[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6123256,"mediaKeyId","2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362","parentId",2690198,"title","Council defers citywide gas leaf‑blower ban; supports targeted pilots, business rebates and infrastructure study","audioSeconds",1008,"startMs",6425000,"endMs",7433000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362&start=6425&end=7433","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362/thumbnail_6425000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6123256/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Council-defers-citywide-gas-leafblower-ban-supports-targeted-pilots-business-rebates-and-infrastructure-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6123256-2036b2d0296a0e211b104651592ca82c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148455&Signature=JlJieRFT4BwZnRvZErOLr58RaHbhhfZdoEE1DOc4n0RAQqg2uuu4Atu1yQ91xysQ~NQA78Kw26uBQJwlw-4h3~g0jK9bJ4xLaptu4OSjXpCCdeAgx2jQzdYZUvZhLJGhXDoGjrEychsgtM-WCcDUmvdFvsX1~6MZMXu238SbFYAlKx~LNLA81r3rwBRljem77iE6u~YWLQoqgVh692KnxvIUYE2QLJQNuOXofG1j52yrH94lOefQk6fwETPoZgFjvkPkr4QuOgQCYER18vamXohWY0Fwq5S6DG2-83Psc0dV2PHIfylaF6-ygdV9b24V4pltJ5Wmqt51-cm~fOm7ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kirkland City, WA","date","2025-03-19T06:45:35Z","article","Kirkland City Council on March 18 reviewed the second‑year results of a community‑led initiative to phase out gas‑powered leaf blowers and move to electric equipment. Staff and community advocates presented demonstrations, pilot data and initial options; after extended discussion council members declined to adopt a citywide ban in 2025 and asked staff to return with more limited, actionable pilots and support programs.

What staff presented: Mikayla Benz (temporary special projects coordinator) and others summarized two years of activity on Resolution R5585, including public trade‑in events, community education (Leaf‑Rake Pledge Program), roundtables and a proposed local business rebate. Staff said electric tool technology has improved but remains uneven for high‑usage municipal and commercial work: crews and many commercial landscapers find current battery blowers heavier and less capable for prolonged commercial use.

Key facts and findings reported

- Demonstrations and vendor research show electric blowers can work well in many homeowner and light‑commercial scenarios, but city crews and large landscape contractors reported challenges in continuous heavy‑use situations (battery duration, charging needs, ergonomics).

- City pilot data show the need to upgrade charging infrastructure at maintenance and parks facilities if the city were to transition fleets; staff estimated additional accessories (holsters, batteries) and possible extra staff time to maintain current service levels with electric equipment.

- Staff flagged equity concerns: many local landscapers are small, often BIPOC or women‑owned businesses; a quick ban could impose disproportionate costs with limited local market alternatives.

Council direction

Council members agreed on a common set of next steps rather than a ban in 2025:

- Continue and expand targeted pilots: several councilmembers supported seasonal (Memorial Day to Labor Day) electric‑only operation trials in select parks and a city‑crew pilot to test logistics, charging and service impacts.

- Develop a local business rebate program: staff should return with a rebate design to help small landscape firms convert tools and to explore manufacturer financing or cooperative purchasing to reduce barriers.

- Charge‑infrastructure assessment: staff will evaluate charging needs at park facilities and the Public Works Maintenance Center and report back with cost estimates and options (including procurements and a possible electric‑truck pilot to support charging in the field).

- No immediate ordinance: council declined to adopt a citywide ban at this meeting, preferring to gather more operational data and analyze equity impacts; multiple councilmembers urged continued legislative advocacy for a statewide approach.

Quotations

- \"In typical use cases ... gas powered blowers are more efficient and preferred,\" staff said, summarizing crew and contractor feedback.

- \"I would be in favor of an ordinance affecting homeowners and individual users that exempted professional gardeners,\" Councilmember Tim Chisen said, reflecting the concern for cross‑jurisdiction work by commercial operators.

Ending note: Staff will return with pilot outcomes, a draft business rebate program and a charging infrastructure assessment; council asked for continued outreach with small landscape businesses and vendors before considering any ordinance.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kirkland City Council Meeting March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Kirkland City Council on March 18 reviewed two years of outreach and pilots on phasing out gas leaf blowers and chose not to adopt a citywide ban in 2025, directing staff instead to expand pilots, design business rebates and study charging infrastructure.","taxTitle","Kirkland, King County, Washington","taxId",2569,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6123261,"Council approves two support letters for Metro’s K Line locally preferred alternative; emphasizes service‑hour protections and mitigation",486,3682000,4168000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362&start=3682&end=4168","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362/thumbnail_3682000.jpg","/articles/6123261/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-two-support-letters-for-Metros-K-Line-locally-preferred-alternative-emphasizes-servicehour-protections-and-mitigation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6123261-93601d59b2d8fda1d55f749cd72770bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148455&Signature=jU41QlHGLgFzCWOjC0YyRE2nMSEjNcwkxXyD3LROAK2WQRdLTA8kE1hCH6~SliD-csXkoShJ2dBGbdOkuV~E-SsF4OAMBiqqd8rgrGjSKZH6qV96n3INQBwDHq3sFJ6YMuRSxY8XtQi9iNMlKtfetfde2~TtdxMYOidPGPdlOeaAZ9YZSjo8udf3-L3-858cDDH9uhXBLMV0xhAJVbim-8P-z~QyibKnfz4SVOU6vlFgABpoUkaiHpzp0qFj5bYspd-mc5rfe3372OLOHHQXBSZXjphqdAGHfR1dJtRAtBO4ieH7JS0tOn7JnKuszZAO7t6nIQ~LQpFakNlTQWDKjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kirkland City Council on March 18 voted to authorize two letters of support for King County Metro’s locally preferred alternative (LPA) for the proposed K Line rapid bus corridor, while asking staff to ensure technical caveats and record‑of‑support conditions are incorporated.

Transportation planner Kimberly Scrivner presented two draft letters: one addressed to King County Metro that incorporated technical conditions (service hour protections, a request to prioritize connections to Lake Washington Institute of Technology and an explicit ask to retain Kirkland’s current service levels during any restructure), and another addressed to the King County Council for grant and funding advocacy that was more general in tone.

Councilmember Sweet moved approval of both letters; Councilmember Falcone seconded. The motion passed without objection. In support of the LPA, council members emphasized minimizing property impacts and ensuring Metro does not reduce existing Kirkland service hours as the K Line is implemented.

Why it matters: Approval advances Kirkland’s formal support in Metro’s record and strengthens the city’s application for federal grant funding (small starts and other competitive programs). Council paired the support with a request to Metro that mitigation and design minimize private property acquisitions and that Metro retain or prioritize service hours in Kirkland during network restructures.

Council direction and next steps

- The letter to Metro explicitly references staff’s record‑of‑support memos and technical caveats; council asked staff to incorporate those memos by reference so Metro and the county consider Kirkland’s mitigation requests and operational priorities.

- Council members asked staff to continue outreach with affected property owners and to seek additional resources if needed to monitor project design and mitigation (several councilmembers noted potential need for extra technical or contracting support during detailed design).

Quotations

- \"We do have Metro staff here if you have any more questions about that,\" Kimberly Scrivner said when introducing the recommendation.

- \"This project will require minimizing impacts to private residences,\" Councilmember Pasco said during public comment, and council directed staff to press Metro for design solutions to reduce potential property takings.

Outcome: Motion carried 7‑0; staff will send the two letters and incorporate earlier record‑of‑support memos and continue to negotiate technical mitigations and outreach during design.

","The council voted to send two letters backing King County Metro's locally preferred alternative for the K Line, with one letter (to Metro) incorporating specific technical caveats about retaining local service hours and protecting connections; council also requested that record‑of‑support memos be referenced in the letters.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6123266,"Kirkland expands in‑house administration of Kirkland Cares program after first year; 461 households served",3881,3233000,7114000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362&start=3233&end=7114","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362/thumbnail_3233000.jpg","/articles/6123266/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Kirkland-expands-inhouse-administration-of-Kirkland-Cares-program-after-first-year-461-households-served","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6123266-a1ac2b330fa6471a6f5bff33a7ac1a25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148455&Signature=ODeusuviZGYrSkfvBp9s4YqvhGM4RwvHTjmbG~nnl~hKoZ0gmvbpdUDoNhmx6h~WKfXeVWXLDXrhcWNAI0v1B7YOK62lcVearF7Ccuu~2rYVnGx4hSv1uFb9HamDHgi~jQbc0hlULA1sqLAnlFpkonviaWaHGrBWeVnr~t0TfxRmngT7XlMkFy8thYQvKpsJvppxcLawCNDpzcsq6YtF-R5gYj8v1wERwzc3-m~VFfA92TfjdtlPk-s0ABlKBaBxVrXG2QQvuep7odZkejh~h5t~dmIGZuDIXHoAhNfP5LP5Cie-x~706o8iONOovNrIXKBxHDexajmB1x24DLxOjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kirkland staff on March 18 briefed the City Council on year‑one outcomes from Kirkland Cares, the city’s low‑income support program, and described the transition from an outside administrator to city operation and a plan for administering the program through the 2025–26 biennium.

Mike Olson, Director of Finance and Administration, and Andrea Peterman, Senior Financial Analyst, reported that 461 households were verified for assistance in 2024 and that the city provided more than $245,000 in support across discounts and rebates. “Four hundred fifty households were verified by Forward [the initial third‑party administrator], and the city verified an additional 11 after we took operations in house,” Olson said.

The program’s largest expenditures were direct utility discounts (treated as reduced city revenue) and rebates for multifamily residents who pay utilities through rent. Staff noted neighborhood concentrations of participation — higher participation in Totem Lake, Juanita and Kingsgate census tracts — and demographic patterns: 70% of awarded households earned less than 30% of King County AMI, and 53% of participants were age 65 or older.

Key operational changes and costs

- Administration: Council provided one‑time funding of $680,000 in the prior budget to expand eligibility and contracted with a third‑party administrator (Forward) for initial implementation. Beginning October 1, 2024 the city took over the application and verification process; the city created and funded a temporary program coordinator position (starting April 1) to manage administration through the remainder of 2025.

- Program scale and categories: The initiative included direct utility discounts for residents who pay the city for utilities, pet license reductions, and rebates for multifamily tenants who pay utilities indirectly via rent. Staff noted increases in discounted utility accounts: garbage discounts grew 95% from December 2023 to December 2024; combined water and sewer discounted accounts rose about 70% over the year.

- Budget outlook: About $575,000 remains available in the 2025–26 biennial budget for program activities. Staff disbursed roughly $37,000 in rebates in 2024 (in addition to discount revenue reductions) and incurred $68,000 in administrative and vendor fees. Staff modeled several participation scenarios tied to expansions (for example, if all low‑income housing units participated, annual rebates might approach $450,000), but recommended further analysis before enlarging automatic eligibility.

Council feedback and next steps

Council members applauded the program and urged staff to continue coordination with community partners and neighboring utilities. Several members — including Councilmember Falcone and Deputy Mayor Arnold — asked staff to explore partnering with other local utility districts (Northshore, Woodinville, etc.) to expand coverage for residents served by non‑city utilities and to bring those partners’ funding to the table where possible, while retaining the city as a single intake point.

Staff will also examine: (1) options to expand the program to residents whose utilities are handled by other districts, (2) whether program income thresholds should align with related regional benefits (for example, King County property tax exemptions for seniors), and (3) whether data collection and outreach can be improved to reduce applicant confusion about award amounts.

Quotations

- \"Four hundred sixty‑one new households were approved for the program and the city provided over $245,000 in financial support,\" Mike Olson, Director of Finance and Administration, said.

- \"The city has created a new one‑time position to help manage the program — that position will start April 1 and be the primary point of contact for applicants,\" Olson added.

Ending note: Staff will continue administering Kirkland Cares for the 2025–26 biennium, collect more program data, pursue outreach partnerships (notably For Tomorrow) and analyze the budget impact of any future expansion before bringing recommendations to council.

","Council received a status report on Kirkland Cares, the city's low‑income support program. In 2024 the program verified 461 households and delivered over $245,000 in direct financial support; city staff are continuing administration after an initial contractor period and recommended outreach and interagency coordination as the program matures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6123271,"Kirkland council debates per‑square‑foot fire and park impact fees, weighs ADU exemptions and phased inclusionary rules",3509,1488000,4997000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362&start=1488&end=4997","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2690198-89165be01d540dc6a43e95c42f43a362/thumbnail_1488000.jpg","/articles/6123271/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Kirkland-council-debates-persquarefoot-fire-and-park-impact-fees-weighs-ADU-exemptions-and-phased-inclusionary-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6123271-eda6dc4ddcebcf180e6f531f41f655eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148455&Signature=IveZcUNjfbgwTZ3GMRGV3eIIY0DBCzELTxkBCgpuIHlN1xU6oGA6DT6WrzOB5vsZj8C-l2JLM7I63CbDrjv76vxJIEnI2iR7LkT9ETrYe1n8oL0AqERSo-5~l-yZR7YFYtenOJIFq-i46Z5ZZMBcotaew7aE5sBfCalpV10KJWxUZlkdJ~YdAZHv7kBWZDmT3PB48Ha4u0MKMIK8lOATiBbse4r6YeJ5KbjwSb5rgJ7ql0fXiWi7njDLs5~JbZau4-JkJhtBPhiy9l1MxzN5mcVKjlvNWolnVSLvmudOrqKWx0zMcdTZb57BDQYWl1E9RPBjuPFYcpZugTh-TNDhMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kirkland City Council members on March 18 heard a study‑session presentation and initial recommendations to change how the city charges fire and park impact fees, moving from per‑unit tiers to a per‑square‑foot method required by recent state statute changes, and discussed how accessory dwelling units (ADUs), redevelopment credits and inclusionary housing requirements should be handled.

The presentation, led by Kevin Pellstring, the city’s approved financial planning manager, and supported by the city’s development engineering manager John Burkhalter and consultants from FCS Group, explained that the state amended the impact fee statute in 2023 to require fees that reflect the “proportionate impact of new housing units” by square footage, bedrooms or trips. “Impact fees are one‑time charges on new development and redevelopment to provide key capital funding towards growth improvements that serve this growth in our community,” Pellstring said.

Councilors praised the proposed per‑square‑foot approach while pressing staff for additional detail and safeguards. Multiple council members — including Deputy Mayor Arnold, Councilmembers Falcone, Chisen and Black — said they were generally comfortable “adopting the fees as calculated,” subject to further review and outreach. Council directed staff to proceed toward drafting an ordinance that would implement the per‑square‑foot fire and park fees and to consult stakeholders, including the Lake Washington School District, before final adoption.

Why it matters: the change follows state guidance and could shift who pays how much, affecting schools, health care facilities, redevelopment projects and ADUs. Staff emphasized the update’s scale: consultants' recalculation shows the 2024 cost basis for fire improvements about 40% larger than the 2020 baseline, and an 82% increase for schools in one modeled example. The consultants showed a school reconstruction example in which the calculated fee rises from $0.63 to $1.14 per square foot, producing an increased charge of about $16,371 on a multi‑million‑dollar school project.

Key council concerns and staff follow‑ups

- ADUs: Staff recommended including ADUs in the new density calculations but limiting the number of ADUs to two per lot to avoid unexpected density increases. Councilmembers expressed concern about discouraging smaller owner‑built ADUs that can help affordable housing goals. Staff reported 2024 saw about 100 ADU permits issued and estimated that exempting ADUs last year represented roughly $600,000 in foregone park impact fees and about $86,000 in fire impact fees; several council members asked staff to return with phased options (including a 500‑square‑foot micro‑ADU exemption) and potential pilot timelines so homeowners and small builders would not be caught by a sudden change.

- Redevelopment credits: Staff proposed moving from a 1:1 replacement rule to a net‑change calculation (crediting the value of existing structures), which would cause some redevelopments to incur fees where they previously did not.

- Inclusionary housing and thresholds: Because state rules mean projects of certain sizes would trigger city inclusionary requirements, staff proposed a cautious approach for phase 1: require affordability starting at the first additional unit but include carve‑outs (for smaller unit sizes, for additions/renovations, and a delayed effective date) to avoid chilling middle‑housing construction. Council asked staff to return with concrete draft code text, an implementation timeline (including a possible “pioneer” or delayed vesting approach), and an explanation of how the proposal would affect projects already in the pipeline.

- Method details and forecasting: Council members asked for clearer definitions of square footage (code definitions of gross floor area vs. conditioned space), verification procedures at permitting, and comparisons with other cities that are implementing per‑square‑foot fees. Staff and consultants said they will present a draft ordinance, workflow changes for permit processing and improved forecasting for revenue impacts at a subsequent meeting; staff noted that large projects (over $100,000) historically produce about two‑thirds of impact fee revenue and that the per‑square‑foot approach would likely change revenue only modestly for large projects but would better match fees to structural size.

Quotations from the session

- \"Impact fees are 1 time charges on new development and redevelopment to provide key capital funding towards growth improvements that serve this growth in our community,\" Kevin Pellstring, Approved Financial Planning Manager, said.

- \"I would be in favor of adopting the fees as calculated unless the Lake Washington School District or another stakeholder has a strong opinion,\" Councilmember Tim Chisen said.

Ending note: Staff will return with a draft ordinance and revised materials (including an outreach plan and options for ADU exemptions and delayed inclusionary requirements). Council members repeatedly urged the city to engage the school district and local builders before final adoption so implementation timing and exemptions can be refined.

","Council received staff and consultant presentations on a study updating fire and park impact fees to a per‑square‑foot basis in response to changes in state law, largely endorsing the methodology while asking staff to return with an ordinance, stakeholder outreach and options for ADU treatment and phased inclusionary requirements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council defers citywide gas leaf‑blower ban; supports targeted pilots, business rebates and infrastructure study

Council approves two support letters for Metro’s K Line locally preferred alternative; emphasizes service‑hour protections and mitigation

Kirkland expands in‑house administration of Kirkland Cares program after first year; 461 households served

Kirkland council debates per‑square‑foot fire and park impact fees, weighs ADU exemptions and phased inclusionary rules