City Council Considers Groundwater Management Plan

The City Council met Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 280 Madison Ave N, to consider adopting the Groundwater Management Plan. Developed with an in-house hydrogeologist, EA Engineering, and Keta Waters, LP, the plan aims to understand and manage the island's groundwater resources. Input came from the Groundwater Management Sub-Committee, with members from the Utility Advisory Committee, Environmental Technical Advisory Committee, and Climate Change Action Committee.

The plan prioritizes robust measurement and monitoring, water conservation, storm and surface water management, and evaluating interties or consolidation between large systems. Findings indicate Bainbridge Island is not currently in a groundwater crisis, and the water supply for human consumption is secure for a 20-year planning horizon, given steady population growth and climate changes. However, increased water conservation and aquifer recharge actions are necessary to mitigate future impacts and restore historic effects on wetlands and streams, ensuring resiliency for the 50-year horizon and beyond. Adopting the plan has no direct fiscal impact, but its recommended actions will require future budget requests.

On its Consent Agenda, the council approved accounts payable and payroll, and adopted Ordinance No. 2026-07. This ordinance amends the City's 2026 Revised Budget and the 2026 Update to the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan by a total of $729,000 across all funds. Adjustments include $268,000 for tax-supported capital spending, $80,000 for utility-supported capital spending, $193,000 for sewer connections, and $188,000 in supporting transfers.

The council authorized a construction contract with New Line Services Inc, doing business as Agate Asphalt, for the 2026 Annual Roads Project. The contract is for $726,488.00 from the Streets Fund. This project will involve island-wide asphalt repairs on Ralston Road, Bucsit Lane, Country Club Road, Yeomalt Place, New Brooklyn Road, Miller Road, and Ferncliff Road, Upper Farms Road. Agate Asphalt was the low bidder among six received on June 3, 2026.

The council canceled the July 7 and August 4 Study Sessions due to community events. Appointments were also confirmed for the Climate Change Advisory Committee, Design Review Board, Environmental Technical Advisory Committee, Ethics Board, Planning Commission, Race Equity Advisory Committee, and Utility Advisory Committee.

(via CivicClerk)