Don
Winters called the meeting to order. Don mentioned that Moss
Bay needs volunteer hours to put towards our
matching grant. Sign up to collect food for
the food bank at the City's web site here.
Or.. many other volunteer opportunities are available
here,
or by contacting Julie
Huffman at 425.587.3012.
In
addition to our City Council candidate forum members, Council member Doreen
Marchione was in attendance.
Our
first item was a presentation by Ray Steiger, Kirkland Public Works Director.
Ray presented a lot of great information on a proposed Transportation
Benefit District. Due to reduced revenue and an increased inflation rate, funding for roadway repair and maintenance is in need of a reliable revenue source. The City Council is considering a revenue source that is authorized through a TBD and funds transportation improvements through a vehicle registration fee.
Ray showed us a great
video which demonstrated the problems with maintaining good roads.
Members filled out surveys as to how they felt about this idea. If you missed
the meeting, you can take the survey online here.
Our next guest was MyLinh Tran, owner of
Lynn's Bistro, 214 Central Way. MyLinh told us about her humble beginnings when she came to the USA from Vietnam and how a local restaurant hired her and gave her the courage to expand her abilities as a chef.
She has since opened Lynn's Bistro, a very highly regarded restaurant. MyLinh has
lived in Kirkland for 10 years and continues to love it. She's a part-owner of a new restaurant,
212 on Central, that is opening soon with lighter fare.
Bonnie McLeod, Moss Bay's representative to
Kirkland's Park
Funding Board, reported. This is a committee of 50 representing many different interests such as the neighborhoods, the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, Schools, KDog, Little League, LWY
Soccer, OO Denny park, etc. They have been charged with exploring many different initiatives and possible funding sources.
Some of the projects that were mentioned were, BNSF Rail corridor purchase, Kirkland Custom Cannery purchase for Historical Museum, year round indoor aquatics center to replace the loss of Juanita pool and St. Edwards pool.
If
you have comments on Park funding you can contact Bonnie at bonnie@mcleodins.com
Moss Bay's City Council Candidate Forum was
next. There are three races this year--
The Candidates:
Position 2: Bob Sternoff vs. Jason Gardiner
Position 4: Jessica Greenway vs. Toby Nixon
Position 6: Dave Asher vs. Jim Hart
Jim Hart was not in attendance due to a
family medical issue. We asked each candidate a series of questions and a
lively, though amiable discussion of the issues ensued. Rob Butcher of
Kirkland Views made some excellent videos of the candidate responses, which
can be viewed here.
Our next meeting will be
Nov 21, 2011 7PM at
Heritage Hall, 203 Market. St.