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

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.