CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wright presided over the meeting. He noted Councilmember Woessner was attending remotely.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Wright noted staff had requested moving item 8.c. to after item 11. Executive Session.
Motion: Councilmember Wiegenstein moved to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Marshall and passed unanimously.
COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
- National Police Week Proclamation – presented by Police Chief Slowik
- American Water Works Association (AWWA) Drinking Water Week Proclamation May 5th- May 11th – presented by Public Works Director Schuller.
- Island County Emergency Services Communication Center (I-COM) Presentation presented by I-COM Executive Director Sofia Kohfield. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon and Councilmembers Hoffmire and Stucky provided their respective questions and comments.
CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD
The City Council received one comment in advance of the meeting from TJ Ewen in support of Pickleball and another to the City Parks and Recreation Department from Marisa Brandhorst, also in support of Pickleball, Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department were copied in on several letters written to the Washington Recreation Conservation Office in support of grant funding for Pickleball in Oak Harbor, These letters, from Marc DeJong, Scott & Melissa Bader, Charles Calvert, and Marsha Kallander, all of Oak Harbor, were also displayed.
Mayor Wright opened the floor for comments from members of the public in attendance.
- John Lovick, of Mill Creek, a state senator and father of Interim City Administrator Sabrina Combs, spoke in praise of I-COM, noting he was with the State Patrol for 31 years, in praise of Sabrina, and in support of Pickleball, for which he sponsored legislation. He presented the Mayor with a book titled Pickleball For All, and a Pickleball set, and challenged any one from the Council to a match. Mayor Wright thanked Senator Lovick for attending and noted Sabrina is his right hand at the City.
- Michelle Hines, Executive Director of Spin Café, noted they had moved to the current location on SW Barlow Street in November of last year. She stated she had see a lot of chatter about Spin Café on social media and thanked the Oak Harbor Police Department, I-COM, Whidbey Health, Sumar, Sunrise, and all others who work with the homeless, those suffering from mental illness, or addicted populations.
- Amber Burgess of Oak Harbor identified herself as a public health professional and a concerned parent, citing a situation of concern at the North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation District pool facility. She noted she had been informed there is an agreement / short-term solution for users of Spin Café to use the pool facilities and asked whether this had been looked into by the Health Department.
Mayor Wright noted the NWPPRD is separate from the City and is not a City run or governed facility, but that he would pass along these comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
All Items were approved as presented
- Approval of Minutes - City Council Meeting of April 16, 2024, City Council Special Workshop of April 23, 2024, and City Council Workshop of April 24, 2024
- Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers
- Professional Services Agreements: PFM Financial Advisor Services
- Professional Services Agreements: Foster Garvey PC for Bond Counsel Services
- Resolution 24-16: Authorizing the Auction of 3 Vessels for non-payment of Marina charges
- West Whidbey Utility Replacement Project - Approval of Final Contract Voucher Certificate
- Appointment: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Receiver 1 Position - Allenda Jenkins
- Appointment: Salary Commission, Position 1 - Jason McFadyen
- Appointment: Salary Commission, Position 3 - Tiffany Scribner
- Appointment: Salary Commission, Position 2 - Melissa McCumber
- Appointment: Salary Commission, Position 4 - Mary Himes
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Wright provided the following comments:
- Arbor Day: Parks and Recreation received this thank you from Christina Merritt, Principal of Oak Harbor Elementary: “Brian and Liz, please extend our gratitude to your team for planning such a great event today! Our kids had a blast, and your team made it so easy for us to participate. Thanks for helping us make memories for our little Eagles!”
- Kudos for Students: Oak Harbor High School Sophomore Ramona Southwick recently received acceptance into the Do-It Scholars Program through the University of Washington, a comprehensive program that empowers students with disabilities to succeed in challenging fields of study and employment. Ramona is one of only 20 students across the state to receive acceptance into the program this year. Congratulations!
- Boards & Commissions: Thank you to the response for our request to fill many of our Boards and Commissions positions. The City still has volunteer positions to fill. Please see our website to apply.
- Still Hiring: The City has openings for employment in several areas. See our website for a complete listing.
- Upcoming Special Workshop: The City Council will hold a special workshop on May 15th from 1-5 p.m. in Council Chambers. The purpose of the special workshop is for the Council to review and discuss their priorities. The meeting will be open to the public, but no public comments will be taken.
- Local Events: There are several terrific special events happening in our area, many of which are displayed on the screen.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
– Councilmember Stuck thanked all who wrote about Pickleball. He noted that while social media is a great start, it was more effective for citizens to make comments via an email to the City Council or in-person at a Council meeting. Councilmember Wiegenstein reported on an upcoming Community Cares mental health event, and also on the Arts Commission and Citizens Advisory Board, both of which he serves on.
PUBLIC HEARINGS & MEETINGS
Continuation of Public Hearing: Ordinance No. 1994: 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Principal Planner Kamak reviewed the Ordinance background and information and provided an overview of the updates made to the Capital Improvement Plan for 2024-2029, which is moving forward as the only amendment to the 2023 Comprehensive Plan. Updates to the CIP following the April 16th Council meeting included items related to: CERB, Pickleball, Smith Park, Traffic Calming. Oak Harbor Marina and Marina Breakwater. A consideration of a feasibility study for a Recreation Center will be included in the next update. Mayor Wright re-opened the public hearing. Seeing no one with a desire to speak, the public hearing was closed. Councilmember Marshall thanked staff for addressing his questions from the last meeting.
Motion: Councilmember Marshall Moved to approve Ordinance No. 1994: Adopting the 2024-2029 Capital Improvements Plan and amending the 2023 Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Hoffmire seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
None
CONTRACTS & AGREEMENTS
Bid Award: Windjammer Park - Baseball Field Renovations
Parks Supervisor Cable presented the item and reviewed the project scope of work and bids received. Staff submitted but did not receive grant funding for this project. Funding for the renovations will come from the Windjammer Park Improvements fund. Low bidder for the project is Matia Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $163,091.25. Staff requests a 10% contingency for change orders of $16,309,00 for a total amount t not to exceed $179,400.25. Councilmembers Hoffmire, Woessner, Marshall, and Wiegenstein provided their respective questions and comments.
Motion: Councilmember Wiegenstein moved to award the bid for the Windjammer Park baseball field renovations to Matia Contractors, Inc, for $163,091.25 and authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to sign change orders up to an amount of $16,309,00 for a total not to exceed $179,400.25. Councilmember Hoffmire seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Bid Award: NE 7th Avenue Reconstruction
Project Manager Phil Esqueda provided background information and presented the item to the Council for the Project, which is a federal, state, and local funded transportation capital project. SRV Construction, Inc. was the low bidder at $2,011,566.77. The City’s contribution after grants and other funding will be $775,425.22. Construction is anticipated to start in late June or early July and is estimated to be substantially completed by the end of 2024. Staff is requesting a 20% change order contingency. Councilmembers Hoffmire, Stucky, and Woessner provided their respective questions and comments.
Motion: Councilmember Woessner moved to award the contract for the NE 7th Avenue Reconstruction Project to the low bidder SRV Construction Inc. in the amount of $2,011,565.77 and authorize the Public Works Director to sign change orders up to an amount of $402,313.15 in total. Councilmember Marshall seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided additional comments. The vote on the motion passed unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Washington State & Local Cybersecurity Grant
Presented by Grants Administrator Wendy Horn. Wendy reviewed statistics nationwide and for Washington state. There have already been 74 ransomware attacks in Washington this year. The state has submitted a state-wide strategic cybersecurity plan to the US Dept of Homeland Security and received $14 million to distribute as grants to local agencies for cybersecurity projects. The FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)sets federal policy requirements for law enforcement agencies, including the Washington state Patrol and Police departments. These policies require continual monitoring, which is now also a requirement of the Washington Cities Insurance Association. The City is applying for a grant to fund a full-time Cybersecurity Administrator, which is not budgeted. If the City is awarded the grant, a budget amendment of approximately $250,000 will be brought to the Council for consideration. Councilmember Stucky provided his respective questions and comments. Police Chief Slowik also responded to questions.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to approve the Mayor’s signing of a letter to the Washington Military Department in support of a City application for the Washington State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Councilmember Wiegenstein seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Break
Mayor Wright called for a short break from 7:24-7:29 p.m.
REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS
City Council Financial Primer Part 2 - Property & Sales Tax – Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director Goldman provided the second in a series of financial primers in preparation for the next budget cycle. Included in this primer was the make-up of the General Fund Operating Budget, Sources of Revenue, Taxes Collected by Oak Harbor, Property Taxes and how they work, and Sales Taxe and their uses. Councilmember Stucky provided his respective questions and comments.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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 to discuss with legal counsel litigation or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110 (1) (i)
Mayor Wright noted the anticipated duration was 20 minutes and that action might or might not be taken on return to the open session. Executive sessions are not open to the public. The Council entered into executive session at 7:50 p.m. at 8:10 p.m. the Council announced they would extend the executive session for ten additional minutes to 8:20 p.m. At 8:20 p.m. the Council announced they would extend the executive session for an additional five minutes to 8:25 p.m.. At 8:25 p.m., the Council came out of the executive session and resumed the open session of the meeting. Mayor Wright requested any discussion or Council comments regarding the real estate matter discussed. Mayor Pro Tem Hizon asked for clarification of the suggested motion.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hizon moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the purchase and Sale Agreement(s) for three properties adjacent to /city-owned Freund Marsh, which are identified by their Island County Tax Parcel Numbers: R13203-047-4190, R13202-050-4580, and R13210-430-4530. Councilmember Hoffmire seconded the motion, which passed 5-2 with Councilmembers Armes, Woessner, Stucky, Hoffmire and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon in favor, and Councilmembers Wiegenstein and Marshall opposed.
Contracts & Agreements
Employment Agreement: Oak Harbor City Administrator - Sabrina Combs – Mayor Wright made the following statement: I have asked Sabrina Combs to take on the pivotal role of City Administrator. In her four years at the City, she has been continually promoted, with good reason. Sabrina brings a valuable combination of analytical, practical, and inter-personal skills to every circumstance and opportunity. She is a leader and a team-builder who tackles the tasks at hand and looks forward to anticipate future needs. Sabrina brings both public and private sector experience to operations, budgeting, and personnel management. In my 20 years of leadership experience, I have only encountered one individual that possesses the communication skills that Sabrina demonstrates on a daily basis. Communication is vital in leadership, and I have all the confidence in the world in Sabrina. She has my full support for this position, as soon as it is available.
Tony Slowik, speaking as a private citizen, spoke in support of appointing Sabrina as City Administrator. He noted Sabrina’s servant leadership, which he believed was best for the City. He also cited her involvement with the staff, taking action, and addressing challenges. Councilmembers Armes, Woessner, Stucky, Hoffmire, Marshall, Wiegenstein and Mayor Pro Tem Hizon provided their respective questions and comments.
Motion: Councilmember Marshall moved to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Sabrina Combs as City Administrator for the City of Oak Harbor and authorize the Mayor to sign the Employment Agreement as soon as the position becomes available. Councilmember Wiegenstein seconded the motion, which passed 4-3 with Mayor Pro Tem Hizon, and Councilmembers Armes, Wiegenstein, and Marshall in favor, and Councilmembers Woessner, Hoffmire, and Stucky opposed. All members present congratulated Sabrina following the vote.
ADJOURN
Councilmember Marshall made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hizon. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES
The official meeting minutes will be available after approval by City Council in the Agenda Center online.