Kirkland City Council Study Session and Regular Meeting – October 23, 2026

Note: The transcript of the meeting states the meeting was called to order as “October 20th, 2026,” but the session metadata specifies the meeting took place on 2026-10-23. This summary uses the date provided in the metadata per the summarization instructions.

The Kirkland City Council convened on October 23, 2026, for three study sessions followed by a regular meeting. Study sessions covered intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and artificial intelligence, the Green Loop implementation plan, and middle housing focused optimization. The regular meeting included public comment, adoption of utility rates for 2027–2028, review of the draft 2027 state legislative agenda, and action on four legislative request memos (LRMs) concerning micromobility, bicycle helmets, and two Homes Point Overlay (HPO) items.

Consent Calendar

• Motion and second: Deputy Mayor Black moved approval of the consent calendar; seconded by Councilmember Prem.
• Vote: Unanimously approved (7–0), including payroll of $8,270,916.57 and bills of $14,526,619.15.
• Councilmember Tim Chisholm indicated support before logging off due to a work commitment.

Public Comments & Testimony

Seven members of the public addressed the council:

• Karen Story (wearing a green bandana, representing a group of residents) urged the council to accelerate the phase-out of gas-powered leaf blowers, proposing an ordinance by early 2027. She suggested initially exempting properties larger than one acre, allowing gas blower use during emergencies, enforcement by code enforcement (not police), and holding property owners (not landscapers) responsible. She noted that over 200 U.S. cities have adopted restrictions.
• Valentine Kaspar expressed frustration with the Homes Point Overlay (HPO) impervious surface limits, stating his 58,000-square-foot lot was restricted to roughly 14% coverage, preventing remodeling or additions. He argued the progressive sliding scale makes redevelopment infeasible and added that it cost him $50,000 to convince the city of an error in his case.
• Scott Morris (Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance) submitted a letter on two legislative request memos on the agenda and reinforced that any HPO amendments should follow a robust public process with Planning Commission review and public comment.
• Steve Yoder (Kenmore resident) thanked the council and police chief for investing in noise enforcement training (Pipe Down training) for officers, stating that citations will be the true measure of success. He expressed broad support for actions against noise pollution.
• Susan Carlson (Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust) urged the council to adopt a robust ordinance phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers in 2027, citing examples from Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, and Portland.
• Ken McKinsey proposed a tool‑lending library partnership with King County Library System (KCLS), modeled on Issaquah’s Curiosity Collection, which was launched in October 2026 with city-donated items and KCLS Foundation funding.
• Mark Vossler (retired cardiologist) spoke about air pollution from small engines (particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen) and associated health risks (cardiovascular disease, stroke, asthma). He urged rapid phase-out of gas leaf blowers, noting electric alternatives are cost-effective and emit no pollutants.

Discussion Items

1. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Traffic Signals, and AI (Study Session)

• Presentation by Jennifer Palmer (Transportation Engineering Supervisor) and Stephen Padua (Transportation Manager): Palmer outlined Kirkland’s ITS (68 signals, 59 connected to the Transportation Management Center). AI tools include multimodal intersection detection (29 intersections) and a near‑miss analysis pilot (vendor Dirx). Two potential pilots were presented:
  1. Adaptive Signal Control Technology: MyOVision ($74,000 for six intersections on NE 85th Street) or Scoot (~$140,000 plus unknown infrastructure costs). Vendor-published studies suggested travel‑time reductions of 8–41%.
  2. Near‑Miss Analysis: $16,000 per intersection per year (1–5 intersections), requiring staff resources to analyze data and implement countermeasures.
• Council Feedback:
  • Councilmember Prem supported both pilots and asked how near‑miss intersections would be prioritized (Palmer: compatible cameras, higher volume/crash rates, proximity to schools/parks).
  • Councilmember Pascal supported the adaptive pilot but stressed that staffing resources must be available to operate new systems (citing Issaquah’s experience). He asked for a full view of transportation program priorities.
  • Councilmember Arnold expressed support but noted budget concerns, requesting that unfunded future‑upgrade items be tracked in the CIP. He asked about MyOVision equipment compatibility (Palmer: MyOVision already deployed on 85th; further expansion would need $25–30K per intersection).
  • Deputy Mayor Black supported the adaptive pilot and suggested a smaller near‑miss deployment. He asked about connecting the five unconnected signals (Palmer: high cost due to fiber trenching; one will be connected by 2027 via ITS Phase 3, leaving four orphaned signals with no relay options).
• Outcome: Council gave general support to both pilot concepts; staff will incorporate budget discussions into next steps.

2. Green Loop Implementation Plan Update (Study Session)

• Presentation by Mariah Gill (Planning and Development Manager) and Jody Galvin (Parks Maintenance/Green Loop Partnership Manager): The Green Loop (13.73 miles) connects parks in Finn Hill and Juanita. Of that, 6.28 miles already exist; 7.45 miles of new natural-surface trail need development. The plan would require adding over 10 acres of open space, largely through acquisition from willing sellers. Three logo concepts (tree ring, banana slug, fern) were presented; community feedback favored the fern. $14 million has been dedicated (four Conservation Futures grants, a Department of Commerce grant, and parks levy funds). Near‑term priorities were highlighted.
• Council Feedback:
  • Deputy Mayor Black viewed it as a long‑term project, recommending opportunism and prioritizing North Juanita park needs.
  • Councilmember Pascal asked for specific timeline expectations for near‑term priorities (staff: will vary by segment—some trails can be built in a few years, others need acquisition). He supported the concept but sought clearer five‑year actions. He deferred on the logo and asked whether connections proposed by the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance had been vetted (staff: open to opportunities but want genuine connections).
  • Councilmember Arnold was more optimistic, asked why certain segments (e.g., near elementary school, Finn Hill Middle School) were mid‑ or long‑term, and whether acquiring all land now might be a priority (staff: focus on acquisition with levy funds, but some grants require construction). He favored the tree ring logo.
  • Councilmember Prem considered the plan a living document open to opportunism; she disfavored the banana slug and liked the fern or tree ring.
  • Councilmember Tim Chisholm (remote) echoed Deputy Mayor Black’s comments.
  • Mayor Curtis noted grant timelines (Conservation Futures may time out soon) and commended the $14 million raised.
• Outcome: Staff received feedback to refine priorities and will return in January 2027 with a draft implementation plan.

3. Middle Housing Focused Optimization (Study Session)

• Presentation by Adam Weinstein (Planning Director) and Martha Rhubar (Senior Planner): Middle housing (cottages, ADUs, townhomes, multiplexes, stacked flats) was first allowed in 2007; updates in 2020 and 2025 (state law) have increased production (peak of ~140‑160 units per year, mostly ADUs and cottages). The 2026–2028 planning work program explicitly allows updates to lot coverage and floor‑area ratio (FAR) but not height, setbacks, or tree retention (to be addressed in 2028). Four options were presented:
  1. Targeted adjustments to streamline permits.
  2. General optimization (adjust FAR, lot coverage).
  3. Incentivize retention of existing homes and age‑friendly housing (e.g., stacked flats).
  4. No action until 2028. The Master Builders Association supported options 1, 2, and voluntary incentives from option 3, emphasizing simplicity and flexibility.
• Council Feedback:
  • Councilmember Arnold supported options 1 and 2, advocating for streamlined FAR (e.g., fixed allowances per unit instead of calculations) and tiered FAR bonuses for preserving existing houses.
  • Deputy Mayor Black offered four guiding principles: Simple, Smaller, Streamlined, Stability. He emphasized FAR as a key lever and urged quick, stable implementation.
  • Councilmember Prem supported option 2 with a tiered FAR approach that incentivizes more units rather than larger units.
  • Councilmember Pascal supported options 2 and 3, stressing market demand and the need to make ADU/cottage projects feasible for small property owners (e.g., retired residents who want to downsize).
  • Councilmember Tim Chisholm supported option 2 with elements of option 3.
  • Councilmember Falcone supported options 1, 2, and 3, especially age‑friendly housing types like stacked flats.
  • Mayor Curtis called herself a “strong option 2,” wanting to pull in option 1 for short‑term gains, and expressed interest in option 3 pending time constraints.
• Outcome: Council provided direction to pursue options 1 and 2, with some interest in option 3; the matter goes to the Planning Commission next.

4. Adoption of 2027–2028 Utility Rates (Regular Business)

• Presentation by Jenny Gauss (Surface Water Strategic Advisor) and Tracy Dunlap (Deputy City Manager of Operations): Rates were presented following earlier preliminary discussions (August and September 2026). The approved increases are:
  • Water: 6.75% each year (2027, 2028)
  • Sewer: Local 8.85% each year; King County pass‑through 6.29% (2027), 12.75% (2028)
  • Surface Water: 5.9% each year
  • Solid Waste: 5.3% each year Rate smoothing over six years helps stabilize revenue; regional partner increases remain a key driver.
• Motion and vote: Councilmember Pascal moved, Deputy Mayor Black seconded, to adopt ordinances O4951, O4952, O4953, and O4954. Councilmember Prem expressed strong concern about the burden on residents and businesses and urged cost reduction efforts. The motion carried 7–0.

5. Draft 2027 State Legislative Agenda (Regular Business)

• Presentation by Andriana Campbell (Government Affairs Manager): Eight legislative priorities grouped under three headings. Highlights include preserving local planning authority, counting ARCH contributions toward GMA housing targets, utility rate regional affordability, balanced approach to electric motorcycles, transportation funding (including road‑usage charge revenue sharing and heavier‑vehicle weight limits for TBD fees), noise camera authority, municipal jail liability, public defense funding, ballot‑box buffer zones (expanding from 25 ft to 100 ft), and stable behavioral health funding.
• Council Feedback: Councilmember Arnold asked that the Agenda explicitly include counting Affordable Housing contributions (e.g., ARCH) toward GMA obligations; City Manager suggested extending the language to sub‑regional entities. The draft will be refined by the legislative work group and brought back for adoption on November 17, 2026.

6. Legislative Request Memo – Micromobility (Regular Business)

• Presentation by Stephen Padua (Transportation Manager): Four options were presented: (1) pilot a shared mobility program, (2) contract with a private company for a longer‑term program, (3) procure and operate a city‑owned fleet, or (4) a hybrid.
• Motion by Deputy Mayor Black (seconded by Councilmember Arnold): Commence a due diligence process, including conversations with the Transportation Commission, with a goal of reporting back in or around the end of 2027, taking into account the opening of high‑frequency transit (Stride BRT, RapidRide), and subject to budget discussions and available resources. An amendment adding budget considerations (moved by Deputy Mayor Black, seconded by Councilmember Pascal) was adopted.
• Vote: Motion carried 7–0.

7. Legislative Request Memo – Bicycle Helmets (Regular Business)

• Options: (1) adopt a local ordinance requiring helmets for all bicyclists/e‑bike/e‑scooter users, (2) further research and engagement, (3) incentive‑based approach, (4) pursue statewide legislation.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Prem (option 1) stressed urgency. Councilmember Falcone supported options 2 and 3 (equity concerns). Councilmember Arnold supported option 3 (incentive‑based). Deputy Mayor Black supported option 1 plus option 3 (helmets for all, with a distribution program). Councilmember Pascal favored option 3. Mayor Curtis leaned toward options 2 and 3, wanting more community engagement and free‑helmet distribution (e.g., via Evergreen Health).
• Motion by Councilmember Arnold (seconded by Councilmember Falcone): Pursue options 2 (further engagement before considering an ordinance) and 3 (incentive‑based approach).
• Vote: Carried 5–1 (Councilmember Prem opposed).

8. Legislative Request Memo – Homes Point Overlay: Middle Housing Development Standards (Regular Business)

• Presentation by Adam Weinstein (Planning Director): The HPO has unique environmental constraints (landslide hazards, streams, wetlands). Options Menu A: (1) leave code, (2) bring lot coverage up to 50% citywide standard, (3) special carve‑out for middle housing with looser standards. Menu B: standard or more public engagement.
• Council Feedback: Councilmember Pascal sought a “surgical” change (option 2). Councilmember Arnold suggested exploring values below 50% (40% as a max). Councilmember Falcone agreed but wanted to see impacts of 50% vs. lower numbers. Deputy Mayor Black supported standard public engagement. Councilmember Prem asked for clarity on determining thresholds and proposed returning with a staff report analyzing three options (40%, 50%, hybrid).
• Motion by Councilmember Pascal (seconded by Councilmember Falcone): Proceed with option 2 (lot coverage modifications from 40% to 50% or other options) with a standard public engagement process.
• Vote: Carried 6–0.

9. Legislative Request Memo – Homes Point Overlay: Tree Removal Allowances (Regular Business)

• Presentation by Adam Weinstein: Current HPO tree removal only for hazard/nuisance. Options: (1) leave code, (2) focus code amendments (citywide allowance of 2–4 trees per year depending on lot size, or something less such as two trees every 5 years as proposed by the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance), (3) same plus more public engagement.
• Council Feedback: Councilmember Falcone wanted options ranging from matching the rest of Kirkland to a compromise (e.g., one tree per year). Deputy Mayor Black preferred uniform citywide allowance (two per year) or one per year, but not the five‑year variant due to administrative burden. Councilmember Pascal supported exploring one per year or similar. Councilmember Prem wanted consistency unless strong environmental reasons justify otherwise. Deputy Mayor Black noted that critical‑area constraints naturally limit removals.
• Motion by Councilmember Falcone (seconded by Deputy Mayor Black): Proceed with option 2 with standard public engagement, with two variants: (a) match the rest of Kirkland (two trees per year), (b) half of the rest of Kirkland (one tree per year).
• Vote: Carried 6–0.

Key Outcomes

• ITS/AI Pilots: Council expressed general support for adaptive signal control and near‑miss analysis pilots; staff will incorporate budget considerations.
• Green Loop Implementation Plan: Staff to refine priorities and return with a draft plan in January 2027; logo direction favors fern or tree ring, with final designs to be presented for community vote in November 2026.
• Middle Housing Focused Optimization: Council directed staff to pursue options 1 and 2 (streamlined adjustments and general FAR/lot coverage optimization); matter proceeds to Planning Commission.
• 2027–2028 Utility Rates: Four ordinances adopted 7–0 (water +6.75%/yr, sewer local +8.85%/yr + King County pass‑through, surface water +5.9%/yr, solid waste +5.3%/yr).
• 2027 State Legislative Agenda: Draft agenda reviewed; staff directed to include explicit reference to counting sub‑regional affordable housing contributions toward GMA obligations; final adoption scheduled for November 17, 2026.
• Micromobility: Motion approved 7–0 to commence due diligence (Transportation Commission input, considering high‑frequency transit openings, reporting by end of 2027, subject to budget).
• Bicycle Helmets: Motion approved 5–1 to pursue further engagement (option 2) and an incentive‑based approach (option 3); no ordinance adopted at this time.
• HPO – Middle Housing Standards: Motion approved 6–0 to explore lot‑coverage modifications (40–50% range) with standard public engagement.
• HPO – Tree Removal: Motion approved 6–0 to pursue a focus code amendment with standard public engagement, considering two options: (a) citywide allowance (two trees per year) or (b) half that (one tree per year).
• Executive Session: Council adjourned to executive session to discuss sale/lease of real property and potential litigation; reconvened at 11:10 PM solely for adjournment.