by Richard Uhlhorn

Paul Rodgers and his wife Carol, residents of Chelan Hills, were back at the dais at the Tuesday evening, August 22, City Council meeting during the Citizen Comment period reminding the Council that it has now been a year since the 100 year torrential rain storm flooded the community causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to residential property.

“We urge you to consider (upgrading) infrastructure,” Rodgers told the Council. His wife, Carol, stated that every time a thunderstorm threatens, she gets worried they will sustain more damage to their property.

Rodgers remarked that Jake Youngren did take a look at the area that was impacted and said his hat was off to Councilman Chris Baker who also took the time to visit the area.

When and if Public Works corrects City storm infrastructure in Chelan Hills remains unknown.

Community Development Proclamation:

Mayor Bob Goedde read a 2023 Community Development Proclamation into the record and said, “I’m really proud of our Community Development people. John (Ajax)… stand up and take a bow.”

Code Enforcement Compliance Officer:

City Administrator Wade Farris introduced a Law Enforcement Services Agreement Amendment for a Code Enforcement Compliance Officer. The motion put forth was to authorize City staff to proceed with negotiations with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department for a Law Enforcement Services Agreement between the two agencies.

“Our (city) code enforcement officer has a hard time doing (complaint) code enforcement. I think this is a good idea.” Community Development Director John Ajax remarked that his code enforcement officer has more than enough building inspections going on to make it difficult to perform other enforcement issues that come up.

City staff met with Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison and his team to discuss the possibility of contracting for a full-time code enforcement services with a dedicated officer to the City.

This individual would have the authority to investigate city violations, issue fines and manage parking violations. The City’s approach has been reactive and the new position would be focused on more efficient and timely responses to violations.

Financial implications:

• Vehicle/Vehicle Equipment/Laptop                                            $73,534.00
  The City would have to purchase the vehicle
• Initial Issue Uniforms/Firearm/Taser                                         $  8,243.00
• Office Supplies & equipment                                                     $  4,996.00
• Training/Membership                                                                $  3,712.00
• Commissioned Officer with authority to enforce             $101,000 to $127,109
• Grand Total would be between                                     $191,681 to $217,594

Finance Director Jackie Tupling said the costs were comparable with our own costs.

Sgt. Rob Huddleston asked if the job was on a complaint basis. Farris replied that the City would expect the officer “to go out and see stuff (violations) like weeds, trailers, vehicles and STR violations.

Farris stated that last year abandoned vehicles and others impacted snow removal.

Sgt. Huddleston stated that this officer would be a brand new hire. Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if the new hire would be fully trained. Huddleston replied that the County hires fully trained retired law enforcement officers.

Councilman Mark Ericks (retired law enforcement) stated that he feels the Sheriff’s Department does a really good job for Chelan. “From my perspective, I’d like to see volunteer compliance to complaints.” He added that there are a lot of people in Chelan that don’t have driveways and have to park on the street and said the City Code allowed street parking for 72 hours.

One of the criteria being set forth for the position is that the Code Enforcement Officer would work, at least on Saturdays.

MOU with Chelan Fruit:

The City and Chelan Fruit have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for utility easements and Right-of-Way Acquisition. The agreement will open up Anderson

Road for sewer/water for the Chelan Valley Housing project.

The Council unanimously authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute the MOU.

Legacy Ridge Phase 3 Performance Bond:

The Legacy Ridge developer is required to provide a left hand turn lane into its access to the development. The turn lane criteria has been through multiple agency reviews and is almost finished. The Council approved a 12 month bond extension for the left turn lane. Councilman Hollingsworth remarked that it isn’t the developer dragging their feet on this issue.

Sanders Street Pedestrian Improvement Project:

I’ve got good news,” reported Jake Youngren, Public Works Director. The City was awarded $709,092 of Federal Transportation Alternative Funds from the Chelan-Douglas County Transportation Committee. The City will be working with the DOT in hopes of receiving that funding in 2024.

This project includes a bulb out and crosswalk at the intersection of Sanders and Trow Avenue, Okanogan Avenue and Wapato Street. These improvements will create a much safer crossing for pedestrians including students walking along Hwy. 97A.

Imagine Downtown Chelan:

Separate article being prepared and coming soon.

Mayor/Council Comments:

Tim Hollingsworth said he thought the Wilmorth property was a good fit for an affordable housing development. “We had a robust discussion,” he said. He also said he was excited about a trail corridor.

Mark Ericks stated he would like to see an opportunity to open up the Citizen Comment period to the Council “so we can talk back. It would be an opportunity to get more information behind the citizen’s comments.”

John Olson also mentioned the 20 acres available above the upper Beebe Springs Trailhead that the county has offered to the City.

Erin McCardle wondered about the traffic study and Jake remarked that it will be available.

Mayor Goedde remarked that Link was still searching for a Park & Ride location. He also mentioned the 20 acres and said it was time to do something with it. “I think we need Commissioner Gearing to make possible to transfer (property) to the city,” said Goedde.

Parks Director Paul Horne reported that the parks survey has been tweeked. The survey is available for the next three to four weeks and can be found at https://chelanparkssurvey.com.

City Administrator reported that the annual City Council/Staff retreat will be held on September 30 in the downstairs meeting room at the Chelan Golf Course.

On Tuesday, September 5, the City will hold a TIF workshop and on Wednesday, September 6, at 6 p.m. at Campbell’s Resort, Roger Brooks will be giving a free presentation on the 20 Ingredients of an Outstanding Destination.

 This program presentation is being sponsored by:

City of Chelan

Chelan Douglas Regional Airport Authority

Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Visit Chelan County