December 5, 2024
This week on the pod: Get the inside scoop on Winterfest magic with Cassie Joyner, Kirkland Downtown Association Board President.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This will be a hybrid meeting, and community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda for the December 10 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will adopt the 2025-2026 budget, the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program, and the 2025 property tax levy increase
- Council will adopt the Final K2044 Comprehensive Plan
- Council will issue a Commendation recognizing courageous bystanders for extraordinary bravery during life-saving efforts
- Council will receive an update on the Connections Crisis Clinic
*Note*
On December 10, the City Council will hold two back-to-back Council meetings as it continues discussion and then adopts the K2044 Comprehensive Plan.
First, the Council will hold a Special Meeting from 5:30 - 7 p.m. instead of a Study Session. During this special meeting, the Council will discuss and vote on all amendments to the Comp Plan. The 5:30 – 7 p.m. meeting will be a “Special Meeting” so that the Council can act. Moving the Comp Plan amendment process earlier in the evening by way of a Special Meeting is intended to give the Council ample time to deliberate the amendments.
Following the Special Meeting, the Council will then hold its regular meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. This will include the normal public comment period at the beginning of the agenda. After public comment and some other agenda items, the Council will then finish its deliberations and will adopt the Comp Plan.
The December 10 meeting materials will be posted to the City’s website on Friday, December 6.
To view chapters of the draft Comprehensive Plan by topic area, visit the project webpage.
We’d also encourage you to visit the FAQ webpage, which provides responses to many commonly-asked questions and concerns about the Comprehensive Plan.
Questions? Contact 2044comprehensiveplan@kirklandwa.gov
City Council Meeting details:
The business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. special meeting. The agenda for the December 10 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
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.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in-person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
Help Create Lifelong Memories
Kirkland's Recreation Scholarship Fund opens doors for those in need to enjoy swim lessons, summer camp, sports, and more. These programs bring confidence, joy, and connection. Every gift makes a difference—donate today at kirklandparks.net under "Scholarship Fund" or call 425-587-3336.
Thank you for supporting a thriving, inclusive community! Together, we can make Kirkland brighter for all.
How can I contact the City with questions, requests, or suggestions?
You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app. Submitting your comments through Our Kirkland ensures the right staff receives the information and can follow up with you.
Love it? Hate it? Never heard of it? The City of Kirkland wants your hot takes (or lukewarm opinions) about This Week in Kirkland – our award-winning, weekly podcast that serves up all things Kirkland.
“We’re hosting a couple focus groups in the next few weeks to hear from you—whether you’re a devoted listener or someone who just discovered Kirkland even has a podcast,” said Jim Lopez, Deputy City Manager for External Affairs and podcast host. “Think of it as your chance to shape the future of podcasting. Do we need more interviews? Better sound effects? Fewer bad jokes? You tell us, and we’ll listen.”
Interested?
The focus groups will be on December 16 in person at City Hall and December 17 virtually. Both focus groups will be 4 – 5 p.m. Sign up today by filling out this very brief form.
The holidays are here, and Kirkland’s annual Winterfest is bringing the festive cheer! From sparkling lights to community spirit, it’s the perfect way to experience the magic of the season right here in town.
Don’t miss the Winterfest Tree Lighting on December 7 at Marina Park from 3 – 8 p.m. Gather with neighbors on the picturesque shores of Lake Washington for an enchanting evening of festive vendors, delicious food, live music, and family-friendly activities. End the night with the heartwarming glow of the community tree lighting!
For more information, visit the Kirkland Downtown Association website.
Winter weather can sometimes lead to service delays. If Waste Management decides that weather conditions are unsafe, they might postpone collection until the following week or later in the day. When this happens, residents are allowed to put out twice their usual amount of material. Be extra cart ready and consider having an additional cart for garbage just in case of delays. Please note that no credits or refunds will be provided for collection delays caused by weather.
Ways to Stay Informed
Daily Updates: Get daily service updates regarding weather delays by visiting WM’s weatherboard or by calling 425-587-0040.
Phone Alerts: Sign up for phone alerts about winter weather service delays through the Our Kirkland service portal. Here’s how:
- Provide your location.
- Select the issue "Garbage/Water/Sewer Billing."
- Choose "I Want to Receive Waste Management Alerts."
- Finally, provide your phone number, service address, and specify whether you are the owner or tenant.
By staying informed and prepared, you can minimize the impact of winter weather on your waste collection services.
Identity theft is a widespread problem, and technology has given identity thieves even more ways to commit their crimes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, one in ten people had been victims of identity theft in the course of a year, and 1 in 5 people had experienced identity theft in their lifetime. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are a few tips from the Kirkland Police Department:
- Shred paperwork that contains any personal information.
- Protect your mail. Use a secure mailbox for incoming and outgoing mail. Have the post office hold your mail if you’re going to be away from home for an extended time.
- Use updated firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer.
- Regularly check your credit reports (free once a year!) through Equifax 800-525-6285, Experian 888-397-3742, and TransUnion 800-680-7289.
- Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet.
- Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails.
- Don’t use obvious passwords (e.g., birthdate, mother’s maiden name, last four digits of your social security number, etc.).
For more crime prevention tips, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/crimeprevention.
This holiday season, spread joy by donating a toy to a child in need through the 12th annual Toys for Tots drive. Kirkland firefighters will be collecting new, unwrapped toys on behalf of Toys for Tots at 8525 120th Ave NE (near Kirkland Costco) on December 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Can't make it to the toy drive? You can bring new, unwrapped toys to your local Kirkland fire station between now and December 15. Every toy makes a difference and brings a smile to a child this holiday season. Thank you for your generosity and support!
Looking for ways to give back and make a difference? Kirkland has plenty of volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and schedule.
Volunteering is not only a great way to give back—it’s also an opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and strengthen the bonds within our community.
Here are just a few ways you can get involved:
- Habitat Stewardship: Join the Green Kirkland Partnership to help restore local parks and natural areas. Plant trees, remove invasive species, and make a difference in the environment!
- Adopt-a-Road Program: Keep Kirkland beautiful by helping to maintain clean and litter-free streets.
- Senior Lunch Program: Brighten a senior’s day by assisting with meal service and enjoying meaningful conversations.
- Elementary School Lunch Buddy Program: Be a positive role model by spending lunchtime mentoring and connecting with elementary school students.
- Pedestrian Flag Program: Help improve safety in your community by maintaining flag stations at crosswalks, making it easier for pedestrians to be seen.
And there’s so much more! From one-time events to ongoing commitments, Kirkland offers a variety of ways to give back that fit your schedule and interests all year round.
Feeling inspired? Visit kirklandwa.gov/volunteer to explore current opportunities and sign up to make a difference.
When you give your time, you’re giving so much more—hope, connection, and a stronger community. Let’s make an impact together!
Use the 6-passenger and 12-passenger Community Van vehicles for group outings, and take one car. Trip destinations can be as far as a two-hour drive from Kirkland, and vans can be used for day-long outings (no overnights). Adults each pay a standard $2.75 bus fare, seniors pay $1, and youth ride free. For more information visit https://kirklandwa.gov/communityvan and contact Transportation Program Coordinator Blair Daly at bdaly@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3924.
Let’s go over essential reminders to get storm-ready and stay ahead of the chill.
Check out our Let’s Chat video from Kirkland’s Office of Emergency Management for tips on how to be ‘winter ready’.
Runners will be dashing down the lane on Sunday, December 15 as part of the 12Ks of Christmas run/walk.
Drivers should expect traffic delays and restricted parking due to the event to be held at Marina Park. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed. Course maps are available at 12ksofchristmas.com.
For specific roadway impacts and more information, visit the City's website.
The month of January is usually a period of critical blood shortages. People stop donating blood during the holidays and when they get sick during cold and flu season. Blood drives also get snowed out during the winter months.
More than 50 years ago — on December 31, 1969 — the president of the United States signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month. The new monthly observance was meant to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is needed.
This January, the need has never been greater. One in 7 people entering a hospital will need blood and local hospitals are at capacity. In fact, blood is being transfused in local hospitals faster than it is being donated. Your donation this month is critical to health of our community.
Please make a blood donation appointment coming to Kirkland City Hall on January 15 or 16.
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction is at times, limiting access to and from Northeast 142nd Street at 100th Avenue Northeast while crews regrade and pave this section of road through Wednesday, Dec. 11. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign
116th Avenue Northeast
Drivers near Lake Washington High School will encounter 116th Avenue Northeast reduced to a single lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. north of Northeast 70th Street. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the first Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
124th Avenue Northeast
Kirkland’s contractor continues work on the east side of the street, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue
132nd Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling on 132nd Avenue Northeast will encounter sidewalk construction from NE 95th Street to Lake Washington Technical Institute. Traffic is reduced to a single lane controlled by flaggers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the second Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
Northeast 132nd Street
Drivers on Northeast 132nd Street will encounter stormwater pipe repairs near 120th Avenue Northeast, near Evergreen Hospital. Construction is expected from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. When work is in any Kirkland intersection, Uniformed Police Officers will control the intersection. Vehicle travel will shift north, creating space for construction. Pedestrians will also encounter a detour to bypass the construction. Bicyclists will merge with traffic.
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically this week between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor
Eighth Avenue West and Fifth Street West
Eighth Avenue West remains closed between Market Street and Fifth Street West. This project is expected to repair sidewalks, curb and gutter, and temporarily patch the roadway to a better condition than currently exists before suspending work for the Winter. Final paving will occur in 2025. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/eighthavenuewestupgrade
Author Talk: When Driving is Not an Option
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center
Learn how all of us can benefit when decision makers and planners center the needs of nondrivers. Join an author talk with Anna Zivarts, a low-vision parent who is passionate about bringing the voices of non-drivers to the planning and policy-making tables.
This free event will include a 50-minute author presentation, Q&A, light refreshments, and socializing.
Register here for free tickets on Eventbrite
Celebrate the Season with Kirkland’s Winter Festivities
For more information, visit kirklandparks.net or contact Kirkland Parks and Community Services at 425-587-3336.
Co-Working and Business Advising Day
Date: Wednesday, December 11
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 123 5th Ave
Join us for a dynamic day of coworking, created specifically and exclusively for entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners in Kirkland. Hosted by the City of Kirkland, Startup425, and SBDC, Startup and Small Business Co-Working is designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide valuable resources to help you thrive in your entrepreneurial journey along with fellow entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners.
Join us for the entire day or pop in at the times that work best for you. Instead of working from your house, office, or local coffee shop, join us at City Hall for the day!
More info on the event page.
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Got a couple minutes - well actually just 1 minute and 49 seconds - to keep you and your loved ones safe this season?
Kirkland Fire and Kirkland Police both have you covered with the top three must-know holiday safety tips EACH.