RES 68-02 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN~,
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RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF WINSL,OW
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Developments over the past few years have made it increasingly
apparent that if the residents of Bainbridge Island are to have the necessary
municipal services required for the present and future needs of the island,
such as comprehensive planning and zoning, water and sewer services and
police and fire protection, such services can only be provided by the formation
of an all-island local municipal government.
Studies made by the local government committees of the Bainbridge
Island Community Development Council indicate that the formation of an all-
island city would be financially feasible and could provide these required
services. Under existing Washington law there is no legal way in which a new
all-island city (including the present incorporated town) can be formed in one
election, and separate incorporation of the. unincorporated areas of Bainbridge
Island would result in the existence of two municipalities, each with its own
employees and governing body. Although at a future time these two
municipalities could, by a majority vote of the residents in both cities, elect
to consolidate, the history of consolidation elections in Washington is dismal.
Experience shows that whenever two cities exist serving essentially the same
population, rivalries tend to develop, and because many of the functions are
duplicated in both cities consolidation necessarily means the elimination of
some jobs and employees. These factors tend to discourage consolidation.
To have two cities operating on Bainbridge Island would result in an unnecessary
duplication of municipal services and unwarranted complications which would
hinder both cities. Mercer Island provides a good example of such a
situation, although both the Town of Mercer Island and the City of Mercer
Island were formed simultaneously. On:Yy b'y having one city can Bainbridge
Island possibly meet the need for vastly expanded ferry terminal parking
facilities, which would be beyond the financial ability of Winslow and outside
the powers of a separate city of Bainbridge Island.
Because of the present area limitation of 2 square miles on a
town the size of Winslow, it is impossible for Winslow to attempt annexation
of all of Bainbridge Island immediately. However, on July 1, 1969, the
Optional Municipal Code which has no area limitation becomes effective in
Washington, and if Winslow elects to become anon-charter code city, there
would be no obstacle to then calling for an election on annexation of all of
the unincorporated portions of Bainbridge Island. If such an election is
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approved by a majority of the voters living in the unincorporated area, one
city would then be formed and the present personnel of the Town of Winslow
would provide the experienced nucleus of the new city. The existence of
trained personnel familiar with the area as well as an experienced governing
body to immediately assume responsibility when the larger city is created
is of major importance. Additional employees can be added after a careful
screening process instead of under the pressure of immediate necessity.
The council of the Town of Winslow feels that this procedure would
be preferable to incorporation of Bainbridge Island into a separate city,
excluding Winslow, and then attempting to consolidate at a later time.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the T-own of Winslow as
follows
1. The representatives of the Town of Winslow should meet
immediately with the local government committees of Bainbridge Island
Community Development Council to explore the feasibility of working together
im order to adopt a plan whereby Winslow can proceed to become a non-
charter code city, and immediately following this to call for an election for
the annexation of the unincorporated areas of Bainbridge Island.
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2. That if it is agreed by the Town of Winslow and the Community
Development Council and other interested service groups representing the
unincorporated areas of the island that this is the most practical and sensible
way to incorporate Bainbridge Island, the following steps should be taken
between now and July 1, 1969:
(a) A program of education on the advantages of all-island in-
corporation be immediately instituted to secure public support of such a
proposal. Joint public meetings should be held to acquaint both the residents
of Winslow and of Bainbridge Island with such a proposal.
(b) The two organizations can commence establishment of a budget
and organization plan for the new city which would be put into effect upon the
passage of the annexation election.
(c) Inasmuch as the new revenues would not be immediately available
a priority plan for extension of the now existing municipal services should be
established. Additional employees can be added as required.
(d) The form of governm nt, i, e. , mayor- council, city manager-
council, etc. , can be submitted to a vote of all the residents of the all-island
city as soon as practical after annexation and the new elected officials,
representing all of Bainbridge Island, can be chosen at the same time.
(e) The present Winslow Planning Commission, working with the
committees of the Bainbridge Island Development Council, can immediately
start preparation of a comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance which would
cover all of Bainbridge Island. The comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance,
when drafted and approved by both the Winslow Planning Commission and the
Bainbridge Island Community Development Council, can be adopted by
ordinance of the Town of Winslow and under Washington law would become
effective immediately upon annexation. The existence of such a comprehensive
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plan and zoning ordinance for Bainbridge Island would probably have a
stabilizing effect upon the Kitsap Planning Commission which would be aware
of this plan becoming law upon annexation.
ADOPTED this 15th day of January, 1968.
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ayor
Attest:
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Clerk
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