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CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Wright presided over the meeting. Councilmember Woessner was excused.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

There were no changes to the meeting agenda. It was approved as presented.

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS

Members of the Board of the Oak Harbor Creative Arts Foundation provided a presentation regarding Mission, Vision Statement and Value Proposition of the Foundation and the pursuit of a Performing Arts Center, Makers Space, and Conference Space. Councilmembers Stucky and Hoffmire provided their respective questions and comments.

CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD 

The City received three new public comments since the last regular meeting. Two of the comments pertained to agenda item 9.a. and he noted they would be displayed with that item on the agenda. The third comment, from Jane Nichols, a former resident, was regarding concern for a potential hotel development downtown and was displayed on screen. Public Comments for items not on the regular agenda or items on the consent agenda were provided by:

• Jeff Humphrey of Oak Harbor, regarding restrictions in the Oak Harbor Municipal Code on food trucks and trailers within the City limits.
• Kim Ford of Oak Harbor, thanking City staff and particularly the Parks and Recreation Department Director Brian Smith for taking quick action regarding the condition of the Volunteer Park Softball Fields, and showing her daughters, both of whom addressed the Council at the March 19^th meeting, civic action in process.
• Nolan Saltonstall of Oak Harbor, regarding the Mr. Oak Harbor Royalty Court’s activities in support of a Community Recreation Center. He noted good progress had been made and $200,000 had been received by the City towards a feasibility study, He also voiced support of a Performing Arts Center The Mr. Oak Harbor Royalty is planning a “take-over” fundraiser at Mod Pizza on April 11^th. 

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Wright shared comments regarding:

• NE 7th Avenue Reconstruction: The City held a bid opening for the NE 7th Avenue Project earlier today. Staff will update us on the results of the bid opening once they have determined the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
• Happy Spring from the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society: Volunteers weeded and mulched the upper landscape beds in Smith Park this past Wednesday and shared photos with us.
• Boards & Commissions: The City has a number of volunteer positions to fill on our Historic Preservation, Civil Service, and Salary Commissions, LTAC, and Community and Police Advisory Board. 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.
• Special Meetings – In addition to our regular Council meeting on April 16th and our Council workshop on April 24th, the City Council will be holding two special Council meetings in April. The first will be on April 10th at 2:00 p.m. here in Council Chambers. The purpose of that special meeting is to discuss the Council’s Overarching Priorities and how they relate to our budget planning. The second special meeting is a joint meeting with the Island County Board of Commissioners on April 23rd at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is to review and discuss land use policies and regulations of mutual interest. That special meeting will be held at the Whidbey Campus of Skagit Val-ley College, Room A306. Both meetings are open to the public, but public comment will not be taken.
• Mayor’s First 100 Days in Office Report:  Mayor Wright noted his 100th day in office was fast approaching and that he is mindful every day of how the positive changes being made make for a better workplace and improved City operations and communication. To that end, he was pleased to announce that the City is welcoming Magi Aguilar to the Administration Team as Communications Officer. Magi is familiar to our community, having served the past two years as the Executive Director of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. She will be joining us in May. 
• Mayor Wright noted that last month, he promoted Executive Services Administrator Sabrina Combs to Interim City Administrator in light of her extensive knowledge of the City, our community, and her broad government and public sector experience.  Mayor Wright state It is his distinct honor to seek Council’s support of the first female person of color in the City Administrator role for the City of Oak Harbor.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

• Councilmember Hoffmire thanked all who have volunteered to fill the open positions on the City’s Boards and Commissions, and complimented Mayor Wright on the hiring of Magi Aguilar as Communications Officer.
• Councilmember Stucky asked for information on the public comment raised regarding food trucks. Principal Planner Kamak noted it was among the items Development Services Director Kuhl has on the Department’s list  of items they are working on and will provide an update at a future Council meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were approved as presented:

1. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting of March 19, 2024, and City Council Workshop of March 27, 2024
2. Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers 
3. International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the Oak Harbor Fire Department
4. Purchase Authorization – Police Fleet Vehicles
5. Appointment: Arts Commission, Position 4 – Valerie Steely
6. Appointment: Community Police Advisory Board, Position 1 – Melinda Buchanan
7. Appointment: Community Police Advisory Board, Position 2 – River Powers
8. Appointment: Community Police Advisory Board, Position 3 – Rachel Paul
9. Appointment: Community Police Advisory Board, Position 4 – Brian Hunt
10. Appointment: Marina Advisory Commission, Position 4 – Joshua Ray
11. Appointment: Marina Advisory Commission, Position 6 – Evan Kestenbaum
12. Appointment: Marina Advisory Commission, Position 7 – Louie Foster
13. Appointment: Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Position 6 – Stefanya Huerta
14. Appointment: Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Position 7 – Vicki Briggs
15. Appointment: Planning Commission, Position 2 – Kevin Wilson
16. Appointment: Marina Advisory Commission, Position 7 – Eddie Fry 

Councilmember Hoffmire noted he would recuse himself from voting on consent item 4.e. 

Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to pull item 4 e. Resolution 24-14: Supporting the North Whidbey Pool, Park, and Recreation District request to place the formation of a Metropolitan Park District on an Island County Special Election Ballot. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Wiegenstein. The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmember Hoffmire recused. Mayor Wright noted all other consent agenda items were approved as presented.

Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to approve consent agenda item 4. e., seconded by Councilmember Marshall. The vote on the motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and Councilmembers Armes, Wiegenstein and Marshall in favor, Councilmember Stucky against, and Councilmember Hoffmire recused.

PUBLIC HEARINGS & MEETINGS

1.  Ordinance 1995: Budget Amendment #6 to the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget

Deputy City Administrator David Goldman presented the budget amendment. He explained the budget amendment was to account for previously approved bargaining agreements and a change in the non-represented healthcare and dental spouse/family share to conform with the bargaining agreements. 

• City Council approved the Teamsters Collective bargaining agreement on January 16, 2024. 
• City Council approved the Oak Harbor Police Association (OHPA) Commissioned and Non-Commissioned bargaining agreements on February 5, 2024. 
• City Council approved the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) bargaining agreement on April 2, 2024. 
• Proposal to adjust the Employer/Employee Medical & Dental Family and Spouse cost share from the current 80%/20% to 90%/10% to match what has been included in the previously approved bargaining agreements. 

Deputy City Administrator Goldman reviewed the costs related to the adjustments and amendments. He explained how the budget amendments increase the overall amount of a fund while Budget Adjustments transfer budget appropriations between accounts within the same fund. Budget Amendments require City Council approval. Budget Adjustments do not require City Council approval but were included in this agenda bill for information and discussion purposes. Mayor Wright opened the public hearing and confirmed no comments had been received. He requested any comments from those present and hearing none, closed the public hearing. Councilmembers Hoffmire, Stucky, Marshall, Wiegenstein and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments.

BREAK

At 6:46 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon requested a short break to further review information in the meeting packet. Mayor Wright resumed the meeting at 6:53 p.m. and the Council continued their discussions. 

Motion: Councilmember Wiegenstein moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1995 Budget Amendment #6 amending the 2023-24 Biennial Budget, adopting an up-dated wage and salary schedule and plan of classification, and adjusting non-represented full-time employee dependent or family plan health and dental insurance cost shares.  Councilmember Marshall seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 

2. Resolution 24-08: Authorizing the Surplus and Sale of Real Property –   NE Goldie Street, Oak Harbor, Washington, which constitutes 3.39 acres and bears Assessor’s Parcel Number R13326-009-2990

Economic Development Coordinator Steve McCaslin presented the resolution. He explained the City purchased the property, identified as Parcel Number R13326-009-2990, in 1938 for public works' purposes. The City previously declared the Property to be surplus per Resolution 09- 01 but never completed sale of the Property. The Public Works Department evaluation shows that there is no need for the Property for public works' purposes, and City staff has determined that the City has no other need for use of the Property.  This was previously presented to the Council in the January 2024 Workshop. Proposed Resolution 24-08 declares the property surplus. Per OHMC Section 1.30.010, the City completed a ten-day public notice. Mayor Wright opened the public hearing and confirmed no public comments had been received. HE called for any public comments from those gathered. Hearing no comments, Mayor Wright closed the public hearing and called upon the Council for their questions and comments. Councilmember Marshall provided his respective questions and comments. 

Motion: Councilmember Stucky moved to approve Resolution 24-08, declaring the Goldie Road Property surplus, and authorize the Mayor to proceed with sale of the property through a sealed-bid process. Councilmember Wiegenstein seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 24-10: Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office grant applications               

Grant Administrator Wendy Horn presented the resolution and introduced Brandon Cable, Parks and Recreation Supervisor. She explained the Washington State Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) has 25 different grant programs that it administers. The programs range from salmon recovery, conservation and boating to parks, trails, and a wide range of outdoor recreation activities.  She noted the application window is open for a number of these programs with the deadline for all of them being May 1, 2024. The Parks and Recreation Department is interested in applying for four programs this cycle.  The Community Outdoor Athletic Facilities grant program, The Land and Water Conservation Fund, and The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Grant Administrator Horn reviewed the grant programs and the City’s plans in applying for each. Mayor Wright confirmed no public comments had been received regarding this item. Councilmembers Hoffmire, Stucky, and Marshall provided their respective questions and comments.

Motion: Councilmember Stucky moved to approve Resolution 24-10, authorizing the Mayor to sign a Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) Applicant Authorization Resolution for the COAF, YAF, LWCF and WWRP- Recreation grant programs. Councilmember Marshall seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CONTRACTS & AGREEMENTS 

a. Bid Award – Ault Field Water Pump Station – Electrical System Replacement

Project Manager Brett Arvidson presented the item. He explained the City of Oak Harbor intends to rebuild the electrical system at the Ault Field Pump Station. This pump station is the main supply pump for the City’s water system and is a key critical failure point for the City’s water supply. The electrical system was originally constructed in the 1970’s and the system needs replacement. On March 19th bids were opened for the project. The bid results are Preferred Industrial Electric, Inc $407,306.55 or Blue Mountain Electric, Inc $436,000.00. The Engineers Estimate was $450,000.00.  Staff recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder Preferred Industrial Electric. A portion of the work included in this contract is allocated to a capital project in the 2023-2024 Budget, the Ault Field Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) Replacements, with $100,000 allocated from the water fund. After review of the system last year, and multiple discussions with the City Council, the project has completely changed in scope, and most of the electrical system, as well as the VFD’s, are recommended to be replaced.  Per the City of Oak Harbor’s Purchasing Policy Manual, the change order allowance is to be 20% of the construction cost or $100,000.00, whichever is less. In accordance with the manual, Staff requests City Council authorize a total change order allowance of $81,461.00. Funding will come from Fund 431, Water Capital - $407,306.55. There are sufficient funds within the water fund balance. A future budget amendment will be presented upgrading the budget impacts. Mayor Wright confirmed no comments had been received and called for any comments from those in attendance. Hearing none, he requested Council comments. Councilmembers Stucky, Hoffmire, Wiegenstein and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments.

Motion: Councilmember Hoffmire moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for Ault Field water pump station electrical rehabilitation project the low bidder Preferred Industrial Electrical, Inc in the amount of $407,306.55 and authorize the Public Works Director to sign change orders up to $81,461.00 in Councilmember Marshall         seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

b. Professional Services Agreement with Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc for Climate Change and Comprehensive Plan Update Services – Principal Planner Cac Kamak reviewed the Agreement. The City applied for and received two separate grants from the Department of Commerce to update the City Comprehensive Plan and plan for Cli-mate Change. The grant amounts to $125,000 for the Comprehensive Plan and $150,000 for the Cli-mate Change Element for a total of $275,000. The City did a Request for Qualifications for these updates and received 10 interested consultant teams. A committee was formed that included City Council and Planning Commission members to re-view, evaluate, and select a consultant team. Six firms were interviewed and eventually Kimley-Horn was selected as the top candidate to head the Comprehensive Plan and Climate Element update. The scope of services and proposed budget was attached to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA). Mayor Wight confirmed no comments had been received. There were no comments by the public. Councilmember Stucky provided his respective questions and comments. 

Motion: Councilmember Marshall moved to Councilmember Wiegenstein seconded the motion. Councilmember Marshall moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract to hire Kimley-Horn, LLC as the firm to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan and incorporate Climate Change into the Plan. Councilmember Stucky seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

Opioid Settlement Update

Police Chief Tony Slowik provided a summary of distribution of funds coming to the City. Staff will bring action items to the Council at the April 16^th meeting to approve distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds to purchase Naloxone for city fleet first aid kits and to police officers He noted that on February 29, 2024, Island County Health Department provide Opioid Safety and Naloxone Training to city staff from Public Works, Parks, and Marina staff. The training covered proper use of personal protective equipment and safety around suspected opioid material and the application of Naloxone as a first aid tool to counter opioid exposure or overdoses.  City Staff identified the need to outfit city fleet first aid kits with Naloxone. Chief Slowik reported there is no inventory of Naloxone owned by the City and Naloxone cannot be provided by Island County services. Chief Slowik also reported on the Johnson & Johnson settlement agreement, which is a part of the One Washington MOU of which the City is a part. The participation form for this settlement is due to be submitted by May 11, 2024. Staff will bring this item to the April 16^th meeting for Council approval. Councilmembers Hoffmire and Stucky provided their respective questions and comments.

Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Grants

Police Chief Slowik also presented information about newly available grant applications from the Department of Justice and regional training and support for officer psychological health and well-being, and resources for mental health providers for issues common to law enforcement officers and agencies. Staff will bring a request to approve grant applications to the Council at the April 16^th meeting. The Police Department proposes to use any grant funds awarded under these programs to provide coaching and mentoring, in-person trainings, wellness options, peer support training, and coaching and mentoring certification. Councilmember Marshall provided his respective questions and comments.

ADJOURN

Councilmember Marshall made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilmember Wiegenstein. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. 

MEETING MINUTES

The official meeting minutes will be available after approval by City Council in the Agenda Center online at https://oakharbor.gov/AgendaCenter

WATCH

You can watch the entire City Council meeting on YouTube