The following item was posted in the News section of the City of Oak Harbor website on Fri., Aug. 18, 2023.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
- Approved as presented.
- Mayor [Bob] Severns presided over the meeting.
- Councilmember [Jim] Woessner intended to participate remotely. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the meeting.
PRESENTATIONS
Whidbey Island Marathon Report
Jared Loranger from Fizz Events presented a report on the Whidbey Island Marathon and related events.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The Council received public comments in advance of the meeting regarding parked vehicles on Taylor Road, purchased home with bat infestation, and LTAC funding. An additional comment about Reverend Ron Lawler as an individual that served the Oak Harbor Police Department and the community for over thirty years and the gathering on Thursday afternoon to celebrate him was received during the meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as presented:
- Approval of Minutes – August 2, 2023 City Council Meeting
- Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers
- Annual Review of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
- Professional Services Agreement with Fizz Events – 2024 Whidbey Island Marathon
- Purchase Authorization – Ford F150 Lightning Pickup (Police Department)
COUNCIL COMMENTS
- Mayor Pro Tempore [Tara Hizon] was contacted by a citizen about creating an ordinance about failure to supervise a minor, requested for staff to add this as an item for a future meeting.
- Councilmember [Beth] Munns mentioned the recent Whidbey News-Times article regarding our award from the Washington Department of Ecology for the Clean Water Facility (CWF) and the additional nine awards we have received in the past. Also, wanted to thank everyone who contributed to Christmas in July for Help House.
- Councilmember [Bryan] Stucky mentioned the encampments near our City with RVs, boats, and garbage. These are not in our City, but he asked if there was something more that we can do in the form of a letter or interlocal agreement. Chief Dresker responded about some steps we can do to work with the County and took an action item to speak with the Sheriff.
- Councilmember [Shane] Hoffmire expressed the need for partnerships to solve homelessness and our work with the Homeless Coalition. He spoke to the previous topic and voiced his appreciation for the new award from WA DOE, complimenting the amazing staff at the facility.
- Councilmember [Chris] Wiegenstein inquired whether we have a task force partnership with Island County to address homelessness. He noted if not, we should consider doing that and it should be more than just law enforcement. He shared his experience dealing with individuals on Hoffman Road. Wants to see a task force started to create a team approach to support our County.
- Councilmember [Eric] Marshall apologized for tardiness due to mandatory training today for Football practice that starts tomorrow. He asked whether The Center was being utilized as a cooling center. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon noted the library was also open as a cooling center. Councilmember Munns also mentioned the Splash Park as a great resource for cooling off and voiced appreciation for improvements made to the water pressure.
CONTRACTS & AGREEMENTS
Contract Amendment No. 2 with Gray & Osborne for ON-Call Water Services
Project Engineer Brett Arvidson presented the project background and four amendment tasks. Councilmember Hoffmire made the motion to authorize the Mayor to sign Professional Service Amendment No. 2 with Gray & Osborne, Inc. in the amount of $161,930.00, increasing the total contract amount from $333,260.00 to $495,190.00, seconded by Councilmember Munns. The motion passed with six votes in favor because Councilmember Woessner was absent.
OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
2024 LTAC Grant Referral to Council
Finance and Performance Analyst Chas Webster reviewed the RCW, timeline, and scenario options for potentially adding Island and Camano Island Tourism. Presented the suggested motion and turned the meeting over to Councilmember Stucky for further comments. Council discussed options and alternative motions. Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon made the motion to refer use of Civic Improvement (Lodging Tax) Funds of $350,000 in 2024 to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for review of applications for those funds and their recommendation to City Council, seconded by Councilmember Wiegenstein. The motion passed with six votes in favor.
The Council then further discussed the second motion, increasing the annual Island County Joint Tourism contribution. Councilmember Stucky proposed a change in the suggested motion to add “to be reviewed on a biennial basis.”
Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to amend the Island County Joint Tourism Agreement to increase the annual contribution to $50,000 and authorize the Mayor to execute the amendment to the joint agreement, to be reviewed on a biennial basis. Councilmember Marshall seconded the motion, with six votes in favor.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm.
MEETING MINUTES
The official meeting minutes will be available after approval by City Council in the Agenda Center.
WATCH
You can watch the City Council meeting on YouTube
On the Ballot in 2023
| CITY OF OAK HARBOR |
|---|
| City Councilmember, Position 1 Tara Hizon, the incumbent |
| City Councilmember, Position 2 Andy Plumlee Chris Wiegenstein Incumbent Beth Munns did not file for re-election. |
| City Councilmember, Position 3 Eric Marshall, the incumbent |
| City Councilmember, Position 4 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 Ronnie Wright Shane Hoffmire Incumbent Bob Severns did not file for re-election. |
