In response to guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County, the city of Kirkland will be closing City Hall to the public starting at noon, March 16.
Additionally, the council chamber will not be open to the public during the City Council meeting on March 17.
After noon, the public will still be able to access remote services for all permit activities, parks registration and enhanced use of the utility payment box to serve those without technology access, according to a city press release. The city will provide more information as staff work to implement plans to create additional remote access to services.
“These closures are part of our ongoing efforts to keep our employees and the community safe while still providing essential services,” city manager Kurt Triplett said in the release. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility in the coming days and weeks.”
Although the council chamber will be closed for Tuesday’s meeting, public involvement is still welcome and community members are encouraged to take advantage of available options for digital participation, the release states.
The meeting can be viewed in real time via the live stream on the city website at tinyurl.com/y6tuffax. It is also televised on Comcast cable channel 21 and Frontier cable channel 31. A study session immediately preceding the meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., with the council meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. The agenda for the March 17 meeting is available on the city website at tinyurl.com/rka4wfz.
Members of the public can provide comment in advance of the meeting using the public comment voicemail line, at 425-587-3090, or by email at councilmeetingcomment@
“We thank Kirkland residents for their patience as we find ways to balance the preservation of public participation with the health and safety of our community,” Mayor Penny Sweet said in the release. “We are grateful to our IT department for its work to enhance our digital availability and look forward to receiving your comments and feedback through our ‘virtual’ options.”
The city will continue to update its website with information on the COVID-19 outbreak.
