by Richard Uhlhorn

US DOT FAA grant offer:
City Administrator Laura McAloon told the council that the FAA has awarded the city a $418,000 grant to fund a planning consultant to re-evaluate the airport’s master plan that was conducted during the COVID pandemic.

“The final report remained in draft form because of the feedback we received from adjoining property owners and the public.” McAloon added that the FAA feels like the;city needs to go back and make sure that the public outreach was adequate.

In addition, there are a number of things that have changed, and the FAA has undergone some staff changes since the draft master plan was completed.

McAloon asked the council to approve the $418,000 grant which funds 90% of the upcoming evaluation. The remaining 10% will be funded by the Washington State Department of Transportation and both Chelan and the Port of Chelan-Douglas County.

Councilman Shane Collins wondered why the airport couldn’t move forward the current scope of work already accomplished. McAloon replied that there with the work done previously the FAA has no funding for the improvements. “So the Lake Chelan Airport, under the current master plan, we don’t have a viable funding source from the FAA to do the runway realignment,” she said. She added that without going through with the proposed planning process, nothing will change at the airport. “It will stay as it currently is.”

Collins asked if that changed the waterline to the airport construction. McAloon answered that the waterline will still be constructed. “It will provide us the opportunity for the city to develop available land for new hanger development.”

The new planning process will allow for “robust” outreach to the adjacent landowners and public for the airport needs to serve. “We need a realistic plan if we are going to expand the airport,” said McAloon.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if this will result in a better “stab” at what has been done in the past. McAloon stated that evaluation of the old Master Plan will help validate the data that was previously gathered.

She also remarked that the FAA has undergone significant staff turnover. The FAA plugged the realignment into a flight simulator at an operation level that it won’t work without an instrument approach because of the surrounding geography.

She added that the upcoming work is just a quality check and verification of what was done previously. “It is not a criticism of the work that has been done.”

McAloon stated that the city will work with the new planning consultant and the FAA’s planning consultant to update the current Master Plan and updated airport layout plan.

She added that if the new plan is achievable and realistic it would be funded by the FAA.

Council unanimously approve the $418,000 grant.

Affordable Housing grant funding:
Finance Director Heidi Evans told the council that she has recrafted the city’s affordable housing policy.

The city’s affordable housing funds come through three different sources including the State’s share of property tax revenue; council directed allocations; and developer contributions.

Currently, the city has $133,000 available to allocate. She recommended that the council allocate $50,000 this year and another $50,000 In 2027. She asked the council for recommendations for 2026 and some ideas for 2027. “The next external contribution is expected to be from the Wiedner Project.

Councilman Terry Sanders asked how much was awarded last year? Evans replied that Chelan Valley Health received $20,000 for renovations at Heritage Heights.

Housing Authority presentation
Sasha Slieman, president of the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee introduced herself to the Chelan City Council and gave a short presentation of the Housing Authority’s work.

Slieman told the council that she had in the past worked for the Chelan County Commission and a community council. She explained that the authority is a quasi governmental organization. “So we are not really a non-profit. We serve Douglas County and all the small cities throughout the entirety of our region.”

The Housing Authority was originally a forum to provide agricultural housing for workers in the regions agriculture industry. “The demographics of the industry are changing,” Slieman said. Looking at the requirements and statues, Slieman stated that the intent of supporting industry in this area is to help individuals fine suitable and reasonably priced housing, not just ag. workers. She mentioned the tourism hospitality industry  as being large. “Can people afford to live in the areas that they work in? That in itself is an industry need.”

The Housing Authority has three properties in Chelan and two in Manson. “I get calls all the time from people who need housing,” she said.

Slieman stated that in 2027, the Housing Authority is rolling out with a platform that will allow potential tenants to apply for housing on-line. “Our partners in Chelan is Chelan Valley Hope and a huge resource in this community.”

The Housing Authority offers a housing choice voucher program that is a nation wide federally administered program where they help subsidize rents. “The subsidies go directly to the landlord,” she said. Currently 448 families are on the program. “About S$400,000 per month goes into the communities and the landlords.”

She said that a public comment hearing will be held on September 24 and will be available on the Housing Authority’s website.

Staff reports:
Laura McAloon reported that the city has an interim airport operations manager who is in the process of doing a review of the airport’s operating procedures. He is also meeting with tenants to see what is going on inside each hanger to make sure they are 100% compliant with airport requirements.

She also reported that the necessary Library foundation work bid came in $100,000 over the engineers estimate. In questioning the bidder on why the estimate was so high, they underneath the flooring and behind the drywall.

The solution said McAloon was for the city to expend another $5,000 on exploration of the issues to better enable the city get a better bid package.

Parks Director Audrey Cooper
Cooper reported that the golf course has a few vacancies for greenskeeper positions. “We are having a hard time filling those vacancies midseason,” she said. However, the smoke from the Little Giant Fire has been a saving grace for the maintenance team because they don’t have to do quite as much hand watering.

Smoke from the fire has had a major impact on park operations. “It’s pretty bleak,” Cooper said. The golf course is down 41% and the RV Park has processed over 100 cancellations. “We do provide refunds but also ask people to consider re-registering later in the fall.”

Sgt. Rob Huddleston
Huddleston reported that the Sherrif’s Office is extremely busy manning three road blocks for the fire. “The guys are spending a lot of hours out there.”

He reported that the department has contracted Marine 1 for transporting fire crews and supplies up and down the lake. He thanked all of the volunteers that have helped with the effort. He added that Marine 2 is ready to respond to other emergencies on the lake.

So far this years, Huddleston said the marine patrol had made 175 contacts before the smoke drove recreational boating off the lake. “I have the marine patrol guys handling calls within the city,” said Huddleston.

Bridge Jumping

Huddleston reported that he had a conversation with Sheriff Morrison regarding the issue of bridge jumping and the damage that was being done to the bridge’s lighting domes and the electrical outlets. Sheriff Morrison approved 32 hours of overtime to enforce the “do not jump” from the bridge policy. Huddleston said that how the hours are spent are up to each deputy requesting time for the effort. “They can do a full shift and just hangout at the bridge or do an hour here and an hour there. We have issued tickets for bridge jumping.”

Mayor/Council comments
Shane Collins reported that he had been contacted by Jerod Higgins about second homes in Chelan. “He has some thoughts about them and about taxes,” said Collins. “He wants to know what kind of levers we can work with.

Tim Hollingsworth stated that he is trying to shop local and encouraged everyone to do the same. “I think we all have to stick together.” He asked about the RV Park refunds and the three week notice policy. Cooper said the department is getting some pushback and that they are trying to accommodate those cancellations. “We want to accommodate our visitors so they will come back,” said Hollingsworth. Cooper replied, “We are encouraging them to reschedule.”

Terry Sanders announced that his last month on City Council is August. He and his wife are moving into their new home which is out of the City limits. “I’m looking forward to staying involved,” Sanders said.

Mayor McCardle said it is humbling to see people who have to work outside in the smoke. She announced that a fire camp for up to 250 individuals will be established in Chelan in the next week. “I hope it helps the economy.” She said.

McCardle asked the council to look over the19 Legislative issues and pick five to go forward.

The next City Council meeting will be on August 25 at 5:15 in council chambers. The public is encouraged to attend.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Cal Fire Incident Management Team and other agencies actively involved in suppressing the Little Giant Fire held a Community Meeting at the Chelan Fire Station on Friday evening to discuss the current situation with the fire.

Tara Humphries , Forest Supervisor – Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, was the first to address the those attending the meeting and a number of individuals who watched the meeting on-line. She acknowledged the impact that this fire was having on the region and told those in attendance that if they felt they weren’t getting the information they needed to check with local median and agencies in charge.

Jack Ackerby, Cal Fire, stated that the fire was now 22 miles from its ignition location and added that this fire is extremely challenging for the firefighters and the community. “You guys are very experienced with fire,” he told those in attendance, mentioning all the fires that have burned in the Lake Chelan Valley over the years.

Ackerby added that the fuels with the fire are very challenging. The lack of snowfall last winter has made the fuels challenging

Smoke:
“When the smoke lies down we can’t fly aircraft which caused a lot of problems for us,” Ackerby said. He added that the team’s priority is to keep the fire away from homes.

Twenty Five Mile Creek is a big box that the team wants to shrink. Because there are no roads where the fire is, the team has deployed four boats to serve both the south and north shores. They are also opening up previous dozer lines that were cut in during the 2015 fire. “We are using local resources and we really appreciate their help.”

Haley Bailey – National Weather Service:
She stated that the weather around the fire has been dynamic. “It has been very active today.” She remarked that this coming week temperatures will cool bringing higher humidity and more active fire.

Dennis Burns – Cal Fire Behavior Analyist:
Burns said, “Right now everything that is on the ground and everything that is standing up is available to burn.” He added that a 1,000 hour piece of wood is a six inch log and stated that it would have only 9 percent moisture. “When you purchase kiln dried lumber, it is 11 percent, so that tells you what the fuels are like.”

“I rain a season slowing event,” said Burns. “What one and a half inches of rain over a three day period would slow the fire down, but would not put it out.”

Barry Burke – Air Resources:
“We do expect to see some improvements over the next few days.” He added that if the smoke goes out, there will be more fire which will bring more smoke. Burke recommended that older individuals and families with young children without the benefit of air conditioning purchase a box fan and a filter to cover it with, install it in a window. “It will remove most of the smoke but not all.”

Ryan Moody – Chelan County Sheriff’s Office:
Moody, who is the Sheriff’s Chief of Special Operations, gave a report on the fire’s evacuation situation. He described the three levels and told the audience, “I’m looking at the crowd and you are kinda veterans at this. Don’t be insulted if I’m telling you something you already know.”

He then told them the different levels of readiness in various sectors of the fire. Fire evacuation levels will change as the fire perimeter changes.

Sheriff Mike Morrison:
Sheriff Morrison stated that he has 60 committed deputies working on the fire but also performing their normal duties of law enforcement. “We have Chelan County Search and Rescue knocking on doors. We’ve been through this numerous times. If we get hammered, response time might slow down.” He added that he really appreciated the community’s help and reminded them that it’s just property that can be replaced.

Chief Brandon Asher – Chelan Fire and Rescue:
Asher stated that he appreciated the community coming out for the meeting. “We’ve benn through this before,” stated Asher. “This fire season has been a bit of a grind for us since June. It seems that every five days we are responding to a fire.”

Dan Grlyard – Acting Entiat District Ranger:
“We are making sure all roads are cleared to keep everyone safe. We are chasing our closures farther out,” he said. He added that after the fire is over, the district still has to restore the land to prevent mudslides.

Pat Russell – Cal Fire Incident Commander:
“The local agencies made it very clear of what they wanted us to do,” Russell said. He lauded all the different agencies involved in suppressing the fire and added, “We see how much they care about these communities.”

“Our priority is protecting values at risk,” said Russell.

He thanked the communities for their support and said a new incident management team would be taking over on Sunday, August 9, as Cal Fire transitions out. He added that there would probably several more transitions of incident management team over the course of the fire. Incident management teams come in for a two week stint before being relieved by another team.

After the presentation, residents wandered around the Fire Bay collecting information from the various booths that had been set up and getting questions answered.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Outdoor Seating project:
At its July 28 council meeting Community Development Director John Ajax brought the Outdoor Seating Proposal forward for consideration by the council. The staff in conjunction with the Historic Downtown Chelan Association would give businesses serving alcohol outside the opportunity to remove their barriers and have seating within five feet of the business in hopes of relieving sidewalk congestion.

The proposal for the pilot project suggested 18 months, but councilmembers objected to that and suggested a six month pilot project.

Terry Sanders said, “I kinda like the six month duration instead of 18 months.” Jon Higgins agreed with Sanders and also stated that he had talked with businesses up and down Woodin. Most of them stated they liked the barrier system. “People would go over that imaginary barrier,” said Higgins. “I don’t think it is a good idea.”

Mayor McCardle added that the project was optional for businesses serving alcohol.

The motion passed for a six month pilot project with both Sanders and Higgins voting against it.

Bridge Jumping issue:
“I hate to be the grumpy old man about kids jumping off of the bridge,” said Tim Hollingsworth. He added that it is not just jumping off the bridge anymore. Kids are climbing the light poles and standing atop the pedestals. “It seems like there is a little more lawlessness in some of these things.” He also mentioned the electric bikes and scooters on the trail and sidewalks.

Hollingsworth agreed that the solution was difficult. “I’d like to work with law enforcement to try and discourage that.

Shane Collins also remarked on the bridge jumping. “Rules are rules. We have prohibited things. I know there isn’t enough law enforcement. I know there are too many troublemakers,” said Collins. “How do we enforce it before we get ourselves into a very bad situation.”

Mayor McCardle stated that the City is exploring options with the Sheriff’s Department. She said that perhaps they could have the Sheriff’s Department provide enforcement on the weekends but realizes that is very expensive. “I’m sure we’ll all be deemed the grumpy old council and Mayor that brought the hammer down.”

McCardle added that council agrees that there needs to be some enforcement done because the behavior has crossed the line. “We are exploring all the different options that are available.”

Smoke and other issues:
“The smoke is a bummer,” said Collins. He stated that the smoke makes tourists stop coming. He also said that smoke makes wine not drinkable and that many people don’t know about smoke exposure risks.

Collins is excited about the upcoming economic study. “It’s good to look at other options other than tourism,” said Collins. The City relies on tourism dollars and property taxes to operate. According to Heidi Evans, the city’s finance director, visitation is down five percent so far this year which is about $8,000 in 2% capital funds and $10,000 in 3% tourism funds.

Parks Director Audrey Cooper said the parks department is getting cancellation calls for the RV Park.

Collins also remarked that he didn’t want the City to forget about the Golf Course and its business plan.

Finance Director Heidi Evans said she would be bringing back the draft Affordable Housing Policy for council to review at it’s upcoming workshop on August 4.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren reported that the department lost its project manager but has already replace her with a qualified applicant from Chelan County.

He also remarked that the Safe Street Survey is up on the City’s website at cityofchelan.gov/safestreets. “Residents have the opportunity to visit an interactive map of the city and pin locations where they think there is an opportunity to make safety improvements for residents and visitors. He asked the council to also take the survey.

Jon Higgins brought up the issue of bricks on the sidewalks coming up. “There is a lot of tripping hazards,” he said.

Terry Sanders asked Youngren what the timeframe was for the Apple Blossom Trail. Youngren replied that Public Works doesn’t have one yet. “We are pushing through design and seeking grants,” said Youngren. He added that some money has been allocated to for the proposed trail.

New councilman Cesar Vargas addressed Youngren and said he’d like to see more contractors that promote apprenticeships and education in the workforce. His concern seemed to about wages and labor standards and was curious about the city’s practices with contracts. Youngren replied that contracts with the city all fall under the prevailing wage law and that safety standards are a part of any contract. “I’m happy to provide you with more details,” said Youngren.

by Richard Uhlhorn

MANSON FIRE DISTRICT RISKS”
“We all live in a very dangerous place,” said District 5 Fire Commissioner Fred Weiss. Washington was upgraded to the fourth most dangerous wildfire state to live in behind California, Texas and Oregon.

He explained that fire danger now runs from May to November and the lack of snowpack this past winter has made fire danger even more volatile.

Weiss encouraged Manson residents to prepare for a wildfire event. He said landowners should build defensive space around their structures, remove firewood from the side of structures or homes, get rid of the flammable doormat, keep the gutters clean and screen the house vents.

“What’s the plan to notify everybody and keep them safe,” he said. Weiss also said that homeowners and residents should have ‘go bags’ ready just in case they had to evacuate.

Since Manson has only one way in and one way out, safety in place can be found at Manson High School or North Shore Church.

Weiss stated that currently there are 650 homes in the Manson area that are at risk and some of which the fire department cannot provide service too because of access issues. “Its really up to us to take care of our property,” he stated.

In July of 2002, an unattended campfire at the Deer Point Campgound ignited a wildfire that eventually torched 43,373 acres and directly threatened nearly 70 homes in Manson. The year before that, the Rex Creek Fire north of Deer Point also burned 43,000+ acres.

WASHINGTON STATE CONSERVATION DISTRICT:
A representative from the conservation district was on hand to report that 533 acres of agricultural land would be added to the district’s growing conservation lands.

She said that all of the conservation district programs are volunteer based. Her superior, who was unable to attend the meeting, spoke through a cell phone connection that was difficult to hear.

Manson councilman Gerry Ustanik asked about the property’s acquisition and was told the process began in 2024. The next question was how much the land owner was paid. She replied that he was offered fair market value but has not accepted the offer yet.

Dom Amor asked if the land was dedicated specifically for agriculture. She replied that it was. “The community might want in on what is happening here,” said Amor. He asked about crops (no canibus) and potential tax exemptions.

Phyllis Gleasman, a Manson orchardist, asked what the process was. “I’ve not seen anything on this,” she said. She was told that there were opportunities for all land owners in the county. There were other land owners also attending the meeting curious about the process. For more information visit the Conservation District’s website at: Washington State Conservation Commission

IN OTHER BUSINESS:
Manson orchardist Terry Urness told the council and attendees that the Urness family has one of the few remaining parcels of waterfront left on Lake Chelan. “Its not going to be replanted. It is difficult to continue farming now and this is a real good opportunity… a good fit for the community.” Urness thought that perhaps the Parks District might want to add the property to its park system. “It’s just an idea,” he said. Ustanik replied that it would be a good opportunity for the community.

Councilwoman Rene’ Commons reported that Hwy 97A by the tunnel will undergo more rock slide work in 2027. “They (DOT) are looking at slicing off a section for more catchment area for rock fall,” said Commons. “They still need to figure out how many work days this will take.”

Chelan County is looking at purchasing two properties in Manson for new substations.

Commons asked, “What do we want to see happen,” She stated that a master and shoreline plan was needed. Ustanik replied that a master plan needs to be put together.

DARK SKIES EVENT:
Ustanik reported that a Star Gazing party will take place on Wednesday, August 12 at Four Lakes Winery. “There will be 70 telescopes available and T-Shirts for sale. Turn your Lights out and Turn your Sky on,” he said.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Outdoor alcohol restrictions looked at:
John Ajax, Community Development Director brought a Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) idea to allow alcohol to be served outside the current and mandatory railings imposed several years ago. Under the program, alcohol would be allowed up to five feet from a business serving alcohol.

After reviewing the idea, Ajax will bring it back to council at their July 28 meeting. “It would allow for alcohol to be sold outside businesses without barriers,” Ajax told council.

Councilman Jon Higgins is skeptical of the idea and stated that customers would take advantage of the program. Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I think it is worth looking at.”

According to Ajax, the idea is to relieve some of the sidewalk congestion in the downtown corridor.

Grant sought for economic strategy study:
The city is seeking a grant from the Washington State Department of Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to develop an economic diversification strategy for Chelan that goes beyond the current agricultural and tourism economy.

According to City Administrator Laura McAloon, the $50,000 grant would allow the city to identify economic strengths, weaknesses and potential opportunities. She also told council that the city has budgeted $60,000 for this study as a match for the grant if obtained.

She noted that staff is working on the CERB application and is asking for $50,000 with the Mayor to approve it. “It will offer opportunities for growth,” she said.

Hollingsworth asked who would pick the consultant to perform the study. McAloon stated that the city would retain all control and hire a consultant through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

Cascadia Conservation District presentation:
Ryan Williams, executive director of the district presented the district’s programs. Cascadia Conservation District works with landowners to provide technical assistance on land issues. There are 45 districts in Washington since 1947 with $5 million in funding and are finalizing district’s 2027 budget.

One of the major programs and concerns is helping landowners prepare for wildfire. It also offers cost share programs with landowners, offers salmon safe certification and its featured project is the Chelan Community Garden.

Community outreach and engagement is a big part of the district along with youth education programs. They continue to work towards farmland preservation and keeping farmland in production. Riparian and stream habitat work is also a large part of Cascadia’s mission.

Cascadia still offers a wood chipper service. Check out its website at Cascadia.org or give them a call at 509-436-1601.

CHELAN COUNT REGIONAL JUSTICE CENTER   DIRECTOR SHARP
43 year old building … Risks and solutions … cameras in every cell … “We have all of these things in place  with 56 inmate capacity,” He said. The jail has a new contract with all agencies. He invited the Council to take a tour of the facility.  Sharp is in his 26^th year with two more to go before retirement.

HWY 97 TRAIL:
Jake Youngren stated that it is a State DOT project but the DOT wants the city to connect their project for the three blocks of downtown Lakeside to it at a cost of $60,000.

Ted Snodgrass, DOT representative told the council that the trail would be 10 foot wide with a four foot shoulder along with room for Emergency vehicles. “Emergency services will have plenty of room along the corridor state Snodgrass.

DOT plans to begin the project in September and possibly lower the speed limit from Pat and Mikes to 35 mph into Chelan.

“We’ve had requests from residents to slow things down. EMS will have plenty of room

The three block area in Lakeside from where the Lakeside Trail turns down on Water Street would in essence be continued as a bike path along Hwy 97A.  a would include adding a bike lane next to the sidewalk.

MOTIONS:
CERB application was approved to move forward.

Parks and Recreatation application for a Washington State. Military Department Public Assistance Grant Agreement. Parks Director Audrey Cooper told council that she is working on a request for federal funding through that agency which would be routed through the state.

Heidi Evans stated that the Finance Department is working on the 2027 budget process that will include the budget workshops. “It is relatively straightforward,” she said.

GMA Update:
John Ajax reported that the Planning Department is well into the first two chapters and that an overview is on the website.

STAFF REPORTS:
Cooper stated that parks visitation is down. “We are down a little from last year,” said Cooper. She also stated that the fourth of July weekend was very busy.

Cooper said that volunteer hours can be used as a part of the city’s 25% match requirement for debris removal on a FEMA grant.

SHERIFF’S REPORT:
Rob Huddleston reported that the department had 231 calls for service with 73 of them for fireworks violations. He also mentioned the drowning on the south shore and the Chelan Hills Fire. Rob also stated that there were no problems with neighborhood parking during the Fourth of July weekend.

LAKESIDE PARKING:
McAloon reported that the city is considering Lakeside Lodges & Suites request for overnight parking on Johnson Street. “We are not ready to bring it back to you. There is no free parking.” She stated.

COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Hollingsworth stated that he is skeptical of the proposed speed limit change to 35 mph. Terry echoed Tim’s concern about speed limit change.

Jon remarked that the old bridge had a lot of garbage on it on the fourth, but that the Parks staff cleaned it up.

by Richard Uhlhorn

This year’s influx of woody debris has hit the Chelan economy hard. By all accounts, this is the worst woody debris issue to hit Lake Chelan since the early 70s situation from the 1968 Fourth of July Fire and the 70’s fires on the south shore.

This year’s situation is the result of heave drift from wildfire burn scars from both the old Wolverine Fire and the Pioneer Fire that burned significant amounts of forested land along Lake Chelan.

The two Atmospheric Storms in December soaked the wilderness landscape creating massive mud flows and debris runoff. The lake is like a slow-moving river that has floated most of the debris into the Wapato Basin creating an economic headache for all businesses who derive a livelihood from the lake.

The Manson Parks Department held a special meeting recently to discuss the heavy load of woody debris trapped in its marina. Commissioner Kurt Sixel stated that the boat launch (Old Mill Bay and Manson launch) has been a problem. “Chelan has made it a number one priority.”

A number of ideas were floated at the Manson meeting to help eliminate the issue. First was funding. It was suggested that they contact the PUD who owns the property that Manson Parks operates.

Jesse Howard commissioner remarked “The fact that we have piles of debris trapped in the marina and not in a position to fund its removal is a problem.”

The PUD has a woody debris removal fund. Commissioner Kelly Allen addressed this issue on Social Media. “We have funds set aside for the removal of woody debris. Our responsibility is to provide funds. A different agency gets to remove the debris.” It has been reported that the PUD has an estimated $180,000 in the fund.

Manson will be requesting a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife permit to remove the wood. The other issue is how to dispose of the wood. Chelan has been taking their wood to the Transfer Station.

Chelan Parks Department has also requested funding from FEMA for its public assistance funds. “There are Federal funds available,” said Chelan Parks & Recreation Director Audrey Cooper.

“It’s a tough one and we are doing our best to pick up debris,” said Cooper. “We are focused on the launch area but are limited in our own capacity.” The Chelan Parks Department is also looking for volunteers to help clear the beaches at both Don Morse and Lakeside. She has contacted both the Rotary Club and Lake Chelan Research Institute to help coordinate any effort for a volunteer removal program.

Cooper added that parks staff has already removed about 50 cubic yards of woody debris since May from both Lakeshore Marina and the Don Morse Park beach area.

Mike Kaputa, director of Chelan County’s Department of Natural Resources, said, “It’s a big issue. I’ve got it in my notes to talk to the commissioners. I will also call the regional director of Fish and Wildlife about permitting issues.”

On the business side of this issue is the economic impact it is having on businesses.

Mark Lippincott, fishing guide, “It’s everywhere from clear to atrocious. Ten days ago it was not as bad as I expected. I think the majority of it is already downlake,” said Lippincott. “There are full trees to bark dust and a lot of waterlogged pieces making it dangerous for boating.” He added that he has seen a lot less recreational boat traffic so far this year.

The debris is also making it a lot more difficult to fish. “I see a lot of two to 6 inch pieces that are six foot long.”

Chelan County Commissioner Brad Hawkins said he plans to address the issue with the other commissioners and the County’s Department of Natural Resources. He added that woody debris has been and will continue to be a sustained challenge for the Lake Chelan community especially with the recent wildfires.

In a later communication, Hawkins stated that a structure could be set up involving all agencies (City, County, WDFW, PUD, Port of Chelan County, USFS and others) to enter into a multi-year interlocal cooperative agreement for cost sharing and enter into a contract with a private contractor for debris removal services. “Unfortunately, and realistically , this structure and arrangement would take months to develop” Hawkins said.

EVENT Cancellations
This year’s early June Hydroplane event was cancelled because of woody debris.

Jon Courtright, a hydroplane museum guy said in a text, “Wood in the lake is a hot topic with both Hydrofest and Mahogany and Merlot.

Both Hydrofest and M&M bring economic surplus to the Valley during the later fall months after the summer rush.

The biggest question right now is whether or not the agencies can come up with a plan to alleviate the issue before the summer is over.

by Richard Uhlhorn

On June 16, the Manson Community Council hosted County Planning Director Deanne Walters and Senior Planner Susan Dretke to update the County’s Comprehensive Plan process. Dretke stated that the county is “shooting for the second week in December” to complete a new county website.. The state requires the comp. plan to be updated every 10 years.

Dretke said the state has passed new legislation that must be addressed. One element being addressed county wide is affordable housing for all income levels. The other is a transportation element. “Another big part is Climate Resilency,” said Dretke. Flooding and wildfire are also being addressed. Dretke said, “It’s how we can be better prepared.”

Asked about the Climate Resilency, Dretke remarked that the county’s Department of Natural Resources has hired a consultant to help with that element.

Another aspect of the plan is to address multimodal transportation which has raised many questions and concerns over the plans to construct the Northshore Pathway between Manson and Chelan, particularly with Emergency Services.

If any agency required to update their comp. plan fails to do so, the state will step in and do it for them.

Deanna Walter remarked that the county needs to update its plan every 10 years and said, “We are only going to do what is mandated by the law. We are only going to do the minimal updates.”

She went on to say that Manson and Peshastin, and Malaga if it does become a Urban Growth Area (UGA( are unique because they are unincorporated communities.

Before the plan is finalized there will be an opportunity for the public to comment. “There will be multiple opportunities to comment,” said Dretke. Walter added that there are both House and Senate bills to address. “We have to figure out how to incorporate them into the Comprehensive Plan.”

The draft Comprehensive Plan is on-line at County of Chelan, Washington.

In other council business:

            Northshore Pathway – Rene Commons reported that there is no plan to move forward on the Manson side of the trail. “If Manson wants to movOne forward we need to advocate for them (Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council).”

            PUD – Dom Amor reported that the PUD is looking for more property to situate a new Substation. The PUD tabled it for discussion at their next meeting. Two community members have requested to see any property before voting on it as acceptable. “They are open to other options.. “The testimony (PUD Commission Meeting) was pretty vocal and against it at that property proposed.” Gerry Ustanik asked the public to bring suggestions back to the council. “They just don’t want it, they need to love it somewhere.”

            One Voice Coalition – There was a discussion about having a council member sit on the board of the coalition. Mike Kirk asked Chris Willoughby if he thought they could appoint. Willoughby replied that the original bylaws would allow it if the meetings were public. Amor stated that the council has engaged with other organizations.

            Amor said, “What is it we are trying to do?” Ustanik replied that the council never hears about what they are doing. Amor said remarked that One Voice requires more openness. Commons said, “One Voice is a step forward, but I talk to people who don’t even know about One Voice.” No decision was made until further research is accomplished.

Future speakers – Chelan Fire District No. 5 commissioner Fred Weiss and the district’s Deputy Fire Chief Mike Williams will be on the agenda at the next meeting. Chris Willoughby, a planning commissioner with the county and a Fire District commissioner said he would be happy to join if time permits.

Incorporation – Ustanik said there was still a lot to incorporation. Kirk replied that the council has requested funding for a feasibility study. Incorporation has been a subject of interest over the years and has never been found to be feasible. However, with the population increase in the UGA, it might be possible.

The next meeting is on July 21,at the Manson Grange Hall beginning at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.