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1 hour ago

Oak Harbor youth coalition warns of kratom risks, recommends six‑month moratorium Oak Harbor Youth Coalition Coordinator Amy Weldon told the council kratom exposures and poison‑center calls have increased, highlighted the emergence of more potent 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, and recommended a six‑month local moratorium while Island County public health evaluates regulatory options.

Oak Harbor Youth Coalition is sounding the alarm on kratom, urging a six-month sales moratorium as alarming health risks emerge.

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #CommunityEducation #YouthSafety #CitizenPortal #OakHarborPublicHealth #SubstanceAbuse

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1 month ago

Oak Harbor outlines steps to address rising pedestrian deaths, cites funding limits and state coordination City engineers and councilors discussed pedestrian‑safety work including 15 RRFB crosswalks, 2,500 feet of shared paths, plans to use thermoplastic markings, and continued pursuit of a $5 million federal grant; staff said Highway 20 is the collision hotspot and coordination with WSDOT is required.

Oak Harbor is taking bold steps to tackle its alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, but funding hurdles and state coordination present significant challenges.

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1 month ago

Oak Harbor details pedestrian-safety effort, crosswalk upgrades and funding needs Public works and engineering staff reported rising pedestrian fatalities and outlined recent treatments (RRFBs, shared-use paths), a failed $5 million federal grant application, planned thermoplastic crosswalk upgrades, and next steps including a consultant-led transportation plan and continued grant pursuit.

Oak Harbor is ramping up its pedestrian safety efforts as fatalities soar despite a modest population increase, aiming for zero deaths by 2045.

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #ActiveTransportation #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #OakHarborPedestrianSafety

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1 month ago

Oak Harbor staff outline EIS-linked comprehensive-plan update, confirm 3,700 housing allocation City staff told the Feb. 24 council workshop that the comprehensive-plan periodic update will include an environmental impact statement (EIS) and reiterated the city’s housing allocation of 3,700 units; scoping is open through March 19 and staff expect a draft EIS this summer and a preferred alternative by fall.

Oak Harbor is gearing up for a pivotal 20-year comprehensive plan update, confirming 3,700 new housing units while inviting public input on its environmental impact until March 19.

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1 month ago

Oak Harbor council approves falconry pilot to deter downtown seagulls The Oak Harbor City Council voted to authorize a March–July 2026 pilot using a licensed falconer to reduce nuisance seagull activity downtown. The contract with Sky Patrol Bird Services LLC is capped at $35,000 and pairs falconry with waste, business and stormwater measures.

Oak Harbor is taking flight with a unique solution to seagull nuisances—hiring a licensed falconer to reclaim the downtown waterfront!

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #OakHarborBirdControl #EnvironmentalResponsibility #PublicSafety #UrbanWildlifeManagement

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1 month ago

Island County Public Health outlines wastewater surveillance, WIC and environmental programs Sean Morris, Island County Public Health director, gave an overview of county services including wastewater epidemiology with Oak Harbor Sewage Facility, WIC and newborn nursing outreach, septic permitting, groundwater monitoring and invasive-species control; the presentation was informational with no council action required.

Island County's Public Health Director revealed groundbreaking wastewater surveillance that could predict COVID-19 outbreaks weeks in advance during a recent city council meeting.

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1 month ago

Oak Harbor council approves falconer pilot to deter nuisance birds downtown The council authorized a March–July 2026 pilot hiring Sky Patrol Bird Services LLC, a licensed falconer, not to exceed $35,000 to reduce downtown nuisance bird activity; staff will pair the effort with business outreach on waste handling and stormwater monitoring.

Oak Harbor's City Council is set to launch an innovative falconer pilot program to humanely deter nuisance birds downtown, starting March 2026!

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2 months ago

Oak Harbor Planning Commission urges council to ratify countywide planning policy changes, eyes 80-acre annexation The commission voted to recommend City Council ratify Island Countywide planning policy amendments that reduce county growth allocations and clarify UGA responsibilities; staff said annexing about 80 acres could help the city accommodate additional housing and that an EIS will evaluate alternatives.

The Oak Harbor Planning Commission is pushing for significant changes in growth policies that could pave the way for an 80-acre annexation aimed at boosting housing capacity—what's next for the city's development?

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2 months ago

Oak Harbor council directs staff to pursue temporary and Sumner Park pickleball options while pursuing eight‑court facility grant Parks director Brian Smith presented three options: temporary mobile nets (~$6,500), resurfacing one Sumner Park tennis court into four permanent pickleball courts (~$61,000), or building an eight‑court facility (~$749,000) with an anticipated $500,000 RCO grant. Council asked for usage data and asked staff to return with refined cost/drawings.

Oak Harbor is buzzing with excitement as the city council explores options for new pickleball courts, weighing the community's strong demand against existing sports needs!

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2 months ago

Oak Harbor advisory commission hears update on North F dock repairs, permitting and budget implications Harbormaster Elise told the Marine Advisory Commission that emergency repairs to the North F dock are proceeding with Army Corps and expedited Fish and Wildlife permits, American Construction expected to begin work, and that broader dredging and breakwater rehabilitation remain contingent on federal permits and funding.

Emergency repairs for the North F dock are underway with key permits secured, but will the city's plans withstand the stormy future?

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2 months ago

Oak Harbor reviews draft Island County tourism interlocal that would formalize higher lodging‑tax contribution Grants administrator Wendy Horn outlined a draft interlocal to pool Oak Harbor’s additional 2% lodging‑tax revenue with Island County and neighboring towns; under the draft Oak Harbor’s 25% share could raise the city’s contribution from $20,000 to roughly $44,329 annually if enacted. Council asked questions but took no action.

Oak Harbor is poised to boost its tourism funding from $20,000 to over $44,000 annually, but will it lead to the local economic impact they hope for?

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #VisitorEngagement #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityCollaboration #OakHarborTourism

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2 months ago

Oak Harbor council adopts nepotism ordinance limiting relatives of elected officials from chairing advisory bodies The Oak Harbor City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 2038 (nepotism), restricting relatives of elected officials from serving as chairs on boards and commissions and amended the draft to apply to 'elected official' rather than only council members; the measure passed with one opposing vote.

Oak Harbor City Council just took a bold step to combat nepotism by adopting a new ordinance that restricts relatives of elected officials from chairing advisory boards and commissions!

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #OakHarborNepotism #CivicAccountability #EthicsInPublicService

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2 months ago

Oak Harbor revises emergency plan to meet state, FEMA guidance and adds cybersecurity annex Fire Chief Travis Anderson presented a rewritten comprehensive emergency management plan (202692030) that aligns the city with state and FEMA guidance, highlights EOC coordination challenges with Island County, adds a cybersecurity annex and calls for joint training and a Feb. 3 follow-up for adoption.

Oak Harbor's Fire Chief unveils a comprehensive emergency management plan that not only meets state and FEMA guidelines but also tackles cybersecurity and coordination challenges with Island County.

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2 months ago

Oak Harbor consultants warn marina revenues fall short of costs for major repairs; redevelopment could require $30'$40 million A consultant's review of Oak Harbor's marina found operating expenses have risen faster than revenues, leaving limited net revenue for capital work; consultant Paul said dredging, breakwater and redevelopment could cost $30'$40 million and would require grants, partnerships or significant rate changes to fund.

Oak Harbor's marina is facing a financial crisis, with repair costs soaring to $40 million while revenues barely keep pace—can the city find a solution before it's too late?

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #EconomicSustainability #CommunityFunding #OakHarborMarina #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Votes at a glance: agenda, advisory‑board item tabled; EMS interlocal, Main Street PSA, and police motorcycle purchases approved Council approved the regular agenda, tabled advisory‑board reappointments (item g), authorized an EMS interlocal agreement with Whidbey Health for $175,000/year (one abstention), approved the Main Street PSA up to $150,000 and authorized purchase of two surplus 2022 BMW police motorcycles for $16,000 total.

The Oak Harbor council made pivotal decisions, including approving a $175,000 EMS agreement and purchasing two police motorcycles for just $16,000, but not without some controversy regarding advisory board reappointments.

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3 months ago

Oak Harbor council declares emergency, OKs expedited repairs after storm damaged marina The council approved Resolution 26-01 to declare emergency repairs to the Oak Harbor Marina after a Dec. 16 storm damaged North F breakwater panels and dock components. Staff estimated emergency repairs would not exceed $500,000 and recommended using marina reserves while pursuing longer-term rehabilitation and dredging.

The Oak Harbor Marina is facing a major crisis after storm damage left its breakwater in peril, prompting urgent repairs and a call for a long-term solution.

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #OakHarborMarina #StormDamage #EmergencyRepairs #InfrastructurePlanning #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Oak Harbor finance office reports clean audit, $6M in grant awards and ERP go‑live plan Finance officials reported an unmodified audit opinion, strong grant performance (22 awards in 2025 totaling over $6 million), investment earnings that helped municipal planning, progress on ERP/Tyler implementation with core go‑live targeted Jan. 5, 2026, and a local B&O tax plan to fund marina dredging and breakwater work.

Oak Harbor is celebrating a clean audit and over $6 million in grant awards, paving the way for innovative projects and financial improvements!

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4 months ago

WSDOT presents recommended speed‑limit reductions on State Route 20 through Oak Harbor WSDOT and Oak Harbor staff presented a traffic analysis recommending several speed limit reductions on State Route 20 following a roundabout project; WSDOT will finalize its analysis and staff plan to present ordinance language to council in early 2026.

Oak Harbor is considering significant speed limit reductions on State Route 20 to enhance safety following recent roundabout construction and traffic analysis.

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #OakHarborTraffic #TransportationReform #CommunityInput

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4 months ago

Oak Harbor presents draft 2026 legislative priorities; council urges more specificity Oak Harbor staff presented draft 2026 legislative priorities emphasizing public safety, housing and childcare, infrastructure and support for Naval Air Station Whidbey Island; councilmembers asked staff to provide concrete projects and dollar amounts and to add mental‑health supports to public safety priorities.

Oak Harbor is gearing up for 2026 with bold legislative priorities focusing on public safety, housing, and mental health—are we ready to support our community's growth?

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4 months ago

Oak Harbor police advisory board reviews proposed "stay‑out" drug‑zone ordinance ahead of council vote Chief of Police presented a draft stay‑out‑of‑designated‑area (SODA) ordinance that would allow courts to bar individuals convicted of drug offenses from specified downtown blocks; the board discussed map options, service access and potential displacement ahead of the city council’s Dec. 2 consideration.

Oak Harbor's police advisory board is weighing a controversial "stay-out" ordinance that could keep drug offenders away from downtown for up to 24 months—will it make a difference or just push problems elsewhere?

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4 months ago

Oak Harbor adopts chronic nuisance ordinance to allow civil abatement of repeat law-violation properties Ordinance 2031 establishes a chronic nuisance process allowing warnings, voluntary correction agreements and civil court abatement for properties associated with repeated law violations; council adopted the ordinance after staff presentations and limited public comment.

Oak Harbor has taken a bold step by adopting a new chronic nuisance ordinance aimed at tackling properties linked to repeated law violations, giving authorities a powerful tool to promote community safety.

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4 months ago

Council approves most LTAC lodging-tax awards, sends marina debt-service item back for adjustments Council approved the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee's recommended grants but asked LTAC to revisit funding for the Oak Harbor Marina debt service, directing that an extra allocation be considered to fully fund that item and using Cork's $17,000 Chalk Fest funds as part of the discussion.

The Oak Harbor City Council is shaking things up by approving major lodging-tax grants while sending the marina debt funding back for a crucial review—what does this mean for local events and tourism?

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #LocalFunding #OakHarborTourism

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4 months ago

Oak Harbor adopts state-aligned B&O tax ordinance effective Jan. 1, 2026 The City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2032 to update Oak Harbor’s local business-and-occupation (B&O) tax to conform with state law changes in Senate Bill 5814 and to clarify a $4,000,000 annual ($1,000,000 quarterly) deductible threshold from gross receipts.

Oak Harbor City Council has just adopted a crucial update to its business-and-occupation tax, aligning local laws with state regulations and potentially impacting how businesses report their revenues!

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4 months ago

Artist Richard Nash urges Oak Harbor to fix Windjammer Park installations; commission to evaluate Artist Richard Nash told the Arts Commission the Teacher’s Tribute Garden and several sculptures at Windjammer Park have fallen into disrepair and urged the city to create a maintenance plan. Staff said there is no dedicated maintenance schedule and will meet with Nash to scope needs and possible use of a small arts maintenance fund.

Artist Richard Nash reveals the shocking decline of Windjammer Park's beloved installations and calls for urgent action to save them!

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#OakHarborIslandCounty #WA #CommunityMaintenance #CitizenPortal #VolunteerEngagement #PublicArtPreservation #OakHarborPublicArt

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5 months ago

Council adopts mid‑biennial budget amendment that funds public safety, EIS work and capital items Ordinance 2030, a mid‑biennial true‑up to the 2025‑26 budget, passed Nov. 5. The amendment includes 31 line items: public-safety staffing and equipment for a new fire station, regional training facility purchase, software and hardware investments, EV charger installation, and an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the comprehensive plan funded

The City Council just passed Ordinance 2030, a crucial budget amendment that will enhance public safety, invest in new technology, and fund an environmental impact statement for future development.

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5 months ago

Island County officials report surge in veteran benefits after adding second VSO; program seeks outreach to isolated vets Island County Human Services officials told the Oak Harbor City Council on Nov. 5 that adding a second veterans services officer (VSO) this year dramatically increased claim success and benefit dollars reaching local veterans. Staff described outreach methods, program services, and unmet needs such as social isolation among aging veterans.

Island County has seen a dramatic surge in veteran benefits after adding a second veterans services officer, leading to millions in returned benefits and a call for greater outreach to combat social isolation.

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5 months ago

City attorney proposes chronic nuisance ordinance targeting properties with repeated law violations City Attorney Hillary Evans introduced a draft ordinance (proposed Ord. 2031) to add a chronic nuisance chapter to the Oak Harbor Municipal Code allowing the city to identify properties with repeated law violations, notify owners and, if necessary, pursue civil remedies including closure when voluntary abatement fails.

City Attorney Hillary Evans has proposed a groundbreaking chronic nuisance ordinance aimed at cracking down on properties with repeated law violations, empowering the city to take action when owners fail to comply.

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5 months ago

Police propose court-ordered "Stay Out of Designated Area" zones to address drug-related activity Police Chief Tony Slowick presented a proposed municipal SOTA (Stay Out of Designated Area) court-order ordinance (proposed Ord. 2034) to allow judges to bar people with drug-related charges or convictions from defined geographic zones. Staff showed data for a South Central business district with a sharp increase in calls for service and suspected/

Police are proposing a new court order that would ban individuals with drug-related charges from entering certain zones, aiming to tackle the escalating drug activity in the South Central business district.

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5 months ago

Oak Harbor planners add climate resiliency element to comp plan update; sea-level rise and water supply flagged City staff outlined the 2025 comprehensive plan major update, including a new climate resiliency element funded by a $150,000 grant and required by state law (HB 1181). The assessment identified sea level rise, extreme precipitation/flooding and water-resource vulnerability; community input also flagged wildfire/smoke and extreme heat.

Oak Harbor is gearing up for a major 2025 comprehensive plan update, introducing a crucial climate resiliency element that addresses sea-level rise, extreme flooding, and more!

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5 months ago

Oak Harbor planning commission reviews first draft of 2025 comprehensive plan update, EIS timing discussed City staff and consultants reviewed draft policy changes for parks, economic development, government services and a new climate-resiliency element and said an environmental impact statement (EIS) is expected to begin at the end of this year or early next year. Commissioners raised questions about staffing language, stormwater and transportation, as

Oak Harbor is gearing up for a transformative 2025 comprehensive plan update, with a focus on climate resilience and community input shaping the future of parks, economic growth, and vital city services.

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