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Bainbridge Islanders,
I was at the state capital in Olympia and noticed banners on the capitol grounds featuring a variety of official state symbols, such as the official state bird, fish, and flower.
Now, it’s a pet peeve of mine when advertisers hijack the term official for non-official things. There’s no such thing as the official peanut butter of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! But the State of Washington does have actual official symbols—an extensive list, in fact.
Just for fun, how many of these official Washington state symbols do you know? The answers are at the end of this City Highlight:
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- State Bird
- State Fish
- State Flower
- State Fruit
- State Vegetable
- State Grass
- State Insect
- State Tree
- State Waterfall
- State Song
- State Folk Song
- State Sport
If we created official symbols for Bainbridge Island, what do you think they would be?
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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City Earns Prestigious Financial Reporting Award | |
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We are proud to announce that the City of Bainbridge Island has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for our Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. This is our tenth year earning this honor!
This prestigious recognition—the highest in governmental accounting—reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and full disclosure in financial reporting. Established in 1945, the GFOA’s Certificate Program encourages governments to exceed basic requirements and uphold the highest financial standards.
A huge thank you to our Finance Department for their dedication and hard work in achieving this honor! We are grateful for their commitment to excellence and responsible financial stewardship for our community.
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Reminder: Wyckoff /Eagle Harbor Superfund Site Creosote Pl NE Road Closure beginning March 2025 | |
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At the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be replacing the current sheet pile perimeter wall with a reinforced concrete wall beginning March 2025.
For public safety, Creosote Place NE roadway and parking lot, along with portions of the beach, will be CLOSED.
Construction vehicles will be on the roads near the site, and large equipment will be in use on the site. The EPA estimates the construction duration will be approximately two years.
For questions, contact: Bernadette Wright, EPA Remedial Project Manager at wright.bernadette@epa.gov.
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Collaboration Café to Imagine a Winslow Shuttle - March 17 | |
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Join City Council hosts, Mayor Ashley Mathews, and Councilmembers Leslie Schneider and Kirsten Hytopoulos, in a facilitated community conversation to imagine and explore a transit option to get residents and visitors around our downtown and beyond. Attendees will be identifying the opportunities and challenges of a Winslow shuttle, as anticipated in the city’s Sustainable Transportation Plan.
This event is open to all. Light refreshments will be provided.
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When: Mon., March 17, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Stan Pocock Rowing Center (281 Brien Drive SE, Bainbridge Island)
RSVP: Encouraged but not required, email: CollaborationCafe@bainbridgewa.gov
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Engagement Event for the Island Wide Mobility Plan - March 24 | |
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There will be a public engagement event on March 24 to give islanders an opportunity to share feedback on the new, draft Island Wide Mobility Plan (IWMP), currently in development.
This plan is intended to combine the existing Island Wide Transportation Plan (IWTP) and Sustainable Transportation Plan (STP) into a single, cohesive document to guide the future of Bainbridge Island’s mobility network.
Join us to review the IWMP’s draft prioritized project list and other key components of the plan.
When: Mon., March 24, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Where: City Hall (280 Madison Ave. N.)
There will be additional public engagement opportunities. See you there!
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Anti-Racism Bystander Training - March 29 | |
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Back for a second year, the Anti-Racism Bystander Training is brought to you by the City of Bainbridge Island and the Race Equity Advisory Committee.
Open to high school students and adults of all races, genders, abilities, and identities who are interested in gaining tools to combat racism. This will be facilitated by Healing Equity United, a national equity and inclusion consultancy.
Space is limited and will fill quickly. Registration is required HERE.
When: Sat., March 29 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with an independent lunch hour
Where: City Hall (280 Madison Ave. N.)
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Save the Date! Zero Waste Open House - April 10 | |
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We invite residents, business owners, and visitors to attend our Zero Waste Open House on April 10!
Meet local, regional, and national vendors and discover practical ways to move toward a zero-waste lifestyle—whether at home or in your business. More information on the vendors will be available two weeks before the event.
Plus, attendees will have a chance to win a FREE FoodCycler Eco 3! Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and take action toward a more sustainable future. See you there!
When: Thurs., April 10, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center (370 Brien Dr. SE)
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Community Police Academy - Now Accepting Applications! | |
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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 train you for a law enforcement career, this program gives island residents and business owners an inside look at their local police department. Topics include traffic enforcement, patrol, criminal law, use of force, de-escalation, and investigations. Plus, it's a great way to meet the officers who serve our community.
The 2025 Academy starts April 10 and runs for 8 weeks, with classes held Thursdays, 6–8 p.m. Space is limited to 20 participants, and applications are accepted in the order received.
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Video Highlights from the 2024 Community Police Academy | |
Coffee with a Cop - March 10 | |
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Coffee with a Cop will be held:
Monday, March 10 at 9 a.m. at Pegasus Coffee House (131 Parfitt Way SW).
Join the conversation! No agenda or speeches -- Just a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and get to know your Bainbridge Island officers.
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Councilmembers from left to right: Leslie Schneider (Central Ward - District 4), Clarence Moriwaki (Central Ward - District 5),
Ashley Mathews (South Ward - District 6), Brenda Fantroy-Johnson (North Ward - District 2), Joe Deets (North Ward - District 7),
Kirsten Hytopoulos (At Large - District 1), Jon Quitslund (South Ward, District 3)
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Key Topics in the March 11 Regular Business Meeting
- Proclamation Declaring March 2025 as Women's History Month
- Presentation on Bicycle Friendly Community
- Discuss Options for Historic Preservation Function
The above agenda key topics list is not a complete list of agenda topics. Click on the button below for the full agenda. City Council Agendas are available to view the Friday before the meeting by 5pm.
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Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall, City Council Chambers
- Zoom
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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)
Please visit the City Council page for more information on individual City Council members.
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Answers to Washington's Official State Symbols | |
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Answer Key:
- Bird – Willow goldfinch
- Fish – Steelhead trout
- Flower – Coast rhododendron
- Fruit – Apple
- Vegetable – Walla Walla sweet onion
- Grass – Bluebunch wheatgrass
- Insect – Green darner dragonfly
- Tree – Western hemlock
- Waterfall – Palouse Falls
- Song – “Washington, My Home”
- Folk Song – “Roll On, Columbia, Roll On”
- State Sport – Pickleball!
Source: Washington State Legislature
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