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.







































































