Debra Sinick

Posts Tagged ‘Kirkland City Council’

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A New Trail is Coming to Kirkland!

In Kirkland WA, rails to trails on December 13, 2011 at 7:15 pm

A Cross Kirkland Trail?  It’s now many steps closer to reality after last night’s unanimous vote by the Kirkland City Council to purchase the 5+ miles of the BNSF corridor that runs through the city.  Thank you to the entire City Council and City Manager Kurt Triplett for having the foresight to preserve this piece of land for all of Kirkland to use in the future.  The Cross Kirkland trail will connect our neighborhoods and shopping areas via a fabulous walking trail.  It will be a terrific addition the Kirkland lifestyle, offering a place to walk from one end of the city to the other.  Walking trails are a huge plus to many in today’s world as people try to find fun ways to get out of their cars and onto their two feet.

I’m personally excited and thrilled for the City of Kirkland.  I started writing about this issue way back in the spring of 2007 because the corridor wraps around the northern and western boundary of our neighborhood.   I’ve written 28 posts over the years about what was to be the latest and greatest with the trail.  I’m looking forward to future posts, which will be about the plans to develop the trail along the corridor.   Woo Hoo!  See you out on the trail!

The BNSF Corridor before it becomes a trail

Fun on the what will be the future Cross Kirkland Trail

Walking Along the BNSF corridor in Kirkland

Walking Along What Will Be The Future Cross Kirkland Trail

Related articles

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Congratulations to Karen Story for Winning The Urban Forestry Stewardship Award!

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on September 22, 2010 at 5:27 pm

The Kirkland Highlands neighborhood president, Karen Story, was honored at last night’s City Council Meeting with The Urban Forestry Stewardship Award.  The reward is very deserving, because Karen has an “unparalleled commitment to her neighborhood, the City of Kirkland, and the sustainability of our environment.”

I’ve lived in the Highlands since 1994 and no one has galvanized the neighborhood as she has done.   People have joined Karen to turn a blackberry ridden hillside into Cotton Hill Park, the neighborhood entrances are all looking better, and we are all more informed because of Karen.  She is the true soul of our the Kirkland Highlands.  Her commitment to all of us and our neighborhood has brought more people together.  Thanks, Karen and congratulations!

Here’s a video clip from last night’s meeting, jump to section 7a:

From Deb Powers of Urban Forestry Stewardship to the city of Kirkland:

RECOMMENDATION
Join City Council and Kirkland citizens in Washington Community Forestry Council’s
presentation of their Urban Forestry Stewardship Award to Kirkland citizen Karen Story
during the September 21, 2010 City Council meeting.

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
On August 11, 2010 the Washington Community Forestry Council announced that
Kirkland resident Karen Story is the recipient of their 2010 Urban Forestry Stewardship
Award for her unparalleled commitment to her neighborhood, the City of Kirkland, and
the sustainability of our environment.

Presenting the award will be Sarah Foster, Urban & Community Forestry Program
Manager from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Ara Erickson, Green
Cities Director from Cascade Land Conservancy, and Sharon Rodman, City of Kirkland’s
Education and Outreach Specialist.

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Will Kirkland Have an Off Leash Area For Dogs?

In Kirkland WA on January 16, 2010 at 5:13 pm

The following is a reprint of the article I wrote on Kirkland Views:

I always kid my husband that if we ever break up our dog is a real “people” magnet.  He’d have no trouble meeting people, especially the female kind, if he has Henry, our dog, by his side.  Dogs do that for their people.  Dogs are magnets for other dog lovers.  People love to talk to other people who have pets.  Dogs help break down barriers between people, making it easy for people to meet.

Therein lies the beauty of an off leash area for dogs.  Dog parks or off leash areas are as much for dogs as they are for the people who own the dogs.  Off leash areas provide opportunities for critters with 2 or 4 legs to socialize.  There are off leash areas in Redmond, Tacoma, Shoreline, Bellingham, Gold Bar, Monroe, Medina, Bellevue, Mercer Island amongst many other places, but none in Kirkland.

People and Their Dogs Enjoying Marymoor Park

There’s  an active group, KDOG, Kirkland Dog Off Leash,  working hard to finish the earlier work done to put an off leash area in place in a Kirkland park.   The most recent dog park advocates joined together after Jean Guth sent out a Craig’s List message about a Kirkland dog park.  Three people answered that first Craig’s List ad.  Jean is the president of KDOG and now there’s a list of 171 people who receive meet-up announcements. KDOG is a 5013C, a non-profit group.  A petition filled with over 600 names asking for a Kirkland dog park will be presented to the City Council.

Approximately, 37% of all home owners own at least one dog.  That’s a lot of dogs and a lot of people, dogs, and people who would benefit from the interactions available in an off leash area.  This could be you or your friends and neighbors.

I don’t have a dog, so why would this benefit me?

A Dog Park or an off leash area is an added amenity to a city and its citizens.  It makes the city that much more attractive and desirable to those 37% of dog owners.

In an earlier blog post I wrote:

“Dog parks are high on the list of amenities home owners appreciate having in their community…

When we Realtors look for homes for our buyers, we look at all the location offers.  Homes with great streets, good commutes, access to shopping, good schools, parks and dog parks add value to daily living and dollars to home prices.  From a real estate point of view, a city/neighborhood dog park can only add value to living in Kirkland for everyone.

Over the years, I’ve sold a number of homes in Redmond, near Microsoft.  Marymoor, and its dog park, are a huge draw to people.

Most people want to stay near home for errands and services.  People who go elsewhere for off leash areas spend their money elsewhere, not in Kirkland.  It’s important to keep dollars in Kirkland and to support our local businesses.  It helps protect the vitality of our community for all.

Kirkland park maintenance has been drastically cut back due to budget cuts and each park needs a stewardship organization to help maintain the park.  KDOG could fill that need at a park which has a designated off leash area.

Will this cost me money?

No, KDOG has funds and can raise between $40-60,000 for stewardship of an off leash area.  Renton’s off leash supporters, RUFF, has raised close to $50,000.

Can this group, KDOG, get it together?

Yes,  they planned Go Dog Go, a fund raiser and event for dogs and dog lovers, last summer with minimal help from the city.   The group also presented a $3000 check to the city to be used to purchase dog waste bags.

Seven vendors are already on board for this year’s Go Dog Go event.

What does the Park Board have to say?

To: Park Board

From: Jennifer Schroder, Kirkland City Parks Dept.

October 3, 2008

Dogs and Parks

CITY OF KIRKLAND Department of Parks & Community Services 505 Market Street, Suite A, Kirkland, WA 98033 425.587.3300 www.ci.kirkland.wa.us

MEMORANDUM

It is recommended that Park Board consider Kirkland Dog Off-leash Group’s (KDOG) request to seek City Council approval to conduct public hearings for an off-leash area in certain parks.

Background: In 2004 the Board recommended to the Council a process to follow when a citizen stewardship group voiced interest to support an off-leash area within a Kirkland park. On October 19, 2004 the Park Board recommended the following process:

Include off-leash dog areas as a program element for public consideration as part of all future park master planning projects.

When a stewardship group steps forward to champion an off-leash area, the following criteria should be followed:

Conduct a Public Hearing on park sites identified by the Park Board as sites to consider for an off leash area.

Involve Neighborhood Associations in the public process,  Funding for start up costs and ongoing maintenance should be offset by user fees, donations and volunteer stewardship.

On November 16, 2004 the Council passed Resoulution-4478 approving the Board’s recommendation regarding dogs and parks, as amended:

Include off-leash dog areas as a program element for public consideration as part of all future park master planning projects.

When a stewardship group steps forward to champion an off-leash area, the following criteria should be followed:

  • Conduct a Public Hearing.
  • Involve Neighborhood Associations in the public process
  • Funding for start-up costs and ongoing maintenance should be offset by user fees,
  • donations, and volunteer stewardship.

Jean Guth has a letter for the City Council which will be presented to the Council during it’s Tuesday night, January 19th meeting:

Dear Kirkland City Council Members,

Happy New Year from KDOG (Kirkland Off-Leash Dog Group). KDOG has established itself as the stewardship group for off leash areas in Kirkland. We are coming before the new City Council asking that the new Council Members uphold the agreement that was issued in 2004 (Resolution-4478), regarding creating off-leash areas in Kirkland. Resolution-4478 states the following:

When a stewardship group steps forward to champion an off-leash area, the following criteria should be followed:
1.    Conduct a Public Hearing on park sites identified by the Park Board as sites to consider for an off-leash area.
2.    Involve Neighborhood Associations in the public process
3.    Funding for start up costs and ongoing maintenance should be offset by user fees, donations, and volunteer stewardship.

Six years have passed since this resolution. Off-leash areas are the norm in communities now, not a novelty. Kirkland is fortunate to have so many great examples of off-leash areas to use as a model, to pick from the best practices, and it’s time to offer Kirkland residents this type of recreation. KDOG has stepped forward to provide donations and volunteer stewardship at off-leash areas. The studies have been done (see the attached history of the off-leash discussions in Kirkland over the last 6 years), it’s time to move forward with off-leash areas on your agenda.

Hmm, it sure looks like Jean Guth’s and KDOG’s request is exactly what Jennifer Schroder sent to the Park Board in her memo dated October 3rd, 2008.

The group has met the stewardship criteria for an off leash area.  The issue needs to be out there for public consideration.

How can you support an off leash area for dogs in Kirkland?

Sign the online petition and/or go to next week’s City Council meeting, Tuesday, January 19th in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 123 Fifth St. at 7 PM to show your support for KDOG.

What do you think?  Should there be an off leash area in Kirkland?

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Kirkland Highlands-A Look Back at 2008 in the Neighborhood

In Earth Day-Goat Project, Extreme Makeover Home Project, Kirkland WA on January 16, 2009 at 12:03 am

Can you remember all the things the Kirkland’s Highlands neighborhood had going on over the past year and then some? I’ve been blogging about The Kirkland Highlands for exactly two years now and I’d say things in the Highlands started heating up in September, 2007.  When I stop to think about it, I’m amazed at how much has happened in the neighborhood.  Actually, it’s kind of fun to think about and something those who live in Kirkland and the Kirkland Highlands should be proud of.  Here’s some photos of most, but not all that happened in the Kirkland Highlands over the last year.

September 2007- Extreme Makeover Home, we had our first 15 minutes of fame!extreme-makeover-home

January, 2008 Neighborhood Connections Grant Voting

Kirkland Neighborhood Connections Program

April, 2008 Cotton Hill Park redo with Vashon Island goats and Kirkland people

Rent a Ruminant Goats in Cotton Hill Park

Neighborhood Connections Grant- work done on Cotton Hill trail

kirkland-highlands-cotton-hill-pk-pat

116th sidewalk improvements completed

kirkland-highlands-connections

Summer, 2008 Landscape redo on 112th entrance to the neighborhood

kirkland-highlands-112th-redo

June, 2008 the Seafair Marathon comes through Kirkland and The Highlands

3-front-runners-Seattle Marathon

September-dedication of the Kirkland Highlands’ Cotton Hill Park

kirkkland-highlands cotton hill park dedication

neighborhood picnic

Seattle Times article about our neighborhood- our second 15 minutes of fame.

November + December-food drive and cub scout help

kirkland-food-bank-cub scouts

December-  The year ends with snow as the Seattle/Eastside sees the worst weather in decades.

kirkland-snowman

The food drive was a great success for Hoeplink, even though the Kirkland Highlands did not win. It was the effort that counted.  Our neighborhood made a valient effort and congratulations to all.  Make 2009 a great year!

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Kirkland, Washington Takes The Challenge to Stock Hopelink’s Food Bank Shelves

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on November 6, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Everyone in Kirkland is getting into the act, from the Kirkland Youth Council to the Senior Council to neighborhood associations.  Everyone is helping to raise food to stock Hopelink and The Kirkland Food Bank shelves.  You can do your part with a cash donation or drop off some food at Albertson’s in Juanita on the 15th of November.  The Youth Council and The Senior Council will be working together at the food drive on that day.

Karen Story, from the Highlands, is in charge of the HIghlands’ neighborhood effort and we will be hearing from her soon.  The Kirkland City Council is offering a summer party at Peter Kirk Pool for the winning neighborhood.    The Kirkland Highlands is a pretty cohesive neighborhood, so we should be able to win this!  (Who wants to be first off the diving board?)

For full details of the events, please read a copy of the joint news release from Marie Stake, Communications Program Manager for the city and  Denise Stephens, Public Relations Specialist from Hopelink and click on the links below:

 

Joint News Release

  

November 6, 2008

 

 

Kirkland Community Rallies for Food Drive

Kick-off Event November 15

 

 

Hopelink Food Bank
Most Needed Items:

 

·         Cereal

·         Canned vegetables

·         Pasta

·         Tuna

·         Flour

·         Sugar

·         Cooking oil

·         Canned fruit

·         Canned meals (chili, stew)

 

Cash donations gladly accepted.

Please, no commercial size food donations.

Kirkland, WA – Since July 2007, Kirkland residents have made nearly 18,000 visits to Hopelink’s Kirkland food bank.  Hopelink, a social service agency that serves families in north and east King County, reports experiencing a 25 percent increase of visits to its Kirkland center in September 2008 compared to September 2007.  As the holiday season approaches and the economy remains uncertain, the need for food and other emergency services will increase.  Hopelink has turned to the City of Kirkland and the Kirkland community for help.  A community-wide food drive officially launches on Saturday, November 15 with a kick-off collection event sponsored by the Kirkland Youth Council at the Juanita Albertson’s, 9826 NE 132nd Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

 

 

 


View Larger Map

The neighborhood associations are challenging one another to a food drive contest and City of Kirkland employees are currently donating food items.  Collection bins will be made available at several community events through December 18.  For collection and donation information, go to the city website  or Hopelink.

 

The Youth Council, with support from the Kirkland Senior Council, will be accepting non-perishable food items at the November 15 kick-off event.  Anahita Nakhjiri, Kirkland Youth Council Community Service Coordinator and member of the City’s Human Services Advisory Board hopes to fill two emergency medical services aid cars during the drive. 

 

“There is such a great need in this community and Kirkland is a giving community,” notes Nakjiri.  “I hope to be busy all day loading the cars with food donations.”  This is the 2nd annual food drive hosted by the Youth Council.

 The Kirkland City Council sought the help from neighborhood associations; challenging them to a food drive among themselves.  “I knew they would rise to the occasion and get right to work,” notes Mayor James Lauinger. 

 

The neighborhood that collects the most pounds of food per person living in that neighborhood will be rewarded with a summer party at the Peter Kirk Pool, compliments of the City. Residents are encouraged to attend November and December association meetings and bring donated items.  Meeting information is posted to the City’s website and on its government access channel, KLIFE Channel 75. 

 

Cash donations are gladly welcomed by Hopelink.  “A $10.60 donation can buy food to make 12 meals for one person,” notes Shona Koester, Kirkland Center Manager.  Cash donations can be made at any one of the six Hopelink centers or online at www.hope-link.org.

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Kirkland, Washington’s Food Bank’s Cupboards Are Bare

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on November 4, 2008 at 10:13 am

kirkland-food-bank-bare-cupboardsTimes are tough for everyone. When times are tough, people tend to spend less and donate less.  There are many people who need help right now.  Many of these people use the services of Hopelink.  Hopelink’s cupboards are bare and the need for food has increased.  Hopelink officials met with the Kirkland City Council in an effort to broadcast the plight of Kirkland’s neediest citizens. 

If you check the Hopelink site, here’s how you can help.  You can contribute dollars online, donate food directly to Hopelink or hold a food drive.  There are lots of ways you can help, even with a small amount of time and money.

 

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Mixed Messages on Sidewalks in Kirkland, Washington

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA, Schools on October 6, 2008 at 3:37 pm

Mixed messages about the importance of sidewalks in Kirkland?  First, I received a message from Karen Story giving the Kirkland Highlands neighborhood an update on this year’s neighborhood connections project.  I went out before the rains started last week to take photos of the sidewalks that were finished in The Kirkland Highlands as part of the Neighborhood Connections project.  If you recall, this was The Highlands year to receive $29,000 grant for neighborhood improvement projects of our choosing. First there’s the Cotton Hill Park trail ($5000):

The widening and new paving of the sidewalk along 116th Ave NE north of 92nd ($6500):

The paving of the section of 116th between 88th and 94th (partially complete, cost TBD):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The corner of 116th and NE 87th is still experiencing too many accidents to move forward on this part of the grant.  Still to come is the corner of NE 87th and 112th, by the Kiosk.  Several neighbors have been cleaning up the 112th entrance to the neighborhood.

The neighborhood voted for mostly trails and sidewalk projects to help improve our neighborhood.  Sidewalks are obviously a priority to Highlands’ residents.

This week, Karen sent another email out to The Highlands from KAN, The Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhood about the change in the city’s plans or sidewalks as they relate to our schools.  Here’s a copy of the email message:

“I learned earlier in the week that the City staff have dropped sidewalks around elementary schools as the top priority for sidewalks. It appears that the staff is not using “within 1/4 mile of schools” as  a top priority for sidewalks.To my knowledge the change was made without consulting the Neighborhoods and possibly without consulting the City Council.  If sidewalks close to schools are a top priority for our Neighborhoods and our City, we need to press the City staff hard on the issue of sidewalks around elementary schools. For our most vulnerable population, we have let school kids slip back into the multi-page prioritization list that we determined several years ago was not working adequately.

The City is seeking public input on a revision to the non-motorized transportation plan. I would like to see our residents, and maybe our Neighborhood Associations, send a strong message that sidewalks around  elementary schools must be the City’s top priority. Our expressions can go a long way to raising the issue that the policy appears to have  changed without notice. To get the most responses, it is often best to draft a message that expresses the issues and encourage the writer to personalize their message.”

 

 

 

 

Our children don’t have a choice in this situation, but we do as residents, parents, citizens. We need to make the safety of our children the highest priority we can achieve.  You can send input to: dgodfrey@ci.kirkland.wa.us.  You can also copy the City Council at: citycouncil@ci.kirkland.wa.us.There is more information on the update of the non-motorized planonline.”       

Sidewalks, safety, and school kids are a priority for The Kirkland Highlands.  Let the City know how you feel and send an email message.

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Kirkland City Council May Take a Position On BNSF Rail vs. Trail

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA, rails to trails on September 15, 2008 at 6:05 am

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Tuesday, September 16th, The Kirkland City Council meeting will address the BNSF rail/trail issue, item 9c on the agenda.  Come to the meeting at Kirkland City Hall, The Council chamber, 123 Fifth Avenue at 7 PM, Tuesday.  This is another opportunity for the public to voice their opinions to The Kirkland City Council. The Eastside Trail Advocates will be there to support a trail along the line. Check out their site to learn more about the trail issues.

Dave Ramsay spoke eloquently about Kirkland’s need for walking trails at The Kirkland Highlands dedication of the Cotton Hill Park trail.  He uses this very trail for his walking commute to Kirkland’s City Hall. City Manager Ramsay said he envisions a city connected by urban paths so people would be able to walk through the entire community.  He believes walking is:

  • the magic bullet to health.
  • Promotes a sense of community.
  • Contributes to public safety.
  • Reduces car trips.
  • Enhances our environment.

I’m hoping the City Council listens to Dave Ramsay’s words. 

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The Kirkland Highlands Cotton Hill Park Trail Dedication

In Earth Day-Goat Project, Exploring Kirkland, Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on September 14, 2008 at 11:42 am

The Kirkland Highlands Cotton HIll Park Trail is officially open. It’s beautiful, ready, and waiting for walkers, runners, and the kids crossing to school.  A collaborative effort between the City of Kirkland, Kirkland Highlands neighbors, and other citizens, the park and the trail have been recognized by the University of Washington Restoration Ecology Network.  This phase of the project started with goats eating the invasive plants and was completed by approximately 38 volunteers. The UW program will join with Kirkland to continue the park and trail restoration.

 

 The trail is dedicated to super volunteer Stu Clarke who ran with the idea and was instrumental in getting the process started.  He donated many hours of work to building the Cotton Hill Park trail.

Official ivy cutting opens the trail by Stu Clark and Jeff Rodder from Kirkland’s Parks Department.

The dedication organizers, Sharon Rodman, Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist, Colleen Cullen chair of the Kirkland Parks’ Board, Karen Story from the Kirkland Highlands, and Jeff Rodder from The Kirkland Parks Department.

The crowd included Bob Kamuda, president of The Kirkland Highlands Association and Park Board member,  Mayor Jim Lauinger, Kirkland City Council members Bob Sternoff, Dave Asher,  Jessica Greenway, and City Manager Dave Ramsay. Dave Ramsay is particularly appreciative of the trail as he uses it on his walking commute to work!

 Karen Story, The Kirkland Highlands organizer, thanks Walter Shimoda for all his hard work.

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Congressman Jay Inslee Speaks At The Kirkland City Council Meeting

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on July 2, 2008 at 7:59 am

Congressman Jay Inslee stopped by last night’s Kirkland City Council meeting and had some interesting thoughts to share with The Council and the audience. Promoting sustainability  and pedestrian friendly areas were high on his list. He had kudos for the City of Kirkland with regard to these issues.

The Congressman is working towards a clean energy economy for the nation.  Hes sees technology creating a revolution in energy and decarbonized energy as an important source in our future.  He sited a Northwest pioneering company who is combining energy with technology.  Sapphire Energy on Bainbridge Island is working with algae, sunlight and carbon dioxide to create a renewable energy source.     He applauded the company’s efforts to change our energy sources.

Congressman Inslee recognized many people are going through hard times, but in talking with his peers from all over the country, the Kirkland area is in a much stronger position than most.  Issues facing us here are difficult, but not nearly as daunting as parts of the Midwest. 

Council member Jessica Greenway asked Congressman Inslee not to forget those in Kirkland who still are in need.

 The country’s  problems, according to the Congressman, are three fold:

  • The cost of the war in Iraq
  • The tax cuts implemnted by the Bush administration earlier in the decade.
  • Baby boomers tapping into social security

This “triple whammy” has created huge financial burdens affecting the services offered to those in need all over the nation.  Congressman Inslee stated two of the above issues will need to change in order for the country to be fiscally sound. The Congressman is looking forward to next year when we have a fresh start with a new administration.

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