|
 Kirkland Councilmember Amy Falcone recently received a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in four core areas:
- Roles, responsibilities and legal requirements
- Public sector resource management
- Community planning and development
- Effective local leadership
“Cities and towns around the state are continually transforming in light of changing laws and the need to meet new challenges and opportunities,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter B. King. “Our Certificate of Municipal Leadership program helps mayors and councilmembers sharpen the tools they need today to understand the legal landscape, plan for the future, manage their resources, and foster strong relationships. The elected officials who earn this certificate demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and a desire to bring new ideas back to their community.”
Read the full news release on the City’s website...
|
We need your help in becoming a more transparent government! The City of Kirkland is creating new ways to share information with the community about how the City as an organization is performing. Please take our survey here.
This is part of a larger effort of ensuring the safety and respect of Black people and examining and dismantling structural racism in Kirkland. For more information on that effort, please visit the City’s website.
Esta es una encuesta para saber cómo debería comunicarse la ciudad de Kirkland con la comunidad en cuanto a la seguridad pública, recursos humanos y servicios humanos. Si quiere esta información traducida, mande un correo electrónico a TitleVICoordinator@kirklandwa.gov o llame al 425-587-3831.
本问卷调查旨在研究柯克兰市应如何就公共安全、人力资源和公众服务等事宜与社区民众进行沟通。如需该信息的翻译版本，请发送电子邮件至 TitleVICoordinator@kirklandwa.gov 或致电 425-587-3831。
В этом опросе спрашивается о том, как властям City of Kirkland стоит доносить до жителей информацию об общественной безопасности, социальном обслуживании и обеспечении. Если вы хотите получить перевод этой информации, напишите по адресу электронной почты TitleVICoordinator@kirklandwa.gov или позвоните по номеру 425-587-3831.
|
Join this new Community Court team of five other volunteers which assists Kirkland Municipal Court staff. Community Court is problem-solving court designed to connect qualifying defendants with resources and services to successfully complete their court requirements. See KING-5 video. The Community Court is organized into two virtual ‘rooms’: Court Room and Resource Center. Kirkland’s Community Court is being launched online, and so these volunteer assignments are 100% virtual; an exception is the in-person Greeter.
The Resource Center Navigator-Moderator welcomes defendants and other visitors to the virtual Resource Center then connects them to real-time resources. The Court Room Navigator orients defendants, helps with their action plan, then follows-up to monitor progress; also attends two regular pre-court meetings. At the courthouse, the In-person Greeter will greet defendants, help them connect online and link them with staff. Detailed volunteer position descriptions are available upon request.
Volunteer candidates should enjoy working with the public, demonstrate ability to follow court procedures and to be a productive member of a staff-volunteer team. Multiple language fluency is preferred. The in-person Greeter volunteer role additionally requires pandemic safety protocols.
All volunteer candidates must have access to a computer, the Internet and Basic Microsoft Office and Zoom software products. If at some point in the future, Kirkland decides to convert Community Court to in-person proceedings, these volunteer assignments would require in-person service. As with all ongoing City of Kirkland volunteer assignments, prospective volunteers must successfully complete an online application, interview, two references, national background check, orientation and training. Must be at least 21 years of age and make a 12-month commitment.
If interested, please contact Patrick Tefft, Volunteer Services Coordinator: ptefft@kirklandwa.gov.
|
|
 Leashes are Law!
In Kirkland, we pride ourselves on being a dog friendly community. Take a walk in one of our parks or public spaces and you’ll likely meet a few of our four-legged community members along the way. But whether you live here or you’re visiting for the weekend, your dog must be on a leash while you’re out enjoying our City. As per Kirkland Municipal Code, all dogs within the Kirkland City limits are required to be on a leash when they are out and about in our community, unless they’re visiting areas designated by the City as “off-leash” areas. We appreciate your willingness to comply with our code!
Here are five great reasons to leash your pup:
- Your dog could get lost (think Wizard of Oz).
- As sweet as your dog may be, he or she could be frightening to parkgoers not accustomed to dogs.
- A lawfully leashed dog could react poorly to your unleashed pup.
- You could receive a civil penalty.
- A large, unleashed pup boisterously greeting a small child could be traumatizing to the child.
If your dog really needs some space to run, please visit our off-leash areas at Jasper’s Off-Leash Dog Park in Totem Lake, and the off-leash area at Edith Moulton Park in north Kirkland. The off-leash space in Edith Moulton is accessible via the trail system or the access road at the south border of the park.
For more information on our off-leash dog areas, visit: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-and-Community-Services.
Help us keep our parks safe and inviting to all by keeping your love on a leash! For more information on leash laws, see KMC 8.09.500.
|
|
Do you or people in your household go in the water at lake swimming beaches? Help us improve the beach program by completing this short survey by April 7th!
This survey will ask you 14 simple questions about how you use King County lake swimming beaches and how beach closures (due to high bacteria levels in the water) might affect you or your household. We expect it will take you approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete the survey. The results will help us improve the King County beach water-testing program. We appreciate your time and input. The survey is open through April 7th, 2021.
|
|
 The Cat’s Meow of Kirkland virtual cat show contest is happening now through April 22. Showcase your loveable furry friend and enter to win prizes. Here’s how it works:
Register your beloved cat in one of the six categories at https://bit.ly/2P0Ghnj Then submit a photo of your cat to tharrison@kirklandwa.gov. Indicate which category you want to enter and include your name and your cat's name.
Pictures will be uploaded to our Facebook page for voting. Voting will take place between April 26 and April 29. The cat with the most Facebook “LIKES” in each category wins. Winning cats not only getting bragging rights, but also a $25 Gift Card compliments of Denny's Pet World. Additional prizes from Bluedog Designs and Seatown Sweets will also be awarded to the cat that receives the most “LIKES” overall.
CATegories Include:
- Smitten Kitten- under 9 months
- Best AARP- over 10 years
- Garfield-like-fat and sassy
- What’s New Pussycat?- Tom appeal
- Duchess-regal lady
- Hell Cat-overly enthusiastic
Register online at https://bit.ly/2P0Ghnj.
|
|
 Startup425 Foundations Presents: Understanding the Options for Financing Your Small Business
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business but don't know where to begin? Startup425 can help! We recently kicked off our spring Foundations series, which is free and available online.
The third class in our series, “Understanding the Options for Financing Your Small Business,” takes place 6 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, and is meant to help unravel the financial side of launching a new business. This free online course is taught by U.S. Small Business Administration Marketing & Outreach Specialist Janie Sacco, who will not only help you understand your options for financing a new small business, but will also help you determine the best path forward in terms of securing the capital your business needs to get off the ground.
Janie’s expertise in small business lending in the Puget Sound region gives her keen insight into the financial side of entrepreneurship! This is a wonderful learning opportunity for our community of small businesses and small business hopefuls, and we’re very excited and grateful for her time.
Remember, our Foundations classes are open to all and support all business types! Whether you’re a woodworker interested in selling unique charcuterie boards, an enthusiastic barista with aspirations of running your own coffee stand, a talented baker, or a custom jewelry-maker, all entrepreneurial efforts are celebrated and embraced at Foundations. From low tech to high tech and everything in between, the tools you pick up in Foundations can help ensure a successful, sustainable business.
There is no requirement to attend the six-class series in order, so check out our webpage (www.startup425.org/foundations) and pick and choose the courses that suit your current needs.
Register for Tuesday’s free class at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup425-foundations-options-for-financing-your-small-business-tickets-142177473651. Our first two Foundations classes, held on March 16 and March 23, are available for viewing on the Startup425 YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkz4U73RHjhhCAQpnTnTVXA.
|
|
The City of Kirkland and the King County Housing Authority partnered to provide affordable family housing in the Houghton neighborhood. Watch the transformation in this video!
https://vimeo.com/520747558
|
 Spring is here! Increased vaccination rates, combined with improved weather, longer days, and loosened COVID-19 restrictions mean that more people are gathering in outdoor spaces. With the popularity of propane gas fire pits – also called propane gas fire tables – on the rise, the Kirkland Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau would like to offer a few safety tips.
Used to provide both heat and ambiance, propane fire pits are a convenient alternative to woodburning fires, which are often prohibited in multifamily living environments. Propane fire pits emit less heat than woodburning fires, are more predictable, and don’t produce smoke or sparks, making them safer for use in smaller backyard areas. Unlike woodburning fires, propane gas fire pits are clean-burning and can be enjoyed under covered porches or patios, provided there is at least 80 inches of clear space between the overhead covering and the fire pit.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe when using a propane fire pit:
- Always install and use on a level surface, and position at least 10 feet from structures.
- Always use outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
- Never use within a walled structure such as a tent.
- Make sure all gas connections are leak tested to avoid unwanted gas release.
- Consider adding a glass wind guard if you have young children or pets.
- Know where the gas shut-off is located. If you are unable to shut off the gas, call 9-1-1.
- For enhanced safety, consider purchasing a model with a flame sensing system that will automatically close the gas valve if the fire is extinguished.
- Keep the burners and pipes clean.
Remember, propane gas fire pits are fueled with propane, so never add paper or other fuel sources to the flames. Importantly, always make sure you have working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in the nearby indoor space. CO is produced when propane is burned, making CO detectors, along with smoke alarms, a vital part of your home safety plan.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about fire safety. We wish you a happy spring.
Cross Kirkland Corridor
A short section of the Cross Kirkland Corridor remains closed until June while Kirkland’s Totem Lake Park renovation contractor builds the boardwalk that will connect the corridor to Totem Lake Park.
Wyser Construction has closed the Cross Kirkland Corridor between Totem Lake Boulevard and 128th Lane Northeast. The contractor will detour people who are walking or bicycling on the trail onto 128th Lane Northeast. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakepark
Northeast 132nd Street
Drivers commuting along Northeast 132nd Street, between 100th and 97th avenues northeast should expect minor delays between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. this week while Kirkland’s Fire Station 24 contractor installs a stormwater drainage line, as part of the Fire Station 24 construction. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation24
North Rose Hill/South Rose Hill
Drivers should expect construction this week along various sections of Northeast 75th Street and 128th Avenue Northeast while Kirkland’s Neighborhood Greenways contractor closes lanes to establish a variety of traffic-calming features. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/greenways
City of Kenmore (Juanita Drive)
The City of Kenmore is closing a two-block section of Juanita Drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting March 24 and continuing until mid-May.
Kenmore is closing the arterial between Northeast 153rd and 155th places while its contractor continues to make progress on a mile and a half of sidewalk and bicycle lanes. After 3 p.m., Juanita Drive will be open to one lane, two-way traffic controlled by portable traffic signal. Visit https://kenmoreconstruction.com/juanita-sidewalk-project
|
 |
|
Virtual Community Resource Center Information Session
Join us for a 60-minute information session Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 5:30– 6:30 p.m. about Kirkland’s partnership with the Community Resource Center. The session will be facilitated by Marilyn Littlejohn, Community Court consultant, who will be joined by a panel of local providers from Hopelink, LELO Relicensing Program, The Records Project, a program of the King County Bar Association, and more.
This is a virtual event. Register here.
About the Facilitator
Marilyn Littlejohn, a consultant on the City of Kirkland's Community Count program, is a human services professional with over 25 years of experience in public policy, service delivery and program administration. She has worked for the Children's Home Society of WA, Seattle Human Services Department in Government Relations and Domestic Violence Prevention, Refugee Women's Alliance, and King County District Court.
|
 |
|
Environmental Impact of Cremation
Thursday, April 8, 3pm
Online event for adults
Roughly 80% of Washingtonians choose cremation, citing concerns over the environmental impact of traditional burials.
But what about the environmental impact of cremation?
We now know that this energy-intensive process releases 219 known emissions, including greenhouse gases and carcinogenic toxins. Washington state’s affinity for cremation has led to 1,400 pounds of mercury vaporized in the last five years alone, to say nothing of the natural gas consumed.
People’s Memorial Association’s Beverly Tryk will consider the environmental impacts of our funeral choices and take a critical eye to what we thought we knew about cremation.
Please register at kcls.org.
|
 |
|
Online Programs: Sustainable Earth
with King County Library System (KCLS) and RainWise
Support a Sustainable Earth with RainWise
Tuesday, April 20, 6-7pm
Celebrate Earth Day with RainWise, an important sustainable solution available to private property owners in parts of King County. This webinar will provide in-depth information on RainWise, and also offer an array of other sustainability tips to put into practice in your home and yard.
Please register by April 19. Please see kcls.org for registration information
|
|
