City of Poulsbo March E-Newsletter |
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Please visit out website for the latest information and resources related to COVID-19. |
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A message from Mayor Erickson |
February is normally considered a short month, only 28 days. For the City of Poulsbo, it’s been a very long month with packed agendas and big decisions.
The City purchased land for $2.7 million to enlarge the public works facility on Viking Avenue. The Nazarene Church property adjoins our existing public works decant location. The purchased land will provide the needed space to consolidate all our public works activities in a central location of the city. The existing church will be remodeled to provide new administrative offices for staff. Our public works crews faced continual flooding in their Iverson Street location; a new location is long overdue.
We also had our first (and hopefully last) snowstorm, which always requires a heavy lift from our Public Works crew who worked around the clock to keep our roads clear and safe. The plows cleared snow 24 hours a day for almost four days and we used over 300 cubic yards of sand. I am very proud of our reliable, dedicated, and hardworking crew during these severe weather conditions. I was able to venture out on that snowy Saturday to watch the kids sledding on every hill they could find. If a snowstorm could be joyous, this was one for the books. Our children, who have been house bound for months, were walking all over of the city, in search of the perfect hill with their sleds in hand.
The City Council extended the Summer Fair proposal allowing our restaurants and bars to have more time for outside dining. The businesses will be able to use outdoor locations until December 31, 2021. As our weather gets nicer, it will be helpful to these businesses to have the extra capacity to regain their economic footing. As the weather starts to get warmer, I look forward to seeing the outside dining spaces packed with customers. Our business recovery task force meets every Monday at 4:00 p.m., where we discuss how we can support our small businesses. If you interested in attending, please email me and I can refer you to the Zoom link provided by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce.
The Johnson Road roundabout project on Highway 305 kicked off on January 11. Construction was evident as traffic was diverted on February 23 to begin the tunnel construction under the roundabout. The pedestrian tunnel is located under the north end of the roundabout and will join the shared-use pedestrian bicycle path from the new Johnson Parkway down to Lemolo. This walking pathway will be amazing once it is completed. As a reminder, please slow down when you come to this part of SR-305 and be alert for construction workers. This traffic diversion has also surprised a few motorists as it is quite a curve to the east.
The City has always envisioned artwork in the new roundabout as a gateway into the City. The City just finished an intense and time-consuming conversation about that artwork. Since early January, the City consulted with the Suquamish Tribe to ensure all voices were heard in the art decision. On February 17, the City Council approved a piece of artwork called “Land of the Maples” designed by artist Elijah Burnett. The artwork will be 14 feet high, made of forged steel, and will be placed in the center of the roundabout.
Additionally, the City Council passed a motion to invite the Suquamish Tribe to contribute art to a retaining wall next to the roundabout, including a $25,000 grant to help pay for Coast Salish art to be installed at this location. I am excited to see what the Tribe will create in the Johnson Road Roundabout. It will also be an interesting conversation when the roundabout at Totten Road begins, to see what art is selected for this location as well. The Totten Road roundabout should begin next year.
Another issue on everyone’s mind is social justice, marginalized communities, and how we assure everyone a fair place and voice in our community. On February 17, the City Council passed a resolution calling on the Suquamish Tribe to meet with the City of Poulsbo, so both communities can share mutual concerns and work to restore a good faith relationship. How do both communities replace anger with hope and forgiveness? How do both communities replace intolerance with empathy and affection? These conversations must occur, and we are hopeful they will begin soon.
On February 24, the City Council hosted their second diversity workshop, which was a panel discussion on policing and racial equity. The event was an open dialogue, broadcast on BKAT TV, Facebook Live, and streamed on our city website. Pastor Richmond Johnson moderated the panel discussion with Poulsbo City Prosecutor Alexis Foster and Poulsbo Chief of Police Ron Harding. It was a fascinating conversation about policing and police reform. If you would like to watch the recorded video it can be found at https://cityofpoulsbo.com/city-council-watch-recorded-city-council-meetings-2/
Throughout the pandemic, the City of Poulsbo has been very busy supporting folks dealing with the stress and strain of COVID. There is ongoing COVID testing in the City Hall garage every Friday and we are moving into vaccination availability. Please keep an eye of the City website and Facebook page as vaccines become locally available. I must say I am very proud of Poulsbo and how our community is responding to the challenges of the pandemic. We have so many that have volunteered and so many who have reached out to help their neighbors. It makes me happy to see our community so responsive.
Finally, if you would like to join me in my office hours, please email me, and I will send you a Zoom link. I hold open office hours every Saturday morning, 9:00 until noon. Please reach out to me if I can help.
-Mayor Beck Erickson
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To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the City of Poulsbo customer service counters in City Hall have been closed since March 23, 2020 until Phase 3 of the Governor's Safe Start Plan. The Public Works office, Parks & Recreation office, Police Administration office, and Municipal Court office counters are currently closed, as well as restrooms in some City parks. City staff are still working and available by email or phone. To learn more on how to reach us, click here.
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Housing, Health & Human Services (H3) Update |
The H3 Department continues to work with public and private partners to respond to COVID 19. Some developments:
There is a new COVID vaccine appointment assistance helpline available to North Kitsap residents: 360 394 9795.
This service is intended to help those who have trouble accessing the internet, navigating online appointments, or face other barriers getting the vaccine. Callers who leave their contact information on the recorded line will receive a call back—within two business days—from a North Point Church volunteer. Volunteers will help callers identify and sign up for appointments. Spanish speakers are available.
Vaccination pop up clinics have been held at the Hostmark Apartments, Fjord Manor, and Windsong Apartments, and we’re scheduled at Cedar Glen Mobile Home park next week. The aim, here, is to bring vaccinations to people who have difficulty getting to vaccine appointments. These events are possible because of the interest local pharmacists have in helping at-risk residents (like Tore at Poulsbo Safeway, Justin at Kingston Safeway, and Mark at Bainbridge Island Community Pharmacy) and because of our excellent partners at Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, Emergency Operation Center, Medical Reserve Corps, the Suquamish Tribe, and the Poulsbo Fire Department. And of course, our volunteers! Grateful, as always, for the community spirit of Poulsbo residents (several who also serve on City staff) and their willingness to assist.
Please contact Kim Hendrickson at the City's Department of Housing, Health and Human Services with any questions: kimberlyh@cityofpoulsbo.com.
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2021 Shoreline Master Program Update |
Poulsbo has initiated a periodic review of our Shoreline Master Program (SMP) as mandated by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA) (RCW 90.58), and in coordination with the Washington State Department of Ecology. The SMA requires that the SMP be reviewed and revised, if needed, every 8 years to ensure consistency with changes to state laws and rules, other city plans and regulations, and responsiveness to changed circumstances, new information, and improved data. The SMP is a planning and regulatory document that establishes goals, policies, and regulations for activities on or near Poulsbo’s shorelines of the state, which include Liberty Bay and the portion of Dogfish Creek from the mouth of Liberty Bay to the extent of saltwater influence (end of estuary).
The SMP was originally approved and adopted in 1976 and underwent a comprehensive update in 2012. While the 2012 update was a lengthy and intensive planning process that resulted in a complete overhaul of the SMP, the scope of this periodic review and update is narrower and designed to ensure the SMP stays current and adaptable. The updated SMP is due to the Washington State Department of Ecology by June 20, 2021.
For more information, please visit the project website or contact Senior Planner, Nikole Coleman, at ncoleman@cityofpoulsbo.com or 360.394.9730. |
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Public Works Facility
Public Works will have a new home later this year! The purchase of Poulsbo Nazarene Church, adjacent to the current Public Works Decant site, will eventually become the new Public Works Facility. Phase 1 renovations should commence late May 2021. Stay tuned for updates later this year.
Park Restrooms
Due to COVID-19 social distancing protocols, Waterfront and Lions Park restrooms have opened as family style restrooms, one household or individual at a time. Locks have been installed on the main doors so the individual or family using the restroom can lock it behind them.
In future, other park restrooms will be opening as they are retrofitted for family style use.
We hope this helps alleviate some of the worry regarding availability of public restrooms in our parks during the Pandemic.
Westside Well
The water source that serves the Olhava area (west Poulsbo) will be receiving a filter plant to remove the naturally occurring iron and manganese. This will greatly improve water quality and eliminate the occasional discolored water. This plant will begin construction in spring of this year.
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ADA Transition Plan - You Can Help! |
We are working towards barrier-free mobility in the City. Help us identify and prioritize removal of physical barriers in the public right-of-way for citizens with disabilities.
or go directly to the survey here.
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Finn Hill Shared Use Path |
The city is pleased to be wrapping up construction on the Finn Hill Shared use path project within the week. At that time the entire length of the path will be open and fully functional including our new boardwalk spanning the wetland near Urdahl Road. You will still see the contractor on site working on punchlist items as well as a few other minor items.
In April 2021 we will work with the contractor to re-pave a portion of the roadway which was not built to our standards. This paving will be scheduled when the weather is expected to be a bit better and we can be sure of the highest quality end product.
Thank you for your patience while this project is completed.
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Building & Engineering Update |
The City ‘s Building Department has wrapped up 2020 and moved into the new year at full speed ahead. There were 312 building permits issued in 2020, which included 12 new single-family homes and 7 new commercial buildings. The City anticipates significantly more building activity in the coming year than in 2020, including new homes and residences, as well as new commercial buildings.
Current Development Projects
The planning department, building department, and engineering department are working together to manage all phases of current developer projects. There are currently 7 projects pursuing site development approval, totaling 700+ lots and units. Most notably, the Oslo Bay Apartments which will provide 475 new residential apartments.
This spring the project of Blue Heron and Noll Terrace will break ground. Both projects will construct new shared use pathways along Noll Rd. The building department has issued 6 new single-family building permits for the Poulsbo Meadows development located off Noll and Tallagson and construction is already underway.
Current Capital Projects
Westside Well Iron and Manganese Treatment Facility
The purpose of this project is to install an iron and manganese treatment facility at the City’s Westside Well. This facility will remove iron and manganese from the drinking water. Manganese is a naturally occurring element which is a secondary contaminant of concern, the manganese in the water is not harmful but causes discolored water and has negative aesthetic properties. The treatment facility will filter out the iron and manganese providing high quality water to our customers.
This project is going out to bid in February and construction is estimated to cost between $1.325M and $1.5M.
Citizens may recall a similar project at the Lincoln Well site a few years ago which had the same goal. The treatment facility installed at Lincoln has greatly improved the quality of water in the east side of the City and has reduced the need to flush our water mains. Lincoln well supplies the east side of Poulsbo with water and the Westside Well supplies the west side of Poulsbo. The City is very excited for this project to get started and under construction.
No construction impacts or water service interruptions are anticipated as part of this project.
SR305/Johnson Parkway Project Update
A roundabout at the intersection of Johnson Road and SR305 is being built to improve traffic mobility and to provide safer access to SR305. Also included is the construction of a non-motorized tunnel crossing to provide the only separated pedestrian and bicycle crossing of SR305. A newly constructed road (Johnson Parkway) will connect South Noll Road traffic to the new roundabout. The newly built Johnson Parkway will provide a safe connection between east and west for schools, neighborhoods, and regional non-motorized networks.
As of January 18, 2021, access to SR305 from lower Johnson Way is closed temporarily with the closure lasting up to six months. Resident access will be maintained. This closure will allow for access of the contractor to the roundabout, increased safety of the crew and will expedite the construction timeline.
City Council approved updates to the Johnson Parkway Roundabout Centerpiece Art February 17, 2021. The latest image can be viewed here.
Excavation for the non-motorized tunnel will begin February 24, 2021.
Traffic shifts to the temporary bypass road February 24, 2021 and the construction zone speed limit will reduce to 35mph for the duration of the project. Two lanes of traffic will remain open along SR305 during the day with occasional flagging delays. Please plan ahead and we thank you in advance for your patience.
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JOIN OUR FREE WEBINAR
Lawn and garden season is coming soon!
The City of Poulsbo is partnering with Kitsap County to bring you key tips and advice from Master Gardeners to take your yard to the next level and learn how to use products that are safer for kids, pets, and the Puget Sound.
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The City of Poulsbo is currently hiring for the following position: Police Officer Entry Level. Click here to learn more details about the open positions. |
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