Ban draft needs ‘teeth’
A draft revision to the city’s fireworks ordinance would ban the possession, sale and use of fireworks within Bainbridge Island.
Penalties for infractions are still being discussed, but could range from a $500 fine to jail time for repeat offenders.
Changes to the draft’s penalties clause were discussed at Monday’s Community Relations and Public Safety Committee (CRC) meeting. Changes are being made to the ordinance to address ongoing property damage, injuries, fire danger and pollution concerns relating to the public use of fireworks.
However, the language of the revisions, especially in regard to penalties, still needs to undergo city attorney and prosecuting attorney scrutiny. It must be decided if infractions would be charged as a civil offense (violations only penalized by a fine), criminal offense (possible jail time) or some hybrid of the two – if that would be constitutional.
“We’re trying to find a balance,” said Deputy Police Chief Mark Duncan. “How do you put some teeth in a law without making people criminals?”
As noted in the draft, exceptions would be granted for public or private fireworks displays that undergo a permitting process overseen by the city fire marshal.
The CRC has been looking at a fireworks ban since last year.
New head
for BHS band
Bainbridge High School’s annual marching band camp got under way this week and will continue next week under the tutelage of a new band director, Lillian Garcia, who is en route to Bainbridge Island this week from Virginia.
Garcia, who has worked as a music educator for 14 years in her native Virginia, is moving to the Northwest with her husband, who is a member of the U.S. Navy and will be stationed at Everett.
Band camp began Monday with a total of five hours spent daily at Commodore Field. Garcia is expected to be at band camp beginning next Monday. Sessions will be held from 1-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a break for dinner.
Questions regarding Band Camp activities can be directed to the BHS Band Booster group at: bhsband08@gmail.com.
School groups seek members
The Bainbridge Island School District is seeking parents and other interested community members to participate on a variety of school district advisory and program review committees for the 2008-09 school year.
Committee vacancies are anticipated on the following advisory committees: Elementary Report Card Committee, Instructional Materials Committee, Title VII Indian Education Parent Committee, Multicultural Advisory Committee, Health Education Advisory Committee, Special Education Program Council, Highly Capable Education Advisory Committee, and the Technology Advisory Committee.
District-level groups include representation by parents, community and school instructional staff members. They meet regularly during the school year. Volunteer application forms are available from the Bainbridge Island School District administrative office or at any of the public school offices.
For further information or to request an application by mail/email, contact Judy Kornbau at 780-1071 or at jkornbau@bainbridge.wednet.edu.
City needs eyes on water
Volunteers are needed for the city’s Harbor Stewards program. Harbor Stewards are appointed by the Harbor Commission for a term of no more than three years with no limitation on the number of terms to which one may be appointed.
Duties include meeting and helping boaters, assisting during marine incidents, sharing information about harbor rules and reporting activity to the Harbor Comission.
Contact Harbormaster Tami Allen at 842-2552.
