Council approves $1.22 million amendment to marina consultant contract for dredge and breakwater work

Oak Harbor — The City Council voted unanimously to authorize an amendment to the city's professional services agreement with Moffatt & Nichol to complete final engineering, permitting and design work for harbor dredging and breakwater rehabilitation. Public Works staff said the additional work is necessary to finish permitting and to prepare construction-ready plans.

Public Works staff, led by Harbor Master Elissa Henry, told the council the contract with Moffatt & Nichol dates to 2022 and was structured in four phases: feasibility, preliminary engineering and permitting, final engineering, and construction services. Henry said permitting for phase two took longer than expected and that new regulatory requirements — including consideration of a potential endangered species — extended the schedule and scope.

"We've been working with Moffatt & Nichol since 2022," Henry said, explaining that amendment number four would fund final design and regulatory permit preparation for the dredge and breakwater work. She said the city will use a $1 million rural county economic development infrastructure grant to fund the work.

Councilmember Marshall pressed staff on which phases the amendment covers. Sandra Place, Public Works administration manager, said the amendment addresses phases three and four and that the Moffatt & Nichol scope is expected to be complete within 12 months, with the overall project wrapping up in 2028.

Councilmember Merrow asked whether the work would include design improvements to increase the breakwater's useful life, noting concern about contractors cutting corners. Place replied the council previously authorized a major rehabilitation, not complete replacement, and said upcoming dredging and maintenance are expected to preserve the structure if performed on schedule.

The contract amendment adds about $378,496 and brings the cumulative contract total to $1,216,357. Councilmember Merrow also noted staff had identified a potential regulatory concern involving the sunflower sea star; staff said the species exists in the region and had to be considered during permitting.

Mayor Pro Tem moved to waive competitive bidding under RCW 39.04.281(1)(b) and amend the existing agreement; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.

The council adopted the amendment and authorized the mayor to sign the amended professional services agreement. Staff said work will proceed with Moffatt & Nichol because of the firm's familiarity with Oak Harbor's unique breakwater configuration and the project's prior phases.

What’s next: Staff will continue permit coordination and final design work. The overall project is expected to extend into 2028 as regulatory reviews and phased construction proceed.