by Richard Uhlhorn
Last week’s (December 17) Chelan City Council meeting was a series of introductions, salutations and farewells, along with end of the year business.
Michael Gibb, president of Chelan Valley Hope urged the City to keep the organization’s request for $10,000 in the budget.
Michael Gibb, president of Chelan Valley Hope, was back at the dais urging the Council to approve CVH’s $10,000 request to meet Chelan’s emergency sheltering needs. “We are not providing a homeless camp,” said Gibb. He told the council that CVH’s emergency sheltering at Don Morse Park’s Lakeview RV Park would be for housing people needing shelter for one to two weeks maximum.
Later in the Council meeting, Councilman Ray Dobbs requested that the City not disburse the $10,000 to CVH, but to keep it in the budget. “I want to wait on CVH until legal reviews it and the Council and Parks Board looks at the (emergency housing) plan.”
Councilman Ray Dobbs requested that the City not disburse $10,000 to Chelan Valley Hope, but to keep it in the budget until a review by the City Attorney can be accomplished and both the Council and Parks Board can go over CVH’s plan for Emergency Housing at Don Morse Park’s RV Park.
Councilwoman Erin McCardle added that she isn’t happy that things get through the budget and Council gets caught off guard.
Paul Horne has been hired to take on the Chelan Park’s Directorship.
Outgoing City Administrator Michael Jackson introduced the City’s Paul Horne as the new Chelan Parks Director. “We are very excited,” said Jackson. “We have been searching for the perfect Parks Director.”
Horne hails from Pittsboro, North Carolina, a small community with a population estimated at 4,287. He has a masters degree and has worked and developed master plans in the past.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren gave Randy Lloyd a send off at the Council meeting. Lloyd retires after 30 years of service to the City.
Public Works Director, Jake Youngren introduced Randy Lloyd as the latest public works employee to retire after serving the City for 30 years. “It’s pretty commendable. He’s held many different positions at Public Works and has been an asset to the City. He worked very closely with the downtown businesses,” said Youngren.
Youngren introduced Paul Saul at Lloyd’s replacement saying, “He has been driving the sanitation truck and takes really good car of equipment.” He added that Saul is very proud to work for the City.
Mayor Cooney presented Jim and Linda Fankhauser with a plaque honoring their work in making their neighborhood safe from illegal activities.
Mayor Cooney recognized Jim and Linda Fankhauser for their efforts to make their neighborhood safe from drugs and illegal activities. Linda Frankauser said about the plaque that it should be given to Craig Gildroy and the code enforcement team. She also mentioned the hard work of the Sheriff’s Department and the court system. “Every neighbor were the eyes and ears for us,” she stated. Her husband Jim thanked both Mayor Cooney and incoming Mayor Bob Goedde for their efforts in helping to clean up the neighborhood.
A very surprised City Clerk, Peri Gallucci, received a Mayor’s Award for all the hard work she does to keep the City moving.
Mayor Cooney surprised City Clerk Peri Gallucci by presenting his Mayor’s Award for her work at the City. “Peri goes beyond in everything she does,” said Mayor Cooney. “This is a well deserved because Peri keeps the City working.” Afterwards a shocked and thankful, Gallucci said, “I don’t know how they kept this from me.”
During Council Comments, outgoing Council members Wendy Isenhart and Kelly Allen remarked that it was hard to leave their positions on the council. “After eight years it’s time have new people on the council,” said Isenhart.
Wendy Isenhart and Kelly Allen left their Council seats to newcomers,
Peter Jamtgaard and Jon Olson.
Allen stated that looking back on her tenure it is amazing what the City has accomplished. She lauded Mayor Cooney for his efforts in moving the City forward with affordable housing. “I hope we see a pump track and new skate park come together.” Allen also stated that the only way to really know what goes in inside the City is to serve it. “They (the staff) all work so hard. It’s been an honor.”
Erin McCardle lauded both Isenhart and Allen for their work on Council.
Erin McCardle said, “It feels like I’m losing half of my family tonight.” She thanked both Wendy and Kelly for their steadfast service and told Mayor Cooney that he has taught her so much. “Your vision and open mind and ability to create partnerships is what a true leader looks like.”
Mayor Cooney stated that his 12 years on the Council and as Mayor has come to an end. “This is the greatest position and I’m proud to leave the City in good shape financially.” Cooney went on to say that the City doesn’t belong to us, “It belongs to everyone.”
Mayor Cooney made an outgoing statement and said the City doesn’t belong to the few, but to the entire City.
Cooney went on and said, “I honor and respect all of those who came before me.” He then told the Council and those in attendance that he has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust and told everyone to come by and visit him in his new office in the North Cascades Bank building.
The Council adopted both the City budget Airport Budgets. They also approved the new 2020 Rate & Fee Resolution No. 2019-1360. The new Rates and Fees coming up in 2020 can be found on the City of Chelan Website here:
Scroll down to find the new rates.
The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14, beginning at 6 p.m. with incoming Mayor Bob Goedde presiding and new elected Council members John Olson and Peter Jamtgaard replacing Kelly Allen and Wendy Isenhart.
Residents are encouraged to attend City Council meetings an air any grievances, opinions or ideas during the Council’s Citizen Comment Period at the beginning of each meeting.
All Things Lake Chelan 