City Council

Oak Harbor City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 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 - absent Deputy Police Chief Kevin Barton Councilmember Barbara Armes Grants Administrator Wendy Horn Councilmember James P. Marrow Communications Officer Magi Aguilar City Clerk Julie Nester Also in attendance: City Attorneys Hillary Evans of Kenyon Disend, PLLC EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCILMEMBERS Mayor Wright greeted all in attendance. He noted Councilmember Wiegenstein had asked to be ex- cused. Motion: Councilmember Marrow moved to excuse Councilmember Wiegenstein. The motion was se- conded by Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and passed unanimously. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Wright requested any changes to the regular agenda. Hearing none, he called for a motion. Motion: Councilmember Marshall moved to approve the agenda as presented. Councilmember Marrow seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 1 of 10 2. PRESENTATIONS a. Boy Scout Troop 4059 Wreath Presentation Scoutmaster Ricky Ford and Scouts from Troop 4059 made their annual presentation of an evergreen wreath to the City in celebration of the holidays and thanked the Council for their support over the years. Councilmember Woessner noted he was a former member of Troop 59 and that he and his father had built the shed behind the meeting place, which was still standing. The Mayor and Council paused for photos with the Troop. b. Gold Star City Initiative Proponents Julie Street and Aaron Doran provided the Council with a presentation regarding the City of Oak Harbor becoming a Gold Star Families City; recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by the families of service members lost while on active duty. They shared the loss of their son, Colby Doran, and requested that the Council consider adding this designation for the City via proclamation. Mayor Wright thanked the proponents for their sacrifice and presentation. He noted he and staff have already drafted a proclamation and would bring it forward at the next meeting. Councilmembers Marrow, Stucky and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon added their respective comments. 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 Coun- cil but will not be displayed. Comments on public hearing items will be taken during the public hearings portion of the meeting. The City received no new public comments since the last regular meeting. 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 explained that if anyone present had already submitted their public comment and had it displayed, that they would not be invited to comment on the same subject here a second time. 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. Stephanie Smith of Oak Harbor, addressed the Council to introduce herself and provide her background as reference to her proposed appointment to the Salary Commission for which she was honored to be considered. Ms. Smith noted her background in Human Resources and on the Board of Compensation for Soroptimist International. Mayor Wright thanked Ms. Smith for volunteering to serve. Hearing no one else with a desire to address the Council, the public comment period was closed. Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 2 of 10 4. CONSENT AGENDA Consent Items a. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting of November 18, 2025 and City Council Work- shop of November 25, 2025 b. Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers c. South Correctional Entity (SCORE) Interlocal Inmate Housing 2026 Rate Amendment d. Multi-Jurisdiction Drug, Gang, and Firearms Task Force Interlocal Agreement, Amendment No. 1 e. Appointment: Salary Commission, Position 2 – Stephanie Smith Mayor Wright called for any changes to the consent agenda. Hearing none, he called for a motion for approval. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Councilmember Marshall seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 5. MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMENTS a. Mayor’s Comments Mayor Wright displayed slides and provided the following comments: • “We See You” Award – Created by Mayor Wright to recognize those making our community shine. Mayor Wright presented the award to Abigail Giugliano and Bradley Price at yesterday’s Oak Harbor High School pep rally. They will be representing Oak Harbor in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. • Congratulations to Oak Harbor Public Schools for earning Board of the Year for medium-sized dis- tricts from the Washington State School Directors Association. • Congratulations to our City team and Grants Administrator Wendy Horn on the recent notification that the City has been awarded nearly $670,000 for a street improvement project on Southeast Barrington Drive. • Thank you to Puget Sound Energy for their 2025 Warm Winter campaign, with funds distributed to several local organizations. • Island Transit is planning service changes for March 2026 and would like to hear your thoughts at public meetings in Oak Harbor on December 6 and 8. See their website for more information. • Upcoming Events this weekend in Oak Harbor. • City Department Director’s Retreat – Friday, December 12, 2025. • We are still taking applications for Advisory Boards and Commissions. • Follow us on social media to stay connected b. Councilmembers Mayor Wright called on the Council for their comments. Councilmembers Armes and Marrow provided their respective comments. Councilmember Armes reported on the Marina Advisory Commission and that the subcommittees for Capital Improvement and Events Planning were very informative. Planning is underway for a meeting with Marina tenants in January. A meeting with Island Transit is planned to request a change of transit stops at the Marina from on-call to being a permanent part of the route. Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 3 of 10 Councilmember Marrow commended Communications Officer Aguilar for organizing a business lead- ers meeting to schedule events in Oak Harbor and avoid conflicting events. He also praised Harbor- master Henry for her presentation regarding events at the Marina and the Yacht Club. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS & MEETINGS a. Ordinance No. 2035: Mid-biennial Budget Amendment No. 3 to the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director Goldman reviewed the proposed final budget amend- ment ordinance for 2025. He explained that according to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35A.34.130 and Oak Harbor Municipal Code (OHMC) 3.80.020, the Mayor shall prepare a mid-biennial budget amendment for City Council review and approval. In this instance, this must occur between September 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. This amendment adjusts for the second-year biennial Beginning Fund Balance (BFB) figures which were estimated in late 2024. Per Government Standards Accounting Board (GASB) and State Auditor’s Office (SAO) guidance, BFB figures represent the amount of a Fund’s unencumbered balance; is not considered non-spendable, restricted, reserved, or encumbered. Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director Goldman reviewed Year 2026 Beginning and Ending Fund Balances for budget purposes were estimated in late 2024 as the current 2025-2026 Biennial Budget was being compiled. As part of the mid-biennial review process, these estimates are updated for the last year of the biennial period. Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director Goldman provided the Beginning Fund Balance break- down overview which indicated a better-than-budgeted outcome of $2.6 million. HE reviewed individual line items of note and responded to questions from the Council. Mayor Wright confirmed no comments had been received. He opened the public hearing and called for anyone wishing to speak on this item. Hearing no one, he closed the public hearing and turned to the Council for their questions and comments. Councilmembers Stucky, Marrow, and Woessner provided their respective questions and comments. Motion: Councilmember Stucky moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2035: Budget Amendment No. 3 to the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget and adopting an updated wage and salary schedule and plan of classifica- tion. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 7. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS a. Ordinance No. 2034: Stay Out of Designated Area (SODA) Order Chief Slowik explained the proposed ordinance was in response to community and business requests to address an increase in illegal drug activity and related crimes in the South Business Districts of the City. It was first reviewed with the Council at the October 28, 2025 Council Workshop. The ordinance was developed in consultation with the City Attorney, City Prosecutor, Mayor and the Chief of Police. Additionally, there have been conversations with Island County District Courts and the contracted Public Defender discussing the creation of a SODA Order. A Stay Out of Designated Area (SODA) court order, is the creation of a new court order for the City of Oak Harbor. The SODA order is a court-ordered restriction that prohibits a person with a drug-related criminal charge or conviction from entering specific geographical zone(s). Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 4 of 10 Everett first designated a SODA area in 2007 and now has nine designated areas within its city limits. Marysville designated a large portion of its downtown as a SODA zone in 2012. Marysville expanded the area in 2017 to include areas adjacent to the Snohomish River waterfront area. Other Washington jurisdictions that have adopted SODA regulations include Seattle, Tacoma, Fife, Shoreline, Bothell, University Place, Burien, Monroe and SeaTac. Goals of a SODA Order • Reduce repeat criminal behavior. • Increase public and business safety. • Provide enforceable tool for courts and police. • Encourage rehabilitation outside target zone. There are two SODA Maps for City Council consideration. Option 1: Is the least restrictive area. The SODA Zone is bordered by the following streets: North: SW 8th Ave West: SW Erie Street East: State Route 20 South: State Route 20 Option 2: Provides full coverage in the SODA Zone. The area is bordered by the following streets: North: SW 8th Ave West: SW Erie Street East: State Route 20 South: SW Bayshore Chief Slowik explained the difference in Option 2 is the southern boundary. SODA Order Overview • Defines Designated Area Boundaries approved by City Council. • Authorized District and Superior Courts to issue SODA Orders. • Establishes penalties for violations. • Allows law enforcement verification and review process. • Court-issued restriction from entering a defined geographic area. The court has the ability to modify the geographic area. • Imposed as a condition of release, sentencing, or probation. • Violation is a separate criminal offense. Chief Slowik explained that Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 10.5 and 10.64 provides for consistent due process and equal protection under the law. He reviewed how the process would work: • A subject is arrested or cited with a drug related crime in the designated area. • The officer and/or prosecutor would ask the judge in the criminal case to impose a SODA court order. • The District/Superior Court judge may then choose to impose the order after hearing from both the prosecution and the defense in a criminal case. If an officer sees an individual with a SODA order in the designated area, the individual can be arrested for violation of the court order, which would be a new criminal charge. Chief Slowik reviewed the calls for service received by the Oak Harbor Police Department in the pro- posed SODA area: Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 5 of 10 Calls for Service • 27 Total Calls on SW Barlow Street between (2020-2023) • 419 Total Calls on SW Barlow Street between (2023-2025) • Increase of 1552% in calls • 151 incidents associated Drug Activity in a ¼ mile radius • 57 incidents specific to SW Barlow Street Medical Calls • 29 Medical CPR between 2023-2025 • 55% were suspected overdose in immediate vicinity of SW Barlow St. • 65% were suspected overdose in ¼ mile radius of SW Barlow St Mayor Wright thanked Chief Slowik for his presentation. He confirmed no comments had been received and called for any comments from those in attendance. Hearing none, Mayor Wright closed public comment and called on the Council for their questions and comments. Councilmembers Stucky, Woessner, Marrow, Marshall, and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their re- spective questions and comments. Chief Slowik and Mayor Wright responded to questions. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2034: Stay Out of Designated Area (SODA) Order, with Option 2, Map 2. Councilmember Marrow seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. b. Resolution 25-27: Establishing City of Oak Harbor 2026 Legislative Priorities Communications Officer Aguilar reviewed updates made to the proposed 2026 Legislative Priorities following input received from the Council at the November 25, 2025 Council Workshop. She presented the revised draft and noted which updates had been made. Public Safety & Health Care • Create additional funding tools to improve public safety. • Advocate for funding/subsidies to support access to integrative health care (mental health and physical health) and basic needs Housing & Childcare Availability • Partnerships to expand workforce housing and childcare options. • Pursue funding sources to support local developments. • Advocate for code changes to address anticipated growth. Indigent Defense Costs • Advocate for funding and incentives to increase the number of indigent defense attorneys in rural and non-metro communities. • Address the rising cost impacts to municipalities. Planning for Growth • Identify partners and funding to address anticipated growth to support improvements to facilities, transportation, and utility enhancements. • Advocate for foot ferries and increase reliable ferry service to existing routes. • Long-term planning for Deception Pass Bridge and water lines. Economic Development • Advocate for changes to state regulations regarding economic development activities. Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 6 of 10  • Encourage public-private partnerships. • Facilitate and encourage investments in development projects within the City of Oak Harbor. Public Records Management • Advocate for legislative reform to public records statutes. • Increase flexibility and resources to manage public record requests. • Ease the burden on staff and rising costs of fulfilling requests. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island • Continue NASWI joint partnerships across the island. • Support active duty, veterans and their families. Communications Officer Aguilar reviewed the next steps for the Council following approval. • Update website with 2026 Legislative Priorities. • Send to State Legislators, Association of Washington Cities (AWC), and the Governor’s Office. • Create individual Priority sheets to distribute to Council and legislators. • Create folders for Olympia City Action Days, legislative and Washington D.C. visits. Mayor Wright thanked Communications Officer Aguilar for the presentation. He noted he was unable to attend the November 25, 2025 workshop for this discussion, but expressed to the Council that he would continue to work on the issue of rate increases by the Washington State Ferries. He confirmed no public comments had been received and called for any comments from those present. Hearing none, he turned to the Council for their questions and comments. Councilmembers Marrow, Woessner, and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments. Motion: Councilmember Marrow moved to approve Resolution 25-27, establishing the Coty of Oak Harbor 2026 Legislative Priorities. Councilmember Marshall seconded the motion, which passed unan- imously. 8. CONTRACTS & AGREMENTS a. Community Development Director Employment Agreement. Human Resources Director House reviewed the details of the Employment Agreement. Stacie Pratschner was selected during the interview process for the Community Development Director (for- merly the Development Services Director). Director House noted Ms. Pratschner was present. This is a current position which was budgeted as part of the biennial budget. The total cost of the contract is $170,772.00 annually. Director House reviewed the recruitment process which attracted 5,063 clicks to view the open position and 56 candidate applications. On November 14, 2025 the three (3) finalist candidates were inter- viewed. Director House voiced her sincere appreciation to City Administrator Combs for also serving as the Interim Director for the Community Development Department, and to Public Works Director Schuller and City Engineer Warner, and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon who participated in the final interviews. The proposed contract specifies conditions of employment and sets working conditions for the Com- munity Development Director, including but not limited to: Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 7 of 10  • Salary: Starting base salary $170,772.00 annually aligned with the 2026 salary schedule, with a provision for annual cost of living adjustments. • Severance Package: Severance pay for at-will termination in the amount of six (6) months’ salary. No severance pay for termination by resignation or for cause. • Vacation: Initial bank of eighty (80) hours and accrual rate of 13.33 hours per month. • Other Benefits: Same as provided for general City employees, including but not limited to, re- tirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Director House introduced Ms. Pratschner and reviewed her qualifications: • Master’s and Bachelor’s in Anthropology from Western Washington University (WWU) • Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) professional certification • Guest-lectured in urban planning and anthropology at WWU • Regularly contributes to the Department of Commerce Short Course on Local Planning • Most recently served as the Community Development Director for the City of Mount Vernon Mayor Wright thanked Human Resources Director House for her presentation. He confirmed no public comments had been received and called for comments from those in attendance, hearing none, he called on the Council for their questions and comments, which were responded to by Ms. Pratschner. Councilmembers Stucky, Woessner, and Marrow provided their respective questions and comments. Motion: Councilmember Woessner moved to approve the Mayor's appointment of Stacie Pratschner to the position of Community Development Director for the City of Oak Harbor and authorize the Mayor to sign the employment agreement. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon seconded the motion, which passed unani- mously. 9. OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION a. Intent to Commence Annexation Proceedings – Mangat Principal Planner Kamak provided a presentation, outlining the history related to this potential annexa- tion. He explained there had been three (3) previous annexation attempts: June 2014 – resulted in a resolution of rejection/denial June 2017 – applicant did not pursue annexation application after initial meeting June 2023 – applicant did not pursue annexation application This is the 4th (fourth) attempt. Principal Planner Kamak displayed a map and explained the location of the property, which is outside of the Oak Harbor city limits in Island County and borders the city limits on one side. He noted the challenges and issues of the location have not changed: • The property is designated as Industrial on the Future Land Use Map. • The property, if annexed, will be designated Industrial. • The current use of the property as a mobile home park is non-conforming in the Industrial Zone. • The current use is non-conforming in location due to being north of NE 16th Street alignment to mitigate for long term impacts due to noise and encroachment towards Naval Air Station Whid- bey Island (NASWI) • Annexation into the City would require uses and structures to be upgraded and require substan- tial investments. These investments do not align with long term mitigations to amortize the non- conforming use. • Applicants may have some short-term benefits by staying in the County and continuing the cur- rent use with minimal investments and invest in a long-term amortization plan. Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 8 of 10 Principal Planner Kamak noted the property has no residential designation. If it were annexed into the City, it would be as the zoning dictates, which is industrial. Annexation into the City would require more restrictions for the property and at higher costs. Principal Planner Kamak observed that with this con- sidered, the better scenario for the applicant would be to remain in the County. He reviewed potential action options for the Council as follows, and noted the applicant was not present. • Conduct a meeting with the applicant • Accept, reject, or take no action. o (the Council rejected the annexation in 2015 with a Resolution) o For this instance, no action will have the same effect as rejection Motion options: • Move to take no action on this annexation request and revert this property to remain in the County and meet County standards and regulations • Move to reject this annexation request and revert this property to remain in the County and meet County standards and regulations. • Move to accept the annexation request as presented, with Industrial as the proposed zoning and require the properties to be a part of the City’s indebtedness. Mayor Wright thanked Principal Planner Kamak for his presentation. He confirmed no public comments had been received and called for comments from those in attendance. 1. David Toyer of Toyer Strategic Advisors of Everett, WA, addressed the Council. He noted he was present on behalf of the Mangats who had come to his firm for assistance in moving forward with the annexation, and who were not present because they were out of the country. Mr. Toyer noted his firm had worked with thousands of others with complex issues to be addressed. He explained he had not yet had a chance to review the staff report with the Mangats. He stated the first step would be to move forward with the annexation and then deal with the issues, with the non-conforming issues being worked on by others his clients had also retained. Hearing no others with a desire to address the Council, Mayor Wright closed public comment and turned to the Council for their comments. Councilmembers Woessner, Stucky, Marshall, Mayor Pro Tem Hizon, and Councilmembers Marrow and Armes provided their respective questions and comments. Principal Planner Kamak, City Administrator Combs, Public Works Director Schuller, and Mayor Wright responded to questions and comments from the Council. Motion: Councilmember Stucky moved to take no action on this annexation request. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Marrow. Discussion continued. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon noted that a motion to take no action meant to take no action. City Attorney Evans explained the Council could do either. That they could move to continue or move to take no action. Councilmember Woessner confirmed with staff that as noted on Page 255 of the Council meeting packet for this item, all comments and requirements had been delivered to the Mangats. City Adminis- trator Combs confirmed this and noted they were sent to Mr. Toyer. Councilmember Woessner noted these would be the minimum conditions the City would consider and that was the list of what the Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 9 of 10 Mangats would have to do to move forward. He noted the solution from Island County Public Health that could be found on Page 261 of the packet for this item to address sewer issues, which the County had offered as a solution at a cost he estimated at around $250,000 which was the simplest solution. Councilmember Marshall inquired whether continuing with no action was the same as a denial. City Attorney Evans noted if the Council was to continue with no action, the applicants can continue working with Island County. In regard to water, Public Works Director Schuller explained they must meet well requirements, and that the property is currently meeting those requirements per monthly monitoring by the Washington State Department of Ecology. He noted there is some concern over the individually owned service lines and possible sewer cross contamination. Vote: With discussion concluded, Mayor Wright called for a vote on the motion to take no action, which passed by a vote of five (5) to one (1) with Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember Woessner, Councilmember Stucky, Councilmember Armes, and Councilmember Marrow in favor and Councilmember Marshall opposed. b. 2025 Employee Survey Update Communications Officer Aguilar provided an update to the Mayor and Council regarding the recently completed 2025 Employee Survey. She stated it had been her honor to facilitate it and reviewed the history of past surveys and next steps and analysis. The 2025 Employee Survey garnered 147 responses. Communications Officer Aguilar thanked the Council for allowing the incentives, with staff participation meeting all thresholds. The Survey was anon- ymous and closed on October 30, 2025. The Council was provided with the Survey. A committee was selected with a representative from City departments which had their first meeting to review results on November 17, 2025. Survey questions were posed on a 1-5 agreement scale. The overall average of each answer was 3.68 with the general feeling being very positive, but not a 5.0, showing there is room for improvement. Most employees were neutral or positive in their responses and felt supported by the Mayor and the Council. A common theme of the survey’s open-ended questions centered on a need for more dialog and more time with other employees. The Committee will continue their analysis at their next meeting in December and then will move forward with recommendations. A final report will be provided to the Mayor and Council. Councilmember Woessner and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and com- ments and thanked the staff for their candor. Mayor Wright thanked Communications Officer Aguilar for working towards positive change. \ADJOURN There being no further business, Councilmember Woessner moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Councilmember Marrow The vote on the motion was unanimous; therefore the meeting was ad- journed at 8:44 p.m. Certified by Julie Nester, City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Page 10 of 10