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January 9, 2025
This week’s podcast features Heather Kelly, Emergency Manager, as she shares preparedness advice and stories from her vast experience in the field.
The Kirkland City Council met on January 7, 2025, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council adopted the 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program
- Council adopted amendments to the fire code in the Municipal Code
- Council received a special presentation on the Bike Valet Volunteer Program
- The Mayor Proclaimed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 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:
- The Houghton Village Development including the public input collected and the draft Plan
- Amendments to City codes to comply with new State-mandated requirements, including code for middle housing, accessory dwelling units, parking, design review, and co-living development within low-, medium-, and high-density residential zones.
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 January 21, 2025.
Would you know what to do if you witnessed someone having a cardiac emergency? The Kirkland Fire Department, in partnership with the Medic One Foundation, is offering the tools to answer that question with confidence. Upcoming in-person CPR, AED and First Aid classes provide hands-on training that can help you make a life-saving difference during an emergency.
“Emergencies can happen anywhere, and knowing CPR could be the key to saving a life,” said Kirkland Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold. “With class attendance consistently at full capacity, we are thrilled to expand access to this vital training, ensuring more residents are prepared to help in critical moments.”
Read more and register.
Join the Green Kirkland Partnership for a fun and meaningful MLK Jr. Day of Service!
Pitch in to restore Kirkland’s parks by removing invasive plants, planting native species, and mulching to keep our natural spaces thriving for years to come.
MLK Jr. Day and Weekend Events:
Sign up today! All ages and experience levels welcome. Pre-registration required (times and locations vary).
In partnership with United Way of King County, each event includes a reflection on Dr. King's legacy and how we can create lasting community impact. Don’t miss the United Way’s Lunch & Learn during MLK week for insights on long-term volunteering!
Let’s make a difference—together!
A 'blue sky' day in January is the perfect time to prep for winter weather!
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can disrupt daily routines, making it harder to access essential items like food and medications. However, with a bit of preparation, you can minimize the challenges of severe winter weather. Taking proactive steps before snow and ice arrive can make a big difference.
Snow and Ice Response:
Learn about Kirkland's snow response, view the snow plow route map, and get answers to Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Snow
Make a Kit:
Learn how to build an Emergency Kit, make an Emergency Plan, and work with your neighbors to prepare for disasters: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/prepare
Get Alerts:
Stay informed before, during, and after emergencies by seeking information from these resources.
Drive Cautiously:
If roads are hazardous, staying home is the safest choice. If you must drive, take it slow and stay informed on weather and travel conditions. Check out Kirkland traffic cameras, and know about road work and traffic alerts through our Construction Projects webpage and through Washington State Department of Transportation's resources.
Reporting Power Outages:
To report or track power outages, download the PSE app, visit their website, or call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.
Sidewalk Safety:
Help keep your neighborhood safe for pedestrians by clearing sidewalks of snow and ice. In Kirkland, it is the responsibility of the property owner to clear the sidewalks.
Storm Drain Maintenance:
Blocked storm drains can lead to flooding when snow accumulates. When safe, clear drains and remove debris to keep water flowing properly.
Look Out for One Another:
Cold weather can be especially dangerous for elderly neighbors and those with health issues. Check in with those around you to see if they need assistance.
Carbon Monoxide Safety:
Never use generators, gas grills, or charcoal grills indoors. Carbon monoxide builds up quickly and is a deadly, odorless threat.
Frozen Pipe Prevention:
When temperatures drop below freezing, wrap both outdoor and indoor pipes with insulating materials like cloth or bags to prevent freezing.
Garbage and Recycling Updates:
Waste Management prioritizes safety and monitors road conditions closely during winter storms. Stay informed about possible service delays by visiting Kirkland's Waste Management Service Alert Page.
Shelter Resources:
For those needing shelter during extreme cold, a list of local nonprofits and churches providing services on the Eastside is available here.
Want to make your home more energy-efficient? Join us for a free workshop on heat pumps, rebates, and contractor discounts!
Heat Pumps, Cool Incentives Workshop
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers, 123 5th Ave
Join your neighbors for a workshop to learn about the benefits of heat pumps, different heat pump configurations, how to shop for a heat pump, and how to take advantage of rebates and incentives.
Attendees will have access to a contractor discount through AirGanic and the ability to qualify for the Energy Smart Eastside Fuel Switch rebate at the event.
Register here.
Did you know only 3% of people give blood, yet it takes thousands of us donating every day to ensure blood is available for our community?
Start the year off right with a selfless act! January is National Blood Donor Month, and donating blood helps patients in need of transfusions for cancer, surgery & trauma. Plus, donate this January for a chance to win $3,000! Schedule your appointment at Kirkland City Hall on Jan 15-16, then enter to win the January prize.
Ready to say goodbye to your Christmas tree? During the weeks of Jan 6 and 13, WM will pick up undecorated, unflocked, real trees (up to 6 feet tall) for free! Place them next to your cart or, if you’re in an apartment, by the dumpsters. Taller trees? Cut them down to 4-foot segments. After that, trees must be in 3-foot pieces inside your yard waste cart. You can also drop them off at the Factoria Transfer Station for some composting fun!
WSDOT will close NE 85th St at I-405 beginning as early as Friday, January 10 at 8 p.m. to Monday, January 13 at 4 a.m.
NE 85th St and the freeway off-ramps will be closed. The mainline of I-405 will remain fully open.
WSDOT's contractor will be setting girders for a new bridge over NE 85th St.
Detours, and project info: https://bit.ly/85th-Interchange-BRT
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. 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. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. 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 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 this winter. Final paving will occur in spring. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/eighthavenuewestupgrade
Aging in Place Part II: Construction & Remodeling
Date: Thursday, January 30
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave
Cost: FREE
Join us for an upcoming workshop on construction and remodeling designed to help you age in place! Studies show that staying in your own home as you age leads to longer, healthier, and more affordable lives compared to traditional care facilities. Aging in place doesn’t have to feel sterile—comfort, convenience, and beautiful design can create a space where you can thrive.
Not ready for a full remodel? No problem! Learn how to make simple adjustments now to prepare for easy future modifications.
Pre-registration required – Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2fe54rm4 or call 425-587-3336.
Lunar New Year Celebration – Year of the Snake
Date: Saturday, February 1
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA
Join us for a festive afternoon with light refreshments, fun arts & crafts, and captivating performances by the Seattle Chinese Arts Group! Explore an educational gallery showcasing the history and traditions of Lunar New Year.
Open to all – everyone’s welcome!
Parking is limited, please consider parking at the Peter Kirk Municipal Parking Lot or street parking.
Learn more at kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents or call 425-587-3336.
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