POULSBO — Nothing quite prepares you for the first time, and as she completes her first year in office, Poulsbo Mayor Kathryn Quade can attest to that.

After defeating former Mayor Donna Jean Bruce in the November 2005 election, Quade was on the opposite end of the city council’s decision to locate city hall on 10th Avenue property purchased from Olympic Property Management.

As an organized movement to keep city hall downtown emerged, Quade and the council relented and put the issue to the voters in November, when the overwhelming majority voted for the downtown site.

However, as she took a few minutes to reflect on her first year as mayor, city hall wasn’t the first thing that came to mind.

“I think we accomplished a lot and there are a lot of exciting things yet to come,” she said.

The Marine Science Center, which was among her top priorities for 2006, appears on its way toward rebirth, she said.

The $14.9 million State Route 305 widening project, the Bond Road Pump Station and Bond Road Force Main are some key infrastructure projects, Quade said she was glad to see become reality during her first year.

“I have a really great and supportive staff, and that’s been a big help,” she said.

When former Public Works Director Jeff Lincoln abruptly resigned less than a month after she took office, it took almost six months before Jeff Bauman was lured from Wilsonville, Ore. to assume the post.

“It was worth the wait. We’re very grateful to have him,” Quade said.

New deputy city clerk Carol Etgen was hired after longtime deputy clerk Sherry White retired in May.

As Quade looks ahead into the new year, her top priorities are jump-starting the citywide visioning effort, updating the comprehensive plan and making progress on a new city hall.

“We’re going to have a lot of public involvement. There will be a lot of focus on defining the vision for Poulsbo,” she said.

Ever mindful of the upcoming council elections in 2007 and their potential impacts on how the council, Quade said she is confident council members will stay on task throughout the year.

“I believe this council is strong enough to focus on the work at hand,” she said. “The election will come and go, and they will still be on task.”

That determined focus will be key as the city builds on the foundations laid in 2006 to provide a clearer picture of its future in 2007, Quade said.