I'd like to start by thanking the many members of the community who responded to and assisted with the search for our missing resident last week. The Police Department worked hard to spread the word, and to make use of a range of resources from the island and beyond. A community member, who was aware of the situation through social media posts, recognized the woman in a building on Winslow Way and contacted 911. We are all grateful for a positive outcome. Thank you also to the members of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department for their efforts in responding to the serious fire in downtown. As we share our condolences and support with the victims of this incident, please also appreciate the ability of our Fire Department to act quickly and prevent further damage.

Here is a last reminder about the opportunity to join the City's citizen advisory committees. Our deadline to apply is 4 p.m. next Monday, April 29. In particular, I'd like to highlight the City's Design Review Board (DRB), which plays an important role in the review of development projects, and seeks a balance of members with particular skills and experience. Please see below for more detail and consider applying for one or more of our committees.

This week marked the official start of construction for the Olympic Drive project near the Washington State Ferries terminal. This $3 million project was made possible due to roughly $2 million in State and Federal grants. The improvements will enhance safety for all users (bikes, pedestrians, drivers), provide wider sidewalks, and include the addition of bike lanes and bike boxes to help bicyclists better navigate the busy turn onto Winslow Way. City staff is providing extensive outreach on the project via Nixle and Notify Me notifications, roadway signage, printed materials, and speaking directly to ferry passengers. The end result will be a safer and more welcoming transition from one of the busiest ferry routes in the world to our beautiful main street. Thanks in advance for your extra patience and attention during construction. Please see the City's project webpage for additional detail.

This week at the City Council meeting, the Council discussed how to implement our priority projects related to affordable housing, considered a State grant that could help plan the restoration of historic buildings on the City's Suyematsu farm property, and reviewed the WSDOT plans for a series of roundabouts along Highway 305. You can watch video of the meeting via the City's website.

Next week, the Council will devote its entire meeting to a focused joint workshop with the members of the City's Ethics Board. The workshop will be facilitated by several regional experts who have assisted with others cities' Ethics Programs. The goal is for the Council and Ethics Board members to discuss areas of the City's Ethics Program that could benefit from improved clarity.

On Saturday, please consider attending one of the quarterly City Council ward meetings. Detailed information on the location and times for the North Ward meeting and the Central Ward meeting are below (the South Ward meeting was held earlier this month).

Do you or someone you know have an interest in climate change? Funding for cultural activities in the community? Design review? We need you! There's still time to apply for a position on one of the city's volunteer citizen groups.  These committees assist and advise the City Council on a range of topics. 

The application process is simple-- fill out the online form with your contact information, select the committee you're applying for and upload a resume (if applicable). 

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, April 29. Applicants must be available mid-May to early June for interviews. Terms begin on July 1.

City staff is conducting a one year review of the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update. As part of this process, we'd like to know about your experience. Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey. 

Results will be summarized in an assessment report provided to the Planning Commission and City Council.

If you have any questions about the survey, please send an email to Senior Planner Christy Carr.

Star the survey now. Click here. 

• Please do not bring sharps to this event, which is specifically for collecting unwanted medications only.
• Controlled and non-controlled prescription substances (including over-the-counter substances) will be accepted.
• You may deposit loose pills directly into the disposal box or submit the entire container. If you dispose of the entire container, we encourage you to remove personal information from the prescription label by either removing it or obscuring it with a permanent marker.
• Intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes, or medical waste WILL NOT be accepted.
• All participants must retain possession of their own medication during the surrender process. Law enforcement personnel may not handle the medications at any time.

A joint workshop for the City Council and Ethics Board is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The workshop is designed to help structure the future of the ethics program and how to improve clarity how the program is written and applied. 

The workshop will be facilitated by regional experts who work in this area and have assisted other cities.