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Record of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Meeting Summary – September 15, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 15, 2026
BodyKirkland, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:35:19

Original source
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0:02

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of September 15, 2026.

0:08

Before asking the clerk to call the roll for tonight's regular meeting, I want to note that Council Mayor Pascal and Council Mayor Falcone will be absent from our meeting tonight.

0:17

Is there a motion to exclude councilmember Pascal from tonight's meeting?

0:22

So moved.

0:26

Second.

0:30

We're gonna do them separately.

0:31

Thank you.

0:32

All right.

0:32

It's been moved by Councilmember Prim, second by Council Mayor Arnold to excuse Councilmember Pascal.

0:38

Is there any discussion?

0:41

The question is on the motion to excuse Councilmember Pascal.

0:45

All those in favor, please say aye.

0:47

Aye.

0:47

Any opposed?

0:49

Motion carries five zero.

0:52

The next motion is on excusing councilmember Falcone from tonight's meeting.

0:57

Is there a motion?

0:59

So moved.

1:00

Second.

1:01

Thank you.

1:02

It has been moved by Councilmember Prem, second by Councilmember Arnold to excuse Councilmember Falcone from tonight's meeting.

1:08

Is there any discussion?

1:11

All those in favor, please say aye.

1:13

Aye.

1:13

Aye.

1:14

Any opposed?

1:15

Motion carries five zero.

1:17

City clerk, will you please call the roll?

1:19

Councilmember Tim Chisholm.

1:20

Here.

1:21

Councilmember Prem.

1:22

Here.

1:22

Councilmember Arnold.

1:24

Here.

1:24

Deputy Mayor Black.

1:25

Here.

1:26

Mayor Curtis.

1:27

Here.

1:27

Our study session tonight is on two items.

1:30

First, we will discuss the proposed utility rates for 2027, 2028.

1:35

Second, the council will discuss the human services grant funding recommendation recommendations.

1:40

We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at 7 30.

1:44

City manager.

1:45

Okay.

1:46

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

1:47

Deputy Mayor, members of the council.

1:49

So this is your second discussion of the utility rates.

1:52

We're going from preliminary rates to proposed rates.

1:55

And then you're going to get a chance to vote on these in another month, about a month or so.

1:58

So here to lead you through this presentation is Jenny Gauss, who's our strategic water advisor, and our deputy city manager, Tracy Dunlap, and also Brookesia, who's here from our consultant team.

2:11

Okay.

2:12

So with that, turn over to Jenny.

2:13

Thank you.

2:13

Uh good evening, Madam Mayor, Deputy Mayor, members of the council.

2:17

As Kurt said, we are here to uh talk about the utility rate update process.

2:21

And we have Brooke Taysho, who's with FCS Abowman Company and has been running the modeling for this effort, as well as Tracy Dunlap and Julie Underwood.

2:31

And in the audience, we have Grantrop and Veronica Hill in case questions come up.

2:35

So thank you all for being here.

2:37

And again, this is the second of our three meetings where we will discuss utility rates.

2:43

Uh tonight we will have the proposed rates that have been updated based on your input and budget, as Brooke will give you the details.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management████████████████16%
Human Services███████████████15%
Public Engagement████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Transportation███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Station Area Plan██████6%
Naming█████5%
Urban Forest Management█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Kirkland City Council Regular Meeting Summary – September 15, 2026

The Kirkland City Council met on September 15, 2026, for a study session starting at 5:30 PM and a regular meeting at 7:30 PM. Councilmembers Pascal and Falcone were excused. The council discussed utility rates for 2027-2028, human services grant funding, adopted the Youth Bill of Rights, approved the Highlands water pressure alternative, and provided direction on station area naming, a development agreement, and the Transportation Benefit District program.

Study Session: 2027-2028 Proposed Utility Rates

  • Staff presented updated proposed rates based on council input. Water: 6.75% increase in 2027 (down from preliminary 8.5%), sewer: 8.85% (down from 19.5%), surface water: 5.9% (down from 7.15%), solid waste: 5.3% (down from 6.75%). The combined single-family bill increase is approximately 8.4% ($22/month) in 2027.
  • The council discussed reserve balances, regional advocacy, and the need for a King County affordability summit. No action was taken; final adoption is scheduled for October 20, 2026.

Study Session: 2027-2028 Human Services Commission Grant Funding Recommendations

  • The Human Services Commission presented three funding options: Option A (base budget $1.8M/year, 31 programs), Option B (partial one-time $634K/year, 22 programs), and Option C (continued one-time $511K/year, 22 programs). Priorities include basic needs, housing stabilization, youth mental health, and culturally specific services.
  • The council discussed performance metrics, new vs. existing programs, and the prioritization of Option C. Staff was directed to continue refining recommendations based on council feedback. No formal action was taken.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (5-0). Items included approval of minutes (September 1, 2026), audit of accounts (payroll $8,250,298.14 and bills $4,490,912.87), general correspondence, claims, and several other routine items including Ordinance O-4948 (zoning amendments for vehicle/bicycle parking) and Resolution R-5745 (CDBG fund allocation).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jennifer Cucumitis (resident): Described ongoing noise pollution from Pursuit Church, citing violations of municipal code and submitted a petition with 27 signatures. Requested enforcement and adoption of bass limits.
  • Christina Mendieta (Kindering): Thanked the commission for partial funding of the Families in Transition program but asked the council to restore funding for the child care/preschool consultation program, noting 96% of children served were retained in childcare.
  • Susan Davis (North Rose Hill resident): Raised noise concerns from amplified music, criticized current enforcement, and urged the council to adopt a low-frequency decibel standard and incorporate performance standards into neighborhood store amendments.
  • Karina O'Malley (resident): Opposed the new RV parking ban, arguing it would deter people from seeking services and suggested allowing 24-hour parking or designated areas for outreach.
  • Kim Fauss (Main Street Property Group): Clarified commercial space calculations for the Slate Peak project, stating they are providing 65% non-residential floor plate including retail, lobby, and parking, contrary to staff report.
  • Alex Zimmerman (Stand Up America Party): Made critical remarks about city and county governance, accused council of censorship, and made Holocaust-related statements that were later refuted by another speaker. He was excused during the public hearing for violating rules.
  • Liz Hunt (resident): Questioned the vision for the North Norkirk area regarding the Slate Peak project and asked whether the proposed public benefit ($200,000 contribution) is adequate for a 20-foot height increase.
  • Joe Kunzler (online): Refuted Alex Zimmerman's Holocaust claims and asked the council to place grassroots lobbying on the legislative agenda to address dark money in local government.

Public Hearing: Revenue Sources for 2027-2028 Budget

  • Kevin Pelstring presented revenue projections: property tax (1% increase + 1.5% new construction), sales tax (flat at $36M/year), utility tax (increase due to PSE rate requests), and business license fees. The general fund faces a $6.4M budget gap. No new taxes are assumed.
  • Public comment: Liz Hunt questioned the large increase in utility tax revenue (from $18.2M in 2026 to $22.4M in 2028) and its impact on affordability. Alex Zimmerman spoke but was excused for violating public comment rules. The hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

  • Kirkland Youth Bill of Rights (Resolution R-5738): Adopted unanimously (5-0). The resolution endorses a nine-pillar framework to guide policy and budget decisions affecting youth. The Youth Council presented the document, which focuses on basic needs, health, safety, community spaces, transportation, civic engagement, and recreation.
  • Highlands Water Pressure Alternatives: Staff recommended Alternative One (cost $8.1M) to restore pressure to the upper elevation area while preserving benefits of the 2024 conversion and reusing temporary infrastructure. Approved unanimously (5-0). The alternative includes replacing aging water mains and decommissioning the temporary booster station.
  • NE 85th Street Station Area Naming: Three name options were presented: The Rise District, The Forge District, and The Union District. Council feedback favored The Rise and The Forge, with concerns about The Union District causing confusion with Seattle locations. No vote taken; further discussion scheduled for October 6, 2026.
  • Slate Peak Development Agreement: Main Street Property Group proposes a 65-foot mixed-use building (20 feet above zone height) with 170 units (10% affordable at 50% AMI, 30% two/three-bedroom) and 7,800 sq ft of non-residential space. Two public benefit options: Option A (1,500 sq ft below-market community arts space) or Option B ($200,000 to Cross Kirkland Corridor). Council directed staff to continue negotiations focusing on Option A, with emphasis on increasing the amount and duration of subsidized space, deeper affordability for family-sized units, and potential step-backs for the building.
  • Transportation Commission Charter: Postponed to October 6, 2026, due to legal questions about delegation of authority and additional input from the commission.
  • Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Program Update: Staff recommended removal of four scopes (Lake Washington Blvd/NE 52nd St, 120th Ave NE, State Street Bike Markings, 7th Ave Greenway) and use of contingency ($2.23M) to cover shortfalls on four projects (North Juanita Crosswalks, NE 124th St, 98th Ave Bike/Ped, 90th Ave NE Sidewalk). Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Urban Forest Management Plan Update: Staff presented draft objectives tied to five goals: protect forest health, grow engagement, maintain 40% canopy cover, maximize tree benefits, and enhance city programs. Council provided feedback on land-use-based metrics and language flexibility. No formal action.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0.
  • Resolution R-5738 (Youth Bill of Rights): Adopted 5-0.
  • Highlands Water Pressure Alternative One: Approved 5-0.
  • TBD Program Modifications: Approved 5-0 (scope removals and contingency use).
  • Station Area Naming: Council narrowed options to The Rise District and The Forge District; further discussion on October 6.
  • Slate Peak Development Agreement: Council directed staff to negotiate toward Option A with enhancements.
  • Transportation Commission Charter: Postponed to October 6.
  • Human Services Grant Funding: Staff to refine options based on council feedback; no vote.
  • Utility Rates: Final adoption scheduled for October 20.
  • Executive Session: Held to discuss potential litigation; meeting adjourned at approximately 11:25 PM.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of September 15, 2026. Before asking the clerk to call the roll for tonight's regular meeting, I want to note that Council Mayor Pascal and Council Mayor Falcone will be absent from our meeting tonight. Is there a motion to exclude councilmember Pascal from tonight's meeting? So moved. Second. We're gonna do them separately. Thank you. All right. It's been moved by Councilmember Prim, second by Council Mayor Arnold to excuse Councilmember Pascal. Is there any discussion? The question is on the motion to excuse Councilmember Pascal. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries five zero. The next motion is on excusing councilmember Falcone from tonight's meeting. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Thank you. It has been moved by Councilmember Prem, second by Councilmember Arnold to excuse Councilmember Falcone from tonight's meeting. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries five zero. City clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Tim Chisholm. Here. Councilmember Prem. Here. Councilmember Arnold. Here. Deputy Mayor Black. Here. Mayor Curtis. Here. Our study session tonight is on two items. First, we will discuss the proposed utility rates for 2027, 2028. Second, the council will discuss the human services grant funding recommendation recommendations. We expect to reconvene our regular meeting at 7 30. City manager. Okay. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Deputy Mayor, members of the council. So this is your second discussion of the utility rates. We're going from preliminary rates to proposed rates. And then you're going to get a chance to vote on these in another month, about a month or so. So here to lead you through this presentation is Jenny Gauss, who's our strategic water advisor, and our deputy city manager, Tracy Dunlap, and also Brookesia, who's here from our consultant team.

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