Bainbridge council reverses vote on city dock project

The Bainbridge Island City Council abruptly reversed its week-old decision to focus its limited funds on a new city dock — rather than a makeover of Waterfront Park — at its meeting Tuesday.

By Brian Kelly • January 14, 2015 12:30 am

The Bainbridge Island City Council abruptly reversed its week-old decision to focus its limited funds on a new city dock — rather than a makeover of Waterfront Park — at its meeting Tuesday.

Bainbridge City Councilman Val Tollefson asked the council to rescind its Jan. 6 decision that would made the city dock a higher priority than a revamped Waterfront Park.

Some on the council noted the waterfront project had been listed on last week’s agenda as an information-only item. But after Public Works Director Barry Loveless told the council that grants would not come in to help pay for the $3 million project, and the city was $835,000 short of the funding needed for both park improvements and a new dock, Bonkowski asked the council to move forward with the dock design in 2015 and construction of the main part of the dock in 2016.

Last week’s council session was marked by a large number of dock supporters who asked the council to move forward on the new public pier before starting improvements to Waterfront Park.

Tollefson asked the council to rethink that decision.

“Frankly, I think we lost our way a little bit,” Tollefson said.

Some on the council did not want to revisit the decision, however.

Councilman Steve Bonkowski said the dock should still be a priority, and the dock was dangerous in its current condition.

“I would not take my grandkids on it,” Bonkowski said.

“I think we made the right decision,” he added.

Councilwoman Sarah Blossom said she still thought the dock should be the city’s top priority for improvements.

Councilman Wayne Roth, however, said that the city still intends to do both.

“We’ll get it done,” Roth said, but he added that a more extended discussion needs to happen if a sole priority is chosen.

Councilman Roger Townsend also said he had concerns about public participation, and said he would support rescinding the decision.

The reset was approved on a 4-2 vote, with council members Bonkowski and Blossom voting against the move.

Council members agreed to revisit the waterfront project at an upcoming meeting.