Council Regular Business Meeting

3 Hot Topics to Watch

Tue May 9, 6pm

From defining inns in neighborhood centers to adopting ordinance rezoning sites for PSE and reviewing city sign regulations, Tuesday's Council Meeting will be buzzing with these hot topics and more...

8.A: Definition of Inns in Neighborhood Centers - "Inn Moratorium":

• The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2022-25 establishing a moratorium on new inns in the Neighborhood Center zoning district.
• Recommended Motion:
• (Option 1) Direct staff to prepare an ordinance to clarify the numerical limitations of guest rooms with regard to the definition of inn in all neighborhood centers.
• (Option 2) Direct staff to prepare an ordinance providing flexibility for the definition of inns in Lynwood Center, while clarifying the numerical limitations on inns in all other neighborhood centers. 

8.C: Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE’s) requests for Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Site-Specific Rezone approval for the three substation sites on Bainbridge Island to reflect the historic use of the properties:

• Bainbridge Island regulations and policies for low-density residential zoning do not align with the needed flexibility to expand and upgrade PSE's existing substation infrastructure to meet the energy needs of the Island community.
• PSE has worked with the City since 2020 to pursue a solution to this needed flexibility. In May 2021, the City recommended PSE pursue the CPAs and Rezones during the 2022 CPA application period.

8.E: City Manager to Review Sandwich Board and Temporary Signs Regulations:

• Recent complaints concerning the increase in sandwich board signs begin a community conversation about the aesthetics, safety, and the effectiveness of signs.
• If the Council directs, staff will review the current sign code, consult with the business community, and report back with recommendations for action.

Work Ready Bainbridge: Application Window Closes Tonight For Employers

Only a few hours are left to apply for Work Ready Bainbridge for both employers & employees.

The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce and Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) have joined forces to launch an eight-week summer employment and workforce certification program connecting local youth employees (ages 16-24) with employers and the local business/nonprofit community on Bainbridge Island.

The Work Ready program offers businesses pre-screened potential employees with a portion of wage bills covered through generous support from BI Rotary and from Kitsap Bank.

AWB Spring Survey Results: Employers Cautious About Economic Uncertainty

AWB’s most recent employer survey finds that businesses in Washington are experiencing slower growth amid ongoing inflationary and workforce challenges.

While many see signs of recession ahead for the state as a whole, they are still generally optimistic about growth ahead for their own business.

Nearly half of employers (44%) expect the state to enter a recession within the next six months. More than four in 10 employers (42%) have delayed capital expenditures in anticipation of a possible recession.

May Chamber After Hours: Bloedel Reserve

Thur May 18, 5:30pm

Enjoy the sun and warmth while networking at Bloedel Reserve for the Chamber's May After Hours.

A special thanks to Eleven Winery for the complementary wine.

Tickets are always free for Chamber members and available to non-member guests for $20.

Young Artists: Win $500 in the GO4 Poster Contest

Young artists (ages 5-18)… The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, Scrappy Art Lab, KiDiMu, & BIMA are excited to invite all current Bainbridge Island students to enter the Annual Grand Old 4th Poster Contest!

Your original artwork should show what you love about celebrating July 4 on Bainbridge.

The artist of the winning poster design will receive a $500 cash prize, graciously sponsored by Puget Sound Energy. 

Deadline for submitting artwork: May 19, 2023

Get Your Motors Running:

Enter The GO4 Car Show

The 2023 Grand Old 4th Car Show on Bainbridge Island application is open.

Register any array of vehicles including classics, foreign, motorcycles, and military. Viewing by the public takes place from 8:00am to 2:00pm.

Online registration ends on Friday, June 23 – but you can still register onsite on July 4 at the Car Show – as long as there is space available. Therefore, don’t wait and register today!

Keep Calm & Sparkle On - Grand Old 4th of July Planning

We are preparing to celebrate the Island's largest and longest-running island tradition - The Grand Old 4th!

As your hosts, the Chamber is delighted to have registration open for the Street Fair (all vendors, including food) & Hometown Parade, as well as to humbly ask for Community Volunteers to consider signing up to be part of the fun.

Important Upcoming Dates:

• May 19 - Poster Contest Deadline
• June 2 - Street Fair Vendor Deadline
• June 16 - Parade Deadline
• June 23 - Car Show Deadline

Studio Margo

Studio Margo opened in 2022 as a natural light studio near Winslow where photographer Fiona Margo captures Motherhood, Babies Under One and Branding + Headshots.

Fiona has been a photographer since 2011 and an Island resident since 2012. Studio Margo is a gorgeous, all-white space for timeless photos.

Fiona's photography style is relaxed, playful and fun. Styling help is provided to all clients.

Use the code CHAMBER for $50 off a session in May or June!

Learn more about Studio Margo located in Winslow

Each month the Chambers of Commerce ask a single question to gather information on our communities and our county...

Q: How do you feel about the e-commerce element of your business?