By Richard Uhlhorn
The City of Chelan has received five applications from residents to fill Servando Robledo’s vacant council seat. These applications will be considered in executive session at Chelan’s October 4, workshop with an appointment following in public. The chosen individual, if present, will be appointed at that time and take part in the Workshop’s agenda.
The following individuals have applied:
Grant writing contract:
The Council unanimously approved a $20,000 contract with T-O Engineering for grant funding assistance.
Members of the City Council have been asking for this type of assistance for quite some time. After a presentation by T-O’s funding specialist, Annalisa Noble at a previous council meeting, it didn’t take long for the council to approve the contract.
Noble, over the past seven years, has procured $68.5 million for municipalities and non-profits, most of whom are in the North Central Washington region.
The council will now have to determine which projects they consider important for financing strategies with T-O Engineering. On a ZOOM call during Tuesday evening’s, September 28 council meeting, Noble stated she would look at the city’s list and seek funding sources for those projects. “Funding strategies are step 1 in the process,” she said.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Proposal:
Bob Stowe, Stowe Development and Strategies, gave council a presentation into tax increment financing strategies.
Mayor Bob Goedde, after the council discussed the presentation and asked questions, said, “I think we need a workshop to help identify projects.” The council unanimously moved to direct city staff to work with Stowe Development to prepare a Professional Services Agreement for the companies financing services.
Total cost to the City is $58,500 for this contract. John Olson that this service could be beneficial in bringing forward projects that are possible for TIF financing.
City Parks:
Parks Director Paul Horne has secured a $100,000 grant from the PUD to help the City enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The Parks proposal is a plan to renovate the underutilized PUD athletic fields into a community park. The PUD would like to see a dog park and pickleball courts added to the park. Horne said those two amenities would be shovel ready when the plan is complete. In addition, the park would be near the Chelan Senior Center.
Public input meetings will held to determine what park amenities and features would be included.
For more information on this grant go to https://cityofchelan.civicweb.net/document/43342/PUD%20Planning%20Grant%20for%20PUD%20Athletic%20Fields.pdf?handle=0B8AEA92AA884CA184F0F90C9088C2E9
Mayor Goedde stated that South Chelan property near the PUD Trailhead should also be considered because South Chelan neighborhood is underserved. Tim Hollingsworth agreed that the City should look at South Chelan as a potential site for the park. “I will be interested in seeing the public input,” said Hollingsworth.
McCardle stated she was also partial to the South Chelan location because of its proximity to trails. She also noted that a lot of activities happen at Stinky fields throughout the summer.
Horne stated that one of the benefits of having the park at the ball fields is that infrastructure already exists.
AppleBlossomCenter:
The applicants for housing development at Apple Blossom Center were on hand at City Council to talk about their progress.
Guy Evans stated that the development he is helping with is senior focused. “We are looking forward to the process and moving forward,” said Evans.
Weidner’s representative stated that he understood that some residents are against the apartment project and some of the problems the group faces, but added the Weidner is a long term player in the apartment building business. “He’s on track to build 80,000 units and has 64,000 now,” said Harold (last name missed). “He’s been very successful at providing housing. I think he is a great partner for you. Hopefully it will benefit the community.”
John Olson stated that 44% are now housing cost burdened. “There are only two counties out of the 39 counties in the state that are affordable,” said Olson.
Erin McCardle mentioned the cost to build… the cost of lumber. “There are things we can control like permit fees. The state could be helping us with affordable housing.” She added that affordable housing is a regional issue.
Mayor/Council comments:
Mayor Goedde, in a comment about the flooding issue in Chelan Hills, said, “Years ago I had a lot of water in my basement.
Several Chelan Hills residents spoke out during the Citizen Comment period about the recent flooding of their properties. Much of this flooding, according to one, is the impermeable surfaces being established above them allowing water to flow over the roads and down instead of entering a storm system. He brought up city code violations. “We need the city to help me with ditches.”
Paul Rodgers, another resident stated that he sees the city as a part of the problem. The Chelan Hills Home Owners Association are discussing legal concerns about liability and Rodgers said they would return to discuss progress. The residents have collected 150 signatures.
Citizen comments:
Brian Patterson, president of the Chelan Basin Conservancy (CBC), thanked the City for helping preserve a portion of the Butte.
He also stated that the CBC would be asking for amendments in the land use element in the City’s Comprehensive Plan to help preserve the Butte.
They are also interested in helping with the transportation element. “The WSDOT count data from March to August this past year is much higher than ever,” said Patterson.
All Things Lake Chelan 