| Public invited to virtual Central Kitsap town hall | 1/25/2021 | Join Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe and the Central Kitsap Community Council for a Central Kitsap Town Hall, to be held virtually from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 3 via Zoom. Updates and discussion will focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, planning for the Central Kitsap community campus, homelessness and affordable housing. Everyone is welcome to join and there will be ample time for the public to ask questions and share ideas! To join the Central Kitsap Town Hall, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85678597024 To join by phone, call 253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 856 7859 7024 For more information, contact Katharine Shaffer in the Commissioners' Office at Kshaffer@co.kitsap.wa.us
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|  | | Safety reminder as children return to school... | 1/19/2021 | Some Kitsap students are going back to school and that means drivers need to watch out for those that are walking or waiting for the bus. Here are a few tips to help keep our kids safe. Slow down. Speed limits are reduced in school zones for a reason. Most schools have some kind of warning lights so pay attention to them, and be aware of crosswalks. Watch for busses which make frequent stops. Be aware of the students getting on and off the bus, and those waiting on the side of the road. Parents, only drop your student off at the designated areas at school. Eliminate distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for even two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Children are quick, and may not be paying attention to traffic. They may cross unexpectedly between cars. Check your surroundings, especially when backing up. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children in driveways, on sidewalks and around your vehicle. Talk to your teen drivers. Many of the crashes involving teens are from inexperience. Ride with them and talk about safe driving tips. Most drivers are driving responsibly, and we thank you for that, so please pass the word to protect everyone that is traveling on our roadways. Please choose to drive safe. Every trip, every time.
| | | County Commissioners convey concerns about Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery and vaccine plans in open letter to Gov. Jay Inslee | 1/15/2021 | Kitsap County Commissioners sent a letter today to Governor Jay Inslee in response to the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery and COVID-19 vaccine plans, conveying concerns about the apparent change in direction and lack of communication and clarity. Commissioners also share some observations about involvement, transparency, confusion and COVID fatigue. The letter echoes points made in recent correspondence to the governor from the Washington State Association of Counties and Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials. Read the Commissioners' letter here. The letter from the associations of counties and health officials is also attached.
| | | County Commissioners announce new Parks Director | 12/23/2020 | County Commissioners announce the appointment of Alexander Wisniewski as the new director of the Kitsap County Parks Department. He begins service on Jan. 19, 2021. He will manage the county's more than 60 parks, greenways and open spaces, totaling nearly 11,000 acres, in addition to the Kitsap County Fairgrounds and Events center and other community recreation facilities. Commissioners are excited to bring new leadership to the Kitsap County team to take over the helm of the Parks Department. With experience in parks systems large and small, Wisniewski will be well positioned to build upon successes in county parks, as he joins other Parks staff in serving the community. He has a deep background in parks administration, maintenance, planning, development and community involvement. Wisniewski, a resident of North Kitsap, has worked for Port Townsend's Parks, Recreation and Community Services since 2014 and as director since 2017, managing a $2 million operating budget and staff of over 30. During his tenure, he led the update of the city's parks, recreation and open space plan, oversaw maintenance for city hall and other facilities, and supervised community volunteer projects and partnerships. He previously worked for the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District as horticulture supervisor and serves on its Parkland Acquisition Advisory Committee and Trails Advisory Committee. "My career has taken me across the country and allowed me to work for national forests and state, county, and city parks. My approach to leading a parks and recreation department is rather simple: I am community-centered," Wisniewski said. "I listen to what the community is saying they want and then do my best to align those desires with mission, resources, and funding to make them possible. I am very excited to work with the great staff and team in Kitsap County Parks and to serve the residents of Kitsap County!" Prior to his career in Washington, Wisniewski served as maintenance and operations manager of Coconino County Parks and Recreation in Flagstaff, Ariz. There he led strategic and master planning, private-public partnerships, resource management, community volunteer projects and multi-agency collaborations. He has also worked as an assistant park manager and park ranger with Arizona State Parks. He earned a bachelor's degree in parks administration from Michigan State University and a master's degree in business administration from Western Governors University. He is certified as a parks and recreation professional through the National Recreation and Parks Association. His hobbies include mountain biking, landscape photography, backpacking, disc golf and cross-country skiing. "I am a lifelong parks and recreation lover, dating back to my childhood experiences," he noted. "Today, as a parks professional, I certainly have an obligation and desire to ensure parks and other public areas and programs are safe and up to the best standards possible. But these are merely a means to an end – my true passion is creating experiences and memories for others through the enjoyment of parks." Wisniewski replaces Jim Dunwiddie who retired this month after leading the Parks Department since 2009.
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Kitsap County's new Parks Director Andrew Wisniewski
| | | Brownsville Highway NE, Poulsbo remains closed | 12/23/2020 | (Port Orchard, WA) – Brownsville Highway NE remains closed between both ends of South Keyport Road. Heavy rains produced additional flow and pressure that caused leaks in a sewer pipe north of the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant. County crews repaired the pipe yesterday afternoon, but the road remains closed. "Heavy rain over the past week combined with the leaking pipe to undermine material under the roadway," according to Joe Rutan, Assistant Director. Flows from the leaking pipe were controlled by utility crews to limit the impact. About 12,000 gallons spilled west of the roadway into a natural vegetated area. County staff cleaned the area.
"The pipe on that line is over 40 years old making maintenance challenging," says Stella Vakarcs, Senior Program Manager for the sewer utility. "We maintain the pipe as best as possible to stay ahead of issues, but heavy rainfall puts added stress on old pipes," Vakarcs said.
That section of pipe is scheduled for replacement. "That work is part of the larger Bangor/Keyport Forcemain Replacement project currently in design," added Vakarcs. You can find more information about the project at
https://kitsap-county-projects-pages-kitcowa.hub.arcgis.com/.
The County is exploring options to temporarily stabilize soils around the pipe to prevent further breaks until the pipe can be replaced. The road remains closed until those repairs are made. More information about the length of the closure is expected as the stabilization work continues.
Watch the County's Inclement Weather page at kcowa.us/iw for updates to this closure.
Contact: Stella Vakarcs | Senior Program Manager – Sewer Utility | 360.337.4896 | svakarcs@co.kitsap.wa.us
| | | Kitsap’s resilience during COVID pandemic is stronger than ever: A year-end message from County Commissioners | 12/18/2020 | As Kitsap County mobilizes and shifts part of its COVID-19 response to supporting the distribution of a long-awaited vaccine, we feel a renewed sense of hope that the virus will be under control in 2021. But even with vaccinations underway for first responders, health care providers and our vulnerable residents in long-term care facilities, COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Kitsap. Since the beginning of December, over 3,000 new local cases were reported. That number grew from 2,000 in just 23 days. The virus also contributed to the death of 31 of our community members and their loss is felt deeply. So much has changed in our daily lives – how we work, play, learn, socialize – since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Kitsap March 8. There are many shared experiences the last 10 months in staying home, balancing teleworking with schooling children, missing or postponing milestone celebrations in person, struggling with fears and uncertainty, unemployment and loss of business revenue. It’s been more challenging than we could have imagined last spring, but Kitsap’s resilience is stronger than ever and provides a beacon of light through these dark times. Even with physical distancing and separation, people are supporting each other with extraordinary effort and actions. As 2020 comes to an end, we continue to focus on overcoming the impacts of this pandemic. Nothing is more important than ensuring the health and safety of our communities, workforce and businesses. We ask for your continued compassion, patience and vigilance in continuing to practice safety precautions through the coming months as COVID-19 is brought under control so we can all get back to doing what we want to do. Last week, Kitsap County Commissioners passed a resolution summarizing local allocations of millions in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding we received through Nov. 30 to assist in responding to the pandemic’s impacts on individuals, businesses and schools. Commissioners directed expenditures of CARES funds to support additional staffing in the Kitsap Public Health District and Emergency Operations Center, county operations and personnel related to COVID response, public outreach and education, and the purchase of equipment and other supplies necessary for the public health response. We also allocated $1.84 million to assist small businesses, non-profit organizations and local chambers of commerce; $1.7 million to schools and student assistance for distance learning, related technology, food and facility improvements; $136,000 to food banks; $750,000 for mortgage and rental relief for low-income residents; and nearly $2 million to provide shelter for those living without homes and others who need a safe place to quarantine and isolate when at risk of spreading the virus in their households. CARES funds also support the coordination of community COVID test sites, distribution of tens of thousands of units of personal protection equipment to doctors and dentist offices, clinics and businesses, a warehouse to store these vital supplies and now assistance in the mobilization for COVID vaccinations. COVID-19 continues to significantly press upon the public’s health, emotions and our local economy. We are hopeful additional funds will soon be available through the state and federal governments to ensure the well-being of residents, keep our businesses open and the economy strong We extend gratitude to everyone who has joined in the fight against COVID-19: frontline healthcare workers, health district and county staff, community partners and hundreds of volunteers. Our appreciation extends to everyone doing their part to respond to this unprecedented health crisis. Thank you! You make us prouder than ever to call Kitsap home. Your outpouring of support and care for each other, endurance, safe practices and acts of generosity and kindness help strengthen the resilience in us all. Stay strong - we’ll get through this together!
Kitsap County Commissioners
Charlotte Garrido, Chair
Rob Gelder
Ed Wolfe
| | | Recycling and garbage locations closed during Christmas and New Year's. | 12/15/2020 | Here are the waste facility closures during the Holidays
North
Hansville Recycling and Garbage Facility: Closes early at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
Bainbridge Island Transfer Station (privately owned): Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
Central
Silverdale Recycling and Garbage Facility: Closes early at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
Olympic View Transfer Station: Closes early at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility: Extended closure for annual maintenance, closed Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. The facility reopens to the public on Saturday, January 2.
South Olalla Recycling and Garbage Facility: Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.
| | | Commissioners approve mental health tax funding recommendations | 11/10/2020 | The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 9 approved the allocation of $5.5 million in funds generated from the 1/10th of 1 percent sales and use tax, designated for mental health, chemical dependency and therapeutic court services in Kitsap County. The awards follow the recommendations of the Kitsap County Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Court Citizens Advisory Committee. “These awards help fill funding gaps and go directly to support programs and services that serve those suffering from mental illness or drug and alcohol dependency,” said Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Board of Commissioners. “Developing a more systematic approach through a continuum of care model diverts individuals from hospitals, jail and the courts into crisis intervention and therapeutic services. This directly benefits the individuals and our communities.” The Commissioner-appointed, 11-member citizens advisory committee on Oct. 20 voted unanimously to recommend $5.5 million in funding for a 12-month period for 23 of the 26 proposals submitted. “The CAC evaluated 26 submissions, requesting a total of $7.2 million in funding,” noted Jeannie Screws, chair of the advisory committee. “These submissions were closely reviewed and each of the proposers was interviewed. The committee considered each proposal in relation to the County’s continuum of care, strategic plan for services and available funds. The process was extremely difficult due to the needs of the community being even greater this year and funding lower than anticipated. Each proposal offered services that would benefit our community greatly.” Fifteen of the programs approved for funding were continuation proposals from the current funding year. These include a variety of therapeutic court programs such as behavioral health court, juvenile individualized and drug courts, adult drug court and veterans courts. Law enforcement received funding for programs that include crisis intervention training, hiring a crisis intervention officer to coordinate response for behavioral health calls, and for reentry services in the jail. Eight of the programs approved for funding are new. These include awards to the City of Poulsbo and Poulsbo Fire Department to implement Kitsap County Fire CARES (Community Assistance, Referral, and Education Services). Peninsula Community Health Services will provide integrated care coordination program with wraparound services, behavioral health and primary care services. Five of the funded projects, including those for Kitsap Rescue Mission and Kitsap Homes of Compassion, focus on housing and hiring specialists to support individuals with behavioral health issues. A complete list of the funding recommendations approved by Commissioners is available here. For more information, contact Gay Neal, program coordinator in the Kitsap County Department of Human Services at gneal@co.kitsap.wa.us or 360-337-4827.
| | | A message from the Kitsap County Clerk regarding office closure | 11/9/2020 | More than one member of our staff has tested positive for COVID-19. To protect the public and the rest of our staff:
Our office will be closed to the public through Friday November13, 2020.
Because of the unpredictable nature of this virus, we cannot promise that this closure will not be extended or made more complete. Please check our website for further information. If you only want to file papers, you can leave them in the tray on the cart marked for that purpose. Staff will be working. If you have a new case, you can file it by email following the guidelines posted on our website.
If you have questions, please email either Rebecca Wildes at rwildes@co.kitsap.wa.us or David Lewis (dlewis@co.kitsap.wa.us). Or call 360-337-7164.
If you have an emergency, or need to file for a Protection Order, please knock on the door.
Passport processing is temporarily suspended.
| | | Survey gathers input on strategy for distribution of treatment sales tax funds | 10/1/2020 | The Kitsap County Department of Human Services invites the public to participate in a community survey to provide input for its update to the Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Court Program Strategic Plan. Take the survey here. It will remain open through Oct. 15. In September 2013, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners adopted the treatment sales tax, authorizing 1/10th of 1 percent of sales and use tax to be designated for funding of mental health, chemical dependency and therapeutic drug court programs. In collaboration with community leaders and subject-matter experts, the department developed a six-year strategic plan for behavioral health services that guides distribution of funds. The strategic plan informs a Commissioner-appointed citizens advisory committee as it reviews applications for annual treatment sales tax funding and makes award recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Gaps identified in this community survey will help community leaders and behavioral health professionals as they update the current strategic plan and establish funding objectives and strategies for future years. The link to the original strategic plan is available here. To learn more about the treatment sales tax program, click here. For more contact Gay Neal, Program Coordinator, Kitsap County Human Services, at 360-337-4827, gneal@co.kitsap.wa.us.
| | | Kitsap County outdoor burn ban lifted | 9/25/2020 | The Kitsap County Fire Marshal announced this morning that, effective immediately and due to the return to fall weather patterns, the summer's outdoor burn bans have been lifted. As of Friday, September 25, 2020 all outdoor burning may resume subject to the normal rules and regulations. Land clearing burning is still prohibited throughout the county and burning permits are required for general outdoor burning. Permits are available free of charge through local fire districts' websites. Recreational burning (fires of less than 3'x3'x2′ in a designated pit and containing only seasoned firewood or charcoal) may be conducted without permits. A Stage 1 Outdoor Burn Ban was implemented on July 30 due to rising fire danger and the risk posed by outdoor burning. Between 80 - 90% of all wildfires are human-caused and escaped outdoor fires are the leading source. The ban was elevated to Stage 2 on September 8 due to worsening conditions that included stretched firefighting resources as wind-driven fires broke out across the state. "The return of fall rains has decreased fire danger enough to allow outdoor burning again," says Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam. He adds his appreciation for everyone's patience as officials waited for moisture levels to be restored to the region's parched landscape. Until earlier this week, less than an inch of rain had fallen since the end of June. "I know there has been rain, but it has taken some time for the moisture to soak in." Despite the improvement in fire danger, Lynam urges the public to exercise caution when burning and to consider the impact of smoke on neighbors. Find links to local fire districts and the outdoor burning rules on the fire marshal's web page.
| | | County Commissioners to hear 2021 departmental budget proposals during presentations Sept. 14 and 16 | 9/8/2020 | Kitsap County Commissioners are about to get underway with the 2021 budget review, a challenging task in coming months as they work with county departments to create a balanced budget during these times of uncertainty brought on by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The public is invited to listen in as Kitsap County departments and offices present their 2021 budget requests to the Board of County Commissioners from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both Monday, Sept. 14 and Wednesday, Sept. 16. Click here to see the full schedule and information on how to attend each session, which will be held remotely via Zoom. Due to the compressed nature of these departmental presentations, the public is invited to listen but there will not be opportunities for public comment. Questions and comments may be submitted in advance to Administrative Services Director Amber D'Amato at adamato@co.kitsap.wa.us. Most county departments were asked to create a 2021 budget with a 10-percent reduction from 2020. This is based on projections for 2021 that indicate a continuing decline of retail sales tax, one of the primary sources of revenue to the county's general fund that finances the majority of traditional county services. Presentations will reflect how departments are going to accommodate this cut, what it means to current services and how those will be maintained while scaling back associated costs. County Commissioners will be joined by a citizens budget committee during the departmental presentations. Supporting documents for all budget requests and the deliberation schedule will be posted on the Department of Administrative Services website here. Budget deliberations begin Sept. 23 with preliminary decisions made by the end of October. The final 2021 budget will be adopted in December after public hearings. To learn more about the Kitsap County budget, review previously adopted budgets and find out how local tax dollars are spent, click here. For more informaition, contact Kris Carlson, Financial Supervisor of the Kitsap County Department of Administrative Services, at kecarlso@co.kitsap.wa.us, (360) 337-4417.
| | | Fire Marshal expands burn ban to Stage 2 | 9/8/2020 | Due to rising fire danger and stretched resources, Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam expanded the current burn ban to prohibit all outdoor fires, effective immediately and until further notice.
Under a Stage 2 Fire Danger Burn Ban, no open burning is allowed. All outdoor burning permits remain suspended, recreational fires are prohibited, and only propane or natural gas-fueled cooking fires are allowed.
The move is prompted by several factors. Hot and dry weather has made conditions ripe for ignition and fast fire spread, and forecasts predict more of the same. Multiple local brush fires broke out over the weekend, underscoring the danger. Large fires in progress across the state have depleted all but local firefighting resources. "Escaped outdoor fires are a leading cause of wildland fires," noted Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam. "Given these circumstances, the best way to prevent a big incident in our county right now is by preventing it from starting in the first place." While outdoor fires are to blame for many dangerous brush fires, there are other causes as well. "The situation is serious, and we really need everyone's help limiting all ignition sources," Lynam said. Dispose of smoking materials properly. Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. Practice fire-safe target shooting (where target shooting is allowed). Defer mowing until conditions improve. For burn ban status updates, contact the Kitsap County Fire Marshal's Office at 360-337-5777, visit https://www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/Pages/Burn-Ban-Information.aspx or your local fire district.
| | | Appraisers conduct on-site property inspections in Bremerton | 9/2/2020 | (Port Orchard, WA) -- Appraisers from the Kitsap County Assessor's Office are now conducting on-site inspections throughout the Bremerton area. Washington State Law (RCW 84.40.025) requires inspections of all real property throughout the county at least once every six years. The current inspections should be completed by April 2021. Appraisers from the Kitsap County Assessor's Office will be following social distancing protocols to ensure the safety of the public and staff. Appraisers will attempt to stay in their vehicles while making onsite inspections and we have discouraged appraisers from making contact with the property occupant. If you need to approach an appraiser we ask that you please maintain at least six feet of physical distance. Our appraisers do not drive county-issued vehicles; however, their vehicles are marked with the proper county identification on both sides. Other verification options are to request to see individual credentials, contact our office at 360-337-7160, or check our inspection area progress map on our website at www.kitsapgov.com/assessor. The cooperation of the public is always appreciated by our staff. We look forward to working with you and answering your questions.
| | | County lights up to celebrate 100th anniversary of women's right to vote | 8/26/2020 | To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote, Kitsap County will light up the County Administration Building in the official suffrage colors of purple and gold today, joining buildings and landmarks across the country as part of the nationwide Forward Into Light Campaign, named in honor of the historic suffrage slogan, “Forward through the Darkness, Forward into Light.” August 26 marks the official 100th anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment into the Constitution of the United States of America. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others first seriously proposed women's right to vote at Seneca Falls, New York, on July 19, 1848. Susan B. Anthony joined forces with Ms. Stanton in 1851, and they worked together over the next half-century for women's right to vote. Carrie Chapman Catt, founder and early leader of the League of Women Voters, entered the struggle later and became a leader in the suffragist movement that helped lead it its success. These three women and many others endured public humiliation, ridicule and even jail so that women of the past, present and future can vote. To mark this historic day, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation Monday declaring Aug. 26 as Women's Equality Day to celebrate passage of the 19th Amendment. The Kitsap League of Women Voters was on hand to read the proclamation. Purple and gold lights will illuminate the County Administration Building, located at 619 Division Street in Port Orchard, through Sept. 3. To read the Commissioners' proclamation, click here. To learn more about nationwide celebrations of the women's right to vote, visit https://www.womensvote100.org/suffragemonth. Photo credit: New York picketers at the White House, January 26, 1917. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
| | | Seabeck Holly Road NW closes for bridge construction | 8/10/2020 | Seabeck Holly Road NW closes to through traffic between Foley Lane and Larson Lane from August 12 to December 31, 2020 to construct a 60-foot bridge over Seabeck Creek. Contractors for the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group in partnership with Kitsap County will replace an undersized 72-inch culvert allowing for better fish passage upstream. Through traffic is diverted to NW Holly Road as an alternative route. Learn more about the project details and detour route by visiting kcowa.us/seabeckholly.
This project will also allow floodwaters to pass unobstructed as well as improve fish passage after a history of industrial-scale logging and rural development in that area. The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group plans to add large woody debris to the creek to improve habitat complexity and provide roughness to retain sediment. An aggressive re-vegetation effort involves the planting of over 3,200 native plants. Native plants help create cooler water for fish, provide bank stabilization, and encourage a healthy and diverse ecosystem of local birds, bugs, and other mammals. For more information: Kitsap1, 360.337.5777 or email help@kitsap1.com.
| | | Burn ban in effect starting July 30 | 7/30/2020 | Date: 07/29/2020 Prohibition on Open BurningThe Kitsap County Fire Marshal announces the implementation of a
Stage I burn ban effective Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at 8:00 AM. What is a Stage I Burn Ban?Under a Stage I burning ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited except for small recreational fires in approved fire pits and appliances, or as allowed in established campgrounds. The outdoor burning ban shall remain in effect until further notice. Why Now?According to Fire Marshal David Lynam, "The cooler and wet weather delayed implementation of a ban for several weeks this year. But, with the hot and dry weather we have recently experienced, fuels are thoroughly dried out." The Fire Marshal also identifies the increase in fires in other parts of the state. That increase draws upon resources that might otherwise be available in Kitsap County to fight a wildfire. |
| Questions? Contact UsFor additional information, concerns, or questions please contact your local fire district or the county Fire Marshal at (360) 337-5777.
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| | | County Commissioners allocate $525,000 in CARES funding for rental, mortgage assistance | 7/28/2020 | Kitsap County has contracted with Kitsap Community Resources to provide $525,000 in temporary financial rental and mortgage assistance to low-income county residents who have lost their jobs or are struggling financially due to the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of the federal government. Temporary financial assistance to qualifying individuals helps promote public welfare by lessening the financial impact caused by sudden job loss and potentially prevents more intractable problems such as long-term unemployment, hunger and homelessness. "These funds will make an important difference to hundreds of Kitsap County families during this difficult time and we are proud to partner with Kitsap Community Resources to make this happen," said Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. Kitsap Community Resources will administer the CARES Act COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program in partnership with Kitsap County and identify and select qualified households to participate. The program provides short-term assistance (maximum of three months) to approximately 400 Kitsap households meeting the following criteria: - Below 80% Area Median Income (click here for details)
- Not receiving any other form of federal, state or local housing subsidy
- Resident and dwelling must be located within Kitsap County
- To be eligible for this program you must show job loss or reduction of income due to the COVID-19 outbreak
- Have a current lease agreement or mortgage statement in the applicant's name
- CARES funds may only be utilized for payments due after March 23, 2020
Preference will be given to applicants who have not received previous rental or mortgage assistance since March 1, 2020. Kitsap County residents interested in this program can visit the Kitsap Community Resources at https://www.kcr.org/ or call (360) 473-2035.
| | | Volunteers needed at Kitsap County Quarantine and Isolation site | 7/24/2020 |
Volunteers are needed to staff Kitsap County Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) site for individuals who've been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, and lack safe alternatives for housing. The site is open to guests who choose to participate, are medically-stable and have been referred by a healthcare professional or public health official. Q&I is maintained and managed by Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management as a key tool in the battle against the spread of COVID-19, providing a place for people who are wanting to protect other household members from infection, or experiencing homelessness. Q&I site volunteers serve in an on-call capacity and fill shifts around the clock when the site is activated, working to provide basic needs to guests. These tasks include delivery of food along with health checks, checking in and checking out of referred individuals and daily reporting to emergency managers. Volunteers are provided training on all appropriate PPE as well as on steps that minimize possible exposure. There is continuous on-site security, personal space and access to wi-fi; volunteers work in teams and site managers are also available to support volunteer staff. To help fill this vital need, please go to bit.ly/KitsapQIVolunteerInfo for more information or email volunteer@kitsapem.org. Click this link https://bit.ly/KCEmergencyWorker to complete an application to volunteer as a disaster emergency worker.
| | | KEDA partners with Kitsap County to administer small business rental relief grants | 7/13/2020 | The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is partnering with Kitsap County to administer Kitsap CARES Small Business Rental Relief Grant Program, a small business grant program made possible by federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds. Kitsap County has committed $880,000 for small business assistance using federal CARES funding. Up to $750,000 will be awarded to businesses in unincorporated Kitsap County and $130,000 within incorporated Kitsap County cities. (Incorporated cities in Kitsap County may offer separate funding opportunities.) Funds must be fully distributed by October 31, 2020. The grants are meant to reimburse business-related commercial rent or lease expenses paid between March 1, 2020 and date of the grant application. Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe noted the intent of County Commissioners in allocating these funds for small business relief. "The effects of COVID-19 have severely impacted our small business community. County Commissioners want to help our businesses begin their recovery and this program is one small part of that commitment." Each business may receive up to $5,000, based upon eligible COVID-19 impacts. Program details, eligibility requirements and the application timeline and process are available at www.KitsapCaresSmallBiz.com. Three-phased application process Applications will be accepted via an online application which will go live at noon on each of three predetermined dates (July 21, August 4 and August 11). Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible businesses. Phases 1 and 2 apply to businesses physically located in unincorporated Kitsap County. Phase 3 applies to businesses physically located in Kitsap's incorporated cities. All applications will be reviewed for consistency with eligibility criteria and verified for application requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered. - Phase 1: July 21 for unincorporated Kitsap County ($375,000 – 75 awards)
- Phase 2: August 4 for unincorporated Kitsap County ($375,000 – 75 awards)
- Phase 3: August 11 for incorporated cities ($130,000 – 26 awards)
Grant review informational webinar July 17 KEDA is offering an informational webinar at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17 to review eligibility and application requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate to ensure a successful and timely application. Visit www.KitsapCaresSmallBiz.com to register. Please address questions to info@kitsapeda.org with Kitsap CARES in the subject line. For more information on Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, visit www.kitsapeda.org .
About the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is a private nonprofit 501(c)(6) corporation providing client-based professional business and economic development services. Founded in June 1983, its goal is to attract and retain jobs and investments in Kitsap County that generate wealth, enhance the quality of life and embrace future generations. | | | Fourth of July schedules for waste facilities | 6/24/2020 | Fourth of July schedules for waste facilitiesOlympic View Transfer Station: Open Fourth of July Recycling and Garbage Facilities in Hansville, Silverdale, Olalla: Closed Fourth of July. Regular schedule resumes after holiday. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility: Closed Fourth of July. Regular schedule resumes after holiday. Bainbridge Island Transfer Station (privately owned): Closed Fourth of July. Regular schedule resumes after holiday. All loads screened for fire hazardsOur waste facility attendants screen loads for fire hazards. Soak all used fireworks and "duds" in water for at least 15 minutes before disposal. Follow these disposal instructions to safely get rid of BBQ charcoal, briquettes, ashes, and other fire-causing materials.  Busy holiday weekend and scrap metal restrictionsHoliday weekends are among the busiest times at our waste and recycling facilities. Expect longer than normal wait times. The heaviest traffic is typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Due to our scrap metal hauler's holiday schedule, we may unexpectedly close the scrap metal containers at Olympic View Transfer Station and Silverdale Recycling and Garbage Facility in the days before or after a holiday. If the containers are closed when you arrive, please do not leave your scrap metal on the ground. Pay for disposal, wait until another day, or take it to a private scrap metal recycler instead. | Fourth of July schedules for household waste servicesWaste Management customers: No changes to schedule. Visit website. City of Poulsbo residents: No changes to schedule. Visit website. Bainbridge Disposal customers: No changes to schedule. Visit website. For more information, please contact your curbside service provider. Commercial services may be on a holiday schedule.
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| | | Kitsap County submits application for Safe Start Phase 3 | 6/19/2020 | Kitsap County is submitting its application to state Secretary of Health John Wiesman today, June 19, requesting approval to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of the state's Safe Start COVID-19 recovery plan. The Kitsap Public Health Board and Kitsap County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the request in separate meetings earlier today. A decision is expected from Secretary Wiesman within a few days. Application documents will be posted at kitsappublichealth.org. A move to Phase 3 will allow additional business, social and recreational activities to resume in Kitsap County, with limitations and safety measures in place. Restrictions will be eased on some businesses that already opened under Phase 2. Read more about what is allowed under Phase 3. COVID-19 is still spreading in Kitsap County. Kitsap residents are strongly urged to stay six feet apart from others whenever possible, wear face coverings in places where safe distance cannot be maintained, wash hands frequently, and take additional steps to protect their health. Business guidance for Phase 3 Businesses and organizations eligible to open under Phase 3 must first: Find additional information in the Kitsap County Pathway to Recovery Playbook . Media contact: pio@kitsappublichealth.org
| | | Commissioners' proclamation recognizes Juneteenth celebration, community events | 6/17/2020 | The Kitsap Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, the June 19 celebration marking the end of slavery in this country. People are encouraged to note the historical significance of this day and learn more about the past to better understand experiences that have shaped our country. Read the full proclamation here. Local Juneteenth community events scheduled June 19-20 include: * * Social distancing will be maintained - please bring protective masks or check the event links above for updates and information on how to participate virtually.
| | | Request for Proposals open for mental health, chemical dependency, therapeutic courts tax funding | 6/11/2020 | The 2021 Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Court Tax Program (Treatment Sales Tax) Request for Proposals for funds collected under RCW 82.14.460 is now available at https://www.kitsapgov.com/das/Pages/Online-Bids.aspx. Treatment Sales Tax funds for 2021 will be allocated through two separate Requests for Proposals: - New grant proposals should be submitted from organizations for projects which have not been funded during the 2020 grant cycle using the Treatment Sales Tax.
- Continuation grant proposals should be submitted by current grantees whose projects were funded during the 2020 grant cycle to request one additional budget period of funding for a project period that would otherwise expire.
All proposals “must be used solely for the purpose of providing for the operation or delivery of chemical dependency or mental health treatment programs and services and for the operation or delivery of therapeutic court programs and services. Programs and services include, but are not limited to, treatment services, case management, transportation, and housing that are a component of a coordinated chemical dependency or mental health treatment program or service.” Approximately $4.5 million will be awarded for projects or program services delivered between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Proposal Deadlines Continuation Grant Proposals: August 19, 2020 at 3 p.m. New Grant Proposals: August 20, 2020 at 3 p.m. All new grant applicants and continuation grant applicants must attend a mandatory grant proposer’s conference and submit a letter of intent online to be eligible to apply for the 2021 Treatment Sales Tax funding.The letter of intent for each type of proposal will be made available at each grant proposer’s mandatory conference. The deadline for letters of intent for both grant proposals is July 10, 2020 at 3 p.m. A mandatory new grant proposer conference webinar will be held July 1, 2020 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration is required at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pczZuKNyQDWkDQIQC4-_5A A mandatory continuation grant proposer conference webinar will be held July 1, 2020 from 1-3 p.m.
Registration is required at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WwMtGAIXTE67y-hw0oqFqQ For more information, contact Gay Neal, program coordinator, Kitsap County Human Services, at (360) 337-4827, gneal@co.kitsap.wa.us .
| | | Fees to increase at Kitsap County waste facilities on July 1, 2020 | 6/5/2020 | KITSAP COUNTY, WA - The Kitsap County Solid Waste Division will increase fees at county-owned waste facilities on July 1, 2020. The fee increases are part of a four year rate plan approved by the Kitsap Board of Commissioners in 2018. The plan covers a series of incremental fee increases between 2018 and 2021. Read more at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKITSAP/bulletins/28e8027.
| | | Expect daytime delays on the Hood Canal Bridge | 6/3/2020 | Travelers who use the State Route 104 Hood Canal Bridge between Kitsap and Jefferson counties are encouraged to plan for additional travel time. An annual inspection of the bridge will close it to vehicle traffic during the following times. Multiple drawspan openings: - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, June 3-5
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, June 8-12
Drivers can expect delays ranging from 15 minutes to 60 minutes for each closure. Every effort will be made to minimize closures by combining inspection-related draw-span openings with marine openings. Each year, the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge undergos an inspection that includes an overall assessment of the bridge's mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems. The inspections occur during daylight hours so crews can see inside tight spaces and get detailed observations of bridge components and operations. Driver tools Drivers are encouraged to sign up for WSDOT email updates and check on the Hoodcanalbridge.com web page. Hood Canal Bridge text messages are also available: - Send a text message to 468311 with the words "wsdot hood"
| | | Kitsap County elected officials denounce death of George Floyd | 6/1/2020 | An Open Letter to the Community: At the same time we are dealing with a crisis of health and its impacts on our economy, mental health and well-being, we are also experiencing a crisis of faith in our government, systems and equality as members of our democratic society. We, as your elected officials, want to convey to you our steadfast position of respect. A respect for peaceful social discourse. A respect for the uniqueness that enrichens our community and lived experience. A respect for the history that has shaped the world around us and the need to address the imperfections that continue to exist. Kitsap County has over 30 years of commitment to the human rights of all our citizens. The Council for Human Rights began after a cross burning. They have focused on review and protection of our rights in fair employment, housing, and education for example. They have evolved to create and hold dialogues that continue to foster a culture of empathy, understanding and inclusion. We stand together with you and our law enforcement agencies in denouncing the death of George Floyd. We stand with our law enforcement leadership and the systems they put in place to provide our community a professional law enforcement built on trust for fair treatment in times of need. Faith and respect for the rule and order of law is born out of a respect and open relationship with the community they are sworn to protect. Our hope is to use this time to recommit ourselves to the work that will make our community one that is of the people and by the people. Together we keep Kitsap a community in which we can have pride.
Kitsap Elected Officials Christy Carr, Council member, City of Bainbridge Island
John Clauson, Council member, City of Port Orchard
Leslie Daugs, Council member, City of Bremerton Joe Deets, Council member, City of Bainbridge Island Becky Erickson, Mayor, City of Poulsbo Charlotte Garrido, Commissioner, Kitsap County Robert Gelder, Commissioner, Kitsap County Michael Goodnow, Council member, City of Bremerton Kevin Gorman, Council member, City of Bremerton Kirsten Hytopoulos, Council member, City of Bainbridge Island Gary McVey, Council member, City of Poulsbo Kol Medina, Council member, City of Bainbridge Island Rasham Nassar, Council member, City of Bainbridge Island Andrew Phillips, Council member, City of Poulsbo Michale Pollock, Council member, City of Bainbridge Island Rob Putaansuu, Mayor, City of Port Orchard Leslie Schneider, Mayor, City of Bainbridge Island Ed Stern, Council member, City of Poulsbo
Jeromy Sullivan, Chairman, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Pat Sullivan, Council member, City of Bremerton Greg Wheeler, Mayor, City of Bremerton Edward Wolfe, Commissioner, Kitsap County Eric Younger, Council President, City of Bremerton
| | | Wipes and cleaning products affect performance at Manchester Treatment Plant | 5/31/2020 | (Manchester, WA) – Kitsap County's Manchester Wastewater Treatment Plant has experienced a decrease in performance, which may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Microscopic exams of the wastewater show unusual pollutants including cotton fibers and polymers that may come from disinfectant wipes or cleaning products. This could be from an increase of cleaning wipe use in general and wipes being flushed. Some pollutants may be from water dumped after cleaning with wipes or other disinfectants. The Manchester Treatment Plant has consistently been recognized for Outstanding Performance by the Washington State Department of Ecology for 24 years in a row. It is the only wastewater treatment plant in Washington to receive this designation each year since the award's inception. The Sewer Utility asks our customers to help us keep this record by practicing good habits at home. Please be mindful of what goes down the drain. Don't flush sanitizing wipes and avoid using the toilet to dispose of harsh cleaning products. Toilet paper is the ONLY product that is safe to flush. Wipes, even those marketed as flushable, can cause clogs in your plumbing and in sewer and septic systems. The Sewer Utility Division operates four sewage treatment plants (Manchester, Kingston, Suquamish, and Central Kitsap) and maintains 58 pump stations, 148 miles of gravity pipe, 37 miles of force mains and 3,775 manholes in Kitsap County. It is our goal to protect public health and the environment while providing cost effective service for our customers.
| | | Kitsap County moves to Phase 2 of Safe Start plan | 5/28/2020 | The Kitsap Public Health District received notification this morning, May 28, that Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved Kitsap County’s request for a variance to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 under the state’s Safe Start plan for COVID-19 recovery. Approval is effective immediately.
Read today's Kitsap Public Health District statement for more details.
| | | Kitsap County submitting Phase 2 variance request to state for approval | 5/27/2020 | | |
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