Bainbridge Islanders,
In 2001, the City committed to acquiring and preserving selected open space sites throughout our community, including farms and agricultural lands. This was an important, bold and ambitious plan to save the island’s rich agricultural history and preserve land from urban development. Over subsequent years, the City studied and implemented a plan to manage the farmland, which in many ways has been successful. However, over the past decade an ambition gap became evident. An ambition gap is the gap between goals, financial resources and desired results. Afterall, it is not common for a city to own agricultural lands.
For the past year the City has been working with three separate entities to continue implementing the 2001 vision related to agricultural lands, but with a new approach that focuses on distinct parts of the City’s farm program. Each of these entities have unique qualifications to address the various objectives of public ownership of agricultural lands. They have demonstrated flexibility, patience and professionalism. I am very grateful for their commitment.
These entities include Brian Stah, a local farmer who will manage the land under agricultural cultivation; Friends of the Farms who will continue to provide excellent programs, services, and adventures on non-leased or cultivated agricultural land; and the Suyematsu Farm Alliance who have volunteered to take responsibility for the restoration of the historic five-acre Suyematsu Farm site. By breaking up the larger vision into three separate interest areas, the City will have a better chance of meeting its ambitious objectives. Without the resources and dedication of committed community members and organizations, this vision would not be possible. To each of them, I offer my sincerest gratitude.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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City Manager's Spotlight:
Bainbridge Island is Tsunami Ready
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Meet the City's Sustainable Transportation Coordinator |
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The community is invited to meet the City’s Sustainable Transportation Coordinator, Hannah Boettcher, and learn more about what is planned for sustainable transportation on the Island in 2024. Hannah joined the City in late September to help implement non-capital projects from the City’s Sustainable Transportation Plan (STP).
Hannah is working closely with staff and community partners to develop and implement sustainable transportation programs, such as Safe Routes to Schools and Bike to Work/School Day events and develop education and outreach materials and programs to promote walking, bicycling, and transit ridership on the Island. She also coordinates the Commute Trip Reduction program for City employees.
City Council approved the STP in 2022 and endorsed the Connecting Centers scenario, which calls for construction of a network of safe, low-stress bicycling infrastructure connecting Winslow to the Lynwood Center, Island Center, and Rolling Bay neighborhoods and nearby schools.
Come say hello and learn more about what Hannah will be working on in 2024 to support multimodal transportation options and engage youth in sustainable transportation programs at this special community event. All are welcome!
Students and youth residents interested in transportation issues are especially encouraged to attend.
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AWC Scholarship Opportunity |
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Do you know a high school senior who is active in leadership in their city government, community, or school and plan to pursue post-secondary education? Please share this scholarship information with them:
The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) has an annual scholarship for students who exhibit leadership. The scholarships are $3,000 and can be renewed.
Interested students should complete the application (link below) and submit it along with all supplemental materials to the City. A subcommittee of three councilmembers will review applications and the full Council will determine one student to nominate from the City of Bainbridge Island.
Submittal to:
City Manager’s Office
City of Bainbridge Island
280 Madison Avenue N.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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Scroll down to “Students: How to apply.” |
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City Seeking Volunteer for Planning Commission |
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The City is seeking applicants to fill upcoming vacancies on the Planning Commission. The person would serve a six-month term and then would be considered for a full three-year term.
The Planning Commission was established to serve as an advisory body to the City Council. Its role is to provide recommendations to the City Council, Planning Director and Hearing Examiner, and to consider legislative and quasi-judicial matters, with its primary responsibility to prepare, review and update the Comprehensive Plan in consultation with the director.
The city is committed to promoting diversity on the commission. The commission shall reflect the diverse perspectives, work experiences and backgrounds represented in the community. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, younger persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply to serve on the commission. Each commissioner shall endeavor to understand and agree to uphold the city’s adopted comprehensive plan.
The City of Bainbridge Island welcomes the participation of volunteers in serving our Island community through advisory groups. More information and the application form can be found via the link below. Once completed, applications will become part of the City’s Volunteer Roster. Please note: once submitted, this application becomes a public record.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Applications will be considered active for one year.
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Store Food Properly to Make it Last |
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Planning a feast this holiday season? Putting your groceries in the right place in your kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to reducing food waste! Check out these tips for properly storing your food so it lasts longer.
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Madison Ave Road Closure - Dec 18 and Jan 5 |
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A full closure of Madison Ave between Knechtel Ave and Wyatt Way is expected to take place between Wed, Dec. 27 - Fri, Dec. 29, depending upon weather and other factors. The closure is required for utility work related to the Wyatt-Madison apartment project. See the graphic below for the detour route using Knechtel, Ericksen and Wyatt Way to avoid the work zone. It’s expected that the Wyatt Way roundabout intersection will remain open except for the north leg. Madison Ave is expected to be open (with temporary steel plating in place) overnight until all work in the Right of Way is completed. Additional notifications will be issued via Nixle when the exact dates/times have been determined. |
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SR 305 Safety Improvements |
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The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has begun construction on two single lane roundabouts on Bainbridge Island at the intersections of SR 305 and Northeast West Port Madison, and SR 305 and Northeast Adas Will Lane.
Traffic patterns have shifted within the project area, especially in the vicinity of Adas Will Lane, with the removal of the left turn lane for northbound vehicles turning left (west) across traffic and onto Adas Will.
A short stretch of Seabold Road between SR305 and Komedal Road will be closed for the duration of the project and will require detours. Ongoing coordination with BISD and Kitsap Transit will work to resolve conflicts with scheduled transit/bus routes.
Travelers should stay alert, expect delays and be patient as WSDOT contractor crews work to install these improvements designed to strategically increase safety and decrease the risk of serious accidents. Work is projected to last 14 months with an anticipated completion goal of December 2024.
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The next scheduled City Council meeting will be held on January 9. Key topics include:
- Oath of Office Ceremony for new Council Members
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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