Bainbridge Islanders,
Have you checked out the cost of an ultraviolet (UV) light bulb lately? They are really expensive. We have 48 UV light bulbs in our Wedeco-Xylem disinfection system at the Winslow Wastewater Treatment Plant. This disinfection system is the last step in treating effluent before it is discharged. The treated effluent is passed under UV light to kill and destroy contaminants and microorganisms. It is more effective than the historic use of chemicals such as chlorine, and it is safer too. When the water passes under the blue/green UV light, it is crystal clear. If you forget for a moment where you are, the sight of the blue/green light and clear water is lovely. Each UV bulb costs $170, but when the costs of all the appurtenances are added, the cost is $950 per unit-- expensive, and you can’t buy them at Ace.
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Our Winslow Wastewater Treatment Plant serves approximately 2,500 connections. The UV disinfection system is a critical component. But it has an unexplained fault in the system. A gremlin has taken up residence. If there is a power surge the UV disinfection system goes offline and must be restarted manually. If the power goes off completely, the back-up systems kicks in with no problems. But, for power surges and hiccups, the system goes off and doesn’t come back up automatically. This is a pain for a system that is nearly fully operational remotely. Someone needs to be at the plant to turn the UV lights back on.
The City Council just approved a $735,490 contract to begin the design to upgrade the Winslow Plant. The plant will be upgraded on site without an expansion of real estate. Yes, fixing the UV disinfection system is part of the scope of work. The construction is scheduled to occur in 2025.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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On this week's
City Update
Progress on EV charging at City Hall,
Eagle Harbor non-motorized improvements,
big Finance Department awards,
WA state composting law, and more!
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Eagle Harbor Non-Motorized Improvements Open House -
THIS Monday!
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Police/Court Building Name Finalists |
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We received 58 eligible name submissions for the new Police/Court facility from public submissions.
The City Council appointed Ad Hoc Naming Committee held a set of meetings to narrow down the list to top finalists for City Council review and consider at the June 13 Regular Business Meeting.
The current top candidates are:
- Bainbridge Island Municipal Building - or - Bainbridge Island Police and Court Building
- Community Justice Center
- Madison Ave Justice Center
- Safety and Justice Center
- Ted Spearman Justice Center - or - Ted Spearman Police and Court Center
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The US Department of Energy’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Program (ETIPP) recently held a meeting of communities across the country with City staff in attendance. Communities shared their ETIPP projects and met with regional partners, national lab staff and U.S. Department of Energy management to provide programmatic feedback and strategy development.
We are working with the ETIPP program and various organizations on the island to analyze the feasibility and associated costs of renewable energy options to move the City towards our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2040, and to increase the resilience of our electric systems on the island per our Climate Action Plan.
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May 11 Webinar Specifically for BI residents with PSE |
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Interested in how you could get paid $75 a year and save up to 15% on your heating and cooling bill for installing a smart thermostat in your home?
Join PSE for a brief webinar on May 11 to learn more about a new program specifically for Island residents!
When?
Thurs., May 11 from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Where?
What?
Learn more about the demand response pilot program, Peak Energy Rewards (specifically for Bainbridge Island), and key actions to reduce home energy use. The program uses smart technology to help meet our community’s energy demand in an effort to address electric capacity needs on the island.
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Climate Smart Actions for May |
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As part of the City’s Climate Smart Challenge, we’re calling on Islanders to complete “Shift Your Ride” actions in the month of May. If you’re looking for an action that will make a BIG impact, consider buying or leasing an electric vehicle (EV)!
Switching from a gas car to an EV is one of the biggest single actions you can take to lower your climate impact, save money and reduce pollution to create a safer, healthier community.
EVs save the average driver $800-$1,000 or more per year just in fuel costs. EVs don’t have a gas engine, so there are no oil changes, spark plugs or transmission service, which generally adds another $200+ in annual savings on maintenance. You can help reduce climate pollution and earn points in the Challenge by completing the “Buy or Lease an Electric Vehicle” action.
Everyone who completes actions and 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.
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Opportunities and Announcements |
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Call to Artists - "Something New" |
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We, with our Public Art Committee and Arts and Humanities Bainbridge, announce the sixth annual “Something New” art program. The Something New program is a dynamic public art experience as well as an ongoing opportunity for sculptors to exhibit their work. The exhibit places sculptures in five outdoor locations in downtown Winslow. The five locations are located inside the boundaries of the newly designated Bainbridge Creative District.
Submittal deadline is May 19, 2023 for a one-year display agreement from roughly Aug. 2023 – July 2024.
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Volunteer for a City Advisory Group - Due May 17 |
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You can make a difference in the community by volunteering for a City 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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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on May 9. Key topics include:
- Review City Sign Ordinance
- Provide Direction and Definition of Inns in Neighborhood Centers
- Discuss Carbon Offset Options for Police/Court Facility
- Introduce Ordinance No. 2023-16 Relating to Water and Sewer Utility Rate Adjustments
- Proclamations
Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers
-
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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