The Washington Coalition for Open Government recognized the Kirkland City Council during the Sept. 17 meeting for its recent adoption of records retention rules and procedures.

The Coalition’s board of directors voted unanimously to present its Key Award to the city of Kirkland in recognition of the city’s adoption of its comprehensive and innovative new public records ordinance and rules.

The Council adopted a public disclosure ordinance and approved updated Public Records Act rules on July 16 to further define the city’s process to help ensure compliance with the Public Records Act and to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency.

The Key Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a notable contribution for the cause of open government. The award is presented to the entire city rather than any individual or group, because of the large number of people involved in the project.

The Washington Coalition for Open Government is an independent non-partisan non-profit organization founded in 2002 by a group of individuals representing organizations with a broad spectrum of opinions and backgrounds, all dedicated to the principles of strengthening the state’s open government laws and protecting the public’s access to government at all levels.