Oak Harbor’s police advisory board received an overview of Ordinance 20‑31, the city’s new chronic‑nuisance measure that was adopted by city council the day before and added to the municipal code.

"That ordinance will now be added to our city municipal code," Chief Slowick said, explaining the ordinance is a civil tool the city can use along with other state and local law‑enforcement authorities to identify properties where repeated criminal or nuisance activity occurs and to pursue abatement through the courts.

Chief Slowick said the ordinance allows staff to negotiate abatement plans with property owners and, when necessary, pursue civil remedies including liens, court orders, condemnation or seizure. He cited similar ordinances in other jurisdictions such as Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline and said city attorneys typically handle the civil filing.

Board members asked how abatement plans work in practice and whether landlords can be held responsible for the actions of tenants or visitors. Chief Slowick said owners can be held responsible where evidence links the offending activity to the property and that law enforcement must build a case to demonstrate that connection.

The board did not record a formal vote on recommending action to city council; the chief said the ordinance provides another tool for protecting public safety and public health, and he offered to answer further technical legal questions with the city attorney if needed.