Bainbridge Islanders,
I cannot believe that snow is in the forecast. As I write this, the ten-day forecast predicts snow showers next week. I understand that another La Niña winter is predicted, which means colder, wetter weather.
With winter basically here now, the City team is preparing to provide services during cold weather and snow, and as an employer, we are reestablishing our snow protocol for employees.
The Operations & Maintenance Division of Public Works, led by Chuck Krumheuer, has ordered sand and material for salt brine for the roads. They are inspecting and cleaning culverts to ensure roadways are clear of water and making sure their equipment is ready to go. The roster of employees on stand-by to be called in for an emergency is being updated. Communications Coordinator, Shannon Hays, is reviewing our public communication procedures to make sure we communicate critical pieces of information to the public.
As an employer, we are reminding employees that we will communicate via Nixle, City email or recorded message if we have a snow day. We normally have one or two per year. I do not expect that we will have a snow day next week! We also have a practice of granting grace periods on days we have treacherous weather and difficult road conditions.
Just remember, not so distant were temperatures in the 80s and high 70s. How quickly the weather does change.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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Watch this week's
City Update
including a special segment with Police Chief Joe Clark.
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Election Day on November 8 |
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You can vote by dropping your ballot off in a designated Dropbox, in person, or by mail. You can find in voting locations HERE.
The City of Bainbridge Island does not conduct elections or any of its processes. For more information about the election process or if you have questions about voting you can contact the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office.
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Taylor Well Construction Underway - Memorial Wall Temporarily Closed |
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On Nov. 2, the City's contractor started site preparation work for the Taylor Well serving Rockaway Beach. During work, the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Wall and bus turnaround will be fenced and closed to the public. The main parking area, the Pavilion and the Departure Deck will remain open during construction. The work is expected to be complete in mid-December 2022.
The City will be replacing the Rockaway Water System well pump and rehabilitating the well. The existing well pump is nearly twenty years old, and rehabilitation of the well has not been completed since it was installed by 1994. This well maintenance work is critical to continued operation of the Rockaway Water System as it is the sole supply. During the well maintenance, Kitsap Public Utility District No. 1 will provide water to Rockaway Water System customers through an intertie.
City workers took great care in protecting the Memorial Wall with requirements given by the BIJAMA. Thank you for your patience during this closure. You can visit the Memorial Wall virtually at www.bijaema.org.
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Pritchard Park Stormwater Outfall Project |
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At the November 8, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council will consider a $167K construction contract with Seton Construction for the Pritchard Park Stormwater Outfall project. The project generally consists of relocating a stormwater outfall diffusion structure near the northern terminus of Taylor Avenue, replacing storm drain piping and replanting landscaped areas. The new piping for the project will be installed via a direct bore process (rather than an open cut trench) in order to best preserve trees and other vegetation along the shoreline.
The project is located adjacent to the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. The City is coordinating the timing of this project and the Taylor Well project to minimize the disruption to the Memorial. Staffers are working closely with Memorial representatives.
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WSDOT Travel Advisory: Extra 10-Minute Commute on 305 |
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Travelers on SR-305, approaching North Madison Avenue Northeast/Sportsman Club Road Northeast, can expect unscheduled traffic stops for up to ten minutes on Wednesday and Thursday next week (Nov. 9 and 10) between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. WSDOT encourages commuters to add extra time especially if they are going to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal.
The work is related to a fish barrier removal project at Murden Creek. The work could be rescheduled due to weather.
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Seeking Volunteers for Boards and Committees |
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Do you want to make a difference in your community? The City is seeking volunteers who have a specialty or expertise for the following boards, commissions and committees:
Boards, commissions, and committees play an important role for Bainbridge Island. We need your valuable input! The City of Bainbridge Island is a welcoming and inclusive community and values applicants of all race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, or physical abilities.
More information and online applications can be found on our website. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30 and applicants must be available in December for interviews. The member term begins in Jan. 2023.
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New Waste Reduction Resources Available
En inglés y español - in English & Spanish
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Project and Event Updates |
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BI Reads for Justice Event |
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Country Club Road Reconstruction Project Update |
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At the Nov. 8 City Council meeting, the Council will consider a $132K design contract with Otak, Inc. for the design documentation associated with the Country Club Road Reconstruction project. The project includes design of roadway reconstruction and drainage along County Club Road between the intersection of Country Club Road and Toe Jam Hill Rd NE, to the seawall approximately 1700’ southeast of Toe Jam Hill Road. The roadway in this location is in very poor condition due to age of the pavement, inadequate existing drainage, underground springs, and inadequate subgrade materials. Construction of the improvements is planned for summer 2023. |
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New Deadline for E-Bike Survey |
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As the City Council considers if additional regulations are needed for e-bike usage on the island, we would like to hear your thoughts. Whether you are an e-bike user or not, we all share the roads and trails, so all are welcome to take the survey.
The survey now runs until Nov. 11. Take the survey HERE.
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N0 Planning Commission Meeting Next Week |
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The Thursday, Nov. 10 Planning Commission Special Meeting and Public Hearing has been cancelled and will be rescheduled soon. Stay tuned. |
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Fun times were had by all in Downtown Winslow! Though the weather tried to scare us, all the ghost, goblins, super heroes, dinosaurs, and princesses with kitty cat steeds came out to Trick-or-Treat. Be sure to recycle your candy wrappers at the Trick-or-Trash Box outside of Ace Hardware! |
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Nov. 8. Key topics include:
- Presentation of National Community Survey Results.
- Possible adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-14 Amending BIMC Sections 18.15.02 and 18.36.030 related to Electric Vehicle Charging Requirements for New Construction and Expansion Projects.
- Farm Trail Project Scope Options.
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Police Station Site Redevelopment options.
- Public Hearing on the 2023-2024 Budget and possible adoption.
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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