Oak Harbor Police Community Advisory Board approves agenda, elects leaders and hears public safety concerns

The Oak Harbor Police Community Advisory Board met Feb. 4 and completed routine business, elected leadership and discussed community concerns including traffic safety and drugs in the Soda District.

The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from its Nov. 19 meeting by voice vote. Members then conducted nominations and confirmed Chair Paul to continue as chair and Melinda Buchanan as vice chair after voice votes of 'Aye.' No recorded roll‑call tallies were provided in the transcript beyond the unanimous oral votes.

During the public comment period, an online submission from Michael Zimplinski asked the city and police to "accelerate use of physical infrastructure" to separate people on bikes, wheelchairs and scooters from vehicle traffic after an allegedly dangerous pass on North Oak Harbor Street; Chief Slovak said the department would forward the concern to the traffic‑calming work group. James p Marrow, who gave his address on the record, praised Oak Harbor police for their work in the Soda District and urged stronger enforcement against drug dealers to protect businesses.

The board also discussed filling three board member positions and a student representative seat; staff reported receiving two adult applications and a counselor’s referral for a student applicant. Members agreed to assist recruitment and to fine‑tune a PowerPoint presentation for a city council workshop or meeting on March 10 or March 17, pending coordinator availability.

The meeting concluded after confirming next‑month scheduling and approving a motion to adjourn.