New Bainbridge Island City Councilman Joe Deets appears consumed by the crowd at his first council meeting Tuesday evening.

The newly seated council faced one of the biggest audiences in recent memory, with hot topics such as development of the city’s Suzuki property and the controversial pedestrian bridge over Highway 305 on the agenda.

Council chambers were nearly at capacity, with city staff heading to the back of the room time and time again to pull out more chairs as people continued to jam into the room.

“Last night’s meeting was clear proof how passionate and engaged Islanders are,” Deets said later.

“Some obviously came away disappointed with the vote on the bridge. I want folks to know that I heard them and I ask them to stay engaged with me and other council members. My job is to be there for them, and for that I’ve initiated open office hours, on Saturday mornings, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CUPS.”

(Brian Kelly | Bainbridge Island Review)