A. There is created a climate change advisory committee for the city, hereinafter referred to as “the committee.” The committee shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC.

B. The committee shall consist of experts living on Bainbridge Island who are regarded as qualified scientific experts pursuant to WAC 365-195-905(4) in order to fulfill the purposes described in this section. The committee members should have expertise in climate science, atmospheric science, engineering, energy management, water conservation, planning, policy, environmental law, economics, solid waste management, forestry, systems analysis, and communications.

C. Members shall serve for three-year terms, and the positions on the committee shall expire as follows: (1) the terms of positions 1, 2, and 3 shall expire on June 30, 2027; (2) the terms of positions 5, 6, and 7 shall expire on June 30, 2025, and position 7 shall be eliminated; and (3) the terms of positions 4, 8 and 9 shall expire on June 30, 2026, and position 9 shall be eliminated.

On July 1, 2026, positions shall be renamed as follows: positions 6, 4, and 8 shall be renamed 4, 6, and 7, respectively. The seven position terms shall expire on June 30th and new terms commence on July 1st three years later, based on the staggering as described.

D. The committee may develop a pool of qualified experts in the various aspects of science, policy, and planning set forth in subsection B of this section and may consult with these experts on issues related to their field of expertise as appropriate and necessary. This pool of experts is to be used for consultation only and will not be compensated or considered members of the committee. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2024-08 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2021-16 § 9, 2021; Ord. 2018-06 § 1, 2018; Ord. 2017-13 § 1, 2017)

The processes for vacancies and removal shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2019-01 § 18, 2019: Ord. 2017-13 § 1, 2017)

The committee is established for the following purposes:

A. To serve as a technical and planning advisory committee to the city council, city manager, and department of planning and community development staff on issues related to climate change as directed by the city council.

B. To assist the city in implementing the climate-related goals and policies of the comprehensive plan by undertaking the following tasks as expeditiously as committee and city resources allow:

1. Provide advice and/or recommendations to the city council or city staff, as appropriate, related to city GHG emission reduction targets.

2. Work with city staff, as appropriate, to complete and recommend to the city council a city climate action plan and implementation strategy.

3. Provide advice and/or recommendations to the city council or city staff, as appropriate, on how to measure progress toward meeting the city’s GHG emissions reduction targets and adaptation actions.

4. As directed by the city council, assist the city with participation in regional climate change efforts.

5. Provide education and outreach to the public regarding climate change and the work of the committee and the city relating to climate change. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2017-13 § 1, 2017)

The processes for meetings, officers, records and quorum shall be governed by Chapter 2.01 BIMC. (Ord. 2025-22 § 1, 2025; Ord. 2019-01 § 19, 2019; Ord. 2017-13 § 1, 2017)