Steve Nagode's Octopus Sculpture Purchased by City

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Council approved the purchase of the Giant Pacific Octopus sculpture by Steve Nagode for $5,000 from the Public Art Subfund. The artwork, crafted from recycled bicycle parts, was the winner of the Something New people's choice awards. The Public Art Committee, a subcommittee of Arts and Humanities Bainbridge, recommended the purchase, noting the Public Art Subfund holds $200,000 in unencumbered funds.

Council also authorized signing a second amended and restated commercial lease agreement with the Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market Association. This updated agreement includes non-profits and the City as eligible participants for market booths. The Farmers' Market Association pays the City $1.00 per year in rent.

Council confirmed the appointment of Phil Olbrechts of Olbrechts and Associates as the City's Hearing Examiner for a two-year term. Olbrechts has served as the City's Hearing Examiner for the previous two years, and his firm's fee for services will increase by 7.5%. Council also reviewed the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee's (LTAC) Request for Proposal Process Criteria and Scoring Matrix, allocating $400,000 from the Civic Improvement Fund. This item was forwarded for approval at the July 28, 2026, Regular Business Meeting.

Council endorsed the Legislative Priorities and Policy Document for the 2027 105-day Legislative Session in Olympia. Council discussed Ordinance No. 2026-05, concerning implementing regulations for the updated Comprehensive Plan and Winslow Subarea Plan; no vote was taken. Council also received an update on Ordinance No. 2026-04, adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, including the Winslow Subarea Plan Update. A joint public hearing with the Department of Commerce was scheduled for July 28, 2026, to discuss the City's progress toward meeting the Housing Accountability Act.

Councilmember Fantroy-Johnson requested a presentation on the Community Needs Assessment for a future council agenda.

(via CivicClerk)