We have a new format, schedule and layout, where we'll deliver news from across the City each Friday on things to do, updates from the City, partners and Mayor Tracie Markley's Top 5 Things to Know this Week. Want to share the news? Forward to a friend. New followers can sign up to receive the Gig-A-Byte here.
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MAYOR MARKLEY'S TOP 5 THINGS TO KNOW THIS WEEK:
1) I'm happy to announce that Katrina Knutson has been appointed as City Administrator. In her interim role as City Administrator, Katrina has surpassed my expectations and has gained an even deeper level of trust with our staff and the community. Among her many strengths, Katrina has tremendous knowledge of City policy and procedure, steps up to any call for action, ensures excellence in all that she does and, most of all, cares deeply for others. In all of this and so much more, I am confident that she will effectively perform the duties of City Administrator. Her appointment will be final upon the approval of her contract at the June 27 council meeting.
2) To ban, or not to ban... that is the question. At the June 13 council meeting, a proposed ordinance to ban fireworks in Gig Harbor was considered by Council. We received quite a bit of feedback from the public, but also heard that people were only told about the proposed ordinance the same day as the meeting. I wanted to be sure our residents know that the proposed ordinance will be heard for a second time at the June 27 meeting. We encourage you to provide input to the Council prior to the meeting. You may send comments to mayorandcouncil@gigharborwa.gov. If approved, the ban would take place next year. This year, fireworks are only allowed to be discharged on the 4th of July from 9:00am to 11:59pm.
3) We have vacancies on the Gig Harbor Planning Commission. If you are interested in helping with the future planning of Gig Harbor, read more about position requirements below and be sure to apply by June 30.
4) Did you know June is Orca Action Month? I love the latest exhibit the team at Harbor WildWatch is featuring to celebrate one of the most iconic animals in the PNW. Stop by the Skansie Visitor & Interpretive Center to learn more about Orcas and what you can do to help them!
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5) The City’s contractor will begin emergency repairs along Borgen Boulevard on June 17 and are scheduled to conclude on June 23. This work will require a complete closure of westbound Borgen Blvd. for the duration of the work. By the end of the day on June 23 the roadway should be fully open to the public. Future temporary lane closures will occur throughout the summer to finalize the necessary work. See full image of the detour here. I thank you in advance for your patience as we work hard to take care of this very necessary repair. See full image of the detour here.
- Mayor Tracie Markley
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NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR
The City of Gig Harbor is pleased to announce the appointment of Katrina Knutson to the leadership position of City Administrator. This appointment comes with unanimous support from the City Council.
“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve the City in this new role. Above all else, the City of Gig Harbor’s number one asset is the wonderful city staff, who I intend to support, consult, and collaborate with to achieve the City’s future goals. It is through the hard work and dedication of the staff that the City can meet and exceed our community’s needs and desires. I look forward to partnering with Mayor Markley, the City Council, City staff, and our civic partners as we work together to build on our strengths and strategically plan for a successful future,” said Ms. Knutson.
Ms. Knutson has served in local government for over 17 years, most recently as the City of Gig Harbor’s Community Development Director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Environmental Planning from the University of Washington – Seattle and will graduate with an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) in December from the University of South Dakota. Ms. Knutson is a member of the International City-County Management Association (ICMA). She is a nationally certified planner from the American Planning Association, is green-belt certified in LEAN Management, and has received two Washington State Governor’s Awards for planning and public engagement. Ms. Knutson is proud to have called Gig Harbor home since 2006.
As City Administrator, she will work closely with Mayor Tracie Markley and the City Council, managing the City’s daily operations, supervising all City departments and offices, and carrying out policies as set forth by Council through a process of collaboration with City staff. She will be responsible for enforcing the laws of the City, informing the Mayor and Council on important matters relating to municipal government functions, and directing the preparation of the City’s budget.
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MAKE MUSIC DAY
Tuesday, June 21
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LIVE MUSIC on 4 Stages with Family Friendly Fun Activities at multiple venues in The Uptown Shopping Center in Gig Harbor, WA on Pt. Fosdick Drive NW
There’s something for everyone! Be there from the start of the Festival to be part of the Opening Ceremonies Promenade! To see the schedule and learn how YOU can participate click here: https://www.makemusicday.org/gigharbor Get ready to enjoy many venues throughout Uptown Gig Harbor where YOU can Make Music together with friends and family!
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GARDEN TOUR
June 25-26
The Gig Harbor Garden Tour is a self-guided tour of gardens in the Greater Gig Harbor Area. Each garden has a unique story to tell that reflects the gardener's heart and style. The variety, artistry, design. and color will inspire you.
When you purchase a ticket at one of the ticket outlets or online you will receive a ticket booklet that will include descriptions of and directions to the gardens. Ticket booklets will be mailed to online ticket purchasers. Your ticket will admit you to both days and to multiple visits to the same garden.
All profits from the sale of tickets to the Gig Harbor Garden Tour are dedicated to improving literacy on the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula.
If you would like to volunteer and could use a FREE ticket, there are some places in gardens open. Contact:
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PUBLIC NOTICE: FIRE DEPT TRAINING DOWNTOWN GIG HARBOR
Wednesday, June 22
Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One will be conducting a large-scale training event at the Gig Harbor Marina on June 22nd. Crews will be simulating a marina fire involving multiple boats and trapped victims. The training will run from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. There are no anticipated road closures in the downtown area.
Although smoke and participant victims may be seen, this is only a drill. Also joining us on the water will be the fire boat Endeavor from West Pierce Fire & Rescue and the Gig Harbor Police Department. Our medical units will be staging near the Tides Tavern.
This simulation allows your firefighters to hone their skills and prepare for a large-scale event, while working alongside our multi-jurisdictional partners.
Click the photo to see full drill site image.
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HARBOR WILDWATCH NEW EXHIBIT
Open Wed - Sun, 10:00 - 4:00
Skansie Visitor Center
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - PLANNING COMMISSION |
The City is seeking citizens interested in filling vacancies on the Gig Harbor Planning Commission.
The primary charge of the Planning Commission is to make legislative recommendations to the City Council on matters related to long-range land use planning including the comprehensive plan amendments, zoning text amendments, and area-wide rezones. More information on the Planning Commission can be found here.
Planning Commissioners must be residents of the City of Gig Harbor or residing in the City's Urban Growth Area (UGA). You can check to see if your address is located in city limits or in the UGA using this tool.
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CAMPAIGN SIGNAGE
With campaign season heating up for the August Primary and November General Elections, it's important to remember that the City's Sign Code needs to be observed for all temporary signs on public and private property.
There are regulations which govern the allowable sign area, the number of temporary signs allowed, and the maximum duration a temporary sign may be displayed.
Permits to place a temporary sign on public right-of-way can be easily and freely obtained through the City's permit portal. Signs installed without a permit are subject to civil penalty charges.
Read more about the City's requirements for temporary signs on public right-of-way or private property.
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FAMILY FUN FEST
Friday, June 25
3:00 to 7:00 pm
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Free family event that features:
- Bouncy Houses
- Concert in the Amphitheater
- Live Performances
- Crafts and Activities
- Local Makers Market – 50+ Vendors!
- Food Trucks
- Free Shuttle
In lieu of a monetary donation, we are asking everyone to bring fruit snacks and granola bars to the event to benefit Food Backpacks for kids.
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JUNE 28
Summer Sounds:
Soul Searching
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JULY 2-29
Movies in
the Park
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JULY 7-AUG 11
Uptown Summer
Concert Series
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Have an event or submission for the Gig-A-Byte? Email us at:
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City of Gig Harbor | 253-583-3554 | 3510 Grandview St
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