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

The January 14 meeting of the Central Houghton Neighborhood Association (CHNA) was rescheduled to February 11 due to inclement weather. The notes from the meeting are attached (or you can download them from the link below).

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 10, starting at 7:00 PM. If you have ideas for meeting topics, or any other comments or questions, please email us at - centralhoughton@gmail.com.
 
We have a couple of board positions open - Vice President and Treasurer. These positions allow you to help CHNA support and promote our neighborhood. These positions do not require much time but would help broaden the discussion and perspectives of the CHNA leadership team.

Following the February 11 meeting, the City's Planning Commission forwarded its recommendations on code changes related to Missing Middle Housing and Accessory Dwelling Units to the City Council. The City Council is scheduled to take action on these code changes at its March 3 meeting. The City Council packet can be found here:
https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/Council+Packets/030320/9c_Business.pdf

The City Council is also continuing to review and discuss various elements of the proposed changes to the Tree Code (Chapter 95 of the Zoning Code). These changes will affect properties with and without development. The latest City Council packet on the Tree Code was for their February 18 meeting - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/Council+Packets/021820/9c(1)_Business.pdf
The City Council is currently scheduled to continue their discussion at their March 17, April 7, and April 21 meetings. if interested in this topic you can access the Council packets the Friday before each of these meetings from the City Council's web page.

In addition to the meeting notes, the following files include meeting materials covering the Wireless 5G concerns and upcoming Census and Census Jobs.

Please let us know if you have any comments or ideas for future meetings, or if you are interested in becoming a Board member or assist on specific projects or programs.  

Thank you and hope to see you on March 10 where we will be finding out more about the 108th Avenue NE sewer and water main replacement project that is about to get started and could extend into spring 2021.

Larry Toedtli, President
Central Houghton Neighborhood Association 

The agenda for the January 14, 2020 meeting of the Central Houghton Neighborhood Association is attached. We will have short presentations from the Kirkland Downtown Association and Kirkland's Senior Council. We also will be providing updates on several ongoing City activities.

A new topic related to upcoming sewer and water main replacements along 108th Avenue NE will also be of interest to Central Houghton residents and businesses.
There are a couple of upcoming items that you may want to look into prior to the meeting so you can plan accordingly. These include:

• 6700 108th Office (Taco Truck Site) - Design Review Board January 6 Meeting  
  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Design+Review+Board/6700+108th+Ave+Office+Building+-+DRV19-00677.pdf 
•  Rooftop Appurtenances – Planning Commission January 9 Meeting 
   https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Planning+Commission/Rooftop+Amenity+Amendments+-+CAM19-00502.pdf  
• Houghton Community Council Vacancy – Applications Due January 14       
  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/Boards_and_Commissions/Current_Recruitment_Positions/HCCVacancy.htm  
• Safe and Active Transportation Survey – Closes January 17
  https://www.research.net/r/safe-active-survey 
• Tree Code Revisions – City Council January 21 Meeting 
• Middle Housing and Accessory Dwelling Unit Codes
   - Planning Commission/Houghton Community Council Public Hearing January 23  
• Summer Sundays on Park Lane Survey – Closes January 31
  https://www.research.net/r/summer-sundays-survey  
• Expanded School Resource Officer Program Video
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQkkWUf-PwM  

Please come and join in these conversations which affect our community and City. 
Also, please let us know if you have ideas for topics that we can include in the future.
Please forward this email/agenda to others that may be interested. They can request to be added to the distribution list by emailing us.
Also, if your email address has changed, or you no longer want to be on this distribution list, please email us to let us know.
 
Thanks. Looking forward to 2020 and seeing how we can continue to serve the Central Houghton  community.
Larry Toedtli,  President/Chair
Central Houghton Neighborhood Association
centralhoughton@gmail.com

​The agenda for the Central Houghton Neighborhood Associations November 12 (Tuesday) meeting is attached. We will be discussing CHNA's project options for the 2020 Neighborhood Safety Program. Please come and share your ideas on possible projects that can improve transportation safety in our community.
 
We also will be discussing the status of the City's update of the Tree Code and City Council action on the Northwest University Master Plan. These two topics are subject to meetings this week, as follows.
 
Tree Code Public Hearing - Tuesday November 5 (City Council chambers  7:00 PM)

• Agenda - https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Agendas/Planning_Commission/Agenda+PC+$!26+HCC+11052019.pdf  
• Meeting packet links -

                      https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Planning+Commission/Zoning+Code+Amendments+for+KZC+Chapter+95+-+CAM18-00408_Part1.pdf  
                      https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Planning+Commission/Zoning+Code+Amendments+for+KZC+Chapter+95+-+CAM18-00408_Part2.pdf
                      https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Planning+Commission/Zoning+Code+Amendments+for+KZC+Chapter+95+-+CAM18-00408_Part3.pdf

Northwest University Master Plan City Council Action - Wednesday November 6 (City Council chambers 7:30 PM)

• Agenda -  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/council/Meetings/Agendas/Agenda_11-06-2019.htm
• Northwest University is item 10.c on the agenda -  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/Council+Packets/110619/10c_Business.pdf

 
 
As always, please let us know if you have topics you would like us to discuss on this or future agendas.
 
Looking forward to seeing you
 
Larry Toedtli, President
Central Houghton Neighborhood Association

​To all-
 
Last year, CHNA moved to a schedule of meetings approximately every other month. We have regularly scheduled meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in September, November, January, March, and May. As needed, we may schedule additional meetings based on specific topics that are more imminent than our regular meeting schedule allows.
 
We also periodically send out emails to the distribution list to provide updates on topics and notices of upcoming events that may be of interest.
 
The following highlights upcoming events and activities over the next couple of months. Please contact us at centralhoughton@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future meeting topics.
 

• Community Safety Advisory Committee -  The City is looking for neighborhood representatives to serve on the the Community Safety Advisory Group to help review a list of potential projects for a ballot measure for November 2020. Please contact CHNA (centralhoughton@gmail.com) or apply on line from the City's web page  -  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Residents/Public_Safety/fire-2020-ballot-measure.htm 
   
  "The Community Safety Advisory Group (CSAG) will meet for the duration of October 2019 to March 2020 to review a menu of major investments for fire station seismic renovation, expansion, additional firefighter staffing, potential training facilities, and funding mechanisms for a November 2020 ballot measure for Fire and Emergency Medical Services. The CSAG's recommendation to the Council will be presented March of 2020. The Council will then have until July 21 to approve the ordinance placing the measure on the ballot for the November 3, 2020 General Election. 

• Saturday October 19 - Green Kirkland Day Planting event -- https://www.kirklandwa.gov/NewsRoom/Kick_off_the_planting_season_with_City_Council_on_Green_Kirkland_Day_s3_p27206.htm  
• Thursday October 24 (7 PM) - Planning Commission (PC) Public Hearing City Initiated Comprehensive Plan Amendments (see attached notice) Latest PC packet can be found here:https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/Planning/Planning+PDFs/Planning+Commission/Comprehensive+Plan+Annual+Amendments+09_26_19+PC+Packet+WEB+-+CAM19-00537.pdf
•  Tuesday November 5 (7 PM) - Joint Planning Commission (PC)/ Houghton Community Council (HCC)  Public Hearing  - Tree Code Amendments -Official notice not yet published, Project Wed Page including links to prior meeting packets is available here:  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/planning/Code_Updates/Projects/Tree_Code_Updates.htm 
• Wednesday November 6 (7:30 PM) - City Council City Council Meeting Agenda - Northwest University Master Plan Review and Decision on Hearing Examiner and Houghton Community Council recommendations.
  The HE and HCC recommendations packet is attached.
  Past materials on the Northwest University Master Plan can be found on the project web page:  https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/planning/Development_Info/projects/Northwest_University_Master_Plan_Zoning_Permit.htm  
• Tuesday November 12 (7 PM) - Central Houghton Neighborhood Association Meeting at Fire Station 22 (on 108th Avenue NE) Topics include - status of above public hearings/meetings, Kirkland Downtown Association, 2020 Neighborhood Safety Program projects, accessory Dwelling Units/Missing Middle Housing, and others. Please let us know if you have any topics you would like us to include.
• 2020 Neighborhood Safety Program Schedule Project Ideas Due: Monday, December 2, 2019    - CHNA will be discussing project ideas at our November 12 CHNA meeting - come and share your thoughts with us at that meeting or send them to us in advance.- centralhoughton@gmail.com 

 
Please take advantage of the opportunity to provide input to the above programs and projects.
 
Larry Toedtli. President
Central Houghton Neighborhood Association

The Hearing Examiner issued her recommendations on the Northwest University Master Plan.  It can be downloaded below.
​
The Hearing Examiner concurred with the August 15, 2019 recommendations from the Houghton Community Council which revised several of the staff conditions included in the May 2019 staff report.

More background on the Master Plan can be found on the City's web page for the project:
https://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/planning/Development_Info/projects/Northwest_University_Master_Plan_Zoning_Permit.htm