Larry Toedtli, CHNA President, had previously sent out an agenda noting that due to the Covid -19 pandemic, the CHNA meeting would have a limited agenda using the Zoom software platform. As part of the agenda, CHNA also included extensive notes on various topics of interest to the neighborhood association. These include the following topics and can be accessed using this link:
http://www.houghtonlives.com/home/may-12-2020-information-and-virtual-meeting

• Covid Connections – A listing of resources that the City has pulled together to assist residents and businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Fire/EMS Ballot Measure Survey – The City Council is asking for input on two potential ballot issues covering fire stations and hiring of fire fighters. The survey closes May 15. https://www.research.net/r/FireEMSKirkland
• City Council and Houghton Community Council (HCC) Actions and Schedules – The City Council and HCC have proceeded with work on some prior topics, such as the Tree Code, Missing Middle Housing, and Accessory Dwelling Units.
• Transportation Projects - Updates on the flashing beacon at Phyllis Needy Park on 108th Avenue NE, 108th Avenue Sewer and Water Main Replacement, and Safer Routes to Schools Program Study.
• Neighborhood Association -Updates on the Matching Grant activities, Map Your Neighborhood, and potential options for virtual meetings in the future.

 
1. Introductions/ Comments from the Audience
Virtual meeting attendees introduced themselves and shared their areas of interest and other comments. They also were asked to share any acts of kindness or other types of activities related to the Covid pandemic.

City Council member Kelli Curtis noted that the City Council have been busy with Covid and other topics. She noted that the Council was going to discuss plans for opening parks and recreation facilities at their May 19 meeting.

2. ​​Board Reports
Larry Toedtli, as acting Treasurer, reported that the CHNA had just over $1900 in the CHNA account. He noted that this is approximately $400 less than last August. The decrease was associated with costs for the 2019 Crossing Kirkland event, November 2019 renewal of the web site hosting, and filing of the Washington State Annual Report. These funds will be reimbursed through the City Matching Grant probably near the end of 2020. It is unlikely that additional expenditures will be made for the 2020 Crossing Kirkland event that were planned for in the approved CHNA grant application.

Larry also noted that he had filed the Washington State Annual Report in February and the IRS Form 990 in May, as required as a non-profit.

3. Board Elections
The CHNA Bylaws include provisions for election of Board positions at the May annual meeting. Four positions are available – President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The following officers were elected for the 2020-2021 CHNA calendar.

1. President/Chair – Larry Toedtli re-elected
2. Vice President – OPEN
3. Secretary – Lisa McConnell re-elected

Treasurer – OPEN - Larry Toedtli appointed as acting Treasurer

To All- 
 
With the Washington State Stay Home Stay Healthy policy in effect, we will not be able to assemble in person for our May 12 CHNA regular meeting. The following provides a summary of some relevant current topics - related to COVID-19 resources, City Council and Houghton Community Council actions, transportation project updates, and potential activities for neighborhood associations moving forward. 

In addition, we also holding a short (30-45 minute) Zoom meeting on May 12 at 7:00 pm as a test for use in the future.  The Zoom meeting will allow those attending to ask questions and provide comments on topics that they are interested in. The Zoom meeting also cover business activities required by the CHNA Bylaws, including Board Reports and election of officers.
 
The following provides the link to the May 12 Zoom meeting. It would be very helpful if you could email us at centralhoughton@gmail.com if you plan to join us on the Zoom meeting.


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72351956594

Meeting ID: 723 5195 6594
 

As always, please forward to others that may need this information. If you know of anyone else that would like to be added to our Central Houghton Neighborhood Association distribution list, please email us at centralhoughton@gmail.com. Also email us if you have any questions/comments or are interested in helping out our neighborhood association.

Thanks.  Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay safe. 


Larry Toedtli, President

Central Houghton Neighborhood Association


Covid Connections   
The City has pulled together resources to support people and businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources can be found using the following links/phone numbers. If you see a comment on social media, hear about a neighbor or friend, hear someone express a concern during a Zoom hangout, or get a call about someone seeking support or looking to help out, please direct them to theses resources.

• Kirkland Food Hotline (425-207-4777), which is a program the City created with Sound Generations to help ensure homebound residents don’t go hungry during this challenging time.  Spreading the word about that program is our priority message right now. Over the coming weeks, we will send you updates as our priority message changes.   

 

• Resources for Residents Impacted by COVID-19
• Ways to Help During COVID-19 
• ​Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
  
  

In addition to the above resources, the City has assembled other links related to the COVID-19 response.

• Information on the City’s small business and nonprofit eviction moratorium can be found here: http://www.kirklandwa.gov/BusinessSupportCOVID#moratorium
• Contributing to the Kirkland Small Business Relief Fund contribution: https://kirklandchamber.org/relief/
• StartUp425 Restaurant Takeout Map: https://re.startup425.org/restaurants/
• Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation donation opportunities: https://kpcf.org/

Survey on Potential Fire/EMS Ballot Measures

The City is really trying to learn from our community, so the City has asked us to share the survey link so you can complete it and provide input to the City's decision process. 

As you may know, the City’s community safety advisory group, formed last October, recommended that the Council place two property tax measures on this year’s November ballot.  The first measure would build a new fire station and seismically retrofit and renovate our existing fire stations. The second measure would hire new firefighters, who are also emergency medical technicians. These recommendations were made in February, just before the virus outbreak in Kirkland. 

The Council recognizes that COVID-19’s economic impact makes this a difficult time for new taxes. So, the Council’s asking our community whether the City should keep exploring these ballot measures. No final decision has been made. The Council is asking for our community’s input to help guide their decision. Please help us by filling out this 5-minute survey:

 https://www.research.net/r/FireEMSKirkland
This survey closes on Friday May 15

City Council and HCC Activities

• Tree Code -The City Council will continue working through the pending Tree Retention Codes of Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95 once the state lifts the restriction of hosting open public meetings.
  
  At its May 5 meeting, the City Council approved the amendments to the Tree Code Enforcement regulations.  The updated codes are intended as deterrent to illegal tree removal or damage.  The amended codes are needed to prevent long-term damage to the City’s urban forest by strengthening code enforcement of tree regulations and increasing civil penalties for illegal tree removal or damage.  The urban forest provides important public safety benefits such as improving air and water quality and helping prevent flooding, erosion and landslide risks. The adopted changes include:
  • Increase civil penalty fines for illegal tree removal or damage based on tree size and location within protected areas. 
  • Address situations where a tree has been illegally removed and attempts are made to conceal the evidence.
  • Adds the authority to assess treble damages for illegal public tree removal or damage per RCW 64.12.030
  • Clarifies the definition and fines for “repeat violations,” with fines increasing with each repeat violation.
  • The ANSI Standards were included in the proposed code to provide clarity on pruning limitations.  
  • Clarifications and adjustments were made to the restoration and replacement standards, taking into consideration the availability of native trees from local plant nurseries.
    
    
• You can find out more about the Tree Code Update on the City's web site - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/planning/Code_Updates/Projects/Tree_Code_Updates.htm
  
  

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) - The City Council adopted Ordinance 4715 (https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/Council+Packets/031720/Ord+4715_Line+No.pdf) at its March 17 meeting. The Houghton Community Council (HCC) approved the ordinance at its April 27 meeting. The ordinance allows for up to two accessory dwelling units on single-family properties. It also increases the allowable size of ADUs to 1,200 square feet, eliminates the requirement for owner occupancy, and reduces parking requirements. 
  
  
• Missing Middle Housing – At it's March 17 meeting, the City Council approved Ordinance 4717 (https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/Council+Packets/031720/Ord+4717_Line+No.pdf ) related to Missing Middle Housing. The ordinance allows cottages, duplexes and triplexes to be constructed in single-family zoned areas. It also allows addition of ADUs in addition to the various housing types on single-family zoned properties. The ordinance also changes the limits on the maximum size of the units, reduces parking requirements, and other yard and design requirements. The Houghton Community Council (HCC) vetoed the ordinance at its April 27 meeting, so it will not apply within the HCC jurisdiction. The HCC concern and associated veto was based on allowing up to ADUs in addition to the duplexes and triplexes on single-family zoned properties. The HCC noted that that could result in up to 9 dwelling units on properties zoned for single family uses and associated parking and other potential impacts.
  
  
• Rooftop Appurtenances – City Council discussion and action on rooftop amenities and appurtenances is on hold due to the state direction on public meetings. A public hearing was held on February 13 by the Planning Commission and HCC. The HCC made recommendations to the Planning Commission on February 13. The Planning Commission developed its recommendations to the City Council at its February 27 meeting. The following links provide the latest information on this topic.
  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Public+Notices/Rooftop_Appurtenances+_PC-HCC_2-13-2020_Joint_Hearing+WEB+-+CAM19-00502.pdf
  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Planning+Commission/Rooftop+Appurtenance+Amenities+2_27_20+PC+Packet+-+CAM19-00502.pdf
  
  
• Sustainability Master Plan - The City Council calendar indicates that the Council will discuss the Sustainability Master Plan at its June 2 meeting. Check the meeting agenda  which should be available by May 29. For more information, please refer to the City's web page. https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/CMO/Neighborhood_Services/Sustainability_Master_Plan.htm
  
  
• City Council Meetings - Please see the City's Planning Calendar for possible topics for upcoming City Council, Planning Commission, Houghton Community Council and Hearing Examiner. Other topics also may be included on the agendas. The HCC is not scheduled to meet again until June 22; topics to be determined. The Planning Calendar can be found at - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Calendar/Planning+Public+Meeting+Calendar.pdf
  
  

Transportation Projects

• Phyllis Needy Park Crosswalk Flashing Beacon - This project was approved as part of the neighborhood safety program at the City Council's March 17 meeting. This past week, contractors started doing some preliminary work. The City hopes to have the flashing beacon installed and operating by the end of this summer.  This is a project that CHNA supported for over two years. Thanks to Marylee Tyler for her work in getting the project approved. Also thanks to Kari Page and other City staff and to the City Council - we really appreciate it. 
  
• 
  
  • 108th Avenue NE Sewer and Water Main Replacement Project - The contractor has started working on this project. It will include lane and intersection closures over the next 9-12 months. 
    See the project web page for ongoing information - http://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/Public_Works/Construction_Projects/108th_Avenue_Northeast_water_and_sewer_upgrade.htm
    Contact Senior Outreach Coordinator Christian Knight, cknight@kirklandwa.gov, (425) 587-3831if you have any questions, concerns, or positive input.
  • Safer Routes to Schools – At the April 21 Study Session of the City Council, City staff presented the latest on the Safer Routes to School study that is currently underway. The video of the study session presentation can be found on the City Council Web Site https://kirkland.granicus.com/player/clip/4229?view_id=54&meta_id=173325 and the meeting packet can be found at this link https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/Council+Packets/042120/3a_Study+Session.pdf

Neighborhood Association Activities Moving Forward in the Near Term

• Matching Grant Activities – In 2019, CHNA received a grant for several projects including developing a Communication Mailer and participating in the Crossing Kirkland event in September. Due to the focus on the COVID-19 response, these projects are all on hold. Once they start up again, we would appreciate and welcome any and all levels of support.
  
  
• Map Your Neighborhood – The City has previously developed a program and associated materials to engage the community in being better prepared for emergencies. The Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods (KAN) noted that the COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to remind people and neighborhoods of the program. City staff hopes to be working with neighborhood associations to adjust and augment the Map Your Neighborhood . In the meantime, the following links provide more information about the program. Please contact the City at the associated links or let us know if you are interested in pursuing the program for your immediate neighborhoods. Being better prepared at the smaller neighborhood level can be a positive outcome from the pandemic.
  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Emergency+Management/PDF/MYN+Overview.pdf
  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/Fire_Services/KirklandEM/GetInvolved/MYN.htm
  
  
• Neighborhood Association Zoom Meeting Support – The City Manager's Office is looking into licensing options for Zoom or other online portals to support virtual meetings of the Neighborhood Associations. CHNA will "test" drive a Zoom meeting on May 12 at 7 pm. See above or below for link.
  
  

• CHNA Zoom Meeting for May 12 (limited agenda and 30-45 minute time limit)
  
  
  
• ​Please join us for a short Zoom Meeting (Tuesday May 12 7:00 PM) using the following link.
  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72351956594
  
  Meeting ID: 723 5195 6594
  
  
  • Introductions
  • Check in on people’s concerns, acts of kindness, and topics of interest for the CHNA to explore, etc.
  • Board Reports – Treasurer report on expenditures and need to get matching grant reimbursement
  • Board Elections – We have open positions
  • Adjourn

​To all-
 
With the extended Stay Home Stay Healthy policy in effect, we thought it would be appropriate to share some information from the City to help keep you informed on services and programs. that is summarized below.
 
Our next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 12 - that may or may not happen. In any case, we will get information of interest out to the community. 
 
As always, please forward to others that may need this information.
 
If you know of anyone else that would like to be added to our Central Houghton Neighborhood Association distribution list, please email us at centralhoughton@gmail.com. Also email us if you have any questions/comments or are interested in helping out our neighborhood association.
 
 
Thanks and be safe. Also please say thanks to those that are on the front line of the health issue, as well as the grocery and pharmacy workers, truckers, delivery folks, postal workers, take-out restaurants, and everyone that is out there that is supporting the community we live in.
 
Larry Toedtli, President
Central Houghton Neighborhood Association
 

•  The City has been using its "This Week in Kirkland" listserv to send out nearly daily updates related to the Covid-19 and other topics that the City is addressing. If you do not already receive the email from the City, you can sign up using this link - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/CMO/News.htm
• The City mailed out a postcard to all addresses in the City addressing ways to get assistance during the Covid-19 shutdown. The intention with the postcard is to identify individuals who may be homebound and may need help. The post card lists the following phone prompts and numbers:
     
  • Do you have questions about COVID-19? Call 1-800-525-0127
  • Are you in mental or emotional distress? Call 1-866-427-4747
  • Are you unable to get food? Call 1-425-207-4777

If you did not see that, you can access that information from the following link - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/NewsRoom/City_Mails_Postcard_to_Connect_Residents_with_Needed_Services_During_Pandemic.htm

•  The City's Web Portal can be used to access various services and reporting of non-emergency police reports - https://kirklandwa.qscend.com/ourkirkland/
•  Police Chief Harris has also asked the Neighborhood Associations to share the following related to police services/ protocols. 

There are temporary changes to the Kirkland Police Department’s protocols that have been put in place to protect both the health of our officers and those they contact in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, these changes are:

• Community members are encouraged to file police reports for not in progress crimes using our online reporting system at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/PD/online-resources/onlinereporting.htm.
• You may notice that officers may be utilizing the phone to respond to calls for crimes that are not in-progress. This may require additional flexibility and creativity, such as photos and witness statements being shared via email or phone. The KPD is committed to continuing to provide excellent customer service.
• Officers will be limiting contact, as much as possible, in cases where there is no immediate threat to the safety of the caller, or other individuals involved.
• Officers will always respond in-person to emergency calls, serious in-progress felonies, any calls involving life safety, and to injury or blocking traffic accidents. Please know that these temporary changes are to protect the safety of our officers and the community. Limiting officer’s potential exposure to COVID-19 helps ensure that we will continue to have adequate coverage for our community.
• Violations of the Governor’s order can be reported to King County Public Health at 206-477-3977 or coronavirus@kingcounty.gov. Residents should not call 911 to report violations of the order as phone lines must be kept clear for emergencies. The Kirkland Police Department will not be detaining, arresting, ticketing or establishing checkpoints for compliance. No strict law enforcement or "martial law" has been ordered.  When officers encounter people not complying with an order, officers will remind them, as appropriate, of the recommendation and restrictions. 

I realize that these temporary changes will feel out of the ordinary for community members and for our officers. These are unprecedented times that call for a different approach to keeping our community safe. Rest assured that we will still be there for you when you need us most. We appreciate your understanding, patience and cooperation as we work to get through this challenging situation together.
Should you have any questions, concerns or comments, please respond back to police@kirklandwa.gov
Sincerely,
Chief Cherie Harris

• City Council meetings are still taking place - they are being broadcast on Kirkland TV and also streamed from the City's web site. The Council members are connecting via video meeting. Public comments can be provided by email or phone message. For more information, please check out the City's City Council meetings web page -  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/council/Meetings.htm
  • The City Council's tentative schedule can be found here - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/AgendaCalendar/City+Council+Agenda+Calendar.pdf
    Specific agendas are typically available the Friday before the Tuesday meetings. Here is the link to this Tuesday's meeting packet - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/council/Meetings/Agendas/Agenda_04072020.htm
  • You can also sign up for the City Council listserv to get the links to the Council agenda/packets - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/ebulletins.htm
  • During the next several meetings the Council  may continue their discussion of the proposed changes to the Tree Code.
  • The City Council has decided  to delay taking action on the Rooftop Amenity Code Amendment Update
• Neighborhood Safety Program - At its March 17 meeting the City Council approved funding for the Flashing Beacon for the crosswalk on 108th Avenue NE at Phyllis Needy Park. This project has been a priority for the neighborhood for several years. We are looking forward to seeing it completed. (also see neighborhood services update below)
• 108th Avenue NE Sewer and Water Main Replacement Project - The contractor has started working on this project. It will include lane and intersection closures over the next 9-12 months. 
  See the project web page for ongoing information - http://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/Public_Works/Construction_Projects/108th_Avenue_Northeast_water_and_sewer_upgrade.htm
•  Neighborhood Services Updates - The City's neighborhood services team has also provided updates on ongoing activities/priorities, as provided below.

1.The City of Kirkland has several informational webpages, including information for businesses, residents who need support, ways to give help, and the latest update from the City.  Check back often, as the situation is changing daily and new updates are posted often.
1)      Resources for Kirkland Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
2)      Resources for Kirkland Residents Impacted by COVID-19
3)      Ways to Help During COVID-19
4)      COVID-19 (coronavirus) General Information 
2. In this time of uncertainty, it is important that we remember our community’s values of being safe, inclusive, and welcoming.  We are all in this together, and together we’ll get through this. It is critical to remember that misinformation about COVID-19 can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy.  No race, nationality, or ethnicity is more likely to have COVID-19.  Speak up if you hear, see, or read harassment, and avoid spreading misinformation.  If you need it, Public Health - Seattle & King County has developed various resources for responding to stigma.   
3. Finally, here’s an update on Neighborhood Services
1)      Be sure you and your neighbors are signed up for the City’s newsletters (This Week in Kirkland).  Over the last few weeks, the City has been sending near-daily updates. These newsletters are packed with the most recent information about COVID-19 and other local Kirkland issues.
2)      All Neighborhood Matching Grant events and activities have been put on hold until further notice.
3)      Due to the time sensitive nature of her projects, Kari has been working on the Neighborhood Safety Program and Safer Routes to School when she isn’t helping with our COVID-19 outreach efforts.  Here are a few updates:
a.       2019 Neighborhood Safety Program construction contract was awarded to NPM Construction on March 17th.  We anticipate those projects to start within a month or so.  We were able to fund one additional project (108th Avenue NE rapid flashing beacon at Phyllis Needy Park) with the infusion of revenues from the school safety cameras.
b.  2020 Neighborhood Safety Program prioritization process is complete.  The following is the priority ranking for the projects.  Keep in mind many of these are school walk route related so will also be addressed through the Safer Routes to School Initiative.  Thank you to the NSP panel for meeting electronically to review and evaluate these projects.  We are so grateful to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable neighbors who care so deeply about the safety of our community. 

​The notes from our May 23, 2019 Central Houghton Neighborhood Association (CHNA) are attached.
 
A couple of dates for upcoming events to be aware of (more detail is in the meeting notes):

• June 11 (7pm at City Hall) - Northwest University Master Plan Joint Hearing Continuance - you can still provide written or oral testimony at least through that evening's meeting
  
  
• June 15 (9am to 11am at City Hall)- City Connections Workshop - review and discuss potential new local roadway and pathway connections in the City.
  
  
• June 22 (9am-12pm at City Hall) - Sustainability Master Plan Forum - learn about and provide input as this new Plan is getting underway
  
  
• September 7 (11am to 3pm on the Cross Kirkland Corridor) - Crossing Kirkland Event - Join in the fun or volunteer to help out with City wide block party 
  
  

Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday September 10 at 7:00 PM at Fire Station 22 (on 108th Avenue NE). If you have ideas for the meeting please let us know - centralhoughton@gmail.com
 
We also have a couple of Board positions open - vice president and Treasurer - these do not take much time, but will help us out immensely - Please contact us if you want to learn more.
 
Thanks
 
Larry Toedtli, President/Chair
Central Houghton Neighborhood Association 
email centralhoughton@gmail.com
web site - houghtonlives.com