by Richard Uhlhorn
“Polley is far exceeding expectations at this point,” said Councilman Ty Witt explaining the total success so far with the Chelan Rotary’s Glass Recycling Project that was partially funded with $50,000 from City coffers.
Yes… the Rotary has named the machine ‘Polley” and so far, according to Witt’s report at last night’s Council meeting, Polley has already crushed 8 tons of glass. This past Saturday, which was the grand opening, the machine ground through 1.5 tons of glass and on the previous Saturday, 2 tons.
Witt stated that Wenatchee has asked if they can bring glass to Chelan for crushing. “It’s becoming a true operation and generating funds,” said Witt. “The machine has more capacity than we would ever use.”
Mayor Goedde suggested that it might be time to place a bottle tax on all wineries. Witt replied that several wineries have donated up to $15,000 towards the project. “Some even pay their workers to work on the machine.” He also mentioned that Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow donated $20,000 towards the project and that Bob Jankleson has also donated towards the forklift.
Special Presentation:
City Administrator Wade Ferris introduced representatives from the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society who gave a special presentation on Animal Control. Executive Director Taylor Sharp ran through some of the issues facing Animal Control including an increased call volume.
The City contracts with the Humane Society for animal control within the City limits, and so far, in 2021, there have been 36 Chelan cases, mostly “Dogs at Large,” said Sharp. In 2019 and 2020, Animal Control responded to 113 and 96 calls for service respectively. “We are 33 percent over 2019 and 2020 calls,” said Sharp.
The program recently lost two trained officers and are trying to recruit new officers. Some of the issues she reported were a Loss of Trust in the Badge; officers being confronted and threatened with a firearm or knife. “In order to attract and retain quality officers we need competitive wages,” said Sharp.
Pet licensing revenue is on track to equal or exceed 2020’s $2,318 and currently is at $1070 to date.
“We are looking for a 10 to 12 percent increase and will bring an official proposal when the CPI is out. We are asking to continue on a three year contract.
Mayor Goedde used his seat to ask for assistance in corralling or finding the owners of a group of chickens that are running loose in his neighborhood. “Two have already been killed which proves the chicken shouldn’t cross the road,” said Goedde. Sgt. Mallory said he would investigate the chicken incident.
Motion Considerations:
Craig Gildroy, City planner, asked the Council to approve the Mayor to finalize and execute an agreement with Berk Consulting to help with the Planning Department’s permitting overloads. This was passed unanimously.
Jake Youngren, Public Works Director, brought the Lake Chelan Sewer Agreement to the Council for approval. This agreement was discussed at the previous Council meeting and met with the ire of Councilman Peter Jamtgaard who flat stated he wouldn’t vote for it.
The 40 year agreement has been negotiated to meet the following requirements:
• Sewage shall meet all requirements of City’s current NPDES permit and all other State and Federal laws for sewage;
• City to provide facilities, labor, services, and equipmet required to treat and dispose of sewage;
• City shall transport sewage from District Boundary (Lakeside Park Area) to WWTP;
• Volume of flow from District measured at last District sewer pump station Operation of District System;
• City to operate and maintain District sewer system. The District sewer system includes the sewer forcemain, District lift station 1 through 6 and all other District sewer lines located within a recorded easement;
• District to reimburse City for the actual cost of all repairs and maintenance provided by the City on District system Payment for Use of Sewage Treatment Plant;
• Payment prorated based on total operating costs multiplied by percent of District Flow;
• Percent flow determined by dividing total monthly volume of sewage treated at the treatment plant into the volume of sewage passing into the treatment plant as indicated by the District flow meter. Payment for Use of Joint Facilities (Collection System);
• Cost recovery for use of collection system facilities between District and City WWTP;
• Payment prorated based on total operating costs multiplied by percent of District flow Payment for Administrative Costs;
• Prorated based on City’s “administration” costs multiplied by the percent use of the District Payment for Capital Improvements; and the
• District to reimburse City for Capital Improvements on a percent of use basis
“We don’t plan on executing it until (the sewer district) it defines its boundaries a little more clearly,” said Youngren.
John Olson stated that two or three years ago the Sewer District asked the City to take ownership, but that the City refused. “This agreement sounds like ownership,” said Olson.
Youngren said the 40 year term is normal for this type of agreement. “The Lake Chelan Recreation District has a 30 year agreement with us. It can be amended as needed,” explained Youngren.
Servando Robledo asked if the City was liable for the repairs and Youngren replied that the District has its own insurance to cover 100 percent of City services.
Jamtgaard stated he has a lot of concerns about the agreements on both the South and North shores. His major concern is the lack of control or say in either sewer district discharges its waste water into Chelan’s system for that period of time. “I’m going to vote No,” said Jamtgaard. “It needs more study of what we do to plan for the future of the Valley.”
Youngren replied that the agreements are equitable across the board. City Attorney Quentin Batjer stated that these long term agreements comes with leverage in the City’s position.
Tim Hollingsworth stated that his biggest issue is to have all of the South shore hooked into a sewer to protect the lake. “We need to review it every five years.”
The Council voted 5-1 with Jamtgaard voting No. Erin McCardle has an excused absence.
Amendment to Comprehensive Water Plan:
The City has been awarded money for an extension of water to the Airport. Youngren asked the Council to approve an amendment for the Water System Plan by RH2 Engineers.
This also would include the construction of a water reservoir at the east end of Chelan to improve fire flow.
Youngren asked how the City wants to address fire suppression in Chelan and suggested that a larger reservoir at a high elevation would achieve a greater volume of water. “I’m not comfortable with only one pump station serving that area,” said Youngren. He suggested that a ULID by the property owners might be appropriate.
John Olson stated he had heard rumors of water to the airport and Youngren replied that he couldn’t speak to status of funding for that project. Mayor Goedde said that State Legislator Mick Steele said he was coming up with the money which is reportedly $5.7 million to get water to the airport.
Tim Hollingsworth stated that project didn’t seem to be of the highest priority, but Mayor Goedde replied that the money isn’t City money and that it would generate the potential construction of 20 to 30 hangers at the airport which would drive a much larger economic status at the airport. Kenmore Air would like to begin daily service between Seattle and Chelan in the near future.
Three Fingers:
With a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit and preliminary plat approval in hand for the three fingers will require a number of conditions to be met that requires the applicant to improve public lake access, construction of the Lakeside Trail, the installation of viewing platforms at each canal, and the planting of native plants and grass within the walking easement which will be 10 feet wide.
The City will be responsible for the handling of garbage, providing water and snow plowing.
Parking kiosks:
Parks Director Paul Horne told the Council that the Parks’ user interface to pay for parking is out of date. The Parks Department wants to replace the old system with a more intuitive new system on the same pedestals. Hollingsworth asked how long it would take to pay for them. Horne replied, “One weekend.”
The City Council and staff will be holding a workshop on Tuesday, August 6.
All Things Lake Chelan 