by Richard Uhlhorn

SBA Loans:
Todd Broadman, the regional representative for the Small Business Administration (SBA) was on hand at last week’s City Council meeting to inform the council that the SBA has a number of loan options for individuals and businesses that may have suffered losses during the Atmospheric Storm Event that devastated numerous areas leading to economic hardships.

“Homeowners and businesses in Chelan County are eligible for loans,” said Broadman. “Non-Profits are also eligible.” Loans up to $2 million dollars are available at 3.6% interest.

Mayor Erin McCardle asked if there were any requirements. Broadman replied that any tourism destination that was affected by the storm event was eligible. “I expect some were affected by that storm.” He also stated that there is a 12 month grace period before the first loan payment is due.

Water use & efficiency goals – Public Hearing:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren reported that the city is required to adopt an efficiency goal of 10% or less water leakage. “There are a lot of places in this country that have real issues around water,” said Youngren. “We’ve not been subject to penalties and our leakage is less than a 5% loss.” No one from the public responded. A three person household is allowed 400 gallons per day.

Motion considerations:
The Public Works Department had five amendment motions before the Council including the following:
                Ardurra Group additional services addendum No. 2 for Lift Station No. 1 upgrades project. “They ran into some unanticipated issues of contaminated soils on the site,” said Youngren. Some of the mitigation has been funded by the Department of Ecology. The total cost is $42,000.

                RH2 Engineering, Inc. Amendment No. 1 for the Washington Booster Pump Station Improvements. This project is under design out by Apple Blossom Center and the amendment is for an additional $47,516 that includes an expanded scope. The city’s share is 25%. “The expenses are covered by Economic Development money,” said Youngren.

                Bayley Construction, LP Change Order No. 1 for the contractor agreementij for the City’s Recycling Center Replacement Project. This change order is to bring in trades including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors to support the design and development costs for a total of $387,162. “We have received $1 million and expect a $3 million dollar project,” said Youngren
                Councilman Tim Hollingsworth requested that Public Works update the public in their utility bills about the progress of the recycling project.

                Ardurra Group Additional Services Addendum No. 4 on the SR150 Sewer Replacement Project. Apparently, during the Cultural Resources Survey, the project was shut down for one day because an artifact was found. The survey was funded by Ecology for $73,000 ($134,120 now). The project requires a full-time archaeologist.

                WSDOT agreement for the proposed Apple Blossom Trail to Chelan. Design funding is pegged at $147,875 on a secured grant of $200,000 which is subject to a board decision in June.

Administrative Reports:
                Six-year Transportation Improvement Plan. Public Works Director reported that they are close to finalizing the mandated six-year plan that includes projects to relieve traffic congestion in the city, increase pedestrian safety, sidewalk expansion and the proposed change to a two-way bridge .
                Councilman Tim Hollingsworth mentioned the Northshore Pathway which he said is creating a lot of concern. Youngren replied that they are considering a portion of the trail from the roundabout to the Lake Chelan Community Center as a cost effective extension.

Short Term Rental Cap – Planning department response to Residents Coalition of Chelan County who want STRs totally capped. John Ajax, Community Development Director, refutes their request based on a number of factors, the biggest being that land zoned Tourist Accommodation are in areas where affordable housing would not be built. He also mentioned that most of Chelan’s STRs are in specific locations like the Lookout.

                The County has capped its STR growth at six percent, but Ajax said, “We have different zoning and it is fundamentally different than the county having a lower rural density.”
  Lynette Grandy, a Chelan resident and public advocate, brought a poster outlining different zoning areas in Chelan proper including DMU (downtown mixed use) and TMU (tourist mixed use). Grandy stated that it was time for the city to discuss remedies for humanity, i.e. traffic congestion, parking, wildfire prevention, and STRs and second homes. “Things citizens are deeply concerned about.”
                Brian Patterson, representing the Residents Coalition of Chelan County, said, “I will continue to disagree on the city’s position on STRs.” He stated that the coalition is communicating with residents and encouraging the public to have its voice heard or to say how they would like to see Chelan grow. “Is this really the type of housing that residents want to see dominate the new housing market for the next 20 years,” he asked and added that it was a resounding No. “A broader dialogue is yet to come,” said Patterson.
                Tim Hollingsworth replied that all residents concerned about congestion and affordability has not convinced him that an STR rental cap will solve those problems. “Given the nature of our economy, it’s important that we spend sometime evaluating.”
                Councilman Shane Collins asked what kind of density is available for building. John Ajax replied that 8.7units are allowed per acre and added, “This is incredibly complex stuff.” Councilman Cesar Vargas said people would be directly affected if the city caps it and mentioned service people.
                Mayor McCardle shut the discussion down and said the STR cap issue is on the June 2 City workshop and additional questions could be discussed there.

Administrative reports:
City Administrator Laura McAloon reported that two different property owners are interested in partnering with the city for the development of a hockey rink/ice skating rink. “Do you have an interest in pursuing that,” she asked council. She added that there is not enough detail yet, but suggested pursuing a discussion with the two property owners.

              Councilman Shane Collins said he wants to learn more about it. Hollinsworth was curious about how this would integrate with their other programs. McAloon replied that the city will reach back out to the property owners.
                Parks & Recreation Director Audrey Cooper said the parks were certainly used over the Memorial Day weekend but were not at capacity. “Lakeside is fully open now,” she reported and added that a ribbon cutting would take place on June 15 at 6 p.m. She also reported that the parks department has received a renewed Clear Vessel Grant.

                Jake Youngren reported that the sidewalk program was on-going.
                Sgt. Rob Huddleston said he worked his 27^th Memorial Day weekend that began with a major shooting incident on Friday night, but otherwise was mostly a family weekend. “Twenty seven years ago it was common to see 15 boys carrying cases of beer. It was amazing this year.” He stated he spend a lot of time over the weekend in the parks.

Mayor/Council comments:
                Terry Sanders reported that a number of high school students were in the audience .Other commissioners all thanked the staff for their hard work. Hollingsworth added that he and family really enjoyed using the Lakeside Trail over the weekend.
                Mayor McCardle finished the meeting by remarking that the social media comments from the last council meeting undermine the credibility of the council. “Some of them were pretty outrageous conspiracy theories that has spread on-line.”

by Richard Uhlhorn

Manson’s One Voice Coalition public forum on Thursday evening, April 30 drew a nice crowd of local residents to hear what was happening in the community.

Many of the community’s organizations and agencies were represented and each gave a short summation of their work.

Following are numerous takeaways from the meeting that had representatives from the Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Community Council, Historic Main Street Association, Manson Grange, Lake Chelan Community Services Group, Manson School District, Manson Parks Department, Manson Fire Department, 12 Tribes the Dark Skies movement and the Manson Public Library.

The Manson One Voice Coalition was organized to speak with One Voice, Put Locals First and to Grow the Off Season Economy.

Timi Starkweather-Roberts opened the forum stating that the evening’s goal was to give residents a better understanding of all issues facing the unincorporated community. Approximately 40 interested residents filled the Grange Hall.

Following are the major take aways from the evening.

Manson Chamber of Commerce
Chamber director Mary Lynn Thompson said she has a lot to learn but added that the Chamber wants growth. “We are a young Chamber coming up. Part of what we are going to do is work with our partners.”

She mentioned a few of the activities and events happening in Manson from pickleball tournaments and the upcoming Chelanathon. President Chris Dandridge stated that the chamber’s goal is to bring the community together as neighbors.

Manson Community Council:
Mike Kirk, chairman of the council introduced the board and invited residents to visit the website at www.mansoncommunitycouncil.org.

Kirk reported that the council was becoming a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and is seeking funding for a Department of Commerce feasibility study to become incorporated.

One committee is working on a Dark Skies Initiative in hopes of creating a night environment where the night sky can be enjoyed again. They are also keeping up with the on-going Chelan County Comprehensive Plan.

They are looking at the parking issues and are working on creating a walking loop around the community.

Historic Main Street Program:
Kim Ustanik, president of the Main Street Program told the attendees that they were the only unincorporated community in the state associated with the program. “We are hoping to apply for community status this year.”

The group has installed new light pole signage that reflects the history of Manson. They are focusing on economic development in the commercial downtown district. “If you have a business, you are a part of it.”

Vice President Dewayne Moore talked about the new signs. “We think it is a real compliment to the town,” he said. “The tribal council gave us information and each sign comes with a story.”

Moore told the crowd that all the efforts being made cost money. “We need donations and volunteers.”

The Main Street Program will continue to high downtown assets, define Manson’s niche and create campaigns, promotions, and special events.

Manson Grange:
Phyllis Coleman talked about the new upgrades to the building and said that a small group have raised funds for the upgrades. They have also received a $100,000 grant to help revitalize the old building.

It is currently being used for meetings and activities like bingo, the Saturday Farmers Market and this coming weekend the Apple Blossom Festival.

Village Green:
Sarah Cushing from the Lake Chelan Community Services Group reported that the new Village Green Park is nearly complete. “It was a different type of project that we normally do,” she said.

The Village Green Park is located across the street from Manson Bay Park and is a beautiful added amenity to the community for people to rest and enjoy.

Manson Schools:
Kamie Kronbauer, principal at Manson High School gave an update on academics and other opportunities for its students and programs. “We want to include you,” she said. She encouraged the community to come out that next Wednesday and help the students clean up the town in preparation for Apple Blossom.

The most exciting news is that the department is going to be offering some swimming lessons this summer. “We are excited about that,” Pittman said. There will also be lifeguards on duty seven days a week.

Manson Fire Department:
Chief Arnold Baker reported that wildfire risk will be extremely high this summer and encouraged residents to firewise their homes. He stated that insurance rates will go down for residents who do the work to make their homes safe from fire.”There are 677 homes in Manson and we have identified those who are at the highest risk,” he said.

Doug Pinski, a Manson firefighter/EMT said, “We support activities in this community. It is humbling,” he said. He talked about the upcoming fund raiser and its partnership with the Manson Chamber of Commerce.

Dom Amor – Manson Community Council:
Amor reported that the 12 Tribes Casino is in the process of upgrading its building and in the process of making it non-smoking

Gerry Ustanik – Manson Community Council:
Ustanik is heading up the Dark Skies committee and encouraged everyone to visit his booth where they had a series of different lighting sources that help dim night lights. “We have lost the ability to see the stars,” he said. He mentioned darkening the night sky enough to have star gazing parties at Echo Ridge.

NCW Regional Libraries:
Nat Heck, the new area manager for the north end of the library system reported the new renovation of the Manson Library is complete and said there would be ‘kiddies’ activities at the library from June to August.

Purple Heart Community:
As I was preparing to leave the meeting, Norm Manly, Post Service Officer for of the American Legion Post 108 in Manson handed me a proclamation by the Chelan County Commissioners proclaiming Manson as a Purple Heart Community on April 20. It is a public commitment to honor U.S. military service members who were wounded or killed in combat and received the Purple Heart Medal.

by Richard Uhlhorn

At the April 28 City Council meeting, Heidi Evans, city finance director, gave a quick overview of the City’s financial health. She stated that the City peaked financially in 2022 and then began declining up to 2025 with a modest recovery in 2026. “We’ve seen a four percent decline in revenue,” she said. She added that the City’s Interfund Transfer Program is vital to the city’s funding success. “The Interfund is relieving pressure,” said Evans.

Report notes:

• Local sales taxes peaked in 2023 but began declining in 2024 through 2026. Sales taxes are 40 to 50 percent of the city’s general fund revenue. Revenue is cyclic and sensitive to the city’s economic activity.
• Driving the decline are insurance costs which have outpaced inflation.
• The Interfund Program is helping to relieve pressure as designed with a net gain of $305,022.
• Lodging taxes have been relatively flat over the past five years. The city has budgeted $812,500 between the Historic Downtown Chelan Association and the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. The city has budgeted $800,000 in lodging tax revenue but is now projecting $1.2 million.
• The Chelan Parks system’s RV Park is up 47 percent since 2022. “This is the largest revenue generator in the division,” wrote Evans. However, she reported that the general parks expenditures have nearly tripled since 2022 based on staffing, insurance rates and interfund charges.
• Golf course revenue has increased 88 percent since 2022. However, insurance is up 78 percent for operations and 182 percent on maintenance. Operational wages are up 61 percent and maintenance wages are up 123 percent.
• Sewer, water an sanitation services have surpassed expenditures.

Our Valley – Our Future presentation:

Rachel Evey, executive director of Our Valley Our Future presented the organizations direction towards completing an action plan which will be completed by November.

Currently the organization is engaging with communities through June and by August will have the vision in place. From August to November the plan will be developed and then once developed, the plan will be launched from November through January.

Our Valley Our Future has 68 letters of support and $100 million plus in funding committed to the program.

They are concentrating on the current housing crisis and will be holding a housing summit on June 11 at Leavenworth’s Festhalle. The wildfire group will be launching a new website; wildfirencw.org/fuegoncw.org in the near future.

Councilman Shane Collins asked what the organization’s role is in the Northshore Pathway. Evey stated that Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council is one of Our Valley’s partners and said they are working on the Regional Pathway project including the Manson to Chelan Pathway. “It is my understanding that there is no funding for it right now.” said Evey.

Mayor Erin McCardle remarked at how much the organization has already accomplished. “Its been an amazing organization,” she said. “Thank you for coming up.”

Interested parties can go to their website and subscribe to a newsletter or follow them on social media at ourvalleyncw.

In other business:
The council approved a number of ordinances and resolutions along with several engineering task authorizations.

City Administrator Laura McAloon told the council that they would be considering approving and adopting the City’s Municipal Code at its next council meeting on May 26.

Upcoming:
Chelan will hold its monthly workshop on Tuesday, May 5 with two major presentation of interest to the community.

The National Golf Foundation will be presenting its findings on the Chelan Golf Course.

The Transpo Group will be presenting its findings on their downtown traffic analysis including configurations for the Woodin Avenue Bridge.

The workshop begins as 5:15 in the city’s council chambers. The public is welcome to attend.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Of the 24 topics of concern over Lake Chelan’s continued quality, the threat of either Quagga, Zebra or Golden Mussels being introduced to Lake Chelan was named as the No.1 priority to prevent.

If even one of these three species were to be accidentally introduced to the watershed, the monetary damage would be huge. While there is some controversy over whether the conditions are available for them to actually survive Lake Chelan’s ecosystem, the concern is real.

Several agency heads have stated their concern.

Jake Yougren – Chelan Public Works Director
“The City of Chelan’s domestic water intake near the dam serves our entire community and is directly vulnerable to invasive mussel colonization. Mussels clog screens, pipes, and intake structures in ways that are costly to remediate and difficult to reverse. We already encounter invasive Asian clams (Corbicula Fluminea) in the reservoir we pump to, over a mile from the lake, creating ongoing maintenance demands.   These demands are relatively minor compared to those we would experience if Quagga, Zebra or Golden Mussels are introduced to Lake Chelan. Watercraft inspections represent a practical and cost-effective preventative measure that could help protect this critical public works infrastructure for years to come.”

Rod Anderson – Lake Chelan Reclamation District
“Preventing the spread of invasive mussels into Lake Chelan is the most effective strategy in protecting our amazing lake. Our District  could be greatly impacted by mussels as they clog screens, pipes, filters and our water intakes. These blockages can reduce efficiency and require very costly maintenance. We all need to be vigilant in our prevention efforts.

“Prevention is a way better solution,” stated Nate Hough-Snee. Nate has taken the lead on the AIS issue along with Stephen Lesky, Chelan County Natural Resource Department. Lesky is in charge of Lake Chelan’s voluntary boat inspection program.

“The best defense is a good offense,” said Snee.

The Voluntary Boat Inspection Program is the best defense Washington State, the Columbia River Basin and Lake Chelan have to keep these three mussels out of the state.

The first line of defense is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) who maintain boat inspection sites at entry points to the State. From that point it is up to the local jurisdictions to monitor the watercraft entering the watershed.

Lake Chelan’s program is currently voluntary and uses a mobile hot water system to sanitize any watercraft that has come from another body of water and hasn’t been cleaned. In addition to working all five public marinas on the lake, watercraft owners not being inspected are educated to the ongoing program. “Right now we are working at the public marinas,” said Lasky.

The group is working on future needs like mandatory boat inspections like the Lake Whatcom program that runs yearly. Another idea is to have inspection stations at point of entry to the Lake Chelan Valley.

“There are boats coming into Washington State and they are moving around a lot,” said Snee. “We need sustainability. If you want to be 100 percent effective, every boat needs to be inspected.”

Currently, the National Park Service and WDFW are helping fund the program and are giving program support. The Lake Chelan Reclamation District and Lake Chelan Research Institute are giving outreach and education to the public about the program.

In 2024, the program inspected 2830 vessels with the largest number being at Old Mill Bay marina with 1,187 boats inspected.

The program is currently being funded with $35,000 by WDFW and negotiations are ongoing with NPS for continued funding during the2026 season. The boat inspection program has $60,000 to operate with.

The next AIS meeting is on Wednesday, June 3 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Chelan Fire Station. The public is encouraged to attend. On June 4^th there will be a field trip. The final document on AIS is due by June 30.