The Washington State Boundary Review Board (BRB) for King County has cemented the Kirkland City Council’s decision to move forward with annexation.
During a special meeting Monday night on the Potential Annexation Areas of the Fill Hill, north Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods into Kirkland, the Board waived a second public hearing and said it will approve the PAA for the November ballot at a meeting July 9.
During Monday’s meeting, more than 50 people, including city officials, gathered at Lake Washington Technical College to speak out on annexation before the 11 Board members.
“This issue has been before Kirkland before and they were reluctant because it doesn’t pencil out,” said BRB member Roger Loschen. “But with the help from the state (the city) can serve the area adequately and Kirkland should be commended for stepping up.”
At issue for those against annexation included concerns about fire and aid services, the potential division of the Queensgate neighborhood and possibly more taxes for those who live in the PAA.
Fire and aid services
Some residents expressed they were worried about the possible reduction of fire and aid services in the Kingsgate area and neighboring Woodinville that could result from a potential loss of fire Station 34. The station, which is located inside the PAA, serves both the Kingsgate neighborhood and parts of Woodinville.
The issue has been brought to the attention of the Council but negotiations on how to resolve the issue have been slow. The city and Firefighter’s Union have had talks but Woodinville Fire, Life and Safety (WFLS) and the city have not discussed what will happen to Station 34.
“Not just the annexation area would see a reduction in response time but parts of Woodinville as well,” said WFLS Deputy Chief Bud Backer, who noted the goal for fire stations is to arrive at an incident seven minutes from the time the call is received.
Station 34 may also face closure with the loss of tax revenue from the annexation of the Kingsgate area.
“Location is important no matter how much personnel you have,” said WFLS attorney Joseph Quinn. “The loss of $1 million would mean that six to nine people would have to be laid off and that is the entire station.”
Kirkland City representatives have said that the PAA will be adequately served by Station 27, which is located further inside the PAA, and officials may move additional personnel from Station 34 to that station along with an additional engine. WLFS argued that the calculations the city used for response times were not accurate.
City Manager Dave Ramsay noted the city is committed to negotiations with WLFS.
“We have a good working relationship with Woodinville Fire, Life and Safety,” Ramsay said. “Our goal is to maintain services and infrastructure and find a creative solution involving Woodinville, Bothell and Kirkland.”
Kirkland Fire Chief Kevin Nalder said the cities should reach a compromise, pointing out that Bellevue and Redmond share Station 12. He said one option would be for both Kirkland and Woodinville to co-staff Station 34.
A neighborhood divided
Others were concerned that an annexation would split the Queensgate neighborhood based on the PAA boundary.
Area resident Bob Conrad said the boundary should be moved to N.E. 160th St., however Board members noted they only have authority to approve or disapprove the boundaries, not change them.
“We are trying to honor the longstanding boundary agreed upon with Bothell but it is not out of the question to consider moving the boundary later,” said Shields, who pointed out a similar situation with the Bridal Trails area on the Kirkland City border with Redmond.
More taxes for PAA
Resident Chris Johnson said he is in favor of annexation, “but I am concerned that we will end up paying more in taxes than other Kirkland residents.
Finn Hill residents have voluntarily taxed themselves to maintain the 0.0 Denny Park in their neighborhood that is owned by the City of Seattle.
BRB member AJ Culver responded: “10,000 people have a lot of influence on government.”
The city will host three informational meetings this month to answer questions about the annexation process:
• From 7-9 p.m. June 18 in the Juanita High School auditorium, 10601 N.E. 132nd St.
• From 7-9 p.m. June 23, Finn Hill Junior High School gym, 8040 N.E. 132nd St.
• From 7-9 p.m. June 29, Kamiakin High School cafeteria, 14111 132nd N.E. Contact the City Manager’s office at 425-587-3001 for information or to request a meeting in your neighborhood.
