Kitsap Transit approves staff additions, contracts and repairs; delays marine-charter policy

Kitsap Transit’s Board of Commissioners on April 1 voted unanimously to add two administrative positions, award several vendor contracts and approve vessel repairs while postponing a proposed marine charter policy for further study.

The actions, taken during the board’s regular meeting in Bremerton, cover staffing for planning and administrative support, a two‑year janitorial contract, engine replacements for the Rich Passage I ferry, a construction change order to close out the Silverdale Transit Center contract and a payment to Washington State Ferries for Southworth terminal operations. Board members voted to return the marine charter policy to a study session after extensive discussion of liability, insurance, public‑benefit criteria and fee waivers.

Board members and staff said the staffing additions will replace and absorb work formerly done by a retiring consultant and formalize an existing temporary administrative role. John Clausen, Executive Director, told the board about the two positions and said “approximately 50% of this position will be paid for through the PRTPO,” the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization, while the other half will support agency duties, including planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The board approved the positions at a combined estimated annual cost of $216,929.

In separate votes, the board awarded a two‑year janitorial services contract to CLX of Seattle for a total contract value of $281,734 (the board noted $140,000 is budgeted for the current year and the remainder in next year’s budget). The board also authorized contractor work on the MV Rich Passage I—Platypus Marine, Inc. of Port Angeles was identified as the apparent low bidder for staged removal and replacement of three engines—authorizing a contract in the amount shown in staff materials.

Stephanie Lilly, Capital Projects Director, briefed the board on the Silverdale Transit Center, where inductive charging pads are operating and an additional change order is required to reconcile differing quantities of earthwork and asphalt paid during construction. The board approved change order KT21‑234 for $93,243, increasing the contract total to $15,769,525; staff warned a separate, likely smaller change order may follow to address induction charging generator communications when the site switches to backup power.

The board authorized payment of $206,400 to Washington State Ferries to cover Kitsap Transit’s apportioned operations and maintenance costs at the Southworth Ferry Terminal for July 2024 through June 2025; staff said the payment reflects Kitsap Transit’s share of staff and wear‑and‑tear costs under a joint‑use arrangement.

On the proposed marine charter policy—meant to govern use of Kitsap Transit’s three small community vessels—the board debated insurance, alcohol, child safety, fee waiver requests and how to avoid perceived favoritism. Mayor Mary Erickson moved to postpone further action and send the draft back to a work study; the motion carried and the board directed staff to refine policy language and bring the item back for consideration.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 25‑26 (Add two administrative positions to Service and Capital Development and Human Resources/Executive Departments): Mover: not specified in the record; Second: not specified; Outcome: approved unanimously; Cost: $216,929 (annual estimate); Notes: roughly 50% of planner position to be covered by PRTPO funding. - Resolution 25‑27 (Award janitorial contract to CLX of Seattle): Mover: Mayor Mary Erickson; Second: Commissioner Root; Outcome: approved unanimously; Contract total: $281,734 (two years); Budget note: $140,000 budgeted this fiscal year. - Resolution 25‑28 (MV Rich Passage I engine replacements and repairs): Mover/Second: motion made and seconded (not specified by name in transcript); Outcome: approved unanimously; Contract amount reported by staff. - Resolution 25‑29 (Silverdale Transit Center change order KT21‑234): Mover: Commissioner Walters; Second: Commissioner Root; Outcome: approved unanimously; Change order: $93,243; New contract total: $15,769,525; Note: follow‑up change order likely for generator/inductive charger communications. - Resolution 25‑30 (Marine charter policy): Mover: Councilmember Moriwaki; Second: Mayor Mary Erickson; Outcome: postponed to a work study for additional detail and return to a future meeting; Notes: board requested more explicit criteria on insurance, duration, fee waivers and annual approvals. - Resolution 25‑31 (Payment to Washington State Ferries for Southworth O&M): Mover: Councilmember Rose Duffy; Second: not specified; Outcome: approved unanimously; Amount: $206,400 for July 2024–June 2025.

Board chair closed the action portion of the meeting and moved the remaining reports and public comment forward.