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Kirkland, IL

Kirkland public meetings in 2023

23 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 12, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to vote on 2024 property tax levy and school impact fees

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session and regular meeting covering a range of items, including a public hearing on tree management zoning code amendments, a vote on the 2024 property tax levy, and updates to school impact fees. The consent calendar includes multiple construction contracts and ordinances, while business items cover budget adjustments, a low-income relief program, and a school district fiber franchise.

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✓ Decided: Council approves 2024 budget, school impact fees, and $10.3M road contract

The Kirkland City Council approved several major items, including the 2024 property tax levy, school impact fee updates, and a $10.3 million contract for 124th Avenue NE roadway improvements. The council also adopted a universal low-income relief program, updated the Capital Improvement Program, and authorized a development plan process for the Houghton Village property. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Tue Nov 21, 2023

City Council Meeting

Kirkland Council adopts 2024 property tax levy and school impact fee ordinance

The Kirkland City Council is scheduled to adopt the preliminary 2024 property tax levy and approve an ordinance relating to school impact fees. The meeting also includes public hearings on a multifamily housing tax exemption amendment and the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program. Additionally, the council will review the 2024 state legislative agenda and approve various consent calendar items including infrastructure bids.

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✓ Decided: Council adopts 2024 property tax levy, legislative agenda

The Kirkland City Council approved the preliminary 2024 property tax levy (Ordinance O-4862) and the 2024 State Legislative Agenda (Resolution R-5608), both by 6-1 votes. The council also approved the consent calendar, including contracts for infrastructure replacement and storm water upgrades, and postponed action on a school impact fee ordinance. A fire department rating improvement to Class 3 was announced.

Wed Nov 8, 2023

City Council Meeting

Kirkland council votes on 2023-2024 budget update and zoning map amendments

The Kirkland City Council meets to review the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program and the 2023-2024 Mid-Biennial Budget Update. A public hearing is scheduled for the 2023-2024 Mid-Bi Budget and Property Tax Levy Increase. The council also considers the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments.

budgetzoningcapital-improvementtaxesplanning
✓ Decided: Council approves letter opposing King County climate levy

The Kirkland City Council approved a draft letter to the Sound Cities Association regarding King County Resolution 2023-0315, which describes the King County Climate Crisis Levy. The letter was approved unanimously (7-0). The council also approved the consent calendar, which included the 2024 NORCOM budget allocation, a public hearing on the mid-biennial budget and property tax levy increase, and several acknowledgments and appointments.

Tue Oct 17, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to consider buying Houghton Park and Ride, zoning for homeless encampments

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session on the Universal Low Income Program and capital improvements, then a regular meeting with public hearings, consent items, and business items. Key actions include a resolution to acquire the Houghton Park and Ride property from WSDOT, an ordinance adopting interim zoning amendments for authorized homeless encampments, and a discussion on purchasing code amendments. The council will also consider a draft 2024 state legislative agenda.

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✓ Decided: Council approves Houghton Park and Ride acquisition from WSDOT

The Kirkland City Council approved the acquisition of the Houghton Park and Ride property from the Washington State Department of Transportation, along with its fiscal note, in a 7-0 vote. The council also approved the consent calendar, which included minutes, audits, claims, and Resolution R-5605 for a park maintenance grant application. An interim zoning ordinance regarding homeless encampments was deferred to 2024, and purchasing code amendments were discussed but not adopted.

Tue Oct 3, 2023

City Council Meeting

Kirkland Council reviews homelessness plans and awards watermain bid

The Kirkland City Council met on October 3, 2023, to discuss updates to the King County Regional Homelessness Authority 5 Year Plan and the Health Through Housing Project. The council also reviewed the Smart City Master Plan Update and the North King County Crisis Response Center. Additionally, the consent calendar included the award of bids for the 5th Avenue South/8th Street South Watermain Replacement Project.

homelessnesshousinginfrastructureurban-planningpublic-health
✓ Decided: Council approves $1.99M watermain contract, bans electronic visual aids at public comments

The Kirkland City Council approved a consent calendar that included a $1,988,665.58 contract for the 5th Avenue South/8th Street South Watermain Replacement Project and additional funding. It also passed Resolution R-5604, which disallows electronic visual aids during Items from the Audience, with amendments to allow exceptions for people with disabilities and to direct staff to consult with the disability community. The council received updates on homelessness initiatives, the Smart City Master Plan, and neighborhood plans, but took no other substantive actions.

Tue Sep 19, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to hold public hearing on $10.8M parks levy lid lift

The Kirkland City Council will hold a public hearing on Resolution R-5602 supporting Proposition No. 1, a levy lid lift that would raise property taxes to fund expanded aquatics, recreation, and parks facilities and operations. The council will also review the DEIB Roadmap annual update and the Transportation Master Plan update during the study session, and consider authorizing two additional full-time equivalent positions.

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✓ Decided: Council backs parks levy lid lift for Nov. ballot (6-1)

The Council approved Resolution R-5602 expressing support for Proposition No. 1, a levy lid lift for expanded aquatics, recreation, and parks facilities, operations, and programs, with a 6-1 vote. The Council also approved two new full-time equivalent positions, bringing the total authorized FTE count to 774.25, and approved the consent calendar, which included awarding contracts for the Maintenance Center Storm Water Pollution Prevention Upgrades Project and the Juanita Beach Park West Parking Lot Preservation Project. Additionally, the Council directed staff to develop childcare options for boards and commissions meetings and for public meeting attendees.

Tue Sep 5, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to consider property purchase for Cross Kirkland Corridor

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session on the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program and Park Lane findings, then a regular meeting with public hearings, consent items, and business. Key business includes a potential property acquisition for the Cross Kirkland Corridor, a childcare partnership with Lake Washington Institute of Technology, and a utility box art wrap plan. The consent calendar includes several ordinances, resolutions, and collective bargaining agreements.

capital-improvementchildcarecollective-bargainingcross-kirkland-corridorproperty-acquisitionpublic-safetyzoning
✓ Decided: Council keeps Park Lane open, votes 7-0 to stop closure work

The Kirkland City Council voted unanimously to retain Park Lane's current status, prohibiting permanent or partial closure to vehicles and parking except during permitted events, and directed the City Manager to cease work on closure options. The Council also approved a consent calendar including a $150,600 median retrofit contract, ratified police and firefighter union contracts, and authorized negotiations for a childcare interlocal agreement with LWTech. A resolution to acquire property at 212 6th Street for park purposes was approved with an amendment directing the City Manager to seek external funding to repay the interfund loan.

Thu Aug 3, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to vote on Teamsters contract, ethics codes, and scooter rules

The Kirkland City Council is holding its regular meeting on August 2, 2023. The agenda includes a consent calendar with routine items such as bid awards, a collective bargaining agreement, and reports, plus a business section with legislative requests on ethics acknowledgments, defibrillators in parks, and allowing electric scooters on the Cross Kirkland Corridor. A study session was cancelled.

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✓ Decided: Council approves consent calendar with contracts, CBA, and bonuses

The Kirkland City Council approved the consent calendar, which included awarding a $146,176 construction contract for the 126th Avenue NE bioretention project, authorizing the Houghton Village remodel within an $800,000 budget, ratifying the 2023-2025 Teamsters collective bargaining agreement, and approving a one-time $500 retention bonus for management and confidential employees. The council also directed staff to prepare separate ethics acknowledgement statements for councilmembers and board/commission members, to analyze deploying AEDs in parks starting with a pilot at 132nd Square Park, and to evaluate expanding allowed electric micro-mobility devices on the Cross Kirkland Corridor.

Tue Jul 18, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to consider park levy ballot measure and NE 85th zoning changes

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session with the Planning Commission on the 2044 Comprehensive Plan and community-initiated amendment requests, followed by a regular meeting. Key business includes ordinances to place a park levy on the November 2023 ballot and to adopt zoning changes for the NE 85th Street Station Area, plus discussion of the 2023-2024 community amendment requests. The consent calendar includes routine approvals and reports.

zoningparksballot-measurecomprehensive-plantransportationbudget
✓ Decided: Council approves parks levy ballot measure for Nov. 7 special election

The City Council approved Ordinance O-4857, placing a proposition on the November 7, 2023, special election ballot to lift the levy limit for park, recreation, and open space funding (6-1). They also approved zoning and land use ordinances for the NE 85th Street Station Area Plan, including O-4855 (5-2), O-4856 (7-0), and O-4825 (7-0). Additionally, the Council directed that two community-initiated amendment requests (Alavi and Par Mac) advance to Phase 2 review, while deferring the Weise request for further study.

Wed Jul 5, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council discusses draft ordinance for potential parks ballot measure

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session to discuss a draft ordinance for a potential parks ballot measure. The consent calendar includes the award of bids for the 2023 Slurry Seal and Street Overlay projects. The council will also review updates on automated noise enforcement and the Community Resource/School Resource Officer Program.

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✓ Decided: Council awards $2.29M street overlay contract, approves $225K property release

The Kirkland City Council approved the consent calendar, awarding contracts for the 2023 Slurry Seal Project ($871,871) and 2023 Street Overlay Project ($2,293,293.40), and authorized a $225,000 payment from D.R. Horton to release the city's interest in 207 8th Ave. W. The council also approved a contract amendment for the Park Lane study with $11,868 from the Council Special Projects Reserve (6-1). A petition opposing Park Lane closure was accepted and referred to staff.

Tue Jun 20, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to vote on mid-year budget, wireless rules, school master plans

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session and regular meeting, including a joint session with the Senior Council and a discussion on a potential parks ballot measure. The regular meeting includes public hearings, consent calendar items, and several business items, including mid-year budget adjustments, wireless facility regulations, and master plan approvals for two middle schools.

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✓ Decided: Council approves 2023-24 mid-year budget adjustments and wireless facility code updates

The Kirkland City Council approved the 2023-2024 mid-year budget adjustments (Ordinance O-4851) and adopted two ordinances updating wireless service facility regulations (O-4852) and right-of-way telecommunications rules (O-4853), all by 7-0 votes. The Council also approved master plan permits for Kirkland Middle School (R-5595) and Finn Hill Middle School (R-5596), with the latter amended to require relocating a crosswalk. In a 6-1 vote, the Council accepted the proposed Park Investment elements for a potential parks ballot measure, but rejected motions to remove park safety and green loop trail elements. The Council authorized staff to recruit volunteers for pro/con committees on the potential ballot measure.

Tue Jun 6, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council votes on $10M Polaris affordable housing funding and 2023-2028 transportation plan

The Kirkland City Council meets to approve supplemental funding for the Polaris at Totem Lake affordable housing project and adopt the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program. The body also accepts the Parks Funding Exploratory Committee report and authorizes advertising for pro/con committees regarding a potential parks ballot measure. Additionally, the council recognizes Juneteenth as a city holiday via Ordinance O-4850.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $800K supplemental funding for Polaris affordable housing

The Kirkland City Council approved a fiscal note authorizing one-time transfers of approximately $630,000 from the General Fund and approximately $170,000 from the Housing Trust Fund to complete the Polaris at Totem Lake affordable housing project. The council also adopted Ordinance O-4850 recognizing Juneteenth as a city holiday, approved the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program, and accepted the Parks Funding Exploratory Committee Report. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Tue May 16, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to vote on $58M bond for NE 85th Street Station improvements

The Kirkland City Council will consider Ordinance O-4846, which designates the NE 85th Street Station Tax Increment Area and authorizes the issuance of bonds up to $58,000,000 to finance public improvements. The meeting also includes a study session on a potential parks ballot measure and updates on several transportation projects, including pedestrian safety improvements on Downtown and NE 124th Street. Additionally, the council will ratify the 2023-2025 Police Guild-Commission Staff Collective Bargaining Agreement and adopt the 2023-2025 Planning Work Program.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $58M tax increment area for NE 85th Street Station

The Kirkland City Council approved Ordinance O-4846, designating the NE 85th Street Station Tax Increment Area, allowing the city to issue up to $58 million in bonds for public improvements. The council also approved the consent calendar, which included awarding a $713,812 construction contract for the NE 131st Way/90th Avenue NE Non-motorized Improvements project, ratifying the 2023-2025 Police Guild collective bargaining agreement, and authorizing a $217,800 transfer from REET 2 Reserves for pedestrian safety improvements. Additionally, the council authorized a scope modification for a new intersection improvement project at NE 112th Street & 80th Avenue NE & Juanita Drive NE.

Tue May 2, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to consider TIF district, crisis response, and transportation plan

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session and regular meeting covering a regional crisis response agency update, a tax increment financing (TIF) ordinance for the NE 85th Street Station area, and a Houghton Village update. The regular meeting includes a public hearing on the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program, a proposed scope modification for 132nd Square Park, and several consent items including an interlocal sewer agreement with Redmond and repeal of a moratorium on personal delivery device permits.

tax-increment-financingtransportationpublic-safetysewerparkhousingproclamations
✓ Decided: Council approves $706,550 for Studio East at Houghton Village

The Kirkland City Council approved spending $706,550 to renovate the former PCC space at Houghton Village for Studio East, using $250,000 from the biennial budget and REET reserves. They also approved the 2023 Neighborhood Safety Program with $606,000 in school zone camera funding, and affirmed support for a special legislative session on the Blake decision. All votes were unanimous except the Houghton Village item, which passed 6-0 due to a recusal.

Tue Apr 18, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to adopt zoning code amendments and electric leaf blower initiative

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session with the Planning Commission on the 2023-2025 draft planning work program, then a regular meeting with public hearings, consent calendar items, and business items. Key actions include adopting 2023 miscellaneous zoning code amendments (Ordinance O-4844) and a resolution to transition city leaf blowers to electric, with financial incentives and potential future legislation. The agenda also includes a Sound Transit update, a low bridge safety evaluation briefing, and several proclamations and routine approvals.

zoningenvironmentpublic-safetytransportationprocurementproclamations
✓ Decided: Council approves electric leaf blower transition initiative

The Council approved Resolution R-5585 to transition city gas-powered leaf blowers to electric, with financial incentives and exploration of a ban by 2025. It also adopted zoning code amendments (Ordinance O-4844) and approved the consent calendar, including a spider lift purchase and towing ordinance. Several amendments to the resolution were approved, including removing 'climate justice' and adding enforcement of noise regulations.

Tue Apr 4, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council votes on King County crisis care levy and electric leaf blower initiative

The Kirkland City Council meets to hold a public hearing on the King County Crisis Care Centers Levy, which would add a $0.145 per $1,000 property tax for behavioral health services. The body also discusses a draft resolution to transition city equipment to electric leaf blowers and explore prohibiting gas-powered models. Additionally, the council reviews the NE 85th St Station Area Plan Update and adopts the 2023 Surface Water Master Plan.

zoningtaxesenvironmentpublic-healthroadscity-services
✓ Decided: Council supports King County Crisis Care Centers levy 6-1

The Kirkland City Council approved Resolution R-5587 supporting King County Proposition 1, the Crisis Care Centers Levy, in a 6-1 vote. The council also approved the consent calendar, which included awarding an $18.75 million contract for the 100th Avenue NE Roadway Improvements project and ratifying the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were discussions or updates.

Tue Mar 21, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council reviews King County housing agreement and 2023-2024 budget adjustments

The Kirkland City Council meets to consider a permanent supportive housing agreement with King County and amend the 2023-2024 biennial budget. The agenda also includes a study session on a parks ballot measure and a draft feasibility study for a recreation and aquatics center. Additionally, the council will vote on an ordinance amending rules for special events.

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✓ Decided: Council approves King County supportive housing agreement with amendments

The Kirkland City Council approved Resolution R-5583, authorizing the City Manager to sign an agreement with King County for a permanent supportive housing facility, with several amendments including criminal background checks for prospective residents and city review of contractor selection. The council also approved the 2023-2024 budget adjustments, a special events ordinance, and a resolution supporting King County's RE+ pledge. A motion to require criminal background checks on all prospective residents failed.

Fri Mar 10, 2023

Kirkland City Council Special Meeting/Community Forum

Council holds community forum on future of Houghton Village property

The Kirkland City Council is holding a special meeting and community forum focused on the introduction and future of the Houghton Village property. The agenda includes an overview of the property, followed by a public comment period and a subject matter expert panel response. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and public input.

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✓ Decided: Council holds community forum on Houghton Village property future

The Kirkland City Council held a special meeting/community forum on March 6, 2023, to discuss the future of the Houghton Village property. No formal decisions were made; the meeting consisted of introductions, a presentation by city staff, and a public comment period with responses from a panel. The council excused Councilmember Nixon's absence and adjourned without voting on any substantive items.

Tue Mar 7, 2023

City Council Meeting

Kirkland Council reviews NE 85th St Station Area Plan and Google Fiber

The Kirkland City Council meets to discuss the NE 85th St Station Area Plan Phase 2 and a Google Fiber proposal during a study session. The regular meeting includes a Capital Improvement Program update and approval of the 2023-2024 City Work Program. Routine items include police equipment bids and quarterly reports on animal services and safety cameras.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $112K police rifle purchase and 2023-24 work program

The Kirkland City Council approved the consent calendar, which included a $112,153.73 contract for 68 replacement duty rifles and equipment, and adopted the 2023-2024 City Work Program. They also approved the 2023-2024 Parks & Community Services Sponsorship Guide Program and the Interview Selection Committee's recommendations. No public hearings were held, and several items were discussed but not voted on, including a Google Fiber proposal and affordable housing requirements.

Tue Feb 21, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to consider personal delivery device rules and city work program

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session on parks facility feasibility, then a regular meeting with public hearings, consent items, and business discussions. Key business includes ordinances to regulate personal delivery devices, adoption of the 2023-2024 City Work Program, and discussions on Health Through Housing agreements and the state legislative update. The consent calendar includes approval of minutes, claims, a drainage project bid, and a resolution for the city manager's employment agreement.

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✓ Decided: Council adopts 2023-24 work program with amendments

The Kirkland City Council approved the 2023-2024 City Work Program via Resolution R-5578, with several amendments including changes to fire station and housing references and revisions to the environmental sustainability item. The council also approved two ordinances regulating personal delivery devices on private and public property, and awarded a construction contract for drainage improvements.

Tue Feb 7, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to consider Carillon Point Apartments master plan amendment

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session and regular meeting. They will discuss the Lake Street South/Lake Washington Boulevard promenade concept, Neighborhood Traffic Control Program policy revisions, and a Carillon Point Apartments master plan amendment. The consent calendar includes resolutions on affordable housing funding and a Ziply Fiber sponsorship.

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✓ Decided: Council approves Carillon Point Apartments master plan amendment

The Kirkland City Council approved Resolution R-5570, issuing a Process IIB permit for the amended Carillon Point Apartments master plan, with a 6-0 vote. The council also approved the consent calendar, which included resolutions for ARCH affordable housing funding and the 2023 ARCH administrative budget, as well as a sponsorship agreement with Ziply Fiber for the summer movie series. Several briefings were held on transportation studies, special events, and legislative priorities, but no other substantive decisions were made.

Tue Jan 17, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to hold public hearing on permanent supportive housing at former La Quinta Inn

The Kirkland City Council will hold a public hearing on permanent supportive housing at the former La Quinta Inn, and will discuss operating models for the Kirkland Teen Union Building. The consent calendar includes routine approvals, and the business agenda covers a climate partnership agreement, compost procurement code updates, and flag and banner policy changes.

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✓ Decided: Council approves Eastside Climate Partnership, compost procurement code

The Kirkland City Council approved several items, including joining the Eastside Climate Partnership with neighboring cities, adopting compost procurement requirements, and updating street banner and park sign codes. The council also authorized the mayor to sign a letter on affordable housing needs and directed staff to explore reopening Snyder's Corner Pop-Up Dog Park.

Tue Jan 3, 2023

City Council Meeting

Council to weigh Carillon Point apartments plan, delivery robot rules

The Kirkland City Council will hold a study session on the draft 2023-2024 City Work Program, then a regular meeting with several business items. Key actions include a public hearing on the Carillon Point Apartments Master Plan amendment, a proposed ordinance to regulate personal delivery devices on city rights-of-way, and approval of the 2023 legislative support agenda. The consent calendar includes a resolution authorizing a contract with Bloom Apartments LLC for a potential multifamily housing property tax exemption.

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✓ Decided: Council approves consent calendar, appoints new Park Board member

The Kirkland City Council approved the consent calendar (7-0), which included a resolution for a potential multifamily housing property tax exemption with Bloom Apartments, LLC, an ordinance amending personnel and vacation leave rules, and a proclamation for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. The Council also appointed Katherine Kearny to the Park Board (7-0) and approved Resolution R-5567 (7-0) to change the procedure for accepting completed capital improvement projects to an administrative process. A motion to approve the Carillon Point Apartments Master Plan amendment was tabled (6-1), and the 2023 legislative support agenda was approved (6-1).