Bainbridge Islanders,
Congratulations to Bainbridge Island’s first official Poet Laureate, Michele Bombardier. Michele’s two-year term as the Poet Laureate was approved by the City Council this past Tuesday. The Poet Laureate position will enhance our cultural experience and give a poetic voice to the community. There is more information about Michele and her appointment in the City Update video (link below) and written update.
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I am always interested in how things are achieved or what makes things happen. It was about a year ago when representatives of Arts & Humanities Bainbridge first approached the City about establishing a Poet Laureate program. Poets Laureate exist in other cities, but only a few smaller communities have a Poet Laureate. At the time, I thought it was an interesting idea but did not know if the concept would become a reality for Bainbridge Island.
The proponents of the Poet Laureate program presented their idea, and then allowed the concept to marinate. In about a year, it was clear, the City Council was excited to launch the Poet Laureate program.
Congratulations and thanks are owed to the Poet Laureate Steering Committee and Arts & Humanities Bainbridge for the idea and their perseverance. The Poet Laureate is a welcome addition to the fabric of Bainbridge Island’s cultural community.
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Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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Watch City Update, in the video below, with what's happening in City news this week from City Manager, Blair King. |
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Waterfront Trail now Charles Schmid Waterfront Trail |
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The City Council this week adopted a resolution to rename the Waterfront Trail in honor of Charles Schmid. Schmid believed the beauty of the waterfront should be accessible for all. He devoted decades of volunteer service and advocacy not only for the waterfront trail but for all of Bainbridge Island.
The resolution to rename the trail after Schmid was presented with wide support from the community, Park District Board, and the Schmid family. The Waterfront Trail will now be known as the Charles Schmid Waterfront Trail. A dedication event will be announced soon.
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Budget Presentation Now Available. Opportunity for Public Comment October 11 |
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The City Staff presented a balanced 2023-2024 Biennial Budget during this week’s Council meeting. The budget emphasizes funding for:
- Maintenance
- Additional staff including a new Equity and Inclusion Officer
- Implementation of the Climate Action Plan
- Long range planning efforts, including the Winslow Subarea Plan and Shoreline Management Plan.
- Bundled Madison Avenue project
- Eagle Harbor Drive Phase I
- Winslow High Water Tank
- New electric vehicles along with charging facilities.
The Council will review the budget several more times prior to the scheduled adoption on Nov. 8, and the public will have the opportunity to comment on the budget at the Oct. 11 and Nov. 8 public hearings.
The Budget Book and Presentation can be viewed on the Sep. 27 City Council General Meeting Agenda Packet HERE. The video can be viewed HERE.
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City's Poet Laureate Announced |
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Michele Bombardier was named Bainbridge Island's first poet laureate at this week's City Council Meeting.
Bombardier has lived and worked on the Island for over thirty years. She's published over 75 poems and book reviews in literary journals and anthologies. She is also a Washington Book Award finalist.
More about Michele and the City's poet laureate program can be seen in this week's City Update video HERE.
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Day of Preparedness a Success! |
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Over 400 people came out to Day of Preparedness at City Hall on Sep. 24. Many signed up for additional trainings, Map your Neighborhood, and left with life saving preparedness information.
If you weren't able to make the event, you can learn how to better prepare for emergencies and critical weather events HERE.
Learn how to sign up for Island emergency notifications HERE.
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Puget Sound Starts Here Month |
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Reduce Polluted Stormwater Run Off from Your Backyard |
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Though we have been enjoying beautiful weather, fall and winter rains will come. During this time (mainly Oct. through April), there is greater potential for pollution to enter our stormwater systems and waterways. You can prepare now to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, this pollution. These three steps have a huge impact:
- Keep bare soil and piles covered.
- Store and dispose of hazardous materials, garbage and pet waste appropriately.
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Report current or potential stormwater pollution issues to Kitsap1 (360) 337-5777. (Always use 911 for emergencies).
Every simple step helps protect our water quality, the habitat and beauty of Bainbridge Island.
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First Climate Smart Leader for Climate Smart Challenge |
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The City of Bainbridge Island recently launched the new Climate Smart Leaders program. This program celebrates and promotes individuals and groups that are active and taking the lead in the Climate Smart Challenge.
The City's first Climate Smart Leader is Congregation Kol Shalom! They recently received recognition as a "Certified Cool Congregation" for their efforts to replace an old fuel-oil boiler with efficient electric heat pumps. These efforts reduced their energy consumption by nearly 60%, saving thousands of dollars in energy costs, and preventing 9.6 tons of carbon emissions annually.
Leaders can be nominated by themselves or others. If you believe that you or someone you know is a Climate Smart Leader, please fill out a short nomination form. If selected, leaders will receive recognition via social media! Please contact Hannah Ljunggren, Climate Action Outreach Coordinator, at hljunggren@bainbridgewa.gov with any questions.
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ALSO . . . .
This Saturday, Oct. 1, is the last chance of the season to stop by the City's Climate Smart Challenge booth at the Farmer’s Market. Join City staff and volunteers, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about new and upcoming programs, ways that you can help Bainbridge become Climate Smart and how businesses and residents are pledging to Erase the Waste!
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Police and Court Facility Update |
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Work continued at the Police and Court Facility the last couple weeks, with exterior electric lines being installed for security gates along the rear and west side of the building. The interior “rough-in” slab plumbing is also being laid out for final installation. Once the slab plumbing is complete, work can begin on the interior wall framing. Work also progressed on excavation and preparation for the front wall and west addition concrete footings, which should be poured and prepped for exterior wall framing this week. Most aspects of construction are on time for sealing up the exterior of the building prior to start of the wet weather season in early Nov. |
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Planning Commission Update for Proposed Amendments to Municipal Code for Electric Vehicle Charging |
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On Sep. 29, the Planning Commission completed its review of, and approved, an ordinance which establishes minimum requirements for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in parking spaces for certain types of new commercial and residential development and expansion projects. Ordinance 2022-14 amends the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code (BIMC Sections 18.15.020 and Section 18.36.030) to include requirements for parking spaces with EV chargers installed and parking spaces with sufficient electrical infrastructure to allow for the future installation of EV chargers. The proposed code updates enhance EV parking requirements outlined in WAC 51-50-0429 that are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2023, and sets an earlier effective date of January 1, 2023. This ordinance will be discussed with City Council before the end of the year.
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Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration October 9 & 10 |
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Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Bainbridge Island at Bainbridge BARN with learning, conversation, and fun! This event spans two days and registration is required as space is limited.
More information HERE. Bainbridge BARN is located at 8890 Three Tree Ln NE.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Oct. 11 Key topics include:
- Review and Public Hearing of 2023-2024 Proposed Budget and 2023-2028 CIP
- Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2022-02 on Increased Density Bonus for Affordable Housing Located on Property Owned by Religious Organizations.
- Public Hearing on Property Tax
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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