City Council Recap June 6, 2023
Published on June 08, 2023
The Kirkland City Council met on June 6, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Juneteenth Holiday – Council voted to add Juneteenth to the City’s list of observed holidays, which is recognized every year on June 19.
Supplemental Funding for Polaris at Totem Lake Affordable Housing – Council approved providing funding to finish the Polaris affordable housing project at Totem Lake, which supports one of the City’s 2023-2024 Work Program priorities “Partner with ARCH, developers, and non-profit agencies to implement the affordable housing projects Polaris and Ardea in Totem Lake…” among other housing projects.
Parks Funding Exploratory Committee (PFEC) Recommendations – Council accepted the updated PFEC Report with recommendations on a potential parks ballot measure for an aquatics and recreation center, more year-round park restrooms, and other additions.
Potential Parks Ballot Measure Pro/Con Committees – Council deferred action on establishing pro/con committees for a potential ballot measure until the June 20 Council meeting.
2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program – Council adopted the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program, a 6-year planning document for the development of transportation facilities within the city – like sidewalks, street improvements, striping, and crosswalk upgrades.
Proclamations Issued June 6, 2023 – The Mayor proclaimed June 2023 Pride Month, June 19th as Juneteenth, and June 2nd as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
Parks Ballot Measure – Council held a deeper discussion on all the potential items that could be included on a parks ballot measure, including an aquatics and recreation center, more year-round park restrooms, additional park rangers, and more. The Council also discussed funding and draft language for the ballot title. Council will continue to consider whether to proceed with a parks ballot measure during upcoming Council meetings.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on June 20, 2023.