Annexation, Winter Prep, Polar Bear Plunge
Karen Story
- Kirkland Council Accepts Annexation
- Preparing for Winter Weather
- Polar Bear Plunge Cancelled
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Kirkland Council Accepts Annexation
Legislation for annexation to take effect June 1, 2011
At its December 15 meeting, the Kirkland City Council took action to
accept the annexation of the Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate
neighborhoods without requiring the voters in those areas to assume
existing voter-approved debt. In a 6 to 1 vote, the Council approved
Resolution 4791 which expressed its intent to accept the annexation.
In a 4 to 3 vote, the Council approved Ordinance 4229 which formally
accepts the annexation area to the City of Kirkland, makes the
annexation area subject to zoning regulations adopted via Ordinance
4196 and sets the effective date of annexation as June 1, 2011. To
view the report to the Council and to video stream the meeting, go to
www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/council/Watch_Council_Meetings.
Registered voters in Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate
neighborhoods cast ballots on the proposed annexation in the November
3 General Election. Because the City asked voters to assume the
City’s outstanding voter-approved debt, two thresholds had to be
achieved. The first threshold, known as validation, was that the
number of voters in the potential annexation area (PAA) voting on the
annexation measure had to be not less than 40 percent of those who
voted in the 2008 presidential election. The King County Elections
Office validated this threshold. The second threshold was that 60
percent of potential annexation area (PAA) voters must have voted
“yes” to the annexation measure. The King County Elections Office
certified the annexation election results as 59.94% in favor; 40.06%
not in favor.
Since the affirmative vote was over 50 percent, state law provides for
the City Council to accept the annexation without requiring the
assumption of voter-approved indebtedness. Voter-approved
indebtedness includes bonds approved by current city residents for
parks and public safety major capital projects.
The Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods are
identified as the City’s potential annexation area. This largely
residential area is approximately seven square miles, extending north
of Kirkland to approximately NE 145th Street. It would add about
33,000 people to the city’s current population of 48,000. The
annexation will make Kirkland the 12th largest city in Washington and
the 6th largest city in King County. For information about the City’s
Annexation Study and to subscribe to receive Annexation Updates, visit
www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/annexation.
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Kirkland Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Prepare for Winter
Weather
Winter officially arrives December 21 and the City of Kirkland
encourages its residents and businesses to prepare for this year’s
weather season.
In the event of snow requiring street maintenance, the City will give
first priority for snow plowing on roads that are near Evergreen
Hospital and lead to and from I-405, transit routes, schools and fire
stations. Second priority will be given to arterials that have above
normal traffic use. Steep and hilly public roadways that are
difficult to maintain will be closed. To view the Snow Plow Priority
Routes map, go to www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/emergency. To report
hazardous road conditions, flooding or other dangers in the public-
right-of-way within Kirkland city limits, call the Public Works
Maintenance Center at 425-587-3900 (24-hours).
Winter Driving
Should there be snow, icy or hazardous road conditions, drivers are
encouraged to stay off roadways. If you have to drive, stock your car
with basic safety equipment such as jumper cables, ice scraper, tow
chains, tire chains and a small shovel. Vehicles should also have
road flares, blankets, gloves, warm clothing, flashlights with
batteries and a first aid kit. If you must drive, allow ample time to
reach your destination and keep your gas tank full.
Personal Preparedness & Home Safety
Citizens and businesses are reminded to have emergency supplies for
home, work and vehicles. Citizens should have their emergency kits
ready including food, water, alternative shelter, a land-line
telephone, transistor/battery-operated radio and other tools that can
help them respond to an emergency.
The American Red Cross encourages residents to check on their
neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled persons and
seniors.
Remember to use alternate heat sources safely and wisely. Follow
manufacturers’ instructions. Adequately vent fueled space heaters
(e.g. kerosene, propane, alcohol) to avoid fatal carbon monoxide gas
buildup. Do not use outdoor grills, camp stoves, or generators
indoors, including in garages, as they may cause carbon monoxide
poisoning.
City Emergency Public Information
Emergency public information will be made available on the City’s
website at www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/emergency, recorded to the 24-hour
emergency hotline at 425-587-3767, posted to KGOV Channel 21 and KLIFE
Channel 75 and emailed via the Neighborhood EBulletin. To subscribe
to the e-bulletin, go to the City’s website and click on the “Kirkland
Email Alerts” icon. City recreation programs will be cancelled per
Lake Washington School District’s school cancellation policy.
To receive regional emergency news alerts, subscribe to the Regional
Public Information Network (RPIN) at www.rpin.org.
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Polar Bear Plunge Cancelled
The City of Kirkland regrets to announce that due to budget reductions
and position vacancies, the 2010 New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge is
cancelled. The City has organized and managed this popular tradition
for 7 years. Persons or businesses interested in sponsoring future
events are encouraged to contact Mike Metteer, Parks & Community
Services Department at 425-587-3380 or mmet...@ci.kirkland.wa.us.