Public Meetings - Bainbridge Island, Washington

The Bainbridge Island Planning Commission met on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting focused on developing a new mandatory inclusionary zoning program for the Winslow Town Center zones, with several motions passed. Commissioners also recognized outgoing Commissioner Sean Sullivan and welcomed new Commissioner Alexandra Costin. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Garcia/Deines, carried unanimously 6-0, with no conflicts of interest disclosed. - Approval of Minutes (June 25, 2026): Motion by Preudhomme/Sullivan, carried unanimously 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made, in-person or remotely. Discussion Items Planning Director’s Report Planning Manager Darron Buchanan thanked outgoing Commissioner Sean Sullivan for his service and introduced new Commissioner Alexandra Costin. He provided a timeline update on the Comprehensive Plan, noting that state-mandated development regulations would come before the commission in August with a target adoption by mid-October. He set context for the mandatory inclusionary zoning (MIZ) discussion, explaining that a prior council action had removed the MIZ program, but if the commission could craft a recommendation that night, it might be reincorporated into the land capacity analysis. Regular Business: Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Program Chair Sarah Blossom presented a draft framework for a mandatory inclusionary zoning program in the Ferry and High School zones. Key elements discussed included: - Trigger: Projects with 10 or more units (originally considered 20 units). - Density: Maximum FAR of 3.0 (compromised from earlier discussions of 2.0–3.0). - Lot Coverage: 85%. - Height: 45 feet. - Affordability Requirements: 20% of units affordable – 10% at 50–80% Area Median Income (AMI) and 10% at 80–110% AMI (amended from 95% after debate to capture workforce housing). Commission members expressed varying concerns: Commissioner Ben Deines worried about feasibility and stifling development, advocating for higher AMI limits (120%) or lower FAR to ensure projects pencil. Commissioner Chris Garcia cited a nationwide survey showing 6–30% affordability requirements and supported targeting 10–20% for deeper affordability. Commissioner Alex Preudhomme argued the program should not discourage development in zones where growth is desired. Commissioner Sean Sullivan and others pushed for a compromise, resulting in the 110% AMI cap for the upper tier. The commission agreed to exclude Core and Connection zones pending further study. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the mandatory program as described, with the clarification that projects could still receive additional height bonuses via voluntary inclusionary zoning or underbuilding parking. The motion passed unanimously 6-0. Key Outcomes - Motion 1 (Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Program): Moved by Garcia/Preudhomme to recommend a mandatory inclusionary zoning program for projects in Ferry and High School zones with 10+ units, 3.0 max FAR, 85% lot coverage, 45 ft height, and 20% affordable units (10% at 50–80% AMI, 10% at 80–110% AMI). Draft Ordinance No. 2026-05, Section 18.12.030, Point C to be amended accordingly. Carried 6-0. - Motion 2 (Study Core and Connection): Moved by Preudhomme/Deines to study mandatory inclusionary zoning policy for Core and Connection districts, and further study for Ferry and High School, as part of Phase 2 post-adoption Comprehensive Plan work. Carried 6-0. - Motion 3 (Study Minimum FAR): Moved by Deines/Sullivan to add studying minimum FAR to the post-adoption to-do list. Carried 6-0. - Motion 4 (In-Lieu Fees): Moved by Garcia/Preudhomme to consider criteria and calculation of in-lieu fees for both mandatory and voluntary inclusionary zoning programs. Carried 5-0-1 (Commissioner Sullivan abstained). Good of the Order Commissioners offered farewell remarks to Sean Sullivan, recognizing his service and diplomacy. Cupcakes were provided in his honor. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

The Bainbridge Island City Council held a study session on July 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. All seven council members were present. The meeting included a training session from the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), a discussion on potential revisions to the Governance Manual regarding social media use, and a discussion on the Council budget process, engagement, and priorities. The council also heard committee reports and adjourned at 8:25 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved unanimously (7-0) with no conflicts of interest disclosed. Discussion Items - Receive Training from WCIA: Ann Bennett, WCIA Executive Director, provided a presentation on risk management, liability, and best practices for council members. Topics included immunity during legislating, land use liability, personnel issues, negligent misrepresentation, defamation, public works and road design, executive session confidentiality, and social media risks. Questions were addressed by Ms. Bennett and the City Attorney. - Discuss Governance Manual and Potential Revisions Relating to Social Media Use: Council discussed the need for clearer policies on social media use, open public meetings, and record retention. There was consensus to address this topic at a future council retreat. Councilmember Nelson noted specific errors in the manual (e.g., term expiration years, mayor/deputy mayor selection frequency). No formal motion was made on this item. - Discuss Council Budget Process, Engagement and Priorities: Interim City Manager Schroer presented the budget timeline, a community budget survey (June-July 2026), and survey results showing top priorities: road maintenance, water/sewer infrastructure, affordable housing, and groundwater management. The survey was not statistically valid. Council discussed the process for updating work plan priorities. A motion was made and seconded to direct the Interim City Manager to work with council on gathering priorities and schedule further discussion. Key Outcomes - Motion on Budget Process: Councilmember Lant moved, and Councilmember Nelson seconded, to direct the Interim City Manager to work with Council to gather information on Council's priorities and areas of emphasis and schedule further discussion at a future meeting. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Governance Manual Revisions: No formal action taken; council agreed to continue discussions at a future retreat. - Next Steps: Staff will provide council with a simplified project list for priority ranking by August 3, 2026, with discussion scheduled for August 11, 2026.

The Bainbridge Island City Council met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting included a proclamation for Disability Pride Month, public comments, approval of the consent agenda with one item removed, a presentation on the 2027 state legislative priorities, extensive discussion and multiple votes on Ordinance 2026-05 (implementing regulations for the updated Comprehensive Plan), scheduling a joint public hearing with the Department of Commerce, an update on the Comprehensive Plan periodic update, and approval of a City Manager employment agreement. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved with Item 5.H Removed: The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0, Councilmember Mathews absent) after Councilmember Lant requested removal of Item 5.H (Human Services Funding Request for Proposal Process Criteria and Scoring Matrix). That item was later forwarded to the July 28 business meeting for approval (motion carried 7-0). - Items approved included accounts payable, meeting minutes, a lease agreement with the Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market Association, purchase of a Giant Pacific Octopus for public art ($5,000), appointment of Phil Olbrechts as Hearing Examiner, and review of LTAC RFP criteria ($400,000). Public Comments & Testimony - Rob Drury expressed concern about the City Manager selection process and the Comprehensive Plan Update, objecting to proposed hybrid elements under SEPA rules and requesting a supplemental environmental impact statement. - David Marzell (Liveable Bainbridge) urged support for a revised mandatory inclusionary zoning (MIZ) program triggered by unit count (10+ units) rather than parcel acreage, arguing it would close loopholes and satisfy state mandates. - Mary Hekman urged returning to the Planning Commission's recommendations for the Comprehensive Plan and reopening the City Manager application process. - Karla Mather reminded council of their fiduciary duty and asked to reopen the City Manager search. - Mary Clare Kersten supported reopening the City Manager search and preserving public participation. - Gloria Saylor expressed concerns about the Comprehensive Plan process and sewer plant capacity. - Ellen Lockert supported affordable housing but raised concerns about the Comprehensive Plan process, water supply, and the City Manager search. - Dawn Janow expressed concerns about the City Manager search process and inadequate notice for agenda item 7.B. - Ron Peltier spoke about affordable housing and the City Manager selection process, noting red flags about the finalist. - Mike Suraci expressed concerns about the City Manager selection process. - Christine Quinn expressed concerns about the City Manager selection process. Discussion Items - Legislative Priorities for 2027 (Item 7.A): Representatives from Gordon Thomas Honeywell presented draft legislative priorities including a capital funding request (Springbrook Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project, $1.2M), roundabouts, clarifying housing element mandates, and ferry service support. Council discussed including affordable housing funding requests in policy documents. The item was forwarded to a future meeting (motion carried 7-0). - Ordinance 2026-05 – Implementing Regulations (Item 7.B): Council debated and voted on multiple amendments to the ordinance: - Motion to restore to the Planning Commission's May 21, 2026 version (including higher max FAR of 3.0 in Core and 4.0 in Ferry/High School Road) passed 4-3 (Councilmembers Schneider, Mathews, Fantroy-Johnson dissenting). - Motion to add provision that FAR may not exceed 1.5 except when receiving bonus FAR for affordable housing carried 7-0. - Motion to strike “intensely” in Central Core Overlay failed 6-1. - Motion to strike “an intensely” in Ferry District failed (no second). - Motion to strike third sentence in Ferry District failed 6-1. - Motion to strike “an intensely” in High School Road District failed (no second). - Motion to strike sentence allowing parking reduction by director for 100% low-income housing carried 7-0. - Motion to revert parking minimums to 1 space per unit failed 4-3. - Motion to revert guest parking maximum to 0.5 spaces per unit failed 5-2. - Motion to strike “unless a lower parking requirement is applicable” withdrawn. - Motion to amend “an intensely” to “a more intensely” in Ferry District carried 7-0. - Motion to amend “an intensely” to “a more intensely” in High School Road District carried 7-0. - Motion to forward ordinance to future meeting after Planning Commission review in August (return in September) carried 7-0. - Motion to direct staff and Planning Commission to work on mandatory inclusionary zoning program language carried 7-0. - Joint Public Hearing with Commerce (Item 7.C): Council voted unanimously to schedule a joint public hearing for July 28, 2026 regarding the city's progress toward meeting the Housing Accountability Act. - Update on Comprehensive Plan (Item 7.D): Interim Planning Director Terrell reported that the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) cannot be issued until the comprehensive plan is finalized; additional work is needed on public response matrices and ensuring all impacts are covered. Estimated 6–8 more weeks for FEIS. - City Manager Employment Agreement (Item 7.E): After a motion to waive privileges related to the search (except for names of non-public candidates) was debated and passed (7-0), council discussed and voted to authorize the Mayor to execute an employment agreement with John Mauro. The motion passed 5-2 with Councilmember Nelson and Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos voting against. Council members expressed concerns about the search process, community perception, and the compensation package, but majority supported the candidate based on qualifications and recommendations. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved with one item removed (6-0); human services funding forwarded to July 28 (7-0). - Legislative Priorities forwarded to future meeting (7-0). - Ordinance 2026-05 Amended via multiple votes; key motions passed restoring Planning Commission version, adding FAR cap for affordable housing, removing director's parking reduction authority, and referring further work to Planning Commission. - Joint Public Hearing Scheduled for July 28 (7-0). - City Manager Employment Agreement Approved (5-2); John Mauro to serve as City Manager. - Community Needs Assessment Presentation requested by Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson placed on future agenda (7-0).

The Bainbridge Island City Council held a special executive session at 5:30 PM to discuss litigation and enforcement actions, followed by the regular business meeting at 6:00 PM. The regular meeting included a proclamation for Disability Pride Month, public comments, consent agenda, and several discussion items including legislative priorities, comprehensive plan implementation regulations, city manager employment agreement, and scheduling a joint public hearing on housing accountability. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved accounts payable and payroll, meeting minutes, lease agreement with Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market Association, purchase of Giant Pacific Octopus for public art ($5,000), appointment of Phil Olbrechts as Hearing Examiner, and LTAC RFP criteria and scoring matrix ($400,000). - Item 5.H (Human Services Funding RFP criteria, $660,000) was removed from the consent agenda and forwarded to the July 28 meeting for approval, motion passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple speakers expressed concerns about the City Manager selection process and the Comprehensive Plan Update process. - Rob Drury expressed concern with the City Manager selection and the Comprehensive Plan Update process. - David Marzehl, on behalf of Liveable Bainbridge, commented on the Comprehensive Plan Update. - Mary Hekman spoke in favor of returning to the Planning Commission's recommendations for the Comprehensive Plan Update and re-opening the application process for City Manager. - Karla Mather spoke about Council's fiduciary duty and asked to re-open the search for City Manager. - Mary Clare Kersten spoke in favor of re-opening the City Manager search. - Gloria Saylor expressed concerns with the Comprehensive Plan Update process and the capacity of the sewer plant. - Ellen Lockert spoke in favor of affordable housing and expressed concerns with the Comprehensive Plan Update process, water supply, and the City Manager search process. - Dawn Janow expressed concerns with the City Manager search process and the notice for agenda item 7.B. - Ron Peltier spoke about affordable housing and the City Manager selection process. - Mike Suraci and Christine Quinn expressed concerns with the City Manager selection process. Discussion Items A. Legislative Priorities for 2027 State Legislative Session - Interim City Manager Schroer introduced the item. Representatives from Gordan Thomas Honeywell Government Relations presented. Council discussed and voted to forward the priorities and policies to a future meeting (motion passed 7-0). B. Ordinance 2026-05 – Implementing Regulations for Updated Comprehensive Plan and Winslow Subarea Plan - Extensive discussion and multiple motions: - Motion to amend ordinance by restoring to the version recommended by the Planning Commission on May 21, 2026: Passed 4-3 (Councilmembers Schneider, Mathews, and Fantroy-Johnson opposed). - Motion to add provision that FAR may not exceed 1.5 except where bonus FAR for affordable housing: Passed 7-0. - Motion to strike "intensely" in Central Core Overlay description: Failed 6-1 (Councilmember Nelson in favor). - Motion to strike "an intensely" and add "a more" in Ferry District description (first attempt): Failed for lack of a second. - Motion to strike third sentence under Ferry District: Failed 6-1 (Nelson in favor). - Motion to strike "an intensely" and add "a more" in High School Road District description: Failed for lack of a second. - Motion to strike last sentence under BIMC 18.12.030(C)(2)(a) regarding parking requirements for 100% low-income affordable housing: Passed 7-0. - Motion to set minimum parking at 1 space per unit and revert 0.5 references: Failed 4-3 (Nelson, Lant, Hytopoulos in favor). - Motion to revert guest parking maximums to 0.5 spaces per unit: Failed 5-2 (Lant, Nelson in favor). - Motion to strike phrase in Footnote [1] to Table 18.15.020-1: Withdrawn. - Motion to amend Ferry District description to "a more intensely developed district": Passed 7-0. - Motion to amend High School Road District description to "a more intensely developed district": Passed 7-0. - Motion to forward Ordinance 2026-05 to a future meeting for further consideration after review by Planning Commission in August, return to Council in September: Passed 7-0. - Motion to direct staff and Planning Commission to work on language and standards for a mandatory inclusionary zoning program: Passed 7-0. C. Schedule Joint Public Hearing with Department of Commerce for July 28, 2026 - Motion to schedule a joint public hearing on July 28, 2026 regarding the City's progress towards meeting the Housing Accountability Act: Passed 7-0. D. Update on Ordinance 2026-04 (2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update) - Received update from Interim Planning Director Terrell; no action taken. E. Approve City Manager Employment Agreement - Discussion on City Manager search process. - Motion to waive all privileges related to City Manager search: Failed for lack of a second. - Amended motion to waive privileges except for names of candidates not made public: Mayor ruled motion failed for lack of a second; Councilmember Nelson appealed the Mayor's decision; vote to overturn Mayor's decision passed 4-1 (Mayor Moriwaki opposed, Fantroy-Johnson and Mathews abstained). The main motion then carried 7-0. - Motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the City Manager employment agreement with John Mauro: Passed 5-2 (Councilmember Nelson and Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos opposed). Key Outcomes - Forwarded legislative priorities for 2027 to a future meeting. - Approved amendments to Ordinance 2026-05, including restoring Planning Commission version, FAR limit, and parking provisions for affordable housing; forwarded ordinance to Planning Commission for further review. - Directed staff to develop mandatory inclusionary zoning program. - Scheduled joint public hearing with Department of Commerce for July 28, 2026. - Authorized execution of City Manager employment agreement with John Mauro (5-2). - Approved adding Community Needs Assessment presentation to a future council agenda (from Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson).

The Bainbridge Island City Council convened a special business meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting focused on approving revisions to multiple elements of the Comprehensive Plan, discussing implementing regulations for the updated plan, and making several appointments. After extensive public comment and deliberation, the council advanced several key items to public hearing drafts and finalized appointments. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved after pulling items 4.C (Water Resources), 4.E (Capital Facilities), 4.F (Land Use), and 4.G (Housing) for separate discussion. - Accounts Payable and Payroll (4.B) and Utilities Element (4.D) were approved under the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Caitlin Lombardi Reappointment: A large majority of speakers (John Flodin, Alice Hunting, Eric Stahl, Kisa Nishimoto, Benjamin Schmechel, Mira Rosenkotz, Bevan Taylor, Olivia Hall, Jing Fong, Sarah Blossom, Jodi-Ann Burey, and others) urged the council to reappoint Caitlin Lombardi to the Race Equity Advisory Committee (REAC), arguing that her critical op-ed constituted protected free speech and that removal would set a dangerous precedent. Several speakers (Charlie Kratzer, Ron Peltier, Lisa Neal, Chasity Malatesta) opposed reappointment, contending her comments were personally attacking and divisive, and that committee members should adhere to higher standards. - Affordable Housing and Development: Multiple residents (Mark Ashley, Lydia Henning, Stephen Hoskins, Kaslin Daniels) expressed strong support for the council's work on affordable housing, increased density in Winslow, and the updated development regulations. Others (Ellen Lockert, Lisa Neal) opposed the current plan, citing concerns about water resources, infrastructure capacity, and the effectiveness of market-rate upzoning. - Other Topics: John Carson of the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association discussed demographic and economic trends. Debby Haase opposed speed cameras/ALPRs. Several speakers offered general comments on civility and committee participation. Discussion Items - Water Resources Element (4.C): Councilmember Nelson moved to add "As an EPA-designated sole source aquifer" to the introduction. The motion passed 6-1 (Fantroy-Johnson opposed). The element was then approved unanimously (7-0). - Capital Facilities Element (4.E): Discussion centered on a sewer capacity table. An amendment by Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos to replace language about planning for the second upgrade with a commitment to reassess based on monitoring passed 7-0. A motion to include the sewer table failed for lack of a second. The element as amended was approved 4-3 (Lant, Nelson opposed; Hytopoulos abstained). - Land Use Element (4.F): Approved 6-1 (Nelson opposed). - Housing Element (4.G): Councilmember Lant proposed a new policy (HO 2.5) to consider limiting rent increases for month-to-month rentals, amended to apply to multifamily units. The amendment passed 5-2 (Moriwaki, Fantroy-Johnson opposed). The element as amended was approved 6-1 (Nelson opposed). - Winslow Subarea Plan and Ordinance No. 2026-04 (6.A): Motion to direct staff to use the plan as presented for the public hearing draft passed 6-1 (Nelson opposed). - Ordinance No. 2026-05 – Implementing Regulations (6.B): This item received extensive debate. - Councilmember Nelson moved to revise FAR and lot coverage to align with Planning Commission recommendations. The motion was tabled 4-3 (Moriwaki, Mathews, Fantroy-Johnson opposed). - Interim Planning Director Terrell gave a presentation on the scope and timeline. - Councilmember Schneider moved to remove mandatory inclusionary zoning from the current regulations for later discussion. The motion passed 4-3 (Nelson, Lant, Hytopoulos opposed). - Councilmember Hytopoulos moved to direct the City Attorney to prepare interim controls to preserve the ability to impose mandatory inclusionary zoning on parcels over two acres. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Councilmember Mathews moved to direct staff to provide a land capacity analysis based on council direction and forward the ordinance to a future meeting. A motion to table this failed 4-3, and the original motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Appoint Deputy Mayor (6.C): Mayor Moriwaki moved to reappoint Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos for July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026. Passed unanimously (7-0). - Appointment to Kitsap County Capital Grant Recommendation Committee (6.D): Councilmember Lant was appointed unanimously (7-0). - Confirm Appointment to Race Equity Advisory Committee (6.E): Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson moved to confirm Caitlin Lombardi's reappointment for a three-year term. After remarks from Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos (supporting), Councilmember Lant (opposing), and Councilmember Nelson (opposing), the motion passed 5-2 (Lant, Nelson opposed). Key Outcomes - Comprehensive Plan Elements: Water Resources, Capital Facilities (as amended), Land Use, and Housing (as amended) were approved for inclusion in the final public hearing draft of the Comprehensive Plan Update. - Winslow Subarea Plan: The plan and Ordinance No. 2026-04 were directed to be used as the basis for the public hearing draft. - Development Regulations (Ordinance 2026-05): Mandatory inclusionary zoning was removed from the current regulations, but staff will prepare interim controls to preserve the option for large parcels. A land capacity analysis will be conducted, and the ordinance will return for further consideration. - Appointments: Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos was reappointed; Councilmember Lant was appointed to the Kitsap County committee; Caitlin Lombardi was reappointed to REAC.

The Bainbridge Island Planning Commission met in Council Chambers and remotely via Zoom on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Acting Chair Cris Garcia called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM and adjourned at 6:44 PM. Commissioners present: Cris Garcia, Alex Preudhomme, Ariel Birtley, and Sean Sullivan. Excused: Sarah Blossom, Ben Deines, and Peter Schaab. Staff present: Planning Manager Darron Buchanan and Planner Brian Brightbill. The agenda included approval of agenda and minutes, public comment, the Planning Manager's report, the Ericksen Historic Preservation Request, and Good of the Order. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously, 4-0, with no conflicts of interest disclosed. - June 11, 2026 meeting minutes approved unanimously, 4-0, as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - One in-person public comment was received. John, a Bainbridge Island History Museum board member, expressed support for the Ericksen historic preservation proposal, describing it as very well prepared and a model for future applications. He noted growing community interest from long-time and newer island residents and supported efforts to revive the Historic Preservation Commission. He also complimented city planning staff and the architectural team. - No remote public comment was received. Planning Manager's Report - Planning Manager Darron Buchanan recognized Commissioner Ariel Birtley's service; this was her last Planning Commission meeting. He thanked her for her work on the Comprehensive Plan and noted that a new commissioner was appointed on Tuesday and is expected at the next meeting. Commissioner Birtley offered parting remarks about her roughly three-and-a-half to four years of service, including work on the Comprehensive Plan and Winslow Sub-area Plan. Regular Business: Ericksen Historic Preservation Request - City Planner Brian Brightbill presented the staff review of the request to add 260 Ericksen Avenue NE to the local historic register/registry and approve a small addition to the rear of the house. He explained that the Planning Commission acts as the historic preservation program decision maker and must apply criteria in BIMC 18.24.040 and 18.24.050. The applicant requested that registration be limited to the exterior of the house. Staff found the proposal consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, including Land Use 7.4, and with code criteria; no SEPA review was required, and public notice was sent June 15, 2026, meeting the 10-day noticing requirement. - Applicant Charlie Wenzlau presented the project, including preserving the original house, removing and rebuilding the existing rear addition and extending it slightly for a code-compliant staircase, adding a new foundation, and creating basement living space. He said the upper house body is in reasonably square condition, while the back porch is unsafe and not original. He described plans for new egress-compliant windows, replacement windows similar in function and muntin placement, a metal standing seam roof, matching siding, and a rusting corrugated metal base. - Homeowner Jason Van Dwine said he purchased the home from Susan Erickson, daughter of the family who built it, and that preserving the house fulfills a commitment he made to the Erickson family during the sale. He said the listing also provides enduring protection for the property. - In response to commissioner questions, the applicant said the historic listing can provide zoning relief, in this case FAR relief allowing an additional small cottage on the property, and that the house has physical integrity, with a contractor and structural engineer engaged to straighten and level it. - Commissioners expressed appreciation for the applicant's investment in preserving historic character and their support for the proposal. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve addition to the local historic registry/register: moved by Sullivan, seconded by Preudhomme, carried unanimously 4-0. - Motion to approve, as presented, the proposal for the extension at the back of the property: moved by Sullivan, seconded by Birtley, carried unanimously 4-0. - The Planning Commission will sign the certificate/letter of appropriateness, and city staff will proceed with building permit review for the addition. - Under Good of the Order, Commissioner Sean Sullivan announced he will step down from the Planning Commission later in summer 2026; his wife and he are expecting their third child in August. Commissioners thanked Commissioner Birtley for her service. - Meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM. Note: The minutes list Commissioner Sarah Blossom as excused; the raw transcript initially attributes the agenda motion to 'Blossom' before correcting to Birtley. The signed minutes also list Sarah Blossom as Chair.

The Bainbridge Island City Council held its regular business meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 6:08 pm in Council Chambers and via Zoom, adjourning at 7:21 pm. Mayor Clarence Moriwaki presided, with Councilmembers Fantroy-Johnson, Lant, Mathews, and Schneider present; Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos and Councilmember Nelson were absent and excused. The meeting featured adoption of the Groundwater Management Plan, confirmation of multiple board and committee appointments, and a spirited debate over a Race Equity Advisory Committee reappointment. Public comments addressed water conservation, non-profit participation at the farmers market, and procedural concerns from a prior special meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved accounts payable and payroll (Agenda Bill B). - Authorized Interim City Manager to execute a construction contract with New Line Services Inc (dba Agate Asphalt) for the 2026 Annual Roads Project ($726,488.00 from the Streets Fund). - Canceled July 7 and August 4 study sessions. - Approved meeting minutes of June 16, 2026, with an amendment correcting "Land Use Element" to "Transportation Element." - Adopted Ordinance No. 2026-07 relating to the City's 2026 Revised Budget and the 2026 Update to the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (pulled for clarification on Eagle Harbor Drive grant reduction; passed unanimously 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Benjamin Harrison spoke in favor of the Groundwater Management Plan, citing its outline for sustainability and need for adaptive management; he also thanked the selection committee for recommending his appointment to the Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC). - Gloria Sayler expressed support for the groundwater plan and emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in conservation efforts. - Malcolm Gander supported the plan and requested adding production well data from 2022-2025 to Appendix H, which he compiled from public records, to aid future conservation planning. - Ron Peltier applauded the plan and ETAC appointments but criticized the city's handling of non-profit participation at the farmers market, calling it retaliation for the Lehigh exclusion and urging the council to intervene. - Lisa Neal raised potential legal issues with the June 16 special meeting vote on Ordinance 2026-05 (upzoning Winslow), alleging violations of Roberts Rules and the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30.080) for lack of proper notice and agenda specificity; she urged the council to void the vote. - Liz Knobloch recounted water scarcity on the island of Agrigento, Sicily, to underscore the importance of the groundwater management plan for Bainbridge Island. - Eric Stahl defended non-profit presence at the farmers market, arguing for a policy that allows diverse community voices, and noted his outgoing membership on the Race Equity Advisory Committee. Discussion Items - Adoption of Groundwater Management Plan (Item 6A): Water Resources Specialist Christian Berg presented the final plan, highlighting three key points: recharge enhancement, reducing per-capita water use (especially outdoor irrigation), and improved monitoring. He noted no significant changes since the May 12 draft. Council questions covered smart irrigation, rain barrel programs, and a public-facing data dashboard. Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson moved adoption; the motion carried unanimously, 5-0. - Confirm Appointments (Items 6B-6H): The council confirmed appointments/reappointments to seven advisory bodies, all by unanimous 5-0 votes, except one: - Climate Change Advisory Committee (Michael Kleeman, Sanjay Bhatt) - Design Review Board (Ted Bumgardner, Lori Weise) - Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (Benjamin Harrison, Malcolm Gander, Kelly Leo, David Fuller, Tracy Collier) - Ethics Board (Doña Keating, Paula Radloff, Samantha Rist, Jonathan Flesher, Gary Baldwin) - Planning Commission (Alexandra Costin, Sarah Blossom) - Race Equity Advisory Committee: Reappointment of Caitlin Lombardi (Position 3) sparked debate. Councilmember Lant opposed, citing concerns that Lombardi's public commentary targeted individual council members and could increase division. Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson defended the committee's equity mission and Lombardi's advocacy. Councilmember Mathews moved to postpone the appointment to a future meeting; Fantroy-Johnson amended her motion accordingly. The amended motion to move the appointment to a future meeting carried 5-0. - Utility Advisory Committee (Andy Maron, Wanda Schulze, Crystal Fleet) - City Manager's Report: Interim City Manager Ellen Schroer apologized for the tone of an email to the farmers market board and stated that a lease amendment to allow non-profit tables was expected to be completed by end of June. She also noted that appointments follow BIMC 2.01, requiring a majority-plus-one vote for confirmation. Key Outcomes - Adopted the Groundwater Management Plan (motion 5-0). - Confirmed all committee appointments except Caitlin Lombardi (Race Equity Advisory Committee), which was moved to a future council meeting for reconsideration (motion 5-0). - Council announced that a subcommittee on the roundabout collaboration with WSDOT is meeting and a resolution may be brought on July 14th. - Councilmember Matthews highlighted a new housing data tool from PSRC, to be launched July 22. - Mayor Moriwaki noted that many council members would attend the Association of Washington Cities convention later that week.

The Bainbridge Island City Council held a special meeting at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Council Chambers at 280 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA, and remotely via Zoom, to convene a closed executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee. The council returned from the executive session at 6:06 pm and adjourned; no public testimony, open-session discussion, or voting occurred. Call to Order / Roll Call - Mayor Clarence Moriwaki called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. - Present in person: Mayor Moriwaki and Councilmembers Fantroy-Johnson, Lant, and Schneider. - Councilmember Mathews joined during the executive session; Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos and Councilmember Nelson attended remotely. - A quorum was confirmed, and the council immediately moved into the executive session. Executive Session - The executive session was held pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g), which permits closed sessions to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee. - Council members were told to expect to return from the closed session by 6:00 pm; the agenda listed 6:00 pm as the adjournment time. - Council actually returned from the executive session at 6:06 pm. - Discrepancy note: The minutes state the executive session was convened at 6:00 pm, while the agenda and roll-call remarks indicate it began immediately after the 5:00 pm call to order. Key Outcomes - No motions, votes, or decisions were made in the open portion of the meeting. - The meeting was adjourned after the council returned from executive session at 6:06 pm. - No next public meeting or follow-up action was announced.

The Bainbridge Island City Council held a special closed‑door executive session on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 12:35 pm to 5:40 pm, to evaluate the qualifications of applicants for public employment, as authorized under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). No public comment, discussion, or votes occurred in open session. Executive Session - Purpose: Evaluation of applicants for public employment (RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)). - Duration: The council convened at 12:35 pm, entered executive session at 12:36 pm, and returned at 5:40 pm. - Attendance: Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos, Councilmembers Fantroy‑Johnson, Lant, Mathews, Nelson (remote), and Schneider were present. Mayor Moriwaki joined at 12:45 pm. - Adjournment: Mayor Moriwaki adjourned the meeting at 5:40 pm after the executive session concluded. - Note: No decisions or actions were taken in open session; the entirety of the meeting was conducted in closed session per state law.