Briefs

Published 1:30 am Thursday, September 21, 2023

Beach cleanup

Volunteers are being sought for the annual Bainbridge Island Beach Cleanup Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sustainable Bainbridge and other nonprofits are organizing the event to clean 53 miles of shoreline.

Sign up at www.sustainablebainbridge.org

BI Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest Resource Fair at the Bainbridge Island Senior/Community Center will have everything from Orcas to composting to beer.

The event will be Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with over three dozen nonprofit and for-profit Kitsap County organizations and agencies. Resources are for all, not just seniors.

Bainbridge Brewing is providing beer for just $1.

The event will take place at 370 Brien Dr. SE between Waterfront Park and Town & Country Market.

Community report

N0 surprise here. The Bainbridge Community Foundation annual State of the Sector report says it’s unaffordable for many to live here.

It says the average home price is $1.072 million but the average income is $145,475—close to $100,000 less than what’s needed to afford that home. Housing prices are up 114% since 2014. To compare incomes, Bainbridge Island police make $83,000 a year and BI teachers $68,000. The BCF report says there are 11,251 housing units on BI, but only 3% are affordable.

According to the BI Chamber of Commerce, businesses are having a harder time recruiting and retaining staff, due to lack of workforce housing and public transportation. Childcare also is an issue.

As for Transportation, a survey shows improving its quality on BI is “essential.” The city has approved $31 million over the next six years to connect BI’s centers to make it available for all ages and abilities.

For details or a copy of the report contact Dana Binnendijk at dana@bainbridgecf.org

New city attorney

James E. Haney of Ogden Murphy Wallace is the new city of Bainbridge Island city attorney.

Haney replaces Joe Levan, who resigned earlier this year. Haney has previously served as interim city attorney on two occasions—approximately six years ago prior to selecting Levan and more recently beginning in January.

Haney has over 40 years of experience as a contract city attorney for several cities in the state. He worked in all facets of municipal representation for Ogden Murphy Wallace. Haney is known for his land-use experience.

The city attorney plans, directs, and supervises legal services for the city, providing counsel to the city manager, City Council, and staff.

Concert by donation

Pino Noir, a quartet based in Los Angeles, will perform Sept. 25 at The Ravine on Bainbridge Island from 5-7 p.m.

Admission by donation at 488 Winslow Way E.

Violinist Ranger Sciacca of the Re-Arrangers will be a guest performer.

Correction

Kitsap Public Health District Dr. Gib Morrow said kids should get vaccinated for chicken pox. A story last week was incorrect.