OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Meeting: Kraken Iceplex, Palisades Fire Flag, and Key Decisions – August 6, 2025

City Council — Wednesday, August 6, 2025
BodyKirkland, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, August 6, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:12:09

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

You got the computer.

0:04

Have you been looking for it?

0:14

You don't mind.

0:35

Yes.

0:36

Shift change.

0:42

We were really squished.

0:47

Sorry.

0:48

We need to be able to answer your questions, and both of us and both of us gesture a lot.

0:52

I don't know if you have noticed, but Jim and I both just were a lot.

0:58

So member Tim Chizen.

1:15

Councilmember Black.

1:16

Here.

1:16

Councilmember Sweet.

1:18

Councilmember Falcone.

1:19

Here.

1:20

Councilmember Pascal.

1:21

Here.

1:21

Deputy Mayor Arnold.

1:22

Here.

1:23

Mayor Curtis.

1:24

Here.

1:24

I did not have my mic on, so I am now calling to order August uh 6th City Council meeting.

1:30

Um the Kraken Ice Plex and Community Center.

1:35

We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at 7 30.

1:38

City Manager.

1:39

All right.

1:40

So thank you, Madam Mayor.

1:41

Deputy Mayor, members of the council.

1:42

Um as you said, we have the full 90 minutes of the study session dedicated to Kraken updates.

1:49

I'm particularly a focus on the negotiation updates.

1:53

Um there will be no decisions tonight, except for later on under a city manager report.

1:58

I'll be asking council to approve a motion for a fiscal note, which will be discussed in this presentation was included in the packet uh for some additional staffing to take this to the next level.

2:08

Uh just a high level overview.

2:09

We're looking for sort of awareness and understanding of the various documents.

2:12

We're looking for observations and comments from the council and then any additional information need to be brought back to future council meetings as a result of this presentation.

2:21

And with that, I'm gonna go ahead and turn over to our deputy city manager of external affairs, Jim Lopez.

2:27

Thank you very much, City Manager and Madam Mayor and Deputy Mayor and Council.

2:30

It's my pleasure to be here tonight uh with our esteemed city attorney, Darcy Eilers.

2:36

Joining me.

2:37

Thank you, Darcy.

2:38

Darcy and I have been working very closely on this together.

2:41

And we're gonna give a presentation as the city manager noted.

2:44

We have a full 90 minutes.

2:46

So our hope is that this is very interactive as we move through the sections, which I'll give you a little bit of a heads up as to what they are.

2:53

You can enter uh stop us at any time and we will exchange and answer questions and have a discussion about it.

2:59

There's a lot here, but we're trying to bring simplicity to the complexity, and we're gonna try to do that in three kind of buckets.

3:07

We're gonna talk a little bit about the status of the negotiations, and I've pulled out ten key items from the negotiation that we've heard is a constant theme from the council throughout this process.

3:19

There those those these ten things you can see, they're evidenced in the framework agreement that you passed, giving us guidance as to how we should negotiate it.

3:27

And in doing so and giving you an update on these key um items, I'll also give a uh direction as to where in the legal documents these key items will be found.

3:38

And that will be a transition to part two of our presentation, which uh Darcy will take, and she'll actually take you through those legal documents.

3:47

So we'll give you a heads up as to where the things that perhaps you are most interested in or are very interested in, what the status of those are, and then Darcy can tell tell you about the legal documents and where they fit in those documents because a big part of what we're gonna be doing is bringing those documents to you.

4:04

And then the third part of my presentation, I'll take it back and I'll give you some staff updates on things like the uh the vault, those um surface water vault that we may be building, uh some of the outreach, some of the other items that you may want to know about that you've given us direction to follow up on.

4:20

So that's the three uh buckets for our presentation.

4:24

Without further ado, I'll jump right in to the status of negotiations.

4:29

A uh very detailed overview of this entire narrative, which goes back a couple of years now with a with a kraken unsolicitedly, they were unsolicited in coming to the city asking for us to see if they would like to do this.

4:42

Started all that's on the internet, it's all on our webpage.

4:45

You can get there very easily.

4:47

Uh this is I think the most relevant tonight in February of 25.

4:51

We issued an RFQ at the council's direction to develop the ice iceplex restaurant and a community center.

5:00

And in May of 25, we reviewed that RFQ, and the council adopted resolution 5682.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development██████████10%
Legal And Compliance█████████9%
Planning And Zoning█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Youth Programs██████6%
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Meeting: Kraken Iceplex, Palisades Fire Flag, and Key Decisions – August 6, 2025

The Kirkland City Council held a study session (5:30 p.m.–7:02 p.m.) and a regular meeting (7:30 p.m.–11:20 p.m.) on August 6, 2025. The study session focused on negotiations with the Seattle Kraken for an iceplex and community center. The regular meeting included a presentation of a flag flown during the Palisades Fire deployment, public comments, approval of the consent calendar, and discussions on co-living housing code amendments, police duty weapon replacement, 100th Avenue roadway improvements, AARP Age-Friendly membership, reaffirming Kirkland as a welcoming city, and human services funding. Multiple motions passed unanimously (7-0).

Study Session: Kraken Iceplex and Community Center Update

  • Deputy City Manager James Lopez and City Attorney Darcey Eilers presented updates on the proposed partnership with Seattle Hockey Partners (Seattle Kraken) to build an iceplex and community center on city parkland. Key points: The Kraken will construct the community center for the city using private capital; the city retains a unilateral option to purchase the facility with municipal bonds or lease it; the Kraken will provide a long-term financing guarantee; public benefits include low-income grants, one monthly free-skate for Kirkland residents, and visiting NHL team practices. Council asked detailed questions about financial guarantees in bankruptcy, restaurant/bar details, community access, and site design. Staff will return in September with final documents and a requested $112,000 fiscal note (approved later under City Manager Reports). No final action on the partnership was taken.

Special Presentations

  • Palisades Fire Deployment Flag: Fire Chief Joe Sandford, Lieutenant John Hernandez, and Lieutenant Doug Tomczak presented a commemorative Kirkland Fire Department flag flown during the department's January 2025 deployment to the Palisades Fire in California. The wildland team, established in 2018, has 42 members. The fire consumed over 23,000 acres (36 square miles, twice the size of Kirkland), destroyed 6,800 structures, and forced over 100,000 evacuations. Council expressed gratitude.
  • Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) Operational Update: Recreation Supervisor Theresa Vander Vaart reported that since opening September 3, 2024, through July 18, 2025, KTUB had 583 unique teen visitors and 4,893 total check-ins. The peak day was June 11, 2025, with 90 teens. A shuttle pilot provided 152 rides to middle schoolers. Partners: For Tomorrow led art activities (8–15 teens daily) and a recording studio (8 free classes); Youth Eastside Services provided mental health counseling (17 clients, 98 individual sessions, 40 wellness Wednesday activities). Council praised the program and discussed future expansion.

Consent Calendar

  • Motion: Moved by Councilmember Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Black. Approved 7-0 after removing the Everest Park Restroom bid (Item 8.e.1). Items included:
    • Approval of July 15, 2025 minutes.
    • Audit of Accounts: Bills $9,865,962.09; Payroll $7,034,362.93.
    • Claims for Damages (three claims acknowledged).
    • Everest Park Restroom Replacement Project (pulled for separate discussion).
    • Resolution R-5692: Authorizing contract with Adara at Totem Lake, LLC for multifamily housing property tax exemption.
    • Ordinance O-4910: Amending school impact fees (Section 27.08.150 KMC).
    • Ordinance O-4911: Amending business licensing requirements (Section 7.02.065 KMC).
    • 2024 Code Enforcement Activity Report, 2025 Second Quarter Parks Report, Annual Public Records Report, May 2025 Financial Dashboard, June 2025 Sales Tax and Investment Reports, and Procurement Report (all acknowledged).

Public Comments & Testimony

Nine speakers addressed the council:

  • Debbie Lacy (Executive Director, Eastside for All): Expressed full support for Resolution R-5693 (safe, inclusive, welcoming city) and urged approval of funding options (Options 1 and 2) for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, emphasizing that existing contracts are insufficient.
  • Karina O'Malley (Safe Parking Program, Lake Washington United Methodist Church): Described 60 households waiting for housing and advocated for proactive mobile integrated health and mental health outreach to prevent crises.
  • Paige Burke: Strongly urged the city to install educational signage at parks (especially Marina Park) to discourage feeding ducks and promote wildlife respect, citing malnutrition, pollution, and harassment of wildlife. Referenced Kirkland Municipal Code 11.80.080.
  • Michelle Alten-Kaehler: Raised concerns about styrofoam pollution from crumbling dock floats at Kirkland Homeport Marina, asking the city to enforce water pollution laws.
  • Alex Tsimerman: Made political statements regarding federal policies and expressed opposition to certain local actions.
  • Jack Staudt (Senior Council member): Supported joining the AARP Age-Friendly Network, noting the Senior Council's commitment to help with reports and outreach.
  • David Haines (virtual): Commented on drug addiction, homelessness services, and public transportation concerns.
  • John Barnett: Supported AARP Age-Friendly membership, emphasizing benefits for all ages.
  • Nicole MacKenzie: Discussed co-living housing code amendments, questioning the interpretation of state law regarding “multifamily residential units” and its application to low-density zones near transit.

Discussion Items

  1. Planning Commission Recruitment – Interview Selection Committee Recommendations (Item 9.a): Council suspended Rule 8.12 to interview four candidates (instead of three). Motion by Sweet, second by Tymczyszyn, 7-0.
  2. Police Department Duty Weapon Replacement (Item 9.b): Deputy Chief Michel St Jean explained that the Criminal Justice Training Commission banned the Sig Sauer P320, requiring replacement with Glocks. No council action needed; funding from sinking funds and forfeiture funds. Transition expected by end of 2025/early 2026.
  3. 100th Avenue NE Roadway Improvements Update and Funding Request (Item 9.c): Capital Projects Supervisor Laura Drake reported the project is nearly complete (substantial completion September 2025). Additional costs ($1.6M) due to block wall increases, pavement deterioration, extended traffic control, and street sweeping. Council approved the fiscal note. Motion by Pascal, second by Falcone, 7-0.
  4. AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities Membership (Item 9.f, moved up): DEIB Manager Erika Mascorro presented background: Kirkland's 50+ population is 31.1% (approx. 30,182 people), and the city has the fastest-growing 65+ population in King County. Council authorized staff to apply for membership and Mayor to sign the letter. Motion by Black, second by Falcone, 7-0.
  5. Co-Living Housing Code Amendments (CAM25-00302) (Item 9.d): Senior Planner Martha Rubardt briefed on House Bill 1998 requirements to allow co-living as permitted use on lots zoned for 6+ multifamily units. Staff recommended minimum compliance; Planning Commission supported a hybrid parking option and no additional affordability requirements. Council expressed support for Planning Commission's recommendations (no formal vote).
  6. Updated Resolution R-5240 / Resolution R-5693 – Safe, Inclusive, Welcoming City (Item 9.e): DEIB Manager Mascorro presented revisions reflecting the city's DEIB roadmap, welcoming certification, and updated language. Council discussed strengthening whereas clauses to defend DEIB work and conducting targeted community outreach. No final action; staff to return with revisions.
  7. Everest Park Restroom Replacement Project (Item 9.g, pulled from consent): Councilmember Tymczyszyn asked about storage for Kirkland American Little League; Parks Director Zwaagstra confirmed a larger conex box is provided. Councilmember Falcone requested adding an adult changing table (change order possible). Council awarded contract to Wyser Construction ($1,694,196.97). Motion by Tymczyszyn, second by Falcone, 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent calendar approved 7-0 (as modified).
  • Planning Commission interview motion passed 7-0.
  • 100th Avenue fiscal note ($1.6M) approved 7-0.
  • AARP Age-Friendly membership authorized 7-0.
  • Everest Park restroom contract awarded 7-0.
  • Kraken fiscal note ($112,000) approved 7-0 (under City Manager Reports).
  • Human Services Commission options: Council approved Options 1 (contract amendments) and 2 (rapid response fund of $165,294) for immediate needs, and will revisit Option 3 (broader discussion) during mid-biennial budget cycle. Motion by Falcone, second by Arnold, 7-0.
  • Legislative Request Memo (LRM) approved 7-0: Staff to bring back options to retain and attract grocery stores, including evaluating existing threats and code barriers. Motion by Tymczyszyn, second by Falcone.

City Council Reports

  • Councilmembers shared updates on North Rose Hill, Central Houghton, and Juanita neighborhood picnics; Junior League Softball World Series (champions from Columbus, Texas, gratitude to staff/volunteers); legislative workgroup for 2026 agenda; King County Regional Law, Safety, and Justice Committee; Public Safety Roundtable with King County Executive; and a request to study neighborhood-serving retail and grocery stores.
  • Mayor Curtis noted World Cup tickets go on sale August 10, 2025 (U.S. game in Seattle on June 19, 2026) and recognized City Manager Kurt Triplett for 15 years of public service to Kirkland.

Meeting Transcript

You got the computer. Have you been looking for it? You don't mind. Yes. Shift change. We were really squished. Sorry. We need to be able to answer your questions, and both of us and both of us gesture a lot. I don't know if you have noticed, but Jim and I both just were a lot. So member Tim Chizen. Councilmember Black. Here. Councilmember Sweet. Councilmember Falcone. Here. Councilmember Pascal. Here. Deputy Mayor Arnold. Here. Mayor Curtis. Here. I did not have my mic on, so I am now calling to order August uh 6th City Council meeting. Um the Kraken Ice Plex and Community Center. We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at 7 30. City Manager. All right. So thank you, Madam Mayor. Deputy Mayor, members of the council. Um as you said, we have the full 90 minutes of the study session dedicated to Kraken updates. I'm particularly a focus on the negotiation updates. Um there will be no decisions tonight, except for later on under a city manager report. I'll be asking council to approve a motion for a fiscal note, which will be discussed in this presentation was included in the packet uh for some additional staffing to take this to the next level. Uh just a high level overview. We're looking for sort of awareness and understanding of the various documents. We're looking for observations and comments from the council and then any additional information need to be brought back to future council meetings as a result of this presentation. And with that, I'm gonna go ahead and turn over to our deputy city manager of external affairs, Jim Lopez. Thank you very much, City Manager and Madam Mayor and Deputy Mayor and Council. It's my pleasure to be here tonight uh with our esteemed city attorney, Darcy Eilers. Joining me. Thank you, Darcy. Darcy and I have been working very closely on this together. And we're gonna give a presentation as the city manager noted. We have a full 90 minutes. So our hope is that this is very interactive as we move through the sections, which I'll give you a little bit of a heads up as to what they are. You can enter uh stop us at any time and we will exchange and answer questions and have a discussion about it. There's a lot here, but we're trying to bring simplicity to the complexity, and we're gonna try to do that in three kind of buckets. We're gonna talk a little bit about the status of the negotiations, and I've pulled out ten key items from the negotiation that we've heard is a constant theme from the council throughout this process. There those those these ten things you can see, they're evidenced in the framework agreement that you passed, giving us guidance as to how we should negotiate it. And in doing so and giving you an update on these key um items, I'll also give a uh direction as to where in the legal documents these key items will be found. And that will be a transition to part two of our presentation, which uh Darcy will take, and she'll actually take you through those legal documents.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com