[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6373671,"mediaKeyId","2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb","parentId",2145657,"title","Oak Harbor council authorizes staff to pursue Port District option for marina funding","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5191000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb&start=5191&end=5191","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb/thumbnail_5191000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6373671/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-council-authorizes-staff-to-pursue-Port-District-option-for-marina-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6373671-c6e91be6182f5350b8e2c5a180e7c286/orig.mp4?Expires=1773722297&Signature=CkLucweoUKM5f9dmxA9-azApi3ZlIwSLibhqkZsZqIq49soLrrRJZj1XqDal1QzTsVWtznp~XJ8T1FMv0uleDtoeR2OTRuwgo1qlgbxyoEFVObsDlEATIRGzaad8Sjltx0GDU-sRjGIXB~YVlto8noTzQP0AEl~V7EfB9c1YMbgVkt1plPeg~OBGPFoJSzr~aCkyjSdLr4PRRErxGCejs~vauky-YxwdauG7PvBH~NK1D3-z7FG~5iYJenQihNpSo8QHZSSNvCHW2YvkZQ58dmKEJw2GaoyP2WKA3FwOjW1nvz7vzhAjIGIlVGiPWoLt0woZxjAUd4bSdM1K436Saw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oak Harbor City, WA","date","2025-01-22T17:31:07Z","article","The Oak Harbor City Council unanimously authorized staff on Jan. 14 to pursue planning for a potential public port district, a step staff says could unlock state and federal funding streams to address marina repairs, breakwater and dredging needs.

Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith and Marina stakeholders presented a summary of public engagement since June, including open houses and a public survey that indicated strong preference for exploring a port district as the top funding option. City staff outlined the marina's long-term capital needs: an aging breakwater, failing dock systems, and recurring dredging. Staff said the marina's operating revenue historically came primarily from tenants, but that capital needs exceed current local funding and that openness to new governance and funding structures had broad public support in outreach events.

Staff described financing options including a B&O (business and occupation) tax, legislative grants and bonds, private partnerships, and formation or expansion of a port district. Eric Fitch, executive director of the Washington Public Ports Association, addressed council and said ports vary widely, but that port districts offer statutory tools and access to state and federal programs and have been used by many Washington communities for economic development and marine infrastructure. Fitch said port districts are typically voter-driven and that forming a port would not be a simple or immediate funding fix but could make Oak Harbor eligible for additional funding opportunities.

Councilmember Brian Marshall moved to authorize the mayor to direct staff to engage in planning for creation of a North Whidbey Port District, including hiring a consultant to advise the city. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmembers and staff stressed creating an educational and informational public process and noted legal limits on using public funds for advocacy; staff said they would focus on feasibility, citizen advisory engagement, feasibility studies and grant opportunities.

Several public commenters, including Ken Hewlett of the Marine Advisory Committee and property owners with development interest, urged urgency: Hewlett said the marina is \"one weather event away\" from catastrophic damage and asked the city to pursue near-term financing while the port process proceeds. Council asked staff to continue pursuing parallel options and to return with feasibility findings and a recommended next-step schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1-21-2025 City of Oak Harbor Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After months of public outreach and a survey that favored a port district, Oak Harbor's council voted unanimously to authorize staff to begin planning steps toward creation of a North Whidbey Port District and to hire a consultant to advise the process.","taxTitle","Oak Harbor, Island County, Washington","taxId",54122,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6373675,"City updates public on 600-acre waterfront district planning, contamination work",233,2884000,3117000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb&start=2884&end=3117","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb/thumbnail_2884000.jpg","/articles/6373675/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/City-updates-public-on-600-acre-waterfront-district-planning-contamination-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6373675-baf40f543fa9cfeb5e06e48ba72c5c38/orig.mp4?Expires=1773722297&Signature=jckqCStZXRmbJHZuVSk0IPz5~UZFtiVvXp2aAVFvgnHLhjoCiDYg3i6M~FslXHUpPAO2Sg6rCYSFRFZb~LMWt3fzyfSnBGoqHOM~5yb8otv~x~bOm2SEQkxQ6BWXOoEAg94sV4NSCb23sx-jbgMQQI3gQ9ACBwU-ANtW0zDG4wGVHdoT-Dd2RRDGk3CZJZuRcYtgE~Zau0JJDiVsJ8G6S2e0CHPJxrVMWzYJGYJ71HwwfuczC7xrsJllWDgTvB0JoJ9EfKKPtH5ay5Pj7nfs4zVSFwMnQ1KnlrquWhEav0zNcXApnm1XIpDRwvqiluYV~bkrwUwvZKQZmWV51TwEhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and consultants briefed the Oak Harbor City Council on ongoing waterfront-district planning and environmental assessment work for the approximately 600-acre waterfront area that includes city-owned parcels on Pioneer Way.

Public Works Director Steve Schuler said the city is using a Washington State Department of Ecology integrated planning grant (about $200,000) plus partner funds (Center for Creative Land Recycling $100,000; city match $10,000) to fund an economic analysis, environmental investigation and three public workshops. Schuler described prior planning efforts dating back to the late 1990s and said the current effort aims to align contamination response with long-term redevelopment, infrastructure replacement and code updates.

Schuler reported results from recent environmental sampling: groundwater monitoring wells installed in 2024 showed no exceedances of state MTCA (Model Toxics Control Act) standards in the most recent sampling round; the city has additional rounds of testing scheduled. Soil testing identified two localized areas of petroleum contamination at about 10 feet depth tied to the site's historic use as a gas station; staff said contamination removal will likely occur during redevelopment and foundation work.

Norman Wright of the Center for Creative Land Recycling reviewed next steps: public workshops (visioning, scenario modeling and implementation), an economic market analysis (to be performed by Cascadia Partners) and scenario modeling to show how different policy choices and design options affect outcomes. Staff emphasized potential code changes such as parking requirements, building height and public access to the waterfront as critical to enabling redevelopment and financing large infrastructure projects.

Schuler said the city must balance near-term contamination management with long-term infrastructure investment and indicated staff will bring follow-up materials, renderings and a workshop schedule to council. The council did not take formal action on the update; public workshops were planned for the coming months.","Public works and consultants updated council on the Waterfront District: Ecology-funded assessments show groundwater sampling below regulatory limits, limited soil petroleum hotspots remain and the city will run economic analysis and public workshops under a $300,000 planning grant.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6373681,"Council accepts donated sculpture ' Angel de la Creatividad ' for Flintstone Park",410,2210000,2620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb&start=2210&end=2620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb/thumbnail_2210000.jpg","/articles/6373681/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Council-accepts-donated-sculpture-Angel-de-la-Creatividad-for-Flintstone-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6373681-e80f97b1c9d9c929496ed45aa7e3459c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773722297&Signature=bIv4WG-e6TghHMUrOmN8o7UmvPnuBLbeL4S6a5HxHFjVNMG5tnIvpNg83QRur1ENP8vqjbw8FtK90bdDzGZVsicNXI4UEvVb1zRhWEIxvpk~u~lHOt4LFcihKtgAElUg~pEDiCiW5tP22VirBXO1CCXgLWqWaoq8iSwN7LuAadNyTvl0kebZlmhJ8kMSECXDDrzbJuGvLd4pEYX2iltVjJxmbO01dIBC00W59h8CSXp9le7xVeYcWBsHtZm-24xJdqtQVXZwFr-h82qcbc29sbjRWsw6KL-TdAEZT-dUVgSvS7YE5UCOGIg9xL9uHog9NgueGpQkASS-koLwff0-9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oak Harbor City Council on Jan. 14 approved Ordinance 1934 authorizing the city to accept the sculpture \"Angel de la Creatividad\" and finalize related agreements for installation at Flintstone Park.

Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith told council the 20-foot sculpture, created by the Mexican artist Sebastián, was donated to Oak Harbor by the State of Washington and installed last October after a lengthy siting and permitting process. Smith said Sculptures Northwest paid for installation work under a professional services agreement and the city paid $35,000 from the cultural arts fund to complete the related contract payment.

The installation required coordination on location, permitting and park reconfiguration; staff said the piece was moved from an initial west-side location at Windjammer Park to Flintstone Park following council review and a maintenance plan was prepared. Smith said the ribbon-cutting was well attended and the Arts Council and community partners participated.

Council voted 6-1 on the ordinance. Councilmember Stuckey cast the lone recorded dissent. No written public comments were received in advance, staff said. The ordinance directs city staff to accept the gift and to proceed with final administrative steps for the sculpture's stewardship and inclusion in future park renovation planning.

Smith said park renovation options related to the sculpture's placement will be discussed at a future workshop, and that the installation and maintenance plan is in the council packet.","The council voted 6-1 to accept a donated sculpture, Angel de la Creatividad, for installation at Flintstone Park; the ordinance closes a multi-year acquisition and installation process.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6373686,"Oak Harbor council adopts revised master fee schedule but delays parks fees",946,828000,1774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb&start=828&end=1774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2145657-921c6dc846108f94cdbc15798a54b6cb/thumbnail_828000.jpg","/articles/6373686/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-council-adopts-revised-master-fee-schedule-but-delays-parks-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6373686-9e0386e5ecbe19a0ce4cfd5618a83fab/orig.mp4?Expires=1773722297&Signature=JsOw6aC9fAb8jDHeEd0kUOjDW610t2GiC3oHiDYnGwIlVGL0hytprrVEA~IweBHzM4jt6R2hzIxvkfjJDOioB0gVRHGUgDpewT661tQ~P1IFhkkMM1mwT-7zqixwcIGvh8TyEgQ2DNs2f73bQ8MH7NqTl0yMF5G8ZPIWREQD3BzL4WKwzZPb34HD6ipedWGxpA~wtp6ybxP0D9Hm4v2WoUj4N~OmEdgTtQptBpqTVfxK38cqy~AZqj9yzIIIqz8So7c4x4tQ59MdoD8P6oDaNqR3h-KZQHGuvzNS-CykPUXw5N0ekMDlyl1qIMfm0BAYgBHbuYjHtvbHUUIXg6Srlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oak Harbor City Council on Jan. 14 adopted Resolution 24-23 to amend the city's Master Fee Schedule but explicitly excluded Schedule G (Parks & Recreation) and Addendum 2 (Senior Services) for separate consideration.

The change updates most city fees across seven schedules and two addenda; staff said the annual comprehensive amendment is routine but reflects two years of inflation and program changes. David Goldman, finance director and deputy city administrator, told the council the city conducts the comprehensive amendment each year and that some development fees were increased roughly 3% to reflect current costs.

Councilors and the public focused most of the evening's debate on proposed parks and recreation fees in Schedule G. Parks and recreation director Brian Smith said staff switched from a per-participant charge to hourly field reservations and adjusted rates for facility storage, concession stand rentals and class fees after market research and meetings with local leagues. Smith presented a cost-recovery analysis showing field maintenance costs for soccer, football and baseball and said the proposed hourly fees increase projected revenue while keeping Oak Harbor below market averages in comparable jurisdictions.

Public commenters and several council members asked for more detail and clarity about specific items in Schedule G, including which concession stand(s) would incur rental fees, how tournaments would be defined, how billing would be enforced when registrations were already open, and how the city would track event attendance for tiered special-event fees. Smith said staff met with leagues and adjusted several items after feedback; he also noted some rates were lowered to avoid disrupting leagues that had already opened registration.

After an initial motion to adopt the full resolution as presented failed, Councilmember Brian Marshall moved to adopt Resolution 24-23 while excluding Schedule G and Addendum 2 so council and staff could resolve outstanding questions. The council approved that motion unanimously.

Council and staff agreed to continue outreach and return to council with clarifications and additional information. Mayor Pro Tem and staff asked that council send any remaining specific questions about parks fees to staff promptly so staff could prepare answers for the next workshop.

The city clerk recorded the action as the adoption of Resolution 24-23 amending the Master Fee Schedule, with parks and senior-services items removed for later consideration.","The City Council approved Resolution 24-23 to amend Oak Harbor's master fee schedule but voted to exclude Schedule G (Parks & Recreation) and Addendum 2 (Senior Services) for further review after extended debate over proposed field and facility charges.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oak Harbor council authorizes staff to pursue Port District option for marina funding

City updates public on 600-acre waterfront district planning, contamination work

Council accepts donated sculpture ' Angel de la Creatividad ' for Flintstone Park

Oak Harbor council adopts revised master fee schedule but delays parks fees