OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting – October 17, 2023

City Council — Tuesday, October 17, 2023
BodyKirkland, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, October 17, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:18:30

Transcript — Verbatim
1:07

Thank you.

1:08

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of October the 17th, 2023.

1:13

Tonight's meeting is a hybrid.

1:15

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

1:21

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

1:23

Council Member Nixon?

1:24

Here.

1:25

Council Member Black.

1:26

Here.

1:26

Council Member Curtis.

1:27

Here.

1:27

Council Member Cohen.

1:29

Here.

1:29

Council Member Pascal.

1:30

Here.

1:31

Deputy Mayor Arnold.

1:32

Here.

1:32

Mayor Sweet.

1:34

Here.

1:34

Thank you very much.

1:35

Our study session tonight is on two topics.

1:38

The first is a universal low income program update.

1:41

And the second is a capital improvement program update.

1:44

We expect to convene our regular meeting at approximately 7 30 p.m.

1:49

City Manager.

1:50

Okay.

1:51

Thank you, Benar.

1:52

So the first topic, the Universal Low Income Program Update, is a continuation of conversations we've been having since the council retreat.

1:59

Here to give you the overview of that as our financial planning manager, George Dugdale and our senior financial analyst Andrea Peterman.

2:06

Welcome, George.

2:07

Thank you.

2:08

Just share the screen.

2:22

Okay, good evening, Mayor, Council members.

2:25

And we're excited to be here this evening to talk to you about the developments for the Universal Low Income Program that we've been working on for the last month, a few months since the May study session.

2:34

We have 12 slides for you this evening as we walk through the current developments.

2:40

And as the city manager said, I'm here as well as Andrea Peterman, and then we also have a number of staff members who are available for questions on specific parts of the effort because it really has been a cross-departmental team that's put this together.

2:55

So as a bit of background, um, as a reminder for council, during the 2023-2024 budget process, we um apologies.

3:06

Uh we added a service package for $680,000, which was a mixture of general fund and utility funding to provide a universal low-income relief program.

3:16

The idea was to expand the current program that we have in the utilities, which uh serves senior um residents over 62 and those on um social security disability to include all residents who are low income, as well as um to expand beyond just the utilities.

3:33

This was partly driven by vehicle license fees and some of the new fees and increases that we were seeing.

3:50

Um, as being the the customer has to be the bill holder, and that would exclude about 96% of the participants that we uh were able to give utility relief to through our ARPA program as well as our rental assistance for ARPA program.

4:03

And then as a function of the first issue, um, as I've said, the program is underutilized currently.

4:08

So at the May retreat, staff proposed um a way of calculating or proposed that we would calculate standard rebate amounts for low-income residents in lieu or as an estimate of their cost of utilities for those living in multi-family buildings.

4:25

So at the May retreat, we received um excellent feedback from council.

4:30

Um broadly, I would think the the feedback was supportive of the notion of the program, both of expanding the eligibility of the utility program and of adding in other fees to the program.

4:41

Um there were some concerns uh mentioned around the both the what we could call the frequency or the kind of delay.

4:47

Um, the idea of rebates versus a discount creates a natural delay between when the cost is incurred by the resident and when the city is able to provide relief.

5:00

Also a desire to ensure that language and technology barriers to access are addressed, and this was described both ways that we were able to provide online access as well as provide paper forms, language translation and other services that we know people help people access programs in general.

5:14

And then council definitely expressed an interest in identifying other fee discounts.

5:19

The other thing that's not here on the slide, but that I will identify is that council agreed with staff and were definitely supportive of the idea of ensuring that the program got going and that we were able to get some relief to some people while we continue to develop it.

5:33

So what we're seeing today and what we will hopefully be able to propose for you in December is really just a phase one of a program that we hope will continue to evolve and to become more effective.

5:44

So since May 2023, staff has been working across department, like I said, including public works, finance, human services, and particularly along with the CMO to refine different elements of the program.

6:00

So one of the things that we think has changed a bit since May is that we believe it will be more effective in terms of both getting support and in the amount of support we may be able to get to people to work directly with residents and not through landlords.

6:14

This may also help with the delay between when a discount or a utility bill is paid and when the discount can be and the rebate can be given because there's an administrative uh workload for landlords that may not be there for individual residents.

6:29

Um we've also identified some specific groupings for the utility discounts.

6:34

And I'll say at this point that um Andrea is about to come up and walk through in the next few slides exactly what who those groups are and how the discount will work for particularly those living in multifamily buildings.

6:44

And we've identified other fees that will be included in the program launch, and those are at the end of the presentation.

6:49

The final thing I'll mention before I hand over to Andrea is that one of the key changes since May is that we have issued an RFP to contract out some of the management and the administrative load of the program.

7:03

Um the RFP required that the vendors would be able to provide both online platform, um provide an online platform as well as doing the verification.

7:12

Uh, this is very important for us, partly because we believe that uh the vendor will be able to provide this kind of centralized online platform, but also because both doing the verification and holding the information that verification would require is is a both a load to the city and creates a public records potential public records conflict.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Universal Low Income Relief Program████████████████16%
Procurement███████████11%
Capital Improvement Planning████████8%
Legislative Updates████████8%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Public Engagement█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Transportation Improvement Program████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting – October 17, 2023

On October 17, 2023, the Kirkland City Council convened for a study session at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. The study session focused on the Universal Low-Income Program and Capital Improvement Program updates. The regular meeting included public comments, a special presentation, consent calendar approval, and business items on the Houghton Park and Ride acquisition, zoning code amendments, purchasing code amendments, and the 2024 state legislative agenda. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

Study Session: Universal Low Income Program Update

  • Financial Planning Manager George Dugdale and Senior Financial Analyst Andrea Peterman presented proposed implementation details for a universal low-income discount program, expanding existing utility relief to include all low-income residents and additional city fees (pet licenses, vehicle licensing, parks and recreation, business licenses, false alarm fees).
  • The program is budgeted at $680,000 over two years. Staff recommended phase-one rollout in January 2024, with an ordinance to amend the municipal code planned for December 12.
  • Council debated specific discount levels: Councilmember Toby Nixon favored a partial discount on pet licenses to encourage spaying/neutering; Councilmember Kelli Curtis agreed. Councilmember Amy Falcone asked about promoting spay/neuter assistance programs.
  • For vehicle license fees, Councilmember Nixon questioned rebating only one vehicle per household; Councilmember Falcone suggested considering per-person or two-per-household limits.
  • Councilmember Neal Black proposed allowing landlords who rent to low-income tenants to also qualify for the business license discount.
  • Councilmember Curtis requested a report on the existing parks and recreation scholarship program’s usage.
  • Staff estimated the total annual benefit per low-income household at approximately $500, with most costs in utilities. They will evaluate participation over 2024 to inform the 2025-2026 budget.

Study Session: Capital Improvement Program Update

  • Capital Projects Manager Rod Steitzer reported 83 active projects totaling $184 million, with 49 projects in design or bidding.
  • Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Process: Staff recommended combining the required public hearing on the TIP with the existing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) hearings in the fall, then formally adopting the TIP in January. Council supported this approach; Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold and Councilmember Jon Pascal favored streamlining.
  • 124th Avenue Pedestrian Facility Options: Active Transportation Plan Project Manager Ray Steiger presented options for completing sidewalks on the west side of 124th Avenue for $270,000 (interim asphalt path), and east side options ranging from $1.9 million (interim path from Totem Lake to Boys & Girls Club) to $6.5 million (full build-out with sidewalks and planter strip). Council directed staff to proceed with the $270,000 interim west-side improvements using mid-biennium budget options and to consider the east side during the next CIP cycle. Councilmember Nixon supported both; Councilmember Pascal emphasized safety and transit connectivity; Councilmember Curtis asked about crosswalk evaluation.
  • Alternative Public Works Contracting: Rod Steitzer updated on a September 28 workshop exploring design-build and other alternative delivery methods. Councilmember Black stressed measuring cost-effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. Councilmember Pascal raised concerns about reduced competition and potential litigation risks seen in other jurisdictions. Staff will provide further analysis before any code changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Lisa McConnell opposed Resolution R-5604 (banning electronic visual aids during public comment), arguing maps and digital media efficiently convey complex points, especially for younger residents. She recommended a secure pre-meeting submission portal for visuals.
  • Talia Nauman asked about the permanent rainbow crosswalk installed in May 2023, questioning why it remained and who to contact for clarification. Public Works Director contact was provided.
  • Loita Hawkinson expressed agreement with Ms. McConnell and noted that pre-submitting her PowerPoint for a later presentation worked well.

Special Presentation

  • Loita Hawkinson, Kirkland Heritage Society Treasurer, presented "Heritage Hall: Its Story in Pictures," recounting the 1999 relocation of the historic church from First Street to its current site. The society raised $250,000 through paver sales, and volunteers like Bob Burke and Dale Hawkinson contributed thousands of hours and saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars. The building now serves as a historical resource center and mini-museum.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (7-0) after motion by Councilmember Amy Falcone, seconded by Councilmember Neal Black.
  • Included:
    • Approval of minutes from October 3, 2023.
    • Audit of accounts: Payroll $4,093,659.38; Bills $6,045,586.20.
    • Claims for Damages from Salman Khalid and Jeff Nouwens.
    • Resolution R-5605 (authorizing grant application for Local Park Maintenance Program).
    • Arbor Day Proclamation.
    • August 2023 Financial Dashboard.
    • Procurement Report.

Business Items

1. Potential Acquisition of Houghton Park and Ride

  • City Manager Kurt Triplett outlined the proposed $9 million purchase from WSDOT of 5.5 acres. An easement for a future roadway (part of I-405 master plan) will be retained by WSDOT. The property is intended for the Aquatic and Recreation Center if Proposition 1 passes in November.
  • The resolution authorizes the city manager to execute the quitclaim deed after confirming the easement description, ensuring reversion of the easement to the city if WSDOT does not use it, and clarifying liability waiver language.
  • Vote: Resolution R-5606 approved 7-0.
  • Fiscal Note: Approved 7-0, allowing use of park impact fees to offset general fund dollars, preserving flexible general fund revenue.

2. Kirkland Zoning Code Amendments (Ordinance O-4860)

  • Deferred by staff recommendation as the urgent need (Camp United We Stand’s relocation deadline) has been resolved. The item may return in Q1 2024 as part of broader zoning code updates.
  • Councilmember Nixon supported a comprehensive review of the encampment code, noting inconsistencies with state law and changes since its adoption 17 years ago.

3. Purchasing Code Amendments (Ordinance O-4861)

  • Director of Finance and Administration Michael Olson presented proposed updates to modernize procurement thresholds, authorize alternative delivery methods, and streamline processes. No action was taken; staff will incorporate feedback and return in November.
  • Councilmember Pascal requested greater transparency on professional services contracts for capital projects, suggesting earlier disclosure of design costs and scope. He also voiced concerns about design-build risks.
  • Councilmember Falcone recommended a dollar threshold (e.g., $500,000) for council approval of public works construction awards, rather than eliminating all council oversight.
  • Councilmember Black asked for tiered approval authorities for managers and supervisors in the code, not just in the procurement manual. He also sought clarification on vehicle/equipment purchases and the exception for legal services; staff confirmed that competitive processes (IFB or state contract) will still apply for new vehicles, and legal services for prosecution and public defense will remain competitive.

4. Proposed Draft 2024 State Legislative Agenda

  • Government Affairs Manager Diana Hart reviewed the draft, organized into general principles (linked to adopted city plans), key policy priorities (housing, TOD, judicial flexibility for speeding fines, support to lift the 1% property tax cap), capital budget requests (Everest Park restroom/storage, safety improvements at O.O. Denny Park, transportation reprogramming), and an “ally list” of organizations to monitor.
  • Council feedback:
    • Councilmember Nixon suggested adding Juanita Beach Park baseball field improvements as a capital request.
    • Councilmember Falcone supported prioritizing those fields over Everest Park, citing equity for the Junior Softball Little League World Series hosted in Kirkland. She also requested a detailed briefing on the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) bill before finalizing the agenda.
    • Councilmember Curtis asked about including an economic development ally (e.g., Chamber of Commerce).
    • Deputy Mayor Arnold requested guardrails on any proposed property tax increase (e.g., linking to population growth). He also emphasized aligning with regional partners (ETP, Sound Transit) on funding shortfalls.
  • Staff will incorporate feedback and present a final resolution for approval at a future meeting.

Council and City Manager Reports

  • Councilmembers shared updates on regional committees and events: RACER Principal Assembly, Eastside Transportation Partnership, K4C Climate Collaboration work session, Harvest Festival, Fire Station 22 opening, Arbor Day, AI Leadership Conference, HopeLink luncheon, Sound Cities Association board meeting, Eastside Human Services Forum, Regional Transit Committee, Kirkland Rotary Pavilion ribbon-cutting, Climate Action Symposium, Cascade Water Alliance, Organics Stakeholders Group, Regional Water Quality Committee meeting with King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, tour of Carnation tree farm biosolids application, Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee, and Kingsgate 50th anniversary.
  • City Manager Kurt Triplett reported:
    • RACER agency staffing: 9 of 10 mental health professional slots filled; a grant from WASPC will fund three additional temporary fellowship positions.
    • Eastside Public Safety Communications Agency (EPSCA): New Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) becomes fully operational by year-end; EPSCA will dissolve and distribute several million dollars in reserves to member cities based on radio count.
    • ARCH Strategic Planning Group: Update to be presented in November to define the next 20 years of the regional housing coalition.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes (all 7-0):
    • Consent Calendar approved.
    • Resolution R-5606 (Houghton Park and Ride acquisition) approved.
    • Fiscal note for the acquisition approved.
  • Directives:
    • Staff to finalize Universal Low-Income Program design and present an ordinance on December 12; launch targeted for January 2024.
    • Staff to proceed with $270,000 interim sidewalk improvements on 124th Avenue west side; evaluate east side in next CIP cycle.
    • Staff to return revised Purchasing Code Ordinance in November, incorporating council feedback on transparency, oversight thresholds, tiered approval, and competitive process for legal services.
    • Legislative Work Group to refine 2024 State Legislative Agenda based on council input and present a final resolution for adoption.
    • Staff to bring a briefing on the Transit-Oriented Development bill to council before finalizing the legislative agenda.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of October the 17th, 2023. Tonight's meeting is a hybrid. Community members are welcome to join us either in person or remotely through Zoom or by telephone. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Council Member Nixon? Here. Council Member Black. Here. Council Member Curtis. Here. Council Member Cohen. Here. Council Member Pascal. Here. Deputy Mayor Arnold. Here. Mayor Sweet. Here. Thank you very much. Our study session tonight is on two topics. The first is a universal low income program update. And the second is a capital improvement program update. We expect to convene our regular meeting at approximately 7 30 p.m. City Manager. Okay. Thank you, Benar. So the first topic, the Universal Low Income Program Update, is a continuation of conversations we've been having since the council retreat. Here to give you the overview of that as our financial planning manager, George Dugdale and our senior financial analyst Andrea Peterman. Welcome, George. Thank you. Just share the screen. Okay, good evening, Mayor, Council members. And we're excited to be here this evening to talk to you about the developments for the Universal Low Income Program that we've been working on for the last month, a few months since the May study session. We have 12 slides for you this evening as we walk through the current developments. And as the city manager said, I'm here as well as Andrea Peterman, and then we also have a number of staff members who are available for questions on specific parts of the effort because it really has been a cross-departmental team that's put this together. So as a bit of background, um, as a reminder for council, during the 2023-2024 budget process, we um apologies. Uh we added a service package for $680,000, which was a mixture of general fund and utility funding to provide a universal low-income relief program. The idea was to expand the current program that we have in the utilities, which uh serves senior um residents over 62 and those on um social security disability to include all residents who are low income, as well as um to expand beyond just the utilities. This was partly driven by vehicle license fees and some of the new fees and increases that we were seeing. Um, as being the the customer has to be the bill holder, and that would exclude about 96% of the participants that we uh were able to give utility relief to through our ARPA program as well as our rental assistance for ARPA program. And then as a function of the first issue, um, as I've said, the program is underutilized currently. So at the May retreat, staff proposed um a way of calculating or proposed that we would calculate standard rebate amounts for low-income residents in lieu or as an estimate of their cost of utilities for those living in multi-family buildings. So at the May retreat, we received um excellent feedback from council. Um broadly, I would think the the feedback was supportive of the notion of the program, both of expanding the eligibility of the utility program and of adding in other fees to the program. Um there were some concerns uh mentioned around the both the what we could call the frequency or the kind of delay. Um, the idea of rebates versus a discount creates a natural delay between when the cost is incurred by the resident and when the city is able to provide relief. Also a desire to ensure that language and technology barriers to access are addressed, and this was described both ways that we were able to provide online access as well as provide paper forms, language translation and other services that we know people help people access programs in general. And then council definitely expressed an interest in identifying other fee discounts. The other thing that's not here on the slide, but that I will identify is that council agreed with staff and were definitely supportive of the idea of ensuring that the program got going and that we were able to get some relief to some people while we continue to develop it.

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