Show All Answers

1. How do I watch a City Council meeting?

There are several ways to watch a City Council meeting:

• Zoom
  • Join the Zoom meeting by clicking on the link provided on the agenda or find the link in the City’s online calendar.  The Zoom meetings are closed captioned.
• City website livestream 
  • Visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts)
• Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT)
  • Watch Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE

2. Where can I find City Council agendas?

The City Council agendas are posted on the City's website at bainbridgewa.gov/1101.

You can access the page by selecting the "Agendas and Minutes" button on the right side of the City's homepage and at the bottom of this page.

The agenda is published after 4:30 p.m. on the Friday before each meeting.

Previous Council agendas, meeting videos, and meeting minutes are provided in the Archives section on the lower section of the Agendas & Minutes page.  

You can also find Council agenda packets and meeting minutes organized by year in City Documents. 

3. How can I comment on an agenda item?

You can email your comments to City Councilmembers at council@bainbridgewa.gov, or you can comment during the Public Comment portion of City Council business meetings the second and fourth Tuesday evening of every month. Public comment is also taken during public hearings on certain ordinances.

4. How do I contact council members?

Contact information for council members is located on the Council page. You can also click on each member’s name on that page to access individual pages.

You can contact the entire Council by emailing council@bainbridgewa.gov.

5. What is the easiest way to access public records?

The City’s homepage has a “box” for Public Records on the right side of the page.  

Select this box to go to the Public Records page where you will find a link to the public records portal, information on how the City processes public records requests, a link to the City’s financial transparency portal, a link to City Documents, a link to online permits, and a link to the Council agenda page.

6. How do I submit a public records request?

Public Records Requests submitted under RCW 42.56, the Public Records Act, should be submitted through our online Public Records Portal at https://bainbridgewa.nextrequest.com.   You can also search the public records request database for records previously provided to the public.  Please note that you will be required to create an account for the Public Records Portal and provide at least one contact method.

Access to Municipal Court records is governed by court rules and not the Public Records Act.  For information on requesting Municipal Court records, please go to the Municipal Court page.

7. Is any information exempt from a public records request?

The City is not required to permit public inspection and copying of records for which public disclosure of the record is prohibited, restricted or limited by state or federal statute or regulation.

RCW 42.56 describes the records that are exempt from the Washington State Public Records Act.

 In addition, other statutes (such as statutes relating to juvenile records and health care information) may exempt or prohibit disclosure of other documents and information. Also, we are prohibited by statute from disclosing lists of individuals for commercial purposes.

The Municipal Research and Services Center maintains an up-to-date list of current exemptions and prohibitions on their website at www.mrsc.org.

 

8. How long does it take for the City to respond to a public records request?

The simplest requests for immediately available records (Category 1) are responded to within 5 business days, and often on the date of the request. For all other requests, the City will provide a written response to the requester within five business days with a reasonable estimate of the time necessary to make the records available.   Category 2 requests usually require between 5 and 30 business days, Category 3 records requests may require several weeks to several months. Category 4 records requests are the most complex, involve thousands of records, and often require review by the City Attorney.   They may require several weeks to a year or more.  For Category 3 and 4 requests, we respond in installments, supplying a portion of the responsive records each month until the request is complete.

9. How can I learn more about the City’s public records request process?

To learn more about the City's public records request process, you can read a summary or the City's Public Records Administrative Rules.

10. How can I access the Municipal Code?

The Bainbridge Island Municipal Code is on the City’s website.  You can find the Code by selecting the Municipal Code button in the middle of the City’s homepage.

 Please note that the most recent ordinances may not be codified.

11. How can I find ordinances and resolutions passed by Council?

Ordinances and resolutions are available in City Documents on the City’s website and are organized by year.

12. How do I submit a claim for damages?

If you believe the City is at fault for an incident or accident resulting in loss, injury or damages, you can file a claim requesting payment. Claims must be filed using the official Claim for Damages form and submitted to the City Clerk. Instructions may be found at https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/568.

13. How can I find real property records?

Kitsap County manages real property records for Bainbridge Island.  Their resources include a parcel search and a database of recorded documents.

14. Who administers elections?

Kitsap County administers primaries and elections and manages the voter registration process for Kitsap County voters.  You can find information on elections and elected officials on their website.

15. Does the City Clerk issue business licenses?

No, please contact the Finance Department  at 206-780-8668 for information on business licenses.