The following item was posted in the News section of the City of Oak Harbor website on May 3, 2023.
May 2, 2023 City Council Meeting Recap
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The Council received two public comments in advance of the meeting regarding a homeless encampment near Home Depot. Two additional comments were received during the meeting: First, a church’s desire to purchase land owned by the City near their property, request for the City to assist in funding the purchase, and an announcement about the upcoming Juneteenth event at the church. Second, a letter of appreciation to City Parks and Recreation and Public Works staff for their work cleaning two aircraft at Gateway Park, and the history of the aircraft.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as presented:
- Approval of Minutes – April 18, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting and April 26, 2023 City Council Workshop
- Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers
- Agreement with D&P Electronic Home Monitoring, LLC for Electronic Home Monitoring of eligible offenders
- Purchase Authorization: Parks and Recreation Department Bus
MAYOR COMMENTS
See the video below on Facebook.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
- Councilmember Munns commended Sgt. Jon Valenzuela for his assistance in helping her lost neighbor. She mentioned that she joined Councilmember Hoffmire at the Eagle Scout ceremony for Jeffrey Hogart.
- Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon responded to emails from the public about the encampment near Home Depot. She explained that it is a priority for the City Council, and they are working with the County and State legislators to modify the laws. She thanked Tim Shelley, the City’s Videographer, for being everywhere we need him to be and not missing a single Council meeting. She also commented on the recent Wearable Art Show at The Center, Arbor Day event at Broad View Elementary School, Holland Happening Parade, and City booth with the City’s Executive Assistant Macalle Finkle and Communications/IT Manager Sabrina Combs to share information about water conservation and the Active Transportation Plan.
- Councilmember Woessner praised the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce for putting on a great Holland Happening Weekend. He supported Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon’s comments about the Home Depot encampment because he personally hand-delivered information from the City to our legislators in Olympia about how we need more support regarding homelessness.
- Councilmember Stucky commented on the recent increase in public safety concerns and Chief Dresker’s work to address it. He explained that he was not aware of the Home Depot encampment and wanted to learn more from the Police Chief about what other cities are doing to address these issues since the state drug laws are expiring soon.
- Councilmember Hoffmire mentioned his appreciation of attendance at the meeting and public comments. He also appreciated the Holland Happening events and thanked five of his colleagues for participating in the parade. He shared his support of the Oak Harbor Police Department and agreed that the City delivered a serious message to Olympia regarding the need for legislation to address this and other issues.
Mayor Severns asked Chief Dresker to respond. Chief Dresker thanked Councilmember Munns for her comments about Sgt. Valenzuela. He also thanked Larry Munns and Youth Sailing for their work to assist an individual with mental illness that needed assistance in Oak Harbor Bay near the Marina. The Youth Sailing rescue boat assisted police in retrieving the individual from the water.
Chief Dresker explained the role that the Police Department plays in our community, low staffing challenges, and the development of new officers. He also shared that the Police Department must operate within case and state laws when responding. Chief Dresker talked about his staffs’ compassion, their desire to assist the public, and challenges within the requirements of the law.
In regards, to Home Depot he explained that the situation is not the responsibility of City Council. The Council is responsible for confirming that the Chief of Police and Police Department staff do an excellent job serving the community and he noted his appreciation for their support.
Additionally, Chief Dresker explained the legislation issue regarding narcotics. The law expires on July 1, and with that expiration, narcotics will no longer be illegal. He is monitoring what other Washington cities are doing to create their own laws and is working with the City Attorney and City leaders to prepare an item for Council. However, today Governor Jay Inslee called all legislators back into Special Session on May 16 to pass a law before the deadline. He plans to provide additional updates to the Council at a future meeting, noting there is no guarantee legislators will pass a new law by July 1st.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 23-10: Authorizing the Expenditure of Arts Commission Funds for the Mural Wrapping of Electrical Utility Transformers
Senior Services Administrator Liz Lange introduced Arts Commissioner JR Russell for the presentation of the resolution to install art designed by students on thirteen utility boxes. Councilmember Woessner made the motion to approve Resolution 23-10 authorizing appropriation of funds from the Creative Arts Fund in the amount of $10,00 for utility box wrapping, seconded by Councilmember Munns. The vote passed unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Approval of Potential 2023 Rural County Economic Development Fund – Grant Application
City Administrator Blaine Oborn explained the Island County Board of Commissioners has announced that applications will be accepted until May 16, 2023. He reviewed past projects the City has applied for assistance with and presented a list of ideas for this year’s application. Following discussion, Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon moved to authorize the submission of a grant application to Island County for the Rural County Economic Development Program for Marina Dredging, The Center parking lot, Pickleball Courts, and North Whidbey Sewer Expansion, seconded by Councilmember Hoffmire.
The friendly amendment by Councilmember Marshall, with a second by Councilmember Woessner, to change the amount of North Whidbey Sewer Expansion by $450,000. The vote on the friendly amendment passed unanimously. Mayor Severns called for a vote on the motion as amended which passed unanimously.
REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS
Fire Department Annual Report
Chief Merrill presented the Fire Department’s 2022 Annual Report.
Transportation Benefit District Annual Report
Finance and Performance Analyst Chas Webster and City Engineer Alex Warner presented the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) 2022 Annual Report.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Per RCW 42.30.110 (1) (b) To consider the selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate by lease or purchase when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased price; and Per RCW 42.30.110 (1) (c) To consider the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of decreased price. Anticipation: 30 minutes. Mayor Severns announced action might or might not be taken upon return to the open session.
The City Council entered Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. and resumed the Regular Session at 8:30 p.m. Mayor Severns noted no action was taken in Executive Session. He called upon Harbormaster Sublet for a presentation.
Mariners Haven Boatyard Purchase
Harbormaster Chris Sublet presented the purchasing details. Councilmember Woessner made the motion to authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all the necessary contracts and documents for the purchase of Mariners Haven Boatyard with the addition to extend the feasibility contingency date and period of examination to November 1, 2023, seconded by Councilmember Munns. The vote on the motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:36 pm.
MEETING MINUTES
The official meeting minutes will be available after approval by City Council in the Agenda Center.
On the Ballot in November 2023
| CITY OF OAK HARBOR |
| City Council: Four of five council positions are on the ballot. Position 1: Tara Hizon Councilwoman Hizon filed with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) to run for re-election. Position 2: Beth Munns Christopher Wiegenstein, a commissioner with the North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation District, filed with the Public Disclosure Commission in April to run for a City Council seat, but did not specify which position. During Filing Week, he filed to run for this seat. Former mayoral candidate Patrick Harman and Andy Plumlee, who was not selected for the Position 4 vacancy, have also filed for this seat. Position 3: Eric Marshall. Councilman Marshall was appointed after the resignation of Jeff Mack. This election will be for the remainder of Mack’s full term, which ends Dec. 31, 2023, and the succeeding four-year full term, which ends Dec. 31, 2027. Position 4: Christopher Wiegenstein Councilman Wiegenstein was appointed after the resignation of Dan Evans. This election will be for the remainder of Evans’ full term, which ends Dec. 31, 2025. announced his intention to apply for vacancy and run for the council on Apr. 28, 2023. Three of the shortlisted applicants, Barbara Armes, John Chaszar, and Wismine D’Avilar, have filed to run for the seat. |
| Mayor: Bob Severns Mayor Severns announced that he will not run for another term. Craig Nurvic, Councilman Shane Hoffmire, Oak Harbor businessmen Ronnie Wright and Nick Green filed to run during Filing Week. |
