Commission approves revised bylaws and best management practices; harbor master details breakwater repairs, dredging and staffing pressure

The Oak Harbor Marine Advisory Commission voted to approve updated bylaws and a revised marina best-management-practices document after discussion and minor edits. The chair called for motions that were seconded and approved by voice vote.

Harbor Master Elise provided a detailed operational update. Divers working on the north breakwater found that removing damaged panels (notably panels 2 and 7) requires removal of adjacent panels, complicating the repair process. "It's a giant jigsaw puzzle," Elise said, adding that staff directed the contractor to begin with panels 7 and 8 and that local fabrication of plates and larger washers is underway to secure the rods and panels. She said only three pickets were damaged among multiple panels that came up and that replacements were expected within a week.

Elise said dredging permits have been started but are currently in a holding pattern. On costs, she reported the marina has engaged the insurance company and expects the insurer to cover about half of the breakwater repair—reducing the marina's share from an estimated half-million dollars to roughly $100,000.

The commission also debated updates to marina policies and procedures. Key operational items discussed:
- Electrical safety/testing: staff purchased an amp clamp for leakage testing and established a checklist; the new electrical code requires testing prior to connecting to shore power and an annual inspection. Commissioners asked for clarity on whether testing covers ELCI/ground-neutral checks and for remediation timelines; staff suggested a 21-day window as a baseline but said flexibility will be needed.
- Live-aboard rules: a previously used 6-hour 'stay aboard' threshold prompted members to propose moving the limit to 10 hours and to add written-exception procedures handled in advance by the harbor master; commissioners stressed the need for clear, documented exceptions to avoid perceptions of favoritism.
- Insurance language: a provision requiring boaters who berth or store vessels to name the City of Oak Harbor as an additional insured drew concern; a tenant said their insurer had refused to add the city as an additional insured and asked staff and legal to review whether the requirement is feasible or should be limited to long-term tenants.

On staffing and operations, Elise said an audit of the retirement system changed how seasonal positions are treated; seasonal employees may become benefited positions, increasing cost. Options discussed include hiring two temporary benefited positions (estimated about $32,000 each) or using temporary positions and volunteers; Elise also proposed modest adjustments (for example, a one-hour office closure at lunch) to reduce staffing burden while maintaining fuel-dock service.

Why it matters: The approved bylaws and best practices guide how the commission and marina operate; the breakwater repair and dredging status have direct cost and safety implications for marina users. Policy changes on live-aboards, electrical testing, and insurance affect resident boaters' obligations and safety.

The commission scheduled follow-up work and asked staff to return with revised policy language and a profit-and-loss statement ahead of the next regularly scheduled meeting.