Oak Harbor commissioners discuss dredging, breakwater repairs, port-district exploration and marina operations

Oak Harbor Marine Advisory Commission members received updates on marina dredging, breakwater damage and long-term funding options at their March meeting, and approved a $3,000 purchase of 10 dock carts.

A preliminary suitability report for dredged material showed higher dioxin concentrations in near‑shore sediments around the A and B dock areas, but engineers told the commission that blended dredging of the marina footprint (mixing nearshore spoils with outer‑harbor material) would likely meet disposal thresholds. The city is awaiting a formal determination from the Dredged Material Management Office (DMMO) before submitting draft permits, and staff warned that upland disposal would increase spoil‑disposal costs by an order of magnitude.

Why it matters: The marina’s dredging and breakwater repairs are tied together—the presence of nearshore contaminants affects disposal options and cost, and the breakwater’s condition is exacerbated by shoaling. Commissioners said the city must decide whether to pursue a full dredging and breakwater replacement program now or a smaller phased dredge that would free funds for immediate breakwater work.

Dredging, dioxins and permitting

City staff said preliminary tests found elevated dioxin levels near shore, but concentrations “not as high as they were worried about” so long as dredging is done in a single phase and spoils are mixed, an approach the DMMO must approve. “If we only do the outer areas and then come in, we won’t have enough materials to mix to get to that level,” a staff member summarized. Draft permits are ready except for the DMMO decision; the agency meets weekly and could place the item on its agenda soon.

Staff and consultants also estimated that permitting and agency reviews for breakwater repairs could take about 12–18 months, and that upland disposal of contaminated spoils could raise per‑cubic‑yard costs from roughly “tens of dollars” to about $300 per cubic yard.

Funding and port-district exploration

Commissioners discussed several funding avenues: bonding to cover a majority of dredging, a proposed business & occupation (B&O) tax, and a pending federal EDA grant application of about $4 million. City staff said they are coordinating with county and state legislators and pursuing an additional $1 million from county commitments. The City Council has authorized staff to explore creating a port district and to hire consultants to study feasibility; staff stressed that a port district would require a public vote.

Commissioners urged early community outreach and a dedicated committee to prepare for any ballot measure. “You don’t put something like a port district on the November general election ballot if you want a realistic chance of success,” said a commissioner, citing experience with local ballot measures.

Harbor-master recruitment and operations

The commission learned the city reviewed roughly nine applications for a new harbor master, narrowed them to five candidates and is scheduling interviews; interview panelists will include city staff and the city clerk, and the commission requested a volunteer to join the interview panel.

Staff also reported on operational projects:

- Dock carts: The commission approved a motion to purchase 10 dock carts at about $300 each (total about $3,000). The motion was moved and seconded and passed by hand vote. - Power pedestals: Staff presented preliminary quotes to replace aging metered power pedestals. Estimates range from about $30,000 (for a smaller/cheaper pedestal set) to $45,000–$50,000 for a higher‑spec set to replace roughly 50 pedestals. Commissioners asked staff to inventory exact needs before formal approval. - Derelict boats: Staff said an initial survey identified roughly 20 longstanding derelict or nonoperational vessels; five have complied and been moved or cleaned. Three vessels may go to auction pending council approval. Staff said they’re coordinating with the state derelict-boat program and have earmarked funds so the city can be reimbursed through the state program where eligible.

Other operational notes

Marina staff said they are recruiting seasonal employees and seeking a part‑time year‑round hire; they also reminded commissioners of outreach events including a May boat show (Anacortes Trawler Fest) where the marina will host a booth.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve minutes as submitted: moved by Commissioner Ken, seconded (not named); passed by hand vote. - Motion to purchase 10 dock carts at approximately $300 each (total $3,000): moved and seconded; passed by hand vote.

Ending: Commissioners requested further financial detail from city finance staff about enterprise‑fund reserve allocations and asked administration to return with cost scenarios for full‑footprint dredging vs. a reduced footprint plus upland disposal. The commission tentatively scheduled follow‑up discussion at a council workshop and the next commission meeting.