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Marina staff outline summer outreach, open slips and harbor-master hiring progress
Summary
Staff described new summer events, outreach plans for the Anacortes boat show, steps to fill commission vacancies, the harbor-master hiring timeline and small-boat storage planning.
Marina staff told the Oak Harbor Marina Advisory Commission they will increase summer outreach, promote available slips at the Anacortes Boat Show and expect a harbor-master hire announcement within about a week.
Elise, a marina staff member, said the marina will staff a table at the Anacortes Boat Show to communicate that the marina is not closing, to promote open slips and to collect rental-contact information via a QR code for small-boat storage. "We are going to tell the public we are not closing. We do have slips available. Please come see the marina. Use the marina," Elise said.
Staff outlined a summer calendar of community events: a marine swap meet on June 7 with Power Squadron and Yacht Club participation, a kids’ fishing derby in July, Hydros for Heroes in August and a community open house in September. Staff said they are coordinating with local groups and aiming to bring food trucks, youth activities and boat tours to increase public presence at the marina.
On slips and occupancy, staff said certain slip sizes — notably 28-foot slips — have been slow to rent and that an uncovered 28-foot slip is currently priced at $273 a month while an annual ramp pass is $112.84. Staff cited seasonality and differences in user preferences (trailered boats versus permanent slips) as factors affecting occupancy.
On operations and facilities, the commission reported progress on short-term projects: an entrance sign installation nearing completion, increased dock-cart inventory and reinforcement of new carts before public use. Staff said the marina is holding on large purchases of power pedestals while a $250,000 marina-refurbishment reserve is committed to main-dock whaler replacement; any leftover funds could be used for pedestals.
On staffing and governance, staff said the city completed second-round interviews for harbor-master candidates and the mayor and city administrator are finalizing pay details with finance; an announcement was expected within roughly a week. Separately, the commission has six applications to fill two vacancies; interviews were scheduled and city rules require one seat be a non-customer resident.
Transit and access were discussed: a commission member said Island Transit will expand service to seven days a week beginning June 1 with limited hours, and commissioners asked staff to promote transit options when advertising marina events and slips.
No formal policy votes took place; staff commitments included providing promotional materials and small-boat storage registration flyers and reporting back with an updated candidate announcement and more detail on breakwater and fuel-pricing items at the next meeting.
