The Port Orchard City Council heard from concerned residents about ongoing downtown parking issues and safety along the waterfront trail at its meeting April 22.

During the public comment period, Erica Anderson, president of the Port Orchard Farmers Market, advocated for better access to downtown parking on Saturdays, citing increasing traffic from market visitors, library patrons, and local businesses.

“Many visitors will circle and circle and never find a parking spot—they just give up and leave,” Anderson said.

She proposed leveraging South Kitsap Ride services on Saturdays to shuttle visitors from the Kitsap County government building to the downtown waterfront.

“The shuttle would ease the parking crunch and increase access to small businesses, vendors and services,” she said. “It’s a low-cost, high-impact solution using a resource already in place.”

Mayor Rob Putaansuu responded by noting federal restrictions on using SK Ride for charter services but pointed out that existing routed bus service passes by the county campus.

Dan Schubert, bookkeeper at Hall-N-Sons Automotive Repair, also raised concerns about parking, specifically for employees downtown.

“There really isn’t real public parking for employees,” Schubert said, requesting the removal of 4-hour parking limits on the 500 block of Bay Street.

Bonnie Myers brought up safety concerns regarding high-speed recreational vehicles on the waterfront trail, which she said has seen increased use in the spring weather.

“These fast-moving vehicles are weaving in and out of pedestrians… kids, strollers, dogs—it doesn’t feel safe,” Myers said.

Putaansuu acknowledged the issue and said additional signage and education may be needed to address the behavior.

The council approved a resolution authorizing a contract for the Givens Park Sports Court remodel project. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for May 5 at 11:30 a.m.

“This project aims to improve public recreational facilities by resurfacing courts, upgrading side access, lighting, and related park fixtures,” said Dennis Ryan, a city staff member.

Council also adopted the 2025–2026 Biennial Budget, including the purchase of a 2025 Ford Transit full-size cargo van for $95,522.11. The van will support utility response and operations, purchased through a state contract with Bud Clary Ford.

Putaansuu concluded the meeting with an update on the new city hall. He said final concrete work is being poured, allowing paving to begin. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is tentatively scheduled for May 25, coinciding with the Mosquito Fleet Festival.