City of Bainbridge Island

The meeting began with approval of the agenda, modified to include recognition of the outgoing Council Liaison and the addition of advice to the City Council regarding federal grant conditions. Key discussions involved thanking the outgoing Council Liaison for service. The committee approved the minutes from the October 2025 meeting. Significant time was spent reviewing a draft statement urging the City Council to oppose new federal conditions on RAISE and FHA grants concerning immigration enforcement and DEI programs; the committee approved sending the edited statement to the City Council. Task force reports included the submission of draft Guiding Principles to the City Council and an update on the SEPA appeal related to City Ordinance 2025-2 concerning affordable housing, where the City Attorney provided information regarding upcoming hearings. Updates were also provided on the Indigenous Peoples' Day event and registration for the "From Curiosity to Connection" workshop. The committee planned report-out items for upcoming City Council meetings.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the November 10, 2025 Agenda. Regular business included the review and discussion of determination letter drafts for Complaint EB 2021-04, which was approved with a modification, and Complaint EB 2021-06, which was also approved with a modification. The determination letter for Complaint EB 2021-05 is scheduled for the December meeting. The board discussed capturing current training for volunteers and confirmed that existing members not initiating new terms are not tracked for recent training until they sign a new agreement. The Ethics Board agreed with the statements made by the Chair during the October 21 City Council Study Session regarding Ethics Code Recommendations, and a clarifying email was subsequently approved. A subcommittee was nominated for developing the 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Work Plan.

The meeting included discussions regarding a grant request for battery feasibility and solar construction, updates on the EV Charging Code for Multifamily Properties, and regional climate engagement opportunities. The committee also discussed the Winslow Sub-Area Plan, potential funding for solar and battery projects, and a Solar and Battery Fair for next spring.

The Steering Committee meeting focused on the Winslow Subarea Plan Update and Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review. Discussions included an open conversation between representatives from the two bodies regarding the status of the Comprehensive Plan and opportunities for cooperation. An Affordable Housing Strategy was a key topic, with considerations for structure, process, direction, and resources to subsidize the lowest AMI income brackets. The committee also discussed market rate development, strategies applicable to Bainbridge Island, review implementing income qualified and deed restrictions, allowing innovation, creativity, flexibility, removing barriers, incentives to property owners who rent to low-income renters, current SFRs ability to subdivide, review density provisions, review of using Housing Authorities similar to Vail Colorado & Jackson Co., Wyoming, brainstorm what it would take to create a Housing Authority, Shared housing types/share housing spaces and state regulations related to shared housing/co-living housing, 1220, zoning/densities and strategies/ 1220 mandates and compliance, the cautionary principle, goals/policies vs. strategies. Updates were provided on staff work for the Comp Plan/WSP, additional Planning Commission meetings, and the renewal of contractor LMN.

The Ethics Board meeting included discussions on pending complaints, specifically EB 2021-05, training updates, and ethics code recommendations to the City Council. The board also reviewed the 2025 annual report and the 2026 work plan. Additionally, the board discussed the election of a deputy chair for a 6-month term beginning in February 2026.