City and neighborhood updates

[Karen Story]

Dear neighbors: Here are some city updates you may find interesting.

2023 Kirkland Budget

• Learn more and take survey at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/budget
• October 25^th study session; public welcome to observe
• Two public hearings November 1 and 15
• Includes $20 car tab proposal for Safer routes to school action plan, plus tree and median management

Police and Crime

• Online Crime Dashboards Available
• Crime (calls for service, arrests, offenses): https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Community-Resources/Crime-Dashboard
• Use of force: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Community-Resources/UOF-Dashboard
• Homeless activity
• Officers try to build rapport and relationships first, not start with enforcement; then connect people with resources
• Community responders get involved (mental health professionals)
• Body cameras
• Cameras on officers beginning January 2023
• Officers appreciate them. Valuable for evidence.
• What can we do to improve our home safety? Recent story of a home invasion.
• Get to know your neighbors. If you see anything suspicious, call 911. Ring cameras and motion lights are great, but people are the most important part.
• Lock doors.
• Officers tend to be in the field all the time; they don’t hang out at the station. Average response time is under three minutes.

Gas Leaf Blowers

• City Council has asked staff to write a report about gas-powered lawn equipment, to include the impacts of phasing these out in Kirkland
• More than 100 cities, plus California and DC, are banning gas-powered leaf blowers
• Issues: Health, social justice, climate change, noise
• 2-stroke equipment in California produce more pollution than all vehicles in state combined
• Disproportionate health effect on maintenance workers and children
• Commercial battery-powered blowers now rival the power of gas blowers
• Email City Council with comments: cityc...@kirklandwa.gov
• If you have a maintenance service, consider asking them to not use a blower, or to use your electric blower

Park Lane Status

• Council hiring a consultant to evaluate three options for 2023: full closure to cars, partial closure (such as evenings), no closure
• Park Lane info website: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Managers-Office/Park-Lane 

85^th St. Station Area Plan

• October 24, 2022 - Open House @ City Hall - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Drop in anytime during the Open House to view information about the adopted Station Area Plan and draft Form-based Code.  Staff will be available to answer questions.
• October 24, 2022 - Phase 2 Form-based Code Presentation and Question & Answer Session - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Join us in-person at City Hall, or virtually, to learn more about the draft Form-based Code. The project team will be making a short presentation, followed by an opportunity for all attendees to ask questions. The session will be recorded and available if you can't join live. Virtual Meeting Link at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/stationareaplan.
• Learn more at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/stationareaplan 

Neighborhood Safety Projects

• Each neighborhood submits their top priority pedestrian and bicycle safety projects for possible funding
• 2022 program delayed due to Covid and staff shortages
• 2023 program starts in November
• Will include two years of funding
• Highlands proposed projects: crosswalk on 112^th at NE 87^th (next to CKC); radar speed sign on 116^th
• Learn more about NSP at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Managers-Office/NSP

Free Extra Yard Waste in November

• From November 1 to 30, single family households in Kirkland can put out up to 5 extra yard waste bags per collection day for free. Fill your gray cart first, then put out extra leaves in paper bags or durable containers labeled “yard waste.” Plastic bags are not accepted.

Leaf Season Etiquette and Sidewalk Safety

• Help prevent flooding in your neighborhood by clearing leaves off storm drains and out of streets. With over 15,000 drains in Kirkland, city crews could use our help.
• If severe flooding occurs in your neighborhood, please call the city’s 24/7 hotline at (425) 587-3900.
• Leaves can be a great source of nutrients for your lawn and garden. Mulch mow over leaves on lawn areas - the small pieces will break down and return nutrients to your soil without the need for fertilizer. Leaves in garden areas can act as mulch and also provide a haven for butterflies, bumblebees, and other beneficial animals.
• You are responsible for pruning vegetation along sidewalks adjacent to your property. Prune back to the edge of the sidewalk and to eight feet above the sidewalk.
• Keep sidewalks clear of leaves, snow, and obstructions such as vegetation and garbage carts.
• Consider an electric leaf blower or rake instead of a gas-powered blower. Your neighbors will thank you.