City Council

Oak Harbor City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 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 Matthew Erikson, First Reformed Church . Pledge of Allegiance – Led by Mayor Wright 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 Deputy Chief Kevin Barton Councilmember James P. Marrow City Engineer Alex Warner Police Support Officer Greg Woodward Grants Administrator Wendy Horn Cybersecurity Administrator Anthony Spears Police Senior Administrative Assistant Meg Massey Communications Officer Magi Aguilar 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 Police Department EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBERS Mayor Wright greeted all in attendance. He noted all members of the City Council were present. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Wright requested any changes to the regular agenda. Hearing none, it was approved as pre- sented. Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 1 of 6 2. PRESENTATIONS a. Oak Harbor Police Department – 25 Year Recognition – Police Support Officer Greg Woodward Oak Harbor Police Chief Slowik provided the presentation, recognizing Police Support Officer Greg Woodward for his 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Oak Harbor. Chief Slowik explained that Police Support Officers (PSOs) are corrections-certified employees who serve in dual roles for the Oak Harbor Police Department (OHPD). PSO Woodward’s primary role is the City's Animal Control Officer, with additional duties that include working in the police temporary holding facility and transporting in- custody individuals to contracted jail facilities in the Puget Sound. As the Animal Control Officer, PSO Woodward works collaboratively with Whidbey Animals Improve- ment Foundation (WAIF), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), and Island County on all Animal Control matters. He has been instrumental in developing and revising standard operating procedures, department policies, and recommending changes to the City ordinances. He has also previously served as a Correction Officer and Washington State-certified Defensive Tactics Instructor. PSO Woodward’s impact often goes unnoticed, and he is a team player with a big heart. He frequently connects residents with pet needs to available services and has been successful in coordinating the re-homing of pigs, ducks, chickens, and other animals not handled by WAIF. He can be found picking up abandoned shopping carts and debris left on our City streets, parks, and properties. PSO Woodward routinely checks in with police staff, looking to be helpful and making someone's day a little better. He was recently acknowledged by staff with a Most Inspirational Award, noting “Greg consistently radiates positivity and enthusiasm in his role… his uplifting spirit and can-do attitude inspire those around him, making our workplace and community a better place.” Chief Slowik stated PSO Woodward represents OHPD's values of Respect, Integrity, and Excellence. He presented him with a plaque commemorating his 25 years of service. Officer Woodward noted that time is the most valuable resource we have and advised all to spend it wisely with those we care about. He explained he’d had the honor to serve with a number of Police Chiefs in his time as the current longest serving member of the Oak Harbor Police Department, begin- ning in 2000. Having served in various capacities in the OHPD, Officer Woodward noted he was enjoy- ing his current role as PSA and Animal Control Officer and offered his appreciation and respect to those he had served with and those he currently serves with. He credited the great support of his wife and thanked the Mayor and the Council for their leadership and support. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and Councilmember Woessner provided their respective comments. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon noted Officer Woodward was perhaps the only City employee nominated by multiple co-workers in multiple categories for his recent staff award. Councilmember Woessner noted he’d had the privilege of working with Officer Woodward both as an officer and as a community member, noting he was a great human being. 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. He explained 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 Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 2 of 6 Council but will not be displayed. Comments on public hearing items will be taken during the public hearings portion of the meeting. The City received one new public comment for display since the last regular meeting. Comment was received from: 1. Jerry Pentony of Island County, regarding the need to remove the large amount of driftwood from the harbor area running through Windjammer Park, noting it would reinvigorate the beach. 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 and asked speakers to step forward to the microphone, state their name and address, and to limit comments to three minutes. 1. Joshua Treadway of Oak Harbor addressed the Council noting that he knew some of his com- ments were above the City Council level, but observing this was one of few places and individual could still be heard. He noted he had contacted state representatives as well and voiced his concern with things included in recent National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 in regard to capitalism, immigration and extremism. 2. Ted Mansikka of Island County, identified himself as a resident of the Valley High Mobile Home Park. He read aloud Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 59.20.130 Section G and RCW 59.20.305 Sections B,C, and 5 and voiced concern over the loss of mobile home communities. He stated the Valley Mobile Home Park was being annexed or applying to be annexed into the City limits and that he was present to represent his precinct and neighbors who did not wish to be annexed and to consider them before making any deal with the owners of the Mobile Home Park. 3. Darin Cook of Oak Harbor, spoke regarding pickleball and wanting to see the City repurpose the basketball courts at Fort Nugent Park for pickleball, including re-stripping, net installation and fencing, and the removal of the basketball hoops. He read aloud a letter from the President of the Oak Harbor Basketball Club stating that they do not use Fort Nugent and only use Wind- jammer Park. 4. Brian Supowit of Oak Harbor, spoke regarding pickleball, noting there was recently 60-70 peo- ple at Rotary Park to play. He stated the pickleball courts there are in bad shape and with many new players, more courts were needed. Hearing no one else 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 September 16, 2025 b. Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers Mayor Wright called for any changes to the consent agenda. Hearing none, he called for a motion for approval. Motion: Councilmember Wiegenstein moved to approve the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Marrow. The vote on the motion passed unanimously. 5. MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMENTS a. Mayor’s Comments Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 3 of 6 Mayor Wright provided the following comments: • Senators’ Offices Tour Marina: Harbormaster Alyce Henry and staff provided tours of the Oak Harbor Marina to Northwest Washington Outreach Directors from both Senator Cantwell’s and Senator Mur- ray’s offices. Senator Cantwell has voiced her support of the City’s grant request for Marina repairs and dredging. • USS Whidbey Island: Eight veterans reunited on Whidbey in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Whidbey Island. Their day started with lunch with Capt. Gamache on the base, continued with a tour of VP-69 along with a visit to the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum and ended with a visit to City Hall. • Dia de Fiesta: This local Hispanic/Latin Heritage Festival celebrated its 3rd annual event this past weekend with a fantastic turnout. City Administrator Combs and I, as well as members of our Council attended and enjoyed tasty food and live music. The Dia de Fiesta will be held the first Saturday of October annually. • Way to go Staff!: Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director David Goldman was recently fea- tured in the Association of Washington Cities “City Vision” publication. David and former Interim Finance Director and consultant Mike Bailey provided “7 Tips for Better Budgeting” and shared ad- vice for ways cities of all sizes can improve their budget processes and build public trust. David serves on numerous committees with the Government Finance Officers Association and is a member of the Government Accounting Standards Advisory Council. Thank you for all that you do, David. • Employee Survey Progress: The number of City employees providing their feedback in our newly launched Employee Survey continues to grow. We are now at over 49% participation and hope to see this number continue to climb. We’ll be celebrating by delivering donuts to all City facilities this coming Friday. We delivered an ice cream treat when we passed the 25% mark week before last, and if we reach 90% participation, we will close offices City-wide on December 24th. • Washington State Ferries seeks your input: WSF is hosting two virtual community meetings on Tues- day, October 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. WSF leaders plan to recap the busy peak service season and provide an update on electrification, workforce development, and fee increases. The public will have the chance to ask questions and share feedback directly with WSF leadership. Each virtual meeting will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Scan the QR Code on the screen to register for the virtual meeting. • The Great Shake Out: This “World’s largest earthquake drill and Tsunami siren test” will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:16 a.m. You can participate at work, at school, or at home. Go to www.shakeout.org/washington to register or receive more information. The City is participating. • Upcoming Events: There are a number of events to look forward to in October, two of which are being held at The Center. Boo & Glue, an event to create and take-home Halloween decorations is Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. and Art & Elegance, a dinner and live and silent auction to benefit the Whidbey Homeless Coalition, will be October 25, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Visit their website at whidbeyhomeless.org for more information. • Advisory Board Vacancies: We still have openings on several of our City Advisory boards and com- missions. See the City’s website for information on how to apply and requirements for applicants. • Stay Connected: Stay connected to City information and activities at any time by visiting our website and our Facebook page. • Joint Meeting with Island County Board of Commissioners: The City Council will hold a Special Joint Meeting with the Island County Board of Commissioners on October 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thank you to the five Councilmembers who have responded so far to confirm we will have a quorum. Location will be in Council Chambers here at City Hall. As this is the same time as the Council’s usual workshop meeting, Mayor Wright inquired of the Council whether they would prefer to hold the workshop meeting at 10:00 a.m. or at 4:00 p.m. that day. The consensus of the Council was to hold the workshop at 10:00 a.m. Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 4 of 6  b. Councilmembers Mayor Wright called on the Councilmembers for their comments. Councilmembers Armes, Marrow, and Stucky provided their respective comments. Councilmember Armes reported she attended a recent tour of Freedom Park with the City’s Arborist who explained work underway there, the accomplishments of which she found inspiring. Councilmember Marrow reported on the Island Transit District, noting that as of last week they were issuing purchase orders for twelve new electric buses and were establishing an advisory board. He explained the automatic passenger count system was still a work in progress. Councilmember Stucky reported the next Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) was this coming Thursday. 6. OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION a. Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers – Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Wright explained that this voucher list contains payment or payments to the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, of which Councilmember Marshall is the Executive Director. In order to avoid a conflict of interest, Councilmember Marshall has stated he will recuse himself from a vote on such payments, which are now a separate agenda item. Mayor Wright confirmed no public comments had been received. Hearing no comments from the public in attendance, or from the Council, he called for a motion for approval. Motion: Councilmember Wiegenstein moved to approve the Voucher List 9e payment to the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon seconded the motion, which passed by a vote of 6 in favor and Councilmember Marshall abstaining.. 7. REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Rural County Economic Development Grant – Mulberry Village Grants Administrator Horn presented this information only item. Island County receives sales and use taxes for rural counties as authorized in Revised Code of Wash- ington (RCW) 82.14.370 and imposed in Island County Code Chapter 3.02C. Such tax is authorized for the purpose of financing public facilities serving economic development purposes in rural areas. The County has established the Rural County Economic Development program to provide grant funding to local governments. Per RCW 82.14.370, money collected under this tax may only be used to: (i) Finance public facilities serving economic development purposes in rural counties; (ii) Finance the construction of affordable workforce housing infrastructure or facilities; and (iii) Finance personnel in economic development offices. Island County and the City of Oak Harbor have identified affordable housing as critical infrastructure needs. "Support Development of Affordable Housing Units" is one of the City Council's 2025–2026 Priorities. Island County adopted Resolution C-19-18 authorizing the Island County Rural County Eco- nomic Development (RCED) Infrastructure Investment Program and Policies. Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 5 of 6 The City was approached by Opportunity Council and Shelter Resources Inc. in 2024 to partner with them on the Washington State Department of Commerce Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Pro- gram (CHIP) grant application to support the Mulberry Village Affordable Housing Project. The City applied for $1 Million grant on Opportunity Council's behalf for the project. The City did not receive the grant in 2025. The City has applied for another CHIP grant for the same amount, again on behalf of Opportunity Council for 2026. Opportunity Council and Shelter Resources gave a presentation to the Board of Island County Com- missioners on August 20, 2025 regarding the Mulberry Village Affordable Housing Project and funding being sought. The City submitted a letter of support for the project and indicated it could assist Oppor- tunity Council in managing and administering RCED funding, if the County agreed. The RCED funds will support road infrastructure construction within and connecting the affordable housing complex. The City will manage the RCED funds through the County and reimburse Opportunity Council for ex- penses related to road infrastructure construction when the project begins. Opportunity Council is raising additional funds needed to start the project and has secured approxi- mately one third of the necessary funding. Opportunity Council provided a presentation to the Board of Island County Commissioners at the August 20, 2025 meeting. If approved, the City will manage the $2 Million grant from Island County to support the Mulberry Village affordable housing project being completed by Opportunity Council and Shelter Resources Inc. Grants Administrator Horn introduced Cody Bakken of Island County’s office of Budget & Risk Man- agement who was present to answer questions. Mayor Wright thanked Grants Administrator Horn for the presentation. Although this was an information only item, he confirmed no public comments had been received and requested any comments from those in attendance. 1. Ted Mansikka of Island County stated it sounded to him that the County had some funds to help the owners of the Valley High Mobile Home Park fix the property the mobile homes were on. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and Councilmembers Woessner, Marrow, and Marshall provided their respective questions and comments, as did Mayor Wright. City Administrator Combs and Mayor Wright responded to Council questions. 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 6:18 p.m. Certified by Julie Nester, City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 6 of 6