News Flash

Community invited to meet Police Chief finalists

The Bainbridge Island community is invited to meet three finalists for the Police Chief position at a reception Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall.

The finalists are:

• Joseph (Joe) Clark has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience and ...

Winslow Hotel applicant withdraws project revisions

The Winslow Hotel project applicant has withdrawn project revisions that required a new public comment period and Planning Commission public meeting.

On Oct. 9, the applicant submitted a revision to the site plan and design review and conditional use permi...

New buoy installation in Eagle Harbor to begin soon

The City is anticipating that a contractor will begin the installation of new buoys in the Dave Ullin Open Water Marina (DUWOM) in Eagle Harbor on Monday, Oct. 21.

During the project, there will be days with little or no activity on the water, as the contr...

City seeks volunteers for Civil Service Commission, Salary Commission

The City of Bainbridge Island is looking for volunteers to serve on the Civil Service Commission and Salary Commission.

Applications for both Commissions are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. Interviews will be held in late November and/or early D...

Both sidewalks on Olympic Drive now open

Both sidewalks on Olympic Drive are now open for pedestrians, but crews are still working to complete other construction on the Olympic Drive Non-motorized Improvements Project. The final tasks include completion of pavement markings, installation of a ra...

City Manager appoints new Planning & Community Development Director

City Manager Morgan Smith appointed Heather Wright as the City’s Director of Planning and Community Development. Wright served as the Interim Director for the department since May 2019. She joined the City 12 years ago and has served as Planning Manager, ...

Olympic Drive improvements project nears completion

We’re preparing for the final phase of construction on the Olympic Drive Non-motorized Improvements Project and expect completion later this month.

The sidewalk on the west side of Olympic Drive is now open. However, the sidewalk on the east side...

Project Alert: Sidewalk closed for construction

Crews have completed asphalt work along Olympic Drive and need the cooperation of pedestrians to keep certain areas clear.If you’re walking to and from the ferry terminal, please do not use the east side of Olympic Drive. Please use the west sid...

City issues Request for Proposals for cultural funding

The City of Bainbridge Island has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a two-year award cycle for Cultural Funding (2020-2021).

The City is seeking proposals for cultural projects and activities that will benefit Bainbridge Island residents and visitor...

City launches search for Police Chief

The City of Bainbridge Island has launched its formal search for a new Police Chief.

The cutoff for the first review of applications is Monday, September 16 and the City seeks to complete the hiring process by the end of the year.

The City has engaged Strat...

Road repair work to begin next week

A contractor for the City of Bainbridge Island will begin annual maintenance of City roads next week and drivers should expect delays.

The road preservation work will occur in two phases. It is anticipated that on Tuesday, August 20 and Wednesday, August 2...

City seeks proposals for projects to support tourism

The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking proposals for tourism projects and activities for 2020. Approved projects would be funded by the City’s Civic Improvement Fund.

Proposals must be for tourism marketing projects, marketing and operations of special e...

City to begin search for Police Chief

The City of Bainbridge Island will begin a search for a new Police Chief.

The position became vacant in February when Police Chief Matt Hamner resigned. Deputy Chief Jeff Horn was appointed Interim Police Chief and will continue to serve in that role until...

City Council identifies proposed rules for sign code

City Council completed work at the July 16 study session to identify a proposed set of rules for various types of signs in Winslow and other areas. The Council is proposing to change the City's sign code to address the proliferation of sandwich boards and...

Prepare for street closures during Celebrate Bainbridge events

Below are street closures to be aware of during next week's Celebrate Bainbridge festivities. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

July 3

• Bjune Dr will be closed between Madison Ave and Winslow Way July 3 at 3 p.m. to July 4 at 5 p.m. Local traffi...

City Manager Announces Leadership Changes in Public Works Department

City Manager Morgan Smith announced Wednesday several changes to leadership roles in the Public Works Department.

On September 1, Public Works Director Barry Loveless will retire from his position as Public Works Director but will remain a part-time City e...

Planning Commission to hold special meeting June 20 to continue Winslow Hotel project review

The Planning Commission will hold a special meeting Thursday, June 20 to continue review of the Winslow Hotel project.

The Winslow Hotel project proposal, located at 251 Winslow Way W, includes an 87-room hotel with banquet and meeting rooms, restaurant an...

City cautions against paint pranks

As graduation approaches, the City’s Public Works department would like to make clear that painting streets and street signs is vandalism that costs the City (and taxpayers) needless time and money and is considered a crime. Below are just a few points to...

BIPD to host expired flare & fireworks collection event

Have any expired fireworks and flares to get rid of? Bring them to the Bainbridge Island Police headquarters, located at 625 Winslow Way E. The items will be accepted 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 1-12 (except Saturday, Sunday and July 4).

What will be accepted:

• Hi...

Black bear sightings reported on Bainbridge Island

During the last 24 hours, there have been several reports of bear sightings on Bainbridge Island received by the Bainbridge Island Police Department (BIPD) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The last reported sighting of the bear w...

City expands hours for planning and building appointments

Beginning Monday, June 3, the Planning & Community Development (PCD) Department is changing its walk-in counter hours and extending appointment service hours to better serve the community and our customers. 

PCD has developed an appointment-ba...

Join the discussion: How should buildings "look and feel" on Bainbridge?

How should buildings "look and feel" on Bainbridge Island? City staff will continue this discussion on design guidelines during a Wednesday, May 22 meeting. 

The City is updating its existing design guidelines for major projects as part ...

Planning & Community Development (PCD) Director Announces Resignation

Planning and Community Development (PCD) Director Gary Christensen announced today that he plans to resign on May 24 to retire. 

Christensen has led the PCD department since 2016 and has an extensive background spanning more than 30 years of servi...

Share your thoughts: One-year review of the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update

It has been a year since the City's updated Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) became effective -- and we'd like your feedback.

Critical areas regulations help to preserve the natural environment, maintain fish and wildlife habitat, protect drinking water and ...

Celebrate 'places that matter' on Bainbridge Island

What are the places on Bainbridge Island that are meaningful to you and make our community a great place to live? The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is participating in the 'This Place Matters' campaign this month and hopes you'll get involved, to...

City hires new Finance Director

City Manager Morgan Smith has appointed DeWayne Pitts as the new Finance Director.

Pitts comes to the City with more than 30 years of experience in finance. He is currently the Director of Finance for the City of Bremerton, where he has worked since 2017. ...

Traffic Alert: Detour along Madison Ave on Friday, April 26 for paving project

On Friday, April 26, the southbound lane of Madison Avenue N from High School Road to Wyatt Way will be closed due to a paving project. Drivers traveling south along Madison Avenue at High School Road will be detoured to Grow Avenue and Wyatt Way (see det...

Construction Alert: Olympic Drive sidewalk closure begins Monday, April 22

The sidewalk on the west side of Olympic Drive (near Waypoint Park) is expected to close Monday, April 22 when construction begins on the Olympic Drive Non-motorized Improvement Project. During the closure, pedestrians can cross the street (when ...

Update: Missing woman found safe on Bainbridge

UPDATE, 6:20 p.m. : Bainbridge Police have located 81-year-old Mary Beth Blanchard on Bainbridge Island. She is safe and was found by a community member. Thank you for the public’s assistance.

The Bainbridge Island Police Department needs help fr...

BIPD to host prescription drug take back event

Do you have any unused or expired prescription drugs? Please consider disposing your pills at BIPD's Prescription Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 27.

The event will happen 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the BIPD police station, located at 625 Winslow Way Eas...

Winslow Grove Trail Opening Celebration Scheduled for April 13

A new trail was recently completed on the west side of the Winslow core that connects neighborhoods and gives people a safer option to walk and bike to the downtown area. The Winslow Grove Trail, which is approximately one quarter of a mile long,...

Fire Safety: Get your fire extinguisher inspected April 27

Have you checked your fire extinguisher lately? If not, bring it to the Eagle Harbor Yacht Club's fire extinguisher safety event on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the parking lot of the Winslow Wharf Marina, located at 141 Parfitt Way SW next...

Traffic Alert: Safety improvements to begin soon near ferry terminal

The City of Bainbridge Island will begin a safety improvement project later this month on Olympic Drive (the street between the ferry terminal and the intersection of Winslow Way and State Route 305) that is designed to improve safety for all users and to...

City Council approves purchase of Harrison Medical Center Building

City Manager Morgan Smith signed a purchase and sale agreement on Wednesday, March 27 for the Harrison Medical Center Building, located at 8804 Madison Avenue N, in the amount of $8.975 million to support completion of a new police and municipal court fac...

City Hall hosts homelessness photo exhibit during April 5 First Friday Art Walk

A new photography exhibit documenting homelessness and homeless communities in Portland and Seattle is now on display at the City Hall Council Chambers and will be showcased at an artist's reception during the April 5 First Friday Art Walk.

Curated by Greg...

WSDOT to host discussion on SR 305 safety improvement projects

Please see the message below from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT):

Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are invited to get an in-person look at plans for six modern roundabouts along State Route 305 between Poulsbo and Bai...

Mark Your Calendar: April Ward Meetings

Got something on your mind to share with the City Council? Please join them for a discussion at the April Ward meetings. The Ward meetings are an opportunity to meet with your elected officials in a casual setting to talk about topics that are important t...

Apply Now: Volunteers needed to serve on citizen committees

The City is looking for volunteers to fill positions on numerous boards and committees that assist and advise the City Council on issues that range from climate change and design review to utility-related policies, transportation planning, and public acce...

Apply Now: Kitsap Transit seeking BI resident to serve on Citizen Advisory Committee

Kitsap Transit is looking for a Bainbridge Island resident to fill a vacancy on its Citizen Advisory Committee for a two-year appointment. 

As part of its role, the Committee recommends plans, policies and procedures to the Kitsap Transit Board of...

Get Involved: Washington State Boundary Review Board seeking volunteer to fill vacancy

Are you interested in land use, boundaries, and county laws? The Washington State Boundary Review Board for Kitsap County is looking for a volunteer to fill a City-appointed seat in Kitsap County.

The Boundary Review Board reviews proposals (Notice of Inte...

Utility crews to begin flushing of water mains next week

City of Bainbridge Island utility crews will begin annual maintenance of flushing the City's water mains in the Winslow and Fletcher Bay areas on Monday, March 11.Signs will be posted in neighborhoods prior to flushing. If customers experience low water p...

Police clean up vacant homeless encampment near SR 305

Bainbridge Island Police and a volunteer cleaned up a homeless encampment Wednesday morning after two residents vacated the site, near SR 305 and High School Road.

Earlier this month, BIPD became aware that two people staying at the homeless encampment, lo...

City Council Moves Forward with Harrison Medical Center Site for Police and Municipal Court Facility

The City Council voted to authorize City Manager Morgan Smith to execute a letter of intent with CHI Franciscan Health for the $8.975 million purchase of the Harrison Medical Center Building, located at 8804 Madison Ave N, for a new police and municipal c...

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 co...

County Hosting Resource Fairs This Week for Those in Need

If you know someone experiencing homelessness in our community, please spread the word that the Kitsap County Department of Human Services is hosting three community resource fairs this week to provide services for anyone in need of assistance - from a ho...

Join the Conversation: 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 "Beyond the Curbside" -- a discussion with Kitsap County's Solid Waste Division on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. in the...

Bainbridge Island Police Chief Submits Resignation

The City of Bainbridge Island Police Chief Matt Hamner submitted his letter of resignation today to City Manager Morgan Smith. 

Chief Hamner has worked for the City since June 2013.  His tenure included several important accomplishments, ...

Got a few minutes? We need your input about COBI Communications!

There are many ways that we get information each day and the City of Bainbridge Island wants to hear how you would like to stay informed about what’s happening at the City. Email? Facebook? Ferry outreach? 

Please take a few minutes to f...

Drivers Should Expect Delays Due to Development Construction Near SR 305 & High School Rd

Drivers and cyclists should expect minor delays when utility work begins near SR 305 and High School Road.

A Comcast contractor is expected to begin the work Thursday, Jan. 10 with an anticipated completion on Friday, Jan. 18.

High School Road, from Hildebr...

City Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Newly-Formed Race Equity Task Force

The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking 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 c...

Join the Discussion: City Council Ward Meetings Set for January

The Bainbridge Island City Council would like to invite you to attend the Council Ward Meetings in January.

The Council Ward Meetings are an opportunity for you to meet with your elected officials to talk about topics in your neighborhood and the broader c...

City Responds to Sewer Main Break

Update: As of 3:10, the pipe is repaired along the 200 block of Madison Ave S. Crews will now work on street repairs for 1-2 hours. ****

Update: As of 2:30 p.m., Madison Ave S, from Bjune Dr to Parfitt Way, will be closed for several hours while c...

Widespread Power Outages Due to High Winds

3:30 Update

The significant storm issues have subsided on Bainbridge Island, but the widespread power outage continues. PSE’s outage map remains out of service and there is no estimated time for restoration of services. 

There are many fallen trees...

City Seeking Volunteer to Serve on Planning Commission

The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Planning Commission. The person would serve a six-month term through June 2019 then be considered for a full three-year term.

The Planning Commission serves as an advisory body ...

City Council Forms Ad Hoc Committee for Suzuki Project

The City Council approved a motion Tuesday, Dec. 4 to form a Council Ad Hoc Committee for the Suzuki Project. The Councilmembers who will serve on this committee include: Rasham Nassar, Sarah Blossom and Matt Tirman. It’s expected the Ad Hoc Committee wil...

Mark Your Calendar: Styrofoam Recycling Events

As the holidays approach and your home fills with packaging from all your holiday shopping and gifts, please consider bringing your Styrofoam packaging to upcoming recycling events. 

Kitsap County is hosting a free STYRO-Roundup recycling event fo...

Attend a Dec. 10 Meeting on Placement of New Buoys in Eagle Harbor

The City of Bainbridge Island’s Marine Access Committee is hosting a public meeting to gather input from the community about the placement of new buoys in the Dave Ullin Open Water Marina (DUOWM) in Eagle Harbor.

The City of Bainbridge Island oper...

Update: WSDOT Cancels December Night Work on SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge

The Washington State Department of Transportation has canceled a series of night SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge closures that were scheduled over three weeks in December. As a result, both lanes of the bridge will remain open throughout the month of December.

Th...

Update: Suzuki Property Development Project

A representative from Olympic Property Group (OPG) will provide an update to City Council Tuesday, Nov. 20 on progress of the City's Suzuki property development project.

The City owns a  roughly 14-acre property at the southeast corner of...

Traffic Notice: Plan Ahead for Night Closures of SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge

Please see the important message below from WSDOT.

Drivers are encouraged to plan for a three-week series of late night State Route 305 Agate Pass Bridge closures in December. These will allow Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge ma...

New Tree Regulations to Begin December 3

City staff is hosting a public meeting on Monday, Nov. 19 to update the community on new tree regulations that begin December 3. 

In an effort to preserve trees, the City Council approved new tree retention and tree removal permit regulations at t...

City Council Releases Statement Following Rejection of SAFE Mobility Levy

The Bainbridge Island City Council released the following statement Wednesday, Nov. 7 regarding the rejection of the SAFE Mobility Levy (Proposition 1):

The City Council is disappointed in the result of the SAFE Mobility vote, but we respect the o...

City Seeking Applicants for Citizen Advisory Groups

The City of Bainbridge Island is looking for volunteers to fill vacancies on the following citizen advisory groups:

• Ethics Board (one position through June 2021)
• Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (one position through June 2019)
• Marine Access Commit...

City Prevails in Legal Challenge to Updated Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO)

The City of Bainbridge Island prevailed this week in a legal challenge by the Kitsap County Association of Realtors and other parties related to the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update and, specifically, the Aquifer Recharge Protection Areas (ARP...

BIPD Investigating Allegation of Assault

On the afternoon of Wednesday October 17, a Sakai student reported that on Monday, October 15, just before 2:00 p.m., an unknown man approached and inappropriately touched the student while walking on a trail between Woodward Middle School and the bus bar...

Waterfront Park Receives “Great Places in Washington” Award

The City of Bainbridge Island’s Eagle Harbor Waterfront Park (Waterfront Park) was honored as one of the state’s top gathering spaces that adds value to the community. 

The Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA WA) and the P...

PCD Now Offering Online Services & Appointments for Building Permit Applicants

In an effort to improve customer experience during the development review process, the Planning and Community Development Department is now scheduling appointments for people applying for building permits and also offering the option to apply online&n...

City Accepting Applications for Open Water Marina Community

The City of Bainbridge Island is currently accepting applications for one-year subleases in the Open Water Marina to begin on January 1, 2019 and expire on December 31, 2019. 

The City of Bainbridge Island operates a residential marina within Eagl...

City Seeking Input on Intersection Improvements at Sportsman Club Rd & New Brooklyn Rd

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, October 18 to discuss improvements at the Sportsman Club Road and New Brooklyn Road intersection, an area near Woodward Middle School, Sakai Intermediate School and the Coppertop Park Business Complex that is oft...

City Seeking Community Input on 2019-2020 Proposed Budget

The City is currently seeking input on the 2019-2020 Proposed Budget.

The budget is the financial plan for the upcoming two years and expresses the City’s identified priorities and planned service delivery to the community. The Proposed Budget supports key...

City Council Approves Details of SAFE Mobility Project Selection Committee

The City Council approved Resolution 2018-29 at its September 25 meeting that provides details of how the community will be involved in making decisions on the use of funds from the SAFE Mobility Levy (Proposition No. 1) should it be approved by voters du...

Work on City Projects to Continue Following End of Strike

Work on two City projects that were postponed last month due to a strike about a labor dispute is expected to begin soon after a deal was reached between construction workers of International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302 and a contractors...

Enforcement of All-Gender Restroom Rules Begins on October 1

The enforcement of signage requirements for single-occupant restrooms and the right to access public restrooms and public facilities on Bainbridge Island begins on October 1.The Ordinance No. 2018-07, which was passed by the City Council on March 27 and t...

Project at Winslow Way Ravine Brings Traffic Lane, Sidewalk Closures

People who walk on the southern sidewalk of Winslow Way East (near Waypoint Park) will need to use alternate routes getting to and from the ferry terminal when work begins early next month at the Winslow Way ravine, which is across from The Island Gateway...

BIPD Seeks Public's Help After Vandals Cause $5,000 in Damage at Battle Point Park

UPDATE: The BIPD has identified the people involved in the vandalism. Thank you for your attention on this matter.

****

The Bainbridge Island Police Department and Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District are asking for help from the community...

Update: City Council Amends Landmark Tree Ordinance

A public hearing was held at the City Council business meeting on Tuesday, August 14 for the landmark tree ordinance (2018-25). During the meeting, Council unanimously passed a motion to amend the ordinance, so that a permit to remove a landmark tree is a...

Road Shoulder Improvement Project to Bring Delays Along Miller Road & Fletcher Bay Road

Update on Thursday, August 23:

The shoulder widening project along Miller Road and Fletcher Bay Road has been postponed by the contractor, Titan Earthwork, because of a strike by a union (Operating Engineers Local 302) that represents engineers, mechanics ...

Wastewater Treatment Plant Receives Outstanding Performance Award

For the fourth consecutive year, the Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office has recognized the City of Bainbridge Island for the exceptional performance of wastewater treatment at the Bainbridge Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, a facility where...

Appointments Made to Pro and Con Committees for “Connecting Bainbridge: SAFE Mobility Levy”

Four Bainbridge Islanders were appointed to committees this week to write statements for the Kitsap County Voters Pamphlet supporting and opposing the "Connecting Bainbridge: SAFE Mobility Levy” that will be on the November ballot. The committees inc...

City Seeks Proposals for Projects to Support Tourism

The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking proposals for 2019 tourism projects. Proposals will be reviewed by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) and selected projects will be supported with funding from the City’s Civic Improvement Fund. 

Pro...

City Seeks Lodging Representative for Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

The
City of Bainbridge Island is seeking one lodging representative to serve on theLodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC).  

 Applicants must be a representative from a Bainbridge Island business that collects lodging taxes. Eligible in...

Community Members Organize ‘Dinner on the STO’

It’s usually a trail for bicyclists, runners and pedestrians, but on Saturday, August 4 the Sound to Olympics Trail, located along HWY 305 between Winslow Way and High School Road, will be the gathering place for a community dinner. The Dinner on the STO ...

City Council Postpones Public Hearing for Landmark Tree Ordinance

The City Council postponed setting a public hearing date for the landmark tree ordinance during its business meeting on Tuesday, July 10.

The Council is waiting until it receives further information from the
Planning Commission on measures to protect and ...

City Seeks People to Serve on Pro & Con Committees for ‘Connecting Bainbridge: SAFE Mobility Levy’

The City of Bainbridge Island is looking for members of the community to serve on Pro and Con Committees to prepare written arguments and rebuttals on a ballot measure that will be included in the Kitsap County Voters Pamphlet supporting and opposing appr...

BIPD Collection Event: Expired Flares and Fireworks

As we approach the July 4th holiday and boating season, it’s
a good time to get rid of expired flares and fireworks. We recognize it’sdifficult to find a safe and appropriate place to discard these expired items,
so the Bainbridge Island Police Depart...

City Council Extends Moratorium for 90 Days

The City Council voted on June 26 to extend the moratorium
90 days to give City staff more time to complete ongoing work identified in theoriginal moratorium work plan. 

The moratorium on the acceptance and processing of certain development app...

City Council Adopts Ordinance to Protect Landmark Trees

The City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday night to adopt a Landmark Tree Preservation Ordinance (2018-25) that will protect certain trees that, because of their age, size, and condition, are recognized as having exceptional value in contributing to the charac...

Operation Dry Water: Emphasis Patrols Target Boating Under the Influence

The Bainbridge Island Police Department is asking boaters to help keep everyone safe by not consuming alcohol or marijuana while out on the water— especially when operating a boat.

As part of a nationally coordinated effort, Operation Dry Water, state and ...

City Seeks Input on Future of Island Center

The community of Bainbridge Island is invited to participate in an online survey to help identify priorities for the future of Island Center.The City of Bainbridge Island and the Island Center Subarea Planning Process Steering Committee, made up mostly of...

WSDOT Seeks Public Input to Relieve Highway Congestion

WSDOT is looking for input to relieve congestion on highways in Kitsap County, including along SR 305. Please take a few minutes to fill out the brief, online survey. It includes questions about SR 305 from SR 3 to the Bainbridge Ferry Terminal, and strat...

City of Bainbridge Island Responds to EPA Update on Cleanup of Wyckoff – Eagle Harbor Superfund Site

City Manager Doug Schulze issued the following statement today in response to the announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency will begin its Phase One cleanup this year at the Wyckoff – Eagle Harbor Superfund Site:

“This is exciting news for the ...

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