Mayor's Snapshot

The sun is shining bright in Oak Harbor and this makes it easier for us to listen to Governor Inslee’s advice to “Take it Outside.” We are fortunate that we live in such a beautiful place that allows us to take it outside to hike, enjoy water sports, shop locally, and more.

I am excited to announce that Fireworks are returning to the City of Oak Harbor if the community stays in Phase 3.

I want to thank the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce staff and City staff for their partnership to address COVID regulations and safety concerns to bring this event back to the City this year.

Check out this fun May the Fourth video for more details:

City staff is working on plans to potentially open Shipwreck Shores Splash Park this season under the Governor's Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan. We will provide more details when they become available.

Warmer weather means that our road crews and contractors are going to be doing more roadway and other related projects. Please drive slower and remove distractions. Our community members are out there flagging, working on projects, and more. We appreciate your patience.

Learn more about this and receive tips and stats on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Work Zone Safety site.

Do not forget to call 811 before you dig or visit www.washington811.com to learn more. Prevent your simple project from turning into an expensive project.

It is time to celebrate the 170th anniversary (1851 – 2021) of the naming of our fabulous City of Oak Harbor in honor of the Garry Oak tree. Thank you to the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society for their work to promote this momentous event in March – June. Learn more about the activities and opportunities to participate online at https://ohgarryoaksociety.org/.

Governor Inslee announced at a press conference today that he is pausing all counties where they are in the Healthy Washington Phases by County for the next two weeks. At this time, Island County is in Phase 3.

Island County Public Health COVID Information

Island County Public Health recently revamped their webpages for COVID and vaccination information.

You can view the updated web pages online at:

Island County Public Health COVID Information at https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

Island County Public Health COVID Vaccination Information at https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-vaccine.aspx

Assistance is available by telephone:

Island County Public Health Call Center (Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.)
(360) 678-2301

Island County Public Health 24 Hour Recorded Information Line
(360) 678-5111 ext. 6000

I am pleased to announce the promotion of Project Engineer Alex Warner to City Engineer after a thorough recruitment process. Alex received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Alex came to the City of Oak Harbor in 2015 from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Here are some projects of interest to our community. More information about these projects are available on the City website.

• NE 7th Avenue Reconstruction
• Angel de la Creatividad Sculpture
• Harbor Heights Sports Complex
• Rotary Pedistrian Bridge at Windjammer Park
• Transportation Benefit District (TBD)
• Whidbey Avenue (Phases 1 and 2)

The Acorn sculpture carving started in mid-April and we are excited to see the final product when it is completed by the Artist, Patrick McVay. I appreciate the partnership of City staff, Arts Commission, and Patrick McVay for working on this project together and allowing interested parties to capture the moment on film.

Most restaurants have additional options for dining inside the restaurant and many businesses are opening up more. Connect with local businesses online at:

• www.supportoakharborbusiness.com
• Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce
• Oak Harbor Main Street Association

Here are some assistance programs for local businesses:

• Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
  
• Restaurant Revitalization Funding Program Guide
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Deadline Extended
• SmallBizHelpWA.com

I hope to see you out and about with your masks on and practicing physical distancing at one of these upcoming events:

Career Café Virtual Job Fair
May 7, 2021 between 9 and 11 a.m.

Memorial Day 2021 Service
May 31, 2021 at 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Memorial Day City

May 31, 2021 - City Offices are Closed and Garbage/Recycling services scheduled for Monday move to Tuesday collection.

Whidbey Island Marathon
September 12, 2021

Thank you for reading the May 2021 edition of the Mayor's Snapshot!

Email: mayor@oakharbor.org
Website: www.oakharbor.org
Location: 865 Southeast Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor, WA, USA
Phone: 360-279-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakHarbor/