

And I want to thank all the department directors and their staff for their demonstrated enthusiasm and support on the DIB work.

5:53

Council, I want you to know that the staff has gone above and beyond the action items outlined in the roadmap.

6:00

The directors have undertaken action furthering DIB that was not articulated in the roadmap.

6:10

And now let's get started with the roadmap update.

6:14

Even though staff has done work outside of the objectives, this update relates only to the work outlined in the roadmap.

6:22

Council, since you receive detailed information on each objective on the memo, I will only highlight a few objectives per goal area.

6:33

Jumping in, goal area number one, leadership operation and services.

6:40

Goal one, here I'm going to highlight objective 1.6, decreasing barriers to serving on city council boards and commissions.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████16%
Transportation██████████████14%
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging████████████12%
Community Engagement████████8%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Child Care███████7%
Procedural█████5%
Recreational Facilities█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting – September 19, 2023

The Kirkland City Council convened at 5:30 p.m. for a study session and at 7:30 p.m. for the regular meeting on September 19, 2023. The meeting included updates on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) roadmap and the Transportation Master Plan, honors and proclamations, a special presentation from the Association of Washington Cities, a public hearing on a levy lid lift ballot measure (Proposition 1), consent calendar approval, authorization of additional staff positions, and discussions on childcare options for boards and commissions.

Study Session

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Roadmap Annual Update: DEIB Manager Erika Mascorro reported that 37 of 68 objectives (54%) are complete, 24 in progress, and 7 pending. Highlights included progress on the Welcoming America certification (Kirkland would be the first Washington city designated), a new Pride crosswalk, and a pilot civics program for immigrant students. Council members praised the work and suggested further refinements, such as evaluating stipends for boards and commissions and updating outdated language in city documents.
  • Transportation Master Plan Update: Transportation Manager Doug McIntyre, Planner Kim Scrivner, and consultant Fred Young presented proposed goal revisions. Key proposals included combining walking and bicycling into an “Active Transportation” goal, adding new goals for equity and technology/emerging practices, and removing the “Be an Active Partner” goal (though Councilmember Pascal argued to retain it). Council feedback emphasized linking active transportation to transit, separating maintenance from sustainability goals, and incorporating a safety lens for all projects. The council directed staff to continue refining the goals and policies in coordination with the Transportation Commission.

Honors and Proclamations

  • National Pollution Prevention Week (Sept. 18–22): Councilmember Pascal read the proclamation, accepted by Public Works Director Julie Underwood and staff.
  • Freedom to Read Week (Oct. 1–7): Councilmember Black read the proclamation, noting that the American Library Association reported 1,269 book challenges in 2022, nearly double 2021 (729). Kirkland Library Board members and King County Library System representatives accepted the proclamation.

Special Presentations

  • Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Update: CEO Deanna Dawson outlined AWC’s advocacy, education, and services. She recognized Councilmembers Amy Falcone and Kelli Curtis for achieving the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership, noting that Kirkland has more advanced certificate holders than most cities. Mayor Sweet, Deputy Mayor Arnold, Councilmember Nixon, and Councilmember Black also hold certificates or are close to completion.

Public Hearing – Resolution R-5602 Supporting Proposition 1

  • The council held a public hearing on Resolution R-5602, expressing support for Proposition 1 (November 2023 ballot measure). The proposition would increase the regular property tax levy to a maximum rate of $1.38386/$1,000 assessed valuation, generating approximately $10.8 million annually for expanded aquatics, recreation, and parks facilities, operations, and programs. Qualifying seniors, disabled veterans, and others would be exempt.
  • Staff presented an overview, followed by presentations from the pro and con committees. Public testimony included eight speakers: Ken MacKenzie, Susan Pappalardo, Vince Campos, Susan Harris-Huether, Nicole MacKenzie, Erik Teutsch, Roshan Parikh, and Jory Hamilton. Proponents emphasized community demand (e.g., 10,500 on swim lesson waitlists), the need for inclusive facilities, and the value of a city-controlled facility. Opponents argued the tax burden is excessive, recommended a bond-based funding model and an operating partner like the YMCA, and criticized the Houghton Park and Ride location choice.
  • Vote: Motion to approve Resolution R-5602 carried 6–1 (Councilmember Nixon opposed).

Consent Calendar

  • Approved 7–0. Items included:
    • Approval of minutes from September 5 and 13, 2023.
    • Audit of accounts: Payroll $4,264,905.21, Bills $4,348,876.99.
    • Acknowledgment of claims from Antony Ahmed, Aravind Krishna, and Barbara Lynch.
    • Award of bids: Maintenance Center Storm Water Pollution Prevention Canopy Installation to General Mechanical, Inc. ($222,852); Juanita Beach Park West Parking Lot Preservation to Rainier Asphalt Sealing LLC ($115,611.65).
    • Resolution R-5603 allocating Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for 2024.
    • Acknowledgment of 2023 second-quarter reports: Police Dashboard, Animal Services Report, Automated Safety Camera Program Update, Investment Report, Financial Dashboard, and Procurement Report.

Business – Authorization of Two Additional Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Positions

  • Public Works Director Julie Underwood requested approval for two new FTEs: a CIP Supervisor (replacing a limited-term Active Transportation Manager) and a Payroll Analyst. Positions would be funded through salary savings, requiring no budget adjustment. The council approved the motion 7–0, bringing total authorized FTEs to 774.25.

Reports

  • City Council Reports: Councilmembers shared updates on community events, including City Hall for All (3,000 attendees), the I-405/85th Street Bus Rapid Transit groundbreaking, the Juanita Welcoming Picnic, and regional transportation and water committee meetings.
  • City Manager Reports – Legislative Request Memorandum (Childcare for Boards and Commissions): Management Analyst Hillary De La Cruz presented three options: (1) polling board/commission members, (2) developing a stipend program, or (3) analyzing in-house childcare. Councilmember Falcone also requested exploring drop-in childcare for public meetings. Approved two motions:
    • Motion 1: Develop the stipend option and analyze in-house childcare, aiming to have options ready by March 2024 board/commission recruitment. Carried 7–0.
    • Motion 2: Additionally analyze drop-in childcare options for public participation in town halls and council meetings. Carried 6–1 (Mayor Sweet opposed).

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Resolution R-5602 (6–1) supporting Proposition 1 (levy lid lift for parks and aquatics).
  • Approved consent calendar 7–0.
  • Authorized two new FTE positions (7–0), increasing citywide FTEs to 774.25.
  • Directed staff to develop a childcare stipend for board/commission members and analyze in-house childcare (7–0), plus analyze drop-in childcare for public meetings (6–1).
  • The council entered executive sessions to discuss potential litigation and adjourned at 11:15 p.m.

Note: Study session topics (DEIB and TMP) were discussed but required no formal votes; staff will incorporate feedback and return with updates.

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of September the 19th, 2023. 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. Here. Councilmember Black. Here. Councilmember Curtis. Here. Councilmember Falcone. Here. Councilmember Pascal. Here. Deputy Mayor Arnold. Here. Mayor Sweet. Here. Thank you. Our study session tonight is on two topics. First, the annual update on the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging DEIB roadmap. Second, an update on the transportation master plan. We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at approximately 7:30. Manager. Okay, thank you, Madam Mayor. So here to provide our first presentation, our excuse me, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging update is our DIB manager Erica Moscaro. And we're also being joined by Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez, who is with us virtually, and also her team, Don Robinson, our senior community engagement coordinator. And so we have about 45 minutes for this topic, and then the second topic will be the Transportation Master Plan, and we'll swap out at that time. So please take it away, Erica. Thank you so much, City Manager. Good evening, City Council, Mayor, Deputy City Mayor. I am pleased to be here with you tonight to deliver the annual diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging roadmap update. As our city manager mentioned, my name is Erica Mascoro, and I am the DIB manager, and I am accompanied tonight by Don Robinson, our senior community engagement coordinator. And I'd like to introduce another DIB team member who's not present, Carmen Anderson. Here are the presentation components. Then I will review some of the upcoming priorities for the DIB team for the last quarter of this year. And last, we'd love to hear from you your comments and questions on our work. So now let me turn your attention to the introduction slides. So now diving in, the five-year roadmap is a living document that was adopted on July 5th, 2022. This first iteration of the roadmap includes 68 objectives, including objective 15.2, ongoing feedback and update process for the roadmap, a process outlined for council staff and community members to modify or add objectives to the roadmap. The organizational structure of the document has three main components: the goal area, goal, and objective, each with an actionable item. Here on the slide, you see the six goal areas, which I used also to organize the information on the memo and this presentation. Continuing with the roadmap structure, the roadmap is action-oriented, organizational-wide. Internally, it is centered in the city manager's office, the highest level of leadership, and externally it is centered on the community through building networks. The work on the roadmap is ongoing. It lives and it never ends. Moving on to the roadmap status. We deemed each objective as either complete, in progress, or pending, meaning complete objectives are those that have been implemented. In progress are those objectives that staff have undertaken and implementing but still require further work. And pending, which are objectives that the staff has action forthcoming.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com