CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wright presided over the meeting. All Councilmembers were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no changes to the meeting agenda. It was approved as presented.
CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD
The City received no public comments in advance of the meeting. No comments were received during the meeting.
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Wright shared comments regarding:
- Staffing Updates: Research of City ordinances indicates the inclusion of the City Administrator position as an integral role in the City’s organizational structure. In taking this under consideration, Mayor Wright explained he has appointed Sabrina Combs as Interim City Administrator while further examining the leadership needs of the city over the next several months. He noted his appreciation for Sabrina stepping up to take on this responsibility.
- NE 7th Avenue Reconstruction: Advertising for the NE 7th Avenue Project starts tomorrow, with a bid opening scheduled for April 2nd.
- Island County Comprehensive Plan: Island County thanks all who attended their recent open houses for their Comprehensive Plan update. Starting in March, they are bringing goals and policies from their past Comprehensive Plan forward to the Board of Island County Commissioners and the Planning Commission for review. Land Use Element on March 6 and Housing Element at the Board on March 13 and at the Planning Commission on March 20. Citizens can participate in the Land Use Goals & Policies survey on their website to share your feedback or attend the meetings in person or via zoom. See their website at www.islandcounty2045.com
- Boards & Commissions: The City has a number of volunteer positions to fill on our Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation, Arts, Marina Advisory, Historic Preservation, Civil Service, and Salary Commissions. See our website to apply.
- Now Hiring: The City has openings for employment in several areas. See our website for a complete listing and how to apply.
- Mayor’s First 100 Days in Office Report: Mayor Wright noted he is continuing meetings with City Departments, greeting legislators, and attended several meetings with Island County last week, including the Island County Council of Governments, Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization, and Island Local Integrating Organization Executive Boards. He also enjoyed a tour of the public library.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Woessner spoke in regard to filling vacancies on Advisory Boards and Commissions, and whether the City would consider including persons from outside the City limits in the Urban Growth Area (UGA). Interim City Administrator Combs noted she would research recent updates to the bylaws for advisory groups and report back to the Council.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as presented:
- Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting of February 20, 2024 and City Council Workshop of February 28, 2024
- Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers
- 2023 Hot Mix Asphalt Overlay Project – Final Contract Voucher Certificate.
- Island Senior Resources 2024 Lease Agreement – The Center Kitchen and Modular Building
- Northwest Regional Council Lease Agreement 2024 – Office in Modular Building
- Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding: Island County Department of Emergency Management
PUBLIC HEARINGS & MEETINGS
Resolution 24-07: 2024-2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket
Principal Planner Cac Kamak presented the item and noted the Growth Management Act limits amendments to the comprehensive plan to no more frequently than once a year. The City has codified the process to amend the Comprehensive Plan in Oak Harbor Municipal Code Chapter 18.15. The State also requires that all counties and cities conduct a periodic update of its comprehensive plan and development regulations and sets forth a schedule for such updates. Oak Harbor is required to complete this update by June 30, 2025. A more detailed presentation was included in the February 28, 2024 Council Workshop.
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing, no comments were received, and the public hearing was closed. There were no questions or comments from the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to approve Resolution 24-07: Adopting the 2024-2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket, seconded by Councilmember Hoffmire. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Wright announced that the Council would move into an 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. He noted the estimated duration of the executive session was 15 minutes and that action might or might not be taken upon return to the open session. Executive sessions are not open to the public.
The Council entered into executive session at 6:12 p.m. At 6:27 p.m. the Council announced an extension of the executive session for ten additional minutes to 6:37 p.m.
At 6:37 p.m. the Council came out of executive session and resumed the open session of the meeting. Mayor Wright noted no action would be taken regarding the real estate matter discussed.
ADJOURN
Councilmember Wiegenstein made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 6:37 pm.
MEETING MINUTES
The official meeting minutes will be available after approval by City Council in the Agenda Center