[{"_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",6195423,"mediaKeyId","3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97","parentId",3862517,"title","Consultants propose near‑term action plan to catalyze attainable housing, Main Street vitality and quality jobs","audioSeconds",210,"startMs",5278000,"endMs",5488000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97&start=5278&end=5488","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97/thumbnail_5278000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6195423/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Consultants-propose-nearterm-action-plan-to-catalyze-attainable-housing-Main-Street-vitality-and-quality-jobs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195423-659e52fcb5aea1748092a617eab3351c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195621&Signature=bDQWab3-9ehrO9TBuel5k86jq64~vQ6dRqXiqe9QXa6IvTyn1wSamjg2biqII7qC-5j0CkGxh-nWIdK1ePWQx5ND7pf0O2~H5QWEJLzZoq8wkaNthS0T4HluLbUnats3Vy8vAanFso7zDJShfOj7SIpvueRYJ1pwzJDMRhG9hKvrTYIQFttwn72Glu-pwT3Aqmr~6sD8lQM53qKrY1cTWEtvn~JSIveRet4-jgKtucvwbCoGptjQTqbxAbq8Nkx7SBNV~joIyA2ptAv9zxO6mO6mAAzyDZ3TzeDCuXnSSohjnjTPgJL~03yDT3XLGrnSfNC7nfAWhTLFWf~kPq54sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oak Harbor City, WA","date","2025-06-18T11:08:11Z","article","The consultant team from Better City LLC presented an economic development action plan focused on three near‑term priorities: attainable housing, Main Street vitality, and recruitment of quality jobs that match local assets.

The consultants said they pivoted from a longer, more expensive strategic‑plan approach to a smaller, implementation‑oriented plan driven by existing community planning and a steering committee. Their work identifies practical next steps to move from plan to on‑the‑ground projects over the next two to five years.

On housing, Better City emphasized that state growth obligations and affordability targets require more than conventional single‑family development. The consultants recommended advancing town‑center and mixed‑use concepts and then packaging specific, development‑ready project ideas and incentives so the city can attract developers that will deliver more attainable units.

On Main Street, the team recommended: (1) creating a stronger visual and wayfinding gateway at the State Route 20 / Pioneer Way approach so visitors are drawn toward downtown; (2) targeted retail recruitment tied to a realistic market assessment; and (3) a coordinated business‑support program to help downtown merchants improve hours, merchandising and joint promotions.

On quality jobs, Better City proposed focused research to define the specific commercial opportunities tied to nearby Navy and advanced‑technology skillsets and then a targeted outreach/recruitment program aimed at those sectors. The consultants said Oak Harbor’s labor pool and regional partners could be leveraged to recruit smaller, high‑value employers rather than relying solely on large industrial land deals.

Implementation approach: Better City proposed standing up working groups for each priority, using local stakeholders and their networks to create shared accountability, and recommended the consultant team lead initial implementation steps and outreach. The firm proposed using remaining budget from the original RFP to support early implementation activities and broker targeted recruitment contacts.

Council questions addressed implementation sequencing and realistic expectations about recruitment. Councilmembers stressed the challenge of land availability and logistics for larger floor‑area employers, while also supporting targeted outreach by a staff or consultant lead. The consultants recommended starting concurrent, short‑term actions to identify low‑hanging fruit while being ready to seize serendipitous opportunities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6-17-25 City of Oak Harbor Council Workshop","oneSentenceSummary","Consultants from Better City LLC told Oak Harbor councilmembers they shifted from a full strategic plan to a focused action plan that targets attainable housing, downtown Main Street activation and recruiting quality jobs tied to local talent over the next two to five years.","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},6195428,"Parks & Recreation ramps up programs, marina work and capital projects in Oak Harbor",3375,3520000,6895000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97&start=3520&end=6895","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97/thumbnail_3520000.jpg","/articles/6195428/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Parks-Recreation-ramps-up-programs-marina-work-and-capital-projects-in-Oak-Harbor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195428-c5789150e842373658fbcfb7b178c2d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195621&Signature=AJeMaPhM4I2g5gtNCEACWzL7xUPljA~2fPAPQwaPfE300te7ds6KisAAfdIAYSPrK7te2xv1~KMl1bkozK8cV9ym5p19Ve4hvPIFGc-nWtynfdY9TXtB6sW6SprQFViXAD9q4X4dKqBGEtcaV43iaDCuvWv1DeZQR1o39sDYar2EeeOvCGZNFwg~VcXHovHvfHGiNP1WE3sxOzJYh~x8T8IvI2nZyjuAnazzn2blcH8yKnDKxGTpfk-tbKmbO4Gtoz2GwA-W8fDJGrg0U-N4Xe6w6933qT~yn01rl8UqSBqgnHYU4Du-NTcLsTLk31IpZg~21ORFH7i91FMAKCF1PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented the department’s annual report and described rapid expansion of recreational programming, staffing and capital work over the last year.

Smith said the department has added dozens of programs for youth and adults, hired new recreation staff and produced the first activity guide since the 1990s. He reported more than 645 program participants (not counting later summer registrations), 72 new programs added in one year, and a recreation center membership of about 900. Smith said summer camp registrations were already strong and that the department has transitioned special‑event permitting and related administration into recreation staff.

Marina and marine stewardship: The Harbor/Marina team celebrated the marina’s 50th anniversary, completed routine dock and restroom repairs, invested roughly $1.2 million in marina repairs in the 2025 budget cycle, and is planning a dredging project. Smith highlighted the city’s salmon‑rearing co‑hosting program — more than 3,200 salmon released in May with a community release that included a tribal blessing — and said the marina has sustained operations without general‑fund tax support for operations.

Capital projects and design work: Smith reported a new 4,400‑foot walking trail at Coogee Park, disc golf and Freedom Park trail work, playground updates to meet contemporary accessibility standards, and nearly complete (99 percent) design documents for new pickleball courts. The department has an RFP out for a recreation‑center feasibility study and an RFP in development for inclusive‑playground design and permitting. Smith said the department is pursuing/state‑funded urban‑forest grant funding and planning for 770 new trees across the city.

Budget and revenues: Smith said park rentals and facility revenue increased in 2024 and year‑to‑date 2025. The marina continues to be self‑sustaining. The department is pursuing sponsorships and has obtained roughly $3 million in external funding for projects since standing up the department.

Equity and access: Smith said the department is prioritizing inclusive programming, quiet zones at events for participants with special needs, sliding‑scale sponsorships for summer camps, and a new mascot (Ollie the Otter) for outreach and community events.

Ending: Councilmembers praised the expanded programming and staffing. Smith said the department will bring specific project proposals (pickleball implementation, inclusive‑playground construction) to council as funding and permitting are finalized.","Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith reported expanded programming, new staff, marina maintenance and several capital projects including a 4,400‑foot trail, pickleball design nearing completion, an inclusive playground RFP and an urban forestry plan funded by grant support.",{"_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},6195433,"Oak Harbor Fire Department reports rising call volume, Station 82 progress and SAFER grant application plan",787,2697000,3484000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97&start=2697&end=3484","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97/thumbnail_2697000.jpg","/articles/6195433/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-Fire-Department-reports-rising-call-volume-Station-82-progress-and-SAFER-grant-application-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195433-0d31c26174530ef5877839744b0c37fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195621&Signature=NSNvq8~p~B3KXJnGP5wOfqbhYnlzrWpQU-juxxdyNj8wCDkpF~cNGTRxrCQ6fUXSD5~kFa2bS9Z4eTL5pCm~BGSJCBT4K1MgG8xMWSFIYQjiWd6Vh-lKVeSnnycverUbgWk~46ULmNy9FqIq8XVTLMMXm2EZ6oTLTpNIIDUSGhcXulCadihYkRskdRoRUWk~XOysNbtY8Y7qvDNunaUgPoh2gNEVGAwdxLA55k3j1Vex2QKqVudx-8XI~P7qaozWiV~LLR1xS0v9WlnwRyuF20LhL~cBs43QihhD3M1yauwYVsllTSn84knsxodULlADXMQgZn9NOUHtOOJOzL~LwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Harbor Fire Chief Travis Anderson presented the Oak Harbor Fire Department’s 2024 annual report to the City Council, highlighting a year of rising emergency medical service work, efforts to modernize department identity and training, and progress on a new fire station (Station 82).

Chief Anderson said the department handled 1,636 calls in 2024 with a growing share attributable to medical responses; staff expect medical calls to represent about 58 percent of call volume in 2025. Anderson said the department changed its response model to dispatch fire units immediately to higher‑acuity EMS calls to reduce response time and improve outcomes.

Station 82: Anderson reported construction began in March and crews discovered contaminated soil during excavation; the city removed about 82 tons of contaminated soil and disposed of it under Department of Ecology procedures. He said the remediation and related issues increased station costs by about $25,000. The contractor reported being near schedule: Anderson said vertical construction put the project back on track and that the contractor expected station construction to be completed in December with the city’s plan to complete punch‑list work and occupancy in early 2026; Anderson said the department’s tentative staffing plan would put personnel in the station after training and equipment onboarding in 2026.

SAFER grant application: Chief Anderson said the department will apply for a FEMA SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant and will ask council for authorization at the next council meeting. The proposed SAFER application requests federal funding for six firefighters; the grant structure presented to council proposes the federal share to cover 75 percent of salary and benefits in years one and two, 35 percent in year three, and then the city would assume 100 percent of salaries and benefits in year four onward. The total four‑year SAFER request was presented as approximately $1.5 million with an estimated city obligation of $937,000 over the grant term if awarded.

Department operations: Anderson summarized inspections, prevention work and training: 234 inspection hours, 131 code violations corrected, 45 permits issued (a 55 percent increase year‑over‑year in permit revenue), more than 3,500 hours of training and 1,023 community certifications (CPR and other classes) in 2024. He also flagged a rising number of false alarms (20 percent of call volume in 2024) and said the department will pursue enforcement and education to reduce repeat false alarms.

Council questions focused on grant delivery and staffing. Councilmember Romero asked whether SAFER grants are routed through the state; Anderson replied they come directly from FEMA. Councilmembers and staff discussed timing of academy training (12‑week academies) and the city’s prior levy and how grant timing interacts with the city’s staffing costs.

Ending: Anderson said the department will return with a formal SAFER grant application and requested council authorization to submit the federal grant application at the next council meeting.","Fire Chief Travis Anderson presented the department’s 2024 annual report, described rising EMS call volume, progress and soil‑remediation costs at Station 82 construction, and said the department will apply for a FEMA SAFER grant to staff the new station.",{"_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},6195438,"Oak Harbor staff warn utility rates must rise to cover wholesale water, tipping fees and reserves",279,1859000,2138000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97&start=1859&end=2138","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97/thumbnail_1859000.jpg","/articles/6195438/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-staff-warn-utility-rates-must-rise-to-cover-wholesale-water-tipping-fees-and-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195438-8b939405983ec2976d2c81905b1891a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195621&Signature=T6QeumhLm1iwnuMRA7ub4TgL3-ZqBbG3co-5v4w8iXtP-2aVmJSgJXfvEJAqf3Xkuux1HXCxwRL4B1G3hI-TL~DICR2HV4D4cySaHVuCWW9OL00pajOjuyfzcEk9W304nLaAxVtw7-V02HO5zvmEAH6epmO3g1DDavlQTjxq50BGjZ7l3TrbOQxH~XpY7GFbdhn7SjzhwOhrYeJnGG5QQcoVVdJFtTZPm7-8qHcFFSlJtom4lO0meKcItY2D22r8GcpiBbNPB2vZmN1o6uPd4QX8QozcauGSLzmMhHEMihr~g~JS4UFFb2K~KLxgNmkIaJQCmb9~xZ3apWKiKsvM4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Harbor Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director David Goldman told the City Council the city’s current utility rates are not sufficient to cover recent cost increases and recommended a series of rate adjustments phased over the next five years.

Goldman said wholesale water charges from the City of Anacortes will raise Oak Harbor’s water purchase costs by about $451,000 (roughly 22.5 percent compared with the 2024 budgeted amount), while Island County has notified the city to plan for roughly a 22 percent increase in solid‑waste tipping fees plus an inflation adjustment. “The current water rates are not sufficient to be able to cover those increases,” Goldman said, and staff will bring proposed water and solid‑waste rate adjustments to council for consideration in 2025 with implementation planned in early 2026.

Why it matters: Goldman showed modeled fund balances that go negative on several utility funds within the next two to three years if rates are not adjusted. He said the city is currently drawing on utility fund balances to cover those increases, which is not sustainable. The presentation included 10‑year rate history and a five‑year proposed rate path that would raise the average combined residential utility bill by about 5.4 percent annually over five years, roughly in line with recent 10‑year average increases.

City staff laid out the main cost drivers: the Anacortes wholesale water increase, Island County solid‑waste tipping fees (including an inflation factor tied to Bureau of Labor Statistics measures), the creation of a facility and infrastructure replacement reserve, and general inflation. Goldman said solid‑waste costs are mostly driven by the tipping fee paid to the transfer station and that the County’s recent resolution increases those fees for haulers and drop‑off customers.

Council members pressed for additional detail. Council member Wiesner asked about a projected reduction in “operation and maintenance” line items in some funds from 2025 to 2026; Goldman explained accounting rules (BARS manual) sometimes require repair‑type capital costs to be recorded in operating accounts rather than capital, which can cause one‑year spikes. Goldman also noted the city’s 2022 rate study recommendations are being implemented unevenly: the city set aside 100 percent of the recommended replacement reserve for water and storm but only 50 percent for sewer, and that reserve policy affects projected fund balances.

Alternatives and constraints: Staff confirmed there is limited operating‑support grant funding that could offset these costs long term, and that most grant dollars target capital projects. Goldman and Council members discussed policy choices that could defer rate pressure — for example, delaying or reducing the facility‑replacement reserve — but council members and staff emphasized the long‑term risk of deferring reserves: fund balances could become negative, triggering auditor, bond‑counsel, or credit‑rating consequences.

Next steps: Staff plans to bring formal rate ordinances to the council in 2025 for implementation in early 2026; staff will also continue seeking capital grants to reduce future rate pressure and include communications to ratepayers explaining that much of the increase stems from costs outside the city’s direct control.

Ending: Council members urged careful public messaging, noting residents should understand the increases reflect external cost pressures (wholesale water and tipping fees) and planned infrastructure reserves rather than discretionary revenue increases.","City finance staff told the council the combined effect of higher wholesale water charges from Anacortes, Island County tipping‑fee increases, inflation and a new infrastructure reserve will require multi‑year utility rate increases to avoid draining utility fund balances.",{"_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},6195419,"Oak Harbor Yacht Club presents 2024 annual report emphasizing youth sailing and community use",1037,647000,1684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97&start=647&end=1684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3862517-7591f1147042630c9926af59a2fb5b97/thumbnail_647000.jpg","/articles/6195419/Oak-Harbor/Island-County/Washington/Oak-Harbor-Yacht-Club-presents-2024-annual-report-emphasizing-youth-sailing-and-community-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195419-1417e17098f30482b7042e30726398b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195621&Signature=ie647MQyPfARVxvfbBVl3iC56YLCo0H5-FkPhi2xqaBldYP4FishZ8wlpo0uoZJyH0Ty3yXFXMRaabP0GsmtKHdvMM2HXd0EgsYgCADE-spJWQEw7COuZyJ9hbocWRoDfRMB0Suu04ysXdjYS2FRZnhTW77piOuGC-L3kbHf2hLPoMrOK2KGVfWqe~kMs-l~pQCcj43UY65iOCUnAhzuP5CpODs14T~4~ynczcY6QjeikTqE5rteTSSA6X~Bawi2QYoa3AKRZJwXtFFhWEvv5R8zAV5BPQtbJJYlZk-80QsQmhCyPHqpTM5nCry7KQwMxmetl4PH77SACOIw61GWkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commodore Ryan Bradley presented the Oak Harbor Yacht Club’s 2024 annual report to the council, describing the club’s role as a waterfront venue, youth‑sailing programs, community events and recent financial results.

Bradley said the club emphasizes environmental responsibility, motor‑safety education and community engagement and is a 501(c)(7) nonprofit that hosts weddings, Navy ceremonies, blood drives and nonprofit trainings. He highlighted youth sailing as a cornerstone activity and said more than 80 students participated in youth sailing instruction in 2024; the club also hosted the National High School Sailing Regatta and is growing the Whidbey Island Summer Classic Regatta as a local sailing event.

On membership and facilities, Bradley said the club is rebranding to reduce the perception that yacht clubs require boat ownership — “No boat, no problem” — and reported plans to remodel the downstairs member area while keeping the ballroom improvements. Treasurer Kathy Jones (absent) provided financials via Bradley: 2024 income about $251,000, expenses about $191,000 and net income reported as $16,900.

Council discussion included a question from Councilmember Stuckey about an apparent rent expense discrepancy: Bradley said event equipment rental was likely included in rent/operations line items and that the club’s bookkeeping is handled by a professional bookkeeper; he said Treasurer Kathy Jones would answer detailed finance questions when available.

Ending: Council thanked the Commodore and vice Commodore for the presentation and affirmed support for marina and waterfront activities.","Oak Harbor Yacht Club Commodore Ryan Bradley presented the club’s 2024 annual report, highlighting youth sailing programs, reciprocal memberships, facility rentals and modest net income for 2024; councilors asked questions about finances and facility use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Consultants propose near‑term action plan to catalyze attainable housing, Main Street vitality and quality jobs

Parks & Recreation ramps up programs, marina work and capital projects in Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor Fire Department reports rising call volume, Station 82 progress and SAFER grant application plan

Oak Harbor staff warn utility rates must rise to cover wholesale water, tipping fees and reserves

Oak Harbor Yacht Club presents 2024 annual report emphasizing youth sailing and community use