Elise Henry named harbor master; assistant position posted as staff changes continue

The Marine Advisory Commission introduced Elise Henry as the new harbor master and discussed staff changes, seasonality and recent maintenance issues affecting marina operations.

Elise Henry was presented to the commission as the selected harbor master following service as assistant harbor master; staff said she had been with the city for about seven years. Commissioners congratulated Henry and noted the assistant harbor master vacancy has been posted and will close soon; Henry said the position attracted seven applicants within hours of posting.

Henry outlined recent operational maintenance: two water‑line failures in the previous two weeks and a creative repair that used flexible hose routed within a 2‑inch PVC sleeve to reduce future grounding damage. She said seasonal staff have been working to reseat utility lines and replace missing J‑hooks, and that dock‑cart replacements and a final pallet of new carts would be deployed this week.

Why it matters: commissioners said staff continuity and successful recruitment for the assistant role are important as the marina enters peak season. Henry reported summer slip demand rising and said most 24‑foot slips would likely be occupied within two weeks.

Staff also reported on other operational items noted elsewhere in the meeting: temporary fencing pricing, small‑boat storage preferences (some small‑boat owners prefer Oak Harbor’s ramp), and that the marina’s ramp and side‑tie reconfiguration proposals are part of longer‑term mitigation planning tied to dredging and reconfiguration work.

Henry and staff reiterated that the marina depends on seasonal labor and that several ongoing maintenance tasks and procurement items remain active. Henry thanked staff for recent repairs and said she could not do the job without them.