City Manager's Report
Bainbridge Islanders,

Dog bites have popped up as a problem recently. Last month, two City employees were bitten by dogs, and a resident reported a dog bite incident in Waterfront Park. We love our dogs. I have an elderly rescue dog. He sits around the house all day, mostly on the couch, looking out the window watching ferries go by. Some dogs have a tendency to bite for many reasons. We want to keep everyone safe.

This past week, Public Works crews erected signs to help remind residents of two basic rules. First, at city parks, unless the area is designated as off-leash, dogs must be on a leash. Two, owners must pick up after their dog. Now, we have other rules for dogs. For example, it is unlawful for a dog to chase cyclists, jump on pedestrians and dogs can’t chase livestock, but the main rules are to keep dogs on leashes in parks and to pick up after them – yours specifically.
The new signs were erected in seven locations. Except for one, all of the signs are next to Mutt Mitt Dispensers. They are at:

  • Town Square
  • Winslow and Madison
  • Winslow and Bjune
  • Bjune at the playground
  • Foot Bridge to Waterfront Park
  • Waterfront Park restrooms
  • Ericksen Park and Wallace

As the character in one television commercial says with glee, the bags from the Mutt Mitt Dispenser are free. 

Best,

Blair King
City Manager
Video Short of the Week
City Manager Spotlight
The Winslow Wastewater Treatment Plant - what it does,
improvements needed and current capacity. Check this video out.
Program, Project & Operation Updates
Vote on the Next BI Reads Top Picks
The next BI Reads choices are:
  • “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmere
  • “The House of Broken Angels” by Luis Alberto Urrea
  • “A Tale For the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki

Descriptions of each book can be found HERE. The three BI Reads options were reviewed by the staff at the Bainbridge Public Library. City staff selected these books from other popular community read titles. 

Vote online or by the physical ballot boxes located at Eagle Harbor Book Co (157 Winslow Way E) and the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center (370 Brien Dr SE).  The book choice winner will be announced on July 25 at the City Council Regular Business Meeting.
Washington State Ferries Community Meetings
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is hosting six public meetings to give updates about routes and answer questions about the ferry system.

All meetings will start with a brief presentation on systemwide topics, including the status of service restoration, an update on building new hybrid-electric vessels, proposed fare changes, and cover route-specific topics.

When: Seattle/Bainbridge Route will be on Thurs., May 25 at 6 p.m.
Where: Virtual meetings held via Zoom HERE *

*Advance registration is required.
At the Bainbridge meeting, you will also learn more about the Walkway Replacement Project. From Sep. 7-13, WSF will close the entire holding area from the tollbooths to the water to allow crews to stage cranes, equipment, and the large walkway spans, then lift and set the spans into place. There will be no access for vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or electric scooters between Seattle and Bainbridge Island during these six days. More information to come.
New Police/Court Facility Update
Construction of the Police and Municipal Court Facility continues with the plumbing and mechanical system rough-ins completed. The dry-wall and door frame construction have begun, and technology conduit installation will continue over the next few weeks. Exterior wall work and the remaining roofing will begin next week.

At the May 23 City Council Regular Business meeting, Council will review and determine a name for the new Police/Court Facility. Six names were suggested by the ad hoc naming committee from public input.
Winslow Subarea Plan Update and Comp Plan Review
The first meeting of the ad-hoc steering committee overseeing the Winslow Subarea Plan Update and Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update is set to occur on June 8. City Council will consider a facilitator for the committee from Demarche Consulting Services at next week's Regular Business meeting.

Click to learn more about:
Police & Bainbridge Prepares
Fire Extinguisher and Boat Safety Checks
Safety event open to all!
Climate Smart Bainbridge
Learn About Electric Cars and Bikes May 20
Try out BI Ride to get around the Island
This month, we’re calling on Islanders to complete “Shift Your Ride” actions in the Climate Smart Challenge.   
 
Did you know? Riding the bus is generally one of the lowest cost forms of transportation - a benefit to any budget. It can also significantly lower your climate emissions, by 80% or more, over driving a car. 
 
You can help reduce climate pollution and earn points by completing the “Take the Bus” action in the Challenge!  

Try out BI Ride! BI Ride is an on-demand, shared-ride service for getting almost anywhere on Bainbridge Island. You can request your ride, and the bus will pick you up. Currently operating Mon.-Fri. 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
 
Everyone who 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 and upcoming community events by clicking on the button below.
Art
Bainbridge Island ReFashion Show - May 21
The 7th annual Bainbridge Island ReFashion Show is this weekend! The juried show focuses on upcycling and reusing textiles to encourage changes in human behavior that lead to the sustainable use of our world’s resources. ReFashion received a Cultural Grant from the City to support part of the after event networking event.

When: Sun., May 21 beginning at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Where: Islandwood

Other activities include a purse/bag swap and sneaker collection fundraiser.
People's Choice Award for Public Art
Public Art reception for Something New V People's Choice Award, Steve Jensen for "Viking Vessel," is next week. All are welcome!
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)
City Council Updates
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
  • Determine a Name for the Police and Municipal Court Building
  • 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 

  • 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