The Kirkland City Council held a regular meeting on December 9, 2025, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and adjourning at 11:09 p.m. The meeting included honors for retiring Councilmember Penny Sweet, public comments, approval of a large consent calendar, and three major business items: adoption of the Houghton Village Development Plan, a lengthy briefing and amendment process for the Juanita Business District (JBD 4) and North Juanita Center zoning code amendments, and adoption of the 2025 annual Comprehensive Plan and zoning map amendments. All seven council members were present.
Good evening, everyone. I'd like to call to order the city council meeting, uh regular meeting of December 9th, 2025. City Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Tim Chisholm here. Councilmember Black. Here. Councilmember Sweet? Here. Councilmember Falcone. Here. Councilmember Pascal. Here. Deputy Mayor Arnold. Mayor Curtis. Thank you. All present. We're going to start tonight with a special presentation, honors and proclamations. To recognize our colleague, Councilmember Sweet. I'm going to read a few words about Penny Sweet's retirement. I'm going to try not to cry. I will not succeed. And then if my council members have anything else they want to add, that would be great. And then we have a gift for Councilmember Sweet, and then we're going to take a quick break for photos and a little bit of cake. So, all right. Okay, we will now take a special moment to acknowledge a bittersweet milestone for this council. Tonight is Councilmember Penny Sweet's last meeting after 16 extraordinary years of service to the Kirkland community as an elected official. Penny is simply a living legend in Kirkland and beyond since moving here in 1985. She and her husband, Larry Springer, Representative Larry Springer Springer, ran the Grape Choice for 34 years. She's held key neighborhood and business leadership roles, and she founded Celebrate Kirkland, which is has been our Fourth of July celebration for over 20 years. By that measure alone, Penny will be more than qualified for a special recognition. However, Penny has done so much more in her role as a council member. First elected in 2010, Penny has served as mayor from 2019 through 2023. During her time as a council member, deputy mayor, and mayor, Penny approved the annexation of North Kirkland, and it was instrumental in the revitalization of Totem Lake, including an award-winning park, much needed housing, and exciting retail. She voted for the city's purchase of the Cross Kirkland Corridor and numerous projects that have guided its evolution over the years. She also championed the development of new public facilities such as the Kirkland Justice Center, new and renovated fire stations, and the renovation of the Kirkland Teen Union building. Additionally, she was involved in the redevelopment of Park Place into the bustling and beloved Kirkland Urban, bringing new houses, jobs, and services to the city. Penny was the first mayor in the United States to guide a community through a global pandemic. She has also tirelessly advocated for Kirkland's interests on regional boards over the years, helping to ensure we have clean water, effective solid waste management, robust emergency services, efficient regional transportation, and so much more. Over 16 years, she has participated in well over 500 council meetings, spent more than 100,000 minutes in this chamber, and cast thousands and thousands of votes. And through it all, Penny has put the health, safety, well-being, and joy of the Kirkland community first, always doing what she thought was best for the people of Kirkland. Penny. Kirkland is better, a better place because of you. And it is hard to think of a local leader in recent times who is leaving bigger shoes to feel. I have sat next to you for seven years. Thank you for everything you have done for our community and the people you serve. It is truly been an honor. We will have our official celebration in January for all those in our community near and far to share their gratitude to Penny. Until then, please join me in thanking Councilmose Councilmember Sweet for her years of service to the community and the indelible mark she has left on the city of Kirkland. I'm gonna give my council members a few minutes if anyone else would like to share their remarks. Councilmember Sweet.