City Manager's Report
Bainbridge Islanders,

It is an often-quoted proverb,

“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.”

Bainbridge Island is working to go very far. We are working on several initiatives with other public agencies. I want to highlight just one of these joint initiatives.  

In September, the City Council voted to authorize the participation in a three-county, multi-community grant application from the US Department of Transportation’s “Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity," or simply a RAISE Grant, for the Puget Sound to Pacific (or Olympics) trail project. This is an audacious undertaking. The purpose of this joint grant application is to secure a grant in the range of $10 million to $20 million to help plan the full development of the Sound to Olympics Trail, or the Olympic Discovery Trail. This grant, if awarded, would fill the gaps in the planning of a significant regional trail. Specifically, the grant would go towards developing specific alignment, size, design, and pre-permitting issues. 

Many public agencies are coming together to apply for this grant under one application, including three counties (Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap), several tribal governments, several incorporated cities and unincorporated communities. Three non-profit organizations are paying to prepare this large and complicated grant package – Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, North Kitsap Trails Association, and the Peninsula Trails Coalition. The non-profit organizations have hired a consultant at their cost to prepare the grant application which is due on February 28, 2023. This means private citizens have donated money to help the non-profits prepare a large application so the north, westernmost communities in Washington State can compete for project funds. This is a long journey, but we have plenty of company.  

Best,

Blair King
City Manager

City Update Video
Watch for BIPD response to student assault cases, business response to new waste regulations, new Mayor for the City,
and more!
"COBI Chats on Waste Regulations"
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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. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Ask questions, share success stories and challenges. Additional "chats" coming soon.
 
When: Mon., Jan. 23, from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Where: Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 395 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
 
Learn more and view dates for future “COBI Chat” sessions on the website.
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.

More information HERE.
The City is Hiring
Open positions and to apply click HERE.
MLK Day Weekend Events
This past weekend, several events took place in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy. Here's a few highlights from the weekend from the “Moved or Be Moved Social Justice Social” at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the "Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service" at Blakely Harbor Park.
(Park photo courtesy of Bainbridge Island Parks)
Bainbridge Prepares
Preparing for King Tides
The next King Tides are expected to occur between January 23-25, but that does not mean there will be large scale flooding. The weather pressure is expected to be high which will result in less flooding than the December King Tide.

For preparedness tips and resources. Please click HERE, and navigate to the flood tab.

Sandbags Available
Free sandbags are available at the City Operations & Maintenance Facility – front gate off Hidden Cove Road. Limit of 10 per household while supplies last.

Additional sandbags are available for purchase at Ace Hardware or online.
Climate Smart Bainbridge
New Climate Smart Leader
Grace is a student at the Hyla School and leading the way as a Climate Smart Leader. Way to go Grace!

Know someone you think deserves to be a Climate Smart Leader? Check out how to nominate them HERE.
Police
Accepting Applications for the Community Police Academy
Ever wondered what it's like to be a police officer? Apply for the Bainbridge Island Police Department’s Community Police Academy. While it won’t prepare you for a career in law enforcement, the program helps island residents and business owners become more familiar with the functions of their local police department. The program covers everything from traffic enforcement, patrol and criminal law, the use of force, de-escalation, and investigations. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the officers who serve this community.
 
The 2023 Community Academy will begin on March 8 and run for 11 weeks. The class is held on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Optional Saturday sessions are being planned for tours based on availability and access to facilities.
 
Please submit an application no later than Fri., Feb. 24. Class size is limited to 20 students and applications will be considered in the order they are received. More information about the academy can be found on the BIPD's Community Outreach page.
Project Updates
Open House for Eagle Harbor Drive/Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvements - January 25 at 6 p.m.
The City received a second federal transportation grant to support the Eagle Harbor Dr / Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvement Project in the amount of $777,000.

On Wed., Jan. 25 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., the Public Works Department will be hosting an in-person open house at City Hall to discuss and solicit feedback on the design of the Eagle Harbor Drive/Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvements Project. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Meeting attendees will learn about the project scope, schedule, budget, and will have an opportunity to provide input to the Department on prioritizing project improvements and facility types.

Staff will report back to the City Council on Feb. 14 with a recommendation for moving forward on a design after receiving this feedback.
Re-vegetation and Landscaping at Three Road-Side Sites
At the Jan. 24 Regular Business Meeting, the City Council will consider a construction contract with Liden Land Developers for re-vegetation and landscaping at three road-side sites around the island. The work is planned on Eagle Harbor Drive near Whimsey Lane in the bike lane median; on Rockaway Beach Road on the bluff above the retaining wall just south of Pritchard Park; and, on Halls Hill Road on the adjacent slope uphill from the intersection with Seaborn Road. The Eagle Harbor project is being implemented to enhance the gateway to Eagledale that was envisioned with the bike lane project completed in 2021. 
City Council Updates
The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Jan. 24 Key topics include:

  • Presentation and Results of National Community Survey
  • Presentation on Housing Action Plan Framework - Principles, Strategies, and Actions
  • Update on Climate-Related Flooding Impacts on Public Infrastructure
  • Public Safety Quarterly Report to Council
  • Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-03 Relating to Island-Wide Speed Limits
  • Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2022-25 Relating to the Moratorium on Inns in Neighborhood Centers


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