City Manager's Report
Bainbridge Islanders,

The City of Bainbridge Island makes every attempt to hire the best, most talented, and most skilled individuals we can. Over the past several years, we have been very fortunate to hire outstanding professionals. However, I say tongue in cheek, there is a downside to this approach. Talented people have options. One does not need a Noble Prize in economics to know that the most talented employees with exceptional skills and abilities are going to advance. Sometimes this means they leave the City of Bainbridge Island.
This is the case with our Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Manager, Autumn Salamack.  Autumn will be leaving us to accept a position with King County Metro Transit. Autumn has served for the past two years as our Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Manager. Autumn was the first person ever to fill this position. She established the template and set the standard for what to expect from this position in the future. Autumn’s performance exceeded expectations. She helped the Climate Change Advisory Committee, has been the key staff member in the implementation of the Waste Reduction Ordinance, the Climate Smart Challenge, the U.S. Dept. Of Energy’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), new carbon offset project requirements, and she has partnered with many other projects. Autumn has been a “go-to” key staff member.

It will take approximately six months to fill the position. Staff is identifying resources to continue the work on an interim basis. I am truly happy for Autumn as she advances professionally and personally. I am thankful for the time Autumn spent with us and her accomplishments on Bainbridge Island.     

Best,

Blair King
City Manager
Video Spotlight
Moving the Needle in Sustainable Transportation
Road Work
Alternating Lane Closures on 305 February 6-8
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews will be installing drainage next week at the Northeast Port Madison Rd. and Northeast Adas Will Lane intersections of SR 305 for the roundabout projects. Alternating road closures will be from Feb. 6-8 between the hours of 8 p.m.- 6 a.m.

Late night and early morning SR 305 travelers will want to add extra time to their trips due to the lane closures (up to 20 minute delays). Residents and businesses should be aware that normal construction operations and noise will be happening with trucks and equipment operating on all three nights. 
Agate Pass Bridge Lane Closures Feb 20-23
It's that time of year again, bridge cleaning and maintenance! From Feb. 20-23, WSDOT crews will work on SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge for daytime cleaning and maintenance from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Travelers can expect delays of 30 minutes or longer in both directions on SR 305 near the bridge while work takes place.
Project Updates
Winslow High Water Tank
Construction began on the new Winslow High Water Tank. Crews began earth work this week and are set to start foundation work in the next week or two.

Crews created a new pathway for pedestrians and cyclists while the access road near the softball field north of the high school (connecting the schools to New Brooklyn Rd.) is closed due to construction. The new path runs east and north of the new water tank site. 

The new water tank will replace one of two aging one million gallon tanks with a two million steel hydropillar tank. The total cost is approximately $26.5 million. It is the City’s most expensive water system improvement.   
Grants and Loans Awarded
Grant for Housing Resources
cityscape_ houses and greenery_ vector icon_ in a row
The Washington Department of Commerce announced it is awarding the City of Bainbridge Island a $480,000 grant via the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure (CHIP) program for the Housing Resources Bainbridge Ericksen Housing Project. Staff is reviewing the administrative steps to accept the grant and the division of labor between City staff and Housing Resources Bainbridge. Acceptance of the grant is expected to come before the City Council in a few months.
Grant for Fleet Electrification
Yesterday, Governor Inslee and the Washington State Department of Commerce announced that over $85 million in grants were being awarded to fund the installation of nearly 5,000 new EV charging stations across the state. The City of Bainbridge Island was awarded $47,250 to support the installation of four EV charging stations for City fleet vehicles at City Hall and the Ted Spearman Justice Center. This grant award will help advance Climate Action Plan goals and fleet electrification efforts. Currently, 3% of the City fleet is electric with additional EVs planned for purchase and on order in 2024.
Low Interest Loan for Waste Water Treatment Plant
The Washington Department of Ecology has awarded the City of Bainbridge Island a $742,000 low-interest loan via the Water Quality Program for preliminary design and permitting for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall extension project. The terms of the loan are expected to be 1.2% amortized over 20 years. The award will help position the City for additional loan/grant funds for the construction phase of this project. Staff is reviewing the administrative steps to accept the low interest loan. Acceptance of this loan should be before the City Council within several months.
Climate Smart Bainbridge
Be Prepared, Travel Climate Smart
How can you travel climate smart? Our Climate Smart team is working with Bainbridge Prepares to highlight monthly tips and actions related to the Climate Smart Challenge as part of Bainbridge Prepares' "Prepare in a Year" program.

Click on the button below to check out the first tip.
City Council Meeting Updates
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)
Feb. 13 Regular Business Meeting key topics:

  • Proclamation for Black History Month
  • Swearing In Ceremony for Municipal Court Judge
  • Possible Adoption of Short Term Rental Ordinance
  • Execute Contract for Bundled Madison Ave. Non-Motorized Improvements Project Design
  • Present Affordable Housing Model Project and Qualifications for Affordable Housing Partner

Ways to Watch
  • In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers 

  • Zoom

  • 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.
Important Dates


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