[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6273161,"mediaKeyId","3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1","parentId",3005036,"title","Council tables decision on Girl Scout House donation after local leaders urge more time","audioSeconds",2107,"startMs",3627000,"endMs",5734000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1&start=3627&end=5734","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1/thumbnail_3627000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6273161/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Council-tables-decision-on-Girl-Scout-House-donation-after-local-leaders-urge-more-time","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273161-0434684c4bafe3a11a92e2e22b2680fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438003&Signature=V6l47Km-DDcHXYMMtmtS6RsX~wo5a6fgDURsYvw3yLBHwr1oVA8396757iC9uzfP-6UG0Q25HaEWZtE53cvgeW9Im8OCiRcAnnUe4AQLiKSnz0WyPthQjLeJQbaGHVFiiV1~uIPVJ2jX-qZnSZz8GWTLB9MISbUgTcq5dUugexM67TUpv7J3RIpwoT0KkCAhtTKv0Gjm2rx6G16E1HVtwUQYAUmY8I0rgXAs5uOc4hdWbztrmaC2LRBDSDHuaXXlQ3fWooFx5FxjLwunZZe0si5fI-Vhkusj0rSyjHSBjpckrccEEtb6ZJ9OA9dFPXLSoqRAJQo5O89iruItv1lPIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oak Harbor City, WA","date","2025-04-16T07:57:15.623Z","article","The City Council received a proposal on April 15 to accept donation of the Girl Scout troop house located on city land in Veil Park and to enter a license for continued use by local troops.

Parks and Recreation Director Bridal Smith explained the facility’s background and condition, saying a 2019 lease indicated the building was owned by the Girl Scouts and the land by the city. Smith said the Girl Scouts of Western Washington contacted the city seeking to relinquish ownership because of declining membership and budget constraints. She summarized a facility assessment and estimated major capital items: \"If we were to replace the roof, that cost would be somewhere around $30,000–$35,000; carpet replacement about $5,000,\" she said.

Local troop leaders and volunteers urged the council not to accept the donation without more local consultation and time to negotiate. Dawn Schultz, the incoming service unit manager, said the house provides a neutral, stable meeting place and storage for supplies as troops rebuild after COVID setbacks. \"We need a space to grow the Girl Scouts in Oak Harbor and provide a safe, stable meeting environment. We want the building,\" Schultz said.

Julian O’Brien, speaking for a local troop, said local leaders learned about the regional council’s decision through a press release rather than direct outreach. He asked why a 1956 dedication of the park land for scouting use appeared to be in question and urged the council not to accept the donation while local and regional leaders pursue alternatives.

Council discussion focused on options and risk. Councilmembers asked whether a local non‑profit or local service unit could take ownership or whether the regional council could transfer or relinquish the building to a local group. Legal and staff counsel said the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, as the entity that holds the lease and title to the building, is the party that must decide whether to donate, sell at market value, or remove the structure; the city owns the underlying land. Staff said one practical alternative would be to extend the lease and give local leaders time to explore options. Parks staff noted demolition of the building, if required, could cost roughly $10,000–$15,000, including asbestos abatement.

Action: Councilmember Wiesner moved to table the matter to the July meeting to allow local and regional Girl Scout leadership to negotiate options; Councilmember Wieggenstein seconded. The motion to table passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The troop house has been used by local Girl Scout troops for decades as a meeting, program and storage space. Local leaders described the house as important to rebuilding membership and asked the city to preserve local access. Staff described deferred maintenance needs and the long-term cost considerations for a city-owned structure.

Next steps: The matter will return to council in July. Staff said they will coordinate communication among the city, Girl Scouts of Western Washington and local leaders and report back to council on potential ownership or lease arrangements and estimated costs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4-15-2025 City of Oak Harbor Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council on April 15 tabled a proposal to accept donation of the Girl Scout troop house at Veil Park after local troop leaders urged more time to negotiate alternatives with the regional council.","taxTitle","Oak Harbor, Island County, Washington","taxId",54122,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6273165,"Oak Harbor Rotary gives update on windmill rebuild, says $150,000 raised; permits near resubmission",172,1064000,1236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1&start=1064&end=1236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1/thumbnail_1064000.jpg","/articles/6273165/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-Rotary-gives-update-on-windmill-rebuild-says-150000-raised-permits-near-resubmission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273165-37b2bba3ac0ba6752318baf392f59409/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438003&Signature=ht3~-rwTkSSyKiJ3G~Zdf0aDjkhO8T91VxcDHF~4dz2seEXmGFIQJA-S5NPB9R3UvpSYdqzBpPp0ewxJYWYrpP4q2TklqDHVZsiqd4i1TxWtOo0OVbKAMZ1wMsHz-z3XJiehXAdKQbgS4z9XitIw4uKZnT3IyQHDoRdkGaLZvGGbhAvumrZBNB10Lj~PsO2oXkfEOvFp5lRDQTQ8I-O8MJkUFOIudx79KJPnJWj702tt96o7yC57kp31vcZ9-aAl~VuyvCMnGONZTv53NebDETSg39RgP22-gUTRANtxnSkAu2NyYpMsg4EK5Tg1KXSSAbhFsbB8C1buYpTyAJTyvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian Jones, a representative of the Oak Harbor Rotary Club, told the City Council on April 15 that the Rotary has raised about $150,000 toward rebuilding the historic windmill in a city park.

\"We have raised approximately $150,000 so far towards the project,\" Jones said, citing a mix of cash, grants and in-kind pledges. He listed $48,000 pledged by the city (noted as $2 per resident), a $20,000 LTech grant, a $25,000 Island Thrift grant and $10,000 in cash from the Rotary, plus in-kind pledges from local builders.

The update came during a presentation by two Rotary representatives who said the group has been working on design, fundraising and permit review for about two years. They showed drawings and a final rendering of the proposed structure, described the building as a functional, accessible meeting space with an ADA bathroom and kitchen, and confirmed the tower would be 53 feet tall.

Why it matters: The windmill is a local heritage project on city property; the Rotary said the design aims to preserve the look of the original structure while making it usable for events and public reservations. The council and staff asked about timeline and fundraising; the Rotary asked the public and councilmembers for help with outreach to businesses and community donors.

What the Rotary said about next steps: Presenters said they expect to finish addressing city reviewer comments and resubmit permit materials within days. They plan a pre-application meeting with the city before final permit issuance, then surveying and soil sampling prior to breaking ground. The presenters also said they have applied for two outside grants each in the $50,000–$100,000 range but that both foundations require proof of ground-breaking before releasing funds.

Council reaction and community interest: Council members thanked the Rotary for the work and volunteered to assist with fundraising. Mayor Pro Tem and several councilmembers emphasized improving communication to donors and supporters while the project remains in permitting; the Rotary said it has begun regular video updates on its Facebook page and the project website (ohwindmill.com) and will better document in-kind pledges.

Public details: Presenters said the group has a \"Legacy Brick\" fundraising campaign and that pledges and in-kind commitments will be converted to firm work/commitments as the project moves to construction. They said the Rotary will use any surplus funds for a maintenance account or give leftover funds to a community entity such as the Rotary Foundation or a gardening group.

No formal council action was taken on the project at the meeting. The Rotary asked for continued council and community assistance to reach its stated fundraising goal.","Oak Harbor Rotary presenters gave a two-year project update on a community windmill rebuild, outlined roughly $150,000 in funds and pledges to date, said two larger grants require breaking ground before awards, and described next steps on permits and preconstruction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6273147,"Council updates purchasing policy; raises authorization thresholds, approves changes with amendment",1647,6947000,8594000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1&start=6947&end=8594","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1/thumbnail_6947000.jpg","/articles/6273147/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Council-updates-purchasing-policy-raises-authorization-thresholds-approves-changes-with-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273147-1c52aa4f7220888a376f051b4accb9ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438003&Signature=jBx1NM15R9yYmTOqO~0gWFX7w7GNFhgPZoonqSa8kJqcrz--uM5tXVmKgwRe8bu5jg5fTTTvvH-yKZ~Ig2lEyTC9YLKrSW75uhznSN5kTOsYfXzoEFj59AS1Mcp2JrEGhXanLzjTHKjIlvcxBaz44KiYzMZAZyTTcFhUAT-8I-TR37PuacYd7iA4tYsxUEykdHSjEDckCt9qhcU5cLTGyYo6A8lgCJfoHKmWN9n552d8hFRd7A7kC8bAQ7irdq77JES1ET23gH2yH8f5BtA0lK~5nIAc8SK9Rp0mmqasvHZ3Xo3Uco46EXDKEc2fKoaGqPIa~SsbooX37CP8wH50bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved an update to Oak Harbor’s Purchasing Policy and Procedures on April 15, raising several contract and purchase authorization thresholds and clarifying grant application procedures. The measure passed 6–1 after the council required restoration of prior change‑order language.

Administration Manager Sandra Place presented the revisions, telling council the updates were intended to streamline procurement and reflect legislative changes. \"This revision has been reviewed by our legal and procurement teams,\" Place said, and she described proposed increases such as department director authority for certain purchases moving from $5,000 to $10,000 and mayoral/designee authority being raised in multiple categories to $75,000.

Place said staff also recommended standardizing thresholds (to reduce confusion over multiple numeric limits), incorporate recent state legislation (including changes to Small Works roster thresholds and community‑service organization procurement limits), add direct contracting language where permitted, and add compost procurement language consistent with state law.

Councilmembers pressed about checks and balances and the pace of spending approvals; several members asked that the council retain oversight on substantial change orders. Councilmember Marshall pointed out a drafting error that would have removed language limiting accumulated change orders; staff and legal agreed to restore the previous change‑order approval language. Councilmember Wiesner expressed concern about raising certain thresholds to $75,000 and said $50,000 might be more comfortable; other councilmembers emphasized efficiency and internal review steps that precede approvals.

Action: The council voted to approve the purchasing policy updates with the explicit restoration of prior change-order language; the measure passed 6–1.

Why it matters: The updates change department and mayoral signing thresholds, streamline grant application steps for low-impact grants, and incorporate recent state procurement law changes. Staff said the revisions are intended to speed procurement for routine purchases while retaining council oversight on larger commitments.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the printed policy with the restored change-order language and continue to report significant purchases and contract awards in administrative reports to the council.","Council approved revisions to the city's Purchasing Policy and Procedures, increasing director and mayoral signing thresholds and updating grant application rules. Council asked staff to restore existing change‑order language; final approval passed 6–1 after amendment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6273151,"Council adopts Oak Harbor Arts Plan to guide public art, events and cultural programming",632,2972000,3604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1&start=2972&end=3604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1/thumbnail_2972000.jpg","/articles/6273151/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Council-adopts-Oak-Harbor-Arts-Plan-to-guide-public-art-events-and-cultural-programming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273151-7022337d21afebae6584a46ec6e01ea2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438003&Signature=OBCKtyPnx-qdO4hIroT4xEr4D3lIulp~Uk1FsXxV349vdaE3jpdpuAlc55h5OhMogIslM13Rt1mc35rpR-7FbJ8zY~YqGcKrrGhkWqb-QDtvKCT0mhO9bMZmGyMVH7gPy8ZpZiVFL9S~XhOg7PR403myBgrWzltu9WeDCaQz7LYxYJydaw082YrO7BWAixFwnL6DFSaqgSvsd~oONUUspdUBExnj5lCFNAqH-b9QUfImgxRtKwfii4IVDOPrzrMjF~FKzNBFXb9aiQ47-~W-bmAfbX7SVsmbj7HPyWK5GIp5-r8bdagWuEoogqXiWOnoCnmkqbzYpBzEh6IhAO83fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council adopted Resolution 25-10 on April 15, approving the Oak Harbor Arts Plan developed over roughly a year of public outreach and staff work.

Parks and Recreation Director Bridal Smith summarized the plan and its outreach, saying the vision is \"to strengthen arts and culture in our community.\" Smith told council the plan includes an action map, public-art selection guidelines, an online arts portal for artists, and project toolkits to streamline implementation.

Staff said outreach included focus groups, drop-in sessions, a survey and inventories of existing programs. The plan recommends criteria for public art selection (visibility, connectivity, coordination, geographic distribution, and community service), a process for prioritizing projects, and guidance for aligning arts investments with downtown revitalization, tourism and parks objectives.

Action: Councilmember Marshall moved to approve Resolution 25-10 adopting the Oak Harbor Arts Plan; Mayor Pro Tem seconded. The resolution passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The plan provides a framework for council and the Arts Commission to select and implement public art and cultural projects that align with city land-use and economic goals, and creates a single portal and toolset for artists and project sponsors.

Next steps: Staff will implement the plan’s action map, add the portal and toolkits, and bring project-specific proposals and funding requests to council when required.","The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25-10 to adopt the Oak Harbor Arts Plan, a community-informed roadmap for public art, event planning, and arts coordination across city goals.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6273156,"Council approves $208,700 professional services agreement for Urban Forestry Master Plan (Planet Geo)",1027,5844000,6871000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1&start=5844&end=6871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005036-15ea8b95617346dad781f10892c03be1/thumbnail_5844000.jpg","/articles/6273156/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Council-approves-208700-professional-services-agreement-for-Urban-Forestry-Master-Plan-Planet-Geo","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273156-7ace2f01cccbd48aaf827c4a3a5fb088/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438003&Signature=A5wJCeqWhCp1sMDkDq~Ha2Wgx4-89WqqRh9YGVL4acJkdVsqX5ThORC5WPbRmH959tRtSVIlYoEiVtDs5AEkU3dO20krBMq-iYxlWtS-EDG00OTKUxZg38Pd~tlhT14-zjqDqCv2lr0mX4WPdvLdKhsnTjQL6CeWsPmqx172dYcnMA9S3B4R0n3cf5WD4OPTadsD9FYKHzimmI17RWaDOFlsWCSzu6ATVW-duSnQokAAPVoqPGIjfX8pzEGldCCPqir0Zxhw1CEy1pji~An2Nz5P1S7cLLHQEgBPm9WA1zz8wlzhrqGGoYh6D6XYEVVDJKOp3X5eWqpK4FsAtgL-Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council voted 6–1 on April 15 to approve a professional services agreement with Planet Geo to prepare Oak Harbor’s Urban Forestry Management Plan, part of a larger federally funded effort totaling $1.6 million.

City staff said the plan will inventory trees, update municipal standards, identify vulnerable areas, draft planting and maintenance strategies, and create an implementation roadmap that emphasizes disadvantaged communities and workforce development. \"In 2023, the city was awarded $1,600,000 in a no match grant funding through the United States Forest Service,\" the presenter said, describing the plan as the roadmap for how those funds will be spent.

Planet Geo’s negotiated contract price for the plan was reported as $207,480 (final negotiated amount described in packet materials as approximately $208,700). Staff said the city has about $650,123 in grant funding allocated in 2025 for forestry operations and projects, and that the consultant contract is within the grant’s uses. The RFP returned two proposals; the other bidder (Dudek) submitted a substantially larger price.

Council questions focused on whether the plan is a required element of the federal grant and the value of the consultant contract. Staff said the grant application anticipated hiring a consultant to produce a comprehensive, community-engaged plan; the consultant contract was described as necessary to meet the grant commitments. Councilmember Stuckey asked whether the grant would be at risk if the plan were not completed; staff said the plan was an element of the grant proposal and the consultant route was the recommended approach.

Action: Mayor Pro Tem moved to approve the professional services agreement with Planet Geo; Councilmember Romero seconded. The motion passed 6–1.

Why it matters: The plan will guide how the city uses roughly $1.6 million in federal funds for urban canopy, resilience and green‑career staffing. Staff said the plan will produce code recommendations, an updated tree inventory, stakeholder engagement, and an implementation strategy linked to grant priorities.

Next steps: City staff will execute the agreement and work with Planet Geo on public engagement, inventory updates and plan delivery schedules tied to grant reporting.","Council authorized a professional services agreement with Planet Geo to produce an Urban Forestry Management Plan tied to a $1.6 million federal grant. The contract award was approved 6–1 after discussion about scope, grant requirements and budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council tables decision on Girl Scout House donation after local leaders urge more time

Oak Harbor Rotary gives update on windmill rebuild, says $150,000 raised; permits near resubmission

Council updates purchasing policy; raises authorization thresholds, approves changes with amendment

Council adopts Oak Harbor Arts Plan to guide public art, events and cultural programming

Council approves $208,700 professional services agreement for Urban Forestry Master Plan (Planet Geo)