The Bainbridge Island City Council reviewed a presentation on the city’s employee wellness program, approved a proclamation, and approved the reappointment of planning commission members at its May 13 meeting.

Joanne Mendenhall, a city planner, shared a presentation about the WellCity program.

BI has had a wellness program since 1987 and Mendenhall said cities can implement wellness programs for a variety of reasons including employee retention, increased productivity and lower health care costs for both cities and employees.

“Bainbridge Island is recognized as a WellCity. You may have seen the plaque, and in order to maintain and reach this status, there’s a number of criteria, but primarily we need to prove that at least 50% of our team members are participating in this so primarily, and as a benefit, we get a 2% reduction to our medical premiums,” she said. “That might seem like a tiny number, but it is a mighty number. In 2024, we had over 60% of our employees participate, and we saved over $47,000 in medical premium costs.”

Over the last 10 years, Mendenhall said the program saved over $400,000. The wellness committee also helps support community outreach efforts, such as offering toy and food drives.

“We’ve also really pushed hard the last couple years, integrating with other city committees and initiatives for things like Shop with a Cop or working with our green team for our bike to work day,” she said.

This year, the Association of Washington Cities highlighted 123 cities, including BI, for WellCity recognition, per AWC.

The council approved a proclamation declaring the month of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Stephanie Reese, founder of the Asian Arts and Heritage Festival and Arts and Humanities Bainbridge board member, voiced appreciation for the proclamation.

“We are just so proud that we stand together. We always say yes to everyone. We include everyone. I’ve heard so many stories from our youth, from our elders in our community, and I’m just so proud that I can speak for people here and give people a voice,” Reese said. “And at this time that we live in, when so many festivals and celebrations, cultural celebrations have been canceled due to fear. The unique thing about us here on Bainbridge Island is past, present and future is that we do not give in to fear. We show up for one another, and we can protest with joy and with celebration.”

Council also voted unanimously to approve ordinance 2025-12, which relates to updating the city’s public records law to remain compliant with state and court directives. The law had not been previously updated since 2011 and will go into effect five days after approval, per city documents.

The council also voted unanimously to approve the reappointment of current planning commission members: Peter Schaab serving position five, Sean Sullivan serving position six, and Benjamin Deines serving position seven to a term ending in June 2028.