[{"_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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6225127,"mediaKeyId","3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062","parentId",3540646,"title","Council approves $30,000 amendment to BHC building‑official services contract","audioSeconds",157,"startMs",7245000,"endMs",7402000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062&start=7245&end=7402","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062/thumbnail_7245000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6225127/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Council-approves-30000-amendment-to-BHC-buildingofficial-services-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225127-28a65c236be6b466581c589c428a5dd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195360&Signature=Qt5JkPCoaJuaxyoLb9Oa40SCGe46jw883-uDIDcJN~ZMUe7C1JVnnbmvTFvvfvTV5iT92fWW0VoAZINWsKauSYKrT0ZkiFtf113JotbCnv59D4yyau8YjOdejT6eFQcX1LY1zTWNaUe80t1t7VBXLJ-9vo8s5pcypt8E~o0x23MtxDUqcryot9K597pcD~qF1wDpXi9N9K5DnWMOq0kib81OQ9RZl1VMFJLQ0pqgpk8UgLdG80POtSzBrQWZTWroVmnWysp~WKLlA-HoMBAa8CWkodvyJ6cGxiuZOuFTY0x1SqcrGKilDM7vQ~daSHzj1ZIoISoa5qRdN0bGiYeLYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oak Harbor City, WA","date","2025-05-28T12:27:01.347Z","article","Oak Harbor’s City Council voted unanimously May 27 to amend the city’s professional services agreement with BHC to add $30,000 for building‑official services, allowing continued on‑call inspections and plan review as city staff manage heavy permitting demand.

What the amendment does: Development Services Director David Cool told council the amendment increases the existing PSA by $30,000 and preserves on‑call inspection and plan‑review support when city staff are short‑handed. \"What this contract would do, would add $30,000 to the current PSA,\" said Development Services Director David Cool.

Why it matters: The building-inspection and plan-review workload has grown with multiple local projects, including multifamily construction and single‑family developments. BHC provides same‑day inspection backup and supplemental plan review when city staff are unavailable.

Motion and vote: Councilman Romero moved to approve the amendment; the motion was seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem. The council voted in favor by voice and the mayor announced it passed unanimously. The amendment will allow staff to continue using on‑call services and to return to council in March to reassess needs.

Closing: Director Cool, who announced his upcoming retirement, was thanked by the mayor and presented with a plaque acknowledging his service.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5-27-25 City of Oak Harbor Council Workshop","oneSentenceSummary","The council unanimously approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with BHC to add $30,000 for building official services, extending on‑call inspection and plan‑review capacity amid a busy local building market.","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},6225132,"Pickleball courts near construction-ready; council debates parking, noise mitigation and field capacity",348,3366000,3714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062&start=3366&end=3714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062/thumbnail_3366000.jpg","/articles/6225132/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Pickleball-courts-near-construction-ready-council-debates-parking-noise-mitigation-and-field-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225132-47e3562cb62e362fecb1bf6188d2f1af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195360&Signature=nXjnyp-VhY-IN6gZV1iSnjgFLgxfonkRtkaDe7hf6jtw2HV18pYV07Z5XUvuYegOhlYRifF1URiPq-eNg2~r8~nV7JeeGQTbskCkOdVXJ2zgnzS9Bo-VCrAt4VbXbxHCPOrikTS06ZuKFr99KWRcEEMTUgcJpI1a0BZYN9SYolEEcNbOKu4r9JWT1jN0ME8uHlbAy0~sV4SX~HGLxAcpZ~CdDzOd8cszyO-mPTJQB71wSeITrdmkHHnA5nWwng0u5EzUSfqdkUUuiQ322L~K8d0I3GhARebpm6LJckxGqUPY1yVSM6QR~hhbh~snpZUEMwI2bW1nuFYpMXkTXxurVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Harbor staff told council May 27 that Fort Nugent Park’s pickleball project is near design completion and ready for permit and outreach work, while councilmembers raised noise, parking and broader athletic-field capacity concerns for the city.

What staff reported

- Project status: Brian (city staff) said site design was approximately \"99%\" complete, permitting and stormwater plans were being finalized, and a phased four-court approach could reduce near-term costs. \"We are probably about, I'd say, 99% design,\" Brian said when showing the court rendering and plans.

- Noise and mitigation: Staff said RWD is completing a noise study and that courts will be installed below grade with berms on the east side to reduce sound impact on nearby residences.

- Parking and lighting: Conceptual designs include parking expansion and lighting for both the pickleball courts and adjacent football fields; staff said those items are additional phases and not in the current construction estimate.

School-district courts and funding

Councilmember Stuckey asked whether the city could reallocate funds intended for resurfacing school-district courts. Staff said the city previously allocated $50,000 toward a grant match and that the estimated cost to renovate the school district’s courts is about $200,000. Staff reported the school district did not prioritize that resurfacing, and one councilmember noted the district faces a multiyear budget gap and has not scheduled that work.

Broader field capacity and safety

Councilmembers and staff discussed that Fort Nugent remains the primary site for many youth sports and special events and that cumulative demand, drainage and parking problems can create public-safety and access issues on event days. Councilmembers asked staff to consider interim, lower‑cost field and parking improvements while longer-term options (such as land acquisition near Harbor Heights or a larger outdoor sports complex) remain under discussion.

Next steps: Staff said it will finalize permitting, return with construction-phasing and funding options, continue community engagement and pursue grant opportunities; commissioners and local stakeholders will be asked to help formalize a North Whidbey pickleball association for fundraising and site programming.","Staff reported near-complete designs for Fort Nugent pickleball courts and discussed phased construction, stormwater retention, lighting, parking expansion and a noise study; council also raised broader outdoor sports capacity and safety and noted school district courts lack funding for renovation.",{"_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},6225137,"Oak Harbor circulates RFP for recreation‑center feasibility; council discusses reusing existing building",134,2846000,2980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062&start=2846&end=2980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062/thumbnail_2846000.jpg","/articles/6225137/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-circulates-RFP-for-recreationcenter-feasibility-council-discusses-reusing-existing-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225137-5a914383f6be02adea693678b99ff4e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195360&Signature=QC62Np-9PvvjTLhMiM83wIpNWU6VV9wyElZ5KdvYjdTSvY5CK5BllJAtnYKNHVfAaDhfSk0CPbInzjrd-zcoqYSXmlwg9Q-W9e1ZAW0kqs2OzoXluYswZYZuW58WbF2YVepknYvxF~n0R76vGLJPP50SVoieMcXTXHlE3b~zKE~4UVumubE1JkTJOjV5kCSbLFXofnDi2QtgaFcEgj9lfjdGY6sGxBhar68GHwQTgfdRAZn-l-8VIuLf1QvPSR7YkCaS7glUE60691Kmam6Los129IHIiRCwsmOUW-RRg4JsW~zvdY84bQBvlAUUExTtatM1Mr6VSHOyoyO1ro0FDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Harbor staff told the council May 27 that the city has issued a request for proposals for a recreation‑center feasibility study and is also exploring adaptive reuse of an existing structure to speed delivery.

Why it matters: A recreation center is a large, costly facility with long lead time; reusing an existing building could reduce cost and accelerate availability if the structure meets program needs and parking can be arranged.

What staff reported

- RFP status: Staff said the RFP for a feasibility study was issued about two weeks before the meeting and that consultants will evaluate location, program size, cost and options for phasing.

- Potential reuse: Council and staff discussed the former North End Fitness building on Goldie Road as an early alternative to building from the ground up. Council members said an appropriate community facility size appears to be \"15,000 to 17,000 square feet\" and that a clear‑span building could reduce construction cost compared with new construction.

- Concerns and next steps: Parking and access were cited as primary concerns if a reused building hosted tournaments or high-attendance events; staff said acquiring adjacent land for parking is an option under consideration. Councilmembers emphasized public outreach through the feasibility study so the city understands what residents want before pursuing large expenditures or a ballot measure such as a potential B&O or sales‑tax questions.

Voices: Councilmember Wiesner described the Goldie Road building as a large clear‑span structure that might meet basic dimensional needs. Staff said the RFP process remains active while the reuse option is vetted; no procurement decision or purchase was made at the meeting.

Ending: Staff will continue the RFP process, evaluate the Goldie Road option and return to council with feasibility findings and community engagement results before any acquisition or major budget decisions are recommended.","Council was briefed that a recreation-center feasibility RFP has been issued and that staff are exploring a faster alternative: adapting the former North End Fitness building on Goldie Road to meet community-size benchmarks and parking needs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":91,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6225142,"Oak Harbor leaders, Parks Commission discuss Windjammer Park buildout, inclusive playground and activation",2300,546000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062&start=546&end=2846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540646-6bf55d51b16fdcafd4786cdd17374062/thumbnail_546000.jpg","/articles/6225142/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-leaders-Parks-Commission-discuss-Windjammer-Park-buildout-inclusive-playground-and-activation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225142-0451aad813432901e4caad1ba1ba4374/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195360&Signature=DJbmNuOk1SNn-twuT7rCCya0k41E0yM6ODGbiCZFjj~AGiNrPOJss0Czpqeke4H2PnHU1sUP5PDgZC8HIUIcpmSTu2kvbnnv3cagyhMQxhjPR~4fRJHmXtvJqlS--1KNCJPzuRxv0zGCT4c9bQZs6tygK1jqlTaXYLthEqm~VMOb-HUzSkaxJI~C78FUkmU-dD1bj4WI7bDDBksIHlDlylWSDCbhC8uiCuLYJwsgIEWqjwV~yxDTVOwPMYsTEJ9TK9f6wRYODQJm3342DGoW-Pt6BuSHsaDepo1H7PcAh0exXyq9Ps9WBFGwZeYO5Lfil1W0r3DbuNhmS1ANTx-U6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Harbor City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission spent the first hour of their May 27 workshop aligning priorities for Windjammer Park and nearby waterfront areas, focusing on an inclusive playground, site amenities and low-cost activation while flagging permitting and funding steps.

The Parks Commission presented Windjammer Park as a top project. Carrie Stuckey, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission chair, said the commission has been working on a design to make the playground shovel-ready for future grants and that Windjammer items had been on a prior council priority list but were not explicit in the 2025–26 list. \"Thank you, mayor and city council. I am Carrie Stuckey. I am the, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Chair,\" Stuckey said when introducing the commission’s work.

Why it matters: Councilmembers and commissioners said they want to avoid overbuilding the park while making it more usable for events and daily visitors. That means timing design, permitting and fundraising so grant applications are competitive and so community donations are used strategically.

Key points discussed

- Inclusive playground: Commissioners said they applied for a grant but were turned down because the project was not shovel-ready. Staff reported the commission has an RFP under review to obtain construction-ready plans; the city has set aside $350,000 from Windjammer Park improvement funds to serve as the local match for the playground design and construction.

- Restrooms: Commissioners and staff said portable toilets in some parks have been repeatedly vandalized and that a small prefab restroom would cost \"about $100,000\" per site. Staff said they are evaluating more permanent prefab restroom options for parks with parking and organized uses.

- Windmill, lagoon dock and amphitheater concepts: The rotary windmill restoration is ongoing; the lagoon dock has been on hold. Commissioners described a conceptual amphitheater that would face the harbor and would require deliberate siting to avoid having audiences look into the setting sun. Councilmembers asked the commissions to weigh in on whether the city should build an amphitheater in addition to the playground and windmill.

- Activation and vendors: Councilmembers and commissioners discussed strategies to encourage food trucks and vendors without locking the city into a single vendor. Commissioners said staff is exploring a registration/reservation system for food vendors for weekend summer dates, rather than an annual exclusive contract, and will pilot a first-come, first-served reservation after an approval process.

- Front Marsh and trails: Commissioners urged attention to the Front Marsh and adjacent walking trail network, noting drainage, sight-line and access issues and the need to comply with Department of Ecology requirements for work in the marsh. Staff said the city had previously tried to purchase some waterfront property and that the marsh parcel is not city-owned, but that the city can enhance trails and connectivity on property it controls.

Funding and next steps: Staff and commissioners emphasized sequencing—completing design and permits to improve grant competitiveness, aligning donation drives with confirmed projects, and phasing amenities (playground, shade structures, restrooms, lighting and parking expansions). Commissioners said they will formalize plans and return with RFPs and more specific cost estimates for council review.

Voices and questions: Councilmembers repeatedly urged that Windjammer not be over-programmed and asked that the commission identify priorities that create \"gravity\"—attractions that draw vendors and activity. Commissioners asked for clearer council direction so volunteer time and limited funds are focused on council priorities.

Ending: Commissioners and staff said they will bring refined designs, cost estimates and implementation sequencing back to council for budget and grant-alignment decisions.","City council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission met May 27 to align priorities for Windjammer Park and related downtown park improvements, discussing an inclusive playground, a windmill restoration, permanent restrooms, an amphitheater concept, vendor strategies and trail/Front Marsh stabilization and access.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves $30,000 amendment to BHC building‑official services contract

Pickleball courts near construction-ready; council debates parking, noise mitigation and field capacity

Oak Harbor circulates RFP for recreation‑center feasibility; council discusses reusing existing building

Oak Harbor leaders, Parks Commission discuss Windjammer Park buildout, inclusive playground and activation