By Richard Uhlhorn
PARK CONCESSION CHANGE:
Lakerider Sports has been purchased by Wayne Bird reported Chelan Parks Director Paul Horne at Tuesday evening’s Chelan City Council meeting. “He is interested in running the concession year round,” Horne told the council. Bird has also indicated that he will be improving the property. “If he does well, a percentage of his net kicks in for the City. Wayne is happy, and I am happy.”
John Olson asked it the quadruple rent was a bit much. Horne replied that both he and Bird went over the rent schedule prior to Bird signing and he’s happy. “Is there any room for protection because of COVID,” asked Olson. Horne replied that Bird could always come back to amend the contract if business was affected by an outside influence like COVID. “At the end of the day, we all have to be reasonable actors,” said Horne. The council unanimously approved the new concession contract.
GMA AMENDMENTS:
Planning Director Craig Gildroy presented the effort to amend the Growth Management Act for Chelan. This is done once a year and Gildroy wanted the Council to know what portions of the Act they are proposing to amend. “With COVID, we couldn’t get public input,” said Gildroy. The Planning Commission is looking at a number of different issues to amend and make recommendations to the Council. These include:
- The Northshore Pathway and the Lakeside Trail for conceptual design adoption and adding Comprehensive Plan Goals and Polices to guide that effort. Gildroy stated that the City needs to reach out to the public on these projects. “The plans could affect driveways along the route.”
- Review the Affordable Housing Program including waived and/or reduced fees for infrastructure needs. The Planning Commission will also look at Micro housing and Tiny Homes. “We weren’t sure the public wanted to see these types of structures.”
Tim Hollingsworth told Gildroy to make sure the commission includes the affordable housing zoning revisions that is being worked on. “I would especially like to see an open house where people can see what is being proposed,” said Hollingsworth. “We need more face to face involvement.” Peter Jamtgaard added that the City needs more ADUs, not as neighborhoods.
Gildroy commented that many residents are not happy about the old Bridge redesign and also that water supply for developments is becoming as issue. “Every new development has to bring water rights or purchase them from the city. We look at their needs really hard.”
City Council will hold a workshop on April 6.
All Things Lake Chelan 