I do not own a boat, but I am aware of the saying within the boating community that the two happiest days in a boat owner’s life are the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it.

One of the common plagues of island and coastal communities is derelict vessels that come loose from their moorings or come aground. When a boat runs aground, it can potentially release contaminants such as batteries and fuel or become an attractive nuisance. Boats that are loose from their moorings are a danger to navigation. The Bainbridge Island Police Department and our Harbormaster Tami Allen are excellent in watching out for derelict boats, securing them, and, if need be, disposing of them.

In one of the recent storms, a 12-foot boat washed ashore at Fort Ward. Police Officers recovered the boat and secured it until it could be removed. The boat had no registration and was clearly abandoned.

On Oct. 31, the Police Department’s Marine Services Unit towed a vessel that was dragging anchor and blocking access to the ferry yard. This vessel had expired tabs.

This past year, 18 vessels have been recovered or secured by the Police Department and the Harbormaster. Most are returned to their owners after paying the appropriate fees. We are fortunate that the State of Washington covers most of our costs and vessel recovery is not a hit to the City’s budget.

My family thinks I should get a sabot (sailing dinghy) so I can spend some time alone. So, look for me around Eagle Harbor. On the other hand, I know my seamanship is poor and I do not want to add to our statistics.

The City is preparing for the transition of two new Council members in the south and central wards following the results of the Nov. 2 election.

Jon Quitslund, who is the successor to Councilmember Christy Carr for Position 3, is scheduled to take office after the election results are certified Nov. 23 and he has taken the oath of office. Once he assumes office, he will serve what is referred to as the "short term" until the end of 2021, and then he will serve the four-year term ("full term") beginning Jan. 1, 2022.

Councilmember Brenda Fantroy-Johnson, who was successful in securing the Council Position 2 seat (North Ward) that she has been serving in as an appointed Councilmember, will serve the remainder of the “unexpired term” for that position through Dec. 31, 2023.

For Position 5 (Central Ward), Mayor Rasham Nassar’s term will expire Dec. 31, 2021. Clarence Moriwaki will begin his position Jan. 1, 2022 for a four-year term.

Councilmember Joe Deets, who was successful in securing his Position 7 seat (North Ward), will begin his next four-term Jan. 1, 2022.

The Kitsap County Canvassing Board certifies the results of the election. The election results certification meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. Nov. 23 and the results are expected to be certified by 10:00 a.m. that same day.

The new Council members will receive an orientation the week of November 29.

Councilmember Carr was recognized this week for her service on Council from May 2020 to November 2021.

Carr, a 20-year resident of Bainbridge Island and former Senior Planner for the City of Bainbridge Island, is the first former City of Bainbridge Island staff person to serve as a councilmember.

A recognition of service for Mayor Rasham Nassar will be held during the Dec. 14 business meeting.

November 10 marked the one-year anniversary of the adoption of our Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP outlines more than 170 actions in support of three overarching goals:

While some actions were delayed pending the arrival of our first Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Officer in October, several actions were taken this past year to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions and prepare our community for the impacts of climate change.

Actions to reduce emissions:

Actions to increase resiliency:

The Climate Officer is currently working with staff and the Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC) to develop a 2022 work plan and budget to accelerate implementation of the CAP and provide meaningful opportunities for residents to help us meet our climate action goals. The Climate Officer will also work with the CCAC to produce a brief CAP progress report in early 2022.

Read the full CAP anniversary report.

Appointments are still available for the pediatric COVID-19 clinic this Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Commodore Options School lower gym. This clinic is strictly for 5- to 11-year-olds because they receive a lower dose of the Pfizer vaccination. Register on the TimeTap page.

Appointments are full for the final Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster clinic of 2021 that will be held this Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Commodore Options School. However, it's possible that appointments may open due to cancellations. Please check the TimeTap page.

Every three years, the City accepts applications to amend its Comprehensive Plan, which guides the growth and establishes the long-range vision for Bainbridge Island.

The next Comprehensive Plan Amendment submission window is January to February 2022.

The requirements and process for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment is outlined in Bainbridge Island Municipal Code Section 2.16.190.

Those interested in pursuing a Comprehensive Plan Amendment application must have a preapplication conference with City staff before submitting the amendment application.

Instructions for requesting a preapplication conference and additional information is available on the City’s website. Please contact Senior Planner Jennifer Sutton with questions about Comprehensive Plan Amendments at jsutton@bainbridgewa.gov.

The City will hold a public meeting Monday, Nov. 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. on Zoom [https://bainbridgewa.zoom.us/j/98423964201] to get community input on a City proposal to construct trails within the area known as Lost Valley (roughly northwest of Head of the Bay).

The Lost Valley is a large wooded area that contains much of Cooper Creek. The City is partnering with the BI Metro Park & Recreation District and the BI Parks Foundation to plan nonmotorized connections from Fletcher Bay Road to Carmella Lane and Eagle Harbor Road.

This connection has appeared in transportation plans for years, including the current Islandwide Transportation Plan, and would connect several neighborhoods surrounding the Lost Valley.

Learn more about the project and share your feedback on the Engage Bainbridge page.

Today (Nov. 12) is the final opportunity to comment on the first draft of the Near-Term Action Plan for sustainable transportation.

The Near-Term Action Plan is a proposed package of infrastructure projects for walking, bicycling, and transit. Projects were prioritized based on their ability to connect to key destinations and existing infrastructure, along with other criteria.

The plan also identifies investments into mobility hubs, like the ferry terminal and neighborhood service centers, and innovative transit programs such as an on-demand intra-island shuttle using electric vans.

Please send your comments to Mark Epstein at pwadmin@bainbridgewa.gov.

More changes are coming related to plastic waste reduction. The Council this week adopted Ordinance No. 2021-34 to reduce plastic waste from food service and lodging businesses. The new ordinance:

These changes are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2023. The City will focus on education and outreach efforts in 2022, developing resources to support the business community in implementing the new requirements. The City will also review opportunities to provide financial assistance to local businesses affected by the ordinance to assist with the initial costs of compliance (e.g., grants for purchasing reusable and/or home compostable disposable food service ware).

Ordinance No. 2021-34 builds upon June 2021 revisions to the City’s Municipal Code (BIMC 8.24) that only allow single-use food service products to be provided when a customer asks or confirms they would like to use them. The new rules related to customer affirmation are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Watch the Nov. 9 discussion.

The Council this week approved an ordinance (Ordinance No. 2021-23) to create a program that incentivizes the development of multifamily and affordable housing on Bainbridge Island by exempting qualifying new housing from property taxes for 12 or 20 years on the residential improvement value of a development.

The program, known as Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) will apply in two areas:

The qualifying multifamily projects would be exempt from property taxation on the residential improvement value for 12 or 20 years (depending on program) after construction is complete. The program does not apply to the value of land or any non-residential development. The tax levy would be shifted to other property taxpayers through a slight tax increase divided among property owners islandwide.

The MFTE programs, authorized under state law (RCW 84.14), vary by duration of tax exemption and affordability requirements.

Watch the Nov. 9 Council discussion.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7.

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.

The Council this week presented a proclamation honoring Veterans Day. Gary Sakuma, Commander of the American Legion Colin Hyde Post #172, accepted the proclamation.

The American Legion hosted two events Nov. 11 to commemorate Veterans Day, including an open house to allow visitors to learn more about the American Legion and its members.

Thank you to all veterans for their sacrifice and service to our country!