Kirkland, City of- Purchasing

The council meeting convened for a study session on two main topics: an overview of the Kirkland Community Court Services, which functions as a problem-solving court focusing on underlying issues of participants with substance abuse, mental health, or housing challenges; and an update on the city's King County Sexual Assault Resource Center pilot program. The discussion on Community Court detailed its history, structure involving judges, coordinators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, and its focus on non-aggressive, non-violent crimes. Statistics regarding referrals, revocations, and a 25% overall graduation rate from 275 referrals since its start in March 2021 were presented. Participants enter into a Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC) contract requiring weekly attendance, community service, and addressing underlying issues, with the goal of case dismissal upon successful completion.

The meeting included a study session covering an overview of the municipal court's operations, focusing on case load reports, operational data, language access services, and youth court programs. Key discussion points included financial independence, the State versus Blazina ruling, fines, fees, and payment plans. The presiding judge discussed bail conditions, presumptions of release on promise to appear, and factors influencing bail setting, such as threat to victims or flight risk, noting a recent increase in bail amounts for misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors to better serve community protection. The court also discussed its involvement in community programs like student mock trials and engagement with the Evergreen Transition Program.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of four newly elected council members (Jay Arnold, Shelpa Prem, Neil Black, and John Pascal) for their oaths of office. Following this, the council proceeded to select the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for a two-year term, resulting in Kelly Curtis being re-selected as Mayor and Neil Black as Deputy Mayor. The agenda also included honors and proclamations, specifically declaring January 19th, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, which was accepted by Michael Pikney. Public comments addressed the need to change the solid waste disposal charging structure from container size to actual weight disposed to promote fairness and diversion, and concerns were raised regarding periodic low water pressure in the Highlands neighborhood.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included a Study Session covering an overview of Municipal Court Caseloads, Financial Obligations, Release and Bail, and a joint discussion with the Transportation Commission regarding the 2026-2027 Work Plan. The meeting also featured Honors and Proclamations, specifically the 2026 Black History Month Proclamation. Business items included a Public Hearing and subsequent adoption of Minor Zoning Code Amendments related to the Houghton Village Development Plan (CAM25-00957), authorization for the City Manager to sell the Houghton Village Property, an update on the Transportation Strategic Plan implementation, a discussion on vacation and management leave for non-represented staff, authorization for the Fire Department to receive compliance report fees, and an update on the 2026 Legislative Session. The Council also planned to address reports, including an LRM on Traffic Control Policies, and intended to enter an Executive Session to discuss potential acquisition of real property and potential litigation.

The agenda for the meeting includes a Study Session with discussions on Municipal Court Caseloads, Financial Obligations, Release and Bail, and the Transportation Commission Joint Meeting to discuss the 2026-2027 Work Plan. Honors and Proclamations cover the 2026 Black History Month Proclamation. The Public Hearing is scheduled for Minor Zoning Code Amendments related to the Houghton Village Development Plan. The Consent Calendar addresses various items, including the approval of minutes from previous meetings, audit of accounts, claims, and approval of several resolutions concerning the extension of Board and Commission member terms, appointments to the Cascade Water Alliance Board, and authorization related to the Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) agreements for affordable housing projects. The Business section includes the adoption of Minor Zoning Code Amendments for the Houghton Village Development Plan, authorization for the City Manager to sell the Houghton Village Property, an update on the Transportation Strategic Plan (TSP) implementation, discussion on vacation and management leave for non-represented staff, and authorizing the Fire Department to receive compliance report fees.