Here is the October 25, 2023 City Council Workshop Recap:
MAYOR
Presided over the meeting. Mayor Severns thanked the Planning Commission for the joint meeting yesterday. Council Woessner attended the meeting virtually. Councilmember Munns was absent.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Park Plan Implementation
Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith presented parks projects for Council input, including Harbor Heights and Fort Nugent options. Park Board recommendations include installing a Disc Golf Course in the amount of $43,320, an educational walking trail in the amount of $3,200, and potential bike trails. Director Smith also responded to Council suggestions and inquiries regarding a Sports Complex facility and site location options. Council received input from Park Board members in attendance. Council provided additional discussion and feedback on the options presented.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
ACTION ITEM: Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement – Hemstad Consulting for the Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program
Development Services Director David Kuhl presented the contract extension for Hemstad Consulting. The request does not include additional funds currently. Mayor Severns confirmed with the City Clerk that the Council did not receive any comments on this item. Councilmember Stucky made the motion to approve the Professional Services Agreement amendment with Hemstad Consulting, extending the timeframe for the development of the multi-family tax exemption program, seconded by Councilmember Wiegenstein. The motion passed unanimously.
ADMINISTRATION
Boards, Commissions, and Committees Proposed Bylaws Updates
Communications/IT Manager Sabrina Combs and Senior Legal Assistant Kim Perrine presented the updates to Oak Harbor Municipal Code chapters and bylaws relating to external advisory body groups. The focus of the presentation was to highlight changes to provide more consistent information for each commission or committee.
City Administrator Report
City Administrator Blaine Oborn presented the City Administrator report with department updates. Some highlights included:
Eleven staff members appeals from the Class and Comp Study.
Recent Department Head Retreat on September 25 and topics of priorities, team building, and preparation for the All-Hands Staff Meeting on November 2nd to which the Council is invited.
Staff has applied for a County grant to address North Whidbey Sewer Expansion for the development of industrial areas.
Insurance rates and future conversations with legislators.
Appreciation for the opportunity to attend the International City Managers Conference and details on classes.
Working with the Department of Ecology on refinancing options for the Clean Water Facility.
Upcoming events for Fire training and DEA Medicine Take Back event.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tempore requested a discussion item for a future workshop to discuss pervious concrete and whether the City thinks it would be a good requirement for development.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 4:03 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES
The official meeting minutes will be available after approval by the City Council in the
Agenda Center.