Fireworks ban gets public hearing

The city and the Bainbridge Island Fire Department will hold a joint public meeting on a proposed fireworks ban later this month.

The ordinance, which is nearing completion and has been worked on at the committee level, would make it illegal to sell, use and possess all types of fireworks.

Only permitted displays would be allowed under the ordinance. All permits would be approved by Bainbridge Fire Marshal Jared Moravec.

The penalty for violating the ordinance is a first-time $250 fine, subsequent violations would be considered misdemeanors with a fine of $500 and the possibility of jail time.

The ordinance is expected before the city council early this summer.

A public hearing on the proposed ban will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 16 at City Hall.

Aquatic Center to debut steam room

The Bainbridge Aquatic Center will unveil a steamy new addition next week.

The public is invited to a grand opening April 9 for the center’s new steam room, which has been in the works since January.

One room of the Don Nakata pool has been designated for steam since the complex opened in 2001, said Aquatic Center Manager Jaime Whitney. But that space had since languished as a storage closet.

The effort this year to open the steam room got a boost from the community.

The roughly $20,000 project received a contributions from the Bainbridge Parks Foundation and a donation box at the center. Island photographer Pete Saloutos donated proceeds from sales of his calendar. Ceramic artist Rick Stafford donated decorated tiles to line the room.

The steam room grand opening is scheduled for 5:30 p.m April 9. Refreshments will be provided before an opening ceremony. Park board members will tour the steam room at 5 p.m.

Call 842-2303 for more information.