by Richard Uhlhorn
Last week’s City Council meeting was a solemn affair with the sudden passing of the City’s Community Development Director Craig Gildroy earlier in the month.
Lisa Garvich, a community member spoke about Craig during the public comment period, saying, “He was always willing to chat, worked by the code and while I didn’t always agree with him, he was a good guy.”
It was during the City/Mayor comments that the accolades for Craig’s service to the community over the years and his willingness to interact with anyone who had a question came out.
Peter Jamtgaard remarked that Craig was a good guy who worked hard. Servando Robledo echoed that thought and said, “It is a big loss for Chelan.” Tim Hollingsworth echoed the council’s comments. “He moved here years ago and worked his way up. He was an asset to the community. He will be missed.” Sheri Dietrich teared up and said she will miss Craig. She worked with him for a number of years when she was on the Planning Commission.
City Administrator Wade Ferris stated that the City is fortunate to have a quality staff in planning. “Craig Gildroy gave them the knowledge and ability to make decision,” said Ferris. “He worked with citizens at all levels. It is going to be hard to replace Craig. We are going to miss him going forward.”
Lewis Gonzalez has been named the interim community director and John Ajax will continue as a planner.
Gonzalez said, “He was such a great guy. I learned so much from him. I’m really going to miss him.” He also stated that despite losing Craig, the planning department continued to answer the phones the next day and kept the department working.
In other business:
Annexation of Sundance Slope:
The Council unanimously accepted a petition submitted by Sundance Slope LLC, and modified by the staff as presented as a Special Use District. Tim Hollingsworth abstained from the vote due to potential conflict of interest.
John Olson remarked that the annexed property was contiguous with the Bluewater Terrace project and asked if that would allow them to join together. City Attorney Quentin Batjer said, “They would have to go through the entire process.” Shari Dietrich asked about the property’s water and sewer issue. Batjer replied that it would be very challenging topographically to acquire water and sewer service. Jamtgaard stated that was good because it gives the City more control.
RH2 Engineers Task Authorization:
Council authorized Mayor Goedde to finalize and execute a Task Authorization with RH2 Engineering for pre-design services for the Airport Transmission Main Project at a cost of $24,914.00.
The Public Works Department will not issue a notice to proceed until further notice. The transmission line, which will carry treated water to the airport for fire flow would not be able to be used as potable water unless analyzed for that purpose because the water in the pipe would be stagnant until needed and therefore not drinkable.
The City is receiving a $5.7 million dollar grant to extend water to the airport.
All Things Lake Chelan 