Bainbridge Islanders,
Those committed to public service are special people. In the rural mountain community I grew up in, the Road Maintenance Crew and the resident Deputy Sheriff embodied public service. They were local heroes. The Road Crew could be counted on to help stranded motorists on icy and snowy mountain roads, and everyone knew you could call the resident Deputy Sheriff for help at any hour with his patrol car parked in front of his house.
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Thinking of public service, our longest serving city employee, Delbert “Del” Frantz, retired on September 1 after 38 ½ years of service. Del began working for the City of Winslow. With six colleagues, Del worked on everything from water services to roadside landscaping and sewers. After the incorporation of the City of Bainbridge Island, Del spent much of his time working in the wastewater treatment plant, which was its own kind of adventure. He has many memories of going into the wastewater basin to retrieve toys, pagers, etc. that would damage pumps and grinders if left un-retrieved. Now that's public service! We thank you for your service and dedication Del! |
(Del hard at work on the job site.) |
As we wish Del a happy retirement, we welcome Ellyze Francisco, our National Urban Fellow. She begins her nine-month fellowship this week. The City of Bainbridge Island is devoted to preparing the next generation of local leaders. Ellyze is participating in the well-regarded National Urban Fellow Program, which is committed to developing people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, particularly people of color and women, to be leaders and change agents in the public and non-profit sectors. Welcome Ellyze! |
I also want to introduce our new Communications Coordinator, Shannon Hays. Shannon has been on the job for about a month. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Cinema-Television, working in Los Angeles for a number of years on short films, live stage shows, and film festivals. She moved back to the Pacific Northwest running communications and marketing for various small businesses and artists before working for Snohomish County. There she provided various types of communications from emergency management to large-scale event marketing (like The Evergreen State Fair). |
Many public employees will be working this Labor Day weekend. I want to extend my gratitude to the community for its patience with these public servants as they provide essential and important services over the long Labor Day weekend. Have fun and be safe. |
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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Back to School Wednesday, Sep. 7 |
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Bainbridge Island Students return to school on Wednesday, Sep. 7. It's an exciting time for students, parents, and teachers on the island. The commencement of the school session brings community-wide added awareness for our trafficked school zones and additional pedestrians walking to and from school. Scroll to our COBI Police section for Police Chief Clark's recommendations on how we can all look out for each other as we get back to school on Wednesday. |
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Road Improvement Updates for Sportsman Club/New Brooklyn Rd.
and High School Rd.
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The City is on time for these two area roadway improvements to be substantially completed before the start of school next week. Here's where we are at this time: |
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Sportsman Club Road/New Brooklyn Road
- The City's contractor is expected to have all the concrete work (sidewalks and ramps), permanent vehicle and bike lane road striping, and directional road signs complete by today, Sep 2.
- All bike lanes and sidewalks should be open by the end of today, Sep 2.
- New Brooklyn Road will be re-opened by the end of today, Sep. 2.
- The contractor’s job "shack" area NE of the intersection may still be in use the week of Sep. 6, which will affect parking on Sportsman Club Road during the first school week. All other shoulders without sidewalks are available for parking.
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High School Road Safety Improvements
- The Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at all crosswalks were completed this week.
- Paving at the crosswalk islands and the center turn lane into the Safeway complex was completed.
- Striping of crosswalks and other road striping will be completed today, Sep 2.
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Volunteer for Beach Clean Up Sep. 10 |
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The 7th annual Bainbridge Island Beach Clean Up is only one week away. You can help make our shorelines healthier for people and wildlife by signing up as an individual or in groups to clean up a beach or road end location. Sustainable Bainbridge will be awarding a special prize in a random drawing for the craziest piece of trash found or for the most interesting piece of trash upcycled or artcycled.
Visit Sustainable Bainbridge's website, HERE, to learn more and sign up.
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City to fund Visitor Projects and Activities for 2023 |
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The City is seeking proposals for visitor serving projects and activities for 2023. The awarded proposals will be funded by the City’s Lodging Tax revenues.
There is approximately $350,000 available. Eligible proposals are limited to visitor marketing projects, operations, special events or festivals, or eligible capital facilities. Applicants may seek a minimum award of $2,000 and a maximum award of $175,000.
Proposals will be provided to the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for review and comment. The advisory committee will provide its recommendations to the City Council for the final funding decision.
The deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 29. Email applications and questions to [email protected]
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Take the Housing Action Plan Survey |
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The Housing Action Plan is intended to help develop an understanding of our housing needs, how much and for whom, and the means and methods to address these identified housing needs. The City is asking for your input in a survey about housing.
You can take the survey online, HERE, through the end of September.
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Household Chemicals Collection Event Sep. 17 |
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Bring your select, unwanted household and lawn/garden hazardous materials for free disposal to the City’s Operations and Maintenance Facility (7305 NE Hidden Cove Rd, Bainbridge Island) on Saturday, Sep. 17 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Plan Ahead: For more information to plan ahead, visit the event webpage and checkout the flyer to see what will be and what won’t be accepted.
This collection event is for North Kitsap residents in partnership with the City and Kitsap County. No business waste accepted. If you don't see your items on the list, the Household Hazardous Waste facility in Bremerton takes much more.
Thank you for helping keep our land and waters safe and attractive by disposing of waste properly.
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City Arborist & Climate Officer Talk Urban Tree Care Wednesday, Sep. 14 |
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Join the City's Arborist and Climate Officer to talk about urban trees: how to choose the right species for the right space, how to plant correctly, and how to care for trees to maximize their success rate. Learn about tree-related considerations in the City's Climate Action Plan with an in-depth discussion about tree selection, cultural conditions, species diversity, and planting.
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Did you know? Toilets are the biggest water user in the house. They use up to 30% of all household water use!
Older toilets can use up to 6 gallons per flush, while newer higher-efficiency toilets use 1.3 gallons or less. Making the switch to low-flow toilets can save up to 13,000 gallons of water a year for a family of four. This can also save you money. If you have older toilets, you can save up to $100 per year on water costs if you replace them with low-flow toilets.
Myth: Low-flow toilets don’t work as well
Fact: Going low-flow does not mean low pressure or reduced functionality, just significant water savings!
Learn more about how you can be water wise this summer in this short video.
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Bainbridge Island Police Department |
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Back to School Tips from Police Chief Clark |
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As teachers welcome back their students, we will see the return of increased traffic, school buses, bicycles, and walkers as the students make their way to school. Drivers should be alert to this activity; and where possible, avoid driving in those areas during morning arrival and afternoon dismissals.
Here are a few tips to help keep our students safe:
- Never pass a school bus with its yellow or red lights flashing or if the stop arm is extended. When a school bus stop paddle is activated, motorists and cyclists in both directions must stop.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
- Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn.
- Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.
- Be alert; children often are unpredictable and tend to overlook hazards and take risks.
- Slow down in school zones. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. the speed limit in school zones is 20 mph.
If your child’s school has specific drop-off and pick-up procedures, make sure you know what they are. Don't load or unload children across the street from the school or double park as it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles. Consider carpooling or riding the bus to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
We hope these simple tips will help you have a safe and happy school year.
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Permits Counter Hours Expanded |
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Expanded Counter Hours
8 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1.p.m.-3 p.m.
EVERY weekday, Mon-Fri.
Staff are ready to assist you with your planning and permit needs. You can also still go online for our online permit center.
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Seeking to Fund Local Human Service Programs |
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The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking proposals to provide funding for local nonprofit organizations to help support human service programs in the community during the 2023-2024 funding cycle. A total of $660,000 will be available for distribution through the two-year funding cycle for the selected projects.
Applicant and project requirements are included in the Request for Proposals available on the City's website.
Applications are due on Sep. 29. There will be an informational meeting Sep. 7 at 1 p.m. via Zoom for anyone interested in learning more about the RFP.
The Zoom link for informational meeting can be found on our website or via the direct Zoom link HERE. or call in by telephone 1-253-215-8782 (Webinar ID: 879 8596 1668). Attendance is not required to apply for funding.
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Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site Cleanup Activities |
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Cleanup investigations are currently underway at the former Wyckoff wood-treatment facility, located at the mouth of Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island.
All work is directed and overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Planned Work Outside the Former Process Area
All work will be performed within the fenced in Former Process Area, except for the following activities (dates are approximate):
- September 8: Deployment of an unmanned aerial system, or drone, to collect aerial imagery and/or topographic survey data of the Former Process Area and beaches. The beach will remain open to the public on this day.
For more information contact EPA Lead Project Manager:
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September is Puget Sound Starts Here Month |
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Puget Sound Starts Here Month (PSSH) is a public awareness campaign connecting local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, and organizations to engage residents in Puget Sound’s recovery by protecting and improving local and regional water quality.
Stop by the City’s PSSH booth at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Sep. 3rd to learn what the City is doing and what YOU can do to help Puget Sound and water quality for current and future generations.
Here are a few simple actions you can do today:
- Bag and trash pet waste
- Fix vehicle leaks
- Septic tank inspection and maintenance
- Stop using chemical fertilizers and pesticides
- Plant native trees and vegetation
- Store, use, and dispose of hazardous household products and waste properly
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Sept. 13. Key topics include:
- Proclamation declaring "Puget Sound Starts Here" month
- Proclamation for Community Preparedness Month
- Discussion of the results of an Islandwide Speed Limit evaluation
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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Tuesday, Sept. 6 Council Study Session canceled
Wednesday, Sep.7 Back to School for COBI students
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Saturday, Sep. 10 Beach Clean Up Event
Tuesday, Sep. 13 Council Regular Business Meeting
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