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.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Mayor McCardle’s Economic Situation Analysis presented at the April 7 City Workshop stated that Chelan’s retail and lodging activity remains concentrated in the peak summer months and weakens in the shoulder and winter seasons. McCardle stated that the City needs to create a year round economy for its residents and businesses. “Tourism is a major economic driver in Chelan,” she said.

Several months ago, a small group of local individuals got together with the idea of lighting up Chelan during a four month period starting at Thanksgiving in hopes that this could lure visitors to Chelan to enjoy the lights.

Growing the off season economy is the primary focus of the Lighting group. The lighting would be the focal point but the development of events would be essential to driving visitor ship during those crucial months when businesses struggle to stay alive.

The lighting idea has garnered some serious attention from interested residents and business owners. However, the cost of lighting Chelan would require a heavy investment of $500,000 and approximately $90,000 per year to maintain. The group has been in contact with a lighting contractor that does all the casino lighting.

He visited Chelan last month and did a walk through with members of the group and feels it could potentially bring 25% more visitation just from the lighting attraction alone.

Some feel the $500,000 would be difficult to raise. Adam Rynd said at one meeting that he felt raising $100,000 could be possible. With that kind of investment, Riverwalk Park, downtown and the bridge could be lit up.

Visitation could come from travelers driving that extra 60 miles or travelers on their way to the Methow Valley for Nordic Skiing swinging into Chelan off Hwy. 97 to view the winter lighting. It could definitely add the potential increase in visitor ship to town for businesses to capitalize on.

At the Lighting Group’s recent meeting on Monday, April 13, 18 residents and business owners attended to learn more about the movement. “We haven’t started any fund raising yet,” said Sara Christensen. “We are trying to get the idea out there.”

Kelly Rynd, local business owner stated that she has a lot of passion for the community. “We need to promote all the stuff that is going on,” she said.

Dave Rodriquez remarked that this past winter has been a rough one. “Everybody is struggling,” he said. Larry Lehmbecker, Vin du Lac owner, said, “I would love to see more people come here. I will do what I can to support this.”

Aimee Sheridan, HDCA executive director said the wants to see what sort of support the lighting idea has amongst the businesses and residents.

Amaris Longmire, Lake Chelan Boat Company, is in charge of charters and events at the company. Her concern is that Stehekin may not have a lodge to operate this coming summer. “We have to do something about this quickly,” she said. She also mentioned this year’s Winterfest. “I wouldn’t let my children near it… it is a drunkfest.”

Adam Rynd, Coldwell Banker, said, “We need more year-round activities. People don’t show up unless they have something to do.”

Laura McAloon, Chelan’s new city administrator asked the business people how their winter went this year? Rynd replied that his businesses were down 20 to 30 percent. Rodriquez echoed that.

McAloon went on to say that the State Legislature has broadened the use of lodging tax dollars. She suggested that a proposal be made for some of those dollars after the Chamber’s $750,000 contract is up. “You need to look at something that is a tourist generator.”

Winthrop’s ice rink was mentioned and is a facility that will generate year-round activity. “It was packed,” said one attendee.

In the 90s, the Lake Chelan Recreation Association developed a series of events that brought people to the valley. Some of those events are still taking place today. Notably, the Lake Chelan Hydrofest, Mahogany and Merlot and the June Museum hydro event. The Evergreen Trail Run at Echo Valley/Echo Ridge is a derivative of the Lake Chelan Mountain Bike Races. While these events bring competitors to town, they could be enhanced by better marketing efforts.

Other events that could be brought back to life are the old Golf Tournaments, the Lake Chelan Slam and Jam Three on Three basketball tournament, a new family oriented SnoFest and the Chelan Chase.

With the organization, a number of events could be developed. The Lighting could be the catalyst bring more visitation to Chelan.

For more information contact Ben Laughlin, 509 – 860-5647, David Rodriguez, 509-679-6164 or Sara Christensen, 509-670-0303. These three individuals are the originators of the Light Up Chelan idea. Kelli Rynd has taken a special interest in this idea. She can be reached at 509-885-4431.

All Things Lake Chelan would love to hear from residents on what they think about the Lighting concept and bringing more events to town to bolster the offseason.

A few children’s snow sculpture images from the old Winterfest celebration.

by Richard Uhlhorn

On Tuesday, April 7, the City of Chelan hosted the Chelan-Douglas Port Authority commissioners to its monthly workshop meeting. The chamber was crowded with a number of residents in attendance to hear about several different agenda items including the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Report and discussion on the potential of Short Term Rental Cap.

First on the agenda was a presentation by Mayor Erin McCardle on a current Economic Situation Analysis. Much of her report on the economic situation in Chelan was compared to Leavenworth.

“We don’t have an economic development department in Chelan,” stated McCardle. “We haven’t taken a deep dive into the economic data in Chelan.” McCardle added that she hoped both the Port and Chamber would be a part of the economic conversation as the City moves forward.

McCardle relayed that between2014 and 2024 visitors to Chelan were decreasing by 12% while Leavenworth had a 0.6% decrease. “Visitors are staying longer,” said McCardle, however she noted that $24.8 million has driven Chelan’s economy. “One-half of you population heads south in the winter.”

McCardle stated that the City needs to create a year round economy for its residents, businesses and city operations. “Tourism is the major economic driver for Chelan,” she stated.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “One observation I’ve made is very city specific. I think it is important to understand how the city fits in with the Valley as a whole.” He added that Manson has seen tremendous growth which has shifted some of the City’s lodging to the broader Valley. “We need to look at that.”

Hollingsworth also mentioned then need to develop a diversity of industry. Also the need to market the shoulder season. “We are surrounded by a variety of natural beauty. The Butte Trail is a big attraction into Thanksgiving.” He also mentioned mountain biking, winter skiing specifically Echo Ridge Nordic area.

McCardle stated that the City needs to establish a solid economic strategy. “The waterline to the airport opens a lot of opportunities.” A member of the Port Commission stated that the (airport) market is significant. He said that a Trade District could get people to relocate to the Chelan area.

Hollingsworth added that the Port undervalues Lake Chelan as a port. “It is under utilized… we need to expand Holden, Lucerne and Stehekin using the City as the hub. NPS (National Park Service) needs to be marketed.”

Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce executive director Mike Steele remarked that they are struggling to get anything done up there (Stehekin) right now. “It is an emergency situation that needs to be handled right now and no one seems to have the right phone number to call.”

Councilman Agustin Benegas asked how fast do they want Chelan to grow. “I’m Ok with growth but it could ruin a good thing.”

The Port commissioners weighed in on the issues. One remarked that BCs Thompson-Okanagan Tourist Association is very specific of who they want to visit. “What type of individuals do you want,” he asked.

Another Port commissioner said that most of the region’s infrastructure is maxed out and that land prices are a challenge. “You have a reserve that a lot of places don’t have,” he said.

Another commissioner said that the Cost of Living and Affordable Rentals are serious issues for people wanting to live in Chelan. Hollingsworth replied that all of the growth opportunities require a strong workforce which requires a variety of housing options. “Those are important things we can’t lose sight of. You can’t have them coming from Mansfield or Pateros.” McCardle added that 80% of Chelan’s workforce travel in to work.

Port commissioner Richard DeRock stated that the LINK public transportation system helps those people commute. “LINK is moving people,” said DeRock.

Chelan Workshops are held on every first Tuesday of the Month and give the staff and city council an opportunity to discuss issues facing the community prior to bringing those issues to council meetings. The Public is encouraged to attend, but are not allowed to talk unless the Mayor approves it.

by Richard Uhlhorn

At the Tuesday, March 24 City Council meeting, there were a number of items on the agenda that are of interest to the general public.

Home Occupancy Code:
Based on public testimony at an earlier meeting, Community Development Director John Ajax heeded the testimony and council’s direction to relook at several criteria in the Home Occupancy Code.

By state law the Farm Produce Exemption does not require a city permit or license. “In home selling of agricultural products will still apply,” said Ajax.

The other issue was the number of vehicle visits per day a home business can have. The initial criteria was for only 10 vehicles per day. The Planning Department increased that number to 16 vehicles per day or 8 customers. Ajax stated that it was based on an average one hour visit that would cover an eight hour day.

Tim Hollingsworth said, “That gives a little more flexibility to folks. It we do see a number of complaints, we can revise vehicle trips per day.” Terry Sanders agreed and said he appreciated the flexibility. “It will take some of the burden off the folks who came to talk to us.”

Construction Management Agreement”
Public Works Director Jake Youngren brought forth an agreement for hiring Ardurra Group to help manage the SR 150 Sewer Mainline Replacement Project. “They will provide technical engineering support that come up during construction,” said Youngren. He told council that Public Works has plugged in 257 hours but said it could be as little as 10 hours depending on actual services accomplished.

The city is also required to provide archeological monitoring services during the construction for the project. This will cost an estimated $66,000. Material testing will cost an estimated $ $26,000.

Youngren said the archeological requirement is considered a high risk area, but added that since the work is being done in an existing trench line, he doesn’t consider it high risk and would like to see a lower risk profile for the project.

Construction Noise:
The SR 150 project has addressed the potential noise issue with during the construction phase. “We landed at a solid solution to get this built the fastest way possible,” stated Youngren. The plan is to maintain 2-way traffic and work at night because of the heavily traveled corridor which Youngren estimates at 8,000 vehicle trips per day.

“Our recommended action finds that the public benefit outweighs the short term impact of such construction activities at night,” said Youngren who added that the contractor and city have agreed to no additional expense to the city for night work. He also said there will be minimal day work.

Summer Park Security:
The council approved the hiring of Phoenix Protective Corporation to provide security services in the city’s parks. Parks Director Audrey Cooper told the council that Phoenix’s bid was the only one received. They are the same company who provided services last year.

Cooper added that the park’s internal parking staff will help with regulating parking areas and that she has been in conversations with the Sheriff’s Department for additional help.

The agreement with Phoenix covers Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. “We are in the process of negotiating the agreement and will have the contract ready for the April workshop,” said Cooper.

The company will be required to submit daily reports this year. The security services are budgeted. Both Lakeside and Don Morse Park’s will have two security officers working.

“Maybe some day we won’t have to have additional security at our parks,” said

.

Large Woody Debris:
According to City Administrator Laura McAloon, the city is submitting a claim to its Insurance provider for removal of woody debris that has drifted down lake that has inundated the city shorelines.

The woody debris event was caused by the December atmospheric flood event in the North Cascades that saw major mudslides carrying downed wood from wildfire events in the upper lake area. This debris is washing up on the city park beaches.

“We will be tracking our hours and cost of disposal,” said McAloon.

In other business:
Council approved the lease agreement with Chelan Fire and Rescue for Lot 2 at the Chelan Airport. McAloon stated that the lower lease was due to the benefit of having the fire department on site at the airport.

Council approved the FAA Grant Application for the design phase of the runway rehabilitation.

Council approved the $1.3 million Washington State Department of Commerce Capital Agreement for the housing and infrastructure project at Anderson Road.

Chad Coltman, HR-Communications Director, is reviewing all job descriptions for all the city’s directors and city clerk. “It is an opportunity to list what the duties of each director is. There will be no changes in the wage scale, Coltman added. Coltman added that 22 of the

Mayor/Council comments:
Jon Higgins encouraged anyone boating to have some orange flags to tie to drifting deadheads. “We used to tie life vests to them,” said Higgins.

Terry Sanders asked about SR150 notifications to residents/businesses along the construction route. Youngren replied that emails were going out to everyone within the construction route.

Mayor Erin McCardle honored Madam President Peri Gallucci for her ascension to the presidency of the Washington Municipal Clerks Association and Cailey Couches nomination as the association’s trail blazer.

Chelan’s next meeting is on April 7 in a workshop form at 5:15 p.m.