City Manager's Report
Bainbridge Islanders,

In the United States, the formation and composition of local governments is delegated to the states. Whether it is a municipal corporation, borough, county, parish, or shire, they are a creation of the state in which they reside. This contrasts with some places like Mexico where the federal government divides states into municipalities.

Traditionally, in the United States, land use decisions have been the responsibility of local government. State governments might mandate that local governments adopt plans to guide growth, but the actual decisions on the amount of growth have traditionally been vested with the residents of local communities. This is changing.

Washington state is currently facing an inadequate supply of housing. In the past, cities laid the groundwork for housing by planning, zoning and infrastructure. This was done in accordance with locally adopted planning documents. Washington state is changing the traditional role of local government. Some would say encroaching into the role of local government. Now, cities are not only required to adopt plans that guide growth but are mandated to plan for and accommodate a specific number of housing units at specific income levels. Most recently, in 2021, the state legislature changed the Growth Management Act to require local governments amend their Comprehensive Plan to accommodate housing units assigned to the city by income. This assignment of housing units will be made by the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council based upon the number of housing units assigned to Kitsap County.

Whether this approach will produce the needed housing at the needed income levels is debatable. No matter how many housing units we are required to accommodate, there are barriers to housing well beyond the control of Bainbridge Island. For example, construction costs, financing, environmental considerations, and economic cycles contribute to these complexities.

The City Council is committed to addressing housing needs, but accommodating these new mandates will be extremely difficult and will require some commitment and real work.  
Best,

Blair King
City Manager
City Update
This week on video:
Housing Action Plan framework,
Eagle Harbor/Wyatt Way project,
City Thread and RAISE grant,
reusable mug contest, and more!
City Council Proclamations This Week
Black History Month

This week, City Council recognized February 2023 as Black History Month. Black History Month is celebrated throughout the nation during the month of February and is a time to honor this nation's diverse ancestry and to remember the often hidden history of civic, economic, professional, medical, and artistic achievements of many Black Americans. The recognition of this month is a reminder of the challenges that face all people of color and that the work to eliminate barriers based on prejudice is ongoing. This month honors the inherent significance and ongoing contributions Black Americans make in all aspects of life and to this country.
Rights of Resident Southern Orcas

This week, City Council supported the rights of Southern Resident Orcas. Orcas are culturally, spiritually and economically important to the people of Washington State and the world. Despite legal protections for nearly two decades, the population continues to decline and is critically endangered, with only 73 individuals left in the wild. The Orcas’ survival is dependent on healthy and functioning ecosystems including the Salish Sea. Over 20 countries, dozens of local communities in the United States, and several tribal governments have recognized that nature has inherent rights, and that human society has the responsibility to protect and steward nature in a manner consistent with our interconnected relationship. (Orca picture from NOAA Fisheries)
Final Event for City's First Community Reads Book
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.
It's Electric!
Public Works started a long-awaited electric hand-tool pilot project this week with two battery powered backpack blowers. The pilot, which will help inform the phased conversion of all City gas-powered hand-tools to electric, has been on hold for over a year while the Public Works Department worked to secure the purchase of the tools. Supply chain issues and vendor reported shortages have significantly reduced the availability of commercial-grade battery-powered hand tools like blowers, edgers and chain saws. Once crews have determined the blower battery capacity and battery charging times for a typical day’s work, the department will be moving forward on changing over all tools to electric in line with the City's Climate Action goals.
New Video on Common Waste Reduction Regulation Questions
Common questions about the waste reduction regulations are addressed by Autumn Salamack, City of Bainbridge Island Climate Adaptation Officer, in this new video. Questions address what the regulations are, what home-compostable means and what help is available for businesses to succeed.
Win a Reusable Mug with Quiz Game
Last week's winner announced on this week's City Update video! Watch to see if it's you!

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:
  1. 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*).
  2. Email your answer to our Climate Action Outreach Coordinator at hljunggren@bainbridgewa.gov by Wed. Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. Title your email "Quiz Game." Only one submission per person, please.
  3. A winner will be randomly selected from correctly answered submissions.
  4. The weekly winner will be announced on the City Update video the following week. Winners can pick up their reusable mug at City Hall.
Climate Smart Bainbridge
Seeking Nominations for Climate Smart Leaders
The City is looking for nominations for Climate Smart Leaders. Climate Smart Leaders are individuals or groups that are active in the Climate Smart Challenge and striving to fight climate change in our community.

 The City is looking to recognize community members who are working to:
  • educate youth about climate change issues and solutions,
  • reduce energy use and/or increase renewable energy generation,
  • reduce waste and/or compost more,
  • promote climate smart food choices,
  • utilize low carbon transportation options,
  • and more!

Leaders can be nominated by themselves or others. Please fill out a short nomination form. If selected, leaders will receive recognition via social media!
 
Read more about fellow Islanders previously selected as Climate Smart Leaders on the City website.
 
For more information, please contact Hannah Ljunggren, Climate Action Outreach Coordinator, at hljunggren@bainbridgewa.gov.
Climate Smart Youth Program
In 2022, the City partnered with Ordway Elementary to pilot the Climate Smart Youth program. This five-week program helped students measure their carbon footprints, identify concrete climate solutions, and address climate anxiety. At the conclusion of this program, students were invited to City Hall where they gave a presentation to City staff.

The Climate Smart Youth program utilizes games, quizzes and short presentations to discuss climate change with opportunities for students to serve as Climate Smart ambassadors for their peers. The program can be customized based on the interests of teachers and/or students.

The Climate Smart Youth program is now underway at Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary, with the addition of a unit focused on the Island’s new waste reduction regulations.

If a school, PTO, or other youth representatives are interested in this program, please contact Hannah Ljunggren via email or phone at 206.780.8594. You can also find downloadable lesson plans for grades 4-12 on the City website.
Next "COBI Chats on Waste Regulations" February 21
purple_mug.jpg
The City is offering monthly “COBI Chats on Waste Regulations” to connect with local businesses impacted by the 2023 waste reduction regulations. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
 
When: Tues., Feb. 21, from 3 - 4 p.m.
Where: Bainbridge Island Downtown Association (147 Madrone Ln. N)
 
Learn more and view dates for future “COBI Chat” sessions on the website.
Police
Coffee with a Cop - February 27
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)
Project & Other Updates
Winslow Subarea Plan
The public engagement process for the Winslow Subarea Plan Update is in the early phases of gathering information and listening to what islanders want the future of Winslow to look like. Islanders are being asked to take an online survey HERE.

Public input on SEPA scoping for the Winslow Subarea Plan Update has been extended to March 8. Scoping is the first step in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process and is intended to narrow the focus of the EIS to address environmental issues and to identify alternatives to be analyzed in the EIS. The online survey can be found HERE.

The project team produced a draft Winslow Community Engagement Plan (CEP) in accordance with the Council's direction that a "Race Equity Lens" be applied to the public engagement process. The draft was prepared by consultations with input from the Race Equity Advisory Committee (REAC). The project relies on a robust public process through a CEP supported by existing and ongoing priorities addressing sustainable transportation, climate action and race equity. The draft CEP has not been approved by the City Council yet. City Council will receive recommendations from the Planning Commission on a possible steering committee to be included in the public engagement process. After the City Council receives recommendations, a new draft CEP will most likely be created.

This week, City Council moved to consolidate requests for a comprehensive plan/zoning change/new development regulations within the Winslow subarea with the Winslow Subarea Plan Update and not in parallel, or separate, to it.
Water Main Flushing
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 to be completed within approximately two months.
Poet Laureate Welcoming Reception, March 3
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
RSVP by Feb 24: HERE
Call for Artists for Police/Court Facility
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.
City Council Updates
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.
  • Ethics Board presentation
  • Consider police/court facility naming process
  • Consider an artistic Winslow welcome pole

Ways to Watch
  • In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers 

  • Zoom

  • 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.
Important Dates