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News from City Hall 
City Council Approves Car-Tab Fee Increase

The City Council voted 5-1 at the Jan. 22 business meeting to approve a $10 car-tab fee increase to support traffic calming measures, climate change mitigation and marketing of Kitsap Transit's BI Ride Service.

The implementation of the fee increase will take roughly six months and be in effect until 2023. Staff is researching rebate options for those for whom the increased fee will create financial hardship. The City estimates the increase will add approximately $200,000 per year to the City's Transportation Benefit Fund.

It's possible, however, the City's Transportation Benefit car-tab fees could be repealed. If State Legislators pass Initiative 976, which would reduce car-tab fees to $30, it would repeal the Transportation Benefit District's authority to impose additional vehicle-registration fees. 

Traffic Alert Along Winslow Way Next Week 
Crews will begin routine maintenance of stormwater facilities (rain gardens, planters, etc.) on Monday, Jan. 28 along Winslow Way from Madison Avenue to Ravine Lane.  At times, Winslow Way will be reduced to one lane with flaggers. 

The work, which is happening between the street and sidewalk along Winslow Way, is being done to ensure WA State Department of Ecology maintenance standards are being met for stormwater collection, flow control, and treatment for water quality.

A few parking spaces along Winslow Way will be used for storage of materials. It's anticipated that crews will work from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that the project will be complete Friday, Feb.1. 

If you have questions, please contact Stella Collier, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Coordinator at 206-482-0713 or scollier@bainbridgewa.gov.
Get Involved: South Ward Meeting is Tomorrow
What's on your mind, South Ward residents? Attend t he Ward meeting this Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. at Island Center Hall and share those thoughts with your City Council representatives.

No agenda. No speeches. No public comment sheet. Just a chance to ask questions, share your thoughts and get to know your Council representatives.

The Saturday morning discussion will include Councilmembers Sarah Blossom and Matt Tirman.  At-Large Councilmember Ron Peltier will not be in attendance as he will be participating in a climate change discussion that's happening at the same time.

Don't know your ward? Check the map here Bring a neighbor and join the discussion!
Attend a Jan. 30 Meeting to Help Shape the Future of Design Guidelines

Are you interested in the look of future development on the Island?  If so, please get involved in the discussion on design guidelines. 

The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking input to update its design guidelines to improve the quality of design in the community and support the vision for Bainbridge Island as a sustainable and thriving place.      
                     
The City's design guidelines are a method of guiding development and enhancing the quality of buildings, sites and the public realm. Some of the guidelines include: streetscape design, public space (plazas and courtyards), and building design (proximity to street, materials, roof appearance, etc.). The core purpose of design guidelines is to produce higher-quality development that reflects the Island's values and character. The design guidelines are used by the Design Review Board to assess the merits of a project's design.     
                      
As part of the project, a public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at City Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to gather public input and present findings of the existing conditions analysis, best practices, and opportunities for the design guidelines update.                           
Learn more on the Design Guidelines Update project page.
Got a few minutes? We'd like your input!

Email? Facebook? Ferry outreach? Postal mail? We're curious to hear how you'd like to be informed about City projects, upcoming Council decisions and other City matters. 

Please take a few minutes to fill out a brief survey that addresses general communications and our latest outreach efforts on the SAFE Mobility Levy. Your feedback will help to shape future public outreach, engagement and communications.

The survey will be open until Wednesday, Jan. 30. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts with us!  Please share the survey with your neighbors.
BIPD Presents Annual Awards

Several BIPD officers were honored at a ceremony for their heroic actions in service, performance, teamwork, and accomplishments during the past year.  
 
The department's highest honor, Medal of Valor, was awarded to Ofc. Dale Johnson for his actions during an officer-involved shooting in February 2018. The Medal of Valor is given to officers who distinguish themselves by heroic acts of conspicuous bravery above and beyond the typical demands of police service. 
 
The Officer of the Year was awarded to Det. Sgt. Scott Weiss. The Officer of the Year award is selected by an Awards Committee based on nominations received and exemplary service. Administrative Supervisor Barbara Burns received the Civilian of the Year award. 
This Weekend: BI Zero Waste Hosts Styrofoam Recycling Event
Have any Styrofoam to get rid of? BI Zero Waste is hosting a Styrofoam and CD/DVD recycling event this Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Bay Hay and Feed barn. 

Please bring only clean, white, dry, snappable (#6 EPS) block packaging and coolers. Remove all tape and stickers. No peanuts. The CD/DVD items should not be in cases. 

If you would like to volunteer to help snap Styro during the collection, please contact BI Zero Waste at  bizerowaste@sustainablebainbridge.org.
Upcoming Events
  • Saturday, Jan. 26: South Ward Meeting at Island Center Hall; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 30: Public Meeting on Design Guidelines Update at City Hall; 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 1: First Friday Art Walk; 6-8 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 18 City Hall will be closed for Presidents Day
City of Bainbridge Island www.bainbridgewa.gov
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