As City Manager Blair King Winds Down his Career, He Reflects on the Island’s Idiosyncratic Ag Community; Farewell Event Scheduled for Jan. 28th

By Blair King

Near my house are a few pastures. One has goats and a sheep, and the other has two llamas. The goats and llamas are stars in our neighborhood. My neighbors visit the goats and entice them to come to the fence with a snack of a carrot or a piece of apple. One of the goats, named Butterscotch, was so gentle and sweet that when she died, her owner informed the neighborhood via a hand-printed sign. The entire neighborhood mourned.

A few feet from the goats live two llamas. I can’t help myself, I make noises to get the llamas’ attention. There is something about the curious, quizzical look on their faces as they look up (never stopping their chewing) that brings a smile every time.

A few feet from the goats live two llamas. I can’t help myself, I make noises to get the llamas’ attention. There is something about the curious, quizzical look on their faces as they look up (never stopping their chewing) that brings a smile every time.

One of the many idiosyncrasies of Bainbridge Island is our embrace of agriculture while also being a fully recognized municipal corporation. It is a city that encourages agriculture both commercially and as a hobby. Pursuant to the Municipal Code, Bainbridge Island is a right-to-farm community. Agricultural operations conducted in conformance with best practices are not considered a nuisance. Typically, best practice is demonstrated through the adoption and implementation of a Farm Management Plan. These plans address issues such as manure management, crop production, livestock care, pest management, sensitive habitat, and other aspects of agricultural operations.

As City staff, we often find ourselves on both sides of agricultural issues, arbitrating disputes between community members engaged in agricultural operations and those who consider them a nuisance. In some cases, a property owner is not following best management practices, and we are required to work with them to bring operations into conformance. In other instances, the property owner is operating according to a Farm Management Plan, and we are required to inform concerned neighbors that the property owner has the right to farm.

We are also unique due to the City’s ownership of approximately 60 acres of farmable land and the leases we hold with tenant farmers. We even have a contract farm manager who serves as our hands-on representative to those farmers, not a typical city position.

I like quality food. A nice goat cheese is one of my favorites. Pairing goat cheese with wine produced by Emily, Alphonse, Betsey, Armathia, Mike, or any of our local winemakers is one of the pleasures of living on Bainbridge Island. It deepens my appreciation for our right-to-farm mindset.

BI Community is Invited to a Special Event Jan. 28th to Honor Blair King for his Years of Service 

You are invited to a special community event in honor of our retiring City Manager Blair King, who has dedicated his life to public service for over 45 years. Blair has been with the City of Bainbridge Island since 2021, and his commitment and hard work have made a significant impact on our community.

King was unanimously appointed by the City Council on March 8, 2021. With nearly five years of service, he has led the city through transformative projects, organizational improvements, and community challenges leaving a legacy of professional excellence and fiscal stability, according to a City press statement.

When: Jan. 28 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. (short, informal program at 5 p.m.)

Where: Stan Pocock Rowing Center on Eagle Harbor (281 Brien Drive SE)

Free and open to the public.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to share stories, express gratitude, and wish our City Manager a happy retirement.

In the spirit of community and sustainability, we encourage attendees to walk, take public transit, or carpool to the event. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the remarkable career of our City Manager together.

See previous story on Blair King’s retirement: https://theislandwanderer.com/city-manager-to-retire-at-the-end-of-january-this-weekend-at-bpa-bainbridge-youth-orchestra-fall-concert-sunday-3-p-m-seattle-comedy-competition-7-p-m-edge-improv-coming-up/

Source Materials and Photos courtesy of Blair King and the City of Bainbridge Island. 

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