OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting and Study Session - July 1, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, July 1, 2025
BodyKirkland, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 1, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:41:16

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

All right, I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of July 1st, 2025.

0:08

Before the roll is called, I'd like to note that Councilmill Pascal is joining us remotely this evening.

0:14

City Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:16

Councilmember Tim Chisholm.

0:18

Councilmember Black.

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Sweet.

0:20

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Falcone.

0:22

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Pascal.

0:24

Here.

0:25

Deputy Mayor Arnold.

0:26

Here.

0:27

Mayor Curtis.

0:28

Here.

0:28

All right.

0:29

Our study session tonight is on two items.

0:31

First, we'll have a discussion on the responses to the Houghton Village request for proposals.

0:37

Second, we'll receive an update on the Kirkland Safety Action Plan and Speed Limit Setting Policy.

0:43

We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at 7 30.

0:46

City Manager.

0:47

Okay.

0:47

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

0:48

Deputy Mayor, members of the council.

0:49

So yes, we have about 45 minutes for each topic.

0:52

You're going to hear from two presenters tonight.

0:54

We are going to have some time for questions following each presentation of the presenters, but we're also going to reserve some time after both of them to ask questions about other options and questions you may have going forward.

1:06

So with that, I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to Alison Zyke, our deputy director of planning and building to kick us off.

1:11

Thank you, City Manager, and good evening, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council members.

1:15

As uh City Manager mentioned, uh the layout for tonight.

1:19

I have just a few slides to kind of lay the groundwork, remind you where we're at on the Houghton Village project, and then uh we'll move forward and let you hear from our proposers.

1:29

So presenting first tonight from the proposers is um will be inland group and the together center.

1:35

They're represented by Joey Lonsford tonight, and then we'll have a presentation from Imagined Housing in Methoon, and they're represented by E Zhao and Casey Wong tonight.

1:43

So I'll let them reintroduce themselves as they come up.

1:46

We'll be playing a little bit of musical chairs, but should be a fun time.

1:50

So just to remind you all kind of where this all started.

1:54

In 2022, the city purchased Houghton Village the Houghton Village property to help realize council's vision for public purposes and the priorities we've heard from council on this project were affordable housing, potentially school space, nonprofit program space, neighborhood shops, vibrant retail, the potential for arts and cultural space, and maybe city recreational space.

2:15

I think council's acknowledged we might not be able to get all of those things, but those were really kind of our guiding light as we worked through the development plan over the past year or so, and then also the things that we talked to the community about about potentially getting at the Houghton Village site.

2:30

It's what we asked the proposers to kind of respond to as they looked at the site.

2:37

So we last talked to you about this project in January when you directed staff to go ahead and issue an a request for interest or a request for proposals to really gauge from the development community.

2:48

Is there anyone out there that's interested in partnering with the city to make this vision happen?

2:53

And so staff did move forward with that.

2:55

We issued a request for proposals back in March.

2:59

Um during while the proposal or the RFP was open, we held an information session to help people understand what we were really looking for.

3:08

The RFP closed on June 2nd.

3:11

We did receive four submittals.

3:14

Three were full proposals in response to the RFP.

3:17

One was a letter with an explanation of why that team chose not to submit, but what might encourage them to submit at a future time.

3:24

What additional information they might need that could make them submit at a future time.

3:39

It is worth noting that that appraisal was only for up to three stories of height as I understand it.

3:44

We're um getting an update to that appraisal to see what it would be appraised at for the full five stories of height that could be allowed there.

3:54

Just a little bit more about what was in the RFP.

3:57

We did cover this with council in January, but to remind you over the past year and a half, staff has been working with a consultant to develop kind of a development framework for the site.

4:08

And so we did that to figure out how many how many units and what kinds of community or uh commercial space the site could yield to get an idea of what might be possible there.

4:19

So we've dug into that.

4:20

We also did a lot of community engagement associated with that development framework.

4:25

And so that was the document that we included in the RFP and asked proposers to respond to.

4:30

So we didn't bind them to it.

4:32

We said we want to see something that's generally consistent, but we put a lot of flexibility in the RFP and invited proposals that might have an idea for the site that was only three stories or had maybe a different vision for community benefits than what council had laid out.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation███████████████████████23%
Transportation Safety████████████████████20%
Affordable Housing██████████████████18%
Environmental Protection████████8%
Community Engagement█████5%
Transportation█████5%
Procedural████4%
Zoning Regulations███3%
Personnel Matters██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting and Study Session - July 1, 2025

The Kirkland City Council met on July 1, 2025, beginning with a study session at 5:30 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. The study session covered responses to the Houghton Village Request for Proposals and an update on the Kirkland Safety Action Plan and Speed Limit Setting Policy. The regular meeting included public comments, a special presentation on the city's supported employment program, a proclamation for Disability Pride Month, a consent calendar approval, and business items on the Critical Areas Ordinance update, Peter Kirk Pool enclosure options, and Transportation Benefit District (TBD) improvements. The Council took several votes, including approving two TBD improvement options, authorizing a proclamation for Junior League Softball World Series Week, and initiating a public hearing on a hospital levy lid lift. The meeting concluded with an executive session on potential litigation.

Study Session

  • Houghton Village RFP Responses: Planning and Building Deputy Director Allison Zike presented an overview of the RFP process. Two development teams presented proposals: Inland Group (Joey Launceford) proposed 140–175 units of 100% affordable housing (at or below 60% AMI) with ground-floor commercial and community space, estimated at $90 million, assuming a $7 million land discount. Imagine Housing (E Zhao) and Mithun (Casey Huang) proposed a lower-density design with 120 rental units and 20 affordable homeownership units through Habitat for Humanity, emphasizing community engagement and a phased timeline (construction start ~2028–2029). Councilmembers asked questions about financing, city subsidy expectations, retail viability, parking assumptions, and timeline.
  • Kirkland Safety Action Plan and Speed Limit Setting Policy Update: Public Works Deputy Director Sarah Olson, Transportation Engineering Supervisor Jennifer Palmer, Transportation Planner Victoria Kovacs, and DKS Associates engineer Nikki Davis presented an update. The plan aims to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2035, analyzing crash data, near-miss events, and community feedback (over 1,000 online comments). A proposed speed limit setting policy focuses on arterials and collectors using an expert-based approach considering land use, roadway context, and user safety. Next steps include finalizing the plan, presenting to the Transportation Commission in late July, and returning to Council for approval. Councilmembers expressed support and requested consideration of e-bike safety and automated enforcement.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Susan Pappalardo (Splash Forward): Expressed support for Peter Kirk Pool winterization, urging adoption of Option 2 (enclosing the activity pool) to expand year-round swim lessons and aquatic programs, and offered partnership for a "every second grader learns to swim" program.
  • Aaron Bourgeois (Widener Apartment Homes): Opposed the proposed zoning amendment at Juanita Drive and 98th Avenue NE (Michaels CAR), citing concerns about building intensity, vehicular access, outdated traffic studies, and parking impacts from SB 5184. Requested reduced height limits and more careful planning.
  • Alli Blair (Matthew Dahl Kirkland Youth Council Memorial Scholarship): Announced Jasmine Lowe Velasquez as the 2025 scholarship recipient, recognizing her service on the Kirkland Youth Council.

Special Presentation & Proclamations

  • Supported Employment Employee Experience: Service Desk Analyst Anthony Sigall presented his journey as the city's first supported employment employee, describing his role in IT, the support he receives, and his walking route project. He encouraged continued support for the program.
  • Disability Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor Curtis and Councilmember Falcone read a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Disability Pride Month, accepted by Anthony Sigall.
  • Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation: Approved via consent calendar, proclaiming July as Parks and Recreation Month.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (7-0) with the following items:
    • Approval of minutes from June 10 (special) and June 17, 2025 meetings.
    • Audit of accounts: $6,078,956.55 in bills and $6,274,420.24 in payroll.
    • Claims for damages acknowledged.
    • Award of bid for Central Way Street Preservation Project to Lakeside Industries ($1,614,087.00).
    • Award of bid for Fire Station 24 Training Center to Saybr Contractors, Inc. ($987,000.00).
    • Ordinance O-4909 adopted, increasing the Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) fee in Comcast and Ziply cable franchises.
    • Acknowledgement of Tourism Development Committee resignation and letter of recognition.
    • Reports acknowledged: 2025 Q1 Parks and Community Services, Q2 IT Operations, April Financial Dashboard, May Sales Tax, May Investment, and Procurement Report.

Discussion Items

Critical Areas Ordinance Update (CAM25-00248)

Environmental Program Coordinator Anna Heckman and Senior Planner Jen Anderer briefed the Council on state-required updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance (Chapters 85 and 90). The update must be completed by December 31, 2025, based on best available science and the 2044 Comprehensive Plan. Staff identified minor required changes and opportunities for streamlining permit processes (e.g., peer review thresholds). Outreach includes web pages and coordination with neighboring cities. The Council will receive a formal proposal in the fall.

Peter Kirk Pool Enclosure Options

Parks Deputy Director John Lloyd presented four options for enclosing the pool, all including a $7 million baseline scope (separate pool mechanical systems, new bathhouse/entry, family changing rooms, infrastructure repairs). Options ranged from:

  • Option 1: Full enclosure of both pools with glass structure, new activity pool; $32.5 million; add 2,200 swim lesson classes.
  • Option 2: Enclose only the new activity pool (leaving lap pool outdoor); $17 million; add 952 swim lesson classes.
  • Option 3: Enclose only the lap pool (leaving wading pool outdoor); $22 million; more swim lessons but harder for youngest children.
  • Option 4: Full enclosure with sprung structure (similar to Option 1 but cheaper); $21 million.

Parks Director Lynn Waxtra noted up to $18 million in available capital funding (including potential King County Parks Levy and grants) but stressed opportunity costs. Operating expenses would increase by $1.4–1.7 million annually (general fund). Council feedback: Most members preferred Option 2 (activity pool enclosure) but wanted to pause for more information on the Kraken community facility, the August parks levy vote, and potential partnerships with existing pools. Staff will return in September/October with updated data.

Transportation Benefit District Update – 124th Avenue NE & Downtown Kirkland Crosswalks

Capital Projects Supervisor Laura Drake presented options for two TBD projects:

  • 124th Avenue NE (at NE 145th St): Project to extend sidewalk needed baseline shortfall of $222,000. Adding a crosswalk without RRFB: $30,000 more; with RRFB: $340,000 total shortfall. Council voted (7-0) to approve Option 3: crosswalk with RRFB.
  • Downtown Kirkland Crosswalk Improvements (5 locations): Proposed improvements at five high-priority crosswalks. Option 1 (all five with RRFBs and enhancements) had a $400,000+ shortfall. Option 2 removed Lake Washington Blvd & NE 52nd St due to feasibility issues (relocation required) and saved $63,000. Council voted (7-0) to approve Option 2, with the removed location to be brought back for future consideration after further community input.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved 7-0, including bid awards, ordinance adoption, and reports.
  • 128th Avenue NE Crosswalk: Approved Option 3 (crosswalk with RRFB) 7-0.
  • Downtown Crosswalks: Approved Option 2 (current scope without Lake Washington Blvd & NE 52nd St) 7-0, with that location to return later.
  • Junior League Softball World Series Proclamation: Motion carried 7-0 to authorize the Mayor to issue a proclamation for July 27–August 2, 2025, as Junior League Softball World Series Week.
  • EvergreenHealth Levy Lid Lift Resolution: Motion carried 7-0 to bring forward a resolution of support and hold a public hearing on Public Hospital District No. 2 Proposition No. 1.
  • Peter Kirk Pool: No final decision; staff directed to return in September/October with updated cost, revenue, and programming analysis, and to explore partnerships with existing pools.
  • Executive Session: Council entered executive session at 10:40 p.m. to discuss potential litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)), reconvened briefly at 11:17 p.m., and adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

All right, I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of July 1st, 2025. Before the roll is called, I'd like to note that Councilmill Pascal is joining us remotely this evening. City Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Tim Chisholm. Councilmember Black. Here. Councilmember Sweet. Here. Councilmember Falcone. Here. Councilmember Pascal. Here. Deputy Mayor Arnold. Here. Mayor Curtis. Here. All right. Our study session tonight is on two items. First, we'll have a discussion on the responses to the Houghton Village request for proposals. Second, we'll receive an update on the Kirkland Safety Action Plan and Speed Limit Setting Policy. We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at 7 30. City Manager. Okay. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Deputy Mayor, members of the council. So yes, we have about 45 minutes for each topic. You're going to hear from two presenters tonight. We are going to have some time for questions following each presentation of the presenters, but we're also going to reserve some time after both of them to ask questions about other options and questions you may have going forward. So with that, I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to Alison Zyke, our deputy director of planning and building to kick us off. Thank you, City Manager, and good evening, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council members. As uh City Manager mentioned, uh the layout for tonight. I have just a few slides to kind of lay the groundwork, remind you where we're at on the Houghton Village project, and then uh we'll move forward and let you hear from our proposers. So presenting first tonight from the proposers is um will be inland group and the together center. They're represented by Joey Lonsford tonight, and then we'll have a presentation from Imagined Housing in Methoon, and they're represented by E Zhao and Casey Wong tonight. So I'll let them reintroduce themselves as they come up. We'll be playing a little bit of musical chairs, but should be a fun time. So just to remind you all kind of where this all started. In 2022, the city purchased Houghton Village the Houghton Village property to help realize council's vision for public purposes and the priorities we've heard from council on this project were affordable housing, potentially school space, nonprofit program space, neighborhood shops, vibrant retail, the potential for arts and cultural space, and maybe city recreational space. I think council's acknowledged we might not be able to get all of those things, but those were really kind of our guiding light as we worked through the development plan over the past year or so, and then also the things that we talked to the community about about potentially getting at the Houghton Village site. It's what we asked the proposers to kind of respond to as they looked at the site. So we last talked to you about this project in January when you directed staff to go ahead and issue an a request for interest or a request for proposals to really gauge from the development community. Is there anyone out there that's interested in partnering with the city to make this vision happen? And so staff did move forward with that. We issued a request for proposals back in March. Um during while the proposal or the RFP was open, we held an information session to help people understand what we were really looking for. The RFP closed on June 2nd. We did receive four submittals. Three were full proposals in response to the RFP. One was a letter with an explanation of why that team chose not to submit, but what might encourage them to submit at a future time. What additional information they might need that could make them submit at a future time.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com