Bainbridge Islanders,
There are many things I like about Banbridge Island that make it unique and a wonderful place to live. I have already professed my affection for Bainbridge Island’s blackberries and walking trails. Joining blackberries and trails on my list of what makes Bainbridge Island a great place are our many wineries, distilleries, breweries, and restaurants. The food and beverage scene here is great!
In what other small city can one visit multiple wineries, breweries and distilleries -- all offering premium products at reasonable prices. Same thing for restaurants. Our restaurants, bakeries and ice cream shops offer food ranging from comfort food to unique fusions. I particularly like special tasting dinners offered by our restaurants and wineries. I’ve had the pleasure of attending two in the past two months. One was this week.
COVID disrupted many segments of the economy but perhaps none more so than the food and beverage industry. Many restaurants didn’t survive COVID, and the food and beverage industry is still working through supply chain problems and labor shortages.
The City of Bainbridge is sensitive to and cares about our food and beverage industry. Lodging Tax revenue is strategically allocated to support our local food and beverage outlets (about $350,000 per year). When restaurants raised concerns about the waste reduction ordinance the City Council paid close attention and listened to their concerns. Consequently, the Council is considering changes to the ordinance that maintain the City’s commitment to waste reduction while also acknowledging the difficulties within the restaurant industry.
Yes, I like to eat. I welcome everyone to join me in enjoying our fantastic restaurants and beverage outlets.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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On this week's
City Update
Walla Walla runs aground, changes coming for waste regulations,
ad-hoc steering committee for Winslow Subarea Plan
and Comp Plan Updates, and more!
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Stop by the City's Climate Smart Booth at Saturday's Earth Day Expo! |
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The City’s Climate Smart booth at Saturday’s Earth Day Expo will have fun activities for both kids and adults! Kids can learn about how their everyday actions increase or decrease greenhouse gas emissions with a hands-on game and fun stickers, while adults can sign up for the Climate Smart Challenge. Attendees can also take part in various nature-focused activities, including volunteer opportunities near the park for trail maintenance and invasive species removal. There will also be local food vendors, live music, and even a real-live owl to meet. It will be a hoot!
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National Prescription Drug Take Back April 22 |
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You can help the environment by keeping medications out of our soils and waterways by disposing of medications properly.
Bring your unused, no longer needed, or expired prescription and nonprescription medicines to:
Where? Current Bainbridge Island Police Station (625 Winslow Way E)
When? April 22 from 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Members of the Police Department will be on hand to collect them.
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April Earth Month Activities |
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There are so many activities to be involved with that include, but are not limited to:
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Make Healthy Choices for Your Yard, Family and Environment |
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By choosing lawn care products that are labeled Natural or Organic, you'll reduce harmful chemical exposure to your family, our streams, and seas. Rain washes the pesticides and chemicals from fertilizers off of your yard into nearby streets and storm drains, which is often untreated before going directly into our local creeks and streams. |
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FREE Webinar - Learn how to grow a healthier lawn for your kids and pets
Learn tips for natural lawn care at one of these webinars. Click on any date to register.
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About the events
The West Sound Stormwater Outreach Group (WSSOG) is a multijurisdictional partnership between Kitsap County, the cities of Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Gig Harbor, Port Angeles, Port Orchard and Poulsbo. These agencies work together on improving water quality by reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff, which are a major source of pollution to local waterways and Puget Sound. These webinars and discount program are being jointly coordinated by WSSOG.
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Please Pardon Our Green Dust |
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You may have noticed construction in the City Hall parking lot. As part of the Sustainable Transportation Plan, we are working with Mobility for All to install one public EV charging station (which can service two vehicles) in the lot and make room for an EV car share program coming soon from ZEV co-op! Stay tuned . . . |
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Native planting is underway along the roadway and the northbound bike lane on Eagle Harbor Drive near Windsong Lane. |
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We are Making Sustainable Decisions Everyday |
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As a City, we have made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by signing up for 100% renewable energy through PSE. By participating in their Green Power program, we lowered our carbon footprint and supported renewable energy projects throughout the Northwest. Renewable energy is an essential part of the solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the impacts of climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are naturally replenishing and do not deplete. They also have a lower pollution rate, making them a cleaner and more sustainable option for powering our community. By purchasing renewable energy through PSE, we prioritize sustainable practices and the future of our planet. |
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Derelict Vessel Removal and Recycle Program |
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Abandoned vessels put public safety and marine health at risk. The Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Derelict Vessel Removal Program works diligently to address this problem by removing derelict or abandoned vessels in Washington's waters. This week, an abandoned vessel was removed from Bainbridge waters thanks to the cooperation between our own Police Department and the DNR. |
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For the first time ever, a recovered derelict vessel from Bainbridge waters will be recycled and saved from a landfill! DTG Recycle will shred the fiberglass hull to create an alternative low-carbon fuel that is used to produce cement. This fuel alternative helps manufacturers offset their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint.
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Climate Smart Actions for Earth Month |
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Celebrate Earth Month in April by signing up for the Climate Smart Challenge and completing actions to reduce energy use. This week, “Sign Up for Green Electricity.”
Can’t add solar to your home? No problem! You can still choose green electricity. In fact, it is one of the most important choices you can make. Green electricity is easy to choose, low cost, and immediately removes up to 20% or more of your direct carbon impact. Green electricity typically costs an extra 1 to 2 cents per kWh, generally adding $5-$15 per month to your bill. Learn more about PSE’s pricing and Green Power programs by visiting the PSE website. Check out the “PSE Match” programs for options that don’t require you to install or maintain any equipment, or “PSE Generate” for options to install solar panels on your home.
Earn points and you could win! Everyone who earns at least 10,000 points in the Challenge by the end of May will be entered to win one of five outdoor or indoor composting bins. Learn more about the Challenge and upcoming community events by visiting the City’s website.
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Volunteer for a Citizen Advisory Group |
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Why make it just a week? You can make a difference in the community by volunteering for a Citizen Advisory Group. There are 32 openings to new applicants and existing members who may reapply.
More information and an online application can be found HERE.
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Wed., May 17. Applicants must be available in late May for interviews. Terms begin July 1, 2023.
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Request for Qualifications |
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Calling All Photographers and Videographers |
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Do you have a passion for story telling? A compelling eye? Do you bring fresh ideas and a creative edge? We are seeking qualified candidates to submit Statements of Qualifications (RFQ) for photography and/OR video production services.
The RFQ will be followed by a Request for Proposal for those chosen in the RFQ process where candidates will submit their quotes/rates for services. This is not for direct employment with the City - this is for contract services. You may submit for just photography or video services or both.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on April 25. Key topics include:
- Consider Resolution Establishing a Steering Committee for the Winslow Subarea Plan and the Comprehensive Plan and Appoint Three Councilmembers
- Consider Four Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- 2022 Annual Report and Consider 2023 Annual Work Plan for the Climate Change Advisory Committee
- Proclamations
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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