City Council

Oak Harbor City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 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 following the meeting on Cable Channel 10/HD 1090 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wright called the workshop meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. 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 Public Works Director Steve Schuller Councilmember Bryan Stucky Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith Councilmember Eric Marshall Police Chief Tony Slowik Councilmember Christopher Wiegenstein Fire Chief Travis Anderson Councilmember Barbara Armes Police Captain Kevin Barton Councilmember James P. Marrow Finance Manager Chas Webster Parks and Recreation Supervisor Brandon Cable Parks and Recreation Manager Liz Lange Executive Services Coordinator Macalle Finkle Communications Officer Magi Aguilar Also in attendance: City Attorney Hillary Evans of Kenyon Disend, PLLC MAYOR Mayor Wright welcomed all in attendance. He observed public comments are not normally taken at workshop meetings, although the Council may allow or request public participation on action items. There were no action items on the agenda today. CITY COUNCIL Mayor Wright invited Councilmembers to provide any updates on the City’s boards, commissions or committees on which they serve as a Council liaison. Councilmembers Armes, Woessner, Marrow and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective reports. Councilmember Armes reminded Councilmembers about the Wright Blend BBQ event happening at the Marina on June 20, 2025. Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 1 of 10 Councilmember Woessner advised the Planning Commission was continuing its review of the Com- prehensive Plan updates being worked on in conjunction with Island County and had made a rec- ommendation on the land clearing and grading code amendments coming before City Council soon. He stated the Planning Commission needed three additional members and interviews were being scheduled with interested applicants. Mayor Wright noted an additional application had been re- ceived on this date and staff were notified by the staff of Island County that additional time was needed to review Comprehensive Plan information submitted by the City. Councilmember Marrow commented that federal funding which had been delayed or eliminated was affecting the operation of Island Transit and the transition to hybrid (hydrogen) buses was on hold. Mayor Wright indicated storage space and costs were of concern. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon shared that a fellow member on the board of the Northwest Clean Air Agency, who is also a Councilmember, attended the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) “Understanding Municipal Revenues” session presented by Mayor Wright and Deputy City Administrator & Finance Director David Goldman. There was positive feedback on the event. Other Council Comments Councilmember Stucky inquired about potential attendance at a Juneteenth event in Windjammer Park. Mayor Wright confirmed he would not be attending due to a commitment at another event. CITY ADMINISTRATOR a. Monthly Departmental Reports City Administrator Combs reported that the usual report items were included within the meeting packet. She advised recruitment was under way for the Development Services Department Director and she was busy managing the daily operations and staff of that department until the position was filled. She further noted that several departments were involved in the special event planning for the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s Independence Day event. Councilmembers Stucky and Marrow provided their respective questions and comments. Councilmember Stucky inquired about the staff listed in the report who work on public records re- quests. City Administrator Combs responded that the City had a full-time Public Records Officer, a Records Management Analyst who assisted on several on-going long-term requests, as well as a records team at the Police Department. She further explained that search activities were assigned to members of staff in all departments. Councilmember Woessner inquired about the two Communications intern positions. City Adminis- trator Combs stated there was enough funding available between the budgeted seasonal tempo- rary position and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) grant funding to hire two interns. Stucky sought assurance that the Score and Explore program would be a focus project for one of the in- terns. FINANCE a. Oak Harbor Yacht Club Annual Report Commodore Ryan Bradley and Vice Commodore David Maruna of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club pro- vided the Annual Report. Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 2 of 10 Mayor Wright and Councilmembers Marrow and Stucky provided their respective questions and comments. Mayor Wright stated the City would be holding the Wright Blend event on June 20 to bring awareness and promote the Marina and surrounding area to include the Yacht Club. Councilmember Marrow stated his support for the maritime activities. Councilmember Stucky inquired about rent expense on the profit and loss report. Commodore Brad- ley responded that the accountant was unable to be in attendance, however, he would follow up on the question. Mayor Wright suggested it could be for the rental of equipment to put on their events. b. Utility Rates Update Deputy City Administrator Goldman provided background information and an update on current and projected utility rates and rate increases. During the 2025-26 Biennial Budget process and as published in the 2025-26 Biennial Budget doc- ument, staff relayed to the Council that current utility rates are not sufficient to cover increases in utility fund costs. Due to this, staff noted they would be bringing proposed rate increases for Council consideration in 2025 for implementation in 2026. These costs are primarily due to three major fac- tors: water wholesale rates, solid waste transfer station costs, and the implementation of the Com- prehensive Plan to fund facility and infrastructure reserves for replacements. The rate increases from the City of Anacortes and from Island County have already taken effect and are currently being absorbed using utility fund balances, which is not sustainable. Deputy City Administrator Goldman noted this study was done in-house saving the City $123,000. Councilmembers Marrow, Woessner, Stucky, Marshall, and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments. • Councilmember Marrow clarified there were no adjustments for inflation in the historical data or projections. • Councilmember Woessner inquired about anomalies and equipment. • Councilmember Stucky inquired if the utility tax was taken into account, whether there were any additional funding avenues to offset rate increases, and whether Business and Occupa- tion (B&O) tax could be used to offset utility tax, which was confirmed by Deputy City Admin- istrator Goldman. Councilmember Stucky also inquired about campaigns to reduce water usage and suggested good outreach regarding increases. • Mayor Pro Tem Hizon sought clarification of which items are beyond the City’s control and those which can be controlled, as well as what happens if rates aren’t raised. • Councilmember Marshall inquired about sewer rates, capital outlay and transfers. FIRE DEPARTMENT a. Oak Harbor Fire Department Annual Report Fire Chief Travis Anderson provided the Oak Harbor Fire Department (OHFD) annual report. The report included the following key metrics: • Land Area Served - 9.471 Square Miles • Oak Harbor Population - 24,780 Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 3 of 10  • Value of Property Protected - $3,257,665,371 • Calls for Service - 1,636 • Insurance Rating - 4 The report highlighted the OHFD Mission, Vision, Values, and Chosen Motto and introduced the new Department patch and logo. Chief Anderson reviewed the total incident calls for service. • 44% were for Medical response o Assist Emergency Medical Service (EMS) o Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) o Other o Emergency Medical Service that is not related to a MVA o Search and Rescue o Water Rescue • 20% were False Alarms o Unintentional o Malfunction o Malicious o Activated Carbon Monoxide Detector with none detected o Other • 17% were Service calls o Assist an Invalid o Water Problem o Agency Assist o Unauthorized Burning o Animal Rescue • 12% were Good Intent o Dispatched and Canceled o Nothing Found o Smoke Scare o HazMat Investigation with No HazMat found • 3% were for Hazardous Condition o Electrical Problem o Gasoline or Oil Spill o Carbon Monoxide o Natural Gas Leak o Sever Weather o Other • 3% were for Fire o Structures o Cooking o Vehicle o Trash o Grass o Other Chief Anderson provided information on the Washington Emergency Medical Services Information System which has new reporting requirements and mandates. The System captures 90% of the overall EMS responses in real time. He also explained that OHFD previously was only dispatched to Echo Responses (referring to a full cardiac arrest or imminent death call) and other EMS calls, when requested by Whidbey Health. Beginning in March 2025, OHFD began to also be automatically Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 4 of 10 dispatched to all Charlie Response (representing a potentially life-threatening condition) and Delta Response calls (indicating a lifer-threatening emergency). The impact of being automatically dis- patched to these calls has raised the number of calls for service from a total of 1,636 in 2024 to 2,360 through May of 2025. OHFD received 379 calls which were concurrent or overlapping in 2024, which is 23% of all calls. The average response time for all calls was 6 minutes and 42 seconds. Chief Anderson reviewed the number and type of calls and response times by quadrant. OHFD provided 1,141 Commercial Occupancy Fire and Life Safety Inspections in 2024 with 131 violations found and corrected. 45 fire permits were issued, with the majority of those being for fire alarm systems and fire sprinkler systems. Chief Anderson also reported on training provided to the public for smoke detectors, Cardiopulmo- nary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, totaling 1,097 hours, as well as community and public schools’ events and Fire Station tours. OHFD personnel underwent a total of 3,507 hours in 2024: o Firefighting Skills 2,264 hours o Medical Skills 842 hours o Officer Development 267 hours o Public Education 134 hours Change in Command highlights in 2024 included: • Interim Fire Chief from February – August 2024 • Hiring of Chief Anderson • Transition to 24-hour shifts o 48/96 shift schedule o 3 Platoons (A/B/C) • Began sunsetting of Paid-On-Call firefighting program • Hired one (1) Lieutenant and eight (8) full-time Firefighter/EMTs from the Paid-On-Call Fire- fighter ranks Chief Anderson reported that ahead for 2025 was the construction of new Fire Station No. 82 (for which he provided an update and progress report), increasing minimum staffing levels and replacing aging apparatus by way of funding from the approved levy and bond measures, creating a Five-Year (5-Year) community driven strategic plan, and continued community partnerships. Chief Anderson closed with a review of the Federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Re- sponse (S.A.F.E.R.) grant application OHFD will bring to the Council for consideration at the July 1, 2025 Council Meeting. The grant would aid OHFD in complying with staffing, response, and opera- tional standards established by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 1710 and NFPA 1720). The grant application is due July 3, 2025. Estimated grant funding is: $1,507,380 with an estimated City obligation of $937,020 (38%). The grant would increase the sustainability of approved levy fund- ing and provide funding to fill six (6) Firefighter/EMT positions as follows: Year 1 – 75% grant / 25% Op Budget Year 2 – 75% grant / 25% Op Budget Year 3 – 35% grant / 65% Op Budget Year 4 – 100% Op Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 5 of 10 The salary and benefits for one Firefighter/EMT is $135,800. This does not include equipment and training. Councilmember Marrow provided his respective questions and comments. Councilmember Marrow asked if the S.A.F.E.R. grant funds are distributed directly to City rather than through the County or State. Chief Anderson responded affirmatively that they are directly dis- tributed. Council Member Marrow inquired if there were many malicious false alarms. Chief Ander- son responded in the negative, noting the majority were commercial alarms that were faulty or in disrepair. PARKS AND RECREATION a. Proclamation: Parks and Recreation Month Parks and Recreation Director Smith provided information on Parks and Recreation Month. Mayor Wright asked Councilmember Armes to read the proclamation. b. Parks and Recreation Department Annual Report Parks and Recreation Director Smith provided the annual report. Highlights included the following: • Activity Guide – Parks and Recreation published their first Activity Guide since the 1990’s. The guide was distributed to all households in the 98277 zip code. New for 2025 are summer camps, with close to 250 participants signed up so far. • Recreation Coordinator Craig Lamas-Cole was hired in March of 2024. New programs in- cluded additional Youth and Adult art classes, dance classes, street hockey, archery tag, rugby clinics, and other special programs. • Recreation Manager Liz Lange received her NRPA designation of Certified Park and Recre- ation Executive, and Certified Food Protection Manager • Harbormaster Chris Sublet retired after 17 years at the Oak Harbor Marina. Former Assistant Harbormaster Alyce Henry was promoted to Harbormaster in 2025. Director Smith explained that programs continue to increase at a steady pace, but with slow growth for class numbers due to limited staff availability. He noted more staff were needed to grow the programs and to add additional programs. He provided 2024 and current 2025 participation numbers as follows: Staff Costs Supply Costs Total Costs Total Rev Total Net Rev Winter 2024 $360.00 $400.00 $760.00 $956.00 $196.00 Spring 2024 $759.00 $260.00 $1,019.00 $1,385.00 $366.00 Summer 2024 $1,954.00 $710.00 $2,664.00 $3,722.00 $1,058.00 Fall 2024 $957.00 $785.00 $1,742.00 $3,183.00 $1,441.00 Winter 2025 $1,078.00 $175.00 $1,253.00 $2,785.00 $1,532.00 Spring 2025 $1,705.00 $891.00 $2,596.00 $3,660.00 $1,064.00 (170% cost recovery) Totals $6,813.00 $3,221.00 $10,034.00 $15,691.00 $5,657.00 (164% Total of Direct Program Costs) Director Smith reported on The Center and resources for older adults. He highlighted the following programs and events: 50+ All Member Meeting, Valentine Boxes, Pie tasting box, Wearable Art Show, High Tea, Garage Sale, Pirates and Mermaid (first year 2024), 50+ Member Picnic, Harvest Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 6 of 10 Festival, 50+ Resource Fair, Holiday Lunch, Holiday Market, Gifts of Connection for Seniors (over 213 seniors received gifts). Director Smith noted these interactive programs have positive physical and mental health benefits. The Parks and Recreation Department outreach in 2024 included presentations to the Oak Harbor Rotary Club and the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, partnering with Parent to Parent to host special events for people of all levels of abilities, participation in the Holland Happening parade & kids’ corner, the 4th of July parade, and provided Games and booths at National Night out and the Military Appreciation Picnic. He noted that in 2025 in addition to participation in the Culture Festival Parade, the Parks and Recreation Department set up a “quiet corner” for special needs families to better enjoy festivities. And in 2025, the Marina participated in and was featured at the Anacortes Boat Show with approximately 3,000 attendees. Director Smith also reported on the development of the Parks and Recreation mascot, “Ollie” the Otter, created by local firm The Wild Blue Bear. He noted Sea Otters are a protected species found in our region of the Pacific. They are known for their love of play, intelligence, cuteness and curiosity of the natural world around them. Other highlights for 2024 included the purchase of the Parks and Recreation bus and branding for “Harbor Your Happiness”, and licensing of the kitchen at The Center as a commissary kitchen. Mov- ing into 2025, the City signed updates to sports league agreements and special events permitting transitioned to Recreation staff. At the Oak Harbor Marina, staff are working hard to reinforce the breakwater and make repairs. The Marina has budgeted $1,232,430 in 2025 for repairs (docks) not including improvements (restrooms, dock carts, other amenities). Marina fees have been adjusted to attempt to keep Marina operations and maintenance self-sustaining. In 2024 staff replaced the entrance sign, dock carts, and there was a major project for replacement of the dock whalers, among other projects. Other highlights included hosting a Community Summer Picnic Series with music by the All-Island Community Band, field games and a summer barbeque. Island Transit is expanding their route hours/days at the marina to connect visiting boaters to Oak Harbor’s downtown. Returning in 2025 was the Coho Salmon Rearing Program, which ran from January 21- May 3, 2025. Director Smith reported there was a tremendous amount of community involvement this season. The release date was May 3, 2025 with over 100 community members present, volunteers, City staff and representatives of the Swinomish Tribe who performed a blessing for the Salmon’s journey during the release ceremony and Josephine Jefferson gave background on the importance of the salmon to the tribes and their history for the audience. Approximately 30,950 Coho were released. The program is expected to return in January 2026. In regard to planning, the Parks and Recreation Department has completed or is involved in the following: • City Arts Plan • Parks & Recreation PROS Plan • Recreation Center Feasibility Study • Urban Forestry Master Plan • Freedom Park Trails Design • Inclusive Playground Design • Pickleball Courts Design • Community Gardens Design • Sports Field Lighting Plans Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 7 of 10 The arborist team is planting seventy (70) new trees throughout the City as part of the Urban Forestry Master Plan. In an effort to expand recreational opportunities and promote healthy living, a new 400- foot pedestrian walking trail was installed in Koetje Park. The trail loops around the perimeter of the park, connecting key features such as the basketball court and playground, and enhancing accessi- bility for visitors of all ages. The new trail not only supports physical activity but also strengthens the role of Koetje Park as a welcoming and inclusive gathering place for the neighborhood. Director Smith reported that after five years of thoughtful deliberation and planning, the Angel of Creativity statue was officially installed in Flintstone Park on October 10, 2024. This long-anticipated addition to the community’s public art collection was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at- tended by approximately 80 community members. The installation marks the completion of the first phase of a broader vision for the area. The second phase is focused on the removal of the existing roundabout and the revegetation of the surrounding landscape, which began on May 13, 2025. To- gether, these efforts aim to enhance the park’s beauty, accessibility, and cultural significance. Director Smith also reported on the 2025 Arbor Day celebration and community-wide event that brought together five local elementary schools in a shared effort to promote environmental steward- ship and education. A total of 21 trees were planted across the participating schools. In closing, Director Smith reported on park rentals and revenues as follows: Park Rentals for 2024 totaled 289. 2025 Year-to-Date rentals are 153 Park Revenue for 2024 totaled $11,157. 2025 Year-to-Date revenue is $10,750 Councilmembers Armes, Woessner, Marrow and Mayro Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective comments. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon complimented the achievements of the department in its first two years. Coun- cilmember Armes thanked Director Smith for his and staff efforts regarding the Oak Harbor Marina. Councilmember Woessner thanked Director Smith and staff for building recreational programs. Councilmember Marrow stated his support and ongoing efforts for Parks and Recreation. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT a. Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan City Administrator Combs noted that Better City LLC was contracted to provide an economic analysis for the City in November 2024. Their scope of work has included review of past and current plans, including Island County's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), Oak Harbor's Comprehensive Plan, and other relevant studies. They've worked to identify opportunities and bar- riers, compiled and analyzed demographic data, visited several sites within the City, as well as en- gaged in Steering Committee meetings and stakeholder interviews. City Administrator Combs introduced Jason Godfrey of Better City, LLC to present the completion of their work on the gap analysis and implementation strategy, and a prepared Economic Development Action Plan for Council review. Mr. Godfrey reviewed the purpose of the plan: • Prepare for population growth • Select near-term (2–5 year) economic priorities • Specific action items • Guided by Steering Committee Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 8 of 10 And the goals: • Attainable Housing o Need:  5,534 new units by 2044  41% for households earning less than $51,000 o Strategy: Mixed-use Neighborhood Centers  Higher density + walkability = affordability + livability  Six locations identified for rezoning • Vibrant Main Street o Need:  Increased foot traffic  Upgrade retail  Provide resources to support business’ success o Strategies:  Main Street Gateway  Retail Recruitment  Business Support • Quality Jobs o Need:  Median household income is $72K (below County and State) o Strategy:  Focus on high-wage sectors with minimal infrastructure needs  Aerospace and Aviation  Information and Communication Technology  Defense Contractors  Leverage NASWI talent  Recruitment targets  Industrial/commercial site inventory and promotion  Goldie Road area  Opportunity zone  Marketing collateral  Trade shows and familiarization tours Economic Development Implementation Services: Mr. Godfrey reviewed the completed Phase I Economic Development Action Plan, which included Project Initiation and Administration, Research and Data Analysis, and an Implementation Plan, the total for which was $43,000. He noted the Phase II Scope of Work included Implementation of the Action Plan with business support from the Island County Economic Development Corporation to drive results and provide community led initiatives with monthly progress reports.. Mr. Godfrey ex- plained the Scope would be flexible to meet changing needs. The budget for Phase II Implementation and In-Person visits is a total annual amount of $89,600. He noted the number of trips and monthly maximum hours was to be determined by the Council. The contract will continue until Better City receives a 30-day written notice of termination. Mayor Wright thanked Better City for their report and called on the Council for their comments. Councilmembers Woessner, Stucky, Marrow and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective comments. Councilmember Woessner commented that getting businesses to come to the community is a challenge because of location and space availability. Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 9 of 10 Councilmember Stucky commented on managing expectations as to what businesses could work here and how do we get them to locate here once we are ready. Councilmember Marrow commented on what kinds of commercial demographic or industry types are our niche. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon asked about how best to prioritize the actions and where to start. ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Wright adjourned the workshop at 3:51 p.m. Certified by Julie Nester, City Clerk from outline notations by Executive Services Coordinator Macalle Finkle and review of the meeting video. Workshop Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 Page 10 of 10