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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting – June 4, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, June 4, 2024

BodyKirkland, Washington

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, June 4, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:00:47

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:16

Thank you I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of June 4th, 2024.

0:23

Tonight is a hybrid meeting.

0:24

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

0:31

City Clerk, will you call the roll?

0:33

Councilmember Tim Chishon.

0:35

Present.

0:35

Councilmember Black.

0:36

Here.

0:37

Councilmember Sweet.

0:38

Here.

0:38

Councilmember Falcone.

0:40

Here.

0:40

Council Member Pascal.

0:42

Here.

0:42

Deputy Mayor Arnold.

0:43

Here.

0:44

Mayor Curtis.

0:45

Here.

0:45

Our study session tonight is on Public Works Maintenance Center Facility Plan Overview.

0:51

Following our study session, we will go into executive session to discuss two matters related to the potential acquisition of real property.

0:59

We will then expect to reconvene in our regular meeting time at 7.30.

1:04

City Manager.

1:05

Okay, thank you, Madam Mayor.

1:06

So just logistically, when the study session is over, we're gonna be doing the executive session up in the Rose Hill Room.

1:11

So we'll be we'll be moving.

1:14

So we are very excited to have our first conversation of our small but mighty Public Works Maintenance Center.

1:20

It's been kind of the little engine that could.

1:22

And so we are excited to bring this first of a series of presentations about what we need to do to make our sure that our public works maintenance center is adequate for the services our community expects.

1:32

So here to kick us off is our director of public works, Truck Dever, and our deputy director of public works, Kriff Gavkin.

1:37

And they're gonna also introduce the consultants.

1:41

Thank you very much, City Manager.

1:43

Madam Mayor, Deputy Mayor Arnold, and members of the council, thank you very much for having us tonight to talk about our favorite topic, the uh Public Works Maintenance Center and the plan overview, the facilities plan overview that we um are presenting you to you tonight.

2:01

I will um introduce our guests momentarily.

2:03

I'm Truck Deaver, I'm the interim public works director, and as the city manager uh introduced Chris Gavigan is our deputy director of public works, and we also have um Leanne Skipton here who is our facilities manager.

2:18

Uh so this project has been a long time coming, I think as everybody understands.

2:24

Um we you know were asking the question why are we doing this now and why are we um you know shining such a spotlight on the public works maintenance center?

2:37

Um I think it's important to just go back in a history um past 10 years and look at um all of the wonderful investments that the the city council and the city has already made um towards our growing um city.

2:50

So we've previous previously invested in City Hall as you know where where it was remodeled where we sit today.

2:56

Um we started 10 years ago on um uh acquiring and developing the the Kirkland Justice Center, which uh houses the police department and courts.

3:07

Um there was an acquisition and renovation for Parks Maintenance Center where we were recently for the um the financial retreat, and of course we have some fire stations that are that we have invested in.

3:18

Um most recently the opening of Fire Station 27.

3:22

Um so uh as as you can see um with the pictures here, a lot of investment in our facilities to to really accommodate um our current needs and our growing needs as a city.

3:34

Um so having look at looked at what we have invested in, we wanted to look at um where there's additional need, and and as you know, public works maintenance center um has been around for a while, but um our scope and our needs have grown and our staff have grown.

3:52

So um the maintenance center, and I'll just go back to the picture at the beginning here.

3:58

Um here's a quick depiction of it.

4:01

Um it is undersized for the operational needs and for the demands when it was first um built, it was designed for 35 people, and now we're at about 91 um full-time staff and growing.

4:17

Um so having said that, the the building itself is also um coming of age where it's um life life safety improvements are necessary, and um we need to bring it up to media occupancy standards, keeping in mind that um we are also first responders in public works and uh the upper at the operations and maintenance center.

4:40

Um we respond to um floods, we respond to um trade limbs being down, you know, similar to to what we experienced this last weekend, um, sewage spills were we're first on site.

5:00

And so as first responders, there is definitely a need to ensure that the facilities that we're in are have the ability for us to be uh to respond to emergencies and ensure that it's up to code.

5:08

So having said that, um, this leads us to our conversation for tonight.

5:13

I do want to introduce our guests now.

5:15

Um, Julie Bassick and Rish Ukeel are from Makers Architecture and Urban Design.

5:20

Um we had put out an RFP and uh contracted with them starting September of 23, and they were hired on to study our needs and develop a facilities plan.

5:30

So I will turn this over to them and they will run you through the findings of of their investigation into our facility.

5:40

Thank you so much, Chuck.

5:42

I am delighted to be here in the first of three briefings to let you know uh what we have found and then to answer any questions that you might have with our work to date.

5:54

It's been a great partnership so far, um, working with many city staff.

5:59

Let's see if I can there we go.

6:02

Um, and uh all of the different leads of all the lines of business as well as a number of um collaborative folks from other departments to guide us along the way.

6:14

So it's been a really great process so far.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Works Maintenance██████████████████████22%

Procedural█████████████13%

Community Engagement█████████████13%

Homelessness█████████9%

Public Safety███████7%

Transportation Safety███████7%

Public Health███████7%

Affordable Housing███████7%

Public Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Meeting Summary – June 4, 2024

The Kirkland City Council convened on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, starting with a study session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting included a study session on the Public Works Maintenance Center Facility Plan, an executive session (real property acquisition), honors, public comments, a special presentation from EvergreenHealth, a consent calendar, and several business items. Votes were unanimous (7-0) on all actions.

Study Session: Public Works Maintenance Center Facility Plan

Interim Public Works Director Truc Dever and consultants from MAKERS Architecture presented findings. The current facility was designed for 35 staff but now houses 91 full-time employees, with significant space, safety, and security deficiencies. The facility sits on 6 acres but requires 8.2 acres to meet current needs, leaving a 2.2-acre shortfall. Key issues include uncovered expensive equipment, inadequate crew support spaces (lockers, restrooms, drying rooms), constrained site topography, and seismic vulnerabilities. Only Building A (admin) is cost-effective to upgrade to seismic standards. The project will produce a strategic roadmap for near-term quick wins and long-term vision, including potential property acquisition. Councilmembers expressed support and interest in exploring satellite storage and creative solutions (e.g., purchasing adjacent property). A tour of the facility was offered to councilmembers.

Honors and Proclamations

National Gun Violence Awareness Month Proclamation: Declared June 7, 2024, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Kirkland. Accepted by representatives from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

Special Presentation

EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo provided a "State of Healthcare" update. EvergreenHealth is a 354-bed hospital, the largest employer in Kirkland, delivering 4,500 babies in 2023. It faces financial challenges post-pandemic but maintains high quality ratings (only Puget Sound hospital with an A grade from Leapfrog). Dr. Palazzo discussed access issues, behavioral health needs, and the importance of local control. Councilmembers thanked him and discussed partnerships on homelessness and affordable housing for employees.

Public Comments & Testimony

Kyle Sullivan: Expressed support for the RapidRide K Line queue jump project, Stores to Shores speed reductions, and the homelessness response plan. Urged pedestrian/bike improvements to close gaps.
Niel Lebeck: Supported the homelessness resolution (R-5631) for its compassionate approach and advocated for engineering-based traffic calming rather than just speed limit reductions on the Greenway.
Josh Phua: Supported the 20 mph speed limit on the Stores to Shores Greenway, citing safety benefits of lower speeds. Emphasized need for engineering measures (speed bumps, chicanes) to actually slow drivers.
Jennifer Loy: Expressed frustration over inadequate maintenance of Caroline Woods Park playground, urging council to reclassify it as a neighborhood park for better care.
Brad Chambers: Shared personal experience with homelessness, thanked the city for a person-centered approach, and suggested volunteer opportunities and faith community engagement as part of the solution.

Consent Calendar

Approved unanimously (7-0). Items included:
- Minutes of May 3 and May 21, 2024.
- Audit of accounts: Payroll $5,704,423.13; Bills $5,727,370.44.
- Claims for damages acknowledged.
- Award of contract for Annual Street Preservation Program 2024 Slurry Seal Project to Doolittle Construction, LLC for $419,000.
- Pride Month Proclamation (June).
- Ride Transit Month Proclamation (June).
- Authorization for City Manager to sign RapidRide K Line Record of Support Memo for 108th Ave NE Northbound Transit Queue Jump Project.
- Resolution R-5634 amending council rules of procedure (removing second audience comment period if before 10 p.m.).
- April 2024 Sales Tax Report and Procurement Report acknowledged.

Business Items

Coordinated Response to Homelessness – Resolution R-5631 Adoption and Fiscal Note

Resolution R-5631: Declaring the city's commitment to a person-centered approach and authorizing the City Manager to develop a Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan by December 31, 2024. Staff presented revisions clarifying that the resolution does not propose encampments in parks, new shelters near schools, or a specific ballot measure. The plan will include a community engagement process (TREK framework) with a faith community symposium, a community forum (World Cafe format), stakeholder interviews, a town hall, and a public hearing. Adopted 7-0.
Fiscal Note: $75,000 from the Police Proposition 1 fund balance to implement the community engagement plan. Adopted 7-0.

Stores to Shores Greenway Speed Limit Reduction – Resolution R-5635

Staff proposed lowering speed limits on segments of the Greenway from 25 mph to 20 mph on local and collector streets, and from 35 mph to 20 mph (with an adjacent segment to 25 mph) on Slater Ave NE. These reductions will be paired with traffic calming devices (traffic circles, speed cushions, curb extensions). Councilmember Pascal successfully amended the resolution to add a WHEREAS clause citing RCW 46.61.415 to clarify council authority. Adopted as amended 7-0.

Legislative Request Memorandum – Options for Expediting School Site Capacity (Task 34)

Planning Director Adam Weinstein presented five options, including hiring consultants or taking no action. Council discussion noted that the Lake Washington School District may not be ready to utilize expedited zoning. Councilmember Falcone proposed exploring a pilot project and convening conversations. Deputy Mayor Arnold moved to select Option 5 (take no action and refer the issue to the Lake Washington School District Coordinating Committee). Motion carried 7-0.

Key Outcomes

Public Works Maintenance Center: Council will tour the facility; staff will return with cost estimates and alternative options.
Homelessness Action Plan: Adopted R-5631; $75,000 approved for community engagement; plan due by end of 2024.
Speed Limit Reductions: Approved for Stores to Shores Greenway with calming measures; effective after construction.
School Site Zoning: Deferred to coordinating committee; no immediate action.
All votes were unanimous (7-0).

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of June 4th, 2024. Tonight is a hybrid meeting. Community members are welcome to join us either in person or remotely through Zoom or by the telephone. City Clerk, will you call the roll? Councilmember Tim Chishon. Present. Councilmember Black. Here. Councilmember Sweet. Here. Councilmember Falcone. Here. Council Member Pascal. Here. Deputy Mayor Arnold. Here. Mayor Curtis. Here. Our study session tonight is on Public Works Maintenance Center Facility Plan Overview. Following our study session, we will go into executive session to discuss two matters related to the potential acquisition of real property. We will then expect to reconvene in our regular meeting time at 7.30. City Manager. Okay, thank you, Madam Mayor. So just logistically, when the study session is over, we're gonna be doing the executive session up in the Rose Hill Room. So we'll be we'll be moving. So we are very excited to have our first conversation of our small but mighty Public Works Maintenance Center. It's been kind of the little engine that could. And so we are excited to bring this first of a series of presentations about what we need to do to make our sure that our public works maintenance center is adequate for the services our community expects. So here to kick us off is our director of public works, Truck Dever, and our deputy director of public works, Kriff Gavkin. And they're gonna also introduce the consultants. Thank you very much, City Manager. Madam Mayor, Deputy Mayor Arnold, and members of the council, thank you very much for having us tonight to talk about our favorite topic, the uh Public Works Maintenance Center and the plan overview, the facilities plan overview that we um are presenting you to you tonight. I will um introduce our guests momentarily. I'm Truck Deaver, I'm the interim public works director, and as the city manager uh introduced Chris Gavigan is our deputy director of public works, and we also have um Leanne Skipton here who is our facilities manager. Uh so this project has been a long time coming, I think as everybody understands. Um we you know were asking the question why are we doing this now and why are we um you know shining such a spotlight on the public works maintenance center? Um I think it's important to just go back in a history um past 10 years and look at um all of the wonderful investments that the the city council and the city has already made um towards our growing um city. So we've previous previously invested in City Hall as you know where where it was remodeled where we sit today. Um we started 10 years ago on um uh acquiring and developing the the Kirkland Justice Center, which uh houses the police department and courts. Um there was an acquisition and renovation for Parks Maintenance Center where we were recently for the um the financial retreat, and of course we have some fire stations that are that we have invested in. Um most recently the opening of Fire Station 27. Um so uh as as you can see um with the pictures here, a lot of investment in our facilities to to really accommodate um our current needs and our growing needs as a city. Um so having look at looked at what we have invested in, we wanted to look at um where there's additional need, and and as you know, public works maintenance center um has been around for a while, but um our scope and our needs have grown and our staff have grown. So um the maintenance center, and I'll just go back to the picture at the beginning here. Um here's a quick depiction of it. Um it is undersized for the operational needs and for the demands when it was first um built, it was designed for 35 people, and now we're at about 91 um full-time staff and growing. Um so having said that, the the building itself is also um coming of age where it's um life life safety improvements are necessary, and um we need to bring it up to media occupancy standards, keeping in mind that um we are also first responders in public works and uh the upper at the operations and maintenance center. Um we respond to um floods, we respond to um trade limbs being down, you know, similar to to what we experienced this last weekend, um, sewage spills were we're first on site. And so as first responders, there is definitely a need to ensure that the facilities that we're in are have the ability for us to be uh to respond to emergencies and ensure that it's up to code. So having said that, um, this leads us to our conversation for tonight.

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