City Council

Oak Harbor City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 This was both a physical meeting location and a virtual meeting. Meeting was viewable via YouTube at www,youtube.com/cityofoakharbor, on Facebook, and on Cable Channel 10/HD 1090 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wright called the workshop meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. ROLL CALL City Council Present: Staff Present/Videoconference Mayor Ronnie Wright Deputy City Administrator David Goldman Mayor Pro Tem Tara Hizon Development Services Director David Kuhl Councilmember Jim Woessner Public Works Director Steve Schuller Councilmember Bryan Stucky Police Chief Tony Slowik Councilmember Shane Hoffmire Interim Fire Chief Gordon Olson Councilmember Eric Marshall Principal Planner Cac Kamak Councilmember Christopher Wiegenstein Senior Planner Ray Lindenburg Councilmember Barbara Armes Parks Supervisor Brandon Cable Economic Development Coordinator Steve McCaslin Grants Administrator Wendy Horn Executive Services Coordinator Macalle Finkle Communications Officer Magi Aguilar City Clerk Julie Nester Also in attendance: City Attorney Hillary Evans of Kenyon Disend, PLLC MAYOR Mayor Wright welcomed all in attendance. He noted all councilmembers were present. Mayor Wright observed public comments are not normally taken at workshop meetings, although the Council may allow or request public participation on action items. There were several action items on the agenda today. Mayor Wright noted that he had asked for Council comments and the City Administrator’s items to be moved up in the agenda for workshops moving forward. He stated in upcoming workshops he will be inviting members of the Council to report on the advisory boards and commissions, as well as the County and community boards on which they serve on behalf of the City. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS There were no comments from the Council. Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 1 of 9 ADMINISTRATION a. Action Item: Ordinance No. 2006: Amending Oak Harbor Municipal Code Chapter 1.04 Updating the start time of Council meetings Mayor Wright explained he had requested and brought the update to Council meetings times to the June 26, 2024 Council workshop. The consensus of the Council’s discussion at that time was to change the start time of regular meetings from 6:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the start time for workshops from 2:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The time for regular meetings is set forth by the City’s Municipal Code. In order to change the start time for regular meetings, an ordinance is needed to amend the Code. Workshop meetings are not mandatory for Council attendance and are not included in the Code. Mayor Wright confirmed no public comments had been received on this item. No members of the public present provided comment. Councilmembers Stucky provided his respective questions and comments. Motion: Councilmember Stucky moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2006: Amending OHMC Chapter 1.04 Updating the start time of Council meetings. Councilmember Wiegenstein seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided a clarifying question about workshop meetings. The City Clerk noted workshop meetings, which are technically optional for attendance, were not included in either the City’s Municipal Code or in the Council Rules of Procedure. Hearing no other questions or comments, the vote on the motion passed unanimously. b. Action Item: Resolution 24-22: Amending Council Rules of Procedure to reflect change in start time Mayor Wright explained that as with the ordinance prior to this item, the Council Rules of Procedure also state the starting time for regular council meetings and must be amended to reflect the change. Mayor Wright confirmed no public comments had been received. There were no comments from the public in attendance. There were no additional comments from the Council. Motion: Councilmember Stucky moved to approve Resolution 24-22: Amending Council Rules of Pro- cedure to reflect the start time of Council meetings. Councilmember Wiegenstein seconded the mo- tion, which passed unanimously. c. Monthly Departments’ Report Mayor Wright noted the staff’s combined monthly report was included in the workshop packet for Council information and requested any questions be directed to City Administrator Combs. HUMAN RESOURCES a. Action Item: Fire Chief Employment Agreement Human Resources Director House presented the item and introduced Travis Anderson who was in at- tendance virtually. Travis was selected from a pool of 19 applicants following a series of interviews. Mr. Anderson has a Master’s in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s in Fire Administration, is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program, a graduate of the Emergency Management Advanced Academy, and currently serves as the Deputy Fire Chief for the North Las Vegas Fire Department. If approved by the Council, he will begin employment with the City on August 12, 2024 and be formally introduced at the August 13, 2024 council meeting. Director House thanked Interim Fire Chief Gordon Olson for his Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 2 of 9 service to the City and thanked Councilmembers Woessner and Marshall for participating in the interview process. Mr. Anderson was present virtually in the meeting and stated his appreciation. He noted he would be humbled to serve and was excited for the opportunity. Mayor Wright confirmed no comments had been submitted by the public. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and Councilmembers Hoffmire and Woessner provided their respective questions and comments. Motion: Councilmember Woessner moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the Employment Agreement with Travis Anderson as the Fire Chief for the City of Oak Harbor. Councilmember Hoffmire seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. POLICE DEPARTMENT a. Opioid Settlement Update Police Chief Slowik presented the update and provided an overview timeline: April 2022, City Council approved participation in One WA Opioid Settlement & Distributors Settlement March 2023 – July 2024, City Council has approved participation in seven settlement agreements August 2023, City Council approved the strategy to distribute opioid funds (Funds Review & Approval) September 2023, City Council approved opioid funds allocation half funding 29th police officer and SCIDEU April 2024, City Council approved funds for Naloxone The City is receiving two settlements: Johnson & Johnson Settlement Agreement Total $138,315.14 Received 2024 (onetime payment) Kroger’s Settlement Agreement Total $59,000 Received over 11 years @ $5,300 per year Settlement Fund Allocation: Three Strategy Approach 1. Continuation & Expansion of Law Enforcement Services related to the Opioid Epidemic. 2. Support Regional Drug Task Force Operations 3. Allocate Funding Accounts: 1. Administration of the Opioid Settlement Fund 2. City of Oak Harbor administrative costs. 3. Fund to support future action as it relates to the opioid crisis. Future Considerations include securing permanent funding of a Drug Detective position. Councilmember Woessner provided his respective questions and comments. b. Community Survey on Public Safety and Law Enforcement Services in Oak Harbor Police Chief Slowik presented the survey which was a work product facilitated by the Community Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 3 of 9 Advisory Board, and an overview of Oak Harbor Police Department Strategic Planning, Operational Staffing and Resource Allocation, Performance Based Budgeting, and Police Community Advisory Board Engagement. The Survey was created using National Community Policing Survey Development, the City of Oak Har- bor Staff, and the Oak Harbor Police Community Advisory Board. It focuses on five key components: Community Involvement Safety Procedural Justice Performance Contact and Satisfaction The survey period will run from August 1st to September 30th and will be promoted at special events such as National Night Out, the Oak Harbor Music Festival, the Oak Harbor Farmers’ Market and other public events. The survey can be completed online or on paper. The survey results will be presented to the City Council, posted on the City’s website, and included in the Police Department’s annual report. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and Councilmembers Stucky and Woessner provided their respective questions and comments. FINANCE a. Priority Based Budgeting – Presentation by Resource X Deputy City Administrator David Goldman introduced guest speaker Chris Fabian of Tyler Technologies Resource X who provided a presentation regarding priority-based budgeting. Line-item budgeting is still in use by a majority of cities and counties nationwide. The City of Oak Harbor is implementing program- based budgeting which is a component of priority-based budgeting Mr. Fabian reviewed the Resource X technology product, platform, and framework for use in inputting data, creating program inventory, allocating line items such as program costing, program scoring and evaluation, and budget development. Councilmember Marshall and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES a. Action Item: Economic Development Strategic Plan - Request for Proposals Development Services Director David Kuhl presented a review of the item which would invite qualified consultant firms to submit a proposal to develop an Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. The City last had such a plan done in 2013. The purpose of the Plan would include establishing a clear vision for Oak Harbor’s economic future and outline strategic objectives and actionable steps to strengthen and maintain a robust, resilient, and sustainable local economy. The Plan will also address critical challenges such as, but not limited to, affordable housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced education and workforce development opportunities. Development Services Director Kuhl reviewed the scope of services: • Conduct a review of existing planning documents, to include the County’s Comprehensive Eco- nomic Development Strategy (CEDS) to incorporate elements as appropriate; • Conduct community engagement to include: • Key stakeholder interviews, Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 4 of 9  • Public surveys and participation plan; and, • Develop a plan to implement EDSAP recommended programs and actions. • Develop a baseline economic analysis of: • Local demographics, • Labor and workforce, • Real estate market, • Local housing market and availability, • Industrial sector, • Retail sales and leakage, • Infrastructure, • Quality of life (cost of living and average wages), • And aging population impact. Deliverables will include: • Demographic Profile and Economic Base Analysis; • Meeting agendas, notes, and supporting materials for engagement; • Memorandum documenting outcomes and input received from engagement efforts; • Public Participation Plan; and, • Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. Proposed Funding for the contracting of the Economic Development Strategic Plan will come from the sale of the City’s Goldie Road property and from proceeds designated for economic development activ- ities. The release date for the Request for Proposals if approved by Council is July 25, 2024. The sub- mission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on August 23, 2024, with a tentative candidate selection of September 13, 2024. Mayor Wright confirmed no public comments had been received. No members of the public remained. Councilmembers Woessner, Marshall, Stucky, and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments. Motion: Mayor Pro Ten Hizon moved to approve the Request for Proposal for the Economic Develop- ment Strategy and Action Plan. Councilmember Hoffmire seconded the motion for the purpose of dis- cussion. Councilmembers Hoffmire, Wiegenstein, Armes, Stucky, Marshall, and Woessner provided additional questions and comments. With discussion concluded Mayor Wright called for a vote on the motion, which passed unanimously. b. Action Item: Sale of NE Goldie Road Property Development Services Director David Kuhl and Economic Development Coordinator Steve McCaslin reviewed the property sale for Parcel Number R13326-009-2990. The property is approximately 3.39 acres. The proposed sale of the property was presented at the January 24, 2024 Council workshop. Sale of the property was approved by the Council at the April 2, 2024 Council meeting via Resolution 24-08, declaring the property as surplus. Sealed bids for the property were accepted between May 4th to June 11th, 2024. Two bids were received, Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 5 of 9 one from Pastor Fannie Dean of Mission Ministry in the amount of $312,000., and one from Angela Prosser of Specialty Welding and Technique, LLC in the amount of $250,000. Staff recommended the Council approve the sale to the highest bidder, Pastor Fannie Dean for $312,000. Mayor Wright confirmed no public comments had been received. Pastor Dean was in attendance for this item and provided comment. Councilmember Stucky and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments. Motion: Councilmember Hoffmire moved to accept the highest bid for the sale of the Goldie Road sur- plus property, which is $312,000.00 from Pastor Fannie Dean. Councilmember Stucky seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. c. Valley High Mobile Home Park Development Services Director Kuhl reviewed the item and provided background information. Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson asked Mayor Wright to attend a meeting about the Valley High Mobile Home Park. During the meeting Island County requested the City assist with addressing a public health issue relating to Valley High Mobile Home Park. Valley High is located outside City limits in Island County, near the intersection of Gun Club Rd. and Oak Harbor Rd. The property owner has owned the property for approximately 11 years. Island County Public Health has been working with the property owner regarding their septic systems for about six years. Public Health is concerned that multiple septic systems are failing and overflowing on the property cre- ating a public health concern. Island County’s request if for the City of Oak Harbor to annex the property and connect it to the City’s water and sewer systems. A previous request to annex was received by the City from the property owner in 2023. However, Council voted to deny the request because the City had not received docu- mentation for the request and the property owner did not attend the meeting. City staff provided a list of immediate actions the County can take to address the issue. • Island County Public Health can take immediate action by requiring the property owner hire a company to come out on a regular basis to remove the sewage. • Island County can also require a Holding Tank for sewage The infrastructure is owned by a private landowner who should replace those septic and water/well systems. The City has no jurisdiction. The County is the body which can force the landowner to comply with health department regulations. Mayor Wright reiterated that the Island County Commissioner have asked what the City would or could do since the property is adjacent to the City. Councilmembers Woessner, Mayor Pro Tem Hizon, and Councilmembers Marshall, Stucky, and Wiegenstein provided their respective questions and comments. d. 2025 Comprehensive Plan Major Update Principal Planner Cac Kamak provided a review of the update, noting that although 2025 would be a major update, the City does include annual amendments as the community evolves. Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 6 of 9 Principal Planner Kamak reviewed three documents that will guide the 2025 Comprehensive Plan pro- cess: Project Charter Community Engagement Plan Project Schedule The City will face challenges with an allocated 5,500 population increase and housing unit needs over the next 20 years. The City will align development of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan with the County’s schedule for their comprehensive plan. The City will include a plan for community engagement, including a beginning and ending survey, and will form an Oak Harbor Planning Advisory Committee. Staff will return with additional updates at future workshops. Councilmembers Woessner and Stucky provided their respective questions and comments. e. Ordinance No. 1999 Revision Options Discussion Mayor Wright noted the Council was taking no action on the item today and would not be accepting public comment at this meeting. The public hearing on this proposed ordinance is continued to the Council’s August 13th meeting, at which public comments will be accepted. Senior Planner Ray Lindenburg reviewed history and background information. He explained the item was introduced as a standalone ordinance revision designed to streamline the process of transfer of park property on May 21, 2024. The proposed change was spurred by a pre-application review of a project located adjacent to Hal Ramaley Memorial Park. The original project called for a single-story development and parking lot. Subsequent staff discussion with the applicant centered around minimum density projects and need for additional housing and potential for larger projects. The revised project consisted of hotel and associated site improvements and included a boundary line adjustment to ac- commodate parking and access routes. Staff and the project proponent’s discussion evolved to a draft development agreement that was reviewed by City attorney staff who identified the election requirement. Senior Planner Lindenburg provided mapping of the proposed project area. Staff discussion: Comprehensive planning and downtown development Hotel or similar project to bring visitors and potential customers to downtown businesses Economic development A hotel/conference center project will kickstart revitalization of downtown area similar to projects in An- acortes A Draft Development Agreement was reviewed by Legal Staff who noted the requirement for an election for any transfer of park designated land. A standalone ordinance revision was introduced to City Council on May 21, 2024. At that time, a Public Hearing was held. The public was able to comment on the proposal and the topic of the specific project was brought up. Written comments were received. Staff relayed concerns about election require- ment to the Council for discussion. On July 9, 2024 Staff asked for continuance of item and noted the related ordinance to a specific project. The public hearing was continued to this meeting and the public was able to comment on the proposal and the topic of the specific project was once again brought up. Written comments were also received. The public hearing was continued to August 13, 2024. Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 7 of 9 Staff discussion and drafting of options for moving forward. Topics to address concerns and Council discussion: Removal of election requirement Donations and deed statements Potential of having a 1 for 1 standard for any park land disposal Environmental standards Park land per capita concerns Relocation/expansion of food forest Additional considerations beyond Hal Ramaley Memorial Park Senior Planner Lindenburg presented options for Oak Harbor Municipal Code 1.30.010: 1. Change ordinance to draft presented on May 21 – Council approves draft change to OHMC 1.30.010, removing the standard for an election to transfer park lands. 2. Change ordinance to require a 1:1 ratio of land in a land swap situation and leave the requirement to have an election if park lands are to be sold outright or traded in a less favorable ratio to the City. 3. Change ordinance to require an election only in case of a land swap, sale or other transfer over a certain acreage or square footage of City land given. 4. Change ordinance to allow for land swaps or transfers based on value given and received being equal or in favor of the City, and all others still requiring an election. 5. No change to existing OHMC 1.30.010 – Council declines to make changes to code, existing code remains in effect and elections are required to dispose of designated park lands. Staff’s recommendation is for the Council to consider the options presented and direct staff to prepare final draft of ordinance with any desired changes to be presented at public hearing on August 13. Councilmembers Woessner, Armes, Wiegenstein, Stucky, Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their re- spective questions and comments. Councilmember Marshall noted there were three community members present. He requested to sus- pend the Council rules and allow public comment at this workshop. There were no objections from the Council. 1. Laura Renninger of Oak Harbor noted her concern with comments that those who had provided public comment had not done their homework, noting her public records requests to the City and research at the Island County Historical Society. She opposed the proposed ordinance changes and questioned whether the City had the whole deed to the property as she found non assigned by the County. She stated no one came from the city to discuss this at the garden club and noted the location of the food forest shed and ground vegetables is in the location of the ease- ment. 2. Denise Marion of Oak Harbor noted she lived across the street from the trailhead of Scenic Heights Road. She stated she did not have complete information until this meeting and thought if all information had been put forth earlier, the City would not have received so much push back, She believed at this point the only option was option number 5 of those presented. She liked the idea of value to value, but questioned how that would be determined. She noted the bar for selling parkland for development should be pretty high, as supported by the current ordinance. 3. Amanda Bullis of Freeland, speaking on behalf of the Whidbey Environmental Action Network, stated she was also very interested in the planning process for the Comprehensive Plan. She believed Option 5, taking no action was most in-line with the comments the Council had received. and to examine the information being put out. She asked whether a boundary line adjustment could be done instead. Ms. Bullis noted there are 26 parks not under protection in the City with the majority of them being half an acre of less. She noted the Council voting no now did not mean they could not revisit the question at another time and thanked the Council for allowing comment. Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 8 of 9 Councilmembers Marshall, Stucky, and Woessner posed further questions of Senior Planner Lindenburg and provided their additional questions and comments. Mayor Wright thanked Senior Planner Lindenburg and City staff for their work. Staff will bring an update based on today’s discussion to the continued public hearing on August 13th. ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Wright adjourned the workshop at 6:05 p.m. Certified by Julie Nester, City Clerk Workshop Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Page 9 of 9