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Oak Harbor Rotary gives update on windmill rebuild, says $150,000 raised; permits near resubmission
Summary
Oak Harbor Rotary presenters gave a two-year project update on a community windmill rebuild, outlined roughly $150,000 in funds and pledges to date, said two larger grants require breaking ground before awards, and described next steps on permits and preconstruction.
Brian Jones, a representative of the Oak Harbor Rotary Club, told the City Council on April 15 that the Rotary has raised about $150,000 toward rebuilding the historic windmill in a city park.
"We have raised approximately $150,000 so far towards the project," Jones said, citing a mix of cash, grants and in-kind pledges. He listed $48,000 pledged by the city (noted as $2 per resident), a $20,000 LTech grant, a $25,000 Island Thrift grant and $10,000 in cash from the Rotary, plus in-kind pledges from local builders.
The update came during a presentation by two Rotary representatives who said the group has been working on design, fundraising and permit review for about two years. They showed drawings and a final rendering of the proposed structure, described the building as a functional, accessible meeting space with an ADA bathroom and kitchen, and confirmed the tower would be 53 feet tall.
Why it matters: The windmill is a local heritage project on city property; the Rotary said the design aims to preserve the look of the original structure while making it usable for events and public reservations. The council and staff asked about timeline and fundraising; the Rotary asked the public and councilmembers for help with outreach to businesses and community donors.
What the Rotary said about next steps: Presenters said they expect to finish addressing city reviewer comments and resubmit permit materials within days. They plan a pre-application meeting with the city before final permit issuance, then surveying and soil sampling prior to breaking ground. The presenters also said they have applied for two outside grants each in the $50,000–$100,000 range but that both foundations require proof of ground-breaking before releasing funds.
Council reaction and community interest: Council members thanked the Rotary for the work and volunteered to assist with fundraising. Mayor Pro Tem and several councilmembers emphasized improving communication to donors and supporters while the project remains in permitting; the Rotary said it has begun regular video updates on its Facebook page and the project website (ohwindmill.com) and will better document in-kind pledges.
Public details: Presenters said the group has a "Legacy Brick" fundraising campaign and that pledges and in-kind commitments will be converted to firm work/commitments as the project moves to construction. They said the Rotary will use any surplus funds for a maintenance account or give leftover funds to a community entity such as the Rotary Foundation or a gardening group.
No formal council action was taken on the project at the meeting. The Rotary asked for continued council and community assistance to reach its stated fundraising goal.
