Needed: better communication

The need for improved communication was the lesson learned after a bomb scare and evacuation of Colman Dock in Seattle last Wednesday.

Washington State Ferries, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Washington State Patrol met Friday to discuss the incident.

“This event has perhaps highlighted the need for clear and concise communications,” said Coast Guard Captain Stephen Metruck.

The captain of the ferry Tacoma sailed from Bainbridge after ferry workers had an altercation with a drunk driver before the arrival of Bainbridge Island police and WSP officers.

“The captain of the ferry vessel did not have specific information as to the time of their arrival and all agencies are examining how to improve both internal and external communication procedures,” according to Metruck.

Keith Gilliland of Steilacoom was eventually booked into jail in Seattle by the WSP, and faces charges of drunken driving, reckless driving and disorderly conduct, authorities said.

A review of Gilliland’s criminal record while en route to Seattle sparked additional concerns, as did his later threats to use guns and explosives.

Gilliland was later found to have no weapons in possession, although fireworks were found in the trunk of his vehicle once it reached Seattle. He had spent time at the state hospital, authorities said.

Another example of miscommunication in the incident, officials said, is that the suspect did go through the tollbooth and paid the appropriate fare.

Early reports from agency spokespeople said the suspect had driven on the ferry without paying, a statement later shown to be in error.

The agencies also cleared the ferry captain of wrongdoing in the incident.

“The Captain’s decision was based on 22 years of experience dealing with unruly, apparently intoxicated drivers,” said Traci Brewer-Rogstad, WSF’s director of marine operations.

“At no time, while the unruly customer was under observation by the captain and crew…did he feel that there was any indication that this was more than a drunk driver.”

The agencies agreed that it is usually preferable to handle these incidents at the dock and agreed to review procedures and communications to improve support for vessel masters in these cases, including consultation with the WSP on law enforcement issues.

The agencies also agreed to conduct immediate post-incident debriefings to more rapidly relay facts and to quickly clarify misinformation communicated to the press, including the initial assertion that Gulliland had not paid his fare before boarding.

– Tristan Baurick

Cabin effort logs milestone

More than $20,000 was recently raised for the rehabilitation of Camp Yeomalt’s cabin during the “Support Yeomalt Cabin Month,” organized by the cabin’s supporters, Team Yeomalt.

In addition to funds collected in log cabin replica banks at 120 businesses, Team Yeomalt received $2,000 each from the Suquamish Tribe and the Bainbridge Island Community Endowment Fund.

Along with a $50,000 contribution pledged by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District, Team Yeomalt members estimate they’ll need to raise an additional $60,000 from the community to restore the Depression-era cabin.

“Continued donations are essential now to show public support, maximize future grant awards, and to keep the project on schedule so that this time next year, folks will be singing around the fireplace,” said Team Yeomalt founder Jerry Elfendahl.

Awards from the Arts Council will help bring master stone mason, Alan Ash, to the island for a day-long workshop on July 22, and help photographer Joel Sackett and videographer Cathy Bellefeuille document the cabin’s restoration.

Bellefeuille’s work will appear on BITV’s cable channel, as will a recent cabin PBS feature from KBTC-TV. Team Yeomalt has a speakers’ program on cabin history and design. Call (842-4164), or see www.biparks.org/parks/campyeomalt.html.

Let’s all talk about growth

The mayor’s 2025 Growth Advisory Committee is holding two community meetings to discuss island growth, June 29 and July 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Bainbridge Island City Hall.

The 2025 Growth Advisory Committee is tasked with evaluating how to plan for additional residents anticipated by the year 2025, and developing growth management strategies consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s vision of preserving the island’s sense of community and open spaces.

As is true of the Puget Sound region as a whole, the island population is growing and expected to reach 28,660 by the year 2025.

The committee invites the community to participate in a conversation and share opinions and concerns about growth, the challenges the island faces, and what creative solutions might be feasible.

The community conversation will include interactive displays, an overview of the 2025 Growth Advisory Committees challenges, and small group discussions on growth issues.

More information can be had by seeing the 2025 Population Allocation Study page at the city’s website, www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us or by contacting Patty Fielding at pbfielding@msn.com.

Wednesday market opens

From June 28 to Sept. 26, islanders can harvest fresh produce, flowers and table-ready treats midweek at the Farmers Market.

“At the request of the park and rec department, we’re making a move to Waterfront Park to add to the festivities surrounding the concerts,” said Susan VanderWey, manager of the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market.

“While the concerts go from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Wednesday market will open at 4 p.m. for shoppers who will be able to buy ready-made dinners from several concessionnaires, grab their produce for the week and shop for gifts on the way home.

“Weary commuters can also take advantage of a chair massage on site.”

VanderWey plans to locate vendors with farm products at the top of the park path at Bjune, across from the Commons. Specially designated 20-minute parking will be available for those who want to shop and run.

Those who stay and picnic will be treated to plenty of entertainment.