The following item was posted in the News section of the City of Oak Harbor website on June 8, 2023.
June 28, 2023 – City Council Workshop Recap
City Council Workshop meeting recap. Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon presided over the meeting at the request of Mayor Severns.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Marina Rate Study Presentation – Paul Sorenson, BST Associates
Paul Sorenson with BST Associates presented a detailed review of the study findings and recommendations and responded to Council questions and input. Mr. Sorenson explained that Marina rates did not increase for a period between 2011–2016. This caused rates to fall further behind from competitive rates. Rates need to be adjusted to pay for dredging and new breakwater projects. Mr. Sorenson reviewed comparable rates from area Marinas (average and median) to develop a five-year rate schedule (2023-2027), revenue sources, and fee changes.
Marina Rates and Fees Update
Harbormaster Chris Sublet explained where we would like to go with the Marina rates, including a staff recommendation to move forward with the plan from BST Associates to increase rates over a three-year period. Harbormaster Sublet presented his research that it is estimated to cost $6.8 to $8.8 million for the future dredging project.
Action Item: Resolution 23-14: Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) Grant Application Authorization for Local Parks Maintenance Grant (LPM) for the Marina
Harbormaster Chris Sublet announced a new grant opportunity to apply for a portion of the 5 million dollars in one-time funding recently approved by the Legislature. No matching funds are required. The project chosen is the main walkway whalers, rub boards, and electrical boxes from 1974. Some areas are rotten and broken. It is a Capital Improvement Project scheduled for 2023 with a budget of $250,000. Unfortunately, the Emergency Fuel Pipe Repair used $70,000 of the $250,000 budget. Previous estimates for upgrades were $172,000 for one-side back in 2021. Staff anticipates an additional $100,000 to compensate for increased costs.
Councilmember Hoffmire moved to approve Resolution 23-14, authorizing the Mayor to sign a Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) Grant application for the Local Parks Maintenance (LPM) Grant, seconded by Councilmember Munns. The vote was approved unanimously.
Additionally, Harbormaster Sublet announced the Marina Boat Ramp Launch will be available for use on July 1.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Code Revisions
Senior Planner Ray Lindenburg presented an update on the legislative changes (House Bills 1110 and 1337) related to ADUs. Staff will continue to monitor the legislation.
FINANCE
Parks and Recreation Staffing Support – Financial Analysis
Finance Director David Goldman presented the financial analysis for the May 24, 2023 City Council Workshop – “Parks and Recreation Staffing Support” agenda item by Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith. Parks and Recreation Director Smith provided responses to Council questions. Council directed staff to bring the item back for the July 11th Regular City Council Meeting.
2022 Preliminary Financial Results and Revenue Trends
Finance Director David Goldman presented the preliminary results as well as a 2023 Mid-Year Financial Review.
PUBLIC WORKS
Downtown and Marina Revitalization and Redevelopment Plan
Public Works Director Steve Schuller presented the top priorities for City Council, plan for future investment opportunities, and next steps.
ADMINISTRATION
Discussion Item: Ordinance No. 1979: Approval of Franchise Agreement – Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
City Attorney Hillary Evans presented the agreement and Finance Director David Goldman answered questions about the fees. A public hearing on this ordinance has been noticed for the July 11th Council agenda.
City Administrator’s Report
Finance Director David Goldman presented an overview of report topics on behalf of City Administrator Oborn.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
- Councilmember Hoffmire reported on his attendance at a Juneteenth event at which Councilmember Munns was a speaker. He noted Councilmember Stucky was also in attendance.
- Councilmember Munns announced Island Transit’s new Sunday service and receipt of a $7.5 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration for a new South Whidbey Transit Station. Riders can take Island Transit to Deception Pass State Park and other parks at no charge. She also shared Christmas in July donation needs for Help House.
- Councilmember Marshall announced an event this Sunday from 9 am – Noon at Oak Harbor High School that includes a youth football camp and silent auction. Learn more at ohfc.org.
MEETING ADJOURNED
6:03 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comment options are available at www.oakharbor.gov/publiccomment.
On the Ballot in August 2023
| CITY OF OAK HARBOR |
|---|
| City Councilmember, Position 1 Tara Hizon, the incumbent |
| City Councilmember, Position 2 Andy Plumlee Patrick “Pat” Harman Chris Wiegenstein Incumbent Beth Munns did not file for re-election. |
| City Councilmember, Position 3 Eric Marshall, the incumbent |
| City Councilmember, Position 4 Wismine D’Avilar. (Ms. D’Availar has withdrawn, but will still appear on the ballot.) John Chaszar Barbara Armes Chris Wiegenstein, the incumbent, was appointed to this position after Filing Week closed. He had chosen to file for Position 2. |
| Mayor Craig Nurvic Nick Green Ronnie Wright Shane Hoffmire Incumbent Bob Severns did not file for re-election. |
