City News You Can Use. 

Message from the City Manager

Dear Bainbridge Islanders,

 

Last week, I explained that during the last few columns I write as your City Manager, that I want to focus on what I
believe to be the four most impactful initiatives undertaken by the City to improve the organization during the past six years. Those initiatives are: Use of Best Practices, Strategic Thinking, Performance Measurement, and Transparency. Last week, I wrote about how the City has used best practices.

This week, my focus is on the initiative of Strategic Thinking. Local government has a very broad focus and a never ending list of issues, projects, and problems to solve. The fact is that we simply can't do everything, which is why strategic thinking is so critical. In a nutshell, strategic thinking in local government is about identifying what local government can and will do to improve the community - with the understanding we can't do it all.

Beginning in 2012, the City Council and City Management Team have conducted annual strategic planning sessions (we call them Advances) to discuss our values and vision, internal and external pressures, previous accomplishments, and identification of priorities for the upcoming two years. Of course, we have a very clear vision and values established in the Comprehensive Plan, which is a strategic plan. Our annual approach is a more focused look at how the goals and priorities outlined in the Comprehensive Plan will be implemented. Even though we have directed significant energy toward implementation of the Comprehensive Plan during this past year, I would point out that the Comprehensive Plan is intended to be a 15 year plan. It is not meant to all be implemented within a year or two after it is adopted.

Once the City Council has agreed upon the one or two-year strategic plan, staff will develop a work plan, including a schedule of work. The work plan is incorporated into budgeting decisions and, it is then the responsibility of the City Manager to make sure the goals and priorities established by the City Council are implemented.

Kindly,

Doug Schulze
City Manager
Traffic Alert: Winslow Way Ravine Project Impacts

Pedestrians moving to and from the ferry terminal or other nearby locations should expect minor detours when the Winslow Way Ravine Project begins next month. The project, located near Waypoint Park, will cause the closure of a traffic lane and portion of the sidewalk along Winslow Way.
 


 

Crews will be replacing a storm water pipe along the ravine and during the project the southern sidewalk of Winslow Way East, from the Tillicum Condominiums to Waypoint Park, will be closed.


 

Pedestrians may use the Waterfront Trail or the northern sidewalk as an alternative route getting to and from the ferry terminal.


 

The right-turn-only lane on Winslow Way East will be closed throughout the project. In addition, there may be short closures of the eastbound travel lane on Winslow Way to allow for construction activities.


 

Construction is expected to occur from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday until the project is completed.
 

 

Bag it Up Bainbridge! Volunteers Needed for Beach Cleanup

The Beach Cleanup is happening on Sunday, September 9 and organizers need your help! They're looking for volunteers to clean-up at the public road ends and shorelines. Pick the spot you'd like to clean or add your own location. Details:
 

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0944a8ab2aa75-2018

 

 

 
 
Join the Discussion: Community Invited to Ward Meetings


Safety First: BISD Students Return to School

BISD students return to school next week - and it's a good time to revisit traffic
laws. Please remember to obey the 20 miles per hour speed limit in school zones between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Don't forget both directions of traffic must stop when the stop paddle is activated on school buses. Bus drivers reported 225 violations last year, which included 180 vehicle violations and 45 bicycle violations. Failure to stop could result in a serious injury or death and a $419 ticket.
 

Connecting Bainbridge: SAFE Mobility Levy Meetings

Don't miss the upcoming Community Informational Meetings regarding the $15M Non-motorized Levy that will be on the ballot this November! Meetings are intended to provide voters with information about the reason why the City is proposing the levy, potential projects if levy is approved, and financial impacts if levy is approved.
 
Join us to learn more about this important issue at one or more of the meetings. All meetings are intended to provide the same information.
 
Wednesday, September 12 at City Hall from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 22 at Seabold Hall from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 11 at Island Center Hall from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
  • Saturday, September 8: South Ward Meeting at Island Center Hall, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 12: "Connecting Bainbridge: SAFE Mobility Levy" Workshop at City Hall 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, September 15: Central Ward Meeting at City Hall, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 22:  "Connecting Bainbridge: SAFE Mobility Levy" Workshop at Seabold Hall 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.  
  • Saturday, September 29: North Ward Meeting at Seabold Hall, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 11:  "Connecting Bainbridge: SAFE Mobility Levy" Workshop at 
    Island Center Hall 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

     
City of Bainbridge Island www.bainbridgewa.gov
STAY CONNECTED: