OATH OF OFFICE
Judge Hawkins opened the meeting with the Oath of Office for Mayor Ronnie Wright. Judge Skinner conducted the Oath of Office for Councilmember Tara Hizon (Position 1). Judge Hawkins continued the Oath of Office for Councilmember Chris Wiegenstein (Position 2) and Councilmember Eric Marshall (Position 3). Judge Hawkins, Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon, and City Clerk Julie Nester led the audience in a song for Mayor Bob Severns.
Former Mayor Bob Severns passed the gavel to Mayor Wright.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wright called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamations
Proclaiming January 2024 as National Blood Donor Month
Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon read the proclamation on behalf of the City, noting upcoming donation events.
Honors and Recognitions
Police Chief Oath – Anthony Slowik
Mayor Wright swore in Police Chief Anthony Slowik. Police Chief Slowik spoke to the audience after completing the oath.
CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD
The City received a comment prior to congratulating Mayor Wright on taking his oath of office. An individual in the audience congratulated Mayor Wright and read the poem, “This Moment,” for the Mayor and Council.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as presented:
- Approval of Minutes: December 19, 2023 Council Meeting
- Approval of Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers
- Purchase Authorization-Godwin Pump Replacement
- Resolution 24-01: Purchase Authorization-Sole Source-Washer Compactor for the Clean Water Facility
- Resolution 24-03: Amending Effective Date for Resolution 23-15 Master Fee Schedule
MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Wright reviewed his appointments for Councilmember Service to Boards. No comments from the public were received. Councilmember Stucky confirmed that Councilmember Woessner is willing to serve on the Planning Commission. City Administrator Blaine Oborn provided an update on the ARPA committee and that it is a placeholder for this year due to the potential for ad hoc meetings. Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon offered to attend meetings on behalf of other Councilmembers if they were unable to attend a meeting. Councilmember Wiegenstein made the motion to approve the list as presented, seconded by Councilmember Hoffmire. The motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Wright presented Mayor’s Comments including vacancies on advisory boards and opportunities to apply to serve on a board on the City website, welcomed new Police Officer Rafferty, noted the City will hold a Marina Dredging Open House on January 11, upcoming Council Meeting on January 16 to swear in a new police officer, and upcoming WA State Ferries public meetings (advanced registration is required).
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Selection of Mayor Pro Tempore for a traditional two-year term. Councilmember Woessner moved to nominate Councilmember Tara Hizon as the Mayor Pro Tempore, seconded by Councilmember Hoffmire. No additional discussion by the Council. The motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Hoffmire spoke about working together in 2024 and continuing with teamwork. He also congratulated Mayor Wright.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 24-02 Authorization to Submit DNR Community Forestry Assistance Grant
Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith presented the details of the grant and three projects the grant will provide implementation management plans, including, Harbor Heights, Freund Marsh, and Hal Ramaley Food Forest. The grant program will include partnerships with Whidbey Island Conservation District, Imagine A Permaculture World, Oak Harbor Garden Club, the Oak Harbor School District, and the Oak Harbor Garry Oakes Society. Director Smith presented the motion followed by Council discussion. No comments were received for this item.
Councilmember Wiegenstein made the motion to approve Resolution 24-02, authorizing the Mayor to sign the Washington State DNR grant application for the Community Forestry Assistance Program, seconded by Councilmember Marshall. The motion passed unanimously.
CONTRACTS & AGREEMENTS
Rural County Economic Development Interlocal Agreement 2023 – Oak Harbor Marina Project Grant Award
City Administrator Blaine Oborn presented the Interlocal Agreement grant award. He thanked Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith, Harbormaster Chris Sublet, and Grants Coordinator Wendy Horn for their work on this grant application. City Administrator Oborn reviewed the dredging project and potential costs as well as the amount the grant would offset. The staff’s recommendation was to approve the grant. No comments were received from the public. Following Council discussion, Councilmember Hoffmire moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the Island County Rural Economic Development Infrastructure Investment Interlocal Agreement for the City’s Marina Dredging Project, seconded by Councilmember Woessner. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
Councilmember Woessner made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Hizon.
The meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.
MEETING MINUTES
The official meeting minutes will be available after approval by the City Council in the Agenda Center online.