City News You Can Use. 

News from City Hall 
Dear Bainbridge Islanders,

This week brings the City Council's annual planning retreat, and the chance to review recent efforts, celebrate progress, assess areas for improvement, and affirm City goals. I expect the conversation will range from big-picture, community-wide aspirations to tactical lists of specific projects and priority legislation. It is an important and useful exercise that allows us to pause, check the map, and then continue forward.

The weekend will bring our national and local commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Here on Bainbridge Island, there will be a community celebration at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) on Sunday, January 20 from 4-7 p.m. This celebration is presented via a partnership of the City, BIMA, the Race Equity Network, and the Bainbridge Island School District Multicultural Advisory Council. Please see below for more details, and please also read the City Council's proclamation to recognize this important holiday.

I am a former long-time resident of Atlanta, Dr. King's birthplace, and also a community where the legacy of his work and message are both celebrated and, at times, challenged. In my Atlanta experience, this holiday was a time for public service, to set aside a part of the day to work with others on a project or passion that lifted the community spirit. The day was also a time for self-reflection, and for thoughtfulness about what individual steps we each can take to improve the world we share. I encourage Island residents to spend some of your time on Monday reflecting on these values and adding your own hands to the celebration of Dr. King's dream.

Best wishes,

Morgan Smith
City Manager
Planning Commission Continues Discussion on New Subdivision Regulations
If you don't like the look of recent subdivisions going up around the Island - now is your chance to voice your thoughts for future development! 

Beginning in early 2018, the City began a comprehensive update to its subdivision regulations. This project originated to address the City Council's concerns related to development and growth in adopting a temporary moratorium on the acceptance of certain development applications, including subdivisions.  The primary focus of the update is to implement the vision of the City's Comprehensive Plan by translating goals and policies related to residential growth and development patterns into specific guidelines and standards for subdivision development.
 
The overall purpose of the proposed revisions is to craft a subdivision ordinance that directs the planning and design of future residential developments in a manner that respects the natural resources of the land and preserves the character and function of the landscape. A further purpose is to develop regulations that result in livable neighborhoods -- a mix of housing types designed with pedestrians and non-motorized transportation in mind, where spaces exist for safe play and recreation, and for neighbors to gather and socialize.
 
The subdivision update includes three major components:
  • New review procedures (adopted by City Council on December 11, 2018)
  • New design guidelines 
  • Revised dimensional and general standards 
Senior Planner Christy Carr will provide an overview of the proposed revisions at the City Council January 22 meeting. The Planning Commission will continue discussion at its January 24 meeting and will hold a public hearing in February. The date for the hearing has not been set.

For more information, contact Senior Planner Christy Carr at  ccarr@bainbridgewa.gov  or 206.780.3719.
Get Involved: Central Ward Meeting This Saturday
What's on your mind? Attend t he Central Ward meeting this Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. at City Hall. and share those thoughts with your City Council representatives.

No agenda. No speeches. No public comment sheet. Just a chance to ask questions, share your thoughts and get to know your Council representatives.

The Central Ward representatives include Deputy Mayor Leslie Schneider, Councilmember Rasham Nassar and At-Large Councilmember Ron Peltier.

The South Ward Meeting with Councilmembers Sarah Blossom and Matt Tirman is 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Island Center Hall. At-Large Councilmember Ron Peltier will not be in attendance as he will be participating in a climate change discussion that's happening at the same time.

Don't know your ward? Check the map here Bring a neighbor and join the discussion!
County Hosting Community Resource Fairs Next Week for Those in Need of Assistance

If you know someone experiencing homelessness in our community, please spread the word that the Kitsap County Department of Human Services is hosting three community resource fairs next week to provide services for anyone in need of assistance - from a hot meal and haircuts to eye exams, flu shots and information about health insurance and housing providers. The events are free.

  • South Kitsap: Tuesday, Jan. 22 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    Givens Community Center
    1026 Sidney Ave, Port Orchard
  • Bremerton: Wednesday, Jan. 23 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    The Salvation Army
    832 6th Street, Bremerton
  • North Kitsap: Thursday, Jan. 24 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    Village Green Community Center
    26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston

As part of the outreach efforts, a group of volunteers  will also be participating in a one-day Point-in-Time Count to survey people in our communities experiencing homelessness, including on Bainbridge Island. This survey is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Washington State Department of Commerce to learn more about the situations of people living without a home.

"It helps us get a better sense of where the gaps and needs are and how we can do a better job of providing services to people," said Kirsten Jewell of Kitsap County Department of Human Services.

Volunteers use a standard survey form that asks people where they slept the night before, where their last residence was located, what may have contributed to their loss of housing and what disabilities they may have. It also includes demographic information.

Learn more about the community service fairs and survey here
Got a few minutes? We'd like your input!

Email? Facebook? Ferry outreach? Postal mail? We're curious to hear how you'd like to be informed about what's happening at City Hall.

Please take a few minutes to fill out a brief survey that addresses general communications and our latest outreach efforts on the SAFE Mobility Levy. Your feedback will help to shape future public outreach, engagement and communications.

The survey will be open until Friday, Jan. 25. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts with us! 
Reminder: Race Equity Task Force Applications Due Jan. 25

If you're interested in participating in the newly-formed Race Equity Task Force, you have one more week to submit an application. 

The City Council approved a motion during the December 4 Study Session to form a Race Equity Task Force after hearing from a group of concerned community members. The purpose of the Task Force is to provide advice and counsel to the City Council on matters of identifying programmatic, community and legislative options to ensure that Bainbridge Island lives up to its commitment of an open and welcoming community for all.

Councilmembers Rasham Nassar and Joe Deets will also serve on the Task Force. The group will meet once a month at City Hall. The day and time of the meetings will be decided at a future date.

Applications for the Race Equity Task Force can be found here. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. Task Force interviews will take place Jan. 28 - Jan. 31.
BIMA to Host Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration Sunday, Jan. 20 that will include music, guest speakers and presentations, and activities for kids. 

During the event, Councilmember Matt Tirman will read the City's annual proclamation recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event will be held 4-7 p.m. and admission is free. Learn more here.

City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 
Upcoming Events
  • Wednesday, Jan. 23: Kitsap County Solid Waste Division Presentation on Recycling & Waste; City Hall Council Chamber; 3 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Jan. 26: South Ward Meeting at Island Center Hall; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 30: Public Meeting on Design Guidelines Update at City Hall; 6 p.m.
City of Bainbridge Island www.bainbridgewa.gov
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