City Manager's Report
Bainbridge Islanders,

One of the delightful attributes of Bainbridge Island is its vibrant and organic arts and culture scene. Other communities attempt to artificially enhance its arts and culture, but Bainbridge Island’s arts and culture are woven into the fabric of the community.  Bainbridge Island is fortunate to have the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bainbridge Performing Arts, local musical and choral groups, fine art galleries, abundant displays of public art, the BARN, and art support groups such as Arts and Humanities Bainbridge. Bainbridge’s art credentials are reinforced with recognition by the State of Washington as a Creative District.

The City of Bainbridge also takes part in the creative fabric of the community. At its last Council meeting, the City Council appointed Michele Bombardier as the City’s first Poet Laureate. The City Council provides financial support for public art with an annual allocation to the Public Art Subfund. At the next Council meeting, the City Council will be asked to approve funding for a new Public Art Plan and Policy document. The Public Art Committee, Race Equity Advisory Committee, and City staff are working on public art for the new Police and Court building.

Tonight, is First Friday Art Walk and the last Moonlight Market of the season. This is a great opportunity to enjoy and celebrate Bainbridge Island’s arts scene. I am looking forward to music, food, and the artists all along Winslow Way and at the Town Square just outside City Hall. Perhaps, I’ll see you there.
Best,

Blair King
City Manager
Image from: Moonlight Market
Watch City Update, in the video below, with what's happening in City news this week from City Manager, Blair King.
October 11 Public Hearing Topics for City Council Meeting
Next week’s City Council meeting on Tues., Oct. 11 at 6 p.m., will have three topics open for public comment during the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. 

The first topic is related to a draft ordinance which would provide for an increased bonus density for affordable housing on properties owned or controlled by religious organizations, in accordance with Washington State Code (RCW 36.70A.545) . The public will have the opportunity to give comments on the draft ordinance.

The second and third topics are related to the 2023-2024 biennial budget. City Staff will recap the 2023-2024 biennial budget presented at the last Council Meeting which will then be open to public comment and additional Council direction. The Oct. 11 hearing will be the first of two preliminary budget hearings. The next public hearing and hopeful adoption of the budget will be on Nov. 8 during the City Council meeting. 

The third topic will cover the Property Tax Levy for Collection in 2023.

You can view the City Council agenda HERE.
Public Participation for Proposed Expansion on Commercial Building at 901 Hildebrand on October 13.
There will be a public participation meeting for the Clark Construction Office project proposal at the Oct. 13 Planning Commission meeting at 6 p.m.

The Clark Construction Office project proposes the renovation and expansion of an existing commercial building located at 901 Hildebrand Ln NE (parcel #262502-2-084-2000). At this time the project scope of work includes an expansion of approximately 4,024 square feet to the existing 8,906 square foot building. The work includes, but is not limited to, selective demolition, construction of new non-bearing partitions, finishes, and incidental mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work.

The pre-application file number is PLN52300 PRE.
Bivalent Booster Clinic and COVID-19 Response Update
All appointment slots for tomorrow's (Oct. 8) Bivalent Booster Clinic are currently full. Learn more about where you can receive the booster shot, current COVID-19 response plans, and the incredible current response "by-the-numbers" recap in this week's City Update Video.

Sign up for Nixle alerts to find out about possible upcoming clinics and other island emergency notifications.
Bainbridge Police
Compassionate Emergency Response
Officers recently responded to a call of a lost 7-year-old. The boy was found in a garage by a resident, who contacted police. He had been out swimming when he wandered away from his caregiver. Unable to find him, the caregiver also called 911. The two were quickly reunited.

It is not unusual for young children to explore their surroundings. The responding officers, Sergeant Ben Sias and Officer Blaine Plumeau took great care in responding to this situation. The resident who found the boy reported that the officer's showed great compassion as they worked to identify the boy.

While this instance was quickly resolved, there are occasions where a larger search is necessary. The Bainbridge Island Police Department maintains a search and rescue dog, K-9 Officer Whitney. Whitney is a 4-year-old bloodhound brought in to the department in 2019. She has the ability to track missing persons through our forests. You may have seen Whitney around town with her handler Officer Zach Burnham. Officer Burnham likes to introduce her to young children so they know she is friendly and wont be afraid if she ever needs to come to their rescue.
Climate Smart Bainbridge
Climate Smart Costumes
Did you know? A lot of Halloween costumes are made with oil-based plastic. Producing new costumes every year requires the use of limited resources and leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions.

With a little planning, you can create a unique and climate-friendly Halloween costume this year! 

Here are some tips for creating a climate-friendly costume:
  • Buy used. There are tons of places to find used items. like yard sales, consignment and thrift stores, and online. 
  • DIY. Making your own costume allows you to use items you already own and show off your creativity! You can also enlist the help of friends or family.
  • Swap. Have a costume swap with your friends! This is a fun way to give old costumes new life and wear the amazing costume your friend had before.

Taking steps to reduce plastic waste and create a climate-friendly costume helps use our precious resources wisely, lower our carbon emissions and save money - and you can end up with a one-of-a kind costume!

Thanks for doing your part to create a Climate Smart Bainbridge!
 (photo credit: Treehugger: Sustainability for All)
Project & Other Updates
Police and Court Facility Update
Major seismic upgrades are currently underway. The north wall of the building is being rebuilt for today’s seismic standards appropriate for a public safety building. This will help ensure the facility’s longevity, especially in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster.  

Learn - and see - more updates on the Police and Court Facility in this week's City Update Video.
Winslow Hotel Applicant Discussions
As an alternative to litigation, the City is engaged in on-going mediated discussions with the Winslow Hotel applicants based on the direction of the City Council.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration October 9 & 10
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Bainbridge Island at Bainbridge BARN with learning, conversation, and fun! This event spans two days and registration is required as space is limited.


More information HERE. Bainbridge BARN is located at 8890 Three Tree Ln NE.

City Council Updates
The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Oct. 11 Key topics include:

  • Review and Public Hearing of 2023-2024 Proposed Budget and 2023-2028 CIP
  • Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2022-02 on Increased Density Bonus for Affordable Housing Located on Property Owned by Religious Organizations.
  • Public Hearing on Property Tax

Ways to Watch
  • In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers 

  • Zoom

  • City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts)

  • BKAT (Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE

The public is invited to contact members of the City Council to express concerns, questions and praise. Some council members are holding virtual office hours and others are available to meet upon request.

Please visit the City Council page for more information on individual City Council members.
Important Dates