Bainbridge Islanders,
Bainbridge Island has joined a coalition of 13 public agencies from Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties to work towards the development of the Olympic Discovery Trail and Sound to Olympics Trail, which is the western end of the Great American Rail-Trail. This week, a $16,130,00 grant request was submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. Of this amount, 1.7 million is targeted for design of the Sound to Olympics Trail in the City of Bainbridge Island. We expect to hear whether the grant application will be successful before the end of June.
Getting 13 different agencies together for a common project is not easy. It’s very hard. At one time during the development of the grant application, it appeared that everything might fall apart due to the lack of a lead-applicant. Thankfully, and gratefully, the City of Port Angeles agreed to be the lead applicant. The City of Bainbridge Island is a co-applicant. Other co-applicants include the Washington Department of Transportation, two tribal governments, three counties, five cities, and one port.
What made this application possible was the work of three non-profit organizations, Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, Peninsula Trails Coalition and North Kitsap Trails Association. These three organizations invested private funds to develop the large and complicated grant package. I want to extend a big thank you to the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation for their financial support and leadership to produce an exceptional grant application.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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City Update
This week on video:
New speed limits, naming the police/court facility,
last reusable mug contest question, and more!
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Winslow Subarea Plan Update, Public Input Needed |
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The City is updating the existing Winslow Subarea Plan and needs input from all who live, work and play in Winslow. Everyone's voice matters. Take the community survey and comment on scoping for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by March 8 at 4 p.m. This is just the beginning of engagement opportunities.
The Winslow Subarea Plan Update will address changes needed to accommodate population and employment growth anticipated through 2044. The updated subarea plan will provide long-range goals and policies to form a framework for future development as well as specific goals and policies for land use, housing, transportation, and utilities.
There will be many opportunities of engagement including the first step of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping. The EIS process is key to identifying public issues, establishing communication lines, and facilitating public involvement. Early involvement and understanding of the public’s needs as the process proceeds is ideal.
Learn more about the Winslow Subarea Plan Update HERE.
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Some Speed Limits Changing |
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Some Bainbridge Island speed limits have changed to implement the recommendations of the Sustainable Transportation Plan (STP) and for consistency along specific corridors and pedestrian safety. The STP was developed with significant input from a resident steering group.
On Jan. 24, City Council held a public hearing on Ordinance 2023-03 to adjust speed limits. The ordinance passed at the end of the hearing.
Some secondary arterials and collector roads have reduced by 5 mph at the beginning of this month. Marked local access streets will change from 25 to 20 mph this summer. Unmarked local access streets have already changed from 25 to 20 mph effective Feb. 8 per the ordinance.
More information can be found HERE.
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Naming the New Police/Court Building |
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This week, City Council approved a naming process for the new Police Department and Municipal Court Building at 8804 Madison Avenue which will open in the fall of 2023. The naming process was developed with significant input from the Race Equity Advisory Committee. The process invites public input and suggestions that will be reviewed by a temporary ad-hoc naming committee who will narrow down the top finalists for Council to review and decide on.
Naming Criteria:
- The name may not already exist on another public property.
- The name may be a defining feature of the Island.
- The name may be based on community significance.
- The name may be based on historical significance.
- The name may be a deceased individual who has made significant community contribution.
- The name or acronym may not be profane, or frivolous.
Submit ideas online or in person at City Hall and share why the nomination should be chosen.
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March is American Red Cross Month |
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This week, City Council adopted a proclamation declaring March as the American Red Cross Month on Bainbridge Island. This month celebrates the humanitarian spirit of Bainbridge Island and reaffirms the commitment to help ensure no one faces a crisis alone. Caring for one another is at the heart of community and is exemplified by the people of Bainbridge Island, whose simple acts of kindness through the Red Cross provide help and hope in people’s most difficult moments. |
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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, allowing 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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Be Notified When City Jobs Post |
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Sign up to receive email notifications when employment opportunities at the City come up. This is the quickest way to know when jobs are posted. Sign up now so you’ll be in the know when the following positions are advertised in the next few months:
- Seasonal Maintenance Worker
- Project Manager
- Administrative Specialist
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Eat Green and Waste Less this March |
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A different Climate Smart topic will be highlighted each month as part of the City’s 2023 push to get at least 550 island households signed up and completing actions in the Climate Smart Challenge. In March, Islanders are encouraged to complete “Eat Green and Waste Less” actions in the Challenge.
Did you know? Cattle and sheep release a very powerful greenhouse gas called methane as part of their digestive process. Methane is over 30 times more powerful (and harmful) than our most common climate pollutant, carbon dioxide.
You can help reduce climate pollution and earn points by completing the “Eat Lower Down the Carbon Chain” action in the Challenge. By replacing a beef or lamb meal with low impact protein sources for a family of four once a week, emissions can be reduced by an equivalent to nearly 1,500 car miles! Talk to friends and family for new recipe ideas substituting beef or lamb. Try each new idea!
Everyone who earns at least 10,000 points in the Challenge by the end of May will be entered to win one of five home composting bins. Learn more about the Challenge and upcoming community events by visiting the City’s website.
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New Climate Smart Leader - Mike Cox |
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Say hello to the newest Climate Smart Leader, Mike Cox! Many on the island know Mike and his Climate Smart work. Mike has organized a Climate Smart Team with the Cedars Unitarian/Universalist Church. He facilitates monthly meetings that share tips on climate change and creates space to learn from one another. Mike also helped form a Climate Smart group with members from the Rotary Club of Bainbridge and has participated in several presentations and volunteer opportunities related to the Climate Smart Challenge!
When asked why reducing greenhouse gas emissions was important to him, Mike said, “because when my children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren ask, ‘What were you thinking? You knew this was a problem and you decided to put your head in the sand,' I will be able to say, 'I tried.'"
Thank you, Mike, for all your hard work to create a Climate Smart Bainbridge!
Do you know a Climate Smart Leader? Submit a nomination today!
The Climate Smart Leader program celebrates and promotes individuals and groups that are active in the Climate Smart Challenge and taking the lead on climate action in our community. Leaders can be nominated by themselves or others. Please fill out a short nomination form.
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LAST WEEK to 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 on the website under Zero Waste *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 last week's winner will be announced on the City Update video the following week. The winner can pick up their reusable mug at City Hall.
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(The first week's winner Frederick Sciulli and the second week's winner, Kim Crosser) |
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COBI Chats on Waste Regulations March 22 |
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The City is offering monthly “COBI Chats on Waste Regulations” to connect with local businesses impacted by the 2023 waste reduction regulations. Local food and lodging businesses can talk with City staff in an informal setting to address questions or concerns associated with implementation of the new waste reduction regulations. Snacks will be provided.
When: Wed., March 22 from 3 - 4 p.m.
Where: Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, 147 Madrone Ln N
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Prevention Tips to Deter Property Crime |
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The BIPD has seen a 70% increase in property crimes since before the COVID-19 Pandemic. Theft of property from mailboxes, delivered packages and car prowls, followed by damage to property and vandalism topped the list.
The most significant increase occurred with stolen vehicles. In a typical year, about ten vehicles are stolen. There were 32 stolen on the island in 2022.
The increasing trend in property crime is not isolated to Bainbridge Island. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, there has been a 92% increase in vehicle theft in Washington since 2019.
Many of these crimes are crimes of opportunity. Reduce as much of the opportunity as possible.
Police Chief Joe Clark offers these prevention tips:
- Remove or hide valuables in your car.
- Lock your doors and remove keys from your car.
- Use anti-theft devices, especially on older vehicles.
- Pick up mail daily and stop delivery when you will be away.
- Consider a locked mailbox.
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Waterfront Park Bathroom Temporarily Closes March 8 |
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The Waterfront Park bathroom and shower facility will be closed beginning Wed., March 8. The closure will last through the middle of April.
The shower facility will be retrofitted with an epoxy coating and new exhaust fan. Additional work includes exterior cleaning, painting and re-coating all steel doors and vents.
Sani-cans will be provided for public use and will be located at the top of the boat launch roundabout.
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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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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on March 14. Key topics include:
- City Council appointments to Police and Municipal Court Building Naming Advisory Committee
- Review 2022 Year-End balance and provide direction for the disposition or expenditure of remaining funds.
- Update on Sound to Olympics (STO) Trail Study Corridor
- Budget request workplan for Race Equity Advisory Committee
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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