Bainbridge Islanders,
In just a few weeks, the 2022 calendar year will be concluded. Next Tuesday will be the City Council’s last regular meeting of the year. At this meeting, we will take some time to review the City Council’s 2022 accomplishments. Reviewing accomplishments is an important step to reinforce group success. This is particularly true for a City Council. It is difficult serving on the City Council. Decisions are made as a collective. Deliberation occurs in public. The Council is constantly under a watchful eye. It is easy to focus on the negative and what has not been accomplished.
I am always surprised at how much is accomplished in a short twelve-month period. Just a small sampling of City Council’s achievements include: breaking ground and commencing construction on the new Police Station and Court facility, approving additional maintenance personnel, approving a new equity and inclusion manager, naming a Poet Laureate, approving the commencement of design for the Madison Avenue Bundled Improvement Project, advancing the Sound to Olympics Trail, addressing difficult land use decisions, and many more.
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As we close 2022 and welcome 2023, please note the new 2023 Waste Reduction Ordinance will become effective January 1. One of the provisions of the new ordinance is the use of reusable beverage containers. To help encourage using reusable beverage containers and for some fun, we describe the “Show Us Your Mug” campaign in the Weekly Update. Take a picture of you and your favorite reusable mug, cup, bottle or tumbler and post it on Facebook or other social media with #ClimateSmartBainbridge so we can see your mug and encourage each other.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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On this week's
City Update
National emergency management award,
doorstep package theft, winter weather roads update,
and more!
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Bainbridge Island Practiced Talking About Race |
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On Mon. Dec. 5, BI Reads for Justice held their second event “Let’s Practice Talking About Race” at the Bainbridge Public Library. Over 70 people joined in practicing Living Room Conversations, a guided conversation that practices communicating across differences while building understanding.
Thank you to everyone who came out and spoke about how their experiences around race have impacted their life.
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The community is invited to read the first book in the BI Reads program, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.
Stay tuned for additional events. Questions? Reach out to: bireadsforjustice@gmail.com.
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Holiday Boats on Saturday |
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On Sat., Dec. 10 at 5 p.m., the Bainbridge Island Police Department’s Marine 8 will be out on the water strung with holiday lights in an informal and fun holiday boat and ship parade. Several of the island’s boats will be parading around the Eagle Harbor with all their holiday lights and music. |
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Chief Clark's Tips on Preventing Doorstep Delivery Theft |
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The holiday season brings great opportunities to spend time with our family and friends. Unfortunately, it also brings opportunities for theft.
"I hope these tips will help prevent theft this holiday season and year-round." - Chief Clark
If you have additional questions, contact the BIPD at 206-842-5211.
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During this holiday season, please keep these tips in mind:
- Track your packages. Make arrangements to have packages picked up if you won’t be home to receive them. Consider alternatives such as a drop box or parcel service.
- Check your mailbox regularly. Mail is particularly vulnerable and attractive with the increasing popularity of gift cards. Keep track of gift card numbers. You may be able to cancel them if stolen. Avoid sending cash in the mail. Register for the US Postal Service’s Informed Delivery to receive notifications of mail and packages scheduled to be delivered to your home.
- When shopping online, use known sites. Consider using payment options that offer protection for buyers such as credit cards or third-party payment services. Use the City’s Community Exchange Zone at the police station when buying or selling items.
- When traveling, have a friend check on your home. Set timers to activate interior and exterior lights during evening hours. You can request a Vacation House Check from the police department during your absence.
- Lock your car and remove any valuables. If you are not able to remove items, such as when shopping, keep them out of sight. Secure items in the trunk of the vehicle if equipped. Many SUVs have screens available to shield the cargo area from unwanted eyes.
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Now Available! 2022 Annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report |
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Check out the City's first annual progress report on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. This report focuses on key City activities completed since approval of the Climate Action Plan in November 2020.
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Vendor Fair for Waste Reduction Requirements December 12 |
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Learn more about the new 2023 Waste Reduction Requirements and compliant products for businesses at the City's sponsored Vendor Fair on Dec. 12 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at City Hall. The fair is open to the public.
NEW: "How to Compost Home-Compostable Containers" presentation at 1:30 p.m. (during the fair) by John Barutt and Ann Lovejoy.
Residents and local food and lodging businesses can talk with City staff and vendors that provide home compostable products. Vendors will have samples of compliant products and can answer questions about unique product needs, pricing, and availability for local businesses.
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The $0.25 fee to customers on disposable cups at retail food establishments will be retained by businesses to help offset part of the cost of the disposable cup and incentivize customers to bring their own reusable cups to reduce waste. Charges for disposable cups need to be clearly communicated to customers presale and identified separately on any provided post-sale receipt. More information can be found on our website.
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New Climate Smart Business Leaders! |
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Please join us in celebrating three new Climate Smart Bainbridge Businesses that have voluntarily pledged to “Erase the Waste” in advance of new waste reduction regulations taking effect in 2023:
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Quality Inn & Suites: pledged to offer personal care products in bulk dispensers
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Cups Espresso & Cafe: pledged to use reusable dishes for onsite dining, use home compostable containers for takeout orders, not offer plastic straws or utensils, provide an incentive/discount to customers who bring their own reusable cups, and provide condiments in bulk dispensers.
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SuBI Japanese Restaurant: pledged to use reusable dishes for onsite dining.
See the City website for a complete list of businesses that completed the Erase the Waste pledge. Customers can help support local businesses and promote a Climate Smart Bainbridge by looking for the window decal below and pledging to reduce their use of single-use plastics as well.
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Project and Other Updates |
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Police Station and Court Facility Progress Update |
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The new addition subfloor and framing is underway on the newly completed foundation and footings at the west end of the building. The addition is on the site of a previous staircase and will now support new stairs and offices. The building’s interior structural reinforcement is nearing completion (see the the contractor hoisting a large steel I-beam through the side of the building to be set on column supports in the picture below). Once structural reinforcement and the west addition are complete, framing for new interior walls will begin. |
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Landscape Improvements South of Eagle Harbor |
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The City is seeking landscape and irrigation contractors for three bundled landscape projects (Rockaway Beach Road/Eagle Harbor Phase II/Halls Hill Road Revegetation) south of Eagle Harbor. The projects will address roadside, shoreline, and steep slope revegetation by planting native shrubs, plants, trees, and performing invasive weed removal.
The Rockaway Beach Road location is the site of a landslide and road embankment repair undertaken by the City in 2013. The site includes a large geosynthetic retaining wall in need of replanting. The project aims to revive the slope vegetation and provide lasting plant cover.
Parts of Eagle Harbor Drive will be replanted to provide better visual separation with the bike lanes and edge of the road.
Within the City’s slope buffer between Halls Hill Road and Southern Cross Road, the project will remove invasive plants and replant the area with native plant species. The re-establishment of a thriving buffer will serve to better retain stormwater and ensure the slope remains stable.
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WSDOT Fish Barrier Removal Work Continues on SR 305 |
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Construction continues on SR 305 for WSDOT work related to the fish barrier removal project at Murden Creek. Please continue to plan for extra travel time approaching North Madison Avenue Northeast and Sportsman Club Road Northeast.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Dec. 13. Key topics include:
- Setting a Public Hearing for an Islandwide Speed Limit Ordinance
- Consider a moratorium on Inns in designated Neighborhood Centers
- Proposed Construction Contract Award for the Rockaway Beach Road/Eagle Harbor Phase II/Halls Hill Road Vegetation Project
- Confirmation of the use of Monetary Citations for Parking Enforcement
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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