Special City Council Meeting – November 12, 2025: Proclamations, Budget, and Key Business Actions

This special meeting began with four proclamations (Native American Heritage Month, Transgender Awareness Week, Small Business Saturday, and retirement of Rev. Dr. Dee Eisenhauer), followed by public comment, approval of a consent agenda, council announcements, and the city manager’s retirement announcement. The council then held two public hearings—one on the 2026 mid-biennium budget update (Ordinance 2025-28) and one on the property tax levy for 2026 (Ordinance 2025-27)—and took action on both. Regular business items included adoption of Resolution 2025-18 (setting a schedule for the Winslow Subarea Plan update), receipt of the draft ADA Transition Plan, introduction of an ordinance to form a Mobility Advisory Committee, authorization of a professional services agreement for the Bucklin Hill to Fletcher Bay Road non-motorized improvements project, and introduction of a resolution revising building, planning, and services fees. The meeting concluded with communications placing Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC) appointments on a future agenda and scheduling a discussion of the Highway 305/High School roundabout design charrette for the next business meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approved accounts payable and payroll.
• Approved city council meeting minutes (special executive session and regular business meeting of October 28, 2025).
• Authorized amendments to: the legal services agreement for prosecution services ($171,385.52), Creative Circle website redesign contract (additional $20,000, total not to exceed $59,000), Seattle Diving Services agreement for buoy cleaning and inspection ($51,324.00), and the interlocal agreement with Kitsap Conservation District for NPDES stormwater permit compliance ($48,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken (with Tom Solgard, Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park District) – Expressed full support for adding a park zoning ordinance to the comprehensive plan, citing precedent in neighboring jurisdictions and benefits in cost and time savings for both the city and the park district.
• Joe Edgell (Squeaky Wheels) – Urged the council to approve the Mobility Advisory Committee ordinance, emphasizing the importance of safe mobility and requesting that council implement the committee's recommendations.
• Laura Lant – Expressed concerns about Resolution 2025-18, urging joint planning commission–council meetings with published agendas and deliverables; stressed the need to respond to House Bill 1220 and protect the Manzanita stormwater recharge grant ($750,000 from Ecology).
• Melanie Keenan – Expressed strong concerns about the groundwater management plan and model update, citing errors documented by peer reviewers; criticized the lack of a functioning Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC) and urged appointment of qualified scientists.
• Malcolm Gander – Raised concerns about water and sewer capacity in the Winslow Subarea Plan, stating that downtown wells are at capacity; called for water conservation planning.
• Elise Nelson (Squeaky Wheels, virtual) – Enthusiastically supported the Mobility Advisory Committee, noting that 83% of residents rate mobility as a top priority; requested the committee focus on safe, multimodal connectivity.
• Charlie Kratzer – Discussed the ETAC appointment process, alleging that two council members interviewed applicants without an ETAC member present, in violation of the municipal code; called for transparency and reinstatement of the committee.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations – The council unanimously adopted four proclamations (Native American Heritage Month, Transgender Awareness Week, Small Business Saturday, and recognition of Rev. Dr. Dee Eisenhauer).
• City Manager Retirement Announcement – City Manager Blair King announced his retirement effective January 30, 2026, after 45 years in local government. Council members expressed appreciation for his leadership, stability, and community engagement.
• Public Hearing – 2026 Mid-Biennium Budget (Ordinance 2025-28) – Finance Director Dwayne Pitts presented a status‑quo budget with a net reduction of $238,000 (0.4%) in the general fund. Discussion included a proposed $10,600 membership in the Leaf Line Trails Coalition. Councilmember Moriwaki opposed the membership, preferring to spend on local trails; Councilmember Hytopoulos objected to mid‑cycle additions on procedural grounds. Councilmember Schneider supported the coalition for regional advocacy and potential grant leverage. The council forwarded the ordinance to the December 9 regular business meeting.
• Public Hearing – Property Tax Levy for 2026 (Ordinance 2025-27) – The city’s share of property tax is 8% of the total. State law allows a 1% increase plus new construction. The council adopted the ordinance.
• Resolution 2025-18 – Winslow Subarea Plan Schedule – Consultant Joe Tovar presented a resolution to set a target completion date of June 30, 2026, and to limit the scope to essential state‑mandated updates. Extensive debate ensued: Councilmember Hytopoulos criticized the process as rushed and lacking transparency, expressed concern over putting zoning ahead of housing strategies, and argued that the resolution “blames” the council and commission; she stated she could not support the resolution. Councilmember Quitsland offered amendments: splitting Section 9 into outward‑ and inward‑facing notices (adopted), and amending Section 10 to expand liaison roles (withdrawn after opposition). Councilmember Schneider proposed an amendment to Section 7 (replacing language on partners with a housing implementation strategy steering committee), which was adopted. Councilmember Fantroy‑Johnson added an amendment directing that transfer of development rights (TDRs), form‑based code, and middle‑housing code be considered as post‑adoption work, not part of this update (adopted). The main motion to adopt the resolution, as amended, passed with Hytopoulos dissenting.
• ADA Transition Plan – Consultant Patrick Lynch presented the 500‑page draft plan, based on field assessment of over 20 miles of sidewalk, 500+ curb ramps, and nearly 40 pedestrian push buttons. Total estimated cost for full barrier removal: $32 million; priority areas (very high) total about $3.5 million. The council forwarded the plan to the December 9 business meeting for adoption.
• Ordinance 2025-29 – Formation of a Mobility Advisory Committee – Staff described minor administrative updates to a previously existing committee (renamed from non‑motorized, adjusted purpose due to now having dedicated staff). The council introduced the ordinance and forwarded it to a future meeting for adoption.
• Professional Services Agreement with Toole Design – Bucklin Hill to Fletcher Bay Road Non‑Motorized Improvements – Public Works Director Chris Wersebe outlined the $309,062 contract for design, permitting, and right‑of‑way acquisition. The project is locally funded ($1.4 million) and will coordinate with a federally funded adjacent segment. The council authorized the city manager to execute the agreement.
• Resolution 2025-16 – Building, Planning, and Services Fee Updates – Planning Director Patty Charnas and Finance Director Dwayne Pitts proposed a three‑year plan: 30% increase in year one, followed by 11% each in years two and three, plus a new $125 administrative and technology fee. They explained that fees had not been adjusted for 16 years, leading to cost recovery of only 63% for building fees and 39% for planning fees. Building fees would reach ~90% recovery; planning fees would reach ~50–60%. Councilmember Quitsland expressed skepticism about full cost‑recovery for planning, arguing the general fund should support broader planning functions. The council forwarded the resolution to the December 9 regular business meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations – Unanimously adopted.
• Consent Agenda – Approved as presented.
• 2026 Mid‑Biennium Budget (Ordinance 2025-28) – Forwarded to December 9, 2025 business meeting for adoption.
• Property Tax Levy (Ordinance 2025-27) – Adopted by unanimous vote.
• Resolution 2025-18 (Winslow Subarea Plan Schedule) – Adopted as amended (6‑1 vote, Hytopoulos opposed). Key amendments: Section 7 replaced with new language directing a steering committee for a housing implementation strategy; Section 9 split into 9A (public notice) and 9B (agency notice); addition of directive to consider TDRs, form‑based code, and middle‑housing code as post‑adoption work.
• ADA Transition Plan – Forwarded to December 9 business meeting for final adoption.
• Mobility Advisory Committee (Ordinance 2025-29) – Introduced and forwarded to future meeting for adoption.
• Toole Design Professional Services Agreement – Authorized ($309,062).
• Building, Planning, and Services Fees (Resolution 2025-16) – Forwarded to December 9 business meeting.
• ETAC Appointments – Placed on a future council agenda.
• Highway 305/High School Roundabout Design Charrette – Placed on the next regular business meeting agenda for discussion.