Dear Bainbridge Islanders,
The new year is off to a busy start as City staff work to plan new initiatives alongside our ongoing projects and services. There are several items I'd like to highlight that will be coming forward in Q1:
- Enhancements to the Planning and Community Development Department customer service options, including new online permits and better support for inquiries via email and phone.
- Expanded communications tools and City website features.
- Contract award for Olympic Drive improvements.
- Waterfront Park pedestrian bridge repairs.
In addition, I'd like to express appreciation to City staff in Operations and Maintenance and the Police Department and the Bainbridge Island Fire Department for their extra effort during our late December storms. I'm pleased with both our storm response and our communication during these events, but we always assess after events to share thoughts on where we can improve. We currently have more than 8,000 subscribers to our Nixle alert system, and I'd encourage all island residents to
sign up to receive these important City notifications.
Finally, I'd like to share my congratulations to our new Police Corporals who were selected to this newly established rank through a promotion process at the end of 2018: Joe Fastaia, Gary Koon, Cameron Lewis and Bill Shields.
Best wishes,
Morgan Smith
City Manager
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City Council to Vote on Car-tab Fee Increase at Jan. 8 Meeting
The City Council is set to vote on a $10 increase in car-tab fees at the Jan. 8 Business Meeting.
If approved, the car-tab fees for Bainbridge Islanders would increase from $20 to $30.
The City estimates the increase will add approximately $200,000 per year to the City's Transportation Benefit Fund. The additional revenue will be used for traffic calming, climate change mitigation and marketing of Kitsap Transit's BI Ride Service.
Councilman Matt Tirman proposed the increase to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, reduce traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas output on Bainbridge Island.
You can read more about the proposal in the Jan. 8 City Council agenda packet.
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Reminder:
Pedestrian Bridge to be Closed for Repairs Beginning Monday
The pedestrian bridge along the Waterfront Trail, east of Waterfront Park, will be closed beginning next Monday, Jan. 7 through February for replacement of the decking and guardrails.
As part of this project, there will also be new lights installed on the bridge and along the trail, between the bridge and Harborview Drive.
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Apply Now: City Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Newly-Formed Race Equity Task Force
We're looking for seven volunteers to serve on the newly-formed Race Equity Task Force.
The City Council approved a motion during the
December 4 Study Session to form a Race Equity Task Force after hearing from a group of concerned community members. The purpose of the Task Force is to provide advice and counsel to the City Council on matters of identifying programmatic, community and legislative options to ensure that Bainbridge Island lives up to its commitment of an open and welcoming community for all.
"The Comprehensive Plan reinforces our commitment to race equity, but we have not taken measurable steps to address institutional racism in our community," said Councilmember Matt Tirman. "We will endeavor to change this through the Race Equity Task Force, which will include Islanders from diverse backgrounds."
Councilmembers Rasham Nassar and Joe Deets will also serve on the Task Force. The group will meet once a month at City Hall. The day and time of the meetings will be decided at a future date.
Applications for the Race Equity Task Force can be found
here. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25. Task Force interviews will take place Jan. 28 - Jan. 31.
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Trash Talk: COBI's Green Team Hosts Solid Waste Presentation
Have you ever wondered what happens to your garbage, recycling and organic waste after it's picked up at the curb? Join us for a discussion with Kitsap County's Solid Waste Division Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Programs Specialist Eirik O'Neal will talk about solid waste and recycling infrastructure, including organics and food waste recycling. In addition, O'Neal will discuss current global market conditions for recycling.
The event will begin with a 30-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.
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Senior Center Releases
Results of Strategic Plan Listening Tour
The
Senior Center will present its Strategic Plan to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting next Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center.
The five-year strategic planning process started in early 2018. As part of the effort, the Strategic Planning Team held a listening tour to gather input about how the Center can better serve our community and its growth.
"The community input was integral in our process; we learned how important developing resources for people 50 and older is for this community
,"said Senior Center Executive Director Reed Price.
The Strategic Planning Team gathered feedback from 54 participants to develop a report that identifies key themes discussed during the sessions. Every conversation included thoughts about changing the name of the Center to get people of different ages in the door. In addition, participants discussed new programs and activities, staffing levels, upgraded facilities, and more.
Read more about the goals and results of the listening tour
here.
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BI Zero Waste Hosts Styrofoam & CD Recycling Event
Kitsap County Public Works collected more than 2,000 pounds of Styrofoam during last weekend's recycling event, which included a carload of Styrofoam gathered by COBI staff.
I
f you missed the event,
BI Zero Waste is hosting a Styrofoam and CD recycling event Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bay Hay and Feed barn.
Please bring only clean, white, dry, snappable (#6 EPS) block packaging and coolers. Please remove all tape and stickers. No peanuts. The CDs should not be in cases.
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Christmas Cleanup: Options for Recycling Your Tree
There are a few ways to recycle your Christmas tree after the holiday if you don't have curbside composting service. There are drop-off sites and pickup fundraisers across Kitsap County.
Please remove all decorations and tree stands before recycling. The trees must be unflocked to avoid the risk of adding harmful chemicals to the soil and mulch products.
Here are some options on Bainbridge Island for recycling:
- Bainbridge Island Transfer Station, located at 7215 NE Vincent Rd, 206-842-0962, $5/tree
- Tilz Soils & Compost, located at 12112 Miller Rd NE 206-842-4045, $1/tree
- Boy Scout Troop 1564 will do a curbside pickup on Saturday, Jan. 12 for a suggested donation of $15. Make your reservation here.
For a list of the other drop-off locations in Kitsap County, click
here.
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Upcoming Events
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Tuesday, Jan. 8: City Council Business Meeting, Council Chamber, 6 p.m.
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Saturday, Jan. 12: North Ward Meeting at Seabold Hall; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 19: Central Ward Meeting at City Hall; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Saturday, Jan. 26: South Ward Meeting at Island Center Hall; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Wednesday, Jan. 30: Public Meeting on Design Guidelines Update at City Hall; 6 p.m.
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