| Replacement process for District 1 Commissioner vacancy reviewed | 3/22/2023 | Kitsap County Commissioner Rob Gelder, representing District 1 in North Kitsap, notified the Board of County Commissioners March 20 of his intent to step down effective May 23, 2023. With this announcement, here is a review of the process to fill the position. As Commissioner Gelder was elected as a Democrat, the Washington State Constitution Article II, Section 15 directs the Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee to provide the Board of County Commissioners, as appointing authority, with a list of three potential appointees to fill the vacancy. Minimum qualifications for appointment are that the person must be over the age of 18 and reside in Commissioner District 1. "With the Kitsap County's focus on updating our Comprehensive Plan, a process that runs through 2024, and the priority to address the housing crisis in Kitsap, we are hoping for applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspective grounded in the community, and a proven ability to form partnerships," said Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. The new commissioner will be joining District 2 and 3 Commissioners representing South and Central Kitsap in setting policy; managing the county's $548 million budget; overseeing the Public Works, Parks, Community Development and Human Services departments; and serve on multiple boards such as the Kitsap Public Health District, Housing Kitsap and Kitsap Transit. More information can be found on the Kitsap Board of County Commissioners website. The Board will conduct interviews to explore qualifications of the three potential appointees during one of its regular public briefing sessions. Following these interviews, the Board will deliberate in executive session and formally appoint a new Commissioner at a subsequent Board meeting. The Board has 60 days after the office becomes vacant to make the appointment. The appointee will serve for the balance of Commissioner Gelder's term, which expires December 31, 2024. Commissioner Gelder was appointed in March 2011 and then elected in November 2011 to complete the unexpired term of Commissioner Steve Bauer, and elected to his first full four-year term in 2012. Those interested in applying to serve as District 1 Commissioner should contact the Kitsap Democratic Party at chair@kitsapdemocrats.org and go to the Kitsap Democrats appointment information page.
|  | | Kitsap County Commissioner Rob Gelder announces he is stepping down May 23 | 3/20/2023 | March 20, 2023 Commissioner Rob Gelder announces he is stepping down from his elected position Today, Commissioner Rob Gelder announced he is stepping down from his elected position as Kitsap County Commissioner representing North Kitsap. Following is a statement he released to Kitsap County elected officials, directors and staff: Having just celebrated 12 years of service to the residents of Kitsap County, it is bittersweet to share the news that I will be stepping down as County Commissioner effective May 23, 2023. I truly love public service, especially at the local and county level. As Commissioner, I have had the opportunity to learn about so many topics and issues over the years, but often only at a limited depth. I love to learn and have valued the wide range of subject matters in which the board is involved. I have always likened it to being in college, shifting from one course to another every few minutes of the day. I have thrived in this everchanging environment, but one thing is certain, I couldn’t have done so without the support of a phenomenal team of county staff and community members! I had an opportunity presented to me that will afford me the chance to work with a team, to still support policy development, and to do a deeper dive into how certain services are provided to the community. That role will be as the Assistant County Manager for Thurston County. In that role I will be focusing on six key areas: public works, public defense, pre-trial services, health and human services, emergency services, and community planning/economic development. In looking back over the past 12 years, I know I am blessed by the people I’ve worked with, met along the way, and the diverse community that is Kitsap County. There is a unique culture of collaboration between the various jurisdictions, elected officials, and staff. That is something to be celebrated and promoted. While it is difficult to summarize my tenure in certain accomplishments, I am proud of many things: - The role that I and the county played in making the Kingston Village Green a reality.
- Partnering with Coffee Oasis to expand into the Kingston community.
- The creation of a Forest Stewardship policy that governs the restorative thinning work throughout the Kitsap County Parks system.
- The addition of over 4,000 acres of public open space for community enjoyment now and in generations to come.
- Strong relationships with both the Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes.
- Partnering with the Suquamish Tribe to create the Port Madison Dialogues.
- Moving the long-term solution for addressing Kingston ferry traffic impacts forward in partnership with our state legislators, the Port of Kingston, Kitsap Transit and community members – there is funding and a plan to bring it to fruition.
- The way county staff pivoted during the COVID pandemic and an everchanging environment.
- We have a county that is financially solid, but that does not diminish the structural inadequacies of how local government is funded and the need for resources to maintain or expand the levels of service.
For all this and so much more, I thank the county staff and the residents of Kitsap for their support and the privilege of being your public servant. |
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| | | Kitsap County Job Fair Tuesday, April 11 9 AM – 1 PM | 3/16/2023 |  | Kitsap County Job Fair
Tuesday, April 11 9 AM – 1 PM
Kitsap County Administration Building 619 Division Street in Port Orchard Come discover why we love working at Kitsap County! Mark your calendar and join us at the Kitsap County Job Fair April 11. You’ll learn about the diverse job opportunities that are available at Kitsap County. With over 200 job types, we have jobs in every field! Learn about current openings, apply onsite, and sign up for alerts when new jobs are posted. Come and meet employees from different County departments and learn why they love where they work. Ask questions and find out why they choose to work for Kitsap County. They can show you current openings and talk about careers in their line of work. Looking for a good summer job? Get hired on the spot! If you’re looking for summer work, come prepared for an interview! We are interviewing, and in some cases hiring, on-site for our Summer Employment Program! Get your foot in the door and gain great work experience this summer with our Public Works Department! Learn more about the program at kcowa.us/summer. Learn about working at Kitsap County: KCOWA.US/LWYW Open jobs: KCOWA.US/JOBS Questions?If you are interested in bringing a group to this event, please let us know here. We can help with logistics. | |  |
| Kitsap County | Kitsap1:360.337.5777 | help@kitsap1.com
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| | | Public hearing delayed to April 10 for Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan draft alternatives | 3/3/2023 | March 3, 2023
Public hearing delayed to April 10 for Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan draft alternatives
The Washington State Department of Commerce this week released housing needs projections over the next 20 years and guidance on how counties and cities should address them. This may affect Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan draft alternatives currently under consideration and could require additional zoning revisions, assumptions of growth or other changes to one or more of these alternatives. To allow additional time to assess the impacts of this guidance and provide necessary clarity to the public on what is proposed, the March 13 Board of County Commissioners' public hearing on Comprehensive Plan draft alternatives is delayed until April 10. Commissioners will take verbal testimony at the April 10 hearing. Until then, written testimony on the draft alternative maps and descriptions will continue to be accepted at compplan@kitsap.gov. More information on the process, purpose and content of the preliminary draft alternatives can be found at kcowa.us/compplan. Videos of past presentations, public meetings and other information are also available on the site. Send questions and comments to compplan@kitsap.gov or call Kitsap1 at (360) 337-5777 and ask for Planning and Environmental Programs.
| | | Survey open through March 31 to help inform 2024-2027 Aging Area Plan | 3/2/2023 |
The Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Kitsap, responsible for development of an Area Plan that identifies local services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. The Aging Area Plan, currently being developed, is a four-year plan that identifies gaps in services and describes demographic trends, challenges, and opportunities. The plan also addresses how the Area Agency on Aging will administer programs and allocate discretionary funding to support aging in place, as well as informal caregivers.
Kitsap County residents are invited to share ideas in a survey that will be used in the development of the 2024-2027 Area Plan.
The survey deadline is Friday, March 31, 2023.
Visit www.agingkitsap.com for links to the survey in English and Spanish and to learn more about services and resources available to older residents and their caregivers.
To receive a paper survey by mail, call the Aging & Long-Term Care offices at 360-337-5700. To request translation assistance, call 360-337-5700 or email Tawnya Weintraub at tweintra@kitsap.gov.
| | | Review allocation plan for funding to support housing and services: public comment period now open | 2/13/2023 | The Kitsap County-City of Bremerton HOME Consortium has received $2,653,349 of HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address the need for housing and supportive services for families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations and circumstances. Kitsap County has prepared a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and opened a 15-day public comment period. To review the plan and for information on submitting comments, visit http://kcowa.us/HOME-ARP The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing, review and take action on the allocation plan for Kitsap County’s share of the HOME-ARP funds during its regular business meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023, in the Commissioners' Chambers of the Kitsap County Administrative Building, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard. Visit the program website for details at http://kcowa.us/HOME-ARP
| | | Point No Point County Park remains closed to vehicular traffic | 2/7/2023 | February 7, 2023 Point No Point flooding update: Point No Point Park remains closed to vehicular traffic for the foreseeable future due to storm and flooding impacts. The entrance road to the park, Point No Point Road, remains closed to the public but is open for residents to access their properties. Point No Point Road and Park are now open to the US Coast Guard, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Lighthouse Society employees, U.S. Lighthouse Society vacation rentals, contractors, and service vehicles. Authorized vehicles will display a permit in the window. Pedestrian access to Point No Point Park is permitted from Thor's Road trailhead. Please obey all trail signs and respect private property.
Park repairs and beach rehabilitation are currently under evaluation; park access and use may change to accommodate construction and repair work. New updates will be posted as needed. Details at http://kcowa.us/kccoastal
| | | Kitsap County releases preliminary alternative land-use maps to address future growth; Workshops, open house this month; Public comment period extended | 2/3/2023 | | |   February 3, 2023 Kitsap County releases preliminary alternative
land-use maps to address future growth **UPDATE 3/3/23 The public comment period has been extended until April 10. Workshops, open house this month; Public comment period open through March 17 Kitsap County, as part of its 2024 Comprehensive Plan update, released preliminary alternative land-use maps and descriptions to address targeted population, employment and housing growth through 2044. The alternatives also address issues such as housing diversity, development incentives and climate change. Virtual public workshops are scheduled at 6 p.m. Feb. 9 and 15 and an in-person open house takes place at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 to learn more about the alternatives, understand how they may impact communities and ask questions. Go to kcowa.us/compplan for details. These three alternatives distribute growth differently based upon Growth Management Act and regional plan goals, growth targets, requests for reclassification of properties and local circumstances. The three alternatives can generally be described as: - No Action: All maps, policies and regulations remain as they are today.
- Focused Growth/Urban Center Focus: Population and employment growth is focused in existing urban areas such as Silverdale and Kingston with policies to incentivize more diverse housing types such as townhomes, multi-family and cottage housing. Rural uses remain the same as they are currently. Policies are developed to set greenhouse gas emission areas and provide greater tree canopy in urban areas.
- Dispersed Growth: Distributes growth similar to historic trends focusing on single-family housing. Urban areas are expanded to accommodate growth and some additional rural development is allowed for housing and jobs.
Documents and maps related to these alternatives can be found at Kcowa.us/compplan. None of these three alternatives are a recommendation but rather a menu of options to assess environmental impacts and capital facility needs (road, sewer, schools, etc.). They will also be evaluated through public comment as the Board of County Commissioners works to determine a preferred alternative by the end of the year. Public participation opportunities to discuss the merits of the alternatives will be held through March and can be found at Kcowa.us/compplan including dates, times and more information. To provide comment on the alternatives or any other aspect of the Comprehensive Plan update, please email compplan@kitsap.gov. All comments received will become part of the update record and available to the Board of Commissioners. Send specific questions and comments to compplan@kitsap.gov or call Kitsap1 at (360) 337-5777 and ask for Planning and Environmental Programs. |
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| | | Submit an Earth Day Award Nomination! | 2/1/2023 | | |
Kitsap County News
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Submit an Earth Day Award Nomination! |
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Date: February 1, 2023
Earth Day Award Recipients 2019 Submit an Earth Day Award Nomination! Do you know an individual, group, or business that deserves to be celebrated for their environmental efforts? Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners want to celebrate environmentalism within our Kitsap community. We need your help! Submit an award nomination at kcowa.us/earthday by 3/24/23. Any business, group/organization, school, teacher, educational program/project, or individual is eligible. The nominee does not have to live in Kitsap County, but the efforts on which the nomination is based must occur in Kitsap County. If selected, your nominee will be recognized at an award celebration in April. Meet all the Kitsap County Earth Day Award Recipients. |
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Public Communications
Manager
Doug Bear
360.337.4598 |
Sheriff's Office
Public Information Officer
Ken Dickinson
360.337.5698 |
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Kitsap Electronic Notification System Questions? Contact Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777 or help@kitsap1.com |
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| | | Point No Point County Park closed due to flooding; emergency relief center opens Jan. 4 in Hansville | 1/4/2023 | Point No Point County Park and Light Station are closed due to recent flooding. Kitsap County Emergency Management is opening a Disaster Relief Center at the Greater Hansville Community Center, 6778 Buck Lake Road NE, today, Jan. 4, providing residents impacted by the flooding Dec. 27 information from local government agencies and support from disaster relief organizations. The relief center is open daily through Jan. 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. but closed Sunday, Jan. 8. Residents can receive free clean-up kits and register for volunteer assistance in cleaning up their property. Details at https://www.kitsapdem.com/kc-coastal-flooding/
| | | Permit guidance offered for property owners recovering from coastal flooding | 1/4/2023 | (Port Orchard, WA) - As property owners in Kitsap County contemplate clean up and repairs following recent flooding, the Department of Community Development (DCD) is reminding residents to obtain local permits before repairing or rebuilding flood-damaged structures. Permits are required as part of local government participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, providing eligibility for flood insurance, flood disaster assistance, state and federal grants and loans, and buyout funds for flood-prone property. Local floodplain management ordinances require that permits be obtained for any construction or development activity in a floodplain area, including the repair or reconstruction of structures damaged by flooding. Special conditions apply to substantially damaged buildings - those in which the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure's pre-flood market value. If a building is found to be substantially damaged, regulations require that repairs not begin until compliance with the local floodplain ordinance is demonstrated. In some cases, that may require repairs that include elevating or flood-proofing the structure to reduce the potential for future flood damage. The cost to repair must be calculated for full repair to "pre-damaged" condition, even if the owner elects to do less. The total cost to repair includes structural and finish materials as well as labor. If labor and materials have been donated, they must still be assigned a value. If local building codes require the structure to be repaired according to certain standards, these additional costs must be included in the full repair cost for the structure. Property owners and residents with flood-damaged buildings should contact Kitsap County DCD for more information on repair and reconstruction permits. DCD will be conducting damage assessments of residences in the area of Point No Point Road between today (1/4) and tomorrow (1/5). If you have experienced flood damage to your property in Kitsap County outside of this area, please reach out for a damage assessment by visiting the KC Coastal webpage at https://www.kcowa.us/KCCoastal and completing an assistance request. You can also stop by the Disaster Relief Center located at the Greater Hansville Community Center, 6778 Buck Lake Rd NE in Hansville. They are open 9 AM to 4PM January 4 - 14, with the exception of Sunday, January 8.
| | | County Assessor provides information about the destroyed property exemption | 1/4/2023 | County Assessor provides information about the destroyed property exemption
Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 01/04/2023 12:31 PM PST |
Kitsap County News
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Was your home damaged by winter storms? |
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Date: January 4, 2023 County Assessor provides information about the destroyed property exemption(Port Orchard, WA) - Has your home recently experienced damage from the winter storms? If so, you may qualify for a reduction to your assessed value. "There are ways to reduce your assessed value if your home was damaged by winter storms," according to County Assessor Phil Cook. Washington State law allows the Assessor to reduce the assessed value of damaged property as of the date of destruction when notified by the property owner. You may qualify for an adjustment to your assessed value if you have property that has been destroyed. Any real or personal property that has been placed upon the assessment roll as of January 1 of the assessment year in which the property was destroyed*, in whole or in part, or is in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the governor or the county legislative authority and has been reduced in value by more than 20 percent, may be eligible. Please check the Assessor’s Destroyed Property Exemption page for more information or contact the office at 360.337.7160 for assistance. |
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Public Communications
Manager
Doug Bear
360.337.4598 |
Sheriff's Office
Public Information Officer
Ken Dickinson
360.337.5698 |
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Kitsap Electronic Notification System Questions? Contact Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777 or help@kitsap1.com |
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| | | Volunteers needed for annual Point-In-Time Count of those living without homes | 1/3/2023 | Volunteer registration is open for the annual Kitsap County Point-In-Time Count of those living without homes that takes place January 24-27, 2023. No experience is necessary – learn more at http://kcowa.us/kitsap-pit . Community members from all walks of life are invited to participate, including college students, non-profit and faith-based organizations, neighborhood groups, veterans, bilingual individuals, people recently or currently living unsheltered, and anyone else who wants to help alleviate homelessness. Training will be provided. The deadline for volunteer registration is Jan. 16, 2023. Volunteers will be conducting surveys of people living without homes in many different locations including Project Connect resource fairs, local service providers, food banks, shelters, and community meal sites. Data collected during the count informs local, state and federal funders about the scope of homelessness and helps channel funding and resources to local communities. To sign up online, go to http://kcowa.us/PIT2023.or contact Cory Derenburger of the Kitsap County Department of Human Services Housing and Homelessness Program at cderenbu@kitsap.gov or (360) 337-7287.
| | | Flooding at Point No Point in Hansville | 12/28/2022 | Point No Point County Park and the surrounding area in Hansville is experiencing flooding due to a combination of heavy rains and a 'King Tide'. The storm surge overtopped and damaged the beach berm located north of Point No Point near the lighthouse, allowing tidewater to flow across Point No Point Road. Point No Point Park and NE Point No Point Road between Hansville and Hillview is closed. Kitsap County Public Works and Parks crews have been onsite assessing the damage. Public Works, County Parks, and the County's Department of Emergency Management (DEM) are working together to develop a plan to repair the beach berm in the park. DEM will investigate eligible relief programs with Washington State Department of Emergency Management. The Red Cross is offering shelter and cleaning kits to impacted residents. Find more information on resources at kitsapdem.com. "The required repair work can only be done at low tide making this repair difficult. It may take a few days to complete," according to Dave Tucker, Assistant Director at Public Works. "We're focusing on minimizing damage, and restoring the berm as quickly as possible," Tucker added. Work near water requires permits from Washington Department of Fishing and Wildlife. Jan Glarum (Acting Director of DEM) has issued a Directors Proclamation of Emergency. That declaration is needed to obtain the permits needed to perform repairs. For Parks information contact Charles Cuzzetto (360-337-5350 or CCuzzetto@kitsap.gov), for Department of Emergency Management services call Dave Rasmussen (360.307.5871 or DRasmussen@kitsap.gov), and for Public Works information, call Dave Tucker (360.337.5777 or DTucker@kitsap.gov).
| | | SPECIAL NOTICE: No action on proposed firearms ordinance will be taken at Dec. 12 Commissioners' meeting | 12/8/2022 | December 8, 2022 Special Notice from the Kitsap County Board of CommissionersStatus Update on Ordinance Restricting Open and Concealed Carry of Firearms and Weapons in the Kitsap County Administration Building and Restricting Possession, Sale, Purchase, or Trade of Firearms at the Thunderbird Arena and Stadium, Pavilion, and Presidents’ Hall
A public hearing on the proposed ordinance took place November 14, 2022, and a decision on the ordinance was continued to the Board of County Commissioners regular business meeting December 12 to allow for further public comment. This is to inform the public that the Board of Commissioners will take no action on the proposed ordinance in the near future. The current proposal will be withdrawn from consideration at the upcoming December 12 board meeting and the proposal re-evaluated in the future. The Board extends its appreciation to everyone who participated in the public process. After discussing the proposed ordinance in a work study session December 7, the Board decided to withdraw the proposed ordinance that would have ended gun shows at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Since the initial public hearing November 14, Commissioners received over 150 comments on the proposal from both sides of the issue. The diversity of comments revealed how regulations regarding guns and gun shows can be polarizing but may also be used as an opportunity to discuss other important topics related to gun rights and public safety. Challenges surrounding implementation were also highlighted and, at this junction, any substantive changes to the draft ordinance would require re-noticing for public comment.
| | | Be prepared and stay informed! | 11/18/2022 | | | | Community campaign reaches goal to preserve timber rights in Kitsap County's Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park | 11/18/2022 |
Forterra, Our Forest Fund and the Kitsap Forest & Bay Coalition successfully hit the goal to raise $500,000 to purchase all 756 acres of timber rights in Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. Read the press release for details on this community effort to protect and preserve important cultural, ecological, and recreational resources at https://lnks.gd/2/xVqnb5 .
| | | Public Hearing on the Public Works Capital Facilities and Transportation Improvement plans set for November 28 | 11/18/2022 | |
Kitsap County News
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Date: November 18, 2022 Public hearing on the Public Works Capital Facilities and Transportation Improvement plans set for November 28(Port Orchard, WA) - A public hearing for the proposed Transportation Improvement and Capital Facilities plans is on the agenda during the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting November 28. The meeting is in the Commissioners' Chambers in the County Administration Building in Port Orchard. It begins at 5:30 PM. Public Works prepares the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Annual Construction Program to update and coordinate the County's future plans for road and transportation improvements. The Capital Facilities Program for Stormwater prioritizes and manages large stormwater system improvement projects. These projects reduce the frequency and severity of flooding and improve water quality. Kitsap County's Sewer Utility conducts an assessment of the County owned/operated municipal sanitary sewer systems and develops a Six-Year Capital Facilities Plan. The Solid Waste Division's Capital Facilities Plan addresses the growing need for capacity, repairs and improvements to Solid Waste facilities. Facilities include five active collection sites, development of a new collection site and management of two existing closed landfills in Kitsap County. You can learn more about these programs at the Public Works Project & Planning page. |
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Public Communications
Manager
Doug Bear
360.337.4598 |
Sheriff's Office
Public Information Officer
Ken Dickinson
360.337.5698 |
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Kitsap Electronic Notification System Questions? Contact Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777 or help@kitsap1.com |
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| | | Public invited to a drop-in open house Nov. 17 to discuss key topics of Comprehensive Plan | 11/15/2022 | Kitsap County will host an in-person Open House, with staff available from 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers at 619 Division St, Port Orchard on Thursday, November 17, 2022. The public is invited to "drop-in" at their convenience to discuss the topics they are interested in.
Discussions will focus on land use, economic development, housing, environment and climate change, transportation, capital facilities, parks and recreation, and the Silverdale Regional Center. The Comprehensive Plan helps guide County decision making in addressing population and job growth, environmental protection, and infrastructure investments through 2044. This includes the potential for new development, what it will look like and how it impacts our communities. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan Update, please visit the project website at kcowa.us/compplan. The site is updated regularly with upcoming public meeting information, interactive surveys, policy questions, story maps on planning concepts, draft documents and other informational materials. The site also includes a link to sign up to receive related news and updates via email and text. Send specific questions and comments to compplan@kitsap.gov or call Kitsap1 at (360) 337-5777 and ask for Planning and Environmental Programs.
| | | Kitsap County launches Operation Green Light Nov. 7-13 in support of local veterans | 10/18/2022 | 
In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Kitsap County announces that county buildings will be illuminated in green Nov. 7-13 as part of Operation Green Light, a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers to support military veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and resources available to assist veterans and their families. Kitsap County Commissioners and the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board encourage everyone to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home or business to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. County Commissioners passed a resolution Oct. 10 proclaiming their support of Operation Green Light. "We hope the public will join us in celebrating the service of Kitsap veterans, past and present, by displaying a green light for them. We will light up the County Administration Building to show our support and honor veterans for their selfless service and the contributions they continue to make to local communities," said Kitsap County Commissioner Rob Gelder. Operation Green Light lets veterans and their families know their service matters and is a way of expressing gratitude for their sacrifices while reflecting on military service personnel and their transition back into civilian life after completion of their service to our country. "It is heartwarming to participate in a nationwide event that honors our veterans in the spirit of teamwork that all veterans know so well. Uniting around our veterans by displaying a green light in our homes is a simple expression of gratitude that makes our community stronger," noted Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program Coordinator Richard Becker. "I hope other county organizations show their commitment to veterans as our own County Commissioners have done through their steadfast support of Operation Greenlight." Visit the Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program at kcowa.us/veterans for more information and links to resources available to local veterans and their families. Contact InformationRichard Becker, Kitsap County Department Of Human Services Veterans Assistance Program Coordinator, rbecker@kitsap.gov, 360-337-4811.
| | | Register to attend upcoming training sessions for Kitsap County's severe weather shelters | 10/18/2022 | Interested in helping those who need safe shelter from hazardous weather conditions? Learn more about volunteering at one of Kitsap County's severe weather shelters during orientation and training courses that will cover shelter operations, safety and security. Multiple training sessions are scheduled. Shelters rely solely on volunteers for staffing and more are needed at all locations for the upcoming severe weather shelter season from Nov. 1 through March 31. Volunteers fill five-hour shifts in the evening and overnight, with multiple volunteers during each shift. Training is required. Previous volunteers who are already trained do not need to attend but may want to join a session as a refresher. Sign up to attend one session at the location you'd like to volunteer. Walk-ins are welcome at the sessions and applications will be available on site. - Kingston Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE
6:30-8 P.M. Tues., Oct. 25 or Nov. 3 - Poulsbo Gateway Fellowship Church, 18901 8th Avenue NE, West Wing 272
6-8 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27 - Silverdale United Methodist Church, 9982 Silverdale Way NW
Time and date to be determined. Please email if you are interested. - Port Orchard United Methodist Church, 725 Kitsap Street
6-8 p.m. Wed, Nov. 2
The severe weather shelters are activated when: - temperatures are expected to be at or below 32 degrees for four or more hours and one or more successive days and/or
- snow accumulation is expected to exceed one inch or more for more than two days and/or
- there are two or more successive days of one inch or more of rain.
- Shelters may also activate when high wind warnings are issued.
Register online for volunteer training at kcowa.us/SWS-2022 or call 360-979-6358. Learn about the severe weather shelter program at kcowa.us/kcsws.
For more information, contact Virginia McCaslin, Kitsap County Department of Human Services Housing & Homelessness Division, vmccaslin@kitsap.gov or call (360) 979-6358.
| | | Commissioners appoint four members to Kitsap Public Health Board | 9/27/2022 | | | | North Kitsap Service Center Virtual Open House #4 scheduled for 9-29-22 at 5:30pm | 9/22/2022 | Kitsap County Public Works invites you to an online presentation to learn about design updates for the new road maintenance and household hazardous waste collection facility planned near the intersection of Bond Road NE (SR307) and NE Gunderson Road.
Join us Thursday, September 29!
| | | Travel Advisory: Overnight Intersection Closures at Anderson/Provost/Old Frontier Sept 21-22 for Paving | 9/16/2022 | The intersection at NW Anderson Hill Road, Provost Road NW, and Old Frontier Road NW in central Kitsap County will be closed during overnight hours to facilitate paving work: - 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, September 21
- 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday, September 22
Removing old sections of pavement can be loud and disruptive and crews will work quickly and efficiently to minimize night time noise. Inclement weather could delay paving and striping. For more information regarding this intersection improvement project visit the project page.
| | | Assessor's Office conducting on-site inspections in Central Kitsap | 9/13/2022 | (Port Orchard, WA) — Appraisers from the Kitsap County Assessor’s Office are now conducting on-site inspections throughout Central Kitsap. Washington State Law (RCW 84.41.030) requires inspections of all real property throughout the county at least once every six years.
The inspections of Central Kitsap should be completed by April 2023. 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. Our appraisers do not drive county vehicles; however their vehicles are marked with the proper county identification on both sides. Appraisers should be easily identifiable with high visible vests with the county logo. 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: http://www.kitsap.gov/assessor.
| | | Public invited to join virtual meetings this fall diving into key topics of Comprehensive Plan | 9/8/2022 | As part of early public outreach, Kitsap County will hold a series of virtual public meetings this fall to discuss the upcoming update to the Comprehensive Plan. These meetings cover a number of key topics including land use, economic development, housing, environmental and climate change, the Silverdale Regional Center, transportation and capital facilities. Each meeting begins at 6 p.m. on the following dates: - Tuesday, Sept. 13 – Land Use and Economic Development
- Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Housing
- Tuesday, Oct. 11 – Environmental and Climate Change
- Wednesday, Oct. 19 – Silverdale Regional Center
- Tuesday, Oct. 25 – Transportation and Capital Facilities
Go to the project website at kcowa.us/compplan for more information and links to join these virtual meetings. Each meeting will include a presentation and then attendees can choose to join interactive break-out groups to share their thoughts on issues and opportunities in Kitsap related to the topic of the evening. These may be shared verbally, through facilitated discussion or written in the chat option of the Zoom meeting. The Comprehensive Plan helps guide County decision making in addressing population and job growth, environmental protection and infrastructure investments through 2044. This includes the potential for new development, what it may look like and how it impacts our communities. For more information about the update, please visit the project website at kcowa.us/compplan. This site is updated regularly with upcoming public meetings, interactive surveys, policy questions, story maps on planning concepts, draft documents and other informational materials. If you have any specific questions, please send them to compplan@kitsap.gov or call Kitsap1 at (360) 337-5777 and ask for Planning and Environmental Programs.
| | | Fire danger remains high Friday through Sunday | 9/8/2022 | (Port Orchard, WA) - Local fire officials are making a special plea for the public to use extreme caution with all potential ignition sources as the coming weekend's weather conditions are expected to cause a spike in fire danger. The forecast includes high temperatures into the 90s, combined with low humidity and easterly winds. The National Weather Service posted a "Red Flag Warning" for exceptionally dangerous fire conditions for Friday through Sunday, but the situation is expected to change by Monday when a more normal fall weather pattern is forecast. A Stage One Outdoor Burn Ban, prohibiting all but recreational fires, went into effect August 5. Rather than impose a more stringent burn ban for this weekend alone, the Kitsap County Fire Marshal is partnering with the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs to ask the public to be especially careful. "This would be a good weekend to forego recreational fires or any other activities that could result in a fire," said Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam. Recreational fires are those in designated fire pits or appliances, less than 3 feet in diameter and burning only dry, seasoned wood. Between 80 to 90 percent of all wildfires are sparked by human activity. The most common cause is escaped outdoor fires. "There are resources available to respond to any fires that might break out, but the best way to keep Kitsap safe is to keep fires from starting. To do that, we need the public's help," Lyman added For more information on outdoor burning, go to kcowa.us/burnban or contact your local fire department.
| | | Kitsap event observes World Suicide Prevention Day | 8/26/2022 | Joining in a global effort to raise awareness about suicide, reduce associated stigmas and share information about suicide and mental health crisis prevention, the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board, Kitsap County Suicide Prevention & Awareness Group, The Coffee Oasis and Olympic Educational Service District 114 invite everyone to World Suicide Prevention Day from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division St., Port Orchard. This special event features community information tables for youth and adults, a panel discussion with local mental health experts, opportunities for the public to interact, and guest speakers including Kitsap legislators. There will also be a table of honor beads in different colors that those attending can choose from to show their personal connection to the cause. A candlelight vigil outside the building will close the day. The theme for 2022 World Suicide Prevention Day is 'Creating hope through action,' reflecting on the need for collective efforts to address this urgent public health issue. Family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials and governments can take action to prevent suicide. Be the light for those in need and learn what can be done to help others and possibly save a life with these suggestions to take time to reach out. To view and print the event flyer, click here.
Find information and resources on suicide prevention and awareness, including local crisis lines, at kcowa.us/suicideprevention.
| | | One minute a month to make Kitsap County better | 8/12/2022 | Kitsap County is testing FlashVote, a new way for the county to engage the community and gather valuable input from residents. FlashVote allows people to sign up and give their opinion on topics important to the Kitsap County community. "We are interested to see if this is a good way to engage residents on current issues," said Doug Bear, the County's Communication Manager. "This is a quick and easy way for residents to give their opinion on current issues," Bear added.
Sign up at flashvote.com/kitsap, or on the phone by calling 775.235.2240. It takes less than a minute to sign up! When youi sign up you decide how to get your surveys. You can choose to have them sent by email, text message, or phone call. Surveys are short, usually 3-5 questions, and typically take about a minute or two to complete. You get a notification when there is a new survey and have 48 hours to share you opinion. Once closed, all participants receive a summary of the results. Personal or demographic information collected by FlashVote is not shared with Kitsap County or anyone else.
The first survey is coming soon! Help us see if this is a good way to get your opinion on the topics that matter most.
| | | Overnight single-lane closures planned on Silverdale Way NW August 14-19 for paving project | 8/10/2022 | A section of Silverdale Way NW between NW Bucklin Hill Road and NW Anderson Hill Road has reached the end of its useful life. Kitsap County Public Works road crews will repair and replace asphalt on both the northbound and southbound lanes during overnight hours when traffic volumes are lower. There will be nightly single-lane closures on Silverdale Way NW from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 through 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19. One lane of traffic will remain open with flaggers in place to help guide travelers. Please use caution when traveling through the area, especially at night. Removing old sections of pavement can be loud and disruptive and crews will work quickly and efficiently to minimize nighttime noise. Inclement weather could delay paving and striping.
Contact: Eirik O'Neal, Roads Education and Outreach Coordinator, 360.337.4568, eoneal@kitsap.gov
TITLE VI
Kitsap County Department of Public Works Roads Division assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, as provided by Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and as amended, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.I. 100.259) be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Washington State Department of Transportation. For more information visit our Title VI page.
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