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South Rose Hill-Bridle Trails Neighborhood General Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 8, 2022
President Chris Kagen called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. 17 people attended.
Police Report: Lisa Broulette, Lieutenant, Administrative Division, KPD
As of 3/1/22, KPD has 105 officers of 108 authorized positions, on staff. Traffic officer positions are slowly being filled. Traffic issues are the #1 complaint filed with police. (#2 is loud muffler noise).
On 8/4/20 City passed legislation (R-5434) Ensuring the Safety and Respect of Black People.
Creating a dashboard showing use of force (UOF) data was one transparency strategy called for in that legislation. The dashboard can be viewed on the KPD website along with instructions on how to use it.
KPD is one of five Eastside agencies included in the recently formed regional task force to address increased catalytic converter thefts.In addition, the state legislature is considering tighter regulation and penalties for both sellers and buyers of used catalytic converters
Funded by voter-approved Proposition 1, Kirkland hired a Mental Health Neighborhood Resource Officer.
A pro-active team has formed to address retail theft. Lulemon and Ulta at Totem Lake have been hit by professional retail theft gangs.
Lt. Broulette advises placing valuables in the trunk of your car BEFORE parking at the State Park. Thieves are known to hang out in the parking lot.
Comments from the audience:
A compliment for the dashboard’s professionalism.
A compliment for fast law enforcement action island interagency cooperation in the apprehension of a catalytic converter thief observed in action at the LW Technical Institute parking lot.
Question from the audience: What happened to the police non-emergency phone line? Previously, callers connected with Kirkland police directly. Now, callers are directed to 911 dispatch.
Answer: Calls have always gone to NORCOM dispatch. To report a non-emergency, tell the dispatcher “I don’t have an emergency. I want to file a report.”
Lt. Broulette will look into this comment.
Equestrian Overlay Zone and Equine Advisory Board: Lynn Erckmann
What is the Equestrian Overlay? Zoning restrictions on properties located in the EOZ prescribe a paddock area, set-asides, and other requirements to support equestrian activities. See Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 115.20. The EOZ, enacted in 1997, ensures the equestrian character and the ability to keep horses in the future in certain designated Kirkland neighborhoods proximate to Bridle Trails State Park including Silver Spurs, Bridlewood Circle, Bridleview, and Flying Horseshoe.
The Equine Advisory Board consists of six members and reviews all building permit applications for compliance with the EO for properties in the above neighborhoods.The Board either signs off on or addresses any concerns about such permits to the Planning Department.
Meeting attendees addressed questions to Ms. Erckmann, as follows.
Q: What happens when the restrictions don’t work?
A: In one situation, a newly hired planner neglected to inform the EAB of a submitted building plan. Construction proceeded “beyond remedy”.
Q: How can neighbors assist the EAB in their work?
A: Contact the Planning Department or Lynn Erckmann of any concerns regarding developments that appear non-conforrming. Chris Kagen has Lynn’s contact information. (chris.kagen@mail.com).
Q: Are there any large areas in Kirkland not in the EOZ that should be?
A: There are no suitable remaining areas. Properties on 116th N.E. south of N.E. 60th were not included when the EOZ was drawn.
Q:Does a non-conforming swimming pool, for example, set a precedent?
A: Christian Geitz, Planning Supervisor, responded: No.
Q: How would one pursue an apparent non-conforming structure or other development?
A: Begin the process by contacting Planning.
Q: Barn conversions: Do barns fall under the definition as being required to support equestrian activities?
A: A barn located within the required 10,00 sf paddock area may not be converted to another use. (The EO protects structures and easements).
Q: Is there a process to ensure that requirements are met and don’t slip by? For example, barn remodels aren’t permitted.
A: Planners need to notify the EAB about permits in the EO zone and neighbors can notify the Planning Department about any construction in barns or paddock areas.
Kirkland Tree Code Chapter 95: Update and Enforcement: Katie Hogan, Urban Forester (Interim), Development Review Arborist, Planning and Building Department
Ms. Hogan presented a PowerPoint of proposed amendments to Kirkland’s Tree code, which Council will review on 3/15. If adopted, public outreach and education will occur this spring with a possible effective date of June 2022.
Audience questions:
Q: If there is not room on a property for the required three trees required to place removed tree, what happens?
A: The fee-in-lieu option in the proposed Code addresses that situation.
Q: What if there is no space for a replacement tree on a short plat?
A: The lot coverage standards limit how much lot coverage is allowed It is highly unlikely that no trees would be re-planted.
Q: In your opinion, will the proposed changes make for a better tree canopy than Kirkland would have had otherwise? What will be the net effect [on the canopy] in 5-10 years, in your opinion?
A: Staff and stakeholders feel strongly that the changes will improve tree canopy. For example, t “landmark tree” protection and mitigation standards are viewed as tools to increase the canopy. Also, standards will be enforceable on private as well as public property. The tree canopy will be assessed every 8-10 years.
Q: What are the specifications for a “large” tree?
A: The list of replacement tree species qualifying as “large” is not yet developed. A “large” tree is defined as one that on maturity will reach the diameter r canopy spread of the tree it is replacing.
Q: Tree code violations occur during non-working hours. There is no phone operator available to report violations during these hours.
A: Christian Geitz responded that he is not sure how the phone tree works on weekends.
Kirkland Sign Code–Update and Enforcement: Christian Geitz, Planning Supervisor/Code Enforcement Supervisor, City Planning and Building Department:
The goal is to reinstate enforcement of non-conforming signs. City staff and volunteers would once again work as a team to remove such signs from public property. Mr.Geitz hopes that can resume when the Governor’s COVID emergency order ends. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact David Wolbrecht, Communications Program Manager at 425-587-3021 or dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov.
Check the City’s recently launched interactive Kirkland Activity Map at https://kirklandactivitymap.connect.socrata.com. Residents may elect to receive alerts of building permits, land use actions,and code enforcement in their neighborhoods and throughout the City.
Elections
Nominations and election of committee members and officers will take place at the May 10 meeting.
Presiden Kagen adjourned the meeting at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Lewis
Secretary
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