City Council
Regular MeetingOak Harbor, WA · May 20, 2025
Minutes
Oak Harbor City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2025
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 following the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
Call To Order and Native Lands Acknowledgement - Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at
5:30 p.m. He included the acknowledgement that the meeting was being held on the ancestral lands
of the Coast Salish people and paid respect to those past and present.
Invocation – Led by Pastor David Jenkins, Living Faith Church.
.
Pledge of Allegiance – Led by Councilmember Stucky.
ROLL CALL
City Council Present: Staff Present/Videoconference
Mayor Ronnie Wright City Administrator Sabrina Combs
Mayor Pro Tem Tara Hizon Deputy City Administrator David Goldman
Councilmember Jim Woessner Development Services Director David Kuhl
Councilmember Bryan Stucky Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith
Councilmember Eric Marshall City Engineer Alex Warner
Councilmember Christopher Wiegenstein Police Sergeant Matthew Krysinski
Councilmember Barbara Armes Fire Chief Travis Anderson
Councilmember James P. Marrow Fire Marshall and Division Chief Paul Schroer
Public Works Administration Manager Sandra Place
Harbormaster Alyce Henry
Grants Administrator Wendy Horn
Communications Officer Magi Aguilar
Senior Administrative Assistant Angela Braunstein
Executive Services Coordinator Macalle Finkle
City Clerk Julie Nester
Also in attendance: City Attorney
Hillary Evans of Kenyon Disend, PLLC
Others in Attendance included members of the Oak
Harbor Fire Department
EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBERS
Mayor Wright greeted all in attendance. He noted all members of the Council were present.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Wright requested any changes to the agenda. Hearing none, the agenda was approved as pre-
sented.
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Page 1 of 11
2. PRESENTATIONS
a. Oak Harbor Fire Department Promotion Ceremonies
Fire Chief Anderson noted he was privileged to conduct promotional ceremonies for three outstanding
personnel. Otto Haffner – promoted from Lieutenant to Captain, Josh Fiske – promoted from Firefighter
to Lieutenant, and Kevin Frondozo – promoted from Firefighter to Lieutenant. Chief Anderson noted all
had undergone nine demanding assessments and three scenarios to qualify for advancement. Chief
Anderson explained the responsibilities of these positions were immense and praised those being pro-
moted for accepting the call to leadership through service and example.
The promotion included a pinning ceremony. Kevin Frondozo received his lapel pins from his daughter,
and Otto Haffner received his lapel pins from his wife and daughters and received his “brass” from Fire
Marshall Schorer, as his prior Captain.
Chief Anderson administered the Oaths of Office to Lieutenant Frondozo and Captain Haffner. He ex-
plained that Josh Fiske had been recently injured in an accident and was unable to attend this evening.
Mayor Wright called for a short recess to allow for photos and congratulations.
b. Proclamation – National Public Works Week
City Engineer Warner provided background information on the annual recognition to honor the service
of Public Works staff, May 18-24, 2025, noting the staff takes pride in serving our modern city. This
year’s theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” highlights three cornerstone ideals that motivate public
works professionals to serve in their communities every day. Meeting the needs of people is what gives
public works its sense of purpose. Many times, public works professionals will never meet those whose
lives have been impacted because when things are going right, no one knows that public works is there.
Yet, with or without fanfare, public works is ever present, working in the background to advance quality
of life for all.
Councilmember Wiegenstein read the proclamation at the request of Mayor Wright.
c. In Memory of Former City Officials and Employees
Mayor Wright reported that City staff had heard of the recent passings of three people affiliated with
the City of Oak Harbor, two of which were included in the meeting packet, with the third passing away
very recently.
• Jim Campbell was a leader in our community and served as a City Councilmember for 12 years.
• Kate Rose was a former City employee and Administrator of The Center. She was a valued mem-
ber of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
• Al Baza retired from the City’s Public Works Department last year after many years of providing
great service to our community.
Mayor Wright requested a moment of silence in their memory. He noted the City acknowledges their
significant contributions and that they are dearly missed.
d. Oak Harbor High School Art and Career Technical Education Students
Mayor Wright observed that those attending this evening may have noticed some spectacular artwork
displayed both outside and inside the Council Chambers this evening. The Oak Harbor High School
students have been repeatedly recognized for their abilities and members of the City’s Arts Commis-
sion requested they be acknowledged.
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Page 2 of 11
Mayor Wright introduced Kevin Phan, the Constituent Advocate for Representative Rick Larsen who
selects one piece of art each year to display in his Capitol office from the Congressional art competi-
tion held each spring. This year, students from Oak Harbor High School placed first, second, and
third.
Oak Harbor instructors Kit Christopherson, Jana Jansen, and Maya Kilmer introduced their students
and their exceptional artwork in many genres.
Mayor Wright congratulated all of the students on their accomplishments. Councilmembers Marshall
and Woessner, and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon offered their congratulations as well.
Mayor Wright called for a short recess to allow for photos and congratulations by the Council.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Wright noted members of the public could comment on Consent Agenda items or subjects of
interest not listed on the agenda at this time and there would be an opportunity to comment on the
remaining agenda items during the meeting as appropriate.
The public may also visit the City’s website prior to meetings for methods to submit public comments,
or contact the City Clerk, Julie Nester, by phone or email. When submitting comments, please include
your name and address. Public comments sent anonymously or from a non-verifiable address will be
shared with the Mayor and Council but will not be displayed. Comments on public hearing items will be
taken during the public hearings portion of the meeting.
The City only received public comments regarding a public hearing item, which Mayor Wright noted
would be displayed during the public hearing comment period.
Mayor Wright asked if there were any members of the public present who wished to speak to any other
items not listed on the agenda or on the consent agenda. He noted the Clerk would call on speakers in
the order in which they signed in to speak. Mayor Wright asked speakers to please step forward to the
microphone and state their name and address, and to please limit comments to three minutes.
Hearing no one with a desire to address the Council, the public comment period was closed.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Consent Items
a. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting of May 6, 2025
b. Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers
c. Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Application
d. Resolution 25-19: Declaring Certain City Property to be Surplus Property
e. Puget Sound Energy Electric Vehicle Charging Project
Mayor Wright called for any changes to the consent agenda. Hearing none he called for a motion for
approval.
Motion: Councilmember Marrow moved to approve the consent agenda. Councilmember Wiegenstein
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
5. MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMENTS
a. Mayor’s Comments
Regular Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025
Page 3 of 11
Mayor Wright provided the following comments:
Wright Blend: We had a large turnout last Friday with great conversation and questions regarding the
topics of:
• Public Records
• Homelessness
• Downtown Redevelopment
• Community Involvement
• Public Safety
Thank you to the Main Street Association for hosting and to Honeymoon Bay Coffee and Roasters for
coffee and goodies.
Out and About Recap: We’ve had a busy time outside of City Hall:
• The Arts Commission sponsored and presented the Arts Plan at the Chamber Luncheon last
week.
• Senior Planner Rajesh “Cac” Kamak and City Administrator Sabrina Combs attended the Oak
Harbor Public School's Capital Facilities Advisory Committee. Cac presented on City’s plans for
growth due to current Comprehensive Plan and redevelopment discussions.
• The Oak Harbor Marina had a booth at the Anacortes Boat Show last weekend.
• City Administrator Combs attended the Community Cares event last weekend on Pioneer Way.
• Public Works Week: As noted by our earlier proclamation, we’re celebrating Public Works Week
at the Municipal Shop, located at 1400 NE 16th Avenue, hosting our next Community Catch-
Up, May 22nd from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. This is a great event for the whole family and will include
a chance to “Touch a Truck,” learn about Public Works projects, and meet the staff who work
behind the scenes to keep our City running smoothly.
New Harbormaster: Congratulations to Alyce Henry who has been named Harbormaster at the City of
Oak Harbor Marina. Alyce served as our Assistant Harbormaster and then Interim Harbormaster and
was selected from a highly qualified group of applicants.
Upcoming Events:
• Coffee with a Cop – Join your neighbors and police officers for coffee and conversation –
Wednesday, May 21st (tomorrow) and Whidbey Coffee at 31275 State Route 20 from 11:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Memorial Day Events – Monday, May 26th Services of Remembrance, 10:00 a.m. Maple Leaf
Cemetery – Oak Harbor, 1:00 p.m. Sunnyside Cemetery – Coupeville, 2:00 p.m. Fleet Reserve
Open House – Oak Harbor
• Advisory Board Vacancies: Apply now on our website: www.oakharbor.gov.
• Stay Connected: There are many ways to contact us or learn more about the City – these were
listed on screen
b. Councilmembers
Councilmembers Armes, Woessner, Marshall and Stucky provided their respective comments.
Councilmember Armes reported that the Oak Harbor Marina participated in the Anacortes Boat Show
and praised the work of Harbormaster Henry and staff who represented the Marina.
Councilmember Woessner noted how fortunate we are to have a school system that offers programs
as demonstrated this evening, and to live in a community in which we form bonds and offer remem-
brance of those who have passed.
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Councilmember Marshall reported he was recently selected as the new Executive Director of the
Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He read aloud the following letter:
May 19, 2025
Dear Mayor Wright,
I am writing to formally acknowledge the potential conflicts of interest that may arise due to my recent
appointment as the Executive Director of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6)
nonprofit organization while concurrently servicing as a council member for the City of Oak Harbor. On
May 6, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce unanimously
appointed me as the permanent Executive Director.
I am cognizant of existing and potential future grant funding issues and will take necessary steps to
avoid any conflict or the appearance thereof. This includes making appropriate disclosures and rec-
using myself from grant-related votes when required. I recognize that the Oak Harbor Chamber of
Commerce has historically received funding from the City of Oak Harbor Lodging Tax Committee
(LTAC) grant program, and I will maintain only a remote interest in the relevant contracts per state law,
as my compensation is solely a fixed salary. My participation as a council member in past LTAC voting
had no bearing on my appointment to the Director position.
I commit to adhering to the recusal process regarding any Chamber-related decisions and to disclose
my remote interest before any future contracts between the City of Oak Harbor and the Chamber. I will
ensure that my remote interest is documented in the official minutes and will not influence or attempt
to influence the decisions of others as it pertains to the Chamber of Commerce.
Finally, I will continue to seek legal counsel as needed while navigating this new role.
Sincerely,
Eric Marshall
Councilmember Stucky congratulated Councilmember Marshall on his appointment and thanked him
for acknowledging any potential conflicts about which he noted he had reservations but no doubts.
Councilmember Stucky requested whether there was an update from staff on the production of a Fre-
quently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) document regarding homelessness. Communications Officer Aguilar
noted she was working with Police Chief Slowik on producing this, with many of the questions com-
pleted, and would review and finalize the document with the Mayor and Chief Slowik upon his return.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS & MEETINGS
a. Ordinance No. 1998: Adoption of a Business and Occupation Tax
Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director Goldman presented the proposed ordinance and the
corresponding proposed Ordinance No. 2000, which would create the administrative provisions for a
Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax. He explained the discussion and presentations of a potential
B&O Tax had taken place at multiple previous Council meetings and workshops, with agenda items
related to the adoption of a local B&O Tax to fund community identified projects that were discussed
by City Council.
• On May 21, 2024 a proposed ordinance was presented to City Council for B&O Tax implementa-
tion, which was not adopted.
• On December 18, 2024, Deputy City Administrator Goldman led two public B&O Tax Talks and
presented the details of a potential local B&O Tax and answered questions from the community.
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• During the discussion about the potential for the creation of a Port District at the January 21, 2025,
Council Meeting, the implementation of a local B&O Tax was discussed.
• During the discussions at the February 25, 2025, and March 25. 2025 City Council Workshops re-
garding the implementation of a local B&O Tax, Council provided feedback to staff regarding the
characteristics of an Oak Harbor B&O Tax.
Deputy City Administrator Goldman explained that based on that feedback, the local B&O Tax
brought forward for Council consideration and possible approval at this meeting contains the following
characteristics:
• Gross annual receipts exemption threshold = $5,000,000.
• Rate = 0.002.
• Effective date = July 1, 2025.
• Initial collection date = January 31, 2026; quarterly thereafter.
Deputy City Administrator Goldman provided a review of options and explained a separate motion
was also included to commit the use of the funds for the following purposes:
• For the construction, repair, replacement, or rejuvenation of City Marina facilities and dredging and
for the servicing of any debt issued by the City for said purposes.
• For the purpose of the construction of a new community recreation center and for the servicing of
any debt issued by the City for said purpose.
* The use of the term “commit” is based on governmental accounting standards definition of the term:
"The committed fund balance classification includes amounts that can be used only for the specific
purposes determined by a formal action of the government‘s highest level of decision-making author-
ity."
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Outreach:
At the $5,000,000 threshold it is estimated that about 26 businesses could be affected and at the
$2,500,000 threshold it is estimated that about 59 businesses could be affected. The City sent notices
to the largest 100 businesses in the City to more than cover the group of businesses that could be
affected. The notice and FAQ's that were sent were attached to the staff report in the meeting packet.
The City received two responses from this outreach inquiring when the meeting would be taking place
so that they could get a better understanding. Staff responded with the background and history of public
meetings and hearings to date where the potential for a B&O Tax had been discussed, links to the
City's agenda center where they could find the meeting agendas, minutes, and videos, the date of this
hearing, and how they could submit written comments to the City Council.
Cities are authorized to collect a B&O Tax per Washington Constitution Article XI, Sec. 12 and Revised
Code of Washington (RCW) Sections 35A.82.020 and 35A.11.020. Local B&O Taxes are administered
differently than the State, with each business location being independent in terms of the tax and not
grouped together for those who own multiple businesses.
Deputy City Administrator Goldman reviewed the fiscal impact of a B&O tax, noting that approximately
$800,000 to $1.7 million of annual recurring revenue could be raised through a local B&O Tax for gen-
eral government purposes.
Indirect Effects:
• Large vs. Small-Midsized Retail
o Economies of Scale
o Loss of Local businesses
o Shifting economic activity
o Reduced pedestrian traffic
o Impact on public infrastructure
• A local B&O Tax can help level the playing field
Deputy City Administrator Goldman reviewed two suggested motions for Council consideration:
1. Motion to approve the local Business & Occupation Tax (Ordinance 1998).
2. Motion to commit funding for:
a. Marina facilities and dredging.
b. New Community Recreation Center.
He noted direction would be needed on funding for these items if the Ordinances were to fail.
Next Steps:
Deputy City Administrator Goldman explained if there is City Council approval, staff will conduct out-
reach to the business community, create tax forms and worksheets, procure the services of an elec-
tronic tax collection vendor, create internal processes and train relevant staff, and update the City’s
website (in phases) with B&O information item such as B&O background, FAQs, tax forms, and links
to the electronic tax collection portal. Staff would also plan to intensify outreach with the approach of
the first payment deadline.
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing for proposed Ordinance No. 1998. He noted several comments
had been received and these were displayed.
Comments were received from:
1. Andy Plumlee of Oak Harbor, opposing a B&O Tax.
2. Arielle Morgan of Oak Harbor, opposing a B&O Tax
3. Steve Thompson of Oak Harbor, opposing a B&O Tax
4. Brian Fort of Oak Harbor, opposing a B&O Tax
5. Susan Mador of Oak Harbor, opposing a B&O Tax
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Mayor Wright called for comments from those present.
1. Byron Skubi of Oak Harbor, a member of the Marina Advisory Commission and a forty-five-year
tenant of the Oak Harbor Marina, spoke in favor of a B&O Tax, citing Marina concerns.
2. Miko Delafield of Oak Harbor, North Whidbey Soccer Club President spoke in favor of a B&O
Tax, citing recreational concerns.
3. Jasmine Ader of Coupeville, affiliated with the North Whidbey Soccer Club spoke in favor of a
B&O Tax, citing recreational concerns.
4. Sandi Peterson of Oak Harbor spoke in opposition to a B&O Tax citing economic development
concerns.
5. Bob Marquard of Oak Harbor, serving as the Secretary and Interim Vice-President of the North
Whidbey Soccer Club spoke in favor of a B&O Tax citing recreational concerns.
Hearing no others, Mayor Wright closed the public hearing on Ordinance No. 1998 and called on the
Council for their questions and comments.
Councilmembers Armes, Marshall, Woessner, Stucky, Marrow, Wiegenstein and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon
provided their respective questions and comments, and offered additional background information, as
did Mayor Wright.
Deputy City Administrator Goldman and Parks and Recreation Director Smith responded to questions.
Motion: Following discussion, Councilmember Marshall moved to table the item to August, seconded
by Councilmember Wiegenstein. Additional discussion ensued. Deputy City Administrator Goldman
inquired whether since this was a public hearing, did it have to be continued to a specific date, which
the City Clerk confirmed if continuing for the day.
After additional discussion, Councilmember Marshall amended his motion to table the item to the Au-
gust 19, 2025, Council meeting, seconded by Councilmember Wiegenstein. City Administrator Combs
noted Deputy City Administrator Goldman was not available on August 19. Deputy City Administrator
Goldman suggested August 6.
Mayor Wright called for a vote on the amended motion for the August 19 date, which unanimously
failed.
Councilmember Marshall then amended his motion to table the item until the August 6 meeting, se-
conded by Councilmember Wiegenstein. The vote on the amendment passed unanimously.
Mayor Wright called for a vote on the motion as amended to table and continue the public hearing item
to August 6. The vote on the motion passed 4-3 with Councilmembers Marrow, Marshall, Wiegenstein,
and Woessner in favor and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and Councilmembers Armes and Stucky opposed.
Mayor Wright called for a short break from 8:41 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
b. Ordinance No. 2000: Creating Oak Harbor Municipal Code Chapter 3.99, pertaining to the ad-
ministrative provisions for the City’s Business and Occupation Tax
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing and noted no comments on this proposed ordinance had been
received. Hearing no one present wishing to comment, the public hearing was closed for the day. Dep-
uty City Administrator Goldman explained that with the tabling of Ordinance No. 1998, this proposed
ordinance would need to be tabled as well.
Regular Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025
Page 8 of 11
Motion: Councilmember Woessner moved to table this item and continue the public hearing to August
6, 2025, seconded by Councilmember Marshall. The vote on the motion passed unanimously.
MEETING EXTENSION
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to suspend the Council Rules of Procedure and extend the
meeting to 9:30 p.m. Councilmember Marrow seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The Council continued the meeting with the last public hearing item.
c. Resolution 25-16: Declaring Certain City Property of the Water, Solid Waste, Storm Drain,
and/or Sewer Utility to be Surplus Property
Public Works Administration Manager Place reviewed the proposed resolution. She explained the goal
of the City of Oak Harbor’s capital asset inventory system is to provide control and accountability over
capital assets and to assist departments in gathering and maintaining information needed for the prep-
aration of financial statements. These policies and procedures are the minimum requirements for cap-
ital assets that departments must meet. A department may maintain its capital asset inventory system
in greater detail or use additional supporting documentation if it meets the required minimum standards.
Per the City's Capital Asset Policy, the City of Oak Harbor City Council requires all departments to use
the capital asset inventory system to protect and report on the City's assets. The Finance Department
is responsible for maintaining and updating the policy.
The Office of the State Auditor (SAO) requires a reporting and accounting system for local governments
Revised Cide of Washington (RCW) 43.09.200. The Finance Director is designated as the “ex officio”
deputy of the SAO for accounting and reporting in the City, including capital assets. Furthermore, in
RCW 43.09.240, every department has a responsibility to keep its records in a standard, prescribed
format (as monitored by the Finance Department and the SAO).
RCW 36.32.210 requires the City to file an annual inventory of all capitalized assets with the Finance
Director. The Finance office keeps the information and reports it in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and the SAO. Manager Place explained that therefore, a capital asset inventory
was conducted, and a list of surplus items has been prepared for City Council consideration.
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing and confirmed no comments had been received. He invited
members of the public to provide comments. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing and called on
the Council for their questions and comments.
There were no questions or comments from the Council.
Motion: Councilmember Stucky moved to adopt Resolution 25-16: Declaring Certain City Property of
the Water, Solid Waste, Storm Drain, and/or Sewer Utility to be Surplus Property and authorizing the
removal of these assets from the Capital List. Councilmember Marrow seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
7. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
a. Resolution 25-18: Adopting the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and Establishing a Goal of
Zero Traffic Deaths and Serious Injuries
City Engineer Warner reviewed the proposed resolution. He explained the Comprehensive Safety Ac-
tion Plan (CSAP) is aimed at reducing and eliminating serious injury and fatal crashes affecting all
Regular Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025
Page 9 of 11
roadway users by using data analysis to determine roadway safety problems and to strengthen a com-
munity’s approach through projects and strategies that address the most significant safety risks.
The final Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization's (IRTPO's) CSAP was provided for
adoption. This plan was a multi-agency effort that included the City of Oak Harbor. Section 11 of the
plan is specific to the City of Oak Harbor. Adoption of the plan is necessary to apply for Safe Streets
For All (SS4A) implementation grants. Committing to the goal of reducing the number of traffic deaths
and serious injuries to zero by the year 2045 demonstrates further support.
The Safe Streets Implementation capital project in the approved 2025/2026 budget details a grant ap-
plication in the amount of $5,515,000. The street safety improvement project will be developed from
the recommendations of the CSAP for Oak Harbor.
Mayor Wright confirmed no public comments had been received. He requested comments from those
members of the public in attendance. Hearing no one, he called on the Council for their questions and
comments.
There were no questions or comments from the Council.
Motion: Councilmember Wiegenstein moved to approve Resolution 25-18, a resolution of the City of
Oak Harbor adopting the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and establishing a goal to reduce the
number of traffic deaths and serious injuries to zero by the year 2045. Councilmember Marrow se-
conded the motion. The vote on the motion passed unanimously.
8. OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
a. Hillside Plat and Planned Residential Development Extension Update
Development Services Director Kuhl presented the update along with City Administrator Combs. He
noted staff were seeking additional input and direction from the Council in order for staff to bring back
an item to the Council for action. He provided the following background information:
On March 25, 2025, during the City Council Workshop, Development Services Director David Kuhl
provided an update regarding the upcoming expiration of the Development Services Agreement for this
Hillside Planned Residential Development (PRD). The Council extended the contract by sixty (60) days
to allow the developer to provide the requested information, and for staff and the developer to confirm
documentation related to this project.
Staff sent a letter to the developer on April 23, 2025, with a list of items the City was requesting for an
update, including:
• Bonding documents
• Project updates
• Fire Marshall requirements as set by former Fire Marshall Buxton
• Confirmation of utilities
• Options for moving dirt based on requirements from the Washington Department of Ecology
The City Attorney reviewed the $1.3 million Performance Bond. As issued, it covers Phase 1 Segment
1 in the Development Agreement, section 13, which states, “Provided that development of each phase
may be done in segments as determined herein. Segments shall be constructed in the manner pro-
posed by the Developer and Developer’s Engineer of Record and as accepted by the City.”
Regular Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025
Page 10 of 11
Per legal counsel, this is sufficient to meet requirements. The City received additional bond certification
on Monday, May 19, 2025, and forwarded that information to legal counsel for review.
The developer received the Fire Requirements letter and is planning to complete the required items
listed. The following utility information was provided by the developer during a meeting on May 6, 2025.
The City has not received any official paperwork from any utility company confirming this information:
• Power (Electricity): The developer had an arrangement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and
then with Cascade Natural Gas. He has returned to the PSE arrangement due to changes in
energy rebate programs.
• Fiber: the developer bought fiber from Ziply and owns it for the lifetime of the project.
Scott Thompson, the developer, met today, May 20, 2025, with City Administrator Combs to review
these items.
Next Steps: Staff have worked with the City Attorney to draft a potential two (2) year contract extension
for the Development Agreement. In addition, legal counsel suggests the City present the Hillside PRD
to the Hearing Examiner at a future date to address when the phasing of the project is determined. The
developer has indicated he will work with City staff and might decide to bring a request to the Hearing
Examiner for a potential extension of an additional five years to complete the development.
Mayor Wright noted this was not an action item per se, but rather staff was looking for any additional
direction from the Council. He called on the Council for their comments.
Councilmembers Marrow, Woessner, and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions
and comments. The Council was of consensus for staff to proceed with the two (2) year extension as
discussed. City Administrator Combs noted staff would bring this item to the Council for approval. Mr.
Thompson noted his meeting with City Administrator Combs had been his best experience in working
with the City in the past six years. Councilmember Woessner thanked outgoing Development Services
Director Kuhl for his service to the City as he is retiring. He pointed out the new permitting system put
into place and the cooperation between the Development Services and Engineering departments.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, Councilmember Wiegenstein moved to adjourn the meeting, se-
conded by Councilmember Marrow. The vote on the motion was unanimous, therefore the meeting was
adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Certified by Julie Nester, City Clerk
Regular Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025
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