Bainbridge Islanders,
Well, it is taking longer than we originally thought, but we finally acquired our first zero-emission back-pack blower. In July 2022, we produced a plan to transition the City’s inventory of gas-powered small hand tools into zero-emission electric tools. The City has about 30 small gas-powered hand tools such as leaf blowers, edge trimmers, chain saws, etc. The benefits of using all electric hand tools over gas power is the reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. A study by the California Air Quality Board found in 2020 that emissions from leaf blowers and other small gas-powered engines exceed that of vehicles.
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But, as we began our transition to zero-emission tools for City use in 2022, our timing was bad. We discovered that commercial grade zero-emission hand tools were hard to come by in the post-COVID era. We identified the brand-name product we wanted, and then found out due to supply chain problems, the product was unavailable. We pivoted to a different brand and discovered Husqvarna had an inventory of Electric Backpack Blowers, which we have now acquired.
We are currently using the equipment and conducting a pilot program to learn about battery life expectancy, charging times, charging infrastructure needs, and the impacts on staff time associated with routine tasks. We expect to learn some valuable lessons that will help guide our overall transition efforts.
One of the new backpack blowers will be brought to the City Council meeting next Tuesday. It will give the City Council the chance to touch and inspect our newest piece of equipment. Maybe, if I’m lucky, I’ll get a chance to put it on, too.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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City Update
This week on video:
The Puget Sound Regional Council housing framework,
upcoming events, reusable mug contest, and more!
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City utility crews will begin annual flushing of city water mains in the Winslow and Fletcher Bay areas on Mon., Feb. 27. The City de-chlorinates the flushed water before it is released.
Signs will be posted in neighborhoods prior to flushing. If customers experience low water pressure or discolored water during the work, they are advised to avoid running water or doing laundry for one hour. After one hour has passed, customers should run cold water for approximately five minutes until it's clear.
The City anticipates the annual flushing process will be completed within approximately two months.
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Chilly Hilly this Sunday February 26 |
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The Cascade Bicycle Club's Chilly Hilly happens this Sun., Feb. 26 from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. across the island in a 33 mile loop. More than 5,000 cyclists participate in this annual event.
More information can found on their website HERE.
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Meet the Central Ward Councilmembers March 4 |
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When: March 4 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: City Hall
Who will be there: Councilmembers Schneider and Moriwaki, At-Large Councilmember Hytopoulous, and the City Manager
What:
Council Ward Meetings are an opportunity for community members to meet with the Council members who represent their ward to talk about important topics in the neighborhood and the broader community.
Ward Meetings are intended to be less formal than a Council meeting, so it allows for more of a conversation between community members and Council members.
Central Ward Councilmembers Leslie Schneider and Clarence Moriwaki, and At-Large Councilmember Kirsten Hytopoulos, together with City Manager Blair King, will attend the Central Ward Meeting on March 4 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at City Hall.
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Agate Pass Bridge Inspection Begins February 27 |
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The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), will begin inspecting Agate Pass Bridge this Mon., Feb 27 starting at 8:45 a.m. There will be four days of inspections.
Travelers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes or more as the bridge will be reduced to one lane.
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Earn points in the Climate Smart Challenge and you could win a home composting bin! |
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The City has a goal to sign up 550 households and reduce 200 tons of carbon dioxide by May 31, 2023 with the Climate Smart Challenge. You can help by signing up for the Challenge and completing actions. Everyone who has earned at least 10,000 points in the Challenge by the end of May will be entered in a drawing to win a home composting bin!
Why is composting important? Composting food scraps creates a rich soil additive and keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. A home composting bin will also provide a great place to dispose of the home compostable food service ware used at local food establishments for to-go orders!
Each month, the City will focus on a new Climate Smart topic with supporting events and tips to help you commit to new actions that will help earn you points! Learn more by visiting the City’s Climate Smart website.
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Win a Reusable Mug with Quiz Game |
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Quiz Game:
How well do you know the new Waste Reduction Regulations? Test your knowledge in this fun weekly quiz, and enter to win a chance at one of the reusable mugs the City has purchased from island businesses.
Here's how:
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Watch the City Update video to hear the first question. (hint: you may find this week's answer in last week's City Manager's Report *wink, wink*).
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Email your answer to our Climate Action Outreach Coordinator at hljunggren@bainbridgewa.gov by Wed. March 1 at 9 a.m. Title your email "Quiz Game." Only one submission per person, please.
- A winner will be randomly selected from correctly answered submissions.
- The weekly winner will be announced on the City Update video the following week. Winners can pick up their reusable mug at City Hall.
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Coffee with a Cop - February 27 |
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On Feb. 27, the BIPD will host the first Coffee with a Cop of 2023. Members of the Police Department will be on hand at Pegasus Coffee to answer questions, hear your concerns, or just have a conversation to get to know the officers in our community. No RSVP is necessary.
When: Feb. 27 9 - 11 a.m.
Where: Pegasus Coffee (131 Parfitt Way SW)
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Planning Commission Special Meeting Public Hearing March 16 |
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Poet Laureate Welcoming Reception March 3 - RSVP Tonight! |
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Arts & Humanities Bainbridge and the City of Bainbridge Island invite everyone to a welcome reception to meet the inaugural Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate, Michele Bombardier.
Enjoy light refreshments, conversation and, of course, a poem or two!
When: Fri., March 3, 3 p.m.
Where: City Hall Council Chambers
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Final Event for City's First Community Reads Book |
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Don’t miss the City's BI Reads for Justice's culminating event in collaboration with Seattle Arts & Lectures. Join a livestream watch party at Bainbridge Cinemas on March 13 at 7:00 p.m. Jason Reynolds, co-author of "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You," will be talking about the book from Seattle Arts & Lectures. The event is free but space is limited. Register HERE.
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Call for Artists for Police/Court Facility |
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The City of Bainbridge Island is issuing a Call for Artists to provide art for a building which will serve both as the police station and municipal court. The building is currently under renovation and will be opened in the fall of 2023. All artists, including women and those who identify with a marginalized community, are encouraged to apply.
The artwork should support and reflect the justice and public safety functions of the facility and respond to the City’s values related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Submittals DUE March 3 by 4 p.m. More information HERE.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Feb. 28 Key topics include:
- Public Safety Quarterly Report
- Potential bicycle definition code amendment to include e-bikes.
- Consider police/court facility naming process
- Consider an artistic Winslow welcome pole
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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