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Kirkland council approves $85,000 fiscal note to advance design work on proposed Kraken IcePlex and community center
Summary
Council approved a motion to authorize $85,000 from general‑fund reserves to continue consultant and concept design work for the Kraken IcePlex proposal, including a community center study. Staff said negotiations with the Kraken are ongoing and the organization is also exploring other sites.
KIRKLAND, Wash. — The Kirkland City Council voted to authorize $85,000 from the general‑fund working capital balance to pay consultants and advance design work related to a proposed Kraken IcePlex that would include practice rinks and a community center on the Houghton Park‑and‑Ride site.
What the authorization covers - $60,000 — contract with Opsis to develop a community‑center concept plan and evaluate rooftop uses, including early design sketches and functional programming. - $15,000 — contingency funds to address negotiation‑related needs during ongoing discussions with the Kraken organization. - $10,000 — contingency for advisory services from CA‑ICON, an industry adviser previously retained to analyze economic impacts and operational models.
Council action and vote Deputy Mayor Arnold moved the fiscal‑note authorization; Council member Sweet seconded. The council approved the request 7‑0.
Why the work is underway City staff said they are preparing zoning and lot adjustments, plan amendments and a parks designation for the parcels near the Houghton Park‑and‑Ride to enable a negotiated development agreement if an agreement is reached. Staff also said they are evaluating a potential regional stormwater facility that could serve both the IcePlex site and other nearby projects but that timing and delivery did not align with the Kraken’s planned schedule. Opsis will complete the concept work in March, staff said.
Negotiations and schedule City negotiators delivered a comprehensive term sheet to the Kraken and said they are in detailed negotiations; the Kraken has told staff it is also exploring an alternative East‑Side site that could accommodate a larger facility. Staff said if negotiations produce an agreement, they will return to council in the spring to approve final documents and any additional city actions. Staff added they plan a separate RFQ for design and construction firms to respond to the city/Kraken requirements.
Votes at a glance - Fiscal note: authorize use of $85,000 of general‑fund balance for exploratory work connected to the Kraken proposal — Approved 7‑0 (motion: Deputy Mayor Arnold; second: Council member Sweet). - Consent calendar (earlier in the meeting): Approved 7‑0.
Ending City staff said they will use the authorized funds to finish the concept work and to have subject‑matter advisers available during negotiations; staff will return with any necessary agreements and additional budget requests if negotiations progress to the next stage.
