The Oak Harbor Arts Commission got the all clear to find artists to turn a felled centuries-old Garry oak into at least one giant acorn and a cross-section that would show off the tree’s rings.

Oak Harbor City Council approved the plan and also agreed to incorporate other parts of the tree into the creation of the new sewer treatment plant.

Artists would transform the wood into a slab cut table, doors, tables, podiums, wood paneling, brochures, display cases and artistic chairs.

The Arts Commission can tap sources of money the rest of the city can’t, said Cathy Rosen, the superintendent of public works. As for the furniture and art in the sewer plant, the city can pay from the wastewater fund, she said.

A committee charged with making recommendations on the project also suggested using pieces of the wood for things like clocks, picture frames, light fixtures and commemorative pens. These could be placed around town at city hall, schools, the library, senior center and Chamber of Commerce.

The city has no money in its general budget to pay for this last idea and no clear sense how to handle hiring what could be many artists and craftsmen.

“One of the things that concerns me is the staff time to deal with various artists on all these projects,” Rosen said.

“If we commission plaques, what do we do with them and how do we sell them?”

Instead, the council agreed the staff could come up with some ideas and return to council later.

Councilman Rick Almberg was the lone “no” vote. He expressed concern about the cost.

“Are we potentially getting into the wood furniture or the plaque business … as opposed to commissioning an artist to take it and do something appropriate?” he said.

The council also unanimously agreed to spend $7,600 on three covers to keep the oak dry. At the moment, hunks of the tree are stored in the weather behind the city’s municipal shop.

Joel Servatius questioned why the city couldn’t just buy a tarp.

Brad Gluth, a city engineer, explained that artists might need easier access to the wood and that a tarp would trap moisture and cause the tree to rot. The public works department plans to reuse the covers to store materials and equipment.

In March 2014, city crews cut down the landmark oak outside the post office.

City officials said the tree was a safety concern but many residents were angry that no public notice was given and the tree was felled early on a Sunday morning.