What's Happening in Kirkland, WA…

The City of Kirkland is looking for volunteers to sit on an advisory group.

Kirkland encourages interested residents to apply to take part in an advisory group on community safety. The group will focus on issues concerning fire and emergency medical services that could appear on the ballot in November 2020.

The committee will meet through March 2020, considering a number of major investments in the fire service, including seismic renovation of the fire station, hiring additional firefighters, expansion, possible training facilities, and mechanisms for funding the projects.

The committee will make its recommendations to the city council in March, giving the council until July to okay the ordinance that would put the measure on the November ballot. The committee will consist of representatives of approximately 40 community organizations, including two members from the general population. People who are interested in serving can apply online.

Penny Sweet, the mayor of Kirkland, said the committee will have a crucial role in shaping the measure that will eventually appear on the ballot, adding that local officials are seeking community members who will ask tough questions, and are passionate about issues concerning public safety.

Discussions of investments needed by the fire and emergency services began in 2012, as a result of redevelopment, coupled with increased growth. Flyer printing can be used to inform residents of such measures.