Electric police cars, rec center, dredging on Oak Harbor’s grant request list

On top of improvements to the marina, Oak Harbor leaders want money to build a community recreation center and buy six electric police vehicles.

During a Jan. 16 meeting, the city council unanimously approved the submission of three funding requests to the state legislature.

The city is requesting $1 million for the marina dredging project, which is estimated to cost between $8.7 million and $11.4 million. This represents one of the city’s top infrastructure priorities, as sediment accumulation has led to some areas of the marina becoming too shallow for the larger boats. These funds would be added to the $1 million in Rural County Economic Development funds awarded by Island County in 2023.

The teenage court of Mr. Oak Harbor also paid a visit to City Hall to advocate for a community recreation center, a project that the community, city council and the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission have shown interest in.

The city’s royals — which include Lucas Smith, Nolan Saltonstall, Ka’imi Nero, Logan Hendricks, Boden Gagnon and Brian Goodman — asked the council to fund a comprehensive feasibility study that would assess the viability and potential impact of this project.

While the teens have committed to raising as much money as they can to make this possible, the city is also requesting the legislature provide $200,000 to conduct the study, which would look at possible locations, amenities, services to be offered, size, cost and staffing needs while including a cost-benefit analysis.

They said the benefits of having a recreation center for the community are many, such as boosting academic performance, mental and physical wellbeing, property values and the local economy. It would also help youth socialize while keeping them away from chronic scrolling, crime and drugs, according to the court’s presentation.

Community members echoed the court’s request, expressing concern for the lack of activities for teenagers. Among the people who came to support the teens were Oak Harbor High School Principal Nate Salisbury and Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Tiffany Schribner.

Schribner said kids need a safe alternative to unlimited and unsupervised access to the internet.

“Our kids don’t know what to do after school,” she said.

A mother also spoke during the meeting, saying adults need a place to hang out as well.

The council praised the court for advocating for something they are passionate about and expressed their interest in the project.

Last but not least, the Oak Harbor Police Department is requesting $750,000 to purchase six electric patrol cars and a charging station.

In an interview, Chief Tony Slowik said the department’s vehicles were due to be replaced two years ago, but supply chain issues have caused delays.

The funds would support the Electric Patrol Vehicle Pilot Project, where the department will use and compare hybrid and electric vehicles to inform future state decisions. Slowik said that there has not been a study by a law enforcement agency in Washington on police vehicles that are electric, so Oak Harbor would be helping them gather data and determine whether first responder vehicles should be hybrid or electric.

The $750,000 would cover the cost of buying and outfitting six vehicles plus the purchase and installation of the charging station. Each vehicle will cost about $68,000, Slowik said in the interview.

The electric vehicles designed for police purposes, Slowik said, are the Chevrolet Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle and the Ford F150 Lightning. The battery pack makes them heavier and more stable. Slowik also expects improved acceleration and braking.

When parked, police cars need to idle to keep the computer, GPS and radios working. An electric vehicle can idle for 50 hours and power the equipment without emitting carbon dioxide. To charge the cars, the department is asking for a level three charger that can charge a vehicle in a relatively short amount of time, Slowik said.

It’s not a need, Slowik told the council, but “the right time for an ask.”