This Week at City Council

Bainbridge Island residents can weigh in on a proposed $154.9 million city budget Tuesday, November 10 during a public hearing scheduled at 6:55 p.m. during the City Council meeting. The Council will also take its first look at the near-final plans for how the island and Winslow could grow through 2044. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Pacific in Council Chambers, 280 Madison Ave. N., and on Zoom.

Veterans Day. A proclamation recognizes islanders who have served in the armed forces. American Legion Post 172 will hold its Veterans Day program Wednesday, November 11, at 1:30 p.m. at Legion Hall, 7898 NE Bucklin Hill Road.

Small Business Saturday. A second proclamation recognizes Saturday, November 28, and encourages residents to shop at local businesses.

Transgender Awareness Week. The third proclamation marks November 13–19 and the November 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance. A remembrance event is planned for 6 p.m. November 20 at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

Public comment. General comment is scheduled for 6:25 p.m. Speakers ordinarily have three minutes. To comment remotely, email pcd@bainbridgewa.gov by noon Tuesday. Remote speakers must display their real name and appear on camera. Anyone speaking on the budget may comment during this period or at the hearing, once in total.

Consent agenda. The Council normally takes these items in one vote. A councilmember or the city manager can request separate consideration.

Bills and payroll. The Finance Department is requesting approval of accounts payable and payroll. The packet includes three disbursement reports dated October 22, October 29, and November 5.

Meeting minutes. Councilmembers will consider approving the written record of their October 27 business meeting, which included the earlier budget hearing.

Tourism grants. Ten applicants sought $631,188 in lodging-tax revenue. The advisory committee recommends $400,000 in awards, including $169,000 for Visit Bainbridge Island and $5,000 for the Parks & Trails Foundation’s proposed online public trail map.

Boating patrols. An annual agreement with Washington State Parks would keep the police marine program eligible for vessel-registration money and boating-safety grants. The city received $25,549 in registration funds in 2026.

Drinking water. Public Works wants to apply for up to $4.8 million to rehabilitate a primary Winslow well at the Head of the Bay, treat manganese, and replace aging equipment. Council would have a separate vote before accepting any loan.

County jail. Bainbridge would continue using the Kitsap County jail in 2027 at a base rate of $214 per person per day. The proposed city budget sets aside $80,000. Actual costs depend on how many people are held.

Three department searches. The city wants Raftelis to help recruit a city attorney, public works director, and planning and community development director in 2027. The recommendation lists a $63,444 cap. The fiscal summary gives $63,944, a $500 discrepancy.

Compostable food-service ware. The Council will consider adopting the 2027 list that governs which disposable items food businesses must supply in home-compostable form. Staff proposes adding cold-drink cups and removing certain trays and breakfast platters on cost grounds. Council forwarded the proposal on October 27.

City manager’s report. The report is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. The agenda identifies no specific subject.

Budget hearing. At about 6:55 p.m., residents can testify before Council considers adopting the 2027–28 budget and six-year capital plan. The revised proposal reallocates $15,000 to examine high residential water use and removes the 2029 Olympic Drive Park project from the capital plan. Earlier budget coverage describes how the changes arose.

Island and Winslow plans. At about 7:25 p.m., Council will review the near-final land-use plans and consider setting a November 24 hearing. Staff expects the final environmental impact statement the week of November 16.

Winslow zoning. A separate ordinance would put the plans into practice. It would require qualifying projects in the Ferry and High School Road zones to include affordable homes and would allow more floor space. Council will consider a November 24 hearing on those rules.

State-required code changes. A third ordinance addresses housing in existing buildings, permit timelines, household definitions, and which wetlands receive protection. Council will consider setting its hearing for November 24. The separate Planning Commission hearing continues November 12.

Data centers. Councilmembers Lara Lant and Mike Nelson ask to put a possible temporary pause on standalone data centers on a future agenda. Tuesday’s question is whether to take up the subject. Their request cites electricity demand, water resources, and noise.