Bainbridge Islanders,
I cannot tell if we are in a race with other public agencies, but it seems like everyone is trying to get to the same spot as quickly as we can. It seems every agency is working to electrify their fleet of vehicles. My inbox is full of invitations to conferences and meetings to advise people like me how to purchase electric vehicles, how to get the best deals, and which trade show to attend. Despite the automotive industry's best efforts to kill the electric car, as documented in the 2006 movie “Who Killed the Electric Car?,” electric vehicles will be the majority of new vehicles sold within a decade.
Yes, we want to electrify our fleet, but we want to make the transition in a smooth, thoughtful approach. At the last Council meeting, the City Council took an important step towards electrification of the City’s fleet with the approval of a $94,000 contract with a firm MAKERS architecture and urban design and their sub-contractor Art Anderson Associates to prepare a Fleet Electrification Strategy. This strategy will help us plan a cost-effective strategy to replace our fleet, identify the upgrades needed to establish an electric vehicle infrastructure, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The workplan envisions a five-phase implementation strategy spread out over a decade. They will need to assess our charging capacities, look at the needs and demand on our fleet, develop budget and cost projections, and look for outside funding opportunities. This work is scheduled to take about six months. With a good road map, we will be ready to make a successful transition from fossil fuel to electric.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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City Update Video
has the flu and will be back next week.
City Updates and other City films.
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Bainbridge Island's NEW Mayor and Deputy Mayor |
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At this week’s City Council meeting, the Council chose a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the City of Bainbridge Island.
New Mayor: Brenda Fantroy-Johnson
New Deputy Mayor: Jon Quitslund
The City thanks former Mayor Joe Deets and former Deputy Mayor Clarence Moriwaki for their service to the island in these roles.
The City of Bainbridge Island is a non-charter code city with a council-manager form of government. Under the council-manager form of government, the members of the City Council choose a chair from among the Council on a biennial basis. This particular Council has decided to electively rotate a new mayor every year and deputy mayor every six months. The chair chosen by Council has the title of mayor and presides at Council meetings. The mayor continues to have all the rights, privileges, and immunities of a member of the Council and is recognized as the head of the city for ceremonial purposes.
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Picture: Former Mayor, Joe Deets, 'passes the gavel' to
new Mayor Brenda Fantroy-Johnson
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MLK Day Events All Weekend |
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In a proclamation at this week's City Council meeting, Council recognized January 16, 2023 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to promoting peace, freedom, equality, and justice for all through non-violent means. Federal and State legislation recognizes Dr. King’s legacy as one of America’s outstanding civil rights leaders by adopting his birthdate as a national event on the third Monday of January.
Dr. King once said,
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is:
‘What are you doing for others ?’”
Americans across the country will answer that question by coming together to honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities through thousands of service projects and events honoring Dr. King's legacy. Bainbridge Island residents are encouraged to observe the holiday not only by reflecting on this legacy but also by actively serving others. Below are three events on the island to do just that.
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The City of Bainbridge Island's Race Equity Advisory Committee will be a part of two events open to the public at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art this weekend:
“Moved or Be Moved Social Justice Social” - Jan. 13, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
The social will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy with connection, interactive elements, conversation spaces, music, dance and food.
"Intersection of Culture, Identity, & The Dream" - Jan. 15, 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
This youth-led event will examine contemporary impacts of Dr. King’s legacy and its inspiration of a new generation of youth leaders, activists, and artists. The event will feature the Awesome Praise choir (@2:30 p.m.), poetry, dance, oratory presentations, and other community voices.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Blakely Harbor Park on Mon., Jan. 16, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
After a 3-year pandemic hiatus, Bainbridge Island Parks and partners will be back hosting conservation projects for all ages including planting native wildflowers, mulching young plants, and removing invasive species.
Parks staff and community partners will be on hand to share their knowledge of the park and its restoration. More information HERE.
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Preparing for King Tides and Possible Flooding |
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The next King Tide is expected between January 23-25, but that does not mean there will be flooding.
King tides bring unusually high-water levels that can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. Average daily water levels are rising along with the oceans. As a result, high tides are reaching higher and extending further inland than in the past.
Flooding can obstruct access to roadways. If possible, move vehicles to higher ground before the King Tides begin and wash your vehicle down with fresh water after driving through salt water. Elevate anything at home, such as paint cans, automotive supplies, lawn chemicals, etc. that could float away in the water and cause water quality degradation.
Follow these safety precautions:
- Do not walk through flood water if possible. It is a health hazard.
- If you do need to walk through flood waters, follow good hygiene practices and wash your hands, clothes and pets after.
- Do not drive through flooded areas. It is dangerous and can damage your vehicle. Find an alternative route.
- Boaters should be aware that high tides cause lower clearance under bridges - check the tide before leaving the dock.
Preparedness Resources
Sandbags Available
Free sandbags are available at the City Operations & Maintenance Facility – front gate off Hidden Cove. Limit of 10 per household while supplies last.
Additional sandbags are available for purchase at Ace Hardware or online.
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Bleed Control Kits Delivered to School District and Other AED Locations Soon |
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This week, 24 bleeding control kits were delivered to the Bainbridge Island School District in a partnership with Rotary, Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Bainbridge Prepares, and the City. One hundred and eight kits will be distributed all over the island, including most Automated External Defibrillator (AED) locations.
Bleeding control kits are an important emergency response tool for the community to quickly respond to traumatic bleeding injuries. The components of the bleeding control kit are designed to control and stop severe bleeding temporarily until individuals can get to a hospital for additional treatment.
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Bleed control kits contain:
- SamXT Tourniquet
- HyFin Vent Compact Chest Seal
- Emergency Trauma Dressing
- 1”x6” inch sterile gauze pad
- Quikclot Bleeding Control dressing
- Wound-packing Gauze
- Compressed gauze pack
- Trauma Shears 7.25"
- Large Nitrile Responder Gloves (2 pair)
- Permanent marker
- Survival Blanket
Stop the Bleed training sessions will offered throughout the year by the Bainbridge Island Fire Department. Immediate familiarity on how to use these kit components can be accomplished by accessing the Stop The Bleed general curriculum available online HERE.
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Waste Reduction Regulations in Effect |
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Since Jan. 1, all onsite dining must utilize reusable food service ware, all disposable food service ware provided for to-go orders must be home compostable, and all retail food establishments must charge a $0.25 fee for disposable cups.
Have Questions?
Transition Time
To prevent waste, businesses on Bainbridge Island can use up existing food service ware supplies for to-go orders through March 31, 2023 without incurring penalties. Businesses are encouraged to start transitioning to home compostable to-go containers as soon as possible. The $0.25 fee on disposable cups is in effect during this transition time.
Learn more about the new requirements HERE.
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"Getting to 100% Renewable Energy on Bainbridge Island" ETIPP Webinar Now Available to Stream |
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The recording of the Jan. 12 webinar on "Getting to 100% Renewable Energy on Bainbridge Island" is now available on YouTube. The City was selected as one of 12 communities in the country to receive technical assistance as part of the second cohort of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP).
In this webinar, learn more about activities planned in 2023 to analyze the feasibility and associated costs to move the city towards a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2040, and to increase the resilience of our electric systems on the island, per actions outlined in the 2020 Climate Action Plan.
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City Fleet Electrification |
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This week, Council approved a Professional Services Agreement in the amount of $94,775 with MAKERS architecture and urban design LLP for an Electrification Analysis of the City Fleet. This analysis will conduct a comprehensive assessment of electric vehicle options and facility upgrades in order to transition the City fleet to electric vehicles.
The 2020 Climate Action Plan includes goals and recommended actions to increase the use of electrical vehicles including creating the infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles.
MAKERS architecture will develop a comprehensive assessment of City electric vehicle needs and recommend a strategy for a multitiered vehicle purchase and replacement process. This will also include support facilities required, including fueling options for electric vehicles during prolonged power outages. The City facilities that will be evaluated include City Hall, the new Police and Court building, the Public Works Yard, and the Decant Facility on Vincent Road. The Consultant will develop a model that estimates costs to convert to electric fleets through 2035.
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Open House for Eagle Harbor Drive/Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvements - January 25 at 6 p.m. |
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The City received a second federal transportation grant to support the Eagle Harbor Dr / Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvement Project in the amount of $777,000.
On Wed., Jan. 25 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., the Public Works Department will be hosting an in-person open house at City Hall to discuss and solicit feedback on the design of the Eagle Harbor Drive/Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvements Project. All are welcome and invited to attend.
Meeting attendees will learn about the project scope, schedule, budget, and will have an opportunity to provide input to the Department on prioritizing project improvements and facility types.
Staff will report back to the City Council on Feb. 14 with a recommendation for moving forward on a design after receiving this feedback.
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Winslow Subarea Plan Update |
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The City has begun work on updating the Winslow Subarea Plan. A subarea plan sets land use and transportation policy within a specific geographic region of the community.
The current Winslow Subarea Plan includes sections on housing, open space and trails, public facilities, transportation, utilities, and capital facilities – most of which will be updated through this effort.
How to Stay Informed
Information and updates will be added to the project website throughout the year. Sign up to be notified via text or email about Winslow Subarea Plan project meetings and updates.
How to Be Involved
There will be three public meetings for this planning effort beginning in February. These are great opportunities to catch up on the project and weigh in with your feedback.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Jan. 24 Key topics include:
- Presentation and Results of National Community Survey
- Presentation on Housing Action Plan Framework - Principles, Strategies, and Actions
- Update on Climate-Related Flooding Impacts on Public Infrastructure
- Public Safety Quarterly Report to Council
- Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-03 Relating to Island-Wide Speed Limits
- Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2022-25 Relating to the Moratorium on Inns in Neighborhood Centers
Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers
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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.
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