City Manager's Report
Dear Bainbridge Islanders,
Dear Bainbridge Islanders:

We can mark another Friday knowing that we have met the most important goal for the past week: the rate of transmission and incidence of COVID-19 in our community has stabilized for now. We have relatively few confirmed cases on Bainbridge Island (10 total since March 1), although there are certainly many others who have been or are sick, but are not officially reported.

We are very grateful to have no deaths from COVID-19 reported yet within Kitsap County. However, we are now entering a period of time when each of us will know someone, in Washington state or elsewhere, who faces serious health risks from this virus. While the economic and social impacts from current events are real and significant, please keep in mind the fundamental goals we are working towards: to keep one another safe and healthy.

Our commitment to social distancing is the most important thing we can each contribute over the next few weeks. Please continue to embrace and respect the current restrictions as these are the keys to our community health, and therefore our quickest path towards recovery. It will likely be several weeks before these restrictions are eased. Please do your best to make this time as positive and safe as possible, both for yourself and your neighbors.

Throughout April, the City will continue to keep you updated on the latest news and guidance, how you can assist other islanders, and how to seek help if you are in need. To make sure you receive this information, please make sure to sign up for Nixle alerts and the weekly City Manager's Report, and review the City’s COVID-19 webpage.

Next Tuesday, April 7, the City Council will hold a virtual meeting to receive a briefing on COVID-19 response efforts.

For more information on format for the April 7 Council, and other topics, please see below.

Best wishes,

Morgan Smith
City Manager
COVID-19 Updates
Gov. Inslee extends stay-at-home order
Gov. Jay Inslee has extended the ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order until May 4. He is requesting all Washington residents stay home to reduce physical interaction to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Public gatherings remain banned and non-essential businesses may reopen May 5. To learn what is considered an essential service, read the statewide order here.

The Governor’s office has provided guidance for businesses that want to request inclusion and individuals who want to report suspected violations of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
Status of City operations
City Hall and the Police Station will remain closed to walk-in services until May 4 in alignment with Gov. Jay Inslee’s ’Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. Staff will continue to provide City services through electronic submittals, email and phone throughout the duration of the order. 

At this time, the Municipal Court will remain closed to the public through at least April 24.

Learn more about the status of City operations here.
Update on Emergency Operations Center (EOC) response
This week, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received additional resource requests from community partners and businesses that provide essential services during the COVID-19 crisis, including Walgreens, the BI Senior Community Center, Bainbridge Island Health and Rehabilitation, Willowtree Market and Island Volunteer Caregivers. Many of the requests included hand sanitizer, face shields and N95 respirators.

Bainbridge Prepares volunteers will continue to accept protective equipment donations next week 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday outside of City Hall. Get details on the donation requests here.

Thank you to those who already made generous donations to support our island's first responders, health care workers, and essential service workers!
Local distilleries make hand sanitizer to help during COVID-19 pandemic
With hand sanitizer difficult to find due to current demand, local distilleries (Highside Distilling and Bainbridge Organic Distillers) have paused their spirit operations to help with the production of hand sanitizer. The distilleries delivered five gallons this week to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to assist first responders, health care workers and essential services in our community.

“Like many of our other friends in the distilling community, we made the decision to transition our stills from making gin, whiskey, and amari into making hand sanitizer to help do our part during this COVID-19 pandemic,” the Highside Distilling team wrote in a post on its Facebook page.

If you or your organization needs hand sanitizer, please contact Highside Distilling directly at info@highsidedistilling.com. Learn more here.

Bainbridge Organic Distillers Proprietor Keith Barnes said by email that his company will distribute free 2 oz. personal-sized bottles at Safeway and T&C next week to support essential service workers. Bainbridge Organic Distillers is on track to produce 100-125 gallons per week. The cost per 5-gallon bucket is $150, which follows the guidance of the Washington State Department of Health.

If Bainbridge Organic Distillers produces a surplus of hand sanitizer, then it will be made available to the public.

The Bainbridge Organic Distillers tasting room is currently closed, but the company is taking online sales through its website. Learn more here.
Governor calls on companies to make safety equipment
Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection-control products to support first responders and health care workers, Gov. Jay Inslee urged Washington manufacturers this week to seriously consider retooling their factories to help.

A list of needed products and how companies can assist is on the state coronavirus website. 
Bainbridge parks visitors encouraged to recreate responsibly -- walk, ride or roll
We all want to get out and enjoy our Bainbridge Island parks during Gov. Jay Inslee’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order, but if we can’t do it in a way that follows the rules and supports social distancing guidelines, then Bainbridge parks may close for all recreation. We continue to request that you please do not drive your car to a park on the island – visitors are welcome by walking, riding or rolling!

Police officers are issuing warning tickets to anyone whose vehicle is blocking the entrance to a park and/or parked in an area not designated for parking (e.g. along the street), but we’d prefer to not have to do this. People who bring their cars to parks are putting these first responders at risk by causing officers to interact more often with the public to ensure people are following the rules.

We understand the inconvenience and that not everyone will have easy access to parks, but the decision was made to close all Bainbridge parks to vehicle access to minimize large gatherings. The closure to vehicles aligns with decisions made in communities across our region, and with the request from Gov. Inslee for Washingtonians to minimize travel and non-essential activities as much as possible. In the days leading up to this decision, Park District staff observed large gatherings, overflowing parking lots and people not following the social distancing guidelines established by health professionals. We are committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and hope that our community will respect the temporary changes put in place.

The park changes will remain in place throughout the duration of the Governor’s ’Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order.

Please remember: if you take a car, the park is too far! Recreate responsibly. Walk, ride or roll from home.
BISD to continue lunch program
The Bainbridge Island School District will continue offering Grab & Go Meals for free for Bainbridge Island youth. For details, including meal distribution times and menus, visit:  https://bit.ly/2JCk6O9
Farmers Market opening delayed
The organizers of the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market have postponed the opening of the 2020 Farmers Market.

P lease follow the Farmers Market website for updates.
Rotary Club cancels 2020 Rotary Auction & Rummage sale
The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island has canceled the 2020 Rotary Auction & Rummage sale.

A message on the Rotary Club website reads in part:

"Given the wealth of questions about how this public health crisis will evolve over the coming weeks and months, it is with sadness that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale. This was a painful decision, but the health and safety of all who participate is paramount. Each year, more than 1,500 volunteers contribute many thousands of volunteer hours to make our unique annual community tradition a success. This work begins in earnest early each spring, which means that the decision to protect our community members cannot be deferred."

Read the full message here.
Ferry, bus services temporarily reduced
Washington State Ferries has temporarily reduced service on the Seattle/Bainbridge route due to significant declines in ridership. The reductions are tentatively scheduled to last through April 25.

The following schedule changes are in effect:

  • The route is on a one-boat reduced service schedule, instead of its usual two-boat service.
  • The weekday 12:55 a.m. departure from Bainbridge and the 1:35 a.m. departure from Seattle are canceled.
  • The weekend 1:25 a.m. departure from Bainbridge, and the 2:10 a.m. departure from Seattle are canceled.

Get more information about WSF service adjustments here.

On Wednesday, April 1, Kitsap Transit temporarily reduced bus services. Some of the routes that serve Bainbridge are suspended or have adjusted hours. Get the reduced service schedule here.
Kitsap Public Health update
As of Thursday, April 2, Kitsap Public Helath reports 83 positive COVID-19 cases in Kitsap County (including 10 on Bainbridge Island).

Click here for the latest COVID-19 test results and health information from Kitsap Public Health.

Kitsap Public Health posted a factsheet on its website explaining how COVID-19 cases are investigated and why limited details are released for each case (scroll to the bottom of the "Kitsap County COVID-19 Data" tab).
Kitsap County Treasurer's Office
The Kitsap County Treasurer’s Office encourages property owners who are financially able to pay first half or full year property taxes early to fund essential services needed now and, in the months, to come. Property taxes fund essential services in state and local government, including cities, counties, public health, schools, fire districts, ports, hospital and other districts.

Kitsap County will temporarily extend the property tax deadline for residential and commercial taxpayers to May 31, 2020. Read the full update here.

Click here to learn more about the 2020 property tax distribution among jurisdictions on Bainbridge Island.
Volunteer Spotlight
The Emergency Operations Center and community efforts would not be possible without the help of all the Bainbridge Prepares volunteers. We'd like to recognize Tom Goodham this week who has been going above and beyond accepting and organizing your generous donations of safety equipment.

Name: Thomas Goodham (Founder and President of Trinity Bamboo)

Volunteer Title: My jacket says “Donations Management”

Duties during COVID-19 pandemic: I manage the intake, documentation, and disbursement of donations to medical professionals and the business community on Bainbridge Island.

What inspires you to help? Our first responders are putting their lives on the line every day --- volunteering to help is the least I can do.

Advice for others during this crisis? Share what you have, and spread kindness wherever you go!
Looking for something to do? Pick up litter
If you're looking for outdoor solo activities to pass the time during the stay-at-home order, how about picking up roadside litter? Bainbridge Disposal and BI Zero Waste will make it even easier for you.

Bainbridge Disposal has received a limited supply of Kitsap County trash bags. The bags are available during the weekday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and they're located on the patio of the Bainbridge Disposal office at 9423 NE Business Park Lane. Please take only what you need. Once the bag is full of litter, set it beside any curbside trash can (get permission if it's not your can) for free pick-up on trash day.

BI Zero Waste, a program of Sustainable Bainbridge, is offering to lend its grabbers for the duration of the home-stay period. Contact bizerowaste@sustainablebainbridge.org to request to borrow them.

Diane Landry of BI Zero Waste contributed to this story.
10 tips for staying fit while staying home
We reached out to Bainbridge Island fitness expert Maggie Miller for some advice on staying fit while staying home. See her tips below.

  • Create a designated space in your home for workouts- anywhere with enough room to put a mat or towel on the floor.

  • Set a schedule. Planning to workout at the same time each day will help you stay consistent.

  • If you have not been working out lately, start with exercising for a few minutes a day. This will enhance your success rate, which will keep you motivated.

  • Remember to listen to your body. Avoid any exercises that cause discomfort around your joints. Muscle burn is good, whereas joint pain is harmful.

  • Warm up for 3-5 minutes to prepare your body for exercise. Use easy movements such as marching in place, side steps and squats.

  • If you cannot get outside for aerobic exercise, you can do intervals of intense full body moves at home for 20-60 seconds. Put on your favorite music and march or jog in place, do jumping jacks, mountain climbers, or burpees or jump rope. Beginners perform each move for 20 seconds and rest for 40-60 seconds. If you are already fit, work for 30-60 seconds and rest for 30-60 seconds, Repeat each of the moves that you select two or more times for a total of at least 10 minutes counting the rest periods.

  • Be creative. If you don't have weights available, use a full jug of laundry detergent instead of a kettle bell. Filled water bottles can be used instead of lighter weights.

  • Use household props to make an exercise harder or easier. If you can't do a push-up, you can place your hands on a wall or the seat of a sofa to make it easier. To make it more difficult, put your feet on a step. A step can also be used to do dips or step-ups.  

  • Make sure to reserve some time to stretch at the end of your workout. Muscles that are worked need to be stretched to avoid becoming tight. A good source for information is the book Stretching by Bob Anderson.

  • You can find more workout suggestions by searching “home exercise tips” on YouTube.  

Maggie Miller is a physical therapist with Kitsap Physical Therapy and a fitness specialist at Bainbridge Athletic Club.
City Council Updates
City Council to hold virtual meeting next week for update on COVID-19 response
The City Council will hold a virtual meeting next Tuesday, April 7 to get an update on the City's COVID-19 response from City Manager Morgan Smith and Emergency Management Coordinator Anne LeSage.

The Council will use the virtual, Zoom meeting platform to align with Gov. Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order to limit in-person contact.

The meeting will start at 5:00 p.m. with all Council and public attendance on the internet or phone connections. Public comment will not be accepted during the meeting. As is always the case, written comment can be submitted at any time via email to council@bainbridgewa.gov.

The public will still be able to watch the meeting through the City's usual platforms:
  • City livestream: please visit the City Council agenda page here (click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts.
  • Watch the live broadcast on Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) (Ch. 12 on Comcast & Ch. 3 on WAVE).

For members of the public who do not wish to join the meeting via the BKAT broadcast or the City's website livestream, another option will be to call in to the Zoom meeting as a participant. For this meeting, members of the public who participate via Zoom will be allowed to listen but not participate/comment. The details for how members of the public can access the Zoom meeting will be available in the April 7 City Council agenda when it's published.

On March 24, Gov. Jay Inslee issued an order modifying, suspending, and waiving provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and Public Records Act (PRA) to limit in-person contact and address other issues related to the COVID-19 situation.

Under the Governor’s order, City Council meetings can only occur remotely (i.e., not in person), and can only address matters that are necessary and routine or are necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and the current public health emergency.
City Council seeking applicants to fill south ward vacancy
As of Wednesday, April 1, the City has not received any applications for the City Council south ward vacancy.

Bainbridge Island residents have until 4 p.m. Friday, April 17 to apply to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Matthew Tirman.

Residents interested in applying for the Council vacancy must have lived in the City of Bainbridge Island for at least one year as of March 17, 2020, must currently live in the south ward, and be registered to vote. Click here to view the ward map on the City’s website to confirm your residence is in the south ward.

Application forms are available at City Hall, located at 280 Madison Avenue North, or on the City’s website.

The term of the vacated position will begin once a candidate is appointed by a majority vote of the Council and will expire after the results of the November 2021 general election are certified.

For more information on the Council vacancy, please contact City Clerk Christine Brown at 206.780.8618 or cityclerk@bainbridgewa.gov.
Stay Connected
Contact Information

280 Madison Avenue North
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone: 206-842-7633