Marine advisory commission re-elects chair, names vice chair and reappoints student representative

The Oak Harbor Marine Advisory Commission re-elected JJ Jones to another year as commission chair and approved Dr. Byron Scooby as vice chair for 2026. The commission also unanimously reappointed Grant Niehaus as the student representative for the academic year (term runs September through August).

Nominations were moved and seconded during the meeting; commissioners approved both leadership appointments by voice vote. The commission discussed altering its regular meeting time to early evening to improve public participation; staff was asked to check whether a 6:00 p.m. start (or 5:00 p.m. if 6:00 is not feasible) is possible and to report back before the March meeting.

The commission also reminded members to submit agenda items to chair and staff in advance so the body can allocate time for substantive discussion. The next meeting was scheduled for March 9, with the exact start time to be confirmed.