Bainbridge Islanders,
Vandalism really bugs me. Whether it’s breaking fixtures in a public restroom, spraying graffiti on buildings, tearing up landscaping, or trying to destroy park equipment, all of it really bugs me. It is pointless and costly. I’m not sure why people want to destroy other people’s property. Maybe it is boredom. Perhaps it is rebellion. I am skeptical that breaking a newly planted tree in half is a thoughtful expression of opposition to an injustice political system.
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For four straight nights this week, someone(s) has vandalized the City’s job site at Rockaway Beach Road. The City, via a contractor, is replacing landscaping along a retaining wall on the Puget Sound side of the road. This was the site of a landslide and road embankment repair in 2013. The landscaping is intended to cover the retaining wall. The current landscaping is in poor condition and overrun by invasive weeds. The City is replanting landscaping to comply with the permit conditions for the retaining wall.
The vandalism at the site includes broken equipment, theft and graffiti. The Police Department deployed equipment, but the equipment itself was vandalized. Sooner or later, we will discover who is destroying equipment and stealing property. Meanwhile, I need to thank the majority of citizens, including young people, who would never think of destroying other people’s property and the environment. If you do see something, please call 911.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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City Manager Spotlight
What exactly is the Sustainable Transportation Plan and
why is it so important? Check this video out.
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Phase II of Eagle Harbor Non-Motorized Improvements Complete! |
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The Eagle Harbor Non-Motorized Improvements along Eagle Harbor Drive from McDonald Ave to just south of the shoreline have been completed. It's time to enjoy the new pathways this spring and summer!
Public Works will be watering the new native vegetation through the summer to ensure the plants are established. A narrow sweeper will be used to keep the side-paths free of debris. The broom will also be used for other Public Works tasks such as sidewalk and shoulder sweeping.
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Next Up for Eagle Harbor Non-Motorized Improvements |
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We need your input on preliminary design alternatives for the next part of the Eagle Harbor/Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvements. Click on the button below to give your input and learn more.
City Council will be presented with the design alternatives and a summary of feedback from your input at the May 23 Regular Business Meeting.
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Draft Housing Action Plan |
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The draft plan is informed by community engagement and housing needs data. Actions in the draft plan range from zoning code changes and new programs to financial tools to support existing affordable housing and the creation of new housing units.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the draft plan at their May 25 meeting (6 p.m.- City Hall) with an option to participate virtually over Zoom. The Planning Commission will make recommendations on the draft plan to the City Council. Click on the buttons below to learn more.
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Repeated Vandalism at Rockaway Beach Vegetation Project |
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There has been vandalism for several nights in a row at the Rockaway Beach vegetation project site just south of East Beach at Pritchard Park. Construction materials have been hurled on the beach, contractor’s equipment damaged, and the beach and property spray painted.
If anyone observes activity in that area, please call 911 to report it. Calling 911 allows for the fastest response possible and is the best way to alert the police department.
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Fire Extinguisher and Boat Safety Checks |
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Our Police Department will be assisting in this boater fire safety event. New regulations for vessel fire extinguishers require extinguishers to be be replaced 12 years after the manufacture date. Attend the event to learn more about the new requirements and get your extinguisher serviced or replaced.
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People's Choice Award for Public Art |
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The year's public art winner for Something New V People's Choice Award is Steve Jensen for "Viking Vessel" located on Winslow Way:
Artist reception open to all:
When: Thurs., May 25 from 5-6 p.m.
Where? Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce (395 Winslow Way E, BI, 98110)
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Call to Artists - "Something New" |
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We, with our Public Art Committee and Arts and Humanities Bainbridge, announce the sixth annual “Something New” art program. The exhibit places sculptures in five outdoor locations in downtown Winslow.
Submittal deadline is May 19, 2023 for a one-year display agreement from roughly Aug. 2023 – July 2024.
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Climate Smart Actions for May |
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Ride to work, ride to the grocery store or just ride for the sheer joy of being outside and soaking in the sun after a long winter.
Did you know? Almost 50% of car trips are less than 3 miles long – a great distance for a bike trip! If big hills are keeping you from making those short trips by bicycle, an electric bike – or e-bike – may be a good option.
You can help reduce climate pollution and earn points by completing the “Bike, Walk, Skateboard, or Unicycle” action in the Challenge! Everyone who completes actions and earns at least 10,000 points in the Challenge by the end of May will be entered to win one of five outdoor or indoor composting bins! Learn more about the Challenge by visiting the City’s website.
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Bike to Work at City Hall |
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Many City employees bike to work! City Hall employees celebrated National Bike to Work Month with an event on May 10. Guests from Kitsap Transit and Squeaky Wheels shared information on bicycle commuting and basic bicycle repairs. Let's ride!
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Lights, Camera, Action! BI Ride Needs Actors for Commercial Spots |
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Kitsap Transit, in partnership with the City, will be shooting a few commercial spots later this month and into June on the island to support a new BI Ride campaign. There are no lines to deliver. Actors will be on camera doing various activities around the island and on or near a BI Ride Bus.
Express your interest as a possible actor in the BI Ride advertising shoot ASAP! Kitsap Transit is looking for 13 years and older. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to have their parent/guardian submit the form with permission.
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Learn More About Electric Cars and Bikes May 20 |
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Volunteer for a City Advisory Group - Due May 17 |
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You can make a difference in the community by volunteering for a City Advisory Group. There are 32 openings to new applicants and existing members who may reapply.
More information and an online application can be found HERE.
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Wed., May 17. Applicants must be available in late May for interviews. Terms begin July 1, 2023.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on May 23. Key topics include:
- Eagle Harbor/Wyatt Way Non-Motorized Improvement Preliminary Design Review
- Authorize Public Engagement Process for Winslow Water Tank Graphic Design
- Water Utility Rate Surcharge Area for Ferncliff Water Main Extension
- Proclamations
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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