 | | Transportation forum brings state, local agencies to Kingston | 10/17/2017 | Traffic congestion, highway reroute, ferry service to be discussed Kitsap County Commissioner Rob Gelder invites the public to join him for a forum he will moderate to discuss Kingston transportation issues. Topics will include ferry traffic management, State Route 104 rerouting, Complete Streets implementation, Washington Blvd. improvements, passenger-only ferry service and local bus schedules. The event is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 25 in the Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston. "Transportation is always at the top of our minds when we move throughout our day for both business and personal needs," said Commissioner Gelder. "This forum will assemble key agencies who oversee aspects of transportation infrastructure that supports the greater Kingston community. While this forum may not provide all the answers, it's a great chance to exchange ideas and opportunities for moving forward." Representatives from Kitsap County Public Works, Kitsap Transit, Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries will address traffic safety, congestion, ferry service, current projects and ongoing planning. There will be opportunities for public comments and questions. For more information, contact rpirtle@co.kitsap.wa.us or call (360) 337-4650. | | | | Family caregivers offered free seminars at Nov. 8 conference | 10/17/2017 | In recognition of Family Caregiver Month in November, Kitsap County's Aging and Long-Term Care Family Caregiver Support Program is hosting free seminars for unpaid family and volunteer caregivers during its annual conference from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Best Western Silverdale Beach Hotel, 3073 NW Bucklin Hill Road. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. This year's seminar topics support the physical and mental well-being of caregivers: - Caregiver Grief and Guilt, Dr. Kriss Kevorkian, PhD MSW
- Legal Forms Questions & Answers, Attorney Todd Carlisle, Northwest Justice Project
- Let's Talk Healthcare Systems, Mari Van Court, MSN, FNP-C
- Medication Management with Assistive Technology, Curt Johnson, Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
The Family Caregiver Conference offers unpaid caregivers the opportunity to increase their resilience, network with each other, and gain relevant information and knowledge of local resources from industry professionals in the community. Complimentary refreshments and a light continental breakfast will be served. The event is free to family caregivers. Professional caregivers may also attend for a $15 fee. Registration is required for everyone. Call (360) 337-5700 or (800) 562-6418. Individuals who may require special accommodations should contact Vicki Hanson at (360) 337-5700, (800) 562-6418 or TDD (360) 307-4280. One week advance notice is needed for interpreter services. The state of Washington estimates that more than 900,000 people provide care for another adult. A caregiver's role may have developed slowly or suddenly and can be physically and emotionally demanding. When trying to juggle multiple roles, caregivers may put aside tending to their own well-being, resulting in increased stress, health problems, depression, and/or feelings of anger and anxiety about their situation. Located in Silverdale, the Kitsap County Family Caregiver Support Center offers free services to support caregivers. Trained staff for available to listen, care, and provide practical information and ongoing support. The center also provides free personalized consultations with professional case managers and a resource library. Those 18 years of age or older, living in Kitsap County and providing unpaid care for an adult with functional disabilities is eligible to utilize services. To learn more, call (360) 337-5700 or (800) 562-6418, visit the website here, or stop by the Caregiver Support Center at 9857 Silverdale Way in Silverdale. Drop-in hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. | | | | Burn Ban lifted | 10/16/2017 | The Phase One burn ban in Kitsap County was lifted Saturday morning (10/14/17). Outdoor burning may resume subject to the normal limitations and permitting requirements: - All land clearing fires are prohibited throughout the count
- All outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in approved appliances and locations requires a burning permit – contact your local fire department.
"Fire conditions are much improved," according to David Lynam, Kitsap County Fire Marshal. "That said, our local fire crews still respond to brush fires every day so if you do burn – be diligent in following all of the safety precautions listed in your permit," Lynam added. | | | | Silverdale Transportation Implementation Strategy Open House #3 | 10/11/2017 | (Port Orchard, WA) - Kitsap County invites you to a third Open House to learn about and provide input on the Silverdale Transportation Implementation Strategy (TIS).
Silverdale Transportation Implementation Strategy Open House #3
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Open House: 6:00 pm
Presentation: 6:30 pm
Jackson Scout Hall
9161 Washington Ave NW
Silverdale, WA The TIS examines current and future transportation movements within Silverdale, identifies transportation needs and concerns, and develops strategies and priorities for transportation improvements. The strategy focuses on vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and freight movements.
During the first open house held this past April Kitsap County Public Works presented an analysis of how the current and the future transportation system in Silverdale function. At the second open house held in June, the staff presented strategies to address the transportation issues in Silverdale.
Through project analysis and public input received during the open houses, the TIS has identified and prioritized transportation projects for Silverdale. Identified projects will be presented at the upcoming third open house in November. Kitsap County Public Works staff will also lead a discussion on what a potential future transportation system for Silverdale can look like and how it might function.
The public is invited to join the conversation and have the opportunity to provide comments during the open house portion (6:00-6:30) and at the conclusion of the presentation which begins at 7:00 p.m. Comments and suggestions can also be submitted in writing to:
David Forte, Transportation Planning
Kitsap County Public Works
614 Division Street, MS-26
Port Orchard, WA 98366
or via email to
dforte@co.kitsap.wa.us
To learn more about the project go to
http://bit.ly/silverdaletis
For more information, contact Kitsap1 360.337.5777 or
help@kitsap1.com
Contact: David Forte | Transportation Planning | 360.337.5777 | dforte@co.kitsap.wa.us
| | | | Kitsap County needs your knowledge and expertise on advisory councils and committees | 10/11/2017 | Are you a looking for ways to get more deeply involved in your community? Do you have knowledge and expertise you’d like to put to good use? Would you like to find a professional development opportunity to work with those who have similar interests and concerns?
Consider applying to serve on one of the many Kitsap County advisory groups. Members are appointed by county commissioners to serve as sounding boards and conduits between citizens, communities, county staff and commissioners. Members may also review grant applications, transportation and development plans or host informational events with other public agencies.
Applications are currently being accepted for the following boards, committees and councils:
o Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council – Central Kitsap Representative
o Board of Equalization – South and Central Kitsap Representatives
o Bremerton Kitsap Access Television Citizens Advisory Board– North, Central South Kitsap Representatives
o Commission on Children and Youth – At-Large, Faith-Based, Tribal, youth from Bremerton, Bainbridge, North and South Kitsap school districts
o Council for Human Rights – North, Central and South Kitsap Representatives
o Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board – At-Large Representatives
o Fair Board – Admissions, Entertainment, Parking and Security Directors
o Ferry Advisory Committees – Southworth and Bremerton Representatives
o Parks Advisory Board – North Kitsap Representative
o Suquamish Citizens Advisory Committee – At-Large Representatives
o Veterans Advisory Board – At-Large Representatives
More information about the positions listed above and an online application are available at http://www.kitsapgov.com/volunteer/current.htm or contact Kitsap County Volunteer Services at (360) 337-4650 or rpirtle@co.kitsap.wa.us . | | | | Permits Whenever, Wherever – Apply Online at Kitsap County | 10/3/2017 | (Port Orchard, WA)- Kitsap County's Department of Community Development is upgrading their online permit services! As part of a continuing effort to make permit submittals more efficient and convenient for the public, the Department plans to offer all permit services to be online by January 2018. No more waiting in the lobby, or having to drive down to the County. The Department invested in electronic plan review technology that integrates with the current Online Permit Center portal; this will enable applicants to apply for permits whenever and wherever they choose. There are several training opportunities to help residents learn more about submitting permits online. These training opportunities occur at the Kitsap County Administration Building, and begin in December. More information about training will be provided soon. In addition, the department offers onsite training for local builders and developers, as well as ongoing assistance to applicants transitioning from the current paper process to the electronic submittal process. The Department is offering a digital grace period to applicants through the end of March 2018. Electronic submittals will be required beginning April 2, 2018. To receive updates and other helpful resources related to training, online permit submittal and electronic plan review; follow Kitsap County on Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for electronic notifications here: Online Permitting Electronic Updates or visit our web page Community Development Online Permitting. | | | | County seeks opinions on roads and transportation | 10/2/2017 | Kitsap County Public Works is seeking help to assist the County in measuring the Public's satisfaction with the County's road system through an online survey. The survey results will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners to assist in guiding future programs and services. The County maintains, operates, and improves over 900 miles of roads in unincorporated Kitsap County. The Road Division is divided into three sections; Road Maintenance, Traffic Operations and Transportation Planning, and Engineering. The goal of the Division's work is to develop, operate, and maintain safe and efficient roadways that meet the public's expectations and respect the natural and manmade environment. Funding for these divisions comes from two primary sources, the road levy portion of your property tax and the County's share of the State's motor vehicle fuel tax. "The survey will help provide input on how funds should be allocated within the County's transportation system," according to Jon Brand, Kitsap County Engineer. "The survey will help us gauge the public's opinion on how well Kitsap County is doing managing the County road system," Brand added. Each year in the spring, the public is invited to provide input and suggestions for road improvement projects through the Public Works Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Annual Construction Program. Suggested projects go through an extensive vetting process are weighed against available funding prior to being included in the adopted TIP. During the adoption process, the Board of County Commissioners conducts formal public hearings for further input. Public input from the survey will help guide this process. To learn more about the TIP program go to https://spf.kitsapgov.com/pw/projects-construction/project-planning#Roads. September was National Preparedness Month. To help you prepare for emergencies, the first 50 respondents to the survey will receive a hand crank powered light. After the survey closes November 1, 2017, an additional respondent will be randomly selected to receive an emergency roadside kit. This kit contains a comprehensive set of roadside emergency supplies and features an emergency LED flare, first aid kit, heavy-guage jumper cables, snow shovel, safety vest, and more. You can learn more about preparedness at the County's Department of Emergency Management at http://www.kitsapdem.org/preparedness.aspx. Click here to take the survey. It takes about 10 minutes to complete, and is entirely confidential. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion. | | | | Prepare for the rain: Clear fallen leaves to prevent local flooding | 9/29/2017 | (Port Orchard, WA) – Fall weather is here, and the rainy season has begun. Storm drains clogged with leaves can cause local flooding of roads and private property. Tips to Prevent Clogged Storm Drains - Keep neighborhood storm drains free of leaves and debris.
- If you see a clogged storm drain, use a rake, shovel handle or stick to clear the drain.
If this does not help, report the blockage to Kitsap1: 360.337.5777. - NEVER remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.
- Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts - Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
- Replace leaky or broken gutters.
- Make sure downspouts are directed away from your house.
Tips to Dispose of Leaves - Dispose of leaves by turning them into compost for your garden, putting them in curbside yard waste bins, or taking them to local composting facilities.
- If you use a landscaping company, ask the landscaper to take the leaves with them.
- Do not blow or sweep leaves into the road, ditches or storm drain.
"Kitsap County performs regular maintenance of the stormwater system," says Chris May, Kitsap County Stormwater Division Program Manager. "During the rainy season, we work extra hard to minimize local flooding. People can help by maintaining their property and contacting us if they see a problem." To report blocked storm drains or flooding issues in your area, call Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777. | | | | Clear Creek Project Wins VISION 2040 Award | 9/27/2017 |
(Port Orchard, WA) - Kitsap County's innovative Clear Creek Floodplain Restoration Project received the 2017 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council at the Kitsap County Commissioners meeting September 25. "Kitsap is using a strategic approach to its wetland restoration," said Josh Brown, Executive Director of PSRC, "This project restored 30 acres and three stream branches, building on other investments throughout the Clear Creek Basin." County Commissioners and Public Works staff were on hand to accept the award. This unique project is the keystone for multiple restoration efforts throughout the watershed. It has multiple benefits for people, reducing downstream flooding and improving the trail system, as well as for fish and wildlife (in-stream, floodplain and riparian habitat enhancements). By improving habitat, fish passage, and water quality we are bringing Clear Creek back to life. "We built this project with the anticipation that salmon would be able to return to this historic stream. Now that it's completed, we are looking forward to seeing them come," said Chris May, Kitsap County Public Works Stormwater Division Manager.
VISION 2040 is the region's growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040. It is an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region - promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality, and a healthy environment. For more information on this project, visit
http://bit.ly/clearcreekfloodplain.
Chris May | Stormwater Division Program Manager | cmay@co.kitsap.wa.us | 360.337.5777 | | | | Learn about plans for opioid treatment programs in Kitsap, Clallam counties | 9/26/2017 | The Salish Behavioral Health Organization is hosting informational sessions in Port Angeles and Bremerton regarding two planned opioid treatment programs, which will operate in Kitsap and Clallam counties under a contract with the SBHO. The Clallam County session takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at the Peninsula College Little Theater, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles. The Kitsap County session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th St., Bremerton. Each session will feature a panel of subject matter experts to answer questions from community members about opioid treatment programs that utilize a variety of interventions designed to treat individuals with opioid addiction issues and assist them in recovery efforts. The Salish BHO is a county-operated organization responsible for the oversight of behavioral health services including mental health and substance-use disorders. The organization operates under a contract with the state of Washington to contract with community-based agencies throughout the region to provide treatment, behavioral health and crisis services for Medicaid recipients in Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam counties. The Salish BHO issued a request for proposals for the operation of the two opioid treatment programs and selected BayMark Health Services. For more information on the Salish BHO, click here or go to www.kitsapgov.com/hs/sbho/sbhomain.htm Individuals attending the sessions above who may require special accommodations should contact Alexandra Hardy at (360) 337-4604, (800) 843-4793 or ahardy@co.kitsap.wa.us. One week advance notice is needed for interpreter services. | | | | Public input from open houses and online survey will shape county parks plan | 9/26/2017 | The Kitsap County Parks Department is updating its Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan and holding public meetings in October to review the draft goals and strategies for the nearly 10,000 acres and 80 parks facilities it manages. Public input and review is critical in assessing public recreation needs, and developing and evaluating proposed actions and strategies for county parks in the next six years of a 20-year vision. "Public input from our diverse communities across Kitsap is vital to updating our parks plan," said Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. "We hope people will attend these open houses in person or online and tell us their ideas for managing our public parklands; and recreational amenities important to them, their families and neighborhoods." The PROS Plan outlines policy directions, goals and objectives, implementation strategies, capital improvements, and investment emphasis for all Kitsap County parks. It also identifies key issues, strengths and opportunities; provides guidelines and policy direction for acquiring, developing and preserving properties; creates strategies to ensure parks are an integral part of the county's economic development; and assesses current funding mechanisms, partnerships and potential funding sources. Open house meetings will be held and the public is encouraged to participate. The meetings serve as a listening post for the county to learn how communities use and value county parks and what their priorities are for future use. This input will be folded into a draft PROS Plan update, along with feedback from the parks plan survey. Open houses will be held: - Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Eagle's Nest Community Room, 1195 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton;
- Tuesday, Oct. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Commissioners' Chambers in the County Administration Building, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard;
- Tuesday, Oct. 17, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Island Lake Community Room, 1087 NW Island Lake Road, Poulsbo.
For those unable to attend the meetings above, an online open house is available where a recreation survey, forthcoming draft plan, and the last county parks plan, adopted by County Commissioners on March 28, 2012, are posted. Click here or go to https://spf.kitsapgov.com/parks/Pages/PROSPlanUpdates.aspx . The 2018-2024 PROS Plan is required to be eligible for state and federal grants administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, and must be updated every six years. Parks Department staff, working together with members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the last five months, developed the outline and PROS Plan draft update under review. For more information, follow the links above or contact Steven Starlund at (360) 337-5350 or parks@co.kitsap.wa.us. | | | | Phase II burn ban lifted, Phase I ban remains | 9/22/2017 | The Phase II burn ban prohibiting recreational fires was reduced to a Phase I ban on general outdoor burning at 8 a.m., Friday September 22. Recreational fires in campgrounds and other areas in approved locations and devices may resume throughout unincorporated Kitsap County.
Recent rainfall allowed the higher level ban to be lifted. "Most of the area across the county have had at least some rain in the last ten days – some areas much more so than others," according to Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam. General back yard burning as well as land clearing is still prohibited and all burning permits remain suspended for the duration of the Phase I ban. _______________________________________________________________________ Contact: David Lynam, Fire Marshal, 360.337.5777![]( "Call: 360.337.5777") or dlynam@co.kitsap.wa.us | | | | Prepare for the rain: Clear leaves to prevent local flooding | 9/22/2017 | (Port Orchard, WA) – Fall weather is here, and the rainy season has begun. Storm drains clogged with leaves can cause local flooding of roads and private property. Tips to Prevent Clogged Storm Drains - Keep neighborhood storm drains free of leaves and debris.
- If you see a clogged storm drain, use a rake, shovel handle or stick to clear the drain.
If this does not help, report the blockage to Kitsap1: 360.337.5777. - NEVER remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.
- Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts - Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
- Replace leaky or broken gutters.
- Make sure downspouts are directed away from your house.
Tips to Dispose of Leaves - Dispose of leaves by turning them into compost for your garden, putting them in curbside yard waste bins, or taking them to local composting facilities.
- If you use a landscaping company, ask the landscaper to take the leaves with them.
- Do not blow or sweep leaves into the road, ditches or storm drain.
"Kitsap County performs regular maintenance of the stormwater system," says Chris May, Kitsap County Stormwater Division Program Manager. "During the rainy season, we work extra hard to minimize local flooding. People can help by maintaining their property and contacting us if they see a problem." _____________________________________________________________________ Contact: Chris May, 360.337.5777 or cmay@co.kitsap.wa.us | | | | Poulsbo Recycle Center to Permanently Close on September 30, 2017 | 9/1/2017 | (Poulsbo, WA) – The Kitsap County Poulsbo Recycle Center, located at 21868 NW Viking Way, Poulsbo, WA 98370, will permanently close as of 3:30 pm Saturday, September 30.
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved the sale of the Viking Way property after a thorough evaluation of services and available options for residents. Now that the sale is underway, the facility closure date is set for the last day of September.
"The countywide availability of curbside recycling, along with subsidizing the costs of operating the facility with disposal fees from other sites, makes this facility no longer the best use of ratepayers’ money," said Pat Campbell, manager of Kitsap County’s Solid Waste Division. "The sale also provides revenue for the development of a much-needed full-service household hazardous waste facility to serve North Kitsap residents."
Although the County will stop collecting recyclables and limited household hazardous products at the Viking Way site, there are still ways to recycle and dispose of these items in the north end of the county.
The County is encouraging everyone to use curbside recycling service. Curbside garbage and recycling services are available countywide and are required for residences within the city limits of Poulsbo.
There are also local disposal options for materials not collected curbside, such as motor oil, antifreeze, and fluorescent lights. Residents can also search the County’s online recycling and disposal guide, What Do I Do With It?, for countywide options.
More information on the County’s decision to sell the property and close the facility is available in this fact sheet. You can receive electronic notification on this and other information concerning Kitsap County programs by signing up on our website – click on "News Sign Up" at the bottom of the home page.
Contact Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777 for questions related to the closing of the Poulsbo Recycle Center. | | | | Physical inspection of real property begins in Poulsbo, Suquamish | 8/31/2017 | Appraisers from the Kitsap County Assessor’s Office are now conducting on-site inspections throughout the greater Poulsbo/Suquamish 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 2018.
If an appraiser from the office attempts to make contact with you, please understand that they are trying to verify the characteristics of your property to ensure the accuracy of our data. Due to the high volume of inspections our appraisers are conducting, we are unable to accommodate appointments at this time.
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/assr.
The cooperation of the public is always appreciated by our staff. We look forward to working with you and answering your questions. | | | | Kitsap County Conference for Human Rights Dec. 15; Applications now open for workshop proposals | 8/10/2017 | The 27th Annual Kitsap County Conference for Human Rights is scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2017 at Olympic College. This year's theme is "Historical Perspectives and Moving Forward."
The Council for Human Rights is honored to announce the conference keynote speaker is Clarence Moriwaki, president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community and founder and past president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association. He will present "History, Honor, Healing and Hope: The timeless - and timely - story of the devastating impacts of fear, prejudice, intolerance and failure of political leadership during World War II, and the hopeful, healing power of redemption to let it not happen again." Applications are now open for conference workshop proposals for the conference. Please complete the online application here. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 13, 2017 Nominations are also being accepted for the Linda Gabriel awards, recognizing individuals and organizations who work to support human rights in Kitsap County. Please complete the online nomination form here. For more information and updates, visit the Council for Human Rights website or contact Rebecca Pirtle in the Kitsap County Commissioners' Office at (360) 337-4650, rpirtle@co.kitsap.wa.us. | | | | Volunteers needed for Sheriff’s Office Citizens On Patrol | 5/26/2017 | Applications are now open for volunteers dedicated to helping others who want to support the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office while improving the quality of life for citizens. The Citizens On Patrol program offers the opportunity to interact with the community, enforce handicap parking regulations, help with boat inspections, conduct security/vacation checks on homes and be the eyes and ears of law enforcement. Volunteers are also trained to assist with traffic control, mark and process abandoned vehicles on county right-of-way, and perform junk vehicle VIN inspections. COPs work in teams of two. Training, uniforms and vehicles are provided. Volunteers must be able to pass extensive criminal and credit background checks including a polygraph exam, have an excellent driving record and commit to a minimum of 16 hours per month and two-hour monthly training sessions and meetings for at least a year. Those working full time or serving on active military duty may find it difficult to meet these time commitments. For information on this and other volunteer opportunities and to apply to the Citizens On Patrol program, click here or contact Kitsap County Volunteer Services at (360) 337-4650, rpirtle@co.kitsap.wa.us. | |
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