Public Meetings - Bainbridge Island, Washington

The Bainbridge Island Planning Commission met at 6:11 PM on June 11, 2026, in Council Chambers and remotely via Zoom. Chair Sarah Blossom presided. Present were Commissioners Sarah Blossom, Ariel Birtley (via Zoom), Alex Preudhomme, and Criss Garcia; Commissioners Peter Schaab, Ben Deines, and Sean Sullivan were excused. No public comments were provided and no Planning Director's report was given. The commission took up one regular business item and unanimously recommended approval of the Wing Point Golf and Country Club Pro Shop SPR/CUP application. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously (4-0); no conflicts of interest disclosed. - Planning Commission minutes from May 14, 2026 and May 21, 2026 approved unanimously (4-0). Discussion Items - The subject property fronts Cherry Avenue in East Winslow and is just over 10.5 acres. - Senior Planner Jennifer Sutton summarized the PLN52754 SPR CUP application: construction of a new 4,000-square-foot pro shop north of the existing northern parking lot, replacing the pro shop currently in the main clubhouse; a new trash enclosure; relocation of a maintenance gate and access farther north; a 1,000-square-foot canopy over the driving range; a new sidewalk along Cherry Avenue connecting the public access to the existing sidewalk at the north end of the property; and tree removal and new plantings to meet partial screen frontage along Cherry Avenue and full screening between the existing maintenance building and the neighboring residence to the north. - Project architect Charlie Wenzlau presented additional details: the project was scaled back from a 2025 pre-application proposal, the pro shop was reduced in size, and the existing maintenance building is now retained rather than demolished and rebuilt. - A lined retention pond was added to satisfy public works requirements, and the project area was extended through a recorded boundary line adjustment so the pond is included in the work area. - The design includes a reconfigured parking lot and new drop-off area, a new minor access point for fire access and trash/recyclables, no changes to the existing entry/egress, and a building style drawn from the existing clubhouse with low eaves, low-pitch roofs, natural materials, and abundant glazing. The building is nestled into existing trees and oriented away from Cherry Avenue, and an existing fence is retained. - Staff recommended approval, stating that with the proposed conditions the application would meet the decision criteria for site plan review and the minor conditional use permit. - A commissioner asked to confirm that the retention pond would be lined, and the applicant confirmed it would. One commissioner commented that the project was well contained on the property and addressed neighbor sensitivities through screening and by not changing the existing garage. Key Outcomes - Commissioner Garcia moved, and Commissioner Preudhomme seconded, a motion to recommend approval of the Wing Point Golf and Country Club Pro Shop project Site Plan and Design Review and Minor Conditional Use Permit application, file number PLN52754 SPR CUP, to the Planning Director, including the conditions presented to the Planning Commission. - The motion carried unanimously, 4-0. - The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Planning Director for decision; no further commission action was listed on the agenda.

The Bainbridge Island City Council met in regular business session on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, convening at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers and via Zoom and adjourning at 10:07 p.m. Mayor Moriwaki presided; Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos and Councilmembers Lant, Mathews, Nelson, and Schneider were present, and Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson attended remotely. After the Pledge of Allegiance, fourth-grader Ingrid Peithman read the land acknowledgment. The council approved the agenda as presented, 6–1, after a motion to remove consent items J–N failed 1–6. No conflicts of interest were disclosed. Presentations - Councilmember Mathews read a Juneteenth proclamation; Chasity Malatesta accepted it and spoke about Black resilience, Juneteenth history, and ongoing struggles for liberation. - Councilmember Lant read an LGBTQI+ Pride Month proclamation; Eve Palay and Lyn Flowers accepted it and spoke about the movement’s roots in Black liberation and the importance of allyship. - Interim City Manager Schroer announced the Bainbridge Island Reads book for summer/fall 2026: Storybook Ending by Moira McDonald. Public Comments & Testimony - Pete Brady spoke against the sales tax, disputed the premise of an affordable housing crisis, and asserted the city has ample reserves. - Bevan Taylor opposed a land capacity analysis at full build out, saying it would produce an unrealistic hypothetical; he cited historical home construction totals and urged use of trend data and conservation planning. - Gloria Saylor supported the proclamations and opposed Winslow parking reductions, arguing that walkability and transit are not accessible for many older or disabled residents; she described bus delays and unreliable service. - Theresa Song expressed appreciation for the proclamations and Bainbridge Reads and spoke in favor of affordable housing, noting she has been able to stay on the island because of voluntarily affordable rent. - Ron Peltier called for red-line versions of Comprehensive Plan changes and supported a full-build-out analysis based on zoning, noting groundwater sustainability concerns. - Stephen Hoskins urged Councilmember Nelson to correct his sewer capacity statements, saying the Winslow wastewater plant can be upgraded beyond 2,700 additional people and that plans for those upgrades exist. - Christine Nhan of Puget Sound Energy directed the council to PSE’s written comments on the draft Utilities element. Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved 6–1, with Councilmember Nelson voting against. Approved items included accounts payable and payroll; meeting minutes; acceptance of the Woodward Middle School 120kW PV system; concurrence with the 90% Senior/Community Center design and contractor selection; a $200,000 Public Works office trailer purchase order with an $80,000 budget adjustment; authorization to advertise bids for the Pleasant Beach Drive Extension; a $98,259.92 purchase agreement for three Suzuki outboard engines and police boat installation; a 30-day South Island sewer connection call beginning July 13, 2026; revisions to the Comprehensive Plan introduction and Cultural, Human Services, Environmental, and Economic elements; and cancellation of the June 16 study session in favor of a special business meeting. City Manager’s Report Interim City Manager Schroer reported on upcoming Juneteenth events, the Pride Festival, the city manager finalist open house and interview schedule, and the updated Comprehensive Plan review schedule. Discussion Items Something New Art Rotation The council unanimously accepted the recommended artwork for the 2026–2027 Something New rotation and directed staff to prepare agreements and installation plans. Draft Utilities Element The council reviewed the first draft of the Utilities Element and acted on numerous amendments: - Reverted Utilities Vision 2044 paragraph 2 to the Utility Advisory Committee’s original language, with “Some” changed to “Many” (7–0). - Amended Policy U 12.8 to study coordinated water conservation, aquifer protection, and system resilience and explore long-term consolidation of larger water systems (4–3). - Then replaced that language with a direction to conduct a study of consolidation of City and Kitsap PUD water systems and pursue long-term consolidation under City management or ownership (4–3). - Added an action item reserving a defined allocation of sewer ERUs (equivalent residential units) for housing affordable at 80% AMI and below, with the amount set through the General Sewer Plan update (4–3). - Reverted Policy U 13.9 to the UAC recommendation to study and advance consolidation or joint ownership with KPUD, including a joint ownership agreement for the Fort Ward Wastewater Treatment Plant (6–1). - Struck from Policy U 16.4 the sentence about evaluating alternative providers for solid waste services (4–3). - Amended Goal U-16 to remove “convenient” and change “citizens” to “residents” (4–3). - Amended Policy U 13.8 to “Continue to pursue tertiary wastewater treatment and the beneficial re-use of wastewater” (7–0). - Failed to insert “source-separated” into Policy U 16.2 (3–4). - Amended Policy U 16.5 on solid waste, recycling, and organics information, data on where recyclables are sent, and outreach for hard-to-recycle materials (5–1, with Mathews abstaining). - Amended Policy U 16.6 to add methods such as material bans, composting, waste-to-energy, ordinance updates, and source separation best practices (7–0). - Forwarded the Utilities Element to a future meeting for further discussion and approval consideration (7–0). Capital Facilities Element Staff and City Engineer Peter Corelis presented a capital facilities calculation chart and explained sewer capacity, population, and ERU figures. Corelis confirmed that the wastewater plant is loading-constrained and that only two capacity upgrades are planned under the current footprint. The council: - Approved inserting “a Groundwater Management Plan” into the adopted functional plans list on page CF-2 (7–0). - Directed staff to prepare a sewer capacity reconciliation table by the June 23 business meeting, using ERUs as the consistent unit and covering existing connections, septic homes in the sewer service area, committed but unbuilt capacity, HB 1220 demand, commercial demand, capacity after planned upgrades, surplus/deficit, and funding status (7–0). - Approved changing “over 1,000” to “approximately 1,700” private single-dwelling wells in the Drinking Water section (7–0). - Directed staff to draft a simple summary paragraph for the element describing current sewer capacity and next steps (6–0; Schneider abstained). - Directed staff to correct references from Kitsap County Sewer District 7 to the appropriate agency throughout the document (6–0; Fantroy-Johnson absent). - Directed staff to establish a standardized people-per-ERU conversion factor in the sewer update and apply it consistently across capital facilities planning documents (7–0). - Failed to change “It is also likely that most of the smaller systems have” to “Some of the smaller systems may also have” in a sentence about fire protection (2–5). - Directed the Department of Public Works to provide, by the June 23 business meeting, a preliminary cost estimate and proposed funding mechanism for the second wastewater treatment plant upgrade, including order-of-magnitude cost, funding sources, early-implementation feasibility, and regulatory hurdles (7–0). - Forwarded the Capital Facilities Element to a future meeting for further discussion and approval consideration (7–0). The council took a five-minute recess at 8:55 p.m. and returned at 9:00 p.m. Infrastructure and Land Capacity Analysis at Full Build Out The council discussed whether to seek an analysis of infrastructure capacity and land capacity at full build out. A motion to direct the interim city manager to provide options, including feasibility and staff-time assessments, failed 2–5, with Councilmember Lant abstaining. AWC Conference Delegates The council unanimously appointed Mayor Moriwaki and Councilmembers Mathews and Fantroy-Johnson as voting delegates for the Association of Washington Cities Conference. Kratom Presentation Request Councilmember Mathews withdrew her request to schedule a Kitsap Public Health District presentation on kratom, saying she would report back after the district’s July presentation. Key Outcomes - The Utilities and Capital Facilities elements were both forwarded for further review, not adopted. - The council requested a sewer capacity reconciliation table and wastewater treatment plant upgrade cost and funding information by June 23, 2026. - A full-build-out capacity analysis motion failed; no staff work was directed on that item. - Council announcements included the Juneteenth celebration on June 12, the free Saturday shuttle launch, the city manager finalist open house on June 17, and the Pride Festival on June 20.

On June 3, 2026, the Bainbridge Island City Council held a special executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment. The meeting was called to order at 12:53 pm per the minutes, though the agenda listed a 12:45 pm start. The council returned from executive session at 3:58 pm and adjourned. Call to Order / Roll Call - Mayor Moriwaki called the meeting to order at 12:53 pm in Council Chambers and via Zoom. - Present at roll call: Mayor Moriwaki and Councilmembers Lant, Nelson, and Schneider. - Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos and Councilmember Mathews joined during the executive session. - Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson attended remotely. Executive Session - The council entered executive session for 3 hours pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment. Adjournment - Council returned from executive session at 3:58 pm, and Mayor Moriwaki adjourned the meeting. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions, votes, or public actions were taken; the meeting was limited to the permitted executive session purpose.

The Bainbridge Island City Council held a study session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. All seven council members were present (Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson attended remotely). The meeting focused on reviewing and amending the Land Use Element and Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Winslow Subarea Plan was postponed to a future meeting. The council deliberated on numerous motions, with several passing and others failing after extensive discussion. Land Use Element - Council debated and voted on multiple amendments to the Land Use Element. Key motions included: - Motion to add language to LU 7.5 requiring new sewer connections to adhere to South Island Sewer policies: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to restore 'Contributions to public infrastructure in excess of what is required' to Policy LU 5.11: Failed (3-4). - Motion to amend Policy LU 13.2 to add 'and other community partners' after Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreational District: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to add 'green space' after 'neighborhood commons' in Policy LU 7.17: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to revise Policy LU 7.4 to replace 'site porosity' with 'multiple connections, paths, entrances, and shortcuts' and add 'when feasible': Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to change 'eight' to 'nine' guiding principles in Land Use Introduction: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to add 'and guidance from the Groundwater Management Plan' to Policy LU 10.4: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to revise Policy LU 1.2 to 'consider designating' Winslow Town Center as a countywide growth center: Failed (3-4). - Motion to add new Policy LU 14.6 on reducing barriers to farming: Failed (2-5). - Motion to add 'critical' before 'aquifer recharge area' in Policy LU 10.4: Passed (4-3). - Motion to add 'creative' before 'uses' in Policy LU 8.1: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to revise Policy LU 3.1 changing 'will' to 'should' for workshops in under-invested neighborhoods: Failed for lack of a second. - Motion to forward the Land Use element to a future business meeting: Passed unanimously (7-0). Housing Element - The council considered and voted on many amendments to the Housing Element, including: - Motion to include Appendix F discussion in the Housing Element itself: Failed for lack of a second. - Motion to adopt Policy HO 3.13 creating a community benefits incentive program for additional height and FAR: Passed (4-3). - Motion to update housing construction statistics (60% single-family, 40% other): Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to revise 'graying' to 'aging population' in Housing Element introduction: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to remove 'socio-economic' before 'diversity' in Goal HO-3: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to elevate several Medium Priority actions to High Priority: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to amend Policy HO 3.11 to 'adopt a specific middle housing code' with density for deed-restricted housing serving below 150% AMI: Passed (4-3). - Motion to amend Policy HO 1.9 to monitor and evaluate progress toward housing targets: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to create new Policy HO 2.3 on considering displacement risk when evaluating tax increases: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to restore 'aspirational' in Goal HO-1: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to add new policy under Goal HO-3 on city-owned parcels for affordable housing: Withdrawn for further work. - Motion to amend Policy HO 1.10 on establishing a City Housing Authority or supporting an independent one: Passed (6-1). - Motion to strike Policy HO 10.3 (parking reductions): Failed (2-5). - Motion to change 150% AMI to 120% AMI in Policy HO 3.11: Failed (3-4). - Motion to amend Policy HO 3.5 to include 'nonprofit organizations, churches, other taxing districts': Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to amend Policy HO 8.1 to add back specific groups (singles, families, etc.): Failed (1-6). - Motion to amend Policy HO 3.8 on expanding human services funding with cost-of-living adjustments: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to direct the Interim City Manager to provide true redlines of the Comprehensive Plan: Passed (4-2, with one abstention). - Motion to create new Policy HO 5.4 on advocating for state recognition of water-based (live-aboard) housing: Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to revise language on Page HO-6 from 'will not meet the needs for many' to 'will not meet the needs of all': Passed unanimously (7-0). - Motion to forward the Housing element to a future business meeting: Passed unanimously (7-0). Winslow Subarea Plan - The council discussed the process and postponed consideration of the Winslow Subarea Plan to a future meeting, citing incomplete sections and the need for a full document before review. Committee Reports - Council members provided updates on local and regional meetings, including the Puget Sound Regional Council General Assembly, the St. Barnabas Solar Project ribbon-cutting, and the Asian Arts and Heritage Festival. Councilmember Lant shared a water-saving timer for outdoor watering. Key Outcomes - The Land Use Element and Housing Element were both forwarded to future council business meetings for further discussion and potential approval, following numerous amendments. - The Winslow Subarea Plan was postponed. - Several motions failed, particularly those related to designating a countywide growth center, restoring certain infrastructure policies, and adjusting AMI thresholds for middle housing incentives. - The meeting adjourned at 10:26 PM.

The Bainbridge Island City Council held a special executive session on Monday, June 1, 2026, from approximately 1:00 pm to 5:53 pm, with a break from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The agenda had scheduled the meeting from 12:45 pm to 6:00 pm, but the meeting actually began at 1:00 pm per the minutes. The sole purpose was to hold a closed executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment. Executive Session - The council entered executive session at 1:45 pm for 4 hours and 15 minutes, concluding at 5:53 pm. - The session was closed to the public and no decisions were made in open session. Attendance - Present: Mayor Moriwaki, Councilmembers Schneider, Lant, Mathews, Hytopoulos, and Nelson. Councilmembers Lant and Mathews joined remotely initially and then in person at 1:45 pm. - Absent: Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal actions were taken in open session. - The executive session was held to evaluate an applicant for public employment; no further details were disclosed.

The Bainbridge Island City Council met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting covered a proclamation, a wellness program presentation, public comments, consent agenda, city manager's report, and extensive discussion on the Transportation and Water Resources Elements of the Comprehensive Plan, along with several other business items. The meeting adjourned at 9:18 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0): accounts payable and payroll, meeting minutes, a $208,707.54 construction contract with Pavement Surface Control for the 2026 Annual Roads Striping Project (Streets Fund), and Ordinance No. 2026-06 granting a 10-year franchise to Verizon Wireless for telecommunications facilities in public rights-of-way. Public Comments & Testimony - Diane West and Maureen Olson (YWCA of Kitsap County) described a fire that rendered the YWCA Alive Shelter uninhabitable, forcing shelter operations into a hotel, and requested financial assistance. They noted the shelter is the county's only 24-hour shelter and serves Bainbridge Island residents. - Glynnis Cowdery (President of Arts and Humanities Bainbridge and chair of the public art committee) reported that submissions for the “Something New” temporary art program increased from 24 in 2025 to 36 in 2026, attributing the rise to an increased stipend and travel allowance approved by the council last fall. She invited the council to the Festival Finale on May 31. - Malcolm Gander (Rolling Bay) expressed concerns about the executive summary of the Groundwater Management Plan, stating a sentence that the water supply is “secure for the 20-year planning horizon given steady population growth combined with changes in climate” could be misinterpreted and does not address environmental considerations or the need for proactive management, funding, and implementation of strategies. - Dawn Janow (resident of Terra Lane) advocated for compromise and balance in the Transportation Element, raised concerns about proposed parking reductions in Winslow, and urged the council to engage in a real community vision process before inserting “community vision” into the plan. She also noted that parking reductions near the ferry terminal conflict with policy TR-10, which calls for adequate parking. - Bevan Taylor (born and raised islander) criticized the council for walking toward a comprehensive plan that may comply with housing mandates in letter but not spirit, questioned the council’s commitment to actually building affordable housing, and asked whether the council would set housing construction targets and commit to regular reviews. Discussion Items - Proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month (May 2026): Read by Councilmember Schneider, accepted by Hannah Abrams, a Bainbridge High School junior, who thanked the council and emphasized the importance of recognition amid rising antisemitism. - Employee Wellness Committee Presentation: Joel Schwarz and other committee members reported that 66% of city employees participated in the WellCity program in 2025, resulting in $52,000 in medical premium savings (over $418,000 in combined savings over 10 years). The program also includes community outreach activities. - Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan: Council debated and voted on numerous amendments over an extended period. Key outcomes (see below). The element was forwarded to a future meeting for consideration of approval by a vote of 6-1. - Water Resources Element of the Comprehensive Plan: Council debated and adopted several amendments (see below). The element was forwarded to a future meeting for consideration of approval by a vote of 6-0. - Infrastructure Capacity and Land Capacity Analysis (Item 7C): Postponed to a future meeting. - Ordinance No. 2026-08 – Bonus FAR Extension: Adopted 6-0, extending the sunset provision for the Bonus Floor Area Ratio program for an additional four months to allow completion of the Comprehensive Plan update. - City Manager Hiring Process Update: Councilmember Mathews (part of the subcommittee with Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos and Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson) presented the schedule: a community engagement event on June 17 (5:30-7 PM at City Hall), candidate panel interviews on June 18 with panels representing community partners, advisory groups, and city leadership. Council concurred with the approach. - YWCA Alive Shelter Contribution: Councilmember Lant moved to authorize a one-time $25,000 contribution from the council contingency fund to support YWCA Alive Shelter after a fire disrupted operations. The motion carried 6-0. - Appoint Councilmember Schneider as Additional Liaison to Mobility Advisory Committee: Appointed 6-0. - “Something New” Art Rotation: Postponed to a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Transportation Element Amendments (all votes recorded): - Reinsert Section M (Community Character) into the Comprehensive Plan on page TR-5 as amended (striking “open drainage ditches”): Carried 7-0. - Add language to the Islandwide Mobility Plan to conduct citizen outreach and a feasibility study of connecting Erickson Avenue and Hildebrand Lane: Carried 7-0. - Strike “fiscally responsible” from Transportation Vision 2044: Failed 1-6. - Retain “while retaining emergency vehicle response times” in Policy 8.1 (page TR-15): Carried 6-1 (Schneider against). - Add new Policy TR 1.5 (receive recommendations from Mobility Advisory Committee on amendments to Island Wide Mobility Plan and Transportation Element): Carried 7-0. - Remove “existing” from Safety and Maintenance Goal TR-9: Carried 7-0. - Add new policy to Environmental Element: “Encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles where possible.” Carried 7-0. - Remove Policy 9.1 in its entirety and refer to Mobility Advisory Committee: Carried 7-0. - Strike Policy TR 5.1: Failed 2-5. - Restore “Include transportation projects and” and remove “Maintain” in Policy TR 9.2: Carried 7-0. - Strike “low-volume” from Policy TR 2.5: Failed 3-4. - Motion to restore “motorized” in Policy 9.3: Withdrawn after realizing “non” was missing. - Add sentence to Policy TR 6.6 about reevaluating speed limits for efficient movement of goods: Carried 6-0 (Schneider abstained). - Retain “maximize parking” in TR Action 2: Carried 7-0. - Strike TR Action 1: Failed 2-5. - Reinstate Policy TR 11.4 (“Minimize the use of street lighting outside of Winslow, except to address safety”): Carried 5-0 (Lant and Fantroy-Johnson abstained). - Amend Policy TR 2.7 to add “and feasible” after “when appropriate”: Failed 3-4. - Forward Transportation Element to future meeting for approval: Carried 6-1 (Nelson against). - Water Resources Element Amendments (all votes recorded): - Restate language on page WR-3 to add “other household chemicals” and note that wastewater treatment plants contribute to long-term groundwater loss: Carried 7-0. - Restate language on page WR-4 to note that on-site sewage systems provide a significant source of groundwater recharge: Carried 7-0 (with addition of “also”). - Restate language on page WR-6 to reference “established groundwater level thresholds”: Carried 7-0. - Replace first sentence of Policy WR 2.1 with “Recognize that the entire Island is designated by the Washington State Department of Ecology as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area, meaning that the entire Island is a critical area under the Growth Management Act.” Failed 2-4. - Same motion without “under the Growth Management Act”: Failed 3-3. - Change first paragraph of Water Resources Introduction (page WR-2) to include USEPA sole source aquifer designation language: Failed 3-3. - Change Policy WR 2.16 to “Maintain and advance a comprehensive program…” including static water levels: Carried 6-0. - Add “water levels and” before “the quality of their well water” in Policy WR 2.9: Carried 6-0. - Add “while maintaining a low risk of septic system failure” at end of Policy WR 5.3: Carried 6-0. - Restate “regional retrofit stormwater facilities” as “regional development of Bainbridge Island retrofit stormwater facilities” in Policy WR 4.14: Carried 6-0. - Add “Climate Change Advisory Committee, Environmental Technical Advisory Committee” to Policy WR 2.11 under WR Action 2: Administrative change (no vote needed). - Forward draft Water Resources Element to future meeting for approval: Carried 6-0. - Bonus FAR Extension: Ordinance No. 2026-08 adopted 6-0. - YWCA Contribution: One-time $25,000 from council contingency fund approved 6-0. - Appointment: Councilmember Schneider appointed as additional liaison to Mobility Advisory Committee 6-0.

The City Council held a study session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:21 pm. The meeting covered five major agenda items: an update on the Bainbridge Island Senior/Community Center redevelopment (90% design), the 2027-2028 economic outlook and baseline budget forecast, and consideration of three Comprehensive Plan elements (Environmental, Economics, and Capital Facilities). Council approved several motions, forwarded two plan elements for future discussion, and deferred the Capital Facilities Element for additional work. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Mayor Moriwaki, seconded by Councilmember Lant to approve the agenda as presented. Carried unanimously (7-0). No conflicts of interest disclosed. Discussion Items A. Senior/Community Center Redevelopment – 90% Design Update Reed Price (Executive Director) and architect Charlie Wenzlau presented the 90% design for the new center, which will include a multipurpose hall, thrift shop, resilience hub, and commercial kitchen. The building targets LEED certification, uses all-electric systems, and incorporates natural lighting. A boundary line adjustment is in process. The capital campaign has raised approximately $6 million of the $22.5 million goal. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027. - Council discussed permit fees, potential city relief, and the resilience hub’s features (e.g., emergency communications, battery backup readiness). Councilmember Nelson expressed support for permit fee relief and highlighted the design’s allowance for future affordable housing. Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson moved to forward the 90% design and selection of Carley Construction as contractor to the May 26, 2026 consent agenda for approval. Council also concurred with the choice of Carley Construction. Both motions carried unanimously (7-0). B. 2027-2028 Economic Outlook, Assumptions, and Forecast Finance Director Dwayne Pitts presented the baseline (status quo) budget forecast for 2027-2028. Key points: - Inflation is at 4.9% (Seattle area CPI), up from below 2% a year ago. The city adjusted cost inflators to 3% for out-year projections and 4% for 2027-2028 operating costs. - Sales tax and real estate excise tax (REET) are both up 10% year-to-date, but building permit revenues are down 7% despite recent fee increases. - The general fund 10-year forecast shows a “slow bleed” but reserves are not projected to fall below policy minimums until 2033-34. - Water, sewer, and stormwater funds face significant capital projects but remain solvent in the near term. - Council asked about budget engagement strategies (e.g., “beer and budget” events) and the possibility of a priority-setting retreat. The item was informational; no action taken. C. Environmental Element of the Comprehensive Plan Interim Planning Director Darren Buchanan introduced the element. Council considered numerous motions, most of which passed. Key actions: - Policy EN 5.9: Amended to add the Suquamish Tribe, Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park District, Bainbridge Island Land Trust, and other private agencies to a wildlife habitat education program. Passed unanimously (7-0). - Policy EN 6.1: Amended to encourage realtors to disclose floodplain information to clients and consumers. Passed 6-1 (Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos voted against). - Strikethrough on page EN-14: Removed placeholder text “Propose language to make sure that the paragraph below is on BI”. Passed unanimously. - Policy EN 10.4: Changed “cooperate” to “support and assist” regarding the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Passed unanimously. - EN Action 7: Changed “have not been successful” to “have been underutilized” for PDR/TDR programs. Passed unanimously. - New Policy EN 1.9: “Consider upgrading the wastewater treatment plant to provide for tertiary wastewater treatment and the beneficial reuse of wastewater.” Passed unanimously. - Policy EN 10.8: Amended to add “using guidance from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, encourage and promote” for wood stove retrofits. Passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Nelson and Mayor Moriwaki voted against). - Goal EN-14 (invasive species): Added “Kitsap Public Health District” to the collaborative agencies. Passed unanimously. - New Policy EN 14.4: “Control and reduce invasive species through an integrated vegetation management and ecological restoration plan…” Passed unanimously. - Policy EN 17.9 (new): “Consider exempting sign code requirements and fees for agricultural uses due to the seasonal nature of farms.” Failed 3-4 (Councilmembers Lant, Nelson, Mathews in favor). - Policy EN 11.2: Added “residential” to noise reduction policies. Passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Fantroy-Johnson and Nelson against). - Policy EN 11.4 (new): “Support targeted community outreach…to individuals affected by clean air, noise, or greenhouse regulations.” Failed for lack of a second. - Policy EN 12.5: Changed “citizens” to “community” in greenhouse gas education policy. Passed unanimously. - Policy EN 15.6: Added “and private” to farmland for food production. Passed unanimously. - Final motion to forward the Environmental Element to a future business meeting passed unanimously (7-0). D. Economics Element of the Comprehensive Plan Council considered several motions: - Policy EC-8.2: Motion to strike (develop neighborhood centers at higher densities) failed 2-5 (Councilmembers Nelson and Lant in favor). - Economic Vision 2044: Amended to add “its rich cultural history” to the destination description. Passed unanimously. - Policy EC 1.11: Motion to strike “and address past inequities” was withdrawn by Councilmember Lant after discussion. - Policy EC 1.3: Motion to not delete “Create an Economic Development Strategy” passed unanimously. - Policy EC 1.4: Added “and future” to partnerships language. Passed unanimously. - Policy EC 2.4: Changed “or tax increment financing” to “and other financial tools”. Passed unanimously. - Policy EC 3.4: Added “and private sector” and “partner with nonprofit organizations and community-led initiatives”. Passed unanimously. - New Policy EC 3.7: “Support the development of community-based reuse, repair, and material recovery initiatives…” Passed unanimously. - Council also discussed a motion to explore a BI-Serviced/BI-Constrained framework, which was withdrawn for future staff review. - Final motion to forward the Economics Element to a future meeting passed unanimously (7-0). E. Capital Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan Interim Planning Director Buchanan presented the element. Council noted that a recent letter from the Washington State Department of Commerce found the element insufficient in demonstrating capacity to accommodate projected population growth (citing internal consistency issues). Councilmember Hytopoulos questioned the clarity of technical memos regarding wastewater treatment capacity. After discussion, Council directed staff to bring back the element in amended form addressing Housing Accountability Act review questions and Commerce comments. No vote was taken; the item was deferred. Key Outcomes - Senior Center: Both motions (90% design approval and contractor selection) forwarded to the May 26, 2026 consent agenda (unanimous). - Economic Forecast: Informational; no action taken. Budget process to continue with a July study session. - Environmental Element: Approved numerous policy amendments and forwarded to a future business meeting (unanimous). - Economics Element: Approved several amendments, rejected the strike of EC-8.2, and forwarded to a future business meeting (unanimous). - Capital Facilities Element: Deferred for staff to revise in response to Commerce comments and council questions. - Committee Reports: Council members shared updates on local events (e.g., Olympic College, Chabad center, Marge Williams Center anniversary, Puget Sound Regional Council housing academy, planning commission public hearing). Council also discussed the disbandment of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee; some members expressed concern about the process and requested further council discussion. - The meeting adjourned at 9:21 pm.

A special executive session of the Bainbridge Island City Council was held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The session was convened pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to evaluate the qualifications of applicants for public employment. Mayor Clarence Moriwaki called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM. Roll call showed Councilmembers Fantroy-Johnson, Lant, and Schneider present; Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos arrived at 4:30 PM, and Councilmember Mathews joined during the session. Councilmember Nelson attended remotely. Executive Session - The Council adjourned to an executive session at 4:00 PM for a duration of two hours to evaluate qualifications of applicants for public employment, as authorized under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). No public comment was taken, and no business was conducted in open session. Key Outcomes - The Council returned from executive session at 6:00 PM. Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos then adjourned the meeting. No votes or formal decisions were made in open session.

The Bainbridge Island Planning Commission held a regular meeting on May 14, 2026, starting at 6:07 PM. The meeting focused on the combined public hearings for Ordinances 2026-04 and 2026-05, which adopt the periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan, the Winslow Subarea Plan, and implementing regulations (Bainbridge Island Municipal Code amendments). The Commission heard extensive public testimony, received a land capacity analysis update, and made two motions. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 PM. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the agenda as presented passed unanimously (5-0). - Motion to approve the Planning Commission minutes from April 9, 2026, as presented passed unanimously (5-0). - Motion to approve the Planning Commission minutes from April 23, 2026, as presented passed unanimously (5-0). - Motion to approve the Planning Commission minutes from April 30, 2026, as presented passed unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were offered during the general public comment period. The combined public hearing opened at 6:32 PM and received 15 speakers (including one remote). Key themes: - John Flodine (fifth-generation resident, renter) expressed strong support for the proposed updates and increased density for affordable housing, criticizing the City Council’s decision to lower the recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR). - Mark Ashley (resident since 1988) supported building affordable housing, expressed concern that the draft plan leans too heavily toward single-family homes, and urged concentration of development in urban villages. - Stephen Hoskins (resident) expressed strong support for increased bonus FAR and height for affordable housing but disappointment with the overall lack of ambition, noting the plan may not meet state targets. He urged restoring higher FAR and adopting a middle-income density bonus. - Julie Rosenblatt (wellness center owner, 32 years) supported affordable housing, criticized continued single-family development in the conservation zone, and asked for return to 3-4 max bonus FAR. - Jana (school bus driver, mom) expressed appreciation for the effort but noted the plan does not meet the needs of workers and families; supported higher density in Winslow and a variety of housing approaches. - Mira Rosencoates (farm and service worker) supported affordable housing and criticized the plan for allowing most new housing to be market-rate single-family homes in the conservation zone; asked for return to 3-4 max bonus FAR. - Lydia Henning (resident, six years) expressed disappointment that the plan lacks visionary changes; asked for return to 3 and 4 FAR in relevant zones. - Olivia Hall (reading collaborative comment with Bevan Taylor) expressed disappointment with the numbers in the plan, asked the Commission to disregard Council’s cap on FAR at 2.5 and send back the original higher FAR numbers. - Phaedra Elliott (Executive Director of Housing Resources Bainbridge) urged inclusion of both voluntary and mandatory inclusionary housing programs, supported parking flexibility, and praised the extension of the bonus density program for religiously owned land. - John Teresi (longtime resident and developer) submitted four written comments, raised concerns about ferry terminal parking displacement, questioned the value of the underground parking incentive, noted inconsistency in affordable housing requirements for properties under two acres, and argued that the Title 18 update should be based on the original code rather than a moratorium ordinance. - David Martz (65-year resident) argued that affordable housing and environmental protection align, cited the Bainbridge Island Land Trust Conservation Plan and groundwater management plan, and asked the Commission to restore bonus FAR levels, call on Council to discuss revenue mechanisms, and recognize that single-family development in the conservation zone is not environmentally neutral. - Jeff Shepard (owner of Blackbird Bakery) noted that only two of his 28 employees live on the island, called the lack of affordable housing a growing problem for local businesses, and urged the Commission to prioritize working-class residents. - Bobby Studley (handy person, service industry) supported affordable housing, adopted the middle-income density bonus, and asked for return to 3-4 max bonus FAR. - Ron Peltier (resident) raised concerns about groundwater sustainability, supported the current FAR restraint and focus on 100% affordable housing, and noted the difficulty of directing growth from the conservation zone to Winslow. - Malcolm Gander (Rolling Bay) discussed water extraction increases and proposed an ordinance to track water use for new developments. - Eric Fredericks (builder, 47 years) noted that 90% of the workforce leaves the island daily, supported increased density in the core, and emphasized water conservation through reduced irrigation. - Matt Keough (Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park District) presented a letter from the Park Board requesting that the Council commit to developing zoning standards that work for park properties. - Jamie Clough (Kids Out Building Association) urged the Commission to shift from preventing growth to enabling growth to increase housing supply. - Marsha Cutting (remote, Curtis Loop) expressed concern about the plan preserving the status quo, noted the need for $24 million per year to subsidize affordable housing, worried about noncompliance with the Housing Accountability Act, and opposed using funds to sue the state. - Bill Isley (retired architect, 50 years) proposed an alternative concept for the 625 Winslow Way project, suggesting a parking facility funded by commercial sale of ferry terminal district property. - Kayla Fernandes (resident, three years) shared her family’s positive experience with affordable housing through HRB. - Lisa Neal (resident) argued that inclusionary zoning cannot deliver housing under 80% AMI, questioned why market-rate upzoning is provided if affordable targets are still unmet, and noted legacy bonus density not tied to affordability. She also cited the lack of infrastructure cost analysis and the incomplete groundwater management plan. Discussion Items - Planning Director’s Report: Acting Planning Director Darron Buchanan provided an update on the introduction of the Comprehensive Plan elements to City Council, noting formatting corrections and thanking the Commission for their work. - Combined Public Hearings: Senior Planner Jennifer Sutton presented the ordinances and the land capacity analysis update, which showed a deficit of 64 dwelling units for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) in the low- and mid-rise multifamily category in Winslow. She explained that the voluntary inclusionary zoning participation rate is expected to be low, and the mandatory program applies only to properties of two acres or greater. She also requested that the Commission consider adding an official zoning map and shoreline designations. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners discussed the land capacity analysis, FAR values, and the relationship between density, water resources, and development in the conservation zone. Commissioner Deines expressed frustration with the City Council’s reduction of FAR and made a motion to request reconsideration. Commissioners acknowledged the imperfection of the plan and the need for continued work on visioning, missing middle housing, water conservation, and transfer of development rights. Key Outcomes - Motion to continue the public hearing on Ordinances 2026-04 and 2026-05 until the next meeting on May 21, 2026. Passed unanimously (5-0). - Motion to request City Council reconsider the Planning Commission’s recommendation for a 3.0 FAR in the High School Road District and a 4.0 FAR in the Ferry District for incentivized programs, in support of sustainable, inclusive, and affordable housing. Passed 4-0, with Commissioner Blossom abstaining. - The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM.