Bainbridge Islanders,

It happened again. 

We cast a wide net for job applicants. We receive a good number of applications. We screen the applications and invite the most qualified to interview. We conduct a second interview. We perform background checks and ask the top-rated candidate if they seriously want the job. They say yes. We make the job offer. The candidate accepts, only to decline our offer hours or days later. 

Unfortunately, this scenario has happened several times over the past several years. I don’t know if this is unique to Bainbridge Island or if this is the post COVID employment environment. In some job searches, we have a difficult time generating a candidate pool. This is particularly true for technical jobs. This isn’t what I’m lamenting about. I am wondering what happens when someone accepts a job and then declines it.

We allow job candidates to interview remotely. Is it easier for job candidates who interview remotely to not be truly dedicated to the possibility of accepting the job? I know the lack of quality affordable housing for middle income earners is a deterrent to accepting a job on Bainbridge Island. Job candidates have told us so. Maybe people decline the offer because we are an island and a little more remote. Maybe generational expectations of employment is playing a part.

I know we need to change how we recruit and select our employees. We need to make sure those who accept our job offer really accept our job offer. From what I hear, we are not the only employer with this problem. On the other hand, I appreciate the approximately 150 city employees we have. Every staff member plays a role in keeping the city running and serving the community. Their dedication and care make us fortunate to have such an exceptional workforce.

Best,

Blair King

City Manager 

The City Manager's Report will be taking a brief holiday

and return on September 6

Video & Photo Spotlight

New Short-Term Rental Ordinance Explained

Thank you Volunteers!

Last week, we honored the dedicated volunteers who give their time to serve the community on City Advisory Groups and in other capacities with an appreciation event at the Rowing Club. We are so appreciative of all of their dedicated work.

Thank you!

Updates

Oak Tree in front of Historic Museum

A beautiful Red Oak tree near the Bainbridge Island Historic Museum on City property, recognized as both a Heritage and Landmark Tree, has developed a large crack. Following an arborist recommendation, the City invested $10K in stabilization and periodic evaluations. An arborist report this summer revealed the tree’s continued deterioration, posing a safety hazard. A second opinion confirmed the risk, suggesting temporary bracing for $3K. The City will be adding the additional bracing and developing a hazardous mitigation plan.

Dana's Trail Update

Squeaky Wheels, a cycling organization on Bainbridge Island, committed to the City $30,000 toward the completion of improvements to the section of the public trail between Madison Avenue and New Brooklyn through Bainbridge Island School District (BISD) and City property known as Dana’s Trail. The funding was contingent upon the City's commitment of a sum equal to or greater than $30,000 toward completion of the trail, which was used for implementation, signage and community education. The trail was formally named “Dana’s Trail” or “Dana’s Campus Connector Trail” in honor of Dana Berg, a founding member and president of Squeaky Wheels, as well as a prominent business member of the Bainbridge Community. 

EPA Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site Update

The EPA is starting the wellfield replacement project at the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site. Active construction will begin in August. Safety fencing will be put up with a 50-foot buffer around the southeast corner of the site to protect the public. The fencing will remain in place throughout the wellfield replacement project, which the EPA anticipates will last through the end of 2024. During this time, the public will not be able to access the southeast corner area, including the Creosote Park Bench. The EPA will reassess public access to the park and Creosote Place NE during future phases of construction in late 2024 or early 2025.

Community Opportunities & Public Engagement

Draft Environmental Impact Statement NOW AVAILABLE

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Bainbridge Island Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update and the Winslow Subarea Plan Update is now available to comment on.

Your voice is essential in shaping Bainbridge Island’s future, ensuring a desired path forward for both present and future generations.

For more information on the DEIS, to access the document, and/or to learn about upcoming community engagement opportunities, please visit the City’s website. Comment by Oct. 10.

BI Reads Events

Bloedel Reserve is hosting two special meditation events at their Japanese Garden House, inspired by A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. Led by Juliana Perez, a mindfulness meditation coach, these sessions will blend meditation, nature, and poetry, offering a unique opportunity to connect with yourself and the earth. Space is limited to 15 people.

August 16:

• Time: 3:00-4:00 PM
• Where: Bloedel Reserve, 7571 NE Dolphin Dr, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
• Limited Spaces: Sign up here

September 20:

• Time: 10:30-11:30 AM
• Where: Bloedel Reserve
• Limited Spaces: Sign up here

Letter exchange - write one, receive one in Dear Stranger following a model by Oregon Humanities. Write about anything you like and choose to sign your letter or remain anonymous. Submit your letter by September 1.

Councilmembers from left to right: Leslie Schneider (Central Ward - District 4), Clarence Moriwaki (Central Ward - District 5),

Ashley Mathews (South Ward - District 6), Brenda Fantroy-Johnson (North Ward - District 2), Joe Deets (North Ward - District 7),

Kirsten Hytopoulos (At Large - District 1), Jon Quitslund (South Ward, District 3)

The next City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on September 10. City Council Agendas are available to view the Friday before the meeting by 5 p.m.